MakeupJewels

Save that Money, Honey!: $1,378 Savings Challenge

2014-01-01T13:46:00.003-08:00

How does an extra $1, 378 at the end of the year sound to you? You know what I hear? HA! LLELUJAH!

It's actually such an easy task in terms of the planning, that I'm sorry I hadn't thought of it. BUT, I'm glad someone did because now I get to jump on that bandwagon and share it with you!

Here's how it works: There are 52 weeks in the year, so for each week of the year you save that corresponding amount. For instance, for week 1 you would put one dollar aside, for week 2, $2, etc. OR you could work backwards by saving $52 on week 1, $51 on week 2 etc. I prefer this approach since generally when we are gung-ho about something we are usually motivated enough to start with the harder aspects and we generally STAY motivated if each week gets "easier."

Here's a chart

Here's another savings challenge as an alternate to the one above-

Instead of saving the amount of dollars= to the week #, you save the date. Let me explain with a visual:

So depending on the date you get paid, that's how much you save. If you get paid bi-weekly, I might multiply that number by two. If you get paid monthly, I would multiply that number by four.

So how about you? Will you be trying any of these challenges? Do you have any other savvy ways of saving money? Please share!

Save that Money, Honey!: 10 Ways to Save at Target

2014-01-01T12:56:00.004-08:00

As you know from my last "Save that Money, Honey!" post, Amazon is one of my #1 go-to sites. But locally, I have to give it up to Target. For me, Target's deals surpass those of Wal-mart because they offer so many additional savings opportunities in addition to their great prices for great products. Below are the ways I maximize my savings at Target:

1. Printable Coupons- Yay for coupons! After compiling your grocery/household list, always check the Target coupon section of the Target website for coupons to print prior to visiting the store. They have a "search" icon too to make your search that much easier.

2. Manufacturer Matchup- Always check for matchable newspaper coupons to stack with your Target printable store coupons. Now, I am a busy mom so I need help figuring out what the best deals are. To help me with this, I've downloaded an app called "Bloglovin" for which I can then follow all the amazing moms out there who make it there job to find the ultimate best deals. See more about that HERE.

3. Mobile Coupons- These are coupons that you sign up for through text. Once signed up, you will receive links approximately every two weeks for Target deals. These can be used in addition to both your Target printable coupons and manufacturer coupons! Maximizing savings, baby! If you haven't yet signed up for these, you can do so by sending the message OFFERS to 827438.

4. Cartwheel App- Target has a new app that can be used on top of all the other savings already listed! Search for the deals you want in virtually every area of the store. Often, what I will do, is look at my grocery/household list, and search specifically for deals on the items already on my list to continue to maximize my savings! Nice!

5. Target RED Card- I love this card. Not only do I save 5% on my total (after all the other savings listed above), I also get free shipping on Target.com should I choose to make my purchases online!

6. Shopkick- If you have kids, this is a great project for your kids to get involved in while helping you save! Shopkick allows you earn "kicks" for walking into major retailers, scanning products, and making purchases. Target always has many "kicks" to be earned, so when I shop with my kids, I send them around the store scanning barcodes off of products. It keeps them busy and its fun to see how many "kicks" they can earn. Generally in one visit to Target, we earn between 500-800 "kicks". Once at 500, you can immediately redeem your "kicks" for a $2 Target GC which shows up as a barcode the cashier can scan at the register. Free money!

7. Check the bottom of your receipt- Get into the habit of checking the bottom of your receipt after your purchase has been made. Target has begun printing high value coupons to be used on your next visit. You will also want to be on the lookout for survey invites (which only take about two minutes). Complete these as soon as you get home for a chance to win an instant $25 Target gift card or be entered to win a $1000 gift card!

8. Always walk the end caps!- I cannot emphasize how many great deals I have found here! I once found 1 liter containers of olive oil for 75% off. Olive oil. That stuff is expensive! Should I even tell you that I bought nearly all of them?

