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!

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!

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!

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!

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!