Can I have this room? I'm loving deep purple shades lately (probably because it's one of my wedding colors) and this room combines so much of what I love when it comes to style.

I found this picture on one of my new fave style reads, Elements of Style Blog. I love the damask pattern on the curtains and rug that add a feel of the vintage to offset the very clean and modern feel of the rich purple upholstery on the chairs and the gray walls. Notice how the oh-so-yummy chandelier adds glamour to the whole thing! I love it.

Let's Talk Jewelry

These days, aside from your precious stones (gems and diamonds), there is very little that is "real." This is not to say we're wearing costume jewelry, but we are wearing more disposable trends. These styles are made from lesser quality metals, follow trends of the season, and rarely remain in your taste palette for longer than a year. For this reason, don't feel bad about buying jewelry that may tarnish or break easily.

Forever21, Target, and many other "bargain" stores offer a good variety of this type of jewelry for less that $10 a piece that you might just find to fit your fancy. I recently purchased this.

It incorporates my random recent obsession with bird and flower charms, fondness for anything with layers of "dangling" things, and a move from preferring silver to gold. I'm noticing a lot of layered jewelry including mixed colors and textures, varying between metals and even pearls.
I'm a big fan of the vintage look of the jewelry I'm seeing in stores lately. What do they go with? Anything, really. You don't have to feel like these necklaces will only go with a ruffled, empire-waisted blouse and skirt. Pair it with pearl stud earrings, a feminine t-shirt, and jeans. It's all about balance. Just beware of wearing a statement necklace like this with a pair of dramatic earrings or a neckline that speaks for itself.

She's Alive!!!

After my last entry, I came down with a pretty bad cold/flu. I wasn't able to prevent it from coming on, but I'd like to think this is the quickest progression of symptoms I've experienced, and it just may have been my 4-pronged approach. Check it out.

My first line of defense was continued and high dosages of Vitamin C. If you see my last post, I vouch very strongly for Emergen-C. I took at least 2 shots of that every day.

Then, I took a day off of work to get some good old sleep. I've learned that fighting it off and just going about your day isn't always the best medicine. Sleep does wonders, and you may just need a day to let your body recoup. So I slept about 16 hours that second day. :)

Second, I was RELIGIOUS about taking my meds. I'm notorious for NOT taking meds, so I made it a point to take both nighttime and daytime meds as directed. Then... there's this...
Yes. It's a neti pot. And please, don't get me wrong. I do not LIKE this. I don't. But, gosh darn it, it works. Basically, your sinuses and nasal passages are all connected. When you're congested or have post nasal drip, there's bacteria backed up in there. The neti pot is used to flush it all out. You use a saline solution, put the spout in one nostril, and it flushes through and comes out the other nostril. Gross. I know. But, gosh darn it, it works. Today, I woke up with NO CONGESTION after 2 days of not being able to breathe. I'm still a little congested (standing up really brings that congestion back), but I swear I never expected it to subside so quickly.

Quick. Do it now!

As I feel my own cold symptoms creeping up on me, this one will be a more general health tip. A friend of mine works for a food product packaging company, and he gave me a box of orange-flavored Emergen-C one day, and I've been a believer since the first sip!

These packets are jam-PACKED with vitamin C (obviously) and other great cold-fighting vitamins and minerals that will help you fight that illness before it really goes into full action. Whenever I feel a tickle or a cough, I down 2 of these packets a day. It says to dissolve one packed in 4-6 ounces of water. I personally dislike any of the flavors and the fizziness, so I put in a little water as possible in a cup and take it as a shot.

The weather is getting cooler, so take care of yourselves!

Gloss that Doesn't Double as Fly Tape

Have you ever bought a lip gloss because you liked the color or the smell only to come home and find out it was stickier than tar? That has happened to me a LOT. It's also hard to find one that doesn't smell funky or like chemicals. That's why this is a product that I keep on me at all times. I also love to give it as gifts! C.O. Bigelow's Lip Shine.

These are a must-have for people like me, who don't like the feel or the bother of lipstick. I have fair skin and don't like lipstick, so glosses are great and tinted glosses add enough color for me. These also tend to go on sale often, too.

If you have dry lips and are looking for a good chapstick, my recommendation is the Kiehls Baby Lip Balm. My friend got me started on these way back in college.

