Feeling Beachy

Cannot go wrong with adding a Flower clip to your hair on a summer day. You can find really cute Flower clips at Claire's. They are often buy one, get one 50% off. 

Free Nicole by OPI Nail Polish thanks to Special K

I was lucky enough to have enough codes to redeem free OPI nail polish! They did not even charge a shipping fee! This made my day! Have to love free! 

In Loving Memory

Nothing is worse then getting married and still having that feeling of emptiness. My Grandmother had just passed away. She was lucky enough to make it to my sisters wedding years before. My Grandmother and I were very close. So on my wedding day I had a frame set up that included the important people my husband and I both lost. 

The quote on the bottom stated:

" In Loving Memory. To those in our lives who could not celebrate with us today, we honor you with our hearts." 

Keuka Lake Wine

If you live close to the Finger Lake region if New York, it's an absolute must to visit the Wineries. Bully Hill is on Keuka Lake, this name may sound familiar because Wine and Spirit stores near New York and Pennsylvania sell their wine in their stores. Bully Hill is located in Hammondsport, New York. Keuka Spring is another amazing Winery, my favorite from there is the Clara's Red. Keuka Springs is on East Lake Road in Penn Yan, New York. Fulkerson has a Sunset Blush wine which is on the sweeter side. Fulkerson Winery is located in Dundee, New York. Keuka Overlook Cellars has very unique wines, which include cherry, raspberry, and black currant.  

Superficial World

Weekly Budget Challenge

In the beginning of the year I challenged myself to try to save more. I found this 52 Week Money Challenge on Facebook. 

For the first few months it's very easy. For instance for January you only have to save $1 for week one, $2 for week two, $3 for week three, and $4 for week four. Which when you total it you are saving $10 dollars. When it came to the month of July, saving money became a bit harder. There are 5 weeks in July. So for July I had to save $27 for week twenty-seven, $28 for week twenty-eight, $29 for week twenty-nine, $30 for week thirty,  $31 for week thirty-one. So in total for the month of July I had to put away $145. So as you can see as the year goes on the harder it gets. What I did was I started to put this money in a separate account. This was easier so I could see what I was saving. By the end of the year if you follow this chart, you'll have $1,378.00 saved. When all is said and done this could be some good motivation to save up for a vacation! 

Time to Learn How to Garden

My Dad is an excellent gardener. After growing up with home grown vegetables all my life, you notice that store bought vegetables just do not taste the same. I decided this year I was going to start a garden. I was not sure how it would turn out so I started small. I just wanted to know of I even had a green thumb. So with the help of my Dad, I got a City Pickers Patio Garden Kit. The Kit even came with instructions and a planting guide. I also purchased 3 bigger pots and 3 smaller pots in addition to the patio garden. I used Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix and added it to the Patio Garden and the 6 planting pots. I have about a dozen successful plants and only lost one along the way. 

Here is a photo of the City Pickers Garden Kit Manual:

The Following are some photos of my small garden: 

I'm so happy with the results. I watered my plants daily and also used Miracle Grow All Purpose Plant Food. I can't wait to start picking my vegetables! 

Betsy Johnson Wish for Something Blue Bridal Pumps

When it came time to pick out my Wedding shoes, I knew exactly what I wanted. I knew I needed the Betsy Johnson Wish for Something Blue Bottom Bridal Pumps. I absolutely fell in love with the crystals! The blue bottoms were an absolute bonus! Unfortunately, these shoes have a regular price retail value of $169.95 from stores like Macy's and Nordstrom. Which can be too much to spend if you're on a tight wedding budget. I managed to get these beautiful heels from Amazon. Prices on amazon run from $101.99 to $152.99. That's a difference of $16.96 to $67.96 dollars. Sometimes if you're lucky, you may be able to score coupon codes for products on Amazon from sites like RetailMeNot.  I, in fact was lucky enough at the time to score a 20% off coupon for these amazing shoes. Amazon also offers Free Shipping with a $35 purchase as well. I managed to buy these for $87! That's pretty much a 50% savings! Be smart and plan ahead. Always search for coupons! I was amazed to find out Amazon offered coupon deals! 

What to do with all your Wedding Cards?!