9. Check holiday clearance items!- While you may think you should only visit this section if you are looking to stock up on holiday items for the next time the holiday rolls around, this is also a great time to stock up on household items that have holiday packaging on them! In general, the discount schedule is generally as follows:

50% day after
70% three days after
90% a week after

10. Guest Services- I may actually visit Guest Services as often as I visit the main registers! That's because I keep an eye on items I've bought, and if the item has been further discounted, Guest Services will offer you the difference within 7 days. (This is not true of clearance items, unfortunately.) Also, if you forget to redeem coupons at the register, Guest Services can apply them to your total after.

How about you? Do you have any additional suggestions for saving at Target? Please share!

Naked 1 Palette Tutorial #1

2013-12-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a tutorial using the original Urban Decay Naked palette.

Blend "Naked" into the crease in a windshield wiper motion.
Place "Baked" onto the lid in a patting motion.
With a pencil brush, create a triangular shape with the color "Hustle" in the outer V of your eye.
Without using anymore color, blend any harsh edges with a blending brush.
With a shader brush, use "Virgin" along the brow bone.
Using the same pencil brush as early, add a smaller triangular shape above the "Hustle" e/s using the color "Creep".
With a clean shader brush, apply "Sin" in the inner corners of the eye.

Add eyeliner and mascara, and you've got yourself a "Naked" look!

How to Wear: Green Eyeshadow!

2013-12-26T09:46:00.000-08:00

Save that Money, Honey!: Free Clothes

2013-12-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

Do you like freebies? Of course you do! And so do I! As you may now know, I am always on the hunt to find how to get a lot for little.

Last summer, I found a way to get it for free! That is, free clothes. And more specifically, free school uniforms for my son and daughter! Impossible? Not even!

About two years ago, I subscribed to the Banana Republic VISA credit card. I did this because I love their clothes and figured, why not, this is a place I shop at often, being a teacher and all, and if they'll send me more coupons on account of having their Visa card, I'll go for it. Now let me just "disclaim" something- I always pay my credit cards off in full every month. I never accrue interest. So, having another credit card, for me, isn't an issue because I simply integrate it into my budget. Notice I didn't say ADD it- I said integrate.

Let me explain, as you read in my previous post, I use one credit card every month for all of my bills (clothes, food, gas, etc). So when I applied for the Banana Republic Visa card, I only intended it to serve for part of my already allotted clothes budget, not in addition to my clothes budget. This is why I can pay it off in full, because I have already allotted for it and I stick to my budget.

Anyhow, during the summer months of May, June, and July, Banana Republic offered a promotion. Three times the points per dollar. My head starts clicking and ticking and then...I had a plan. Instead of using my regular credit card, I would switch to my BR Visa card. Essentially, embodying the same idea of buying what you already have to buy, and earning free money in the process. Let's just say that at the end of the three month promotional period, I had accrued over $400 in BR rewards (example shown above). The awesome thing about BR rewards is that you can also use them at Gap and Old Navy! Sooo, I waited for the right moment, and as soon as those two stores started promoting their back to school sales, I went through Ebates and ShopatHome (yup, I wanted cash back on my free money), clicked on the Old Navy website, bought undies, undershirts, socks, pants, shorts, polos, used an online coupon on top of that (because yes, you can combine rewards with coupons) for...wait for it, wait for it...free! I did the same for my daughter at the Gap. Amaze-balls!

Now, I still had to buy shoes. So I bought shoes with other coupons online through Ebates and ShopatHome. But nothing, nothing can beat that deal. I hope they have the same promotion this upcoming summer, but if they don't I still have a good deal with their current program.

I hope this inspires you to think about what your credit card company's rewards are and how you can use them to your advantage.

If you have other exciting incentives or strategies for getting free clothes, please share with us and spread the word!

How to Wear: Purple Eyeshadow!

2013-12-23T20:59:00.007-08:00

How to Wear: Silver Eyeshadow!

2013-12-23T20:43:00.004-08:00

Naked 2 Palette

Full face look!

