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?!*
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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!
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