I've been in a bit of a creative rut lately. With my thoughts focused on going back to work, daycare, and other family things; I've neglected my blog, shops and social media rituals. And I feel bad! I feel bad because I haven't been writing blog posts, even though my brain is full of post ideas, I haven't been promoting my shops (and friends shops) as much as I used to, and I haven't taken much time to be creative. But I don't need to. I shouldn't be feeling bad about myself when I am focused on my family. So a change needs to take place.
This morning we woke to fluffy white snow, piled high all around us. It is so beautiful, and although I am starting to look forward to spring - this was a welcome sight! Exactly what I needed was a fresh cover of fluffy white snow to encourage my outlook in a positive direction. I need to take some time to focus on myself and my family - and I should never feel guilty about it. So there will be some changes on the blog, I will explain further in another post, but basically I will be trying to get back to the original reason I started a blog in the first place. I want to get back to working on my blog, and shops because I love it, and it makes me happy. Not because it is something I think I should do.
On that note my little guy is awake and looking for some mama snuggles, so we will chat again soon!
Hi there, Newfoundlander at Heart readers! I'm Vanessa, and normally you'd find me over at my blog Nessbow, writing about fashion, thriftiness, geekery and other awesome things. I've also written a couple of e-books about budgeting and thrifting. But today I'm here to share 5 of my very best penny-pinching tips to help you get the most out of your wardrobe without emptying your wallet.
This entire outfit cost me $19. For reals.
1. Make the most of the sales. End-of-season sales are the very best time to stock up on clothing. You can find new gear that's anywhere between 30-70% cheaper than normal at the end-of-season sales. Keep in mind that retail seasons are different to natural seasons. For example, stores will generally begin marking down their winter stock about eight weeks before the end of winter. Boxing Day and Black Friday are also prime shopping days (if you can stand the crowds).
At sale time, stock up on basic items such as underwear, plain-coloured tees, jeans, sweaters and hosiery. The more you save on basics, the more cash you'll have to play with when it comes to buying fun, trend items.
This jumper is one of my favourite thrift finds. Just $5.
2. Explore the wonderful world of thrift-shopping. I buy about 70% of my clothes from thrift stores. Not only is it a great way to save cash, but you'll collect a wardrobe full of fun, unique items. Thrift stores have a high turnover of stock, so make sure that you visit regularly to ensure that you get the pick of the litter.
3. Create a wish-list of items you'd like to add to your wardrobe. It should include wardrobe staples as well as fashion fantasy items. Take this list with you when you go shopping. Use it as a guide when deciding which items you should purchase. If an item isn't on your list, don't buy it. Update the list regularly, striking off items that you've bought and adding new things as you need them.
4. Learn to love lay-by. Most large stores offer a lay-by option, and it's a great way to save money. When items go on sale, choose all the things you need and them put them on lay-by. That way, you can pay them off gradually and still get them at the sale price.
5. Look for the hidden potential in items that are already in your wardrobe. The average woman only wears a third of her wardrobe on a regular basis. Chances are, you've already got loads of fantastic clothes that you rarely wear. Each week, pull two or three of these neglected items out of your wardrobe and make a pact with yourself to wear them before the week is out. Not only will it force you to be more creative with the way you dress, but you'll get more mileage out of the clothes you already own. You might even find a new favourite without having to spend a cent.
So there are five of my favourite tips for saving cash on clothing. I hope you've enjoyed this post. Happy shopping!
Some things change, and some stay the same. I have never been a big Valentine's Day celebrator, but sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the dinner and chocolates traditions. I like the idea of spending time with the one(s) you love, and sharing some chocolate is always a bonus in my eyes, but why does it have to be so commercial? This year Reggie and I decided to do nothing. He picked up something for dinner so there would be no cooking and minimal cleaning, we shared some sweets, and we are just enjoying some time together.
Simple. Peaceful. Loving.
It really is all I could ask for. I hope your day has been as lovely as you wished for and you are spending some time with the one you love :)
xox
PS Have you noticed the new look? I looove it! More on that soon :)
A couple of my recent sponsors offered up some sweet items for one of my lovely readers, and to sweeten the pot a little I thought I would throw in a shop credit to Knotted Tree Photography. And since KTP is soon to have some lovely new product I thought it was the perfect time! So here's what you can win:
Your very own scrappy wallet just like the ones in the
picture. Once you win you can make your do and don't requests to me and
I'll stitch something up especially for you. It'll be awesome, I
promise.
This is just a little reminder about the upcoming craft swap! If you have some crafty supplies you don't use and would like to trade, then this swap is for you! I've decided to extend the entries by a week, to give folks a little more time to sign up. And if you think you know anyone who would be interested please pass the information along!
Here's how it will work:
Have supplies you don't use? Want something new to add to your collection? Fill in this form.
