Tag Archives: ballin on a budget

5 DIY Projects: Acrylic Accents

DIY, How to's, , , , , , , , ,
acrylic calendar
Wall Calendar by A Beautiful Mess

Peruse the site of any beauty blogger worth her weight in products and you’ll start to get a sense that organization assistance of the acrylic variety is very on-trend and very must-have. A wander through the hallowed aisles of The Container Store will not only corroborate but will also showcase how this glorious plastic can extend far beyond the dressing table and into all sorts of realms of sleek home decor meets chic organizing. However, clock the price tag on a few of these items and you’ll realize the DIY route is the way to go. And if you’re down, you’re in luck. Basic acrylic sheets can be found at home improvement stores or even online. Check out this Acrylic Sheet supplier, if you’d like. Here are 5 fantastic projects that used this modern material and achieved superb results…

flower boxes
Flower Boxes by DaWanda’s DIY with love
| Danielle Poff Photography | Effortlessly Chic Sparkling Neutr
Seating Chart from Stephanie and Gavin’s wedding feat. on hey Wedding Lady (photo by Danielle Poff Photography)
bathroom shelves
Bathroom Shelves by Pneumatic Addict  
budget friendly poster frame
Budget Friendly Poster Frame by Food52

What do you think? Which would you make? Do you have any acrylic pieces in your home? 

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The Secret to Finding Great Deals

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jar of coins

(This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.)

I’m definitely a penny pincher. The older I get, the more I feel I’ve started to resemble Scrooge McDuck. “You can pry this jar of coins from my COLD DEAD HANDS!” 

Every potential purchase gets mulled over and researched. While this approach has definitely helped me curb the impulse spending of my youth (“Oh, I DO need a Magic Bullet and a new skirt, thank you!”), it’s also opened up a whole new world of saving possibilities. After a little internet perusal, suddenly the cast iron pan I spotted at the department store is markedly less money.

But where’s a beginner discount-sleuth to turn to start rescuing their coin jar from imminent demise? I’ll let you in on a little secret…Groupon Goods.

Maybe you already use Groupon for discounts on services. You may already regularly check their page to spot those rock bottom prices on fitness class packages and oil changes.  Now all you have to do is hop on over to some of the other categories. Once there, you’ll find a ton of familiar products with unfamiliar price tags. And by unfamiliar I mean cheap. And we’re talking stuff I would actually buy. Think: Stabilo pens, salt lamps, Rokus, exercise gear. Oh, and this wet brush, which I’ve had my eye on for a while now but every time I see them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond I just can’t justify the cost. Ordered!

So, before your next big purchase, hop on over to Groupon and see if a cheaper option is hanging out just waiting for you to nab it! You’ll be swimming in a sea of spare coins (a la Scrooge McDuck) in no time!!!

Stay connected with Groupon on Facebook and Twitter. 

What’s YOUR secret to finding great deals? Have you ever tried Groupon? 

How to save money with Groupon Coupons!

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save with groupon coupons

(This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.)

One of the easiest ways to maintain a Ballin’ on a Budget lifestyle is to do a little research before you shop. The deals are out there! Sometimes they may just take a little internet perusal in order to find. Whether you’re booking your travel accommodations for that summer vacation you scrimped and saved for or headed to a department store to pick out a new winter coat, coupons and discounts can help you get the most bang for your buck. An easy way to start incorporating this pre-purchase research into your routine? Check out Groupon Coupons.

Perhaps you’re familiar with using Groupon for saving money on experiences. Think: pilates classes, massages, and 2-for-1 meal deals. However, Groupon Coupons is a great resource for locating coupons and deals from every-day retailers.

Searching for a specific retailer is super easy and they even provide a round-up of the top coupons and offers on their home page every day. There you’ll find well-known brands like Ulta, Costco, and JCPenney. I am always especially pleased to see all the deals available for Macy’s and Kohls, stores I regularly shop when I’m in need of new clothes or housewares.

So, before your next big purchase, surf on over to Groupon Coupons and see if some treasure awaits you there in the form of an exclusive sale or great coupon! You’ll never know unless you look!!!

Stay connected with Groupon on Facebook and Twitter. 

How do you save money on big ticket purchases? Have you ever used Groupon before? Would you? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Eat well on $4 a day.

