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…
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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!
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