School Supplies Season...

I don't know about you, but when I was a kid I looked forward to the closing of summer.  I didn't do it because I wanted to return to school (far from it), but I always knew that once August arrived - school supplies would be featured in the stores.

I love school supplies.  Some might call it an obsession, but I love stocking my office with different colored pens, 3-ring binders, and sticky notes.  Nothing makes me smile like fun sticky notes.  And, every year, I raid the school supplies aisle - loading up my shopping cart with all sorts of goodies.

I'm not greedy, though.  I do buy the occasional item for Mum and Dawn, but it is a pretty safe bet that 90% of the stuff is for me.  I cannot help myself.  But this year, I thought I would share some of the goodies I bought this year.

These sticky notes.  I have to admit, I am very proud of myself for not spending more money on sticky notes but I had to purchase these.  Purple, green, and orange are the colors of my studio, so these obviously had to find their way into my cart.

This moose folder.  It wasn't a purchase for me.  It was a purchase for Mum.  She loves moose, and I thought she could fill this with all of her magazine clippings.

These planners.  They're just simple monthly planners but they stretch to 2017.  I bought the purple for Mum, pink for Dawn, and mine is lime green.

These string envelops.  I love these! They're great for organizing all the projects I have going on.  And, I have a lot of projects this year (even more for next year).  These were a "must."

Washable markers.  I don't use these kinds of markers, but Dawn wanted them.  I bought them.  Instead of the basic colors, though, I decided to purchase the basic plus the tropical  colors.  More colors equal more fun, right?

Binder clips.  A must.  I have binder clips scattered all over my office, but I can never find them when I need them.  So, I purchase this box of 50.  Hopefully they'll last me a week or two.

I love, love, love these pens.  I love them so much that I ended up purchasing 3 packages of them.  They write smoothly, the colors are great, and I pens are my second greatest weakness... after sticky notes.

More pens.  Did I mean that I like pens?  Mum has already called "dibs!" on the purple pen, while Dawn wants the pink one.  As for me... the orange one has my name all over it.

I had to try these.  I've always hated colored pens.  They are never dark enough and they break easy.  However, these look to be promising.

Of course, more sticky notes.  I love the little flag notes.  I use them to stick in books and magazines.

This pencil case is a win-win.  I love it because it has owls and can house all my new pens, while Dawn loves it because it is pink.  I may have to go back and purchase another one, because she's been eyeballing it since I bought it.

A wireless mouse.  I love the orange one, and I have been looking for an orange one for a while.  I purchased the purple one for Mum (her favorite color) and Dawn is getting the pink mouse.  It fits perfectly with the color theme since Mum's office area is in purple, while Dawn's is in black and pink.

3-ring binders... I can never have enough of these.  I use them for all sorts of things, and I plan on doing some serious organizing this winter.

I love the colors, and they go well together.  I prefer the binders that have the plastic covers, so I can create my own binder labeling and binder covers.

What about you? Are you naturally attracted to the school supplies aisles? Did you purchase yourself some school supplies? Be sure to tell me in the comments below.  I'd love to hear.

Happy Thursday!

Craft Store Haul

The other day I took the Fam to the craft store to pick up a few things.  We had such a good time, that I thought I would take this opportunity to share what we bought. 

One of the first things we bought were these fabulous little tablets.  We loved how colorful they were and the upbeat messages they carried.

I could not believe the stores are already displaying Halloween stuff.   Don't get me wrong, I love Halloween.  In fact, it is one of my favorite holidays but it continue to be amazed at how quickly the holidays are shoved down our throats so early.  That said, I had to purchase this plague to hanging in our living room.  I figured it would be fun for Dawn to chalk in the changing numbers every morning.

I went to the craft store to purchase this little item.  I have a cable remote for my camera, plus a wireless remote.  I don't like them loose in my camera bag, and this little zipper pouch is the perfect size to house those remotes - keeping them together and safe.  I already have one that is black and says "This & That" which houses my rechargeable camera batteries, so I decided to go back and get this one for my remotes.

This I bought for Mum.  Dawn's the one who collects Beanie Babies (and she has a lot of them), but Mum fell in love with this little Sven from Frozen.

I found this in the Christmas ornament crafting section and wanted it.  Don't ask me why... I just did.  I plan on painting it white.  I don't know why.  I just want to paint it white and hang it on our Christmas tree.

