It’s summer and the weather is nice and while the travel bug may bite, most of us can’t afford the soaring costs that  that entails. So what’s a person on a budget to do? Entertain your friends, of course!

We used to have lots of house parties at our place. I loved to pick themes since it’s a great way to maximize your budget while looking like you did or spent a ton! We had a toga party one year (regular old bed sheets are the key for dressing the part) and a tropical party and a pajama party and our friends had an 80’s cartoon party! The themes are seemingly endless and fairly easy to make your pad (even the tiniest) look fab!

For our tropical themed party we put a big fishing net on the table and made a lovely tropical punch (check out recipes: www.foodtv.com or www.allrecipes.com) in a big bowl. We had both an alcoholic and virgin one so guests could choose to imbibe if they felt so inclined while leaving out those all-important designated drivers (always have an option!). Finding the right music mix is so easy now, too with all of the online music resources available today (we didn’t have iTunes yet when we threw our parties…just my mix tapes). Check out other people’s recommended playlists on sites like www.lala.com (can listen to entire songs once for free!!!) and of ocurse iTunes!

Then of course you must entertain your guests! I know, it’s not all tiki mugs and paper umbrellas…you have to DO something, too! But hey, this bargain huntress has got your back! I found a fatastic sale over at www.perpetualkid.com (prices do not include shipping). Here’s stuff you and your crew may get a kick out of:

The Headcase Water Game $6.79                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3645 Yes! It’s what it looks like: you strap a bucket to your head and try to catch water balloons (crumpled paper might be nicer) in the bucket! Fun!

 Answer Me Buddha $9.99                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1670 Similar to the classic “Magic 8 Ball” you ask the Buddha a question and receive one of twenty responses. Good times!

 Pirate Shoot! $29.15                                                                   http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2326 Not the cheapest of the bunch, but it does look like fun! Carnival style! Comes with some semi-high tech features like LCD scoreboard and more! Just think how fun this will be when you’re all hopped up on that tropical “punch”?!

Hello My Name Is…coasters! $5.99                                                 http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=827 Not the best price for disposable coasters, but that’s because these aren’t disposable! They’re reusable and therefore a great value! No more mixing up who’s drink belongs to whom…write your name on a coaster and stick your drink on it! Perfecto!

Beach Break Mini Executive Sandbox $6.75                                                      http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1042 Cute mini sandbox to entertain your friends or just as a great decoration!

Desktop Swin Ball $6.79                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1548 Again I have to admit that this looks like it’d be more fun when your guests are a little on the buzzed side of things. Just like the teather ball of ye olde playground, this smaller version is great for small spaces and you entertain two people at once!

 Snap A Party $8.45                                                                               http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2100 DIY place settings for your guests! Very cool idea! It reminds me of the toys I’d get in the 80’s when you’d have to snap out all of the pieces from the frames. Retro fun for everyone!

Strawz $8.99                                                                                          http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2643 I know my friends could think of a few games using these fun “strawz”! Construct your own fun with these fun drinking devices!

 Fiki Basketball #3.95                                                                         http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1923 Includes a genuine leather basketball for your flickin’ fun! I love the idea of this little tabletop game! Again, I always keep small spaces in mind! I can picture some hot 1 on 1 competition with this little guy at your party!

Glow Bangles $4.45                                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3452 So 80’s and so fun! A friend had these at their Halloween party a couple years ago and we had a blast turning off the lights and playing with these fun bangles! (Note: trying to take pictures of glow bangles in the dark is fun, but difficult! Ha-ha!)

 Diagnose Your Nuerosis & Yes, You’re Probably Dying $4.95 http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3486 & http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3485 Because nothing says partytime fun like diagnosing your friend’s neurosis and what they’ll die from! These fun spinner style games will break the ice or at least create some hilarious conversations!

Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver $24.99                          http://www.target.com/Hamilton-Beach-Snowman-Ice-Shaver/dp/B00008IH9N/sr=1-5/qid=1247079300/ref=sr_1_5/185-8558651-3085253?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Asno%20cone&page=1 Just think of all of the drinks you could make with this bad boy on your side! I’m thinking margaritas or even classic sno cones! You could even use this at kid’s birthday parties! I love the value of this super reusable and fun appliance!

