Good things come to those who wait!
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31636)
United States
May 6, 2009 2:38pm CST
Since I moved into my first house nearly two years ago, I've slowly made it my own. It was months before I got curtains for the miniblinds but I did finally find some that I really loved--lace curtains--and did 9 windows plus the 3 basement windows for about $50. I really wanted some curtain tie backs but they were $10-30 a set and there was no way I would spend that! I wound up wrapping ribbon around shower curtain rings and pulling the curtains through them. It looked nice.
But when I was in Walmart getting dog and cat food a few days ago I noticed rack marked $2. That ALWAYS attracts me! Guess what? They were curtain tie backs!! I did 7 windows for $14!
If you need tie backs, look in the curtain department at Walmart, this might be a nationwide clearing of stuff. I'm so pleased that I waited! I saved $56-126.00!
4 people like this
17 responses
@wildcat48 (779)
• United States
6 May 09
Now that is what I call saving and a great deal and who doesn't love a great deal at the Clearance rack at some stores. It is a magnet for most of us. I know my daughter loves checking those shelves out first before shopping in case she finds good deal.
3 people like this
@wildcat48 (779)
• United States
6 May 09
With 8 kids one has to learn to be thrifty, but my daughter is by far more thriftier then me. She says why pay full price when things are just as good on clearance,at thrift shops, and yard sales. In these days and times it pays to be thrifty..
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
7 May 09
Because of her thriftyness my daughter is a stay at home mom. Even in school she would say, Mom, lets go get some new jeans at the thrift shop. She said she liked them better because they were already soft.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
My boys always complained that I could see the word "clearance" for at least a mile! I always, always check the clearance shelves first and I always go with a list, no impulse buying for me. It's so much fun to get a good deal!
I'm glad you've taught your daughter to be a thrifty shopper!
I'm glad you've taught your daughter to be a thrifty shopper!2 people like this
@happythoughts (4109)
• United States
6 May 09
I try to wait for the things that are not necessary. My daughter is waiting for her window coverings right now. I have sewn some quick and easy drapes to block out the light and give her some privacy. She really needs blinds and drapes that match her decor but we wont be getting it until we have the cash for it and it is a great price. We worked hard to afford what we have and we will not be ruining that over a pair of drapes and bilnds.
Thank you.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
I know exactly what you mean. I went months without curtains till I saved up some then saw a fantastic sale. I didn't use all the money and saved it. When I saw these tie backs, I had been saving money for them and I had more than enough. The excess will go back in the savings jar!
I used to make curtains from pretty bedsheets I got at thrift shops. Very easy to do, and quick!
If everyone handled their money as you do, the nation wouldn't be in such a financial pickle right now. I hope you find a great deal for very little money when you're ready to get the blinds and drapes.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157545)
• United States
7 May 09
I think it is great to wait for just what you want. I also love the lure of the sale tags and can go browse forever and ever. I have made curtains and tie backs before. I can imagine using beads and things and really fancy ing them up. I am glad that you found what you wanted. And at a bargain, no less.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
I just got done installing the last two sets this evening. I'm so glad my son left the cordless drill here! I'm very patient, especially since the economy went to pot, and I'll wait and make do till I get what I want at a price I'm willing to pay!
I'm very patient, especially since the economy went to pot, and I'll wait and make do till I get what I want at a price I'm willing to pay!
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
7 May 09
It took us a while to change the curtains from those horrible thick ones that were in the living room to the nice panel ones we got from Sears and we had to get custom fit. We got venetian blinds for the kid's rooms and we had to replace all the single pane windows with E frame. Not only that we had to take out all the insulation from the basement because the former owner halved the insulation because he was too cheap. However could not do anything until my husband retired. So now we have the basement open, no insulation. Yes, and we shop at Sears.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
Sears has good merchandise, I like to shop there--especially when they have sales because I see clearance signs all over the place! That basement must be very cold in the winter, doesn't it chill your house?
Do you remember when venetian blinds had 2-3" slats? I loved those! You don't see them much anymore, all I ever see are those mini-blinds, which is what came with my house. (I made the former owner leave all the blinds and pay the closing costs!)
@deejean06 (1952)
• United States
6 May 09
Hi dragon...Congratulations on your new home! I too moved into my house after years of saving. I did get some things from walmart but most of my things were purchased at garage sales! I found so many good things at garage sales that I still have today. good luck to you!
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
Thank you! There are treasures at garage sales, some really nice things. If you're careful, people will think you bought everything brand new! I won't buy couches or chairs from garage sales, though, due to my insane phobia of cockroaches--they may be hiding in there, or have layed their eggs! 
I got a nice coffee table from one, though, and we have a second hand store here that has some wonderful stuff!
I got a nice coffee table from one, though, and we have a second hand store here that has some wonderful stuff!
@moondance61 (164)
•
6 May 09
Very well done. I love to hear stories like this, it really makes me believe in the fact that patience is a virtue and God or whoever, whatever is out there does reward us eventually. Though I must admit I am going to try the ribbon idea myself
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
Curtain rings are only a dollar for 12 or so. You can get nice ribbon from thrift stores or dollar stores, too. It doesn't take long to wrap it around the ring and if you leave the ends long enough, you can have either a bow or nice streamers on them. I opted for the streamers. They actually looked very pretty!
