October 22, 2010
So, call us a little lazy. We rinse our dishes so well that they often look fit to return to the cupboard. However, we do not usually rinse our tea glasses or coffee mugs as thoroughly. Months of staining liquids dripping into the dishwasher left the appliance looking filthy all the time. The door and basin of the dishwasher were simply not coming clean.
I began feeling embarrassed about the condition of my dishes and flatware as well. The clean dishes were coming out cloudy, chalky, and covered in a gritty film. I would never want a guest to feel like the dishes they were eating off of were dirty!
My mother-in-law was coming to town...what's a better incentive to get this taken care of?!
I began doing some light research online, and discovered many people talking about the wonders of cleaning your dishwasher with "tang" or "kool aid." I didn't have either of those powdered drinks on hand, but I had some powdered gatorade. What's the difference, right? So, I tried the powdered gatorade on the "pots and pans" cycle. It sounded like a freight train was wooshing through my house, woke the baby, and didn't remove the stains. Awesome.
On a quick trip to Target, I decided to try and find some Tang and give it a try. Apparently, Target doesn't carry Tang. Who knew? My last option was to try kool-aid. I had nothing to lose, so I purchased two packets - tropical punch and lemonade. The more I thought about it, the more nervous I became about the tropical punch variety - who wants a pink dishwasher?! Not me! So I went with the lemonade variety, again on the pots and pans cycle. Again, lots of noise and no stain removal.
Now I'm pissed. Don't MAKE ME get on my hands and knees with a toothbrush! I was talking with my mother-in-law about my dishwashing woes. She said that she happened to have the same problem and recommended a very inexpensive solution. Lemi Shine. This product is carried at Wal-Mart and other grocery stores for around $3.50. Lemi Shine is a dishwasher cleaner and can be used in every wash, or on a regular basis for the removal of hard water and other mineral build-up that make your dishwasher dirty looking, and nasty acting.
I tried Lemi Shine, using the "4-8 hour soak" they recommend, and my dishwasher looks like new! My dishes are coming clean and there is no film.
A few things you might want to know:
1. I was ready to toss the dishwasher and get new if this didn't work, so I spent around $10 on a more expensive POWDER detergent, the Lemi Shine and a bottle of Jet Dry. Less expensive than new, I figure!
2. I learned in my research that liquid dishwashing detergent contains bleach that can weaken the seals of your dishwasher, shortening it's life. It also contains a material that makes it congeal - this material tends to make your dishes filmier looking.
Give Lemi Shine a try - you would spend $3.50 on nearly anything else without batting an eye, right?!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Eat up, y'all!
Monday, September 27, 2010
With a growing nuclear AND extended family, the decision was made that our kitchen table was no longer big enough. With an 11'x11' space to work with, our options were somewhat limited.
We knew that we normally only have two adults and a baby seated at our table, but we occasionally have the whole crew of 7 gathered 'round. I determined that a round table with a leave that extended to an oval would be the best solution for our space. However, round tables have the propencity to look a bit country-kitchen-like, and that is not my taste, nor would that style look good in our home.
I am a huge fan of World Market and have been for some time. We have a coffee table, entertainment storage center, desk, occasional table and night stands from World Market, to name a few furniture items. Their furniture is of the highest quality, attractive style, and is reasonably priced to boot!
Because I am a member of their online email distribution list, I received an email about a blow-out dining furniture sale. I had looked at many of their dining room tables in the past, but decided to take another look. Low and behold, they had the most AMAZING round dining tables that have a removable extention, making them an oval! Holy smokes, where do I sign?!
Upon shopping in the store, I learned that several styles are available in-store, but a wider selection is offered online. I had two choices...1. purchase online and pay shipping, then the merchandise will arrive at my home in about a week. 2. Purchase in-store and the merchandise can be picked up in the store between 5-14 days later. They cannot give an exact delivery date, but there is no shipping cost. By ordering in-store under their "customize your world" program, you pay 10% at the time of ordering and pick-up when the truck arrives with your merchandise, paying the remainder of the bill.
I LOVE the idea of saving on the shipping, which made a great deal even more affordable. I could not be more excited to have my new table and chairs in my home!
At the register, the sales associate asked if I was a member of the World Market Explorer program. I told him that I did not know, but I was a member of their email club. He explained that this is an additional rewards program, and signed me up. I have already received an e-mail coupon for 10% off my next in-store purchase. What's not to love?!
C'mon over and eat anytime you like!
With a growing nuclear AND extended family, the decision was made that our kitchen table was no longer big enough. With an 11'x11' space to work with, our options were somewhat limited.
We knew that we normally only have two adults and a baby seated at our table, but we occasionally have the whole crew of 7 gathered 'round. I determined that a round table with a leave that extended to an oval would be the best solution for our space. However, round tables have the propencity to look a bit country-kitchen-like, and that is not my taste, nor would that style look good in our home.
I am a huge fan of World Market and have been for some time. We have a coffee table, entertainment storage center, desk, occasional table and night stands from World Market, to name a few furniture items. Their furniture is of the highest quality, attractive style, and is reasonably priced to boot!
Because I am a member of their online email distribution list, I received an email about a blow-out dining furniture sale. I had looked at many of their dining room tables in the past, but decided to take another look. Low and behold, they had the most AMAZING round dining tables that have a removable extention, making them an oval! Holy smokes, where do I sign?!
Upon shopping in the store, I learned that several styles are available in-store, but a wider selection is offered online. I had two choices...1. purchase online and pay shipping, then the merchandise will arrive at my home in about a week. 2. Purchase in-store and the merchandise can be picked up in the store between 5-14 days later. They cannot give an exact delivery date, but there is no shipping cost. By ordering in-store under their "customize your world" program, you pay 10% at the time of ordering and pick-up when the truck arrives with your merchandise, paying the remainder of the bill.
I LOVE the idea of saving on the shipping, which made a great deal even more affordable. I could not be more excited to have my new table and chairs in my home!
At the register, the sales associate asked if I was a member of the World Market Explorer program. I told him that I did not know, but I was a member of their email club. He explained that this is an additional rewards program, and signed me up. I have already received an e-mail coupon for 10% off my next in-store purchase. What's not to love?!
C'mon over and eat anytime you like!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Monday, September 13, 2010
So, I've officially converted.
While shopping at Wal-Mart several weeks back, a representative from WISK was in the laundry detergent aisle. She offered me a $3.00 off coupon on any Wisk laundry item. I usually spend very little on my laundry detergent because I go through the stuff like it is water. However, I was going to spend around $3 (after my coupon) for a bottle of 64-load Wisk detergent. Why not?!
I brought it home and put it away until I finished my giant jug from Big Lots. Don't get me wrong, my former laundry detergent was fine. It cleaned my clothing, had a mild smell, was very inexpensive and lasted for weeks.
However, after using my Wisk laundry detergent for several days, I immediately noticed why Wisk lovers LOVE their detergent. My laundry room, garage and hallway were all filled with a wonderfully clean smell. I put on a pair of yoga pants that were freshly laundered, and smelled the clean, perfumey smell ALL DAY! My closet smells great and even clothing that needs to be washed AGAIN smells good! I cannot get enough of it!
By carefully monitoring coupons and store advertisements, I'll be able to monitor my laundry expenses. However, because I spend carefully on every thing I purchase for our home, I will allow myself to spend a bit extra on an item that I truly love. My husband loves Heinz ketchup (and refuses to use any other brand!) and I love Wisk laundry detergent!
So, I've officially converted.
While shopping at Wal-Mart several weeks back, a representative from WISK was in the laundry detergent aisle. She offered me a $3.00 off coupon on any Wisk laundry item. I usually spend very little on my laundry detergent because I go through the stuff like it is water. However, I was going to spend around $3 (after my coupon) for a bottle of 64-load Wisk detergent. Why not?!
I brought it home and put it away until I finished my giant jug from Big Lots. Don't get me wrong, my former laundry detergent was fine. It cleaned my clothing, had a mild smell, was very inexpensive and lasted for weeks.
However, after using my Wisk laundry detergent for several days, I immediately noticed why Wisk lovers LOVE their detergent. My laundry room, garage and hallway were all filled with a wonderfully clean smell. I put on a pair of yoga pants that were freshly laundered, and smelled the clean, perfumey smell ALL DAY! My closet smells great and even clothing that needs to be washed AGAIN smells good! I cannot get enough of it!
By carefully monitoring coupons and store advertisements, I'll be able to monitor my laundry expenses. However, because I spend carefully on every thing I purchase for our home, I will allow myself to spend a bit extra on an item that I truly love. My husband loves Heinz ketchup (and refuses to use any other brand!) and I love Wisk laundry detergent!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Are you ready?!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
So, although we are all still meltin' like a snowcone in Phoenix, stores are already busting out the corduroy and sweats.
This could stress you out, as you look down in your tank top and flip flops, or it could make you jump for joy! This can only mean ONE THING:
All of the summer clothing is ON CLEARANCE! My favorite word...
If you've ever read the book Marley and Me (quite possibly the funniest book on the planet), you know that John's wife decided to purchase Marley because "the little guy is on clearance". So, I know I'm not the only one who LOVES clearance!
If you can stomach the thought of storing clothing for a whole season before you wear it or put it on your child, now is a great time to purchase next spring/summer's clothing. Things that you'd never imagine purchasing because they're too expensive for your child to drip popsicle on are now at LEAST 50% off. Score!
Be on the look-out for clothing that is unbelievably inexpensive for the whole family.
Having said all of this, don't buy everything up and leave nothing for me!
So, although we are all still meltin' like a snowcone in Phoenix, stores are already busting out the corduroy and sweats.
This could stress you out, as you look down in your tank top and flip flops, or it could make you jump for joy! This can only mean ONE THING:
All of the summer clothing is ON CLEARANCE! My favorite word...
If you've ever read the book Marley and Me (quite possibly the funniest book on the planet), you know that John's wife decided to purchase Marley because "the little guy is on clearance". So, I know I'm not the only one who LOVES clearance!
If you can stomach the thought of storing clothing for a whole season before you wear it or put it on your child, now is a great time to purchase next spring/summer's clothing. Things that you'd never imagine purchasing because they're too expensive for your child to drip popsicle on are now at LEAST 50% off. Score!
Be on the look-out for clothing that is unbelievably inexpensive for the whole family.
Having said all of this, don't buy everything up and leave nothing for me!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Play Dough!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
So, I'm quickly running out of fun things to do with Emily as the temperatures reach over 105 degrees every single day! It is too hot to play outside, the baby pool is boiling, and she is SO OVER ME!
I decided to try a homemade play dough recipe that I found online. This recipe is edible (although EXTREMELY salty and not very tasty) so if your toddler or pre-schooler finds it appetizing, it will not hurt them.
When we first started playing, she was a little confused but fascinated by the things I could do with this giant green ball of goo, but she eventually got in on the action. We used a fork, a straw, and a cookie cutter to make fun shapes and impressions. We even took an impression of our baby doll's face!
If you are interested in trying homemade play dough, here's the recipe:
1.5 cups flour
3/4 cups salt
3 tsp. cream of tartar
1.5 tbsp. oil
1.5 cups water
~mix all ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the goo starts to pull away from the edges and form a ball.
~kneed the ball (or help your child kneed) for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a play dough-like consistancy.
We added green food coloring, but if you don't have any on hand, no biggie. This recipe also makes PLENTY for two children.
I have a friend who recommended peanut butter play dough so that your child may have a snack when they're finished playing. Her recipe is:
1 part peanut butter
1 part honey
1 part powdered milk
Save your play dough in a ziplock bag to keep it fresh!
These are both fun, quick, easy and inexpensive recipes, and your child will feel very accomplished at helping you "cook!" Enjoy!
So, I'm quickly running out of fun things to do with Emily as the temperatures reach over 105 degrees every single day! It is too hot to play outside, the baby pool is boiling, and she is SO OVER ME!
I decided to try a homemade play dough recipe that I found online. This recipe is edible (although EXTREMELY salty and not very tasty) so if your toddler or pre-schooler finds it appetizing, it will not hurt them.
When we first started playing, she was a little confused but fascinated by the things I could do with this giant green ball of goo, but she eventually got in on the action. We used a fork, a straw, and a cookie cutter to make fun shapes and impressions. We even took an impression of our baby doll's face!
If you are interested in trying homemade play dough, here's the recipe:
1.5 cups flour
3/4 cups salt
3 tsp. cream of tartar
1.5 tbsp. oil
1.5 cups water
~mix all ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the goo starts to pull away from the edges and form a ball.
~kneed the ball (or help your child kneed) for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a play dough-like consistancy.
We added green food coloring, but if you don't have any on hand, no biggie. This recipe also makes PLENTY for two children.
I have a friend who recommended peanut butter play dough so that your child may have a snack when they're finished playing. Her recipe is:
1 part peanut butter
1 part honey
1 part powdered milk
Save your play dough in a ziplock bag to keep it fresh!
These are both fun, quick, easy and inexpensive recipes, and your child will feel very accomplished at helping you "cook!" Enjoy!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Store Closing!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Because I am on the busty side of things, I'm always looking for modest clothing that I'm not constantly tugging on. I was recommended to a web-store called Shade Clothing. Shade Clothing also has storefronts, but there are none in Texas. They are based out of Utah, and they specialize in modest clothing for women.
Unfortunately, Shade Clothing is closing its doors and website. The most amazing tank tops and swimsuit I have EVER owned are from Shade Clothing. OH NO!
I received an email notification from Shade Clothing about their closures, and they are selling all merchandise for up to 75% off. So, I had no choice but to do a little online shopping today. Their swimsuits are still around $30 each piece, which isn't "inexpensive" in my opinion. I will continue to check back to see if their prices continue to drop.
I am in love with my Shade Clothing swimsuit for one particular reason. It is a tankini, and the top has a tie neck AND a tie in the back. This way, if the tie at your neck is giving you a serious una-boob and your bust is pouring over the top, you simply tighten the back tie and your problem is solved. I feel confident FOR THE FIRST TIME that I'm not going to accidentally give someone an unwanted show!
Today, I purchased two maternity tops for future use, and a blouse for use right now! I spent $30 total, and $7 for shipping. Each item that I purchased was $10 or under. Especially for maternity clothing, this is a super duper score!
Shade Clothing also has bottoms, casual shirts, dresses and accessories for sale.
My favorite tank tops are excellent because they have a higher neck line and no shelf bra because those NEVER fit properly!
I am very sad to see Shade Clothing go, but I am prepared to jump on any deal they offer!
Because I am on the busty side of things, I'm always looking for modest clothing that I'm not constantly tugging on. I was recommended to a web-store called Shade Clothing. Shade Clothing also has storefronts, but there are none in Texas. They are based out of Utah, and they specialize in modest clothing for women.
Unfortunately, Shade Clothing is closing its doors and website. The most amazing tank tops and swimsuit I have EVER owned are from Shade Clothing. OH NO!
I received an email notification from Shade Clothing about their closures, and they are selling all merchandise for up to 75% off. So, I had no choice but to do a little online shopping today. Their swimsuits are still around $30 each piece, which isn't "inexpensive" in my opinion. I will continue to check back to see if their prices continue to drop.
I am in love with my Shade Clothing swimsuit for one particular reason. It is a tankini, and the top has a tie neck AND a tie in the back. This way, if the tie at your neck is giving you a serious una-boob and your bust is pouring over the top, you simply tighten the back tie and your problem is solved. I feel confident FOR THE FIRST TIME that I'm not going to accidentally give someone an unwanted show!
Today, I purchased two maternity tops for future use, and a blouse for use right now! I spent $30 total, and $7 for shipping. Each item that I purchased was $10 or under. Especially for maternity clothing, this is a super duper score!
Shade Clothing also has bottoms, casual shirts, dresses and accessories for sale.
My favorite tank tops are excellent because they have a higher neck line and no shelf bra because those NEVER fit properly!
I am very sad to see Shade Clothing go, but I am prepared to jump on any deal they offer!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Good Eats!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Because of a brief visit from my mother-in-law, and a month of celebrations for my birthday, I've been eating out more frequently lately! I have noticed that several casual dining restaurants are offering incentives and e-mail sign-ups for specials and coupons.
On a random Thursday, we happened to be dining at the Chili's Bar & Grill in Allen, Texas. We noticed two older women standing just inside the door, handing small postcards to people exiting the restaurant. I didn't think too much of it, except that I'd probably get a hard sell for Mary Kay or something similar. Once we left, the friendly women handed us postcards as well. If you take a moment to fill out a brief online survey, Chili's will send you a $20 gift card. $20 gift cards for both adults in the home = $40 free to Chili's. HELLO!? Am I on Candid Camera!?
Chili's also had a small notepad for email sign-ups on each table. Everyone at our table signed up for specials and coupons through email. I'm looking forward to using my giftcard and watching for freebies via email!
Jason's Deli was kind enough to send me a $5 gift card via email for my birthday. I'll take $5 off, for sure!
I have also been a member of Texas Land & Cattle's email distribution list for a few years now. Each year on your birthday, they send you a different "gift." This year, I received a free appetizer if I will stop by within a month of my birthday.
