Decorating with Bed Bath and Beyond

For me, decorating is not so much planned as inspired. I don’t hunt endlessly for the right bookends or go from store to store with a swatch to match my sheets and curtains to. Instead, I browse and lay in wait for the perfect piece to jump out at me. It’s more of the gathering approach versus hunting.

One of my favorite locations for doing this is Bed Bath and Beyond—it is unlike any other store, with an eclectic range of gadgets, décor and nic nacs. When I’m there, and this works the same way online, I particularly enjoy wandering the Home Décor area where I tend to find things I had no idea I needed—but quickly discover I cannot live without.

I go especially crazy for the little things: Yankee Candles, diffusers, clocks, etc. The last time I was there I purchase a beautiful carved wood table-topper, meant to resemble an ancient Eastern medallion, carved from mahogany. My husband thought it was a little silly when I said I had to have it at for $14.99; he has trouble appreciating purely decorative things. But the next day, after seeing it on the table in our entryway, beside a few candles and below a great mirror, he complimented it.

Of course every once in a while a larger item catches my eye. Like the Cast Iron Bird Fireplace Screen I purchased last winter. We needed a fireplace screen for practical reasons, but I was convinced that there must be a more decorative, extravagant option available in our price range. Sure enough, I found it at Bed Bath and Beyond. The design features birds lounging on branches, and before a fire it’s just stunning. Now the $149.99 price tag isn’t the kind of purchase we make on a daily basis, but with the quality of the item, the beauty it provides my home and with Bed Bath and Beyond coupons—it was worth it.

I don’t want you thinking that I drag my husband out shopping all the time—actually it’s normally the other way around. You see, he’s the master chef in our family and he goes absolutely coo coo for the Kitchen department at Bed Bath and Beyond. He has previously purchased: timers, silicone spatulas, a nut chopper, an apple corer, specialized thermometers, and a gravy separator…it goes on and on. I don’t mind it because he always uses Bed Bath and Beyond coupons to save one all his gadgets.

At the moment, he has his eye on the Food Pod Silicone Food Vessel—a contraption that looks very much like a little yellow alien, but in fact is a steamer/strainer. You can place any food items you with to boil or steam into the silicone pouch-like ball, which has holes for water and steam to enter and exit. You place it directly in the water and use the antenna to hook it to the side of your pot! Whether you’re making noodles or hard boiled eggs, finishing the process is a synch. I’m just hoping he can hold out until Christmas without this adorably handy device.

That still doesn’t cover the Bedding, Lighting, Bath, Storage, or Electronics Departments—not to mention all the other neat little items you just have to have once you discover them. With Bed Bath and Beyond Coupons decorating your home and making it an enjoyable place to live is simple and affordable.

What to Expect

For a long time now Kohl’s has been my go-to store. In high school I discovered, and fell in love with their junior’s department. Back then I was all about MUDD, Levi’s and Unionbay—and Angels were my favorite brand of jeans because they came in so many embellished styles with rhinestones, sparkles and funky stitching.

My style has changed since then, it was a strange day when I first wondered towards the women’s section and discovered a new love for SimplyVera denim, although I still rely on Levi’s for a great fit too. As my figure and tastes have changed shopping at Kohl’s remains fruitful.

Where I once preferred camouflage pants with a long purple hoodie—Kohl’s junior’s—now I prefer an elegant wrap dress with a neutral cardigan—Kohl’s women’s. My look is completely different, but it’s nice knowing that I can come back to the same spot and find what I want right now.

I also shop Kohl’s for my work-wear, and what’s really strange—so does my mom! But the selection is wide enough that we both come out looking elegant, put together, and age-appropriate.

Another area in Kohl’s I’ve discovered since high school is the Kitchen & Dining Department. They carry amazing products designed by all of my favorite chefs from the Food Network as well as a million gadgets from KitchenAid. I love exploring and finding new kitchenware I never knew I needed.

And don’t forget the bath and bedding. I’ve looked at every store imaginable and Kohl’s carries the highest thread-count cotton sheets, at affordable prices and in a million different colors. The same goes for towels. It’s so easy to decorate a home when you can mix and match from so many options.

When the holidays roll around I not only rely on Kohl’s for gifts, they seem to have something for everyone, but also my seasonal décor. They always have elegant ornaments and classic, as opposed to cheesy, Christmas decorations.

If there’s one thing Kohl’s is famous for…it’s sales! It seems like at least one department is always on sale. When you combine the already low prices with the Kohl’s coupons from ShopAtHome.com—and the cash back on every purchase—you can’t beat Kohl’s!

Submitted by Ann Marie from ShopAtHome.com.

Easy Entertaining

Kroger is the grocery store store that I've relied on for my weekly groceries for years...but I never thought of them when I was having company over--which just seems crazy now. I used to go to restaurants and purchase expensive hou d'oeuvres and then have to go to a liquor store for my wine--that I had to choose with very little help.