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Good and Cheap, the Kickstarter funded PDF which showcases how to eat well on ANY budget, is now available in book form! Leanne Brown created this collection of go-to recipes while pursuing a master’s in food studies and food policy from New York University. Brown believes, “everyone should eat great food every day. Eating well means learning to cook. It means banishing the mindset that preparing daily meals is a huge chore or takes tremendous skill.” Good and Cheap was created with many budget savvy folks in mind, but particularly those living on the U.S. food stamp budget of $4 a day. The book teaches you how to prepare dishes ranging from tomato soup to deconstructed cabbage rolls, gives handy tips for creative leftovers, and features gorgeous photography.

Kudos to Leanne for this amazing idea and for her  continued efforts to get a copy in the hands of those who may need it the most. I’m thrilled to have this reference handy! It’s become a favorite guide in my kitchen and a lovely book just to flip through for inspiration.

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Need even MORE of a reason to purchase?  For every copy bought, a free copy will be given to a person or family in need. Books are distributed through food charities and non-profits so that someone else can have a resource for making healthy and delicious food. Buy one. Give one. Pretty cool, right?

P.S. A meal plan I created using recipes from Good and Cheap and my thoughts on food culture.

7 tips for snacking smart on the road.

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snacks for a road trip

As I mentioned earlier this week, I’ve already embarked on a cross (part of the) country road trip this summer and am about the embark on another day-long drive to Savannah, GA to see my brother exchange vows (!!!). And since I figured I’m not the only one loading up the car for a road trip or two this season, I thought I’d share my favorite snacks to pack for nibbling as you drive (or ride) along the roads and highways on your journey! With a well-traveled childhood and over a decade of competitive forensics under my belt, I kind of consider myself a BIT of an expert and, dare I say, even a road warrior! Here’s what I pack to battle boredom  hunger on the open road…

1. PBR….no not a 6-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon (don’t drink and drive, kids!) but Peanut Butter, Banana and Rice Cake. This is typically what I would turn to if I hadn’t given much forethought to my trip as I would probably have all these items on hand. Toss a package of rice cakes, a bunch of bananas and a half-used jar of peanut butter in your backseat, along with a knife, and you’re ready to whip up a quick PBR treat! Some assembly required so leave the work to your co-pilot or save preparation of a couple for when you’re at a rest stop.

2. Bulk Bin Trail Mixes….if your grocery store has a bulk aisle, go ahead and go wild right before your trip! Fill up individual sized baggies or jars with any variety that strikes your fancy. You’d be super surprised how little a small amount of each will cost you. My store has a version that includes chocolate covered espresso beans which could keep you from turning to cans of Red Bull once you’ve hit your wall on late night drives.

3. Grapes and Baby Carrots….on more solo journeys I’m prone to mindless eating and want something with crunch that’s not gonna be too calorically painful if I just keep reaching my hand back in the bag over and over again. I can recall a fair few trips in recent memory that have included a bag of one of these two items in between my thighs as I barrel down the highway. Sorry not sorry.

4. Snack bars….it seems I don’t go anywhere any more (even errands across town) without an emergency snack bar in my bag. I am NOT someone who is cut out for sitting in traffic when even the teeeeensiest bit hangry. Lara bars are my favorite but I also enjoy a Kind bar (especially the new spicy ones) now and again. Either of these can double as a nice breakfast (maybe paired with a piece of fruit and some gas station coffee) if you’re on the road early or your options are limited upon reaching your destination. I’ve also recently discovered the S’mores Luna bar which I think is a bangin’ solution to a candy bar craving!

5. Turkey Wraps….planning to stop somewhere for lunch? Bring along an insulated lunchbox with tortillas, deli turkey, and some sliced cheese. Maybe some fancy mustard if you’re feeling crazy! This has been Chet and my go-to for outdoor adventures (hikes, beach, etc.) and it is surprisingly satisfying. Pair with the produce and trail mix mentioned above and you’ve got yourself a meal!

6. Road Snack Meal Prep….if you’re super ahead of the game and organized, these protein energy balls and roasted chickpeas (I like mine spiced with cajun seasoning or rosemary/garlic powder) would be easy additions to your weekly meal prep when you know a road trip is on the horizon. Toss ’em in tupperware and keep them within arm’s reach in the vehicle.

7. Handy Hydration and Beverages….no matter where you’re going or how many miles you plan on covering, come prepared with plenty of water! I always fill up a few of these guys and Chet is partial to these because they keep your water cold basically forever (ice still clanging around at the end of your drive? WITCHCRAFT!). I also love Vitamin Water Zeros when it’s especially hot and sweaty…I’m sure there are reasons I’m not supposed to drink these but longhairdon’tCARE. And I will never not enjoy an iced coffee with soy if a Starbucks is made available to me. A super stingy thrifty beverage lifehack that I feel no shame in practicing is to bring along tea bags and drink mixes because you can get boiling water for free pretty much everywhere and tap water for free DEFINITELY everywhere. So, no shame in that game.

