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Save While Shopping for School and Office Supplies

Its that time of year! The stores are full of pencils, notebooks, lunch boxes and backpacks! Its a little overwhelming. And get get super expensive - especially if you're like me and have a weakness for office supplies! But Shop Smart magazine has some fabulous tips in the September issue on how to save money on School Supplies!

1.     Take inventory: Chances are, you already have some of the things you need in your home office.   

2.     Stick to your list: It makes sense to get a jump on the stuff you know you need (think filler paper and pencils), but wait for the school’s list to do the bulk of your shopping.  

3.     Consider swapping: If the search of your desk drawer turns up things you no longer have use for, swap them for things you do need. Call other moms, or go to Swapmamas.com. Click on School & Office to see listings from people who have stuff and people who need stuff.

4.     Skip taxes: Many states offer tax-free shopping days in August to encourage spending on clothes. You might find information about your state by searching the Internet with your state and “tax holiday 2010.” Some states extend the discount to supplies and computers.

5.     Buy in bulk: Warehouse clubs are great places to load up, but so are online stores like RaymondGeddes.com and DiscountSchoolSupply.com – just remember that shipping costs can add up if you don’t order in bulk.

6.       Consider refurbs: Whether you need a laptop or your kid needs a fancy graphing calculator, refurbished or opened but unused products can save you hundreds of dollars. Check Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com/outlet, and SonyStyle.com/outlet.

7.       Automate savings: Sign up at ShopItToMe.com to get an alert sent to you when there’s a sale on those expensive sneakers your son just has to have or those shoes you need for work.

8.       Be strategic: Shopping the sales at a lot of stores could save you big bucks, but it’s a huge waste of time. Instead, search circulars online at YahooCircularCentral.shoplocal.com and SundaySaver.com. Then shop at stores with price-matching policies, such as Staples, Target, and Walmart.

9.       Go to school: Ask whether your child’s school has a supply program where you buy one box with everything your kid needs for the year. Staples claims its SchoolKidz program offers savings of 20 to 50 percent.

Catch the full article here!

Trina cosmetic cases now at Nordstrom

Just a heads up, Ladies, Trina, a line of fashionable cosmetic and travel cases, will be hitting the shelves of Nordstrom at the Anniversary Event and Fall Preview starting July 16th.  To celebrate the debut of Trina in Nordstrom locations across the U.S. all bags will be priced at sale prices for the first two weeks on shelves.

The Trina 2010 Fall/Winter Collection offers a mix of runway inspired prints and modern sophistication.  With high-fashion and practicality in mind, the collection features sleek fabrics that bring elements of playfulness with jewel toned shades and chic gold detailing.  Inspired by the fashion industry’s hottest looks with colors and fabrics sourced from the same fabric mills, each bag in the Trina Collection allows you to translate the latest couture trends into your daily wardrobe, travels, and lifestyle. 

The Anniversary Sale is only from July 16-August 1 so don't wait!

peony apparel closet sale

Peony Apparel is holding a closet sale!  30% off the entire site starting Monday, July 5th!  Get your post-4th of July summer gear at Peony Apparel.  Stock up on pretty tanks, dresses, girly t-shirts and more! Celebrate the start of summer '10 in style!

What: 30% off your purchase

When: Monday, July 5th – Monday, July 19th

Where: PeonyApparel.com

How: Visit PeonyApparel.com and shop to receive 20% off your entire purchase.

Details: Get 30% off of your entire purchase from Monday, July 5th-Monday, July 19th.

CSN stores makes shopping easier

Have I mentioned how much I love shopping online? I've had several very good and very bad experiences over the past couple years buying major purchases online. One of the best resources I've found is CSN stores. (And I have several friends who do as well and I'm amazed that I have never heard a bad thing about them.) Besides the low prices, I love the free shipping, easy returns  and great customer service!

Now you know I'm a huge fan of cookware.com and allchildrensfurniture.com because I've shared about them before, but did you know that there are actually over 200 CSN stores? All with the same great service, huge inventory and great prices.  You can find pretty much anything you need from bathroom sink to beds to bikesto playsets.

When I go to a home store looking for a bathroom vanity, they have maybe 30 options, most of which aren't what I'm looking for. But I love how with CSN I can search for the exact type, size, shape and price I want to find the perfect bathroom vanity for my kids bathroom, like this little number:

Hello, Gorgeous!! Don't you think that would look FABULOUS in my kid's bathroom? Me too. 

