Daily Savings From All You Magazine » House and Home Tips

Cost Plus World Market coupon: 10% off purchases

dailysavingsfromallyou — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:08:14 +0000

Shopping for a rug on a budget? From elaborate patterns to simple stripes, find bargains on a variety of floor coverings and save up to 50%, plus get free shipping!

Deal: 10% off at Cost Plus World Market

Coupon code: GBSMWEB

Expires: 3/31/10

ShareThis

Organizing toys on the cheap

dailysavingsfromallyou — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:50:48 +0000

I don’t know about you, but the organizational task I dread the most is wrangling my kids’ toys. Over the years they have accumulated a lot of playthings (mostly from grandparents, one particularly doting aunt and birthdays). Occasionally I weed out toys that are no longer age-appropriate, but still they seem to multiply. The result is a jumble of board games, one-piece-missing puzzles, half-done craft projects, headless dolls, a billion Lego pieces, and my personal nemesis—stuffed animals. Needless to say, my periodic meltdowns at the mess in our family room, where most of these toys reside, are now legendary in our household.

In researching ways to control toy chaos, I’ve found dozens of very expensive (and very cute) storage options. But I’m not interested in spending a lot of money on organizers. Instead I’m using a few frugally priced or FREE ways to whip our toys into shape:

* I love this bendy hamper, which holds about 25 of my daughter’s plush toys (scarily, only about half her collection). At $5, it’s a steal. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90182294

* Keeping game pieces and puzzles together is a challenge for my kids, even when there’s a sturdy box involved. So I wash and reuse the plastic insert bags that come in cereal and cracker boxes and use them to corral pieces within the box.

* In our house toys tend to magically migrate out of their storage spots, landing in the most peculiar places (like the Monopoly board I found behind the dryer). I’m all for letting my kids play creatively wherever they want…as long as the toys find their way back to where they belong. To aid this process, I bought one of these cute $10 totes (skipped the monogramming) and leave it near the stairs. At the end of the day my girls pick up the toys they’ve used, load them into the basket and carry them back to their proper place.

* All hail the mighty shoebox! Whether they once held Keds or stilettos, my family’s shoe boxes live another life as storage bins. Covering them with black-and-white newsprint gives them a pleasingly graphic and uniform look (plus, it’s a great kids’ art project). Into these eco-friendly catch-alls I’ve sorted little stuff like Lego pieces and those annoying plastic Pollys and My Little Ponys. (Sturdier shoeboxes work well for craft supplies, too.)

I’d love to hear your low- and no-cost toy organizing ideas—I’m currently trying to figure out how to store doll clothes!

Posted by Susan Spencer, executive editor

ShareThis

Freebies on tax prep, teeth whitening and more!

Melissa Fiorenza, Associate Editor — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:17:48 +0000

* Want whiter teeth? Try out Crest’s 3D Whitestrips for free, and get a brighter smile, fast!

* Snap up a free sample of AXE Shower Gel for men, courtesy of Sam’s Club. (But you don’t have to be a member!) Thanks for the tip, Money Saving Mom.

* If you’re a fan of Burt’s Bees products for lips, give their natural toothpastes a test drive. Sign up for a free sample here.

* Heyitsfree.net has the details about snagging a sample of Lever2000 soap, but heads up: you need a Costco ID member to get one.

* Bargain Briana posted a great reminder that free tax preparation is out there! Check out Turbo Tax, Tax Act, or H&R Block at Home

ShareThis

Exclusive! 15% off orders over $100 at Pacific Pillows

dailysavingsfromallyou — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:32 +0000

Wish you could hold on to that pampered feeling you get while staying at a hotel? Make your dream bed with the Pacific Pillows Hotel Bedding Collection, which offers a variety of pillows, comforters, sheets and more items from your favorite hotels.

Deal: Exclusive!15% Off $100+ @ Pacific Pillows

Code: SAVINGS15

Expires: 3/31/10

SEE MORE: Exclusive online coupon codes and dollar-savings offers!

ShareThis

Get 7% off orders over $35 at Organize.com

dailysavingsfromallyou — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:14:50 +0000

Curb impulsive shopping by turning a chaotic closet into a chic, organized boutique. Organize.com has the tools to whip your closet into shape, including clear shoeboxes with drawer pulls that provide easy access and allow you to see your shoe collection!

Deal: 7% Off $35+ @ Organize.com

Code: A9849

Expires: Unknown

SEE MORE: Exclusive online coupon codes and dollar-savings offers!

ShareThis

Organize pet items with labels

dailysavingsfromallyou — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:23:02 +0000

Dogs and cats provide tons of love, but they also require lots of stuff—toys, food, leashes, prescriptions, collars, vet records…the list goes on. Keep track of everything with a labelmaker. This way, you won’t lose supplies and waste money buying new items.

* Do you make your own pet food? Use a labeler to identify the meal, note thawing and cooking instructions and post the date it was frozen.

* Put toys, doggie sweaters, leashes, collars and other accessories that you don’t use regularly in storage boxes. Use your labelmaker to mark the containers.

