Why?

Well to start with my sister in law. Who owns a vintage clothing boutique here in Arizona — well I could see her wearing the glasses (above). She would look super fabulous in them and they are the vintage style.It would make a great gift to include in a gift basket I would be making for her, or to put in a stocking with other goodies. I know she would never ask for them because it would seem like she is asking for an unfair gift item. But think about it, glasses would not only be a usable Christmas gift, but also something very chic.

Next up is my mom. The above eyeglasses are a designer style. Something she would absolutely never pick out for herself because she is far too frugal and hard on herself. But c’mon, my mom needs to look hip and hot. And I for one know she is in dire need of some new glasses and she refuses to ask for anything for Christmas. I think it would be a great surprise for her. Plus as I said, she would look way good in them!

When it comes down to it, you don’t have to spend a lot on glasses. And you don’t have to just get prescription. I am dying for several pair of sunglasses and I don’t need a five hundred dollar pair. A nice set of cheap glasses would do just fine. And like I said I truly can’t stress enough how great of a gift this is. From a stocking stuffer or what you can deem a filler gift. You know those gifts that you need to hurry and find that will balance the budget of what you’ve spent for each family member on gifts this year?

Don’t hesitate this year to consider buying gifts that are extremely usable and logical gifts like glasses. We spend our times bending over backwards to get that one huge amazing gift, but how often does the person really use it? Probably not that often huh? And if you do consider purchasing glasses, check out GlassesUSA.com for affordable and stylish glasses this year!!!

Plus as an extra gift to you from me:

GlassesUSA.com offers a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a generous refer-a-friend program. Additionally, you can stay up-to-date on all GlassesUSA happenings through their Facebook page and Twitter feed (@GlassesUSA).

AND

Early Holiday Sale:
Take 20% off any frame in our iSee Eyewear collection and get free shipping within the US. Code: iSee20FS
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

So head out and get your glasses this holiday season and don’t forget to use the discount code to save!!!!

Disclosure policy per FTC guidelines.

So I got to thinking about it. Really clothes I spend a decent amount on yearly and it’s not big thing. For the most part I can keep up their growth when it comes to clothes. But there are three main things, not just clothes, that I spend my money on for my kids. And to be honest I need to start buying these things wholesale to save money and my sanity!

Number One:

Snacks. My kids come home from school and want snacks immediately. Plus they want a before bed time snack or dessert. Of course on the weekends when they are playing they want snacks too. I just can’t keep up!

Number Two:

Socks. My kids can never have enough socks. They get lost somewhere in the house or car. The dryer eats them. They wear them out. Or they wear them outside and they get tore up. We need bulk socks.

And last but not least….

Shoes! My kids can not only tear up shoes…but like me, they like to have shoes for different outfits. I can never keep up with their shoe habits. On weekends they want easy shoes to slip on and off. They have shoes that are nice for school. They have shoes for dressier outfits. They have shoes that can be worn the days they have P.E.

What are the things that eat up your wallet with your kids?

His big purchase is buying a travel trailer. With good reason, obviously, he wants to be able to camp more etc with us when he is home. But that is not just a “major” purchase…that is an extremely large purchase.We spent several hours researching what kind of trailer we want and he really wants to go with a 5th wheel. Of course that would require us putting a 5th wheel hitch onto our truck. So that is something else we have to think about.

But me, I just want a camera. And I am pretty sure that when it comes time to do our major shopping he will let me get one. I have gone over several camera reviews and have heard various things as to what is the “best” one out there.

I found this one:

This camera is a Nikon D90 DSLR. It’s pretty pricey for a camera but it sounds fantastic. So what do you think? Yes…No…? Tell me camera experts, what is the BEST camera to get? I need to start making a list!

saidaonline.com

The thing is you have to be vigilant about it. I know that too many times I get in a hurry to buy plane tickets, kids stuff or anything I need quickly and I forget to take a breath, shop around, search for hot promo codes and then make my purchase.

Just recently I found codes for kids school labels and ended up getting a full pack for free. I do tend to always remember codes when I am ordering pizza and those have always proven to be useful!

But the greatest lesson learned is to follow simple steps -

1. Shop Around:

Compare the prices at various sites. See which site is going to offer you the item you are looking for, for a lower price. Even if it is a 5 cent difference, it’s a difference.

2. Search Out Codes:

Search out the codes to save on shipping, discounted price etc. One way or another you are going to save more. And if shipping codes can’t be found and you don’t need the item in a rush – use the free shipping or lowest cost shipping possible.

3. Think Before Purchasing:

Before you hit that order button, decide if you can buy it near you at a store before buying online. Often times it can be cheaper to go directly to the store to purchase or at least attempt to ship to store option if possible. You’ll find that just because it’s convenient to shop online would you pay more in shipping than you would in gas to just go pick up the item?

