tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90103574560326676412024-03-14T10:15:52.499-05:00The Bargain HuntressA peek into the mind of a thrifty shopaholic.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-40249816117301463962012-02-03T08:05:00.000-06:002012-02-03T08:05:19.837-06:00Newport News Mega Clearance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One month down, 11 more to go...</div>
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For those of you who are still shopping this year, you're in luck. <a href="http://www.newport-news.com/warehouse-sale.html?utm_campaign=NN_Clearance&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MarketTraq&utm_content=020312_ClrEml&utm_term=168765">Newport News</a> is giving an <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">extra 80% off</span> all clearance items. </div>
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<a href="http://www.newport-news.com/warehouse-sale.html?utm_campaign=NN_Clearance&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MarketTraq&utm_content=020312_ClrEml&utm_term=168765"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjVfdA_ovLsaxIqAU74AT_cZy3t4gK5H7o0nm2U_0H3X04_-O5jXeXKox53cXMBviiwVRIByXjxzkJ3_6K0fUYSBH24PKO59JAuH7zDfLWKgSSh_n7fxP4w4lKAUtyBAEDK0Ct3Uje0k/s1600/newport+news.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.newport-news.com/warehouse-sale.html?utm_campaign=NN_Clearance&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MarketTraq&utm_content=020312_ClrEml&utm_term=168765"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5tZEAMSMMYCpMMTc5MeFEpJkvrdjhCRc7XSKICkDmIsDvjCVvtIZUWJdVoD85gssACJv7WEi9rBezYUW_IiR3BNiAlt-fkBuupVQGqmqpQpf779qujgrakVlbbLF-NgZ2r4gdv_ffj8/s320/newport+news+80+off.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tips</span></b>:</div>
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<li>Confused about the "11 months to go" bit? <b><span style="color: blue;">Check out <a href="http://bargainbasics.blogspot.com/2012/01/better-take-seat.html">this post</a></span></b>.</li>
<li>The Newport News clearance sale is <b><span style="color: blue;">today only</span></b>.</li>
</ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-53782024388813947032012-01-23T09:37:00.003-06:002012-01-23T09:38:52.112-06:00Homemade Furniture Polish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I'm not buying any new home furnishings or clothing/shoes/accessories for the whole year. I've made it so far (23 days). However, that doesn't mean I have to accept the condition of the things I have, right? </div>
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I won't be buying new cabinets this year, but with a homemade furniture polish, I can feel like I have brand new cabinets. </div>
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These are my master bathroom cabinet doors...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLELOZarQ-zfKf9gtSEjUiL7Q6OdUv28FeeRyS33lEX0QOOgGbUdM_evEbmTnY59GriQj9D32cHFcjisgHW9Jzz_k716NFELo4kIQgWDE73QoSaG0l0m3LUwZYvyq4LaKgupW58UOoYU/s1600/cabinets+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLELOZarQ-zfKf9gtSEjUiL7Q6OdUv28FeeRyS33lEX0QOOgGbUdM_evEbmTnY59GriQj9D32cHFcjisgHW9Jzz_k716NFELo4kIQgWDE73QoSaG0l0m3LUwZYvyq4LaKgupW58UOoYU/s320/cabinets+before.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The recipe for a homemade furniture polish is simple:</div>
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2 parts vinegar</div>
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1 part olive oil</div>
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(in other words, 1 C olive oil + 2 C vinegar)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8JylCMYUNrXODYJIQ0TdIZin4hlFRQxeAVpmP4xHzHXi5bfNChyphenhyphenXyVXdCkWR-dPHIbjplX1xFnLh4WATOaVbFI1YzMKFMk7Dy7soLqydg107U35IaHf9mD1hpcbMf26CiVMz2KOAGDQ/s1600/homemade+furniture+polish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8JylCMYUNrXODYJIQ0TdIZin4hlFRQxeAVpmP4xHzHXi5bfNChyphenhyphenXyVXdCkWR-dPHIbjplX1xFnLh4WATOaVbFI1YzMKFMk7Dy7soLqydg107U35IaHf9mD1hpcbMf26CiVMz2KOAGDQ/s320/homemade+furniture+polish.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ready to polish my cabinets</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6YjZIJrIPO6tgNKfA7RmCXeVBswHknOMS2raTrmA6HkKnqFKDxoFyFyflpuzHio9dF-vv-pqAmC5XsnHrHwPEkjXI1rkccBJENtTjLCifeqVuvDraojhVh4dhectW9ze0wXA0F_U0GA/s1600/homemade+wood+polish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6YjZIJrIPO6tgNKfA7RmCXeVBswHknOMS2raTrmA6HkKnqFKDxoFyFyflpuzHio9dF-vv-pqAmC5XsnHrHwPEkjXI1rkccBJENtTjLCifeqVuvDraojhVh4dhectW9ze0wXA0F_U0GA/s320/homemade+wood+polish.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Part way through...compare the left door (unpolished) to the right door (polished)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfNsdZGdR0M5l07xL04FhVt2qCvscyu-FQv6Q3DVzdZGNpfEzXUOsRXxRu7KdjF4xpfl1T3T4rgv-jFWutEccucGXMMKOhtiSbYFEoQxGFAyaJmkLwy4YZhv0CyY5POORVx8SKx6296E/s1600/compare+doors+best.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfNsdZGdR0M5l07xL04FhVt2qCvscyu-FQv6Q3DVzdZGNpfEzXUOsRXxRu7KdjF4xpfl1T3T4rgv-jFWutEccucGXMMKOhtiSbYFEoQxGFAyaJmkLwy4YZhv0CyY5POORVx8SKx6296E/s320/compare+doors+best.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Compare the next two pictures.</div>
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They are both of the same drawer. The top is before, the bottom is after!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDx8C95O_0zWQ6DjTatsWUNOP_Yt6MPLdW3a7jjw3K4-q2HMOKp7m31gN4sZgSO19LftrnwsiL_GXlDSuPKdGffQUPMAT6AZmPHCAPDRHaXD3cG2qmGUt1t65Vb9FVr3g1MnuEWF6W8A/s1600/cabinet+drawer+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDx8C95O_0zWQ6DjTatsWUNOP_Yt6MPLdW3a7jjw3K4-q2HMOKp7m31gN4sZgSO19LftrnwsiL_GXlDSuPKdGffQUPMAT6AZmPHCAPDRHaXD3cG2qmGUt1t65Vb9FVr3g1MnuEWF6W8A/s320/cabinet+drawer+before.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHQuVdGdAB3mpD5TvIvvTIUQlvbpE0ZZ36DpXzU6Hp2yVXIVTjnQtCnnI5s2GfpeOPI2U6v9lkS8s2troBtmmKx-dsyrigLKIf0doTBQJevVDQlOkxRc0BnvpWAArZavNPpnRtf8oZ24/s1600/cabinet+drawer+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHQuVdGdAB3mpD5TvIvvTIUQlvbpE0ZZ36DpXzU6Hp2yVXIVTjnQtCnnI5s2GfpeOPI2U6v9lkS8s2troBtmmKx-dsyrigLKIf0doTBQJevVDQlOkxRc0BnvpWAArZavNPpnRtf8oZ24/s320/cabinet+drawer+after.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My brand new cabinets!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktWNuQw9sWXnqgjcofL2yEhu_q6E-CASHO-L1WoPZdlBcfMv864bEn71znPujah9R0lS7RmMH7Gyt8LSZBQNjZUnZwkBFkv40RLq2lFjbCV8-JBa1Fm076rSvBD2Du3rPwqzVUAT-nLg/s1600/cabinets+after+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktWNuQw9sWXnqgjcofL2yEhu_q6E-CASHO-L1WoPZdlBcfMv864bEn71znPujah9R0lS7RmMH7Gyt8LSZBQNjZUnZwkBFkv40RLq2lFjbCV8-JBa1Fm076rSvBD2Du3rPwqzVUAT-nLg/s320/cabinets+after+cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>You may want to <b><span style="color: blue;">start with smaller amounts</span></b>, say 1 C vinegar and 1/2 C olive oil.</li>
<li>If your fingernails are dear to you, <b><span style="color: blue;">wear gloves</span></b>. After I did my entire kitchen without gloves, my fingernails were flimsy and broken. </li>
<li>If you have divots in the wood, this homemade furniture polish will not get rid of them, but <b><span style="color: blue;">they will be far less noticeable</span></b>. </li>
<li>If you have a special glaze or colored stain on your cabinets, <b><span style="color: blue;">try a small, inconspicuous spot</span></b> before polishing them. </li>
