There have been some wonderful changes in our communities since the recession struck us hard. Have you noticed that it is suddenly popular to be a bargain huntress? Oh, maybe it's just me that thinks so :) When money is tight- and let's face it, money is TIGHT- you don't have to sacrifice fashion, food and fun all together. I've learned that you appreciate these things so much more when you splurge in moderation. As one of the queen frugalista's around...with the exception of my girlfriend Roxy Folland, the ULTIMATE QUEEN bargain buyer (she literally gets hundreds of dollars of groceries for under $20 sometimes! :O, I know, right?!) I decided to post some of my favorite frugal finds for my fab friends.
We all know about Ross, Nordy's Rack, Marshalls and Burlington as hot spots for great deals on clothing and home goods, but I discovered a little treasure right here in downtown Roseville that has really quenched my wardrobe drought lately. Not willing to spend over $30 on a pair of jeans that I *hopefully* won't be fitting in after a few more months, I headed in to Second Chances Located in old Roseville on Lincoln street near Basic, they offer reloved clothing for women for great prices. On any given day, all items are under $10. Shoes prices at $6, tops between $4-$8, and pants between $6-$10. They have designer handbags for under $10, some home goods, and new jewelry and accessories. It's a tiny place with select hours, but when you snag a find it's worth it. Everything is gently used, but she only sells items in above average to excellent condition, and only great brands. I went in for her 50% off sale and killed it! She had kids clothes there for the special for only 50 cents each! I walked out of there with over 80 items under $70!! My fave new pair of jeans- American Eagle- were only $4...less than the tax if they were new. Bow chica bow wow! Best part? Refer a friend and they get a discount AND you get $5 off your next purchase. At Second Chances, $5 off means a free shirt! I'm a fan.
Next, let Domestic Frugalista do the shopping bargain hunting for you at their wonderful blog!
Then there is the ever so popular Groupon that is taking over the ad industry. Get deals of up to 90% off in your email inbox daily by signing up on your local Groupon site. The link I put up is to Sacramento, so make sure to navigate to your city before signing up. Sometimes you get sent offers that are not something you'd be interested in, but when it's your favorite place be ready to buy!
Signing off...happy shopping!
Today Ellie was the cutest she had been in a long time. Don't get me wrong, the lil munchkin is always very adorable, smart and funny, but today she was lighter on the tantrums and heavier on the hysterical comments and flirtatious smiles. I can't believe the things that kids think of.
This morning I was racing around after waking up late; my usual "Claire Clock" didn't go off at the usual 7am, I guess she wasn't very hungry cause she slept in like crazy. I usually would be happy that I got to sleep in, but I thought Mops started today, 20 minutes after I woke up! Well, it turns out it starts next week, but as I was rushing to make some quick eggs- still in my skiveys, Ellie walks over to my bare rear and decides that it is the perfect place to put a spatula. What does she say after that? "Mommy your butt is so hungry it's eating a cooking spoon!"
How are you supposed to respond to that??? I mean, really? If I think something "inappropriate" is absolutely HYSTERICAL, is it my job as a parent to teach what is taboo? Or do I get to laugh and give my baby girl confidence in her comedic ability. Almost every time, I laugh. Today was no exception.
WARNING: this next story is a definite TMI (that means too much info, if you didn't know), so proceed with caution and don't judge me. Almost every night during our bedtime ritual, Ellie claims she does not have to go pee pee. We brush teeth, try for potty, then tuck into bed, sing a song, tell a story, & say a prayer. Almost every night, the potty is magically ready right when I'm about to leave the room. Can I get a whoop whoop for the other Momma's this happens to?? It's genius really. So manipulative. At only one and a half she started this, knowing that the ONLY thing that makes me WANT her to get up is potty on the toilet. And to top it off, its the only time throughout the day that she tells me she has to go. Little turd. So tonight, like clockwork, we go potty after prayers. This time, it's numero dos. What does she say after the first one?? Woah Mommy look it's Daddy! I look, it's a big one. Next..."it's an Ellie!" I look, teeny tiny. "There's you Mommy!" Sure enough, its medium. So funny! We both laughed as we tucked in after that. I love my honest, uncensored little girl. And her bizarre and hysterical imagination. <3
A surprise "Unbirthday Party" Visit for children at Acres of Hope
I've always looked at community service as an obligation, not an option. If you have the ability to pay for internet to read this, food to fill your tummies, or a car to take you to a job, you are among the wealthiest Americans. Can you imagine 1.5 million children going to sleep each year without a bed of their own...and that is just in America! These children didn't choose to be born into poverty, but they are more likely to grow up to be adults that experience some degree of homelessness without the life lessons and teachings of parents from a higher socio-economic status. Now imagine how wonderful it would feel to know that YOU made a difference to a child's life who is experiencing some degree of homelessness, hunger or poverty.
