Jimmy Jazz

I was surfing through Jimmy Jazz and their name brands like rocawear, when I came across some really fabulous boots.

I don't know why, but I have a mad passion for boots, probably the only thing in my life that hasn't been a drag lately. They have some really cute clothing too, but I'll be honest... I'm more partial to their boots than anything else.

Speaking of which, I have a pair of black leather knee high boots that I absolutely love. I wore them out to lunch yesterday only to discover that their starting to come apart at the seams. So, I think it's time for a new pair.

It's funny because I'm always kidding with my best friend about her passion for purses, and here I am collecting boots.lol

Well Why the hell Not?

A while back I was asked about one of my favorite dresses and where I’d purchased it from. And of course my response was I bought it at a local yard sale. To my surprise, the person that asked me, looked at me and said, “You shouldn’t be wearing a used dress.” Well, why not? I have no shame in checking out our local yard sales and thrift stores for great bargains and I told that person that.

People think it’s embarrassing and weird because the clothes have been worn by other people, but let me tell you something. If you think about it, when you shop for new clothing, people try them on and don’t always buy them right? And where do they go? Right back on the sales rack! So, what’s the difference?

Why would you want to spend hundreds of dollars for a couple of outfits when you can spend often less than $5 for the same amount of clothes! Not only is it a fantastic way to save money in this still harsh economy, it’s also a great way to save our environment from the billions of trash piling up in our landfills. Need I say more?
Joy Smith also known as The Insane Writer, is the author of the Sci-Fi novel, The Generation. You can email her at silent_beautie@yahoo.com She can also be found on Twitter @theinsanewriter and you visit her official website at www.theinsanewriter.com.WomenFreebies.com - Enter to Win Royal Secret II Perfume

How I Shop Cheap Online

I don't do much online shopping, but when I have in the past I always made sure I got the best sale price possible. Even a low discount price is never a guarantee, however. So, I take things one step further by looking for promotional codes that offer further savings and/or free shipping.

And speaking of free shipping, I generally steer clear of any website that doesn't offer it. I've found that most places may have a really good bargain going on, but their shipping fees are generally outrageous. I know it might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it's worth the savings in the end and especially now more than ever with the economy's fall.

What are some of your tips for shopping online?

What's Wrong With a Good Sale?

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a person that loves a good sale. Now while I'm not one that won't just buy anything that's on sale, I simply can't understand why some people will avoid them like a plague. They absolutely must by everything at full price and won't bother with sales or clearance items. My question is why? I know someone who does this and then complains because they never have any money. Well DUHHHH!!!!

If you want to have more money, take a look at sales. There's nothing wrong with them. It's part of the reason why we're able to enjoy good foods and have a little extra to rent a movie or two. I shop sales! What's your excuse?

Wal-mart Employee Killed Due to Black Friday Shoppers

In an earlier post I mentioned missing Black Friday. Now I am glad I did. I don't honestly know what has gotten over some idiotic people, but this really takes the cake. A man was trampled to death after insane shoppers couldn't wait anymore for Wal-mart's black Friday specials, according to a New York Times Article,

What's even worse is that the article quoted: “When they were saying they had to leave, that an employee got killed, people were yelling, ‘I’ve been on line since yesterday morning,’ ” Ms. Cribbs told The Associated Press. “They kept shopping.”

My question is why? I mean I love bargains as much as the next person, but this is just beyond words.

We Missed Black Friday This Year

Two of the things my husband and I wanted to do this year was a little hunting and black Friday shopping. Unfortunately due to financial circumstances that are beyond our control, neither one of us were able to do those things.

Even though Black Friday has gone, Nikon is still offering some wonderful savings on their Hunter's website. You might not be able to get Nikon Ultimate Hunter's Package Promo but, there's no reason you can't save a little money on their other specials. There is a binocular promo still going on and just think, Christmas is almost here!!!



What are you getting your hunter for Christmas? I'm not getting anything hunting related this year for the hubby unless I get a Christmas Bonus for some reason.lol But, he's all set in the musical department this year.

If I am able to buy him something that is hunting related, I know he's been looking at a crossbow and a gun cleaning kit. So there are two ideas for him. What about you guys and gals? Anyone a hunter? Any good Christmas ideas?

Please Note: This is a paid post and is sponsored by Nikon and Payperpost.

Christmas Shopping in This Economy

Tis the season once again! With holiday shopping just around the corner and upcoming bills and a surgery that is needed, we may very well be strapped for cash this Christmas.

The good news is, we've already done a little Christmas shopping for the kids. Unfortunately we haven't done any shopping for the rest of the family or each other. I remember a time when most major department stores and some discount stores offered the option of lawaway during the holiday seasons. Now most places don't offer it because of store credit cards.

