Thursday, June 3, 2010

Cleaning Shop



So, this post idea is not new, but is certainly one to be reminded of as it will not only help you clean out your closet, but also allow you to shop for free and give back to the community all at the same time!

1.  Ladies - (I guess guys could do this too) decide on a night to get together with your extended group of girlfriends at someone's house.  Each guest should bring several articles of clothes, shoes and jewelry (that are still in good shape) that she is tired of wearing or has outgrown ... and let trading begin.  In my opinion, this type of event might work best with a large group.  Who knows, you might end up with a top you've always admired or a basic cami you need in your closet.   (*I have heard of people doing this with make-up but I would only suggest doing so if the make-up is unused -- out of a free gift or something of the like). 

Tip: If anyone is married or has children -- this might work with children's toys/clothes and husband's clothes too. 

Tip 2: You can glam up the evening with some wine, cheese, and music.  Put clothes on hangers and jewelry on a kitchen or dining room table. 

2.  When the night is finished, elect one person to donate the remainder of the clothes - its a great way to give to the community without directly spending money. 

Savings:
There is no real way to calculate the savings here, but you certainly haven't spent any shopping money. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

That's a Wrap

Wrapping gifts appropriately is something my mother always veiwed as very important and I agree that present presentation should be thoughtful and exciting. However, after losing the priviledge of taking advantage of my mother's gift wrapping station (and abilities) at her house, I realized that the cost of paper, ribbon, boxes, and gift tags, can really add up.  So, here are some tips to creating stylish, but inexpensive gift wrap...

1.  When shopping, ALWAYS ask for boxes, ribbon, and tags when checking out (even if you're not currently buying a present).  Most retail stores have complementary boxes and are willing to hand over a few.  Having worked retail for 5 years, I also know that retailers typically run very low on boxes during the holidays, so it is good to have a few stashed away at your house. 

2.  Use newspaper to wrap presents.  This black and white look is a funky twist on classic wrapping style.  If you don't subscribe to the paper, pick up a few free weekly entertainment journals (typically found in coffee shops or restaurants) while you're out and stash them in you're NEW ribbon drawer.  Top it off with a brightly colored bow or, for a sleeker look, leave the gift bowless and write a nice message in sharpie directly on the paper.  (Note: Newspaper also works for tissue paper if you're wrapping in a bag.) 

3.  Tags can be made from bits of card stock, stationary, or the wrapping paper you're using.  Just neatly cut a rectangle out of the paper, fold it over (decoration side out), write your message on the inside, and paste or tape your tag to the package.   

4.  Always be on the lookout for ribbon-like items around the house and at showers/parties.  I have had luck repurposing childhood hair ribbons, rafia, and ribbon from previously received gifts. 

Note:  While these tips are fun for birthdays, parent's days, and holidays, I would refrain from using newspaper to wrap wedding gifts and instead use gift wrapping option at registries. 

Savings
Wrapping paper:  $1.50+
Tags: $3/pack
Ribbon: $3/pack
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Total:   $7.50

Trashy Tips

This first blog is dedicated to those of you who, like me, have an embarrassingly large stash of used plastic grocery bags under the kitchen sink.  Before stashing these bags away or dumping them in the trash, take a look at these simple, but thrifty repurposing tips....

1.  Use these bags as trashcan liners for small trashcans in bedrooms, bathrooms, or outdoors.  You will save money purchasing small liners and also preserve your existing trashcans. 

2.  Use these bags as disposable lunch sacks.  This will prevent toting a lunch box to and from work (trust me, no one is impressed with your lunchbox and matching thermos anymore). 

3.  Use these bags for small tasks, such as cleaning out the car or desk drawers.  This way, you won't waste a large trash bag on a small task. 

Fun tip:  For those of you who have purchased reusable grocery bags, think about doubling those as lake or beach totes.  Publix and Target have especially cute earth bags. 

Savings:
Small trash liners: $4 +
New trash can:    $7 +
Lunch box:          $10+
New beach tote:    ?
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Total:                  $21 +


(All estimated savings are based on prices found at a popular discount mega-retailer).