Category: Retail Therapy

Cash Mobs!

Show me the money! $20 to be exact.

What in the world is a cash mob? The idea is to get people to visit small, local businesses and spend money. In essence, it gives a local business owner a mini economic stimulus. “Cash Mobs” isn’t exactly a political organization– rather its simply folks trying to make a positive impact on their local surroundings. And, of course, buy some really cool stuff in the process. Each participant needs to spend a minimum of $20.

Put together by many different groups of people, these “cash mobs” have been sprouting up all over the place. Organizers use Facebook and Twitter to get the word out. For example, two of these “mobs” in San Diego were at “Make Good” in South Park and “Bluestocking Books” in Hillcrest with both bringing in approximately $750 and $900 in sales respectively and 30 to 40 folks in attendance.

From what I understand, at these “mobs” there are three rules:

  1. Spend $20
  2. Meet three people you didn’t know
  3. Have fun!

I read about this concept in the San Diego Union Tribune on 01/17/2012. Seems like a fun way to mix my favorites– shopping, meeting new people and supporting local businesses.

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Fashion by Target!

What could be better than a quick shopping adventure in Target? As usual, I was scanning the aisles for post-holiday sales. I was shocked when a last minute prowl thru the women’s shoe aisle at Target yielded a really great find!

These boots were only $44 and look quite amazing. They will look great tucked into jeans or leggings– or even with a dress for work.

I actually purchased these in the local Target store in my hometown in Iowa and did put them to good use while there on holiday vacation. The color and style was great whether I wore dark jeans or more casual faded jeans and a sweatshirt.

Great find while scanning the stores in the Midwest!

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Bath & Body Works – Southbridge Mall- Mason City

Bath & Body Works

Southbridge Mall – Mason City, Iowa

Post Christmas bargain shopping– it’s always a scavenger hunt for deals and interesting items.  While strolling thru Southbridge Mall in Mason City, Iowa I couldn’t help but stop into the Bath & Body Works store located there. I was drawn in by the twinkling lights and numerous tables of 50% and 75% off sale merchandise.

I was ecstatic to find my fave Apple Blossom Citrus Body Scrub was on sale! Score for me!  I also found a yummy Balsam Pine candle for way less than full retail.

By the way– Bath & Body Works included a 20% off your entire purchase 1/16/2012 to 2/26/2012 coupon in my shopping bag at the cash wrap.  I’m a big fan of this store and this brand– so it goes without say– I’ll be back– coupons in hand!!

Hy-Vee East Floral Shop – Mason City, Iowa –

Hy-Vee East Floral Shop – Mason City, Iowa

551 S. Illinois – Regency Square Mall

Mason City, Iowa

Looking for some cool plants? Or maybe a last minute gift? Need flowers for a special event like a wedding? I have just the place for you– the floral shop in Hy-Vee East in Mason City, Iowa.

I was pleasantly surprised to find this hidden treasure in a local grocery store of all places. When I was there late in the afternoon last Thursday I met the energetic floral manager Randy who personally assisted me in finding a lovely plant for my mom. A small thank-you gift as I stayed for a week and a half! (I know parents like their kids to visit but sometimes a small gift is never a bad idea.)

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I chose small pink begonia for $8.99.  Pictured above you can also see the Douglas Fir tree that was purchased in Hy-Vee Floral two years ago. It doubled in size and looks amazing.  All the plants here are healthy and well-cared for.  I was also excited to learn that Hy-Vee Floral is able to deliver and handle events like weddings and funerals.

Bravo!  I will definitely be back next time I’m in Iowa.

Ring In 2012 With Sparkling Nail Polish from OPI

Happy New Year! I love the OPI nail polishes and was super excited to find two bottles of sparkly OPI shades in my Christmas stocking. Santa must have been reading my mind!

Pictured below you can see Excuse Moi! that I am wearing. Two coats made my nails perfection.

I also have Pepe’s Purple Passion that is a bit darker with a more subtle sprinkle of sparkle. This shade will look good on toes peeking out of flip flops– I know– I live in California so flip flops are always in season!

Shine on! OPI nail polish colors rock! Can you ever have too much nail polish? (In case you are wondering– my answer to this question is NEVER!

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Kay Jewelers…

Tonite I found myself doing a little light window shopping in Kay Jewelers at Westfield UTC. Anyone who knows me well is aware how much I love jewelry. With my whole downsizing mentality lately I’ve tried hard to adopt the “look away from the jewelry” rule as much as possible. But sometimes… ya gotta do more than look away! (At least I do anyway.) I went on a little recon shopping trip as a favor to someone I know last night. Most difficult recon trip ever!! Kay Jewelers is filled with amazing sparklers and it was all I could do to ask questions, gather my intelligence and escape. I figured you all would want to see some of the fabulous sparklers I found. In case anyone is wondering I managed to keep my Visa card under wraps!

14K White Gold 1/3 Carat t.w. Diamond Solitaire Earrings 14K White Cold 1/3 Carat total weight Diamond Solitaire Earrings $299 (excellent deal)

Sterling Silver ¼ Carat t.w. Black Diamond Hoop EarringsSterling Silver 1/4 Carat Black Diamond Hoop Earrings $199 (cute & fun to wear!)

Sterling Silver Cable ChainSterling Silver Cable Chain $29.99 (great find- this is something I’m getting for me!)

Charmed Memories® Ruby Red Frost Murano Glass CharmRuby Red Frost Murano Glass Bead $29.99 (I love these Murano glass beads!)

Charmed Memories® Sterling Silver Lady Bug CharmSterling Silver Lady Bug Charm $39.99 (Lady Bugs are my fave!)

Sterling Silver Diamond Double Heart Key NecklaceSterling Silver Diamond Double Heart Key Necklace $79.99 (I keep looking at this…)

I tried to keep this semi cost-effective. There are so many cute things right now it was hard to choose! I’m definitely going back for the chain necklace tomorrow. Happy Shopping!

Retail Therapy? Macy’s won’t take a coupon for Levi’s… EVER!

Last night I was in the mood for a little retail therapy and decided to check out Macy’s– especially since they have some amazing coupons out right now. Being the frugal shopper, I had a strict list of items I was “allowed” to buy. Number One on my list was some kind of a pair of jeans– as much as I loath trying on jeans I decided I could suck it up and try some on tonite. Again– because I had a handful of really fabulous coupons from Macy’s (courtesy of my co-worker).

Into the fitting room I went– with an assortment of jeans including a random pair of Levi’s.  Six pair of jeans later I settled on the Levi’s (haven’t worn that brand in a long time).  I was totally excited to make my purchase again because I had COUPONS!

After standing in line for what seemed like an eternity… I was in front of the cashier. I was thrilled to hand over my jeans and ready to hand over one of my coupons- then the spell was broken.  The cashier says “We don’t take coupons for Levi’s. EVER.”  Part of me wanted to lash out and part of me want to cry. After all… I just tried on six pair of jeans!  The lovely cashier went on to say “The jeans are regularly priced at $58 but they ring up at $44.”  Small consolation after trying on SIX pairs of jeans.

At this point I was completely tired and beaten down– I robotically handed over my shiny Macy’s credit card and finished the transaction.  I’m home now sitting on the couch– still a little bitter over the coupons— but relieved I found jeans.  (Merry Christmas from Macy’s… I guess…)