Your First Grown Up Furniture

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At some point you are going to outgrow the hand me down futon and the tables you got via dumpster diving expeditions in college. At some point you’re going to look around your home and think “you know what? A real couch would be a really nice change.”

Unfortunately, good furniture is rarely cheap and if you’re used to living on a budget, buying furniture can often feel like a pipe dream. Here’s how to turn the dream into a reality:

1. Save Up
Every day put whatever loose change and paper money you have in your pockets into a jar. At the end of the week, dump whatever is left in your wallet in there as well. It might not feel like much but it’s a start!
You can also simply start setting aside ten to twenty dollars each week. This will net you a savings of $80 a month (or so). If both you and your spouse do this you can double your savings and accomplish more, and more quickly.

2. Shop Around
Don’t simply assume that the discount furniture store is automatically going to have the best deals. Spend some time searching through all of the local furniture stores in your area.
Ask each store about any specials or deals or membership programs you can join. Often new members are given discounts off of first purchases as a reward for joining the program.
Some shops will also offer financing, allowing you to pay your furniture off over time but be careful here. You don’t simply want to increase your debt!

3. Find Online Discounts and Bargains
There are lots of places that you can find discounts on great furniture. For example, you might be able to track down a West Elm coupon code for a discount off of a single piece of furniture (or for free shipping if you choose to buy your furniture online).

If you’re looking for more general coupons and discounts on house wares as well as furniture (you know, for when you want to put flowers in a vase instead of an old jelly jar or drinking glass), you can try surfing through the promo codes listed at NerdWallet.

4. Go Slowly
You do not have to buy an entire household’s worth of furniture at one time. It’s actually better to go slowly, room by room and piece by piece. This way you can build a home that fits well together over time and feels more like “you” as opposed to “page 58 of the catalogue.”
Start with what you need the most right now. For instance, if you’re waking up with an aching back every morning, it’s time for a new bed. Buy that first. If you have very little kids, you might want to wait until they are a little older to replace the couch or living room furniture. The last thing you want is for a bright red juice stain on your brand new couch a week after you’ve bought it!
There is no shame in living on older, secondhand or salvaged furniture. If you’re creative you can make those pieces last forever. If you want something a little higher quality, though, use these tips to help you get it.

Pak Nak Review

So am I the only one who had never heard of Pak Nak?  I never had, and I was greatly intrigued when we got to review them.  If you are like me, you are wondering what on earth a Pak Nak is.  Let me tell you.

They are fun, softy, rubbery, 3-D sticky-backed decorations that can be used to adorn just about anything you so choose.  If you want to decorate it, Pak Nak can certainly come to your aid. It is not a sticker, a patch, or a pin.  The best thing about these decorations is that when you want to take them off and put them on something else, the adhesive will still work for you!  My daughter can attest to that.

My 9-year-old daughter needed no help putting these on.  I didn't even tell her what to do.  She figured it out completely  on her own, and she was pleased to discover that she could take them off and then put them on another spot.  I have no idea how they will hold up over time--they are still pretty new.  But here's hoping they will hold up as well as the website says they will!

There are over 40 designs from which to choose.  I love the fact that they have holiday-themed Pak Naks.  I may have to check those out.  My daughter loves to decorate for the holidays, and this may the very thing for her.  It looks like the best thing to do is buy these online as there are not a lot of retailers who are selling these.  I look forward to the day when our local Walmart carries them!  I would think they would be very hot items.


"I received the above products through Sublime Media Connection in exchange for an honest review. In no way was I asked to give a positive review."

Birthday Express Party Pack Review

My daughter always has a themed birthday party, and I never know what she is going to choose.  Each year she surprises me, and this year is no different.  I asked her to look at Birthday Express and pick out the party theme she would like, and you can see above what she chose.

She chose the Sonic the Hedgehog Basic Party Pack for 8.  Be sure to look at everything that is included!

