Microtrend: Colorful Clutches

I love clutches. And right now, we are seeing them in lots of bright colors - also called a microtrend. Personally, orange is a favorite of mine. Head over to Bags Bonanza and bid on any bag you want. This Lauren Merkin orange clutch is $50 OBO. The same one on eBay is selling for $75.

I will have to do another entire post on buying used. I just bought a gorgeous pair of Hive and Honey shoes on eBay for $15.99.

Target Daily Deals

If you haven't signed up yet, I would encourage you to sign up for Target's Daily Deals. Always free shipping and a reduced price, you can't beat it (if you need the daily deal). Today's Deal is Mossimo Junior Long & Lean tanks. Be sure to order a size up from your normal size - since I can assure you I am no longer a "Junior" size. These are nice and snug, but long and super for layering.

Today's offer is $8 a tank, buy one get one (BOGO) for $1. Mine was $9.86 for two tanks, including tax (free shipping).

Deals: Bobbi Brown

I just ran out of Bobbi Brown foundation and my cream eye shadow - right when the stores are crazy for Christmas and there's no parking to be found. So I decided to order what I needed online at Bobbi's site. I've said it before, but when you are looking for a new look, have someone help you at the makeup counter. They know the latest trends and it's free! But in this case, it's just a reorder.

Much to my delight, I found that if I placed my order by today 12/9/10, Bobbi Brown was giving away 3 samples - of which you could choose from 8 products. In addition, I always check Retailmenot for discount codes. Again, much to my surprise I found four free codes for eyeliners and eye shadows with a $65 purchase. I only needed two things, but I have 7 items arriving for the price of 2, plus free shipping! Much better than the make-up counter.

Deals: $6 Leggings

Honestly, it doesn't get better than this. Mossimo leggings at Target are $6.00 each. I tested them out first before I posted to see how they did through washing. They're great! Ladies, while you're there, please grab a few extra long shirts to cover the derriere. And yes, 1990 called and they want their leggings back! Everything comes full circle I guess - leggings and flats were all I wore in high school.

Deals: Consignment and Vintage Clothing

I'll admit it, I love consignment stores. I seem to get the most bang for my buck with children's consignment stores and I feel exhilarated each time I go in and see I have credit. My favorite kid's consignment store in Seattle is Me 'N Moms. It's also close to my house.

Many people feel like it's too complicated to manage. I have a simple system where I keep items that the kids have outgrown in two large bags - spring/summer and fall/winter. It's rare that consignment stores will take clothes for the season that you are in, unless it just began. So right now, consignment stores are buying for fall. Seattle weather is fairly mild so I lump fall/winter together and only a few things get passed back to me to "bring back closer to winter" - thick jackets or gloves. I also call ahead and get the appointment on my calendar so I have time to prepare. It does require some organization (and a bit of storage), but it works! It seems consignment stores all work a bit differently so find the one you like best.

But where I'm really behind is finding clothes for myself! When I lived in San Francisco, these were the only stores I shopped in. So forget the kids this weekend and head out there for yourself! Here are some suggestions for my west coast peeps (now put your hands up) to the best consignment, used & vintage stores for Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento (wouldn't forget you Sac), Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Happy shopping!

Deals: Today's Groupon is for the Gap!

I was surprised to see that today's daily deal from Groupon is from the Gap. Pay $25 and get $50 worth of sale or regular-priced merchandise from the Gap. In-store only (bummer) but still a great deal. Expires 11/19/10.

Deals: Summer time sales

The old joke in Seattle is that summer begins on July 5th. Only it's not a joke. FINALLY, just as we're starting to get our warm days, the summer blow-out sales start sizzling. For instance, I was at Target this week and they are clearancing all their outdoor summer items now.

I'm not usually a Sears shopper, but there is one in my office building and every once in a while, I check out the sale rack. Literally, all the summer kids clothes were on the clearance rack which was highly marked down, plus an additional 40% off. I found some really cute Carters items for my daughter for next summer. All 3 items pictured cost a grand total of $8.37 (without tax). Buying for next season can really save you money. Yes, you have to store the items, but I keep a plastic bin in my garage with the kids "next" sizes up. Makes it super easy to keep track. Enjoy finding some good summer deals out there!

Deals: Craigslist

Lately, I'm starting to think there is nothing I can't find on Craigslist. Recently, I took my dining room Crate and Barrel rug to Goodwill. We only have one eating area - dining room and breakfast room combined, so the kids had really stained this poor rug to the point of embarrassment. So I promised myself that this time I would find a rug on a dime so when it gets ruined, I wouldn't care. And here it is. It's not fancy, but I won't be sad if a pizza drops on it!

Pottery Barn Jute rug off Craigslist for $40. Tags still on and in the original bag.

