Saving $$

So lately, I have realized I need to mainstream things in our life.  Save money, get organized, etc.

I have a method to my madness, and it is pretty awesome.  I have found a few websites that have been very helpful during my save $$ quest.  I really got motivated because I want life to be as easy as possible before the baby arrives shortly.

Do you shop at Target?  And love it?  I know I do.  I downloaded the Cartwheel app a few months ago.  I have saved almost $100 using it over the past 6 months.  I use the app, combined with coupons, and look at the sale paper via the following websites Target Fanatic and The Couponing Couple.  This way I know what the best deals are, and can plan out a logical trip to the store.  I usually save 25-45% off my entire bill, and get some gift cards in return.  I am saving those up for holiday gifts.

Do you shop at ALDI?  Er my gerd.  I used to think it was not worth my time.  I take my grocery list, shop there, and find what I need.  Anything they don't carry, I go to Jewel/Marianos.  I bought a weeks worth of groceries there for about $30 the other day.  All fresh.  All organic.  Just good food.  Bring 25 cents for a cart and some reusable bags!

Do you Shopkick?  Ibotta?  I use these two apps.  While I troll through the aisles of Target, I scan items via shopkick and get rebates via Ibotta.  So awesome.  Why have I not done this before?  I make money just because I am out of my house and shopping?  Yep.  I sure do.

Needless to say, between groceries and stocking up on items at Target every week, I spend about $150.  3 meals a day for my husband and I, that are almost entirely organic and made from scratch.   That is on groceries, soaps, etc (and yes, even diapers when they are on sale at Target!!).

So what are your secrets on saving money?  Any helpful websites?

Latest Obsessions

So lately I have become "obsessed" with living more simply.  With spending less, and living more.

DH and I have been talking about things we want to do..from going to the gardens near our house, to just getting Chinese food.  All in all, we want to do more things, spending time together, but spend less money all around.  So..here are some of my tips and tricks in helping our cause.

I have been simplifying my wardrobe.  I started doing Project 333.  Yes.  I dove in.  But no blog posts?!  Why Megan, why?  It has been so easy to keep myself accountable with a maternity wardrobe, that honestly, it is easy.  I don't miss my old clothes, and I look good every day.  It takes seconds to figure out what I will wear after I check the weather.  Hello random Chicago summer.  I am slowly but surely building up my fall wardrobe.  Ok ok, I will post my pieces from my summer wardrobe so you can see what I am working with.  I didn't limit myself to 33 pieces, because a number is just a number.  It is all about being more frugal, having less crap around, and just looking good with what you have.  I LOVE it.

I have been a couponing, meal planning freak.  I just started getting the Sunday paper and clipping coupons for what we use.  I then plan on what stores are already having deals on that stuff, and doubling up my coupons.  It took some effort in the beginning.  I am not "that" good at it yet, but hope to be. I also downloaded an app to keep track of what is in my pantry.  Seemed like a lot of work, but all you have to do is scan the barcode.  I scanned my entire pantry in an hour last night.  This will make meal planning a breeze!

For the past two years, I have kept a "gift" box.  I keep track of gifts I buy for my family all year long.  I will find something someone will love, and buy it.  I don't care if it is January.  I keep it until Christmas.  I just found some great clearance toys at Target for my nieces.  Boom.  Holiday shopping almost done.  It feels good to pace it out, and just save money.  Especially when you have 8 nieces and nephews and your own little bambino on the way.

DH thinks all of my organization is nuts, until it comes in handy.  Which is usually daily:)

What are some of your daily tips and tricks to help organize your family?!

Shop My Closet!

Well folks, I have started to pare down my closet and sell some great items.  Some are new!  I just moved from Florida to Illinois, and need to just not be overtaken by "things".

Please pass this to anyone you know that may need some great dresses, or even new heels!

http://www.ebay.com/usr/gillmegan

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Partay!!

We had our holiday work party this week.  I always love the change from folks in cammies to dress up clothes!!!  

Last holiday party for the ship, just a little bittersweet, but one step closer to home:)

Obligatory Selfie. Dress is WHBM, jewelry is Versona.

Dress WHBM, Shoes Payless, Jewelry Versona, Purse Nordstrom Rack

Vow Vox Box

So some of you may have seen my last Influenster post here about some great free products I received from Mary Kay. 