While credit cards are a nice option for stores, they're not always the best option for those of us who are trying to pay off debt or won't qualify for any sort of credit.

This year however, Sears is offering their layaway program!! It's too bad we don't have a sears department store because they have some really nice stuff. Plus I think that the Sears Layaway would be awesome! We could get a few things and save for them!

For example, I would love a stainless steel drawer dishwasher since I am remodeling the kitchen. And then there's the fact that we need a new microwave. Ours is sooo very old and on it's last breath. So I found this stainless steel microwave that is simple and reasonable! And last, we'll need a new refrigerator. I found a nice stainless steel double door refrigerator that I would love to have someday.

Well, maybe someday!

Thrift Store Wondering

I know there are a lot of people who refuse to shop at thrift stores, but I'm wondering why? There is a thrift store here in Independence, Kansas that's called Community Thrift Closet. Every piece of clothing is only $1.

While I don't mind shopping at the new stores like Catos or some of the stores in malls, I see nothing wrong with thrift stores. I know not every piece of clothing is going to be in the best shape, but if you know what to look for, you can avoid clothing that isn't in the best shape. There is plenty of life left in most used clothing.

And interestingly, most people get rid of their clothing because they've never worn it or have only wore it a few times. People that really love their clothing will wear it to the very end and most thrift stores that receive clothing, won't sell anything that isn't worth wearing.

And if you're a brand name clothing shopper, most thrift stores sell brand name clothing! My best friend who absolutely loves Tommy clothing can find the brand at Community Thrift Closet, and for $1 of course!!!!

Now here's something kind of scary. For those who don't shop at thrift stores for clothing because they simply don't know where that clothing item has been, think about this... When you shop for new clothing, most is tried on and put back on the rack.

Now what's even scarier is another blogger that I frequent, bought a pair of pants new. She got them home, started to put them on and noticed a crotch stain on them! Now of course there's the same possibility with thrift stores, but for both new and used clothing, you just need to remember to wash them before you wear them!!!

Another thing to think about. When you shop at thrift stores, you're helping the environment! We're told to reuse and recycle and this is a great way to do so! What do you think? Do you shop at thrift stores?

UPDATE: Another blogger is having a thrift store clothing challenge. I was think about entering! CHECK OUT: The $10, 10 outfits, 10 weeks Challenge!

Squidooing

I decided to do a little of what a like to call Squidooing today. Here is my result after yesterday's insane bargain shopping. I'll be adding more lenses on this subject for those interested in the near future. Feel free to let me know what you think, whether it's here or there!!!

Window Shopping For Christmas

This is the first week that we haven't had the kids at home in a very long time, so it's going to feel weird not having them around. Last night instead of wandering straight home after we dropped the kids off, we did a little window shopping. It's hard to do any really Christmas shopping here since there are no good places to shop at. It's easy enough to buy things online, but my husband and I actually like to see the product in person before we buy it. There have been times in the past where we've purchased something online and then found the product to be far different than what we expected. So I think for the most part, we'll be doing most of our Christmas shopping, locally this year.

Dehumidfiying Where Needed

When I was in California, I never thought I would need something such as a dehumidifier. I mean sure, the air was moist because of the ocean, but I absolutely loved it because it did wonders for my dry skin.

However, the more I think about it, the more I realize that maybe Santa Fe dehumidifiers is on to something, with free shipping!

We currently have a dehumidifier in our basement even though this is really more of a dry state. But, the reason we have it is because the previous owner knew that when it rains here, that basement gets damp and moldy. Yuck!

And while California might not have very many basements, or do they? I'm sure somewhere a dehumidifier will be needed. Better to be safe than sorry I guess!

The Weekend Has Gone.

It's definitely been an interesting weekend. There really hasn't been anything too exciting happen. Same old people same old thing. Some people I have learned, never change.

I'll give you an interesting example of the past week. Twice now a certain someone has hinted big time that they're completely broke. It was a big enough hint that it was obvious they were hoping we'd pay their bills once again. If we had the money and it was anyone else, it wouldn't be a problem. But this person isn't really broke and we know this from past experience and from the fact that they blew all of their money on a shopping spree over the weekend. So, that would be why they are broke. Sigh. I love shopping too, but food and a home are more important. And children are a number one priority verses shopping sprees! So I am a bit miffed that their kids are less of a concern at the moment.

The rest of the weekend went whizzing by. I can't believe that tomorrow is a Monday! Wow. I think I really do need a vacation because I can't remember doing anything over the weekend, let alone enjoying it.lol

Shopping Early For the Holidays

I am always looking for the best buy possible when it comes to online shopping. Whether it is free shipping or a product that is on clearance, finding a good bargain is almost always a great deal. Notice I said almost always. That's because at the moment I am on a very tight budget and online shopping is the furthest thing from my mind. However, for my readers who are able to buy online at the moment, Buy.com is a neat site to check out for some pretty good deals. Currently they are offering weekly deals, so if you don't find something you like this week, you can always check back with them in the near future.

