BDIB & FBFF: Can You Handle Me the Way I'm Are?

When I first began blogging, I noticed that I bookmarked everything as a favorite and followed everybody-maybe because I liked someone's outfit or they made a cute craft. Now, as I go through my favorites 7 months later, alot of things have been deleted. I now focus on content and would much rather follow those who share the same passion of thriftiness with me. Those who have a knack for being frugal and can turn one man's junk into their own personal treasures. I admire those who always have something great to talk about (rather than just rambling on about where their 'fit is from), those who are personable, and definitely, absolutely, positively those who communicate and collaborate with their readers.

Katy from ModlyChic wants to talk about labels today for FBFF. So I am fine with divulging that I'm a thrifty chic. Cheap-nah, frugal-hells to the yeah. But never a tightwad because I love giving to good causes. I wear that label, comfortably so. I love shopping for less and seeing the quantity of things that can be purchased for minimal dollars. Being thrifty is a way of life for me because I've never had access to an overwhelmingly large income. I've always had to make do with the little that I do have. Don't get it twisted though-one would think that I was extremely well off, in fact lots of my friends think that I'm really wealthy, but not by a long shot-I just like really nice things and have strategically learned how and when to shop for them at the lowest prices.

Tank-Donated/Maxi-NY&Co/Vest-WetSeal/Belt&Wedges-Thrifted

I wholeheartedly believe in taking advantage of the things that you have-make those things yours by adding your own flair. For instance-this makeshift colorblocked maxi (my version of today's BDIB-maxi edition) dress was created from a super long (redline clearance) maxi skirt and a (trashed) NY&Co nightie (yes, I said trashed because my auntie had this baby in a bag full of stuff to give away and I gladly accepted it) Cinch a thrifted belt at the waist and voila!

SIDENOTE AND UPDATE:
 I'm participating in an all new 21 Day Challenge hosted by Kayla from FrecklesInApril.  In this challenge, Kayla will give a daily outfit prompt that we must follow. We will blog about each prompt and that will earn us a specific number of points towards some kick ass prizes. The first prompt was to pick one item and remix it 3 times over the course of the challenge so I picked this cutesy denim vest that you see pictured above. You can learn more about the challenge here.

21 Day Challenge-Day 1

Thrifted Belt

I'm encouraged to label myself as this 'type'of 'thrifty blogger' because it's real. That's who I am. No need to create a blog and fabricate me (although some of us do live double lives). In blog and in person, I'm super frugalicious! My mom is always amazed by the amounts of money that I save. My babe has even caught on so now when we go out he always asks me if I have a coupon for anything in particular. Ohhhh and he loooves sending me on grocery shopping missions because he knows that we can eat for weeks off of 20 beans! In fact there are very few things that I will spend lots of money on-I turn my back on full priced-ness!

I will spend lots of my time on things though. On things like reading blogs. I get lots of inspiration from you gals. I get super excited when I find new lovelies to stalk and follow-especially when I find out that they value thriftiness as much as I do. I like being able to relate. Like my buddy Shana at ColorBlind-I'm in love and probably a little too obsessed with her blog, her style, and just her as a person even though I've never ever met her. I feel like I've known her for years because she expresses so much of her personality through this tiny little computer screen. So yeah, that's a good example of something I like to read. I do however, scour some not so relatable blogs-if only to look at their overly expensive outfits and great pics-but rarely do I comment or visit them everyday. All of their comments consist of various ways to say 'your outfit is fly' so why would I add to the monotony? Hell I'm almost certain that they won't return the visit anyway!!! Besides, my whole outfit only cost only a fraction of what they paid for their pinky toenail polish so what could they possibly have to say to me. Like really, who am I kidding!?

