It's All About the benji's!

Okay, so maybe in my case it's more about the Lincoln's and the Washington's, but regardless of how much money you have or don't have, it never hurts to save a little here and there.  I've found myself really drawn lately to try and live more frugally.  It probably has something to do with the little money-eaters currently taking up residence in my stomach!  Kids are expensive.  Period.  And I'm finding out it starts MUCH sooner than birth!

I have seen some Facebook and Blogger posts lately about moms and families using coupons to save money and I've been so intrigued.  So, I was excited to find coupons for our local United online.  And even more exciting, they were actually for things I use (and some I had just bought, unfortunately).
I was so excited, I decided to try and find coupons for the other major grocery stores so maybe some of my readers could start saving at the register, as well.  Here's what I found!


KROGER
UNITED
H-E-B
TOM THUMB
SAFEWAY

I'm sure there are grocery stores I didn't list.  If that's the case and you are reading this and are interested, just google the name of the grocery store + coupons and you should be able to find what you're looking for!

Happy Bargain Hunting!!! 

Too Much of a Good Thing...

...is always a good thing if it has anything to do with shoes!  Can I get an Amen, girls?  Oh yeah!

Last year I decided I would purchase my first pair of tall boots.  Boy, am I glad I took the plunge because I wear them ALL the time in the Winter months.  I love to wear them with tights and a dress.  They are comfy and most importantly, keep my legs nice and toasty during these nasty, cold winters in the Texas Panhandle.

I really took my time and used a few criteria for my search:

1.) They had to be reasonably priced (if I can't get a good deal, then what's the point, really)
2.) I chose to buy black first because I have more I can wear them with
3.) I wanted a heal, but NOT stiletto or chunky...somewhere between the two
4.) I wanted a less pointy toe
5.) they had to be of decent quality so I wouldn't be buying a new pair to replace them the next year. 

I searched and searched and found these, which I've LOVED.

They fit perfectly, are surprisingly comfortable, and I got them for LESS THAN $50!!!  WOO HOO. 

So, for the past year, I've really wanted to add a brown pair to my shoe repertoire.  I went back to JCPenney.com, and guess what?  They have the SAME boot I bought last year, in BROWN!  So, of course, you know what I did.  Yep.  They're on their way to me.

To: Me

Merry Christmas!  

Love: Me

UPDATE:  I found another pair of brown that are beautiful, so I just HAD to order them, too.  They met all of my criteria and I will just return the ones I like the least.

What do you think?  Which do you like better? 

Dressing for Less

Kelly, over at one of my favorite blogs, Kelly's Korner, has posted about Recession Fashion: Dressing Cute for Less. She has invited all readers of her blog to link to their own blogs with ideas about how to get by on a budget, but still look cute!

So, I've had this post planned for a few days, but haven't actually written it until now; Kelly provided the perfect segue.

I am singing in the wedding of a dear friend in April. Because I am not a bridesmaid, but am part of the wedding, she wants all of her house party, which she is calling "Mis Amigas" to wear either brown or green and she suggested J. Crew as they had several options of both in different styles.

While I'm definitely a fan of J. Crew and their stylish and sophisticated ways, my pocketbook doesn't always agree. So, I perused the site and found some styles I reall liked, but wasn't willing to dish out the cash for (you all who know me, understand my frugal ways, and still love me).

I searched and searched many, many sites, including Macy's, Banana, Dillards and others. But I never could find a dress I liked as much as the J. Crew site offered.

My next stop: eBay! And this is where I hit the jackpot! Oh my, I found some beautiful dresses and after my purchase (which had FREE SHIPPING and arrived within 2 days of my order), I spent less than $70 on a dress which originally cost almost $200. And it is not from an outlet, nor has it been worn before. It is a beautiful brown chiffon with a slightly scooped neck in front, and a plunging V in the back. I'm in love with it. It is empire waisted and so elegant!

So, I highly suggest eBay shopping for your dressing for less pleasure!

Oh, and if any of you lovely blogger friends have some size 9 shoes that would go perfectly with this dress for a 6:00 p.m. outdoor wedding in April, you know what to do! Hee hee...but I'm kind of serious...

This is a pic so you can see the style from the front

Here is a pic to see the color I chose...Espresso.

And, albeit small, here is a pic of the plunging back, my favorite part of the whole dress!