Why I coupon and love retail

Do you coupon? I do! By couponing I mean planning your store trip(s) with the ad, and with your coupons and a handy couponing blog at your side. You might even use store coupons and manuf coupons...AT THE SAME TIME!!


I coupon because I do not want to spend my disposable income on things like paper towels, toilet paper, and soap. There are a lot of people who coupon waaaay better than I do. I know that with more planning, I could save a lot more $$.
It is not that I do not have $10 to spend on PAPER TOWELS (ugh) or $5 for some disposable razors. Its not that at all. The reason is that I want to spend my money on items for me and my family that will last and be beautiful. I want to support stores and companies that I really believe in.
For example, I really hate buying and putting my child in disposable diapers. By buying disposables, I am spending $15+ on diapers, per week. This is like going to the store, giving the cashier money, and then getting trash from the dumpster in return. Trash to the car, trash in the elevator up to baby's room, trash to the trash can, trash to the dumpster across the parking lot, trash (loaded with crap) to the landfill....and then over and over and over again. Not to mention the chemicals. Have you ever taken a deep whiff of a "clean" disposable diaper? EW
I will use a disposable in certain situations, but I will complain about it and feel terrible. I just hate disposables! I would rather spend that $15+ on ONE diaper that is beautifully made, that is from a company I believe in, such as sustainablebabyish/sloomb. Their fabric is made sustainably and the product is made to last. NOT just churned out in mass quantities in some awful factory.

Also, I love stores and companies like FORTY WINKS over in Cambride....the vendors are carefully picked, the merchandise is handpicked for their customers, service is wonderful, decor is beautiful.

I love retail and what it can do and represent.
Itsn't it amazing how the right products, all different, can come together and be beautiful, something to photograph, something to aspire to and bring joy?! So that is why I coupon, so I can save and spend how I WANT to save and spend.

<3

New Merch at My Etsy Site

New stuff today!


Olivy shop here.



I must stay on task!

Ohh the long abandoned blog....

I am going to do an "I believe" post, started by one of my fave bloggers, over at

Exploits of a Military Mama

I BELIEVE

.....In the power of prayer and faith

.....that a bed with fresh clean sheets is one of the best things EVAHHHHH

.....in cloth diapers. I love them, think they are fun and functional. What could be better? Plus I get to be a steward of the earth.

......That it is totally worth $20 to have a professional cut my baby's hair...even if it took 5 minutes. (He had a hard time seeing through the hair in his eyes). I had originally tried to cut it myself and made him look like a little girl with bangs.

Fall Nail Colors!

SO....I bought all this nail polish (not all at once). I got a great deal on the Revlon colors (less than 50 cents each, reg like $4), and on the Avon colors (like, $2). But these are not quick dry formulas, and I never have a ton of time to not do anything with my hands. I read today about Sally Hansen Insta-Dri drops. Click HERE to see.
Description from the company:
Salon Style drops dry ANY nail color to the touch in as little as 30 seconds.
Quickly penetrates from base coat to top coat to completely dry manicure to a smooth hard finish in as little as 5 minutes.

I have to try this!!

A long nap....and a job

....Means mommy can sew (since all my cooking and chores are done)
I made a wetbag for Luke, since we don't have a little one and have been using eco friendly but unattractive grocery bags. I also made one for his playmate, it was fun making a girl version too.

I am also working on some wool houndstooth pants for Luke!

Also, I saw a part of a program on tv today, talking about people who are nannies. They said that a "12 hour day" is too long and they think it is best for these people to be sure and rest and take time for themselves when they get home, so they can be at their best when they are back with the kids. They reminded them that eating right and often is also important.
EXCUSE ME?!

Anyways, do any of you SAHMs get the question "WHAT do you do ALLLLL day?!"
I do. My reply is that I sit on the couch and eat ice cream and cake.
But really, next time I have to fill it out on the form I am going to put:
Nanny, teacher, chef, errand runner, personal stylist, professional organizer and maid for a family of 3. Often work overtime.
Don't get me wrong, I give myself credit for what I do, its just funny how people react when you say "stay at home mom" or you say anything listed above.

Weekly Pick List

Back on the blog...here are a few of my fave pics this week! Also, thanks for coming over and reading my amateur blog. I can't do headers, in case you didn't already notice.

1) My son has a "look" he gives. It says "This one's for my LADIEZZZ" Eyebrows raised, huge grin. Nothing beats it.

2) Bobbi Brown's Denim & Rose Palette. Click HERE. Seriously. The. Best. Makeup. Purchase. I went on a 2 week trip and all I needed was this and a couple of brushes. PERFECT!!

3) Hokey Croquis! Click HERE The best thing I ever drew in my college fashion illustration class was a box pleat. Never could get the croqui down....but these people have.

4)Anything LEOPARD print. There are some grrreat cardigans, belts, etc out there right now. The wonderful thing about leopard is that it is always in style, just happens to be huge this fall.

5)The blog "Exploits of a Military Mama" Cick HERE.
She is a cloth diapering mom who has a husband in the military. Shows what a job these military families have. Plus she's funny...feels like talking to a friend when you read her blog!

Thats all this week, stay tuned for more posts!

