Every home looks amazing with a select few pieces of art to make the area seem more personal. For many, shopping for art is incredibly frightening as it seems prices for most pieces are designed for millionaire budgets. You don’t have to shy away from art prices though because there are actually many different ways you can pick up your signature pieces for a lot less than you would think. There are a few simple ways to transform your art budget into money that will stretch far enough to buy art for every room in the home. Now, you can take all of those bare white walls and transform them into a gallery that shows off your household’s unique personality. So, take a deep breath and prepare to hang up all of your favorite art work without having to stress about the money you lost from the transactions.

1. Buy Prints
One of the biggest mistakes many people make when they’re looking for artwork is they tend to look at original art prices first. This can be pretty frightening for first time buyers as many pieces are in the six figure range. The best thing you can do is look through the original art but refrain from buying the pieces unless you are looking for a major investment. If you find a work of art that you love then write down the name and artist and take the information to a store that sells prints. You should be able to find just about any art in print form for a fraction of the price of the original. One of the best places to look for prints is online as many stores will sell you just what you’re looking for for under $10. Of course, you can always find a print locally, especially if you’re looking for a piece that is iconic. Prints are great because you can get them in many different sizes and they can often be ordered in canvas form.

2. Smaller Scale Artist
Some people love to have original art in their home, but don’t want to spend a fortune. If this is your case then you might want to look around for a smaller scale artist. Most areas have local galleries or list of artist who want to sell their work to the public. One of the best things you can do is look around in these areas to see if there is something that will suit your home and taste in art. Another great place to look is fairs and other local based events. Typically artist will bring a small stock of their work for people to choose from, so act fast. If you are still having trouble finding work then you might want to look online as there as numerous websites dedicated to artist who might have something just for you. When you do choose to buy from a small scale artist you are certainly getting a piece that no one else in town will have. You are also making a great investment as you never know how much something will be worth in the future!

3. Negotiate Prices
Many people catch a glimpse of the prices on artwork in galleries and slowly back away from the area. When you’re visiting a gallery don’t forget that all of the prices aren’t exactly set in stone. If you happen to fall in love with a particular piece then you might want to try to haggle down the price to suit your budget a bit better. Sometimes when you deal with art dealers you might not have as much luck unless they are looking to move in a new artist or exhibition soon. So, try to plan your shopping for a period in which you know something new will be coming in soon. If you’re buying from the artist then you might have a lot easier of a time. Often enough, many artists will allow you to walk away with a pretty good discount if your negotiating skills are up to par. As with art dealers, many artist are also looking to move their work and sometimes they simply need to purchase more supplies, so you could benefit greatly from just asking about a price reduction.

4. Frame Art Yourself
One of the priciest aspects of buying art can be purchasing a frame. You should try to avoid buying art work that is already framed as this could quadruple the price of the art work and leave you with a frame that just doesn’t suit your style. So, if you find work you like make sure to ask for it without the frame so you can save a lot of money. When you do decide to look for a frame for the art then wait for a sale at your favorite craft store. Usually you can find something simple that won’t cost you more than $20! Of course, if you are looking for something fancy then try to wait for a sale and have the work custom framed. You could also take the framing into your own hands if you are accustomed with how to do it. If you do choose to have the art framed then try to choose cheaper options, like using acrylics or glass substitutes.

5. Watch for Sales
Art work is one of the best things to wait on until there is a sale on the item. Many stores online will sell a different set of prints at a lower price each week, so make sure to keep an eye on the work you’re looking to by. If you have a favorite gallery then make sure to talk with the people who work there. A lot of the time when work is moved from one area to the next, or is about to go into storage, then the gallery will try to sell it at a reduced price. This is especially great if you don’t like negotiating as you will get the lowered price just for being patient. Of course, if it is a piece you think you have to have you might not want to wait as a lot of the time the art might sell and you will miss out. Of course, if it is a piece you’re interested in, but aren’t ready to buy, then you might inquire as to how long the sale will be going on. Usually the longer the sales the more the price will drop before the gallery decides to get rid of the piece.

6. Visit Auctions
If you’re just looking around for something to showcase in your home then an auction might be just the place to look. An auction can be a breath of fresh air from someone who doesn’t yet know what they want to place in the home. This is because many auctions have such a wide variety of work that there is a high chance you’ll find something you find interesting. When you go to an auction it is very important to know your spending limits and stick to them. If you feel like you’re going to have a hard time following a budget then pull out the money you can spend and leave your credit cards and bank cards at home. This will ensure that you’re not going to go over budget no matter how much you want to. When bidding try to keep the piece low as you don’t want to over spend on something. You should also always go to the viewing prior to the auction so you will know for sure if you are actually interested in a piece. If you end up losing out on something you actually loved then make sure you take down the name of the art so you can possibly find a copy elsewhere.

7. Second Hand
Buying art work second hand can be one of the most rewarding purchased you can make. Whenever you go to a thrift store make sure to have a look at the art section as you never know what masterpiece you might find in the store. Sometimes you might end up with a cool print, while other times you might actually find an original piece that makes you smile. Either way, the thrift store will sell you art work at a more than fair price. You might also want to consider buying frames from this area as they will be much cheaper than a hobby store and you might even find something that looks incredibly vintage. Yard sales are also another amazing place to work’s of art. Usually you will find some of the more classic pieces, but every now and then you could run into a real treasure that’s looking for a good home. The best thing about yard sales is the price is always negotiable and if the seller sees you really love the piece they might allow you to haggle down the price a lot more than you’d expect.