When the Halloween season approaches, we hang a little Halloween-themed ornament on my truck's rear-view mirror.  Usually it is a funky witch's hate, but I saw this skeletal hand with purple ribbon and black spider, and I knew it was perfect for this Halloween's decorate touch to my truck.

I bought these three ceramic Christmas ornaments for a Before and After blog post when it gets closer to Christmas.  Mum picked out the Christmas bell; Dawn picked out the Christmas tree; and, I picked out the snowman.

That's it for our craft store haul.  Just a few bits and bobs to meet a few needs and have a little holiday fun.  What about you? Have you done any shopping lately.  What's a recent purchase you've been prizing on?  Share down in the comments... I'd love to hear about it.

Happy Wednesday!

Craft Store Haul

The Fam and I recently headed to the craft store to purchase a couple of things.  However, our "couple of things" quickly multiplied.  Do you experience this interesting problem? Step into a craft store intending to spend a few dollars, but you walk out spending at least $50.  So, I thought I would share a few purchases we made.

The first thing I bought was some of these wooden signs.  They were $1.50 each, and my plan is to put them in the corners of the bulletin boards of my office to make my office a bit more festive.

These gift boxes were also $1.50 (for a package of two).  I thought they were decorative enough to use throughout the year for little gifts.

I bought this night light for $8.99.  My sister picked out a Santa Claus one last month, but I wanted the snowman.  Of course, Dawn got her way.  This time, I got my way.

I bought a roll of wrapping paper.  I bought this because it was decorative enough to use any time of the year, and generic enough to use for both guys and gals. This cost a total of $1.50.

Calendars! Yes! I needed calendars.  And at 90 cents each, how can I go wrong? One is for Dawn and the other is for Mum, but I plan to use one of them for a blogging calendar.

 I LOVE these babies.  They're compact mirrors - one size magnified.  When I do photo shoots, I like to give little compacts to those I'm photographing.  I needed to rejuvenate my supplies, so I bought a few more.  At only $1.50 each, how can I not?

We use an artificial tree.  While an artificial tree has its perks, it doesn't have that great pine scent that contributes to the Christmas mood.  So, we bought these pine scented Scentsicles.  They hang from the branches (we hang them deep in the branch by the trunk, so they're invisible) and the tree smells like the real thing.  It cost us $3.99 but I believe we got them on sale.

I bought a couple of these big, metal plates for Mum.  She loves baking to begin with, but at Christmas time... She goes crazy.  So, I bought her these plates for $2.99 so she can use them for the neighbor's goody plates.

Of course, we head to purchase a couple of holiday decorations.  This one has a prized place in the living room and cost $12.99.

This one we bought for $12.99 also, and it sits on the dresser in Mum's bedroom.  It adds a little flash of festiveness to her otherwise dull bedroom (yes, Mum knows her bedroom decor is dull).

The craft store we did our haul from was Michael's.  The haul post is not sponsored by Michaels.  It just happens to be our go-to craft store.

Black Friday

Today is Black Friday.  Did you participate in the shopping extravaganza?  I didn't.  Nor do I intend on participating on Cyber Monday.  Why? Because I don't believe either day is cracked up to be what it claims to be to the holiday shopper.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday use to be the days where consumers could find deep discounts on items.  Everything from clothes to electronics had purchase prices that warmed the heart and left the pocketbook somewhat in tact.  However, in the last few years, I've noticed Black Friday has transformed into Black Thursday - infringing on the Thanksgiving holiday - and not providing those fabulous sales it once did.  In fact, my studies have show the best sales are actually not on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

I guess I've become smarter with my shopping dollars, though some may argue "cheaper."  I do my research, and with the changes in technology (i.e. smart phones), it is easier to find out where and when those incredible sales can be found.  I admit I don't own a smart phone (though I'll probably purchase one before 2014 comes to an end), but I'm still able to lock down those Black Friday and Cyber Monday busting discounts after the crowds have dispersed and normal holiday shopping has resumed in December.

Probably the pivotal moment for me was a few years ago, I actually decided to participate in Black Friday - for the first time in my life.  Silly me... I thought heading to the stores an hour before it opened would give me the time to find a parking spot and get in line.  That was definitely silly of me.  Not only could I find a parking store, but the hordes had already swarmed the entrances.  There were actually blockades in front of the entrances to keep shoppers from pushing their way in sooner than they are supposed to do.