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-67282325331988368042012-01-16T08:56:00.001-06:002012-01-23T09:38:44.706-06:00Newport News Clearance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-d1tWAgvmuoURkvCJaNlGOCSrcTvl2BpQQAf_XZ-Yh4pDio8QEomm0zeO7jS4kiilInihJhOwcKevLnq8OYpc7gyMJZXqwWVgxq4j9Mg-aLDU1zMNTy2kPi4xLgFTNkLcyWN9YGo6aM/s1600/newport+news.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-d1tWAgvmuoURkvCJaNlGOCSrcTvl2BpQQAf_XZ-Yh4pDio8QEomm0zeO7jS4kiilInihJhOwcKevLnq8OYpc7gyMJZXqwWVgxq4j9Mg-aLDU1zMNTy2kPi4xLgFTNkLcyWN9YGo6aM/s1600/newport+news.gif" /></a></div>
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Today I had to show self-control. I got an email announcing an <span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">Extra 75%</span> off all clearance at <a href="http://www.newport-news.com/warehouse-sale.html?utm_campaign=NN_Clearance&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=MarketTraq&utm_content=011612_ClrEml&utm_term=166214">Newport News</a>. Since I won't be buying anything, I could at least share the news with you. In the past I have gotten some great swimsuits from this website for as little as $4. Can't beat that!!!</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tips</span></b>:</div>
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<li>The sale is <b><span style="color: blue;">today only</span></b>.</li>
<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Check the measurement charts</span></b> for the perfect fit.</li>
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P.S. Two people have already tried to talk me out of my <a href="http://bargainbasics.blogspot.com/2012/01/better-take-seat.html">New Year's resolution</a>. On the bright side, I have also inspired another person to follow suit!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-53357302157370366822012-01-11T07:33:00.002-06:002012-01-23T09:38:34.338-06:00Better Take a Seat...My 2011 resolution was to drive slower...that's it. I have a teenager who will be 16 soon, and I can already hear him calling me on my hypocrisy. I was pretty successful slowing down.<br />
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This year, I'm upgrading my efforts. I want to be happier with what I already have. So, I decided to NOT buy anything for my home or my closet for the entire 2012 calendar year. </div>
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My husband was speechless. My daughter is less than supportive (this will decrease her influx of fashion possibilities). I'm confident and determined.</div>
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Here's to 2012!</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-9702526058006440412011-09-15T15:06:00.000-05:002011-09-15T15:06:00.198-05:00Bargain Cooking Class<div>This is my blog, so I can promote myself, right? A friend and I just started a cooking class for locals. We have talked to a lot of people who don't cook, because they don't know where to start.<div><br /></div><div>We teach a basic lesson each week for 8 weeks, demonstrate a meal to cook, then eat and socialize. It's a blast!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the pictures from our first class: Cooking 101--Essentials Tools and Ingredients</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHLoXyPOMI9ApPe33Op5cLbv5E62w3AIrF6rkxusRzqQwkSYrBQa17K3ExzaY6qKqEiOV7MnNr8JTSooA2mifI-J5SlEXQi_INj4NkjAogJho5wrAFJBJL46qO9RnNkmGC2DYNYoLNaM/s1600/cooking+class+010.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHLoXyPOMI9ApPe33Op5cLbv5E62w3AIrF6rkxusRzqQwkSYrBQa17K3ExzaY6qKqEiOV7MnNr8JTSooA2mifI-J5SlEXQi_INj4NkjAogJho5wrAFJBJL46qO9RnNkmGC2DYNYoLNaM/s400/cooking+class+010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650084083148454354" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbTlBUcSnaaU9rDOFxTADO2se_-S_wP9ah76pQENa0ZO9aMWqLgQLZC-EPTgVcRmTzX7kNinY2DtNwKUpLDiqg8Yf0DghblCkqF9Ab3Jp2NhjieS8JPdtW0SFVzyFDOSvMxVsdAjS1GI/s1600/cooking+class+007.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbTlBUcSnaaU9rDOFxTADO2se_-S_wP9ah76pQENa0ZO9aMWqLgQLZC-EPTgVcRmTzX7kNinY2DtNwKUpLDiqg8Yf0DghblCkqF9Ab3Jp2NhjieS8JPdtW0SFVzyFDOSvMxVsdAjS1GI/s400/cooking+class+007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650084078475005154" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Tips:</b></span><div><div><ul><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >If you are local and interested</span></b> (and not a crazy person), give me a holler and I can give you info. </li><li>If not, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" >check craigslist or local newspapers</span></b> for programs near you.</li></ul></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-43030835531295435772011-09-08T14:45:00.003-05:002011-09-08T15:06:37.263-05:00Bargain Preschool Art Class<div>This year is my last year with a child at home during the school year.<div><br /></div><div>*sniff, sniff*</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided not to put my daughter into a regular preschool, because...</div><div><ul><li>Our <a href="http://bargainbasics.blogspot.com/2009/04/joy-school-inexpensive-alternative-to.html">Joy School</a> group dissolved.</li><li>Preschool is expensive.</li><li>I will miss her too much!</li></ul><div>Instead, our preschool is called "Mommy & Me" preschool. <span class="Apple-style-span" >(I have never been good at naming things.) </span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We have a preschool homework book (Costco for $9).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We go to story time at the library (free).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >She has scheduled play dates with a few friends (cost: returning the favor).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >She also loves art! I tried to find an affordable art class for preschoolers, but $60 was the best I could find around here. Ugh! Then I discovered a program at the Dallas Museum of Art. It's called, "Arturo's Art and Me." Designed for children 3 to 5 years of age, the class has an art lesson followed by art activities. It lasts 1.5 hours, is offered once a month, and is limited to about 10 children. We went today for the first time. It was awesome!<br /></span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqdJ8-8ANRbFcsIotBfFnzBquCR5g1wE76PSCoro5pE-qn6CUltaVTPu8ZRcOKSEcbhCrFGAJIGxUlVD4SzHsSUR6F-V6HRB9CJFLYt_6X5m1mpWBjdQSW1F3dbUXoz-EAmFZ8udmaK4/s1600/dma+art+class.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqdJ8-8ANRbFcsIotBfFnzBquCR5g1wE76PSCoro5pE-qn6CUltaVTPu8ZRcOKSEcbhCrFGAJIGxUlVD4SzHsSUR6F-V6HRB9CJFLYt_6X5m1mpWBjdQSW1F3dbUXoz-EAmFZ8udmaK4/s400/dma+art+class.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650079382018607202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Today they learned about still life. The children listened to a story about still life painting, then looked at two paintings of still life and discussed them. Then the class worked together to create this still life. Sofie placed the orange papaya that is right in front by the black grapes. (I'm so proud of her!