Wanna Win?

DailyScoup's Blazing Hot Giveaway - WIN a Kindle Fire!!! 

Daily Scoup
is hosting an exciting contest just for us, for one of
the hottest items on the market- the Kindle Fire!  Their DailyScoup's Blazing Hot Giveaway - WIN a Kindle Fire Contest is designed to help you monetize your blog and give you a chance to enter for two amazing prizes!

Daily Scoup
is a brand new site for daily and local deals! They offer services to
merchants for FREE so they always have the better deals than
competitors, and best of all- they have an affiliate program that pays
50% on a 60 day cookie! There is huge income potential there!!

Here is how it works!

ONE Kindle Fire will be awarded to the person with the most REFERRALS

$100 CASH (via Paypal) winner will be drawn at random from the Rafflecopter form below!

To enter- join the DailyScoup.com affiliate program

Then fill out the Rafflecopter form HERE!

Best of All

You can earn a TON of extra entries for promoting the contest!!! For every blogger that signs up and names YOU as a referral, you get 5 extra entries on the Rafflecopter!

Ready Set GO!!! And make sure you say Anne from theloydcollection sent you!!

Free Razors!

I've been chosen to be a Schick Hydro Silk Influencer and have the opportunity to share 5 razors for free with my readers! Hurry and grab one today! I can't wait to try this new razor!

http://www.schickhydrosilk.com/influencer/welcome.php?ref=suwleb6

Diamond Candles Campaign

I've been trying to get back into blogging and what better opportunity than now.

Although I haven't been blogging much, I do read blogs to stay up to date on the latest deals and coupons and came across a great concept.  For all you fellow bloggers, check this out: 

Diamond Candles!

These candles are a diamond in the "soy" because not only to they burn clean, have delicious "flavors" and look amazing, but they also have a prize at the bottom!  And not just any prize like what you find in the bottom of the cereal box but a ring worth $10, $100, $1000, or $5000 inside every candle!  What's not to love about these candles!

Have you experienced a soy candle with amazing aroma that inspires and makes your holidays go smooth and relaxed? Have you seen anything like waiting with anticipation what's going to be peaking out of the hot soy liquid while the candle is still burning?

If not, then Diamond Candles Company would like to invite you to Review and Giveaway their Precious soy candles. Why "precious" you'll ask? Well, each candle harbors a ring valued anywhere from $10-$100-$500-$5000 each. It's anticipation that really gets you going! What kind of a ring am I going to unveil from the glittery pouch hidden inside the soy wax?

The Criteria for Your Participation Are Simple. 

• This event is Free to you. Open to US only.
• If you are to review and giveaway a product sponsored by Diamond Candles Company, you'll need to include in your giveaway the sponsor's Facebook and Twitter mentions, and a couple of keywords within your review.
• If you are to participate in this campaign, Blog about this event on your blog, linking it to my post here.
• Then, fill out this Form with information about your blog.
• Once you're approved by the Diamond Candles Company, I'll ask you to confirm your mailing address for mailing products to you for review and giveaway on your blog (FYI: Diamond Candles does all mailing to the winners for giveaway.)

Annelise

Berry Merry Frame Holiday Card

Create personalized holiday cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

2011 Resolutions Have Begun!

Okay, I know it is February but I had to wait until now to make sure that I would actually be able to keep my resolutions...just kidding...but I did make some resolutions for this year and they have been off to a good start!

In January, I started eating less and eating healthier, re-sanded the kids' table (yes, I know...still not done!) and I am saving more and more money at the store with coupons, rebates and good deals!  I really have gotten more frugal than I already was...Yes, it is possible!

February has only just begun and what better time then start to become more involved with blogging.  I have plans to learn more about updating my blog and I have already added some different posting options.  Changes will definitely be slow but they are promised to happen!  Any tips and suggestions are much appreciated!

