Haul | Fashion Nova with Special Guest!

Check out my most recent YouTube video.  I recently purchased some items from Fashion Nova!  I can definitely say that Fashion Nova has some nice items especially their pants & jeans.  I will leave the links the items I purchased down below.  Also, shipping is SUPER fast!

My special guest was my son since he did NOT want to nap with his sister.  Hey, mommy still has work to do!  Enjoy!

Scout's Honor Bodysuit--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/bodysuits/products/scouts-honor-bodysuit-black

High Waist Skinny Jeans--White | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/jeans/products/high-waist-skinny-jeans-white

Olive Oil Skirt--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/skirts/products/olive-oil-skirt-black

Necessity Black Shoes | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/shoes/products/necessity-black

F T C

I purchased all items with my own money.  All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

Influenster #ModaVoxBox!

*I received these products for free from Influenster for testing purposes only.  All opinions are my own.*  

It's been a while but I'm coming to you live and direct with another Influenster Vox Box.  This box is the #ModaVoxBox and it contains:  Rimmel London Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara (Retail $5.49-$5.99), Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick (Retail $6.99-$7.49), Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner ($5.99-$6.49), Puffs SoftPack (Retail 1 pack for $1.99-$2.49; 3 pack for $4.99-$5.99), Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask (Retail $14.99), Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa (Retial $2.29), Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer (Retail $5.99/$6.99), and Resource Spring Water (Retain $1.49).

I will start with the items that I have not tried yet, however I am looking forward to getting into them very soon!  The first one is the Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves mascara.  I feel that I cannot go wrong with this.  I know the applicator brush has some curves on it so I am looking forward to volumnizing and thicker lashes with the use of falsies (I'm not good with falsies anyway).  The card states that the brush is "heart-shaped...creates a fringe of big, curvy and rockin' lashes."  Sounds good to me!  Next is the Rimmel Lond Moisture Renew lipliner.  And although I haven't tried it, I already had this in my makeup stash so I am most forward to using that for lip products that I don't have liners to pair with.  This liner is invisible or clear so it gives your lips the definition needed and prevents the lipsticks from feathering out on your face.  The last item that I have not tried is the Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa. I wanted to try it the other night but I read that it must be used with hot milk and I did not have anymore milk :( Bummer right?!  However, I plan on trying this very soon as I go grocery shopping this coming Wednesday!  This works out because I also received a coupon to save 40 cents off any one(1) Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa product.

The other products I have used I have not been disappointed.  I know that Influenster sends me these items to try for free and it seems like I never rave about how bad they are, but that's because the products are actually good!  I think Influenster does a good job choosing items that a majority of others would like and these products are of high quality and from branded companies (off soapbox).  I have the Rimmel London Moisture Renew lipstick in the color Berry Rose.  The lipstick remains moisturizing and is very pigmented.  The only con that I have (I received another color before and already had Berry Rose in my lipstick stash) is that the lipsticks have this smell to it that I don't care for.  However, the smell does not deter me from using the product.  Next, is the Puffs SoftPack tissue.  Where has this been all my life?  A soft pack of tissue in full size form?!?  I don't have to buy the small travel sizes anymore?!?  I'm sold on that alone!  The tissues are really soft and the packaging is amazing.  I have allergies so most of time especially overnight, I need tissues beside me.  I can sleep with these and don't have to worry about crunching the box up. 

I tried the Hair Food Moisture Mask last week as I had been ignoring my hair and it was getting really dry and brittle.  I think the mask was good.  I have to give it a few more goes before I will label it great.  But for what I needed at the time it worked well.  Came out just like a conditioner and I let it sit and washed it out.  The only thing is the retail price is $14.99 and I really have to LOVE something before I even think about kicking out that price.  However, I did receive a coupon for $3 off.  The product is exclusive to Target (as of now) and I would purchase more if the price is on sale or a temporary price cut at Target.  Plus Target Cartwheel helps me save as well if the product is listed.  I have the Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer and this is nothing new to me.  However, I did see that the formula has been reformatted and is supposed to lock in moisture for up to 48 hours.  I always get this lotion for my hands as I HATE to have dry hands (or feet) so for what its worth and the price I think its okay.  Its good in my book because it doesn't leave me greasy and at times it can be a pain because I may have to put it on more than twice (I just have really funky skin).  Last but not least is the Resource Spring Water which is by Nestle.  I think the water was really good.  The part that I liked the most is that the water could be delivered to your home.  What I didn't like is the price.  I feel for bottled water I'm good with getting a non-name brand water to get the job down.  However, if you are one looking for your water to have electrolytes then I would suggest this water.