Once inside the store, it was mayhem.  People shouting, running, and pushing.  These behaviors soon turned to yelling, shoving, and grabbing items out of others' carts or out of their arms.  It was insane.  I knew then and there... I'll pass.

For me, the holiday season isn't about shopping for the $200 HD television that is regularly priced at $900.  The holidays is more about laughter, enjoying the company of those I love, and buying 1 or 2 items that are so personalized in nature that when that wrapping paper is removed - a smile instantly appears.  No need to verbalize anything because the expression on their faces says it all.

I'll skip Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  Nothing is worth watching adults grapple for a $20 Blu-Ray player.

How about you? Did you part-take in the Black Friday or Cyber Monday mayhem?

Discovery: Glass Water Bottles

I don't know about you, but I have a problem with plastic water bottles.  Aside from the BPA issue, I believe they are bad for the environment and are expensive.  I've been looking for a glass alternative, but have had little luck until I came across these little babies above.

These glass bottles are fantastic.  I love that they have a lid that stays shut until you push a button (the botton on the lower rim of the lid) and they pop open.  I love the break in suction sound that is made, that thump, when you push the botton and the lid releases so you can have a drink.  When you open the lid, there is an opening large enough for you to add ice and whatever cold beverage you want (mine is typically water).

They come in blue, pink, orange, and grey.  I bought six, so that Mum, Dawn, and I could have two each.  And we really love using them.  My only gripe is they don't keep cold for long, so either you have to drink fast or refill with ice often.  These glass bottles aren't cheap ($14.99 each) but we have used them so much and they have saved us on buying bottled water, so we have more than made our money back in savings.

Then, the other day I came across these glass bottles.  They're smaller than the other glass bottles we have, but I love the funky cork at the top.  So, I purchased them.  They cost me $12.99 each, so I purchased three (one for each of us) and love them.  I do have two complaints, though.  One complaint is the opening isn't large enough to fit ice cubes in.  To off-set that, we fill them and keep them in the fridge until we need them.  My other complaint is the cork - the reason I love these babies - doesn't stay on well.  If you tip the bottle over - whatever you have inside will spill out.  Luckily, I have cup holders in my truck or I would be spilling a lot.

I love my glass water bottles.  Sure, they aren't perfect but nothing ever is but there are work-arounds.  If you are in the market to replace you plastic with glass (which are hope you are) - check these two options out.  The first bottle can be found at Target, while the second can be found at Storageables.

Bird Feeder Love...

The other day I was strolling through a store when I stumbled upon this fabulous bird feeder.  I instantly fell in love.

We have had bird feeders in the past, but the problem is the squirrels.  They invariable access them, eat all the food, and then knock the blasted feeders from the trees - breaking them.  This time, I wanted to get a feeder I could hang somewhere other than the trees (so the squirrels couldn't access it) and something with a little character.  This bird feeder has character.

I love the old fashioned look of this feeder.  It looks like something my grandmothers would have in their back gardens.  Even the classic label on the feeder screams the corner hardware store - straight out of the 1930s.

So, I bought it and brought it home.  Dawn and I filled it to the brim with bird seed, then hung it from the monkey bars (inaccessible to the squirrels) in the back garden.

It's only been a few days, and we've had Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and all sorts of birds feeding from our newest addition to the garden.  This was a fantastic purchase!

Coupons!

Couponing is nothing new.  I can remember when I was a kid, Mum would scour the local newspaper and magazines - scissors in hand - for those elusive slips of paper that would ultimately save her money.  When I was older, she stopped using coupons.  I'm not sure why, but now she is on the coupon bandwagon.  Actually, she's been on the coupon bandwagon for a few years now.