I was surprised to see that I was eligible for another Vox Box, this one having a wedding theme!

I hurried home from a 2 week work trip to open up a box filled with goodies!  The box contained Sally Hansen nail polish (something blue), Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Perfecting Cream (love), Riley and Grey website (I already made mine, otherwise awesome), Pure Silk Shaving Cream (omg), Eco Tools Pure Complexion Sponge (yes, yes, another love), and Tide to Go (perfect for my survival kit, and for work-hellloooo, Sailors wear a LOT of white!) 

My two favs are of course the face cream and the shaving cream.  I am for sure a fan, and will buy these two products again. The shaving cream is a mere $2.19 at the store, which is wayyy cheaper than the stuff I normally use (gasp..$36..long story there.  don't judge). 

I would wear the nail polish, but my job has super strict rules on color, so I will wear on the toes soon, just can't wear it on the hands.  This was a great, simple VoxBox, full of stuff I can use, and definitely need!  I really can't wait to get another one...:)

Oil of Olay.  Simple, and awesome.  #BestBeautiful

Seriously.  Awesome Shaving Cream!  That is the Eco Tools Face Sponge..incredible!

I Love To Play Dress Up

So this shouldn't sound as creepy as the title may sound.  But I love to dress up.  Wearing camo all day, I mean-really?!  I nice dress and a night out on the town is something every girl needs.  But how to keep down that cost?  Well I don't have any need to have crazy dresses just sit in my closet, so I Rent the Runway.  Check out some of my previous rentals here, here and here! 

I rented two dresses when I went home on vacation, and I loved them both. 

Love!

LBD!

More Rent the Runway!!!

So as you may know, I have a newfound love for RTR.  Seriously.  What an amazing site.  Dresses, and more dresses.  I rented this dress for a wedding, and it was great!  I am not used to sleeves like this, but it was extremely comfortable.  I can't wait to use my Pro Plan this year to its fullest!!!

Cleaning Out the Closet Sale!!

Hello ladies!  I am in desparate need to clean out my closet.  New Year, new me?!

Anywho, I have listed some items on Ebay for sale.  Mostly cute date night/work clothes. 

My Ebay handle is http://www.ebay.com/usr/gillmegan

Happy Shopping!!

I heart Weekends!

I had the weekend off, and Friday I spent the day at the spa after work.

Saturday was amazing.  I cleaned the house, did laundry from the week at sea, and then got a haircut.  I have needed one for a while, and I was glad I went.  I did it, I donated my hair again.  I got 12 inches cut off, and I think it looks great!  After the hair cut, I wandered around the mall, and then watched a free concert.  Who knew Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were performing in the parking lot outside my balcony?!?  Awesome.  I hung out with my neighbors and Bella, and we enjoyed the 45 minute set. After the concert, I took Bella to a day at the Dog Park put on by Chase Bank, Petco, and my apartment building.  She played with the pups and got tuckered out!  I then relaxed at home, made some great dinner, and read some magazines.

Sunday, I watched the Breakfast Club, got ready for the week, and then got a visit from one of my BFFs from Chicago!  We walked around the neighborhood, and had dinner at Seasons 52, where it was nice to catch up!

I truly miss Chicago, and am trying to embrace Jax as much as possible. 

Concert!

Bella listening to the music!

Meghan and Megan



Me! New haircut.

Etsy!

So I have bought many things on Etsy lately, as I am absolutely terrible at decorating.  Well..I have actually gotten much better at this decorating thing. 

Especially for the holidays. 

Here are three items I have bought recently.

Give Thanks Blocks

Autumn Pillow

South Side Irish Pillow

What have you bought on etsy lately?

I can't wait to purchase some Christmas gifts for my family on here soon!

Conscious Box

I bought a Groupon recently for Conscious Box.  I have loved receiving these boxes once a month, and the goodies that are inside.  I try the trial samples, and then make a list of what I like, and what I don't like.  I can buy most of the items at Whole Foods or other health food stores, as most of the items are organic, etc.

Some of my favorite items are:
Life Tree Dish Soap
Good Boy Organics snacks.  They are gluten free, and delicious!
Crum Creek healthy foods
Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen  I tried the strawberry and kiwi...so good!
KPax energy.  I have never taken anything for energy that has worked as well as these supplements!

