$9.99 Medium Lands End Polka Dot or Argyle Tote!!!!

This was posted on a coupon website that I visit and I ordered one for myself because I needed a bag to house all my coupons.  WOW.  Can I just say how TOTALLY impressed I am?  Not only is this bag completely adorable with its brown and polka dots… but it has some MAJORLY sturdy construction and POCKETS!  My one argument with the LLBean Boat and Tote’s are that that you have to pay EXTRA for pockets.

This tote is marked down to $9.99 from $39.50 and is WORTH every penny and more!  There is also an argyle print if you are not a fan of polka dots (but come on… who ISN’T a fan of polka dots?).

If you use this code you can get free shipping too!!!!

CODE: JUNE9   PIN: 00002930Recent Comments:

• Dianne says Thanks for sharing your family with us, your kids are so cute! [more]
• Amber says Nicole… I emailed you! Sorry it took me so long! [more]
• Amber says Nope.. I am not gone… just busy! Had a crazy, amazing, awesome and BLESSED summer and fall [more]
• Melissa Gooch says I hope you and your family are well. I was just wondering if you have you given up this [more]
• Nicole Walters says Hello
  I was recently diagnosed with chiari, and now my children are also showing symptoms. I came across your blog online, [more]

Random Posts

• May 21, 2008 -- Give me a break!
• March 22, 2008 -- About my friend Julie…
• October 1, 2008 -- One week later…
• March 16, 2008 -- Its not about what you HAVE… its about what you give…
• April 6, 2009 -- Free Redbox Monday!

At any rate I feel like I have “arrived” in the couponing world. I made my first run – huge load for next to nothing out of pocket!

My CVS Score:18 Cans of Pringles – $0.88 each

(-) $1/2 = $0.38 each
TOTAL = $6.84

(4) Easter Grasses for Baskets – $0.79
(-) $0.79 ECB each
FREE

(2) Skintimate Shave Gel – $3.49
(-) $3.49 ECB each
FREE

Johnson’s Baby Products- $3 each
Buy $25 get $10 back in ECB (total down to $15)
(8) $1 off Johnson’s products
= $7 for 9 Johnson’s products or $0.77 each
(as a ps to this… I have hit so many good Johnson’s deals and it may look like I am hoarding Johnson’s but truthfully all three of my kids still use it and we go through one large bottle of body wash and shampoo a WEEK!)

Then I used $20 in ECB’s from last week and $10 from a gift card
My total OOP on this trip – $0.88

AND I got back in ECB’s another $20.98 to work with next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the Left
(3) Bounty paper towel Rolls – $1 each (-) $0.25 MFR cpn (doubled to $0.50) = $0.50 each
(10) Kraft Salad Dressings – $1.67 each (-) $1.50 MFR cpn = $0.17 each
(1) French’s Mustard – $1 each (-) $0.30 MFR cpn (doubled to $0.60) = $0.40 – Coupon courtesy of Nancy in Florida because we do NOT get these coupons in our area!!! THANKS NANCY!!!!!!!!!
(4) Dozen Eggs – $0.88 / dozen
(2) 2 liters of Big Red Soda – FREE with cpn-Purchase 2dozen eggs get Big Red FREE
(2) Daisy Sour Cream – $1.50 each (-) 2-$0.50 MFR cpn (doubled to $1.00) = $0.50 each
(2) Miracle Whip and Mayo – $2 each (-) $1/2 = $1.50 each (good because we were OUT!)
(4) Ziploc bags (the deal on this one got messed up because they would not allow me to stack my Meijer mealbox and MFR coupons… I will work it a different way next time because I KNOW it is allowed) – I should have only had to pay $0.70 each but ended up paying $1.50 each because they would not allow the stacking… but I am going armed with my policies next week!
(1) Pillsbury cookie dough – $2 each (-) 1 $0.35 MFR cpn (doubled to $0.70 = $1.30 each
(2) Pillsbury Break and Bake cookies – $2 each (-) $1/2 = $1.50 each
(4) Boxes of Wheat Thins Artisan Crackers – $1.67 each- BOGO MFR cpn = $0.83 each
(1) Peanuts – $2 ( had no coupon here but we were out and my kids eat them like they are going out of style and are dying to feed the squirrel!)
(4) Kraft Cheeses – 50% off – $1.67 each
(1) Sugar – $1.98 each
(4) Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes – $2.43 each (-) $3 Huggies Coupons (from way back!)- FREE plus $0.57 overage (I guess this made up for my lost stacking coupons)
(4) Bags Nestle and Wonka Chocolates – $2.33 each (-) $1/2 MFR cpn = $1.25 each (for Easter Egg Hunt at Church!)
(1) Cascade Power Gel Packs – $3.69 (-) $0.50 MFR cpn (doubled to $1) = $2.69 each
(1) Strawberries – $1.67 each – (at Ross’s request)

