I'm Now a New Maxxinista!

Yup, I have a new addiction. T.J. Maxx & Marshalls. I wish ohh boy do I wish I could buy a pair of Louboutins or a Coach purse without a blink of an eye but I love my lil condo wayy too much to bury myself in debt. It would be so easy to swipe my credit card...maybe one day. However for now I have a mini outlet to buy some nice tops that won't break the bank. I do coupon and save where I can so I can splurge every once in a while on some cute clothes.

Here are my recent finds! 

 Ruffled shirt: $12.99 (Not sure if it's one of those shirts that is "Supposed" to be wrinkled? I'll iron it to see if it looks better)

I wore this to a bar last Friday. Total Success! $13.99

 This top just makes me think of Spring and flowers...I wish the rain would go away! I also bought it in Black! 

I didn't always like these stores because the ones by me were always a mess kinda like the Forever 21 stores in big malls. It's always chaos and VERY hit or miss. The T.J. Maxx by my job tho has some order to it and they actually do get new stuff in each week. =) It's a treat to actually put on something in my size and have it look cute. I'm going back tomorrow to see if can get a bathing suit. Can't wait!

Do you have any these stores by you? What's your view on the Maxxinista craze?

Saving Money Tips!!...How to Save $73 in one shopping trip!!

Even with my new job and new higher salary, I still need to save some money. Having a mortgage payment will do that to someone. Well first thing you got to do is invest some time into it. That was my coffee table on Saturday morning. I searched and clipped a whole mess of coupons and looked at the Shop Rite ad and wound up saving $73 in one trip. Yes I had the coupons but there is an EXTRA TIP on saving. Use the coupons on items that are already on sale so you save more. Don't believe me? Well here's the receipt proof!

 
That was the result of my coupon binge. Some of the items because they were on sale came out Free. Where are these coupons you might ask? Usually I get them in the Sat/Sun paper and the extra express paper I sometimes get.  But this is just one store. There are many other ways you can save.

Subway, Victoria Secret, Bath & Body Works, Vitamin World, and Crate & Barrel all have coupons as well as many other stores. If you GIVE THEM AN EMAIL ADDRESS you will be on the list for coupons or GIVE THEM YOUR PHONE #. Trust me, in that picture is the proof. Up there is $10 off a VS bra, 20% off a Bath & Body Works purhase, Buy 1 sanwhich get one free, Free VS hiphugger panty, %10 off a Crate & Barrel purchase etc...

Another way to save on your drug store and make-up items is CVS Extra Bucks! You can use them like cash. Up there is $12 I can use at any time before 4/09. In their weekly filer they advertise which products you can get Extra Bucks on, new ones each week, AND you use coupons on the items and STILL get the Extra bucks. I do this all the time.There are so many other ways to save too!

What are YOU doing to Save Money Lately?

 

{Sending prayers to the people of Japan: If You Wish to Help here's a link: Help Japan}

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway to kick off the Week!! =)

Good Morning Everybody!! I'm still feeling under the weather today so why not kick off the week with a Giveaway from the Lovely dress company, Shabby Apple! You might have seen them on quite a few fashionista blogs! There dresses make you feel just like you could be on that red carpet because they are so beautiful!

Shabby Apple welcomes you to great dresses that make dressing simple. One of their mottos is "Fit to Flatter".

"Every woman deserves to feel beautiful in a dress, but not all of us look like runway models. Shabby Apple celebrates the short legs, curvy hips, straight waists and flat chests in all of us."

That sounds amazing to me! They also have accessories, jewelry, and girls' dresses too! Here is the link to their main website: Shabby Apple. Make sure to have a look around!

Well Shabby Apple has been awesome enough to let me choose a dress to Give Away to you today!! Whether it be for you or maybe a girlfriend, I have chosen this beautiful dress named Cortez!