So, what’s the point to all of this? You get to have a blast and not kill your budget and not even leave your house! Rad, right?! Sure you could hit the local party store and spend a fortune on balloons and streamers, but in the end you’ll be glad you didn’t! When you can get fun and unique items like these online, why waste the gas?

Like what you see? Have another idea? Did you buy one of these items? Let me know about it by commenting! I’d love to hear your own party tips and tricks for summer time fun!

1.) Sunpentown SF-610 Portable Air Conditioner: Price Range: $68.99 – $129.99 That’s right! A PORTABLE and affordable air conditioner! For those who live in hot-summer climates and don’t have a built-in AC this is a great way to beat the heat withough killing your savings! As your loyal bargain huntress I would advise that you comparison shop either online or at your nearest supplier of such goods. Remember the golden rule of bargain hunting: Knowing EXACTLY what you want always pays off! (Brand and model names are important.)

2.) Summer Sale: www.ikea.com (Until July 19th!) Okay, I know this isn’t a product per se, but where else can you get almost everything you need for your home (be it studio, flat, condo or other dwelling) at such great prices?! It’s true that not all Ikea products are built to last, but you can find many classic items constructed of solid wood or other materials that will last many years. And sometimes overall style or function wins out! Check out this blog: www.ikeahacker.blogspot.com for tons of ideas and projects on how to use Ikea’s products in unexpected ways! (Often even improving their original functionality!). We love our bench with storage underneath! It creates seating as well as a classy way to cut the clutter! (Sorry, can’t find the exact one we have on the site.) I will say that our two BILLY bookcases have proved to be major space savers since they hold so many books (and videos and chotckys and you name it). I know so many people who own one or two or three!

3.) Expandable Dining Tables! My husband and I have lived in the same 650 square foot apartment for ten years! Yes, it’s difficult and it sometimes feels like the walls are closing in, but we’ve also managed to cut costs and save space by looking for things that work for us on a day-to-day basis as well as when we entertain. We had an old K-Mart dining table set that was mostly particle board and painted aluminum. The table was always too big for our tiny kitchen/dining combo and never looked great either. When we finally decided to look for a new table I knew exactly what I wanted, but wasn’t sure it existed! Because we had no room for storing table leaves (those panels that slide into the middle of an expandable table to make it larger) I wanted one that had the leaves built in. We found the perfect one for around $250 (I know, not cheap, but not too pricey either) at a local furniture store (sorry not online). It’s made of solid wood and has two leaves that slide under the actual table top (which is tiled). While the tile top makes it heavy, it also makes for easy cleaning and no worries about scratches and gouges. I love it! It’s one of the few pieces in our tiny apartment that I love and we use everyday! We can bring it out into the living room for dinner parties (cramped as they may be) or leave it in the kitchen where it’s used as a computer desk. I’ve seen some that are round and have two round leaves that slide under the top as well as some with built-in bookshelves! There are many styles and only you will know what’s best for you!

4.) Platform or Low-profile bed frames! We made the mistake a few years ago of buying a big ‘ol modern sleigh bed! Woops! Yeah, it made our already teeny-tiny bedroom seem overwhelmed by this huge frame! We switched to a low platform style with drawers for storage underneath. The result? It’s like night and day! It’s opened up the room so much! There’s more room to walk (in front the sleigh style frame jutted outward) and it’s easier to get in and out of bed (we ditched our old box spring since none was now needed).

5.) The right sofa for your space! Okay, this is a little abstract I realize, but it’s important to have both the proper seating for whomever lives in the apartment as well as any guests you entertain. We made another classic mistake years ago when we purchase a huge sectional sofa for our living room. Ugh! What a nightmare! We got this three piece set for $1300 and it only lasted like a year or two! It was too big for our room and started to sag fairly quickly. The attached cushions made life difficult as they couldn’t be detached for cleaning and ended up ripping everytime someone sat down on one (from the saggyness). We now have the KLIPPAN sofa (black leather) from Ikea and I love it for it’s low profile and modern look. There’s many covers to choose from, too. So no one will have the same as yours. But you don’t have to go to Ikea! You can check out the web, find out what you want and then buy it! Always seek reviews of other people who’ve purchased the same item (check teh model name). I like this site quite a bit and will probably buy our next sofa here: http://www.homereserve.com/index.cfm classic looks and great prices! Also, check out your local Target store! I found a great little leather (not sure if it’s real actually) sectional that’s not too big and not too small (for my cafe):

What cool ways have you maximized your small space dwelling? I’d love to hear (and see pics) of what’s worked for you! Thanks for reading!  =0)

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I love her style: http://yumiyumiart.blogspot.com/

What have you discovered today?