Total out of pocket: $50.03 – (My weekly budget is $50!!!!!!!!!!)

Courtesy of WIC:
(3) Boxes of Rice Crispies Cereal (for Treat making)
(1) Juicy Juice
But the best part about this is that I got FREE milk register tape from buying the 3 cereals that I did not pay for! I have gotten it TWICE now from using my WIC. So they made me roughly $4 in free milk! LOLRecent Comments:

• Dianne says Thanks for sharing your family with us, your kids are so cute! [more]
• Amber says Nicole… I emailed you! Sorry it took me so long! [more]
• Amber says Nope.. I am not gone… just busy! Had a crazy, amazing, awesome and BLESSED summer and fall [more]
• Melissa Gooch says I hope you and your family are well. I was just wondering if you have you given up this [more]
• Nicole Walters says Hello
  I was recently diagnosed with chiari, and now my children are also showing symptoms. I came across your blog online, [more]

• August 26, 2010 -- Be Still…
• June 16, 2010 -- Today I read a magazine.
• December 5, 2009 -- Believe….
• October 26, 2009 -- Do not be anxious about anything…
• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay

Here is what we scored:
(2) pair of Old Navy Adjustable waist shorts – $1.99 each less 50% = $2 total
(2) pair of Sonoma Adjustable waist shorts (1) $0.99 less 50% and (1) 2.99 less 50% = $2 total
(1) pair of Under Armour sports pants – $0.99 less 50% = $0.49
(1) pair Speedo swim shorts – $0.99 less 50% = $0.49
(1) Black Old Navy T-shirt – $0.79 less 50% = $0.39
(1) Faded Glory Green Hawaiian Shirt – $1.99 less 50% = $1
(1) Red skateboard shirt – $1.99 less 50% – $1

Kyleigh got this load:
Yellow old navy shirt and Nautica plaid capris – $1.99 each less 50% = $2 total
(2) white shirt- 1 old navy- 1 sleeveless lace Gap -$0.99 each less 50% = $1 total
Gap shirt $0.99 and jeans $1.99 less 50% = $1.50 total
(3) Shirt 2- Gap- purple and orange $0.99 each, 1-wonder kids $0.99 – $1.50 total
(2) Children’s Place dresses – $1.99 each less 50%- $2 total
(1) Gap Gray sweatpants – $0.99 less 50% = $0.49 total
(2) Pair Pajamas – $2.99 each less 50% = $3 total

And oh my goodness I bought mySELF something!(2) pair flip flops (hoping to wear the blue ones on easter after church! 1 pr- $1.99, 2nd pair – $2.99
Hat from J Crew (for Negril!) $1.99

Last week at Goodwill I managed to score this load:
(1) Kitestrings shirt (for next winter)
(1) Children’s Place striped shirt
(1) Izod Blue vest
(1) Blue Kentucky Hooded sweatshirt
(1) Gray Old Navy Fleece Pullover
Total: $7.50 ($1.50 each piece)

And my proudest load yet:

POTTERY BARN KIDS BEDDING:
PBK – Green gingham dust ruffle
PBK – Green gingham duvet cover
PBK – Pink gingham pillow case
PBK – 1 pair of green gingham curtains (which will be made into roman shades for the kids new bedroom!)
1 green gingham flannel sheet
1 green twin sheet
1 pink, green and melon sheet
TOTAL COST: $17.03 and that included tax!!!!!!!!!

