Confession # 12... The Great Crate Debate

To crate or not to crate?? Dogs folks, not people (that is another topic,lol). I chose to crate train our dogs as puppies and then got rid of the crate thinking it was no longer necessary. Vinny our 55lb English Bulldog is very well behaved and does not have accidents in the house, why do we need a crate ?? Emergency ? After thinking it over I decided he does need one in case of emergency. Hurricane, fire etc. I do not intend to keep it in use so chose to go with a fold able, suitcase style crate that is very easy to put up. I wanted a plastic bottom tray, not metal and wanted two doors to make life easier for him to get in and out in any situation. I also decided to go with a 36" for his comfort.

Let the hunt begin I first went to the big chains PetSmart etc. since I buy food and other goodies for him at these stores. The crates were a tad expensive for something that may only be used in an emergency situation. We were looking at $70-$120 +tax quite a bit for something that will live in a closet! I went to Overstock.com which I love but the 36" was out of stock. I finally found the crate on Amazon for $53.95 ,no tax, shipped free to my front door. Sweet savings $20.95

Confession # 11...... Water you going to choose ?

This is a post a year or so in the making... Seeing all the water bottles in land fills and reading about the impact they have on our planet , not to mention the new research on cancer in connection to plastic water bottles, I decided to take another route. I purchased a water filtration unit. I chose the Cuisinart, it is filled with tap water and offers room temp. and both hot and cold options great for hot tea etc. or just a glass of water. Of course I scoured all my local stores and online and found the best price with free shipping on Amazon.com . We were using approx. 2 cases of water a week and several gallon jugs in the fridge. At approx $4 a case and $1 a gallon it was costing approx. $14 a week, and $56 a month. The filters for the unit cost approx. $19.99 ( I found them 2 for $30 on Amazon with free shipping) and last for about 3 months. TIP....I purchased several refillable *BPA free metal bottles and cups all at Target, Wal Mart etc. all under $5. I am very happy with my decision and love the water unit for my family and even my pets ! Yearly savings... $612

* BPA is an industrial chemical used to make plastic and resins since the 1960s. Some research has shown the BPA can seep into the food or drink stored in these plastic bottles/containers. BPA has been linked to certain types of Cancer and other health issues.

Confession # 10..... Extreme Couponing

I am sure by now you have heard something about extreme couponing. Suddenly made popular by the TLC TV show about coupon obsessed people willing to do most anything for fantastic savings or even free items at the grocery store. This show depicts a woman who digs through the dumpster to find coupons, another woman who spends 6 or more hours cruising her local grocery shop for deals before purchasing a single item, and several people who have made it their life mission to have the largest stockpile of toilet paper. After watching this show I was curious to see if I could make a dent in my grocery bill with some coupons this week. Now don't get me wrong the savings these people accomplish are amazing but I wonder if it is worth the time searching for the coupons ( let alone buying coupons online or digging in dumpsters) for what you actually save . I googled coupons for the items that were on my list, and only the items on my list. Sorry, but I don't need 30 bottles of hand lotion even if it is free, these things have expiration dates! I found 10 printable coupons and then checked the Publix ( my grocery store) weekly add for any BOGO's. They had my cat's food on a BOGO :) Total time invested in finding and printing coupons approx. 1 hour. Coupon savings $9.60 BOGO savings $ 7.60 Total savings $17.20. Not to shabby for things I was going to buy anyway. Tip.. check out your stores coupon policy ,some stores double and some will take competitors coupons !

Confession # 9 ...... Splurge Alert

Yes, gals it is another splurge alert... Those Jimmy Choo's may be last season but, your skin will be with you for a lifetime so take care of it. Hydropeptide is a professional line of peptide based anti aging skin care products. Peptides are microscopic protein fragments able to trigger changes in skin health at a cellular level. As a former "sun goddess" I have done some damage to my skin, fine lines and sun damage being a huge problem. I have noticed a dramatic difference since switching to the Hydropeptide line. Cleanser $38, Toner $38, Face ( moisturizer )$98 are all part of my daily routine and Polish and Plump peel $68 once or twice a week. The SPF 30 $40 is a great face sunblock and has a very slight tint to cover any imperfections. I love these products and think they are worth every penny.Only buy from a reputable salon,spa or dermatologist office don't be fooled by discounted product elsewhere you may end up with old, expired product :(

Confession # 8 ...Some shameless self promotion

Not only do I love to shop I also love to relax ! Many years ago someone gave me a microwave heat pack , it was not very attractive and filled with, well who knows what. I decided to create a prettier version using natural ingredients and Bella Posh Pillows was born. Our Spa Pillows are a fabulous, safe and all natural alternative to the conventional heating pad or ice pack. They come in several sizes and in many gorgeous fabric choices, they are also available with or without a removable, washable cover. Simply pop one of our Spa Pillows in the microwave and in minutes you can be relaxing with soothing heat. Want to chill out.... toss the pillow in the freezer and enjoy the benefits of a traditional ice pack without the wet mess . Our pillows are filled with all natural ingredients , scented or unscented and safe for entire family. Stop by our website for more information or to purchase... http://www.bellaposhpillows.com/