Do I find any benefits in labeling myself? Well I attract more people whom are interested in frugality. Great minds think alike and can appreciate that I recklessly swerve in my car when I see a trashed treasure on the side of the street, that I force people into letting me check out their junk before it becomes trash, or even that a majority of my closet is thrifted. And just because I use the terms trash, junk, and/or thrifted that doesn't mean that my things look grungy. See:

Thrifted Wedges

Sometimes labels can ring true, sometimes not! When people first meet me they think I'm a bit of a snob. And I agree. I'm a diva upon first encounter. Many people even think I'm a bitch when they initially meet me. Again, I agree. I'm short, blunt, and standoffish-until you get to really know the real me. The witty, down to earth thrifter who just wants to make you laugh and shower you with bear hugs and compliments. I agree that we don't need labels but it's the way of the world. It's just like a stereotype-oftentimes they are placed on us by others who in fact have not a clue the type of person we really are. I say the only way to really get to know a person is to live with them. You will 9 times out of 10 be surprised by who a person really is.

What about you, what type of person have you been labeled as-by yourself and/or others?

Wanna know how some of your other blogger friends feel about labeling-visit FBFF. Or maybe you need some new inspiration so that you can rock your new maxi in style. Go to PrettyShinySparklys BDIB page.

Ciao!

Post Title From: The Way I Are by Timbaland

Linked Up to:

Bloggers Do It Better

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

WOTS: This is the REMIX! (feature)

I shops....til I drop, honey!

Well not literally but I do shop a helluva lot! I can justify my outlandish amounts of shopping by the fact that I make a majority of my purchases at thrift stores. Also, I only shop sale racks. Very rarely, if ever, do I pay regular price for anything. And I mean that literally. I feel outside of myself if I don't go into the mall at least once a week-partly because I pay some of my bills in store but mainly because I can't stand to miss a deal. Does that make me an addict? Am I a junkie? Oh geez....I'm a junkie. My huge shopping obsession has led me to rename my closet a 'mini boutique'. I mean seriously! I could easily attach a sign to the front of my closet door and begin a fairly lucrative business.

Does anyone else have a shopping habit thats bigger than their pockets?

SOUND OFF: How do you make sure that your favorite items aren't getting lost in the midst of all your new items?

I personally like to remix alot of my favorite items to make sure that I'm getting my money's worth out of them. I may wear the same jeans twice in one week but if I pair them with a different blouse and shoes, I've created a totally different look. This method, known as remixing, doesn't necessarily decrease my urge to shop but it does help me save a little more money.

Kendi, who is in the process of  wrapping up this season's 30 for 30 challenge, is the mastermind 'blogger' behind this whole 'remixing' concept. (Check out some cool remixer ladies here) She does this challenge at least twice yearly in an effort to not only save money but also to allow fashionistas a chance to make  the most out of the items that are already in our closets.

Speaking of remixing...I was browsing through the blogosphere a number of months ago and I came across Iris over at 260DaysNoRepeats. What attracted me to her blog was her outward disclosure that she had only spent a mere $150 on clothing from April 2010-April 2011 because of her fierce remixing tactics. Immediately my face contorted like this ----> :-o because holy shiznit how did she do it!!?? In effort to look for more thrifty bloggers, I found Iris and she very willingly shared with me how she managed to shave thousands of dollars off of her receipts by remixing. Talk about Thrifty and Shameless.

Everyone meet Iris.

Miss Rockwell (MR): Tell us about yourself and your mission as a blogger.

Iris (I): Hi, I'm Iris and have used this experience as a way of fending off a quarter life crisis as I navigate my way through these transitional twenties! I know it's really not as dramatic as I make it out to seem...

My mission was to challenge myself to use the existing clothes in my wardrobe to their fullest potential remixing them for one year every day I went to work for one year. That was a (huge) success so I am keeping it going for another year!

MR: What motivated you to start remixing your clothing?

 

I: In a word, "money." I graduated from college without a job lined up or any idea of what I really wanted to do. I spent most of that summer working a part time job while applying for opening after opening to no avail finding myself in the thick of one of the worst recessions in years. Thankfully my luck took a turn for the better in September when I found a full time job! Unfortunately, it was paying much less than I was expecting and only on a temporary basis. On top of everything else, my student loans were looming on the horizon; I had to make it work and that meant some sacrifices. So, I was able to come up with this challenge to keep things interesting...