As for plans… Ross is going to have blue and green gingham or red and green I still have not decided yet. With the green duvet cover I am going to take it and have an 8 inch “K” monogrammed on it. The melon patterned sheet will be used to make pillows and another blanket for Ky’s bed. THEN… I am going to find some gingham sheets and pillowcases for Ross’ bed to have HIS name put on!

I basically got ALL of the linens for Ross and Ky’s beds for $17. I am happy as a peach!

Oh and just in case you missed that… we are moving Ross and Ky into the same room to try and avoid having owen wake them up in the AM getting up for School. That plus the fact that if we have to sell this house we want to buy something smaller and be less strapped with a house payment so we will likely move back to a 3 bedroom as that is basically what we are living in now. Thirdly… Ross and Ky are best buddies! Sometimes they sleep in the same bed for nap anyhow so it really will work just fine.Recent Comments:

• Dianne says Thanks for sharing your family with us, your kids are so cute! [more]
• Amber says Nicole… I emailed you! Sorry it took me so long! [more]
• Amber says Nope.. I am not gone… just busy! Had a crazy, amazing, awesome and BLESSED summer and fall [more]
• Melissa Gooch says I hope you and your family are well. I was just wondering if you have you given up this [more]
• Nicole Walters says Hello
  I was recently diagnosed with chiari, and now my children are also showing symptoms. I came across your blog online, [more]

• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay
• January 3, 2012 -- Blessed.
• August 26, 2010 -- Be Still…
• January 12, 2010 -- Coming Home!
• January 6, 2010 -- First SNOW!

Tonight’s Score looks like this:

(2) Huggies Gentle Care Changing Pads (again yielding $2.17 each in overage)
(1) Huggies Natural Care Travel Size Wipes ($1.43 – $3/1 coupon = $1.57 in overage)
(2) Knox Gelatins (again yielding $2.64 in overage)

ALL of the above were FREE plus made me money!

(2) Reese Puffs Cereal $2.50 each – $0.55 / 1 coupon = $1.95
(1) Hamburger buns – $1.09
(1) lb of Bananas
(1) American Cheese Slices
(1) Cheddar Cheese slices
(1) Dozen Deli Cookies (hee hee!)

TOTAL OOP: $1.43

PLUS… I returned a $7 pair of shoes that were bought almost two months ago and used that to pay the $1.43. Technically I guess you could say I “Made” $6 on this run! LOL

AND for the Award. Last week in the middle of Ky’s crisis a bloggy friend, Danielle (aka Colin’s Mom) gave me a Blog Award!! That really made my day!

To follow the rules of the Kreativ Blogger Award I must tell you about 7 things I love and then honor 7 other bloggers! FUN FUN!!!

Things I love:
1. My family of course… and yes I realize that Ross is grabbing himself… seems that he just cannot be excited about anything without that becoming his “tick”. It will pass I am told… ugh.
2. Flip flops… there is something so freeing about summer, pretty toes and a pair of flip flops! I secretly loved being pregnant in the winter so that I could have an excuse to wear them in the snow!
3. Christmas… well all holidays really. Just a time to forget about work, the world in general and settle into fun traditions with family and friends! The expression “Like a kid at Christmas…” that totally applies to me! LOLI LOVE Easter more than life itself too! Sunrise service at church, an egg hunt and big ham dinner afterward. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! And then 4th of July! My dad was always the fireworks master of ceremonies. Ahhhhh… I hope my kids grow up enjoying these holidays as much as I do and then all of them come home with all of THEIR children and fill my home with warmth and light every single season!

