I’m Not Usually A Gambler, But…

I’m one of those annoying people who generally plays things safe, especially when it comes to money. If I don’t know what exactly I’m getting, I don’t usually get it. But, as they say, there is always an exception to the rule… 

This morning Noah and I went to Michaels to get him a white t-shirt for tie-dying at camp, since they were on sale today. When we walked in, front and center, I saw these:

Michaels grab bag score

Now, in the past I’ve been able to resist the urge to try my luck at one of these grab bags. But today, something was calling me to them. I knew it would be summer stuff from the 4th of July. And maybe it’s because we were just recently at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for my friend’s son, but I realized that now would be a great time to take a chance on some patriotic-themed decor. After all, Jake is hopefully starting his Eagle project soon, and he is well on his way as far as advancements are concerned, so I’m not being premature thinking ahead. It’s pretty standard to use red, white, and blue in the decorations and table settings.

I tried to peek inside the best I could and in two boxes I noticed things I definitely was interested in. Noah convinced me to take a change and buy both of them. After I unpacked it all, I was absolutely thrilled with the contents! Here it all is, combined into one box.

Michaels Grab Bag Score

Now, let’s do a little show & tell, shall we? Remember, I paid $8 for everything! First up, this cute basic tee-shirt. It could probably benefit from a fun saying on it, so I can make that with my Silhouette. 
(Value: $9.99)

Michaels Grab Bag Score

Next, 9 bunches of silk flowers — 4 of the daisies with stars on the petals (price tag says $3.99), and 5 bunches of red/white/blue silks (price tag says $8.99). 
(Value: $60.91) 

Michaels grab bag score

Then, there are these vases. I think these, combined with the silk flowers, are going to make perfect centerpieces! The 7 small bottles (one got cut off from the picture because I was rushing) were priced at $6.99 and the large striped bottle (which I absolutely LOVE) is $9.99.
(Value: $58.92)

Michaels grab bag score

Then there are two of these metal signs, $24.99 each . Maybe I’ll give one to my mom! 
(Value: $49.98)

Michaels grab bag score

I absolutely adore this sign! I remember seeing in in the store and thinking hard about it. It is actually burlap and very rustic looking. It will be so cute next summer!
(Value: $24.99)

Michaels grab bag score

OK, I’ve saved the best for last. It was seeing these two trays that made my heart skip a beat. I almost bought them last week, but even with a coupon couldn’t quite justify it. I love the quilt patterns painted on (I may actually crochet a throw based on the design of the smaller tray — that wouldn’t be too hard if I did squares) and Drew loves wood signs. We actually were able to have lunch with him today and so I showed him and asked what he thought. He really liked them too, and thought of covering the design with epoxy or something to preserve it in case there is a spill. The smaller tray was $19.99 and the larger one was $25.99.
(Value: $45.98)
Michaels grab bag score

So, drumroll please? …. I got over $250 worth of stuff for $8! Now, I would never pay full-price of course, that’s just not how I am. But even if it was, say, 60% off, that’s still over $100. I think I really lucked out! 

NEW!!! Erin Condren Surprise Boxes!

 

A photo posted by Carol Bancroft (@planwithcarol) on

You guys!!! Did you see this today? Erin Condren sent an email to their VIP list and let everyone know that they have seasonal surprise boxes starting in January! According to the website, it will contain $80 worth of goodies, but it only costs $35, which includes shipping. I think that is quite a deal, so I jumped on it. Supplies are limited, so once it’s gone… it’s gone. If you want to get a code for $10 off your first order, sign up using my referral link! And be patient. First you’ll get a code for 10% off, but after you finish your registration you will get an email with a code for $10 off. If you’ve been wanting to check out EC’s products, this would be a fantastic way to get a variety for a good price. And who doesn’t want a little pick-me-up in the middle of January?

{Review} Prescription Glasses from Firmoo

Firmoo.com

Disclosure: I received a free pair of glasses from Firmoo in exchange for a review on my blog.
All opinions expressed are my own and I received no monetary compensation.

