The Clearance Rack: 7-7-14

Good Monday to you! We've found some super cute deals on the clearance rack. These goodies are dorm room ready. Its never too early to stock up and save.

Today's Shop: Target

Cross Stitch Decorative Pillow - $12

Two Tone Small Lamp Base - $10

Hexagon Duvet Cover Set Twin - $17

These deals are typically sold online only, but remember if you use your Target REDcard shipping is free and you save another 5% off! We thought you should know! 

Deck the Malls: Black Friday Survival Guide

source: digitaltrends.com

Ready, Set, Shop. The dishes aren't even cleared from the Thanksgiving table and shoppers are off to the mall to get the season started with a cha-ching. Black Friday has become a sporting event that some savvy shoppers look forward to all year. So before you find yourself among the elbow throwing crazies, here are a few simple tips to make the day both economical and enjoyable.

Black Friday 101:

-Do your homework. My basic rule for saving money and time is to shop prepared. Make your list ahead and preview the items that are on sale. Most large retailers like, Target, JCPenney and Kohls have already released their Black Friday circular online. You can even use a site like theBlackFriday.com to see all the ads available in one place.

-Load up on apps. Make sure your phone is loaded and updated with all the apps you need for your shopping day. Apps can be helpful to price compare and even provide additional discounts. My favorites are Target Cartwheel and Brad's Black Friday.

-Map it. Driving around is not where you want to spend your day. Map your route ahead to maximize time, parking and gas. 

-Shop with a buddy. Everything is more fun with a pal. There is a practical reason to shopping with a friend on BF. Parking will be an issue everywhere, so consolidating cars is both courteous and efficient. Also, split up and tackle different departments or shops for each other. If you do shop with a buddy, make sure you both have a game plan before you head out. Know how much time you both have, where you want to go and how you will divide and conquer.

-Take regular "rest" breaks. Seems like an obvious one, but getting caught up in the pace of power shopping can sometimes leave you in an uncomfortable situations. Take bathroom breaks regularly even if its not urgent. There is nothing worse than getting stuck in line for 30 minutes or trying to get out of a crowded parking lot and realizing you waited too long.

-Stay powered up and refreshed. Keep some power snacks in your purse and drink plenty of water. Getting overly hungry can make you edgy, but be courteous and do not take drinks or snacks in the stores. Crowded aisles and loaded carts may result in you or the merchandise wearing your Snickers bar.

-Layer up. It may be quite chilly outside, but often the inside of a store can be quite warm. Wear clothing that is comfortable and not bulky. Carrying around a big puffy coat through a crowded store will not make you happy or popular.

-You may be shopping but they are working. Finally, keep in mind that you may be in the store for 45 minutes, but the folks behind the register are looking at 8 hours ahead starting at the crack of dawn. Be respectful and polite to employees who are likely spread way too thin.

Have fun. Enjoy the festive vibe and be patient. Don't plan on a quick trip to any retailer on BF. If you are in a hurry you will only find yourself frustrated. Instead, raise your peppermint mocha and wish your fellow shoppers a Happy Black Friday! 

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Learning to Clip The Old Fashion Way

Well, by now you have mastered loading your grocery rewards card with digital coupons and signed up for your post purchase rewards programs with your favorite manufacturers. Right? If not, no worries. Here are the links to get you started.

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Saving Money With The Swipe Of Your Card

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Getting The Most Of Your Healthy Food Purchases

Moving on to the next step in couponing takes a bit more organization. With digital couponing the card does all the work for you, with paper couponing, its up to you.  Why use paper coupons when I can use digital?  Of course if we can reduce using paper its a plus, but there is still a need to clip. The biggest benefit is you can double them or triple them during rare promotions. Most grocery chains push for digital coupons because they do not double them. You are limited to how many digital coupons you can load also, usually 150. That seems like alot but overtime you can come pretty close to that number. There is still a bonus for using digital coupons too so, don't abandon ship. Grocery chains will often offer coupons for their in-house brands on their digital site, these are not available in printed form. Also, from time to time, they will track what you purchase and send you special offers to load on your card. For instance, last month Kroger offered a customer appreciation promotion and sent me 10 digital coupons, including several free items, like bread and even big discounts on natural products that are not typically offered. If you already have a routine in place with your digital coupon card, that is great because we are going to build on that process.

Get a coupon organizer. Now I've seen the extreme side of this with large three ring binders, you don't have to go there...yet. Unless that works best for you. I prefer a medium size accordion case that I can keep with me in my purse, in the event I need to make an unexpected purchase. I saw some similar ones in the dollar section at Target this weekend for $2.00.

