Peony Lane Designs

Well so far I have forgotten to scan A LOT of receipts. {{Sigh}} But! I only forgot to ask for one.

For this year I had earned $55 from Walgreens Balance Rewards so I’ve cashed in all but $5. That’s where I will begin next year’s balance.

My FetchRewards balance is at 1,868 points

Checkout 51 my balance is now $7.55

Ibotta my balance is now $1.05 (that’s just disappointing – I expected more on this one)

SavingsStar my balance is now $0.50

Coupons.com sent me $2.25 via PayPal immediately. I still have to figure out how I’m going to set that aside.

Receipt Hog I have 486 coins

Shopkick I have 591 points thanks to a delayed prescription

Ebates I have $6.32 thanks to some holiday Groupon shopping

MobieSave Nothing. I said not to expect too much from this one. I wasn’t kidding, I think this app is going the way of the Dodo bird

Not a bad start. Yes, I stumbled at the beginning but I’m getting better about asking for a receipt (so is my hubby by the way – I didn’t have to be a harpy for too long). If you coming along on this journey with me I’d love to hear from you! Post your comments below and let me know how you’re doing with your savings.

I am kicking myself sooooooo hard right now! I didn’t take a before picture of this one and I really wish I had because the transformation was amazing!

This is an actual watercolor I found at The Salvation Army. I did manage to get a picture of the price tag. Yep, $2.99 for a watercolor painting. Size 8×10. It’s the perfect little piece.

The only problem with it was the frame was a brassy gold that was chipping and the mat was brown. The brown really overwhelmed the painting. It also looked very 1980’s dated.

So I painted the mat (yes, you read that correctly. Didn’t know you could paint mats? It’s fine as long as you don’t paint the side that comes into contact with the art.) and the frame with Rustoleum 2X in flat white.

I’m still amazed at the transformation. The crisp, bright white really lets the beautiful colors of the painting shine. And now it looks completely updated.

I will be keeping an eye out for more prints/paintings that look dated because of there mats and frames.

Christmas for Free November Update

A Bright Idea