Last year we were looking for a breakfast nook for our new house and I was tearing my hair out because no one had them - or they were cheap and ugly. And look what I found on CSN:

Its only EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! For only $400 with free shipping. Darn it!! I'm coming here first next time!

I encourage you to check out CSN stores for yourself - you'll be amazed!

disclosure: This is a sponsored post for csn stores. while these opinions are mine, i was compensated for this post.

baby cribs plus - brace yourself for cuteness

I recently discovered the little gem that is Baby Cribs Plus. They carry all the hottest brands of baby cribs, bedding and accessories - even diaper bags - at terrific prices.  They carry tons of the same brands that my local uber-pricey baby boutique has for a lot less. Plus, there's no sales tax and free shipping on all orders over $69.

I love that they have all the classic brands you find everywhere - like Britax and Graco - and also those swanky, unique brands you usually only find in boutiques. Its a great place to get baby gifts for friends or to decorate your nursery in a truly unique way! The artwork by CiCi Art Factory is just darling and I'm in love with the modern and fun crib bedding by Gus & Max. And what new mom (and dad) wouldn't love a hip diaper bag?

Go check them out!

cheap le creuset? you can find it at cookware.com

You know how I'm absolutely in love with my new Le Creuset French Oven. I debated and debated over which one to get and you all passionately debated as well. ;-) Well, after I bought my new Le Creuset, I discovered the AMAZING prices at Cookware.com on Le Creuset! You can get a complete Le Creuset gift set for only $199. That's $200 off, people!! The 7-piece set is over $300 off.

And they don't just have Le Creuset. Cookware.com has everything from Calphalon is up to 70% off and Henckels knives for 60% off! This Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffeemaker is a personal favorite of mine and this is a great price! Kitchen Aid Stand Mixers are another classic that every cook would swoon for! You can even get Electrolux washers and dryers for 20% off! 

With graduations, Mothers Day, Fathers Day and wedding season coming up, you can get some fabulous gifts shipped for free right to your front door!

I will definitely be buying my next Le Creuset piece from Cookware.com. Unbeatable prices + free shipping = Happy Mama!

because i love you all. and i love purses.

Here's a coupon for an additional 20% off your purchase at Coach outlet through 2/28.

Go buy yourself a treat.

 

some deals this week

• Old Navy is having a huge sale on baby and kids clothes -- and there is a TON of cute stuff on sale!! Use the coupon code ONGET15 to get an additional 15% off your purchase.
  
• If you've been waiting to buy a Dyson, this week at Target all Dysons are on sale - about 20% off!
  
• Williams Sonoma has a 3.5-qt oval dutch oven on sale for only $130 -- that's $125 off!
  
• The circus is coming back to Philly next week and we're thrilled!!
  Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 for weekday shows, or receive $4 off weekend tickets by logging onto www.ComcastTix.com and entering the coupon code: MOM

super deals this weekend!

If you aren't stuck inside due to crazy snow, there are some killer deals out in stores this weekend!

I picked up this cute cap-sleeve cardigan and this adorable shirt for me. And these shirts for the  girls and this bathing suit for the boy. Gracie somehow talked me into buying her this headband as well. ("But, Mom, its on SALE!")

and LOFT, click here to download a 20% off regular price coupon or use code SPRING20 at checkout. Everything that's on sale is an ADDITIONAL 50% off in stores. I picked up tshirts for under $10 yesterday, as well as a pair of amazing jeans for only $14. Yes, you read that right: $14!!

GO!! SHOP!!!

disney of ice is coming to philly!

Earlier this year, my family went to Disney on Ice and it was AWESOME.  Now a new Disney on Ice show is coming back to Philly and we are sooo excited! December 23-January 3, Disney on Ice presents Let's Celebrate! It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends!  Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe.

Thanks to Mom Central and the Feld Family Activator Program my family will be there once again on opening night for Disney on Ice. To say that my girls are super-dooper-crazy-excited would be the understatement of the year! They loved - LOVED - Disney on Ice last time and this is going to be the perfect way to start off our Christmas vacation! (Again, I apologize in advance if you are sitting in front of us... you may no longer be able to hear because of their high-pitched little girl squeals at seeing their beloved Disney characters in real life!!)

This would make an AMAZING gift for the holidays!!! If you have little people in your life, you don't want to miss this show! And Mom Central is offering a super discount: use the coupon code MOM at www.ComcastTix.com in the promotional box — for four tickets for $44 for Monday-Friday matinee shows, and $4 off Friday night and weekend shows; any additional weekday tickets are still priced at  $11.