Save that Money, Honey!: Free Flights

2013-12-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

So, flights are expensive. They are especially expensive when there's four of you, or six of you, or whatever. But I found a way to save money on one of the most outrageous expenditures of any family vacation.

My husband and I decided we would use our Southwest Rapid Rewards card for ALL of our household expenditures. Everything. All year long. And by doing what I have to do anyway, shop for gas, groceries, Amazon products :)...I earn points for flights. When summer roles around we usually have enough to pay for all of the flights to our family destination.

The Southwest card is not the only card that offers this program, there are many of them. But perhaps this will spark some ideas for you and yours when planning for your next airline travel!

Let me also mention that in order to avoid paying interest fees on balances carried over, you should plan to pay the credit card in full at the end of the month. Don't save just to spend!

Happy savings!
Julie

Save that Money, Honey!: 12 Ways to Save on Amazon!

2013-12-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have become a diehard fan of Amazon just because of all the amazing deals/offers available for moms like me trying to care for their family in the most economical way possible!

Below are a list of perks I have found to be the reason I use Amazon to do so much of my online
shopping:

1. Amazon Prime: For only $79 a year, Amazon Prime offers free two-days shipping, access to the Amazon lending library to borrow one Kindle book per month (only useable for those who actually own a Kindle), and access to tons of free movies and TV shows!

I cannot tell you how much i LOVE this membership! I have managed to cut back on my satellite bill (roughly $600 a year) and gas for my car since I am making less runs to the store and still getting great prices online. Nothing is more convenient than coming home to boxes of necessities at your door after a long day's work! Just on those two points alone, I am STILL saving money despite the membership fee.

2. Amazon Mom: You do not actually have to be a mom to join Amazon Mom! This program also costs $79 a year and you will always get 20% off diapers and wipes. If you have a small child, you will quickly earn back your membership fee. You will also get the two-day free shipping, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows, and you'll be able to borrow a Kindle book (again only available for those with a Kindle) for free each month. It works just like Prime but with mom discounts!

3. Amazon Student: This programs costs just $39 per year for four years. To join you must be willing to show proof that you are a student. This program is also similar to Amazon Prime, however, you won't be able to access the free streaming and free two-day shipping is only available for six months. The cool thing about Amazon Student is that you can earn back that membership fee through friend referrals-$5 per referral to be exact!

4. Amazon Trade-In Store: How can you further save on your Amazon bill when you are shopping for those household necessities? Well trade in your old college textbooks, books, electronics, movies, video games, or music to the Amazon Trade-In Store and earn gift cards to apply on your next purchase. Amazon pays the shipping fees so there is absolutely no out of pocket costs to you! Love it!

5. Amazon Subscribe and Save: Have I told you how much I love Amazon? If not, I do- and by that I mean Amazon Subscribe and Save has been a God-send. When you order through this program you will be saving 5% off each item ordered - not bad. But it could be better. When you place five subscribe and save orders to be delivered in the same month you will save 15%! If you are an Amazon Mom member your savings increases to 20%! Many times, coupons are also available to "clip" which magnifies the savings! In-creeee-dible!

So you know, you are also in complete control of the delivery schedule. It can be as frequent as every month or as infrequent as six months. Shipping is always free and if you decide you no longer want this item to be shipped to your home, you are under no obligation to continue. Simply cancel your subscription and move on to the next item!

Just as a side note, I also like to earn Amazon gift cards through surveys which I apply to my subscribe and save orders. This takes my final cost WAY down and leaves more cash in my pockets. Me likey.

6. Filler Finder: Let's say you don't subscribe to any of the aforementioned programs and you simply want to make purchases through Amazon- you will find that you will need to meet the $35 minimum requirement for free shipping. That is a real pain when you are only a few dollars short. But that can easily be eliminated by using a Filler Finder to find objects that will help you meet the requirement! Save on paying more than you need to!

7. Gold Box Deal of the Day: These are heavily discounted items - sometimes up to 75%. Awesome deals to be had here!

8. Lightening Deals: These are found on the same page and are again, awesome deals. These only last four hours or until they are sold out! Stay abreast of this page as the deals will change often!