The ruffled cap-sleeves and high ruffle collar and trim give a playful air to this classic silhouette. Done in navy blue cotton poplin and contrasted with gold metallic buttons, the dress has a slightly military-inspired (or conquistador-inspired) feel. But with a cinching sash at the waist and it’s ravishing ruffles, this dress maintains it’s attractive femininity.

Fit Notes:

This dress follows our FITS GENEROUSLY size chart. Elastic band is at natural waist. Skirt hits at knee. Sleeves do not cover shoulders completely.

Here are the Rules To Enter to Win this Beautiful Dress:

1. MUST be a follower of Melanie's Randomness & visit Shabby Apple & tell me your favorite dress!! (1 Entry)

2. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook: Here's the link: Like on Facebook! (2 Entries)

3. Follow me on Bloglovin! (1 Entry)

4. Follow me on Twitter! (1 Entry)

5. Tweet the following:

{Enter @MelsRandomness Shabby Apple Giveaway to win the beautiful Cortez Dress! http://tiny.cc/ydp7g}

(2 Entries)

{Please Leave a Separate Comment for Each!}

Everyone can join in on the fun!

{Giveaway Ends Next Monday March 7th!}

Also for visiting my site I have a Promo Code for you! Enter: melaniesrandomness10off at Shabby Apple for 10% of your purchase!!

ENJOY!!

I'll be back later with the Winner of my Troubled Robot Giveaway & another post!

If the Shoe Fits...Totally Wear IT!!

Somewhere deep in the back of my new closet there was a black box of shoes. I bought them in a lil boutique about a year ago in Ridgewood, New Jersey for a Huge amount of  $19 hehe. However the only time these shoes even saw a foot was when I tried them on that day a long time ago. They sat waiting for their princess to set them free. (Okay I think I entered the realm of cheesy on that line but I've been up for a very long while.) Alas the princess didn't come but I slayed the closet clutter dragon and will give them a chance to reign. Behold my pair of lil red shoes...(Please forgive for the picture quality I am getting a new camera very soon!)

I feel like a like a million bucks in these shoes. I know they aren't Louboutin's or Jimmy Choo's or any other big fashion name but when I wore them on Valentine's day I felt like a princess. There is something about wearing the right pair of shoes that can make a woman feel powerful & sexy. They actually don't hurt my feet & they are yearning to wear these pumps again...This weekend for sure will be that time.

These shoes are going to be my inspiration for this weekend's events. I have a Salsa Dancing lesson, a party, and a date with a very charming & handsome man named CJ. I'm going to try to continue the romantic vibe with my lil red shoes too. I wonder what unplanned adventures I might go on too this weekend...You never know? Here's hoping!

Could You Take My Picture? Cause I Won’t Remember…Yeah…

Source

What a quick and fast week! I wonder why January seemed to drag on forever and now February is just rushing to the finish line. Hmmm…Well before we know it Monday will be back again. BUT I have a few very important things I have to do this weekend. One of which I need all your photo genius support!!

I really need to buy a new digital camera. My camera I have been using is a Canon Powershot SD720. It’s old & for some reason decided to just stop taking quality shots for me. Oh well. I did get a return check from my Closing which means I have about $150 to spend on a good digital camera.

I would love to buy a very professional camera with all the different lenses but that day will have to come a lil bit later.

So Let me ask you:

What Digital Camera Do you have and Do you Love it?

 Is it Canon or Nikkon?

You all probably know a lot better than I do so I really would appreciate any advice on the subject. I have my eye on this New Canon Beauty: The Canon Powershot A2200. I don’t think it’s even out yet. It’s supposed to be in the U.S. by January 2011…and it’s not. I’ll have to do some research. It’s got 14.1 megapixels, 4x Wide Angle (28mm) Optical Zoom & a whole bunch of other goodies. I want to take my blog to the next step and I think a better digital camera & maybe video blogs will help that happen!

