Bunco Belle On A Budget

Merry Christmas!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:38:00 +0000

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

See you in 2012 with new posts and deals!!!!

Merry, Merry, y'all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:17:00 +0000

Count your blessings! This year we started a new tradition of counting our blessings. The children helped me pick out a branch from outside and collect acorns. We printed the adorable cards from Jones Design Company, found here, and just added some ribbon. The cards and a pen stay by the branch so we can add to it during the week of Thanksgiving. I have been surprised by how much thought the children have put in to it and how much they have enjoyed adding to the tree. I am going to save these and pull them out next year so we can add to them. What a sweet way to count the many blessings we all have in our lives!

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!!!

Time???

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:16:00 +0000

The Rolling Stones sang about time being on my side.....really? Mick, is time truly on my side? Hmmmm....It seems like the to do list gets longer and longer and the days get shorter and shorter. I used to be so good at keeping in touch with friends and planning get togethers, but these days I am lucky if I remember the right day to send lunches to school with my children. I say all of this not to complain, but to say that I have come to a realization that it is ok if the house isn't put together after being here for 2 weeks. Pictures on the wall and rugs on the floor do not make a home. My kids could care less and are so happy and settled in our new house, so I should be too. Paint, pictures, rugs can wait and will happen over time......and that is ok. One thing that doesn't take a lot of time and helps make things less crazy at Casa Kvam is crock pot cooking. I have been cooking more at home lately and that is a great way to save lots o'dinero and time. I am addicted to the crock pot and love two new sites, Skinny Crock Pot and Crock Pot Girls. Check out these sites and find lots of budget friendly and easy recipes. I love that my house smells great all day long and supper is ready at the end of the day. Happy Cooking, y'all!

Moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:46:00 +0000

Wawhoooo.....we are in the new house! It is so exciting to be here and we are starting to feel settled. It is a long process, but the end result is so worth it in the long run. There is lots to do, but we have found some time to do a little bargain hunting. First of all, make sure if you move that you change your address through the post office. You will receive coupons in the mail for Lowes and other places. We have used the coupons for blinds and other odds and ends that we needed for the move. Also, if you need bins for your child's room, check out the clearance at Lowes. They have very sturdy canvas bins that are normally $13.98 for $1.74. The only color our store had was pink, so we could only buy some for our daughter, but other stores may have other colors. Now we are ready to set up her room and get all the toys and hair babbles organized. Happy Organizing!!

Buy A Paper TODAY!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Today is a great day to buy a paper. There are 5, yes 5, coupon inserts! Happy Clipping, y'all!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

My newest obsession is Pinterest. I love pinning! If you have not heard about Pinterest, click on the link above and see what it is all about. Pinterest is a great way to organize the ideas you want to save as you search the web. If you are planning a party or decorating a house, this is a great way to keep up with all of your great finds. Check it out and you will see what all the fuss is about......Happy Pinning!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 23:59:00 +0000

Well, well, well.....I'm baaaaaaack!....It has been awhile, but I am ready to get back in business and try to blog more. Things have been crazy with this Belle and it is time to catch up. My fabu friend, visit her here, just did a post with bullet points and I decided to give it a try myself. This is such a good way to say what you need in little snippets and I just love snippets! So here goes....

We sold our house!!! It was a nightmare, but it is over now....Thank you, Lawd. We are thrilled because we bought a NEW house!! We will move in after having a little painting and a few other things done. I am still all about a deal so I am hoping to use this blog as away to feature some fun ways to decorate on a budget.
Extreme Couponing is back on TLC. Why is it that I can't stop watching that show? It is such a train wreck and not realistic at all. You can't shop that way at the grocery store, but they try to convince you that you can. People, please don't clear shelves and be obnoxious. You will never need 64 bottles of mustard so why buy that many? WHY????
I have been so bad about clipping coupons and finding deals lately. Once we are in the new house, I am going to have to get back on the wagon and start saving money. Momma needs a decorating budget.
I have found a few deals that I am excited to share. I went to Target a few days ago and they have tons of linens on sale. I found a super cute quilt set for my daughter's room in the new house. It was regularly $89.99 and I got it for $21.24. I was thrilled! I also found a $60 rug for $14.98 for my son's room. I do love me a deal and it can really pay off to check the clearance aisle every time you shop. You never know what you may find!

There it is......my attempt to get back into blogging and finding deals. Happy Deal Hunting!!

Ice Cream Night!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Tonight from 5-10pm Baskins Robbins is having 31 cent cone night!!! Make sure to get the kiddies and head over for some super yummy ice cream at a super price!!! Enjoy!