* Do you take food out of its original bag and store it in plastic containers? Note the expiration date on the box so you’ll use it up before it goes bad.

* If you send your dog to doggie day care, add a label with your name, phone number and your dog’s name inside the leash loop. This ensures that your dog’s leash comes home with him at the end of the day.

* Going away? Avoid mishaps by providing your pet sitter with detailed instructions. Label cans of food and your animal’s pill box so that your sitter gives the proper amount and adheres to any prescription directions.

* Label file folders to keep track of your pet’s license and registration information, adoption papers, medical records and insurance documents.

Posted by Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

Photo by alishaV, Flickr

ShareThis

Wrap it up!

dailysavingsfromallyou — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:36:25 +0000

Buying gifts is my favorite part of the season, but once that’s done I’m faced with my least favorite—wrapping them up! I always seem to wait until the last minute to get it all done and never have the right material. This year I will not slack! I’ve just ordered some great gift wrap, ribbons, and bags to put all my gifts in. Hopefully the fun patterns will help motivate me to get things done before Christmas morning. I’m sure all my recipients will be pleased with the wrapping jobs I do this year!

Gold Foil with Dolls gift wrap, $7; pier1.com

Martha Stewart bows, $3.59; kmart.com

Red Woodgrain gift wrap, $5.99; containerstore.com

Penquin gift bags, $2.50 and up; paper-source.com (pictured)

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Style Editor

ShareThis

Make your own pet potty area

dailysavingsfromallyou — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:25:20 +0000

Puppies, smaller dogs and senior pooches don’t always want to go outside to use the bathroom in cold weather—but you don’t want your canine relieving itself inside on the floor or carpet! Instead of purchasing scented pee pads or an expensive elimination unit, make a portable, indoor potty area for your dog. Place newspaper on a large sheet pan (around 18″ X 26″ X 1″), which you can purchase inexpensively at a discount kitchen supply store. Put the potty area in a place your dog can easily reach that is away from his food and water, possibly in a bathroom or the kitchen. Every day, replace the newspaper and wipe the tray with a wet paper towel and a mild dishwashing detergent. At least once a month, disinfectant the tray with hot water and bleach.

Posted by Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

ShareThis

Halloween Countdown: Clean up Halloween messes

dailysavingsfromallyou — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:32:55 +0000

Happy Halloween from All You!

Make sure to stay safe tonight and enjoy all the spooky festivities. For some post-Halloween clean-up, learn how to survive Halloween messes after all the haunting is over. Whether your front yard is covered in toilet paper or the leftover Halloween candy has made a mess of your coffee table, learn the best strategies for getting rid of the gunk.

Posted by Riley Tant, AllYou.com

ShareThis

Keep pet hair off your furniture

dailysavingsfromallyou — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:32:23 +0000

Do you love when your cat or dog curls up with you on the couch, but hate the hair she leaves behind? Here’s a simple, low-cost solution: Watch for home sales at department stores, and buy a few inexpensive placemats that match your furniture and décor. Place the mats on your cat or dog’s favorite place to sit (my cat’s most-loved spot: the couch arms). Pet hair and dirt will end up on the placemat, not your couch. (Just throw the mat in the washer when it gets grimy.)

Source: Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

ShareThis

Get fast (and friendly!) computer help!

dailysavingsfromallyou — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:34:48 +0000

Confused by a computer glitch? Interested in setting up a Facebook profile to connect with your kids? Need to back up your files—but don’t know how? The next time you encounter one of these situations—or hundreds of other technology questions—consider calling the FloH Club.

All You just met with Florence Henderson (America’s favorite TV mom, Carol Brady!) to talk about her new telephone-based technical support service for people who want affordably-priced, patient step-by-step help with their computers—without burying themselves in manuals or waiting lines. Visit flohclub.com to sign up for a one-time ($49.99), monthly ($24.99) or annual service ($249.99) for yourself or as a gift. Plus, whether or not you become a member, we recommend signing up for their free e-newsletter, which will arrive in your inbox chock full of helpful technology how-tos and tips.

Posted by Melissa Fiorenza and Emily Turnier, Associate Editors

Laptops for less than $850

Get school supplies and gadgets

ShareThis

Decorate with all that glitters

dailysavingsfromallyou — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:54:06 +0000

As featured in People magazine, Rebecca Romijn loves to use these glittery Super Balls for decorating and as a conversation piece. We found some similar ones from Pottery Barn Kids for only $6 each. Buy a few and add them in a decorative bowl on your coffee table and guests will be mesmerized by the glittery swirl. Kids will love playing with these, as well, and here’s an accent piece you won’t have to worry about breaking.

Posted by Riley Tant, AllYou.com

See also:

Save with these shopping tricks

Use smart shopping strategies

DIY Weekend: Try 10 affordable do-it-yourself projects

ShareThis

Decorate with baskets

dailysavingsfromallyou — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:34:39 +0000

Chances are, you’ve got a few on hand. In fact, in every home I’ve been in, I’ve spotted at least one of those ubiquitous catch-alls floating around, often not really being used. Why not put them to work? One of my favorite uses for baskets is to repurpose them as container gardens—just place plants right into the basket in waterproof containers. Tuck filler greenery into any empty spaces and you will have a taste of the outdoors, displayed with style, on the cheap! Don’t have a basket on hand? Check local flower and garden supply shops for inexpensive options, or visit www.jamaligardensupply.com.