Having said all of this, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to sign up and receive freebies at restaurants that you and your family frequent.
Eat up!
Because of a brief visit from my mother-in-law, and a month of celebrations for my birthday, I've been eating out more frequently lately! I have noticed that several casual dining restaurants are offering incentives and e-mail sign-ups for specials and coupons.
On a random Thursday, we happened to be dining at the Chili's Bar & Grill in Allen, Texas. We noticed two older women standing just inside the door, handing small postcards to people exiting the restaurant. I didn't think too much of it, except that I'd probably get a hard sell for Mary Kay or something similar. Once we left, the friendly women handed us postcards as well. If you take a moment to fill out a brief online survey, Chili's will send you a $20 gift card. $20 gift cards for both adults in the home = $40 free to Chili's. HELLO!? Am I on Candid Camera!?
Chili's also had a small notepad for email sign-ups on each table. Everyone at our table signed up for specials and coupons through email. I'm looking forward to using my giftcard and watching for freebies via email!
Jason's Deli was kind enough to send me a $5 gift card via email for my birthday. I'll take $5 off, for sure!
I have also been a member of Texas Land & Cattle's email distribution list for a few years now. Each year on your birthday, they send you a different "gift." This year, I received a free appetizer if I will stop by within a month of my birthday.
Having said all of this, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to sign up and receive freebies at restaurants that you and your family frequent.
Eat up!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Going out of Business Sale!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Happy Birthday to me!!
Most of you know that I am a die-hard consignment shopper. I will sacrifice my body to battle the crowds and save some serious cash on designer clothing, toys, learning tools, children's accessories and furnishings.
Well, I am a huge loser for overlooking a lovely Children's and Maternity consignment store about one mile from my house. OOPS!
I drove past the store this morning and saw a giant sign in the window saying "Going Out Of Business - everything is 50% off!" WHAAAAT?!
So I talked my husband, Sean, into going along to The Mulberry Bush on Park Road behind Birmingham Farms neighborhood in Wylie, Texas.
We bought Emily several things for the upcoming year, and Sean is the proud new owner of two PlayStation 3 games. He is very excited, trust me!
Because The Mulberry Bush is going out of business, they are also selling the shelving that they use to display their merchandise. SCORE!
If I was in the market for a blonde crib, there was a BEAUTIFUL crib at Mulberry Bush.
Go check it out!
Happy Birthday to me!!
Most of you know that I am a die-hard consignment shopper. I will sacrifice my body to battle the crowds and save some serious cash on designer clothing, toys, learning tools, children's accessories and furnishings.
Well, I am a huge loser for overlooking a lovely Children's and Maternity consignment store about one mile from my house. OOPS!
I drove past the store this morning and saw a giant sign in the window saying "Going Out Of Business - everything is 50% off!" WHAAAAT?!
So I talked my husband, Sean, into going along to The Mulberry Bush on Park Road behind Birmingham Farms neighborhood in Wylie, Texas.
We bought Emily several things for the upcoming year, and Sean is the proud new owner of two PlayStation 3 games. He is very excited, trust me!
Because The Mulberry Bush is going out of business, they are also selling the shelving that they use to display their merchandise. SCORE!
If I was in the market for a blonde crib, there was a BEAUTIFUL crib at Mulberry Bush.
Go check it out!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Got Class
Friday, July 23, 2010
Super great deals at Old Navy right now!
*Clearance is an ADDITIONAL 50% off of the clearance price!
*School uniforms are all under $10 for each piece, including backpacks!
*Students and Teachers receive an additional 25% off of their entire purchase.
Let's put the savings to the test. Let's say we purchase a clearance item that is $12. The item is automatically $6, and with your student/teacher discount, your purchase is $4.50!
I bet I can beat you there!!
Super great deals at Old Navy right now!
*Clearance is an ADDITIONAL 50% off of the clearance price!
*School uniforms are all under $10 for each piece, including backpacks!
*Students and Teachers receive an additional 25% off of their entire purchase.
Let's put the savings to the test. Let's say we purchase a clearance item that is $12. The item is automatically $6, and with your student/teacher discount, your purchase is $4.50!
I bet I can beat you there!!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Don't Go Broke!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
In the past week or so, daily morning shoes like Good Morning America and Today have been encouraging consumers to take advantage of sales and venture out to spend money in retail. They also mentioned that July is the best month of the year to purchase clothing, in particular. The retailers are clearancing everything out so that they can make room for back-to-school clothing, shoes and accessories.
My husband and I decided to load up the baby and put their stories to the test.
We began at Target. Target, indeed, had hundreds of items on sale. Most of their summer sandals are 50% off, many home furnishing items were clearanced, and some of their patio furniture was up to 75% off. The aisle end-caps were brimming with clearance items in all departments. I had been keeping my eye on a piece of layered canvas wall decor. The canvas is pink, cream, and teal with three small birds painted on it. The canvas retailed for $24.99. I purchased it for $6.48!
Then, on to Dillard's. My husband was interested in purchasing a new pair of black dress slacks, a pair of brown dress shoes, and a couple of button-down shirts for the office. Dillard's had excellent sales on the things we were looking to purchase, most of their shirts being 70% off. We purcashed a Roundtree & Yorke button-down dress shirt for my husband for $12.00! Although we didn't purchase any of these items, all of Dillard's luggage items were on sale for 50% off, and they have some beautiful things!
Let's try Macy's. Macy's ended up carrying every item my husband was interested in purchasing. The slacks he needed were originally $80 on sale for $40. The shoes he liked were $90 on sale for $59.99.
We were anticipating spending around $200 for everything he needed to purchase this weekend. We walked away spending around $125 for everything. Surprise!
World Market send me an email this morning enticing me with a free tote bag with every $10 purchase. Ooooh!
I guess the network morning shows are on to something! Take advantage of deep mark-downs and get started on back-to-school shopping now!
In the past week or so, daily morning shoes like Good Morning America and Today have been encouraging consumers to take advantage of sales and venture out to spend money in retail. They also mentioned that July is the best month of the year to purchase clothing, in particular. The retailers are clearancing everything out so that they can make room for back-to-school clothing, shoes and accessories.
My husband and I decided to load up the baby and put their stories to the test.
We began at Target. Target, indeed, had hundreds of items on sale. Most of their summer sandals are 50% off, many home furnishing items were clearanced, and some of their patio furniture was up to 75% off. The aisle end-caps were brimming with clearance items in all departments. I had been keeping my eye on a piece of layered canvas wall decor. The canvas is pink, cream, and teal with three small birds painted on it. The canvas retailed for $24.99. I purchased it for $6.48!
Then, on to Dillard's. My husband was interested in purchasing a new pair of black dress slacks, a pair of brown dress shoes, and a couple of button-down shirts for the office. Dillard's had excellent sales on the things we were looking to purchase, most of their shirts being 70% off. We purcashed a Roundtree & Yorke button-down dress shirt for my husband for $12.00! Although we didn't purchase any of these items, all of Dillard's luggage items were on sale for 50% off, and they have some beautiful things!
Let's try Macy's. Macy's ended up carrying every item my husband was interested in purchasing. The slacks he needed were originally $80 on sale for $40. The shoes he liked were $90 on sale for $59.99.
We were anticipating spending around $200 for everything he needed to purchase this weekend. We walked away spending around $125 for everything. Surprise!
World Market send me an email this morning enticing me with a free tote bag with every $10 purchase. Ooooh!
I guess the network morning shows are on to something! Take advantage of deep mark-downs and get started on back-to-school shopping now!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A two-fer!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
So, I’ve told you several times before that retail stores are just itchin’ to have a sale. Any reason they can think of, and they’re going to bust out with a sale. Going through the Sunday paper reminded me of just that. Father’s Day is a perfect reason to have a sale on gifts for Dad, even if it is a stretch to see Dad in a floral apron or some designer perfume – it’s still all on sale.
I did notice, however, that a lot of apparel is on sale for men right now. Because my husband has a new job where he needs to be dressed a bit more formally than before, I am looking for ways to build his wardrobe without collapsing the bank account. JC Penney, Kohl’s and Target are all running specials on their polo shirts, dress shirts and neck ties. I purchased two polo-style shirts for my husband at Target for $6 each. Yes! The shirts I purchased were “athletic cut” shirts (designed for our broad shouldered/chested beaus) and they fit him very nicely. Their patterned, striped, and solid polos are on sale for $6, $8, and $10 each. Kohl’s and JC Penney each boasted $9.99 for their entire stock of polo-style shirts.
Although I purchased my husband’s Father’s Day gift several months ago, I was able to capitalize on specials for Father’s Day to meet other needs. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for things that you may want to tuck away for Christmas, Hanukah, or a birthday. You will save some serious cash, and all you’ll have to do is remember to wrap it when the time comes. LOVE IT!
Secondly, it is such a strange adjustment when you have been paying for only two meals at restaurants for a number of years. Our 17 month-old daughter is old enough to eat a complete child’s meal at a restaurant, and she’s never met a food she didn’t like. No…really. We are used to spending between $20 and $30 on dinner for the two of us at a medium-caliber restaurant. We are now pushing $40 each time, and we are usually a little bit blown away at the unexpected expense.
What to do about this? Patronize restaurants where kids eat free! Many restaurants, including Dickey’s Barbeque, feature KIDS EAT FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée. Occasionally they will run the special for an entire month, but this special is currently for Sundays only. Applebee’s is offering a free child’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays. Luby’s is currently offering the same promotion. Super Salad frequently sends significant savings through coupons, and they boast a “kids eat free” promotion as well. Having listed these, the majority of these restaurants are not places that I would readily choose if given the option of where to eat. However, if it is the difference between planning, cooking, and cleaning up after a big meal, I could be easily swayed.
Frequenting places where your children eat free could potentially save you enough money to eat out additional times in any given month. A bit of light research for promotions at your favorite dining destination is worth the work!
Now, don’t spill free food on your new polo…
So, I’ve told you several times before that retail stores are just itchin’ to have a sale. Any reason they can think of, and they’re going to bust out with a sale. Going through the Sunday paper reminded me of just that. Father’s Day is a perfect reason to have a sale on gifts for Dad, even if it is a stretch to see Dad in a floral apron or some designer perfume – it’s still all on sale.
I did notice, however, that a lot of apparel is on sale for men right now. Because my husband has a new job where he needs to be dressed a bit more formally than before, I am looking for ways to build his wardrobe without collapsing the bank account. JC Penney, Kohl’s and Target are all running specials on their polo shirts, dress shirts and neck ties. I purchased two polo-style shirts for my husband at Target for $6 each. Yes! The shirts I purchased were “athletic cut” shirts (designed for our broad shouldered/chested beaus) and they fit him very nicely. Their patterned, striped, and solid polos are on sale for $6, $8, and $10 each. Kohl’s and JC Penney each boasted $9.99 for their entire stock of polo-style shirts.
Although I purchased my husband’s Father’s Day gift several months ago, I was able to capitalize on specials for Father’s Day to meet other needs. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for things that you may want to tuck away for Christmas, Hanukah, or a birthday. You will save some serious cash, and all you’ll have to do is remember to wrap it when the time comes. LOVE IT!
Secondly, it is such a strange adjustment when you have been paying for only two meals at restaurants for a number of years. Our 17 month-old daughter is old enough to eat a complete child’s meal at a restaurant, and she’s never met a food she didn’t like. No…really. We are used to spending between $20 and $30 on dinner for the two of us at a medium-caliber restaurant. We are now pushing $40 each time, and we are usually a little bit blown away at the unexpected expense.
What to do about this? Patronize restaurants where kids eat free! Many restaurants, including Dickey’s Barbeque, feature KIDS EAT FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée. Occasionally they will run the special for an entire month, but this special is currently for Sundays only. Applebee’s is offering a free child’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Mondays. Luby’s is currently offering the same promotion. Super Salad frequently sends significant savings through coupons, and they boast a “kids eat free” promotion as well. Having listed these, the majority of these restaurants are not places that I would readily choose if given the option of where to eat. However, if it is the difference between planning, cooking, and cleaning up after a big meal, I could be easily swayed.
Frequenting places where your children eat free could potentially save you enough money to eat out additional times in any given month. A bit of light research for promotions at your favorite dining destination is worth the work!
Now, don’t spill free food on your new polo…
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Is it Tuesday Morning yet?
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Yes, it IS Tuesday, which means Tuesday Morning got new stuff today!
What could be better than new stuff at Tuesday Morning? CLEARANCE items at Tuesday Morning!
What is better than clearance, you ask? A SALE on clearance items!
All clearance items at Tuesday Morning are 50% off this weekend!
Hurry out to Tuesday Morning this weekend to take advantage of this ridiculous sale, but watch out – we may run into each other!
Yes, it IS Tuesday, which means Tuesday Morning got new stuff today!
What could be better than new stuff at Tuesday Morning? CLEARANCE items at Tuesday Morning!
What is better than clearance, you ask? A SALE on clearance items!
All clearance items at Tuesday Morning are 50% off this weekend!
Hurry out to Tuesday Morning this weekend to take advantage of this ridiculous sale, but watch out – we may run into each other!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Raise Your Flag!
One more thing for today, everyone!
Pix By Paula on Facebook is running a Fourth of July Photo Contest! Paula is requesting that you submit a photo of yourself or your family showing your patriotism!
The winner of the Photo Contest will receive a FREE one-hour photo shoot and a complimentary 8"x10" photograph.
Now, HURRY UP! Only five more days to submit your photo to Paula at Paula@PixByPaula.com, as the deadline is June 11th. The judging will take place between June 12th and 17th, and the winner will be announced June 18th. Please only vote once per photograph, as multiple votes will result in a disqualification from the contest.
Encourage your friends to stop by Pix By Paula on Facebook and vote for your picture! The best way to save money is by earning FREE STUFF so go out and do it!
Send your picture to Paula and GO VOTE! *Oh Say, Can You See?!*
Pix By Paula on Facebook is running a Fourth of July Photo Contest! Paula is requesting that you submit a photo of yourself or your family showing your patriotism!
The winner of the Photo Contest will receive a FREE one-hour photo shoot and a complimentary 8"x10" photograph.
Now, HURRY UP! Only five more days to submit your photo to Paula at Paula@PixByPaula.com, as the deadline is June 11th. The judging will take place between June 12th and 17th, and the winner will be announced June 18th. Please only vote once per photograph, as multiple votes will result in a disqualification from the contest.
Encourage your friends to stop by Pix By Paula on Facebook and vote for your picture! The best way to save money is by earning FREE STUFF so go out and do it!
Send your picture to Paula and GO VOTE! *Oh Say, Can You See?!*
Bon Voyage!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
As Summer Vacation begins, many of us are making packing lists, booking flights, and rental cars. Well, I should say many of YOU, because I’m lame and have no vacation plans.
However, most of you know that I don’t usually keep my mouth shut about most things, so why start now? If you are planning a trip, there are a few things that could help keep costs down while you’re away.
Eating expenses can get a little out of control if you don’t watch what you’re spending. This is especially true if your vacation is strictly for pleasure and not to visit family or friends. Help cut back on eating expenses by packing a few grocery items that can substitute for meals and snacks. Packing a cooler is a little bit more work, but it will save you significantly in the long run. For example, pack granola bars or something similar that is small, inexpensive and easily replaces breakfast. Juice boxes, mini cans of soda or bottles of water are a great way of keeping the convenience store purchases down while you’re on the road or in the airport. Mix a quick package of pudding, portion the pudding into your own reusable containers, and you have spent about 50 cents on a snack or dessert for the entire family.
You can take this advice as far as you want to. Packing lunch meat, vegetables, chips/crackers and bread can be overwhelming when you are already trying to take everything but the kitchen sink in the car. If you can stomach the labor, you are likely to save serious money. I realize, however, that eating out is part of the fun and enjoyment of vacation. Cooking isn’t exactly what we want to do when we are on vacation. However, most of us are trying to figure out how to go on vacation without breaking the bank in the process.
When you decide to eat out, make a pact with your family to order water to drink. For example, if a family of four orders a soft drink for each person, you are likely to spend $8 in drinks alone. If you are eating out three times per day, that is $24 on drinks each day. Whoa! This, of course, doesn't include the cost of alcohol when ordered in restaurants and bars.
Secondly, you can save a lot of money by price-shopping your gas station. Gasbuddy.com allows you to compare gas prices by city, state, and zip code in the USA and Canada. Driving a couple extra miles is worth the savings!
Have a safe and happy Summer Vacation, and don’t forget not to broadcast your vacations on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter unless you want to come home to a ransacked house!
As Summer Vacation begins, many of us are making packing lists, booking flights, and rental cars. Well, I should say many of YOU, because I’m lame and have no vacation plans.
However, most of you know that I don’t usually keep my mouth shut about most things, so why start now? If you are planning a trip, there are a few things that could help keep costs down while you’re away.
