Valentine's Day Etsy Finds

Whether you love or hate Valentine's - there's a way for all to celebrate the day!
I have created another Etsy Treasury, all for under $40. Support artists and small businesses!

Valentine's Day for lovers and otherwise

Etsy sellers: LoveFromHettyandDave, TheMortarandPestle, NetieArt, SugarLaneBakeShop

Cheap Thrills: Last, Last Minute Christmas Gifts

You've waited too long, haven't you? You thought you'd have enough time, so you put off your Christmas shopping and spent all this time posting photos of your pets on Instagram and watching hours of Style Network.  Never fear, your last minute Whoreder Fairy is here in this ~Special Non-Friday Edition~ of Cheap Thrills! There are still plenty of options for holiday gifts, and most don't even require you to leave your house or the confines of your jammies.

Birchbox - The end-all be-all of beauty sample sites, Birchbox will deliver Christmas cheer to your boo's mailbox on your behalf! You can choose a 3, 6, or 12 month gift or if they're already subscribed, a gift card for them to spend shopping on the site. And it's not just for ladies anymore, folks, Birchbox Men gift subscriptions are also available. The gift can be sent immediately, and you look like a holiday hero without ever having to face a crowded parking lot or checkout line.

Netflix - Another guilty pleasure that can be gifted without any heavy lifting. There are 5 levels of gift subscriptions available, starting at $7.99 for one month all the way to $95 for one year. Just think how happy your loved ones will be, and they'll think of you every time they stream an episode of Gossip Girl. If Netflix isn't their thing, Hulu Plus also has the same packages available for gifting.

Restaurant [dot] com - There are two procrastinator gift ideas here: ecards, which can be sent via email immediately in denominations from $15 to $500. They also have the Dinner of the Month club, which delivers a monthly gift certificate for 3, 6, or 12 months (each at $10 per month). Stuff their stockings and faces at the same time!

Magazine Subscriptions - There are too many to list here, but pretty much any interest you can think of has a magazine associated with it. Buy your pals a subscription and they'll enjoy your gift all year long. Some mags, like Martha Stewart Living, have a feature that lets you print the gift subscription so you'll have something to hand over when exchanging gifts. There's a magazine out there for pretty much everyone: Mad Magazine, Cheese Lovers, Boozers, and Mini Horse Enthusiasts.

Photo Websites - Everyone is buzzing about Instagram's new terms of service, so for those ready to jump ship a gift to a different photo sharing/upload site might be a nice idea. Flickr still rules my world, you can buy a 1 or 2 year gift subscription for your favorite shutterbug.  Shutterfly has instant gift cards available from $10 to $100 and SmugMug offers 1, 2, or 3 year subscriptions starting at $35.


[Blank] of the Month - These gifts might be a little pricier, but if you're looking to make a bigger bang you can go with a monthly food/drink/luxury type of gift. There are hundreds of these monthly clubs to pick from, there's wine, meat, nuts, and fruit... and everything else. If you're feeling frisky, there's even a panty of the month club available.

Donations - If you want a gift that will do some good, you can donate to any of a vast number of charities. It's not for everyone, but if your gift recipient is into the idea it can be ridiculously easy to give. The hardest part might be deciding which charity or organization, there are SO MANY! ASPCA, The Red Cross, and  UNICEF are just the tippy-top of a long, long list. You can also look at local schools, shelters, churches to help out groups in your immediate area.

If you're reading this as you get ready to head out the door to a party and are thinking, "VANESSA, your ideas are amazing and your hair looks super pretty today, but I need something awesome I can grab on my way to this ugly sweater party!" My darlings, don't worry your pretty heads... I've got you covered. Stop by your local Mexican bakery and get a dozen tamales, or a big variety of Mexican bread. Not in a Latino state of mind? Not to worry, explore the goodies other cultures in your area have to offer. For some people these treats will be a taste from their childhood, and for others an exciting new foodie adventure. More original than a bottle of booze or a big box of candy, and the leftovers will be delicious. These treats will be a hit, and will make you look like the thoughtful and generous piece of work you are, even though you waited until the last possible second to make a decision, like always.

Merry Christmas, niños!

Earth Day Deals

Hey y'all, here are some Earth Day specials & deals going on this weekend! Feel free to add more in the comment section below. If I find anymore exciting ones, I will update this list accordingly, thank you !