8. Buy Online
In the digital age it is no wonder that there is a large selection of art work at a reasonable price to choose from. Rather than paying expensive rental fees for a gallery many artist are putting their work online so the world can see and purchase their art. This benefits you greatly as there is no need to raise prices as many of the gallery fees are not applied. It also means you get to choose from a wider variety of art that will suit your home well. Before you end up buying a piece you might want to look around a lot. This will help you from feeling buyers remorse or from ordering a whole lot of art you don’t have room for. Usually when you shop online you will also be able to buy a print instantly so you won’t even have to calculate the price for an original piece.

9. Swap with Friends
One of the best things about having friends who also love art is the two of you can swap out pieces to freshen up the home. This can be touchy for some people so you might want to work out a system that allows you to get the work back when you want it. You can manage the switch much like museums do, so everyone still has rights to their work even though it is in another home. Make sure you swap with someone you trust though as you will want to make sure you art isn’t going to lose value when it is in someone else’s home. Swapping can be a cheap way to keep new art in the home, or it can be a way of sampling some artists’ works to see if you would like their work in the home.

10. Make Your Own
One of the cheapest and funnest ways to keep an art filled home is to make your own. It doesn’t matter what your talents are as there are multiple ways to make art you’ll be proud to show off in your home. You can even get the kids in on the task which will help give the artwork more meaning while also creating memories you’ll share forever. When you go to make some art for the home try to consider your home’s theme, or things that represent your household and work from there. This will give you a piece that not only looks great but holds meaning that you can explain to your guests.

Art work can really make a home stand out, but you shouldn’t have to give up your budget because of it. With these tips you will be celebrating your home’s gallery which will really open up conversations and entertain your guests. Finally, you will be have the home décor you’ve dreamed of, without the price you’ve had nightmares about.

With school back in session and the cool winds inching in it can only mean one thing: football season. This season is beloved by so many in the country, but can be a pretty hefty burden on a fan’s budget if you aren’t careful how you spend during this exciting season. There are numerous things to take part in when the season makes it’s first kick off, so don’t be caught off guard. With a few simple trips you can be ready to take on the football season without having to drain your budget for unexpected expenses. Now, you can cheer for your favorite team, no matter the league, while also celebrating your amazing ability to keep your budget in check. This season will certainly be on your radar for years to come!

1. Tailgating
You may or may not have experienced the fun of tailgating during the football season, but chances are this activity seems appealing to you. Most fan try to do it at least or twice during the season if they are near a stadium. Some fans will even try to do so for every game, which can end up costing you a whole lot of money if you don’t know how to spend on this event. One of the major things needed for tailgating is a trailer to use as your small headquarters. This helps you cool down or warm up when the weather isn’t cooperative and will store your food and possibly a bathroom. If you can avoid renting a trailer you really should. The best thing to do is ask to borrow a friend’s or go tailgating with a friend who already owns a trailer. It is also important to ask people to come along! When you invite people along make them responsible for bringing an item. If you can get enough people to chip in then you’ll spend very little! You should also consider bringing cheap games, like a football or deck of cards, for the down time, especially if you bring kids along.

2. Fan Gear
We’ve all spent a ton of money on fan gear that we didn’t actually need. Sometimes we think we have to have the latest team jersey. This isn’t the case though, so step away from the merchandise and you’ll save a whole lot of money. Jerseys are the biggest expenditure and this is largely because people want to blend in with the crowd at games. To remedy this problem simply throw on a shirt or jacket that boast the teams colors. You won’t stand out when the camera passes over you and people will see you’re a fan. If you really want a shirt with your teams name on it then buy a paint pen and draw out the team’s name or logo. If you do have to have a jersey then try to buy one without a name. This will cut down on the price and ensure you can wear for many seasons to come. If you need an item to have autographed then pick up a cheap football that you wouldn’t mind displaying. Anything else you might possibly want can be put aside until it is on sale, typically at the end of the season, or put in a clearance bin.

3. Tickets
You might find tickets to be the most expensive part of the season because they’ve gone up in price substantially over the years. If you’re looking to catch a professional game then try to sit tight and refrain from buying until a day or two before the game. This will help get you the best price as ticket sellers will want to sell out their stock. You might end up missing a few games because of this, but you won’t spend a fortune on the games you do go to. Some people like to visit as many games as possible. For the people you might consider getting a season pass and sharing it with another family. This will allow you to split the cost while ensuring you will see a lot of games. Make sure you work out all of the fine details prior to purchasing though. Of course, if you’d really like to skip out on the big prices then check out a college game instead.

4. At the Game
Although tickets are expensive, everything inside of the stadium will be too. Try to avoid snacking during the game because concession stand prices are usually over the top. You’re not allowed to bring in outside food either. If your stomach just can’t wait any longer than pick something that can be shared amongst the family. Grab the largest soda, as it is usually only slightly more expensive than the smallest, and a snack like popcorn or a pretzels that can be split in half. You might also want to invest in your own seat cushion. Some places rent them out for a less than convenient price, while other places sell them at an expensive rate. You’ll want a cushion after the first hour of the game, so if you don’t want to buy a cushion pack a extra sweatshirt to sit on.

