Overdue Update! Sales, Kids Books, Beauty Tricks, Coupons

Hi everyone!

I am long overdue for an update! My internship has been keeping me busy, so I have been behind in my e-mails and updating the blog, so here we go.

I ventured to Shopko on Sunday to go shopping with Cassie. We got fabulous deals! I purchased $331.95 worth of clothes for my internship and two purses for only $162.63! That is a savings of 48%! The two purses was probably my favorite deal--they were buy one, get one free. So I bought two purses--one for me and one for Cassie-- for $55 a piece. One was free, so we split the cost of the purse we actually paid for between us. We took some silly pictures, which may get posted. Anyway, there are a lot more deals to be had, so keep reading!

Tip from the Hillbilly Housewife's newsletter:

Frugal Tip - Get a Free Book For Your Kids and Get Them Reading This Summer

Barnes and Noble is doing their part again to get kids reading over the summer. You can download a simple form from their website here:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/

Get your kids to read 8 books, record them on the form and your kids can go to your closest B&N store and get a free book. You don’t have to buy the 8 books they read. They can be books you already have or something you check out from the library.

Speaking of Library, check your local branch for summer reading programs. Many libraries offer their own and they usually have some cute prizes for participants as well.

To elaborate on the last point regarding library programs, I want to say that this is definitely true in Wisconsin! The summer reading theme is Be Creative! So local libraries are offering weekly programs and reading incentives to get your kids reading. Be sure to check with your local library for more details!

Frugal Tip - Cleaning Cookie Sheets and Pans

I was complaining to an older friend that my cookie sheets and baking pans are starting to look really bad, no matter how hard I scrub them. They are still fine otherwise, so I’d hate to throw them out, but those stains and spots are really bothering me.

She suggested soaking them in a mixture of water and borax and boy does it work… they look almost like new and I couldn’t be happier.

As always, Glamour magazine's news letter is FULL of advice and tips. Sign up for the newsletter at www.glamour.com and check these tips out:

Celeb Makeup Artists' $7 Secret Weapon

Can't get a solid night's beauty sleep? Fake the clear-eyed look the same way celeb makeup artists do, with Rohto Eye Drops. "I keep them in my makeup kit and use them all the time," says celeb makeup artist Gita Bass, who counts Kate Hudson and Keira Knightley as clients. "White eyes create a clean palette for all makeup; your eyes stand out and your makeup looks gorgeous, whereas bloodshot eyes stand out for all the wrong reasons, no matter how much makeup you wear," she says. Bonus: The drops cool and lubricate eyes, which can be a nice pick-me-up if you're suffering from allergies, jet lag or one too many mojitos.

A Peachy-Keen Makeup Idea

If you have only a little bit of room in your purse (or wallet!) for new beauty products, you're going to like this catchall trick: Find a peachy-gold lipstick (I like L'Oréal's $9 Colour Riche Lipstick in Peach Fuzz) and use it on your lips, eyes and cheeks for a fresh glow. Penélope Cruz recently sported similar monochromatic makeup--a fab, bright alternative to the deep-bronzed glamazons who hit the beach and red carpet around this time of year. Plus, the look can be pulled off with just one product. You can't beat that!

Another excellent part of Glamour's site is their Body by Glamour Section, which features a food journal, exercise journal, food plans, mp3 exercise tips, and blogs. My favorite part is the little pieces of motivation and inspiration spread about the site. Below is one of the weekly tips from this plan:

An easy way to stay motivated

Even if you've tried and failed to change your exercise and eating habits lots of times before, this time can be different. "First, identify the real source of your motivation to do all this," says Body by Glamour motivation coach Jillian Michaels. "It's not going to be me saying something genius that finally gets you off your butt. It's got to come from inside you." Jillian suggests making what she calls a "life list" of all the reasons you want to get fit—do you want to live longer? feel stronger? love your body more?—and pull out the list for instant inspiration whenever you need it. Get more motivation gems from Jillian every week!

The Coupon Mom has tons of coupons that you can print and use! One thing to keep in mind is that not every retailer accepts printed coupons, so be sure to check before you try using them. For a specific list, visit her website's coupon section.

The Living on A Dime (link on the right) newsletter also offered some awesome tips. One tip is frugal ways to make baby burp rags out of cloth diapers. You can add a border or some lace and make them fancy! Check it out here.

Whew! That was a lot of info! I hope some if it is helpful to you, so please comment with feedback and your own tips!

Sassy, classy, and thrifty!
Chynna

Shopko Memorial Day Sale! TODAY & Monday!

Hello lovelies!