There you have it! That’s how I save a little $$$ and feel a little healthier when I’m out on the road. Of course, sometimes you’ve just gotta get a bag of Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles and a Slurpee…but you know, BALANCE!

What do you pack for snacks when you head out on a road trip? Do you throw caution to the wind and load up on gas station treats or do you bring your own healthy alternatives? I’d love to hear! Open to switching it up for my next journey!!! Thanks in advance. xoxo

Free-time this Fall? No need to break the bank!

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As the weather gets a little chillier and we shift from Summer to Autumn, I’ve got penny-pinching on my mind. Summer may have seen you spending a bit more liberally (vacations, eating out, outdoor adventures) and back-to-school time can get costly as well. Looking ahead to the holidays, the next couple months can be a great time to rein it in, make some cut-backs and start saving. So, turn off those air conditioners, meal plan, host a Naked Lady party to score clothes for a new Fall look…and as for fun; here are 10 ways to spend your down-time this Fall without breaking the bank!

yoga

Sweat.

Forget the fancy gym memberships and costly classes. You can just bust a move from the comfort of your own living room. Youtube and Pinterest are fitness gold-mines! Do Erin Motz’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge. See how many reps of push-ups/sit-ups/lunges/squats/WHATEVER you can do in a row. Try to do more each day. Go upside down in a hand stand! Wanna explore? Jog in your neighborhood. Find a hiking trail nearby.

photography

Practice.

Commit to picking back up a hobby you let fall by the way-side or finally learn the skill you’ve had the equipment for in the back of your closet for ages. Play around with that camera (even if it’s just on your iPhone…you could even sign up for an Instagram “picture a day” challenge). Bust out your craft supplies. Build something. Grow something. Dust off that violin. Teach yourself calligraphy or German or darts.

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Play.

Turn off your TV, close the laptop and play a game instead. Spread out on the floor with your significant other or gather ’round the kitchen table with friends. Play Backgammon, Rummikub, Pictionary, Jenga, Chess, Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly. Got a deck of cards? Deal out Hearts, Poker, Euchre, B.S. or my always and forever favorite THIRTEEN.

meadowthorpe

Explore.

You don’t always have to strap on your hiking boots and hit the woods to have an epic adventure. Try your hand at urban exploration. Find a historic neighborhood and provide a running commentary on the architecture (even if it’s completely made up). Get lost in a gi-normous indoor flea market or antique mall. Check out abandoned buildings (don’t get arrested). See how many green-spaces, fountains, swing-sets, hot-dog stands, libraries or pedways you can walk to in one day.

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Enrich.

Do a little research and find free cultural events going on in your area. Check out galleries displaying art in public places. Go to an educational lecture hosted by a school or church or non-profit. Lots of organizations love hosting free movies. Got a friend or family member in a play, concert, dance recital? See if you can peep their dress rehearsal for free. The public library is a fantastic resource. And if you live in a university town you’re golden!

formabookclubkindle

Read.

Nothing says Fall like hunkering in a cozy spot with your latest page-turner. Join a book club. Start your own. Blaze through some Young Adult fiction on your e-reader. Pick up a stack of historical romance novels from the library. No one needs to know about your literary guilty pleasures.

pumpkinchai

Slurp.

Don’t shell out all your hard-earned money at Starbies. Yes, you may lose that gold status (R.I.P.) but you can learn to make your favorite hot beverages at home. If you want to drink all pumpkin everything until Christmas day…so be it.

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Pamper.

Choose one evening a week to have some “you” time. Learn a new hair-style. Do face masks. Do the DIY kind, too. Give yourself a manicure.

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Cheers.

Ok, so this may cost a LITTLE bit but if you have a Trader Joes we’re not talking much. Have a few friends over for a nice night in. BYO #3buckchuck. BYO #horsdouevrestoshare BYO #classyattire Set your Pandora station to whatever you like best, mingle, and let the conversation flow.

radioeye

Volunteer.

Evaluate your unique gifts and skill-set and figure out ways to give back. Sign up to be a mentor. Play with puppies. Organize events. Try your hand at a radio reading service. Answer phones, ring doorbells or just listen. When you give of your time, not only are you NOT spending money, the Universe finds powerful ways to reward you. : )

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What about y’all, dear readers? How do you save money without sacrificing fun? Will you be ballin’ on a budget like me this Fall? Sending you an encouraging high-five if so! We got this! 