Overall, this box was good.  I always look to getting Influenster boxes.  It's like waiting for Christmas to open gifts.  What I like most of all is that I get to share my reviews with others and give my open and honest opinion to help others try new and different things.  It also gives me to the opportunity to try things out of my element.  Two thumbs up for this box.  Until next time...

Peace & Happiness
~Erika B~

When Life Gives You Lemons...

It's been a while since I have wrote on my blog and by the title of this you can tell that there's a story behind it.


As of April 30th, I made the move (back) from Florida to Virginia.  Packed what we had and said goodbye to the Sunshine State.  Please it was not by choice! [super sad face]. 


Not too long after the move, after providing me with over five years of service, my White Unibody MacBook died on me ;( RIP MacBook.  You took me places I never new including transitioning from the PC to Apple world.


Since then I have been working Part-time at JCPenney and just trying to make the best of life.  Hence I have been handed lemons so I can either suck it up or continue to build from it.  I was excited that I did get my #VowVoxBox in the mail the other day!  Oww, Oww!  I was excited to receive the new Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting cream, a Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish in Barracuda, an offer code for Riley & Grey, Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave cream, an EcoTools Pure Complexion sponge, and a Tide to Go Pen.  This was my first BIG box I received and I am so grateful for +Influenster for all that they do and share with us so I can share with others!


Other than that life has been a complete....you fill in the rest.  I am thankful for what I have:  a roof over my head, food to eat, a job even when it doesn't pay much, and family support.  Those are my lemons...the things that strengthen me the most to keep pushing into life.


I came up with a quote a few weeks ago when spirit was talking to me:  "Struggles are real but are the most appreciated times of your life.  Be open to nothing because you will always have something."  My somethings are my family, friends, food, shelter, support, strength, anything positive that will keep me going is my something.


What is yours?


~Erika

ModDeals.com!

Ladies!  Have you been mauling over purchasing new clothes and/or shoes?!?  Look no further!  Since I am a YouTube junkie, I was getting my daily dose of subscription videos in when I saw Erica Fae mentioning some shoes that she her purchased from ModDeals.com.   The best thing about it...the shoes were only TEN DOLLARS!!!!  Yes, DIAZ PESOS for my Spanish speaking friends.  I may have not said that right, but you get my drift.  Not only do they have clothes and shoes, they also have beauty items to include nail polish, jewelry, accessories, and bags!  Again did I mention that you can get items between $10 and $15 dollars.  I am in NO WAY sponsoring this site, but just thought it would be great to share with others who like to save a pretty penny!  *Raises hand HIGH*  Knowledge is meant to be shared so don't be selfish!

So if you are still here reading than you are not fast enough or you are smart enough to another tab/window, read, AND shop! 

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Blog Updates!

Hello all!  It's been a few days, but I am back to make a few announcements. 

1. I still am selling L.A. Girl Pro Conceal concealers via eBay!  My store name is shopphoenixrising123 and you can find them there or just do a simple search for "L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Concealers."  Most color options are fair/light skin tone.
2. I will be posting this week about Winn-Dixie HUGE Buy 1, Get 1 FREE sale!  I'm excited about this myself.
3. Last but NOT least, check out my online boutique!  I haven't had much traffic there lately but I do have earrings on sale!  Go to www.shopphoenixrising.storenvy.com :)

Until next time, shoppers!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Joann Fabric and Craft 1/26-2/1

Check today (Sunday 1/26) paper for Joann coupons as well as the coupons they have on their site! 

Coupons (Newspaper & Online)

• 50% OFF any ONE regular-priced item
• 50% OFF + extra 20% OFF your ENTIRE custom framing order
• 50% OFF any ONE regular-priced fabric (1/31-2/1)
• 15% OFF your total purchase (Now-1/30; Online)

60% OFF

• Organizing Essentials Baskets (Reg 3.99-54.99 each, Sale 1.59-21.99 each)

