Why Is My Husband Out of Control?

I'm not sure what's going on, but my husband has been out of control lately.  It's not what you think...no crazy things...

It all started when I stayed with my family around the holidays.  My husband was home alone for 3 days.  In those 3 days he did some damage...to our credit card.  

We had this really old t.v. in our room.  I mean a huge tube t.v. that would fade in between black & white and color.  We knew that we would need to get a new t.v. eventually, but apparently eventually was sooner than I thought.  I came home to a flat screen.  He said he got it on a super sale.  Ok.

Then after two days at home, I went back to see my family for 2 days.  So again, he was alone.  This time he bought my birthday present.  An exercise bike for my room.  Before you judge, I did ask for a spinning bike.  But, it was still another big purchase.

It's not over yet.

This time I wasn't away per se...just at work.  I came home to a huge flat screen in my family room.  WTF?  In his defense our family room t.v. did just unexpectedly die, but why doesn't he talk to me first?

Does anyone else have the same problem?  I feel like when I want to make a big purchase like...I don't know, anything...he has to hear the reasons why, how much, where, etc.  But when he wants to make a big purchase, he doesn't need to even tell me!  Double standards?  I think so!

I'm not saying I'm not using all of these big purchases, I just want to at least be in the loop!  


Alexis

Great Clothing Sites That Fit Your Wallet

Now that the holidays are over and I'm sure everyone spent more than normal, it's time to do some "belt tightening."  No, not to try and squeeze the fat out of your belly, but to curve the spending...

I don't know about you, that's great on paper, but what will I do for my shopping fix?  I'm a shopping junkie.  I have a complete euphoric reaction when I buy something...anything.  I'm even excited to go shopping for my husband's and kids' upcoming camping trip (I'm SOOO not a camper).

I've stumbled across a few of websites that have inexpensive clothing so that I can stay trendy while staying on my budget!



2020AVE is a great site has everything from cute tops to awesome shoes.  And everything is reasonably priced!  I love the relaxed nature of the cropped collar slip blouse.  It would be great with jeans, shorts, dressy pants, pretty much anything!  And there are some great "going out" pieces as well.  My favorite:  the sequined hot shorts...now if I could only get back to my high school figure....

Scoop neck basic tunic $6.99

cropped collar slip blouse $16

sequined hot shorts $27

Vestique is a fun inspired clothing site that has great dresses and amazing jewelery.  Most of the clothes are so flowy...perfect for my South Florida life!  The neatest part is the "gameday" section where you can find fun clothing to support your favorite college teams instead of team jerseys. 

Bringing Buttons Back $14.50

Kick Off Cutie in burgundy $24.50

Ruche is a vintage inspired clothing and accessories site.  The clothing is so classic. Not to mention I love vintage style because it's meant for women, you know, with curves.  The First Glance Colorblock dress would be great for work or play.  And imagine the All That Glitters Pencil skirt with a t-shirt and sandals or heels and a white blouse...either way, beautiful!

All That Glitters Pencil Skirt $42.99

First Glance Colorblock Dress $34.99

Where do you like to shop for inexpensive clothes that are still stylish?  Please share...this "shopaholic" needs to save some cash!

 
Alexis

BJs Wholesale Club ~ The Go-To Place For Back to School

Where did the summer go?  I'm not ready to leave "Summer Stay at Home Mom" routine to get back to the grind!!

With summer almost over, the back to school shopping season is upon us.   It's the time that the sales for pencils, crayons, and backpacks start showing up in the stores.  Did you know that I LOVE new school supplies?  A fresh notebook and cool pens are so fun!  I know I'm weird.


Having two school-aged boys in the house really takes a toll on my wallet at this time of the year.  They both need everything to get ready for school, so I try to save money and stay sane at every turn.  Not to mention being a teacher also hurts the wallet a bit because there are certain supplies that I need and want for the classroom. 

Crayons & pencils & pens, OH MY!