I will continue to update this post as I try more amazing samples!

What are some of your favorite healthy/organic items?

Rent the Runway

Since I was gearing up to go to the wedding in Annapolis, I decided to "Rent the Runway" instead of buying a new dress.  I have so many dresses from J Crew and Banana Republic that just sit in my closet after one wear.  Some of you may ask "why?!?"  Well, being in the Navy, I don't have a lot of use for daily dress wear, but I do wear them for date night, ladies night out, and weddings. 

My good friend used www.renttherunway.com many times, and had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. 

I did it, and was nothing but impressed!  I received the box from UPS, and opened it with my SIL.  I had three dresses in a garment bag, and a box with the jewelry I rented.  It all looked amazing.  I rented the primary dress in a size 10 and size 12.  Then, I ordered another dress, just in case those two didn't work out.  I also ordered a necklace to make the outfit whole. 

I loved the way it all turned out.  The size 10 was perfect, and the necklace really went well with the dress.  If I had bought the dress and the necklace, I would have spent over $720 for something I would never wear again.  Instead, I spent $100, and no dry cleaning bill!  Oh yeah, did I forget that?  You send the dresses, other items, etc back in a UPS bag, and they do all the dirty work. 

Let's just say, I can't wait to rent the runway again!  Let me know if any of you ladies need an invite or recommendations!

Oscar Wild dinner dress with the Crystal Cluster necklace.

Favorite Gift Website

I have been buying a lot of great engagement, wedding, and baby gifts off of one particular website lately, and I have to say-I am hooked!  www.personalcreations.com is a great site, with plenty to choose from.  I bought this baby blanket, which many friends have used in their professional newborn photos.  I bought this beverage tub for some dear friends who are having an outdoor wedding this month.  And finally, this engagement gift for a friend who is getting married this fall.  This was just perfect for her!

The beauty of this site is that it is married up with other companies, and you get great deals from them all.  I sent my boyfriend chocolate covered strawberries from Sharies Berries last Sweetest Day!

Happy shopping!

Photo Albums

I have made quite a few photography posts on here, and if there is one thing that I love, it is pictures! I inherited that bug from my grandma, who always had a camera on her.  I have started a tradition of making photo albums for each year.  I started this tradition in 2009, and continue it today! 

It is so easy to make photo albums on www.snapfish.com, so I use their website.  I have gotten groupons for other sites, but none have really matched up to snapfish.  The quality, the ease of making the album, etc has won me over.  I made 1 for each year, as well as for special occasions.  I went to Japan in 2009, and made an album to commemorate the trip.  I bought one for my SIL and sent it to her! 

I made 2011 and 2012 this week, and am waiting to purchase until I get a coupon.  These are great books, but I definitely need a price break on them.  I usually have about 50-75 pages per book, and that is cutting down on "only the BEST" pictures.  My next project is my deployment album!

3 photo albums!

Vacation Continued!!

So we drove to Missouri on day 6.  Road trip with my pup, and the family.  I had to move her, so I can do my moves.  They don't allow dogs in the barracks, so I have to be without her for 3 months :(  I get her back, then have to move her again whenever I deploy. 

I am going to miss this face.  I already do. 

The 6th day, we got to the house, and had some amazing homemade spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread.  Yum!

The 7th day, we went on a float trip on the Meramec River.  Talk about redneck fun. Seriously.  6 man rafts, beer, food, sun, sunscreen, big floppy hat, and family.  It did, however, rain and hail on us about 3/4 of the way through.  That, wasn't too much fun, but did add to the adventure.  This is the 3rd float trip I have done,  and 2nd on the Meramec.  It is a great time! 

The 8th day was the 4th.  I went shopping with some of the girls to Osage Beach, and bought a new wardrobe.  I desperately needed some new summery clothes.  I can't resist buying new clothes, especially when they were so cheap.  After we got back, we bbq'd, watched some comedy shows (Jeff Dunham!), and watched fireworks. 

Family.  It was bright out.  Holy sun.

We had a little bit of sunscreen.  Just a little bit. 