Disney Store: Bring in five plastic grocery bags Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, and get a free reusable bag from Disney.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft- The first 50 customers at every Jo-Ann store will receive a free tote bag on Sunday 4/22

Kate Quinn Organics Online Retailer: All dresses (children's clothing) are on sale for $20 thru April 22 in honor of earth day.

Michaels: Earth Day Make-It Take-It Tote bag. 4/22, 1-3 PM, ages 3 & up.

Origins: Get a full-size facial cleanser when you bring any old cleanser (even an empty container) in to Origins on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012. Read details and get the coupon.

Pottery Barn Kids: Bring the kids to Pottery Barn Kids on 4/21 or 44/22to participate in fun activities and get a free packet of sunflower seeds.

Starbucks: Bring your travel mug into Starbucks on Earth Day and we’ll give you a free brewed coffee or tea to say thanks for doing your part.

The Body Shop: All hemp products 4 for $20 ! Ends today (This is technically for 4/20 but same difference, right?)

Target: Get a free reusable bag Sunday, April 22nd, 2012, from guest services.

Vapur: Enter code GMA to unlock amazing 50%-60% off select items now thru 4/22!

ZOYA: Earth Day ZOYA nail polish exchange is back! "Exchange your old, unwanted nail color from April 21, 2012 - April 22, 2012 (11:59PM EST) for toxin-free ZOYA nail polish. You only pay $4 per bottle plus shipping and handling fees."

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays: vol. 4

Inspiration: Elizabeth Banks

You didn't think this whole Hunger Games craziness would go buy without us even touching on the subject or the cast did you ? I shamefully admit that I have not read the books, nor have I seen the movie. All I know is that one of my favorite actresses is in it, Elizabeth Banks!

Anyhow, you don't often read about her in gossip mags or even see pictures of her out and about in the normal world. This rare picture is one of the most recent in the tabloids of her in a "lazy-chic" look. Here she is sans husband, child, and make-up but still a cutie!

Here is a very inexpensive version of her grey chunky knit cardigan (only $10!) from JCPennys. Remember to pair this sweater with a cute drop waist tunic ($30) from j. jill, and a pair of skinny jeans with room to cuff them of course, like these DC jeans at $21 from 6pm, or these at only $10.50 from forever21.

And of course, what is an outfit without accessories? Here is a cheaper version of her tan cross-body bag from American Rag at the low price of $26 from Macy's. You can find similar sunglasses at Kohl's for $15 and a classic straw fedora from Urban Outfitters at only $24.

As for the lace up boots, I found so many cute ones I just couldn't decide. Torrid has a brown faux leather pair on sale for $9.99, Tilly's has a lace up/zip up light brown pair on sale for $18, and these uber cute fabric pair from 6pm. I want them all!

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays vol. 3

Inspiration: Gwen Stefani

Gwennie Gwen Gwen stepped out two weekends ago to our local Knott's Berry Farm with her boys Kingston & Zuma. I can't believe she is forty-freaking-two! She looks amazing !

You can get a similar grey tank at Urban Outfitters for $16 and black jeggings at Loehmann's for an amazing deal of $24.99 for Romeo & Juliet Couture Jeggings!

As for the accessories, you can find a similar cute wool with felt trim Bowler's hat at ASOS for $35.81 or a woven polyester version for the slightly lower price of $29 at Urban Outfitters. The printed scarf can be found for a sale price of $24.43 at Express. The sunglasses are a little more tricky - there are tons of similar version that are very expensive, I could only find a similar shape (but sadly, not the same color) like these cuties available at TopShop.

UPDATE!!! I found a super cute pair of almost identical glasses to Gwen's at Fred Flare on sale!

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays vol. 2 Mad Men Edition

Inspiration: January Jones (Betty Draper Francis on Mad Men)

In light of this week being "Mad Men Week", I am dedicating this post to January Jones as a mother on and off the show Mad Men. Vanessa will cover in detail her fashion on the show, so I of course will cover her fashion in real life. She recently stepped out with her son Xander in this cute ensemble.

Here is a similar shirt down to the stripes and lace for only $7 and there are a slew of cute lacy striped tops on YesStyle also. Here is another version of a laceback shirt for only $11. If you can't find a shirt you like, make your own! Don't forget to throw on a pair of dark jeans (which are a splurge at $70, but I LOVE Gap jeans) and shnazzy aviator's for $7 to pull this look together!



Top photo: Celebuzz

Baby Coupons, Discounts, and Offers

BeechNut- Sign up for e-mails and the company will send you helpful tips, tricks, and information along with coupons.