4. Rainy Days… I don’t know WHY but I LOVE lazy rainy days! Or those just warm enough, just cool enough cloudy days. I know… I am backward but I can remember being on swim team and swimming in the rain, swimming indoors in the winter and going out with a towel on our heads with hair still wet… man those were the days.

5. Photography (obviously!) … I am so privileged to be able to WORK doing something I truly love.
6. Weddings… If I were not a photographer I would have to be a wedding planner. TRULY I love weddings… I love everything about them! They are just magical! The flowers, the location, the dress, the first time the bride and groom see each other… the CAKE! Sigh…. I am a hopeless romantic. But truthfully I LOVE party planning of any kind. Remember Ky’s birthday?

7. Personalized / monogrammed things! Because we have given our kids out of the ordinary names i have come to love personalized this… you cannot walk up to any shelf of stock things and pick up a “Kyleigh”…
8. Charity stuff…. If I were independantly wealthy I would photograph the world for free and spend the rest of my time working for charities. My heart absolutely SOARS when I am able to do something to benefit the Makenna Foundation, the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald house or any other charity I have ever worked for. Of course the three listed above are near and dear (for all obvious reasons).

But generally… I love my Heavenly Father… I love life… I love every single moment waking up in my bed, in my house, with my husband and children around me. I am blessed!

Now to nominate 7 other bloggers:
1) My COUPON and all things Martha Mentor- Alison at Tips by Ali – http://www.tipsbyali.blogspot.com/

2) Rhoda at Southern Hospitality – LOVE HER BLOG… she inspired my black kitchen table (coming soon!) - http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/

3)The Welsh’s – Their daughter Bentley has Congenital Heart Disease – Tetrology of Fallot – which is part of what Ky had wrong with her heart. Bentley will be having her open heart surgery in May- PLEASE PRAY and visit their blog to support them! Crystal is quite the craft diva and just posted a fabulous hand made giveaway this week! http://thewelshfam.blogspot.com/

4) The Obrien Family Blog – Audrey is a florist- and a darn fabulous one at that! I wish she were in Kentucky! Her daughter, Saylor, has spina bifida- so we have lots in common with the urlogy issues. She is just generally a thought provoker! http://www.hollandrocks.blogspot.com/

5) Paper, Glue Etc. – I found Michelle’s blog on some linky thing but realized that she was in Cincinnati! It always thrills me to find bloggers near me. She has a lot of interesting thoughts on life and is on a mission to organize herself this year! You go girl! http://paperglueetc.wordpress.com/

6) Money Saving Madness – Troy actually found this one when we first started couponing. I LOVE HER BLOG to pieces. Michelle has already saved me several hundred dollars this year!
http://moneysavingmadness.blogspot.com/

7) My Three Ring Circus- Tif is in Australia – Her daughter, Ivy, is Immune Compromised. She is how we found out about Pemphigus and were able to help Ky’s butt… which I am proud to say has been in “remission” now for a few months! She also is a very deep thinker and her photography rocks! Go check it out! http://www.mythreeringcircus.com/Recent Comments:

• Dianne says Thanks for sharing your family with us, your kids are so cute! [more]
• Amber says Nicole… I emailed you! Sorry it took me so long! [more]
• Amber says Nope.. I am not gone… just busy! Had a crazy, amazing, awesome and BLESSED summer and fall [more]
• Melissa Gooch says I hope you and your family are well. I was just wondering if you have you given up this [more]
• Nicole Walters says Hello
  I was recently diagnosed with chiari, and now my children are also showing symptoms. I came across your blog online, [more]

• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay
• April 5, 2009 -- To Heather… with love!
• April 4, 2009 -- Last but NOT least…
• August 26, 2010 -- Be Still…
• June 16, 2010 -- Today I read a magazine.