• 8 Dinner & Dessert Plates
• 8 Cups, Forks & Spoons
• 16 Lunch Napkins
• 1 Solid Tablecover
• 12 Solid Color Balloons (2 colors)
• 2 Curling Ribbon Rolls (2 colors)
• 16 Cake Candles
• 8 Thank You Notes

What I really like about the decorations and accessories is how well-made these are.  You see, we tend to buy the really cheap, dollar-store quality decorations, and they never seem all that nice.  Not so with these.  While my daughter's birthday party has not happened yet, I was impressed with the quality of these.  They don't look cheap.  And the price is phenomenal.  You get all of this for $20 (which I think is a pretty good deal).  I also love the fact that thank-you notes are included.  I am really bad about reminding my daughter to send thank-you notes, and this will be a great encouragement for her.  

As I was talking with my daughter, I discovered that she may now be changing the theme of her party, but no worries.  I plan to be shopping on Birthday Express again very soon!  I was pleased to discover that they have free shipping on most things with no minimum order!  I think I have found my new party decor shop!

As you visit their store, be sure to follow them via social media for the latest news and deals.

https://www.facebook.com/CelebrateExpress

https://twitter.com/BirthdayExpress

http://www.youtube.com/celebrateexpress

https://plus.google.com/+birthdayexpress/posts

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Guest Post: Five Easy Home Decorations

5 Easy Home Decorations

With regard to home decorating ideas, the biggest hurdle that a homeowner may encounter is finding the right way to beautifully decorate his or her home and the price tag that comes with it. However, creating home decorations does not necessarily mean that you need to spend a lot of money. I work with home accessories like bottom up blinds and I know there are many cost-effective ideas to make home decors, which can add beauty and glamour to your home. Here are 5 ways to easily and cheaply create home decorations.

• Creating Table Decors Find some beach pebbles. Arrange them at the center of the table. You can place either fresh flowers on a vase or colorful fruits in a large, see-through bowl in the middle of the arranged pebbles. You can also add green leaves or beautiful candles on the sides.

• Decorate with Flowers Put fresh flowers on top, center of the table and everywhere around the house like in the corner of a room or in the hallways. You can also make and use paper flowers. Pile up some tissue papers on top of the table. Then, fold them in pleats and use a rubber band to secure them. Separate the folds and ruffle them to the center creating a flower shape. You can use old newspapers or any other scrap papers. You can use them as is or you can add colors through color pens, paint, or dye.

• Painting Existing Home Decors One of the cheapest and easiest ways to decorate your home is to simply paint your existing home accessories and decorations. This creates a contemporary look on your home’s interior. You can also paint the walls in your house for a new look. You could also use the paint to create an artwork by making a monogram, plaque, or a graphic mural on the wall, which can be made as the room’s focal point. I’m partial to gold and white but the great thing about painting is that it can fit into your own unique style.

• Decorating Walls with Photos Take photos of an interesting scenery or flowers. Place them neatly on the wall in rows. You can also get cheap precut frames in stores and use them. You can also gather old pictures of you, your family, or your friends, and create a memorabilia on the wall.

• Create a display Tabletops, shelving, and mantle pieces make a perfect access for displaying various items. These allow you to create an eclectic display of antique books, candles, or glass vases. Combining items and various designs on display creates a unique shabby chic look in a room. It does not cost you a penny, but it looks like a design that came out of a magazine. Overall, you do not need to be an interior designer to beautify your home. Using the above-mentioned tips, you can easily and cheaply create a decoration for your home.

Wedding Favors of Every Shape and Size

While wedding favors are not a requirement at weddings, there is nothing better than sending your guests home with a simple token of your appreciation and a memento of your ceremony.  It is worth your while to spend some time looking for a favor that matches your wedding and effectively reminds your guests of your how brilliant it was.  Head over to Weddingstar and notice their exquisite, affordable wedding favors that will be sure to impress your guests and ensure that they will not be tossed aside after the festivities end.

As you browse their selection of personalized, practical, and affordable wedding favors, be sure to consider the size of the favors you will be giving each guest.  Favors come in a range or sizes from very small to big and bulky.  Depending on the size you choose, you will want to think about how you will display these at the reception.

