Fabulous Finds Friday!!!

On Wednesday, I was shopping for our Disney trip (trying to color coordinate 5 family members x 6 days...not an easy task). Anyway, when the entire mall fails me, I usually hit Sears.  I've been telling Darren that Sears has some really cute stuff.  He doesn't believe me.  LOL! I was looking in the shoe section and spotted these Bongo pewter sneaks! 

Originally $19.99

Marked down to $9.99.  

I tried them on and thought they were cute, even though they are not my typical style. When I got to the register, the cashier said they were marked down even more... to $4.50.  I was elated. If you like them, they have a few left.  Go grab yourself a pair.  That's a total fabulous find!

Next, Bongo Silver Flats

Same deal.... I wasn't CRAZY about these, but they are cute and comfy...

 Originally $24.99

 Marked down to $9.99, then down to $4.50.  Whoooo-hoooooo!

They may not be the CUTEST shoes or the "summeriest" shoes, but I don't care.  A steal, is a steal, is a steal!!!

#ILOVEFIVEBELOW

While visiting my sister in Pennsylvania, for her wedding (back in 2011), I came across an amazing store called FIVE Below.  I spent over an hour there.  Then, in 2012, during my shopping extravaganza on Black Friday, with my step-mom, we spent at least 2 hours in the store.  LOL!  If you haven't already gathered from previous posts, I am a Dollar Tree fanatic. There's NOTHING more gratifying than walking out of the store with 40 items for $40. What is  Five Below?  The name speaks for itself.  It's a store that contains items $5 and below.  While in Richmond this weekend, I got to visit their five below.  Just call me a five below groupie.  Here are a few items that I bought...

Iphone Wallet - $5.00   

I believe my husband is the FIRST person I've seen sporting an iphone wallet, ONLY he bought his in Myrtle Beach for $34.00 and I paid $5.00.  Darren uses his daily, but I plan to only use mine at the pool, beach, or possibly the park this summer.  Five Below had a TON of fun colors.  I just chose a shimmering white iphone wallet.  I love it because it holds your license, a credit card or two, and your phone.  It's contains a wristlet strap, making it easy to transport.

I POOPED TODAY (CUP) - $2.00

It's not quite "a deal", but, to me, it was a no brainer.  I'm always thinking of my "Sensational 6", everywhere I go.  AND when I saw this cup, I turned into one of those people you may see often in a store that TALKS TO THEMSELVES.  I saw it and immediately started to talk to myself, saying, "Oh I have to get this for Jody!"  "This is hysterical."  Jody is quite irregular. It's an on going joke in our group.  I should include a jar of prune juice to go with it.  

HAND TALKING EYES - $1.00

I picked these up for Darren.  I'm always thinking of him too :)  The first thing that attracted me to him was his sense of humor.  He actually won the superlative in high school, "Most likely to be a comedian/ class clown."  Anyway, with the new insta-video feature, I thought these would come in handy for his crazy sense of humor.  Be on the look out for a video soon.  I thought these would also be perfect for a puppet show.  I put them on and followed Jax around the house when he was being whiny (huh, Jax whiny, no not JAX) and pretended to be his conscious.  It didn't blow over too well.  He wasn't happy about two eyes chasing him.

A Retractable Fly Swatter - $1.00

One would think this was purchased for FLIES, but we already have a fly swatter.  I bought it for the closest thing to FLIES as you can get... KIDS!  LOL!  Just teasing - about the latter part.  I really did buy it for my children.  This is my new "paddle" or "spoon" for the van.  It is really hard to "smack" spank them back into obedience while I am driving, so when I saw this item, I HAD TO HAVE IT.  You can tell my brain is always in parent mode.  I ran into the Dollar Tree yesterday and noticed they ALSO sell these. So, I picked one up for my girlfriend, Erin, who's son just turned 3.  We bought him a few trinkets in there and I thought in honor of him turning 3 (the hardest age ever) she needed this trinket.  I'm not sure Mason was too happy about me getting his mommy a new spanking tool.

Unfortunately, that's NOT ALL I BOUGHT, but that is ALL I took pictures of.  I really wish we would get a FIVE BELOW store.  I have high hopes that it's coming, our way, one day soon, because Charlottesville is getting (2) FIVE BELOWS in the near future.  Yes... I just stalked their website to see where there new stores are being put.  

Here are a few other items I purchased...