After we opened all our wedding cards, I thought to myself, what am I going to do with these Wedding Cards!!! After looking at tons of ideas on Pinterest, I fell in love with this idea the most. 

I created my cover by using scrapbook paper and sticker embellishments from Michael's Craft Store. I used a hole puncher and made one hole at the top and one at the bottom. The rings were purchased from Walmart. I actually plan to laminate the cover as well in the future. 

Here is a picture of the materials I used: 

Run your own eBay Store with these helpful tips :-)

As much as I love to shop. I also hoard clothes in my closet that I no longer wear. When I moved in my new townhouse and started unpacking my clothes, I thought to myself why am I holding onto so much stuff I haven't worn in well over a year. Personally I think I was just holding onto clothes due to the fact they were in great condition or because they were pretty. I then decided it was time to let go of these clothes, jewelry, and shoes I was no longer wearing. I use EBay as a way of selling my things. I list items using auction or buy it now option. When I list an item I consider the lowest amount I'd take for the item. I factor in that eBay charges me a fee and paypal charges a fee as well. I also spend the time to list the items and have to bring them to the post office. So often when I list an item for $10. I know I'm really earning $8 when it's all said an done. When I packaged my items, I'd go to the local Dollar Store and get bubbled envelopes. They were often packaged 2 for $1 for the small and medium envelopes. For larger items, such as shoes or purses I'd get the larger envelop for a $1. I also found sellers on amazon who sold packages of 25 bubbled envelopes for $6! Which was an amazing deal! When it came to knowing what to charge for shipping it's pretty much a guessing game unless you want to invest in a scale and weigh the items then log on to a postal website to see how much items will be charged per weight. I pretty much have learned how much to charge for shipping just from my experience with selling similar items. For example, a tank top or a tee shirt that I can fit into a small bubbled envelop will cost $3 on average. Make sure all photos are taken in the best lighting possible. Whether it's near a nice sunny window or with a bright light on. I make sure to take clear picture of labels, type of fabric, and how to wash. Just take individual photos of all those things. eBay lets you take up to 12 photos, so take advantage! The only other further advice I can give is that when you first start selling on eBay it may seem slow, you may want to even give up. Just keep relisting those items over and over. eBay gives 50-100 free listings a month. Stick to it, it may take awhile but you'll see the buyers coming in. I wish you the best of luck! Don't give up! If anyone also has further advice, please leave a comment. :-) 

Here is a link to my items:


http://www.ebay.com/sch/leopardz82/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

Envelopes you can purchase from Dollar Store 

Getting Ready for Fall with Candie's Back Zipper Riding Boots

I just purchased these from Kohl's. Original Price was $99.99. (SKU# 95150236) I managed to get them for $41.99. I used coupon codes: GR8FINDS, 30% with Kohl's Charge, and JULYMVC for Free Shipping. 

VS Shopping Trip (love VS Angel rewards)

You absolutely cannot go wrong with these Victoria Secret Mix & Match 2 for $32 tee shirts. With the Angel Reward discount they were $17. ($8.50 each!)

Love VS for Free Shipping codes

Expires: July 21 

Inspire.Love.Style

Me in a Nutshell

I consider myself the average American girl. I went to college earning a Bachelor's of Science degree. Years later I was inspired to better myself by going back to college to pursue a Master's degree.  I currently work 45-50 hours a week. I work hard everyday and truly love my job. My career gives me the opportunity to work with children.  Many of which have special needs. When I am the person who is suppose to inspire them. They truly inspire me way more than they may ever realize. They always have a huge smile on their face, wait for me to arrive, and ask when I'll be back. 

I've been lucky enough to recently marry the most caring amazing man. There was a point in my life I never thought I'd be taken seriously nor have the opportunity to meet and be with someone who wanted the same things I did. When we met we were inseparable.  We would be on the phone till 3am when we were not together. We were lucky enough to share the same friends.  Four years later, we are married and share a home with our lil cat. 

I have a true weakness for shopping. But due to my hectic working schedule, I spend most of my time shopping online. If it wasn't for email and the world wide web shopping wouldn't be so tempting. Unfortunately for me though, I live on a tight budget which means I buy mainly clearance or always have a coupon in hand. Although, you never have to spend more money than you need to to look good.