For a few years I’ve been reading blog reviews of various mail-order glasses websites. I always thought it sounded convenient, but I was hesitant. Would my prescription be correct? Would the glasses fit well? I never felt brave enough to try it out. However, a few weeks ago, a rep from Firmoo.com contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in trying out their service and reviewing it on my blog. Absolutely! 

Ordering from Firmoo was easy. I browsed their selection for a pair of glasses I liked. Honestly, that was the hardest part because there were several that I thought would look good on me! In the end, I decided to go with a funky pair of frames — something totally different for me. When I placed my order I filled in all the usual shipping information as well as my eyeglass prescription. They have information on their site to help you along and make sure you are putting everything in the right place. I hit “submit” and then waited for the glasses to arrive! 

Here’s the timeline:

  • Order placed: July 10
  • Order shipped: July 14
  • Order received: July 23

The glasses came from China, and I was impressed with the speed in which order was produced and delivered. They arrived well-packaged in a lovely hard case, complete with a special cloth to clean the lenses.

Firmoo.com review

The frames themselves were just what I expected! They are fun and different, and fit exceptionally well. In fact, I’m considering ordering another everyday pair from them.

Firmoo.com review

Firmoo.com review

 If you are interested, you should check out Firmoo’s First Pair Free Program. This is for new customers only. 

Powered By Firmoo

 If you’re looking for an extra pair of glasses, or some fun fashion frames, I would definitely give them a try!

Spring Influenster VoxBox

Spring Fling Influenster VoxBox

I was so excited to be chosen to receive my Spring VoxBox from Influenster! It was full of fun products for me to try out and review and so far I’ve liked everything.

My box included:

  • Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
  • Kiss Everlasting French Nails
  • Peach Pie Car Freshener from the Labor Day Movie
  • Playtex Sport Fresh Balance
  • NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Lotion

Some boxes also included the Softlips Cube. Sadly, mine did not 🙁 I made an unboxing video when I received it. Check out my first impressions! I’ve been testing everything and sharing my thoughts on Instagram, and Twitter. So be sure to follow along!

Disclosure: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

{Vlog} April Favorite Finds

 photo MamaKatMomPulse1_zpsee3f6fbf.jpg

OK, kids — here we go! I have done a very (very) limited number of video posts (a.k.a. vlogs) in the past, but I feel like it’s time to shake up the old blog here and do something different and maybe try it again.

Inspired by my longtime bloggy friend Echo of Life’s Like This, I decided to give it a go. I’m linking up with MamaKat who does a weekly Vlogging Workshop and this week I’m talking about some of my favorite purchases from last month. Who knew I could ramble on about purses, wallets, and tea for so long?

So… what do you think. Love it? Hate it? Should I keep doing these? Am I just a big dork who gets overly excited about tea and candy? (The answer to that last question, of course, is yes… clearly.) Let me know what you think! And let me know if you bought anything super fun last month!

Resources:

1. Bag from Pick Your Plum {no longer available}
2. Wallet from Ebay seller
3. Lots of amazing teas and treats from Harney & Sons

cyber monday deals at eversave

Eversave has a great deal today from Overstock.com. I’ve been an Overstock customer for many years and I’ve always been pleased with my purchases. They have amazing jewelry deals, so if you finished your shopping on Black Friday, maybe take advantage of this Save to pick up something for yourself!


Overstock.com

Cyber Savings:$10 for $20 worth of high-quality, brand-name gifts on Overstock.com – plus free shipping!

They also have an entire page of special Cyber Monday deals, and if you use the code CYBER, you can get an extra $3 off. (Note:This code is only valid on the Cyber Monday deals — it will not work on the Overstock share.) Also, Save Rewards cannot be used on select Cyber Monday deals.

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link.

hartstrings black friday sale

Photobucket

Do you guys remember the Hartstrings review I did a couple weeks ago? Well, the dress was a hit at the birthday party and held up well in the wash. I have since been eyeing an adorable Christmas dress for Laura. What do you think:

Photobucket
Obviously I love the traditional look for dressy outfits, but offers a variety of styles from classic to modern. And they are having an excellent — everything  on their webiste (including sale items!) is an extra 20% off. If you hop over there you’ll notice that many outfits are already discounted, so you can get 20% off on top of that.

