Frugal and Fab

Fall is almost here!! With its pending arrival, I have been giving quite a bit of thought to economical ways in which I can redecorate my home for the new season. The major focal point in my living room is the fireplace, so naturally adding some autumnal pizazz to the mantle will add some color and warmth to the space. I have a heart for design but often the pieces don’t come together effortlessly for me so I either seek the advice of my bestie..check her out, or I search for images on the Internet until I find something that I like and can reasonably copy by re-purposing some items that I already have. Here are some images that I plan on using for inspiration in creating my fall mantle. Stay tuned for pics sometime next week, or the week after!!

Thinking about replacing the circles with candle pillars and candles in earth tone colors and yummy fall scents Source

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Source Source Excuse the dust…You won’t recognize them once I’m done, and they’re mixed in with my new pieces!!

Do share your fall decorating ideas with me…I won’t steal them!

When was the last time you clipped a coupon or better yet, clipped it and remembered to take it to the store with you? Do you peruse money saving blogs for the best deals before you make a purchase? Well let me tell you, if you aren’t doing your due diligence you could be throwing away hard earned dollars that could be put to better use in more useful areas..ie. bills, shoes, handbags!

Prior to being put on to couponing and money saving blogs by my good friend Crystal, I was totally the one to roll my eyes, mumble under my breath, and take a few glances at my watch when the lady in front of me would pull out her coupons. Go figure, now I’m the lady and will throw the “eye” at anyone who looks like they have a problem with me or my coupons…karma I suppose!

Crystal is the master at saving money,and once you get the hang of it and you begin to see the savings it becomes an addiction. I am including a few of the important tips that she shared with me. I won’t tell a fib, this lifestyle requires some preparation before heading to the store and most importantly you must STICK TO THE LIST..I repeat STICK TO THE LIST to get the most bang for your buck.

• Get a Sunday paper every week
• When buying products that are listed B1G1 Free, utilize two coupons, one for each item (Sometimes you can end up getting at least one of the items for free)
• Utilize Extra Care Bucks and store rewards with your coupons for extreme deals at CVS, Walgreens, etc.
• Some stores will allow you to use their coupon paired with a competitor’s or a maufacturer’s coupon (Another way to score free stuff)
• Visit the following blogs, they do all of the work for you, and link printable coupons to the weekly sales items , and will also tell you where to find them in your Sunday paper: I Heart Publix, Totally Target, I Heart CVS, I Heart Kroger, Southern Savers

Whew..that’s enough to get you started if you are interested. If you are unsure please check your store’s coupon policy. Heaven knows my fab coupon click and I have had enough run ins with over zealous cashiers. Please know and exercise your couponing rights!!

What are your thoughts on coupons, are they worth it or do you have better things to do with your time?