Budget Blunders and Bad Ass Buys!

I haven't been near my computer since the big move last weekend.  To say that my computer is slow is an understatement.  Today it seems less cranky so I am going to attempt a post.  I just can't wait to get my income tax return so I can get the new computer that I so desperately need. 

Things are coming along pretty well here.  I haven't got nearly as much done as I had hoped at this point but I am happy.  A little while back I had mentioned that I wanted to decorate/furnish my new place for under $500...let's just say that ain't gonna happen. 

With $313.55  remaining in my budget I felt fairly sure that I could finish what I needed to do within budget.  However I didn't take into account that I would have to use three coats of paint on every single wall of my entire place.  I also had to purchase a sofa and chair, blinds (which I ended up measuring wrong and ended up being 1/4" too narrow...so I may have to re-purchase them if I can't come up with a creative hanging solution...what a colossal waste of money!). 

$313.55-$300ish (paint)= $13.55

$13.55-$250.00(sofa and chair)= $-236.45
I ended up getting a second hand Ikea Ektorp sofa and chair.  The sofa was extra grungy but after a few washes most of the grime came out.  The whole reason I bought these two pieces is the removeable, washable slipcovers.  Ikea still sells these sofas and chairs so I hope to replace the black and white striped "tea towel" sofa cover with a plain white one and it will look as good as new.  I think I will keep the floral chair cover as is.

$-236.45-$100ish(blinds)= $-336.45
(ugly cheap white roller blinds, not worthy of a photo)

My thrifted gem of the week is this telephone table.  It doesn't look like much right now but I have faith that I can turn it into a great piece.  I have to try to remove some of the rust from the metal (any idea of how to do this?), reupholster that butt ugly seat, and replace that cardboard fake wood looking junk that is serving as the table top.  The best part of it all is Sally Ann was having a 50% off all furniture sale so this beaut was marked down from a whopping $5.00 to a measly $2.50!  Soooo even if it is not repairable it won't break the bank.

$-336.45-$2.50=$-338.95

Sooo new plan.  New budget = $1000.00

$1000- $838.95= $161.05 remaining in budget which is great because I still need art and and window coverings!