A NICE basketball for Ty - $5 (normally at least $15.99)
A magic princess pen and pad for Lilah- $2 (normally $7.99)
Blistex - $1 (normally $3.99)
Cheetah and zebra party plates $1.50 each (normally $4.99 each)
A pack of noisy guns for Jax - $2.00 (normally $4.99)

They have a MASSIVE candy section in their store, filled with all sorts of UNIQUE candy.  They also have a "grab bag" candy section.  You can buy 10 pieces of candy for $1.00.  I let the kids each get 10 pieces for $1.00.  This kept them quiet during the ride home... until the sugar high set in.  I love this idea because my kids LOVE variety and have different preferences in candy (ie. Ty dislikes chocolate, while Lilah LOVES Hershey Kisses).  This is also perfect for those people who sneak candy into the movie theatre to avoid paying those astronomical candy gauging prices.

My favorite section in this store is the MEDIA section.  It has a TON of MEDIA steals/deals for android and iphone phones.  Anywhere from cords, to cases, to styluses, to covers, and headphones, the list is endless and CHEAP.

Let's hope we get a FIVE BELOW soon.  If we don't, I still highly suggest, whatever state you visit, checking to see if your vacation destination has one.  You'll LOVE spending time in the store.  OR shop on line at www.fivebelow.com  

A Fabulous Find!

Wow!!!!!  It's been over a year (September 23, 2011 to be exact) since I have done a "Fabulous Finds" post.  I think the idea kind of fell off the radar.  The finds weren't coming as often and as consistently as when I first began this series of posts. Anyway, I found this "fabulous find" at Michael's Arts & Crafts. These are jewelry and accessory trays.  I had been considering these for a while because Lilah's hair product drawer, as well as, her jewelry drawer were out of control.  I finally became fed up... AGAIN... with the dysfunctional space and I committed to making it functional again.  I finally purchased these "trays" when I spotted them at 70% off their original prices.  The original cost, per tray, was $12.99 and I purchased each tray for $2.53.  What a steal!!!!!!!!!!

I love this mixture of animal prints on these trays.

Lilah's drawers are so organized now.  We both love to pick out new earrings to wear etc.  This pattern is now GONE!  I went back, to Michael's, again today, in hopes of buying one more, but that pattern is no where to be found.  However, there are a ton more of these trays in other patterns AND still at 70% off.  I think Michael's is trying to get rid of them.  Be SURE to get out there soon and purchase a few of your own.

As I always say though, "This looks so much better in person!"

CORRECTION!!!!!!!

Great NEWS!!!! I just received this email from Old Navy that the "buy one, get one 75% off" is through Sunday, September 25th. I am so excited. I actually DID share a fabulous find with you today that hasn't expired. LOL! Go out and take advantage of this amazing promotion. Keep in mind, the promotion is ONLY good in-store.

Fabulous Finds Friday!

I'm really bummed that I do NOT have consistent "fabulous finds" to share with you. I have some, but AGAIN, not ones I can share. This "find" doesn't really HELP you NOW considering the sale is over, but I do have to share ONE of MY "fabulous finds" of the week. My children reaped the benefits this time.

The photo above is of a receipt, from OLD NAVY, the length of a 3-drawer dresser.

Old Navy had a "buy 1, get 1 75% off yesterday." PLUS, they let me combine that promotion with a 40% off coupon, off of 1 regularly priced item. I left the store with $127.00 worth of merchandise, but I only spent $55.00. I LOVE THESE TIMES!!!!! Goes to show you have over priced the stores mark up their items.

Fabulous Finds Friday!

As Christmas is approaching, I am finding it to be a tad more difficult to post "Fabulous Finds Friday" because if I do, I am disclosing all the gifts I plan to give away. Darren has reassured me that no one reads our "PRIVATE" blog anyway. He loathes that it's private and is begging for it to be public. LOL! BUT.... I have reassured him that those who I love and I know love me DO READ this blog and those are the people I am on the hunt for Christmas gifts for. ANYWHOOOO!

Last Friday, I couldn't post. I was running around like a mad dog trying to get out of town for my sister's wedding in Pennsylvania. AND, I did have some great finds, but again, they are GIFTS! I 100% promise to take pictures and share them AFTER the FACT.

I only have ONE "fabulous find" that I can share from this week's outings. I went to Sam's Club with the kids on Wednesday. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sam's around the Fall and Christmas. They always have such great and DIFFERENT gifts.

I picked up this toy set and wound up buying it because, to me, it was a steal.

