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Sunday, January 6, 2013

How I Decorate on a Budget!



I finally went to the  after Christmas sales on Saturday!  I don't go the day after Christmas when everything is 50% off, I wait until it gets 75-90% off!!   Wondering where I store all of this?  I am blessed to have a 10 X 12 Tuff shed in the back yard for all my holiday decorations!
My first stop was Target where they had 90% off all Christmas!  I bought 372.40 for  37.24....now that's more like it!


6 Mercury glass birds .60 ea, a couple of mercury glass Santa's .60 ea..4 beautiful glittery bird houses .40 ea. ( I will use he bird houses year round.)
Beautiful Mercury glass balls...reg 8.00 for 4, now .80 per box!  I got  the  4 boxes that were left    I have been buying Mercury glass for a couple of years (when I could afford it!) and I think that I now have enough to do a tree!

Look at that beautiful blingy tree topper!  20.00 , now 2.00....I bought the  4 that they had!  Perfect for pre Christmas gits to give friends!

7 beautiful velvet monogrammed stockings..13.00 each, now 1.30  I was lucky enough to find one for H and me and 5 of the grands!  Still need  a couple more!

I "heart" Christmas wrapping paper .50 each and tons of garland at .35 a bundle!

Christmas star tree topper ....1.00..got my daughter one too ..also got her one of those blingy tree toppers!  Green beads .20 each.  Peace on earth balls were .60 each,  I found my daughter 5 of them for her tree.

Lots of food for my kitchen tree!



Bottle brush tree... 15.00 now 1.50! Total bill 37.24!

My next stop was Kohl's!

This HUGE  Mercury glass candle holder was originally 49.99!   Now ,with all my savings..less than 10.00! I will be able to use this gorgeous piece year round!

80% off  all Christmas PLUS another 30% off if you signed up for a credit card,, which I did...and then `10.00 off total purchase      (Credit cards are great, but remember, you must pay the balance at the end of the month or it's not as much savings!)

Mercury glass initials for my daughter and grand daughter's stockings.
Paris ornaments...
Paris kitchen towels...1.59 each

Sweet little  pink ballerina a nut cracker..reg 25.00

More food for my kitchen tree!

That sweet little pink tree skirt was originally 25.00!  Total bill 24.02 ...saved 180.00!!!

My next stop was Michaels...80% off sale.

I loved these candle ornaments for 1.99 per box...

Calender marked down to $2 less 80%...I will frame the individual months and use them in the kitchen!

I also bought my grand daughter some Valentine stickers for $1!

Next stop....Garden Ridge...75% on all Christmas!   I got these gorgeous pink crystals for a chandy that I am planning to bling up.

I bought all they had..2.39 ea less the 75%

Total bill 13.00!

Next stop K Mart...all Christmas 75% off   Beautiful Mercury glass tree, candlesticks, garland , and some  pastel balls (for the tree that I put up in the sun room)

Less than 25.00 for all!

Quick stop at Hancock Fabric ...large Mercury glass candleholder $6.

TJ Max was right next door....60% off their already reduced Christmas! 

2 beautiful thick Christmas towels marked down to 2.50 less 60%.....$1!!!!

Got a little side tracked and bought some stuff not on sale...but a good price.  5.99 for these cute cupcake decorations! 

These were $3.

1.20 for a cute little Christmas poodle box, great to box up some cookies to give away!

Paris paper plates not on sale....1.69 for 8

Total bill 19.24.

My last stop was Hobby Lobby...Their add for this week said 66% off but I know they usually go to 80% off on Saturday!  Sure enough, they had. 

I got some cute ornaments and this ruffled childs tutu that I will use as a tree skirt for a small tree.  20.00 now 4.00!


I bought a couple of things for Valentine, but used 40% off coupons!  (H used a coupon and got the heart ornaments for me) 

I had been wanting this gorgeous faux cake. for a while.....it was the last one...it was only 66% off. but I got it anyway!  
I hope you enjoyed following me from store to store.  I love to decorate our home, but I don't want to spend a ton of money!  I love estate sales, auctions, yard sales, repuposing, thrift stores, $1 stores, even "dumpster diving"!,  One of my goals for 2013 is to make our home beautiful for as little money as I can!  I hope you will follow my progress!