At one point in our lives we would have looked at the cheap one and thought… no one would ever buy THAT piece of junk! We need the kitchenaid 50 function, 10 speed, digital one! Not now… if it blends and has a few speeds… we are good to go!

Tonight I needed to go to Meijer to stock up on Lysol products…. this is a huge deal to see Lysol 1/2 price! I won’t go into it again because I have talked 10 times about how many Lysol and Clorox products we use but its a LOT! So tonight I headed out to Meijer armed with my 10/$10 sale and coupons!

Here is what $45 looks like in my newly frugal / couponing life:

So what did $45.21 buy me? Well lets look closely:

8 packages of Green Giant Vegetables
2 packages of Meijer Buns
1 package of Meijer Split Top Rolls
2 Jumbo Packs of Gentle Care Wipes
4 Cans of Oust Air and Surface (which I LOVE because if you spray in on Ky’s bed or changing table you can see it BUBBLE where the bacteria is … you can see it killing it and I LOVE that!)
5 Bottles of Lysol Cling Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1 Large Can of Lysol Spray
2 Large Bottles of Lysol Disinfecting Cleaner

but wait… we’re not done yet…………………………………………..

4 Boxes of Honey Nut Cheeries
2 Boxes of Toaster Streudal (these were a little pricey but they really don’t go on BIG sale so this our “treat” for the week!)
2 boxes of ziploc bags (for some reason we go through these like toilet paper!)
1 Large bag of baby carrots
1 TOWER of Warm Delights (13 to be exact and THOSE were free… straight up – $1 on sale and I had a $0.50 off coupon which doubled to $1… I paid NOTHING for that stack!)
10 boxes of Totinos Pizza Rolls
1 loaf of bread

I went through the UScan and the lady was WONDERFUL. She even helped me bag the stuff!! THANK YOU AMANDA AT MEIJER! I had 5 transactions:
#1 – 68.24 with sale items – $48.59 in coupons = $19.65
#2 – 21.05 with sale items – $13.05 in coupons = $8.00
#3 – 25.16 with sale items – $17.13 in coupons = $8.03
#4 – 20.31 with sale items – $12.19 in coupons = $8.12

But the crowning glory of it all was my last receipt:
#5 – $9.70 with sale items – $8.29 in coupons = $1.41

When the lady who was helping me put those two bags in my cart I asked her if she knew how much I paid for those two bags… she looked puzzled and then I finished by handing her the receipt that showed $1.41 …. she just shook her head and laughed.

Tonight I got $144.46 worth of merchandise for $45.21. I SAVED: $99.25 because of the COUPONS that I accrue and a LOT thanks to the help of the wonderful packages that I get daily in the mail of coupons from different states! PS… I truly LOVE the coupons from far away because we do not GET THOSE here!!! I have ritz ones that we don’t get and others that I am thankful for because we would never get those! By simply sending us coupons you guys have in essence GIVEN us $99.25. That is $99.25 that will be paid toward Kyleigh’s bills and we are SO VERY thankful for that! We have the most amazing friends and Bloggy Buddies in the world!

If you guys have found some great deals I would LOVE to see yours too!Recent Comments:

• Dianne says Thanks for sharing your family with us, your kids are so cute! [more]
• Amber says Nicole… I emailed you! Sorry it took me so long! [more]
• Amber says Nope.. I am not gone… just busy! Had a crazy, amazing, awesome and BLESSED summer and fall [more]
• Melissa Gooch says I hope you and your family are well. I was just wondering if you have you given up this [more]
• Nicole Walters says Hello
  I was recently diagnosed with chiari, and now my children are also showing symptoms. I came across your blog online, [more]

• August 26, 2010 -- Be Still…
• June 16, 2010 -- Today I read a magazine.
• December 5, 2009 -- Believe….
• October 26, 2009 -- Do not be anxious about anything…
• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay

Yet my kids still wear only the best. The boys stay in E Land, Kitestrings, Ralph Lauren, Gap and Children’s Place, occasionally Gymboree for staple pieces but I am rarely a fan of their trendy (read ugly stuff) lines. I prefer plaid shorts and keds tennis shoes or cute flip flops.