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHAXp9eekruNEpG5Z47onQmafE0T0dStIpxekJlo_Xl9sVwzcg9qLuyIj_GQ8zbI2Ru1WXOkDFvD2vwiiH3RtPu_OmRcMyhkmWgxOVj3Rdnc9WZlwqzaAf4UlMfxu6OEbH3rgqDvylvQ/s1600/dma+art+class+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHAXp9eekruNEpG5Z47onQmafE0T0dStIpxekJlo_Xl9sVwzcg9qLuyIj_GQ8zbI2Ru1WXOkDFvD2vwiiH3RtPu_OmRcMyhkmWgxOVj3Rdnc9WZlwqzaAf4UlMfxu6OEbH3rgqDvylvQ/s400/dma+art+class+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650079377317830322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">In the studio, Sofie got to use food as a stamp. The cut pieces of food were dipped into paint, then stamped onto the paper to create their own still life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFwS2MfxE35-6Z1us8DSL76H3akFyljw92_U98_7m0OyeyCPK1VQxaf4PddKpHV2G6bOKztuAHrnSeVYoakWf5Kp3DBEHpHlyvXrzGDuP_zGBvPllNGPK5zskpKQfap_lTSIhUhyUpCg/s1600/dma+art+class+3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFwS2MfxE35-6Z1us8DSL76H3akFyljw92_U98_7m0OyeyCPK1VQxaf4PddKpHV2G6bOKztuAHrnSeVYoakWf5Kp3DBEHpHlyvXrzGDuP_zGBvPllNGPK5zskpKQfap_lTSIhUhyUpCg/s400/dma+art+class+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650079375798814082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Final product: </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Explosion of Food" (Sofie's words)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The cost is $10 per class. However, I became a member of the museum today for $90. That means I can take her to the class for free every month and visit the museum anytime I want (for a year) with another adult and any kids under 12. That's a bargain in my book!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Tips:</b></span></div><div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b>Reserve your spot early</b></span>. I had to plead with them to add Sofie, since the class was already full. They kindly obliged. If you sign up for the newsletter, it will inform you when the classes are available to sign up for.</li><li>If you don't live in the DFW area, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" >check with your local museum</span></b> to see if they have a similar art program. </li></ul></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-63643305929477068602011-08-16T16:57:00.005-05:002011-08-16T17:09:07.279-05:00NEW KIDZ IN TOWN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKp9Z0QgycEvmMvao23-gVs-AxoDbmPRhiUfgoain1Hw8lIqLYXgycBpf4nINc97eEuhzPxPcjmXfLaRmMZsS1Aj3tfvzP84q4_hnukwrYaYs9QmSYrIQwejEOixo7GKWFNph27Nvokc/s1600/AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwallet.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKp9Z0QgycEvmMvao23-gVs-AxoDbmPRhiUfgoain1Hw8lIqLYXgycBpf4nINc97eEuhzPxPcjmXfLaRmMZsS1Aj3tfvzP84q4_hnukwrYaYs9QmSYrIQwejEOixo7GKWFNph27Nvokc/s400/AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwallet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641577763980680034" /></a>
<br />HI I'm the Bargain Huntress' new apprentice. I have several kinks i need to work out of my system to find better deals. Number one is: I hate finding good deals. Why go through the countless number of extra effort when i have money to get what i want? <div>Here is a genuine leather $1.99 wallet. Pretty flashy huh? Well across town they're having a HUGE sale, and you can get this fantastic wallet for ONLY $1.97! Well see i have to learn the way of the bargain huntress and force myself to drive across town, spending a dollar on gas in the process and come home to post what a STRIKING deal i got, on my blog.</div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-6001512232966823252011-06-17T10:13:00.000-05:002011-06-17T10:13:00.329-05:00CoolSculpting by Zeltiq<div>While perusing my Shape magazine this morning, I read an article about a new procedure that is an alternative to liposuction: CoolSculpting by Zeltiq. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>First off, let me explain my view of plastic surgery. I don't ever plan to consider it as an option for myself, exceptin the most extreme case. My main reason for this is that I don't want my daughters to think they need plastic surgery to be beautiful. I want them growing up to love themselves the way they are. Plus, I'm betting the trends will come full circle, and those that have remained natural will be en vogue. That's my two cents!</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>On the other hand, a procedure like CoolSculpting might be a low-risk alternative to major surgery for those who are considering liposuction. It only takes 60 minutes. This contraption freezes fat cells to kill them and the body's lymphatic system gets rid of them. The FDA recently approved it. "Studies" claim that users noticed a 25% reduction. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Dr. Oz <a href="http://www.drozfans.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-coolsculpting-by-zeltiq-freeze-off-your-fat/">featured CoolSculpting on his show</a> and seemed to be on board. Whether it truly works remains to be seen. The price seems to be comparable to lipo. One session is $750, but it takes a few months to get results. So while this is not a monetary bargain, it may be a health bargain. Not having to go under the knife has its upside!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tips:</div><div><ul><li>Make sure you go to a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><b>reputable place</b></span>. Check with your dermatologist or MD.</li><li>Another <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/on-women/2010/09/17/coolsculpting-and-zerona-body-sculpting-without-surgery"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">review</span></b></a>.</li></ul></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-5925524953287478492011-06-02T15:14:00.001-05:002011-06-02T15:15:16.301-05:00Old Navy Groupon<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-NwP47bNayGfDeiUVnvnNVaxM0pQZEMKlb7RKFT3OafhQGWhsbtp_6fZuMZVuB0XzsTYKRJWlb_ZtFJkBM0nYAMJq4_MeKV7oAcYSRW0vYpTCpaV-zId9zlgMsjRYvsDC7ODUWs0bGM/s1600/groupon-daily-email-logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 134px; height: 57px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613716631445410146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-NwP47bNayGfDeiUVnvnNVaxM0pQZEMKlb7RKFT3OafhQGWhsbtp_6fZuMZVuB0XzsTYKRJWlb_ZtFJkBM0nYAMJq4_MeKV7oAcYSRW0vYpTCpaV-zId9zlgMsjRYvsDC7ODUWs0bGM/s400/groupon-daily-email-logo.jpg" /></a>I've had great success with Groupon! Used it for excursions, clothing, gifts, etc. Here's one not to miss:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlbfjjCp_L4sxZQiSwX_SSPOYHvQ6qOPKoLf50Mv0wz4Xdr9c6hTLvwDOToQipJzmdVU7jaKkwlLmUoxYAAaxnE-Qw6zamzx0Wip_xvz-oXvk_7gNoLE_Z2_b8dii26vadyHam6ee01E/s1600/Old-Navy_-Gap-Inc_---Athletica_-Old-Navy_-Banana-Republic_-Piperline-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 243px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613716631108904082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlbfjjCp_L4sxZQiSwX_SSPOYHvQ6qOPKoLf50Mv0wz4Xdr9c6hTLvwDOToQipJzmdVU7jaKkwlLmUoxYAAaxnE-Qw6zamzx0Wip_xvz-oXvk_7gNoLE_Z2_b8dii26vadyHam6ee01E/s400/Old-Navy_-Gap-Inc_---Athletica_-Old-Navy_-Banana-Republic_-Piperline-2.jpg" /></a>Pay $10 for $20 at Old Navy!<div> </div><div><a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/old-navy-national?utm_source=old_navy&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=old-navy-national&date=20110602&user=jabawam@hotmail.com&addx=jabawam@hotmail.com&s=middle&c=button&d=old-navy-national">Old Navy Groupon</a></div><div> </div><div align="left">Tips:</div><ul><li><div align="left">Don't wait too long to use it! This Groupon expires July 30th. </div></li><li><div align="left">You can get 50% off the latest, or make clearance purchases dirt cheap.</div></li><li><div align="left">The more you spend over $20, the more you reduce your discount. If you spend just $20, your savings will be 50%. If you spend $40, the discount is reduced to 25%.</div></li><div align="left"> </div></ul></div></div></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-53721425229848369672011-03-03T15:23:00.004-06:002011-03-03T15:33:44.234-06:00Try Groupon<a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu6879428"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579968091951501170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsskVfHpcAFWrF1PNrUnawrNYJoO0y13U9tMyakLR4YCG6hA-UkQAFQPn5Iqe8zpJUzxHtZNdxQZgvR6Ts03cUpgi9rW91Saspv1wZnrTPWcAVWMFXTYkmx1UHGBI_cNQhu9GTliC5f8M/s400/groupon.jpg" /></a><br /><br />One of my newest favorite places to find bargains is <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu6879428">Groupon.com</a>. They have great deals on local businesses. You go to <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu6879428">Groupon.com</a>, select the city where you want to find deals, then wait for a deal to snatch up.