One day it dawned on me...I was at the store, doing my regular shopping and already thinking about a dinner party I was planning for the following Saturday. Suddenly, I saw a woman carrying a large tray away from the deli area. I was close enough to peek--the tray was decked with olives, pita, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, stuffed grape leaves and hummus! It was gorgeous, and I knew right away I had to have it for my party.

I went to the counter to ask about the tray and learned that it was a steal compared to what I had been getting from restaurants! I told the gentleman at the counter I would be ordering one for Friday and he was kind enough to fill me in on a little secret--he told me to check ShopAtHome.com for Kroger coupons before ordering! He asked if I would need anything else and I told him what I had in mind for the party. The gentleman from Kroger also recommended the Mediterranean Platter, to compliment the one I would already be ordering--which includes crostini, tapenade, hummus (you can't have too much hummus) and bruschetta!

Next he told me about the online Wine Pairing Tool...it is a device on Kroger's site that recommends what type of wine would be good with whatever it is you happen to be serving!I searched under vegetarian, then garlic and tomato and discovered that Merlot was the best bet for all of my Mediterranean flavors!

After visiting ShopAtHome.com for coupons and Kroger's site for useful tips, I realized that I was saving enough money on everything else...I could buy a cake too! So when I put in my reservation for platters I also ordered an Italian Creme Cake, which I knew would finish off the Mediterranean platter perfectly!

The next time I entertain I might go with the Fiesta Dip and Chips and have a Fiesta! Or I might pair the Deviled Eggs Platter with the Spinach Dip Basket, a very large bread bowl filled with creamy dip! Either way, I know it will be simple and convenient for me to pick up right when I need them ...and so inexpensive!

Submitted by Ann Marie from ShopAtHome.com

In the Bag

It's Saturday afternoon, you're headed for the grocery store with the usual weekly dilemma--how to plan a week in advance for a family of 3-5? Without fail, when I do a week's worth of shopping in one day I always manage to forget the one crucial item that prevents me from making several of the fabulous--or dismal--meals I had planned in my head.

Luckily I have discovered an alternative solution. When I am pressed for planning time, feeling less than creative, or just don't want to bother making my own grocery list, I rely on Kraft 1 Bag 5 Dinners. Visit Kraft's website and you'll find there are many options, so you won't be rotating the same 5 meals each week.

It's as simple as click and print. Choose an appetizing week, and they all are, and print the list with recipes. Before you go to the store, make sure you're not already stocked up--many of the ingredients tend to be handy to have around anyway. Then head for the store and pick up what you don't have...done!

Last week I did the Chicken & Seafood Bag: Monday was Delicious Broccoli-Cheddar Chicken Bundles; Tuesday we ate Cheesy Shrimp and Rice; for Wednesday we had Toasted Tuna Melts; Thursday was Creamy Chicken Pasta Toss; Friday they always suggest an easy open and your done meal, like Mac & Cheese or a frozen pizza--which I agree with!

The lists are always short and affordable. My shopping list was composed of 15 items, several of which I already had--like Miracle Whip--others were familiar reliable products I have trusted for years--like Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Kraft Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Oscar Meyer Bacon and Shake'n Bake--and the rest of the list included produce, to keep my family healthy and eating right.

Sometimes when I am feeling a little more creative--but not entirely--I'll mix and match meals or search Kraft's site for different ideas. Doing this I have found lunch and breakfast ideas too! I have found recipes for breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches and ideas for ways to make boring old pancakes exciting--like the Dutch Boy Pancake recipe I made last Sunday, it's an oven-baked pancake topped with fruit and cream cheese sauce!

Kraft Foods makes my week so much easier by removing the stress of planning for what I will make a week ahead. Their ideas are healthy and affordable--plus, when I go to their store page at ShopAtHome.com I get extra savings with Kraft coupons for most of my grocery list!

Submitted by Ann Marie from ShopAtHome.com

Breakfast All Day!

Sometimes, you just need pancakes...at 7 o'clock at night. Breakfast is irresistibly craveable. There are few foods that when I think about them long enough, I can literally smell them cooking...like bacon or sausage. And then I think about Pancakes, waffles, French Toast with orange juice and coffee. Yum!

IHOP is my favorite place to go to satiate my breakfast cravings. Their menu is extremely affordable and offers a wide variety of breakfast goodies. When I need pancakes...and I mean need, I can choose between blueberry, strawberry with banana, chocolate chip! If I feel like being healthy, which is doubtful, they have the Harvest Grain 'N Nut Pancakes served with blueberries or apples in cinnamon. And i have to mention the Pumpkin Pancakes that I look forward to arriving every fall!

Sometimes I have to have French Toast, and their basic version dusted with powdered sugar is always amazing... but if that's not enough I can get raisin French Toast, stuffed with cream cheese. Or I can get them unstuffed and topped with strawberries and whipped cream. The Belgian Waffles are noteworthy as well...also topped with fruit and cream.