9. Amazon Warehouse Deals: Check out this area of the site for quality open-box or refurbished items. Amazon guarantees these items so you can request a refund if doesn't end up meeting expectations.

9. Price Guarantee: If a price drops on an item within 30 days of when you bought it, call or chat online with customer service and ask for the difference to be refunded. You will need to check back on your orders but if you are like me and love to get your family's needs met for next to nothing, this is worth the time.

10. CamelCamelCamel.com: If you are looking to purchase something from Amazon (especially big ticket items), check this site first! It will send you an alert when an item hits your target price!

11. Save for Later or Add to Wishlist: I use these options all the time when contemplating items to purchase. (It helps me avoid unnecssary impulse buys.) The cool thing about "save for later" items is when you visit your cart, you will receive an alert stating whether one of these items has increased or decreased in price. You can monitor these items and when the price is right, you will know it is time to purchase if you're still interested!

12. Shop with Points: You can use your Chase credit card points to shop on Amazon! Yay free money! Seriously, if you have any of the cards below, including an Amazon Visa (which is not shown), you will be able to apply whatever earned points you have towards your Amazon purchases at checkout! Too. Cool.

I intend to keep adding to this list as I discover more ways to save on this site. I'd love to add your recommendations too. Please share with us in the comments below!

Save That Money, Honey!: Paying Off Your Car Faster

2013-12-22T12:03:00.001-08:00

I am always trying to pay things down quickly. I hate debt and I love saving everything I can. I'm becoming addicted to the challenge of saving as much as possible everywhere I go and in everything I do. So one way I do that is by paying a little more every month and making payments more frequently.

Let me explain. Let's say my monthly payment is $450. I pay $50 extra per month and build it into my monthly budget. Over the course of a year, I will have paid an extra $600 which is more than an extra payment a year.

Another strategy to pay off your car loan sooner is by making weekly payments instead of monthly ones. So I take my $500 monthly payment and divide it by 4 weeks in a month. That's $125. I then schedule that payment to be withdrawn every week from my bank account so that it isn't something else I have to keep up with. I should note that not every month has 4 weeks, in fact, there are 4 months that actually have 5 weeks. So, you will need to allot for that extra payment for those months. Doing this will mean you will make an additional $500 payment towards the principal of your loan over the course of a year.

Making weekly payments will also actually save you on interest. For me, that comes to about $11 saved on interest every month. That may not sound like a lot, but $11 times 12 months = $132 a year.

So let's add up what I save: $600 (from extra $50 payment made every month applied directly to principal) + $500 (extra payment made over the course of year from making weekly payments) + $132 (interest saved every month by paying weekly instead of monthly) = $1,332 additional money applied to your car loan every year. Nice!

Over the course of four years that's $5,328 and over five, $6,660 additional monies applied directly to the principal of your car loan! My car loan could be paid off a year sooner!

Now, how much will YOU actually save? Well it all depends on your loan interest rates, if you are paying extra per month, how frequently you are making your payments, etc. Regardless, it's definitely worth doing the math, looking at your budget, and talking to your bank to make sure they will accept weekly payments.

One thing is for sure, though, I LOVE how a little planning, organization, and persistence can make a HUGE difference for your wallet.

How about you? How do you go about saving money on your car loan? I would love to hear any other suggestions!

XOXO,
Julie

Urban Decay Vice 2 Swatches

2013-12-15T12:17:00.001-08:00

Left to right: Smokeout, Lovesick, Shellshock, Coax, X-Rated

Left to right: Prank, Madness, Strike, Stash, Poison

Left to right: Radar, Damaged, Voodoo, Betrayal, Derailed

Left to right: Dope, Toxic, Habit, Ambush, Rewind
(Toxic is actually swatched, I am just that tanned :))

Need I say this palette is gorg?! Beautiful pigmentation and the day to night look possibilities are endless!