Eating expenses can get a little out of control if you don’t watch what you’re spending. This is especially true if your vacation is strictly for pleasure and not to visit family or friends. Help cut back on eating expenses by packing a few grocery items that can substitute for meals and snacks. Packing a cooler is a little bit more work, but it will save you significantly in the long run. For example, pack granola bars or something similar that is small, inexpensive and easily replaces breakfast. Juice boxes, mini cans of soda or bottles of water are a great way of keeping the convenience store purchases down while you’re on the road or in the airport. Mix a quick package of pudding, portion the pudding into your own reusable containers, and you have spent about 50 cents on a snack or dessert for the entire family.
You can take this advice as far as you want to. Packing lunch meat, vegetables, chips/crackers and bread can be overwhelming when you are already trying to take everything but the kitchen sink in the car. If you can stomach the labor, you are likely to save serious money. I realize, however, that eating out is part of the fun and enjoyment of vacation. Cooking isn’t exactly what we want to do when we are on vacation. However, most of us are trying to figure out how to go on vacation without breaking the bank in the process.
When you decide to eat out, make a pact with your family to order water to drink. For example, if a family of four orders a soft drink for each person, you are likely to spend $8 in drinks alone. If you are eating out three times per day, that is $24 on drinks each day. Whoa! This, of course, doesn't include the cost of alcohol when ordered in restaurants and bars.
Secondly, you can save a lot of money by price-shopping your gas station. Gasbuddy.com allows you to compare gas prices by city, state, and zip code in the USA and Canada. Driving a couple extra miles is worth the savings!
Have a safe and happy Summer Vacation, and don’t forget not to broadcast your vacations on Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter unless you want to come home to a ransacked house!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Party, Anyone?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
I have a great new concept to tell you about!
Last night, I told you about my great experience with Lauren at Cotton Candy Shop. In an effort to continually change and grow with her company, Lauren is introducing a new concept.
“Cotton Candy Shop (CCS) Parties,” are essentially dress-up parties for your little girl’s birthday! As the Mom of a girl, I wanted her first birthday to be beautiful, memorable, and creative. As she gets older and it’s not just family in attendance, I (selfishly) want to set her birthday(s) apart from those of her friends.
Now, don’t get too crazy – no petting zoos, please!
With Lauren’s help and the help of Cotton Candy Shop, you will have the option of five different themes to customize your little one’s party. You will also have the option to purchase the dress-up items (ranging from tutus to fairy wings to beautiful flowers) or rent them from Cotton Candy Shop. By purchasing the “Keep Package”, you automatically have the most unique party favors of anyone you know!
When you go with Cotton Candy Shop, you already have a theme, color scheme, and a customized, individualized party for the girly girl in all of us!
If I was in Elementary school, I would be ALL ABOUT THIS! We, I AM all about this, I just don’t think anyone wants to see me in a tutu…sad…
To keep herself from going crazy, Lauren will only be booking two Cotton Candy Shop (CCS) Parties per month. By the looks of things, and the overwhelming support, these slots will fill quickly. Visit Cotton Candy Shop on Facebook, or email cottoncandyshop@gmail.com to reserve your CCS Party!
Don’t miss out, and don't forget to invite me!
I have a great new concept to tell you about!
Last night, I told you about my great experience with Lauren at Cotton Candy Shop. In an effort to continually change and grow with her company, Lauren is introducing a new concept.
“Cotton Candy Shop (CCS) Parties,” are essentially dress-up parties for your little girl’s birthday! As the Mom of a girl, I wanted her first birthday to be beautiful, memorable, and creative. As she gets older and it’s not just family in attendance, I (selfishly) want to set her birthday(s) apart from those of her friends.
Now, don’t get too crazy – no petting zoos, please!
With Lauren’s help and the help of Cotton Candy Shop, you will have the option of five different themes to customize your little one’s party. You will also have the option to purchase the dress-up items (ranging from tutus to fairy wings to beautiful flowers) or rent them from Cotton Candy Shop. By purchasing the “Keep Package”, you automatically have the most unique party favors of anyone you know!
When you go with Cotton Candy Shop, you already have a theme, color scheme, and a customized, individualized party for the girly girl in all of us!
If I was in Elementary school, I would be ALL ABOUT THIS! We, I AM all about this, I just don’t think anyone wants to see me in a tutu…sad…
To keep herself from going crazy, Lauren will only be booking two Cotton Candy Shop (CCS) Parties per month. By the looks of things, and the overwhelming support, these slots will fill quickly. Visit Cotton Candy Shop on Facebook, or email cottoncandyshop@gmail.com to reserve your CCS Party!
Don’t miss out, and don't forget to invite me!
Monday, May 31, 2010
We Won!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
So this is fun!
I am a “fan” of Cotton Candy Shop on Facebook. The owner of the business, Lauren, was running a fun contest earlier this month to celebrate her two year anniversary. She asked that anyone interested in participating submit a photograph of their baby/child with a sign that read “I Love Cotton Candy Shop,” “Cotton Candy Shop Rocks” and the like.
With the help of my sister, we were able to create this photograph:
Everyone participating would receive a free headband and bow, and the winner of the most creative “sign” won a little something special in addition to their new headband. Well, WE WON! Can you believe it?! Of all of the precious babies with their signs, and all of the sweet pictures, Emily’s photograph was chosen. I feel more than honored to have the most creative picture, and I feel even more honored to sport some of Lauren’s beautiful work.
I recently purchased a tutu from Lauren, as well, to support a young child with Cystic Fibrosis. We are waiting with bated breath for the arrival of our new Ginger Blue Tutu, and we couldn’t be MORE excited to wear it! I speak for Emily, of course – she is excited, I promise!!
Having said all of this, I am a huge supporter of small businesses, and I often encourage you to do the same. Please visit Lauren’s website and see her beautifully unique artistry. There are many ways on her website to become a model for her shoots, and get involved with her work. She has found a wonderful way to stay home with her children while finding a very successful outlet for her creativity.
If you are a member of Facebook, simply search Cotton Candy Shop and become a fan. This will allow you to see any specials or fun contests that she is currently running. Doesn’t it just make you want to eat an entire bag of cotton candy?! Maybe it’s just me...
So this is fun!
I am a “fan” of Cotton Candy Shop on Facebook. The owner of the business, Lauren, was running a fun contest earlier this month to celebrate her two year anniversary. She asked that anyone interested in participating submit a photograph of their baby/child with a sign that read “I Love Cotton Candy Shop,” “Cotton Candy Shop Rocks” and the like.
With the help of my sister, we were able to create this photograph:
Everyone participating would receive a free headband and bow, and the winner of the most creative “sign” won a little something special in addition to their new headband. Well, WE WON! Can you believe it?! Of all of the precious babies with their signs, and all of the sweet pictures, Emily’s photograph was chosen. I feel more than honored to have the most creative picture, and I feel even more honored to sport some of Lauren’s beautiful work.
I recently purchased a tutu from Lauren, as well, to support a young child with Cystic Fibrosis. We are waiting with bated breath for the arrival of our new Ginger Blue Tutu, and we couldn’t be MORE excited to wear it! I speak for Emily, of course – she is excited, I promise!!
Having said all of this, I am a huge supporter of small businesses, and I often encourage you to do the same. Please visit Lauren’s website and see her beautifully unique artistry. There are many ways on her website to become a model for her shoots, and get involved with her work. She has found a wonderful way to stay home with her children while finding a very successful outlet for her creativity.
If you are a member of Facebook, simply search Cotton Candy Shop and become a fan. This will allow you to see any specials or fun contests that she is currently running. Doesn’t it just make you want to eat an entire bag of cotton candy?! Maybe it’s just me...
Friday, May 28, 2010
Put on your Patriotic Panties!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
These next few days, and even the days after Memorial Day has come and gone, are fabulous opportunities for savings at every turn. Retailers are taking any holiday they can get their hands on as a reason to have a sale. What’s the downside, right?! I don’t see one! I’m not a Veteran, a Dad or a Grad, but I’ll sure take advantage of the sales for them!
Because profit margins are sagging, stores are more inclined to offer consumers incentives to patronize their stores, and Memorial Day holiday is a catchy way to tap into your wallet. Spring into Summer, Memorial Day Extravaganza, etc. You’re starting to get the idea.
Keep your eyes and mailboxes open to all of the stepped-up advertising you’ll be seeing this weekend. Keep in mind the things that you having been hoping to purchase, saving up for, or are waiting for JUST the right opportunity to pounce! If you don’t receive advertising via email or snail mail, chances are really good that you could pop into your favorite store and see savings on every aisle.
I hope to see you out and about saving this weekend!
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
These next few days, and even the days after Memorial Day has come and gone, are fabulous opportunities for savings at every turn. Retailers are taking any holiday they can get their hands on as a reason to have a sale. What’s the downside, right?! I don’t see one! I’m not a Veteran, a Dad or a Grad, but I’ll sure take advantage of the sales for them!
Because profit margins are sagging, stores are more inclined to offer consumers incentives to patronize their stores, and Memorial Day holiday is a catchy way to tap into your wallet. Spring into Summer, Memorial Day Extravaganza, etc. You’re starting to get the idea.
Keep your eyes and mailboxes open to all of the stepped-up advertising you’ll be seeing this weekend. Keep in mind the things that you having been hoping to purchase, saving up for, or are waiting for JUST the right opportunity to pounce! If you don’t receive advertising via email or snail mail, chances are really good that you could pop into your favorite store and see savings on every aisle.
I hope to see you out and about saving this weekend!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Jeans, The Dreaded Topic!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Okay, so don’t judge or hate me before you read the whole blog!
If you know me, you know that I am BY NO MEANS a stick. I am on the shorter side at 5’2”, and have never been “skinny”. More on the rounder side of average, I would say.
For some reason, I am TOTALLY unable to find flattering, trendy jeans that aren’t three feet past my toes, or worse – the “short” length makes it look like I’m expecting rain. Not cute.
So, I saw my sister in a nice looking pair of jeans that are dressy enough to wear to work on Casual Friday, but easily transferrable for casual t-shirts and tennis shoes. I decided to take a chance and try some on for myself. Here is the part where you don’t judge…
The jeans are Charlotte Russe’s Refuge denim line. WAIT WAIT WAIT! They are so cute and flattering, and they are inexpensive at $30 per pair. Charlotte Russe carries a wide array of sizes, and their jeans come in short, regular, and long lengths. The pair that I purchased are dark wash denim, with no “wear” or “holes,” low rise (but not so low that you see crack) and they have a wide hem at the bottom which allows me to wear them cuffed if I want to wear flip flops without them dragging on the ground. They are not teenie-bopper pants that scream, “Why do you have your kid’s jeans on?” and I am interested in purchasing another pair so that I don’t wear my first pair out prematurely.
I like the dark wash in particular because I think they look more expensive and are more easily dressed up. To keep them this way, I wash them inside out and I do not dry them. This prevents the fading and preserves the “new” look of my jeans.
So…if you simply cannot bear to walk into Charlotte Russe to purchase your jeans, or maybe you’re looking for something a bit different, try JC Penney!
With the availability of Macy’s and Dillard’s in the same shopping centers, I usually bypass JC Penney for some unknown reason. However, I went into JC Penney on a whim when I was desperate for some cute jeans. I found mine in the juniors section (which goes up to a size 15) and I couldn’t love them more than I do. They are Arizona brand (don’t judge me!) and they are worn looking with several faux holes and purposeful tears.
“Holey Jeans” will run you $100+ at Abercrombie or Hollister, and I can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money on something that I may, or may not like next month! They have flap-style back pockets, which I especially like, and the best part….THEY WERE ONLY $25! They are truly my favorite pair of jeans and I wish I had two of them, too!
If you struggle to find jeans that fit you properly, I urge you to at least give these two styles a try. All it takes is 5 minutes in a dressing room to decide if you like what you see. What’s not to love?!
Okay, so don’t judge or hate me before you read the whole blog!
If you know me, you know that I am BY NO MEANS a stick. I am on the shorter side at 5’2”, and have never been “skinny”. More on the rounder side of average, I would say.
For some reason, I am TOTALLY unable to find flattering, trendy jeans that aren’t three feet past my toes, or worse – the “short” length makes it look like I’m expecting rain. Not cute.
So, I saw my sister in a nice looking pair of jeans that are dressy enough to wear to work on Casual Friday, but easily transferrable for casual t-shirts and tennis shoes. I decided to take a chance and try some on for myself. Here is the part where you don’t judge…
The jeans are Charlotte Russe’s Refuge denim line. WAIT WAIT WAIT! They are so cute and flattering, and they are inexpensive at $30 per pair. Charlotte Russe carries a wide array of sizes, and their jeans come in short, regular, and long lengths. The pair that I purchased are dark wash denim, with no “wear” or “holes,” low rise (but not so low that you see crack) and they have a wide hem at the bottom which allows me to wear them cuffed if I want to wear flip flops without them dragging on the ground. They are not teenie-bopper pants that scream, “Why do you have your kid’s jeans on?” and I am interested in purchasing another pair so that I don’t wear my first pair out prematurely.
I like the dark wash in particular because I think they look more expensive and are more easily dressed up. To keep them this way, I wash them inside out and I do not dry them. This prevents the fading and preserves the “new” look of my jeans.
So…if you simply cannot bear to walk into Charlotte Russe to purchase your jeans, or maybe you’re looking for something a bit different, try JC Penney!
With the availability of Macy’s and Dillard’s in the same shopping centers, I usually bypass JC Penney for some unknown reason. However, I went into JC Penney on a whim when I was desperate for some cute jeans. I found mine in the juniors section (which goes up to a size 15) and I couldn’t love them more than I do. They are Arizona brand (don’t judge me!) and they are worn looking with several faux holes and purposeful tears.
“Holey Jeans” will run you $100+ at Abercrombie or Hollister, and I can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money on something that I may, or may not like next month! They have flap-style back pockets, which I especially like, and the best part….THEY WERE ONLY $25! They are truly my favorite pair of jeans and I wish I had two of them, too!
If you struggle to find jeans that fit you properly, I urge you to at least give these two styles a try. All it takes is 5 minutes in a dressing room to decide if you like what you see. What’s not to love?!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Let your creative side out!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Hello! Sorry I haven’t written in a few days, but I don’t like to write just to write. My goal is to write things that will be of true value to you.
So, yesterday, my sister and I decided to take a trip to Hobby Lobby. It had been a few weeks since we had both been in, and we wanted to see everything in the whole store.
We browsed aisle-by-aisle, and we were both so impressed with the selection and variety, as well as the sales they were offering. About half of the store was on sale, and I am confident that the other half will be on sale next week! Hobby Lobby is really great about their sale items.
We were both looking for inexpensive ways to spruce up items that we already have in our homes. For example, I purchased a few drawer pulls that were ½ off, and the new pulls give the appearance of refurbished nightstands or nightstands that got a little “face lift”! I’m really happy with the result, and it only cost me around $5!
As a busy mom with a busy family, I began a habit years ago that has worked well and keeps me from following behind everyone, folding and refolding towels. I purchase attractive, decorative hooks that hang in the bathroom, usually at two different levels (Daddy’s is tall, Mommy’s is short) for hanging towels. The appearance is appealing and the labor is quick and easy. Instead of folding your towel in thirds, you simply hang the center of your towel on a hook. The towels dry more thoroughly and I don’t find myself fixing everyone’s towels because they’re crooked or hurriedly folded. So, I purchased a couple of hooks for our guest bathroom/Emily’s bathroom so that I can start moving toward redecorating that bathroom. The hooks were less than $2 after the 50% off sale. Score!
Hobby Lobby has also introduced something that is new to me. In each aisle, there are inspirational pamphlets that are free for the taking. These pamphlets highlight merchandise that Hobby Lobby carries regularly, and what you can do with these items. Everyone has ideas and concepts floating around in their mind, but it is so refreshing to see what someone else has come up with. I picked up about 10 inspirational pamphlets and will put my own personal spin on some of their ideas. Instead of feeling “stuck,” I feel more creative and motivated to try some of their suggestions.
As always, if you are a member of Hobby Lobby’s email distribution list, you can preview the coming week’s sales on Sundays. They also send a coupon that is usually 40% off one regularly priced item. Although I primarily purchase things that are ½ off or clearance, it is nice to take the coupon with you JUST IN CASE you can’t live without something that isn’t on sale while you’re there.
We always try to find the best way to create what we want without spending a lot of money, and Hobby Lobby is our go-to destination for help with our projects. Bows, quilts, dresses, wall-hangings, décor, home fragrance, and party decorations are on the short list of things that we shop Hobby Lobby for on a regular basis.
You will be so excited and proud of yourself when you make something with your own hands and see how beautifully it turns out!
Hello! Sorry I haven’t written in a few days, but I don’t like to write just to write. My goal is to write things that will be of true value to you.
So, yesterday, my sister and I decided to take a trip to Hobby Lobby. It had been a few weeks since we had both been in, and we wanted to see everything in the whole store.
We browsed aisle-by-aisle, and we were both so impressed with the selection and variety, as well as the sales they were offering. About half of the store was on sale, and I am confident that the other half will be on sale next week! Hobby Lobby is really great about their sale items.
We were both looking for inexpensive ways to spruce up items that we already have in our homes. For example, I purchased a few drawer pulls that were ½ off, and the new pulls give the appearance of refurbished nightstands or nightstands that got a little “face lift”! I’m really happy with the result, and it only cost me around $5!