I just found out that they are having a summer deal for over 800 items that are up to 50% off. Toys included! It's not a bad idea to start shopping early for Christmas!

Online or Offline Business? What Do You Think?

Eventually I would like to be able to open my own business. Whether it will be locally owned or online, I'm not sure. One thing I know is for sure. If I plan to open a business online, I'll need a way for customers to complete their purchases on my website.

Most may think it's easy. Unfortunately, unless you're knowledgeable in running a website business, it's easier said than done. In order for customers to complete a purchase, I will need some form of a shopping cart to create my online store with. And since I'm not very knowledgeable with all of the Shopping cart software available on the market today, it gets pretty confusing.

I was just checking out AShop Commerce. They specialize in things like ecommerce software (aka: Shopping cart software). AShop Commerce offers an easy way to create my very own online store. With their affordable ecommerce software, I can create an online store without the need of installation whatsoever. I like that idea.

I've also noticed that they offer a 10-day free trial just in case I decide I hate the idea of an online store or shopping cart program. They offer all of the major credit cards to my customers, including paypal, which is very convenient for me.... and they have live support. Live support might not mean much to some people, but believe me, after the insane day I had today, live support sounds heavenly!

Hmm, so maybe an online store wouldn't be a bad idea in the near future. What do you think?

Christmas Shopping

Finally got all of the kids Christmas shopping done. I was also late sending out Christmas cards, but at least that's finally done! I still need to finish up the Christmas shopping for the husband, however. I already purchased some things for him that I know he's going to love.hehe Still, I want to get a few more things for him.

Yesterday he told me I didn't have to buy him anything else. I didn't think he quite understood what I've been through in the past when it came to Christmas. But as it turns out, he said, he knew after I explained why I was shopping for more stuff. I'm not a big spender, so the purchases are still small, but I know he's going to love what I got him and what I am getting him..hehe

I'm finishing the rest of my Christmas shopping today since my best friend is coming by to go with me. I figure we'll make it a girls day out sort of thing.

Black Friday Full Speed Ahead

After everything settles down with my dramatic so-called life, I am hoping to be able to participate in Black Friday and get my Christmas shopping started early this year. Thanks to www.black-friday.net, I can check out great discounts on my favorite stores.

Since we're a small town and wal-mart is about the only shopping center that's around here, I am excited to find that www.black-friday.net offers some great wal-mart deals that I could certainly see myself buying for Christmas. My step-daughter is a big fan of Barbie and I found that wal-mart has Barbie Fashion Fever Dolls for only $5. I also found Free Willy on DVD for less than $4. You've Got Mail on DVD is less than $4 as well! How cool is that??

The great thing about www.black-friday.net is they allows you to purchase everything right online without having to get up and head to the store. You can have email alerts sent to you so you'll know when the latest Black Friday ads are available.

Looking for somewhere besides Wal-mart to shop at? www.black-friday.net offers other places as well. I found Target, another one of my favorite stores to shop at. Know someone who's into fishing or hunting? Bass Pro Shops is another listed with the website. They even have AAFES for those who are military related.

No matter what you are looking for, there's sure to be something to peek you're interest and you can do it all without having to beat the crowds! Happy Black Friday Hunting!

www.black-friday.net

What's For Dinner

Every Friday we head for the supercenter wal-mart to do our weekly grocery shopping. For a family of 7 (when we have all of the kids) I can generally manage to spend around $150 per week. I have been trying to cut down on this bill, but without sacrificing taste or healthy foods. Lately a lot of our dinners consist of pasta since it is reasonable. While pasta may be reasonable it isn't always healthy! Another problem is, pasta gets very boring. So this week I am cutting out the pasta and adding other yummy dishes instead.

The great thing about summer is fresh produce from the local farmers! I love fresh produce and look forward to dropping by their vendors when I am able to. This is a big advantage towards the grocery bill since they are much more reasonable that wal-mart's produce.

Once in a while I do add treats for the kids like snack crackers, puddings or other kid favorites. I would much rather them have fresh fruits and veggies as a snack when I can, but I don't see anything wrong to treating kids to a junk food favorite once in a while.

We also indulge in a dessert once or twice a week. This week I am planning to make a carrot cake with a caramel sauce. I made carrot juice a few nights ago and because I have a juicer, I am able to save the carrot pulp for things like cake. :) It's the first time I will make a caramel sauce to go over the cake, so I hope it turns out well!