50% OFF

• 54" Home Decor & Special Order Fabrics (Reg 5.99-119.99/yd, Sale 2.99-5.99/yd)
• Spellbinders Die-Cuts (Reg 6.99-59.99 each, Sale 3.49-29.99 each)
• All Strung Beads & Jewelry-Making Boutiques (Reg 1.49-29.99 each, Sale .74-14.99 each)
• Spring Inspirations Coco Liners, Plant Stands, Yard Stakes, Trellises & Shepherd Hooks (Reg 1.99-299.99 each, Sale .99-149.99 each)
• Wilton Candy Melts Candy (Reg 2.99 each, Sale 1.49 each)
• Sew Essentials Muslin (Reg 1.99-7.99/yd, Sale .99-3.99/yd)
• Organizing Essentials Decorative Storage & Wine Tubes (Reg 4.99-16.99, Sale 2.49-8.49)
• Packaged Foam & Foam-by-the-Yard (Reg 4.99-74.99 each/yd, Sale 2.49-37.49 each/yd)
• Polyester Batting By-the-Yard (Reg 4.99-7.99/yd, Sale 2.49-3.99/yd)

40% OFF

• Upholstery Vinyl (Reg 19.99-34.99/yd, Sale 11.99-20.99 yd)
• Holiday Inspirations Valentine Decor & Entertaining (Reg 1.99-59.99 each, Sale 1.19-35.99 each)
• Anti-Pill Fleece Solids (Reg 9.99/yd, Sale 5.99/yd)
• Anti-Pill Fleece Prints (Reg 12.99/yd, Sale 7.79/yd)
• Premium & Artist Brands Quilting Fabrics (Reg 7.99-14.99/yd, Sale 4.79-8.99/yd)
• Fons & Porter Quilting Notions (Reg 2.99-27.99 each, Sale 1.79-16.79 each)
• Selected Fashion Apparel Fabrics (Reg 7.99-29.99/yd, Sale 4.79-17.99/yd)
• Spring Inspirations Wreathes & Bushes (Reg 2.99-79.99 each, Sale 1.79-47.99 each)

Marked Down Items

• Home Essentials 45" Home Decor Fabrics (Reg 9.99/yd, Sale 5.99/yd)
• Duck Canvas (reg 10.99/yd, Sale 6.99/yd)
• NFL Fleece Prints (Reg 14.99/yd/panel, Sale 9.99/yd/panel)
• 72" Felt By-the-Yard (Reg 4.99/yd, Sale 2.99/yd)
• Matte Net & Tulle (Reg 1.49-1.79/yd, Sale .79/yd)

Publix 1/18-2/7

Publix is having 20-day deal!

fruitwater 16.9 oz OR DASANI 1 L, 10 for $10

Snyder's The Pounder Pretzels OR Tortilla Chips, 14-16 oz, 2 for $5

Texas Pete Wing Sauce, 16.5-17.5 oz, 2 for $4

Dannon Oikos Dips, 12 oz, 2 for $4

Manwich, 15-16 oz, 4 for $5

RoTel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, 28 oz, $1.79

Smart Source 1/19, Save .40 on any 2 cans of RoTel Diced Tomatoes

Final Price:  $3.18 for 2

Orville Redenbacher's Microwaveable Popcorn, 2-4 pack, OR Ready to Eat Popcorn or Pop Crunch, 5-6 oz, 2 for $4

Hidden Valley Sandwich Spread & Dip, 11.8 oz, $2.99

Hidden Valley Pasta Salad, 6.9-7.9 oz, 2 for $4

Nature's Own Whitewheat Healthy White Bread, 20 oz, $2.29

Kingsford Match Light Briquettes, 6.7 lbs, $5.99

Farmer's Garden by Vlasic Pickles, 26 oz., 2 for $6

Smart Source Coupon 1/19, $1.00 off One Farmer's Garden Pickles

Final Price:  2 for $5 or 2 for $4 with 2 coupons!

Naked 100% Juice Smoothies or Protein Juice Smoothies, 15.2 oz, 2 for $5

Tropicana Drinks, 59 oz, 3 for $4

Dole 100% Juice Blends, 59 oz, 2 for $5

Gatorade Prime Chews, 6 count, OR Drink, 4 oz, OR Gatorade, 32 oz, 

10 for $10

Publix Coupon 1/18, Buy Any 5 Gatorade 32 oz and Get 1 Gatorade Protein Bar FREE

Muller Yogurt, 5.3 oz, 10 for $10

Publix Coupon 1/18, $1.00 OFF Any 3 Yogurt 5.3 oz

Tropicana Pure Premium Juice, 12  oz, 10 for $10

Tropicana Pure Premium or Trop50 Juice, 89 oz, $4.99

Starbucks Refershers, 12 oz, OR Iced Coffee, 11 oz, 2 for $3

Tostitos Cheese Dip, 23 oz, OR Salsa, 24 oz, 2 for $7

Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips 8-8.5 oz, 2 for $6

O.N.E. 100% Coconut Water, 16.9 oz, 2 for $4

CHI-CHI's Salsa, 16 oz, OR Nacho Cheese Snackers, 4 pack, 2 for $2.49

Coupons.com, Save .55 on the purchase of any 2 CHI-CHI's Salsas

Final Price:  $1.94 for 2!