One thing to remember, though, is that this balm melts very easily. You don't need to apply very much. Also, DON'T keep it in your pocket. You'll have a mess to deal with after you stand up. :)

Sweet Smell of Portability

Who are you wearing? I don't get this question very much, but when I do, it's usually about the perfume I have on. I've been through the gamut of the junior/high school classics... Fuzzy Peach by the Body Shop, CK One by Calvin Klein. Oh yes. Other favorites have included Still by Jennifer Lopez, Hanae Mori, and Isse Miyake, but for the past several years, I've been hooked on what might be a keeper for years to come still... Stella McCartney.

I tend to be drawn to scents that are clean and slightly flowery with subtle citrus notes. I get very turned off by powdery or overly flowery scents that I think are "sharp" to my nose. I also tend to feel like those super-fruity smells give the impression of a youth I've long surpassed. And don't even get me started on vanilla... I love eating it, but the artificial scent of vanilla used in lotions and perfumes makes me want to punch a baby (a la Dane Cook). BUT, the product I really wanted to share with you is this.

This 0.33 oz. roll-on version of the very perfume I love is only available at Sephora and runs $17. I keep this tiny vial in my purse at all times for freshening up after a long day at my desk, before a date with my hot hunk of man, or after soaking up unpleasant or unwanted smells at a restaurant. I'm the type that will spritz once in the morning and leave it at that, so having this little buddy around is truly convenient. Even if you don't want to start using Stella McCartney, you can certainly find a scent for you in Sephora selection of roll-on and solid perfumes that are super portable and insanely handy.

MY Girl

I'm getting a trim today, so let's chat about hair. One thing I'm willing to splurge a little on is haircuts. I've always (or almost always) had long hair. Based on first-hand experience, bad haircuts = NOT WORTH THE SAVINGS. One thing I've also learned is that good hair dressers are hard to find. I found MY hair girl at the Mario Tricoci salon in Bloomingdale, IL.

Please don't think this is a plug for Mario Tricoci, but I actually don't like the salon itself. I've been many times disappointed in the color treatments I've received and even other services that come WITH a hair cut, but without a doubt, Lisa gives me a great cut every time.

A couple tips for when you get your hair cut:

• Stick to your guns! If you said you didn't want to cut it, and the hairdresser wants you to. Don't listen to them! You're the one who has to live with it. Don't let their ideas of "style" manipulate you.
• Think about what you want before you go in. Unless you REALLY want them to do whatever they want (including short cuts, dramatic cuts, colors, etc.), then you do have some idea of what will work and what won't. Take a few pictures of celebrities' haircuts/styles you like to give your hairdresser an idea of your sense of style.
• DO let them know if you don't like the cut. Even if you're willing to live with it and come back to this same person, it will help them to know what about it you're unhappy with. Feedback is what they can build on to make you happy with your next cut.
• DON'T waste your money on products they're trying to sell you. They're overpriced and better products can be found for a cheaper price.

Over the past few years, I've tried several shampoos out. With the thick and dense hair I have, it's important to get good moisture without creating too much oil. Here's a shampoo I really like. It smells great and leaves my hair moisturized and shiny. Try Back to Basics. If you like it, you can buy the large size at Ulta and take advantage of their buy 2 get 1 deals. I would suggest, though, that you buy a pump. The conditioner is far too thick to try to coax out of the bottle every time. Pumps are fairly cheap and you get take advantage of the bulk sizes!

No Shopping, No Deals

I apologize for the posts that have been few and far between lately. When you don't shop, you don't find deals to share.

I get a lot of flack from my boyfriend, the ever faithful Banana Republic customer, about buying "classic" pieces that are durable. My tastes, however, rarely find anything I really live in stores like BR, J Crew, or anything similar. I find myself shopping at Forever21 (and the new knock-off A-Gaci). People will send compliments my way and then express sheer surprise at the fact that I found such an item there. It's all about looking for solid construction and decent material.

You won't find much at Forever21-ish stores that will last you decades, but I have several shirts I've worn for at least 4 years. The trick is to stick to items that won't wear as easily (looser fitting tops, pleated skirts, jackets, etc.) and staying away from the t-shirt-type fabrics.

When I look for clothes, the details are what catch my attention. Ribbon detail along the hems. Ruching on the bodice or sleeve seams. These are the things that make the item a "must-have."