5. Transportation
Getting to and from the stadium can be a bit challenging as it is almost always crowded. You might end up sitting in traffic for hours as you watch your full gas tank slowly dwindle away to nothing. So, if you’re planning on driving to the stadium you might consider carpooling with others. This will allow everyone to chip in on gas and parking without forcing you to be burdened by all of the cost alone. When it comes to finding a parking spot try to keep as far away from the stadium as you can stand to walk. A free parking place will give you more money to spend at the game and won’t make you feel as guilty as spending up to $20 on a parking space at the game. You might also consider showing up very early or a little late, while leaving the game a bit early too. This will help avoid the mess of traffic, but will also mean you’ll miss out on some of the game. If your city has a good public transportation system then this might be your best bet. Typically buses have a stop right next to the stadium so you won’t have a big walk ahead of you.

6. Watch From Home
Sometimes there is nothing greater than enjoying a football game from home. After all, there’s no crowds, you get a better view and you don’t have to fork a lot of money for something as cheap as a hot dog. So, if you really want to lose a whole lot less this season try watching as many games as you can from the comfort of your own couch. This is usually the best way to save, especially if you love your local team. The best thing about staying home is you can have friends who love the sport come over and enjoy the sport with you as you catch up with one another, take some time during the break to throw around a football, and enjoy snacks that won’t make you gain five pounds instantly.

7. Snacks
Snacks are one of the priciest items on the list for people who choose to watch the game from home. There are so many ways to avoid overspending on snacks though, so don’t fret about your budget just yet. You should never have to go all out for a football party. In fact, football food is generally the cheapest food on the market! When you head to the store try to pick out items for sandwiches and hot dogs as they’re filling, easy to make, and always a crowd pleaser. Make sure you avoid pre-made items like salads and dips though. Of course, bigger games might call for more elaborate food, but this can easily be remedied by inviting everyone over to a potluck will save money and allow everyone to have something they love. You might even find some awesome recipes to help utilize the leftovers you have in the refrigerator. For instance, you might try to make a buffalo wing inspired casserole with leftover chicken.

8. Decorations
Whether you’re planning on going out to the game or staying in you probably want to decorate to show off how big of a fan you are. Premade signs and other items can be more than pricey, so when it comes to decorating you should always pull out the creativity card. You can always make signs to take the game, for the lawn, or to put in the home with paper or posterboard. You might even want to bring the kids into the project to help them bond with you and learn more about the sport you love. You can also create streamers with your teams colors. One of the more common projects is to cut out football helmets in your team’s colors for the door. This can be fun for the kids as it will allow them to create their own helmet to show off to guest.

9. Skip the Pass
Many people believe that they have to subscribe to a Season’s Pass through their cable company in order to enjoy all of the games they want. This is never the case though, so don’t be fooled when you are offered this cable package. Sure, the season pass will provide you with games from across the country whenever you want to watch them, but most people tend to stick to their own teams. There are numerous sites online that will actually stream games for free on the computer, tablet or phone so you can enjoy a game wherever you are. If you are a huge fan of the local teams then you don’t really have a lot to worry about when it comes to missing your team play anyway. You can usually catch the local games on you basic cable and can catch a lot of games from other teams on extended cable. With so many options there is really no reason to throw away money on games that you probably won’t end up watching or can get for free elsewhere.

10. Big Ticket Events
There comes a time in every season where you’re going to end up missing a game because it is a big ticket event. Usually, these games cost a fortune to see live and generally sell out anyway. They also somehow end up getting excluded from the local line up. So, chances are you’re going to end up renting an event or two from your cable provider during the season. Since this is the case then you might as well transform the cable company’s Big Event into a party for you can your friends. You can charge a $1 cover cost to help pay for the program so everyone can have fun and enjoy the game without spending a whole lot of money. You might also make a deal with friends to take turns renting the events so no one person ends up stuck with the tab at the end of the season. Of course, you should always ask around before you rent as one of your friends might be privy to the game through a different cable company.

Football season is a time to bond with friends and family while making memories together. The cool weather and games are a recipe for fun that shouldn’t force you to lose out on your budget. With these easy tips you can follow your favorite teams without having to stress out about the money you’re spending. So enjoy the season from the stadium or the couch and make sure to rejoice in the savings, after all the holiday spending season is right around the corner.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Sewing is one of the most popular hobbies that has served to save numerous families a lot of money throughout history. Recently, sewing has become a little bit pricier due to many technological changes in the hobby. Where once people took to a needle and thread, now people can choose machines that do everything from hem pants to embroider incredible designs. With all of these new advances you could end up spending a whole lot of money you don’t need to spend to get your hobby off the ground. There are numerous ways that you can save money on your hobby though. Once you know the tricks behind saving money for your favorite hobby, you’ll be able to use it to save even more money for the household while using your creations to make your family stand out.

1. Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is one of the most expensive aspects of your hobby, but it can also be one of the most important if you aren’t comfortable with a needle and thread. A lot of people believe they need to go for the most expensive sewing machine on the market, which is never the case. When you’re shopping for a sewing machine you should look to buy a machine that provides you with the things you need, but nothing extra. A lot of the time people end up thinking they need the extra goodies, but find they never use them or they have a hard time figuring out how they’re used. The less extras you buy the more money you get to save from your machine. You will also want to look for a machine that hold a warranty. In most cases, many brands will offer a life time warranty so make sure you read the warranty and know how to use it if you need to. If you do buy a machine that connects to the computer then make sure it has free lifetime updates. Many people are discovering that their older machines are now obsolete because they can not be upgraded to newer operating systems. Of course, to save the most money you should always look at used machines, especially if you’re just starting out with the hobby.