Skippy Peanut Butter, 15-16.3 oz, 2 for $5

HORMEL Chili with Beans, 15 oz, 2 for $1.99

HORMEL Chili no Beans, 15 oz, 3 for $5

Dinty Moore Beef Stew, 20 oz, 2 for $4

Kellogg's Fruit Flavored Snacks, 10 pk, 3 for $7

Jif Whips, 15-15.9 oz, 2 for $5

Jif Almond or Cashew Butter, 12 oz, $5.99

Pillsbury Cake Mix, 15.25 oz, (excludes Sugar Free), 5 for $6

Pillsbury Frosting, 15-16 oz, (excludes Sugar Free), 2 for $3

Kellogg's Special K Bars, Pastry Crisps, or Moments, 4.4-4.86 oz, 2 for $5

Kashi Cookies, Crackers OR Pita Crisps, 7.9-9 oz, $2.79

Kashi Waffles or Entrees, 9-10.1 oz, 2 for $6

Carnation Evaporated Milks, 12 oz, 10 for $10

Bettyr Crocker Hershey's Cookie OR Cupcake Mix, 12.5-17.9 oz, OR Frosting, 16 oz, 2 for $4

Jell-O Gelatin OR Pudding, 4 servings size, 4 for $3

Dannon Yogurt, 32 oz, 2 for $4

Chock Full o'Nuts Brick Coffee 10.5-11.3 oz, (excludes Decaf), 2 for $6

Horizon Organic Milk, 6 pk (shelf stable), 2 for $10

Fage Greek Yogurt, 5.3-7 oz, 10 for $10

Open Pit Barbecue Sauce, 18 oz, .99

French's Chili-O Original Seasoning Mix, 1.75 oz, .99

House Autry Fish OR Chicken Fry, 11-12 oz, 2 for $3

Weber Seasoning, 2.5-3 oz, 2 for $3

Budweiser Wing Sauce, 14 oz, 2 for $4

Knorr Homestyle Stock, 4 pk, 2 for $3.99

Lipton Recipe Secrets, 2 count, $1.29

Ken's Steak House OR Sweet Baby Ray's Marinade, 16 oz, 2 for $2.99

Barilla All Natural Microwavable Meal, 9 oz, 2 for $4

Coupons.com Save $1.00 on any Barilla Italian Entrees

Final Price:  2 for $2 with 2 coupons!

Ortega Taco Shells, 10-12 count, OR Sauce, 8 oz, 4 for $5

Smart Source 1/19, Save .50 on Any 2 Ortega products

Final Price:  $2.00 for 2 after coupon!

Newman's Own Salsa, 16 oz, 2 for $4

Mott's Natural OR Original Applesauce, 23-24 oz, 3 for $5

Mott's 100% Apple Juice, Gallon, $3.99

Yoo-hoo, 10 pack/6.5 oz, 2 for $5

Hawaiian Punch, 6 pk/10 oz, $1.99

Welch's Fruit Snacks, 10 pk, 2 for $4

Smart Source 1/19, Save .35 on a box of Welch's Fruit Snacks

Final Price:  $1.65/box or $3.30 for 2 with 2 coupons!

Publix Coupon 1/18, FREE Oscar Mayer Pepperoni, 6oz, when you Buy 1 Kraft Shredded Cheese 14-16 oz, 1 Mama Mary's 12" Pizza Crust AND 1 MID's Pizza Sauce, 16 oz.

Oscar Mayer Pepperoni, 6 oz, 2 for $5

Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese, 14-16 oz, $4.99

MID's Pizza Sauce, 16 oz, 2 for $3

Mama Mary's 12" Pizza Crust, $3.99

Get Cheese, 1 Sauce, & Pizza Crust for $10.48, PLUS Oscar Mayer Pepperoni for FREE!

Publix Coupon 1/18, $2.00 off Any 4 Participating Products

Campbell's Go Soup, 14 oz, 2 for $5

Campbell's Slow Kettle Style Soup, 15.3-15.7 oz, 2 for $6

Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauces, 13 oz, 2 for $4

Campbell's Spaghetti O's with Meat, 14.75-15 oz, 10 for $10

V8 V-Fusion Refreshers Fruit Juice Drink, 46 oz, 2 for $4

Also!