For example, if you are giving out  somewhat large favors such as  basg of coffee or  bottles of wine, it will be impractical to place these on the reception or dinner tables.  There will be no room for your guests at the tables, so you will need to set up a separate table, i.e., a buffet table for displaying your wedding favors.  It is easy to make this a part of your wedding decor, and Weddingstar will have additional pieces of decor to add to this table so that it fits right into the ambiance of your wedding.

If you are giving something a little non-traditional, such as packaged seeds, that you wish to display in some kind of terra cotta pot, be sure that you display these in such a way that they are not overwhelming and possibly overlooked by your guests.  Again, these will be very attractive on a buffet table if presented in an appropriate fashion.  Use the opportunity to add items to this table that are significant to you as a couple.  Perhaps you will add pictures or symbols of your interests and hobbies that tell your guests a story as they pick up their wedding favors.

If you choose a wedding favor that is rather small but still elegant, add a container or bag to these favors so they do not get lost in the shuffle.  Keeping your favors functional and memorable is your best bet in this day and age of overabundance of stuff.  When your guests go home and do their semi-annual cleaning, you don't want your wedding favor to be what they choose to throw out.  Make your wedding favors unique, classy, and memorable in order to ensure the longevity of the favors as well as the memory of your wedding in the minds of your guests.

Wedding Favors: A Worldwide Phenomenon

Wedding favors are a special token that the bride and groom give to their guests in appreciation of their attendance and support, and it should be something extraordinary that will be a lasting memento of your celebration that will last for years to come.  What you choose to give your guests is up to you.  Weddingstar provides practically any kind of wedding favor you can think of.  Match your style, your wedding theme, your personality, or anything else.  The most important thing is to make it personal and unique to your ceremony.

Wedding favors are quite popular worldwide, and they vary from country to country.  One interesting symbol that seems to be quite prevalent is that of giving a favor that contains five candies.  These candies symbolize one of the five traditional wedding wishes:  health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.  Imagine the possibilities of adapting an old-standing tradition like this and even incorporating these wishes into your favors.  There is nothing like blending old and new concepts together to truly appeal to a variety of tastes and make for a meaningful memory.

The nice thing about beautiful wedding favors is that they often can double as decor at your ceremony.  Maybe you can set up a table next to your cake table and place an attractive display created or accented by wedding favors.  This is where bottle stoppers or special keepsake favors can really come in handy.  Assign an attendant to these favors so that all your guests receive them.  Or maybe you wish to display them at each reception table.  In that case, make sure that someone announces to the attendees to pick up their wedding favors before they leave.

It is often said that wedding favors are the most important part of your wedding decor, and Weddingstar can  help you select personalized, practical, and affordable favors.  Their selection and variety is one of the best you will ever find, and their design team specializes in helping couples find favors that your guests will never want to throw away and will remind them of the best wedding they ever attended--yours!

Yes, You Can Have Perfect Wedding Decorations

Your wedding is possibly the best and most important day of your entire life.  More than likely, you have in mind exactly what you want from your special day.  If you are like most people, you will be concerned that your idea of perfection is not within your grasp.  With Weddingstar on your side, your perfect wedding decorations are only a click away.  Because they design the majority of their 3000 accessories that are featured on their site, you can be pretty much assured that you will find something that matches the theme and style of your wedding to a tee.  

It is possible that you may be struggling with how you want your wedding to look.  You might have a few ideas, but if it is inspiration you need, Weddingstar can also be your best source.  Browse their themes and sundry ideas for the inspiration you need.  You will be amazed to see high quality decorations and accessories that span the spectrum from cake toppers to centerpieces to wedding favors.  You will be doubly impressed when you discover that these high quality decorations are much more affordable than you imagined.  Weddingstar's design team specializes is impressing for less than expected.  

Many couples enjoy adding special touches to their wedding decorations, and wedding favors are the most popular DIY accessories.  It is simple to personalize any of the items you see on Weddingstar's site, and it will only make your wedding day more memorable for all concerned.  If you are struggling to find your ideal wedding decor, be sure to contact the design team at Weddingstar.  They are committed to helping you find your perfect decorations, and they will be certain to only help you pick out the best.

