I know! They’re popping up everywhere: Terrariums! These little green garden delights are all the rage and it’s just too easy and cute not to get one for yourself!

From www.Wikipedia.com: Terrarium, simulating a dry habitat, for instance desert or savannah. A terrarium can also be formed to create a temperate woodland habitat. This can be created with pebbles, leaf litter, and soil. By misting the terrarium, a natural water cycle occurs within the environment by condensation forming on the lid causing precipitation. Plants suitable for this type of terrarium environment include moss and tree seedlings.

I bought a DIY kit from a seller on www.Etsy.com for my husband’s birthday and it was so easy to do! She sent me the kit and all I had to do was pick the receptacle (pretty glass container of some sort) and follow the simple instructions! And I even had enough moss and stuff left over to make one for myself! And I love it! It hasn’t died yet and maintenance is a cinch!

You see, I have always thought of myself as having a brown thumb (as in not green). We would even tell our houseplants they weren’t mine so they wouldn’t immediately jump ship and die. Sad, but true. I’ve lost many a beloved plant due to it’s realization that I was it’s caretaker. *sigh* I’ll never forget the gorgeous Hydrangea B’s mama had given me. It was blue with purplish tips and it had four big stalks with big balls of flowers…so lovely. Yeah, it died a slow and painful death. No matter what I did it only made it worse.

Are you terrible with plants? There is hope! Terrariums can be any size and the container options are truly endless! You can keep one on your desk at work, your home, or even around your neck or shoved in a book! Don’t believe me? Check it out:

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Or perhaps you’d prefer the more elegant approach?

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While most do have a woodland theme (my fave!) your accessorizing options are also open! Just think of a theme or message or just random cool little things and you’ve got the coolest DIY thingamajig around!

Let your imagination soar and be the envy of all your friends or officemates with these lush beauties! And did I mention how easy they are to care for? Just aspritz of water every few days and a bit of sunshine and that is it! However, not all terrariums are the same so please consult the seller or look up the type of moss you’re caring for online for actual care instructions.

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And if you still don’t trust yourself ot care for a living thing, they have “preserved” ones for you…no care required!

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I was quite impressed with these:

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I thought that they evoked more of a show piece vibe.

Do you own a terrarium? Have you made one? Let me know!!!

1.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27468365&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=6&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

2.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24764264&ref=sr_gallery_3&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=6&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

*3.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26192016&ref=sr_gallery_12&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title *Watch also requires no care as dried moss was used.

4.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26003299&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=14&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

5.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27424915&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=14&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

6.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25483591&ref=sr_gallery_15&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=14&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

7.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26462173&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=15&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

8.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27254065&ref=sr_gallery_11&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=16&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

9.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26301148&ref=sr_gallery_15&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

10.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26133454&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

11.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26124194&ref=sr_gallery_20&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=10&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

12.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27559626&ref=sr_gallery_14&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

13.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26919266&ref=sr_gallery_20&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

14.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25583141&ref=sr_gallery_13&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=12&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

15.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27182997&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=13&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

16.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27440160&ref=sr_gallery_17&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=13&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

17.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24659521&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=17&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

18.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27070654&ref=sr_gallery_16&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=17&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

19.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27148000&ref=sr_gallery_8&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=18&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

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)

Oh yes, Darlings, it’s true! I’ve accomplished what even I thought was the impossible this week!
My regular eBay excursions aside (the usual CD, make-up, clothes, etc…) I managed to snag some pretty fabu items and I am not above being f-ing proud of it, too!
You see, I’ve been coveting the iConvert from Brookstone for a long time…and I finally won an auction for a brand new one! What is it? Well, it’s just the sweetest thing I’ve seen in awhile. It’s an LP style turntable that allows you to listen through built-in speakers any of your old LP’s or 45’s. But, you can also listen to the radio AND best of all…you can convert any LP into an MP3! Holy hot damn! And if you know what I paid for it? Well, don’t hate me for my beautiful bargain hunting skills! Ha-ha!
My second fabu win (just an hour ago, actually) was for the Polaroid POGO photo printer. It’s an inkless, zinc printer that prints photos directly from your camera or cell either through a USB or bluetooth! And the photos are water proof and tear proof (or resistant, can’t remember all the details, now). These sell at Target and other such mainstream retailers for around $90-$100…got mine today for $32! Fuck yeah! I couldn’t believe it! 
So the key to these amazing buys was patience and knowledge. I knew exactly what I wanted and I was willing to wait and bid and wait and bid wait and bid and wait and bid wait and bid and wait and bid wait and bid and wait and bid wait and bid and wait and bid wait and bid and wait and bid and then I got exactly what I wanted and the exact price I wanted to pay. This works for everything (almost)!
I buy quite a bit of new clothes on eBay, too! Like name brand stuff and even regular Old Navy stuff, too! Shoes? Yep! I almost never pay retail for this stuff…why should anyone when you can get it so much cheaper? 
The other trick is sticking with your reasonable price (including shipping) and be willing to let an auction end even a few dollars more than your limit. It’s difficult, but hey, if you’re patient you’ll get it eventually! So, don’t sweat it! It is especially hard when you find something that is essential and rare and well, sometimes you end up spending more than you planned, but it is always your choice!
I’ve bought everything from a Wii to Clarks shoes and it’s worked out 98% of the time. I have only recently begun to hit some shitty sellers! ALWAYS CHECK THE SELLER’S FEEDBACK BEFORE BIDDING! I cannot stress that enough. Even then you could be feeling stuck with something that was either defective or incorrectly discribed. Not to worry though, if you pay through Paypal.com they’ve got your back (although I believe eBay will be taking that over shortly to make the process even smoother). You can file a dispute on anything you buy if the seller won’t work with you to resolve it another way. I’ve had some rad sellers totally understand and other who were complete and utter douche nozzles! Hey, it’s the real world, they’re out there!
What’s truly crazy is that I received an email from Paypal the other day congratulating me on making my 500th purchase using their site. Holy shit! That is an assload of eBaying! (okay, overstock and other retailers take paypal, too…but seriously I bet almost all of it was through eBay!)
I hope you all find some great bargains out there…and spread the word! Don’t keep your hunting tips a secret! And leave me a comment and let me know if you have tips, tricks or what you’re looking for out there in the big-bad retail world!  =0)