Don't You Just Love It When....

You find the perfect clothes to match your kids personalities? On sale, with an additional coupon, and free shipping.... yayyyy!
Thanks Old Navy!
For my music lover...I am sure he will be a "superdee duperdee guy", his current favorite expression...

And, this for my little guy, needing no further explination.

Surprise Beauty Favorite

I used to be a product hoarder. I would have about 10 shampoo/conditioner combos, 4 face washes, 3 body washes, 8 face washes...you know, just to change it up a little.

Since I have had kids, more time is spent in the kids clearance sections or crossing my fingers that I can get out of the store meltdown free than pouring over the newest and best products for myself.

So, one day my mom mentioned that she had used an everyday product as a face wash and it worked well for her.
$1.27 later, I was in agreement that this works as well as any sensitive skin face wash, removes makeup, and smells like the beloved baby smell we all know and crave... who can argue with quality, value, and nostalgia all in one?? Try it!!

Food for Thought

On the tails of a popular HGTV show, I give you a grocery edition of "What You Get for the Money".

$1.19
A single bottle of Lipton Tea

OR
A whole bunch of bananas


$2.99
Fruit Loops ( I do love these)

OR
Kashi waffles, loaded with fiber and taste awesome

PLUS THIS!
A dozen eggs!


$3.99
Lay's Chips

OR
A whole watermelon

I could go on, but I won't.
So, while the junk constantly tempts me, i am learning to be more conscientious of not only my health, but the value in eating foods that are not as highly processed. While they are more work, you get a lot more for the money!
P.S.- Lay's have their place, don't get me wrong... and boy I could go for a cold Lipton Tea...

TIme to Shop!

I have been waiting for this day!
$25 off $50, and can be used on sale items!
I love a good deal!



Here's a couple things I found!

"I'm Kind of a Big Deal" and "Surf Pup"

Not to beat a dead horse, but I am always one for hand-me-downs and finding every bargain out there. But I did recently splurge (and by splurge, I mean buy off the sale rack without an extra 30% off lowest marked price). I was in Gymboree, and though I usually find their sales even to be outrageous, I came across a pattern that I had to see my little "ZZ" in. (BTW, in our house, Zachary also goes by "ZZ"," Zipper-Zoo", "Little Monkey"," Monkey Shiner", and "Little Zip-Zip"). All imply that he is a little busy, busy boy, which is true. So, when I saw this, I did pick up a few items from the line, so I could see him in something that is picked specially for him, not his brother! Tell me what you think!

Obsessed much?

I have an ongoing joke with my sister... it stems from a Friends TV Show Trivia game. I am a Friends whiz, it's hands down my favorite show. I can kick anyone's butt who challenges me- bring it on. However, aside from that I do not have something that I am really good at. Maybe just a few things I do okay with. So, our joke begins where I start off many sentences by saying "I am not good and many things... but....". Not laughing? Well, if you keep up with my blog you will remember that I stink at explaining things. But, trust me, it's funny.

I am not good at many things, but getting a bargain is one of them. I can honestly find any deal, any time, anywhere. I rarely buy anything (groceries aside) that is not on clearance, preferably 75% off with a coupon on top of that.
I have 2 coupon files. One for food/grocery items. One for personal care. Each is organized by type (for instance, snacks, meats, dog items, makeup/face, soap etc.) They are with me at all times! You never know when you might have to stop off at the store.
Target is by far my favorite place to find deals, "end cap cruising" is the only way to do it. Rite Aid is a close second, they have LOTS of 75% off items.
Here is how it's done. Enter Target. Ignore all colorful and inviting bags, purses, and other cute stuff. Focus only on signs that say "clearance". Look for the infamous orange/red sticker. Open coupon book and assess if there is a corresponding coupon for the item. But, adopt the policy that if you don't need it, can't use it, or don't know someone who can, then pass (i.e: Depends Men's Guards). I have also bought excess toothpaste, soap, deodorant and kept some, donated the rest to shelters, soup kitchens, needy families, etc.
And, admittedly, I have bought those items that I couldn't use, and been sorry later.

Need something specific? Here is Target's mark down schedule. (Thank you Jerry Seawood for the insider info!)

Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday - Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty items
Thursday - House Wares, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music / Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday - Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

After holiday's:
50% off the day after holiday for three days
75% off the fourth day after holiday for three days
90% off the seventh day after holiday for 1-2 days.

Other places to look:
Rite Aid/Walgreen's/CVS: Scope isles and end-caps for "discontinued", "clearance", and "last chance". This is where I get most of my cosmetics for less and $2 each when they are 75% off plus a dollar off with a coupon. Also, I have paid about .25 cents for toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. Cleaning products, diapers, and other baby products are also something you can find in these stores.
For clothing, I try to wait for the "Friends and Family" coupons. Most stores do them once or twice per year. There are few restrictions on them, so they can be used on top of sale or clearance. The Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor Loft are some of my favorites.
For toys, I do hit the yard sales. But, avoid stuffed animals- they can be nasty. I like to stick to plastic type toys and I have gotten some steals on name brand clothes and shoes. I operate usually with the motto "if I would live there, I will shop there". If I pull up and am not sure, I keep going.
Ok, so after typing this, I realize it may be a little over the top, but oh well! Shopping is something I enjoy. Retail therapy is a real thing for me. To make it possible, I have to find the deals in order to not go broke.
I might add, we use an envelope system for our finances (maybe a post for another day), and this bargaining I like to do is figured into the budget, so The Mister is happy and so am I!!