MR: What type of routine or pattern do you follow when remixing your items?

I: I don't really have a "routine" per say. I go through my closet loosely following the notion of color rotation. That is partly because my name means rainbow and partly because it keeps me from relying on the same few things that I am most comfortable in. I like the idea of moving out of my comfort zone and continuing to challenge myself in new ways!

Just kidding about the first part...

MR: How do you fight the urge to shop?

I: I think after a while the urge died down. I realized that whatever "sale" was going on at New York & Company or LOFT was one in a dozen or so they would have throughout the season.Whenever it is that I choose to go shopping I will be able to find coupons without an issue. I can honestly say that I have learned (from this experience) that there will always be another deal and if the thing that I am attracted to isn't right in anyway then it wasn't meant to be and there is something better waiting!

MR: You said you spent $150 last year..what exactly did you purchase? Did you plan these trips or did you buy things on an as needed basis?

I: Most of the things that I bought last year were on impulse and now I see that some might not have been worth the splurge; I'm talking  LOFT shorts that I never wear! That being said, there were some things that were totally worth it and I don't regret at all.

Overall, none of them were true needs which is probably why there were so many months that I didn't buy anything at all!

MR: What are some of the bargaining tips that you live by?

• I don't pay full price for anything, it's just not worth it. 
• I have learned the wonders of second hand shopping; you can find some really great things for a small fraction of the cost. 
• Swapping clothes with friends is an even better way to get new things because it's free!
• Off price retailers and discount stores are great places to find awesome deals.
• Even if it is an amazing deal, if you don't love it it's not worth it!

MR: Who are some of your favorite 'bargain bloggers'?

I: I really like reading Clothed Much. Elaine is funny and that's awesome but, I also feel like she is going through a similar challenge trying to make the most out of her wardrobe. I will admit that I probably have a ton more clothes (seriously she lists it all) but, it's nice to think that there is someone else out there going through what I go through!

Thanks so much for reading about this challenge that I have posed to myself. Please feel free to stop by

260 Days, No Repeats as I continue! If you have any questions please feel free to email me at shespysthebuys@gmail.com!

 I want to see how you remix your favorite items.

Send your remixed looks to thriftyandshameless@gmail.com by 5pm each Monday to be featured in my all new 'Take Two Tuesday' remix segment.

Looks like I have alot of work to do. Thanks for reading.

Everybody, Everywear: I Can't Stand the Rain...

It was rather rainy in my area today. It wasn't the worst of the worst but it was bad enough for me to wanna throw my alarm clock out the window when it went off at 6AM.  You know...the kind of weather that makes you want to grab your man...and your favorite blankie...jump in bed and watch Netflix all day long. Those days when you only want to listen to smooth melodies on the radio and say to hell with chores and errands because they can get taken care of when the weather gets better.

And as just as my luck has it, I was running around ALL DAY LONG in the nastiness. FML!!

Good thing I wore these babies:

Yellow Rainboots

Ahhhhh....I love these!! I got them on clearance at GAP several years ago and I still get so many compliments on them when I wear them. Today I received the best one yet while standing in line for gas:

"I looovvveee your WELLIES"!

 I had the slightest idea what the hell 'wellies' were until the cute little lady informed me that this is what people in Scotland call rain boots. Ya learn something new everyday, huh!?
You think it's the bright yellow color that attracts so much attention?

Oh and speaking of yellow, Everybody Everywear has challenged all of the fashionistas in the blogosphere to show how they rock their yellow this month sooooooo....this is my version:



Boots-GAP/Tank-OldNavy/Shorts-DIY (Thrifted)



Cardigan-Aeropostale

My favorite part of this 'rainy day' outfit has to be this thrifted belt:

Belt-Thrifted

It's sooooo fun....

Now it's your turn....what do you like to do on rainy days? Would you rather stay in and do nothing or would you rather throw your rainboots on and splash around in the wetness?

Sidenote: Check out how Everybody, Everywear else is rocking their yellow today.