Last weekend, I was so lucky to be welcomed into Acres of Hope, a faith based renwal center for homeless women and their sweet little kidlets. It is incredible to see these proactive Mothers taking a stand against the patterns their lives have set infront of them and following God's will for their lives. They are taking control of their lives with the help of this fabulous safe haven, where they learn how to be thriving members of society and able Mothers. I am so proud of places like this who say no to the evils of society and put God's plan into motion for children that may otherwise have never known that they are sons and daughters of a gracious and abundant God. The Momma's get their educations, learn parenting and life skills, and discover a deep and true relationship of forgiveness and peace in Christ. The children are just ready and deserving of any spoiling possible! They are so sweet, and grateful, and FULL of joy. When Cinderella and Tinker Bell walked into the room the shock and glee on their faces was so overwhelming. These kids...and their Moms, have been admiring these characters for years or even decades, and here they were, all the way from Disneyland to meet THEM! These families have never been able to go to Disneyland, and it seemed as if their favorite part of Disneyland had come to them. This was a magical day for Makaela Kasper (Tink) and I. We got to do face painting, singing, have unbirthday cake, eat Campelli's Pizza, and give them wonderful gifts donated by Childrens Orchard. The best part of all was ending with a children's devotional...a quick message about taking the lesson's God has given us and using them to become stronger people.
It was a very special day for us, and I encourage you to choose a gift that you have been given and find a way to use it to bring a sparkle to a child's day. At places like Acres, even paper towels and plates are a huge blessing! They are more than welcoming of any and all visitors, so grab a bag of goodies from the dollar store and head up the hill...or arrange a night to provide dinner! And I am excited to say that these women will - most likely - be joining us at Bayside West on September 23rd to serve as we host The Gathering Inn You are all welcome to come as we serve these homeless families as well. What a beautiful God we serve, to be transforming the served into the servants in His love <3
A feature of this blog will be the "I love..." posts. Whenever I have something- a product, site, blog etc- that I can't live without, I'll be telling you about it!
When I met my husbands family, one of the most vivid memories I had was the amazing aroma in their home. Gail, my mother in law, is a faithful candle burner, and you are always greeted with a seasonal scent that makes you want to stay forever! Nothing says "come on in and get cozy" more that a home filled with the smell of fresh baked pumpkin bread in the fall. I would have to say that taking on this love for candles was a prerequisite to my marriage to Jared, as to him a house isn't a home until it smells like [insert seasonal scent]. I was really on top of this in the beginning, like most newlyweds with their honeymooner habits, but after awhile, it got expensive, and frankly...I had kids. With a curious toddler who LOVES flames, it wasn't safe or practical to keep a dangerous climbing destination around the house, so out went the candles and in came the Scentsy! I met Sheena through a mutual friend when she and her neighbors opened up their homes to host "The Bachelor" nights of girlfriend time and sleezy TV. Week after week we would gather at the neighbors houses...and the common thread in all these Mommy's homes? AMAZING AROMAS billowing out the front door from the moment you enter! Sheena was their neighborhood Scentsy rep, and she made sure I was set up! Read about how Scentsy works and why it is the better choice here
So why am I so excited about it today? Because I just picked up my new plug-in and scents at Sheena's! I've been on a Gardenia kick lately, so I ordered "Fresh Gardenia" and "Vanilla Cream" to mix together. You just put one bar of each into the warmer and OMG it smells amazing in ten minutes! I'm ready to have company over today...my house is a mess but at least it smells amazing :) Click here to host a party, order or learn more about Scentsy
Hello to the world wide web! As I'm sitting here, really late at night, spending my precious restful hours staring my beloved computer I am reflecting on the purpose of this blog. First of all, I have been craving a blog for years now...two years, 4 months and 3 days actually. And with every passing event, story, or exciting life change I am reminded about why I want to dive into this world. Simply put...I have a lot to share! I am thrilled to share about our precious baby girls, my devoted hubby, our exciting faith walk, thriving community and our growing businesses! Facebook is nice, but lets face it, not everyone there cares to read what I'm up to all the time. Maybe you don't either...but you're here, right? And just in time for Creekside Mops...the queen bloggers! I know I love reading my friends' blogs, and I hope to have a fun time sharing with you, too! Let's do this :)