We now have taken the time to learn about saving using coupons and more.

Freefly’s is a good source and way to keep up with your frugal desires.

FreeFlys is the largest directory of free samples and coupons. Try brand name products for free and enjoy coupons to save on your groceries and more.

And I realize that newbies like me don’t understand the benefits of things like, free samples but it didn’t take me long to realize that say you got a freebie of toothpaste, with my husband traveling to work, it’s often easy for me to dig into my stash to grab him a tube if he has forgotten but only then remembered by the time we need to leave for the airport. Or even better you can use them as great stocking stuffers, presents or any other way you want to be creative with. It does SAVE you money!

Freefly’s is easy super easy to join and after you have it is easy to login, navigate to what you are looking for and more. You will see various categories ranging anywhere from Food to Health!

So whether you are a seasoned saver or freshman frugalista like me Freefly’s is available to have you save! You can also follow Freefly’s  on Twitter and Like them on Facebook!

Disclosure:  http://cmp.ly/3/uqq70i

We browsed around Marshalls first and found a few items but it was taking awhile for me to push Brent to actually buy something. He needs a little encouraging to pick up something he wants and actually buy it.

Then we headed over to TJ Maxx where I was able to finally convince him to get stuff, but not without us getting stuff too. Go figure. Right?! We actually found some great stuff for all of us BUT because this is geared for Brent, I will do another post just for what I found for the kids.

A little about TJ Maxx and Marshalls and the items you can find there:
Marshalls and T.J.Maxx are the places to find the same designer merchandise as department and specialty stores but for up to 60% less for every different father out there. Here are just a few gift ideas that are perfect for dad – no matter how hard he is to buy for:

•    For the “Techie” Dad: If dad is always in search of the newest gadgets, why not pick up some great accessories to pair with them. Get some MP3 add-ons like speakers, headphones or a leather carrying case to make his music listening experience a special one. You can also grab some fun laptop and office supplies that can make work more enjoyable.

•    For the “Sports Enthusiast”:   For the sports fanatic in your life purchase  some apparel from his favorite sports team so he can showcase his pride. You can complete the package with a new pair of brand-name sneakers.

•    For The Gourmet Chef Fanatic:  With summer right around the corner help get him prepared with grilling tools and unique spices. A new recipe book and apron will guarantee a summer full of tasty treats.

•    For the “Beach Bum”:   If dad is happiest at the beach, help him update those faded swim trunks and worn out flip flops with brand new beach gear.  Add in a beach towel and a pair of designer shades to complete the look.

So without further ado, here are our fantastic Father’s Day gift options we found at TJ Maxx.

Tools

So as you can tell we found something for every type of Dad. Brent went ahead and got the webcam of course (along with the some stuff for the kids!). So when shopping for some last minute gifts for the Dad’s, check out TJ Maxx and Marshalls or get the father in your life Sears gift cards.

Also be sure to check out TJ Maxx on Facebook & Twitter.

And Marshalls on Facebook & Twitter.

*I was sent gift cards to facilitate my review.*

Typical Houses in Our Community

Our last house in Texas was an extremely old home with beautiful land. But the layout drove me crazy, the counters were older than me and there was absolutely no water pressure.

We have lived in manufactured homes before. Here is a list of pros and cons we have formed and from information we have gathered, about living in one.

PRO:

You don’t have to make this a permanent home. If you want to build on a large piece of land, putting a manufactured home on a back part of the land to stay in until building is done is a good option. You can chose to rent the other piece out or use it for storage or even your husbands man room!

CON:

A big con to us has been the flooring. Often the flooring in these types of homes are plywood. A typical home you have concrete, padding and carpet. The concrete won’t suffer as much damage as plywood flooring can.

PRO:

Often it’s much cheaper to custom build your manufactured home than to remodel or build your own typical home. And all too often than not manufactured homes come with a great layout.

CON:

A home can increase in value. The land a manufactured home is on can increase but the likely hood of the actual home increasing is low.

PRO:

Affordability. Depending on what you are getting into you, you are more than likely getting into something nice for a much more affordable price than you would be with your typical cookie cutter home (i.e. my current house)

There are many of factors to consider if you are looking into purchasing a manufactured home or even a typical home. Do all your research before diving into a massive purchase.

If there is one thing Brent and I can offer when it comes to a home…it’s all in what you make it. Our last crappy house. The one in Texas. That opposums visited. That mice over ran. That had no water pressure. They we repainted and redecorated. That was home to us. The tile was ugly and nasty. The carpet we replaced because it was filthy. BUT it was home. We loved and we lived in it. So no matter where you call your house, it’s easy to make a home.

Let me introduce you to Novica.

About Novica:

We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.

At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.

We want you to know about who you’re buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

In the spirit of the Internet, let us bring you together.

NOVICA. The World is Your Market.

