My 1st Blog Giveaway

You read that correctly, in order to jump start this blog I want to conduct a Blog Giveaway featuring the Yummy Sale-a-Bration stamp set, a spool of Certainly Celery twill ribbon, and a 6x6 Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper Sampler (16 sheets). All you have to do is leave a comment and share your favorite money saving tip.

You have until 11:59pm PST Thursday, April 2. I will announce the winner Friday morning. Only one comment per person please. I can't wait to hear from you! Subscribe to this blog to hear about future Blog Giveaways.

All supplies SU unless noted: Yummy SAB stamp set, cardstock in kraft, bashful blue, and whisper white, Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper, ink in certainly celery, almost amethyst, apricot appeal, and close to cocoa, certainly celery twill ribbon from SAB Ribbon Bundle, stampin' dimensionals, sponge dauber, Sizzix Bigz Scallop Envelope Die used with my Big Shot

Congratulations!

All supplies SU unless noted: Congrats SAB stamp set, Botanical Blooms SAB stamp set, cardstock in certainly celery, kraft, and whisper white, ink in certainly celery and pink pirouette, So Saffron Grosgrain ribbon from SAB Ribbon Bundle

I made this card for a couple who didn't know the sex of their baby. So, I tried to cover all of my bases with the green cardstock. I suppose it's a good thing the baby was a girl because the pink flower counterbalanced all of my efforts to make it seem neutral. :)

The Congrats Sale-a-Bration Stamp Set is great because it covers a variety of occasions. "Congratulations" is its own stamp, and then the "on the birth of your baby" is a separate stamp. Aside from the baby sentiment there are five more to choose from. This way you can mix and match according to your needs.

This set was also given to me as a birthday present. Best gift ever, I love versatility. If your birthday is coming up, let our friends know how easy it is to order Stampin' Up! Online.

Two Step Stampin' Technique

All supplies SU unless noted: Botanical Blooms *SAB stamp set, cardstock in almost amethyst, pink pirouette, and very vanilla, ink in almost amethyst, pink pirouette, and kiwi kiss, word window punch, making memories silver brad

I earned the Botanical Blooms stamp set for FREE since it's Sale-a-Bration time. Sadly, Sale-a-Bration is almost over with only six days left! This is a limited time offer and all the free products will be discontinued and won't be available ever again! Don't miss out!

What makes this set so great is that it gives the image a natural watercolor look. Also, try as you might you will not be able to get the two images to match exactly and that's what makes it's so incredibly freeing knowing that you won't be expected to.

For this card, I used the two step stampin' technique:

$ Money Tip: Make a purchase of $50 this month and receive a stamp set, ribbon, or paper for free. This offer is my favorite because the minimum puchase is only $50. However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Make a $150 purchase and you receive:

• Your choice of 3 of the stamp sets, ribbon bundle, or paper
• 1 Hostess Stamp Set
• $15 Instant Rewards to be used towards additional merchandise.

That's a lot of free stuff! If you're going to order, then this is the way to do it. As always, if $150 is breaking the budget for you there's no reason why you can't split this up amongst friends. :) Don't forget to check out the Sale-a-Bration Goodies here.

You've Got a Friend in Me

All supplies SU unless noted: Cheep Talk stamp set, textured card stock in pacific point, cardstock in kiwi kiss and whisper white, ink in pacific point, rose red, kiwi kiss, pumpkin pie, and chocolate chip, grosgrain ribbon in chocolate chip, stampin’ dimensionals


A week ago I had a conversation with a friend, and be both concluded that we would like to exercise more. Well, I had just purchased a new workout video and I invited her over to try it out with me. In general, I choose to purchase workout DVDs instead of going to classes because then I can look foolish in the privacy of my own home. Also, I can pause the video when I need to take a break. :P

We both admitted to one another that had we been alone we would have turned the DVD off a long time ago. So not only is it good to have company while doing knee rolls, it's also insurance against quitting midway.

Word to the wise, if you're going to do jumping jacks and fake jumping rope you'd better choose a good friend to do it with.

impressed, amazed, inspired {by you}

All supplies SU unless noted: Sweet Little Sentiments hostess stamp set*, card stock in baja breeze, kiwi kiss, and kraft, Urban Oasis designer paper, ink in baja breeze, taffeta ribbon in basic gray, stampin’ dimensionals, scallop edge punch

I admit I am not easily impressed. However, recently one of my dear friends gave birth to her first child without an epidural. Now, that is definitely impressive. One of my greatest fears is that I will pass out during childbirth and wake up having missed the whole experience. Hrm...or maybe that's wishful thinking. :)

What impresses you the most?

*You can earn hostess stamp sets by hosting workshops where you invite friends to collectively place an order greater than $150. Feel free to contact me if you're interested in earning free stamp sets. See Stampin' Up Shop Q & A for more details.

