Turning my bargains into YOUR bargains

Looking for a gift to WOW your friends at your next baby or bridal shower? Why not try a Blooming Bouquet? Sure to be the hit of the shower and the ultimate cure for the common gift!

Each blooming bouquet is handmade to create a stunning yet practical flower arrangement.

Baby Blooming Bouquets have blossoms made of every mom's favorites: onesies, burp clothes, booties, sleepers, blankets, lap pads, gowns, and washclothes.

Receivers of a Kitchen Blooming Bouquet will unwrap each blossom to find kitchen towels, aprons, dish cloths, pot holders, and oven mitts!

Give the gift that gives 3 times!

1st: when she sees her beautiful flower arrangement

2nd: when she unwraps each bloom to reveal a quality item

3rd: when she uses that practical item everyday!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6176691

Check out my Etsy Store!

Check out my Etsy store!!

My Bargains can now be YOUR Bargains!

Check out my Etsy store!!

Clearance Racks!!!

I have been itching for a shopping trip! I stopped off at Robinson Towne Center to hit Marshalls and TJ Maxx.

Regular priced merchandise:

SkipHop Duo Diaper Bag $ 29.99 retail $ 80

*The Skip Hop DUO DOUBLE has all the great features and style of the DUO, and is the only stroller bag designed for a double (side-by-side) stroller. With sixteen pockets, the DUO DOUBLE fits everything you need, and can be carried by the tote straps or messenger strap. The Deluxe Edition includes the new Shuttle Clips; a unique strap and fastening system that allows the DUO DOUBLE to attach neatly and conveniently to the handlebars of a double stroller. When attached to the stroller, you can leave the shoulder strap attached or remove it for a cleaner look. Click in the shoulder strap and the DUO DOUBLE converts into a cool, hip tote or a messenger-style diaper bag with a strap long enough for even the tallest moms and dads. The Duo Double features magnetic closures throughout and a comfy shoulder pad.

Targus Getta Tote $ 19.99 retail $ 52
*designed to fit notebooks with up to 15.4” screens. This roomy, expandable case is perfect for the over-packer and has plenty of room to store personal items and accessories. The Getta Tote includes a large internal zipper pocket, two accessory pockets, pen loops, business card/ID holder and a matching removable pouch for added storage. The light tan interior adds style to the case and allows you to easily locate your accessories. Equipped with a magnetic closure, this notebook case is sure to meet both your fashion and business needs.

Lenox Opal Innocence Bride and Groom Cake Topper $ 24.99 retail $ 115

First Birthday Scrapbooking Kit for a buck!

Parkside Dollar in South Park, PA had these adorable first birthday scrapbooking kits for just a dollar. I picked up several for that price. My friend had her guests sign the Happy Birthday page with a special message for her daughter, Emmy!

Penelope Mack Dresses for $ 5.00

I found these adorable little girl dresses with matching doll dresses on clearance at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I picked up a set for my best friend's daughter. When she saw the Penelope Mack label she was so excited! I had no idea things were high end boutique dresses. I just thought they were cute and incredibly cheap.... at $ 5.00.

Have you shopped at Tuesday Morning?

Before visiting family and friends, I made a pitstop at one of my favorite stores: Tuesday Morning. I call it the "High Class Big Lots." This is one of those stores that you never know what you are going to find and you need at least an hour to scan all the aisles.

Best items to shop for at Tuesday Morning?
Toys- especially educational toys, books, puzzles - All the big names: Fisher Price, Melissa and Doug, Disney, Leap Frog

Photo Frames- I do not buy picture frames anywhere else anymore because you cannot beat these prices.

Kitchen utensils and specialty items- Before I head to Bed, Bath, and Beyond donning my 20% off coupon, I always check here first.

Collectibles- Madame Alexander Dolls, Precious Moments Figurines

Scrapbooking- Kits, Albums, Paper, Stamps, etc

Baby Items- Clothing, shoes, blankets, bibs, specialty items, hats, baby bedding


Today's finds at Sewickley Location:

Precious Moment Figurine 11.99
Fisher Price Bunny-in-the-Box 9.99
Carters Bucket Hat 2.99
Carters Memory Foam Sandals 3.99

Guess Purse $ 20 bucks!

I have a mild obsession with purses. But since I never carry a purse more than a month or two I cannot see spending a fortune of them.

Here are a few of my recent purse finds: I found this HUGE purse in black at Ross Dress for Less on clearance for under 20 bucks!