If you haven’t already found holiday outfits for your children, Friday would be a great time!

hartstrings kids clothes review

Heartstrings Kids Review

Laura is a girly-girl. She loves getting dressed up. She loves fancy clothes. And she really likes picking out what to wear. So when I was offered the opportunity to choose an outfit from Hartstrings Kids to review on my blog, I knew that my little lady would want to have a say in it.

Hartstrings offers a selections of boutique clothing for babies, boys, and girls. I had such a hard time narrowing down my choices because there are so many outfits I loved. Ultimately, I picked my three favorites and then asked Laura which one she liked best. (She might be two and a half, but she definitely has strong opinions!) She loved the Long Sleeve Sweater Dress from this season’s Fair Isle Collection. I was kindly sent a pair of matching leggings to complete the look.

Heartstrings Kids Review

Shipping was speedy and the clothes were safely packaged in a plastic mailer. I ordered a size 2T for Laura. Typically she wears anywhere between a size 18 months – 24 months because she is a tiny little peanut, but I wanted her to get extra wear out of this pretty dress. I would say it is true to size. It is a little big on her, as I expected it to be, but not so big that it looks baggy. The knit is very soft and she was really comfortable. Actually, I had to bribe her with candy to take off the clothes and put her play clothes back on!

Heartstrings Kids Review

The clothes at Hartstrings are on the pricier side, but I think the prices are reasonable for special event or holiday clothes. Plus, as I browsed through the site, I noticed that quite a few choices were on sale. If the quality of the clothing I received is indicative of the rest of their offerings, I would (and probably will) order from Hartstrings in the future.

Heartstrings Kids Review

I think I’ve also seen Hartstrings specials on some of the daily deal sites, so you can always look for those too 😉 I know that we’ll get a lot of mileage out of this bright and cheery dress. In fact, Laura will have her first chance to wear it next week at her cousin’s birthday party!

Be sure to follow Hartstrings on Twitter and check them out on Facebook to be one of the first to learn about specials, deals, and new items.

Disclosure: I received free products from Hartstrings for review as part of my participation in a campaign by MomSelect.  I did not receive any financial compensation for this post.  This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

erin condren at plum district

Photobucket

I’ve been reading all about how amazing the Erin Condren Life Planners are and last week (or the week before) I missed out on the deal One King’s Lane was having. But lucky for me, Plum District is currently running the same deal! For the next day and a half, you can get a $50 gift certificate to ErinCondren.com for $25. And you can use the code fabulous to get an extra 10% off your order.

New sign-ups might also get an extra bonus, but I’m not sure. Either way, this is a super-great deal and I cannot wait to order my new planner! But if you’re not the type of girl who is into organizers, she also has fun and colorful cards, labels, and all kind of goodies. The designs are fresh and modern and cheerful!

If you sign up for the Erin Condren deal at Plum District, I’d really appreciate if you’d use my affiliate link! Thanks!

The Fine Print:

  • May not be applied to taxes & shipping
  • Limit 3 per person
  • Cannot be combined with any other specials or offers
  • Voucher NOT valid for personalized iPhone cases
  • Limited quantities available
  • Expires 1/24/2012

one king’s lane: $15 credit – free sachets!

Photobucket

Have you visited One King’s Lane yet? It’s a deal site with beautiful home decor items. Right now they are giving new members a $15 credit (and their referring friend gets $15 when the first purchase is made, so if you sign up, please use my referral!) There are new deals daily and there’s almost always something around $15. You can apply the credit toward shipping, too if you find something even cheaper.

For example, today they have these French Laundry cedar sachets for $10:

Photobucket

There are other styles too. They also have a CIA Cookware sale going on with many item $15 or less!

Some of the other items I’ve seen include linens, pillows, furniture, frames, and so on. If you’re looking for a beautiful frame to hang around your Samsung LED flatscreen, this would be a great place to look!