Shopping FAIL

Yesterday I headed out to Lowe's for some things for the garden.  I had an entire list of stuff, from compost (since my compost pile is not up and running yet), seeds, boards (the rest of the ones I could not salvage), among a few other odds and ends.  First of all I got to the store, and it was so crowded, I could not believe it.  It was as if the ant hill had been disturbed and the ants were in evacuation mode.  There were people everywhere.  Carts were blocking the aisle, people running into each other.  Flowers everywhere.  I took the long way around the perimeter of the garden center to find the compost.  Then I realized that I would not be able to get all that I needed since I was toting Lincoln in the buggy with me, and I forgot my coupon.  So I decided to skip that.  Same for the weed barrier fabric, which they did not have the size I wanted anyway.  As I worked my way through the store and down the shopping list, each item was either not what I wanted or otherwise wrong.  I did end up picking up a few seed packages while I was there.  I hope for a better shopping trip in a few days!  My plan is to have the square foot gardens in place this weekend!!!
I am going to swing by the construction site one more time, and hit the local Habitat Restore to see if they have some lumber for my project!

Shopping Like you are in the Big City

Have you ever wondered where people really shop when they are in the big city?  Now you too can dress like the New Yorkers do.  You can pick up your Carhatt sweatshirt right from a website!  Of course if you are in New York you could always just drop by Dave's and try one on too.  If you live in the south where the weather is much warmer most of the year, you could pick up a few of the Carhatt shirts.  I really like the long sleeve logo t shirt.  I just find it great that you can get anything you want on the web.   Whether it is clothes sold in a shop in New York, or fabric from Japan.  The web gives you access to all these great things without the cost of airfare!

What is your take?

This holiday season is now in full swing. I want to know how you will be shopping this year. Are you going all out and going to the BLACK FRIDAY SALES? Or will you take it easy and spend your shopping hours browsing the internet.

I think this year will be the year of the internet. I have found that it is easier to find coupons, and deals via the web than to drive all about town comparing and hoping that the item I MUST HAVE is still in stock. Having friends and family out of town is another big factor for us. With online shopping you can just have your packages directly sent to them, sometimes you can even find free shipping.

So what are your plans, pajama shopping at home, or fight the crowds on Friday?

Savings is the name of the game

Now that I have my shopping lists under control, and in order, I have to find coupons to save some money on the things I need. Baby toys are on my radar today as I scour the internet for coupon codes to my favorite online retailers. I like to find toys that are going to last a long time, even if the wee one doesn't play with them for long periods of time. I can always put it away and bring it back later like it is a new toy. Legos are always a good bet. They are fun, and stay looking good for a long time. Unless you suck them up in the vacuum cleaner, which I don't suggest. It never hurts to look for codes, most times in your shopping cart you can find an area that you can type in a code. If it works great!, if not well no harm done.

Since I am on the topic of legos, if your tyke loves those fun building blocks, how about skipping Disney this year and heading to LEGOLAND! Just think how excited your little builder would be to see all those blocks in one place. There is a legoland in California, and I heard a rumor that there could be LegoLand talks of one coming to the Orlando area. What a great rumor!

So off I go to find some discount codes for legos, until we can find the time to go to Legoland. If anyone has gone to that building mecca I would love to hear about it.

Break Down Shopping

These days if I don't have my shopping list I can't make it through the store efficiently. Whether the list is long or short, if an item doesn't make it on the list, I will forget about it. I try to make my trips for errands as efficient as possible, making lists for each store I will visit and in which order I will go (so that I don't do a lot of backtracking while driving). This has worked out great for me. When the list is complete. However, there are those times when the shopping list is not complete, and I walk aimlessly through the store trying to remember if it was toothpaste or nutella that I wanted to get.

I really like the idea of a website that could simplify the list making for me and break down the items into the store columns so that I could just print out my list (on scrap paper of course) and be on my way.
This would really be helpful for the grocery shopping list staples. That is your regular shopping list, milk, eggs, butter, nutella, etc. That way it is always ready for you online. I assume that if you forgot your list at home, a dreadful occasion, you could log in via your iphone, and get your list online. Your trip to the store would not be wasted. Good old technology saves the day.

Keep up with the latest about these shopping lists on facebook, the networking that helps you stay organized.