Deal: The Real Straight Jean

I’ve been searching for some time for a great pair of affordable jeans. I must admit, I appreciate the “skinny” phase we’re in, but there are certain aspects to that style of jean that don’t work for me. 1) They hug my calves too tight both physically and visually; and 2) they make my butt look big which it’s not (I’m not saying I have a smokin’ behind, just saying I don’t have an enormous one). My husband has even pointed out that my skinny jeans don’t do my backside any favors, while many other jeans I have, he thinks look awesome.

I found them! Actually, my girlfriend found them, but either way - they are found! And apparently we didn't have to search very far. They are called “Real Straight” from the Gap. They fit perfectly on the waist – not too high (mom jeans) or low (muffin top) and the leg is clean and straight (but not form fitting at all). Go for the dark wash and although I am 5’ 5”, I have the ankle length (which honestly isn’t that short). They go perfectly with ballet flats and flat sandals. They are extremely comfortable, don’t stretch out, and stylish. Using the Gap discount (as previously posted), they were $55.60! Enjoy.

Deal: the lunch tote

We're all very well aware of reusable bags at this point. Mine are hideous - a free gift on earth day a few years back and I only use them for grocery shopping. But thanks to my friend Lisa, I'm now the proud owner of a new reusable lunch tote. I love it! It carries my lunch and a few other items to work each day and stands up to the cold fridge much better than paper ones (and of course good for the environment). I also use it to carry home a few things at night - items that I don't want to get lost in my purse.

These are at Target (in-store only) for $4.99 for the 3-pack. A great gift idea for sure or a little splurge for yourself so your lunch (or whatever you decide to put in there) looks a little bit more exciting!

Deals: Target Daily Deals

I've already done a post on the daily deal sites that have been popping up lately. But don't forget about good old Target. Called Target: Daily Deals, they offer a new deal every day with free shipping. They do sell out and you never quite know what they will offer. Sign up to follow on Twitter, RSS or email.

Deal: The Bra Factor

I know it sounds strange, but I wear an odd bra size. The only brick and mortar location to buy my size is Nordstrom. I honestly cringe when it's time to bra shop again because I know two bras later, I will be $150 poorer. Oh, the things I could get for $150!

This week, I ran into Nordstrom Rack for something completed unrelated and felt like I had just been awakened from a coma. The Rack sells bras? And they have an entire little section dedicated to my size. AND, I found a Natori seamless one for $27 - which is still selling at Nordstrom.com for $70. It's not lingerie - it's for the every day. My mom always used to say, when you need to feel pretty, go get your hair cut and buy a new bra. So I did both this week. Man, do I feel perky.

Deal: Safari 2010

Remember when Banana Republic sold safari clothes? I do. Twenty-three years ago, my mom took me to the BR at Pavilions shopping center and bought me a seriously over-sized (my choice) safari t-shirt with a globe on it and khaki linen shorts. Just my surprise this spring when all the summer fashion started arriving at BR and what did it feature – safari gear!

Of course, the looks have changed quite a bit since 1987, but I did find myself leaving the store with what they refer to as their “safari shirt”. It’s hot pink mind you and it was free (birthday gift card) and is just long enough to go great with skinny jeans or white summer shorts & wedges. I actually prefer it un-tucked (compared to the model above). Hubby says it’s not appropriate for work (I disagree). And much to my surprise when I found it featured it Lucky Magazine this month (in hot pink!) Personally, I think it's a Deal because of its versatility and take 25% off when you use your BR, Gap or Old Navy Card through 5/23/10 (see my previous discount post).

Deals: Kid Friendly Restaurants - "$"

In an attempt to find some low-budget, kid-friendly restaurants, I came across Urban Spoon. It deliciously covers over 70 cities - even places like Santa Barbara. Sort by city, then by neighborhood within the city. From there, you can sort by name, popularity or price. Then of course, I selected kid-friendly and opted for price so I could look at "$" and not "$$" or God-forbid, "$$$" with kids.

Here's my Seattle search (all neighborhoods), in the "$" range, kid-friendly. From here, just select your neighborhood.

Deals: Cheapy Weighty Suity

Spring is upon us, which only means one thing. Swimsuit season is next. This gives me shivers. Combine the thought of summer with my scary dressing room experience at the Gap last week and exercise is the first thing on my mind. So let’s discuss both – exercise and swimsuits.

There’s nothing cheaper than exercising outdoors. You can jog (not my favorite) or briskly walk (my favorite) or do a little of both. Purposely target some hills or add some weights to really feel it. Or push a stroller if you have kids. Find a park to walk through, or a nice trail, or pick a fancy neighborhood and check out the beautiful houses while you stroll. If you have a dog, give the guy some love and get moving!