1. Classic Learning TOY BOX by Melissa & Doug

Retails: $54.00 +

PAID:    $29.99

(The lacing shoe is not shown.  It's packaged up for our nephew WILL's birthday!)




Each item individually retails for...


Abacuas:                                $14.95 on amazon paid $7.50
"Tick, Tock, Shape Clock":  $14.95 on amazon paid $7.50
Lacing Sneaker:                    $12.95 on amazon paid $7.50
Wooden Magnetic Letters:   $10.95 on amazon paid $7.50


This set includes (4) INDIVIDUALLY wrapped classic toys: Abacus, "Tick Tock Shape Clock, Wooden Magnetic Letters, and a Lacing Sneaker. I checked out all of these toys on amazon.com and they all received a minimum of 4 stars and a maximum of 5. Melissa and Doug are well known for their vibrant, sturdy, and well crafted toys, puzzles, and crafts. Originally, I bought this set for my nephew who just turned 4. I wanted to buy him the lacing sneaker for a while now.  His mommy is a teacher and this is the perfect age to start learning to tie, but when I couldn't find the shoe alone and saw this, I decided to get him the entire box. THEN, in all of my endeavors this week, I started collecting MORE and MORE for him and realized I went over my budget. I opened the box and to my surprise, I noticed each toy was individually AND nicely plastic wrapped. WHOOP, WHOOP! NICE!!!!!! Now, these other toys can be given to some other special kid in our life OR I can always save them for my kiddies for Christmas (although my kids have 2/4 already).

I realize this is a MORE pricier "FIND", but look at it this way, you can spend $29.99 and give out (4) gifts. That's less than $7.50 per child, plus you're saving over $25.00. Go out and get yourself a box before they run out. I know so many kids, I may have to go grab another. Is your child starting preschool, kindergarten, or even 1st great? This is a great gift!!!!! It helps your child(ren) to count, tie their shoes, tell time, and spell!!!!

Fabulous Finds Friday!

Okay, so today is not really Friday, it's Saturday, but life is sometimes always so busy that you just can't do things on schedule or to a "t". I have (3) great FABULOUS finds this week, but I can ONLY post (1) of them. BOOOO! I know. But... I've started my Christmas shopping and if I post the other two items, I will reveal gifts purchased for a possible reader. ONCE I give the gift(s) to the person, although that fabulous find will probably NO LONGER exist, I will post it, so you can at least see what a great find it WAS! Sorry!!! Sometimes my fabulous finds MAY NOT always be shared or revealed.

1. Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt for BOYS (Size 7 and 3T)

Retails: $29.50
Paid: $9.79 (AFTER the additional 30% off)

Everyone who knows POLO, knows how insanely over priced the clothing is. You pay for the name. I will admit, a better "name" typically means better quality, so refraining from buying the "name" is hard, but I've gotten MUCH better. Anyway, I was at BELK the other day and they were having a HUGE sale on POLO. The clothing was already marked down 60% and then a sign near many POLO items read, "take an additional 30% off". As you can see from above, I saved $39.41 on (2) POLO shirts, one for Ty and one for Jax. GO Kristin, Go Kristin, Go Kristin, Go Kristin!

They HAD A TON left in all different colors (muted red, royal blue, muted teal, and orange). I chose orange because my sister is getting married next weekend and her wedding's color scheme is burnt orange and brown. I thought these would be cute for the boys not only to wear the night before the wedding, BUT also to wear at Halloween and the Fall season.

Fabulous FINDS Friday!

1. Veggie Tales - Larry & Bob - Plush Bible Covers

These two bible covers were purchased at our new local, discount store called Ollie's.

Retails: $13.59 here.

Paid: $2.99

I was super excited when I spotted these because anything Veggie Tales is pretty expensive due to the "name". I purchased BOTH Larry and Bob. I will reserve this gift for Tyson for Christmas. I plan to give him the Larry cover since his favorite color is GREEN. When Tyson retires this item, because he's "too cool", I will give it to Jax. Lilah will then receive Bob. Don't go rushing out to get Larry. He's sold out, but they have plenty of Bobs.

2. Elmer's 3D Glitter Pens (Quantity 24)

One thing I love about Tyson is he is very well-rounded. He's a jock and a gamer, but he isn't ashamed to be bake with his mommy or pull out the good'ol arts and crafts. He has really taken a liking to glitter pens because it's similar to painting without the MESS. I was so thrilled when I spotted this fabulous find.