As a busy mom with a busy family, I began a habit years ago that has worked well and keeps me from following behind everyone, folding and refolding towels. I purchase attractive, decorative hooks that hang in the bathroom, usually at two different levels (Daddy’s is tall, Mommy’s is short) for hanging towels. The appearance is appealing and the labor is quick and easy. Instead of folding your towel in thirds, you simply hang the center of your towel on a hook. The towels dry more thoroughly and I don’t find myself fixing everyone’s towels because they’re crooked or hurriedly folded. So, I purchased a couple of hooks for our guest bathroom/Emily’s bathroom so that I can start moving toward redecorating that bathroom. The hooks were less than $2 after the 50% off sale. Score!
Hobby Lobby has also introduced something that is new to me. In each aisle, there are inspirational pamphlets that are free for the taking. These pamphlets highlight merchandise that Hobby Lobby carries regularly, and what you can do with these items. Everyone has ideas and concepts floating around in their mind, but it is so refreshing to see what someone else has come up with. I picked up about 10 inspirational pamphlets and will put my own personal spin on some of their ideas. Instead of feeling “stuck,” I feel more creative and motivated to try some of their suggestions.
As always, if you are a member of Hobby Lobby’s email distribution list, you can preview the coming week’s sales on Sundays. They also send a coupon that is usually 40% off one regularly priced item. Although I primarily purchase things that are ½ off or clearance, it is nice to take the coupon with you JUST IN CASE you can’t live without something that isn’t on sale while you’re there.
We always try to find the best way to create what we want without spending a lot of money, and Hobby Lobby is our go-to destination for help with our projects. Bows, quilts, dresses, wall-hangings, décor, home fragrance, and party decorations are on the short list of things that we shop Hobby Lobby for on a regular basis.
You will be so excited and proud of yourself when you make something with your own hands and see how beautifully it turns out!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Bottoms Up!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
So, I told you a while back that I signed up at Proctor & Gamble’s website to receive samples of their products. I chose several products including Pamper’s Cruisers to try on for size.
You’ve heard me talk (a couple of times!) about my undying love for Parent’s Choice diapers. However, three free diapers is THREE FREE DIAPERS and I wanted to see what all the hype was about.
Well, we used all three diapers today. And…THEY STINK! They have ridiculous pictures covering the entire diaper, which I hate. I hate being able to see cartoon faces through her shorts, and I saw Bert and Ernie ALL DAY LONG. No, no, no.
Set aside the aesthetic issues with the diapers. Whatever gel-like absorbency aid they put in these things (perhaps the dry max feature) makes your baby look like they have a huge load in their diaper – even when it’s dry! NO GOOD. I was checking her fanny all day long thinking I had left her in a wet diaper too long.
The diaper feels extremely heavy after it gets damp after one wetting. Surely, that must feel uncomfortable on your toddler’s bum, too.
Something that I hadn’t seen before, however, was an extension tab that unfolds from the front of the diaper. The tab lines up with the sticky tab from the back of the diaper, allowing you to line your baby’s diaper up correctly even if they are squirming and wiggling all around.
Although the tabs were helpful, I would never purchase Pamper’s Cruisers under ANY circumstance. They are more costly than their store-brand equivalents, and they were nothing but an ugly, cartoon-covered hassle!
So, I told you a while back that I signed up at Proctor & Gamble’s website to receive samples of their products. I chose several products including Pamper’s Cruisers to try on for size.
You’ve heard me talk (a couple of times!) about my undying love for Parent’s Choice diapers. However, three free diapers is THREE FREE DIAPERS and I wanted to see what all the hype was about.
Well, we used all three diapers today. And…THEY STINK! They have ridiculous pictures covering the entire diaper, which I hate. I hate being able to see cartoon faces through her shorts, and I saw Bert and Ernie ALL DAY LONG. No, no, no.
Set aside the aesthetic issues with the diapers. Whatever gel-like absorbency aid they put in these things (perhaps the dry max feature) makes your baby look like they have a huge load in their diaper – even when it’s dry! NO GOOD. I was checking her fanny all day long thinking I had left her in a wet diaper too long.
The diaper feels extremely heavy after it gets damp after one wetting. Surely, that must feel uncomfortable on your toddler’s bum, too.
Something that I hadn’t seen before, however, was an extension tab that unfolds from the front of the diaper. The tab lines up with the sticky tab from the back of the diaper, allowing you to line your baby’s diaper up correctly even if they are squirming and wiggling all around.
Although the tabs were helpful, I would never purchase Pamper’s Cruisers under ANY circumstance. They are more costly than their store-brand equivalents, and they were nothing but an ugly, cartoon-covered hassle!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Butt Out!
Note: This blog is a re-post from March that I thought you might find helpful!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Since I became a Mom 16 months ago, I’ve had several friends ask me if I had any helpful hints or secrets to offer up. The biggest secret that I am constantly having to restrain myself from telling people in a given store on a given day is…BUY CHEAP DIAPERS!
I have tried a LOT of styles and brands. When we were expecting, both my husband and I were Public School teachers. My school hosted a baby shower for me, and his school hosted a diaper pounding for him. Diaper pounding is just an old-fashioned way of saying that everyone participating brings the expectant parent diapers or wipes. If you are ever offered a shower, ASK FOR A DIAPER POUNDING! They are awesome! We didn’t buy a single diaper for 8 weeks and we lasted even longer than that with the wipes.
So, having said all of that, we have tried a lot of different kinds of diapers! The diapers that held the most “matter” without leaking, and stayed in place, were the Parent’s Choice at Wal-Mart. They are also significantly less expensive than their name-brand equivalents. The Up & Up brand of diapers at Target are also superior to any other diapers we have found. However, I have an issue with big, silly prints on the diapers as if my kid even cares about what her diaper has on it. Winny the Pooh?! Seriously? My kid can’t even see her butt, so the only person who gets “enjoyment” out of the pictures on her booty is me, and I don’t like seeing Eeyore poking out beneath a sheer onesie! The Parent’s Choice brand diapers have a small, gender-neutral pattern around the top of the diaper that does not seem to show through clothing. The Up & Up brand diapers have GIANT blue and green dots on the whole diaper. These dots DO show through her clothes, making Parent’s Choice my all-time favorite diaper when she was 6 pounds and now that she is 25 pounds.
Don’t let people pressure you into buying the newest, most fabulous product on the market. Stick with the Parent’s Choice or Up & Up diapers!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Since I became a Mom 16 months ago, I’ve had several friends ask me if I had any helpful hints or secrets to offer up. The biggest secret that I am constantly having to restrain myself from telling people in a given store on a given day is…BUY CHEAP DIAPERS!
I have tried a LOT of styles and brands. When we were expecting, both my husband and I were Public School teachers. My school hosted a baby shower for me, and his school hosted a diaper pounding for him. Diaper pounding is just an old-fashioned way of saying that everyone participating brings the expectant parent diapers or wipes. If you are ever offered a shower, ASK FOR A DIAPER POUNDING! They are awesome! We didn’t buy a single diaper for 8 weeks and we lasted even longer than that with the wipes.
So, having said all of that, we have tried a lot of different kinds of diapers! The diapers that held the most “matter” without leaking, and stayed in place, were the Parent’s Choice at Wal-Mart. They are also significantly less expensive than their name-brand equivalents. The Up & Up brand of diapers at Target are also superior to any other diapers we have found. However, I have an issue with big, silly prints on the diapers as if my kid even cares about what her diaper has on it. Winny the Pooh?! Seriously? My kid can’t even see her butt, so the only person who gets “enjoyment” out of the pictures on her booty is me, and I don’t like seeing Eeyore poking out beneath a sheer onesie! The Parent’s Choice brand diapers have a small, gender-neutral pattern around the top of the diaper that does not seem to show through clothing. The Up & Up brand diapers have GIANT blue and green dots on the whole diaper. These dots DO show through her clothes, making Parent’s Choice my all-time favorite diaper when she was 6 pounds and now that she is 25 pounds.
Don’t let people pressure you into buying the newest, most fabulous product on the market. Stick with the Parent’s Choice or Up & Up diapers!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Say Cheese!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I am so INCREDIBLY happy with the outcome of our photography session on Saturday!
As is par for the course, my 16-month-old daughter, Emily, decided to be a HUGE PILL for our photo session, and would not cooperate no matter what we bribed her with!
She was fussing, hollering, and carrying on the entire time. True to form, Lisa Felthous of Lisa Felthous Photography was amazingly patient and pulled stuff out of her rear in order to get Emily to look nice for our pictures.
It will be SO hard to choose from the 80-or-so pictures in our slideshow.
To view her work, visit LisaFelthousPhotography.com, click "client viewing" and our password is Emily.
If you are interested in portaiture for any occasion, please consider Lisa Felthous Photography. We do our best to patronize local small businesses, and we encourage you to do the same!
I am so INCREDIBLY happy with the outcome of our photography session on Saturday!
As is par for the course, my 16-month-old daughter, Emily, decided to be a HUGE PILL for our photo session, and would not cooperate no matter what we bribed her with!
She was fussing, hollering, and carrying on the entire time. True to form, Lisa Felthous of Lisa Felthous Photography was amazingly patient and pulled stuff out of her rear in order to get Emily to look nice for our pictures.
It will be SO hard to choose from the 80-or-so pictures in our slideshow.
To view her work, visit LisaFelthousPhotography.com, click "client viewing" and our password is Emily.
If you are interested in portaiture for any occasion, please consider Lisa Felthous Photography. We do our best to patronize local small businesses, and we encourage you to do the same!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Shopping Extravaganza
Sunday, May 9, 2010
So, I’ve been waiting for this weekend for a while now. We have been spending the last 5-6 weeks eating all of the groceries in our kitchen to the best of our ability. I’ve been purchasing only foods and dry goods that we needed to finish off everything in our arsenal. When I looked in the pantry on Friday, I saw rice, Triscuits, and cereal. In the fridge – milk, condiments, grapes, and celery. The freezer: dinner rolls, popsicles, and some banana baby food. Now, don’t call CPS…I did all of this on purpose.
Before you freak – see my blog entitled “Stretching Your Meal Options” from April 1st.
Before I got to the end of the groceries and meal options, I knew that my shopping ventures would be expensive because we were out of everything: mustard, ranch, paper towel, canned goods, chicken breast, EVERYTHING. You name it, we were out of it! So I started by buttering up my husband. “Babe, we’re going to need to do the BIG PUSH this weekend and it’s gonna be ugly.” This way, he was prepared to go with me, help me, and make the whole nightmare that much easier.
However, you KNOW that when you shop with your husband, you often buy stuff that isn’t on the list; it’s just how it goes. They don’t usually do the shopping, so they see things that you never buy, and they want them! I, personally, will take the help and spend a few extra dollars.
Having said all of this, we went to four different stores in two days to complete our list. We started at Aldi – our brand new, discount grocery store to save as much money as we possibly could, and scratch as much off the list as possible. I had a detailed list, but I certainly picked things up as I saw them. After Aldi, we hit up Big Lots to get the majority of the list taken care of. They do not have a cold or frozen section, and I knew I’d need to visit Target or Wal-Mart thirdly.
Big Lots was important for one reason, mostly: Insanely low prices on sandwich bags in all sizes. A nice bonus was the canned goods, crackers, pretzels and chips, and dry goods like pasta and rice all at extremely discounted prices.
Target was third on my list – produce (only the items that I was unable to purchase at Aldi), lunch meat, and Stauffer’s Whales – found in the $1 section which beats the HECK out of the prices on Goldfish.
Wal-Mart was last, and we wanted to kill ourselves momentarily, as we were TIRED OF SHOPPING! Paper towel, frozen chicken breasts, store-brand allergy medicine, and canned tuna fish. DONE!
Now, we have purchased everything that we need except a FEW things that we only purchase in bulk at Sam’s…Purina Dog Food, Splenda, Coffee, lean ground beef, and bacon.
Stay with me – I know you’re exhausted! We were tired and cranky by the end.
Let’s break it down…
1. Aldi: $78.16
2. Big Lots: $51.39
3. Target: $36.54
4. Wal-Mart: $35.71
TOTAL: $201.80
By taking some time…and a great deal of patients…to travel to four different stores in order to complete my list and save the most money possible, I was able to stuff our pantry, freezer, and refrigerator FULL TO THE BRIM with groceries that will last us about six weeks. Of course I will be going to the store for fresh dairy, produce, and the few items that I still need from Sam’s, but I believe I truly saved a great deal of money by doing it this way.
Give my new technique a try one time, and see how much money you are saving. The savings is significant and it is such a good feeling to empty your pantry as much as possible, and then fill it, starting the whole process over again!
Happy Mother’s Day!!
So, I’ve been waiting for this weekend for a while now. We have been spending the last 5-6 weeks eating all of the groceries in our kitchen to the best of our ability. I’ve been purchasing only foods and dry goods that we needed to finish off everything in our arsenal. When I looked in the pantry on Friday, I saw rice, Triscuits, and cereal. In the fridge – milk, condiments, grapes, and celery. The freezer: dinner rolls, popsicles, and some banana baby food. Now, don’t call CPS…I did all of this on purpose.
Before you freak – see my blog entitled “Stretching Your Meal Options” from April 1st.
Before I got to the end of the groceries and meal options, I knew that my shopping ventures would be expensive because we were out of everything: mustard, ranch, paper towel, canned goods, chicken breast, EVERYTHING. You name it, we were out of it! So I started by buttering up my husband. “Babe, we’re going to need to do the BIG PUSH this weekend and it’s gonna be ugly.” This way, he was prepared to go with me, help me, and make the whole nightmare that much easier.
However, you KNOW that when you shop with your husband, you often buy stuff that isn’t on the list; it’s just how it goes. They don’t usually do the shopping, so they see things that you never buy, and they want them! I, personally, will take the help and spend a few extra dollars.
Having said all of this, we went to four different stores in two days to complete our list. We started at Aldi – our brand new, discount grocery store to save as much money as we possibly could, and scratch as much off the list as possible. I had a detailed list, but I certainly picked things up as I saw them. After Aldi, we hit up Big Lots to get the majority of the list taken care of. They do not have a cold or frozen section, and I knew I’d need to visit Target or Wal-Mart thirdly.
Big Lots was important for one reason, mostly: Insanely low prices on sandwich bags in all sizes. A nice bonus was the canned goods, crackers, pretzels and chips, and dry goods like pasta and rice all at extremely discounted prices.
Target was third on my list – produce (only the items that I was unable to purchase at Aldi), lunch meat, and Stauffer’s Whales – found in the $1 section which beats the HECK out of the prices on Goldfish.
Wal-Mart was last, and we wanted to kill ourselves momentarily, as we were TIRED OF SHOPPING! Paper towel, frozen chicken breasts, store-brand allergy medicine, and canned tuna fish. DONE!
Now, we have purchased everything that we need except a FEW things that we only purchase in bulk at Sam’s…Purina Dog Food, Splenda, Coffee, lean ground beef, and bacon.
Stay with me – I know you’re exhausted! We were tired and cranky by the end.
Let’s break it down…
1. Aldi: $78.16
2. Big Lots: $51.39
3. Target: $36.54
4. Wal-Mart: $35.71
TOTAL: $201.80
By taking some time…and a great deal of patients…to travel to four different stores in order to complete my list and save the most money possible, I was able to stuff our pantry, freezer, and refrigerator FULL TO THE BRIM with groceries that will last us about six weeks. Of course I will be going to the store for fresh dairy, produce, and the few items that I still need from Sam’s, but I believe I truly saved a great deal of money by doing it this way.
Give my new technique a try one time, and see how much money you are saving. The savings is significant and it is such a good feeling to empty your pantry as much as possible, and then fill it, starting the whole process over again!
Happy Mother’s Day!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Candid Camera!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Okay, so I’m super duper excited for tomorrow! We will be having our first EVER professional photographs taken as a family! This is only the third time we have had professional photographs taken in the history of our relationship! (Except our wedding, of course!)
Lisa Felthous, of Lisa Felthous Photography will be photographing us in Las Colinas, Texas tomorrow morning. Visit her WEBSITE, her work is absolutely beautiful.
My Mom, Michelle, and I have been working on a dress and coordinating shirt for Emily and I to wear tomorrow. We picked our fabric a few weeks ago and she finished the sewing portion last night! They turned out beautifully – visit her BLOG to see how we did it!
I am so excited to have some family photographs to display in our home. Visit Lisa Felthous Photography for pricing information and to view her beautiful work. From weddings to senior portraits to expectant parents, she has done it all! Check her out!
Okay, so I’m super duper excited for tomorrow! We will be having our first EVER professional photographs taken as a family! This is only the third time we have had professional photographs taken in the history of our relationship! (Except our wedding, of course!)
Lisa Felthous, of Lisa Felthous Photography will be photographing us in Las Colinas, Texas tomorrow morning. Visit her WEBSITE, her work is absolutely beautiful.
My Mom, Michelle, and I have been working on a dress and coordinating shirt for Emily and I to wear tomorrow. We picked our fabric a few weeks ago and she finished the sewing portion last night! They turned out beautifully – visit her BLOG to see how we did it!