Sephora is already all sold out, but you can still score yours at Ulta!

How to Use Up Old Makeup: The Weekly Makeup Bag by Strwberry Sweet

2013-12-15T11:53:00.001-08:00

As I was scouring YouTube in search of girls who were doing more than just project pan, girls who were actually figuring out a system to use ALL of the makeup they own, I came across this doll—StrwberrySweet. As her username indicates, she is a sweet girl who vlogs about her weekly makeup bag. That isn’t all she does but she has racked up dozens of these videos with plenty of views.

I won't even try to describe the idea, just watch her videos and know that I have jumped suit and started my own weekly bag too!

How to Use Up Old Makeup: The “Use Me Up” Bag

2013-12-15T11:48:00.002-08:00

Here are the current products I am keeping in my bag to remember to use up!

When working on a “project pan”, be sure to keep all of the products you are trying to finish up in one place. I like to keep mine is this “Use Me Up” bag which is essentially just a makeup bag where my vanity area is. It is the first thing I look at before I begin applying anything when getting ready for the day. It is also a nice little reminder to “keep on keepin’” on with my mission even when I’m hectically trying to get out the door weekdays at 7am! If you are a busy mom like me, you know every minute is precious!

Keeping my little "Use Me Up!" bag in front of my daily makeup products.

How to Use Up Old Makeup: Un-pigmented Eyeshadows

2013-12-15T09:38:00.001-08:00

I have been collecting makeup for quite some time and over the years the one product that never goes bad on me are my eyeshadows. I have a range from drugstore to high end and until recently, my high end shadows always outperformed by drugstore ones. That being said, I still have drugstore shadows from years back that were not built with the same lasting power as the drugstore shadows of today. Now, based on my previous posts, you know that I don’t like to waste, so to use up those shadows here is what I recommend.

Drumroll, for the eyeshadow saviors please! Pppprrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Check out what a difference it makes!

To the left are the drugstore eyeshadows without any primer. To the right are the shadows with primer. See what a difference!

And just to emphasize the staying power of the NYX pencils, this is a picture after I tried cleaning up my arm with a wipe.

If you want to use up some of those old shadows, definitely try these tricks! Just apply these bases to your eyelid first and then pop on some of the eyeshadow. Walah!

How about you all? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve to make those less-than-pigmented eyeshadows pop?

How to Use Up Old Makeup: Multiple Uses

2013-12-14T19:12:00.003-08:00

If you are like me and have accumulated lots of makeup, you will inevitably develop favorites or "holy grails". That means, then, that you will have less-than-loved products laying around. And if you're like me--that's just not acceptable! They have to be used up or tossed- and I opt for used up if they are still good :). It just makes me feel like everything is right in the world when I do.

So here's how I do it...

Find multiple uses for the product!

Lipstick-Use that old lipstick as a cream blush! It can also be used as a base for your powder blush by first applying and blending a tinge of lipstick with a clean finger in circular motions up the cheekbone. Then lay a light layer of powder blush atop that. Not only will your blush last all day, you will be using up an unwanted makeup product!

Lipliner-Lipliners can be great bases for lipsticks, making your lip color last all day! But they can also alter a lipstick color. For example, let's say you have a lipliner color you are no longer exactly in love with--place it all over your lips and top it with a nude lipstick or lipgloss color and you may find that you have found a new use for an old lipliner that needs to go. Try this same trick to make unflattering lipstick shades take on a whole new look. (Think "too-nude-for-your-skin-color" nude lipsticks, or "too-dark-and-vampy" ones, or even lipstick colors whose trendiness have since passed!) The possibilities are endless!

Blush- Blush can be used in place of eyeshadow. It can actually serve as a beautiful transition color between your lid and highlight colors. Have a "too dark for you blush"? Use it as a lid color on your eyes! You may find you love the color after all. The same is true for "too light for you" colors, too!

Mascara- Mascara can be used to set your eyebrows. Now, this is really only true of brown and clear mascara, but a useful trick nonetheless!

