Fab Frugal Finds

In these trying times, I find myself being much more practical and frugal in my purchases. Now, I limit my visits to Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and Z Gallerie and find myself heading to Target, Gordmans, Home Goods and even my own basement. So, here's my favorite budget finds-

Best $5 I've spent: Yankee candle tart warmer seen here on my kitchen counter

This is always burning and keeps the entire 1st floor smelling lovely

*It was originally $14, then BB&B marked it 50% off, plus my 20% off coupon =$5.60

I keep the tarts close by (super budget buy- tarts 5/$1 at Dollar Tree, try Pumpkin Spice)

Best $10 spent: Cabinet organizers ($8.88 ea)

Since cabinet space is down right sacred in most kitchens, these cheap, yet durable organizers hold cleaners, paper towels etc. They make one for foil/plastic wrap boxes too. No more searching for paper towels or having to leave a sponge on the sink for everyone to see.

Best $25 spent: Iron Scroll (from Kirkland's)

I love my 2-story entry but all the wall space from the front door to the ceiling looked so plain. This large iron scroll fits this space perfectly and was much cheaper than the original one I was planning on purchasing through Ballard Designs.

Best $50 spent: Frames for photo wall

I'd been wanting to do a photo wall for quite some time but knew how expensive frames could be. It was also almost impossible to find inexpensive expresso colored frames. I decided to take my time and collect frames from Michael's (during a 40% off sale), Big Lots and Dollar General. The original frames were various colors but all were the size I needed. I bought a can of black spray paint and a can of brown and spray painted all the frames to match. Since the mats were all from Dollar Tree and the majority of the frames were $3 each from Dollar General, the entire project was less than $50. More people comment on the photo wall than any other thing in the house:)

Best $75 spent: Mirror for our mantel (thrift store find)

There's a local thrift store that gets items from local model homes and sells them cheap:) This mirror is huge (at least 3ft in circumference) and would've been $$$ anywhere else. It fills the large space above our mantel and matches the iron spindles adoring our nearby staircase.

Best Splurge Item ($500) Dyson Animal vacuum

With 2 dogs, this vacuum is a must. I got it at BB&B and was able to use a 20% coupon, giving me $100 off. The price is steep, but I figure this had saved many carpet disasters.

What are some of your awesome deals?

-S