 

How to make cold brew coffee.

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Once upon a time, my little sister worked at Starbucks. It was a magical time due to the bevvy of comped beverages tossed my way. (Thanks Katie!) But it was also around this time when I took a pretty strong liking to iced coffee. Prior to that I’d been a hot coffee or iced chai sort of gal. Fast forward to this summer, Katie off being an actress full-time and I’m craving cold brew nearly every day. And compounding this craving with Chet’s similar affinity for the sweet siren‘s nectar? Let’s just say we were getting a little too cute and comfortable with our local baristas. Curious to see if we could copycat a Grande Venti just as delicious, we did our research and brewed a batch. I think blind taste tests would prove what we have since concluded…you can make Starbucks cold brew coffee at home!!! Your pocket books will thank you. (Do people still say pocket books? IDK.) Here’s how ya do it…

First things first, I recommend getting Starbucks Kenya blend coffee as this is the closest blend to what Starbucks uses for their cold brew in-store. And by “I recommend” I mean my sister recommends…but po-tay-to, po-TAH-to ya know. If you have a grinder, give the beans a course grind. If you don’t have a grinder, get a barista to do it in the store. They’ll probably be inwardly annoyed but OUTWARDLY very cheerful. : )

Next, grab some sort of a vessel that your coffee can hang out in for 8-12 hours. We used a plastic water jug. Scoop in 1/3 Lb. of your ground coffee. You can fashion a funnel out of paper if this process seems like a disaster waiting to happen (We did!). Then pour in a 1/2 gallon of water. I would recommend using filtered. Now you just have to wait.

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Not pretty but effective. Once your coffee is done hanging out you’ll have to strain out the grounds. Find something to keep the sweet nectar in–like a pitcher, drink dispenser or even a large tupperware. Set up a fine mesh strainer over top of the chosen container, line the strainer with a cheese cloth and get to pourin’.

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Make sure to pour EVERYTHING out–even all the grounds. You can use a big wooden spoon to SMOOSH the dregs down into the strainer and make sure you’re getting every last bit of liquid.

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Once you’ve gotten all the liquid into your container, put the top on and stow it in your fridge. Now you’re all set to pour it in your very own cup (with ice, almond milk and stevia if that’s your jam) and enjoy from the comfort of your own home or on the go!

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What have you done to save money this Summer? Have you ever tried cold brewing at home? 

Breakfast for Dinner.

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I truly believe the easiest way to ditch the restaurant meals, and start cooking dinner for yourself, is to incorporate theme nights. I’m talkin’ Soup and Sandwich Sunday, Taco Tuesday, Make It In the Slow Cooker Monday–basically a general idea that’s going to give you the freedom to get creative and switch it up from week to week, but also takes some of the thinking out of planning. Encouraging us lazy folk to stick with it.

As a self-professed lazy-girl myself, routines are a huge boon for me. Decision making causes me a lot of anxiety. So, the less I have to make, the less likely I am to fall into indifference and taking the easy way out. Sound familiar? Then maybe this approach is for you!

Routines like this may feel childish. It has been well documented that children crave routines but I think adults do too. There’s something so pleasant about rituals. Something you institute to make your hectic life easier may turn out to be the very thing you count down to each week, the meal you can’t wait to make as you sit at your desk all day.

If you find yourself eating out more often than in or are trying to pinch pennies or BOTH, the easiest change you can make to your dinner schedule is to commit one night a week for the next month to making breakfast for dinner. Why? Breakfast foods are easy to cook and cheap to buy. You can start off with the simplest of ingredients and create a hearty meal. If you’re new to cooking, this gentle crash course could do you a world of good. And who knows? Maybe this ritual will feel too good to leave behind after a month. Digging into a stack of pancakes at a table with your loved ones. Frying up an egg smothered with hot sauce and watching guilty-pleasure reality tv. Fixing your partner-in-crime a quiche while he performs expert knife work to prepare a big bowl of fruit salad. I can certainly think of worse things to return to week after week.

And just because I like y’all SO much, here are some ideas to get you started for this first month…

wafflesWeek One- Savory Cornmeal and Chive Waffles with Salsa and Eggs.

pancakesWeek Two- Buttermilk Blueberry Pancakes.

quicheWeek Three- Farmer’s Market Quiche.

bagel2Week Four- Upgraded Bagel.

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So, what do you say? Will you take the challenge and commit to a month of Breakfast for Dinner? What are your favorite breakfast recipes? If we’re being completely honest, I could probably eat breakfast for EVERY meal for an entire month…but that’s neither here nor there.