I am so excited to have some family photographs to display in our home. Visit Lisa Felthous Photography for pricing information and to view her beautiful work. From weddings to senior portraits to expectant parents, she has done it all! Check her out!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Click it!
Wednesday, April 5, 2010
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Have you checked out Michelle's List yet?! HELLO?? Where have you been!?
Get on it!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Have you checked out Michelle's List yet?! HELLO?? Where have you been!?
Get on it!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Real Bruiser!
May 4, 2010
Sorry I’ve been away for so long! This weekend was a real doozie!
My husband went out-of-town Saturday morning for a short visit to New Mexico with family. He was scheduled to return Sunday evening. Saturday afternoon was filled with fun shopping and lunch with Emily and my sister, Jourdan. My sister and her husband spent Saturday night at our house along with their black lab, Toby.
Because Toby was asleep in the guest room and our two chocolate labs, Libby and DJ were asleep in our room, I decided to close the bedroom door to keep the dogs from romping around and waking the baby during the night. To make a VERY long ordeal short, our room was very dark and I tripped over one of the dogs at 4am, turning my knee into a black and blue baseball. Accompanied with a sexy black eye, (I hit the playpen on the way down) I was looking really good by 7am when Emily woke up.
Around 10:00am, the swelling was continually increasing, and would not go down no matter what I did.
Jourdan and I decided it was time to take a little trip to the Emergency Room – the first of my adult life. We do not have an ER in Wylie where we live, so we prepared to make the 30 minute drive to Medical Center of Plano. Then, I remembered that there was a brand new medical center about 15 minutes away in Richardson.
Richardson Regional Medical Center, here we come!
Why am I telling you all of this stuff? Because our experience at Richardson Regional was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! We arrived and checked in at 10:30, were admitted to a room at 10:35, and we were seen immediately. I was the only patient in the ER, and nurses were FIGHTING each other to take my blood pressure or my temperature.
Talk about service! I was x-rayed in my room immediately after being evaluated. The x-rays were reviewed about 10 minutes later and my x-rays were normal. I was given an injection for pain, fitted with crutches and my knee was wrapped by one of the nurses. They were incredibly caring, gentle, and speedy with their procedures. We were getting back in the car at 11:30 – only ONE HOUR in the Emergency Room!
I was so impressed with the quality of care, and the overall appearance of the medical center. There was not ONE SPECK of dust or dirt on anything, anywhere! It is a relatively new facility, and appears to be very well taken care of.
If you have access to Richardson Regional Medical Center, located at President George Bush Tollway (Hwy 190) and Renner Road, I highly recommend that you choose their facility over any other. We will continue to keep them in mind should we need emergency care in the future.
Sorry I’ve been away for so long! This weekend was a real doozie!
My husband went out-of-town Saturday morning for a short visit to New Mexico with family. He was scheduled to return Sunday evening. Saturday afternoon was filled with fun shopping and lunch with Emily and my sister, Jourdan. My sister and her husband spent Saturday night at our house along with their black lab, Toby.
Because Toby was asleep in the guest room and our two chocolate labs, Libby and DJ were asleep in our room, I decided to close the bedroom door to keep the dogs from romping around and waking the baby during the night. To make a VERY long ordeal short, our room was very dark and I tripped over one of the dogs at 4am, turning my knee into a black and blue baseball. Accompanied with a sexy black eye, (I hit the playpen on the way down) I was looking really good by 7am when Emily woke up.
Around 10:00am, the swelling was continually increasing, and would not go down no matter what I did.
Jourdan and I decided it was time to take a little trip to the Emergency Room – the first of my adult life. We do not have an ER in Wylie where we live, so we prepared to make the 30 minute drive to Medical Center of Plano. Then, I remembered that there was a brand new medical center about 15 minutes away in Richardson.
Richardson Regional Medical Center, here we come!
Why am I telling you all of this stuff? Because our experience at Richardson Regional was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! We arrived and checked in at 10:30, were admitted to a room at 10:35, and we were seen immediately. I was the only patient in the ER, and nurses were FIGHTING each other to take my blood pressure or my temperature.
Talk about service! I was x-rayed in my room immediately after being evaluated. The x-rays were reviewed about 10 minutes later and my x-rays were normal. I was given an injection for pain, fitted with crutches and my knee was wrapped by one of the nurses. They were incredibly caring, gentle, and speedy with their procedures. We were getting back in the car at 11:30 – only ONE HOUR in the Emergency Room!
I was so impressed with the quality of care, and the overall appearance of the medical center. There was not ONE SPECK of dust or dirt on anything, anywhere! It is a relatively new facility, and appears to be very well taken care of.
If you have access to Richardson Regional Medical Center, located at President George Bush Tollway (Hwy 190) and Renner Road, I highly recommend that you choose their facility over any other. We will continue to keep them in mind should we need emergency care in the future.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
The Bargainista
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Bargainista Lingo:
1. Bargainista – A true bargain fiend who finds exuberance in saving money, often sacrificing her body to do so.
2. START THE CAR! – This phrase comes from the IKEA commercial with the incredibly dorky woman in her Volvo wagon. When she sees the savings that she received, she runs from the building, screaming, “START THE CAR” before they can chase her down and charge her more.
3. Negotiations – Of course, negotiations occur at flea markets and garage sales. However, it is appropriate to negotiate in retail stores if you find an item that you are willing to purchase that is damaged or missing pieces. Most managers offer 10% or more off a damaged item.
4. Aw HELL yeah! – This is the expletive that slips from your mouth when you get to the register and something is on MORE of a sale than you expected.
5. SCORE! – This exclamation arises when you arrive at a store that you typically frequent, only to find that the whole place is on sale.
6. Robbing The Place – This takes place when one leaves a store spending little to no personal money. After coupons and rebates, merchandise is taken off their hands, without compromising the budget.
7. Hoarding – An item is on such an incredible sale that one must purchase all that the store has in stock. Thus, hoarding occurs.
Disclaimer: Bargainista Side Effects – Side effects of being a true Bargainista include sore feet, hunger, paper cuts, and a seriously bad attitude if someone gets in the way of a bargain. You should not become a Bargainista if you are unwilling to incur bodily injury due to your bargaining ways.
Bargainista Lingo:
1. Bargainista – A true bargain fiend who finds exuberance in saving money, often sacrificing her body to do so.
2. START THE CAR! – This phrase comes from the IKEA commercial with the incredibly dorky woman in her Volvo wagon. When she sees the savings that she received, she runs from the building, screaming, “START THE CAR” before they can chase her down and charge her more.
3. Negotiations – Of course, negotiations occur at flea markets and garage sales. However, it is appropriate to negotiate in retail stores if you find an item that you are willing to purchase that is damaged or missing pieces. Most managers offer 10% or more off a damaged item.
4. Aw HELL yeah! – This is the expletive that slips from your mouth when you get to the register and something is on MORE of a sale than you expected.
5. SCORE! – This exclamation arises when you arrive at a store that you typically frequent, only to find that the whole place is on sale.
6. Robbing The Place – This takes place when one leaves a store spending little to no personal money. After coupons and rebates, merchandise is taken off their hands, without compromising the budget.
7. Hoarding – An item is on such an incredible sale that one must purchase all that the store has in stock. Thus, hoarding occurs.
Disclaimer: Bargainista Side Effects – Side effects of being a true Bargainista include sore feet, hunger, paper cuts, and a seriously bad attitude if someone gets in the way of a bargain. You should not become a Bargainista if you are unwilling to incur bodily injury due to your bargaining ways.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Just In Case...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Just thought you might like to know:
*Sign up for World Market’s email distribution list and receive a $10 off coupon when you spend $30.
*Friday is the last day to use your Kohl’s email coupon and save 15%. You CAN use this coupon in conjunction with the $10 gift you received in the mail! They are also offering $10 Kohl’s cash when you spend $50.
*This week, Target has my favorite casual t-shirt on sale for $6 – regularly $8. They are short sleeved (not cap sleeve), scoop neck, long, shapely t-shirts. LOVE!
*Hobby Lobby is offering their traditional 40% off one regularly priced item with your printable email coupon.
*Old Navy is having their “shorts sale” this week. Women’s shorts are $15 and children’s shorts are $10.
GO GET ‘EM, TIGER!
Just thought you might like to know:
*Sign up for World Market’s email distribution list and receive a $10 off coupon when you spend $30.
*Friday is the last day to use your Kohl’s email coupon and save 15%. You CAN use this coupon in conjunction with the $10 gift you received in the mail! They are also offering $10 Kohl’s cash when you spend $50.
*This week, Target has my favorite casual t-shirt on sale for $6 – regularly $8. They are short sleeved (not cap sleeve), scoop neck, long, shapely t-shirts. LOVE!
*Hobby Lobby is offering their traditional 40% off one regularly priced item with your printable email coupon.
*Old Navy is having their “shorts sale” this week. Women’s shorts are $15 and children’s shorts are $10.
GO GET ‘EM, TIGER!
Monday, April 26, 2010
MOM
Monday, April 26, 2010
Usually, when people make strange comments to me, I blow them off. However, lately people have been coming to me time and again with statements like, “I don’t know HOW you stay home with your baby. I can’t imagine doing it. I would be SO BORED!”
I find myself highly offend by statements like this because I NEVER, EVER find myself bored or without something to do.
When my husband and I made the decision that I would resign from my teaching job and stay home with our daughter, then six months old, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We made this decision with many things in mind, because we would be cutting our income in half.
1. We do not want to be three strangers living under one roof.
2. We want to raise our children ourselves.
3. We need someone to be in charge of the grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and every other little thing that gets taken care of on the weekends.
4. We want to show our child(ren) that it isn’t about how much money you have.
5. We want to be a Godly example of a marriage and family for our child(ren).
6. We don’t want to be 18 years down the road and realize once our children move out that we are strangers.
Among other things, the above were discussions that we had before making the decision that I would stay home with our children.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for nearly one year now, and it is truly the best decision we ever made. In this transitional year, I have come to realize that I work MUCH harder as a stay-at-home Mom than I ever did as a teacher. I get more done in one day than I EVER did as a teacher! I also feel as though I am happier and more impactful in my child’s life now.
All in all, I’m not JUST the resident bill-payer, laundry-doer, cleaning lady, chef, boo-boo-kisser, band-aid applicator, and mess-picker-upper. I’m the Mom, and I wouldn’t trade my job for all the money in the world. We are better parents, better spouses, and a better family for it.
If you are a stay-at-home-Mom who questions your position in the world, someone considering staying home with your children, someone who wants to stay home someday, or someone who “can’t IMAGINE staying home because you’d be so bored,” think about the impact you can make on your family. If it isn’t for you, I totally understand, but some of us are living our dream as Moms who stay home.
Usually, when people make strange comments to me, I blow them off. However, lately people have been coming to me time and again with statements like, “I don’t know HOW you stay home with your baby. I can’t imagine doing it. I would be SO BORED!”
I find myself highly offend by statements like this because I NEVER, EVER find myself bored or without something to do.
When my husband and I made the decision that I would resign from my teaching job and stay home with our daughter, then six months old, it was not a decision that was made lightly. We made this decision with many things in mind, because we would be cutting our income in half.
1. We do not want to be three strangers living under one roof.
2. We want to raise our children ourselves.
3. We need someone to be in charge of the grocery shopping, meal planning, bill paying, and every other little thing that gets taken care of on the weekends.
4. We want to show our child(ren) that it isn’t about how much money you have.
5. We want to be a Godly example of a marriage and family for our child(ren).
6. We don’t want to be 18 years down the road and realize once our children move out that we are strangers.
Among other things, the above were discussions that we had before making the decision that I would stay home with our children.
I have been a stay-at-home Mom for nearly one year now, and it is truly the best decision we ever made. In this transitional year, I have come to realize that I work MUCH harder as a stay-at-home Mom than I ever did as a teacher. I get more done in one day than I EVER did as a teacher! I also feel as though I am happier and more impactful in my child’s life now.
All in all, I’m not JUST the resident bill-payer, laundry-doer, cleaning lady, chef, boo-boo-kisser, band-aid applicator, and mess-picker-upper. I’m the Mom, and I wouldn’t trade my job for all the money in the world. We are better parents, better spouses, and a better family for it.
If you are a stay-at-home-Mom who questions your position in the world, someone considering staying home with your children, someone who wants to stay home someday, or someone who “can’t IMAGINE staying home because you’d be so bored,” think about the impact you can make on your family. If it isn’t for you, I totally understand, but some of us are living our dream as Moms who stay home.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Tidbits
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Here are a couple of things for this weekend:
If you are in the North Texas area, Suncreek subdivision (located at Hedgecoxe and Legacy in Plano, Texas) is having their community-wide garage sale this weekend! See you there!
World Market is offering a free tote with a $10 purchase while supplies last. The purchases cannot be gift cards or alcoholic beverages (booooo...).
Have a great Saturday!
Here are a couple of things for this weekend:
If you are in the North Texas area, Suncreek subdivision (located at Hedgecoxe and Legacy in Plano, Texas) is having their community-wide garage sale this weekend! See you there!
World Market is offering a free tote with a $10 purchase while supplies last. The purchases cannot be gift cards or alcoholic beverages (booooo...).
Have a great Saturday!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Aldi = ALL THAT!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
So my Aldi Store FINALLY opened today! Halleluiah! My Mom, Emily and I have been planning to check it out for months now, and we were so excited to see what it was like!
Well, Aldi is everything they claim to be – low prices on the things that you buy regularly. The store was clean, organized, and very well run. The store employees were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
We both pay very close attention to what we pay for the items that we purchase regularly, and the quantity that we purchase them in. We found that Aldi had extremely competitive prices on nearly every item we purchased. If we did not find the price to be LOWER than the prices at Wal-Mart or a similar grocery store, we found that the price was the SAME as the prices we pay at similar grocery stores. The produce was fresh, attractive-looking, and huge in quantity.
A couple of items that I found to be insanely great prices:
1. 64 oz. Apple Juice - $1.19
2. Boxed dog biscuits - $.99
3. Cellulose Sponges - 6 pack - $.99
4. Boxes of fresh strawberries - $.99
5. Varied spices - $1.09 each
6. 32 oz. tub of vanilla yogurt - $1.59
7. One dozen eggs - $.89
See?! I told ya!
All in all, every item that we bought was purchased with excitement as we saved significantly.
At the cash register, we were excited to see that as they totaled our purchases, they then offered us a $5 coupon on top of the savings we already received. BONUS!
I am definitely going to add Aldi to my shopping rounds. I can now reduce my grocery budget every month and spend that money elsewhere.
There are a couple of things that you should know before shopping at Aldi:
1. Aldi charges 25 cents to borrow a shopping cart. You get your quarter back when you return the cart.
2. Aldi does not bag your groceries. You must come prepared with shopping bags, or they offer them for purchase ($1.99) at the register.
3. Aldi is a one-directional grocery store. If you realize you forgot to grab something and have to go back, your best bet is to leave your cart behind and sneak back to the forgotten item. People were very understanding as we had this happen numerous times.
Visit Aldi.com to find the store nearest you! Your wallet will be SO grateful!
So my Aldi Store FINALLY opened today! Halleluiah! My Mom, Emily and I have been planning to check it out for months now, and we were so excited to see what it was like!
Well, Aldi is everything they claim to be – low prices on the things that you buy regularly. The store was clean, organized, and very well run. The store employees were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
We both pay very close attention to what we pay for the items that we purchase regularly, and the quantity that we purchase them in. We found that Aldi had extremely competitive prices on nearly every item we purchased. If we did not find the price to be LOWER than the prices at Wal-Mart or a similar grocery store, we found that the price was the SAME as the prices we pay at similar grocery stores. The produce was fresh, attractive-looking, and huge in quantity.
A couple of items that I found to be insanely great prices:
1. 64 oz. Apple Juice - $1.19
2. Boxed dog biscuits - $.99
3. Cellulose Sponges - 6 pack - $.99
4. Boxes of fresh strawberries - $.99
5. Varied spices - $1.09 each
6. 32 oz. tub of vanilla yogurt - $1.59
7. One dozen eggs - $.89
See?! I told ya!
All in all, every item that we bought was purchased with excitement as we saved significantly.
At the cash register, we were excited to see that as they totaled our purchases, they then offered us a $5 coupon on top of the savings we already received. BONUS!
I am definitely going to add Aldi to my shopping rounds. I can now reduce my grocery budget every month and spend that money elsewhere.
There are a couple of things that you should know before shopping at Aldi:
1. Aldi charges 25 cents to borrow a shopping cart. You get your quarter back when you return the cart.
2. Aldi does not bag your groceries. You must come prepared with shopping bags, or they offer them for purchase ($1.99) at the register.
3. Aldi is a one-directional grocery store. If you realize you forgot to grab something and have to go back, your best bet is to leave your cart behind and sneak back to the forgotten item. People were very understanding as we had this happen numerous times.
Visit Aldi.com to find the store nearest you! Your wallet will be SO grateful!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Suck it up!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!
When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.
For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!
Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.
My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.
Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.
Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.
As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!