Sorry it has been so long since I posted, but I am finally settling back in at home and with my internship. But I have an exciting sale to share with you today!

Shopko is having their Memorial Day sale TODAY and MONDAY! Check out their website for all the details, but is going to be fabulous! Tons of buy one, get one free specials and buy one and get one 1/2 off deals!

One particularly worth noting is buy one purse and get another purse FREE! Shopko has tons of amazing purses, so this special makes the sale completely worthwhile!

I am heading to the sale now, so I will post more details when I get back!

Classy, sassy, and thrifty!
Chynna

Multitasking Beauty Products! Thanks Glamour!

Thanks to Glamour Magazine's website for this post! Here are a list of some great multi-tasking and inexpensive products for your makeup bag!

1) Chapstick Original
Primary use: Softens (and adds an oh-so-important layer of SPF to) lips without leaving a trail of residue or color.
Works double duty as: A base for powder eyeshadow. Before creating your smoldering eye makeup, slick on a light layer to add a bit of nongreasy stickiness to help powder shadow stay put.
ChapStick Original, $2 at walgreens.com

2) Gel Deodorant
Primary use: Keeps us refreshingly stink-free.
Works double duty as: A creative antichafing solution. Try rubbing a little deodorant on sensitive places—like between your thighs or on feet underneath irritating shoe straps—where you often get tender. The silicone in it will give your skin a bit of slip, and the antiperspirant will reduce the moisture in those areas—another factor that contributes to chafing.
Gel deodorants, prices vary

3) CoverGirl Concealer
Primary use: Masks pesky zits and evens out skin tones.
Works double duty as: The perfect primer for nude lipstick. To make your mod nude-lip look really pop, apply this light-color concealer to neutralize the pigment in your own lips.
CoverGirl Smoothers Concealers, $6 at drugstore.com

4) Hair Conditioner
Primary use: Keeps hair shiny, healthy and tangle-free.
Works double duty as: A shaving-cream stand-in. Thick conditioners can moisturize and protect skin almost as well as your favorite shaving cream. Just something to keep in mind next time you pack your toiletries for a weekend getaway. (Or if you’re at your partner's place and need to de-hair ASAP.)
Hair conditioner, prices vary

5) Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes
Primary use: Cleaning up the less-fun and more-smelly side of babydom.
Works double duty as: A cheap and genius makeup remover. Like the pricey makeup-remover wipes, these are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free and help degunk your face at the end of the day. But since these come in a bigger box and cost a lot less than the ones marked “makeup remover,” that means you can cut back on those (often expensive) trips to the drugstore.
Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes, $13 at target.com

6) Bars of Scented Soap
Primary use: Refreshing skin and/or prettifying bathrooms.
Works double duty as: A travel sachet. Slip a perfumed bar of soap (ideally one that’s unwrapped [not wrapped? Won’t it get on stuff?] and unused) into your suitcase to keep your clothes from picking up the dreaded “hotel” or “airplane” smell.
Scented Soap, prices vary

7) Pure Petroleum Jelly
Primary use: A dry skin soother for a hundred years and counting.
Works double duty as: Almost everything. Folks we know swear by it for a dewy-looking lip balm, daily antiwrinkle cream, the perfect post-pedicure layer (it locks in moisture), an eye-makeup remover and more. If you don’t have one squirreled away in your beauty closet, get thee to a drugstore and pick up this genius (and cheap!) cure-all stat.
Petroleum jelly, prices vary

There are more on the list, but I only included the ones that were super thrifty. Check out the full listing here.

Classy, sassy, and thrifty!
Chynna

Second Hand Shopping by the Hillbilly Housewife

Thanks to my mom for sending me the link to the Hillbilly Housewife's website. Her website includes tons of tips, such as this section on second hand shopping. Check it out!

One of the easiest ways by far to save money on just about anything is to shop second hand. Shopping for previously used items is not only cheaper than buying new it helps to reduce consumption of new goods when perfectly usable items are already in existence. It reduces the amount of garbage entering the waste stream as well when we reuse and repurpose things.

Some of the best places to buy used goods are garage sales, consignment shops, community sales boards like Craigslist, and thrift stores. You may also be pleasantly surprised to find free goods from local Freecycle groups. You can buy just about anything you need second hand.

Clothing – Seasonal clothing needs seem less daunting and constrictive on our wallets when we buy second hand. Many times you can find brand name or brand new clothes and shoes at second hand stores or garage sales. Make a few trips a month and keep a list in your purse or wallet of things you need and what sizes. Ask about special sale days at thrift stores where they slash prices by as much as 50-75% for one day only. By being vigilant you can find just about anything you need for rock bottom prices.