File in a way that makes sense to you. The initial set up takes an investment in time but it will become second nature. The simplest way is to break down your pockets into general categories like, dairy, dry goods, baking needs, etc. Think of it as the sections of the store. Some couponers like to set up their pockets in order of the store layout beginning with the first section they enter. There is no right or wrong. Everyone's shopping needs are different. If you have small children you may prefer one pocket entirely for diapers and food. Play with it a bit to see what clicks. It has to make sense to you or you won't stick with it.

Follow a clipping routine. Carving out a set time each week to plan your shopping trip may seem inconvenient, but in the long run it will save you time and obviously, money. I have a time every Sunday that I get my coffee and get my list ready for the week. Its a good feeling to start the week of with a plan and adds to my overall productivity throughout the week. This is the order that I have found to work best.

1. Update your coupon file. Clear out any expired coupons before you begin clipping for the new week.

2. Make your list of needs for the week. Hopefully you are using your pre-printed cheat sheets to cut your time by checking off what you need and noting any additional items. Doing your list first, helps you stay away from impulse buys and gets you prepared to tackle the weekly sale circulars.

3. Start clipping with the weekly inserts. 

4. Load your digital coupons to your store rewards card. This is were it changes slightly. You will see some of the same coupons on your store site that you just clipped from the paper. Remember, you cannot double your digital coupon. So, if you have a clipped coupon and load the same to your store card, it will take the store coupon first and not double. There is a catch. They only double up to a .50 off. Therefore, if you have coupons that are over .50 for products that you use, load those to your card even if you have the clipped coupon. Also, load any additional coupons regardless of value for items that do not have a paper coupon.

5. File any new coupons into your organizer.

6. Finally, using your list of needs, review your weekly advertisement and coordinate that with any available coupons. You can make a note next to any items you have a coupon for digital or paper. Pull the corresponding coupons and put them in a front pocket of your organizer or a separate envelope. This helps because sometimes when you get into the store you may need to reference the coupon for things like size or quantity to make sure you meet the coupon requirements.

7. When you check out give the cashier your reward card first. Then hand them any additional coupons to take off the total. That way as they are ringing you can eyeball the monitor to make sure you items are reduced properly.

Now, there are even more advanced ways to do this process using apps and third party websites. I think its easiest to start this way, it really helps you learn how to incorporate couponing into your weekly routine. I'll be back soon to talk about some of those hi-tech savings helpers. Happy Clipping! Ta!

I Feel Pretty: Runway Meets Retail

One of my favorite breaks from the winter blahs is NYFW (New York Fashion Week) although in fashion speak spring shows mean fall fashions...it is still a kick to the creative juices to see all the fresh new creations. Then I look in my closet and wallet with disappointment and crawl back in my flannel pants. Not anymore! It seems that those same high-end designers are sharing their talents with us fashion voyeurs on a budget. No more cheap knock-offs. Instead, get the real thing cheap. We have seen the pop-up shops at Target with Prabal Gurung and the long term collaborations with Vera Wang and Kohl's. These co-ops are going to a whole new level. This spring retailers everywhere are pairing up with designers, many who have never been in the mainstream retail market, to bring us fabulous fashion mostly under $100 price point. (squeal.)

Kate Young for Target

Kate Young for Target - One of the pioneers of this marketing strategy, Target is staying ahead of the game by launching the first clothing line by celebrity red carpet stylist, Kate Young. "Kate Young for Target reflects my aesthetic for edgy, sophisticated style and is designed to offer items that are versatile, modern and ideal for special occasion dressing." according to harpersbazaar.com. Kate's pieces will launch in stores on April 14.

Pearl by Georgina Chapman for JCP - If you are a fashion follower then you know the fashion house of Marchesa. Georgina Chapman has created a line of glamorous and flirty cocktail dresses and separates that are true to the labels aesthetic for get this...JCPenny! These pieces are perfect if you are heading to prom, attending a wedding or any occasion to make an entrance. (Love these for possible engagement photo wardrobe or rehearsal dinner.)

  

Derek Lam for Kohls

Derek Lam for Kohl's - Kohl's DesignNation is growing with its second collaboration. This time its designer, Derek Lam. The beach to street looks are inspired by Rio de Janeiro. "I really love the city. The people are wonderful and the setting is amazing," said Lam. The vibe is obvious in his collection. It just looks so comfy and fun!