Retails: $13.99

Paid: $2.99

Where did I buy them? Ollie's AGAIN! On amazon, a pack of (36) retails for $19.99. SO... I divided 19.99 by 36 to find that each pen retails for .55 cents a piece. If you do the math, this set of (24) should retail for well over $13.99 plus tax.

I didn't have that many finds this week as I did last week :( I am in the middle of potty training Lilah and Jax. While shopping is a great way to force myself to really be knee deep into potty training and provides more of a real life situation in the potty training world, it is also a great deterrent from desiring to shop.

Again, all of these gifts are being reserved for Christmas, so please don't ask Tyson about his cool new bible cover or glitter pens :) until after December 25th.

Fabulous FINDS Friday!

My dear friend Ashely created a cute idea that she blogs about, most Wednesdays, and titles them "What I Love Wednesday!" She talks all about what she is loving on that particular day. It ranges from foods, to her family, to items at a store. I could easily copy her, but I don't want to steal her thunder, so instead, I came up with an idea, all on my own, that I think you will LOVE.

Yes, I am known to spend, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE deals. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE me some Dollar Tree. I hope to post, every Friday, "Fabulous Finds". These finds will be "steals" so to speak. There may be a few times I cannot resist the urge to post about something that I should have refrained from buying, due to price, but for the majority, my goal is to share things, with you, that are affordable and practical.

Let me know what you think of my first post titled, "Fabulous Finds Friday!"

1. Star Wars "ReColoritz" by Crayola.

Amazon List Price: $11.97

Dollar Tree: $1.00

Anytime I spot ANYTHING Crayola at the Dollar Tree, I buy it in BULK. Tyson has this item in the Cars theme. I paid $8.99 for it about 3 years ago. When I spotted this item, I bought 3 of them. I have no idea who needs them or who they will go to, but I am thrilled to have saved over $30.00. Now, don't be offended if this ends up in a gift bag to your child for his/her birthday. I won't just give him that alone.

For details about this item, click here. I'm trying hard not to be TOOOOO wordy in my posts so that's why I didn't give a description.

2. Spiderman Travel Kit Toothbrush Plus Cap

Ebay List Price: $3.99
Dollar Tree: $1.00

Not only is this item CHEAPER at the Dollar Tree, but it's trendy and practical. Okay, so what's so cool about this item? The "cap" has a suction cup on the back of it. NOW, I do not like my toothbrushes exposed for several reasons, so I wouldn't use it to stick to the sink or anything like that. Although, I won't judge you if you do. :) Here are two great suggestions for this item:

Suction cup this toothbrush to the inside of your child's shower or bath. Include a trial size toothpaste and while they are bathing/showering, have them brush their teeth at the same time, "killing two birds, with one stone."

OR

Suction cup this toothbrush to the INSIDE of a half bathroom cabinet (inside not outside). Before school, have your child brush his/her teeth on the main floor of your home so they don't get side tracked being on another floor, possibly causing them to miss the bus.

3. Baby Shower Trinkets/Gift Wrappings

List Price on Ribbon: $3.99-$4.99 at AC Moore
Dollar Tree: $1.00

I am a HUGE fan of "fillers" and pretty wrappings. Don't judge me. I promise I am also giving this soon-to-be mommy a special "something" (I cannot mention it incase she reads my blog), but I thought this little snow globe would sit nice on her soon-to-be son's nightstand. And it will be nicely wrapped with this adorable blue/white polka dot ribbon.

4. Crinkle Paper

List Price: $4.99 at Michael's Art Supply
Dollar Tree: $1.00

LOVE THIS STUFF!!!! I use it for everything! Don't mind the ugly colors I chose. I have a very creative purpose behind this color selection.

5. Teacher Gifts

I love to give Tyson's teachers' gifts. I do it for almost every occasion (yes even Halloween and Easter). I don't know if there is any retail savings here, but it is a very sweet, cute, and practical gift. Typically these items are purchased at Hallmark or even Wal-mart for far more then I paid. 3 items for $3.00. Who can beat that?

I know apple gifts are corny and "payed out", but I would give this sweet notepad, note cards, and magnetic pad with a gift card or something else. Don't forget to reward those people that teach your children more than you probably do :)

I hope you enjoyed the first "Fabulous Finds Friday!" post. Until next Friday! AND, if you'd like to share a fabulous find with me, just email it to me and I will feature you on my blog, after I approve it of course :) I have a feeling my very frugal friend Erin will be featured on here a TON!