I'm a Movement by Myself...But I'm a Force When We're Together

OMG it's been such a rough morning!!

damn 'daylight savings time'

Happy Wednesday anyway

Guess what?

I want this....

Accessory Trays

Those accessory trays are just so chic and mod and ecclectic. Like me!

I actually found some trays similar to these at....wait for it....

Old Navy

See...

My version-Accessory Trays

And they were a steal

only .97 cents

I would've purchased more than two but I figured that they wouldn't be used so I left them...right where they were!

What's your 'Word on the Street'?

How do you store your accessories?

This week the BF and I watched Twelve. I'm not sure that it recieved much press because there aren't many big named actors (50 Cent and Emma Roberson) featured in the film. As a matter of fact when we passed on it several times before actually deciding WTH...

Twelve

Twelve is about the vices that are associated with the use of drug that lead to physical and psychological destruction. This is also about an individuals self discovering journey that has bitter landmarks in it.  Very stimulating movie.  Who'd have ever thought. Check the trailer:

My Rating-8.75/10

Moving on to Book #4 in my '52 Books in 52 Weeks' series...

I'm reading Lil Mama's Rules by Shaneesa Jackson.  In light of National HIV/AIDS Awareness day last week (where I rocked my red pumps), I thought this would be the perfect selection to highlight.

Madison lives by a set of rules, which she sometimes breaks. Messing around with unsafe sex is against her rules, but she does it anyway. At 30, she discovers that she is HIV-positive, and things fall apart. Then Chris Anzel, her first love, helps her to accept her fate. Madison leaves her teaching job with one rule: "stroke the mind." Set in Los Angeles in the world of education, this gripping story highlights the problems single women face in the 1990s.

Read more here

I would love to hear from you friends...

What are some of your favorite accessory tips, movies, or books?

Let's Go On a Living Spree...They Say the Best Things in Life Are Free

As you know....

I like free.

True indeed that most things in life aren't free but great savings are! They come in the form of coupons, promotions, codes, and maybe even being subscribed to some type of rewards programs at your favorite stores. This requires a somewhat tedious amount of time but hey if it saves me a few bucks I'm all for it. My BF used to look at me like I was crazy when we went out for dinner and with bill in hand I said, "Oh wait babe, use this coupon".

I bet he thought I was cheap!

Nope, just super frugally thrifty!!

Needless to say, once he found out how much money I saved us, he no longer gives me those 'looks'.

In an effort to save more money this year, I have taken on a hobby that I thought was only reserved for the elderly-clipping coupons. It's not an easy task by far-there is a certain amount of patience and skill you have to possess to be successful with this. In other words, it's an art. But it amazing how much you can save! Manufacturers practically give their products away because they are constantly trying to get rid of old stuff to make room for new products that need to be tested.

When I initially began my blog, I was only going to highlight my thrifty fashions, however, as I thought about it I figured that there was soooo much more to talk about. The whole theme of my blog title is 'being thrifty and frugal' and that entails much more than fashion. So, since I have yet to come up with a theme for Mondays, I'm gonna embark on this:

Savin' Maven Monday

where I will share with you my purchases over the week and let you know how much I have saved.  This is going to be combined with Mailbox Monday where I share all of the cool things that came in my mailbox over the week-most of which were free.

Savin' Maven Monday #1

This week I got:

-2 Dove Men's Deoderants

-2 Degree Women's Deoderants

-1 pair of tights

-1 pair of argyle knee high trouser socks

-4 pair of knee highs

-4 boxes of Fruit Roll Ups

-2 boxes of granola bars

-1 tube of Colgate Total toothpaste

-2 tubes of Aveeno lotion

-1 bar of Aveeno soap

-2 pair of gloves

-1 pack of Shout wipes

-1 pack of dental floss

-1 pack of Orbit gum

-2 eyeshadows (Covergirl/Rimmel)

-1 box of Thermacare

-2 pairs of Mossimo jeans

-1 Merona dress shirt

for a grand total of  $51.44

my out of pocket costs were $12.94

for a total savings of $38.50

If that ain't frugal, I don't know what is!!!

I want to hear from you...

Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, questions, and even your savings!!

Stay tuned for the first installment of the Color Rotation Challenge.

It's a challenge created by Colleen over at Scrap and Run to get us out of the habit of wearing the same colors all the time. The colors pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and any pattern will be rotated 1-3 times. You may read more about it and sign up here.

I'm Trying To Do it All Tonight....I Got Plans

With so many other things going on in life it's often easy to become overwhelmed.

Work

school

relationships

kids (if you have them)....

where does 'me' time fit into the equation?

Add keeping up with a blog onto your already long list of priorities and you're on the borderline of going crazy.