When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.
For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!
Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.
My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.
Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.
Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Smelly!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Just a quick update for you:
From now until Sunday, shop online or in stores at Bath and Body Works and purchase three of their Signature Selection Body Care products and receive THREE FREE! Six items for the price of three is an awesome deal. Ends Sunday, so hurry up!
Just a quick update for you:
From now until Sunday, shop online or in stores at Bath and Body Works and purchase three of their Signature Selection Body Care products and receive THREE FREE! Six items for the price of three is an awesome deal. Ends Sunday, so hurry up!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
NEVER Keep Your Opinion To Yourself!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
I really hope that you have already signed up for Kohl’s email and mailing distribution lists. They have sent me TWO postcards this week with $10 FREE! No purchase is required. I intend to spend $20 or $25 at Kohl’s next week and spend $0 or $5 of my own personal money! How delicious is that?!
I also received an interesting email from Target this week. They have introduced a new program of printable coupons via email. I viewed THIRTEEN PAGES of printable coupons, many of which I would likely take advantage of. You simply click the box within the coupons you are interested in printing, and Target.com compiles those coupons for you. You can then print ONLY the coupons you are interested in utilizing. Click HERE to see what I mean!
I am at Target at LEAST once per week, and I intend to utilize all of the savings techniques that they offer. Many of the coupons are for household and grocery items, but some of them are for items that are exclusively Target’s. For example: 10% off of patio furniture, $10 off a Kodak camera, and $5 off the ottoman of your choice. These are great deals that I am highly likely to take advantage of!
One more thing that I have begun taking advantage of is customer surveys. Many of the stores that we patronize offer discounts, or sweepstakes-like incentives as a reward for giving them feedback about your experience while shopping in their stores. Old Navy has offered 10% off your next purchase for filling out a short online survey for quite a while. Target offered me the chance to win $3,000 after taking part in a short online survey. Walgreens offered me the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree after participating in their online survey about my experience. I have yet to win anything, but I will continue to take 5 minutes of my time to share my opinion (which is never lacking) and who knows?! I could be the next winner and so could you!
I really hope that you have already signed up for Kohl’s email and mailing distribution lists. They have sent me TWO postcards this week with $10 FREE! No purchase is required. I intend to spend $20 or $25 at Kohl’s next week and spend $0 or $5 of my own personal money! How delicious is that?!
I also received an interesting email from Target this week. They have introduced a new program of printable coupons via email. I viewed THIRTEEN PAGES of printable coupons, many of which I would likely take advantage of. You simply click the box within the coupons you are interested in printing, and Target.com compiles those coupons for you. You can then print ONLY the coupons you are interested in utilizing. Click HERE to see what I mean!
I am at Target at LEAST once per week, and I intend to utilize all of the savings techniques that they offer. Many of the coupons are for household and grocery items, but some of them are for items that are exclusively Target’s. For example: 10% off of patio furniture, $10 off a Kodak camera, and $5 off the ottoman of your choice. These are great deals that I am highly likely to take advantage of!
One more thing that I have begun taking advantage of is customer surveys. Many of the stores that we patronize offer discounts, or sweepstakes-like incentives as a reward for giving them feedback about your experience while shopping in their stores. Old Navy has offered 10% off your next purchase for filling out a short online survey for quite a while. Target offered me the chance to win $3,000 after taking part in a short online survey. Walgreens offered me the opportunity to be placed in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree after participating in their online survey about my experience. I have yet to win anything, but I will continue to take 5 minutes of my time to share my opinion (which is never lacking) and who knows?! I could be the next winner and so could you!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Proctor & Gamble
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
I decided to visit Proctor and Gamble’s website, and subscribe to their email distribution list. They have a variety of coupons available to view and receive by mail from their site. I am consistent in purchasing Wal-Mart’s Great Value brand products for nearly everything I buy. However, there are various products that I cannot purchase the “store brand” of, and I am hoping to take advantage of the Proctor and Gamble coupons for these items. If you buy them anyway, why not get a great deal?!
Most of you already know that I’m, well, cheap…but I wear that badge proudly, and I’m cool with it! Proctor and Gamble also offers free samples of products that you may be interested in purchasing. I chose several items off of their somewhat-limited list, and my samples arrived in the mail today!
Although I exclusively purchase Parent’s Choice diapers, why not sample Pampers Cruisers?! That’s three free diapers, and I’ll take whatever I can get!
Another product that I ventured to try is Tide Laundry Detergent. My Mom used Tide when I was a young child, so I wanted to give it a shot. I usually think that it is extremely expensive, and I purchase my liquid laundry detergent at Big Lots. The large “tank” size dispensing bottle of SUN detergent is $6.50. It cleans our clothes, smells fresh and clean, and lasts for a century. So that’s my detergent of choice but I’d love to see if Tide surprises me.
Hit up their website and see if there are any products that you are interested in sampling. Even if you are unlikely to purchase these products after sampling them, FREE IS FREE!
I decided to visit Proctor and Gamble’s website, and subscribe to their email distribution list. They have a variety of coupons available to view and receive by mail from their site. I am consistent in purchasing Wal-Mart’s Great Value brand products for nearly everything I buy. However, there are various products that I cannot purchase the “store brand” of, and I am hoping to take advantage of the Proctor and Gamble coupons for these items. If you buy them anyway, why not get a great deal?!
Most of you already know that I’m, well, cheap…but I wear that badge proudly, and I’m cool with it! Proctor and Gamble also offers free samples of products that you may be interested in purchasing. I chose several items off of their somewhat-limited list, and my samples arrived in the mail today!
Although I exclusively purchase Parent’s Choice diapers, why not sample Pampers Cruisers?! That’s three free diapers, and I’ll take whatever I can get!
Another product that I ventured to try is Tide Laundry Detergent. My Mom used Tide when I was a young child, so I wanted to give it a shot. I usually think that it is extremely expensive, and I purchase my liquid laundry detergent at Big Lots. The large “tank” size dispensing bottle of SUN detergent is $6.50. It cleans our clothes, smells fresh and clean, and lasts for a century. So that’s my detergent of choice but I’d love to see if Tide surprises me.
Hit up their website and see if there are any products that you are interested in sampling. Even if you are unlikely to purchase these products after sampling them, FREE IS FREE!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Trick or Treat?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I just had a couple of random thoughts as I was going about my day…
Frozen bananas: Now that your baby is older, or you are planning ahead for when your baby can eat a few more solid things, pick up a bundle of fresh bananas. They are extremely inexpensive, around $.49 per pound, and babies think they taste like candy. Mash the bananas with a fork and dump them into the baby food jars/tubs that you have been saving. Pop ‘em into the freezer, and they stay VERY fresh-tasting! I usually thaw them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and most of the banana is thaw, and some of it is frozen. Emily especially likes the frozen part, as it tastes like a popsicle. This is a great trick for teething babies and sore gums.
Other soft foods for growing babies: Where you used to puree all of your baby’s vegetables, they may be at the age where they can handle some solid vegetables. Steam a bag of peas, portion the peas out into the baby food jars/tubs that you’ve been saving, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the microwave for around 45 seconds, and sprinkle them onto your baby’s high chair tray. They will love the independence of picking the peas up for themselves, and you might have a few moments to start dinner or rinse some dishes.
Formula popsicles: If your baby is still young enough to drink formula, formula pops are great for a warm day outside, or for those sore gums. Most grocery stores sell popsicle molds very inexpensively, or you could always fill an ice cube tray. Simply measure the amount of liquid that the mold holds, and you will know how much powder to add to the water.
Washable dry mop: I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet to mop the hard wood floors, and even the tile floors on occasion. The Swiffer Wet Jet pads are pricey, and I was going through about 3 pads a week, so I needed a new box of pads every time I turned around! Instead of continuing on with this, I decided to purchase a mop with a removable microfiber pad. I still purchase the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution, but I bought a large squirt bottle at Dollar Tree. I empty the solution into my spray bottle, and spray the floors by hand. After I am finished mopping, the microfiber pad gets tossed into the washing machine and is dry by the next day. I don’t have to continue purchasing Wet Jet Pads, and I don’t have to replace the batteries on the Swiffer Wet Jet, which is GREAT because the messes are getting bigger!
I just had a couple of random thoughts as I was going about my day…
Frozen bananas: Now that your baby is older, or you are planning ahead for when your baby can eat a few more solid things, pick up a bundle of fresh bananas. They are extremely inexpensive, around $.49 per pound, and babies think they taste like candy. Mash the bananas with a fork and dump them into the baby food jars/tubs that you have been saving. Pop ‘em into the freezer, and they stay VERY fresh-tasting! I usually thaw them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, and most of the banana is thaw, and some of it is frozen. Emily especially likes the frozen part, as it tastes like a popsicle. This is a great trick for teething babies and sore gums.
Other soft foods for growing babies: Where you used to puree all of your baby’s vegetables, they may be at the age where they can handle some solid vegetables. Steam a bag of peas, portion the peas out into the baby food jars/tubs that you’ve been saving, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, pop them into the microwave for around 45 seconds, and sprinkle them onto your baby’s high chair tray. They will love the independence of picking the peas up for themselves, and you might have a few moments to start dinner or rinse some dishes.
Formula popsicles: If your baby is still young enough to drink formula, formula pops are great for a warm day outside, or for those sore gums. Most grocery stores sell popsicle molds very inexpensively, or you could always fill an ice cube tray. Simply measure the amount of liquid that the mold holds, and you will know how much powder to add to the water.
Washable dry mop: I used to use my Swiffer Wet Jet to mop the hard wood floors, and even the tile floors on occasion. The Swiffer Wet Jet pads are pricey, and I was going through about 3 pads a week, so I needed a new box of pads every time I turned around! Instead of continuing on with this, I decided to purchase a mop with a removable microfiber pad. I still purchase the Swiffer Wet Jet spray solution, but I bought a large squirt bottle at Dollar Tree. I empty the solution into my spray bottle, and spray the floors by hand. After I am finished mopping, the microfiber pad gets tossed into the washing machine and is dry by the next day. I don’t have to continue purchasing Wet Jet Pads, and I don’t have to replace the batteries on the Swiffer Wet Jet, which is GREAT because the messes are getting bigger!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Burned Up
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.
When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!
Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!
My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!
The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.
You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!
Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.
When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!
Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!
My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!
The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.
You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Setting Up Your Budget
Friday, April 9, 2010
Setting up a budget is the best way to monitor how much money is coming in versus how much is going out each month. Today, I will help you customize your budget to meet your individual needs, and maximize your income. This can be helpful whether you are trying to stay home with your children, already staying home with your children, or you are just wondering what we all wonder, “Where does all of my money go?!”
Using Microsoft Excel, set up columns starting with A for Expense Name, B for usernames and passwords, and C, D, E, etc. for the months of the year. Set up the rows starting with row 3 for your monthly cyclical bills such as mortgage, cell phone payment, electricity, etc. After you are finished listing the cyclical bills that change from month-to-month, add bills that you incur each month like vehicle gas, groceries, entertainment, and clothing.
Once you have set up your spreadsheet, pull your online banking statement up, and print one month’s worth of banking statements. For example, March 1st – April 1st. The easiest way to single out expenses is with a colored highlighter. Highlight all grocery trips with pink, all gas expenses with yellow, etc. Add all of the pink expenses for one month together to figure out what you are spending on groceries. Add all yellow line items to pinpoint what you are spending in gas, and so on. Do this for every single line item on the statement. If you have rare expenses like vehicle registration, it is a good idea to budget a certain amount of money as “miscellaneous” in your budget. This way, nothing is truly a surprise if you budget for it.
At the bottom of your spreadsheet, add a “TOTAL” row. Add all of your expenses in the “March” column and put the total in your “Total” row. Below the total, add a row for “INCOME.” Put your monthly income in the row. Add a “LEFTOVER” row below the Income row. Subtract the TOTAL from the INCOME and this will be what you have for savings, or emergency situations every month after everything has been paid for.
The most important thing is to be realistic about your budget. Don’t cheap out if you REALLY spend $200 on clothing each month and put “$100” as this is not a realistic view of your spending.
If you look over your bank statement and see that you spend $400 on entertainment and eating out, perhaps you’d rather cut this line item to $300 and eat in or rent movies more often. There are a lot of ways to trim your expenses once you know what they are!
Take a couple of hours and sit down to put your budget on paper. You will sleep easier knowing precisely where your money is going and how you can keep more of that money in your pocket!
Setting up a budget is the best way to monitor how much money is coming in versus how much is going out each month. Today, I will help you customize your budget to meet your individual needs, and maximize your income. This can be helpful whether you are trying to stay home with your children, already staying home with your children, or you are just wondering what we all wonder, “Where does all of my money go?!”
Using Microsoft Excel, set up columns starting with A for Expense Name, B for usernames and passwords, and C, D, E, etc. for the months of the year. Set up the rows starting with row 3 for your monthly cyclical bills such as mortgage, cell phone payment, electricity, etc. After you are finished listing the cyclical bills that change from month-to-month, add bills that you incur each month like vehicle gas, groceries, entertainment, and clothing.
Once you have set up your spreadsheet, pull your online banking statement up, and print one month’s worth of banking statements. For example, March 1st – April 1st. The easiest way to single out expenses is with a colored highlighter. Highlight all grocery trips with pink, all gas expenses with yellow, etc. Add all of the pink expenses for one month together to figure out what you are spending on groceries. Add all yellow line items to pinpoint what you are spending in gas, and so on. Do this for every single line item on the statement. If you have rare expenses like vehicle registration, it is a good idea to budget a certain amount of money as “miscellaneous” in your budget. This way, nothing is truly a surprise if you budget for it.
At the bottom of your spreadsheet, add a “TOTAL” row. Add all of your expenses in the “March” column and put the total in your “Total” row. Below the total, add a row for “INCOME.” Put your monthly income in the row. Add a “LEFTOVER” row below the Income row. Subtract the TOTAL from the INCOME and this will be what you have for savings, or emergency situations every month after everything has been paid for.
The most important thing is to be realistic about your budget. Don’t cheap out if you REALLY spend $200 on clothing each month and put “$100” as this is not a realistic view of your spending.
If you look over your bank statement and see that you spend $400 on entertainment and eating out, perhaps you’d rather cut this line item to $300 and eat in or rent movies more often. There are a lot of ways to trim your expenses once you know what they are!
Take a couple of hours and sit down to put your budget on paper. You will sleep easier knowing precisely where your money is going and how you can keep more of that money in your pocket!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Four-Day Savings
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Just a couple of things to tell you about today!
Visit Kohls.com to take part in their Three-Day Shopping Pass where you can take 15% off your entire purchase on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. When you present your coupon at the register, they return your coupon to YOU so that you may use it throughout the weekend.
Visit WorldMarket.com for their 4-Day Friends and Family event! They are offering a coupon for 25% off Home Furnishings, Decor, etc. today through Sunday. Maybe it's time for that new dining set I've had my eye on!!
If you are in the DFW metroplex and you shop Stacy Furniture, they are offering a tax free weekend. Shop their Allen or Grapevine locations, and purchase your furniture tax free!
What are you waiting for?! GO SHOPPING!
Just a couple of things to tell you about today!
Visit Kohls.com to take part in their Three-Day Shopping Pass where you can take 15% off your entire purchase on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. When you present your coupon at the register, they return your coupon to YOU so that you may use it throughout the weekend.
Visit WorldMarket.com for their 4-Day Friends and Family event! They are offering a coupon for 25% off Home Furnishings, Decor, etc. today through Sunday. Maybe it's time for that new dining set I've had my eye on!!
If you are in the DFW metroplex and you shop Stacy Furniture, they are offering a tax free weekend. Shop their Allen or Grapevine locations, and purchase your furniture tax free!
What are you waiting for?! GO SHOPPING!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Delicious Recipe
April 7, 2010
Last night, I was thinking about my favorite meals to make for my family. The ones I like the most are inexpensive, simple, and delicious without that guilty feeling you get when you walk away from a calorie-rich meal. The recipe I’m sharing with you is one that I cannot take credit for. My Mom recommended it to me after she prepared it for herself and my Dad several times.
Don’t shy away because I am saying vegetables and tilapia in the same sentence. My husband is NOT a fan of eating things that swim, and he loves my tilapia and vegetables recipe. So, here’s the skinny:
Ingredients:
-A tilapia filet for each person you are feeding (sometimes Dads need two, and sometimes small fries can share one, but they shrink significantly after being baked)
-Two large raw carrots
-1/2 of a purple onion
-2 large handfuls of fresh green beans
-Paprika, Dried Dill, Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil.
Instructions:
-Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Cut the veggies into bite size pieces and toss them onto the cookie sheet. Sprinkle the veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper. Hand toss until coated.
-Stick ‘em in the oven for 30 minutes.
-While the veggies are cooking, rinse and dry the tilapia. Squeeze lemon juice over them and sprinkle with olive oil, smear until coated. Sprinkle generously with paprika, dried dill, and salt and pepper. Rub and flip the filets until they are red.
-With 8 minutes left on the vegetable timer, scoot the veggies to one side of the cookie sheet and add the tilapia. Cook until the timer sounds.