2. Recycle Fabrics
Looking in the home for fabrics and accessories is one of your best options if you’re looking to save money. Most homes are filled with plenty of old clothes that aren’t being worn anymore because they don’t fit or just aren’t fashionable. If you’re looking for new fabrics to integrate into your projects then try scrapping some old clothes. If you can’t work out a design to make new clothes out of then you can take some of the clothes and turn them into patches for holes in jeans. You might also enjoy taking some of your favorite t-shirts and turning them into pillow or patches for a cool new blanket. Other items you might want to consider scrapping for fabric is old sheets, Usually sheets have a great pattern that can easily be made into clothing, or they feature a solid color that is perfect for adding onto your wardrobe. You should always save buttons and zippers off clothing too as you never know when it might make the perfect addition to one of your creations.

3. Second Hand Shops
When shopping for new items for your hobby you should never overlook second hand stores. From thrift stores to yard sales, there is a large amount of fabrics that could make your creative energy surge. The best thing to do is spend some time looking through the clothes section to see if there is anything you’d like to alter and turn into something that fits your style more. This is also a great area to look for items that might make great Halloween or convention costumes as it could save you hundreds since you won’t have to order special costumes. You might also check out other areas of the store to see if they actually have fabrics available or to see if there is any sheets that might make a great alternative for fabrics. Some second hand stores, especially yard sales, might also sale sewing machines as well as other supplies needed to keep your hobby going.

4. Use the Internet
When it comes to looking for patterns you should always stay away from stores at first. The internet is filled with numerous sewing sites that can provide you with a wide assortment of patterns to download for free or at a cheaper price. All you have to do is print out the pattern and you’re on your way to cool new project. This is especially good if you’re looking for patterns that might be trendy, or perhaps you love the patterns from a specific designer. The internet is also a great place to download embroidery patterns directly to your machine. These patterns usually come with a free update, but you might look around for websites that support your machines brand. Another good thing the internet offers you, for free, is tutorials that will help you improve on your skills. You might find that the internet is one of the best places to help you make items that you might even consider selling later on.

5. Nail Polish
Sometimes clothes get damaged or threads come loose, which means it is time to break out all of your gear and mend it. This doesn’t always have to be the case though. In fact, it might be wise to not get out your sewing supplies and waste thread and time on something that can be mended in a matter of seconds without wasting your supplies. The best way to do this is to use a little nail polish. One of the best things to use nail polish on is a weakened hem or a thread that is coming loose. Simply apply a little clear nail polish to the area and it will prevent the damage from going any further. If you have a button that is losing color or missing a little detail then fill it in with some colored polish for a flawless look. Of course, sometimes buttons begin to come undone too, so make sure to use the clean polish on these areas too.

6. Sheets
Sometimes fabrics can be pretty expensive, especially if you are looking for fabrics with fine details. If this is the case then you might want to avoid fabric stores altogether. Sheets are a great way to find amazing fabrics for less the the actual price of the fabric. The good thing is that sheets typically come with enough fabric to make more than one dress, so you’ll end up being fabric rich when your hobby is over. The key is to look for sheets that are on sale or in the clearance bin at your favorite store. You should always consider the way your sheets feel though when you plan on creating things out of the fabric. Once you find a patter and texture you like you’ll be ready to go for just about any project and you’ll have fabric to spare.

7. Wait for Sales
Sometimes sewing items can be a tad on the expensive side. From special scissors to bundles of thread you might end up spending a whole lot if you aren’t careful. The best thing you can do when replenishing your sewing stock is to wait for sales. A lot of hobby stores hold these frequently so you won’t have to wait months to get the items you need. The more expensive an item is the more you should wait for sales, especially if you don’t want to buy a cheaper brand. Sales are also the best time to stock up on items like thread, needles and bobbins that you might need in bulk. If you keep your frugal attitude and keep in mind the things you really need a sale can lead you in a great direction that will ensure you won’t have to shop when sales aren’t going on.

8. Don’t Overdo It
One major problem with sewing is it is too simple to overindulge, which is a huge waste of money. Sometimes, you can get the most out of your hobby when you keep your sewing stock to a minimum. When you end up overstocking on items you often end up losing out on the money you spend on your sewing supplies. There’s no reason to have every color of thread in your collection, nor do you need fabrics you know you’ll probably never use. Not only are you wasting money on items that aren’t necessary, you might actually forget some of the items you’ve bought and waste money buying them again. You also don’t want to have to work in an overly packed workspace as it will make your job harder and will push you from actually spending your time sewing. If you keep a minimum stock of items then you’ll learn how to substitute on many items, which will help make your skills better and ensure you know how to save even more money.

9. Use Reward Cards
Most people have specific stores they love to shop at when they’re looking for sewing supplies. If this is the case then make sure you ask about getting a rewards card. Usually this requires a quick sign up in the store or online, but it will be well worth it when you end up getting points for discounts. Most rewards card keep track of your purchases and distribute rewards that can end up giving you free items or huge discounts on some of the items you love to buy the most. Many discount cards will even take off a small percent of your purchases so you end up saving a whole lot more than you’d expect throughout the year. Many cards will also send you discounts and coupons in your email which can help you save up to 80% on items you buy on a greater scale.