By this month, I also plan to have the legs of the kids' table sanded.  It actually has been "cold" for Arizona and outside time is limited so I think this is a realistic goal.  March will be the month to get moving onto paint and whatever happens, happens and I am not sanding that take AGAIN!

Off to catch a little football, attend a memorial/funeral & head off to the casino!  And yes, I have 9 coupons for free plan at the casino...hopefully we can use more than one because I have no intentions of gambling my own money!  There weren't any restrictions on the coupons but I am knocking on wood!  Cross your fingers that I win big!

I Heart Target

Target and I have had a great relationship since I was about ten.  It was the first year that I was able to do my own Christmas shopping and it was all taken care of thanks to Target.  

Our relationship grew with time and I was reintroduced to Target clearance shopping in high school by my dear friend, Heather, whose sister worked there.  Before I moved out on my own, I would shop there once a week to buy items on clearance for my first place.

My boyfriend, now husband, has the same love of Target and we used to go on "dates" to Target before marriage and the babies in the carriage...

The revolution of SuperTarget has been the icing on the cake in our relationship.  It's better than the blue store because you get that great target clearance and groceries for a one stop shop.  With SuperTarget came Super  Coupons for double the savings!

Tonight just renewed my love for Tarjay!

ADDITIONALLY, we bought three camping chairs and a twelve pack of soda for a grand total of......

$18 (and some change)!

Random Finds

So I mentioned that I was trying to get back into savings and so far the savings have been pretty good thanks to my favorite deals sites: TotallyTarget.com & SlickDeals.Net!  Check them out because they break down the deals and make the savings simple.  

If your saving those points from Pampers, here is a code (thanks totally target!) for 200 points: 

TWITTERPARTYWTP

And some more points to bank (thanks to my super dupe coup pal Jennie!):

WELCOME2VILLAGE

JOINTHEFUNGTG09

WELCOME2GTG2010

GTGPLAY3USA2010

THRIFTYMOMMYGTG

OHAMANDAAWGTG08

XKCMYXFVD96VXVK

GETSTARTEDNOW10

GTGSPRINGFREE10

XKCMYXFVD96VXVK

Streching those Diaper Dollars

Sadly to say, my little one is not yet potty trained and he seems to be regressing...either that or the terrible twos have stolen my sweet little boy and replaced him with a mischevious munchkin that wants to avoid potties at all cost and is happy to change to a pull up with a new design. 

So, I have come to the conclusion that diapers and pullups are still in the picture for a little while longer, which means, I need to keep searching for deals and other ways to minimize the cost.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

1) Internet Coupons:  There are a whole slew of coupons out there to print online right now.  Here are some that I recently stumbled upon (i.e. coupons.com, target.com, smartsource.com, etc.)

2) Combining Coups: I love being able to match up a Target coupon with a manufacturer's coupon plus a sale.  I can end up getting diapers at reasonable pricing.

3) Gift Card Deals, Extra Care Backs, Register Rewards:  Target has been offering gift cards more recently and the best time to buy is generally when they do the buy jumbo three packs, get a $5.00 gift card. Extra Care Bucks at CVS and Register Rewards are essentially the same concept. 

4) Compliments and Complaints:  If you have a problem or a praise, the main brands tend to send coupons and in my experience those coupons are worth the few keystrokes it takes in exchange for my two cents.

5) Points: Both Pampers and Huggies offer rewards for logging their codes from the packages.  Pampers has been doing their points progoram for awhile so the pickings are a little better and they change from time to time so bank those points if you don't see anything of interest.  Huggies offers free diapers so that is definitely a plus.

And for those who are participating in the Pampers Rewards or want to set up an account, here are some codes I recently found while surfing the web.  Pass them along because every point counts!

GTGLEARNMORE089

GTGSUMMERFUN5PT

25GTGSUMMER2010

15GTGSUMMERFUN

4thFacebook2010

FACEBOOKJUL2010

GTGGETREADYSOON

GTGFIVEMONTHS10

Recovery Time

March through June is a fairly busy time @ in our lives because there is a steady flow of birthday parties during this time frame.   Life begins on the weekends and with only two days available and the occasional holiday, little time is left for projects.