There’s nothing cheaper than finding something you LOVE and being able to wear it season after season. I feel this way about J. Crew swimsuits. Seven years later, I just retired my favorite J. Crew bikini. If you count the seasons, they really do pay for themselves and quite honestly, they aren’t that expensive. I’ve had one Target swim suit and it only lasted for one year – actually it was one summer. The days are getting longer – get out there!

Deals: Love me some Kashi

I don’t know about you, but I love me a good bowl o’ cereal – morning, night – whenever! Sometimes it’s hard to balance affordable and good-for-you. I think Kashi does a great job of this. In the cereal arena, my two favorites are Heart to Heart and Autumn Wheat.

My kids have never had “kid” cereals, but they sure do love these – healthy and all. The cheapest place to buy Kashi cereals in my hood is Trader Joe’s at $3.49. Target is a close second with $3.69. If it’s over $4, you’re paying too much. In fact I consistently see it for $4.99 a box in the “health food aisle” of other stores – WAY too much. I often see Kashi coupons online or in the weekly circulars. And, if you’re up for hearing from another company in your life, sign up online for their news. You’ll get coupons, tips for living a healthier life, and sometimes, you’ll receive food samples in the mail. I never complain about free food.

Deals: Gaming 1.0

And I don’t mean the video kind. Two kids later, our family has really gotten into games. On the flip side, even my monthly girl’s nights are game-related. We like to play Mexican Train Dominoes (those evenings also include a $5 wager and a nice selection of wine). Makes for a very fun and cost-effective evening.

Once you make the investment, games will last for years and provide low-budget fun. Here are some recommendations. What are your favorite games?

Pre-School
Picture Link
Zingo
Don't Spill the Beans
Memory (many versions here with your kid’s favorite animated hero)
Whac-a-Mole
Don’t Wake Daddy
Trouble
Candyland
Chutes & Ladders (Also available in a variety of themes)

Kids
Pairs in Pears
Great States
Smath
Wordplay for Kids
Rush Hour

Tweens
Bananagrams
Like Minds
Monopoly (many varieties)
Apples to Apples Junior

Teens (and up)
Taboo
Cranium
Empire Builder
Loaded Questions
Imaginiff
Apples to Apples
Scattergories
Bananagrams

SAT Game for Dummies

Seattle'ites - don't forget about Blue Highway Games on Queen Anne. A great place to buy gifts, but they also have an entire game wall and tables. Grab a game and play for an hour or longer - FREE.

Deal: No, seriously, I took the Suave Challenge

I’ve always been plagued by fly-aways. I’m not talking Sarah Jessica Parker at the Oscars fly-aways, but still. Lately my hair has been getting even drier. Add a few pregnancies with the hair loss and re-growth and honestly, I just looked silly.

After consistently seeing those “we-tricked-salon-professionals” commercials, I started to wonder. Could Suave Professionals work for me? Really?

Regular Suave is in the $1 range, right? So I embarked on a Target run and decided to take a peak. Suave has really stepped up their game. The Professionals series is $2.04 each. Seriously?

Ok, so for a total of $4.08 I gave it a try. I almost bought the version for Volumizing because I have really fine hair. I considered Color Care because let’s face it, I haven’t been a blond since the early 90’s. I opted at the last minute for “Sleek” because that’s what was plaguing me the most.

Results: I’ve almost used up both the shampoo & conditioner and I will definitely re-buy. My hair is styling better, has much fewer fly-aways and almost feels thicker. Honestly, I’m shocked.

Deal & Freebie: Movie Land

Brick and mortar movie stores are becoming a thing of the past. Sad because when you have little ones, they love to run up and down the aisles pulling down all the movies. Wait, I mean they love to run up and down the aisles and pick out their own movie.

My neighborhood Hollywood Video is officially closing its doors, so I just joined Redbox – mainly for the kids. But it’s a pleasant surprise to see $1 rentals instead of $3.50. I’m already a Netflix gal, but we use those rentals for the parents in this house.

So if you’re up for checking out Redbox, you can get a free rental by signing up online. Or become a fan on Facebook and receive a free rental for St. Patrick's day (that's tomorrow). The code can only be used to select a movie at the kiosk (you cannot reserve it online before hand) so if you are hoping for a great flick, go first thing in the morning on the 17th to make sure they don’t run out. For future convenience, use an online account to reserve your movie before you arrive. Find your nearest location here.

Deal: The Low-down on Sheets

Do not buy sheets at Target. I repeat - do not. This post is for a reader who asked about advice on sheets. She just recently purchased 400 thread count doozies from Target and is about to return them. I have found that Target sheets are rough or make you sweat. Either way, no one wins.

Best sheets for the money are from Macy's (or department store that carries Charter Club).

Charter Club Collection "Damask Solid" or "Damask Stripe" 500 Thread Count - 100% Pima cotton.

And of course, they are on sale now for $99 for the queen size. Bring in the old Macy's card and you get 15% off - now you're down to $85. Soft, thick & luxurious!