10. Off Brands
Many people end up spending a whole lot of money on products because they believe their sewing machine can only take certain products. This simply isn’t the case though. If you’re looking to save a whole lot of money then bring in your bobbins, needles and other parts to the hobby store so you can make sure you’re getting the correct size in a generic brand. You might also look in the manual and check out the measurements of the item so you can shop online without buying the wrong size. Getting the generic brand won’t harm your machine as long as you get the proper size, so don’t stress out about buying the cheaper product. You should also look into buying scissors, thread, and other items for your hobby in generic form. This can actually take off several dollars from your purchases which can go towards the household or buying even more of your favorite hobby supplies.

Sewing is one of the best ways to help your family save money when it comes to clothes and other linens in the home. Not only will you be able to enjoy your hobby you’ll also be able to enjoy saving some money for the home, which will make you feel like a superhero in your household. No longer will you have to battle spending your money on sewing supplies, but instead will enjoy savings that will keep everyone in the household pleased with your hobby.

Cold and Flu season brings a lot of misery to numerous households. Every year kids end up missing important lessons at school because there symptoms prove too much to handle and adults are forced to suffer through the illness in order to get work finished. This pain can lead to you spending too much money on cold relievers that won’t help you kick the cold any faster. It might also lead you to make costly visits to the doctor’s office in order to get back on the right track. There are many ways that you can avoid the cold or flu without having to spend a whole lot of money. This can ensure that this season you won’t have to fall behind or budget out extra money to help pay for all of your cold supplies.

1. Hand Sanitizer
One of the biggest aids to getting rid of germs passed on by your peers is hand sanitizer. Usually when school begins there’s a lot of sales that include hand sanitizer. It is important to make sure that everyone in your family has a travel sized container so they can use it whenever they need to. This is especially important for kids who often don’t get a chance to wash their hands before meals or after sneezing and coughing. Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important things you can do to help keep your family healthy. It is hard to know who is sick around you and at the first sign of sneezing or coughing you can easily get your hands cleaned in a hurry if you have to. Hand sanitizer is also important for anyone who uses public transportation as this is one of the fastest ways to get sick because you’re in close contact with people who might be sick.

2. Change Diet
You might not think about it, but altering your diet during the cold season can keep you feeling healthy. Maintaining a balanced diet is particularly important, but it is essential if you intend on avoid this year’s cold and flu season. Of course, sometimes we get sick no matter how balanced out diets are. When this happens you will want to add a lot more Vitamin C to your diet. Kids will enjoy having orange slices with their cereal each morning for a little boost to help them get through the day. You might also consider having a grape fruit to encourage your immune system to work better. Throughout the day you should incorporate snacks or beverages that are also high in Vitamin C, such as a nice cup of hot tea with a splash of real lemon. When you make family meals try to add kale or collard greens to the dinner which will help keep your family healthier. Recipes with garlic are also amazing for helping you beat a cold and will even help lower your cholesterol. If you’re dealing with a sore throat you might want to eat some honey, but try to stick to natural brands as sugar can lower your immune system.

3. Exercise
A lot of people tend to lay off the exercise when they start to get sick. Although you should cut down on extreme exercise you shouldn’t cut out exercise altogether. Exercise actually helps keep your immune system up so you might actually end up beating the cold faster if you do get it. You should be careful with monitoring your exercise and go at the pace your body allows you, rather than trying to overdo it. As you begin to heal then you can start going back to rigorous workouts. It is also important to add some cardio to your workouts because it will help clear out yours lungs which can help get rid of congestion a lot faster. If you don’t exercise often then you might want to start working out at least three times a week during the cold and flu season, just so you will have a little extra protection from the illness.

4. Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is probably the most important part of your health and wellness. Sleep helps your immune system work better and gives your body time to recover from the damage that has been done. If you notice people are getting sick around you then you should work out your schedule and make sure you can at least get eight hours of sleep each night, if not more. Children should be put into bed promptly to ensure they will have the proper rest to beat a cold as well. If you do catch the cold then try to sleep as much as possible. Sleep is your body’s way of shutting down so it can wipe out the cold so you won’t have to suffer as long. If you can try to take off a day of work and spend the day sleeping, or take small naps during your lunch break or right after work to help ensure you get a good amount of sleep.

5. Fluids
Our body needs lots of fluids to keep working properly, but when we’re sick we need even more. During the cold season it is important to drink a lot of water because you want your system to be flushed as much as possible when there is a chance of getting sick. Water is the best way to ensure you’re hydrated and that your body isn’t holding on to toxins that need to get flushed in order for the body not to get sick. Of course, no one wants to drink water all of the time, but you want to try to avoid soda and other sugary beverages as much as possible. In the morning you might want to drink a glass or orange juice or grapefruit juice to help boost the Vitamin C in your system. You will want to check the label when it comes to juices though because you need juices that have less sugar and more fruit. You might also want to have a hot cup of tea in the afternoon. Herbal teas are a great way to help beat the cold and the warmth from the drink will help ease your congestion.