Confession # 7 ... battle of the bras

Ding, ding, ding... in this corner weighing in at 110 lbs. with a 32D bra size the "shopper". In the other corner every store that doesn't carry a 32D or charges shipping to get one ! This post is for all the gals who aren't a size 34B - 36C .Now don't get me wrong I love Victoria's Secret for everything else except bras since to order my size I have to go online and pay additional shipping. Frederick's, well yes they carry 32D in stock only it is padded. Really ? Why would I want the girls that high for goodness sake. Target etc. the price is right but ,you can forget it, not a 32 in sight (other than training bras, lol) I love Calvin Klein bras, they fit well and hold up to many machine washings. The price $44 . My tip, go to their outlet stores or Marshall's ,TJ Maxx and Stein Mart often carry the CK intimates. I got these bras for $16.99 at TJ Maxx. Savings $27.01

Confession # 6 ......... Haute Tip

So here is a little tip that can save you big bucks!! You can find awesome deals on designer name brand goodies at these websites... www.ruelala.com and www.hautelook.com . These sites offer a "deal of the day" on some pretty amazing shoes, clothing etc. If you see something you like don't waste time , grab it. The deal only lasts until the item is sold out (usually that day or less). The links are to the left under the links I love section. Good luck and happy shopping :)

Confession # 5 ..... Makes Scents

Smelling great is a must. I personally love Dior perfumes ( among others) for spring and summer my favorite is Dior's Miss Dior Cherie. The 1.7 oz is $77 at the major department stores. Walking through the mall I stopped at the center perfume kiosk to see if per chance they carried it. They do ! The 1.7 oz was $69 she offered me a discount for one without a box for $59. Tip... if it is not a gift for someone ask if they have a discount for "open box" stock. Your only going to toss the box in the trash anyway. Sweet Savings $18.

Confession # 4......A Girl Needs Her Beauty Rest

Yes, it's true us gals need our beauty rest, literally. For those of you who don't know or have been scared to shop on Overstock.com , this site is fantastic ! I have been shopping around for a new bed for a couple of months and really did my homework. Tested beds in every showroom in town CHECK, read every review on every brand CHECK, priced all the department stores and mattress showrooms for the best price CHECK . This lead me to Overstock....Now this is a serious deal.... Simmons Beautyrest queen size pillow top mattress set , msrp $ 944.00 Overstock $807 Savings $137, hold on wait for it... NO TAX, $2.95 shipping & delivery and I found a $25 coupon online !! So I saved on the tax and did not have to pay a $35-$60 delivery fee. Not only does Overstock ship & delivery it for $2.95 they will set it up in the room of your choice and cart away the old piece of junk you were sleeping on.. fab-u-lous :)

Confession # 3 ...... Splurge Alert

Ok ladies, the one place you should splurge is on your hair care. A pole recently taken of single men stated the first thing they noticed on a women is healthy hair ! That's right not the boobs, not the butt , HAIR ! I love Moroccanoil products. I use the shampoo $22, conditioner $22 hydrating mask $33 and of course the oil $43 ( lasts forever). The shampoo & conditioner may be a little heavy for very fine hair and the oil comes in a Lite version for fine or light blonds. These products are amazing and really live up to the hype. Working in a salon , I come across a lot of products and these are definitely worth the splurge.

Confession # 2 ...... shoes glorious shoes

Soooo, I love shoes....ALL shoes. I found these little jems for a deal ! Where you ask? Well TJ Maxx of course. These shoes cost $158 at Coach , TJ's has them for $89 . Savings $69 !!

Confession #1 ..... has gone to the dogs

Meet my gorgeous English Bulldog Vinny, how I love thee. While Vinny grew up ,shall we say a tad bit spoiled, he never seems to notice he now gets his goodies on a budget also. So today'sconfession.... for great quality dog "stuff" is Marshall's. I found Vinny's too cute bed, with a washable microfiber cover for $24.99 at Marshall's . This bed sells at the department store for $39.99 . Savings $15.00!!

The Mission .......should you choose to accept it

The mission.... is simple really, get amazing stuff for an amazing price. I have not always been a budget shopper but the economy has forced us all to tighten our belts somewhat . If I have to tighten my belt I would still like it to be a stunning Gucci belt ! As a girly girl who would eat macaroni and cheese for a month to carry the newest Fendi bag I have had to do some research and try out some new stores to shop at other than Saks and my BFF Neiman Marcus. I have learned if you cut back on some items you can splurge on others. Designer jeans with a trendy top, Prada shoes with a plain white tank top etc. So ,here I am still trying to be fab-u-lous on a budget .These are my confessions......