No Post November

November was Crazy- and it just flew by! I was so busy with school and picking up a new job that I basically slept instead of doing anything I didn't have to do.  But it is December- believe it or not, mid-December, and I am trying to pinch every penny to prepare for the very expensive Christmas season that is in full swing.  I have quite the Christmas list of people to buy for, 18 people total.  So on a college budget I have set out into the very mild winter here in Ohio in all attempts to buy good gifts in my budget.  By setting out in the mild winter- I mean cozying up on the couch and meeting my long lost love Amazon.com.  I loved Amazon.com when I thought it would be a good idea to buy every movie on the planet and paying under $3 including shipping was awesome.  But now, I have grown apart from that goal and have come back to Amazon as a prime member (PS if you are a college student and have a university email, you can get prime FOR FREE!)  Free shipping is my new vice, and free shipping to my brother and his family in California have become like a drug. So I have been raiding their every deal and have really come to love this prime membership.  I don't want to say what I have bought people in fear that they may see this (probably not, but they might) so I will keep you posted after the holidays :)

Happy Savings and Merry Christmas,

God Bless

Kales

What I Want

I so badly want to take a vacation.  For those of you who don't know or don't know me at all, I had the wonderful chance to go on vacation this summer and it was fantastic.  We took a Carnival Cruise and had a wonderful time! We went to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico.  So today we are going to discuss traveling and all of the amazing ways to save on a vacation.  

Let us start with booking the vacation.

Little Story Time:  My parents are getting ready for a vacation to San Fran and Napa Valley, CA next week.  And when my dad was booking the flights, I mentioned to him that I am sure he wouldn't have to pay full price for a ticket.  And guess what?  My mother-given ability to be frugal made this true.  On Facebook, that very same day, Southwest Airlines had a customer appreciation deal of up to 50%- yes, 50% off tickets!  Timing couldn't have been more perfect and he booked same day and saved about $300 beautiful dollars.  

So let me just say this: Bargain hunt- and do it like it is going out of style.  These days, airlines and hotels are willing to give discounts, because a half price seat brings more money than an empty seat and the same is for hotels.  

For our cruise- I watched the company website and checked on the price maybe once a week.  Because of doing this, the price dipped and I called for a price adjustment and it was granted.  I also kept an eye out on another website (retailmenot.com) for coupons for our excursions and was able to find ten percent off.  Though 10% doesn't seem like a whole lot, we saved about $40 a person.  That was enough to cover our hotel room for the night before we left.  

For a hotel- My boyfriend and I went to Charleston this summer to visit my brother who is in the Air Force.  We were able to stay in the hotel on base luckily and that only cost us $40 a night.  But on our way home, we decided to stay the night in Charlotte, Nc.  We waited until late to start calling hotels because we theorized they would be more likely to feel the need to fill the room for the night.  The rate at the hotel we stayed in I believe was $200 a night.  Then I asked for a discount. $160.  Then I said- I think we are looking for something a little less because we will be getting in late.  Booked for $112- Manager's special.


Just asking can go a long way and kindness can go even further. 


Have you ever saved big on a vacation? I'd love to hear from you and how you did it!  

Happy Savings 
Kales

Wedding

Hello,
Sorry for my absences (to the one person other than myself who seems to be reading this), but these past few weeks have been craziness.  I have still been recovering from pneumonia and studying for midterms- yikes!  AND I was in a wedding- which is going to be our topic of discussion today.  The wedding was beautiful, it was for my friend Megan and her new husband Ryan who recently returned home safely from Afghanistan.   He is also my boyfriend's brother, so we are exceptionally grateful for his safe return.  So let us discuss her beautiful wedding that she put together!  She definitely was smart with her money and when my sister had her wedding, she too was smart.  So lets discuss some fabulous ideas for saving money when hosting large groups of people.

Megan's husband's return was delayed by about a week and because of this, she lost her venue- but lucky for her, she had just moved into a beautiful home (at no additional cost) with lots of land and a long driveway.  So this became the new venue for her wedding and it was beautiful!  She bought white lights and strung them around the driveway, under tents and over the dance floor.  It looked gorgeous!