These are the type of shirts I would stay away. Avoid "knit" tops that feel like t-shirts. These will form holes and wear out very quickly. if you like it enough, make sure it's a loose-fitting shirt that you can wear a few times before washes and buy a back-up if you think it's worth it.

Woven and loose-fitting shirts don't go under the same kind of wear that knit and fitted shirts do. This means less pilling, less tearing, fewer holes.

And yes, it's overwhelming in Forever21. This is why I like to take my time and go there alone. I've also found another gem of style that are hard to come by. The prices are comparable and items are really cute. The construction is a bit iffy and the sizes run small (oh joy), but it's definitely worth a look at www.angiehearts.net.

Happy Shopping.

No More Yellow Nails

During the 1 year+ I worked at Starbucks, one of the biggest bummers was not being able to wear nail polish (to prevent chipping into customers' drinks and food). Since then, I've found that giving myself a manicure is one way to unwind and relax, and after you're done, you've got something to show for it!

But the more I use nail polish, I noticed my nails taking on a yellowish tint. Apparently, base coats are important for that very reason. Before I have the chance to try this preventative measure, though, I need to get rid of this yellow. I've read of some home remedies online, but I found this product that did the trick.

Yellow No More (instant nail whitener) by Nail Aid does exactly what it says it'll do. The second I applied it, my nails looks visibly whiter and healthier. They recommend you apply it up to 3 times a week, and I've been faithfully complying. I'm having a hard time finding a long-lasting, quality top coat, so I've ended up redoing my nails several times a week... I'm a pro by now.

One of the best parts of this product is that you can get free shipping from the Web site if you buy 2 bottles. Each costs $6.50, which is very reasonable compared to those $8 to $14 bottles you find at specialty stores.

DIY French Manicures

After working in a coffeeshop where we weren't allowed to wear nail polish, I find any chance I get to give myself a manicure a treat. You can certainly find a cheap manicure place to get your finger and toes done for under $30 a visit, but if you're going to do this regularly, it can really add up.

When using regular polish, there's not much to it. Use layers and go about 2 or 3 rounds in addition to base and top coat. But if you want a french manicure, this can get tricky. There are two tricks to doing this on your own.

1. Use a white polish and draw the tip cross-wise across the tip of your fingernail. This requires a lot of control and get kinda tricky when you're painting your dominant hand.


2. This trick is something I learned when I got a manicure done at a high-end salon. Paint just the tips of your nails with a white polish and let dry thoroughly. Then, find a tiny cup (Dixie cup, etc.) and fill it with a little bit of polish remover. Use a nylon-bristle brush to dip into the remover and go backwards by removing the white polish to leave the french tip behind. Essentially, you're painting the tip and erasing the excess. Process as usual.

A big tip for any type of polish is the top coat. I got this from a friend once, and it's UNMATCHED, in my opinion, when it comes to shine.

This Dry Fast Top Coat by Seche Vite, which you can find at Ulta, will run you a little less than $10 a bottle, but lasts you a good while because you only use one coat. I try to save money on colored polishes and give the illusion of quality polish with this top coat.

One more tip for you... when you're finding that your polishes are going a bit clumpy, add a few drops of acetone or remover to the bottle and shake well. This helps thin it out again.

All Eyeliners are Not Created Equal

In high school, I wasn't very social and found myself with a lot of time on my hands. I would spent my evenings in front of my giant mirror trying new tricks with make up. I've used every kind of eyeliner there is. While I like the convenience of a pencil (I used to use Clinique Quickliner for Eyes), I appreciate the clean lines of a liquid. Liquid liners, however, come with the hazards of diminished control and having to wait for it to dry. Makeovers by various make up counters and their "experts" left me looking awkward and overdone, but I did discover the joys of Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner.

This eyeliner allows you a higher level of control in regards to thickness and shape, and it's also long lasting. Of course, it takes a bit of getting used to, because you're not going to be using a pencil. You'll need this:

Start in the inner corner of your eye and slowly make your way across to the outside by making short dashes. Keep in mind that you should thin out as you get closer to the end. You can go dramatic with a thick line and cat's eye curl at the end, or you can go natural with a thin line all the way across. Either way, remember to stay as close to the lash line as possible.

Tip: If you are Asian, like me, it will take a little bit of experimentation to figure out what looks best. I notice that if I make the line thicker towards the center and just a little to the outside of center, this makes my eyes look bigger, whereas a thicker line toward the inside of my eye has the opposite effect. Also, apply powder to your lid before applying liner to keep it from smudging. I also apply concealer to the entire under-eye area.