<br /><br />I found two great bargains recently. Last December they offered a $50 Nordstrom Rack gift certificate for $25! So I found awesome deals at Nordstrom Rack, then basically got another 50% off the discount prices. I bought several sweaters, a pair of pants, tights, and some t-shirts for $25. I'm about to use the other one when I go to Hawaii. I bought surfing lessons for my husband and me. We each get a two-hour lesson for $43 a piece. I was expecting to pay $100. That's over 50% off. I can't wait to go surfing!!!<br /><br />Tips:<br /><ul><li>You can <strong><span style="color:#000099;">choose</span></strong> <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>more than one city</strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"> to watch (receive emails for). </span></li><li>Make sure you <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>read the fine print. </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">Don't waste your money because you weren't aware of all the rules. </span></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-7157113412968947192011-02-28T15:13:00.000-06:002011-02-28T15:13:00.258-06:00Homemade Foam Roller<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChuHxZrz-6M7-omSZ-YMtZGotdJLIAvKZoV-D6E4dzI8nTqPS6dcY0iDv5GesxrooVk65IOMURcHL6YzozQck320pEBGvL8nzmKGlaR2o1bmoZ0YxhU-kdfjde77JWza4BN60TO0jZac/s1600/foam+roller.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578481224581107202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChuHxZrz-6M7-omSZ-YMtZGotdJLIAvKZoV-D6E4dzI8nTqPS6dcY0iDv5GesxrooVk65IOMURcHL6YzozQck320pEBGvL8nzmKGlaR2o1bmoZ0YxhU-kdfjde77JWza4BN60TO0jZac/s400/foam+roller.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div>Have you used a foam roller before? It's almost like having a personal massage therapist. My IT (iliotibial) band, a muscle that runs down the outside of the leg, gets really tight all the time, so I use a foam roller at the gym quite a bit. </div><div> <br /></div><div>This morning I wanted to use one, but I'm not at the gym and didn't want to run to the store for a foam roller. So I made up my own version.</div><div> </div><div>I pulled my yoga mat out of my closet and three cans of green beans out of my pantry. Then I rolled the cans up in the yoga mat and secured it closed with the band that came with my yoga mat. It worked like the real thing!</div><div> <br /></div><div>Tips:</div><ul><li>If you want to buy one, the cheapest I found online was through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SPRI-FR-124-Foam-Roller-Inches/dp/B002BSZRUC">Amazon.com</a> for $6 (+ shipping).</li><li>The nice thing about having your own is that you <strong><span style="color:#000099;">don't have to share sweat and body fluids</span></strong> with others at the gym.</li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-89920427186722407032011-02-07T14:41:00.002-06:002011-02-07T21:10:47.213-06:00Cinch! by Cynthia SassOver the holidays, I panicked....Not about guests or gifts or gourmet foods. I panicked about my weight. By no means do I think I am fat. I workout, eat healthy, and do pretty well taking care of myself. However, I weigh about 10 pounds more than I did after my 3rd pregnancy. My #4 and #5 children have brought mounds of joy to our home, but they also dragged along 10 pounds and left it mostly around my waist. That's why I panicked.<br /><br /><br /><br />And it happened to be the same moment that I was perusing Shape magazine's January issue. In this issue was an article about <em>Cinch!</em> by Cynthia Sass. This diet is all about appropriate portions and the right combinations of nutritious foods. I decided to give it a try. After sampling a few of the recipes from the magazine, I wanted more of Cynthia's recipes and more about her diet strategy. So I bought the book...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKBkNffHZVQQsk8rBCVUK-pOzmgdo-5FIgRho9IUzAyq0M4AfOOEqydYBM3ZD0a8Bp-_y713B6aKkeHfHiZPQRvwNwnNUZFS0m7Sb-QqQnWCvRTR5CPwvdIR8fYmVC4Z3LEQQZ6NaOO8/s1600/cinch+diet+book.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571050694006203426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKBkNffHZVQQsk8rBCVUK-pOzmgdo-5FIgRho9IUzAyq0M4AfOOEqydYBM3ZD0a8Bp-_y713B6aKkeHfHiZPQRvwNwnNUZFS0m7Sb-QqQnWCvRTR5CPwvdIR8fYmVC4Z3LEQQZ6NaOO8/s400/cinch+diet+book.jpg" /></a><br />I know this is not a diet blog, but I've had such great success, I wanted to share. I have lost 8 pounds after 5 weeks--my goal was to lose 10. I feel great--lots of energy, no more afternoon sluggishness, clearer skin, less illness, and less mood swings. The recipes are delicious in my opinion, and my family likes them, too. I could live on this book's principles for the rest of my life.<br /><br />Since this is a bargain blog, I'll tell you the cheapest place to get the book if you're interested. If you have a kindle, you can get it for $10. That's the cheapest. If you want the hard back, you'll have to pay more, since the book was only published in December of 2010. I paid $25 for it at Walmart. But now you can get it for $14.28 on Walmart.com. Choose "Site to Store," and you won't have to pay shipping.<br /><br />Tips:<br /><ul><li>Normally, I <strong><span style="color:#000099;">buy used books</span></strong>, because they come in great quality for cheap. Amazon Marketplace, ebay, and half.com are great places to buy used books. I can usually get any book I want for 1 to 99 cents plus $3 shipping. </li><li>Most of my books, however, come from the <strong><span style="color:#000099;">library</span></strong>. Can't beat free!</li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-17714150613080529782011-02-02T08:08:00.002-06:002011-02-02T08:13:40.331-06:00LOFT Winter Final ClearanceHead to LOFT for awesome deals! LOFT's Winter Final Clearance Sale offers an extra 60% off clearance prices, which means you can get some great clothing at very low prices.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/category_sale.jsp?viewAll=true&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&categoryId=3364&Nr=AND%28CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y%29&N=1200042&cid=E0003489"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569094037369067650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-NUJI6IDb63T8uBW_I-AJKrZEfQfaAeD5eJG1x4Mi0tYxmvuzScHfaWwH3rWajZArpjPE0b7hOqNe-U_Ii_TFm1Sn1IV8oCmQGm_373eso-WamScVt8wzfGgAj677RVMT0F3Ls_agXg/s400/020211_LOFT_fc_m1.gif" /></a><br />Tips:<br /><ul><li>Wear your new winter items a couple of times (for fun!), then <strong><span style="color:#000099;">tuck them away for next winter</span></strong>.<br /></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-49973227133457311842011-01-28T08:58:00.003-06:002011-01-28T09:05:05.482-06:00Dillard's Winter ClearanceTake an extra 30% off already low clearance prices at Dillard's.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dillards.com/endeca/EndecaStartServlet?N=1000810&storeId=301&catalogId=810&rr=false&campaign=eml_012711_ClearRemindAll&nlid=49180.2003338.0.1.0.184866&eid=jabawam@hotmail.com"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 325px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567251565740325842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9PbzuQEEbV71XPYdXnOUdWItptZ5SDL2bUvA60hJOHL9h174M91GdIWPSoc_xxer51mT-vdcM8DXrMWge17INsUrMq_1do6xwp59FOIUOBzIiOfDgLAuQEO4JzgxpWVnHGrF4ljmbPo/s400/012811_ClearRemindAll.