Try a Wedding Guest Book For the Ultimate Souvenir

Once upon a time, it was essential that every wedding had some sort of wedding guest book present and being used so that the couple could have a record of who attended, what gifts were given, and to whom they needed to send thank-you cards.  Much of this is still true, but as the years have gone on, the wedding guest book has become a lasting record of your all-important day.  You don't want your guest book to just be a formality that is then packed away in a dusty, old attic somewhere.  Make your guest book something that you will proudly display as a reminder of the most important day of your lives.

Fresh ideas abound as alternatives to the traditional guest book.  You may elect to have your guests sign the framed mat of a special photograph or wedding verse.  Or maybe you would prefer to have your friends and family members write a special memory or message to you in addition to their names and addresses.  Or if you really want to try something unique, you may even have your guests sign some kind of functional item with a special marker, such as a silver platter or some kind of decorative pottery.  Once you let your imagination run wild, the possibilities are practically endless.

Some couples will choose to do something that involves much more than just signing something or writing a personal message in a book.  Consider a Perfect Pair jar where your guests write a message on a notecard and place them in the jar.  Or for something personal but unusual, supply your guests with instant cameras so they can take pictures of themselves.  They can then place these pictures in special pouches that they sign with their usual information and maybe a personal message.  The possibilities are practically limitless once you start thinking outside the box.

It just so happens that Weddingstar can help give you the inspiration, ideas, and materials you need to create a memorable, personalized wedding guest book that is uniquely you.  Think about your theme, colors, and what makes you special as a couple.  You can incorporate all of this into what should be the ultimate "souvenir" of your nuptial ceremony.  If you need advice and true expertise, check with their talented design team.  They specialize in wedding accessories that are affordable but still high quality.  With Weddinstar in your corner, there is no way you can fail to have a stunning wedding guest book that will completely impress your guests.

Wedding Decorations For the Perfect Setting

There is nothing like attending a wedding and seeing wedding decorations that match the style and theme of the wedding to a tee.  There is also nothing worse than entering the reception area and seeing decorations that look haphazard and as though no care was taken in setting them up.  We all realize that finances are something at the forefront of our mind, but there is a solution out there.  Check out Weddingstar for the finest selection and variety of wedding decorations that you can imagine.  They have over 3000 custom-designed wedding accessories from which to choose, and you are certain to find the perfect wedding accessories for your special day.

Weddingstar employs only the finest design team, and they are ready to help you plan your amazing ceremony.  If you are looking for something specific and are unable to find it on their site, do not hesitate to call in their experts.  These creative employees will be able to locate that for which you seek, and if Weddingstar does not carry it, they will help you find an effective alternative.

Weddings should be a fun, memorable experience where not even the moon is the limit.  Creativity is key, and if you dream it, you can probably accomplish it with a little help from the experts.  Don't be afraid to push the limits, if you like.  Plan a celebration that will have your friends and family talking about it for years to come.  Stunning decorations will complement whatever theme or style you choose.  If you need some inspiration, be certain to peruse Weddingstar's extensive catalog of wedding accessories and decorations.

Finances are often the top consideration when it comes to planning any kind of celebration, and wedding are notorious for racking up hefty bills.  That is why you need to consult Weddingstar.  They have only the finest wedding decoration and accessories for a reasonable price.  But you can rest assured that everyone will be impressed and think you paid a lot more than you did.  Why?  Because their decorations don't look cheap! They have everything from pre-made to DIY decorations, and nothing can be easier than adding a special touch to each of them for that signature statement.   Find everything you need at a price that meets every budget.  The wedding of your dreams is only a click away!