Earth's Best- Go here to print coupon without having to sign up for e-mails or you can also sign up for their e-mail program.

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays vol.1

Since this is my first Trendy Mommy Tuesdays article, I guess I should give a brief intro. I have had a severe case of the pregnancy blah's lately and I can't seem to get over it. I feel like if I looked better, I would feel better but I don't have a lot of time to put into my look as I'm constantly chasing my monster...err...daughter around. So like any young mother in the throes of fashion despair, I look to typically unattainable celebrity moms for inspiration. I try and find cute moms in their normal day to day look and attempt to put together their look for less.

Inspiration: Jessica Alba




This style is so simple, casual, and cute! But above all, it's easy and cheap! You can find a similar cardigan at Urban Outfitters for only $39 and you will get a lot of use out of it or Target has an even cheaper version of it for $20 (just not in Navy Blue). Knowing Jessica Alba and her love of skinny jeans, I'm betting that is what she is wearing. Old Navy sells some for $29.50 and they last forever!

Heather's Top Ten Bargain Beauty Favs

We all have our favorite beauty buys that are reliable and cheap.

These are mine, ladies.

1. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil. This stuff smells great, lasts a long time, smooths out my hair and makes it feel healthy. $8.

2. Dove Beauty Bar. Gentle enough to use on my face, I always keep a bar in the shower.

Cheap Thrills: Creature Comforts

There is a definite chill in the air, kids. Punxsutawney Phil predicted another six weeks of winter, and that means we need to get our warm and comfy Cheap Thrills on! I've slipped on my ~*fancy slippers*~ and searched high and low for the fuzziest, snuggliest, and coziest bargains out there. You know there's going to be at least one Snuggie knock off, so don't even try to be surprised.

Cheap Thrills: Big Love

Greetings and salutations! I'm gonna glam it up this week, specifically for the plus size ladies (such as myself). I love dressing up, but it can sometimes be a struggle to find things that are flattering and well-made if you're a larger size. It's also difficult to stay within your budget because quality clothing is going to cost more, and it's going to set you back even further if you're looking for a plus size option. But it can be done!

For the younger set, prom is just around the corner. I remember dreading formal events when I was younger, because I knew it meant disappointment and heartache in the dressing rooms - when things didn't fit or weren't even available in my size. Fear not! Your fairy godmother is here to help you find the perfect dress without compromising your fashion sensibilities.

Past your prom prime? That doesn't mean you don't have fabulous places to go, chicas. This month alone, I have two events lined up that require dressing up and getting my fancy on. Parties, big nights out, weddings, etc., there's always some sort of event looming on the horizon.

Even if you don't have something on your social calendar yet, take a look at the stuff I've found and rest assured that there are plenty of places to browse, and you don't have to settle for a frumpy frock.

Cheap Thrills: Atomic Wedgie

 

Relax, I'm not going to sneak up  behind you and ruin your favorite pair of undies! I'm talkin' about wedge heels, no playground pranks. Wedges are a great way to get some glamazon height without putting your feet through too much torture. Wedges are going to have a high heel with a platform, so you've got a 4-inch platform on a 1 1/2-inch platform, it's comparable to a 2 1/2-inch heel.

Let's explore some elevated territory this week, leave your flats at home and take a walk on the wild wedge side with me.

Cheap Thrills: Will You Be My Valentine?

Love it or love to hate it, but Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you're looking to woo your crush, win back your ex, or just treat your bad self to something sweet, I'm gonna do my best to hook you up with some romantic Cheap Thrills.

I've really tried to cover both ladies and gents, especially since the men in our lives sometimes get the short end of the Valentine stick. The stand-by gift of flowers and candy is nice, don't get me wrong, but I want to explore some other options. Think outside the box of chocolates, my loves!

Steal vs. Splurge: Beauty Basics Edition

Here are a few of my must have beauty products, and their equally fabulous and cheaper alternatives.

I do not wear make-up as often as I used to or would like to, but when I do, I look dang good gurl. Some people (Heather) may argue that I have no business putting up a post about make-up and beauty as usually I am a plain faced hobo a la Lindsay Lohan status.

Moisturizer:

Steal: This one is hard as everyone's skin is so different. I typically use anything that is on sale, something I win, or one that is recommended to me. Vanessa swears by Philosophy's Hope In a Jar 2 oz. ($40), and Heather is a repeat buyer of Garnier Skin Renew ($12) 2.5 oz.