Upcycling is sweeping the world and all those (crafty) along with it! And I say WOOT! To that!
To upcycle is to take something otherwise disposable or discarded and turn it into something better! While I have only ever made one upcycle project, I love what I have seen all over the web, the DIY network, HGTV and on my fave, www.etsy.com !
I encourage everyone to try an Upcycling project. It doesn’t have to be complicated or require many tools, it can be as simple as cutting up an old t-shirt or soda can. Below are my faves from the web:

Soda Bottle lamp (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/11/upcycle_art_diy.php ) Project info (https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/tetani/upcycleart/htmls/chandelier.html ) Does require some tools, but doesn’t look impossible, even for me!

Soda Bottle Flower Pin (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19393942 ) Super cute idea!

Polar Bears (art) made of cans (http://greenupgrader.com/4221/i-can-haz-recycled-can-art/ )Wow!

Dr Pepper Earrings (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=19660919 ) You know you could see a teenager pulling these off, no worries!

Record Bowl (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=19655660 ) I love these! I’ve seen them many times and I just love the concept.

Record clock (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=19658392 ) I love this, too. Another fine way to upcycle your unwanted/unusable records.

Wine Bottle Platter (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=19662604 ) I never would have thought of this; perfect conversational piece for a wine/cheese/cocktail party!

Wine Bottle Tumblers (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=19674085 ) My first concern was the edges, but this etsy seller took care of any sharp edges. Nice!

Cork Necklace (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=17992997 ) This is too cool! She ships them in test tubes, too!

Gift Card notebook (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=19650044 ) I always hate throwing away gift cards; now we don’t have to. Some have beautiful pictures on them, too!

Children’s Book Notebook/Journal (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=11726243 ) Adorable!

TV Dinner Notebook (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=14948809 ) Kitsch, anyone? I love it!

Telephone Wire Bracelets (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=18439662 ) My mom used to make these for me as a kid when the telephone guys would leave big old messes of white and purple wires behind. You’d never know they were discarded, they’re lovely.

Upcycled Crayons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=10743971 ) This is such a great idea! This way it’s much harder for toddlers to break them.

Upcycled Glitter Crayons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=19643263 ) Glitter is almost always a good idea!

Tape Measure Bracelet
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=19674238 )For when the ends die completely, your tape measure can live on in your wardrobe!

Band Flyer Envelopes (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=15530134 ) Genius! Band flyers are full of color, bold fonts and creativity! Win!

Crocheted t-shirt purse (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=14608298 ) I’ve seen many variations on this concept. It’s truly something you can have fun with!

Tie-Snap Bracelet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=14608298 ) Wow! I love this idea! Very chic, very eco-conscious and very cool!

Mint tin belt buckle (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_15&listing_id=19638882 ) Wow! Secret compartment, functionality and style!

Floppy disk pencil holder/box (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=18935772 ) For the chic geek in your life!

Seatbelt Wallet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=19467325 ) I like this, I bet it’s super durable!

Upcycled furniture/wall décor (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_19&listing_id=12124147 ) I’d seen stuff like this on “Design on a Dime” on the HGTV channel…I love it! It really brings warmth with all of the varied wood tones.

Upcycled Vanity/Dresser-Sink! (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=7580384 ) This is amazing and beautiful! So unique!

Soda Bottle Greenhouse (http://www.foammagazine.com/street-style/matix-upcycle-contest-winners/ ) If I had a yard, I’d sooo make one of these babies!

Soda Tab Lamp (http://casasugar.com/tags/upcycle ) Wow! So different, I love it!

Metal Hanger Laptop Stand (http://greenupgrader.com/5247/diy-laptop-stand-built-using-a-upcycled-coat-hanger/#more-5247 ) Not sure exactly how it works, but I love anything you can reuse hangers with! Let’s all please Mommy Dearest and get those metal hangers out of our closets all together!

The Ultimate: Coffee Stirrer Chandelier (http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/28/recycled-coffee-stirrer-lamps-from-touch-collective/ ) Just…WOW!!!
Have you ever upcycled something? Let us know what/how…include a picture! What did you think of this post? Comment!