Foundation/Concealer- Foundation can actually be a great primer for your eyeshadows! When applying foundation, just be sure to run it over your lids as well. Another trick I use when trying to use up foundations that are either too dark or too light for my skin color (this generally happens when I get samples from Sephora), is to use them strategically on my face. For instance, I can use that dark foundation where I would normally contour my cheeks and forehead, and I can use that light foundation where I would normally highlight my face. The same is true of concealer! Concealer can also act as a great primer for eyelids and lips, making both eyeshadow and lipstick last longer.

Eyeliners- Eyeliners are not only great for giving definition to your eyes, but they can serve as eyeshadow bases as well. This is especially true of gel liners which brings me to my next point...Gel liners can be used in place of mascara. Don't believe me? Just search YouTube and you will find what I am talking about.

Eyeshadow- There are all sorts of uses for this one! So here is what I find to be so true of my own makeup stash- I have a kajillion cream colored, pearly white, brown, and black eyeshadows. No joke...a kajillion. How in the world could I use all of them up?! Glad you asked, because I was going to tell you anyway.

First off, use those browns and blacks as eyeliner by running the color along the rims of your eyes where you would normally apply eyeliners. This gives such a beautiful smokey effect anyway. It can also be placed over a pencil or gel eyeliner to help lock it into place.)

That brown eyeshadow can be used to define your eyebrows or even as a bronzer/contour on your face.

Now, as far as those light shades go, not only are they staples for natural looking eye makeup, but they can be used to highlight other areas of your face as well. Have a thin pout? Add a bit of a light shimmery pink right in the center of your pout after you apply lipstick and your lips will appear fuller.

Don't like a shade on your eyes? Maybe it could work on your nails! Crumble up some old eyeshadow that is either a color you hate or a terrible finish (like chalky eyeshadows), take some inexpensive clear polish, mix and wham- a new nail color!

Body Lotion- Though not really considered makeup, there are multiple uses for this product as well. After applying it to your body, trying running it through your hair to tackle those annoying flyaways!

After reading this, I hope it inspires you to be creative with your unwanted products! Or if not, that it gets you thinking about whether you really need a new brown shadow, highlighter, or primer..etc. You get the drift.

Now what about you? How many ways can you think of to use your products?

How to Wear: Yellow Eyeshadow!

2013-11-27T14:40:00.001-08:00

I love color! I love wearing colorful makeup- and I love making it work in everyday life. This is a new series I am starting to share how I wear colors that many are scared of.

Today's color is...yellow!

Here I have paired a sunny yellow color placed on the lid and inner tear duct area with an eggplant purple at the outer corner. I blended it out with a soft brown in the crease and finished it off with a light beige on the brow bone.

Makeup used:

Mac Bright Sunshine e/s

Mac Vibrant Grape e/s

Mac Moleskin e/s

Mac Vanilla e/s

Mac Pinch o' Peach blush

Covergirl Lip Perfection lipliner in Radiant

Rimmel #101 lipstick

Nars Angelika lipgloss

Red Lip Fever!

2013-11-24T21:36:00.003-08:00

I love this color! It's a rare occasion when I wear it simply because my husband somehow associates red with street walkers--but who cares! I love it. I thought I'd share because I was in a sharing mood. Don't mind the seatbelt. I was on my way to work at 7am :)

What I'm Wearing:
Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Flame

Save That Money, Honey: Samples

2013-11-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here is yet another post dedicated to saving money!

Samples!

I love to order free samples! You can't imagine how often they come in handy! I personally love to put them to use when traveling, but I also use them to try something new. So when I would normally make my rounds to the travel section at the nearest Target or Walmart to spend around 12-15$ on basic toiletries for travel, I now have a small stockpile of sample-sized items that I can use for my family instead.

Some of my favorite blogs to get the latest samples are:

Penny Pinchin' Mom http://www.pennypinchinmom.com
The Frugal Free Gal http://thefrugalfreegal.com
I Crave Freebies http://www.icravefreebies.com

TIP: I hate typing in the same information over and over so if you have an iPad or iPhone, I would say to go to your settings and set up autofill, so that every time you are requesting a sample you can click on that little magic button and wha-la, that little form is done and submitted, and your sample is on its way!