Thanks So Much

All supplies SU unless noted: Trendy Trees set, card stock in kiwi kiss, pink pirouette, baja breeze, ink in kiwi kiss, baja breeze, close to cocoa, rose red, double stitched ribbon in rose red, stampin’ dimensionals

Today I am thankful for the internet, we've been disconnected from the internet at work this week and it has caused me to truly appreciate it. I've realized that I use the internet to look up definitions of words, historical events, current weather conditions, recipes for dinner, current news, send e-mail, look up phone numbers and much more. To me, the internet is my passage into another world. You can read other people's blogs and learn what they're interests are, and you're even allowed to comment! In real life I probably would have been too shy to openly comment, but with the internet I've been complete freedom from inhibition.

What aspect of the internet are you thankful for?

Thinking of You

All supplies SU unless noted: Bird on a Branch set, card stock in baja breeze, very vanilla, and kiwi kiss, ink in so saffron, kiwi kiss, and baja breeze, *ribbon in so saffron, stampin’ dimensionals

Three simple words "Thinking of You" can bring about such warm and cozy feelings. Sometimes when we grow through tough times we feel that it's us against everything else. When in fact there are those who are thinking of you. If you haven't already, let someone know that you're thinking of them today. I guarantee it will make their day a little sunnier.

*I forgot to mention that the so saffron grosgrain ribbon that I used yesterday and today is a part of the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle that you receive for free with any $50 purchase of Stampin' Up! goodies.

Another Year Older

All supplies SU unless noted: Yummy (*Sale-A-Bration set) and Fifth Avenue Floral, card stock in craft, almost amethyst, ink in chocolate c hip and almost amethyst, Bella Rose Designer Paper, ribbon in so saffron, stampin’ dimensionals

A couple of weeks ago it was my birthday. It was great to get together with friends from different spheres of my life to celebrate my special day. My college roommate continued her tradition of gifting me with new stamp sets. She wrapped it up in brown paper and string which of course prompted me to want to see "My Favorite Things" from the The Sound of Music.

Today I used the Yummy stamp set that is included in the Sale-a-Bration limited time offer. This is honestly a really great deal and there's only two weeks left! With each minimum purchase of $50 from Stampin' Up! You can have your pick of free stamp sets, paper, or ribbon as an extra treat. If you're just starting to stamp or need to refresh your collection, Sale-a-Bration is a great time to stock up on stamp sets.

Sale-a-bration ends March 31st so you need to act fast and place your order before the special ends. If you want to shop online you can click on my link on the right to access the Stampin' Up! online store.

You're a Hoot!

All supplies Stampin' Up! unless noted: Owl Together Now stamp set, card stock in chocolate chip, confetti, pacific point, Haiku designer paper, ink in chocolate chip, pumpkin pie, close to cocoa, creamy caramel, more mustard, and kiwi kiss, stampin’ dimensionals

Let's take a little wisdom from our owl friend when it comes to saving money. Saving money is always on my mind, but sometimes it's hard to keep up especially when the whole concept can seem quite daunting.

Real Simple Magazine's March edition boasts "71 ways to spend smarter (and save a lot)", so naturally I was intrigued. So far, I've implemented the "dust of your library" suggestion. My local library has made some technological improvements since I went there as a child. Now I can check the availibility of a book, as well as put it on reserve. It's so convenient...and guess what...it's free!

Now, I think twice about pressing the "Add to Cart" button when I'm browsing online for books and dvds.

Real Simple also offers other online Money Tips if you want to check them out.

Do you have any money saving tips that have added some padding to your pocketbook?

Thank You For Your Friendship

All supplies Stampin' Up! unless noted: Upsy Daisy and Frames with a Flourish stamp set, card stock in kraft, baja breeze, chocolate chip, ribbon in chocolate chip, stampin’ dimensionals

This card reminds me how blessed I have been to have many wonderful friendships. By "wonderful" I also mean brutally honest. The friends who are brave enough to tell you that it is time for you to pluck your eyebrows, or let you know that your brown suede shoes do not go with black dress pants are the ones that are worth keeping around. These are friends who look out for your well being and to point out the error of your ways. Especially, the whole brown shoes-black pants faux pas.

You're the Best!

Supplies: (all supplies SU unless noted): A Little Birdie Told Me stamp set, card stock in chocolate chip, kraft, certainly celery, and whisper white, ink in basic back and apricot appeal (used to watercolor birdie with aqua brush), ribbon in so saffron, designer paper (retired), stampin’ dimensionals

Isn't it great when someone affirms you, and lets you know that you're appreciated. Honestly, I am terrible at giving affirmation,but it's something that I'm working on. I think this little birdie does a great job of conveying what I struggle to express.

The A Little Birdie Told Me set from Stampin' Up! is one of my favorites. Included in the set are six other sentiments that cover an array of occasions. With this one set I'm pretty much set for any card I'd need to whip up at a moment's notice.

A Little Birdie Told Me © 2009 Stampin' Up! Please do not duplicate without permission

It's all in the presentation

You know how you can go to a very fancy schmancy restaurant and pay double for the price of the food because you're paying for the ambiance, and the presentation of your courses. Generally, you feel content with paying extra because you're paying for the experience after all.