But that does not mean they have been entirely neglected.  My sidekick and I have been putting in some sweet sweat time out in the Arizona heat in an effort to get the table done.  Yes, it should be done by now but there has been sanding, painting, repainting and sanding (repeat three times more). The reason is....I am not happy with the outcome.   Let's just say that trial and error is in full force.  

Also on the forefront has been the "crap" room, which has seen great improvements but it is still full of crap.  Hence, the continued use of it's name.  However, the floor is visible and there is an unorganized order surfacing.

Additionally, I have been trying to get back into the coups.  I use them but I've been going through the burnout and I am working to reignite the fire!   I'm totally into Totally Target and vow to get some totally great deals!

So I am off to dealing (I mean with coups) and getting ready for a busy day!  More is come soon!

Shades Away

I know I have been a little shady these days but what can I say.  This was a big decision.  I mean, this is a lamp shade we are talking about.  In the sceme of things, it was a small decision but a decision no less.

And of course, there is that thing called life that gets in the way of all things exciting.

So I did what I do best...evaluate and contemplate until I really just wanted to pick a shade and be done.  I went with my gut instinct and went with the last of the three.   So here three be:

Yeah, I know...bad lighting for a post about lighting.

But, this is really about the shade.

And since it was #3 that was for me...how about another looksy.

And the price that #3 would be.....

Drum roll please.....

$3...

Well almost but is was closer to three than two and there was sales tax...so let's just round up.

The best was saved for last and cheapest of the three!

Yeah me and the craft room to be!

Shady Deals

It all started out with "Telly", a telescopic lamp base, sitting on a lonely shelf in Target with a tag of $9 and some change. Original price $39.99 and a craft room lacking light. 

That's all that need be said.

Obviously this lamp needed a shade...but there was one catch, the shade needed to be a deal in itself.  Otherwise, what's the point of a deal when it's companion is full price?

So I searched for the perfect shade but ended up with three!

Each are about the same size and the same shape.  Price tags are all under $5, which makes this decision a difficult one.

This is the first shade that I bought and I was thrilled that there wasn't much of a search on my part.  However, I planned on covering this one with some burlap fabric so there was more work in store.

The burlap would provide a contrast with the black base.

Second Shade was an unexpected deal at an unexpected time.  I was just breezing through the store to pick up my husband's prescription and on the way out, this caught my eye. 

And the price was right.

I'm liking the contrast and there's no additional work to be done...

but then again, isn't that the fun?

Why three? Just one more decision, I know.

But I need this one to glow!

So, One, Two or Three?

Which One is Right for Me?

Which of these lack

and are getting ready to go back?

Born Again Burlap!

My Tulips died...

So I am a little dramatic...

They just wilted so I put them out to pasture....

In our garden so they may have a chance to live on!

However, I had nothing to look at inside.  I took my $3.00 off flower coupon for Fry's and bought some new flowers for $.99 out-of-pocket. 

With my black thumb, I my investment needed to me on the cheap side.

 I reused my burlap but this time, I cut a hole in the bottom beceause my good idea wasn't so great.

I used the cheap wrapping as a stencil and cut a hole in the burlap.

 

And there you have it!  $.99 of Happiness in my Kitchen!

 And you can't even tell there is a hole in the bottom.  Easy for watering! 

Hopefully this one will make it a bit longer!

Chasing Chairs

Okay, so do you remember my chair budget of $40 for the playroom table?

I know, I am obviously not done with the table project since I have yet to post  some pictures but I assure you that I have made progress!

Enough about how slow I am and back to chairs...I've already spent $2 on my yard sale find so I only have $38 left.  I've been stalking chairs daily on craigslist.org and breaking for yard sales but no deals have come my way.