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.dillards.com/info/SpotlightServlet?code=allstr&campaign=eml_012711_ClearRemindAll&nlid=49180.2003337.0.1.0.184866&eid=jabawam@hotmail.com">participating stores</a></div>Just started yesterday...<br /><br />Tips:<br /><ul><li>Check online, but you'll find <strong><span style="color:#000099;">better deals on Dillard's winter clearance in the store</span></strong>.</li><li>Dillard's is <strong><span style="color:#000099;">my favorite department store for clearance sales</span></strong>. You can sometimes find great items for 90% off original price.</li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-22664636642671564182011-01-26T08:29:00.004-06:002011-01-26T08:47:33.928-06:00Homemade Pillow Pet<a href="http://bargainbasics.blogspot.com/2010/10/very-low-cut-t-shirt.html">Remember</a> how I claimed to be a fashion designer and seamstress? For Christmas, I got brave and decided to try something for real. Behold the homemade pillow pet...<br /><br />My daughters (3 and 5) have been begging me for one ever since they began to watch Qubo, which has a pillow pet commercial about every 5 minutes. The requests crescendo shortly after each commercial, then die off, only to recrescendo after the next commercial. Needless to say, all I hear is, "When can I get a pillow pet?....When can I get a pillow pet?"<br /><br />My problem was that I couldn't swallow shelling out $20 to $40 for one of these glorified stuffed animals, so I attempted to create my own.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">I went to the store to look at the real thing. I took notes and made sketches of what I thought were the components.</div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSVridxG99VcZeqv1dmaG9OstYfqmQ544oZMw_chcP7XM59vXDtDeXptmPESVk3u6qpi8PVdc9eqNTZx2E66apHre9-cyRYLcL8XDgYXHvl3dt40NQ8M3jZ_eJeNBwLeGPx97yQ3Ctco/s1600/pillow+pet+notes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566503138257884738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSVridxG99VcZeqv1dmaG9OstYfqmQ544oZMw_chcP7XM59vXDtDeXptmPESVk3u6qpi8PVdc9eqNTZx2E66apHre9-cyRYLcL8XDgYXHvl3dt40NQ8M3jZ_eJeNBwLeGPx97yQ3Ctco/s400/pillow+pet+notes.jpg" /></a> </p><p align="center">When I came home, I grabbed some fabric scraps and made a quick, small prototype from my notes.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQuFvoNC9IHoxuofF33o_qtIsNdBcpFbGu9KKvfFm3RgLNZkt1QxMTDOteZt1hu0oDpfcVsu7sjmQ-kSoIMqjlGemf1zfDm_lgvxjaN09yfOAnuTY27jJ2BP_sTVdefoQi-ncbOR4ozc/s1600/pillow+pet+prototype.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566503133481776466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQuFvoNC9IHoxuofF33o_qtIsNdBcpFbGu9KKvfFm3RgLNZkt1QxMTDOteZt1hu0oDpfcVsu7sjmQ-kSoIMqjlGemf1zfDm_lgvxjaN09yfOAnuTY27jJ2BP_sTVdefoQi-ncbOR4ozc/s400/pillow+pet+prototype.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Then I took the pieces from the prototype (after a few adjustments) and drew a larger pattern for the pillow pet.<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj554Igeo8miF_5YcKNHgpbUoFRyYWkqP8A5JQ9ZW-6sPO0-qHmRErDl_ShLLiijScgea7KnpwKXUGPVVgF8AvF2wMVz1aVRGhFooiQpWu3qqcqZaH468O7_RiM7P50EZxvBViHTQBdPs8/s1600/pillow+pet+pattern.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566503131442035570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj554Igeo8miF_5YcKNHgpbUoFRyYWkqP8A5JQ9ZW-6sPO0-qHmRErDl_ShLLiijScgea7KnpwKXUGPVVgF8AvF2wMVz1aVRGhFooiQpWu3qqcqZaH468O7_RiM7P50EZxvBViHTQBdPs8/s400/pillow+pet+pattern.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Here they are on Christmas morning!<br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-LS30IR6PDUn-3w8F4OB_emIVrD09sa2D9XjHmZzlSytjG3BBNOHS5Y8WkR2GY-av7xeX-_I5sdkfWT7-_ricYvfBFV1x0N1iArfg80CWRIG-xYiQ83djO_w1CUkB-jCAm2bqFM8Dgk/s1600/pillow+pets.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566503130771105074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-LS30IR6PDUn-3w8F4OB_emIVrD09sa2D9XjHmZzlSytjG3BBNOHS5Y8WkR2GY-av7xeX-_I5sdkfWT7-_ricYvfBFV1x0N1iArfg80CWRIG-xYiQ83djO_w1CUkB-jCAm2bqFM8Dgk/s400/pillow+pets.jpg" /></a><br />The whole thing ended up being easier and quicker than I thought it would be. I spent about $5 and one hour on each homemade pillow pet. My girls love the fact that no one else has a pillow pet just like theirs.</div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Does anyone want to invent a new genus and species for this animal? </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left">Tips:</div><ul><li><div align="left">Use coupons to purchase the fabric in order to keep the price down. I purchased this fabric at Jo-Ann's. </div></li><li><div align="left">Email me at <a href="mailto:bargainbasics@gmail.com">bargainbasics@gmail.com</a> if you want my instructions and pattern.</div></li><li><div align="left">Visit <a href="http://thedillspiel.blogspot.com/">No Big Dill</a> to see a REAL seamstress in action!<br /><br /><br /></div></li></ul></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-28208874498622164472011-01-21T12:20:00.002-06:002011-01-21T12:26:45.173-06:00J. Crew Factory Winter ClearanceTake an extra 40% off clearance items on J. Crew Factory online.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/factory.jsp?srcCode=EMJF00515&em=jabawam@hotmail.com"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564705951148097810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjZKxmEmQe3HrnrsuVeQ3gc42QVPYhzsjUMJ2tf_4d9IlAQyIsZSk6xulQT2FMu_f4M8nGt_949aJ3c_irzOOxdf55azTZ4Yfr2MduHewsBYl3V6YbCahe4noQXZ1a6x8gDs_8ERsNE0/s400/012111_factory_reminder+j+crew.gif" /></a> Lots of good stuff at good prices.<br /><br />Tips:<br /><ul><li>Orders over $100 get free shipping.</li><li>Use code: MUSTSHOP.<br /></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-10426396411479548622011-01-20T14:09:00.007-06:002011-01-20T14:40:58.454-06:00LOFT Winter Clearance<div align="center">Shop the Winter Clearance sale at LOFT.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/category_sale.jsp?viewAll=true&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&categoryId=3364&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&loc=slp1a&N=1200042"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564362988264910658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-tyi28sXg1cIoL6yuoIufZt6cR727alH-i3xnVnXVaH6mDt1B4ohAEKM3pJeSlt17Po1N4GdJIz_I6aElkLJLfBY02JYtpiUM4-zQHke6WEKv7QTJbTMjf-Y-TRSfaMSiJ7FW4y3s6o/s400/012010_LOFT_ws_m1.gif" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Store Locator</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check out a few of my favorites:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28311&N=1200042&viewAll=true&categoryId=3364&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&Nr=AND%28CAT_SALE_FLAG%3aY%29&Nty=1&No=15&loc=slp1a&defaultColor=Black&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564365783822192178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9DWUiDd08klXGUZ9-AP0rG8eJeLi6TjbbJC-GIWQ3liY8EPWBHY2x2ptWxtpKWfo52KTmPIbnhZHfu2CvoZCjRoDIAdyEo312mCGyJCMVDuYsUgIjBgSXAqxOX141sRUTS1rq92tf_s/s400/loft+turtleneck.jpg" /></a> Basic Turtleneck: 12.50</div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28994&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=colorblock+tee&Nty=1&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&found=70&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564365782626569986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuKBt-uRG_Um0FHKcvvqRjgDkfpJoQPOSvdfUC7j3a-g3Jg5d-0nqWjgYovaF8WQ7rms1X8Un2w49vEn5aRlgZ0cHMJ5cl7Uml3BK3k2eJhGrN-8DNcAyypWISXfZk0rsVwofJZ-EuJ0/s400/colorblock+top+17.jpg" /></a> Colorblock