Only this time, she has me involved.  I'm not sure if it is because of that show "Extreme Couponing" or what, but she is doggedly determined to get enough coupons to drop our grocery bill as far as possible.  Of course, many states and grocery chains allow such things as double couponing (when the coupon is worth twice it's original value - up to a certain amount), stack couponing (when you use the store's coupon plus a manufacturer's coupon), and a variety of other methods.  Unfortunately, in this state - those options are few - and thanks to the "Extreme Couponing" show, many grocery and department stores are now limiting the number of coupons you can use in a single transaction, per person and/or per household.  For example, Wal-mart only allows you to use up to 5 coupons for the same item (translation 5 coupons for 5 products).  Recently, Mum went to Kmart to buy 5 containers of laundry detergent but because she had 5 coupons (1 coupon per container), they made her break it up into 5 separate transactions.  So, make sure you research the store's coupon policy (and they don't make them easy to find) before attempting to use coupons at each store.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few useful sites with you - in case you develop the coupon bug.

CouponMom.com - a great site, where you can print up to 2 copies of a variety of coupons (coupons found at coupons.com). You can also load your store card with coupons from this site.

Smartsource.com - another great site that allows you to print up to 2 copies of each coupon.

TheKrazyCouponLady.com - The site owner has compiled an impressive list of coupons.

Couponnetwork.com - They have a variety of print and digital coupons (digital coupons load onto your store card, but when using digital you are limited to using it at the store you loaded into the card).

QueenBeecoupons.com - This is a blog that not only has coupons but provides tips to maximize your dollars.

Print.coupons.com - Provides a variety of print coupons for free.

There are also those places that provide coupons for a fee.  Usually the fee is tagged onto the coupon.  For example, you want a coupon for granola bars that are $1.00 per box.  They will charge you 8-cents per coupon you order of this particular coupon.  Sometimes sites also charge an "administrative fee" which is on top of the fee you are already paying for the coupon.  Also expect to pay postage.

Buyer beware, though.  Make sure you count your coupons.  We've used these sites before and the sites are usually responsive.  The only one we've had problems with was Coupon Clippers.  At first they would respond to our email about missing coupons, but now they ignore our emails.  I DO NOT recommend using them at all.  Other coupon warehouses include...Coupon Dede - http://www.couponsthingsbydede.com
 and Klip to Save - http://www.klip2save.com.

Hello Monday... Browsing

I cannot believe that it is already March! It is shocking how quickly January and February have come and gone, and with my 2013 schedule... I have a feeling the rest of 2013 are going to be a blur.  But, with that said, I'm really looking forward to spring arriving and decided to do a little window shopping for ideas to bring spring to the house a little earlier then the calendar says.

Hello flower napkin rings... You're bright, colorful, and packed full of spring goodness! I can so see you on my table for not only Easter but for every day of the season.

Hello, Bell Jar... I love you.  I love all bell jars.  You're so classic... and French! I can see a stack of pastries nestled inside your glassy self.  Hmmmm.... Now I'm hungry.

Hello, Owl Measuring spoons... You're colorful and fun.  

Hello, Little Notepad... I must purchase you.  Yep! You're mine.

Hello Cake Plate... You're orange flowers drew me in.  You must know how I'm a sucker for the color orange... and flowers... and cake plates.  You will make a great Mum's Day gift.  We just won't tell Mum that I'm really buying it for me... and for you to remind her to bake me some cupcakes.

Hello Miss Sette, you gorgeous thing... I can sooo see you in my office.  Your high back is classic, your fabric is lush, and I can so see me settling in for a read... avoiding the work on my desk.

Hello, Miss Chair... You are perfect for my bedroom!  Orange? Check! Paisley? Check! Comfortable? Check! Throw in a comfy ottoman, and I'll never leave my bedroom.

I love browsing... However, browsing is far more fun when my pocket book can stretch enough to turn the browsing into purchasing.  Oh, well... It can wait for another day.

Happy Monday!

She's Telling Me Something...

  

One of the fun things I like to do with Dawn is visit the bookstore.  Once a month, she and I head to the bookstore and she gets to pick out a book or couple of magazines that catch her eye.  While there, we often lay claim on a couple of chairs and talk.  It's more bonding than shopping, and we always walk away with smiles on our face.

Yesterday was our bookstore day, and this time she and I both decided we would look at magazines instead of books.  The magazines above are the ones I picked out.  They're typically magazines that I read, along with a few others.  But these were the magazines I found the most interesting - without hesitation.

Dawn? Well, these were the magazines she picked out.  She had no hesitation, and when I tried to encourage her to get at least one magazine that was different - she insisted on these two.  I think she's telling me something.

Happy Thursday!