All information must be submitted by Saturday February 23rd.
With the information you give me, I will set you up with someone who has what you are looking for, and someone who wants what you are offering. You might not be sending to and receiving from the same person. You will know who you are sending to by Saturday March 2nd.
You must mail your supplies by Saturday March 9th.
Think of it as Spring cleaning for your craft room/nook/corner. And while you take the time to sort out some of the things you no longer use I'm sure you could take a little time to organize - unless of course your craft area is perfectly organized all the time (very unlike me).
And there you have it, de-stash, organize, clean, however you want to put it, and maybe get some new supplies in the process. And please feel free to spread the word, the more the merrier!
My friend Ashley over at After Nine to Five organized this amazing giveaway, and was kind enough to share the post with all the contributors! So I'm a little late in posting it, because we were away for a few days, but you still have until Wednesday to enter - Good luck!
Almost twenty blogger's joined forces for a HUGE Valentine's Day themed giveaway to celebrate the month of love! Not only can you win tons of goodies for you, your loved ones, AND even your blog - but you can also win $75 to Amazon to shower that special someone (even if that special someone is you!) with gifts this year. There's a TON of ways to enter to win and TONS of awesome blogs and shops to check out. What are you waiting for?!
Lil' Alice essential zip pouches are one of the most popular items in the shop! For the sweetest holiday of the year, lil' alice has a limited edition set for YOU! The set includes 1 - 8x6 & 1- 7x4. Perfect for makeup, money, receipts, sunglasses & more!
Small clutch featuring two applique hearts in two darling prints. Great size for fitting all your essentials & much more, also great for organizing a bigger bag. Perfect for the sweetheart in your life, even if that sweetheart is you!
Similar to the one in the enclosed photo but only in Valentines Day colors and themed. Very warm but light, sturdy, and extremely cute. Perfect for Valentines Day.
A set of sweet coffee cup warmers with a sweetheart design from Of Woods and Words
One red and one pink - from my Etsy shop, Yes Sir, Yes Sir! Handknit from 100% wool yarn, these sleeve for your coffee cup will keep your coffee (or warm beverage of choice) hot and your fingers cool. A charming gift for Valentine's, but can be used year-round, because who doesn't love their coffee?!
Everyone deserves a little extra love + pampering on Valentine's Day...even your online space, so let's show your blog some love! We'll start with our Mini Social Media Design Package featuring a custom Facebook Timeline Cover + Twitter Background + then after reviewing your blog/social media platforms, we'll provide 5-8 personalized ideas on how you can improve/grow in the online conversation - we'll talk about design, reader engagement, content strategy, + more! We'll wrap it all up with a free enrollment + the necessary materials for an upcoming Blogger Playdate workshop - great for newbies to the blogging world to give you tips, tricks, + resources for maximizing your online space!
"Grink Splatter"" thank you cards, set of 14 from Gourmet by Janae
Show the love to someone you're grateful for! Give one of these stylish thank you cards to someone who has truly touched your heart. Blank inside, measure 3.5 inches by 5 inches, envelopes included.
Chocolate Lip Balm Trio + 3 Month Lip Balm Subscription from The Gnarly Whale
You'll receive three vegan lip balms - chocolate raspberry, chocolate strawberry, and chocolate banana - PLUS a three month lip balm subscription to help ensure that you have totally kissable lips even after Valentine's Day is over.
Here are a few fun and interesting things to read. These are some posts my sponsors are proud of, and since you never know when you might find your next favourite corner of the web, I think you should take a look!
Tara filled a large handmade order. Something I dream of... so far my largest order is 10.
This outfit makes me wish I lived somewhere warm... like Australia.
We could all use a little push when it comes to being productive.
Amber has an interesting way to be a tourist in your own town. Again, these warmer climates make these kinds of activities so much easier!
Team Lu and Ed has an amazing giveaway going on right now, so much handmade goodness!
This weekly link-up is an awesome way to re-visit both the bad and good from the last week.
SO MUCH CUTENESS!!!
...when you are having fun.
...when you are raising a baby (or child of any age).
...when you are attempting to run a small business from your home.
...when you are tying to network through social media.
...when you have too many crafty hobbies and interests to count.
Lately I have been feeling as though I can't even blink, or I might lose a whole hour. Sometimes I think I am trying to do much, sometimes I feel like a lazy bum. But right now, while Pip is sleeping soundly and Gunner is snoozing near-by, I know that things are moving along just fine. Time does fly by, and the older you get the faster it goes. Some days need to be slow, with snuggles, smiles and lots of play time. And other days are good for visits, errands or getting chores done. I can't expect every day to be productive and focused, sometimes you just need a little chocolate and free time (or whatever you like have in those ughhh moments).
Like I said, time flies when you are having fun! And we are having lots of it, see above photo for proof! :)