XOXO,
Julie

Save That Money, Honey!: Return It!

2013-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know this is a somewhat controversial topic-but it is one I abide by. Here is yet another way I save believe it or not--I return things that I didn't end up needing or liking!

First of all, I don't like clutter, but once I walk into a store and see beautiful things that would go so well with my home decor, or stylish yet classy clothes that would look so nice hanging from my bedroom closet...or better yet, on me :), or when I see those adorable trinkets at Marshalls and TJ Max that would be just so cool to have if ever I will actually need it, or even see that beautiful new eyeshadow palette, I start thinking about how awesome it would be to bring it back home with me.

And sometimes, I do.

The declutterer in me, can usually sway myself back into reality-that reality being that I dont need it. But when even I fail myself, I will usually come back home, realize that I already have something like it and/or that can fulfill the necessary function, and head back to the store to return it.

In some ways the process of buying it fulfills the hidden splurger in me, but the process of returning what I don't need fulfills the not-so-hidden saver in me--and my mind is at ease again.

Now, some (like my husband) hate the thought of returning things. And if I lived by his philosophy we would have things in our home that we dont need, taking up room we dont have, and creating more holes in our pockets that are entirely unnessary. So here's what I say--If you don't need it, or ended up hating it, Take. It. Back.

Stores offer return policies for a reason, and I feel absolutely no sense of guilt in utilizing that policy and I say you shouldn't either.

XOXO,
Julie

Save That Money, Honey!: ShopatHome.com

2013-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

This savings site works very much like Ebates (see my previous post) where you link to your retailers of choice through this website to gain a percentage of your purchase back. Oftentimes, I will compare which site, Ebates or ShopatHome, offers the most percentage back for different retailers. They are often very comparable, but not always.

Here are some of the key differences between the sites-
1) You won't get a gift card for signing up but you will receive a $5 credit to your account.

2) You aren't simply paid out what you have accumluated in your account at the end of the pay period. Instead, for ShopatHome to send you a check, you will need to have at least $20 in your account once the pay period comes to an end.

Here is a referral link to the site:
http://www.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=DstarXmNO7DTVQz7iLJraQ==
If you sign up through this link you make us both $5 extra bucks :)

XOXO,
Julie

Save That Money, Honey!: Ebates

2013-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok this is a BIG one!

I try to shop on here as often as possible simply because 1) it's easy 2) you simply link to the store you want to purchase and it will take you directly there to shop online 3) you make money back on purchases you make online and 4) you can still apply online coupons when checking out!

Here's how it works--
1) Click on the link: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=OMSnLaKvalqWZBdcF7pz8Q%3D%3D

2) Register for an account and automatically get $10 back to your retailer of choice. (FYI Usually this will take about 6 weeks to arrive.)

3) Pick from the list of retailers you would like shop from and you will be directed directly to the retail site. (You won't be returning to Ebates.com but know that Ebates does track your purchases if you follow these steps.)

4) Shop as normal!

5) Check out and apply any online coupons on hand or found online (www.retailmenot.com is a great place to find some).

6) Once your purchase is confirmed you can check Ebates.com in a day or so to see the credit returned to you for your purchase made.

7) After each pay cycle, you will receive a check back for your shopping online! How awesome is that?!

HERE'S A TIP...I often will go to the actual store I am interested in shopping in to look at the items personally vs. electronically. For instance, let's say I want to shop on Macy's- I will go to Macy's to make sure the items I'm interested in fit and then I will go back home and make a purchase through Ebates. The same is true of Sephora--I will go to the store to swatch the makeup or smell the perfume I am interested in and then I will make an online purchase through Ebates because most often they will offer 8% back! Score!!!