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79 comments:

  1. Great deals Penny! It looks like good stuff too, not like bottom of the barrel, picked over stuff!

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  2. WOW great finds Penny! I like to wait until things get marked way down too! I had my eye on a tree at Hobby Lobby.But when I was there the other day it was still a little too much for me at 80% off.I am going to stop by tomorrow and see if it is still there with a marked down price.Hoping for 90% off :-) .I know it's a gamble but I think it's really only worth that price.
    xx
    Anne

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  3. Those are some great finds, Penny. I never shop the day after Christmas either- it is much more fun to wait for the BIG sales- xo Diana

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  4. Wow~ those are some neat finds I have been meaning to go out and do some after Christmas shopping, but I want the Spring stuff now! kudos to you! BTW love your blog your newest follower!!!

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  5. You did awesome! It makes me want to run right out to Target...but will have to wait until tomorrow. Di

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  6. WOW! You did GREAT! I am usually so tired after Christmas that I don't want to go shopping! LOL!

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  7. You did do great--where do you store it all? My problem is where to put it!

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  8. You are a big winner ! You bought so much beautiful ornaments 1
    I shall wait for the next Christmas to see in your tree !
    Olympia

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  9. Wonderful Penny...you are a gal after my own heart...I do the same thing. Happy new year.

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  10. I love after Christmas sales...but I didn't buy a thing this year. I think I am just overwhelmed with all the stuff I already have. But I would have bought the mercury glass ornies. I love those!

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  11. I did the same thing this weekend and stocked up or next year. I love clearance sales, especially after Christmas!

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  12. you really got some great stuff!! and great prices!

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  13. Fantastic shopping - I just wish that we had those kinds of sales over here. The Christmas things over here jave barely been reduced. XX

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  14. Penny, SO MUCH FUN! and for such good prices! I really should have a "Post Christmas" savings account! I have purchased so much Christmas in the past, I think I could ahve a Christmas Garage sale to get the initial depoist into the "New" account! LOL
    I love your decorating!
    Hearts!
    Betsy

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  15. Hi Penny, everything is gorgeous,I love it all look forward to seeing how you use your bargains ,I bet you had fun shopping for it too! xx

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  16. Penny,
    You made out like a bandit! I hit pretty much the same places you did and there were none of those things left. Plus Joe went out yesterday and hit Target for 90% off and there was only wrapping paper and a few small things left. He did get me a gold glitter Santa for a little over a dollar but that was it. The largest shopping district in our County is located where we live so everything gets picked out really fast and mostly for 50% off. Target did not even have half the stuff you showed in our store before Christmas.
    I have noticed that a lot of the stores around here have cut back drastically on there Christmas decorations. Target used to have like 15 rows filled , now they only had a small section in the back.
    I could have gone to the Christmas Tree Shop on our way to see my friend, Anne Marie but I contained myself. And my friend, Anne Marie told me they were really picked out too. Kohl's had 60% off before Christmas and there was nothing left even then.
    I have been a bit under the weather so I am moving really slow at taking down Christmas. Just trying to make it to work is trying for me right now....

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  17. Great deals!! Next year I will be out shopping!
    I need a year to find a storage area that is cool for decorations during the summer!
    The one minus about living in Phoenix!

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  18. Way to shop! You really got some great decorations. Our stores seemed to have been shopped till hardly anything was left...or maybe I just waited too late. :)
    Babs

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  19. Wow! Great bargain shopping! I would love it if you shared this on my new Farmhouse Style Blog Hop! It starts this Wednesday at www.greeneggsandgoats.com

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  20. Good Afternoon Penny, I am lost for words, I have never seen so many Christmas decorations and goodies at such reduced prices. Well done you. You will be so excited to use your decorations this Christmas. Have a lovely day, Best Wishes Daphne (PS. I am still in awe of you for finding such bargains)

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  21. Wow! This shopping trip should have been featured on some reality show. I'll try to duplicate it next year ---- but first must get organized and find storage space. Fun post -- thanks for sharing.

