The Traveling Four

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2021

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Mother’s Day is May 9th

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and the stress of finding that perfect gift for mom can be daunting. It’s without question that we want to show mom how much she is loved & appreciated on this special day.

Whether shopping for mom, grandma, or mom-to-be, I’m sure you will find something that she’ll adore in this Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

In addition to her favorite flowers and dinner at her favorite restaurant, of course…

Disclaimer: The Traveling Four are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate, Top Shop Affiliate, ASOS Affiliate, Pretty Little Thing Affiliate, as well as the Amazon Associates Program & receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Click the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support, which helps us keep the lights on.

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Gardening Tool Set

Spring is in bloom and the vegetation is growing. Gardening is a rewarding and healthy hobby. Help mom make her plants thrive with an all-in-one gardening tool set. If you’re worried about your mom executing overzealous plants, check out our post on Easy Indoor Flowering Plants.

Raised Garden Beds

It seems more and more people are trying their hands at container or raised plant bed gardening rather than the traditional ground gardens. With a raised garden bed your garden is at a much more manageable height. They are also great for controlling those stubborn weeds that you would find with in-ground gardening.

Personalized Pillows

Give mom something with a more personalized touch with these customizable pillows. Use you favorite photo(s) to create a lasting displayable memory.

Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes add a personal, more sentimental touch. They can be customized to your unique situation or purchased with personal messages to your loved ones. Great gift idea for a soon-to-be or new mother to put babies precious items in. Shadow boxes are also good for holding those special keepsakes of mom’s who are no longer with us.

Vacay All Day Gift Set

As the world starts to open back up and we set sights on traveling once again, this summer faves set features a lightweight carrying case with:

  • – 0.21 oz. Milk Makeup Mini Lip + Cheek—Werk
  • – 1 oz. OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub
  • – 0.84 oz. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
  • – (FULL SIZE) 0.17 oz. NARS Oil-Infused Lip Tint—Orgasm
  • – (FULL SIZE) 0.3 oz.Tarte SEA Surfer Curl™ Volumizing Mascara
  • – 0.5 oz. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
  • – (FULL SIZE) 1.7 oz. Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Sephora Favorites - Vacay All Day Set

Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum

This serum is used to reduce skin irritation and the appearance of redness. An added bonus is that the product is vegan & fragrance free. The reviews supersede the product with a 5 out of 5 rating on Sephora’e website.

Glow Recipe - Avocado Ceramide Redness Relief Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL Clean at Sephora

Perfume

My absolute favorite perfume is Coach Floral. It’s bright but not overpowering and smells divine. Second runner up would be J’adore by Christian Dior. Let mom smell these and you’ll be buying these for her every gift giving holiday that comes around.

Candles

Let mom pick out her favorite candle with this lovely 4 pk. scented soy candle set with reusable tins. The four classical scents included are Jasmine, Rose, Peony and Camellia. Another option would be the Pet House Candle with 60 hours of burn time. Pet House Candle Company has over 27 fragrance options to chose from, which all smell good.

Sports Memorabilia

I am a huge sports fan! Football, basketball, baseball…you name it. Many other mom’s share in my love for sports. Purchase her her favorite team related items such as jewelry, socks, purses, hats, etc.

Tumbler Gift Set

These gifts sets come with customized tumblers and other small goodies. You can either purchase them online or make them yourself. A tip to making these yourself, be sure to grab all the item’s that SHE likes. For instance, her favorite candies, skin products, perfumes, candles.

Wine Carriers

Carry your wine in style with these fashionable wine carriers, complete with wine glasses. Lightweight with a slender design make these easy to tote around.

Tablet

Since we seem to be moving more toward streaming services what better way for you loved one to catch up on their favorites shows and movies than with a 10 inch tablet. Tablets are lightweight and can connect to just about anything. Also when the kids start to get out of hand it likes an “invisible babysitter”.

iRobot Roomba

I know giving mom gifts that revolve around cleaning is frowned upon, but I am all for anything that makes life easier. With this automatic vacuum you can come home to a vacuumed floor without lifting a finger. You can program this robot through your phone and let ’em go.

Dear Mother,

You cared for me when I was small.

You did your best and gave it your all.

Now that I am grown this is forever true.

My dearest mother I will forever love you.

Happy Mother’s Day To All of You Wonderful Mothers!!!

I hope you enjoyed our Mother’s Day Gift Guide for 2021! We would love to hear from you in our comments below.