The pot is $21 and the ultra-fine eyeliner brush is $25. The high-quality brush will last you a LONG time (I still use the very first brush I bought some 4 years ago) and should be washed gently with soap and water every so often. After each use, I like to wipe off the excess on some tissue and do the same before every use, too. The pot will probably last you a good 4 or 5 months.

DIY... it's cheaper

I give props to anyone who can sit in a chair and get their hair dyed over the course of 3 hours and $200. Because I have a LOT of very THICK hair, getting regular salon color treatments just isn't realistic for me. I would need to get re-colored every 3 months or so, and that works out to $800 a year! I think not. So I've discovered a cost-effective solution to do my own color at home.

Color is definitely something you have be careful with. It also takes some degree of confidence and risk, but once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder how you made it any other way. One box will run you about $12 and the whole process from base color to highlights will take about 2 hours. Here are a few tips.

• Make sure you choose a mild color combination for your first attempt. This way, the worst that could happen would be a few misplaced highlights. Start slow.


• Get all your materials together BEFORE you start. A dark-colored bath towel will help keep your skin and clothes from getting dyed (always wear clothes that you don't care if you ruin). A hair claw will be very helpful (as will a comb with a pick at the end for selecting strands of hair, but it's not necessary). Remove anything from your bathroom that you're afraid of getting dye on.


• When applying the all-over color, take the top half of your hair and twist it up in the hair claw. Make sure you get your roots and saturate all your hair when dyeing. Then, do the same to the top half. If you have a lot of hair, like me, this will make the process more manageable and will make sure you get an even distribution of color.


• Don't bother drying your hair before moving on to the highlights, as suggested in the directions. I find it unnecessary and time consuming. Just be sure to towel dry your hair thoroughly and detangle completely. Also, when applying the highlights, be sure to part your hair the way you normally style it.


• You will only really need to highlight maybe the top 1/4, if not less. Take your hair claw and gently pull back a section of hair, about 2 inches on either side of your part, and twist it up and out of your way. Use the mascara-wand-looking applicator's back end to pick up small sections of hair for highlighting. Be sure your sections are no bigger than the width of your pinky (unless you want more dramatic highlights). Also, take sections that are close together at the root. This means, when you imagine the area where all the roots of that section are, this area should be close together rather than long or wide (up and down the scalp, or across left to right).


• When highlighting, I don't bother using either applicator included in the box. Use the back end of the mascara-wand-looking applicator to grab sections (use your pinkies to separate unwanted hair), and use the mixing paddle to apply the dye. Make sure not to pick up too much or you will drop it on unwanted areas. Start close to the root and make your way down. Once you've applied the dye, take the strand of hair in your fingers and massage the dye in all the way down with your fingers (except the pinky!). Try your best to get close to the root. You know you're using enough dye when your section looks a bit white, but it doesn't need to be completely covered. Focus on evenness. When you're done with that section, gently lay it down.


• Highlight sections about an inch apart on either side of the hair you've twisted up. Once you're done, continue to release half of the that hair and repeat. I try to highlight sections alternating positions with the previous (don't highlight sections on top of ones you've just done).


• KEY SECTIONS TO HIGHLIGHT are the very front sections that frame your face.

Many dyes these days can actually improve the look of your hair. They have good moisturizers and scents that are much different from what we had to use even just 5 years ago. I say try it out. The WORST that can happen is that you have random splotches of highlights that don't run along the length of your hair. In this case, you can always wait a week and use another all-over color to undo the highlights.

Rarely have I been overjoyed at the quality of a dye job I got in a salon enough to justify paying more than $200 (and that doesn't even include a cut!). I think I've mastered the art of home hair color... at least for my own hair. Hope you try it out!

Eat for Less

You should try this now. Now. Go. Do it.

Restaurant.com offers gift certificates for restaurants organized by distance from an address you enter at a fraction of the price. For example, most places offer $25 certificates for $10 and $10 certificates for $4. The added bonus is that various coupon codes work for an additional discount. Try using "SUPPER" for an additional 80% (get a $25 certficate for $3!!) or "ALL" for 50% off.