I can’t help but say this site is amazing. I have spent countless hours browsing all the things they have to offer and the beautiful work done by so many artist. When it came to finally sitting down and picking my choice I wasn’t sure if I wanted something from the home decor department like below:

Both of these are such beautiful pieces that I would love to have in my home. But then of course, I am a girl and just can’t get away from jewelry. Then of course you have to chose, earrings or bracelets. Look at these beautiful jewelry pieces.

Gorgeous right? Right. Well I ended up getting this little ditty instead for my trip to NOLA this summer. It’s gorgeous and was made in Thailand.

I am in love with Novica. LOVE! And now I get to offer you a $50 gift certificate so that you can fall in love too.

Contest Will End 6/17/2010 @ 11:59 PM PST. Valid email address MUST be provided so that I can send you the electronic certificate.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit Novica. Tell me one item you would love to have from their. I know. It’s going to take awhile. We got time!

Extra Entries:

Tweet This Giveaway (Once per day until contest ends!)

Follow Me On Twitter – @BrittanyGreer5

Follow Novica on Twitter – @Novica

Like The Greer 5 on Facebook

Like Novica on Facebook

Blog About This Giveaway

Follow On Google Friend Connect

Subscribe To The Greer 5 Feed

Comment On Any Post (Unlimited)

Enter Beauty Giveaway, Momcepts Giveaway (1 extra for merely doing the mandatory entry!)

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Good luck y’all!

Momcepts has three gadgets that helped my most recent shopping visit not only easier as far as organization, but I was so excited to try these out that I ended up saving $54.00 dollars in coupons and savings! Now obviously these gadgets aren’t going to save you money by just having them, but they help you organize and prepare for your shopping trip, giving you the chance to save!

First gadget that helped me:

Momcepts List Caddy.

Holds shopping lists, coupons, notes, thin pen or pencil

Clips to cart handle for hands free use of list and coupons in store!

Very portable; fits in purse

Magnets on the back!

I loved this thing. I went ahead clipped onto my buggy, put my grocery list on it and went on my way. The thing is while I was shopping it held the coupons that I used for each product so I didn’t have to dig them out of my purse or figure out which ones I used and didn’t use.

Next up:

Koala Pouch Shopping Organzier

Organize items to bring on shopping trips

Holds compact reusable shopping bags, coupons, lists, pen, mobile phone, and much more!

Wraps securely around shopping cart handle with velcro closure tabs

Clear pocket in front to hold mobile phone and shopping list for easy viewing and access

Includes tabbed coupon organizing divider cards and 2 compact reusable shopping bags!

This product was great too. Gave me two reusable bags, which saves me 5 cents at Fry’s when I bring them in, PLUS the phone holder and organization. Easily Velcro’s onto the buggy and away you go!

Last but not least:

Koalabiner Purse Hanger.

Clips purse securely to shopping cart or baby stroller

Enables hands free access to purse while shopping

Hang shopping bags from cart handle

Clip shopping bag handles together to prevent items from spilling out

Attractive, fun accessory for purse or bag

This purse hanger made my shopping trip that much easier. Not having to swing my purse around my shoulder or it taking up space in the front of the buggy. Seriously it was a huge life saver.

These have become three of my favorite products that are extremely helpful and useful! If you are a mom of any age and need that organization when grocery shopping – check out Momcepts products.

Buy each of these now:
Shopping List Caddy Only $5.99

Koalabiner Purse Hanger & Clip Only $3.49

Koala Pouch Shopping Organizer Kit Only $14.95

Win Them!

1 Winner will win all three of these.  Contest Ends 6/12/2010 @ 11:59 PM PST.  Valid email address must be provided.

Main Entry

Visit Momcepts and browse around. Tell me something you learned about one of these products.

Extra Entries

Follow on google friend connect

Follow me on twitter – @BrittanyGreer5

Tweet this giveaway. (Once daily until contest ends)

Like us on Facebook

Subscribe to our feed.

(Following options below post)

Stumble this giveaway

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Add this giveaway to Reddit

Comment on any post – unlimited.

Good luck y’all.

Well I was browsing Linens ‘N Things and these are the things I would LOVE to have and yes I included the high thread count sheets. Ha!

Yes. 1500 thread count sheets.

A bath ensemble that would match the master bath. (blue)

And that awesome candle holder is GORGEOUS!

So if you could go to Linens ‘N Things, what would you splurge on? Your bedroom? The kids? Kitchen stuff? How about home decor? Well to help you with your spending and to encourage you to go a little crazy and splurge before summer I have a super awesome coupon code just for you my lovely readers:

But hurry because this coupon code is only good until June 1st, 2010.

Free shipping on your order over $26 with the coupon code:

MOMBLOG

This coupon good for social spark bloggers and readers.

So go get your shopping on and use the coupon code while you are at it!