Since this handbag is almost as large as a small suitcase it was neccessary to finally purchase a Purseket organizer. I scored my on ebay for under 18 for both the medium and drop in sizes.

If anyone is considering buying a Purseket, I would definately say go for it! I love mine and do not know what I did before it. It holds all of my stuff and makes switching purses a breeze!

http://www.purseket.com/

Another successful trip to Gabes and Target!

I have been trying to curtail my spending so I have not been hitting the stores as much lately. I am sure that makes my husband is happy.

Here are a few of the deals from today's adventure:

Gabriels- McKnight Road location

The Sak Purses 19.99- 49.99 Black, White, Multi colored stripes

XOXO purses 9.99- 24.99 Black and White hearts (matching wallet 4.99) and many more colors/styles

KitchenAid Utensil Sets
4 piece basic set 9.99 Red
7 piece set with crock 19.99 Red, Black *would make an excellent bridal shower gift!

Yankee Candle
3 piece set of mini jar candles 7.99
Large jar candles with two scents 9.99
Scents: Macintosh/Granny Apple, Clean Linen/Lilac and others

Target McKnight location near Kohls

Dyson Vaccuums on clearance 239.98- 299.98 Floor models

Marshalls/TJ Maxx Clearance

Marshalls/ TJMaxx (Waterworks) Clearance bargains!!!

Adorable little girl sundresses with matching doll dress - $ 5-7 12 M- 5T

7-piece infant set (bib, hat, onesie, sleeper, pants, tshirt, booties) $ 7.50

Sizes: N-3, 3-6, 3-9

Prints: Little Teapot, Flowers

9-piece infant set (above plus washclothes and rattle)

$ 9.00

Sizes: N-3, 3-6, 3-9

Russ My first baby doll $ 3.00

- Pink and Blue available (picture left)

Russ My first camera toy $ 2.00 (picture in last post)

Colors: Pink and Green, Blue and Red

Adorable Baby Camera Rattle $2.99

One of my best friend's daughter is turning one and I just couldn't resist this adorable Camera Rattle by Baby Gund. My friend is constantly shooting pictures of her cute kids and now Emmy can "snap" right along with her! Also available in blue and red.

Cheeeese! Baby will be all smiles when she gets a camera of her own. This adorable camera is shades of pink accented with mint green and green gingham for a fun look. The camera lens is a mirror and the lens cap attaches with Velcro to keep the dust out. Press the oversized button to hear a snapshot sound as the picture is taken. Requires no film and no batteries, Just plenty of smiles and tons of fun. Surface Washable

Retails 12.99

TJ Maxx 2.99 Clearance

Toys/Gifts under 5 bucks!!

Last week a friend of mine and I took a trip out to Butler, PA to hit score some scrapbooking goodies. After dropping a load of cash at the Scrapbooking Station we dashed into Ollie's and found some great deals. This is the only place I buy children's books.

Winnie the Pooh Photo Gift Set
Description: This gift set includes a 14 page photo brag book, 3" x 5" photo frame, journal and video box, all packaged in a matching memory box, ideal for storing additional photos
Retails 23.99
Ollie's price: $ 6.99

Pictured above: Disney's Eeyre's Lucky Pennies Play a Sound Book and Cuddly Eeyore. Retails 11.99 Ollie's Price: $1.99

My First 100 Magnetic Words

Your child will have fun while learning to read with this ingenious, interactive board book. It contains over 100 magnetic word and picture tiles. Children will match magnetic words to the pre-printed words on the book to create the sentence. Children will build confidence to read and learn how to build sentences. Children will also have fun matching picture magnets to the appropriate scenes throughout the book.

Great for traveling

For ages 5 to 8 years old.By School Zone

My First 100 Magnetic Words RETAIL $15.99 Ollie's price: $3.99

Adorable Cell phone clutch!! $ 7.99 Steal

Found this adorable Liz Claiborne cell phone clutch with notepad & pen for $ 7.99- retail 36.00

TJ Maxx- Waterfront - colors available pink, black and brown print

I think I will stock up and keep them for Christmas gifts!!!

This stylish clutch functions as a standalone case that provides storage for your cell phone and personal items or as an organizer within a briefcase or larger bag.

Product Features
Designed for use with most slim cell phones, including Motorola RAZR, Sanyo Katana, LG Chocolate and BlackBerry Pearl
Cotton and polyester material
Protects your cell phone from scuffs and scratches
Provides storage and organization for personal items
Detachable wristlet

Scrapbooking Super Bargains!!!!