Your result will be delicious, salty/sweet caramelized vegetables and the most flavorful tilapia that doesn’t taste like fish! This meal is great for Spring and Summer because it is light and flavorful.
You can begin preparing this meal about an hour before you are planning to serve dinner, or you can prepare the entire cookie sheet after breakfast, and pop it in the oven right before dinner, prepping dinner at a more convenient, less hectic time of day. It is totally up to you! Then, you toss the parchment paper into the garbage and put the cookie sheet away. Dishes are done! Enjoy!
Last night, I was thinking about my favorite meals to make for my family. The ones I like the most are inexpensive, simple, and delicious without that guilty feeling you get when you walk away from a calorie-rich meal. The recipe I’m sharing with you is one that I cannot take credit for. My Mom recommended it to me after she prepared it for herself and my Dad several times.
Don’t shy away because I am saying vegetables and tilapia in the same sentence. My husband is NOT a fan of eating things that swim, and he loves my tilapia and vegetables recipe. So, here’s the skinny:
Ingredients:
-A tilapia filet for each person you are feeding (sometimes Dads need two, and sometimes small fries can share one, but they shrink significantly after being baked)
-Two large raw carrots
-1/2 of a purple onion
-2 large handfuls of fresh green beans
-Paprika, Dried Dill, Salt, Pepper, and Olive Oil.
Instructions:
-Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Cut the veggies into bite size pieces and toss them onto the cookie sheet. Sprinkle the veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper. Hand toss until coated.
-Stick ‘em in the oven for 30 minutes.
-While the veggies are cooking, rinse and dry the tilapia. Squeeze lemon juice over them and sprinkle with olive oil, smear until coated. Sprinkle generously with paprika, dried dill, and salt and pepper. Rub and flip the filets until they are red.
-With 8 minutes left on the vegetable timer, scoot the veggies to one side of the cookie sheet and add the tilapia. Cook until the timer sounds.
Your result will be delicious, salty/sweet caramelized vegetables and the most flavorful tilapia that doesn’t taste like fish! This meal is great for Spring and Summer because it is light and flavorful.
You can begin preparing this meal about an hour before you are planning to serve dinner, or you can prepare the entire cookie sheet after breakfast, and pop it in the oven right before dinner, prepping dinner at a more convenient, less hectic time of day. It is totally up to you! Then, you toss the parchment paper into the garbage and put the cookie sheet away. Dishes are done! Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Make Your Own Bows!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Before my daughter, Emily, was born in December 2008, I would see these PRECIOUS babies in stores and restaurants with the most beautiful gerbera daisy headbands in their hair! I thought they looked absolutely precious, but when I found them in retail stores, I thought they were a little pricey at around $10 each. Well, you KNOW I had to have one in every color of the rainbow, so I had to figure out what I was going to do to lessen the expense.
We decided to try our hand at making the hair clips ourselves, and they turned out great! 15 months later, and Emily still wears these things on a daily basis. They have held up extremely well, and people compliment her everywhere we go. Would you like to make some? I’d love to help! Here’s how you do it:
Materials:
(2) silk gerbera daisies from your local craft store
(1) large rhinestone jewel that has a FLAT, MIRRORED BACK
(1) small scrapbooking brad (the flatter the top, the better)
(1) small alligator clip from your local beauty supply store
(1) roll of 1/2” grosgrain ribbon in WHITE
(1) glue gun
Let me take a moment to explain about the materials. We have found that using two silk gerbera daisies makes for a more sturdy, fluffy-looking “bow” at the end of your project. You can do it with a single flower, but the double-flower hair bows look the best. Silk flowers are ½ off at Hobby Lobby about once every two weeks, so if you gather your arsenal of flowers during their sale, you will save significantly. The rhinestone is probably the most expensive ingredient to these hair bows, so you might want to wait until jewels are on sale at Hobby Lobby, or sign up for their weekly ad, and use their 40% off coupon. You can use any shape rhinestone that you prefer, but I have found that the large, round ones are the cutest and fit the flowers the best.
How-To:
Here’s how you assemble the flower “bows”:
1. Using a pair of wire snips, cut the flower off of the stem VERY CLOSE to the base of the flower’s head. Remove the thick, green plastic piece that separates the petals from the stem. Once you have done this, the layers of the flower will all be separate. Remove the pollen.
2. Add the two silk flowers to one another and layer the petals according to size (large on the bottom, small on the top). Clasp the layers of petals together using your brad. The TOP of the brad should be at the TOP of the flower.
3. Wrap the entire alligator clip with a length of grosgrain ribbon, tacking the ribbon to the alligator clip with hot glue.
4. Hot glue the rhinestone to the top of the flower where the pollen used to be.
5. Glue the ribbon-wrapped alligator clip to the bottom of the flower, covering the bottom of the brad that is visible. The FLAT SIDE of the alligator clip should rest on your baby’s head, and the angled side of the clip should be glued to the bottom of the flower.
These flowers are SO fun to make, and they are super easy. They take about 5 minutes once you have your materials set up.
You can use the alligator clip to fasten the flowers to a headband if your baby’s hair is on the sparse side, or you can use them to clip their hair back once they have some growth.
*BONUS TIP: If you find that your flowers are slipping out of your baby’s silky hair, purchase a sheet of foam in the craft section of Hobby Lobby and cut strips to fit the length of the alligator clip. Glue the foam to the inside of the alligator clip and your baby’s flowers and bows will stick like glue!
We have experimented with spider mums, and the end product is not as attractive as the gerbera daisies because the petals of the spider mums are a little on the rogue side. It is up to you, but we have found that silk gerbera daisies are the best flowers to use for your baby’s hair bows. I hope you try it and love it – let me know how they turn out!
Before my daughter, Emily, was born in December 2008, I would see these PRECIOUS babies in stores and restaurants with the most beautiful gerbera daisy headbands in their hair! I thought they looked absolutely precious, but when I found them in retail stores, I thought they were a little pricey at around $10 each. Well, you KNOW I had to have one in every color of the rainbow, so I had to figure out what I was going to do to lessen the expense.
We decided to try our hand at making the hair clips ourselves, and they turned out great! 15 months later, and Emily still wears these things on a daily basis. They have held up extremely well, and people compliment her everywhere we go. Would you like to make some? I’d love to help! Here’s how you do it:
Materials:
(2) silk gerbera daisies from your local craft store
(1) large rhinestone jewel that has a FLAT, MIRRORED BACK
(1) small scrapbooking brad (the flatter the top, the better)
(1) small alligator clip from your local beauty supply store
(1) roll of 1/2” grosgrain ribbon in WHITE
(1) glue gun
Let me take a moment to explain about the materials. We have found that using two silk gerbera daisies makes for a more sturdy, fluffy-looking “bow” at the end of your project. You can do it with a single flower, but the double-flower hair bows look the best. Silk flowers are ½ off at Hobby Lobby about once every two weeks, so if you gather your arsenal of flowers during their sale, you will save significantly. The rhinestone is probably the most expensive ingredient to these hair bows, so you might want to wait until jewels are on sale at Hobby Lobby, or sign up for their weekly ad, and use their 40% off coupon. You can use any shape rhinestone that you prefer, but I have found that the large, round ones are the cutest and fit the flowers the best.
How-To:
Here’s how you assemble the flower “bows”:
1. Using a pair of wire snips, cut the flower off of the stem VERY CLOSE to the base of the flower’s head. Remove the thick, green plastic piece that separates the petals from the stem. Once you have done this, the layers of the flower will all be separate. Remove the pollen.
2. Add the two silk flowers to one another and layer the petals according to size (large on the bottom, small on the top). Clasp the layers of petals together using your brad. The TOP of the brad should be at the TOP of the flower.
3. Wrap the entire alligator clip with a length of grosgrain ribbon, tacking the ribbon to the alligator clip with hot glue.
4. Hot glue the rhinestone to the top of the flower where the pollen used to be.
5. Glue the ribbon-wrapped alligator clip to the bottom of the flower, covering the bottom of the brad that is visible. The FLAT SIDE of the alligator clip should rest on your baby’s head, and the angled side of the clip should be glued to the bottom of the flower.
These flowers are SO fun to make, and they are super easy. They take about 5 minutes once you have your materials set up.
You can use the alligator clip to fasten the flowers to a headband if your baby’s hair is on the sparse side, or you can use them to clip their hair back once they have some growth.
*BONUS TIP: If you find that your flowers are slipping out of your baby’s silky hair, purchase a sheet of foam in the craft section of Hobby Lobby and cut strips to fit the length of the alligator clip. Glue the foam to the inside of the alligator clip and your baby’s flowers and bows will stick like glue!
We have experimented with spider mums, and the end product is not as attractive as the gerbera daisies because the petals of the spider mums are a little on the rogue side. It is up to you, but we have found that silk gerbera daisies are the best flowers to use for your baby’s hair bows. I hope you try it and love it – let me know how they turn out!
Friday, April 2, 2010
I'm on a savings HIGH!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Okay, so Garage Saling today was a bust. We knew it was going to rain, but didn't think people would actually BACK OUT of the garage sales they had already applied for permits for, but whatever - we will try it again in a couple of weeks.
Instead, we decided to spend an hour or so at Kohl's because of the coupons that we had accumulated in the last couple of weeks. Here's how it came out for me:
1 shirt for Easter Sunday $38 on sale for $21.99
1 set of summer pajamas for my toddler $20 on sale for $9
1 blingy ring $20 on sale for $7.99 + 20% off of jewelry = $6.39
1 fabric hair flower $10 on sale for $4.50
TOTAL: $88 on sale for $41.88
$10 off coupon = $31.88
15% off total purchase coupon = $4.79
Kohl's tax free (9%) savings = $2.44
TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE: $26.68
It states right on my receipt that I saved $63.35. So basically, I got my four items for LESS than the retail price of my shirt, or for roughly the retail price of toddler pajamas. WHAT?! As the lady on the IKEA commercial says, "START THE CAR!"
In recent months, Kohl's has saved me more money than any other store that I frequent. Of course, I frequent a lot of discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx, so it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly how much you saved off of retail prices, but I'm sure it is always significant. However, my savings at Kohl's is written in black and white on my receipt and I am on a high!!
Good Friday was GREAT Friday this year!
Okay, so Garage Saling today was a bust. We knew it was going to rain, but didn't think people would actually BACK OUT of the garage sales they had already applied for permits for, but whatever - we will try it again in a couple of weeks.
Instead, we decided to spend an hour or so at Kohl's because of the coupons that we had accumulated in the last couple of weeks. Here's how it came out for me:
1 shirt for Easter Sunday $38 on sale for $21.99
1 set of summer pajamas for my toddler $20 on sale for $9
1 blingy ring $20 on sale for $7.99 + 20% off of jewelry = $6.39
1 fabric hair flower $10 on sale for $4.50
TOTAL: $88 on sale for $41.88
$10 off coupon = $31.88
15% off total purchase coupon = $4.79
Kohl's tax free (9%) savings = $2.44
TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE: $26.68
It states right on my receipt that I saved $63.35. So basically, I got my four items for LESS than the retail price of my shirt, or for roughly the retail price of toddler pajamas. WHAT?! As the lady on the IKEA commercial says, "START THE CAR!"
In recent months, Kohl's has saved me more money than any other store that I frequent. Of course, I frequent a lot of discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx, so it is often difficult to pinpoint exactly how much you saved off of retail prices, but I'm sure it is always significant. However, my savings at Kohl's is written in black and white on my receipt and I am on a high!!
Good Friday was GREAT Friday this year!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Garage Sales!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Before you get your Easter festivities off to a great start, why not hit up a couple of Garage sales?
My sister and I will be venturing out tomorrow, and we’ve mapped our route. Most cities ask that you apply for a Garage Sale permit before holding your sale. When you apply for the permit, you go into their system, and they log the date and times that you have input.
As a garage SALER, you can visit the cities’ websites and see everyone who has applied for a permit. You can see their address, the dates and times they are holding their garage sale, and in most cases, you can also see the items that they will be selling. Score!
Keep a few things in mind as you are shopping…1) how can I reuse, refinish, or repurpose this item? 2) what do I think is a fair price to pay for this item? 3) what items would be more beneficial to get at a garage sale than paying retail price for?
NEVER, EVER be afraid to negotiate! These people do NOT want to haul this junk back into their garages, nor do they want to make the trip to Goodwill with it. You will often find that some people KNOW what they’re doing and price their items to sell. It is very obvious when you approach a sale and things are ‘priced to stay’. Be aware, and don’t settle for the sticker price – offer a low-ball price, and see if you can meet them somewhere in the middle. You never know – you might get lucky and they accept your offer!
I have many items that I’ve found at garage sales that are now proudly displayed in my home from retail stores like Pier One and Lowe’s. I have no problem stripping the paint/stain and refinishing these items, or touching up the rough spots. It’s a treasure hunt and can be SO fun!
Also remember, Kohl’s is practically giving the store away right now. Not only do I have my $10 off any purchase coupon, but I also received email coupons for 15% and 20% off my purchase. With those combined, I can do some serious damage for very little expense. These coupons, and a BUNCH more were featured on Good Morning Texas on Thursday morning. Their sales are unbelievable and in conjunction with your coupons, you are sure to make out like a bandit!
Happy Easter! DO NOT FORGET to run up to your local retailer on Monday and stock up on Easter stuff for next year. Items will be 50% or more off of the previously marked prices.
Before you get your Easter festivities off to a great start, why not hit up a couple of Garage sales?
My sister and I will be venturing out tomorrow, and we’ve mapped our route. Most cities ask that you apply for a Garage Sale permit before holding your sale. When you apply for the permit, you go into their system, and they log the date and times that you have input.
As a garage SALER, you can visit the cities’ websites and see everyone who has applied for a permit. You can see their address, the dates and times they are holding their garage sale, and in most cases, you can also see the items that they will be selling. Score!
Keep a few things in mind as you are shopping…1) how can I reuse, refinish, or repurpose this item? 2) what do I think is a fair price to pay for this item? 3) what items would be more beneficial to get at a garage sale than paying retail price for?
NEVER, EVER be afraid to negotiate! These people do NOT want to haul this junk back into their garages, nor do they want to make the trip to Goodwill with it. You will often find that some people KNOW what they’re doing and price their items to sell. It is very obvious when you approach a sale and things are ‘priced to stay’. Be aware, and don’t settle for the sticker price – offer a low-ball price, and see if you can meet them somewhere in the middle. You never know – you might get lucky and they accept your offer!
I have many items that I’ve found at garage sales that are now proudly displayed in my home from retail stores like Pier One and Lowe’s. I have no problem stripping the paint/stain and refinishing these items, or touching up the rough spots. It’s a treasure hunt and can be SO fun!
Also remember, Kohl’s is practically giving the store away right now. Not only do I have my $10 off any purchase coupon, but I also received email coupons for 15% and 20% off my purchase. With those combined, I can do some serious damage for very little expense. These coupons, and a BUNCH more were featured on Good Morning Texas on Thursday morning. Their sales are unbelievable and in conjunction with your coupons, you are sure to make out like a bandit!
Happy Easter! DO NOT FORGET to run up to your local retailer on Monday and stock up on Easter stuff for next year. Items will be 50% or more off of the previously marked prices.
Stretching your meal options
Thursday, April 1, 2010
I have learned a variety of different ways to save money since we have become a one-income family. Because that one income only comes once a century…I mean once a month, I have learned how to stretch a dollar until it squeaks!
One great way to save is to challenge yourself. Challenge yourself to eat all of the groceries in the pantry/fridge/freezer until it is gone.
How? Make it a game of sorts. Create a list of all of the main dishes, side dishes, and odds and ends that you have. Create the BEST pairings with the things that you have. Once you have done this, make a store list of the necessities that you CANNOT make it through the week without: milk, eggs, diapers, and the like. Then, look at the meals you’ve created with what’s left in your kitchen, and add several odds and ends to make additional meals.
Have leftover roast? Pick up a couple of bolillo rolls and have barbeque sandwiches.
Have a can of fruit and some frozen chicken breasts? Grab some romaine lettuce, marinade your chicken in orange juice and you have Hawaiian chicken salads!
Remember the bolillo rolls that you bought for bbq sandwiches? (They usually come 8 in a bag for about $2 at the bakery) And the romaine lettuce from the Hawaiian chicken salads? Have some bacon? Pick up a large, fresh tomato and serve BLTs for dinner tonight!
These are just a few examples of things that I’ve done in the past. This will keep you from spending money at a restaurant, and cut your grocery bill significantly when you use things that you already have in the pantry. I am a BIG TIME list-checker-offer, so I love to cross off the meals that we’ve eaten or the side/main dishes we have used.
I hope you find this helpful as we all have to make changes in our lifestyles and become good stewards of what we have.
I have learned a variety of different ways to save money since we have become a one-income family. Because that one income only comes once a century…I mean once a month, I have learned how to stretch a dollar until it squeaks!
One great way to save is to challenge yourself. Challenge yourself to eat all of the groceries in the pantry/fridge/freezer until it is gone.