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 May 09
Well, searching the Clearance aisles of any store can really save you a lot of $$ when you are wanting to save some $$. Personally I Love the clearance aisles, and most of the time, that is one of the first areas I will check in a store to see what kind of bargains I might find there for sure. Glad to hear you were able to get what you were looking for.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 May 09
I love clearance aisles!! My boys complain that I can spot a clearance sign a mile away. Why not? It's always good to save money! And as they get older they are learning that, thank goodness.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
6 May 09
Wow! That is a great saving indeed, and don't you feel proud of your achievement? Knowing that you did it all yourself on your own! You should reward yourself for your achievement, we are so quick to be so damning and self-criticial on ourselves that we rarely if ever give ourselves a reward for doing something good! I bet you want to show them off now to others.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
I do want to show them off but unfortunately, I rarely have visitors. That's okay, though, because they make me feel so good. I love getting a bargain on something that I want--I didn't need them but sometimes I get so tired of making do with what I have. Now I don't have to, at least with my windows!
I love getting a bargain on something that I want--I didn't need them but sometimes I get so tired of making do with what I have. Now I don't have to, at least with my windows! 1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
7 May 09
You did get a good deal. I am always doing things to keep from having to pay stupid prices for things. I am glad that you have gotten what you were looking for.
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
7 May 09
It has been quite a ride. We are on IV antibiotics, his legs still bother him all the time. We went to the doctor today and some hardware in his back has broke. It was parts they put in to stablize things. They are just going to watch him and if he has to go back in for anything they will fix it, if not they are going to watch for problems like the rods shifting. I have just about hit my limit, I think. I am to the point that I would love to run away, even though I would never do that. It sure sounds good. Thanks so much for asking. I am not on here as much, as he keeps me quite busy.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
I'll keep you in my prayers. I have no idea what you're going through but imagining that happening to one of my children is terrifying and depressing. I'll be thinking of you and your family, hang in there!
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
The shocking thing is that it took nearly two years to get an item I wanted to make my house as I wanted it at the price I was willing to pay. Screws are pennies. Maybe $.08 for a set of two. The weight of metal is also inconsequential, especially when manufactured from my country.
I haven't heard from you for awhile, how's Bryan doing?
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
6 May 09
very nice! I need a new set of curtains for one of my windows in the living room but I won't have too much $ to spare for about 2 weeks, maybe earlier of hubby gets his "mandatory" overtime.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
I used to make curtains from bedsheets. I'd pick up a pretty used flat sheet at Goodwill or other thrift store, hem it and make a pocket at the top to put a rod through. I could have 2-4 sets for about $3! The lace curtains I have now are from Ollie's, whose motto is "good stuff cheap!". They get buyouts from other places and have some really good bargains. The only danger is buying good stuff cheap that you don't need! 
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
7 May 09
Thanks for reminding me. I had all the intentions to use the flat sheet from my girls bedding sets to make curtains. However I had the rod up had the sheets measured but never took it down to actually sew them. I used a scrunchie like a tie back for it and it was ok. I was hoping to get hubby to dig out my sewing machine so I could do it. But that never happened and the girls eventually ripped the rod down. YAY
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
7 May 09
What yo put in your account is fine and inspiring too but some time waiting is too long that by the time it comes your hand you see you have lost the interest and want it not any more. So though you have saved a lot but that would be equal if calculated with your want.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
Waiting for something is a good test to see if you really want it. Too often we want something so badly that a week later we wouldn't care about. By buying it right away, we waste money on something that leaves us wondering why we ever wanted it and regretting that we spent money on.
@smartjack (520)
• India
7 May 09
i do agree, but sometimes waiting too much is useless.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
Waiting a long time can be frustrating but at least you know it's something that you truly want and not an impulse. It's very nice to have these things that I've wanted for so long and getting them at such a bargain increases my pleasure.
@betsyhu (207)
• China
7 May 09
You are originality designer ! How to save money is my interesting topic, addition to search cheap commodity in flea market, i wanna do what i can do by hands. You know,if good-for-nothing be turned to useful efficiency by my hands, that's a very nice.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
You are right. I live by what my grandma always said--"Use it up, make it over, make do, or do without". Sometimes we need new things. I didn't need these tie backs but I've gotten so much pleasure from them and saved so much on their cost that I feel it was a very good buy!
@derlilaStern (1756)
• United States
7 May 09
I really liked the idea that you used before you found those tiebacks. I will have to remember that in case I ever need some!
I love Wal-mart for their curtain selection! I didnt do nearly as well as you, $2 each for the tie backs is awesome. I did buy several of my curtains there. I cant belive how much money some of the specialty stores want! It is just crazy!
This is a great example of how you can really save money if you wait and watch.
Congrats on making your home into what you want without spending a fortune!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
I really take pride in spending my money wisely while getting what I want and need. Walmart clearance helps!
I mentioned to someone else that I used to buy used bedsheets at thrift stores and make curtains out of them. They were very pretty, and so simple to make. I not only can't believe the prices of the specialty stores, I can't believe people actually pay the prices!!
I mentioned to someone else that I used to buy used bedsheets at thrift stores and make curtains out of them. They were very pretty, and so simple to make. I not only can't believe the prices of the specialty stores, I can't believe people actually pay the prices!! 
@smileonstar (4007)
• United States
6 May 09
yes, I find most of the stuff at WalMart too and they have so much stuff that I can afford. Love it
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
6 May 09
I don't really like shopping at a place that gets most of its stuff from China but I can't afford anything else! 
I especially love it when I find an item I've been wanting that's on clearance, like my tie backs!
I especially love it when I find an item I've been wanting that's on clearance, like my tie backs! 1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
7 May 09
I really like shopping on the internet because I love to get packages in the mail! Prices are great, too!
@kellyjeanne (1576)
• United States
6 May 09
Wow! What a deal! Good for you, dragon! It sounds like you're doing a great job in making that house your home. Thanks for the heads up on the deal at Walmart. Enjoy your new curtains with the tie backs!
Purrs,
Catwoman=^..^= & Mija
1 person likes this