I miss my thrift store

Finding a local thrift store is easy. Finding one that has a constant supply of vintage fabric, sheets, and pillowcases is not easy. I do miss my favorite Salvation Army from back in Homewood, IL. Every time, usually once a week, I went there they had a new selection of vintage drapery, vintage pillowcases, the perfect makings of a reusable bag. I am using the Internet to do a local search for thrift stores in my local area Shalimar, but so far, they don't hold much promise for my "go to" store. The ones that I have visited are too neat, or too expensive, or don't have the salvageable fabric that I am looking for. Local yellowpages can be a good lead but until you set foot in the store you don't know if it is going to be the one! Local antique shops are another group I will look at so there are about 40 stores that I need to check out. That will keep me busy for now. Unless of course anyone out there knows of any near by shops that would be worth looking into!

Fun way to shop!

I just recently rediscovered etsy color finding tool. It is a fun way to shop by color. On the color slide choose the one that you are in the mood for and click. An assorment of fun handmade etsy items will pop up for you to enjoy! I started with blue and ended up going through a ton of different colors, and finding a few new favorties in the process!
If you have not tried out Etsy color tool for shopping, I highly recommend giving it a whirl!

Window Shopping

Window shopping on the internet is so easy. One page leads to another, next thing you know your online shopping cart is full and your new clothes are on their way to your front door. It is hard to find cute maternity clothes in a regular store. They all look so BIG! I have had better luck shopping for maternity clothes online. I have decided to invest in a few basics that can really work enhance my wardrobe. Since it is hot here, I think short sleeves and tanks are the way to go. Simple items that can be dressed up for a night out on the town, and worn with different accessories look perfect for a night at the local pizza joint. Since it is only a few short months that I will actually wear these clothes, I think it is better to have a few nice peices that I can wear over and over, and not get tired of the look. I am looking for a basic t-shirt, a flattering tank top, and everyday shorts. I already have purchased a little black dress that will be my go to dress for the next 5 months.

Window shopping online is so fun, to compare the styles and the variety is endless. I can't even believe how many black dresses are out there. I really enjoy sites where it is to drop items in to the cart, and make your finally decision just before checkout! I guess I am off to see what I have in the cart. Happy shopping to all!

Shopping for a boy

Now we know that we will be having a little boy come December. I have been looking for some cute little outfits. I found this cute appaman onsie with a funny little monkey on it. It will be perfect for summer and year round here in Florida. I love the navy monkey on the blue cotton fabric. How cute. Of course, I can't buy everything I see. I am sure babies grow so quickly that they hardly have time to wear all the designer baby clothes you have for them. They won't grow out of these stuffed animals that fast. One or two special toys would be okay to indulge in. Something soft, and cuddly. I am partial to the jellycat. There are some new designs, too. I found Cordy Roy Alligator, and the Cordy Roy Aardvark. Maybe I will get one for me and one for a friend. I have a few friends that are all expecting within the year. I think Jellycat makes a great gift.
While I am out shopping I might as well get a little something for myself. There is an adult bathrobe by Barefoot dreams that looks fantastic. The fabric looks so soft, and it is machine washable! That is a great benefit. I think they would be perfect for a cover up when we get out of the pool on the cool evenings!

I am going to be on the lookout for more fun items. If you know any items for the little ones that are a must have send me a comment!

Buying For an Acquaintance

An acquaintance of mine is having their second child, and I had to come up with a gift. I would have made a quilt, but usually that is reserved for really close friends. I figure they pretty much have everything they need with all the hand me downs from the first one, so I was stumped on what to get them. I searched for some designer baby clothes, but I wanted something special for number two, so clothes might not be the best choice.

Not too long ago a friend was visiting, and her son had a stuffed animal that he called Jelly. It was soft, and durable, and he loved it! I found out that JellyCat is the name of a brand of stuffed toys, and they have a ton of different animals to choose from. I think that would be a fun and special present for baby number two. Now if Baby One can keep her hands off of it we should be in good shape. The JellyCat elephant and the giraffe are so cute, now I just have to pick which animal I like best!

While I was shopping online at Lou Lou's Corner for the JellyCat, I noticed they had a large selection of Barefoot Dreams items. I found the softest looking hoodie that would be perfect for a chilly day! There is a cozychic throw that is made from the same material, it is a must have. It is machine washable, what could be better than that. I guess today's online shopping adventure was pretty successful: Buy a gift for a friend, and a little something for me!

Food for Thought

There is a friend of mine who loves to get food as gifts! They always say that consumables are the best gifts. I was having trouble finding a perfect present for her, so I turned to the internet of course! I ran across this website called David's cookies. They have such a good selection of delicious treats. The site has great suggestions for every type of gift giving from New Years to Christmas, they've got you covered. One of the sections that really caught my eye was the cookie dough area. They sell their dough frozen, so that you can have fresh cookies anytime. That is perfect for me, because I always have baked goods around, but sometimes I don't have the time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Which results in unhappy troops. The frozen cookie dough would be a life saver.