A recipe, Coupons, New Site.....HAPPY EASTER!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Hey y'all! Here are some things I have found lately......

Need a yummy no bake idea--- No Bake Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars-- Chances are you have everything in your pantry and can whip some up right now! Try not to eat them all at once!

A new coupon site--- Here is another great site for printable coupons--- http://www.couponnetwork.com/
(Thanks, $5 Dinners!)

I am trying to buy more organic and local produce and products. I feel like it is so important to my family to make wise choices to stay healthy and it is important to support local farmers and businesses. Saving Naturally has coupon match ups for Earth Fare and Whole Foods. Word around town is that Whole Foods is coming to Columbia and I couldn't be more thrilled!!!

Happy Easter, y'all! I hope you all have time with your family and friends to celebrate this most wonderful and amazing day! The Lord is risen!!!!

Groupon Deals!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:42:00 +0000

Groupon has had some great deals in Columbia the past few weeks. We will be enjoying supper at The Pizza Joint and the kids will love the Be Beep groupon from yesterday. Today they have another great deal.....$15 for $30 at Handpicked. If you have not signed up for Groupon, today is a great day to start getting in on all the deals. Go to www.groupon.com and sign up!

Great Upcoming Events in Forest Acres

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 23:20:00 +0000

If you live in the Forest Acres area and are looking for some fun and frugal family activities, be sure to check out one or all of these.

April 21: Rooftop Rhythms 5 to 9 p.m.--This is so much for fun for the whole family! They have local food vendors, activities for the children and great music.

April 27: Local Farmer's Market 3 to 6 p.m.-- We had so much fun going to the farmer's market on Wednesday afternoons last year. My children loved sampling all the fruit, veggies, and breads from local farmers. The Farmer's Market is every Wednesday until early fall.

May 21: Forest Acres Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.-- Another great FREE even for the whole family!

Publix Coupon Booklet

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:21:00 +0000

I love Publix. It is by far my favorite grocery store and I always get the best deals there. If you want to save even more money at Publix, go here to sign up for a special coupon booklet with $50 in Publix coupons. Booklets will be sent by March 31st.

Thanks, Hip 2 Save!

FREE Fries at Chick fil A!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 01:14:00 +0000

Tomorrow (Friday, March 4th) from 2-4pm Chick fil A will be giving away free fries to anyone that says, "I've been dipped!" This could be a fun little afternoon excursion with the kids. I am assuming this will work at every Chick fil A, however, you may want to call before you go. I do know the Forest Drive store in Columbia is participating. Enjoy!

Ready for Spring???

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:38:00 +0000

I am so ready for spring and today's GroopDealz is super cute!!! I LOVE GroopDealz....they feature items from shops owned by moms. Today's precious necklace is from Lovestitched and comes in several different colors. The best part is that today they are only $7, instead of $15. How sweet would these be as a Mother's Day gift? Go here to learn more and order one (or 3) for yourself!!

GroopDealz

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:30:00 +0000

There are a lot of deal sites these days that feature local restaurants and services, like Groupon. However, one that I recently found out about is a little different. Have you heard of GroopDealz? It was created by a group of women that wanted to promote businesses of stay at home moms to help them during our down economy. The current deal is for super cute chalkboard labels. Click HERE to learn more about today's deal and to sign up for this great site!

Weight Watchers Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:52:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you have started Weight Watchers for the 1000th time lately.....oh, ME ME!!!!! I have, I have! Yeah, hopefully this time will be the charm. Anywho, there are lots of great coupons and some deals if you are planning to purchase Smart Ones this week at Target. Collin at Hip 2 Save has all the details here. Happy dieting...oh, I mean life style changing, y'all!!!

It's Consignment Show Time!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:57:00 +0000

I love Consignment show time!!!! It feels so good to clean out drawers and closets and then find some great bargains on children's clothing for the upcoming season.

