Life by Cynthia: Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

Melissa & Doug Fans: Check out this Trunki giveaway!

Life by Cynthia: Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway: Who loves Melissa & Doug toys?! WE do!  I am very excited about the fast approaching Holiday Season.  The folks over at Melissa & Doug ar...

Visions of Peg Bundy. Animal Prints: Do You Dare to Wear?

I attended the Ann Taylor Concept Store launch party in San Diego and had always been a fan of AT Fashions. Since the event, I've followed a little more closely! Lately I've been seeing a lot of animal prints used in ways that I JUST MIGHT be able to get away with.  I will admit that when I think of animal prints I envision Peg Bundy in the TV sitcom Married with Children.  I would never have dreamed of rocking her look.

I am inspired by Ann Taylor and recently purchased my first EVER animal print item of clothing! I still can't believe that I did it. But I did! I bought this Michael Kors Pencil Skirt. Since the colors are a mix of black, white, and gray (colors I would wear anyway) - I thought that I would just GO FOR IT!

Michael Kors

If you haven't seen Ann Taylor's Must Have Looks for Fall 2012, they have tons of photos on their facebook page! Here is one of many that caught my eye:

Ann Taylor

It's a fashion stretch for me in trying animal prints!  Leaving my comfort zone is WILD! Just like my new Michael Kors skirt!  I opted for the MK version because though I love both Ann Taylor and Michael Kors, the Kors version was at a much better price point for this fashion risk!

Details: The Ann Taylor black and white leopard print pencil skirt $88. My Michael Kors Pencil Skirt $130 -  on sale for $33! SCORE!  Not a very expensive fashion risk at all!

What are your thoughts on animal prints?  Personally, I think that you either LOVE animal prints or that you HATE them.  I am still not sure - but at least I will TRY them! Thank you Ann Taylor for almost daring me to try!

Speaking of FASHION... Fashion Week San Diego is coming up soon! I am very excited to attend and have been granted the privilege of a press pass to the event!  Better brush up on fashion!  Stay tuned for more on that!

BOGO + 15% Off Famous Footwear Coupon

This post brought to you by Famous Footwear. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

If you are visiting my blog and have read my prior posts then you know that I am all about getting the biggest bang for my buck!  I reluctantly admit that I have neglected my poor blog... But I am sure that you understand and know the drill: 1) I'm a Mommy, 2) I'm a Wife, 3) I work 40 hours a week away from home, 4) Life just gets BUSY.  Soon, if not already, many parents will be swimming in BUSY with all kinds of back to school shopping!  Our son is a toddler yet so I don't have the stress of the hustle & bustle of BTS shopping.  Not yet at least.  But I KNOW what an expense that it can be! Kids clothes & shoes can get really expensive if you are not careful!  Shoes alone for kids (which are QUICKLY outgrown) can put a dent into any budget.

Couponing is an awesome way to save.  You can use coupons for groceries, restaurants, the car wash, even for entertainment events!  But for SHOES?! YES! Even for SHOES!  This may just be the FIRST time I've printed a coupon for shoes!  I recommend that you HURRY and print this one out too!  You can get 15% - 20% OFF plus BOGO (Buy one, get one 1/2 off).  The 20% off applies to members of Famous Footwear's rewards program. Not a member? Not a problem! All you have to do is sign up for FREE.  Easy, Peasy!

Benefits of joining the Rewards Program:

• Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend in-store or online

• Accumulate points to earn certificates up to $100 a year

• Discount offer just for signing up

• Other special insider discounts & perks

If you are pressed for time - don't worry.  You can shop Famous Footwear and be in an out in 20 minutes!  I myself wouldn't be as quick as I LOVE to browse!  But Famous Footwear understands how busy parents are!  If you don't see something available in store, you can always order online and have the item shipped to the store for pick up at no charge!

Print your BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon & redeem 8/2 - 8/18 to claim your shoe VICTORY!  Picky kids? Don't worry - Famous Footwear has hundreds of brand named shoes in thousands of styles.  So even the pickiest of kids will be happy! 

Saving Some Salad!

The green that I am trying (have been trying) to save is the almighty dollar. I have been doing pretty well at that.  I am also trying to eat healthier!  Eating more micro nutrients and less processed junk.  I just might even start my family on jucing! I am not able to elimiate all things processed just yet.  We are working our way there slowly.  I do often times become discouraged with how much more expensive healthy eating can be!  But the trade off is worth it! I haven't found coupons on organic produce!  One day I hope to grow my own food but that is a topic of a different blog post altogether!

I've been eating salads daily to get more produce into my diet. I skip the fatty favorites that I LOVE: Ranch Dressing, crumbled bacon, croutons...!  For me, taste is a BIG deal.  I have discovered a tasty way to enjoy my greens with products that I already have at home. With this super easy recipe. A little bit of this tasty mix goes a long way!

It's super simple: Ponzu Sauce + EVOO!  Visit the Kikkoman website for more recipe ideas and for nutritional information.  Don't forget to grab your $1 off coupon while you are there!

Ponzu Salad Dressing

Ingredients (Yield: about 3/4 cup)

1/2 cup Kikkoman Ponzu

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions Measure ponzu and oil in jar with screwtop lid; cover and shake well. Just before serving, shake well.

Pour desired amount over mixed salad greens; toss to coat. Or, drizzle lightly over steamed broccoli or cauliflower flowerets; serve immediately.

I'd love your tips on saving money while eating healthier!