And just another FYI, every retailer offers a different percentage back but sometimes they will double those offers. For instance, I love to shop at The Limited for work, but sadly they only offer 1.5% back most of the time. If you plan it right, and most of the time I do, I will make my purchases when Ebates is doubling The Limited offer to 3% and so then I can make the most of my purchase.

In short, plan your purchases ahead, shop online through ebates, and watch for those double percentage offers! You'll be so proud at how much you are saving- while still allowing yourself and your family to have the things you feel good in.

Save That Money, Honey!: VIP Savings Network Card

2013-10-25T16:06:00.001-07:00

Here's an example of how I save when it comes to going out! I ordered this card from a kid fundraising for school. It cost me $20 but I have made that back and more in all of the savigns. Everyday this card holds some sort of special- todays is 20% off at Menchie's. My kids love this, and in addition, when you text a code, you get a coupon text for a free 5oz cup. Can't beat that! Definitely a cheap treat if you and yours want to do something as a family on a Friday night.

With this card, I have been able to save on dry cleaning, car washing, movies etc. The point is I will save on locations I will frequent anyway!

This particular card is only available in California, New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua, MX. If you're in these areas you can purchase yours at http://vipsavingsnetwork.com/ (not an affiliate link. For the rest of you, that doesn't mean you can't get savings like this in your area. Just look around for programs like this or you might even check out http://www.restaurant.com/ (not an affiliate link) to purchase gift certificates to restaurants for less than you would pay for the meal with cash after dining!

Save That Money, Honey! (A New Series)

2013-10-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning this series of posts to show others how I go about saving as much as possible while still enjoying life and living comfortably! I love saving---I feel invigorated and proud everytime I make good choices for my family and am able to watch our savings grow :)

I know there are a million more mamas out there like me and I would love to hear your tricks for saving too!

Finally figured it out!

2013-10-24T19:27:00.001-07:00

I've been on hiatus trying to really analyze where I want to go with this blog. I read so many other blogs (which I love) and it seems the most successful are those that constantly feature new products, or advertise the latest and greatest, and understandably so. And at one point, I was totally into that craze--but now that I've taken a step back I have had a chance to really think about who I am and what I want to blog about.

So here it is...
I love frugality as much as I love to be put together. Savings invigorates me as does the idea of being the perfect mom-cooking, cleaning, spending time with family, organizing, couponing, blogging, sharing, being an awesome teacher, working my way towards administration (maybe youtubing?) ...doing it ALL...on a budget while looking good doing it :)

So that's the direction I decided to take this blog. Ive decided it wouldn't suit me, the author, to write for the masses, but to write for me and others like me. This blog is going to contain it all--my tricks to living life fabulously and frugally.

I'm feeling inspired already! Hope you're feeling it too!

July Glam Bag Opening!

2012-07-15T10:02:00.001-07:00

Hello there! Here is a list of the products I received in this month's Glam Bag:

Yes to Cumcumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes (10ct)

Yes to Cucumbers says these wipes have cucumbers and aloe vera to cleanse, remove makeup and nourish skin...all in one swipe.
Paraben free
Review on claims to come!

Nume Hydro Punch Hydrating Conditioner (.67oz)

Nume says this is a professional solution for dry or coloured hair, making revolutionary synergy between traditional Moroccan Berber women Argan oil and innovative patented technology of SERATIN-K Pretein Complex. The active ingredients replenish moisture for intense softness, movement and shine.
Paraben free
Review on claims to come!

Circus by Andrea's Choice in Reverso (full-size)
Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain (full-size)

Color: Tango

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion (1.0oz)

For normal to oily skin types
Kiehl's says this oil-free lightweight, moisturizing lotion helps visibly reduce excess oil on skin's surface, leaving a shine-free and balanced appearance. Our non-greasy hydrator traps moisture to deeply condition skin and restore its moisture barrier. A complex of hydrating ingredients - Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, antarcticine and Vitamine E - helps keep skin fresh and healthier looking all day.
Colorant Free, Fragrance Free, Oil-Free, Paraben free
Review on claims to come!