In addition to my found money I will be working at the International Great Beer Expo this weekend to pay for the camera. Weather permitting. It’s a favor for a friend who works at a local brewery called Defiant in my hometown. I will be representing the Brewery & getting to sample a whole bunch of different beers from all around the world! I’m a more of a wine girl but I’ll try anything once! It should be a treat. =)

Do any of you have any cool plans this weekend?

Have a good one!!

Source

Title song: "Take my Picture," Filter

I Just HAD to HAVE it! =)

Once in a blue moon you'll go out shopping and then suddenly something will catch your eye & you'll have that moment of, "OMG I have to have that!!". Well my wallet hopes it's once in a while. hehe. It just happened that when this moment happened this week I had a Lord & Taylor's gift card left over from Christmas that was just enough money to buy this "Gotta Have!".

I'll be honest with you guys, I love fashion & desinger names but I really don't own much of it because it is just too expensive??? I'm saving up to buy a nice Coach purse for interviews & wow they are alot. I really need to learn how to get on those mailing lists for Factory Sales & Inventory Blow-Outs.

Anywho...one of the names I just love is Betsy Johnson. Her items are so much fun. They are full of color & pazazz! (I love that word btw). She's been everywhere since I was lil. Project Runway, New York Fashion Week, the magazines, America's Next Top Model, Everywhere! I've always wanted to have something of hers. Well now I do!

They look they should be ribbon but they are metal. I saw them and Bam had to have them! I literally have worn them every day since I bought them. They are light as a feather & Ooooo I feel so girly & happy. I know it's just a pair of earrings but it makes me feel special.

I love them! There is a store in Woodbury Commons Outlets that has all her collections so I have to go there soon because I'm in love with her stuff even more now. =)

Well I have to get ready for my Condo Association meeting. Yes I'm going to be on the Board. I don't know what that entails but if I get my parking space plowed out first I'd be happy. I'm also going Cupcake shopping with my new friend Kate too. I'll be back tomorrow with my Stolen Moments & the winner of my Cupcake Giveaway! Have a great rest of the weekend!

What was your Latest "HAVE TO HAVE" Purchase? 

 I'd love to hear!

We Interrupt this Program to Bring You Some Kickass Messages!

Source

Ohh when I go to dreamland tonight it is going to be a happy sleep. I know I was supposed to write about a few other things today but I just had such a great day that I HAD to write about it!

Firstly it was Pay Day!! Yeah! My mortgage hasn't started yet so I can still enjoy actually have some money in my bank account. February 1st I start my budget hardcore. Oh yeah...I have a lil time left to buy some things.

Well at work I got a mini treat because I discovered that I won Diana over at Express-O's Heart Necklace Giveaway from Fox House!

I can't wait to get this necklace! It's beautiful! I love the clasp & it's so different! Thanks Diana for running the giveaway! Your a sweetheart!

Then I went to my parent's house for a minute & found out my Mom found me an Record Album Frame. Yes I do collect Old records but only special ones...like the Soundtrack from "The Graduate" with Dustin Hoffman.

 

It has all the Simon & Garfunkel songs from the movie, especially "Mrs. Robinson". How I got this you might ask? PURE FLUKE! I found it at a garage sale for a $1 about 3 years. It's a lil raggedy on the edges but it gives it more character I think. Now I gotta figure out where to hang it? =)

I finally too got my mirror hung up with Cj's help but NOW it's actually hanging straight. I got the mirror from Ikea. What do you think?

To conclude this awesome day I went to Ac Moore to pick up some stickers when low & behold  I found  a print I had been looking for in every Home Goods I could I find. The problem with Home Goods is that NO STORE HAS THE SAME THINGS! I saw this print once & I didn't buy it because I thought it was expensive. When I changed my mind & decided to go back for it, of course it wasn't there. But in Ac Moore I found it.

 

I think it goes perfectly with my Red Motif! =) I love how her dress is flowing. It's the Couture Magazine cover from September 1960. I love it. I'm so glad to have it!

