Sprucing up on a budget is not always an easy thing to do, that's why I like to head to one of my local Walmart's first. Walmart is a store that is jam packed with all kinds of stuff that could help in redecorating a room. From Paint to Furniture, Walmart has it all, plus they are all over the US so you can probably find one near you.
Bakersfield has three Walmart's but my favorite Walmart is on Rosedale Highway. It's usually clean and tidy and I've *almost* always been treated nicely there and been helped when I needed it. I've bought paint, towels, fabric, fake/real flowers, bookshelves, wallpaper border, light fixtures and many other things. I've found that the prices are often the best in town on what I need. When we go in, my family is always greeted right away, and upon our departure, we get a good-bye and my kids 99 percent of the time get those cute smiley face stickers.
One of the best things about Walmart is that they have layaway so if you are redecorating but can't afford it all at once, why not put it on layaway? You can also have more then one layaway so if you need to put different things on layaway at different times, you can. You can't put large items on layaway but stuff like towels, curtains, bedding and so on, you can!
If you need to return something, the process is quick and easy. Worried because you don't have a receipt? No problem! You can return up to two things a year with no receipt.
Tips on shopping at Walmart:
1. Go early to find the best parking and beat the crowds, ESPECIALLY on the weekends.
2. Don't see any close parking by the front door? Try parking by the Garden Center. I always find something close when I go over to that area.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it. Walmart wants your business and will help you find what you're looking for.
4. Have kids? If so, make sure they are fed and not tired, otherwise your shopping trip could be very stressful and you could leave without everything you need.
To escape the heat and crowds, you can shop from the comfort of you own home at http://www.walmart.com/ .
Walmart has some furniture for the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, office and more! http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=103150
If you're going to decorate a child's room, here are some ideas that I got, just from looking at Walmart's ONLINE selection:
South Shore Marina Mates Bed http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3629703 This is a twin size bed that has 3 drawers on the bottom that would be perfect for your child's toys, clothes or books! $109.36
South Shore Marina Headboard Bookcase http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3629704 goes along with the bed noted above. Your child could put their most precious book, toys or decorations so that it would be close them while they are sleeping. $58.74
South Shore Marina 5 drawer chest http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3629701 comes with interchangeable doorknob colors so that your child can pick which one they like best. Looks to be pretty roomy for your child's clothes. $88.36
Little Tikes Mission Design Double-Sided Wood Easel http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2037557 Is your child a budding artist? Why not get them this fun item. It's a blackboard on one side and a dry erase on the other & has magnetic clips to hold the paper. $89.64
Kidcraft Apsen Table and Chair Set http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4200608 You can pick what color you want. $79.86
Spongebob Squarepants Toy Chest http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4231501 I definitely want to buy one of these soon. I know that my kids would ADORE it and it would help making clean fun (well hopefully anyway!). $29.42
Spongebob Squarepants Toy Organizer http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2385837 This is another adorable addition for your child's room. It comes with nine plastic bins that come in yellow and blue, so your child will have plenty of room to put away his/her toys! $29.87
Spongebob Squarepants Rug http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4245655 Spongebob and Patrick in a pillow fight! A fun addition to your child's room. $16.88
Spongebob Popup Hamper http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4631121 Your children's dirty clothes can look fun if they're in this Spongebob hamper! $9.88
Walmart Online has many other things of course. If you have a girl, they have Dora, Brats and much more.
Walmart has some cute toddler beds, this one looks AWESOME for kids! http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3342142
If you're going to do some research on Walmart online, http://www.walmart.com/ , why not stop by the free sample section? http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Free-Samples.aspx This budget friendly Mom knows that free samples can come in handy, especially if you're on a budget!
Other recommendations:
If you like shopping at Walmart, then you may want to try:
Target http://www.target.com/ See my review here: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284655/
Big Lots: http://www.biglots.com/ See my reviews here: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/285520/ & http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/285528/ & http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/285524/
K-mart http://www.kmart.com/home.jsp See my review here: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/8/443506/
Decorating doesn't mean you only have to purchase new! You can get furniture, linens and more at thrift stores!
Rad: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284562/ Go on Saturdays when everything is 30 to 50 percent off!
Goodwill: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284577/ & http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284478/
If you need tips on decorating, go online to HGTV http://www.hgtv.com/ Or watch HGTV on TV. I watch it often and get ideas all the time!
You can also go to the library to check out books on decorating and for do it yourself building. Beale Memorial Library http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284692/ & http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284687/
Do you want to decorate in something that is no longer available for sale? Try eBay http://www.ebay.com/ My review: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/285581/
Stumped for ideas? Google http://www.google.com/ will come up with many pages of information if you type in stuff like decorating help/tips/information etc. My review of Google can be found here: http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/285554/
And of course, after that that decorating, you'll be hungry! Here is my favorite Bakersfield restaurant: Bill Lee's http://www.judysbook.com/members/34347/posts/2006/3/284577/
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