Milly for Banana Republic - One Kate Middleton's favorite designers  Michelle Smith of Milly is taking her first steps into menswear with her spring line for Banana Republic. According to WWD, a rep from BR says the guys pieces will have "a more muted palette" and "scaled down prints." Its not just for the fellas, the Milly designer includes her signature prints in the ladies line. The entire line is Hamptons inspired and set to launch in late April or May. Did I mention its Duchess approved? Well, kinda.

DVF for Gap Kids and Baby Gap - I don't like to overuse the word "icon" but it is completely appropriate when it comes to Diane von Furstenburg. She is back for a second launch of her designs for Gap in April. Although this is not a new collaboration, it definitely bears repeating. After all, you are never too young for a DVF wrap dress! If I could squeeze into one, I would.

Grab those spring fashion mags and start revamping your closets. Time to make room for all the new wardrobe additions! Goodbye flannel pants, see you next winter. Ta!

Happy Alert! Chicago, Its Divine Consign Time

Feb. 8-17: Divine Consign’s Designer Furniture Warehouse Event

Its time to go where no non-designer has gone before...well, at least since last year. Chicago,you are in for  super deep discounts on high-end furniture and accessories but it won't go on for long.

"Divine Consign, working with the finest showrooms and studios at the mart and throughout Chicagoland, has compiled one-half million dollars of high-end designer showroom inventory to be sold at 50-90% off “Mart” prices. From showrooms such as C.A.I. Designs, Martin-Wood, Kenneth Ludwig, Anacara, Treasure Garden, Lily Jack, Dana Creath, Park Place Interiors and others, this warehouse event will make these designer items available to the public for 10 days only – February 8-17, 2013."

Share you finds with us!

Newly Wed-nesday: The Borrowed Bridesmaid

Planning a wedding? By now you've rented a venue, rented tables, chairs, decor and maybe even a port-a-potty or two. It may surprise you at some of the other items you can rent. How about your bridesmaids dresses? Yep, sure can. Why not? Men have been renting tuxedos since the dawn of proms.  Just think about it from your attendants perspective. When we recently got married we planned a destination wedding. We kept our bridal party small. I wanted all of our family and friends to be there and enjoy the day with us without breaking the bank. Traveling and even attending a wedding is expense. Asking friends and family to pay for all the costs involved in standing up just seemed a lot to ask of them. Having said that, we all want those closest to us by our side on that special day. So, for your bridal party, no matter what the number of attendents, renting dresses is a long over due idea. Not only is it affordable but it's super easy and convenient. For bridal parties spread out in different areas its a welcome solution. The site I really like is littleborroweddresses.com. Here is how it works.

First, select your dress style and color, and yes, you can choose a different style for each attendant. They will send you a free swatch to ensure the color and fabric is to your liking. Then place your reservations. Next, the dresses will arrive two weeks prior to the event. In addition to your ordered size, they will send you a back up size with every dress ordered. That's genius. The dresses are designed to not require alterations and are quite forgiving. Finally, both the worn dress and the back up dress must be returned the next business day after the wedding. No need to clean. Send it back in their prepaid mailer and you are done. One tip. LBD recommends reserving three months before the event, but can accommodate last minute events. The cost per dress is approximately $50 - $75 depending on length and style. LBD does sell their dresses new if you prefer. Super simple. It's an option to consider. I mean, truly, they aren't going to wear those dresses again. Just sayin' Happy planning! Ta! THM

Couponing For Mere Mortals: Getting The Most Of Your Healthy FoodPurchases

When you make the commitment to eat healthy, you may think that your savings options are limited. Not true it just takes a bit more creativity. Products that are natural, organic or specialty cost more to produce and tend to have a higher shelf price. In our house, we have a few items and brands that are "non-skimp" items. These are things that we feel are worth spending a little more on like, meats and eggs. The investment in our health is more beneficial then buying items because of sale price. Also, I try to be a thoughtful shopper. I am brand loyal. If I get good service or feel that a company is really making a good product then it's my job as a consumer to support that business. I understand that for so many stretching your food budget is survival and sometimes means compromising the healthier or preferred product. How do you balance being a thoughtful shopper and still save money?