Splurge: StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair 2oz. ($59) is a little pricey, but totally worth it. You can see and feel the difference after the first time, seriously. I won this in a blog contest and used it until the bottlemade that little fart noise when it's beyond empty.

Cheap Thrills: Let's Go To Bed

The holidays are behind us, and if you're like me, you'll want to recover by curling up in bed until spring. I'm sort of crazy about my bed (okay, I'm sort of crazy, period), it's a space I like to keep private. I want it to be cute and extra comfy, and embrace me at the end of the day, telling me everything is going to be okay and that my hair looks really pretty. I don't like letting anyone hang out in my bedroom or in my bed because it's my sanctuary, and I fear strangers will steal the mojo from it.

Before this becomes a therapy session, let's get to the Cheap Thrills for this week. It's all about bedding and making the place where the magic happens even more magical. Let's curl up (just not in my bed) and see what I came up with...

CVS Madness!

Hay y'all, there are some amazing sales and clearance deals going on at CVS right now. I know all stores vary, but let me show you what deals I found tonight while strolling down the aisles of my local CVS.

Oral B Satin Tape Floss

Orig. Price $4.39

Sale Price $2.99

ECB $1

Coupon $1/1 from 1/1 insert

Final Price: $0.99 !

Crest 3D Whitestrips Advance Seal
Orig. Price $44.49

Sale Price $34.49

Coupon from P&G Booklet $10/1

Final Price: $24.49!

John Frieda Frizz Ease Thermal Serum

Orig Price. $10.49

Sale Price $5.24

PLUS

Cheap Thrills: LBD

Last Cheap Thrill of 2011, so let's go out on a party note with a Little Black Dress (LBD) edition. We're posting  this a couple of days early, since some of these sales are going on now and quantities may be limited. This is the time when many of us are getting invitations to holiday parties, and the first question that runs through my mind is, "What am I going to wear?" That's when I turn to my trusty, and ever-growing, LBD collection. Dress it up with some bling and heels, dress it down with a cardigan and flats - you can't go wrong with the LBD.

Like us ladies, LBDs come in all shapes and sizes. I found a variety of dresses for my Cheap Thrillers, keeping the price at $100 and under. I try to keep most Cheap Thrills to $50 (ish) and under, but bumped it up to $100 because these aren't just one-time party dresses. The LBD  is an item you can keep in your wardrobe beyond the party season and can re-wear on other occasions. Like your bff chola, the LBD will have your back when you need her.

Fit for a Drag Queen - An Etsy Treasury of Holiday Party Wear

There's lots of fancy parties this time of the year... and when I think of fancy I think sparkles. Here's a new Etsy Treasury list of fun, glittery party wear, all for $25 or less!

A Drag Queen's Delight

photo: the legendary Divine

Snugglekins - An Etsy Treasury of Comfort

With the cold weather and early nightfall all I want to do is lay in bed and lounge around, don't you? Slippers, robe, snuggly blanket, and a nice hot cup of tea, yes please.

Here's a new Etsy Treasury list of just that, all for under $35: Snugglekins

Diaper Dash at Target

 

Because I always want to avoid the situation above, I am always stocked up on diapers. I am constantly on the lookout for a good diaper deal (for my toddler, not me of course). There happens to be an amazeballs deal going on at Target right now for Huggies. Rarely do I get so excited about a deal that I rush home to blog about it. Okay, that's not true, but still, this is a REALLY GOOD deal! I know my fellow Whore(der)s may roll their eyes once they figure out that I'm blogging about diapers, YES, DIAPERS, but I'm so excited and I just can't hide it (much like Jesse Spano).

Huggies boxes typically retail for $19.79 each. Target has a deal going right now if you buy 3 boxes, you get a $10 Gift Card. On top of this gift card deal, there is a printable $10 Gift Card coupon when you make a $50 purchase, PLUS a $5 Gift Card when you spend $25 on Kimberly Clark products found in the 10/30 SS insert. I used all of these offers in addition to my THREE $2/1 manufacturer coupons and THREE $2/1 printable Target coupons.

 

After Gift Cards (& tax), I only spent a grand total of $24.43! Its like Buy One Get TWO FREE!!!!! Also, an $8 off $80 purchase coupon should print out at checkout. Because you can print the Facebook coupon TWICE, you will have one left to use in conjunction with the $8 off $80 on a future purchase!

Picture thanks to AbodianoFul