Exceptional deals at Ollie's (Lyndora location)

Large Paper shapers by EK success the "I do" collection 3.99 reg. 11.99

- Wine bottle/ toasting flute

-Church

- Several others...

Paper shapers by EK success 3.99 reg. 11.99

-Flower (3-d)

Adornments by ek success 1.99 for 7 yrds

-Various colors- purple,blue, white...

jolee's I do collection stickers for 1.19 reg 2.99-3.99

most of the ones available on here are available at Ollie's!!! http://store.scrapbook.com/eksuidoco.html

-The ball & chain title wave

-The bridal shower

-The bridesmaids

-The bachelor party

-The groomsmen

-The perfect cake

-The wedding planning

-Our new home title wave

and many more!!!

Now... who's ready to do some wedding scrapbooking???

Bargain Kitchen basics!!

Rubbermaid Dish Strainer 5.00 Biglots - Black, Red, and Chrome

Rubbermaid 14 piece Storage Container Set 9.00 Biglots
* Pitcher, 2 icetrays, 3 containers with lids (good for cereal), water bottle, water container with spout

Kitchen Aid Utensils 1.99- 4.99 Gabriels
* These are the awesome silicone covered utensils- red, blue, black

Baby and Toddler Finds!!!

Gabriels on McKnight Road 1.99-39.99

The entire line of Wamsutta Nursery Rhyme Bedding is for sale at deep, deep discounts.

Crib sheet, crib ruffle, diaper stacker, mobile, nightlight, pillow, crib sheets, receiving blankets

I have been shopping for one of my dear friend's daughter's first birthday. After chatting with some local mommies with small children they recommended the

Baby Gymtastics™ Bounce & Spin Zebra

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2058&e=product&pid=33051

Clearance 20.11 at Mt. Nebo Target - regular price 44.98

Great toy for 2-5 yos.

Little People® A to Z Learning Zoo™ clearance for 19.11

Mt. Nebo Target (regular price 43.00)

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2058&e=product&pid=33051

GABRIELs - McKnight Road location

Adorable three piece infant/toddler hooded towel with matching washcloth and puppet. 3.99

- assorted animals: dogs, bunny, bear, frog

Wamsutta Bally Bunnies for Baby

Gabriels (Monroeville, PA) has the entire Wamsutta Bally Bunnies crib bedding line. Adorable pink and purple bunnies!

Luxury Plush Blanket 4.98 (This is a super thick, super soft blanket!)

4 Flannel Receiving Blankets 3.98

Crib Set 29.98

Matching bunny mobile 9.98

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!!!!

Walgreens
Tomorrow only: Friday, April 11
$ 5 off $ 20 purchase (in store only)
http://www.walgreens.com/hotbuys/default.jsp?ec=hn525p_getcoupon

PetSmart
$ 5, 10, 15 off coupons- emailed to regular customers. Check your email!!! expires 4-13-08

Home Depot
10% off Online Only! Enter this code at checkout APRILSAVINGS28

Happy Shopping!!!

Gotta loves Gabe's and Target!

I found some awesome deals today at the local Gabriel Brothers store.

McKnight Road Location
"MaryJane" by Buster Brown 2 piece outfits for girls 0-4T for 3.99
HealthTex jean shorts, tshirts & more for boys 2.99
Small wonders blanket sleepers 3.49
Disney Princess "My first princess" storybook and playset 3.99 *these are so cute!
Disney Princess Forever Friends Book and DVD 3.99
Fisher Price Little People board books with flaps 1.99
Melissa and Doug Wooden toys 2.99-6.99
Little Tykes Sort and Stack 2.99

Target (Old McKnight store)
Classic Pooh Baby items Scrapbook, blanket, stuffed animals, rattles, baby book 30-75% off

Target (New McKnight store)
Classic Pooh Little girl 2-piece outfit 3.74
Hamilton Beach Toastation - Red (22703H) 24.74

Surprising bargains at Walmart

Let me begin by saying I'm not a big fan of shopping at Walmart. I watched a documentary on how the company works and I have been avoiding doing the bulk of my shopping there ever since.

For less than 12 bucks I walked out of the Heidelberg Walmart with a Women's Fleece Robe, Women's 2-piece pajamas, and 2 Disney Character two-sided fleece blankets.

