My Favorite Site for Remodeling/Decorating Inspiration

Every now and then, I like to daydream about making over a house.  I’ll walk into a thrift store, look at its contents and imagine what I’d do if I was living alone and could decorate a place in any manner I wanted to.  However, I’m not really creative.  I search for others ideas and change them around to make them “mine”.

Recently, I was intrigued when I learned about  a website which can inspire those who look to an  interior designer to get their creative juices flowing.  Throughout the day, when I have a few minutes, I find myself heading over to the site and gleaning from it.  I can search according to the style of decorating I prefer or which space I want to makeover.  There are all kinds of articles to read (my favorites are about organizing and about decorating via repurposing).  Within the next few days, I plan to create my “ideabook”.  That will consist of me signing up for a free account, searching thru the site’s more than 250,000 photos and saving those that appeal to me. Consider it making a photo album without the scissors and glue!

When you have  time, head on over and join me in my new “home away from home”.  I think you’ll find it as inspiring as I do.

Bonnie

Technorati Tags: interior decorating,inspiration,home,interior designer

My ImPRESS Press-On Manicure Experience

As a reviewer of products sent to me by Influenster, I am given the opportunity to try some really cool items I normally wouldn’t buy for myself. Plus, I can share my thoughts about them with you to help you decide if the product is one that may benefit you.

I’ve already shared, in a previous post, about the Holiday VoxBox Influenster sent me before Christmas. One of its contents, that I absolutely adored, was ImPRESS Press-On Manicure.  

I was sent the nail pattern WinkWink, but the nails are also available in solid colors as well as other patterns.  WinkWink is a pretty pattern and can go with casual or formal attire.

ImPRESS Press-On Manicure (WinkWink)

The product information states the nails can stay on for up to a week.  I was a bit rough with mine and I think that may have had something to do with them staying on for two days.  I wasn’t bothered by that fact, though. I still enjoyed them!

Probably my favorite features about them are 1) there’s no drying time during application and 2) they look and feel just like the expensive gel nails applied at nails salons.

Here’s more info about ImPRESS Press-On Manicure straight from the horse’s mouth:

“Introducing imPress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish! Featuring advanced nail technology, you can get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds – simply peel off, press on, and you're done. There's no drying, a killer shine and a manicure that lasts up to a week! And, imPress is so easy to remove, you can change it up to match your mood as often as you want. Check out all 36 colors and patterns, including trendy brights, classic darks and animal prints. With imPress, your nails will always be your best accessory.

imPress Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors and $7.99 for patterns, and is available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!”

Would I buy ImPRESS Press-On Manicure after trying the sample I was mailed?   You bet I would…and I will!  It’s just the ticket for this gal in regards to price and durability.  It made a great “ImPRESSion” on me!

Until next time…

Bonnie

Technorati Tags: Influenster,ImPRESS Press-On Manicure,Holiday VoxBox

Saving at CVS This Week!

This week, I had another excellent shopping/savings experience at CVS! I love when that happens as I then walk around with a little “bounce in my step” for a few hours.    However, my kids get tired of hearing me telling them, and others, of how much I saved.  That’s why I’m going to share my savings here.  Shhhhhhhh, don’t tell them.  LOL

CVS has many sales on items I needed this week.  That’s the key--make sure you are buying items you need or that you will give to others in need.  You don’t want to take advantage of a sale just for the heck of it.

On top of the sales, I had some good coupons!  That’s another tip:  Try to match up sales with coupons.  Sales are great, but sales and coupons are better!

Lastly, I’d earned $22.50 in ExtraBucks by using my ExtraCare Card and purchasing certain items during the fall quarter.  You can read more about CVS ExtraBucks at: Couponing: Part One, Six Boxes of Puffs Tissues for  47 Cents  and ExtraCare. 

       

             What I purchased                                     My receipt

My bill initially was $66.87 for everything and that included sale items.  My pricey item was Zyrtec at $18.99.  After handing over my coupons and the $22.50 in ExtraBucks my subtotal was $23.22.  $.70 tax was added for a total OOP of $23.92.  In the end, I saved $43.65!    

An added plus…Since I bought $30.00 worth of specially marked items and my ExtraCare Card was scanned, I received a $10.00 CVS gift card to use on my next purchase.  Yay!

Thank you, God, for giving me the ability to wisely use the money You’ve provided for my family. 

I hope I’ve inspired you all to hunt for great deals and coupons so you, too, can save.

Happy Couponing!

Bonnie

Technorati Tags: CVS,ExtraCare loyalty card,coupons,sales

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine Review

Shortly before Christmas, I shared with you about receiving the Holiday VoxBox from Influenster.  I promised I would start sharing about it’s contents once things slowed down after Christmas and New Year’s.

Well, it’s time for me to start sharing!  The first item I’d like to tell you about is:  NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine.  The color I received, as a sample, is Nude York City and I thought it was great before I even applied it. 

The color is neutral, which is something I like because that means it’s versatile.  I applied it first over my bare lips and then over my lipstick--(see pics, below).  It’s shimmer effect is an added benefit that makes this lip gloss fun and festive.