Many of the restaurants listed are not hugely popular yet or are smaller, therefore trying to drive business. Be sure to read the exceptions, too, because some of these are not valid on weekends or maybe dinners. Some also have minimums that won't include alcoholic drinks. The REAL deals come in when you find new additions for restaurants you already love.

What do I look out for? I look for higher-end restaurants (French, tapas, sushi) located in downtown areas where you know you'll already spend at least $50 for 2 people. It sounds high, but if you include an appetizer or a dessert for a special occasion, it's really easy to get there.

BON APETIT!

Like Buttah

You can always find an abundance of lip balms/chapsticks and lotions in my purse. My problem with most lotions is that they usually smell too strongly, dry on my skin too quickly (which is why I prefer creams to lotions), or leave my skin oily (I prefer not to leave my fingerprints all over everything). That's why this find was so exciting for me.

The 60 Second Fix for Hands from Crabtree & Evelyn contains the PERFECT lotion and then some. The Hand Therapy Cream feels almost whipped and keeps your hands moisturized for a long time without any greasiness. It also has a very mild flowery fragrance will go unnoticed after a few minutes.

The kicker, though, is the Hand Recovery Cream. If you've used St. Ives' Apricot Scrub on your face, then you know how smooth your skin feels after a good but gentle exfoliation. Meet the equivalent for your hands. This mild scrub exfoliates your hands with a warming sensation and leaves your skin both smooth and moisturized! I use it just once a week or so to rejuvinate after a long week. I prefer the kit pictured here, which runs $28. As you can see, the tubes in this kit are pretty small. You can get full-sized versions of the lotion and scrub for $14 and $20, respectively, but I find that I don't use enough of the scrub to warrant such a big tube (bulk isn't always better, friends) and I like the small lotion to fit in one of my purse pockets. I discovered this wonder duo in Las Vegas this past March (I had brought none of my own lotion and the air ravaged my skin!), and I've replenished only once. I bet one treatment will inspire you to pamper yourself with a manicure... once you see, smell, and feel the results, you won't be able to stop!

Get the Perfect Canvas

Let's stick with the skincare theme. I mentioned before that I really loved a cleanser from Sea Breeze way back in junior high, when my skin was at its worst. It's taken me a long time to find a cleanser that has everything I want: gentle enough for sensitive and dry skin, strong enough to fight acne, foams (unlike those gentle cleaners that are just a cream), and can remove eye make up (I really hate eye make up removers, which I've found to be too oily or ineffective). Enter Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser with Botanical Blast.

Like me, you may have heard a lot of hooplah over sulfates and other inorganic ingredients in cosmetics, skincare, and other beauty products. Basically, sulfates are commonly used chemicals that are considered bad for the environment and, more importantly, for your health. They've been shown to increase risk for cancer and toxicity. Boscia is one of the safest brands, in this respect, and I've noticed a distinct improvement in my skin's ability to hold moisture (no cleanser will replace a good moisturizer) and stay clear. And HOORAY, it also removes my eye make up! One bottle runs you $22 and lasts me at least 4 or 5 months. Remember, also, that because it does foam, you don't need a full pump. I use about a 1/2 pump to make it last longer. Here's a tip for you if that seems a bit steep for a facial cleanser... those coupons you get in the mail from Ulta can be used on Boscia products! Sometimes that means $3.50 or 20% off! You can also find this cleanser at Sephora, where you can earn Beauty Insider points.

Skincare—including cleansers, acne products, and moisturizers—is one area that finding the right product that works best with your skin is the priority. This doesn't necessarily mean that an expensive or brand-name product is best. Give products a try, and if it doesn't work for you, most retailers are willing to take them back, at least for store credit.

You're Glowing!

If you have dry skin, are looking for more of a glow than a "bronzed" look, or if you're just looking for a way to make your skin look generally improved in tone and health, this is a must-have. I stumbled upon this item while shopping at the local Nordstrom makeup counter. I've successfully turned at least 3 people on to this product as a lifetime MUST, and it's only the beginning!

You'll find that the various colors on this palette (which comes in 6 variations; I use Bronze) really compliment your tone to give you just enough little color, making it look moisturized and healthy, rather than caked, overdone, and fake like a lot of bronzers out there do. The colors are really beautiful and can be used as eye shadow too, as I mentioned when I wrote in to Self magazine. I was in their July 2006 issue showing the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick as my summer fave, but it's really an all-year product. It will run you about $38, but a good friend of mine (now addicted to several suggestions I threw her way) says that http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/ often has coupons and deals. It will last you at least a good year or so, too. Again, wherever you buy this or any other product, be sure to search online for coupons! Here's to jealousy-worthy skin, ladies.