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  22. Great and gorgeous finds!!! Your style is romantic and shabby in everything you do!!!
    Kisses
    Alessandra

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  23. You are a girl after my own heart with the wonderful thrifty buys you found. I so do the same thing. I loved every single bargain you found. Good job.
    Happy 2013.
    xo, Jeanne

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  24. Very well done. I normally do this but have maxed out my storage.

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  25. Sounds like you had fun!!! Love those sale prices you found, and all the things you got, this late is definitely the time to shop for Christmas ... I always go right after Christmas because around here I find that everything is gone if I wait. Wish we still had K-mart but they're closed. Thanks for sharing, found your link at Cozy Little House. Mary

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  26. Wow, Penny, you got some great buys and some really cute things!

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  27. Oh my! What wonderful items picked up and super prices! I can't wait to see what you do with all these precious pieces!

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  28. When my daughter saves lots of money, she calls, and says, "I've been stealing again"! I think you and she could teach how to bargain shop. You found some gorgeous items. All the mercury glass is so nice. I figured that everything was picked over, but you sure hit the jackpot!

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  29. Wow!! Fantastic deals on some beautiful items!!

    I am stopping by from Tip Junkie! I am a new follower also and will be back to see your next project!

    Happy New Years!!
    Nonny
    www.notionsfromnomny.blogspot.com

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  30. Very clever.

    I played too. Mine are here and here.

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  31. Goodness Penny can we say "SCORE".You really done some shopping and got it for a song.
    ~Jo @ LoblollyLane

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  32. A girl after my own hear, you really do know how to shop Penny. It will be fun to see your tree with all the blown glass ornaments next year. Thanks for sharing your finds! Patti

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  33. WOWZA! That is awesome! When I went to target it was only 50% off, I was looking at the same stockings but they still would have cost$7, still too much for me. Lucky you!!!
    XO
    Kristin

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  34. You really scored! I hit two Targets and got a few items at 90% off but there wasn't much left. I think I waited too long. I did get some items at Kohl's including the Paris ornements like yours. I am so in love with those Paris paper plates I'll have to look for those!
    hugs
    Linda

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  35. You really found some wonderful deals and lots of pretty items! take care, Darlene

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  36. You go girl! Holy catz!!! All my Target had for 90% off was tree lights, which I got a whole bunch of white ones for pennies, but I would of loved to snag some of the goodies you got!

    Thanks for linking up Penny and happy new year.

    Bliss

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  37. Newest follower here! I found you through the blog hop. Cute blog, I can't wait to read more.
    -Melanie @meandmr.com

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  38. Great finds and unbelievable prices. A couple of years ago I bumped into a major dept. store 90% off sale on seasonal and household items. I piled that cart as high as I could and had gifts for the entire year for about $50!

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  39. YAY!!! I did that last year and was able to redecorate my entire Christmas for pennies!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality!

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  40. You got some fabulous bargains. I love it all. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  41. WOW! You racked up!! Great finds! I love shopping the after holiday sales! Such great bargains!

    Jenna @ rainonatinroof.com

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  42. WOW! Lady, you did very well! How wonderful to find some of it at 90% off! We will have a Target store next Christmas, hopefully. Target is now in Canada and will be opening some of their stores this year! I am get so excited when I see some of their sales and what they offer in the way of merchandise!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  43. That's amazing! You found such great things! The little Paris ornaments and pink crystals are beautiful! I would have grabbed them up, too!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  44. Wow! Way to save! Thanks so much for sharing at my party! Have a great week.
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  45. Wow, to say you did great would be an understatement! But you really did! : ) Love those Paris ornaments from Kohls. I restrained myself this year but did hit Christmas Tree Shop because I did want a few of their carolers.

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  46. What a haul, what a stash! Where will you put it all? I love those monogram letters you got at Kohls. Nice work. I'm impressed. You know how to work it!
    Liz

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  47. I am already so excited to see your house all decorated for next year. I thought it was special this year, but this is awe-inspiring.