Linked up to:

Thrifters Anonymous
Rule Breaking Monday

Color Brigade

All Dressed Up
What I Wore Wednesday
Thriftaholics Weekly
Thursdays are for Thrifters

Post Title From: The Rain by Missy

Blame It On The....

Mmkay..so I feel like THEE single most absolute worst blogger in all of America!! Please bear with me as I'm experiencing some MAJOR technical difficulties at the moment. My Internet hasn't worked in two weeks (hence the reason I'm blogging from my phone), I accidentally deleted ALL of my photos off of my camera (yes that included weeks worth of outfit shots), and worst of all, I have guests that I promised features to and I haven't been able to come through for them. They probably think I'm a phony. I assure you ladies that this has not been done on purpose. I feel like crap on the bottom of an old boot. Hopefully these issues shall be worked out shortly and I will be back to my regularly scheduled program. I have great things to share with you.

I wish you all a great weekend and a huge thanks to you all for staying with me. Muah!

Miss Rockwell

Post Title from: Blame It by Jamie Foxx

Feel The Awesomeness...

Do you remember to use your manners by always saying 'Please' and 'Thank You'?

Do you remember to tip your server at least 15% when you go out to eat? Or are you one of those people who don't believe in tipping?

Do you open doors for elderly people with a smile? Or do you ferociously scurry behind them wishing that they would hurry the hell up?

Do you give back to your community by volunteering and donating?

Do you give great hugs? Not the kind where your butt sticks out and you randomly pat the hugee on the back like you are afraid of catching whatever they may be diseased with. I'm talking about the super tight hugs that have the capability of suffocating if held for too long.

Do you call/text/email your friends when you think of random moments that you've shared together?

Do you think your Mother is the greatest lady in the world? Would you try and f-^k someone up for messing with her, even if you knoooowww that you have a 99.9% chance of losing?

Do you tell you significant other how much you appreciate their presence in your life, despite the fact that he/she gets on the last little bit of nerve that you have left?

Do you compliment people when you think they look fly?

Do you comment back to people who have visited you and said nice things to you?

Do you want to be featured on my blog? Now that, would be awesome. I'm currently searching for fun, creative, and thrifty bloggers to feature in the near future. You can view my most recent features

here with ColorBlind and here with HappyLifeInNYC.

Shoot me a personal email at thriftyandshameless@gmail.com and we can set something up.

Romper-c/o Auntie...PeepToes-c/o MissCharm...Belt-from a Thrifted dress

Linked Up to:

Thrifters Anonymous

Rule Breaking Monday

Color Brigade

Thriftaholics Weekly

All Dressed Up

What I Wore Wednesday

Thursdays Are For Thrifters

Post Title from: I'm Awesome by Spose

Savin' Maven Monday: You Don't Even Know Me...But You Wanna Take Me Shopping (feature)

Good Monday to all...

In today's segment of Savin' Maven Monday, I'm going to switch things up a bit. I hope y'all don't mind.

As you all should know by now, I loooovve to shop. Even more than that, I love finding great deals and bargains. Everyone has their own set of rules and guidelines that they adhere to when shopping but every now and again, it's cool and exciting to explore the shopping habits of other frugalistas.

Some ladies like to get the newest items, hot off the press, and don't mind paying full price for them. Kudos to you diva, because I don't do full price, honey! 

Mmmmkayyy *snaps fingers in a roundabout motion*

 Some of us like to use coupons everywhere we go, some of us hate the hassle of clipping coupons and would rather just shop clearance racks; hell, some of us hate shopping in stores all together and would rather find deals online through Ebay or Craigslist. Some like to shop at home while others prefer taking bus trips to Chinatown to find the latest swag. We all have our own little quirks...and I can appreciate that.  That's what makes us all unique, right?

Soooo, since the store and coupon deals have been a little sucky as of late and my store purchases have been slim to none, I would like to share with you some general shopping pointers and tips...brought to you by the very awesome Lauren from HappyLifeInNYC.