Books – Reading can be an expensive habit if you like to buy books as opposed to borrow them but second hand stores and garage sales often offer very low prices for people of all ages. You can find children’s books especially, that have been well loved, for pennies. Online groups like Paperback Swap are also useful for finding the books you want for cheap or even free in exchange for one of your books you no longer need.

Kitchen Gear – If you like glass or ceramic food containers or refrigerator dishes like vintage Pyrex you can find some great deals at garage sales and on places like eBay. You can also cheaply stock up on dish rags, potholders, flatware, and dinnerware. Estate sales are ideal for finding complete sets of China for low prices and appliances such as crackpots and bread makers.

Home Décor – Furniture can be a big budget breaker but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look at second hand options and don’t be afraid to ask for a deeper discount. Used couches, end tables, coffee tables, and bookshelves are all easy to find generally. You can even search for specific items on Craislist and view pictures. There is just no reason to by new when you can get used items for such great prices. Other things to look for include decorative knick-knacks, picture frames, chairs that can be recovered, or any well used furniture that can be revived with a new paint job.

Toys – This is one of the biggest money savers. Children generally don’t mind something used as long as it is new to them and second hand stores and garage sales are havens for toys. Make sure to shop without your kids to stock up on gifts for holidays and birthdays.

There is no reason you have to sacrifice style or quality while shopping second hand and your wallet will be greatly appreciative.

Second hand shopping is one of my favorite past times! If you are willing to commit the time to digging through all the items available at thrift stores, yard sales, and consignment shops, you will be able to find tons of classy and sassy items! I guarantee an entire series on second hand shopping within in the next month!

Be sure to check out the lists of Thrifty Websites and Blogs to Keep You Going on the right-hand side of this blog. They include lots of awesome information to help you live a more classy and frugal life!

Classy, sassy, and thrifty!

Chynna

Building a Basic Pantry from CommunityHealthTalk.com

I don't know about the rest of you, but I cannot cook! I am learning, but it is definitely a work in progress. While looking for thrifty deals, I came across this post from CommunityHealthTalk.com. Check out "Building a Basic Pantry" for some great information!

Whether you're a college student, just got married or are moving into your first apartment, cooking for yourself can be overwhelming—especially if you're starting from scratch. While the Food Network may seem like the obvious place to start, the trick is to begin with simple recipes and work your way up to more complicated dishes.

Before getting started, make a list of all the ingredients you'll need to create a well-stocked pantry. The following items are just suggestions, so don't run to the grocery store and buy everything on the list. However, most of the ingredients are basic enough that they can be used to make a variety of meals.

Various Oils: Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Peanut Oil, Vegetable Oil

Spices: Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, Tarragon, Cumin, Crushed Red Pepper, Thyme, Bay Leaves, Paprika, Cayenne, Ginger, Mustard Powder, Marjoram, Allspice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper, Whole Black Peppercorns

Extracts: Vanilla (a must), Lemon, Peppermint, Butter, Almond, Maple

Basic Staples:

• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Corn Starch
• Flour
• Sugar (Powdered, Granulated and Brown)
• Yeast
• Stock (Chicken, Beef, Vegetable)
• Maple Syrup
• Cooking Wine
• Milk
• Butter
• Eggs
• Mustard
• Lemons (or Lemon Juice)
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic
• Hot Sauce
• Onions
• Parmesan cheese

Check your basic staples periodically for expiration dates. Believe it or not, even baking soda has an expiration date. Replace them as needed so they are always fresh and available for when you need them. Buy perishable items like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, cheese and meat in small quantities so you have a chance to use them before they expire.

Other Handy Pantry Items:

• Dried Beans
• Pastas
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Canned Soup (Cream of Chicken or Mushroom)
• Various Cheeses
• Sour Cream
• Cream Cheese
• Canned or Frozen Vegetables (usually frozen taste better)
• Potatoes
• Celery
• Carrots

With just a little time and effort, you can learn how to make simple dishes that are much more satisfying than microwave dinners, not to mention much cheaper and healthier. Try adding cooked ground beef and frozen vegetables to your favorite spaghetti sauce and pour over pasta for an inexpensive Italian meal. For an easy casserole, mix cream of chicken soup with cooked rice, leftover chicken and frozen broccoli, top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly. Another option is to top salad greens with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, ham, tuna, chopped egg, carrots, green peppers, diced fruit, raisins and nuts for a healthy, easy meal.

Once you get comfortable making a few basic dishes, try substituting different meats, vegetables and spices to add variety—the possibilities are endless. To find other simple recipes, ask friends and family for suggestions or go online to search the countless recipe and food sites.