The 9th day, we just relaxed.  I needed it.  Slept, hung out with my puppy, and ate some more.  I even got my one trip to Walmart in.  Very www.peopleofwalmart.com esq.  Seriously.  It was bad, and provided great entertainment for all. 

The 10th day, we drove back to Chicago.  It took forever...because of construction in Illinois, and police chases in Missouri.  Yup. 

And I am back...in sweet home Chicago.  I need to pack, organize, and get my stuff together so I can move on out to the East Coast. 

Favorite Things Friday

Favorite Coffee shops..for whatever reason:)

I have been on a hunt for the perfect place since I moved to Chicago.  Each of the places I talk about have their ups, downs, and stories behind each of them.

Starbucks.  The one near my house is open 24-7.  Score for me for those days I have to get up at 0400 to get to work on time for whatever reason I have to be there that early.  Have had many run ins with crazy people here, like pimps, etc.  Not sure my story is PG-13 enough for the blog!  Click the link to see the yelp stories, I am sure they tell part of my story.  +1 for cake pops and low fat vanilla lattes

Argo Tea.  I know, not necessarily coffee, but amazing.  I love their Pom Tea, and the fact you can buy tea at local grocery stores.  You can recycle the glass container, and get money off your next purchase!

Intelligenstia.  Good coffee.  Strong.  Little bit of yuppie hell.  Always packed with people who just stare out the window and people watch.  Definitely compares to cruise-a-boo coffee.

Overflow Coffee Bar.  Gem in the South Loop.  Love it.  Reminds me of college:)  I would study at all the no-name coffee houses between classes.

from Overflow Coffee Bar.
picture from my Android:)

Mexican Food in Chicago

So I went on a long run today training for my race next weekend.  After I was done, I had a huge craving for Mexican food..not sure why :)  I went out to the Market Place Grocery Store on Diversey.  Kind of expensive with certain foods (Milk is $5 for a half gallon..yikes), so I only buy specialty kind of foods there. 
They have one thing I used to have all the time as a kid, Tom Tom Tomales.  My dad would go to the store featured here .  Sooo good!  I would suggest visiting the store if you want to buy in bulk.  Wonderful for party food.  Or for feeding 5 kids!

A few of my favorite Chicago Mexican Food brands:
Tom Tom Tomales
El Milagro Corn Chips/Tortillas, etc
Frontera (Rick Bayless) Wonderful Salsa and Chips

I will definitely have to add to this post soon.  I make a lot of homemade Mexican at home, but haven't in a while.  Need to get back on it now that the weather is getting nicer, and turning on the oven will be something of the past..I hope:)

Retail Reward..

I have lost 7..yes 7 pounds so far in my two week fitness freakshow ahem..adventure.  Pretty excited about it, so I rewarded myself with new workout shorts, bra, and this headband today.  I only spent about $50, because I got the under armour gear pretty cheap.  I just hope I can keep up some of this momentum with working out, and eating right.  My goal is about 13 more pounds. 

Can find the website to the headband here!

Favorite Things Friday

I saw this post on Marta Writes, and instantly knew I had to buy the cuff she reviewed.  Just got it in the mail, and absolutely love it.  I bought the yellow one in anticipation of spring!

Favorite Things Friday

My favorite clothing stores.   I say my style and taste have changed greatly since 1. I graduated college and 2. I started earning a steady paycheck.  I wouldn't say I spend a lot on clothes, but I am pretty conservative and preppy.

1. JCrew.  I love how preppy it is and how well the clothes fit.  Having an outlet close to my job doesn't hurt, either.
2. The Gap  Dangerous.  There is a Gap literally about 1 block away from my house.  And I get coupons all the time from them.  But hey, I got $500 of clothes for $150 this past fall.  Win win.
3. Boden  Just discovered this gem recently.  Love their clothes.  I hate catalogue shopping, but I can't resist this place!  Just bought some more stuff from them this week..
4. Anthropologie  Dangerous X2.  Especially if I go there with my good friend Ellen.  I always tend to buy a ton of stuff, but love it all!
5. Club Monaco  Best going out clothes and all around chic look.  I have bought a few shirts, and a nice, long winter jacket here.
6. Francescas So easy to shop here.  Just bought some cute shirts there before my last trip out East. 

Glad it is February so I can take myself out of "no shopping" exile.  Maybe an outfit from Francescas is what I need:)