Everyone, say hello to Lauren!
I am so honored to be guest posting for Miss Rockwell today! I absolutely love her blog (I did not compensate her to say this okay). While my methods for saving money are still a work in progress, I thought I’d share some of my tips with you. Enjoy!

Create a plan of attack by keeping a watchful eye on your prize. Whenever I decide that I want something (a new summer dress, a pair of nude pumps, etc.), I always survey stores online before going anywhere. I try to get a feel for what’s out there, how much it costs, and the quality. That helps me make a plan before I go to any stores. I might veer off my original plan once I get there, but if I spend more than I originally planned then it will be because it was worth it for that particular item (i.e. I wasn’t going to find it cheaper and/or better quality anywhere else).

Gilt Groupe

Loiter.... and shamelessly hover around inexpensive online shops. Gilt Groupe, Rue LaLa, and Shopmail are my go to websites. Shopmail is the best – you fill your favorite brands and designers, give them your sizes, and then everyday they send you an email with the items on sale from various stores that fit your criteria. They survey the Internet to find deals and then all you have to do is open one email!





Figure out what you love...obsess and stalk.  I’m obsessed with Forever 21. The store is super overwhelming (for me anyway), but I try to go during the day when it’s empty. If I don’t have the time then I just order things online and hope for the best!

Forever21

Ain't nothing wrong with a little Jungle Fever. I always mix and match expensive pieces with cheap ones. I spend more on jeans and purses because they make an outfit look so much more expensive, even when mixed with cheap t-shirts and flip flops.

By ALL means...CHEAT! Keep an alternate on the side...just in case! I have a couple of other secret websites up my sleeve. They’re kind of embarrassing and they are definitely hit or miss. Some of my favorites are Lulus, Charlotte Russe, and Modcloth.

Vintage Virgin Romper

Tell me...where do you love to shop?

And what's your secret for saving money while shopping?

 (sharing is caring)

Post Title from: Turning Me On by Keri Hilson feat. Lil Wayne

FBFF: You, You Make Me Better

I'm a movement by myself. But there are a number things that I find inspiration in.

Why do we need inspiration to just...well, be ourselves? For me, that answer can be stated without reservation, contemplation, or even so much as a second guess. My inspirations are the very things that urge me to push the envelope and take things to the next level. It could be as simple as a homeless person asking me for some spare change that has inspired me to sponsor my very own food drive each year during the holidays. Or it could be as complex as my best friend and I conversing about our love of thrifting which inspired me to create this very blog 6 months ago.

Up until 6 months ago, I was a generally a very reserved, super private type of person.

Blogging has definitely changed all of that.

Over the past 6 months, I've evolved-not only fashionably but also personally. I've learned to  better appreciate the opinions and  tastes of others. I've taken more chances with fashion and I've definitely shopped more than I've ever shopped in my ENTIRE existence. 

Let's discuss this more with a few question from Katy of ModlyChic (you can link up to her page to see what everyone else thinks too).

Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping? Definitely so. I now lean more towards thrifted, inexpensive items. Vintage pieces that won't ever be seen worn by anyone else. Pieces that can be easily remixed and layered. Pieces that are gorgeous enough for me to keep for a while but inexpensive enough for me to be fine parting with.

**FUN FACT #1: I never knew much about thrifting until I first began reading blogs. Now it's a never ending obsessive hobby of mine.

Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that? I've always dressed differently from my family and friends. Most of my family is very conservative and particular. Blues with blues, reds with reds, so on and so forth. I'm the edgy one, the one who rebels against all fashion rules, the one who mixes patterns, and never matches my colors.

**FUN FACT #2: My friends like to shop my closet when we go out but I secretly hate lending my things out. (It's no longer a secret now, is it?)

What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it? Pink, coral, red. BRIGHT LIPS. I'm black. My lips are full. I don't want to look like a clown. That's all!

**FUN FACT #3: Part of the reason I don't do red lips is because my beau hates it! Does it even matter what he likes!?

Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do? Socks...With sandals. I just purchased some black sparkly anklets from Gap and I'm sure that they will sit in my closet for the all of 8 more months before I get the courage to pull them out.