Top: 17.50</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=29177&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=cropped+cargo&Nty=1&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&found=1&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564365777671029538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPqIHcMDcsjIquzZ30NUabl3J4ImVS8RPsi3_GFevRdsG7Lz_SQXsey4k9cR3At7IYrSFbdJSupDjlOXcGTyzNMsWHuTL4V0qkH-paTrH2HFHwQbJBFeryAwHrfcyU0tcxRLcp27vnAw/s400/cargo+cropped+7.jpg" /></a>Cropped Cargo Pant: 7.50</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28304&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Ntt=boot+cut+jean&Nty=1&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&found=29&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564365767926029474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7h1TBX-bkmkNg0HWNGj5Ht-5rjOFiZPQbMM_vCiiB8H8c0qzM4eoFIbtrdEquDyaj5rzHR4j4gSO-nsV5XsgcLQ-dCZJy9_GH6-QX2MicxnQLpjJOZDX1y5wi5wwjFQ-JpB3lUr01eM/s400/boot+cut+jeans+25.jpg" /></a> Classic Boot Cut Jean: $25 </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28460&N=1200042&viewAll=true&categoryId=3364&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&Nr=AND%28CAT_SALE_FLAG%3aY%29&Nty=1&No=45&loc=slp1a&defaultColor=Black&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564368260061021122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3Q52gJnBtEC0MbPOJT9DfBj1JvreSnK4N0yQWn4REWSv0voTCok5KIhDDWDt-ZaxdWsV02WwDxfZ8XpOSGE829iPIT6sbhkhM1UPkdfKl_mXd2AQ9nW3ShJIzT8cqamgy49PLKOuMNY/s400/drape+neck+tee+17.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><div align="center">Drape Neck Tee: $17.50 ( I just bought this one in gray and love it!)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Tips:</div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Check online and in the store.</strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"> Sometimes items online are not in the store, and vice versa. </span></div></li><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Be willing to pay a little more.</strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"> I've had a lot of Ann Taylor and LOFT clothing over the years (my sister used to work there). The clothing comes in nice fabrics that wash well and stay looking good for a long time. I have Ann Taylor items in my closet that I bought over 10 years ago that still look great.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></li></ul></div>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-70142607848777447552011-01-07T09:29:00.003-06:002011-01-07T09:50:09.497-06:002011 Bargain QuestsAfter the Christmas decorations are put away, the melancholy brought on by the winding down of another holiday season gives way to the excitement of kids going back to school, filing taxes, organizing my house, and a list of new bargains to seek.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's my list for 2011:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgkOP91un9M3dGSbVCGdrOaUWZhqATzXUgiCsHc1XbAQNfsormXWRM4azNS5XaLtuSNVn2H8R2Sqdd5f8gpEJ9jqiD9K5lWZVzU8P2yLPv9YRcBrDBGl2COXiwryH4_vCx61dnaPdBh8/s1600/shopping+bag+2011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559471675012850194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgkOP91un9M3dGSbVCGdrOaUWZhqATzXUgiCsHc1XbAQNfsormXWRM4azNS5XaLtuSNVn2H8R2Sqdd5f8gpEJ9jqiD9K5lWZVzU8P2yLPv9YRcBrDBGl2COXiwryH4_vCx61dnaPdBh8/s320/shopping+bag+2011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ol><br /><li>Airfare to Hawaii for 7--my parents have their Mariott timeshare reserved for spring break for us, so I just need to find a great deal on airfare. </li><br /><li>Surfing lessons--see #1.</li><br /><li>Mattress set--we've had our current mattress set as long as we've been married, almost 17 years. It's time for a new set.</li><br /><li>Deck furniture--to furnish the new deck we're building in the backyard. The deck should be complete in a week or two.</li></ol><p> </p><p>What's on your list?</p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-24633253408583172172010-12-11T14:31:00.002-06:002010-12-11T14:35:14.269-06:00Bargain Hunting: As Good as Sex?From Shape Magazine (Dec. 2010)<br /><br />"Bargain Hunt Your Way to Happiness<br /><br />"The next time you're in a bit of a slump, hit the holiday sales. It turns out, scoring a good deal during a shopping trip can be as pleasurable as feeling sexually aroused. Researchers from the University of Westminster in England measured the brain waves of 60 people and found that the idea of getting a discount excited them just as much as being turned on."<br /><br /><br />No wonder I love it!!! See ya! I'm going to the mall...Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-64325214826486537592010-11-10T13:14:00.000-06:002010-11-10T13:14:00.649-06:00Coupons UpdateSo...after a month of coupon-ing like gangbusters, I re-evaluated my commitment. I certainly got a LOT of great bargains. In fact, I spent $200 more on groceries during the month than I usually do. (If my husband happens to be reading this...Oops! Sorry, honey!) My cupboards are full, and I probably don't need to buy toothpaste until I'm either ready for dentures or dead. However, I gave into the temptation to buy a lot of stuff (especially snack foods that I rarely purchase) just because I had a coupon.<br /><br />I'm not totally forsaking coupons, because I got several items totally free! My new strategy goes like this:<br /><ul><li>Only use coupons on items I need or regularly use.</li><li>Track my budget carefully.</li><li>If there is an item that is free or less than $0.25, go ahead and get it.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Here are a few examples:</p><p> </p><div align="center"><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/jabawam/coupons%20update/?action=view&current=pillsburyrefrigerateddough.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/jabawam/coupons%20update/pillsburyrefrigerateddough.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't normally buy refrigerated biscuits, crescent rolls, etc. But I got all these for $1 and my kids love them as snacks.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/jabawam/coupons%20update/?action=view&current=hungrymanentree.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/jabawam/coupons%20update/hungrymanentree.jpg" border="0" /></a> I <em>rarely</em> buy frozen entrees. But this one was so cheap, I snagged it for my "hungry man," who is 14 and on the cross-country team right now.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/jabawam/coupons%20update/?action=view&current=crestdeal.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/jabawam/coupons%20update/crestdeal.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center">We always need toothpaste. These were on sale for $1 a piece. I had coupons for $1 off Crest toothpaste. I thought I was getting 6 tubes for free, but sadly, 2 of my coupons were expired. Lesson learned. Still, 6 tubes for $2 is not bad.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><br /><div align="left">Tips:</div><ul><li><div align="left">Determine for yourself how much your <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>time is worth. </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">My coupon skills improved, but only slightly. So it still takes me quite a bit of time to figure it all out. </span></div></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-89762257249525865132010-11-03T13:08:00.000-05:002010-11-03T13:08:00.959-05:00Speaking of Ulta...On another trip to <a href="http://www.ulta.com/">Ulta</a>, I got all this...