So many deals

shirt, short, & sandals: target 

I should first say that when I went outside to take pictures, Chris asked me why I was taking pictures of this outfit.  (insert defensive and offended response) 

He told me I usually take pictures when I look more "dressed up" and never in shorts.  Now I do rarely wear shorts, but felt the need to tell him I still thought this outfit was cute and needed to share the good deals I got them for.  Plus I will take pictures these days whenever I am actually dressed.  

This shirt (which I should add the it says "in love" after the let's get lost, but it's hidden by my big belly) was $3 and the shorts were $12.  

I also recently got the dress I posted yesterday from Target for $11.  Can I say the unnecessary that I love Target?

I also got some great deals on baby stuff this week at garage sales.  I was beyond excited at all the sweet toys and baby things I found for such good deals.  It's crazy how expensive baby things and toys are and awesome how cheap you can buy them from other people for!

An activity mat, lots of board books, puzzles, blocks, a little bowling pin set, foam blocks, many other baby toys, a car seat base, and a push car all for under $30!!   I couldn't have been happier to spend that afternoon washing and organizing all this stuff!

Speaking of finding good deals, I had the chance to share about my deal finding abilities over at Shop At Home where you can find all kinds of coupons and deals.  Check out my post here.

And if that wasn't enough, today I get to share with you a blogging friend that is also a pro at finding good deals and is going to share her tips with you.  Samantha is a friend that I made near the beginning of blogging and I love reading her blog about her cute, stylish self, adorable little boy and just announced second baby on the way! 

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha and I blog over at Hooah and Hiccups. Katie's blog is one of the blogs I read religiously and one of the first ones I discovered when I started blogging. As you know, she is super cute and stylish and all about finding great deals! Today, I thought I would share some of my personal tips for shopping on a budget. 

People often hear shopping on a budget and automatically assume that means shopping for cheap clothes. Just because I get my clothes for less than they were originally listed, doesn't mean they're any less quality or lacking style. It's all about training your eye and knowing what to look for! Here are a few of the tips I recommend when hitting the stores:

1. Check out the sale and clearance racks before looking at the rest of the store. Even if an item seems "out of season", you can pair it with leggings, a cardigan, or the right shoes and make it weather appropriate. 

2. Know what stores have coupons. Express is my favorite store in the whole wide world but if we are being honest, I think they are overpriced. I only buy things there when they have the coupons like Spend $50 get $15 off or spend $250 and get $60 off etc. 

3. Buy items that can be mixed and matched with other items. Most of the tops and pants in my closet are solid colors that can be worn with everything. Patterned items are fun, but they are less practical. Spend majority of your budget on staple items and throw a few patterned things in here and there. 

4. Spend most of your budget on things you can wear everyday. Sure, that pair of Jimmy Choo's or that Dolce and Gabbana suit are super cute, but can you wear those to the park or a night walking on the town? It's okay to spend a little more on things you really want, but make sure they aren't going to sit in your closet and collect dust. 

5. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! A simple scarf, bracelet, or statement necklace can totally change the feel of an outfit. I've found this is the easiest way to dress an outfit up or down. And most of the time, these items are all found on clearance or sale! 

I'd be happy to answer any personal questions you may have as well. I make fun of my husband because whenever we go shopping, his one item adds up to be the same price of my 5 items. I have perfected the art of bargain hunting and still maintaining my style and when given enough practice, so can you!

Thanks again to Katie for having me and I hope you'll stop by and say hello :)