Smart Source 1/19

Save $1.00 on Any 1 Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauces

Zephyrhills OR Deer Park Natural Spring Water, 3 L, 10 for $10

Zephyrhills OR Deer Park Natural Spring Water, 12 pk/8 oz, 2 for $4

Nestle Pure Life Splash Water, 6pk/.5 L, 3 for $5

Nestle Pure Life Water, 24 pk/8 oz, 3 for $10

Zephyrhills OR Deer Park Sparkling Water, 6pk/.5 L, 3 for $5

V8 V-Fusion OR V-Fusion+Energy, 6 pk, 2 for $7

Coupons.com, Save $1.00 on any ONE 8 oz/6 pk of V8 V-Fusion+Energy beverage varieties

Final Price:  2 for $5 with 2 coupons!

Express Sale Beginning at Midnight!

Checkout Express for their 40% OFF EVERYTHING Sale starting at Midnight, 1/24!!!

Penny Items at Michael's

Before I decided to be a true and dedicated saver (hey I'm trying this year), I did NOT know that I could possibly walk into Michael's and walk away with items for only a penny.  Yes!  You heard me right, a copper coin that most people throw away or just look at on the ground and keep walking.  At least, if it's on tails, now heads I'll pick it up.  Off topic with the superstitions!  LOL!  But anyway, I learned from some fellow Instagramers (@couponing_girl, @sueyazzie, and @freestufffinder) I was able to find out what items are exactly a dollar. 

HALT!!!  Now before you run to pick up the phone or head to your first store associate you to see to direct you to the "Penny Items,"  READ, READ, READ!!!

The store associate will NOT tell you that they have items for a penny.  The reason why is because the items that are a penny are not supposed to be on the sales floor.  If you happen to find these items on the sales floor, you then can purchase them for a penny.  Make sure that you have ALL the items that you want because if you don't the store associates will pull the rest off of the shelves.  You're basically getting these items for free!

*(Disclosure:  I, myself have not been to Michael's to see how true this is.  There are people from OTHER STATES who have searched Michael's to find these items.  Please DO NOT go in the store acting a fool and calling corporate!  As I stated earlier, these items should have been pulled off the floor!  Please follow @sueyazzie on Instagram for more information!)*

Some items include:

• Hello Kitty/Sanrio
• Ashland (Indigo Blue, Penny + Parker, and Naturals)
• Celebrate It Christmas
• Studio Decor Holiday
• Duck Dynasty
• Squinkies Zinkies
• Holiday Stampers (ink not included)
• Artist Loft 25 Piece Art Case (unsure about this one, but if you luck up more power to you!)

You can find pictures of these items from the Instagramers above!!!

Make sure that you check out the store!  It's not going to be in front of you so you may have to do some searching!  If you are a lively shopper like me, then you won't mind the time and patience needed to find a good deal!  Also, some stores I heard are offering these "penny" items as grab bags.  So if you believe that the grab bags are a good deal, then grab one!  *No pun intended!*

Good luck and Happy shopping!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Update on Boutique!

I have been slacking in the department of keeping up with my online boutique!  Shame on you, Erika!  However!  All of that is changing!  I am currently working on some new projects and beginning a new technique for the earrings to get much more wear and tear out of them!  If you haven't been to the site yet, please check it out here!  I have great stuff for family, friends, coworkers, you name it!  Here is a preview of what you would see on the site... All of the earrings are uniquely named so that they are easier to identify. 



"Egyptian Goddess"                                     "Ready to Hoop?"

"Victorian Charm"                                           "The Chandelier"

Make sure that you stop by TODAY and order a pair.  Also, check out my Facebook page, as I will be having a giveaway for the New Year!  Comment below and/or on my Facebook page if you think I should do a monthly giveaway!  Details of the giveaway and rules will be on my page by 5:00pm EST TODAY!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Outfit of the Days

I decided that I wanted to start doing outfit of the days. This is part of me opening up for 2014 and making myself happy. I have taken a pledge to plunge more into things that I like and make me happy. Not only make me happy but make me feel and look good! What better way than to express myself through fashion. I kind of feel like I'm jumping on a bandwagon, but if that bandwagon is willing to take me to a happy place, I'm all for it!