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0y6HKaUnaXG16eoY5OA8TpgaDxCcqk74m5Ee8trY5QO5VY5WknXU-1NCqax9nY0DzzB8wSaGgciRRZpvr0pO7HNu_vpFn3A-WSjrdPzSbBrhDRN49O5LPVTVSLViADAPUqvgkUl6SPA/s1600/under+10+at+ulta.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530562977049567346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0y6HKaUnaXG16eoY5OA8TpgaDxCcqk74m5Ee8trY5QO5VY5WknXU-1NCqax9nY0DzzB8wSaGgciRRZpvr0pO7HNu_vpFn3A-WSjrdPzSbBrhDRN49O5LPVTVSLViADAPUqvgkUl6SPA/s400/under+10+at+ulta.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />for less than $10! I shopped the sales (several cosmetic lines were 40% off); then I stacked several manufacturers coupons with an Ulta store coupon. Score!<br /><br />Tips:<br /><ul><li><strong><span style="color:#000099;">If it's not in your budget to buy beauty products, it's not a bargain.</span></strong></li><li><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Don't be tempted</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">to spend money on frivolous items</span> <strong>just because you have a coupon</strong> </span><span style="color:#000000;">or there is a sale. Another sale or another coupon will always come around.</span></li><li>However, it might be a <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>great time to snag some stocking stuffers </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">if you have a teenaged daughter like I do.</span></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-49442660205335330152010-10-27T12:46:00.000-05:002010-10-27T12:46:00.415-05:00Ulta Extreme Wear Cream Eye ShadowMy favorite place to shop for beauty items has been <a href="http://www.ulta.com/">Ulta</a> ever since I first discovered it about 7 or 8 years ago.<br /><br />My new favorite eye shadow is Ulta's own brand of cream shadow: <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2410049">Extreme Wear Cream Eye Shadow</a>. My little sister, who also functions as my fashion and beauty guru, suggested I try them. I bought two to try....I loved them so much I had to go back for two more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJGQpkS1-2S5DNIRfXigI0fcYzHy78lwUmLXCZDAymnV0-idVF4NXMbRvFTYnFC6BGTX5eKeCYfYTf6whbC5ltSZjRYP-5M3ucQGJMb_rEagc6MD88JiWWd-MygeCUpJ09DIQpZ20u_M/s1600/ulta+extreme+wear+cream+eye+shadow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530559598669930178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJGQpkS1-2S5DNIRfXigI0fcYzHy78lwUmLXCZDAymnV0-idVF4NXMbRvFTYnFC6BGTX5eKeCYfYTf6whbC5ltSZjRYP-5M3ucQGJMb_rEagc6MD88JiWWd-MygeCUpJ09DIQpZ20u_M/s400/ulta+extreme+wear+cream+eye+shadow.JPG" border="0" /></a>My favorite colors so far--</div><div align="center">#106: Almost Famous</div><div align="center">#100: Rising Star</div><div align="center">#104: Premiere</div><div align="center">#102: Socialite </div><div align="center"> <br /><br /></div><div align="left">Ulta sells them for $8 each. I happened to get them when they were on sale: 2 for $8. I also had a store coupon, so I scored them for about 2 bucks a piece. Nice!</div><div align="left"> <br /><br /></div><div align="left"> </div>Tips:<br /><ul><li><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">The cream shadow </span><strong>wears lighter than it looks in the bottle.</strong></span></li><li><span style="color:#000000;">After swiping the shadow across your lid, </span><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>don't wait too long to blend it. </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">The cream shadow dries quickly and stays put (what I love most about it!).</span></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-43606779250501716892010-10-20T12:19:00.007-05:002010-10-20T12:55:02.156-05:00Extra 50% Off at Loft<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/category_sale.jsp?viewAll=true&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&categoryId=3364&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&loc=TN&N=1200042"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530179369500071458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLZRiXswXjrOeCpI7xImiycPcpK-IsfP1G9_tb1nwVE8FvuGWihkNTq4acTsat-QCjajIZAz2zhh6kWjfz9i-SqK6IWMZ85yOJ_fpV6qIAKomzcvPZvAtUM3ZpKTnU8n8NlkHvsEmaT8/s400/102010_LOFT_fs_m1.gif" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Here are my picks:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=27123&N=1200042&viewAll=true&categoryId=3364&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&Nr=AND%28CAT_SALE_FLAG%3aY%29&Nty=1&No=15&loc=TN&defaultColor=Whisper%20White&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530181135193137010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWdeEZhU5hZcBBrTNwVETYsx49Moz5SsfC7Sy7HYqNpWOkOv-fIglhndi8_Z0dQqdNYRYYPADyHaESKasyOEZL78rk2dIHDLXAFSKXxrJHSQyFNLMuqpgjtrFrsFm-PYF5_12djsx-wA/s400/starburst+knot+tee+ten+dollars.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=27123&N=1200042&viewAll=true&categoryId=3364&Ns=SALE_SEQUENCE_NO&Nr=AND%28CAT_SALE_FLAG%3aY%29&Nty=1&No=15&loc=TN&defaultColor=Whisper%20White&defaultSizeType=Regular">Starburst Knot Tee</a></div><div align="center">Reg. $29. Now $10</div><div align="center"><br /> <br /></div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"></div><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28703&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&N=1200054&pCategoryId=3364&categoryId=287&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_287&loc=slp1d&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Soft%20Silver&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530185873389426866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKPcjTln5lhbxWMI_8d-zUZmxJNy22ctL4GeO6dQal2q8zE1oAAF9zguTsoUnoJLbqChVAoPj7oAKQAgmOKDqZOSF1QCiCjQBNDMlA5KCq2gdDaargWSH5Eruk5mOYf9c0Tki1nKm4cM/s400/poplar+wash+slim+jeans+fifteen.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28703&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&N=1200054&pCategoryId=3364&categoryId=287&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_287&loc=slp1d&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Soft%20Silver&defaultSizeType=Regular">Poplar Wash Modern Slim Leg Jeans<br /></a>Reg. $59 Now $15<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28205&Ntt=pale+pink&N=0&Ntk=KeywordSearch&Nty=1&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&found=55&No=30&defaultSizeType=Petite"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530181115848439426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 335px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6O56O2kbsqi4O5kkeF1YVtMLfD1YppDAViL56J9VpkZMYPvGBOC0O4ZwYb_4NvkUAXP6mjHPebtMr7nfhp4OsrA_wcUmIMiKvmIztLaN7lEdOV4b8nP5DseyNUwtSvRTWcSDq1fVr7A/s400/petite+sunday+flutter+dress+ten.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Petite Sunday Flutter Dress</a></p><p align="center">Reg. $89 Now $10 <br /><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><br /> </p><p><a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=28703&Nr=AND(CAT_SALE_FLAG:Y)&N=1200054&pCategoryId=3364&categoryId=287&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_287&loc=slp1d&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Soft%20Silver&defaultSizeType=Regular"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530184058996100898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivf9DMd_mEf-vY7F7o-Emjw_vTQHKSHpCUZ_39DcigggH_Lq5Zc1HHyhwfQr15LYd21f62iMAvEVxaFt6_xQURZp2VhZAJjRxSu16ePAuAxZtKyJ_zIExI7SdSfjTH-TemAWYkDH8ep_M/s400/beaded+bangles+six+fifty.