Make the decision about which items are your "non-skimpers." Make a quick list for those items. This only takes a couple minutes on your computer. Save it and print it each time you sit down to make your weekly list. Keep track of the base price of these items, so you can easily compute when you find a bargain. By starting with these items first you can scan for deals and decide what portion of your weeks budget is still available for your additional needs. Now here is where you need to plan ahead a bit and get creative. For items like meats, dairy and produce buy direct and in bulk. You don't have to live in a rural community to support local farming. With a little research you can find great resources for fresh healthy ingredients. If you aren't sure where to start you can contact your local or state agriculture department to find co-ops, farms that sell direct and farmers markets. Many ranchers will sell meats in bulk, even butchering them into your preferred cuts. Check with the farm to find out when they will be offering meats, often they have set dates when you can purchase and you will need to order ahead. You can go in with a friend or two to cut the costs if you don't need such a large amount of product. Eggs and dairy often cost less than and are fresher than supermarket items. When I buy fresh eggs, I pay less than $3 for 18 and they last about a week longer than store bought. Buying local is fun too, make it a regular part of your shopping routine. Over time you will get to know your farmers and many times they will throw in extras for you to try or just as a thank you. Those relationships are far more valuable than saving a dollar.

Now, for those items that you need to head to the grocery store for, it is best to track when they typically go on sale. There are certain times of the year when select items have promotions. Jumping on the New Years resolution band wagon, this is the time of year that manufacturers push their healthier brands. They want consumers, who may not usually buy their brand to try out products. Items like, snack bars, cereals, frozen meals, and vitamins and supplements are at unusually low prices. This is when you stock up until the spring/summer when they begin their bikini ready campaigns. For example, our local store has a month long promotion with Lean Cuisine. I purchased 6 meals (any variety) for $12 (usually $3-$4 each) and also got a 12ct pack of Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches ($7.99 retail) for free! Look for ways to benefit after you purchase. Three big brands, Lean Cuisine®, Kellogg's®, and Kashi® have great reward programs that you may not know about. By signing up on their websites and entering codes printed inside select products or doing bonus activities like watching informational videos, you can bank points to redeem for products and additional coupons and discounts.

Finally, don't hesitate to send kudos directly to brands. Send an email to them letting them know they are doing a good job. Sometimes they will thank you in return with a coupon or promo code. Also, use social media. Some discounts are only available to fans that follow on sites like Twitter or Facebook. You don't have to compromise your food standard. It will take a little investment of time getting set up but you will recoup in the long term. Health and happiness from our home to yours! Ta!

Etchings From The Man Cave: All Shined Up

I married a car guy. One of his favorite unwinders is polishing up the cars and keeping them running efficiently. He finds it relaxing and I don't mind my cruising in a well detailed ride. If you have a guy like this at home, then you also have a shelf full of creams, sprays and liquid potions for every inch of the car. Some of these products, especially waxes and "finishers" don't come cheap. When I found this box o'goodies, I knew it was too good to pass by. Remember though, as I always say, this is only a bargain because we use the stuff. Don't buy it if your idea of Saturday work on the car is getting a Venti to sip on while in line at the car wash. Here is what we got in our Armor All gift pack: 

1. Armor All Ultra Shine Butter Smooth Wax 16.9 fl oz
2. Armor All Cleaning Wipes 25pk
3. Armor All Ultra Shine Wash & Wax 1 pt
4. Armor All Ultra Shine Tire Foam Protectant 18oz 
5. 1 Glass Cleaning Towel 
6. 1 Microfiber Towel
7. 1 Plush Microfiber Sponge
8. 1 Wheel Cleaning Brush
9. 1 Armor All Air Freshener

From what I can find this is only available in Target stores. We did a rough estimate on the value of the items individually. The Butter Smooth Wax (which according to my fella is the "good stuff") alone in the store was $8.94. We came up with a value of about $40.00. The gift pack retailed over the Holidays for $35.00. We paid $10.50 for the whole box! Not to mention I got a free car wash and a relaxed and happy hubs! Cha-ching for me!

Let There Be Light!

Ok, I'm a little OCD about room lighting. Poor lighting can mean too much, too little, or just having it coming from all the wrong places. Really, I actually find it hard to be comfortable in a room with bad lighting. I told ya, I have issues. That is why I think I love lamps. They, in my opinion are one of the top 5 elements that make or transform a space.  Not only from a practical lighting use, but they can add mood, personality, texture, pattern and color. You do not need to spend big money to have a big impact in any room.  One of my other hobbies is scouring the clearance aisles and websites for crazy bargains on stuff that is actually nice, pretty and useful. Here are a few of my finds today. Oh, look at that they are all lamps...shocking.

Target - $42.50  Classic but works in so many applications. Great functional piece for a bedside or desktop. perch then in a room with transitional home spun style and lots of vintage and dimensional fabrics.