Good luck cooking!

Classy, sassy, and thrifty!
Chynna

How to Be Classy (thanks WikiHow!)

While preparing to launch this blog, I came across this WikiHow article that outlines How to Be Classy. The article explains:

1) Choose your battles; choose your friends. Few battles are truly worth fighting. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves (mentally disabled, animals, children, etc). Be wary of those who appear to enjoy bickering. If someone is rude to you, either ignore them completely (recommended) or, once you have completely calmed down and are thinking clearly, explain how you perceived their actions and work towards a resolution. Never stoop to their level, and do not be hasty. Surround yourself with positive, polite people who encourage and live your classy, intelligent lifestyle.

2) Choose your words. The classy individual listens more than he or she speaks. Having a strong vocabulary is important, but do not use a word unless you are certain of its meaning. Use words to express yourself lucidly. Importantly, do not correct others when they use improper grammar. Differences in background, family life, and education cause people to speak differently, and often people use slang for effect. More than this, it is irritating and degrading to be corrected by a know-it-all.

3) Do not insult, gossip, or slander. When necessary, voice your opinions appropriately and constructively. This encourages your audience to listen carefully when you speak.

4) Be independent. You must be courteous, but do not bend over backwards to please others. If you do, you may find yourself being taken advantage of in the future. Limit your time and availability and draw boundaries with others so that they are aware of your limits.

5) Break the stereotype shackles. More often than not, using labels in any way, whether to identify yourself or others, shows a lack of creativity, lethargic social skills, and a lack of careful observation. Give everyone respect and the benefit of the doubt.

6) Be assertive. Avoid passive-aggressive thinking; this is likely to trip you up eventually. Assertiveness demonstrates maturity, thoughtfulness, and confidence. Class requires balance, and assertiveness is a prime example of this concept.

7) Define yourself with a clean and elegant look. Excellent presentation is half of the battle. Wear clothing and accessories which flatter your body and never wear anything you feel uncomfortable in. #*It is important to remember that modesty is key in earning the respect of others. A bit of cleavage may be fashionable, but true gentlemen will appreciate modesty more than exposure.

8) Avoid getting caught up in trends. There is nothing wrong with enjoying fashion or buying clothing you find attractive, but it is important to stay in control.
Do not become a slave to fashion, or you may be regarded as foolish, "high maintenance", and/or shallow. The clothing you wear should enhance your personality, not create or alter it. This advice can be applied to many aspects of life in which you may feel pressured to "fit in.

9) Know when to ask for help, but avoid desperate behaviour. This is the kiss of death for the classy person. Only desperate times call for desperate measures. Take a deep breath, be strong, and move through the situation with elegance and grace. You will be the victor for it, no matter the outcome. If things get out of hand and you feel completely overwhelmed, as for help from a close friend or family member.

10) Seek wisdom. As difficult as it can be to heed the advice of those more experienced than yourself, it is a necessary step at times. No matter your age or ability, allow yourself to learn from the mistakes and victories of those older or more experienced than you. You will win their favor and be available to pass on your own wisdom or advice.

11) Be open to personal development. Do not berate yourself, but be receptive to constructive change. In our world, change is inevitable. Be a positive and flexible part of it and show others the way as well. Face life rather than burying your head in the sand and others will know instinctively that you are someone whose opinion counts.

12) Carefully consider tattoos and piercings. Let's face it: it is easy to judge by appearance. Therefore, take careful consideration when deciding if it is a good idea for you to get visible tattoos or body piercings. Even though a person’s outward appearance does not automatically show his or her inner qualities, appearances can reflect how a person is willing to be perceived by the world.
Job opportunities may be limited by such an expression. Also keep in mind that although tattoos and piercings are expressions of individuality, they can be permanent or difficult (even costly) to remove. If you are in doubt about how a tattoo or piercing will impact you in the future, find another way to express yourself.

13) Be knowledgeable and aware. It is wise to become politically, culturally, and religiously aware. Even the most basic knowledge can save a person from embarrassment and awkwardness. If you know in advance that you will be spending time with someone of an unfamiliar background, it is a good idea to do more in-depth research to avoid embarrassing faux pas.

With all of this in mind, I have created this blog as a place for me to share classy, yet frugal tips with you all. Raised by one of the most frugal women in the world (I love you mom!), I have learned since infancy how to make a dime stretch just as far as a dollar. Additionally, I am working my way through my undergraduate education at UW-Madison, so I know a thing or two about living on nothing. I hope you enjoy this blog and PLEASE COMMENT! I want to hear your tips, tricks, and secrets!

Classy, sassy, and thrifty!
Chynna