Here are two of my favorite shows that are coming up:

1) Mother Madness Sale
Rockbridge Club Pool House
4135 Rockbridge Road
Columbia, SC 29206

Wednesday 2/23-- 9am - 5pm: Full price
Thursday 2/24-- 9am - 5pm: Full price
Friday 2/25-- 9am - 4pm: 25% off
Saturday 2/26-- 9am - 3pm: 25% off
Sunday 2/27-- CLOSED
Monday 2/28-- 9am -5pm: 50% off
Tuesday 3/1-- 9am - 5pm: 50% off

2) Monkey Hut Sale
4711 Forest Drive (next to the Pig)
Columbia, SC 29206

Tuesday 3/1-- 9:00-6:00: Full Price
Wednesday 3/2-- 9:00-6:00: Full Price
Thursday 3/3-- 9:00-6:00: 25% off
Friday 3/4-- 9:00-6:00: 50% off
Saturday 3/5-- 10:00-2:00: 50% off

Earth Fare Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:11:00 +0000

WOW! It has been a really long time since I have blogged. Things are nuts and I have not really been in the blogging mood. However, there is a fantastic deal going on right now at Earth Fare that is worth sharing. Earth Fare has totally changed their website and have a great promotion going on now. If you go to www.earthfare.com and click on "Start Now," you can sign up for deals and coupons. You need to sign up again even if you already receive coupons from Earth Fare. Once you sign up, you will get a coupon for a free whole chicken, bag of carrots and mashed potatoes with a $10 purchase. Make sure to print the coupon as soon as you see it pop up because you will not be prompted again to print the coupon. What a great deal! Enjoy!

$20 Amazon Gift Card for $10

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Living Social has a fantastic deal today!! You can purchase a $20 gift card for Amazon.com for only $10! I love a good deal!

To market, to market to get.......FREE MULCH!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:48:00 +0000

This is totally last minute, but if anyone out there in Blogland is in Columbia this morning, you can get FREE MULCH! Today is the grinding of the greens and you can pick up FREE mulch at Clemson Research center across from Sandhills Village or at Saluda Shoals park from 9am until it is all given away. The hubs is on his way now to get a truckload. We are sprucing up the homestead to get it ready to go on the market so you can't beat FREE mulch to perk up the landscaping.

Target Toy Clearance

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 01:51:00 +0000

It is always a fun time when Target and other stores put their toys on clearance. This is a great time to stock up for birthdays. There were some things we did not get the children for Christmas that I have my eye on to buy now for their birthdays. I was at Target this weekend and they have several aisles marked down 30%. I imagine in the next few days, they will mark them down even more. Happy shopping!!!

Chicken Stew

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:09:00 +0000

Southern Plate's Chicken Stew recipe is just the right treat for a cold and snowy day. They are calling for snow and ice tonight and into tomorrow. I think a bowl of chicken stew and some cornbread will hit the spot on a cold winter day. Stay warm, y'all!!!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:58:00 +0000

Ok, so I am 9 days late, but Happy New Year! It is that time of year to make resolutions and get a fresh start. Well, I guess my resolution shouldn't be to do things in a more timely manner since it is January 9th and I am just now making my New Year's Resolutions. Oh well, better late than never, so here goes:

1- Relax and enjoy my kids and try to be more patient with them...some days are easier than others. My oldest starts Kindergarten in the fall so it is becoming more and more apparent that they are growing up and this time is truly precious.

2- Have a date night with the hubs with no agenda. Most of the time we get a sitter or my parents keep the kids so we can go to a party or do some work around the house. We need to also just have time together with no plans, if for nothing else to have a complete conversation with no interruptions.

3- Run a race with the hubs-- Ok, so for those of you that know me and know me well, don't get too excited. I have not lost my mind and I am not sick (Well, I do feel a sinus infection coming on, but I digress), I just think it will be a fun thing for us to do as a couple. You know, keepin' the love alive and showing interest in your spouse's hobbies and all that. I am not planning to run a half marathon or anything at this point, just a 5K. Who knows...maybe I will become a runner. Only time will tell. I went to Fleet Feet and was fitted for shoes this weekend. BTW--If you live in Columbia and need running shoes, Fleet Feet is THE place to go. The folks that work there are fantastic and will help you find the right shoes.

4- Clean out the closets at the casa-- It has become dangerous to open some of the closets around here so they need to be cleaned out and organized. I don't want this place to be a contender for an episode of Hoarders, even though the 2 year old is definitely in the running with all that I find in her bed.

5- Eat healthy, exercise more, blah, blah, blah-- You know the usual stuff.

Wishing y'all a healthy and happy 2011!!!

Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 01:59:00 +0000

Oh my goodness I love this. A friend of mine introduced me to this years ago and I had forgotten all about it until I saw Tide You Over Tuesday this week. Check out the recipe for Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips here.

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Bunco Belle) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:57:00 +0000

I love the way Cinnamon Applesauce ornaments smell. These would be good to use to decorate gifts and to give as gifts. They are also easy enough that the kids can help make them. I don't think we will get around to making any this year, but these would be fun to do next year.