After returning the "unfit" chair cover to Target, I perused the aisles...naturally.  As usual I am scoping out the clearance and just keeping my eyes peeled for deals for those "necessities" on my mental "wish" list.  

Low and behold, I stumbled upon this:

 Poor picture, I know.  Let me explain how inexperienced a photographer I am hard it is to take a picture of a price tag at night with bad lighting.

So for you blind folks that can't squint hard enough...it's $10.06!

And this is not just any old chair.  It is a BRAND SPANKING NEW Kid Kraft Avalon Chair that retails for about $40.  It's slightly less at Wallie World and the lowest deal I have found is at Kohls with a coupon and free shipping...but still too expensive for me.

  Believe me, I have yet to find a slew of $10 chairs even at yard sales.

The box was opened but heck, it just saved me the trouble of having to rip the dang thing open.   And Kid Kraft is a good company as I have personally dealt with them before.  If something is missing, they don't want you to take it back to the store, they will send you any piece free of chair. 

Trust me, they sent me a whole new wooden mixer with no troubles because it had some green paint on it and I have OCD...They didn't even ask for the tainted piece back.

As luck would have it, all the pieces were there and by the looks of the parts, no one bothered to try to put this baby together before.  Everything was sealed and the poor person that ordered this  online it delievered during the early part of February. 

Yes, the shipping label was still on the box. 

For the sake of privacy, I will keep the name a secret even though I am surprised that my favorite store would leave a shipping label on the box...geeze...can we say lazy?  Black it out or put a new label over it.

But most importantly, to that person who ordered this chair online and changed their mind, all I have to say is THANK YOU!

2 CHAIRS DOWN & 2 CHAIRS TO GO! 

Let's have a knock on wood for good chair deals to come!

One Size Does Not Fit All!

We all know how much I love Target!  I have found some of the best clearance deals at Target stores, whether it be in Las Vegas or the stores in our "new" home in the Phoenix area.

So, when I found a chair cover that appeared to be a fit for Annelise's rocker, I was intrigued.  And it was on clearance marked down by 75%.  Since the chair cover was originally $49.99, that made it about $12.50 plus tax, which sealed the deal.  At that price, I thought it was worth the gamble...and with a return policy so great, how could I pass this one up?

Annelise made it clear that she did not like the color green...I tried to convince her that the small amount of "green" in her room was actually sage and that it was very girly and Barbie like...

it kinda worked....And if it didn't, I like her room...what's her opinion count for?  I mean I pay the bills (yes, I said it!) and I decorated it before she was even born!

Should I be offended? So, Annelise was going along with it...until she saw the chair cover...

 And she fell in love...boy, do I have trouble coming....

She loved it despite the fact that this one size fits all cover, did not fit all.  Needless to say, I convinced her that this chair cover was going back to the store and my dear husband confirmed the same.  

That's right, we are the parents and that's all that needs to be said.  Okay so, it didn't go that way...I was just reliving my childhood...LOL.  Rather, I instinctively manipulated the situation until Annelise realized that she thought it was too big and didn't fit right. 

Quite frankly, no amount of ironing would save this cover's lack of appearance.  So all in alll, I saved myself $12  on car insurance.

Who says that happy endings are only in fairy tales?

Until next time!

Knocking on Wood

If you don't already know by now, I knock wood.  Seriously I do.   I like cars with faux wood interior because I believe in the power of the wood. 

When my turn comes, I know knocking on wood and karma will come through with the big one...you know the lottery!

In desperate times, I knock on plastic, dry wall, or my faux wood desk from Ikea.  I firmly believe that if the intent is there, it will work.  But I do prefer the real thing...

And like most people, I like expensive things.  As a spoiled American citizen, I believe I can say that our country as a whole is drawn to the expensive things and we all want it now...whether or not we can afford it is another story.

Everytime I am near the Chandler Mall, I visit Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids and I grab every catolog in sight. I like the color cards and the swatches too. I don't always buy something but I sure love to look.