6. Say No to Sweets
When it comes to being sick we all want to grab our favorite comfort foods to give us some instant gratification. One problem with this is a lot of people actually go for sweet items like chocolates and sugary foods. Other junk foods actually have plenty of sugar in them as well, even if they don’t seem sweet. The problem with picking out sugary foods is they lower your body’s ability to fight off the cold and flu. Sugar lowers the capabilities of the white blood cells so instead of fighting off the cold they actually allow the cold and flu to move right on in, thus forcing you to deal with all of the terrible symptoms. So, if you’re serious about getting rid of your cold or preventing it then you might want to skip out on your favorite treats.

7. Salt Water
Many people like to have many different forms of cough syrup and cough drops around the house when they’re sick. These items can end up costing you a lot of money and don’t actually help to relieve the symptoms for very long. One simple and cheap trick to help ease symptoms is to gargle salt water. All you need is a tea spoon of salt and hot water so you won’t have to do anything extra for the gargle. The salt water will help remove mucous on the back of the throat which leads to coughs and forces you to have a sore throat. With these symptoms gone you’ll be back on your feet before you know it.

8. Zinc
One of the best nutrients you can have in your system when you’re getting sick is zinc. Zinc will actually boost your immune system and will help you keep the cold at bay, or at least get rid of it sooner. Zinc can be found in a lot of common foods like seafood, beef, beans and spinach so make sure to add more of these items to your diet. If you think you need an even bigger boost then you should look into buy zinc supplement to help fight off the colds. Zinc can also be found in many different smoothies so you can improve your diet by drinking a smoothie for lunch. If you take a good dose of zinc when you symptoms begin you may find the cold takes a lot less time to kick.

9. Flu Shot
Many people have a lot of problems with beating colds, which can cause severe problems. It is especially important to get a flu shot if you know you have a harder time getting rid of the cold or flu. Flu shots are generally low in cost and can be completely covered by insurance in most cases, so they may be a cheap alternative if you tend to have to go to the doctor because of your cold or end up in the hospital. After a certain age you should always get a flu shot because as we grow older our immune system has a harder time fighting off these germs. You should always get your children immunized as well as they are more likely to have a hard time beating the illness than an average adult would. If your kids are protected from the flu then you might find you home ends up being free of the illness throughout the season.

10. Go Over Hygiene Procedures
One of the most important and valuable ways to keep the cold and flu out of your household is to go over hygiene procedures with your children. A lot of the time these lessons are skipped or hastily talked about in schools so many children don’t know the proper procedures. This means that your kids won’t know the basics of how to protect their bodies from germs or to prevent the spread of germs. Some of the procedures you should go over is how to deal with coughing and sneezing in public. This will keep their germs contained and will allow them to analyze when they need to stay away from people who don’t follow the proper procedures. You should also go over how to wash hands so your child won’t waste time washing without getting the best results. Kids should also know to keep their toothbrushes away from other’s in order to keep germs contained. Sending your kids out into the world with the knowledge of containing their own germs while avoiding those who can’t will help ensure your household might avoid many colds in the future.

Having a cold can be miserable, especially if you still have to function like normal. These simple tips will have you feeling better in no time without having to charge any extra purchases to help ease the paid of being sick. For many, colds are one of the worst ways to blow a budget, so don’t feel desperate when you start to feel symptoms. Instead, take a deep breath and follow these steps so you can get back in the swing of things without having to worry about your symptoms.

Now before you think that this is an article about extreme couponing, like the popular reality show, it isn’t. It is an article on why you should consider purchasing everyday items in bulk and how you can save money by doing so. Interested? Read on!

What is bulk?

Buying bulk typically means purchasing several of one product. Many online stores require customers to buy products by the case. A case could mean 12 or 24 items. Many times, the larger the quantity you purchase, the lower the unit price.

Why shop in bulk?

There are many reasons for shopping in bulk; the main one is to save money. For example, most everyone uses paper towels. Why spend $3.50 on a roll of towels when you can spend $1.75 if you purchase 12 rolls at a time? Unless you live in a very small apartment that has no storage space, then it only makes sense to buy some items in bulk. When buying bulk online, it saves you time. I don’t know about you, but I do not enjoy driving to a store, filling up a shopping cart, waiting in line to check out, loading the items in my car and then having to unload the items when I get home. Of course my family never seems to be home when I need help unloading the car. With online shopping, items are delivered right to your door!

Just think about the ways bulk shopping can be beneficial…

• Busy households. We’re a family of five. There are some things, such as toilet paper, paper towels, granola bars, etc. that we seem to go through a lot. It’s much easier and cheaper to purchase these things in bulk instead of running to the store once or twice a week.
• Community organizations. Are you involved with a club or group that puts on dinners or sets up concession stands? Then you’ll definitely want to purchase paper products and such in bulk.
• Special events. Whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or an open house for someone’s 75th birthday, you’ll appreciate being able to buy paper products, mints, nuts and more in bulk.
• At work. Do you and your co-workers chip in to keep the break room stocked with disposable products, bottled water and coffee? Instead of ordering from the office supply catalog that’s going to charge you a hefty price, get the items in bulk from an online store that deals with bulk. And what to do with the money you and your co-workers will save? Stock up on some granola bars and candy for the break room!

Popular bulk shopping websites.

There are many websites that offer products in bulk. Some deal mainly with food items, where others offer household items, office supplies and beauty supplies. Here are some of the best places for bulk shopping.

