Tip Tuesday: Back-To-School~Saving on Clothes Shopping

August doesn't start until tomorrow, but I thought that since this Tip Tuesday was so close, I would kick off the back-to-school tips. This week, we're going to cover shopping for your child's clothes since many like to put their items in layaway.

Here are 7 easy steps to get your student prepared and save some money:

Step 1: Take Inventory- Bring some bags or boxes with you to your child's closet along with a notepad and pen. Go through your child(ren)'s clothes and see what you can salvage and use this coming school year. Use the bags/boxes for trash and donation piles to double you productivity. That way you can get rid of clothing that they have outgrown or are no longer good at the same time. Write down what they have that can carry into the next school year. Example: 3 pairs of jeans, 5 t-shirts, ect.

Step 2: Set a Budget- Many people have more than one child they need to shop for, so it's important to set a budget on what you can afford to spend on each child.

Step 3: Make a Plan- Now that you have decided how much you want to spend, write down how many jeans, shirts, packages of socks/underwear you will need for each child based off of your inventory list.

Step 4: World Wide Web- Check out your store's deals, coupons, and layaway options online before you hit the store. That way you know what you're after before you shop.

Step 5: Stick to the List- This will be especially difficult when you have your child with you holding up a shirt they "just have to have" (especially teenagers, lol), but you have a budget you want to stick to.

Step 6: Don't Forget about Clearance- Remember, Summer items will be on clearance, but you can find some awesome deals on t-shirts, skirts, etc. that will carry into the Fall season.

Step 7: Reward Yourself- You will be surprised to find that sticking to a budget may actually put you UNDER budget in the end. Why not reward yourself with a little of what's left over or go back and get that shirt your child, "just had to have" and surprise them with it. :)

I hope you enjoyed this week's Tip Tuesday. Some of this goes with how you can save on seasonal shopping items that I posted last week. In case you missed it, here is the link: http://mayday1101.blogspot.com/2012/07/tip-tuesday-seasonal-shoppingtake.html

Also, don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page to see any deals that I have to share and keep updated on any Giveaway Contests that I have. Link here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Seasonal Shopping~Take Inventory

The stores are going to be gearing up for the Back-To-School sales and now is the time to take advantage of all of those end-of-Summer clearance racks. Take inventory of what you have and what you need for next Summer. Be sure to make a list of what you are in search of before hitting up those clearance/sales racks. Also, make sure you set a budget of how much you are willing and/or can afford to spend. All of those low prices can add up quickly.

Did you see a pair of sandals that you absolutely loved, but you didn't want to pay the hefty price that's on the tag? Stop by that store and see if they have been marked down. You may be able to grab them up at half the cost and you will be stylin' next Summer.

Key tip when clearance shopping: Be sure to stick to staple items. What I mean by this is don't buy something that is trending this season. You know that bright colors will always be in style, but the floral print everyone has been rockin' this season may be a big faux pa by next Summer.

I hope this week's Tip Tuesday has been helpful. Be sure to keep checking back because August will be all about getting organized on a budget! Also, check out my Facebook page if you haven't already and click that 'Like' button. Next Giveaway Contest will start once I get to 100 page likes!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Tip Tuesday: Don't Be Fooled...Stay Hydrated!

There are so many drinks on the market today that claim to be hydrating. Bottom line, a lot of them do just the opposite. On hot days like today, you need to be reaching for straight up H2O! There isn't anything out there that will beat the all mighty tall glass of ice water.

Really quick and easy Tip Tuesday this week. More things in the works for this blog and my Facebook page this week so be sure to keep checking back! Have a great day everyone! :)

1 Year Anniversary!!!

Yay! Today marks the 1 Year Anniversary of my Facebook page. I want to thank everyone who has liked my page. It has been so great to be able to share my tips and ideas with you all. I have a lot more planned for this page and can't wait to expand on what I am currently doing.

I have so much to share and really love having a way to share it. It's amazing how we can connect with others over these social platforms. I would like to encourage anyone out there who may be debating starting a page, blog, or even a YouTube channel. If it's something you really want to do and will enjoy doing it, then I say go for it! It has definitely been a wonderful experience for me so far.

