Save a Buck Series Part 9

With Interior Designer/Blogger Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors and blog Blu Label Bungalow.



Erika is another one of my newest blog buddies.  She is doing great things here in the Atlanta area and is always on the go.  Erika and I first met at the Nicholas House Makeover.  She is one of the two founding members and they have started this year off with a bang.

Now lets take a look at some of her designs...









Erika has some great talent and a beautiful spirit.  However, with her career, husband and kids keeping her going full steam ahead saving money is also on the top of her busy list.  Here is what she had to say...

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?  
Erika:  When it comes to saving the most import thing for me is to know I got a great deal.  I hate it when I purchase something only to see it somewhere else cheaper.   

April:  What do you do to save?

Erika:  I scout various stores (both retail and online) for the item looking for the best price. I am also known to wait for a sale before I purchase the piece. If it something I love at first sight, I buy it then regardless of price.  

April:  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel?

Erika:  The last time I received an awesome deal, I felt like I had stole something. Seriously, for a second I thought someone made a mistake in pricing the item, but turned out that I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.

April:  What tips can you give on saving?

Erika:  If you are shopping for a retail item, keep watching it to see if it goes on sale. There is some risk involved with this piece of advice. The item you desire may be purchased by someone else who is not on a budget, so it’s also important to see if the item is available online. Always ask salespeople the dates of the upcoming sales and promotions. If all else fails, ask if the floor model can be discounted.  

Now that's some great advise I often do that myself!  

Thanks Erika for giving us a few more wise tips when it comes to saving a buck!  If you want more of Erika Ward you can find her @

Blulabelbungalow.com

ErikaWard.com

Twitter.com/ErikaatBluLabel

Loving all things Color

....And Zgallery makes even harder not too... Seeeeee

All things Blue....

 and white....

..and green

orange...

 and yellow..

finally we can't forget the bling...

Whats your favorite color?

Save a Buck Series Part 8

@ Laundry Facilities

Yep you can even save there.  All it takes it looking for the right one.  Many these days offer services to you to get your business such as computers, massaging chairs and free wifi.  

Watch Television

Here is a Laundry facility I found in Norcross, Ga.  They have almost everything.... not to mention how clean it was....

Play games, vending and slot machines 

Get a Massage!!!

 .....But my fav two are the free newspapers that have coupons in them!!! Lalala...

...And for each wash you get a free dryer!!! The bigger the washer the more free loads you get....Can't beat that now can you...

All of this and more... And my clothes came out smelling nice and fresh!!  My experience was almost like a Calgon commercial... LOL!

Tell me how you are saving money?  

Laundry Room Makeover

Among all of the rooms in our Tennessee home that was in need of renovation/makeover was the laundry room.

This room was one of the worse because the ceiling had a leak.  On my quest to redo each room with second hand items I was able to purchase all of the material at a salvage yard!  Trust me these prices were better that our local home improvement store.... all day long!!  

The color choice for this space was purchased at our local Habitat for Humanities store called Restore.  This store reminds me alot of a thrift store because all of the items are donated.  I think I fell in love... well I did!!   I visited them everyday for an entire week.  And everyday I walked away with something. 

On this day I purchased several cans of pre-mixed paint.  I found this gorgeous blue and walked away from it several times until the 3rd or 4th visit and finally it made its way home with me.  

Yes this is a work in progress and next I'm going to add shelving to the wall for storage.  

 As well as, flooring...I'm thinking of a stained plywood..Lalala!!

Stay tuned for that!!

What do you think?  Have you visited your local Restore in your area?

Save a Buck Series Part 7

With Interior Designer Lori May of Lori May Interiors.

Lori is one of my newest blog friends and a sweetheart.  I had the pleasure of meeting her on the Nicholas House Makeover.  Check out her designs....

Nicholas House Makeover

Saving money is also on the top of her list.  Here is what she had to say when I asked her about how she saves:

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?  I don't want to over pay for something that I want.

Lori:  I really do my research, check ebay, craigslist and keep an eye on the piece I want until it gets to what I think is a fair price based on similar items.

April  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel?  

Lori:  I got these poufs at Target for my oldest daughter's room.  She is turning 8 next month and wants a big girl room, but I don't want to spend a lot, because I know she'll want something different in a couple of years.  The poufs that I've seen other places run anywhere from $200 to $400 each.  Target came out with gold and silver ones a few weeks ago for $60 each.  I was patience, did my research and found an affordable option for her room.  

April:  I love those! You did a great job on finding them and especially at that price!

April:  What tips can you give on saving?  

Lori:  Be patient and do your research.  You would be amazed at the savings you can get on similar items if you take your time and look around.

Thanks Lori for taking the time to share your ideas on How to Save a Buck!  For more information on Lori and her designs visit her @

http://lorimayinteriors.com

twitter.com/lmayinteriors

Chiasso Wine Holder

is the coolest contraption I've seen in a while....

$28
Chiasso.com

I had to have one...

 

or two....

Have a great weekend!

Save a Buck Series Part 6

With Rashon Carroway Lifestyle Blogger aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Today we are talking with Rashon to get an inside scoop of how he saves in Part 6 of "How to Save a Buck Series."

I've had the opportunity to tweet, email and speak with Rashon on several different occasions.  During one of our conversations I had the pleasure of asking him several questions on how he saves a Buck!  

Before we get started take a look at some of his amazing makeovers..

And of course my favorite....

....and Viola!

Awwwwww.....

Outside of his creative mind and thrifted finds he had this to say:

April:  What is most important to you when it comes to saving?  

Rashon:  Nothing is really important to me when saving. A penny saved is a penny earned.

April:  When was the last time you received an awesome deal and how did it make you feel.

Rashon:  Ummm my last awesome deal...was a shirt I bought from GW on Mother's Day with my mom. I was in the wrong department because it was a bit bright. However, mom approved so I bought it!!

April:  What tips can you give on saving?

Rashon:  I have two tips.

Tip #1. Save whenever and where ever you can. Every little bit helps.

Tip #2. If you have a goal in mind work towards that goal. It allows you to be focused and reach a mark.

April:  Any additional information you want to provide?

Rashon:  Although I am an advid thrifter I dont buy as much anymore. My goal was to furnish my condo. Thats done. So unless I sell something I dont need much more. 

Now I am helping others save and thrift to save even more.

Thanks so much for talking with us today Rashon!  For more of Mr. Goodwill Hunting find him here:

or

www.rashoncarraway.com