So this week, with the help of Katy from Modly Chic, she's enlisted the memebers of the FBFF group to share how they manage to keep balance in their lives while mastering the art of maintaining superb blog content. Join in on the fun by visiting Katy's blog hop.

1. When it comes to prioritizing your life, in what place does bloggin fall? Blogging coincides with everything I do-every outfit I wear, every place I visit, every speckle of food that I eat-I'm always trying to figure out how I can incorporate my daily activities into a blog post. With the exception of sharing my most intimate thought and details, it's sort of like a public journal for me.

2. We all wish we had more free time to dedicate to blogging and all it entails. What are your tricks for taking advantage of the time you do have to be as productive as possible? When I have new thoughts, I write them down on my 'To Do' list and as soon as a free moment is avaliable, I log in and create a draft so that I can come back and edit at a later date. This way I don't have to take a huge chunk of time out of my schedule to write meaningful posts. It's been working for me thus far.

3. Have you discovered any short-cuts that make blogging easier or more time efficient? See question # 2. Also I find that scheduling posts works wonders because I could sit down and create a whole week's worth and spread them out over a period of time.

4. Do you have an editorial calendar or something similar that helps you plan ahead? Nope, I refuse to pay money for a planner when I can just use an ever handy, yellow legal pad and a pen. I'm frugal with my greenbacks!!

5. If time wasn't an issue what would you be doing on your blog/for your blog that you aren't doing now? Okay, so I have a shit ton of people that I'm following. Like, the number is up there... and each day I find new cuties to visit. So my main thing would be having time to keep up with my own posts, while sending comments and building relationships with my fellow blogistas! That's all.

Apparently I need to work on some better time management skills. Maybe I should even set a block of time aside so that I can visit and comment on the 1000's of blogs that I follow.

What are some of your suggestions for creating balance while maintaining a good blog?

This Goes Out to Girls All Around the World...

Today is:

HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The Red Pump Project raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.  Red Pump uses the red shoe as a symbol of empowerment to represent women affected with HIV/AIDS.

Every year, the United States recognizes March 10th as National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD). It’s a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women & girls and encourages ladies to take action. While progress has definitely been made in the areas of AIDS prevention and treatment, women still represent 27% of all new AIDS diagnoses, with African-American women accounting for 66% of that group. This year focuses on this statistic, “Every 35 minutes, a woman tests positive for HIV in the United States.”

 To learn more information about getting involved visit The Red Pump Project. 

So....

I'm 'ROCKING MY RED PUMPS'

Pumps-XXI/Everything else-NY & Co.

I hope you ladies are rocking your red as well! I think this cause is pretty much AWESOME and well it's AWKWARD if you're not participating!

About my 'fit...

well the leopard 'thingy' was a $7.99 steal from NY & Co's intimate apparel line. It's definitely supposed to be a nightgown but I broke the rules here. Accessories were a bargain also. The pumps are a XXI 'yellow tag' purchase. I believe I got them during their Christmas sale in '09. I regret now that I didn't get them in black too.  Red is my absolute favorite color so today's post make so ecstatic-in a sentimental sort of way.

What's your favorite color and how do you like 'rocking it'?

Turn Up the Lights in Here...I Want Ya'll to see THIS...

I want this...

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

and this...



Chanel Mademoiselle by Chanel

 I love the fresh and floral smells of DAISY and the oriental undertones of COCO!

Did you know that a scent can be modified up to 500 times before it's finally approved! - February 2011 Essence Magazine, pg 42

I loves fragrances.

And I often compliment people about how wonderful they smell. But I always wondered why the same scent never smelt quite as great on me.

Here's why:

The density of your skin and the ingredients of your diet play a major role in how a fragrance smells on you. So if there's a particular scent that you're looking for, get a sample first. It can take up to eight hours to get the full depth of a perfume. (ya learn something new everyday, huh?)

Source

This week, my Redbox pick is 'The Town'.

I never knew that Ben Affleck was such a great director and I'm almost ashamed to say that he was incredibly sexy in this flick-with his scruffy 'bad boy' appearance and Boston accent. The movie is centered around a string of bank robberies that ends up going sour when one of the 'crooks' falls in love with a bank manager that was held hostage.  All in all it was a really intriguing flick...surprisingly so!

My Rating-8/10



Okay, I promise...this is

Source

42 weeks left in my '52 Book in 52 weeks' challenge. This week I'm reading 'Impulse' by Ellen Hopkins. Yes, it's a teen novel but who cares!?

A good book is a good book!

Ellen writes all of her books in prose form so when I first picked it up I thought ohhhh yes...a book of poetry. However, once I began reading I figured out that all the 'poems' coincided and had a storyline.