 

    Applied To Bare Lips          Applied Over Lipstick

To be honest with you, I didn’t notice Nude York City staying on any longer than other lip glosses I’ve used.  However, I was really impressed with the scent of it.  It didn’t smell “fake” like others do.  The scent reminded me of candy.  I found that to be a great plus!

The New York Color website describes this fun lip product this way:

“Straight from the city that never sleeps, NYC New York Color offers products with uptown style at down-to-earth prices, from $.99 - $4.99. The energy, style and color of New York City shines through the wide range of shades, textures and innovative products. NYC always delivers the most on-trend products & shades hot off the runway!

A beauty-editor favorite is Liquid Lipshine ($2.49). It has pure pigments that created a 3-D gloss effect. Vitamin E provides shine and a moisturizing feel. The formula is non-sticky, super shiny & soft. Available in 10 on-trend shades from neutral nudes, to berries & fuchsias. Start shopping for NYC at these stores nearest you: Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Family Dollar, Duane Reade, Kmart, HEB, and others.  Visit newyorkcolor.com to check out all shades and fun products from New York Color!”

Final thoughts:  Would I buy this product now that I’ve sampled it?  I surely would and will! The price doesn’t break the bank and I’m pleased with the product. I give it a thumbs up!

Technorati Tags: Influenster,Holiday Voxbox,NYC New York Color,Nude York City

Out of the Mouths of Babes

I came across a blog and this particular blog post tickled my funny bone!   (Upon further investigation, I learned that I know the blogger’s wife.  She is one of my couponing mentors.  Small world, huh?)

I have a soft spot, in my heart, for homeschooling parents, especially those embarking on this adventure.  I still homeschool my two younger children and the oldest graduated nearly two years ago.  All three are now teens. 

Thanks, Don't Make Me Count To 3!  You made my day (except for the part of spewing the coffee on my keyboard, but don’t worry about that.  Maybe your wife can provide me with a coupon for a new one-LOL!). 

To my readers:  Please click on the title of Eric’s post (below) and leave him a comment of encouragement.  He deserves it!

2012 Bitch

That’s right! In case you didn’t know.

Last Thursday we had our park day with one of the homeschool groups we belong too. This is a good group because it is small, and for the most part all girls my girls’ age.

One of the moms there, Andrea, bought a neat lesson course. It’s philosophy for young elementary aged kids. She wanted to give it a try in a small group and since we met once a week for the park day anyway, it was worth a shot.

We met up at the top of the hill, very scenic, in a large wooden gazebo. The weather was perfect. The ladies and I sat quietly after gathering the children onto a red blanket. Of course the kids are used to running around and generally going nuts on park day, so a took a while to settle them down.

When they finally stopped jumping around like electrons Andrea started the lesson.

Andrea: “Ok. Did your mom or dad tell you what we are doing today?”

Zoey: “No.”

Me: “Yes I did!”

Andrea: “Well, we’re going to read a short story and then talk about it. Is that ok?”

Zoey: “2012 bitch!”

And she said it like she had just dunked over Shaquille O’Neal. Of course all eyes are on me.

My first instinct was to pretend she wasn’t my kid. My second was to shrug and say, “Well… it is.” Instead I said, “I have no idea…”

But one of the other moms came to my rescue. She pointed out it was written in heavy black marker all over the wooden top beams of the gazebo. I hadn’t seen it because I was wearing sunglasses.

All I can say is she knows how to sound out new words. My girls can read.

Technorati Tags: homeschooling,laughs,homeschooling dads,This is Not Me

Bonnie

Two Broke Girls--Coupon Queen

Just watched this video clip and thought it was hilarious!  Two Broke Girls--Coupon Queen

Thanks, Ethical Couponing Initiative!

Happy Couponing!

Bonnie

Technorati Tags: Ethical Couponing Initiative,video,Two Broke Girls

Six Boxes of Puffs Tissues for 47 Cents!

Yep!  You read the title correctly! 

Talk about doing the Happy Dance!  I was tickled by the amount I saved.  How did I do it?  Well…

CVS is having a sale on some of the Puffs Tissues this week.  I went right for the ones that are $.99 and started my shopping adventure!

I also had two manufacturer coupons for Puffs Tissue.  Each saved me $.25 for the purchase of three boxes.  That’s why I ended up buying six boxes.

Lastly, I’d been given a $5.00 in CVS ExtraBucks during a previous purchase.  ExtraBucks are earned by using my CVS ExtraCare loyalty card.  Read my post Couponing: Part One to learn about loyalty cards.  To learn about the CVS ExtraCare card, and how it helps you to earn free items, read:  ExtraCare

$.99 x 6= $5.94 - $.50 (manufacturer coupons) = $5.44- $5.00 ExtraBucks = $.44 + $.03 tax = $.47  OOP (Out of pocket)

As a side note:  Since the Puffs were on sale, I actually saved a grand total of $12.50!

That’s nothing to sneeze at!

Happy Couponing!

Bonnie

Technorati Tags: CVS,ExtraBucks,ExtraCare loyalty card,loyalty cards,How To Coupon Series