Holiday Garland and Gift Pack Kit from JOLLY TIME Pop Corn Review

I am so pleased to share JOLLY TIME's Holiday Garland and Gift Pack that I received earlier this month for review.  JOLLY TIME is a well-known brand that has been around as long as I can remember, and you know that the pop corn you receive from them will be high quality.  This particular pack included the following items:

Mason jars with pop corn, cranberries, thread and needle for stringing, printable gift tags

Pop corn Ball Maker

When the package first arrived, I was amazed at everything included.  I honestly didn't know what the popcorn ball maker was, and I was glad that JOLLY TIME provided this image.  I will tell you that this is one item we have not used yet but plan to.  I have not made popcorn balls in years, and this is something that I am certain will make them easier to mold.  I never like working with popcorn balls because they are sticky, and I always end up crushing them.  This will be something that will help me so much!

I will probably not be giving mason jars of pop corn this year either, but I may just use those printable labels.  

You can see how much my 9-year-old daughter loved making garland.  It was very easy to teach her, and I can hardly wait to decorate.  It was a nice way for her to spend the evening.

JOLLY TIME www.jollytime.com

Habelman Bros. Company http://habelmancranberries.com

Free Printable JOLLY TIME Mason Jar Labels http://www.clientstorytelling.com/jollytime/JT0008_Mason_Jar_Labels_mech.pdf

Holiday Recipes http://www.jollytime.com/recipes/happy_holidays

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wedding Favors For the Added Touch

In recent years, party favors have become a tradition to give out at parties as a way to remember the celebration and thank the guests for coming.  Since your wedding is the most important party you will probably ever have, it makes sense to offer mementos to your guests that uniquely reflect you and your personal taste.  Weddingstar is your choice for specialized, affordable wedding favors that will show your appreciation to your guests in an extraordinary way.

You have many choices when it comes to selecting the ideal wedding favor.  Consider personalized favors as a way to truly honor your day.  You can check out their customizable, DIY, or ready-made wedding favors. It is up to you to decide what personal touches to add to make these favors uniquely yours.  Weddingstar has everything you need to make your signature wedding favors including stickers, tags, goodie bags, and so much more.  If you need help bringing your ideas to life, their talented design team will be more than willing to give you the assistance you need.

So often favors are trashed following the event.  One way to guard against that is to give your guests practical wedding favors.  If you can give your guests something that they can use on a regular basis that represents you and your special day, you can rest assured that you and your wedding will not soon be forgotten.  Many of Weddingstar's favors can serve an additional function as decor at your reception tables and being a part of the centerpiece.

The thing that often concerns the bride and groom about their big day is the price.  Weddingstar understands your needs, and they offer quality accessories at an affordable price.  Whatever look or style you need, you are sure to find the ideal look that will truly impress your guests.

Wedding Decorations: Your Personal Touch

Wedding decorations are one of the most important visual aspects of your wedding celebration.  They give you that perfect opportunity to put your personal touch on this once-in-a-lifetime day.  With over 3000 customized wedding accessories, Weddingstar is your one-stop shopping center for your special day.  You can choose from their ready-made decorations or check with their design team for customized decorations based on the theme or style of your wedding.

For most people (especially brides), wedding celebrations are all about fulfilling dreams.  Little girls often have fantasies about the way they want their wedding to look, and these dreams continue into their adulthood.  If there is a certain look or style you would like, feel free to contact the team at Weddingstar, and they will happy to inform you if your design is available or possible to create.  If you are struggling for ideas, be sure to check out their wedding blog which is full of all sorts of ideas as well as tips and tricks to make sure your special day is just that!

When planning a wedding, almost the first question thing that is discussed is how you will decorate for your day.  It is all about taking the necessary time to plan all along rather than waiting until the last minute. Don't make this a stressful time.  Involve everyone in the process for a fun and enjoyable experience.  Because of Weddingstar's extensive experience, they have become experts in wedding decor. They will ensure that you leave no detail out of your momentous day. It is possible that you wish to have a themed wedding, but don't know where to start.  Or maybe you want a traditional ceremony, but you're not sure how to make it uniquely you.  This is where the expertise of Weddingstar becomes invaluable to you.