JcPenney - $32. So perfect. The linen shade is a great addition of texture, the cream washed finish makes it an easy pairing with any color palette. The shape keeps it from being too feminine.

JcPenney - $62.00 This is right on trend with 2013. Yes, brass is back. You are going to be seeing a lot of over-the-top decor and antique style this year. Pair this with a beautiful big mirror and on an old chest and you have a designer go to look.

West Elm  - $6.99-$9.99 Pendant lights are so much fun and they are a necessity in any kitchen no matter how small the space. These cuties come in a variety of colors and in three sizes. The industrial, high gloss design gives then a funky flare that can pair with contemporary, urban or retro styles.

If you only change one thing in your home this year, switch out a couple lamps and you will refresh and update with the flick of a switch!

Happy Alert! Like My Hat?

Just scored some amazing bargains at Target! Got this cute little hat for $1.80!! I also grabbed one in charcoal and watermelon stripe. They had turquoise, purple, fuchsia, bright blue, and a bunch of other fun colors. They are super comfy and fit really well. Couldn't keep this deal under my hat! Oh yeah, I said it.

Couponing For Mere Mortals

It can be done. You can coupon. You will not have to turn your guest bedroom into a stock room, you do not have to resort to the dooms day prepper lifestyle and you are not required to wear mom jeans or even be a mom. Really, there is no reason not to coupon unless you are Warren Buffet and I think he (or his people) clips. I get it, you can barely get to the grocery store let alone find time to pour over weekly circulars. I've been there. Especially when I was single. I was a hunt and peck shopper. I went to the store and grabbed what I needed at that moment and paid whatever without thinking about it. This wasn't because I was making bank. The opposite was true. I was pinching pennies so hard, old Abe had a headache. It was a habit, and a bad one. It seemed overwhelming to plan and clip and run from store to store until I learned that it is pretty easy. Now, don't get me wrong you can take this as far as you want. For realistic purposes, I am going to give you my best tip for at least saving something, which is more than you are saving now, and its a good way to feel your way around the process. First thing, if you do nothing else, get a rewards card for the places you shop. Ok, now that you have done that, what a lot of people don't know is that you can load manufacturer coupons directly onto the card! Guys,especially, like this feature because you can load and forget it. Most larger chains offer this option to their customers. Here's the baby steps of digital couponing: 1. Sign up for your rewards card. 2. Register your rewards card online with the grocery chain. 3. Click on the digital coupons tab. 4. Select and  load your coupons onto the card. Done! Each week go back and load more coupons. Next time you go to that store any items you purchase that have corresponding coupons on your card will automatically deduct at the register. Yep. Cool. I know. You thought you had to stand there while everyone behind you glared at you for handing the cashier a stack of coupons as thick as War and Peace. Nope, its quick and discreet. All right friends, its time to load 'em up and move 'em out!

To Target, To Target

Ah Target, how I adore thee. I have decided to dedicate a regular post "To Target, To Target" to share my finds. Today I made a trip to my shopping playground and discovered some really great bargains. This years joint holiday marketing with Neiman Marcus brought some high end design items to Target stores. In my opinion, they were a little steep for Target but bargain priced for Neimans. You just don't feel like paying $100.00 for a cocktail dress at Target, but hang that same dress in Niemans at that price and the elbows will fly! That said, there are quite a few left overs to snap up at 70% off. Who wouldn't want some rag and bone shot glasses for 5.99 or a Marc Jacobs pouch for 20.99. Great ideas to tuck in your gift closet for last minute hostess gifts. I have found the selection is better in the stores but if you prefer you can still get a few items online. Not only are the bargains hot, but the stores are almost empty in my area and parking is primo! Guess you need to run to Target. Darn, if I have too...

Santa Gave Me An Upgrade. Now What Do I Do With My Old Stuff?

Much like life, technology changes at super sonic speed. Now that Christmas has passed, and so many of us received the latest and greatest gadgets under the tree, what do we do with the ones that are so last year? Best Buy has a great program to trade in your has-been devices. Its a great way to get a little bonus or at a minimum, be eco-responsible. The program is pretty simple. Best Buy will give you a gift card for a minimum of $5 for any item that they have carried in their store regardless if you purchased it from them. This is not limited to old cell phones, and includes games and consoles, navigation devices and e-readers. There are a few exceptions. You can check out their website for a complete list of items and see if you can score some dough. If the item is not eligible for a gift card, they have an extensive recycling program to keep the techno trash out of our landfills. One recommendation is to take all cords, chargers and components with you to maximize your trade value. Time to send the kiddos to their room for a January clean up and clean out.