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Beaded Bangles<br />Reg. $19 Now $6.50</p><br /><br /><div align="left">Tips:</div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Visit your <a href="http://www.anntaylorloft.com/custserv/storelocator.jsp">local store</a></strong></span><span style="color:#000000;"> for more selection and possibly even better deals.</span></div></li><li><div align="left">If you <span style="color:#000099;"><strong>find great bargains on summer items, </strong></span><span style="color:#000000;">you will have something to look forward to wearing next spring and summer.</span></div></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-56322475873766390132010-10-14T15:27:00.000-05:002010-10-14T15:27:00.201-05:00Very Low Cut T ShirtDid you know that besides being an adept bargain huntress, I am also an excellent seamstress and fashion designer? See below...<br /><br /><br />I'm getting tired of my summer wardrobe, and I have a few old t-shirts lying around that I don't really wear anymore.<br /><br /><div align="center">(Like this one)</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517983243919695634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllPPcp-w03klrLlcNWSA86qUf5RZtQCp4wRepGitUgPnNTM8z21CwFnaJQ5CUCeGfWj1MPW4phkYmtm8hT5pasFJ7gfMt3WFDq1wJ6W1Tg1IEBkE6pVM2SKjMoEHo6CKng37rRftRqF8/s400/plan+t+shirt.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />So I took my scissors, and cut a slit in the t-shirt from the neckline to just above my belly button<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517983252443548274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-QNG1d8uKEe0VTOXo8nAarrdwIyo5brR-IQHXyPqhFzKiclWi9M6ZhPcegJgT0MwDnXzzOvhDSTsW7sGnAyYANM3911J_YL67U4Zj2VUT37Fc2OPIz2cJ_5KhyphenhyphenvZaYjEqKyTqF_IAs4/s400/cut+the+t+shirt.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Voila!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517983261224154178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgnBthnVU3QRwx3_yj2u4AxPFm0hU58i_ju9-UxUcfj1euo8ZvDQbaUHDk_kqZ2axDvJzG-1vFFP9PRdiEvr2g11SWngP1FFfzXBjObugkrslTctU73OS_9rI_ftDZxZ6HSM6HpWCl-w/s400/finished+very+low+cut+t+shirt.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>Tips:</p><ul><li><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Check out a real seamstress and fashion designer at </span></strong><a href="http://thedillspiel.blogspot.com/"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">no big dill</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color:#000099;">.</span></strong></li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9010357456032667641.post-90738149127794194472010-10-07T16:00:00.000-05:002010-10-07T16:00:02.026-05:00Coupons...Are They Worth It?Lately, my sister-in-law has been sharing with me her killer deals. For instance, last week she got a bunch of toys at Target on clearance. Many of her deals involve coupons, but you know <a href="http://bargainbasics.blogspot.com/2009/09/couponing-i-can-get-behind.html">how I feel about coupons</a>. On the other hand, she puts forth a convincing case with all the freebies (and almost freebies) she gets. She shared with me one of her secrets: <a href="http://www.mydallasmommy.com/">MyDallasMommy.com</a>. A lot of the deals on this website involve coupons, so I thought I'd give it a try.<br /><br />I scoured the Tom Thumb weekly ad for deals and store coupons ("sc" in coupon lingo). Then I went online to find matching coupons from manufacturers (aka "mc"). When I finished my list (this whole process took about an hour--I'm a newbie), it contained about 12 items....<br /><br /><div align="center">Here we go...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V6CLpBgkQjModscBmXR-9jblklyBA-6N-lGcynDpyHO8U65-frI4rjHryxNaUI8yIIKRB-s0wikxHqFafX_C6Gy51rYdOmEh4X8xEpmA6yo6utZRlsCF8gYBJ4-Me5TTddUappWqKnE/s1600/coupons.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504632686449453842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8V6CLpBgkQjModscBmXR-9jblklyBA-6N-lGcynDpyHO8U65-frI4rjHryxNaUI8yIIKRB-s0wikxHqFafX_C6Gy51rYdOmEh4X8xEpmA6yo6utZRlsCF8gYBJ4-Me5TTddUappWqKnE/s400/coupons.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />While in Tom Thumb, I gathered my groceries within 10 minutes. However, my sojourn at the self-checkout lasted almost twice that. Thank heavens for Natalie! She should get employee of the month.<br /><br /><div align="center">This is what I ended up with for $40.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5T67rt1a8TIaNUonh2x-uTuLc6OS0fL2G8xgzvLuLX5AQTnX6ERuvD2HEoVBQXQCUr4_9KR4UppyxVJUOofY1o1ancUh4WJXebpDNOTVEeuPgmx8eR4xcqL8B54H46oZ8aUseSJAXkM/s1600/shopping+cart+full+of+groceries.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504632681709801266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5T67rt1a8TIaNUonh2x-uTuLc6OS0fL2G8xgzvLuLX5AQTnX6ERuvD2HEoVBQXQCUr4_9KR4UppyxVJUOofY1o1ancUh4WJXebpDNOTVEeuPgmx8eR4xcqL8B54H46oZ8aUseSJAXkM/s400/shopping+cart+full+of+groceries.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />A majority of the food I bought fits into our family's nutritional scheme. A few items, however, are ones I never would have bought without the coupons--gushers, refrigerated cookie dough, etc.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAY_Q-86CtaTBuMV3pEZ8pMl_CJvTTXPACZRvNrJIjylynZnYXa2CxtNVCwUJG3jyCYWtcmiN3Z6UGPLLVmLkqZoG0Pwa0JxyK4x9S-hsZF1OMLahxE_lKBEsKa1hLsifu02a_OD8yGA/s1600/groceries.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504632679729776146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAY_Q-86CtaTBuMV3pEZ8pMl_CJvTTXPACZRvNrJIjylynZnYXa2CxtNVCwUJG3jyCYWtcmiN3Z6UGPLLVmLkqZoG0Pwa0JxyK4x9S-hsZF1OMLahxE_lKBEsKa1hLsifu02a_OD8yGA/s400/groceries.JPG" border="0" /></a> The breakdown:<br /><br />Fiber One granola bars: $0.49<br />Nature Valley granola bars: $0.49<br />Gushers: $0.75 per box<br />Golden Grahams: $0.99<br />Trix: $0.49 <span style="font-size:78%;">(I never buy these, which is why they got devoured in less than 24 hours.)</span><br />Multigrain Cheerios: $1.74<br />Honey Nut Cheerios: $1.99<br />Refrigerated crescent rolls: $0.59<br />Pillsbury Sweet Moments: $0.59<br />Refrigerated cookie dough: $0.59<br />Freschetta Pizza: $3.50<br /><br />My receipt noted $27 in coupon savings...not bad.<br /><br />Several of the cereal boxes you see in the picture above I happened to find on a 50% off stand, so I snatched up a bunch--no coupons involved.<br /><br />Yet to be determined:<br /><ul><li>Is it better to avoid the self-checkout when using a stack of coupons?</li><li>Will my overall grocery budget shrink? Or will I spend more on items I don't need?</li><li>Is my time worth the savings? <span style="font-size:78%;">(I'm not sure it is, but I'm not quitting yet. Hopefully I will become more efficient.)</span></li></ul><p>Tips:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.mydallasmommy.com/">MyDallasMommy.com</a> has a <a href="http://www.mydallasmommy.com/2009/06/bath-and-body-works-10-off-40-purchase.html">tutorial</a> for newbies like me. <strong><span style="color:#000099;">Check it out</span></strong>.</li><li><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Check to make sure the coupons actually save you money</span></strong>. You can usually get store brand items quite a bit cheaper. This time, though, using store coupons with matching manufacturers' coupons, I got a better deal on name brand items.</li><li><strong><span style="color:#000099;">You can borrow my rules of thumb</span></strong>: If snack items are under $0.10/oz, it's a good deal (especially if it has some nutritional value). When cereal is under $0.15/oz, that's a good price (under $0.10/oz means it's time to stock up!). </li></ul>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01417306309559490060noreply@blogger.com2