What better place to stock up on the supplies that we all need for school than BJs Wholesale Club?  BJs is a one-stop shopping destination for name brand, high-quality food and merchandise.  BJs has everything you need to cross off the items on your back to school list.  



Both boys need multiple pencils, folders and glue sticks.  Why not get it in bulk?  They also need tissue boxes, wipes and Ziplocs.  It's a no-brainer!

Everything we need to get ready for school lunches!

A pack of 3 bins?  Perfect for organizing my classroom!

You can't forget about school lunches.  BJs offers many of the lunch items that my kids love.  From sandwich items to snacks, I can get it all!  Check out this BJs Backstage Sandwich Palooza video on how to make-over your lunch using all items from BJs.  

Why didn't they have these when I went to college...so retro!

And don't even get me started on all the items for the college aged kids.  Wow!  They didn't have this cool stuff when I was leaving for college.  Maybe I should go back....

Don't forget to use the BJs coupons for extra savings!

Did you know that BJs is the only wholesale club to accept manufacturer's coupons?  That's one of the mains reason I joined.  Who doesn't love to save money?  You can also partner your manufacturer's coupons with BJs in house coupons as well.  OH YEAH!  Check out their coupon policy here.

And BJ’s offers discounts on gift cards.  Many of the major retailer $25 gift cards that they sell go for $23.99.  That’s right, you’re payling less than the value of the card.  Perfect gifts for your child's teachers....hint, hint!




If you like to save money & you’re not a BJ’s Wholesale Club member, you can get a free one day pass here and start shopping.




Disclaimer:  I was a guest blogger at a local BJs Wholesale Club for their Back to School promotion.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 Alexis

I Just Became an eBay Seller!

I've always been an eBay buyer.  From Cricut cartridges, to personalized invitations for the kiddies birthdays, to Tory Burch sandals...eBay is great!


But recently I finally became an eBay seller.  

For my birthday, my husband surprised me with the iPhone 4S....you know "Siri."  I didn't ask for it.  My iPhone 4 was merely a year old.  But who am I to deny his generous gift?!


Now what to do with my iPhone 4?  Why not eBay?

I was a little nervous to list it.  
It's almost a fear of rejection.  Kind of like in high school and the fear of being rejected by the "cool kids."  What if no one wants it?  What if someone is sitting home reading my listing and laughing?  Did I make it sound good enough?  What if I made it sound too good?

Before I listed my phone, I followed some simple steps:

1)  Research:  I looked up similar phones on eBay to see how others listed, priced, and worded their product.  


2)  Networked:  I spoke with people that I know that have recently sold items on eBay.  (I really just needed reassurance.)


3)  Photos:  I took a photo of my phone and tried to make it look pleasing.  


4)  Honest writing:  I don't want to mislead buyers.  Not to mention that I want to sell this thing.  So I wrote honestly about the item I'm selling. 


5)  Looked through a buyer's eyes:  I thought of the listings that usually appeal to me as a buyer.  A picture, free shipping, feedback percentage, and a clear description. 


Now I'm just sitting on pins and needles waiting to make a successful sale!


Have you ever sold anything on eBay?  How did you like it?


Alexis

Making *cents* of it all!

Everyday when my husband comes home, he empties his pockets on the kitchen counter.  Although this annoys me because it just adds to the all ready cluttered counter, I take the change that he leaves behind and I put it in a bag.  When that bag gets full, the money is transferred to a gallon milk container.

The other day, on a cleaning binge, we started counting just the quarters from a bag in the kitchen...GOLD MINE!  That got us thinking...let's get all of our loose change from all over (the counter, car, bedside table, even bathroom?) and see how much we have.

Then the teacher in me decided that this could be a great learning experience for the boys.  They can help sort, count, and roll the tons of coins that we have.  Not to mention that it's some good child labor!

So we got to work...

Yes, he's wearing a costume!

Here's most of what we rolled....we ran out of sleeves.  Can't wait to know the total amount!

Now I'm going shopping!!!!! Mama needs a new pair of shoes!!!

Alexis