• BJs.com. Chances are you have been to a BJs warehouse. The company also has an online store with many products that are only available online. If you don’t have a membership to the store, you can still purchase online, but you’ll be charged a 5% non-member surcharge. If you decide you like the site or plan to shop at the warehouse from time to time, then it’s worth investing in the membership.
• BuyTheCase.net. It’s all about name brands when it comes to BuyTheCase.net. Each week the site has an online store flyer with popular brand name items such as Ragu, Pampers and Tide. What’s available one week isn’t necessarily available the following week. Although the site offers a discounted price, you need to check around to see if it’s truly the best price. As you add items to your shopping cart, the shipping costs will show up. This is nice if you’re working with a certain dollar amount.
• DollarDays.com. DollarDays.com offers rock bottom prices on thousands of products, ranging from food to clothing to office supplies. You have to purchase items by the case, which depending on the item, it could mean as much as 100 pieces per case. If you’re able to join shopping efforts with another person, or you’re shopping for the work setting, then this site is a good one to check out.
• DollarGeneral.com. If you typically shop at a Dollar General store, you know that the prices are usually lower than what you’ll find at the grocery store or drug store. When shopping at the online store, you’ll receive an additional discount when you buy in bulk. The site also frequently offers free shipping days or deep discounts an all products. This is a great site to stock up on paper products, food and household products.
• DollarTree.com. All items at a Dollar Tree store are $1.00 each (unless something is 2 for a $1.00). If there are items that you regularly buy from this store, then consider going online to DollarTree.com and ordering the items by the case. You won’t receive an additional discount, but you’ll have the convenience of having the items on stock in your home. If you go to the store to pick up the items, then it’s free shipping. If you’re planning a big social event and know that you’ll easily use a case of plastic-ware, plates, napkins, etc. then order it online rather than taking the chance that the store might have it in stock.

Do your homework.

Just because a website offers a “deal” on products, you need to do your homework to determine if the sale price is better than what you can find locally. For example, at a popular bulk site, a common brand of cereal has a regular price of $4.79 per box. The site sells the cereal for $3.79 per box . Sounds like a great deal right? After all, you’re saving a dollar per box. However, if your grocery store has the exact same cereal on sale for 2/$6.00, then you’ll save money if you buy the cereal from the store.

How to save even more!

Here are some tips on how to save even more money while shopping in bulk.

• Shop and swap. Is there a relative, neighbor or friend who might want to shop in bulk as well? There might be items that you have passed on because you’re not sure if you can use the entire amount before the expiration date. Yet, if you can swap half of a case of something for half of something else with a relative or friend, then chances are you’ll make the purchase.
• Wait for free shipping. Many websites offer free shipping from time to time. If you’re planning a big purchase then it’s certainly worth the wait.
• Look for coupons. Sometimes if you google the online store, a coupon will pop up. Also, if you choose to “like” the store’s facebook page, you’ll often receive good deals.

With careful planning and organized storage, shopping in bulk can save you hundreds of dollars over a year’s period of time.

Author: Barb Bergerson

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else jewelry can be one of the most expensive items you can budget out. If you aren’t careful you might find that you need to take out a small loan just to buy some of the pieces you have your eye on. Jewelry doesn’t have to be an expensive outing though. In fact you can easily find ways to update your jewelry box without having to deal with expensive fees that leave you feeling instant buyer’s remorse. After all, jewelry is something you should love to have rather than something you’re afraid to wear out. With a few simple tips you may find your knowledge of jewelry as well as your budget for it will greatly improve so you can have your bling without dealing with cut backs in the household.

1. Second Hand
Some of the best jewelry available to you is pieces that have been owned before and are a bit older than the average piece you’d find in a jewelry store. If you look in the right location you might even find that you’re getting a steal of deal that you would have never come across in a typical store. Shopping in second hand stores can become more of a hobby that a shopping experience. After awhile you might develop a niche for picking up items that should be priced a lot higher than what they are at these stores. Usually shopping at thrift stores, pawn shops and yard sales are the best places to find these little treasures. You might also frequent auctions or look at online auctions, but practice restraint when bidding on items because you don’t want to spend a lot of money when you’re trying to save. Even if you aren’t looking to save big on an expensive item you might find something that suits your style and makes you feel incredible about yourself.

2. Repair Old Jewelery
For some people a busted watch or dirty pair of earrings means tossing out an item they once loved. This is probably one of the worst things you can do when you’re trying to save money. These items can undergo repair jobs which will render them beautiful once again. Typically fixing an older watch doesn’t take a whole lot of time or money if you know you’re doing. There are numerous online tutorials that can walk you through each step with ease, so you can get that watch working perfectly again. Cleaning jewelry is also a breeze and can be done in the home with special solutions that aren’t entirely expensive. Of course, if you’re just feeling bored with a piece you can always take it in for some alterations that will bring a new life to it so you’ll feel confident about wearing it again. One of the most common reasons for a person not to wear a piece of jewelry anymore is it fails to fit. Getting a ring re-sized or adjusting a wrist band can be simple fixes at a jewelry store that won’t cost you a whole lot.