Impulse is the story of three young  people whose lives intersect in a psych hospital, after separate attempted suicides. It is about the things that brought them there, but more about the bond that forms between them. Can they help each other move beyond their personal demons?

My Rating-8.5/10

This too is a must read.

I would love to hear from y'all. What are some of your favorite things?

PS: Tomorrow is



Rock the Red Pump

are you gonna be 'rocking your red pumps'? I will be!





 

I Got Dots...All Over Me

I'm crazy about patterned fabrics. 

Plaid and stripes.

gingham, and floral-especially floral!

Gets me hyped!!

Loves me some animal print too!

So when I got word that Linda and Liz 

over at Everybody, Everywear named

Polka Dots

as the next big style item, I think a little part of my closet died and went to heaven.

Here's how I did it:

Polka Dot Blouse-Thrifted/Bomber Vest-Old Navy



My camera was being a bit shoddy but the polka dots in the blouse are pink. (Definitely copped it for a buck on one of my thrifty outings.)  I decided to dress it down by adding my favorite Old Navy Bomber Vest, jeans, and combat boots. This look was actually so thrown together that I was afraid of how it was gonna turn out but actually.....

Combat boots-Xhiliration

I think I like it!

Excuse the horrible lighting!

Of course this is doubling as my  Color Brigade 

outfit of the week as well.

You can join in on the fun with

Kileen over at her  Cute and Little  blog.







Beauty Is Her Name...

TGI Friday! I'm doing my two step! Ahhh time to chill and catch up on some R & R. Now normally I don't do many beauty posts, but I decided to try my hand at it and join the buzz with Katy over at Modly Chic for Friend Friday. You should link up. It's loads of fun!

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product? I like the 'natural' look so I like to go for products that enhance my natural skin tone, so that I won't look 'made up' per say. My two products of choice are Sally Hensen's Lip Treatment and Mary Kay's medium coverage foundation.  The lip treatment is soooo awesome. It feels great and actually gives your lips a nice tint. The absolute BEST part about it is that it's sold in the DOLLAR STORE yall! Some chains even sell 2 in a box. So you can get 2 of these great beauty products for one buck. I racked up-I have about 10 tubes in my closet! Also, the Mary Kay foundation makes for a great concealer and it's gives the most natural look. Not to mention that I've been using the same tube for at least 8 months because you don't need to use much when applying it. They are pretty expensive if you buy them from Mary Kay, but I usually go to Ebay to score mine from those representatives that have them in overstock because they've decided that Mary Kay wasn't a great career move.



Lip Treatment

 

Mary Kay

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without? Any type of lip gloss, lip stick, lip treatment, lip balm, lip gel, lip enhancer, lip juice....I love lips and I need them to look perfect at all times-especially when I'm with the BF because he likes to steal kisses.  I stalk Bath and Body Works for their 'lip gloss sale' because C.O. Bigelow make the greatest lip gloss.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used? Paul Mitchell Hair Serum. It's light and it smells really nice. Gives your hair a pretty cool sheen without making it heavy and greasy. A little on the expensive side though but they sometimes carry discontinued Paul Mitchell products within the TJ Maxx chain.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that? The only thing that comes to mind is fingerwaves, the scrunched ones at that. I don't care how much a trend they used to be, they will always be a hot mess to me now! Here's an example:

WHAT is this ish!?

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?  Like I mentioned before, I like the Sally Hensen Lip Treatment-and the really bright pink color. I get so many compliments on it-it's weird, I know! But people really do love it, especially when they see the cutesy packaging-they're all over it then!

A girl can NOT live without her products! Please do not try to come in between them because therein lies a very special bond. Violators will be prosecuted!

I'm Just Doin Me and You Could Never Understand It..I'm Goin In

I'm going in...straight to the point. Because it's Thursday!

Awkward

-I hate it when people scuff their shoes on the floor as they walk. Pick up your damn feet...doesn't that sound irritate you? What are some of your pet peeves?

-The infamous chain text messages. The ones I hate in particular are those that tell you 'if you don't forward this, your life will be doomed' or 'if you forward this, the love of your life will realize that he is in love with you'! Really? First, I will not let a measly text determine the fate of my life and second my beau has already come to the realization that he's in love with me. Therefore....they are sooooo pointless.

-The fact that Charlie Sheen has apparently gone off the deep end. I mean I absolutely love him in 'Two and A Half Men'. I guess celebrities have problems too-and most times they are worse than those of us 'normal' people.

-When people say 'pacific' instead of 'specific'. What!

-Guys!! What's the point of going to the women's section to buy skinny jeans only to have them hanging off of your a**? Walking contradiction!

Awesome

-$7.99 sale at NY & Co. I will share my scores with you on a later post.