When i want a little bit of everything I rely on IHOP's Signature Favorites. The Breakfast Sampler provides pancakes, bacon, sausage, ham, eggs and hash browns. The 'Rooty Tooty Fresh 'n Fruity is the same plus fruit and cream on top of the pancakes. My favorite, when I'm feeling indecisive is the 'Split Decision Breakfast--two eggs, two crispy bacon strips, tow sausage links, two pieces of French Toast AND two buttermilk pancakes!!

If you're not a sweet breakfast person, IHOP has a million omelet options! There's the Hearty ham & Cheese, which describes itself, the Chicken Fajita, the Spinach and Mushroom, the Garden Omelet, and the Colorado which is a meat lover's delight with bacon, sausage, beef, ham, onions, peppers and cheddar! Or build your own Omelet with a wide selection of ingredient to choose from.

If you need a heartier breakfast there's always the T-Bone Steak & Eggs served with pancakes or the Big Country Fried Steak & Eggs, substitute chicken if you prefer, smothered in gravy and served with pancakes. There's also the Thick-Cut Bone-In Ham & Eggs if beef's not your thing, served with hash browns and--of course--pancakes.

Every once in a while I run into a person who doesn't share my fondness for all things breakfast; I assume it's for people like these that IHOP bothers serving Cheeseburgers and Chicken Strips--but there you go, they have them.

I almost failed to mention the crepes! Available in sweet or savory; French, Swedish or German styles; the crepes are amazing! I go here enough that I have discovered ways to make the affordable menu downright cheap! Before you go, visit ShopAtHome.com for IHOP coupons and enjoy!

Submitted by Ann Marie from ShopAtHome.com

The Only way to Travel

I used to spend a lot of money going to travel agent when I vacationed. When I realized how much money I was wasting, I started booking my vacations myself online. So instead I was wasting a ton of time planning my vacations, rather than money. Recently I discovered a new way to travel, that's much more exciting, incredibly affordable and takes no time at all!

I've started impulsively booking trips on Expedia.com...I know, that sounds ridiculous, but it's actually great. When I have vacation time coming up I start scanning Expedia's site. The Deals & Offers Page will allow you to search for the perfect vacation. Try the Featured Deals, for example, and you'll find amazing vacation packages. You can even narrow down the options there by activity. Imagine if you know what you want to do on your vacation, but not where. Why not try out somewhere new?

With Expedia, you can search for road-trip destinations--by how much of one gas tank you'd like to use getting there. If you're looking for something bigger...search the all-inclusive resort packages! Expedia will help you find the perfect resort location, whether you're looking for special activities or spa services.

If you're feeling especially adventurous, search Expedia's Last Minute Deals. You can get amazing deals when hotels want to fill empty rooms...I just found hotel rooms in Las Vegas for $30! Search flights leaving from your area...I found a round trip flight to Vegas for $200. Together, that means you could take a two-week vacation in Las Vegas for around $600! That's amazing!

Expedia also offers a special service for business travel. Hotels recommended with professionals in mind...usually located conveniently close to the airport, with features like free shuttle services and Internet access. They have special offers on car rentals for professional travelers too, rent a car in Chicago for $50 a day, or in L.A. for $30!

Maybe Expedia is so easy to use because it was originally created by the brainiacs at Microsoft. It's the original online vacation planner and the most reliable. they offer flights, packages, and deals all over the world. No matter where you want to go, Expedia can get you there for less. Stop by the Expedia store page at ShopAtHome.com for extra deals with Expedia coupons. Plus, when you shop Expedia through ShopAtHome.com you get cash back!

Submitted by Ann Marie from ShopAtHome.com

Build Your Own Skateboard and Skate Away with a Deal!

Not only does Zumiez offer clothing and accessories that are sure to fit both you and your style, but they are also 100% customizable when it comes to skateboards. Through the ‘Design your Own complete’ program, customers can go through a simulated online shopping experience and create their own skateboard. Starting with the deck and ending with grip tape, skaters can feel like a pro in their next skateboard purchase.

With a skater bro stepping you through the process in the skate shop atmosphere of a website, you get to mix and match your board together. It really makes it fun to design a skateboard around your specific needs.

If you are specifically interested in the Platinum option through this program, check out this Zumiez Coupon that will get you $30 off! Hurry up though because it ends August 31st! I went all the way through the Zumiez online board shop and built my custom board and even without the coupon they said I was still saving $20. Getting $50 off on any board these days is hard enough, let alone one that you can pick and choose from.

It’s not just about skateboards at Zumiez. They are most known for their trendy and stylistic clothing. Right now they have a bunch of deals going on for their back to school sale. So whether you are a middle school champ or hitting the lecture halls in college, Zumiez will have you going back to classes in style.

They have some great packaged deals going on. You can get 3 tees and 2 pair of jeans for $85, 2 tees for $25, 2 denims for $60, and the homerun of 3 tees + 2 Emypre jeans + 1 vans shoe for $125. This is a very creative way to get you in some new threads for a low price. Knock that price back even more with this Zumiez Coupon and have plenty of extra lunch money.

Zumiez is the place to be for cool clothing and skateboard gear. Take advantage of these opportunities right at your fingertips and save today!