TRUE MEANING OF CHRISMAS & OUR VACATION

I don't know about everyone else, but we have been on vacation for almost 2 weeks. It's been great! I love spending time with the kids playing! Yes you hear me! I love to play! Now what I meant by play is: do the wii, play games, watch movies, and just hang out. It's been great!


One of my highlights for Christmas was, I decided to be more practical and get the two oldest girls clothes. I told them, they wouldn't see as much under the tree (not like before). What surprised me was, they thought there was a ton of stuff under the tree anyways. I guess I made them think they wouldn't get hardly any. (Whoops)!

The thing that I loved the most was, the didn't expect so much because of me telling them we were downsizing. . They loved...their gifts. I did downsize compared to my normal. I have never wanted Christmas to be all about what they get but, I think sometimes with the excitement of buying...it becomes that. I want them to appreciate the true meaning. Guess what? They did! I was so proud of them all.

I hope everyone else is enjoying their Christmas to. I slowed down alittle with the holidays (adding stuff in my store). But, I will be adding more soon. I was taking advantage of spending the holidays with my girls!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all!

Holly

SAVE MONEY SPENDING LESS FOR CHRISTMAS

The holidays are quickly approaching but, yet you don't have a lot to spend. Join a lot of others out there. The economy stinks so, what can you do to make your Christmas special but, without spending a ton of money?

Well, first of all, you need to remember it's not about how much you spend it's the thought that counts. A lot of us seem to forget that. It's more fun to do things for people that don't expect a lot than the ones that do.

Back to savings. What can you do?

1. Shop Consignment stores and online stores. You will be surprised to find new a lot of the time. It doesn't matter where it comes from. Here's one of my favorites. Bella's Consignments, Bella Grande
2. Make some baked goods. People always love baked items or you can buy them. Here are a few of my favorites online. Sweetest Revenge, Colies Creation
3. Look online for coupons and coupon codes before buying.
4. Just because black Friday is over doesn't mean people aren't offering them still. Be patient.
5. Some stores still offer layaway so, look around. Layaway is a great option for not overspending.
6. Some places like CVS offer spend $30.00 and get a $10.00 gift card. You can do it up to 5 times in one week. I love CVS! Lots of great buys there to on Make-up, Perfume/Cologne and so much more.
7. Shop dollar stores like Family Dollar. You can find a lot of great deals for a low price.
8. Shop on ebay! Talk about saving...ebay also offers ebucks you can earn while spending, You apply the amt towards a purchase once they are issued. I earned over $20.00 once from doing that. http://stores.ebay.com/FOREVER-A-TEEN?_rdc=1
9. Look for sales that you can apply coupons to.
10. Back to ebay, you can buy coupons off ebay to save also.
11. A lot of people are selling homemade items on Facebook. Here are a few from my business group.
Little M's Accessories , Crafty Creations by Teri , Fashioneisha Headbands, Anna's Crocheted Creations, Little Pumpkin Love , Chircos Baby Boutique, Pie Bug Bowtique,Regina Sober Tupperware Lady Michigan ,PartyLite by BeckyB, WicksnCandlesticks LLC. These are just a few of my favorites. I have purchased from some to. :D I love their stuff. Great gift ideas and unique.

So, hopefully you enjoyed my saving ideas. Of course hand making a gift is very meaningful, so don't be afraid to make a gift from the heart.

Happy Holiday! ~Holly

HOLIDAY SAVINGS & IDEAS for that FASHION DIVA

The Holidays are quickly approaching us. Hard to believe it's already November. Are you like me, trying to figure out the cheapest way to look good & to spend less on Christmas? Well, we are in the same boat, so...let's help each other out.

How to save on your Holiday Outfits?

1. EBay ( A lot of people are listing their Holiday outfits in eBay right now. Don't feel like you have to shop just from one person (although you can get combined shipping offers). Look for the deals & Auctions that are closing at crazy times. Like when...people are sleeping, at work, holidays...etc.
You can visit my store: I am adding Holiday items right now at low prices for all ages! Here are a few examples.

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/GYMBOREE-FAMILY-PORTRAIT-Corduroy-DRESS-LOT-SET-Sz-3-GIRLS-/180753176023?pt=US_Childrens_Clothing_Girls&hash=item2a15ba95d7 Gymboree Corduroy dress sz. 3

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONOMA-Holiday-JUMPER-Snowman-VELOUR-DRESS-Sz-5-GIRLS-/170726436349?pt=US_Childrens_Clothing_Girls&hash=item27c016adfd  Sonoma Holiday Jumper Sz. 5

 http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHARLOTTE-RUSSE-BEADS-CAMI-TOP-SHIRT-TANK-LARGE-LG-L-/170721828408?pt=US_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops&hash=item27bfd05e38 Holiday Beaded Cami from Charlotte Russe  Large.


 http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHARLOTTE-RUSSE-Dressy-SIDE-SLEEVE-Shirt-MEDIUM-MED-M-/180748732410?pt=US_CSA_WC_Shirts_Tops&hash=item2a1576c7fa Charlotte russe Dressy top sz. MED.

Visit my store for more great deals on Holiday items. http://stores.ebay.com/FOREVER-A-TEEN?_trksid=p4340.l2563

I also have quite a few listed on Facebook that are not on here yet. You can buy directly from my facebook using Pay pal. http://www.facebook.com/#!/Forever.A.Teen

Now onto Goodwill...

2. Goodwill: You can find super cute tops for less than $4.00. You may have to search through them but, it's so worth it.

3. Thrift Stores: You can sometimes find almost new tops for less than $2.00. Remember they wash!

4. Clearance: Clothes don't last on the racks for to long. So be patient! Wait till they go on clearance. If you can find a cute Cami on clearance. You can search for a sweater on sale. Like the old saying...Patience is a virtue. Keep going back. More than likely...that top will go on sale or clearance.

These are a lot of the things I do to save so, I can look good for the holidays.

Now onto Saving....shopping for presents.

1. Keep an eye out for Sales in the Sunday sales flyer's.
2. Shop eBay...you never know what unique items you may find.
Visit my store for savings: http://stores.ebay.com/FOREVER-A-TEEN
3. If you don't have a Facebook acct. You need to get one!  A lot of people sell items on Facebook now. Most accept pay pal.
4. Look on eBay for coupons you can buy, if you don't have one. It's worth it if you buy a 20% off coupon for $5.00 and spend $300 dollars. You will get $60.00 off minus the $5.00 you spent. Total savings $55.00. A lot of people sell coupons on eBay.
5. Get up and go Black Friday shopping. You would not believe the savings you can find. If you haven't tried it, it's a must!

Hope you enjoyed my savings ideas. Keep an eye out for my next blog. It will be on how to organize and save on Black Friday?