Ah Today Ruled! Tomorrow I'll be back to my posts I promised to do! See you later!

Cole Haan Styles at Zappos.com!

 

So who wants to look great for the Holidays and the upcoming New Year? Well I know I do. Zappos.com-Cole Haan Collection is a great place to get started! Cole Haan was known for the Men’s shoes that reflected the 1920’s jazz age style but has grown into a brand that embraces elegance and refinement in more than just a shoe. They have shoes, belts, accessories, coats, wallets, and other stylish items with new arrivals coming every month!

Cole Haan has all different types of shoes for both men and women. Boots for picking up your kids in the rain, loafers for lounging around the house, beautiful red pumps pictured above for that weekend party and others that would give you so many options. They even have a boot called the Air Melanie RainBoot!! They look sleek and have many different uses. I might have to buy them because of the name. These boots, as well as many other styles are made with Nike Air technology for total comfort, even some pumps have it. Also their shoes are made in a variety of materials too. Zappos.com carries a wide selection of the Cole Haan shoes. But wait there’s more.  

 

I think I have a passion for red colored anything these days. It’s probably the holidays. This red Cole Haan Sutton Taylor Drawstring Purse is so pretty. I’d want to get it in the red up there and the black. I love that there is such a various selection of different types of bags and purses including cross body messenger ones. There is something here for everybody. Along with the shoes and the purses, there are socks and belts that can complete the perfect holiday outfit.  

If your last minute gift shopping or looking for the some accessories to jazz up your outfit remember to take a look at the Cole Haan assortment found at Zappos.com.

Brought to you by your friends at Zappos.com.

The Madness of a Cosmetic Show…The Animals People have become!!

 

This weekend was a Complete Success!! I ACTUALLY got everything squeezed in, especially the Nordstrom Trend Cosmetic Show. I didn’t know what to suspect because I’ve never gone to one of these but the insanity that ensued was unbelievable. I don’t usually talk about make-up on my blog because I’m a very simple make-up girl. Eyeliner, eye-shadow variations light & dark, some liquid foundation, & some blush that I get at CVS like Maybeline, Revlon, or L’Oreal. I think it’s time tho to step up into the big leagues.

The world of Dior, SmashBox, MAC, Chanel, and others were right at my fingertips. I got to the Garden State Plaza in New Jersey at 7am this Saturday morning. There was a few ladies there at first but then the line grew & grew. The doors opened at 8am & the fun began. We got a seat in the front row atop of which was a free Nordstrom bag with a leopard interior. Oh yeah…My main goal was free stuff I’m not ashamed to say. We all got to our seats & then the announcers came  out.

Sometimes guys say, “Why do you have so many blushes & eye-shadows?”. Well because they are all different that’s why. We saw beautiful models all done up & company representatives showed us their products. Lancome, Clinique, Bobbi Brown, Clarisonic, Laura Mercier, Dior & many others had models to show the latest trends. I think I’m describing things too much, let me show you in pics. =)

 

It was about an hour long & it was so awesome. At some point tho they were giving out free samples and the women went wild. It was kinda scary actually how they were clawing at the bag of stuff trying to get something. I stared with my eyes and mouth wide open. Some greedy woman was handed almost all the free stuff because I guess she was just in that one lucky spot, but then they started pulling names to get the stuff. That one woman got 4 free things in a room of at least a 100 women. It was sad I think how greedy she was. She was throwing her arms in the air for more. Oh well.

 The last part of the day I got a Dior Make-over. I’ve never had a true make-up  makeover, or even used Dior make-up. Instantly I got tell the difference. I will say tho I did have an allergic reaction to the Make-up Remover from them. The skin near the corner of my eye was red. She used this spray on foundation called “Air Flash” &  then did a smokey eye on me. It felt so nice to be pampered after the stressful week. Oh, I loved it!

It rocked so much! I got tons of things to do this week on this blog! Stay Tuned for more!!