iced coffee craze.

Remember my blog post a while back on how to create a “latte knock-off” at Starbucks for a mere $1.94?  Well, I’m on to something even bigger, better, faster, and best of all — cheaper! The secret? Re-usable tumbler plus Starbucks VIA Iced Ready Brew packet. 

Here’s the low-down: a 5-pack of the ready brew packets cost $5.95, with each packet yielding 16 oz. (rather than the measly 12 oz. with my faux latte). Do the math and that’s $1.19/drink! The packets are already lightly sweetened, so all you need is water and ice (plus half & half, if desired) and you’re good to go!  Eco-friendly bonus – you’re not wasting plastic, or your time by sitting in the drive-thru!

Now go ahead and try saying sweet sustainable savings three times fast!

    

affordably accessorized.

It’s no secret that I am a strong advocate for ‘buying used’, however, stylish second-hand accessories tend to be hard to come by via your average thrift store. So what’s the next best budget-savvy option? Forever 21. While I am not a fan of their rather low-quality clothing (despite its cuteness and the fact that I admittedly own a few of their apparel items), I will argue the fact that they have a heck of an accessory selection that surely meets the requirements of any frugal fashionista! Not only do they offer a vast selection at noteworthy prices, but their inventory is constantly changing – providing new options for accessory lovers alike on a continual basis. So all in all – it’s the perfect penny-pinching go-to if you’re looking to inexpensively add a few new pieces to your jewelry box :)

Check out a few of my recent purchases I am lovin’:

Double-chain charm necklace – $3.80 {Buy it here}

Back to nature necklace – $6.80 {Buy it here}

Three-layered necklace with beads – $6.80 {Buy it here}

Painted pressed floral earrings – $2.80 {Buy it here}

Sparkling coil ring – $2.80 {Buy it here}

pleasantly-priced polish.

My new go-to nail polish – Essie! I used to be stuck on OPI until I discovered this posh polish. It dries very quickly and outlasts any other polish I’ve ever tried… and the color choices are endless! The catch, however, is that they are a little steep in price (about $8/bottle), BUT do you think I would actually pay that much? Of course not! This is how I’ve gotten six bottles for $16 (a $48 value!) — Trade Secret and Ulta frequently offer promotional sales of “guy 1, get 2 free” on select colors (usually out-of-season colors)… but who cares when you can get THREE bottles of this fabulous stuff for the price of one?! Steal of a deal! Not to mention, all Essie polishes are DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde-free – always important! :) So go ahead – buy yourself a bottle (or three)! You won’t be disappointed you did!

costly coffee conundrum solved.

If you’re anything like me, you love lattes but don’t love the price. My typical Starbucks summer order used to go something like this… “a tall, sugar-free caramel iced soy latte, please!”  The total? $3.87 (yikes!) Realizing I could concoct a similar drink for almost half the price, my new order became… “a tall iced coffee with a shot of sugar-free caramel and a splash of soy.”  The new and improved latte knock-off total? A mere $1.94!

*Also a good money-saving tip: always make sure to ask for “light on the ice” to get more coffee for your dollar!

Oh! And don’t forget to bring in your re-usable mug or tumbler to Starbucks to save 10 cents on your drink  (or bring it to Caribou to save 15 cents, or to Dunn Bros. and save 25 cents!) – save some cash while saving some trees! And speaking of Starbucks and being eco-friendly, check out the various ways they are striving to be green! — http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/environment

a savvy Savers deal.

To all my fellow savvy second-hand shoppers,

Savers is now offering a “Super Savers” club card! A few highlights of signing up include receiving member-only coupons, a special birthday offer and a 25% off discount coupon right off the bat for joining. It’s fast, free and easy, not to mention yet another way to save money at a store already offering low prices. Here’s the link: http://www.supersaversclubcard.com/   Happy savings!

Follow the signs

… garage sale signs that is!

Today while driving in my residential area, a bright yellow sign that read, “SALE this way —–>” caught my attention. Naturally intrigued, I followed that initial eye-catching sign which eventually lead me to a small sale in a little garage. Despite it’s dismal and rather disappointing appearance via curbside, I decided I had nothing to lose since I was already there. Five minutes and $5 later, I found myself walking away with a brand new (still in the box) pair of Steve Madden flats ($2), an Xhiliration blazer with a darling floral pin attachment ($3) and a Gap tank top ($1)!

Moral of the story? When you spot a sign, see where it takes you! You never know what could be in store… or in someone’s garage ;-)

memorial day shopping – thrift store style!

I’ve decided to jumpstart this blog by providing a list of thrift stores in the Twin Cities participating in a promotional Memorial Day sale. The links that are listed provide each store’s location, hours and details of the sale. (Make sure to stop by my “Thrift Tips” page before embarking on this adventure). Happy shopping my fellow frugalistas! :)

Arc’s Value Village Thrift Store – 50% off storewide. http://www.arcsvaluevillage.org/Shop/News/News_33.aspx

Goodwill – 50% all furniture and blue, green & yellow-tagged clothing. http://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/site/Calendar/1944806678?view=Detail&id=116439

Salvation Army – 50% off all clothing. http://thesalarmy.org/loc/thriftstores.htm

Savers – 50% off everything; excludes red tags. http://www.savers.com/Promotions.aspx

Unique Thrift Store – 50% off storewide. http://www.imunique.com/pages/Locations/

Valu Thrift Store – 50% off storewide. No website. Location: 2145 Hudson Rd., St. Paul, MN 55119