TIP #1:  White lights are something you probably have on hand for the holidays- and if you don't someone you know does!  always try to borrow- and always always always send a thank you note for what you use.

TIP # 2:  Find out who you can rent tents from- where Megan lives, she was able to find a fire station that rented her all her tables, chairs and tents at the cost of a donation!!! Schools and churches also have these sometimes and sometimes you may have family who has some you can borrow!

She decorated her tables with purple table clothes and beautiful lanterns with flowers twisting all around them,  not only did this serve as a nice center piece but also as a table weight for the occasional breeze and as additional lighting as the darkness set in.  She made these her self and though probably time consuming, she did an excellent job and I thought they were gorgeous.

TIP #3:  She was able to find purple table clothes at the dollar store for $1.00 a piece!  It served as a nice decoration and also for an easy clean up at the end of the night.

All of her loving family supplied to the food that  was amazing!  They did however have the shredded pork and chicken catered, which in my personal opinion was very smart-  it could have taken a lot of time to do that, and it allowed people a little extra time to enjoy themselves.  Having a loving family is crucial to a wedding.  My sister was really lucky to have an aunt who not only hosted a reception site- but did not make my sister lift a finger!  It also was a beautiful wedding done on a budget.  Family made food and family members DJ'ed at both parties.

Tip #4:  If a family offers to help with a service you need during this stressful time- accept.  You will be happy you did.

Tip #5:  DO NOT SKIP on nice plates- by this I mean- do not buy the paper plates that food will leak through- buy the very thick paper or inexpensive plastic plates- people spent a lot of time getting ready and possibly buying a new outfit for your wedding- care enough to not let something leak on them.  These can be found at a party store or at a superstore.

Tip #6:  Find websites that former brides are selling items they don't need any longer- one of these items I would first recommend- Chair covers.  My cousin recently got married and I told Megan she was looking to sell these and Megan was able to purchase them gently used from my cousin- who also bought them gently used.  Chair covers are used for one night and then they take up a ton of room to store them.  You might as well make some money back on the investment if you purchase these.

Hope this helps.
Kales

Yeah, no.

Surprise! I'm still sick.  But I am spending the day being productive and spending time on homework  pinterest.com   I have been looking for some holiday treats that I can make to pass out to co-workers, friends and extended family.  So I will probably stick around the truffle area instead of cookies because they are so easy and cost very little.  I use a lot of pre-made items like oreos and cream cheese so it is something that can be shopped for at wal-mart and it isn't necessary to go to a specialty store unless that is your preference.  I may do a few test runs next week to see what I can plan on and what I can eliminate.  But I am going to wait till I am over this sickness so nobody will have to worry about a germ or someone sick doing cooking.  I am still working on posting photos from my phone but it seems like the website won't accept them.  If you are reading this and know how to do it- will you please let me know?  Thank you.

Let me know about the good deals you are finding while I am out of commission.  

Happy Savings,
Kales

Christmas Tree Find

Sorry I have not been updating the past few days, but I found out yesterday I have a wonderful case of pneumonia.  I feel so exhausted and have a terrible cough like no other.  However, this hasn't stopped me from the deals I love so much.  This time, not for myself. 

My boyfriend just bought a beautiful home this past year and with the holidays quickly approaching, is in need of a christmas tree.  I found on craigslist.com a wonderful 7 foot douglas fir for $25 bucks and it is a pretty tree.  I found my own for either $5-10 bucks at a garage sale and I absolutely love it.  It is one of those skinny trees that is perfect for an apartment and is pre-lit so it is perfect for me- and I hope he loves his tree as much as I love mine!  

I can't believe that it is mid- September already and last week at a thrift shop- for 50 cents I found a really cute J. Crew wool sweater.  It feels so soft and comfy.  And I also got an Anchor brand casserole dish for 50 cents as well.  I'd say that is $1.00 well spent.  

With the holidays right around the corner, I have been keeping my eye out for gifts and stocking stuffers.  I will keep you posted with what I find, though I can't tell everything because it has to be a surprise!  