SOURCE

**FUN FACT #4: I still subconsciously care what people think of me when they see me? Do you?

Toot someone’s horn – which fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices? I absolutely love IAmKhatu. She's AH-DOOR-AH-BAL...and FLYYYY!!!

        

(all images from IAmKhatu)

FUN FACT #5-The very first blogs I read were KarlasCloset and TheDaybook

What does inspiration mean to you and from where do you gain yours?

Post Title from: Make Me Better by Fabolous ft. NeYo

Linked up to:

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

Awkward and Awesome: Sequins and Pearls and Lots of Pretty Girls...

AWKWARD

-So I was thrifting the other day and I picked up an AWESOME vintage sequined shirt. I have no idea what I will wear it with but it immediately caught my eye so I put it in my basket. I went to the mirror to try on my picks and I noticed this lady eyeing my sequins. She walked by at least 3 times. On the fourth time she walked by and commented about how gorgeous it was. I politely smiled and kept it moving. On the fifth time she walked by, she actually picked my sequins up, asked what size it was, and had the audacity to ask me if I was gonna buy it. Ummm, hell yeah I'm buying it-get your paws off lady!! And even if I was previously undecided about buying it before you came along, I'm definitely buying it now-just because you're on my nerves. Uggghhhh!

-The beau and I have turned into the modern day Siskel and Ebert. We are avid kiosk-ers. We rent at least one movie a week and our 'thing' is to give it a rating and discuss it after we've watched it. I know, I know, we're total nerds. But that's why I love him-because his nerdiness matches mine!
Movie of the Week: The Dilemma/Our Rating: B

AWESOME

-Sleeping in and spending the day with the beau-doing absolutely nothing!

-I love finding new cuties to follow and read about and I would love for you to step into my world-if only for just one day. I'm looking for two creative, frugal, thrifty and shameless bloggers to feature for the month of August. You can post about a topic of your choice so long as it pertains to being thrifty. I know it's early but just wanted to put the word out there. Shoot me an email at thriftyandshameless@gmail.com.

-This super fantastic article I found about getting started with organizing your closet space:

I’m not in the closet about my organized closet! VIA HerCatwalk

My closet needs a MAJOR redo and I need your help. If you have any tips, please share. I'm also asking that you post your organized closet pics on my FB page. This is a dire emergency people. My closet is beginning to look like a mini boutique.

-Oh yeah...speaking of my FB page---LIKE ME by CLICKING HERE!!

-Michelle Obama-she's THEE greatest First Lady-ever!

-I've finally started using the 'share' button. You know the one at the bottom of everyone's post that lets you share your favorite reads on your Twitter and FB pages? Yeah, that one. Well, I've finally gotten wind of it and I've been 'sharing' like crazy. This way all of my friends who don't read the same blogs as me can now partake in some of the awesomeness that I read each day.

-New peeps I'm following: EFBGirls, ByAnika, and VerySmartBrothas. GREATNESS!!

-Do you know any troops who are deployed right now? Even if not, I have a fun, easy, and FREE way for you to express your appreciation for them on Independence Day. TinyPrints is sponsoring this sweet deal-all you have to do is go to their Facebook page and 'Like' them for details about exactly where to send your card.  I've already ordered mine. Will you order one?

How has your week been? Share some of your Awkward and Awesome moments with me...

Post Title from: Music and Lights by Imagination

WOTS: I Got Something Better Than School But Don't Tell Anybody....

I want this...

Source

I've been thinking....

What does it mean to have a college degree?

"She doesn't have a degree...not interested"

Does it make you more or less intelligent than the next person?

"...an additional $3,800 with a Master's degree" 

Does that one little piece of paper entitle you to a better salary?

"...let's give her the job because she has the education"

Does it give you a better advantage over a qualified applicant who has never stepped foot on a college campus?

Does it mean that you are guaranteed to get the job of your dreams?

Does it signify your status in the world...like she's better than you because she has a degree and you don't?