I’ve also seen baskets used for filing, as display boxes, holding rolled up blankets in chilly weather… the uses are endless! What are your favorite uses?

Posted by Elizabeth Blake, Senior Style Editor

Give your bedroom an instant boost

Decorate objects with beautiful shells

ShareThis

Keep your sofas pet mess free

dailysavingsfromallyou — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:57:29 +0000

Pets offer many rewards, but the furry creatures take their toll on the furniture. Sure Fit has come up with a new solution to protect your sofa from pet hair and other messes. These large throws are attractive, machine washable, and affordable —less than $50! That’s a small price to pay to protect the investment you made in your couch. Now you don’t need to worry when your best friend jumps up and sits beside you to enjoy your favorite TV show.

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Style Editor

What’s the best pet care advice you’ve ever received?

Surprising ways to save on pet care

ShareThis

Support children in need with a solar power lamp

dailysavingsfromallyou — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:36:17 +0000

For every Sunnan lamp purchased in IKEA stores, IKEA will donate a Sunnan lamp to children in developing countries in conjunction with a UNICEF program. The lamp, which runs on solar cells, provides light for children who were previously unable to read, write and draw after sundown due to lack of electricity. The lamp retails for $19.99 and comes in five fun colors. Your whole family can not only enjoy this affordable, eco-friendly lamp, but also know that it supports children.

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Home Editor

ShareThis

Get the kids baking

dailysavingsfromallyou — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:31:41 +0000

I just saw this bakeware set for kids, and thought it was perfectly adorable—and it’s on sale! The 10-piece set comes with 4 different colorful silicone baking dishes, 4 cookie cutters, a rolling pin, a wooden spoon, all kid-sized , plus a recipe book! It costs $17, down from $25 (less than the price of two movie tickets). Perfect for those rainy-day “Mom, I’m bored!” moments. Log on here to get yours.

Posted by Beth Lipton, Food Editor

ShareThis

Get rid of any stain

dailysavingsfromallyou — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:21:04 +0000

Summertime is a time for barbecues, picnics and outdoor fun, but for me that fun comes at a price—blotches and spills all over my clothes. I always seem to get a glob of ketchup, a splatter of hamburger grease or dirt on my white shorts. But now Clorox has created a summer stain hotline for people like me. You call in 1-877-STAIN-411, press a number corresponding to type of stain (ranging from berries to sunscreen) and you’ll hear pre-recorded expert advice on how to banish it. For tougher laundry dilemmas, check out drlaundryblog.com. With all this terrific information, maybe my white shorts will last another season!

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Home Editor

ShareThis

Visit the brand-new allyou.com!

dailysavingsfromallyou — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:59:45 +0000

Have you checked out allyou.com lately? We’ve been working tirelessly to bring you a new and improved experience on the site. Yes, the design looks different and the site is easier to navigate, but what we’re most excited about is our new coupons.

We know you love clipping the coupons in All You magazine, so we’re giving you even more opportunity to save on our allyou.com. We’re now offering coupons that you’ll only find on allyou.com, such as high-value offerings from Snapple and Success Rice. In addition to these exclusives, you’ll find dozens of other coupons, just one click away from our home page.

Aside from our valuable coupons, the site is full of terrific tips and articles that help you save money, from inexpensive recipes to budget beauty ideas. Get started on our new site by checking out the Coupons and Deals page, watching some Supermarket Smarts videos and reading our guide to staying cool on the cheap this summer. Enjoy life for less, and enjoy the new allyou.com!

ShareThis

A living room makeover for less

dailysavingsfromallyou — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:54:48 +0000

Barbecue? Nope, the first thing I did this past weekend was tackle a project I’ve wanted to accomplish for a long time: paint my living room bookcases. I got them super cheap at a local Salvation Army, but they were a little blah and needed a coat of paint to brighten them up and give the living room a lighter look for summer. The best part is that it’s such an easy and affordable way to give furniture a new look: I spent just $32.57 buying supplies: a drop cloth, paint tray, paintbrush and two quarts of oil-based ivory paint. It took a lot of elbow grease (consider it your workout for the day!) but in the end, I think it was time and money very well spent! The room looks so much airier. See the after photo after the jump!

Posted by Elizabeth Blake, Senior Style Editor

ShareThis

Save on a summer party

dailysavingsfromallyou — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:41:19 +0000

Kmart has inspired me to host a summertime tea party this summer, with these great new home décor items that are on sale right now. Instead of doing hot tea, I’ll be serving an array of flavored iced teas (my favorite is peach!), accompanied with some cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, and biscuits with clotted cream. It’s hard to pass up a $4.99 tablecloth, $6.99 egg platter,and a $9.99 cake stand. Now I have a excuse to invite my girlfriends over to catch up and enjoy the warm weather.

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Home Editor

ShareThis