Disney Cars Fleece Blanket 3.00 Clearance
Disney Princesses Fleece Blanket 3.00 Clearance
Fleece Robe 2.50 Clearance
Pajama set 3.00 Clearance

Gotta love those clearance racks!!

Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower Centerpieces

I found pop up cardboard Winnie the Pooh gift boxes for the bargain price of a $ 1.00 at my all time favorite store: Parkside Dollar which is located in South Park, PA.

These cube shaped gift boxes are adorable! Each have a collapsible lid and rope cord handle. I ordered Winnie the Pooh Mylar balloons from ebay (best deal) will stream out of the boxes. I'll use some inexpensive bags of dry beans inside the boxes to weigh down the balloons.

Party stores were charging 7.99 a piece for these balloons. I found an online store selling them for 4.99 a piece! http://cgi.ebay.com/Tigger-Pooh-Piglet-Eeyore-4-pc-Balloon-Set-Baby-Shower_W0QQitemZ280134456744QQihZ018QQcategoryZ3208QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemI

Winnie the Pooh Invitation Kits

Here are the adorable Classic Pooh invitations kits I found at Parkside Dollar. What a steal! I noticed that there were similiar classic Winnie the Pooh invitation kits at the South Park location last week.

If you want to add a cute seal to the envelope, both Dollar Tree and PartyCity sell Disney Pooh Baby stickers (2 sheets) for a buck.

Where to find high quality, low cost scrapbooking supplies

Fifteen years ago when I first started scrap booking we actual used... (gasp!) scraps... paper, index cards, old greeting cards, ribbons from various gifts, etc to make a one of kind scrapbook. As my friends started their families I enjoyed creating homemade scrapbooks for each of their new little ones arrivals. I figured this way all the new mother had to do is slip in the photos and jot down some notes.

These days scrap booking is more of an art form. Those days of using "scraps" are long gone. Stroll down an aisle in any craft store and you will be shocked to see these little tiny packages of stickers, papers, and various do dads costing you 1-5 dollars a piece. Turn your head to the other side of the aisle and you will be amazed at the amount of scrap booking 'gadgets' have appeared promising to make your scrapbooks prettier, more unique, and faster to complete.

To control my scrap booking costs, I search for the best deals on the items I know that I will use. In the past, I had a tendency to purchase items when I thought I may use which- as you can imagine- caused an accumulation of many more items then I will probably ever use.

So- stick to what you know you will use. If you have a project in mind, deem the item purchasable. Otherwise... back away from the scrap booking clearance items.

Let's discuss what stores have which items at what price!
Tuesday Morning
49.99 I purchased a Crop in Style rolling bag... MSRP 175 It was blue and most likely last years model by I could careless. They also had the matching accessories in blue which I chose not to buy.

In the clearance section of Tuesday Morning (which varies by store but normally can be found either in the farthest left corner of store or at the end of each aisle. It is worth a dig because often find exceptional deals on items ranging from baby gifts to Christmas cards to scrap booking supplies. Even the regular prices for their scrap booking kits, paper, and sets are a fantastic deal.

Big lots
Not a lot of scrapbookers realize that this is a hidden gem. You can find paper, scissors, add-ons, albums, glue, and more at deep discounted closeout prices. This aisle is usually towards the front of the store near the greeting card display.

Ollie's
I have to be really careful when I walk into this store because it doesn't take long for me to completely fill my shopping cart. Scrap booking albums... regularly 40 bucks... 5.99. It even had the matching paper kit inside. Paper, stickers, add-ons, ribbon, etc can all be found at super cheap prices.

TJMaxx/Marshalls
Most people wouldn't think to find scrap booking items here but once in a while you can snag a block of speciality paper for 1.00 or a mini scrapbook for 3.00. Regular Priced scrapbooks are still priced well below the so called craft stores.

Ross Dress for Less
Scrapbooks for pennies! I found the most beautiful scrapbook albums for 2.99- 9.99 depending on the size and manufacturer. Also be sure to check the same aisle for unique greeting cards.

Pat Catans
This popular craft store is known for its discounting but make sure to check out their clearance sections which is where you get the best deals. Recently I purchased a package of mulberry paper and thread stickers for a buck.

Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michael's
All three of these craft superstores offer coupons galore. Each will accept their competitors coupons. If you need extra, check at a local coffee shop on Sunday nights and often they will give you their leftover newspaper extra coupon flyers. Also if you sign up online, you will receive additional coupons in your email.

Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower.. on a budget!

I am co-hosting a Winnie the Pooh themed baby shower next month. Instead of purchasing those crazy expensive paper decorations I found great deals of Pooh themed items that can be used by the parents to be for the nursery.

After hours of research, I found that PartyCity has the best price on tableware. I could not resist this adorable "BabyDays" theme.

We chose to alternate the Pooh themed napkins and plates with solid lavendar ones found at one of my favorite dollar stores in South Park, PA.

This week at Party City they have the plastic rolls of tablecloths on sale for 6.99. Considering this will cover over 11 long rectangular tables it is a steal. The lavendar roll matched up perfectly with the dollar store paper supplies!

Party City has a clearance sale going on. If you take the time to dig through the bins, you can find some great deals. I scored a huge "Congratulations" banner, a stand up Pooh cardboard centerpiece, and Pooh stickers for a buck a piece.

For centerpieces, I found pop up cardboard Winnie the Pooh gift boxes for the bargain price of a $ 1.00 at my all time favorite store: Parkside Dollar which is also located in South Park, PA. These gift boxes are huge! I ordered Winnie the Pooh mylar balloons online (best deal) which will be held down by these boxes. I'll use some inexpensive bags of dry beans inside the boxes to weigh them down. I'll be sure to post a picture after the baby shower. Party stores were charging 7.99 a piece for these balloons. I found an online store selling them for 4.99 a piece!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tigger-Pooh-Piglet-Eeyore-4-pc-Balloon-Set-Baby-Shower_W0QQitemZ280134456744QQihZ018QQcategoryZ3208QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I found the invitation kits at Parkside Dollar in Robinson Twp a few months ago when I first found out the couple was expecting. Each kit contained 12 invitations.

Here are some of the great deals I have found recently:

TJMaxx

Pooh snowsuit 4.00 (clearance)

Ross Dress for Less
Fuzzy Blanket 3.99
Three wicker baskets with cloth liners 5.99 (pictured)
3 Flannel Receiving Blankets 2.99

Gabriel Brothers
Ceramic bank and photo frame 3.99 (pictured)

Pooh Bookends 2.99 (pictured)

Biglots
2x3 Magnet photo frame 1.00 (pictured)
5 piece Classic Pooh gift set 10.00

Tuesday Morning

Set of 3 Classic Pooh Stuffed animal hangers 2.98

Pooh Mirror for Automobile 7.98

Pooh stack tog 4.98

Target
Classic Pooh lamp 7.98 (clearance) (pictured)
Classic Pooh pillow 2.98 (clearance)
3 set of Classic Pooh booties 2.98 (clearance)

Classic Pooh infant sleeper gown 4.98 (clearance)

Classic Pooh Summer 2 piece outfit 2.98 (clearnce)

Classic Pooh Summer 2 piece outfit 2.98 (clearance)
Classic Pooh Holiday Ceramic Frame 2.98 (holiday clearance)

Classic Pooh Holiday Zipup Cotton Sleeper 1.98 (holiday clearance)

Walmart
Crib sheet 3.00 (clearance)

Parkside Dollar
Classic Pooh Invitation Kits-12 count 1.00
Hard cover Books 1.00
Classic Pooh stationary- 25 count 1.00

So how am I going to use these great bargain finds to transform the firehall into gorgous Winnie the Pooh Themed Co-Ed Baby Shower!!!

First of all we'll create instant decor by hanging a clotheline across the back of the hall. Using wooden clothpins we will hang all the Pooh themed clothing items along with a some Steeler and Pirate themed items and a few homemade decorated onesies.

Many of the small Pooh items I have purchased will be worked into a large diaper cake centerpiece designed by my friend, Jennifer Thomas. Her contact informaton will be posted in a later post.

I found four large canvas boards in our basements. I am hoping to be able to sketch the Pooh Baby Days pictures onto the canvas for painting. If it works out well, it could be used as a signature mat that could be later hung in the nursery!

Confessions of a Bargain Shopaholic!!

I am known to my friends as the bargain shopaholic. I love a deal and have a rare talent for finding exceptional buys. Since I am always being asked the question, "Where did you find that?" or "You only paid what???" I figured I would share my shopping secrets and successes. Welcome to Christie's dangerous world of bargain shopping. Grab your handbags, put on your sneakers, and get ready for a shopping adventure!