Will having a degree merit you a better significant other and if your 'other' doesn't have one does it make him/her less of a good catch?

How many of you have a degree?

How many of you are working in your field of study?

Does it make you angry that some people who don't have a degree earn more than you?

These are all things that have gone through my mind these last couple of days as the graduation season has come and gone.

What does all of this mean to you?

On a lighter note, here's what I wore to my sister's graduation reception:

 

Skirt-Thrifted/Shirt-NY & Co/Shoes-Nine West

I couldn't wait to wear this Liz Claiborne skirt. It's my favorite shade of red and it has a tiny white rose like pattern on it. My Mother said that I should've worn a white shirt with the skirt but I hate being too 'matchy' so I threw on a powder blue sleeveless 'Madison' shirt that I got from a NY & Co. clearance rack. To give the 'fit a little more zest I added gold sandals and neutral colored accessories.

Necklace-NY & Co

How would you rock a red skirt?

Linked up to:

Thrifters Anonymous
Clothed Much
Color Brigade
No Model Lady
Thriftaholics Weekly
What I Wore Wednesday
Thursdays are for Thrifters
Thrifty Thursdays

Post Title from Graduation Day by Kanye West

Savin' Maven Monday: If I Was an Indian, I'd Still be the Chief...

Well...I'm late as all hell writing this Savin' Maven Monday post but I've been super busy!

I didn't do much shopping last week because the deals were slim but this is what I ended up with from Rite Aid:

Savin' Maven (Rite Aid)

More makeup and lots of gum to keep my breath fresh! The CoverGirl lipsticks were B1G1 50% off with a $5 Register Reward (RR) given back when you purchased $20 worth. I had two ($5 off 2) coupons so I got all 4 lipsticks for $10 which is a great deal considering that these things are regularly priced at $7.50 a pop. The gum was B1G1 FREE and I had store coupons and manufacturer's coupons that I stacked to make them almost free. The mascara was 75% off and after my coupon I paid all of 19 cents for it! I also got a $1 RR for purchasing the Crest mouthwash.

My total on this trip was $50.58

My total out of pocket was $5.03

For a total savings of $45.55 (90% savings)

What kind of great deals have you found lately?

Before you go I would like to share with you

Couponing tip #4

Stock up on Coupons.

Last week I shared a number of places in which you may get coupons-newspaper subscriptions, family and friends, and even online. While many of us are old fashioned and would prefer to do our shopping 'on site', most of us have fallen in love with the convenience of online shopping and being able to make purchases in the comfort of our own homes. Just as there are thousands of available coupons to be used on in store purchases, there may be twice as many coupons available for online shopping. One of my favorite online sites to get coupons from is CouponChief.  This is a digital couponing site that offers promotional and discount codes for some of the greatest and most popular stores around. Here's how it works: When you have decided on the exact online store you would like to purchase from, visit CouponChief and use their search box to type in your store of interest. Once you find your store name, browse the coupons that may be used at your preferred store and copy the coupon code for the specific coupon that you want. This code will be pasted into the 'promotional code' box that will appear on the checkout page of your purchase. Once the code is entered, click on the 'apply' button and you should be able to see your savings instantly. Click here for full details and instructions.

My absolute favorite part about this site is the convenience of not having to use ink to print the coupons out. You will never guess just how many coupons I print each week so I'm always jumping at the chance to use online codes and save ink. Another one of my favorite features of CouponChief is that you have the ability to post new coupons and even share them with friends through email. If you're really serious about your couponing, you can even create a profile and have it set up so that you will receive an email alert each time that a coupon code for your favorite store is posted. Also, you can sign up for their Pays2Share program which pays you money each time someone uses a coupon code that you posted. I'm all signed up...are you?

-SIDENOTE-Bath and Body works started their semi annual sale on June 10. For all of you who like to stock up on smell goods, you need to hurry in...

Click here to print a coupon for a FREE travel sized item (can be used with ANY purchase).

Thanks for reading.

 Post Title from Chief Rocka by Lords of the Underground

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