Halloween Costumes on Zulily

Because I like to plan ahead, I  am excited about all the Halloween costumes I'm seeing online this week.  Let's face it -- once school starts, it's time to start planning those Halloween outfits.

There are SO many adorable and affordable Halloween things on Zulily. Here are my favorites:

60% off at Trick or Treat Apparel Boo-Tique

50% off at Disguise

45% off at Dress up America -- including this adorable infant flower costume for only $14.99

Host a Labor Day Picnic for 8 for under $30!

Photo Credit

When it comes to frugal living and keeping the grocery budget down, I am always derailed by the cost of entertaining. Either I go overboard in an attempt to impress my guests (thus spending too much), or I avoid entertaining altogether in order to save money. 

I realized this week when I was doing my Wegmans Match-Ups that I could probably throw together a healthy, fun picnic menu for 8 lucky guests without busting my budget.  

First, I’ll share my menu, then I’ll show you my money-saving plan. :)

Menu: 

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas w/ Homemade Salsa

Chips & Guacamole

Fresh Cucumber Salad

Edamame

Fresh Corn on the Cobb

Fresh Fruit & Whipped Cream

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?  If you were invited to this party, would you know it only cost $30 to put together?

Here’s how I’ll do it: 

Slow Cooker Fajitas and Salsa

Philadelphia Cooking Creme, Plain -- $1.19 at Wegmans when you use this coupon

Small Jar of Newman’s Own Salsa Use $1/2 from 8/28 RP = $1.49

1 ear of cooked corn, cut off the cob = $.40

1 1/2 lb Chicken -- breast or thighs =$2.00

Burrito Wraps = $.99/8 with this Wegmans coupon

CSA Cucumber Salad (This is made with ingredients I will get in my CSA basket this week, so no out of pocket cost. The prices listed are if you purchase the items at Wegmans)

2 large cucumbers = $.89 each x 2 = $1.78

1 medium sweet onion = $.75

1 large tomato or 1 cup cherry tomatoes = $1.00

Oil, vinegar, salt & pepper, and fresh herbs to taste = cost negligible, pantry items

Chips and Guacamole:

Late July Snack Chips -- $1.50 when you use the coupon here

Wholly Guacamole -- $3.99 with this coupon

Edamame:

Cascadian Farms Edamame, $1.69 with the coupon here

Corn on the Cob -- 1 dozen= $4.00

Dessert:

Fresh Strawberries, $4.99

Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream -- $2.69 (add a pinch of sugar and vanilla when you whip it up to make it really flavorful!)

Drinks:

Homemade Rose Hibiscus Ice Tea -- Use a pitcher, about 5 tea bags, water, and the sun to create a delicious late summer treat = $1 

Total Out of Pocket: $29.46 -- and if you have a CSA and use what you get in your basket, you can create this menu for even less!

I’d love to hear your ideas for entertaining on a budget!

Borders Going Out of Business Sale = Replenished Gift Closet

My gift closet has been looking kind of sad lately, so I've been looking for opportunities to replenish it a bit in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Ok, I know it's only August. But I find that by buying early, I spend less, am less stressed during the month of December, and have more time to find great gifts that I hope the recipients will really love.

With the gift closet in mind I took advantage of some free time this past weekend to visit Borders’ Going Out of Business Sale. If you haven’t heard, all Borders stores across the country are closing.  They are liquidating every bit of merchandise in their stores, from books to calendars to DVDs to fixtures and furniture.

When I was at Borders this past weekend, everything in the store was 40-60% off the lowest marked price. I have a mental list of who I need to buy for in the next 6 months. Since my list is mostly children, I started looking in the Children’s bargain books area.  I found several large sticker books for only $1.99, an Alex Toys crafting kit for $7, and a set of large Sesame Street flash cards for $3.  Nothing I bought was over $10.  I estimate that I will use these items for 4-5 children’s gifts, plus various stocking stuffers for my kids and husband.  

I did look briefly for myself, as I am always in the market for good cookbooks for ideas and inspiration. I found this:

From Gangsta’s Paradise to Cookin’ with Coolio? I guess he was just playin' when he said, "half of them ain't lookin' what's goin' on in the kitchen, but I don't know what's cookin'. " Well played, Coolio.

Anyway -- the point is, I didn’t find any cookbooks to buy, which is probably a good thing. It kept my spending in control. My total out of pocket after the discounts was $64 -- more than I wanted to spend, but not bad if I am able to divide the trip into 5-6 gifts. 

Oh, and if you're my real life friend, and you have a kid, and you invite my kids to a birthday party, well, you have a little preview of what we might be bringing. :)

A final note about Borders: I spoke to the manager when I was there and she indicated that the sale would probably continue into the middle of September. I would guess that starting around September 1, prices will start dropping even more, until they reach 80-90% off.  Of course, it's always a gamble to know how much inventory there will be left at that time.  I'll probably be back then, though. 

One Step Ahead Costumes: 50% off!

I just noticed this deal on Zulily and had to share!  One Step Ahead has adorable Halloween costumes, and a select group are on Zulily today for 50% off!  There are many infant costumes available, but also a few toddler and little boy and girl costumes.