Kyleigh… well you all know the story of “The Dresses or Surgery Dresses” but super special occasions are usually the only times I will splurge on a full priced Sarah Louise. I seem to be lucky enough that I have gotten quite few of THOSE on clearance! Kyleigh’s dedication dress I got for $15~!

So …….. last weekend was a good weekend for consignment. One of the local churches (Centenary United Methodist) runs the Lil Lambs Closet. This coming weekend in Lexington is Little Elks (at South Elkhorn Christian off Harrodsburg Road) which is another good one!

Generally my limit is $10 on ANY outfit, dress, etc. Bows – $5, and shoes $8-10. I am seriously cheap. No joke… but here are a few recent finds at Lil Lambs, Local Consignment stores (Ladybug Landing and Once Upon a Child), and Ebay:

This one is a Sophie Dess Dress (with bloomers)- retail would be roughly $55-70. I paid $3.50 at Once Upon a Child: Savings: $51.50 – at LEAST:

The second one is a Peaches and Cream dress and jacket set… i mean this is seriously cute! – Retails for $79 – Paid $9.99 on Ebay: Savings: $69

Third – Blue Petit Ami smocked dress – NEW WITH TAGS – Retails for $42- Paid $4.99 on Ebay: Savings of $37
Fourth – Ralph Lauren Maroon Velvet Dress – was mistagged in the store for $2.50… would usually be $8-12 even in the consignment stores. Score one for me! Retails for $38.99.

Little English Dress – $4.50 at Once Upon a Child – I saw the SAME dress at Lil Lambs for $12!!!
Retails for $45.

Lavendar Blue Dress – Bought for $3 on Ebay – Retailed for $87!!!!!

Petite Ami Smocked Bishop Dress (no bloomers… )- $7.50 at Once Upon a Child – Retailed for $42.75.

I even occasionally find monogrammed items! I love it when people do a single letter monogram so it can be resold!!!!!!! I paid $3.99 for this adorable dress on Ebay:

I paid $8 for this Cordoroy one at Ladybug Landing!

So… what are my TIPS for shopping on clearance and consignment? How do you find the really good deals?

1) When ebaying… don’t search the popular way. For example if you search for “smocked dresses” or “bishop dress” then yes you will come up with 35 pages of items. You will also end up bidding against 10,000 other people and paying $15-40 for a dress. I like to search by designer. Everyone is usually smart enough to list the designer but sometime not smart enough to know the popular tags. Like the $80 Lavendar blue dress for $3…. I searched specifically for the brand.

2) Shop AHEAD! – I do most of my kids shopping the year before. End of year clearance is GREAT! I buy the next size or two up and even if I buy TWO sizes of something I generally spend LESS than if I purchase ONE at full price in the coming year. Yes this means that we rarely have THIS year’s Gymboree line but if that is your thing… then I have no more advice for you because I am just not that devoted to Gymbo….

3) Shop at consignment “buying” stores- like Once Upon a Child – on Mon-Wed. There are less people and MOST people bring their items to sell on weekends. Also if there is going to be any SALE it will be on a Monday – Wednesday and usually they are NOT advertised.

4) DO get on mailing lists. Yes, they will junk up your email inbox… I set up a specific email address for coupons and stores! That way I check when I want and am not bothered when I don’t want.

5) Loyalty programs. Many of these places have LOYALTY programs. Make 10 purchases – get $25 free. At Christmas this year Once Upon a Child did BUCKS BACK! Like Gymbucks I earned $25 off my next $50 purchase!