Are you looking at giving out wedding favors?  This is a growing trend which gives each guest a special item or items to remind them of you and your special day.  Some people are extremely concerned about finances, but at Weddingstar, you can find wedding favors that fit into every budget.  You have the choice of DIY favors that you assemble and personalize or ready-made favors that you can dress up for the occasion.  The vast majority of their favors come assembled and ready to give out.  Talk about a time saver!  Most brides and grooms do not wish to take the time to make a favor for each guest.  With Weddingstar, you can rest assured that you will find attractive wedding favors that complement your wedding theme and style.  Furthermore, your guests will never know that you didn't pay top dollar for them because even though the favors are not over-priced, quality is never sacrificed.

Wedding Centerpieces--Spice Up Your Reception

When planning your perfect wedding reception, it is imperative that you pay attention to the design and decor of your reception tables--specifically that of your wedding centerpieces.  The possibilities for this decor are practically endless:  flower bouquets. candles, favors, and place cards.  In order to ensure that these centerpieces fit with the style, theme, and decor of your ceremony, it is wise to implement your own ideas into this central decor.

Weddingstar is able to make your dream designs come to life.  There is no end to the design possibilities available to you.  No matter what style you choose--traditional, contemporary, or eclectic--you are sure to find the perfect centerpieces and accessories.  As things have become to change in wedding design and decor, you have more choices than ever before.  If you see something you like, there is a way to fit it into your special centerpiece.

One of the most popular centerpieces for weddings involve candles.  Round and/or square pillar candles are always an easy choice, and these can be added very easily to complement other centerpiece designs.  To make these centerpieces truly unique to your reception, you can easily order customized candles printed with your very own design and/or saying.  Or if you would rather, customize the candleholders in order to have a special keepsake from your special day.

Normally, weddings have some kind of theme, and it will probably be important to you to make sure that your centerpieces match the theme (or at least don't detract).  Miniature lanterns, floating candles, vases, candleholders and more are a few ideas for your consideration, but this only scratches the surface.  You want these centerpieces to be the focus of each table, and they will be a large part of creating the proper mood and atmosphere at your reception.  For even more ideas, please check out the product photos from Weddingstar to get more ideas about creating and displaying the perfect wedding centerpiece.

Weddingstar is your one-stop shopping site for all things wedding-related, and so you can rest assured that you are working with the best wedding company out there!  You are certain to find just the right centerpiece on their site, and if you don't see what you like, you can always contact them for ideas yourself.

Wedding Decorations for Any Style or Budget

There is nothing like special wedding decorations to set the stage for your once-in-a-lifetime day.  It is your wedding day, and when you pick a theme, it is natural to want appropriate, affordable decorations.  Without decorations, your wedding will not be nearly as memorable.  But in this day and age, money is tight.  Sacrificing quality for economy is not a fun choice, but what is a person to do?

I would like to tell you about Weddingstar, a unique site in the wedding market that has over 3000 custom designed wedding accessories. They are sure to have the perfect wedding decoration to accentuate your style and atmosphere of your wedding day.  And if you can't find what you are looking for, be sure to contact their design team, and they will do the searching for you!

It is possible that you are in the throes of planning your wedding, and you still don't have a specific theme or even an idea for the decor.  You can check out their Ideas and Inspiration page as well as their wedding blog. I don't know about you, but somehow when I see a barrage of ideas, I tend to have an easier time making my decision about decorations and the like.

When you are planning a wedding, it is imperative that you get busy right away with the decorations.  There is nothing that sets the theme more than choosing your decorations and choosing them wisely.  You want to create a unique experience for everyone involved in the wedding and the attendees.  Whether you are going with a traditional style or something futuristic or everything in between, there s no doubt that you will find the ideal decorations to fit your day and still stay within your budget.

While you are planning the decorations, don't forget the unique, individualized wedding favors.  Everyone at your wedding will want something to remember this special day.  Weddingstar has the perfect wedding favor for your ceremony whether it is DIY, personalized, or something more complicated.  With their selection of wedding favors, you won't have to do a thing to prepare them; it will all be done for you.  And you won't even have to break the bank to do it!