Happy Savings!

Kales

Hosting a Party

Is anyone hosting a party soon?  Well if so, I know how to do this on the cheap- not long ago I was able to put on a tea party themed bridal shower for under $70.    

Here are some tips from my experience of hosting parties.  

Visit the dollar store- I was able to find serving trays for $1 each and one of those black veggie trays for $1 as well.  I also was able to find all of my napkins and plates as well and ribbon to tie the utensils into sets.  You can also find a lot of great ideas for wreaths (for decoration) or inexpensive glass vases for centerpieces.  Balloons and gift wrap are also available here.

At the thrift shop-  For the tea party I went to local thrift shops to find vintage tea cups and saucers.  They ran about 60 cents but would vary from shop to shop- but I found inexpensive baskets and every guest was able to take home a few packets of tea and tea cup for under a dollar.  

Garage sales- the unsung hero in home decor and holiday treasures.  I found baskets here and I also bought a wonderful christmas tree for $10.  But look here for any need especially for entertaining, if not for items for ideas.  

Ask around- when hosting you may need something you may only use once, so why pay for it if a friend or family member doesn't mind loaning it for the day.  This for me was drink dispensers.  Others in my family also like to host so I had no trouble finding someone to borrow from for the day.  Just make sure you return it in the condition it was loaned, and be kind and clean it before returning it if it held food or drink.  

Any other suggestions or ideas? 
Leave a comment!

happy savings!

Somethings are Just Better New

Hello Everyone, 

Though I am a bargain hunting junkie, there are a few things that I prefer to buy new, but still bargain hunting prices- but at places like wal-mart or target.  Clipping coupons or looking for sales are great ways to save!

What I wont buy used:

undies and bras- Now days, I spend more money on my undergarments then my other clothes but im not buying used undies

bathing suits- no, still too close for comfort

body care products- check out your local dollar store for some great deals as well as clip coupons for these 

food- duh, i believe used food is another term for garbage 

socks- just don't do it, okay?

silverware- i feel as though a plate is different for some reason because i will buy dishes used, and I know that in a restaurant that they've been used before but this is a bargain i will pass on and may locate on sale elsewhere

shoes- now on occasion I will buy shoes, but they must meet my standards- no visible imprint inside the shoe, whether it be dirty or not.  Shoes have to be in like new condition for me to purchase them.  Flip flops don't fit right if they didn't conform to your foot first so I pass on this as well

Got a tip for someone new to the thrifting adventures or even someone like me, leave a tip in the comments :)

Happy Savings,

Kales

PS. I do plan on posting pictures, but I'm not tech-savvy so it is something I hope to learn and accomplish over the weekend!

Tips For Thrifting

Over the years I have learned a few things while thrifting and I have a short list of "to-do's" that you can use on your next thrifting adventure.

Before You Go

1.  Make sure you have cash- I say this because not all thrift shops accept credit/ debit cards or checks.  After you go the first time, you can ask, but I recommend cash on a new trip. Plus it is nice to have cash because it gives you a firm budget.

2. Hand sanitizer-  You may touch something that just feels gross and need a quick hand wash.  I typically wash my hands when I get home or in the car- but for germaphobs, take the hand sanitizer for the first few visits. 

When you get there

3. Know that thrift shop prices may have gone up since you last went, and a lot of the stores now carry brand new clothing- sometimes these can be really good deals (I know in our area, Target donates their items to Goodwill, so expect these prices to be a little higher but nice to check out incase you really wanted something in store and waited too long) 

4. Go with a Budget in Mind - Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean you have to buy it.  If I think I might want it- I add it to the cart, at the end though I have no trouble eliminating items that im not crazy about.  I go with a budget of $20 typically but rarely meet that.  

5. Half Off- Most thrift shops have colored tags that will have some sort of deal usually posted on a wall but you can ask if you don't see it.  This is what I call a steal.  You find a sweater, lets say J. Crew, retails in store for I would guess around 50 bucks (I haven't shopped for myself at a mall in a very long time so I have no idea). You find it with a tag for $8, but today might be your lucky day- because if that is the half off tag you just found a $50 sweater for $4 dollars.  Pretty awesome if you ask me.  Oh, did I mention that if it is that much it is in very good condition and may have the actual retail tag still attached.  Cha-Ching!

6. CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK- This is key, because I sometimes forget and get home and want to kick myself.  Sweat Stains?- GROSS! Something crusty?- NO THANK YOU!  Is that really dark, out of place spot supposed to be there?- PROBABLY NOT. 

Make sure you check all zippers and buttons- and that there are enough holes for buttons. Check for rips and holes (jeans sometimes have hidden holes in between the legs ).  

7.When Buying Housewares and Clothing - Please, as a note of caution check what you purchase for possible bed bugs.  I have been thirfting for a very long time and I have never had them (knock on wood).  But I know enough to know I never want them.  They can burrow into wood so I have heard (but I'm so scarred of bugs I won't be looking at that wiki page any time soon) so just please take caution.

8. Take a Friend

though i typically buy less when I take a friend, but it is always a good way to spend time and with the money you save you can go shopping and get lunch! Plus, who are you going to show all that really crazy stuff to- like a sweatshirt that has a snowman with claws for a wonderful ugly Christmas sweater. 

9. To avoid Overbuying- not only do I recommend a budget but just ask yourself, "am I buying this because it is something I really really want or need, or am I buying this because it is a good deal?"  If it is the latter, put it back on the rack- why?  Because you will never wear that good deal and you didn't get a deal because you WASTED  money.  Trust me, I used to be very bad about this.  This is a question I wish I would have asked myself many times, Including the time that I bought a shiny 80's sweat suit, because I thought I could use it for a just incase costume-yeah, that is $3 I will never get back. 

and..

When you are buying a cart full of goodies, please be kind and help the cashier, by taking your stuff off the hanger while in line or at least helping them, they appreciate it and everyone behind you in line appreciates it

Happy Savings,

Kales

Why blog?

Why did I decide to do this?

     Not too long ago I was shopping in a local thrift shop, something that I do about once a week, admiring their weekly 75 cent sale. when OMG a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress found its way into my hands.  Its light blue color, with flower of the same color, so soft, gently used and going to be all mine!  Then I had a thought, "this isn't the only Marc by Marc Jacobs dress I have purchased for under a dollar".  I have in fact, been going to this thrift shop for so long that the 75 cent sale was actually once a 50 cent sale.  (It is now 75 cents on Sundays for a certain color tag, and 50 cents on mondays on the leftovers of that same color tag, and I was very annoyed the day it was changed with no notice).  But while at thrift shops and garage sales I have seen many designer items- at a garage sale I felt for bad buying a Chloe bag for $5 (When it was in good condition and obviously worth more) but it is beautiful and I love it.

    I have always loved thrifting and it is a topic of nature vs. nurture for me.   I am now in the ranks of professional thrifting (if there was such a thing), but I was either born with this bargain hunting gene, inherited from my mom or she taught me that a penny saved is truly a penny earned. Not only can you fashion yourself, your significant other and children if you have any for a minimal price.  But you can decorate your home and if you are so savvy (which I don't quite understand this system yet but) use ebay.com to your advantage. So to answer my question that I asked myself of why do I do this- well, because I want to.  If you are reading this- what was the last good deal you got? 

The Dreaded First Blog Post

Hello Everyone (or in this case, no one as of yet),

My Name is Kales.  I am a 24 year old female, who loves to shop and thank you for stopping by today.  This is a blog where I hope to discuss my ability to stretch every dollar to its max.  I am a full time college student and every dollar must be spent wisely.  Here I hope to discuss the tricks of the trade with all of those who love a good bargain and want to have a little more money to save or spend on the things you truly love, which I will tell you right now, probably don't cost as much as you think.  Here, I will discuss my fabulous finds ( like a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress for 75 cents), ideas that save me money and share just a little bit about myself.

Feel free to introduce yourself as we go.

Here's to Happy Savings

Kales