How? Make it a game of sorts. Create a list of all of the main dishes, side dishes, and odds and ends that you have. Create the BEST pairings with the things that you have. Once you have done this, make a store list of the necessities that you CANNOT make it through the week without: milk, eggs, diapers, and the like. Then, look at the meals you’ve created with what’s left in your kitchen, and add several odds and ends to make additional meals.
Have leftover roast? Pick up a couple of bolillo rolls and have barbeque sandwiches.
Have a can of fruit and some frozen chicken breasts? Grab some romaine lettuce, marinade your chicken in orange juice and you have Hawaiian chicken salads!
Remember the bolillo rolls that you bought for bbq sandwiches? (They usually come 8 in a bag for about $2 at the bakery) And the romaine lettuce from the Hawaiian chicken salads? Have some bacon? Pick up a large, fresh tomato and serve BLTs for dinner tonight!
These are just a few examples of things that I’ve done in the past. This will keep you from spending money at a restaurant, and cut your grocery bill significantly when you use things that you already have in the pantry. I am a BIG TIME list-checker-offer, so I love to cross off the meals that we’ve eaten or the side/main dishes we have used.
I hope you find this helpful as we all have to make changes in our lifestyles and become good stewards of what we have.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
10-Bean-Soup...delicious and nearly free!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
I am always looking for ways to save at the grocery store and still feed my family nutritious, tasty dinners.
Dinners that cost me less than $1 per person are always a bonus! I have been shopping at Sprouts more frequently lately, and found something I wanted to try on a recommendation from my Mom. Ten-bean soup is something that you purchase dry by the scoop at Sprouts. It costs about $1.75 per pound, and you’d be STUNNED at how much soup you can get for a pound!
After purchasing the soup, I began searching for recipes in Google and stumbled upon a recipe that looked SO delicious. My recipe came from HERE by Meenakshi Matai. She was very gracious and willing to let me blog about my experience using her recipe.
There were a few things that I found to be attractive about her recipe. #1 – I already had most of the ingredients needed to make the soup. #2 – You can soak the beans while you are sleeping, and begin preparing the soup in the morning. One of my favorite things to do is, after lunches are packed, beds are made, and breakfast is served, I like to have SOME idea of what is for dinner, and prepare what I can ahead of time. With this recipe, you have already soaked the beans the night before, and you add all of the ingredients to your Crockpot or slow cooker, and you are done with dinner! How sweet is that?! #3 – this meal is quite low in calories because it contains only beans, vegetables, water and spices. You can feel completely guiltless after eating dinner!
My recipe varied slightly from Meenakshi’s because I did not have a green pepper to add to my 10-bean soup. I also didn’t have any fresh tomatoes, but I DID have a can of whole tomatoes seasoned with basil. I added these to my soup. It smelled absolutely delicious in the house all day long, and I couldn’t WAIT to try my new, nearly free soup! The soup was very flavorful and tasty. I made 1.5 of her recipes because I bought 1.5 cups of 10-beans, and WHOA did it make a lot of soup! I didn’t buy NEARLY a pound of beans, so I only spent pennies on our dinner. I froze the leftovers, and we will have them again next week – so that cuts in HALF what I spent because we will be eating it TWICE! I served a small salad with our soup, and it was a delicious dinner, indeed!
Speaking of Sprouts – I purchase something exclusively from Sprouts that I MUST tell you about! Organic lollipops! My Mom first purchased these lollipops for my daughter when she was around 6 months old. We were going to get brave and cut her hair, but we needed something to distract her and keep her still for long enough to trim! My Mom is a huge Sprouts shopper, and she stumbled upon them during one of her shopping trips. The flavors are so intense and delicious that you feel like you have the authentic fruit in your mouth. Emily loves them and they have saved my butt numerous times on long phone conversations, plane rides, and salon haircuts! You can purchase them in a small bag, or individually (6 suckers for $1) at the register. Sprouts is also running a special for Easter and a GIANT bag of assorted flavors of these organic lollipops is $4.99 right now.
I am always looking for ways to save at the grocery store and still feed my family nutritious, tasty dinners.
Dinners that cost me less than $1 per person are always a bonus! I have been shopping at Sprouts more frequently lately, and found something I wanted to try on a recommendation from my Mom. Ten-bean soup is something that you purchase dry by the scoop at Sprouts. It costs about $1.75 per pound, and you’d be STUNNED at how much soup you can get for a pound!
After purchasing the soup, I began searching for recipes in Google and stumbled upon a recipe that looked SO delicious. My recipe came from HERE by Meenakshi Matai. She was very gracious and willing to let me blog about my experience using her recipe.
There were a few things that I found to be attractive about her recipe. #1 – I already had most of the ingredients needed to make the soup. #2 – You can soak the beans while you are sleeping, and begin preparing the soup in the morning. One of my favorite things to do is, after lunches are packed, beds are made, and breakfast is served, I like to have SOME idea of what is for dinner, and prepare what I can ahead of time. With this recipe, you have already soaked the beans the night before, and you add all of the ingredients to your Crockpot or slow cooker, and you are done with dinner! How sweet is that?! #3 – this meal is quite low in calories because it contains only beans, vegetables, water and spices. You can feel completely guiltless after eating dinner!
My recipe varied slightly from Meenakshi’s because I did not have a green pepper to add to my 10-bean soup. I also didn’t have any fresh tomatoes, but I DID have a can of whole tomatoes seasoned with basil. I added these to my soup. It smelled absolutely delicious in the house all day long, and I couldn’t WAIT to try my new, nearly free soup! The soup was very flavorful and tasty. I made 1.5 of her recipes because I bought 1.5 cups of 10-beans, and WHOA did it make a lot of soup! I didn’t buy NEARLY a pound of beans, so I only spent pennies on our dinner. I froze the leftovers, and we will have them again next week – so that cuts in HALF what I spent because we will be eating it TWICE! I served a small salad with our soup, and it was a delicious dinner, indeed!
Speaking of Sprouts – I purchase something exclusively from Sprouts that I MUST tell you about! Organic lollipops! My Mom first purchased these lollipops for my daughter when she was around 6 months old. We were going to get brave and cut her hair, but we needed something to distract her and keep her still for long enough to trim! My Mom is a huge Sprouts shopper, and she stumbled upon them during one of her shopping trips. The flavors are so intense and delicious that you feel like you have the authentic fruit in your mouth. Emily loves them and they have saved my butt numerous times on long phone conversations, plane rides, and salon haircuts! You can purchase them in a small bag, or individually (6 suckers for $1) at the register. Sprouts is also running a special for Easter and a GIANT bag of assorted flavors of these organic lollipops is $4.99 right now.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Coupons: Part 2
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
This blog correlates with yesterday’s blog, and I hope to hear from you regarding your thoughts of the Nightline segment.
This tip stems from an experience that I had on a Sunday afternoon at Wal-Mart: I was in the check-out line behind two older women. The lady checking out was taking a particularly long time to move through the line and leave. Because of the length of time that she spent at the register, I began paying attention to what it was that she was doing.
Well, about 20 minutes later I figured out what was going on. I was frustrated and impatient, but I was also intrigued at the outcome of her shenanigans. She came to Wal-Mart completely prepared with everything that was on her list. She made notes in the margins of her list with the sale prices and the stores that were offering these prices. She presented these ads (from the Sunday paper) to the cashier and she honored each and every one of them. This was a tedious process, but she ended up saving nearly 50% of the cost of her trip. The cashier was so patient and friendly, and she encouraged me to try and do the same.
I have yet to try this technique myself, but I am excited to do so. This little-known technique will keep you from driving from store to store in order to find the best deals and complete your shopping list. Sounds like a winner to me!
This blog correlates with yesterday’s blog, and I hope to hear from you regarding your thoughts of the Nightline segment.
This tip stems from an experience that I had on a Sunday afternoon at Wal-Mart: I was in the check-out line behind two older women. The lady checking out was taking a particularly long time to move through the line and leave. Because of the length of time that she spent at the register, I began paying attention to what it was that she was doing.
Well, about 20 minutes later I figured out what was going on. I was frustrated and impatient, but I was also intrigued at the outcome of her shenanigans. She came to Wal-Mart completely prepared with everything that was on her list. She made notes in the margins of her list with the sale prices and the stores that were offering these prices. She presented these ads (from the Sunday paper) to the cashier and she honored each and every one of them. This was a tedious process, but she ended up saving nearly 50% of the cost of her trip. The cashier was so patient and friendly, and she encouraged me to try and do the same.
I have yet to try this technique myself, but I am excited to do so. This little-known technique will keep you from driving from store to store in order to find the best deals and complete your shopping list. Sounds like a winner to me!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Coupons and their potential...
Monday, March 29, 2010
As I was clipping coupons in the Sunday Paper this morning, I was reminded of a segment on Nightline that impacted me heavily. This story struck me so hard, in fact, that I couldn’t fall asleep, and in turn, relayed it to my husband, mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law.
I just couldn’t believe the savings that these two coupon-gurus were finding. A couple of things that were memorable to me:
*Arrive at the grocery store prepared with coupons that correspond with the items on your shopping list.
*Don’t forget your Catalina coupons – those that print out after you have paid for your items.
*Stocking up on an item that is on sale AND you have a coupon for could leave you with more money than you entered the store with. *(WHAT?!)*
Firstly, I have mentioned in previous blogs that I purchase store-brand products almost exclusively. Better said – if a store brand is available, that’s what I choose, save ketchup and Cheerios. However, I am re-thinking my strategy completely after watching this segment. The savings that they achieve is stunning, and you will be amazed when you watch it as well.
Secondly, I have found that Wal-Mart offers the lowest prices of any grocery store in my area. However, they are less likely (in my experience) to offer sales on items that I purchase regularly. Their prices are steadfast and if you offer the lowest prices around, what’s the need to put these items on sale? Having watched the Nightline segment, I may try my hand at other supermarkets that offer weekly sales on commonly purchased items.
Watch the Nightline segment – it will completely change your view of couponing and grocery shopping!
As I was clipping coupons in the Sunday Paper this morning, I was reminded of a segment on Nightline that impacted me heavily. This story struck me so hard, in fact, that I couldn’t fall asleep, and in turn, relayed it to my husband, mom, dad, sister, and brother-in-law.
I just couldn’t believe the savings that these two coupon-gurus were finding. A couple of things that were memorable to me:
*Arrive at the grocery store prepared with coupons that correspond with the items on your shopping list.
*Don’t forget your Catalina coupons – those that print out after you have paid for your items.
*Stocking up on an item that is on sale AND you have a coupon for could leave you with more money than you entered the store with. *(WHAT?!)*
Firstly, I have mentioned in previous blogs that I purchase store-brand products almost exclusively. Better said – if a store brand is available, that’s what I choose, save ketchup and Cheerios. However, I am re-thinking my strategy completely after watching this segment. The savings that they achieve is stunning, and you will be amazed when you watch it as well.
Secondly, I have found that Wal-Mart offers the lowest prices of any grocery store in my area. However, they are less likely (in my experience) to offer sales on items that I purchase regularly. Their prices are steadfast and if you offer the lowest prices around, what’s the need to put these items on sale? Having watched the Nightline segment, I may try my hand at other supermarkets that offer weekly sales on commonly purchased items.
Watch the Nightline segment – it will completely change your view of couponing and grocery shopping!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Save-A-Lot
Saturday, March 27, 2010
So…Save-A-Lot was a no-go. I decided to venture out yesterday, load up the baby, and drive across two cities to save some money on my groceries. My experience was unusual, to say the least.
I wasn’t able to complete my whole grocery list which was frustrating. They did not have any romaine lettuce, their assortment of meats was slightly creepy, and I was dissatisfied with their selection of toothpaste, to name a few. Selection was, in fact, a huge issue for me. There was often no variety to choose from.
The store was small, offering significantly fewer products than a typical grocery store. There is no bakery, and no deli.
I am not interested in being bombarded with sales associates and their questions, but it is always nice to know that they’ve seen you come in. No one spoke with me the entire time I was in their store (roughly an hour). I would have appreciated a, “are you finding everything ok today?” or “how are you today?”
Shortly after I arrived at Save-A-Lot, they launched a soup kitchen of sorts in the front of the store between the check-out and the produce. The entire situation was awkward and uncomfortable for me, and several other shoppers that were purchasing groceries around the same time.
Having said all of this, I will probably not be returning to Save-A-Lot. I am, however, EXTREMELY excited about visiting my new Aldi store when it opens on April 22nd. I have heard great things about this store, mostly from my Aunt, who shops at Aldi regularly. She mentioned to me that they stand behind each and every product that they carry. If you are dissatisfied with a product, Aldi will reimburse you for DOUBLE the retail price of the item. What a great way to demonstrate their dedication to superior products! Visit ALDI to find the store nearest you!
Just a tiny reminder – World Market sent an email this morning boasting 25% off Easter items. World Market is a GREAT place to find unusual toys that your kids are sure to love. Finish up those Easter Baskets for less!
So…Save-A-Lot was a no-go. I decided to venture out yesterday, load up the baby, and drive across two cities to save some money on my groceries. My experience was unusual, to say the least.
I wasn’t able to complete my whole grocery list which was frustrating. They did not have any romaine lettuce, their assortment of meats was slightly creepy, and I was dissatisfied with their selection of toothpaste, to name a few. Selection was, in fact, a huge issue for me. There was often no variety to choose from.
The store was small, offering significantly fewer products than a typical grocery store. There is no bakery, and no deli.
I am not interested in being bombarded with sales associates and their questions, but it is always nice to know that they’ve seen you come in. No one spoke with me the entire time I was in their store (roughly an hour). I would have appreciated a, “are you finding everything ok today?” or “how are you today?”
Shortly after I arrived at Save-A-Lot, they launched a soup kitchen of sorts in the front of the store between the check-out and the produce. The entire situation was awkward and uncomfortable for me, and several other shoppers that were purchasing groceries around the same time.
Having said all of this, I will probably not be returning to Save-A-Lot. I am, however, EXTREMELY excited about visiting my new Aldi store when it opens on April 22nd. I have heard great things about this store, mostly from my Aunt, who shops at Aldi regularly. She mentioned to me that they stand behind each and every product that they carry. If you are dissatisfied with a product, Aldi will reimburse you for DOUBLE the retail price of the item. What a great way to demonstrate their dedication to superior products! Visit ALDI to find the store nearest you!
Just a tiny reminder – World Market sent an email this morning boasting 25% off Easter items. World Market is a GREAT place to find unusual toys that your kids are sure to love. Finish up those Easter Baskets for less!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Savings this weekend!
Friday, March 26, 2010
This weekend, I will be taking advantage of several email coupons and discounts I have received in the recent past.
Kid to Kid
I received a coupon for Kid to Kid Children’s and Maternity Consignment in my email this week. The coupon is for $5 off when you spent $25.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet is my favorite local consignment boutique for men and women. When I took some items in to consign, I entered my email address into their database. About an hour after I left, I received a coupon for $5 off my next purchase at Plato’s Closet.
Save-A-Lot
There was a segment on the local news this morning about Save-A-Lot Food Stores. The segment highlighted Save-A-Lot’s dedication to low prices and fabulous online coupons. I visited their website, and discovered that there were over SIX PAGES of printable coupons for a variety of grocery items. I am interested in being added to their mailing list (the segment this morning mentioned receiving a coupon for $5 off when you spend $20) and discovering even more savings opportunities. The woman that led the segment on the news purchased $80 worth of groceries for $44!
Remember…these are simply guidelines. If you do not live in the North Texas area, or are in a community where none of these stores are available, I encourage you to venture out and discover what IS available to you. Maybe you have a Job Lots instead of a Big Lots. Maybe your children’s and maternity consignment store goes by a different name. Start thinking about the venues where you can experience significant savings. ALWAYS REMEMBER – deleting unwanted emails from your inbox IS FREE, but you can’t receive savings if you don’t sign up!
This weekend, I will be taking advantage of several email coupons and discounts I have received in the recent past.
Kid to Kid
I received a coupon for Kid to Kid Children’s and Maternity Consignment in my email this week. The coupon is for $5 off when you spent $25.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet is my favorite local consignment boutique for men and women. When I took some items in to consign, I entered my email address into their database. About an hour after I left, I received a coupon for $5 off my next purchase at Plato’s Closet.
Save-A-Lot
There was a segment on the local news this morning about Save-A-Lot Food Stores. The segment highlighted Save-A-Lot’s dedication to low prices and fabulous online coupons. I visited their website, and discovered that there were over SIX PAGES of printable coupons for a variety of grocery items. I am interested in being added to their mailing list (the segment this morning mentioned receiving a coupon for $5 off when you spend $20) and discovering even more savings opportunities. The woman that led the segment on the news purchased $80 worth of groceries for $44!
Remember…these are simply guidelines. If you do not live in the North Texas area, or are in a community where none of these stores are available, I encourage you to venture out and discover what IS available to you. Maybe you have a Job Lots instead of a Big Lots. Maybe your children’s and maternity consignment store goes by a different name. Start thinking about the venues where you can experience significant savings. ALWAYS REMEMBER – deleting unwanted emails from your inbox IS FREE, but you can’t receive savings if you don’t sign up!
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