Winner and runner-ups announced below!
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writter Yazmin Cruz.
I asked you to share how the recession has affected your financial situation for a chance to win Lorilee Craker’s “Money Secrets of the Amish” and my review post was flooded with comments. Many of you said you’ve cut down on frivolous things and are trying to save money on groceries. In need of coupons? Check out our Coupon Database to find all grocery and drugstore coupons available.
The first runner-up is Andrea Stempel who said her husband’s salary has been cut and they have been struggling to make ends meet for their family of six. The second runner-up is Christine Judd who recently graduated from college and is having a difficult time finding a job.
It was difficult picking the winner as there were many compelling stories, but I finally declared
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
I was really excited to receive “Money Secrets of the Amish,” by Lorilee Craker, who is the author of eleven books including New York Times bestseller “Through the Storm” with Lynne Spears (Britney Spears’ mother). Win my copy below.
The title tickled my curiosity about the Amish way of life. How frugal are they?
Like me, Craker wanted to learn more about the Amish after hearing they were thriving during the recession on NPR. Being a Mennonite and a journalist, she wanted to know more as her own financial situation tightened. Craker writes:
thinkretail / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
A while back I wrote about saving money by using a retail credit card with perks. This time I saved $90.38 on back to school shopping! I headed to outlets just outside L.A. with my high-school-bound sister and bought several clothing items she can combine with her existing wardrobe in September.
Outlet stores are great for saving money on clothes. Below I’ll share tips for how we got the most out of our outlet shopping experience. But first, let me share what we bought and the cost breakdown. We shopped at the GAP because I had a $10 off reward sent to me. We bought items that are not so trendy and took advantage of big outlet discounts.
Burrs & Berries / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Kids want to look good at school; parents surveyed by the National Retail Federation are committed to “spend where you need to, save where you can.” Here is how to meet both needs by saving money on back to school fashion. So what are this year’s fashion trends?
Tip: We post back to school deals at Staples, Office Depot, Office Max, and more every Thursday.
- Color-blocking- This trend is huge! You may have already seen someone giving it a try by wearing bold colors at the same time, above. If done right, it looks chic, but it can quickly go south. The trick is to stay within the color family. Try a bold pink dress with a bright red cardigan and black patent leather flats. The good thing about this trend is that (more…)
gabrielsaldana / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
The preppy look is back this season, among other fashion trends. Gals and guys are sporting their polo shirts, pressed khakis and sweater vests. The look that traditionally screams “expensive!” does not have to cost you a whole lot. Here’s how to get the look on a budget.
Start by asking if older siblings, parents or grandparent might have clothes and accessories in their closets that fit the fad – and won’t cost you a dime. Perhaps you can help them clean ot their closets in the process or give new glory to under appreciated clothes. If you plan to tailor the clothes to fit, make sure your relative is giving it to you. Don’t modify a loaner.
Check the sale racks at preppy stores like Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Nautica or plunder your local thrift stores. If you’d rather not wait, try stores that sell similar clothes and accessories for a fraction of the cost. Here is where I would shop: (more…)
My $37.89 credit card regret.
My credit card bill is due in a few days and while reviewing my charges from the past month I found one that I really wish I could take back. While stopping at California winery for a tasting in July, I bought a handmade vintage mini-quilt to hang in my office. The cloth, folded so a fourth of it shows above, can also be used as a table covering.
Purchase price? $37.89.
The cloth has picket fence edges and the material is very sturdy and soft. I like thinking that a woman used her creativity to sew a beautiful work of art that is entirely practical.
When I inspected the cloth more closely at home, however, I found a small stain and realized four circular embellishments were added to cover an inch-long rip. You can see one of the embellishments in the top right corner of the photo. I still adore the vintage cloth, but I think I could have found something similar at a thrift store or flea market for less than $10.
So if there is one credit card purchase I regret this past month, it is this mini-quilt. I was a bit tipsy when I made the purchase, and saw so many cute things in the shop (like cherry earrings for $10) I wanted to take home something. The earrings were only worth $5 to me, but maybe if I had bought those I would have passed on the cloth. At least I didn’t splurge for the vintage $25 waist apron. It was so adorable I never would have worn it!
What do you regret buying this month?