Still, I had no idea which item to get and send to my friend, in desperation I clicked on the truffle cakes. They looked amazing. I think that is what she deserves. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the photos of the cakes are amazing. Maybe I should get one for myself too! They prices seem a little high, but I am sure it is worth it.

The shipping rate currently is $4.95 flat rate, which is great. For all those out there that have to do fundraising, you could suggest David's Cookies next time you are asked, they have a great program for fundraising. You are bound to make your fundraising goals, because after all who doesn't love cookies!

I am running down a dream

In the home stretch, less than 80 days to go before we move to Florida. I am on the look out for a new pair of running shoes. I need something that is comfortable, and can go from pavement to sand, so I can take a sunrise run on the beach. I will be able to have a daily exercise plan that I can persue outside for the entire year. I don't have to be cooped up inside, due to bad weather. I can slip on those running shoes, and head out 365 days a year! Won't that be nice.
I found a great pair of Keen Running Shoes that might just fit the bill for me. They are listed under the stability tab, and that is one feature I am looking for. I love to shop for shoes online, you get such a variety. I have never had much luck finding running shoes in local stores, and when I shop online I can find much more variety. I don't really like going store to store, so the convenience of shopping online for running shoes is very appealing. Now I just have to see if they have my size!

Budget Business

I was trying to stick to a budget, and having difficulties with impulse spending. So I was thinking of trying a prepaid Mastercard. I think it might be a great tool for mad money budgeting. I can load it up with a specific dollar amount, and that way, when it is gone I can't spend anymore. I could reload it each month with monetary limit and it would help curb that impulse buying. Many of the cards can be reloaded a local chain stores, which could be very convenient. This would be great for those teenagers who (as I remember) are always asking for money. They could use this card just like a credit card, but because it is a prepaid credit card, there is a limit to their spending.

The only thing that I am not completely sold on is the processing fees for the prepaid debit cards. Seems like you are spending extra money, just to activate the card. Then every month there is a processing fee on top of that. It could be a good tool for someone who has let their finances get out of control, this would be a good to rein them back in. It is like voice in the back of your head suggesting you rethink that purchase, before spending your hard earned money on yet another black sweater. If a prepaid debit card makes you think twice about spending, perhaps it is worth the few extra dollars for the fees!

If the shoe fits

We are moving to Florida! Yipee! That is the good news. And now I get to buy all new shoes for our new environment. That is also good news, so I guess there is no bad news. When shopping as you may know, I like to get a good deal, and I always check out SHOP.COM when I am looking for those good deals. I am so excited that I don't have to shop for winter boots any more, and now I can get fun beach shoes. Nothing like a great pair of flip flops, keens are my favorite in that department.
I will be looking into fun keen sandals, for the quick walk to the beach.
You can shop for all kinds of women's shoes at SHOP.COM and get quick price comparisons. My husband, who is not the mall type, likes to browse the internet to shop for men's shoes. If you can't find a price point that fits your needs, you can always check the clearance section. There you will be able to find deeper discounts on all sorts of shoes. Deep discounts on shoes can really be helpful in a down economy, and a little retail therapy might give your spirits a boost too!

What's In Your Bag

I went to the grocery store today with a menu for the week in mind. With my list in hand I gathered all the ingredients for a weeks worth of dinners for two.
The Challenge use only TWO bags.

The Menu
Monday: Potato wrapped halibut with spinach. Straight from this months issue of Bon Appetite
Tuesday: Roasted Potato soup (husbands favorite)
Wednesday: Roasted Turkey Breast with potatoes and salad
Thursday: Turkey tetrazzini (onion and sour cream with peas) served over pasta.
Friday: Turkey Sandwiches

The List:
broccoli
milk
peas
turkey
pasta
halibut
sour cream
potatoes
extras: milk, fruit, cereal
on hand: spinach, onion, bread



The grocery bagger today was great. He took the bags and stuffed everything in without squeezing or smashing anything.
I had two bags and everything fit except for the potatoes, but who would need a bag for that, they are already in a bag.

So what is in your bag? If you are using plastic I can guarantee it is a lot less than a cloth bag can hold.
A plastic bag would have ripped under the pressure of all that food. Not my reusable bags, they never let me down!

I got my New Shoes

While the tempuratre dips to -14 and 45 below with the windchill, I still long for the summer days ahead. Today UPS delivered my new shoes. It might be early to be ordering sandals, but I could not resist.