3. Know What You Want
It is always important to educate yourself a little bit before you go into a jewelry store. Knowing how to spot various cuts of diamonds or how to tell if a stone is real is very important, especially if you aren’t going to a major dealer. If you’re interested in collecting a certain brand of jewelry then you should investigate the logo and common attributes tied to the brand so you’ll know you’re getting what you want. You can find a lot of information on the top of jewelry you’re looking for online so make sure to do your homework before you head out to a store. You should also do a little pre-shopping online before committing to a place to shop. This will ensure that you have a pretty solid idea of what you want. Knowing what you want is incredibly important because you might end up with a pushy salesmen that wants you to upgrade your original purchase idea. This is pretty common practice for any store that works on commission, but you don’t have to fall victim to it. If you’ve already sold yourself an item in your mind then saying no won’t be a lot of trouble, especially when the salesmen presents you with lots of beautiful jewelry that could be yours.

4. Take Care of What You Have
Sometimes we have a bit too much jewelry and loose track of the amount of time we spend maintaining it. Although it is often important to us and can often hold a mental tie to people we love it can slowly begin to deteriorate if we aren’t careful. This is why it is incredibly important to take care of the jewelry you already own. You can easily clean your metals and stones at home without having to spend too much time on the pieces. You can also hang up necklaces to avoid kinks in the chain and find a special holding space for rings and earrings. The more care you put into an item the longer it will look good for you. By maintaining the pieces you already have you might find that you want for other pieces less which will cut down on the shopping bill. If you have jewelry that looks great all of the time then you won’t have to worry about impulse buying to fill a void in your wardrobe.

5. Make Your Own
A lot of hobbyist all over the world have taken to making their own fine jewelry. This hobby can range from the amateur who loves to bead on the weekends to the artist who melts their own metals to create lovely bands that will catch your eye. The ideas are endless and so are the materials so feel free to look around the house and find things you might like to see on a piece of jewelry. One example is to raid your button drawer and find some that might make a cute pair of earrings. Or, you could pull out the old magazine and make paper mache beads that will leave everyone curious about your new look. Old t-shirts and items like toothbrushes and bottle caps can make awesome bracelets for kids. There are a ton of tutorials online to help you on your way, or you could simply just see where your creativity takes you.

6. Downgrade
A lot of people who go shopping for jewelry tend to look at the most expensive items because they think they won’t surpass the beauty of these items on the market. The fact of the matter is, if you want to save as much money as possible you can easily purchase a downgrade and most people won’t notice the difference. For instance, if you want to by a ruby ring then you don’t have to actually find one that is the actual stone. Many people have learned to make imitation stones that look almost identical to the real thing. You might also look into a lower grade of metal as this will significantly reduce the price of your jewelry. If you aren’t really interested in the flashy jewelry then finding something smaller might suit your taste a bit more. For instance, you can easily by a tiny diamond on your ring which will still look elegant, but won’t hurt the bank account quite as much.

7. Avoid the Chains
We’re all guilty of making our first stop at a chain jewelry store. This can be a major problem if you’re not careful, especially for first time buyers. A lot of chains will claim to offer you the best deal and since there are so many of the store we often tend to trust their judgment and assume they won’t rip us off. Although it is rare you will have an issue with the company it is always best to do your shopping elsewhere at first. A lot of independent jewelry stores are a great starting place because they can offer you competitive price on items that the chain also carries. Of course, a lot of these independent stores will also sell a number of items that are older and less trendy, which might strike your fancy more than the rings found at the major chains. If you can’t find a price you like at an independent store then try looking online next. The more shopping around you do the bigger savings you’ll end up with. You might even check to see if the chain stores have a deal online that might save you more money than the local branch does. So, try to avoid chains if you can, but if you have to shop there make sure to do a little shopping around first.

8. Watch the Metal Market
You might not be as familiar with the metal market as you are the stock market but it does exist. The metal market will actually inform you as to how much money metal is currently worth. When the metal you love is low then you might want to check in with your favorite jewelry store to see if the prices have dropped on something you’ve had your eye on for awhile. Most jewelry stores have to fluctuate their prices based on how metals are doing in the market, so if you’ve noticed a down point in the market then your time to move is now. Shopping like this can be a bit of a skill as it means you will have to predict if the metal is going to go further down or come back up. For instance, if you’re waiting on a gold ring and gold has been down in the market for a week then you have to judge whether or not you want to act now or wait another few days. Chances are the gold is going to change value back up eventually, so the risk is in your hands only. This can make shopping for metallic jewelry a lot more fun and challenging and could end up saving you a whole lot of money.

9. Reconsider Trends
Every year the market place comes out with new trends that everyone must have. These items are usually released around major holidays which means they get a lot of sales. One thing you can do Is ignore current trends to keep your budget a bit tighter. Usually having a few signature pieces is enough to get you through most occasions. Of course, if you do love staying trendy you can still purchase some of the same designs for a fraction of the cost. Usually, for $20 you can find a similar piece at a department store or online that will make you feel in fashion without putting you $1k into debt!

10. Sales!
When shopping for anything sales is the way to go all of the time. Before you buy anything make sure you ask about sale opportunity or look around at other locations to help you find a lower sales price. Usually looking online is your best bet for finding coupons and sales, but you can also rely on the holidays to bring you big name sales that will save you an abundance of money. If you can try to refrain from buying if it isn’t on sale. You’ll find with a little bit of patience you can save quite a bit of money and still get the item that been tugging at your heart for ages.

Everyone loves a nice piece of jewelry to make their style shine, but not too many people want to shell out the money for some of today’s high prices. With these tips you’ll find a lovely piece of jewelery that will make you feel great about your look while keeping you bank account a lot healthier which will please everyone!