OOTD--"Stripe Me Down"

Top--Charlotte Russe

Bottoms--Target

Shoes--UrbanOg

Shades--Forever21

As I was writing this blog, I had the GRAND idea to get my fiance involved with OOTD as well.  I figured maybe we can be a tag team/duo like Jay & Bey...minus the rich and fame that comes along with it.  A girl can dream can't she!? :)

His OOTD--"Dos Equis"

Top--Old Navy

Shorts--Aeropostale

Shoes--Nike (Foot Action)

I We will be back to do Outfit of the Days, and if not together, at least one of us...that being me!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Online Store! Phoenix Rising Boutique

So...I've been gone for a while now.  So long to trying to post a blog a day or at least every other day.  UGH!  But anyway, during that time I wasn't blogging, I FINALLY made my online store.  *jumps up and down hysterically*  This is such a hobby of mine and I finally took the opportunity to share it with others.  I have started making homemade earrings to include button earrings and other types of earrings.  I want to add stuff to the collection such as embellished beanies and eventually sell dresses. Here are a few of my pieces that I have created so far....

\

On the site they have little names given to them that I thought would spice things up and add some flair.  I am in the process of promoting myself more and hope that I would have the support of friends, family, and others who are just interested in supporting a small business.  I am proud of my work thus far and hope that others are too and are willing to spread the word.  If interested just go here:  Phoenix Rising Online Boutique.  I will continue to add and update as needed.

Also, if you could leave a comment in the comment box to tell me what you look for when shopping online and what do you look for when receiving an item purchased online?  This would help me with connecting with my customers, having good packaging and promote great customer service.

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Entrepreneurship

So the whole reason for me starting a blog is that my mind runs like an open app (you might see me say this a MILLION times but that's the whole purpose of saying my mind is like an open app) Any who, I have been on Entrepreneur.com for the last two days and looking at low budget ideas I could do to start up my own business from home.  Although I am working on a doctoral degree, my goals in life is to be a housewife, but a working one from home.  I love the fact that I can stay at home with my children, run around and do errands, shop, be domestic, and not have to worry about the stresses of a 9:00-5:00.  Well, in my case now a 7:30-5:15, Monday through Friday.  And the crazy thing about that thought is....I don't even have kids yet!  But the early bird gets the worm right?!  So I'm thinking ahead.  One of my new found interest that I have come across is sewing and reupholstering furniture.  The good thing about that is I will have time to shop in thrift stores and consignment shops for the best item.  The bad thing is I have little sewing skills!  I took a beginners sewing class back in June and it turned out to be easier than I expected.  However, I have yet to buy a sewing machine; hopefully that's in the works around Christmas time. *fingers crossed*  With that being said, I think I will take my entrepreneur skills and plans into the New Year and have that be one of my New Year's Resolutions:  to begin sewing and starting a small business making small moves.  I read a really good article on Entrepreneur.com that talked about ditching your billion-dollar business ambitions....click here for the story.  I will also be helping my soon-to-be hubby make some moves on a landscaping/lawn business.  I can say that 2013 has been a good year for me thus far, but I see 2014 opening more doors than I could have ever expected!  Thank you Lord! :)

Target...Must be the bullseye!

Why, oh, why is Target undeniably a magnet to go spend money?!?!  It NEVER fails that I can go in Target with one thing in mind and come out with five plus things that I say I really needed, however, it was more of a want.  There are TOO MANY incidences to count on hand how I went to “look” and came out with about the store purchased!  One thing I can say is that although I spend money that wasn’t meant to be spent, many of the items I buy, that’s not regular price, are on clearance.  I went to Target about 2 weeks ago and spent $60 dollars on clothes and shoes, but EVERY item was either 50-70% off!  A trick/tip that I learned from Pinterest(another addictive site) is that Target marks their items off daily by department.  Also, the tip is if the clearance items last price digit is an “8,” it will get marked down again.  If the items last price digit ends in a “4,” thats the lowest the item will be (disclaimer:  haven’t tested the theory fully, but seems to be true).  I wouldn’t say wait until the price ends in an “8″ or “4,” however, I would say wait until you feel you are ready to make a purchase and a thoughtful purchase at that.  Most times I purchase items that end in an “8″ because there are only one or two items of that article left.  If there are multiple items of the same thing, then I wait about a week to check and see if the price is marked down again.  If it’s not, I repeat.  If it is, I BUY!  That simple.  I’m trying to do better, but I think the bullseye subliminally hypnotizes people to come in.  Damn you Target, damn you.