Blog Has Changed....

....in case you did not already notice, the blog has changed. I have so many favorites that aren't cosmetics (although cosmetics are at the top of the list)....and I want to show how to be fab even if you have kids, etc. Its hard to get fab when you stay home, some people ask "Who are you getting dressed up for?" My answer is "For me, for my baby, for my husband!" You would get dressed up and shower for some crappy job wouldn't you, so why not for the most important job you will ever do?!
Yeah I know, not all days allow complete fabulousness....but we will do what we can now, won't we? Plus, blogging about this will keep ME inspired too!

Here's to style, charm and fun!

Super Eye Event is HEEEREE!!

I am so excited about this deal. Right now, Avon has a wonderful price on eye makeup must haves. Certain items are on sale, 1 for $4.99, 2 for $8.99 and 3 for $11.99.
I am going to get 3 for $11.99, since I can't even buy one dept store mascara (and some drugstore mascara's are $8.99 or more) for this price.
Here is what I am getting:

Supercurlacious mascara (reg $8.50)

Denim Blues eyeshadow quad (reg $8.00)...this reminds me of the "denim" eyeshadows in Bobbi Brown's denim and rose collection.

Big Color Eye Pencil (liner & shadow in one easy pencil) (reg $6.00)

ClickHERE for the link to the special promo page.

p.s. There is also free shipping with order of $30 or more. Code is FS30REP

Daily Tip

Here is today's tip:
When trying to see if a lip color will look good on you, instead of trying it on the back of your hand, try it on the PALM of your hand, near the edge. Apparently this skin is closer to your lip color than the back of your hand! Trying it on the back of your hand is a way to get a sense of the color itself, but not necessarily how good it will look on you.

Daily Tip

For a quick way to look more "awake" look, dab a bit of brightening eyeshadow on the corners of your eyes.
My fave colors are Bobbi Brown's "Beach Honey" long wear cream eyeshadow and MAC's "Bare Study" paint pot.

I am going to find a nice MARK by Avon matchup.

Ordering & My Quick Get Ready! (and you say you don't have time for makeup?!)

Well, it is time for me to place my personal order with Avon.
Here is what I am getting:

Outspoken fragrance samples-New fragrance from Fergie, I am really interested to smell it, apparently it has notes of black leather...apparently Fergie smells like leather. not sure if this smells like a car or what.

Mark "celebrate" Fragrance-just got a preview of this new scent and it is wonderful! Has citrus, florals and woods notes.

More lipgloss-since its only $2.49, I am getting clear, tickled pink and intense plum. Click here to see

I also wanted to share my makeup MUST DO's! These do not take a lot of time and really make you feel better/look better in a snap!
1)concealer under the eyes (Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit)
2)eyeliner (I used Avon Glimmersticks eye liner in Blackest Black (It is an Allure Reader's Choice Best Eyeliner!!) layered with Avon's ULTRA LUXURY Eye Liner in Limited-Edition Shade of Midnight Sapphire
3) Mascara-duh!
4) LIPGLOSS!!
That is it, so fast and easy, and I feel and look so much more awake after putting these on!

Also, if you want to order from me, go to this website http://vrouse.avonrepresentative.com/ or click here
Fergie photo courtesy of Avon

Makeup Storage

OMYGOSH! I was at Ikea the other day and saw this drawer unit on casters, this would totally go with my modern decor
Here is the cabinet

Right now the makeup collection is a huge mess and in 2 different rooms!

Photo courtesy of Ikea, link is above

July 18th Pick List

Right now, Avon is having a great sale on nail polish! They are $2.99 each, regularly $4.50. My fave is the Speed Dry nail enamel (the regular enamel is on sale too, with a great range of colors). Just like OPI brand, it does not contain any formaldehyde, toluene or phthalates, and dries in under 30 seconds. This is great because I do not have a chance to go around with a baby and wet nails. Plus the color lasts and lasts, my toe color still looks great after 2 weeks! Here is the link, Shop polish here. My fave colors are electric purple, mambo melon and strawberry. OHHH and lipgloss is on megasale...$2.49 reg $6..love these, I think I have like 4, my picks: Darling pink, mauve movement, and clear. shop glosses here

Also...sneak peek...get ready to save $$$ with the eye event starting soon!


The rundown:
Nail polish $2.99
Gloss $2.49

Hello there!

Welcome to my blog! I started this blog to share my obsession with cosmetics. I sell Avon, and I wanted a way to share my finds with you! Avon is not the only brand I buy, there are plenty of other drugstore and department store brands that I like, and will talk about here. I started Avon last year, right before my baby was born...so I have not really gotten into it too much, but now I am ready. I started selling Avon for 2 reasons:
1) I constantly buy lipgloss, etc and I know Avon has some good stuff that is very affordable, so this is a great way for me to try out new products.
2) To help me get out of my comfort zone and become a sales person!

Anyways, I am going to be posting what I would buy from Avon-the best deals at the time, and hopefully inspire you to enjoy makeup and cosmetics. Makeup should be fun! I don't get to do makeup, etc every day, but it is fun to collect and when you have time to use it, is great to have! Anytime I have a free shipping code I will share it with you!