By the way, if you've stopped by and found something helpful, and especially if you've tried a suggestion and found it good, let me know by leaving a comment! Thanks!

Does It Really Work?

Skin care is one of the most frustrating parts of being a girl. Men want you to have clear skin. Women judge you if you don't have clear skin. And any aunt within 100 yards will ask you, "What happened there (insert poking)? Is that a pimple?" Yes. It is a pimple.

Sea Breeze used to have a cleanser that cleared up my problem skin in junior high IMMEDIATELY, but they took it off the market. It was a sad, sad day for me. I even tried ProActiv, but it didn't work for me. The sulfur mask actually did the trick, but I just could not get over the smell... on my face... on my pillow... right under my nose all day long.

I have very sensitive skin that reacts to anything, even the SUN. Yes, I am allergic to the sun (walking back and forth from my car to work leaves me in hives). Most products leave my skin dry and flaky, which is almost as embarrassing as acne. It doesn't sound bad, but when you have sheets of skin hanging of the edges of you chin, nose, and forehead, come talk to me.

Over the past few years, I decided it was time to really invest in skincare. In any case, I don't think a moisturizer needs to be more than $30, but when you find a product that works, STICK TO IT. I use this...

It used to be called "Moisturizing Acne Gel," and it really does moisturize. It doesn't leave my skin dry, but it's very effective. I notice clear changes within 2 days, mostly less. This size costs $44, and typically lasts me at least 6 months. I think that's a deal, no? Once I started to see how effective it was, I was willing to spend this much. Good luck!

Dresses to Impress

Lately, I've been very into dresses. I've always hated my short, stumpy legs (I carry my weight in my behind and thighs), but I realize that a dress with the right fit and shape is actually very flattering (hence the compliments from the bf). Dresses are one thing that can be specific to season, but oftentimes the occasions that call for them are so often indoors, that you can wear them anytime (except for sundresses, of course).

A good friend of mine got married on Sunday (Congrats again, Jen!), and I wanted a decent-quality, eye-popping, but cost-effective dress. Enter http://www.lulus.com/...

I'm a bit skeptical of buying clothes online because of the way most clothes don't fit my body well, but I figured I'd give it a shot. This dress is adorable and the color is awesome. Fair skin = good with pink! Lulus.com is actually pretty affordable, I gotta say the clothes are pretty unique. This dress was just $47 plus shipping.

And remember to ALWAYS ALWAYS search the website on Google for coupons and free shipping deals. I got 20% off ! My order total was $44.60.

Vintage Meets Crayola Plus 4" Heel

A few years ago, I ran across a pair of super-hot croc heels in purple at DSW. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the $50 or however much they were, so I decided I would come back. I did, and they were gone. Since then, I decided I would buy shoes that I am "struck" by to that degree if they were reasonably priced... lest I miss out!

Last week, I went back to DSW (my choice retailer for shoes, socks, some purses) for shoes to go with a dress I found online (to be posted soon) for a friend's wedding. The dress is a bright pink, so I was considering gray shoes. Instead... I found these...


I fell in love with them immediately. These days, my wardrobe tends to be pretty muted, so these are really great accessories to any "drab" outfit that lacks color. They were surprisingly comfortable, too! Didn't know that about Seychelles. They're originally $100, on sale for $69.95, an additional 30% off b/c they had been returned from another store and were the only pair, and I had a $10 off coupon (benefits of being a DSW cardholder!). Let's do the math, friends. This means I got a $100 pair of shoes for less than $55. Cha-freaking-ching. They're a bit tall, but I've already been complimented several times. Very Sarah-Jessica-Parker...love them! Vintage meets Crayola.

Inspired to Share

I've recently been looking for ways to make some money (in addition to my full-time AND part-time jobs... weddings aren't cheap!). I won't make any money here, but it got me thinking about writing opportunities outside my regular jobs, so I thought I'd blog about the deals I find. More than anything, you can find deals if you keep your eyes open and take initiative. I'm not the best at saving money, but you can certainly adjust your eyes to find deals on fun products for much cheaper than the retail price. Keep visiting to get inspired by my finds!