Well, with crafting cards it's exactly the opposite effect. When you make your own cards you get to have the experience of creating, and it also ends up costing you less in materials. If you go to any stationary store and pick up a set of note cards it can cost anywhere from $10-15. However, depending on the materials you use...you can make a set of cards for a fraction of that price. That fact just thrills my soul since I love a great bargain.

While saving money is great, let's not forget about the presentation. To put the final touch you can either bind your cards together with gorgeous ribbon, baking twine, or on occasion I've been known to even recycled cello packaging from when I purchase envelopes at Michael's. If you're willing to spend a little bit more, the clear plastic boxes from Papertrey Ink give a nice finishing touch. The boxes can fit up to 12 cards and 12 envelopes. (I first saw this used by my friend Kelly who is fabulously creative.) In the end, the gift recipient gets to enjoy handmade cards with a professional look without the professional price tag.


$ Money tip: Papertrey Ink will offer free shipping if you order a minimum of $55. Let's face it you're not saving any money if you have to spend money for shipping and handling. I would suggest that you get together with a couple of other crafters so that cumulatively you can order the $55 minimum and all benefit from the free shipping.

40% off Michael's Coupons

There was a time when I subscribed to 3 newspapers. The beauty of having 3 newspapers was that it meant that I got triple the coupons. I would hurriedly flip through the ads on Sunday looking for the one coupon that mattered to me...the Michael's Coupon. Michael's coupons are also available on the internet, which makes it all that much easier to print out as many as you want. The fact that Michael's coupons are accepted by their competitors is a crafter's dream come true.

What I've noticed is that when items go on sale in the ad, they are at most 30% off of the regular price. This being said, if you have incredible self-control and patience you shouldn't buy their products when they're on sale. Rather, you should buy them when they're at their regular price but use your 40% off coupon. This way you can have ultimate savings.

$ Money Tip*: Michael's and other retail stores use their coupons to lure you in so that you'll buy more than just one item. Beware! Unless you're buying clearance items that are over 40% off don't put anything else into your basket/cart. If you really want to buy more than one item at a time because you have a project that requires it, then keep your eyes peeled during major holiday weekends. There will often be a 20-30% of your entire purchase coupon. (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day). Also, coupons are often printed onto your receipt so before you throw them away be sure to examine it first.

*Okay, so you may be thinking...but if I am constantly driving and back and forth from the craft store because I'm only allowed to buy one item at a time...this won't save me any money on gas! Ah, well this is where you can utilize any willing human being (sister, mother, child, boyfriend, husband) that you know who will accompany you to the store so that you can use more than one coupon at a time. If they're unwilling you can bribe them with ice cream...or something.

Free Redbox DVD

Click Here for the promo code to rent a Redbox DVD for free. It's only good for today (Wednesday). You can use the promo code again if you use a different credit card at the time of rental.

If you sign up for their e-mail updates you can also receive a promo code for free Redbox DVD rental every Monday.

Nothing like a free dvd to perk up your Wednesday.

Edit: For those of you who haven't used Redbox before. It's like a DVD rental vending machine usually found in drug stores and supermarkets. Normally, the cost is $1/night. You use your credit card to charge the purchase. You may return the DVD to any Redbox vending machine.

Give Thanks

I love to give sets of thank you cards to people for their birthdays. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have all of the supplies already on hand. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that after a birthday you often have to write Thank You cards. :)

Thank you cards are definitely something that all people need at any given moment. My mom would always make us write notes to our relatives after Christmas to thank them for our Christmas gifts, and I never understood why it was so important. That is until I received my first handwritten thank you note from a friend who had just gotten married, and I got to feel that warm feeling of affirmation and appreciation. A thank you card is inexpensive, but yet so wonderful to receive.

(all supplies SU unless noted): Fifth Avenue Floral, Thank You Kindly stamp sets, card stock in baja breeze, kraft, and whisper white, ink in kiwi kiss, baja breeze, and basic gray, stampin’ dimensionals

Welcome

Dear Friend,

Welcome to my blog! My hope for this blog is that I will be able to share my love for stamping (on a budget) as well as my own money tips and blunders.

I've been blogging for the past 10 years, ever since I went away to college and wanted to have a way to keep in touch with my friends. Now, I see blogging as a way to learn how to do things from other people and a way to broaden my worldview.

I've always grown up around rubber stamps. My mother rubber stamped when I was growing up. However, I first started to become reacquainted with it 3 years ago. Since then, I have seen how a simple card can really brighten someone's day. An expression of gratitude, celebration, or sympathy goes a long way in connecting with your friends and family.

Now, I enjoy sharing my hobby with others and sharing in their pleasure of having created something on their own.

Coming Soon...

• Money Blunders: where you can learn from my mistakes when it comes to living on a budget.
• Tool of the Trade: where I'll show you how to use different tools to add dimension to your cards.
• The Savvy Consumer: I will post up things that I've learned over the years on how to get the most bang out of your buck.