I have a pair similar to these that my sister had given me, so I know they are the most comfortable pair of flipflops one could ever own. The keen flip flops are the Waimea in Pumice stone. The great toe protector is one of the greatest features to grace the flip flop. The fact that the footbed is so comfortable is another plus. They are perfect for a light hike, and a must have on the sailboat! These don't need breaking in, they just need a warm day to wear them. I can't wait until that day comes!

Local is Best

I recently had someone purchase from my shop because it was local! I am very excited that more and more people are shopping local. There are many blog entries that talk about the benefits of shopping in your community. It is better for the environment and supporting local businesses is a good way to boost the economy. When you use Local.com you can find places nearby that you could even walk to, saving you more gas, which means you save money. If you like to search for places on the internet before you get in the car, a good place to start is Local.com. You can type in your location and they provide you with the local weather (so you know what you are going to go out in) and with local shops from restaurants to businesses.
This page is like a one stop shop, they also have classifieds, and if you have a local business you can list it for FREE on there site. That is one thing I will take advantage of, it is a great way to get your name out in your local area. Since it is similar to your local yellow pages, just easier to use, you might just find something new in your own town. Searching for local restaurants is what I like best. From big city to small town your search results will come up with plenty of places to try. For me searching local is a great way to beat the winter doldrums, I love looking for a great small business that is just waiting to be discovered! Try local, it is eco-friendly!

Sale of the Season

Tonight is going to be the best sale of the season at Threadbeaur. I will be offering 20% off your purchase for Saturday Night November 15. Think of your friends, yourself, and the earth... tonight you will get 20% OFF. Get your hands on the greenest gift of this year. The reusable cloth grocery bag.
Do you have a friend, or co-worker that has everything? Shop at Threadbeaur tonight and get them a gift that they can really use, and get it at the biggest sale of the season.
Tonight only 20% off your purchase. I accept RME and PAYPAL for purchases at Threadbeaur's Etsy Shop.

Buy online with In store pick up....

In hopes of speeding up the process we did just that. I picked out the Fridgeaire dehumidifier 50 pint for our basement on the Lowes website, and opted for the in store pick up. We wanted to grab a bite to eat out there and thought it would be quicker if we bought the dehumidifier online and it would be ready and waiting for us to pick it up, right? I ordered it online at 6pm, at half past 7 (a full hour and a half later) we pulled in the parking lot where it was pouring, and hubby ran inside to pick it up. After a few minutes I began to wonder what was taking so long. Where they giving him a hard time about the computer printed receipt? Was it really busy at customer service? What could possibly take that long. Well, after a half hour, I see him trudging through the parking lot with a cart and the dehumidifier on the cart. Needless to say, he was not happy with what had happened inside. Apparently, they did not have the product ready, nobody could find it and as he stood waiting at the counter the employees that were supposedly "looking" for the item, he noticed that the description and invoice were still sitting on the counter. Finally he went to find the dehumidifier himself in the aisle. They were way up on top of the shelves, so he had to go find yet another person to help him. The two guys that were getting it down, decided since they were up there to spend a few more minutes taking not just the one we had purchased, but a few more down. As if he had not waited long enough. He kept is cool though, and headed back up to customer service to let the gals behind the counter know that he had found the item and would be on his merry way. I don't think we will be using that express in store pick up again. So after that fiasco he got an extra beer at dinner!

Seeking Green...Look no further

I recently found Ecovian. They have a fabulous website that provides a listing of services, shops, and resturants that have green practices. I love this idea of being able to search by city on ecovian. There are so many listing categories to choose from from spas to grocery stores and everything in between. Each category has its own standard of green, and on the website you can get the details for each heading. Last night I was scouting out clothing stores in Chicago that are green on Ecovian.

When you search as I did for a clothing shop, the list shows up on the left hand side of all the shops that are considered green. How would you consider a shop green, well, as they say on the website, the stores are rated on how much of their stock is produced in sweatshop free conditions, and how much of the stock is organic/natural. I love this since I am always looking for sweatshop free items, this will be helpful for me! Each listing has a green meter, little green trees. Those trees give you a quick indication how green the stores merchanidise is. With one green tree being the least green (but still green enough to be listed) and 5 green trees being the best.

The best feature on Ecovian is when you click on the store to get the details they provide you with a map, the store hours, and phone number along with the stats regarding the green factor. The store I was looking up had 3 stars for nautral/oraganic clothing and 5 stars, yes 5 stars, for sweatshop free clothing! Time to go shopping! Ecovian has earned a spot in my bookmarks, so that I can scour the pages before each shopping trip!