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  48. Wow, what an incredible haul! I'm so surprised that so many great items were still available at 90% off. Love that mercury glass.

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  49. Wow, these were great shopping tricks! Love it. The mercury glass is amazing.

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  50. Hi Penny! I'm so jealous of all of your fabulous bargains! What deals you found for Christmas next year and so many of your purchases can be used year round. You are a great shopper! I saw your post over at Stone Gable blog party.

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  51. I missed the after-Christmas sales this year. Now having read your post I am so so sad that I did. Did you ever find some wonderful things! I am beyond jealous. Oh, and thanks for linking up to our Pin'Inspirational Thursdays. We love having you there!

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  52. You got such great finds! The variety gives you so many decorating options. You have your own store! Great job.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  53. I hit target, but it was pretty bare. I am in love with those Paris ornaments too from Kohls!

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  54. Oh Penny I'm so impressed! I usually try to make all the after Christmas sales but missed out this year because I had a cold. Shoot! Oh well there's always next year. lol Love the poodle box and those pink crystals. Thanks for linking up at Transformed Tuesday Hugs, Peggy

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  55. Wow! You did an amazing job stocking up for next year. Thank you for sharing this at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  56. Wow! You go girl! You made a great haul! I want to go shopping with you.

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  57. Great deals!

    Oh boy, it's Thursday already but I am now just getting around with BLUE entries.
    Please leave me a line or two in my BLUE, thanks.

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  58. Wow! You are an AMAZING shopper! When I go to Christmas sales when they're 75-90% off, I can rarely find anything worth buying. Congrats on your great buys.

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  59. Well done, some really great bargains there.

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  60. What a huge savings, that's the only way to shop. Thanks for linking up at the Cabin:)

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  61. Penny ~ I LOVE each and every one of your purchases....I would love to shop with you any day!

    Thanks for linking up and have a wonderful weekend.

    ~hugs, Mary Beth~

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  62. Wow! Score!!!!! Thank you for sharing st the hop xo

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  63. Penny we are so impressed with your thriftiness that your going to be featured later tonight on Transformed Tuesday. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs, Peggy~PJH Designs

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  64. You are a true bargain hunter! Thanx for sharing at THT.

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  65. You found some fantastic treaures! And at fantastic prices. Way to thrift!!

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  66. Holey cow you got the best deals! I wish I had snagged that opportunity! Featuring you tonight with the most clicked on link of the week - seems others wanted your tips!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

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  67. Looks like you found some really good deals!! Thanks for sharing this at Romance on a dime!!

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  68. Oh, Penny....those crystals and garland are beautiful1 Can't wait to see you chandy!

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  69. AMAZING Deals!! Oh, I so wish I could have gone with you! Have fun. Thanks for sharing all these great deals at Think Tank Thursday.

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  70. WOW! Not sure what to write... I'm amazed by your awesome deals!! :D ~Pernilla

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  71. Love everything your bought !! And I laughed to the little pink poodle because I have a puppy one of 6 months old, and I bought her a tiny pink overcoat.
    Here in France we don't have such sales neither so many beautiful and different decoration ! Sigh...
    Love also the tiny eiffel touwer : the same here in France it's reputated to be oldfashioned to have them another sigh !
    xoxo from PARIS
    Joëlle

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  72. You are awesome! I do the same thing with Halloween! Thanks for linking up!
    Kim

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  73. Good for you, Penny! This post is amazing. I featured it on today's Grace at Home! :)

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  74. Love those pink blingy things for your chandelier. I hope you post a photo!

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  75. I am really impressed by this blog!Very clear explanation of issues is given and it is open to everyone.It contains true and fair information. Your website is very useful.
    Blinds

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  76. Thanks for sharing. I see some pretty blues in your purchases.

    You didn't pick out a photo, so I chose one for you.

    Happy 1st Blue Monday, Penny.

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  77. Wow! A real steal! You are one smart shopper. I played too. Mine are here and here.

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