New Bags are LOVE

FRONT

I got a nifty new purse from Lane Bryant and this is what it looks like from the front. It's deceptively roomy inside. This thing holds a LOT of action. I've used it as a:

• purse
• gym bag
• diaper bag
• shopping bag

I'll probably wear it out if I keep all that up, but I like versatility. I think I won't push it by using it for shopping anymore. The bag is sturdy and straps will support the weight of being over-stuffed. I just don't wanna risk it.

BACK

The one thing I hated but am okay with now is the fact that the bag is brown. It's a really dark brown that's almost black. I'm the type of purse-buyer who wants clearly defined colors. If it's brown, make it blatantly brown. Don't make me have to hold it up to the light or next to something black.

On the plus side, it's not overly flashy and looks great with most styles of clothing. Now I want one in black and red. Too bad those models don't exist!

More Couponing

This doesn't qualify as extreme couponing but it sure is nice! I took a break from work a week or so ago and went to CVS. I spoke with the pharmacist and she recommended Advil Cold & Sinus. She also said the generic (CVS brand) works the same. 

Onto the savings:

I signed up for the beauty club via internet and got a $4 coupon. I also had that 3-day 30% off coupon from yesterday. I saved $15 and ended up spending just under $30 for:

• 3 double-sized boxed of tissue
• Cold medicine
• Vitamins for SOB
• Inspirational/Encouragement card for my mom
• John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo (on sale for $2 off)
• John Frieda Root Awakening Conditioner (on sale for $2 off)

Those last two were must buy purchases. I'd previously bought the $0.99 travel-sized versions and they worked WONDERS on my hair. I'm hooked. More on that later, though. Can't waste a perfectly good hair post!

OrangeBear

Do you know OrangeBear? I found it on YesStyle a while ago but never bought anything. I think I will soon. They carry plus sizes bigger that also go well beyond my size. I think I'll order one size up for my first order, just to be safe. It's not like I don't have a sewing machine to make adjustments.

Take this 2-fer for example. Good luck trying to find this in my size locally. It just oozes "comfy" all over the place, too. I am on a shopping break for the next month maybe (personal goal of self-budgeting). I may not be splurging anytime soon, but I'll be getting this top sooner than later. Now that I know my dress code at work is stupid, I'll be dressing more casually.

(Seriously. You can't wear flip flops, but you can wear sweat pants/shirts. According to the "non-slip soles" for footwear, I could rock slippers to work if I wanted. What sense does that make?)

Anyway, I want that top and many others. The end. Now, eye candy:
 

 

 

*All photos from YesStyle.com


Note to all my fellow big gals: Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean it's flattering and you should wear it. DRESS FOR YOUR SHAPE!

Extreme Couponing

Dress was originally $60.
Brown shrug from Dots
for < $20

Did I tell you guys about my AWESOME Lane Bryant experience a week ago? No? Oh it's on.


So I ordered some bras and shoes from LB and had them delivered to the store. When I went to pick them up, I bought the dress in the photo to the left, sexy time gear (aka matching bra and panties) and some scented lotion with a matching spray (BOGO 1/2 off). Well I forgot my Real Woman Dollars, but the lady told me I could bring the receipt back to apply them later. In the meantime, I got $10 off my in-store purchase because when you order online and ship to store, LB includes a $10 off $50 coupon in the pick-up confirmation email. Stay with me here, people.


So I did as instructed and brought back the receipt and real woman dollars. I also got two cool rings (BOGO 1/2 off!) and a black patent faux-crocigator purse. I'll share a photo of the bag when I do an updated "What's in Your Bag" post. Shall we get back on topic? 


Since I've become a far more savvy shopper, I ended up getting $278 worth of awesome for ... FREE!!!
Aaaaaaand they ended up putting $41 back on my card. 
Aaaaaaand I got another coupon for $25, $50, or $75 off (depending on how much you spend). I've already used it to buy more awesome stuff. I had these things shipped to store (BTW, that's free) and have another $10 off $50 coupon to use if I want. I suppose I'll post on that separately for the tl;dr people. 


Here are the rings I got. 

     

Lipstick Meme

I saw this on NANCAKES's blog so I stole it. Yep. Taggin myself here, people.

1. When you were a child, did you use your mother's lipsticks?

Nope. She doesn't wear make up. I used to use my aunt's red lipstick though. 

2. How old were you when you bought your first lipstick?

Probably 11 and I remember getting smacked for wearing it outside the house. (I forgot to wipe it off before I got home)

3. Pink or red lipstick?

Mauve. I guess that's more of a pinky-brown and it's my kinda nude.

4. The most expensive lipstick you have ever bought?

Mac Cremesheen in Looks Like Sin.

5. And the cheapest?

My NYX Round Lipsticks which were <$2. 

6. What's the most bizarre thing you have ever done with a lipstick?

I've put it on like all over my mouth and smeared it a la mental patient for a photo. 

7. If you had to recommend a lipstick, which brand would you recommend and why?

I'd also recommend MAC, but specifically the lustre and creme lipsticks. They feel soooo good and don't dry your lips out.


Now I will tag 5 people (because why not):


Chaudie
Aranza
Robin
FriFri
Tiffany
Naka