I know it's still summertime, but there's never a bad time for a good deal!
This costume in infant & toddler sizes is only $14.99:

Click here to go to Zulily and check this deal out.
Shipping is not included, but if you place more than one order in 24 hours, shipping is free for each subsequent order AFTER the first one.

Happy Independence Day!

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.  ~William Faulkner

FREE 8x10 Photo Collage at Walgreens

For the cost of an 8x10 frame, you can create a gorgeous collage for Father's Day at Walgreens.

Use coupon code 1FREEBIE at checkout, and choose in-store pickup to get free shipping.
Just head here to create your collage.

(Thanks, Hip2Save!)

Cheap and Easy Father's Day Gifts for Procrastinators

We're getting down to crunch time here for Father's Day. If you haven't ordered it by now, it's not going to be here by Sunday -- unless you pay for 2-day shipping, which would make me very sad, since I hate paying for shipping at all, let alone expedited shipping.


So if you're like me, and realizing Father's Day is three days away and have nothing prepared, I've compiled a list from around the web of easy and free or cheap things to do or make for the special dad in your life.


At TTBowtique, you can see how to create this popular gift:

All it requires are two wood or plastic letters which you could buy at Hobby Lobby or Michaels, some paint (which you probably have already), a frame (pick this up when you buy the letters), and some cute kids. On quick trip to the store, a photo session, print out the pics, and Voila! Instant, adorable Father's Day gift.

Family Fun Magazine has a similar idea, but -- genius -- uses homemade pretzels instead of wooden letters. It's a keepsake AND edible. What could be more perfect?

 Find the pretzel recipe here

If you have some cardstock, or can pick some up, you can use this template to make your own frame for this beautiful keepsake. It's from Martha, of course.

The Princess and the Tot shows you how to create this daily perk-up for Dad. All you need is a jar, some fabric, and colored paper. (Oh, and 365 ideas!)

You can never go wrong with food. My husband would LOVE this Father's Day cookie cake:

If cookies aren't his thing, you could do this with Rice Krispies Treats or homemade ice cream cake. Neither would be turned down at our house!

What are your favorite frugal Father's Day gifts?

Borders: 30% off One Item

From today through Thursday June 16, you can get 30% off one item at Borders or Borders.com.


Borders is also offering 40% off all DVD box sets.

Free express shipping on orders over $25 until noon on Wednesday when you use code FASTERDAD.


Download the coupon to your smartphone and save on paper and ink!

Custom T-Shirt only $2!

At Vistaprint you can create a custom T-shirt with your photo, design, or logo, for only $2 plus $4.41 shipping.


This would be an adorable Father's Day gift!

Last Chance: 2 Free Photo Cards

Both of these offers expire tomorrow (Monday). 

I just took advantage of this great offer:  Make your own FREE Father's Day photo card using code FREEFD at checkout. 

You can pay the additional $.44 to have it sent to the recipient's house, otherwise it will be sent to you.

This offer expires June 13.

I have a weird thing about paying for greeting cards -- mostly that they're so dang expensive -- so I'm loving this deal. As a bonus, TinyPrints uses 30% post-consumer waste in their paper products. It's a win-win!

(Thanks, Organic Deals!)

Get a FREE personalized photo card from Cardstore.com by designing your card and entering code FREECARD at checkout.

(Thanks, Happy Deal -- Happy Day!)

I've ordered both of these free deals -- but I have two more special fathers that need cards so I'll be on the lookout the next few days for more deals!

Father's Day Round Up!

Father's Day is next Sunday, June 18. If you're planning any online shopping, now is the time to do it! Here are the best deals for Dad from around the web.

**New: $15 for Men's Heath Magazine Subscription

Sports Illustrated -- One-Year Subscription plus Free NFL T-Shirt (32 teams available)!


Borders: 40% off 1 item Exp. 6/13


$25 Gift Card at Restaurants.com for only $2!  Use the code DEAL at checkout.


25% off all Men's items at Gap, plus free shipping on orders over $50 Exp. 6/12


Father's Day Blu-Ray Coupons (search under Home Entertainment):
$5.00 Off X-Men Trilogy on Blu-ray™
$3.00 Off The Day After Tomorrow on Blu-ray™
$3.00 Off Man on Fire on Blu-ray™
$3.00 Off Die Hard on Blu-ray™
$3.00 Off Fight Club on Blu-ray™
$3.00 Off Platoon on Blu-ray™
$10.00 Off The Mel Brooks Collection on Blu-ray™
$3.00 Off Master and Commander on Blu-ray™


Quiet Strength (eBook) by Tony Dungy for just $0.99 on Amazon. (Thanks, MoneySavingMom!)


$25 reward card when you spend $50 on men's apparel at Sears. Exp. 6/19. 

If you are shopping online at Sears.com, use code SEARSJUNE15  to get 15% off your order. Free shipping on orders over $50. (Thanks, Hip2Save!)

FREE Father's Day Card at TinyPrints!

I just took advantage of this great offer:  Make your own FREE Father's Day photo card using code FREEFD at checkout. 
You can pay the additional $.44 to have it sent to the recipient's house, otherwise it will be sent to you.
This offer expires June 13.


I have a weird thing about paying for greeting cards -- mostly that they're so dang expensive -- so I'm loving this deal. As a bonus, TinyPrints uses 30% post-consumer waste in their paper products. It's a win-win!


(Thanks, Organic Deals!)