6)Shop EARLY. Take advantage of “early” hours! Many consignments like Lil Lambs and Little Elks have ways to SHOP early. If you are a seller… you shop BEFORE the sale even opens. If you are NOT a seller you can WORK a shift and pay $3 to shop early. Its work it because all of the REALLY good stuff is GONE that night. Trust me I am there in the madness… I know.

7) Shop OFTEN. Be okay with going into a store and coming out with nothing. Some days are no gos. Know what you like… and flip through the racks fast. If it is not a good brand… BUT its cute… really will your child ever wear it when it hangs there beside hte beautiful $100 dress that you snagged for the same price? For me… the answer is no! I go into a consignment store, and unless its change of season and the boys need clothing, I will come out with 1-5 items totalling less than $20. That is my goal. But the good stuff goes fast of course!

Shop SMART. Don’t get ripped off! CHECK your items thoroughly for stains, rips, and issues. Somehow whenever I tried to sell items to consignment mine would get thrown out for “spots, stains, etc…” yet I could never find them… but hanging on the rack would be 10 pieces that were stained. It just depends on who was the “buyer” as to how good their eye is. Nothing ruins a good find worse than a stain that you cannot get out!

9) Shop AROUND. I do still frequent the boutiques and shops to keep in the loop on how things retail for. I also hit up clearance sales when at all possible. While waiting until the items are 90% off will leave you with less selection. Your daughter may have to wait until NEXT year when she grows into the size 4 versus getting this year’s size 3 but it will all be worth it when you paid $10 vs $100.

10) Make Friends. Make friends in the stores… if you notice someone is looking in your size, and you find something you don’t like but is a good deal… show it to them! Be nice to the store employees… they can give you the inside track on sales and deals! Make friends with other people at sales and stores… maybe you can buy their old stuff second hand before you have to fight for it at a sale!!! OR maybe you can sell yours to them and make a some $$ to fuel your shopping habit!

11) Thrift stores and Yard Sales – Are GREAT places. Even the Salvation Army has discount days on Wednesday when certain tags are half price! Yard Sales are fabulous for me because most of the yard sale crowd is looking for cheap. We are talking … dirt cheap. Sleepers for $0.25 … outfits for $1. Me… I am willing to pay $5-10 on something if it is really good! Most yard sales will make you a deal on bulk. This is where I do my BULK shopping. I got an entire year’s worth of shoes, shorts and tees for Kyleigh for $125. EVERY single piece was gymboree and I ended up paying less than $1 PER PIECE but I was willing to take a stack and pay a good price. Someone (probably a re-seller) offered the same person I was buying from- $25 for an entire tub of gymbo to which she promptly said “No”. After she saw how cheap they were she was HAPPY to get $1-3 per piece from me! I would have paid $5-10 for her things at consignment!

Cheap… cheap… and cheaper! Its OK to be cheap. I used to be embarrased that I shopped at yard sales and now I think it just makes me SMART! I am able to buy what I want because I am SMART about it! Its time for you to be smart too!

If you use my tips for shopping and come across a good score I would LOVE to know!

And for all who want to know… yes I am selling Ky’s stuff… anything that is not one of “THE dresses” is leaving…. prices? $2-5 on most stuff- $5-10 on Smocked stuff / boutique stuff! Call me if you want to come over and shop! LOLRecent Comments:

• Dianne says Thanks for sharing your family with us, your kids are so cute! [more]
• Amber says Nicole… I emailed you! Sorry it took me so long! [more]
• Amber says Nope.. I am not gone… just busy! Had a crazy, amazing, awesome and BLESSED summer and fall [more]
• Melissa Gooch says I hope you and your family are well. I was just wondering if you have you given up this [more]
• Nicole Walters says Hello
  I was recently diagnosed with chiari, and now my children are also showing symptoms. I came across your blog online, [more]

• January 4, 2010 -- Dressing for Less… another tip.. Consignment Store
• December 30, 2009 -- Fabulous deal on Carter’s sleepers at Kohl’s
• March 27, 2009 -- Thrifting on Thursday!