After I get home from a bad (stressful) (crazy) (fill in the blank) day, I open one of the catologs...

and my troubles melt away.

For some you would think that trouble begins...I mean it is shopping afterall..

But this free inspiration makes me feel like I can do anything and my middle class life will not hold me back from enjoying that model home look.

Every chance I get, I unload my Amex points for a gift card to this beloved store and I have gotten quite a few over the years. By bills have afforded me (and my kids) these splurges over the years:

Outdoor Grommet Drapes

It's too dark to take an original picture so I refer to you to the site:

Pottery Barn

I had $400 in gift cards...

(I originally was going to buy the kids a craft table but there's a story to go with that PB experience best left for another day.) and for eight panels, I still spent over $100 out of pocket.

Dollhouse $159 (plus tax)

No monies spent beyond the gift cards but I did spend some dough on the furniture and referred relatives to PB Kids for their own shopping enjoyment.

$55.00 Shopping Trip

No Gift Cards :( But Clearanced!!!

Barbie Bedding...It's a Secret so don't mention it to Bananalise! 

$55 is actually practical given that sheets sets are Wallie World can run about $30.  And I was able to get a sheet set, pillowcase, decorative throw pillow and sylish heavy duty finials.  And it is for a special occasion and she needs a second set of sheets.  I am wasting too much water on bedding loads and the water bill is out of control! 

Depending on how long I can wait, it will be for her Birthday...or the Easter Bunny...But should I let that bunny take all the credit?

There are more deals that I have made but it's too late to keep pondering those purchases over the years!

So given my love of wood and PB, you must understand how excited I was when I heard about Anna's blog @ Knock Off Wood



It Ranked as One of My Top Favorite Blogs.  Does that tell you what a good thing I found???
And I shared it with everyone that was important to me. 
(If I didn't tell you yet, I was going to but the opportunity had not come yet!)

So, when I heard the news from my bff, Heather, I was stunned.  Yes, PB wants her to remove all of their pictures and mention of their name.  I read it myself.  Take a look if you don't believe me.

And I spread the word...and am trying to keep it going!  I was considering killing some trees and printing her entire website but my love of wood stopped me and fortunately, PB didn't demand that she take down her plans.  And if they did try, I am sure I can fly to Alaska and beg Anna for a complete set...

But because I am a poor paralegal without frequent flyer miles, I decided I would hit up a buddy for buddy pass to fly (hint, hint, my fellow wood knocking friend)...or just beg for my employer to open an Alaska office and demand that we have an in person disbursement conference held by yours truly.

So the moral of my story is that I actually buy PB on rare occasions...I do drop some dollars or gift cards when I do...but I would not buy their marked up full priced furniture even if I won the lottery.

Why, because it is too expensive for my inexpensive, middle class, frugal self no matter how much money I have or don't have.  I really doubt that anyone that reads Anna's blog can afford, want to afford or would have bought the furniture from PB to begin with...

And I would like to add, her blog actually reminded me to check out the clearance at PB so if anything PB got some free advertisement.  I know that I won't be giving any of my business or word of mouth for them anymore.  Come on...there may be a line drawn or not but it's just furniture.

It is not as though PB came up with a unique design.  I see old antiques and inspirations from other sources that makes me wonder whether their ideas were "borrowed" from a peon
(pee on...get it?) like you or me.

If the real world taught me anything in life, it's the small people that count and hold the big ideas.
We just don't see much of the profit.  I wonder if the person that signed the letter actually wrote it...

So refrain from shopping at a store that targets the little folks and hold those credit card points for another store...

Anne @ theloydcollection

PS: The pictures posted on this post were taken by me of items I bought so not to infringe on some corporation's ego.   When I have time, I will remove all the pictures I too have borrowed from their site so I don't provide anymore free advertising...because we all know how much time free I have and how much money I am making from blogging ;)