I can't wait to see what the future brings! Thank you everyone! Don't forget, the Giveaway Contest ends this Monday so be sure to 'Like' the post containing the video!

For those reading this post who haven't checked out my Facebook page yet, here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Be sure to 'Like' it if you like what you see! :)

Tip Tuesday...on a Thursday?!

I found an interesting article regarding grilling risks. I knew that there were health risks with grilling, but I wanted to share this article with everyone that shows ways to help prevent Cancer causing compounds from sticking to your food. Be sure to check it out.

Check out this week's tip on my Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/mayday1101

Also, keep checking back on this blog for more 'First Impression' reviews and other info I have to share. Don't forget to 'Like' my Facebook page and enter the current giveaway contest as well. Contest ends this Monday. After liking my page, find the post containing the giveaway video and like the post to be entered. It's that simple! :) Have a great day everyone!

Subscribe to this blog if you like what you see and don't want to miss out on more reviews, tips and fun projects.

First Impression: imPRESS Press-On Manicure

I received a box full of goodies to test recently and it included imPRESS Press-On Manicure. I thought I would do a first impression of it as I have never purchased artificial nails, except acrylics once in a blue moon. I'm a single Mom and just can't justify spending all of that money on acrylics. Let's not forget the upkeep. Having to go in every couple of weeks to have them filled? Not this busy Mommy. So, I was very interested on how these were going to look. I immediately loved the color (Velvet Rope) that I received.

So if you are busy like me, this is the perfect solution for you. Like I said, I have never put on nails like this and I am thoroughly 'imPRESSed' (Pun intended, lol). It only took about 5 minutes and I had a beautiful manicure that I felt confident to wear. The steps are easy to follow: Clean your nails with the provided wipe to removed oils that are naturally on your nails, size up the nails to your liking, then peel and stick. It's that easy!

These retail between $5.99-$7.99 but there are 24 nails included, giving you 2 uses and extras just in case. You can find them at major retailers and drug store chains near you. Visit www.imPressManicure.com to find a store location near you that carries this product and check out the 36 different colors and patterns that are offered. You can also download an exclusive coupon from the website as well.

I'm excited to try out the other colors and patterns myself. After checking out the patterns, I think I'm going to try 'Shout' next. It has an airbrushed look to it that you would find on expensive acrylics and it just looks fun! :)

After checking out the website, leave a comment below telling me which color or pattern you are going to try. If you have already tried imPress manicures, let me know what you think of them.

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions regarding this product are my own.

The 50 'Likes' Giveaway Contest

The 50 'Likes' Giveaway Contest is going on now. Look for the contest status with the video on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mayday1101#!/mayday1101
All the rules to this contest are in the description box of the video. Really simple to enter. Contest ends at Noon on July 16, 2012. Good luck everyone!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another Tip Tuesday! :D

Wigs 4 Kids

Hi everyone! Today I wanted to share with you a charity organization that I really stand behind and donate to. They are a dream come true for those who are experiencing hair loss due to treatments such as cancer, alopecia and more. Unlike some other organizations, this is a non-profit organization and people seeking hair pieces do not have to pay for this service. This organization runs completely on donations/contributions.

I grew my hair out in order to donate to this charity and was able to follow through with that goal a couple of months ago. I sent Wigs 4 Kids 12 inches of thick, red locks. :) It's a great cause and I wanted to share it with those who may be debating a drastic haircut. If so, please consider donating to Wigs 4 Kids. If you would, please share this blog post with others and spread the word about Wigs 4 Kids and how people can help. I will link their website below as well as an address send hair donations to.

For more information on this organization and how you can help check out this link to their website: http://www.wigs4kids.org/

Also, here is the address to send hair donations:

Wigs 4 Kids Wellness Center and Salon

30126 Harper Avenue

St. Clair Shores, MI 48082

Please note: This is not a sponsored blog post. All opinions are my own from my experience with donating my hair to this charity. I made this post to help spread the word about this wonderful organization. :)