-Clipping coupons

-Finding new sites to follow... like Meet Virginia Design and Thrifted Things. I love finding really cute sites with really cute girls who wear really cute things!

-American Idol. It's so good this year. I watched the Top 12 Girls last night. These chicks have soul! I'm having a hard time choosing which one is better. Would love to hear what you guys think. I will be tuned in tonight!! My prediction for tonight's Top 5 is as follows:

Haley Reinhart

Kendra Chantelle

Lauren Alaina

Thia Megia

AND

Karen Rodriguez

-TGI Friday's tonight with my girls. One has a birthday today, and one had a birthday yesterday! Can't wait! And you knooooowww I'm gonna be fully equipped with a coupon clipped.

-The 30 for 30 challenge is over so I can finally show the rest of my closet some love. How about it!

Blazer-XXI/Shirt-Slacks-Cardi-NY & Co/Belt-Shoes-Thrifted

-The treasured pieces in the above fit are....awesome. Let's see-the BLAZER was a XXI find from Plato's Closet. I had been searching for a 'nautical' navy blazer all over and BAM! Found it for $7.99! The BELT is yet another thrifty find-going for all of 78 cents! I can't wait until spring finally hits so I can get my money's worth out of it! Lastly, the SILVER SHOES. They remind me of the shoes that Dorothy wore in the Wizard of Oz. They too, were one of my thrifty finds over at CHKD. Loves em. They're gonna be one of my staple pieces for the spring as well.

What I Want, Want, Want...

I want this!!

Grand Slam

It looks like this when you put it on:

Finished product

Too fly! OPI nails has teamed up with tennis star Serena Williams to create the Serena Glam Slam nail lacquer collection. Serena Glam Slam Australia is the first of four duos, which features "Simply Smash-ing!" and "Black Shatter." I'm lovin' it!

I'm in a rather sexy mood this week so my book of the week is gonna be 'The Sex Chronicles' by Zane. 2 down, 43 to go! Now ladies, if you've never heard of Zane, you ought to be ashamed! Whether you're black, white, yellow, or red; don't read urban fiction but would rather pick up a cheesy romance novel instead, you are totally missing out and I say that wholeheartedly.  If you like 'snookie' (and I do, very much so) and you wanna read some hot, steamy erotic stories, then this is just what you've been looking for. It will also get those creative bedroom juices flowing and may even entice you enough to try some new 'tricks' with your beau! This book has also been developed into a TV show. The new season premieres on Saturday, March 5 at 11:30 on Cinemax. Check it out:



Visit Zane here

MY RATING-8/10



I would love to know what books you've read, are currently reading, or have on your list to read soon. Even if you're not into urban literature it doesn't really matter-I'm open to new ideas. Leave me a comment below.

It Ain't Tricking If You Got It....

It's Top 2 Tuesday.

It just so happens that today's topic is about money. I think that ties in perfectly considering that my blog was created in order to highlight my life of frugality.  In terms of money, I've learned that:

1. You should never buy full price items.  More often than not, if it doesn't have a sale sticker, red line, coupon, discount, or promotion of some type, it's better that I leave it right where it is. Some people, on the other hand, just have to have the newest item-as soon as it hits the racks.  And to those I say, do whatever floats your boat honey. I personally prefer to wait until things get marked down or I at least try to plan my shopping around the coupons or promotional codes that I receive. I mean seriously, why buy that brand new blazer out of NY & Co for $60 bucks when you can wait a month or so-until they mark it down to $7.99.  Sure it may be out of season and the sizes may be picked through but your pockets will be a lot heavier if you wait. Or you can even hit the thrift store. I give props to those gals who are frivolous with their money, the name brand shopper! I guess it ain't tricking if you got it though. But guess what, our closet looks the same and I spent less on my whole closet than you did on one item. I like to shop for less. I'm not cheap, I'm thrifty and shameless!!

2. Create a budget for yourself. You can do this monthly, weekly, or even daily. Last year I would often wonder how I always ended up scraping the barrel at the end of every two weeks. That's because I didn't set any limits for myself.  Because I shop frequently, I prefer a weekly budget. In my budget I include my monthly bills versus my income and I also include other expenses like gas, food, and even shopping. Yes, I give myself a shopping budget. You can find budget worksheets and templates here and here. 

Unfortunately, I cannot post my Color Brigade fit of the week at this time because I'm posting from work and all of my pics are stored on my home computer BUUUTTT as sooon as I step foot in my house I will update the post. You can participate with Kileen over at Cute and Little.

Cardigan-was in the garage sale pile/Belt-Thrifted/Gingham Shortie-AE/Jeans-AE

Brown Pumps-Thrifted

Thanks for reading.