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Popular Post

Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

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“Christmas, Christmas time is here…” Oh that joyous holiday is right around the corner and the names on your list just keeps on growing. Co-workers, Secret Santa’s, your children’s teachers, mail personnel, your hairdresser and so on…

What keeps the stress alive is just not knowing what to give for those last-minute people on your list. No one wants to be stressed during this time of year, especially if you don’t have to be.

Look no further, I have compiled a list of gifts that can be prepped in a snap and given last minute to help you run strong across the gift giving finish line.

Disclaimer: The Traveling 4 are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate, Top Shop Affiliate, ASOS Affiliate, Pretty Little Thing Affiliate, as well as the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Just click on the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support, which helps us keep the lights on.

In a rush, click below to jump to your desired section

Cricut Personalized Gifts

This section is primarily for those that own a Cricut or a Silhouette Machine. These are the ultimate last-minute gift making machines. Great for cranking out those special personalized gifts in minutes that are sure to please.

1. Personalized Mugs

For the girls in the Traveling Four, I made Traveling Four travel mugs for Christmas and they were a smash. Blank travel mugs can be purchased online or at any craft store.

2. Initialed Tote Bag

You can purchase blank tote bags at any local craft or dollar store. Be sure to use Heat Transfer Vinyl or Infusible ink when making your totes. Kristine In Between has made a perfect example.

3. Ornaments

Ornaments are exceptional gifts to give away since they can be personalized to fit any type of tree décor. These can be made whether you have a Cricut Machine or not. There are so many different styles that can be made. Day Dream into Reality has some great ideas for you to consider making.

4. Lazy Susan

A Lazy Susan is so versatile, it can be used as a table’s centerpiece, coffee station, charcuterie board, or just a simple decoration on the wall. A blank wooden cylinder can be purchased for less than $10.00 at a hardware or crafting store. Check out this previous post for 3 Easy Home Décor Projects to see how to put one together in a few easy steps.

5. Christmas Cards

Make personalized Christmas cards. Christmas cards can be funny, religious, personal, anything you want to make them. A very inexpensive option to show people you are thinking of them during the holiday season.

Baked Goods

Baked Goods are great because most can be made ahead of time and stored. Usually you can squeeze a few gifts out of one batch, which will help eliminate a few people on your list. These baked good ideas only require a few ingredients and cost less than $10 to make.

6. Peppermint Bark

An all-time Christmas favorite. Peppermint Bark only requires 2 main ingredients and only takes about 20 minutes to prep and make. After the bark is prepared break and package in dollar tree tins, cellophane wrap or in decorative bakery boxes. Peppermint Bark recipe on SouthernBite.com

Peppermint Bark pieces on towel

7. Oreo Truffles

These simple Oreo Truffles from The Cozy Cook are absolutely delicious and beautiful to look at. Made with only a few ingredients that cost less than $8.00 to make.

Green Oreo Truffles in a white bowl with sprinkles on top. Center truffle has a bite taken out of it.

8. Holiday Popcorn

Ingredients for white chocolate covered popcorn

Popcorn is a cheap staple that most have in their cabinets already. Add a few extra ingredients like candies, chocolate, caramels, pretzels, nuts, raisins and turn it into something mouthwatering. Upstate Ramblings version is to die for and will have your gift recipient asking for the same gift two years in a row.

9. Rice Krispy Treat Balls

rice krispie christmas treats

Rice Krispie Treats may already be on your holiday menu. These can be made from scratch like Courtney Sweets or purchased store bought.

Mason Jar Gifts

Mason jar gifts are visually stunning and look like you put a little thought into them. You can make each gift individually appealing by adding different accents, like ribbons, bows, labels.

10. Garden Fruits and Vegetables

If you are great at canning fruits or vegetables, Grab a few jars from your stockpile to hand out to your families and friends. With everything that is going on today a nice staple that will last a little while is a very thoughtful gift to receive.

11. Meal Prepped Mason Jars

Have a favorite recipe? Or good at meal prep? Place a few dry ingredients from one of your favorite recipes in a mason jar. Write the preparation instructions down on a label or notecard and attach to the jar with a ribbon. Easy & simple…you may luck up and already have the ingredients already in your cabinets.

12. Cookies in a Jar

Sometimes cookies look better outside their original packaging then in. Place a few cookies in a mason jar and wrap with holiday themed ribbons. A great way to get multiple gifts for the price of one.

13. Potpourri in a Jar

Ahhhh…the smell of fresh potpourri simmering on the stove on Christmas day. Throw a few simple ingredients in a mason jar to add a fragrant, colorful touch to your gift. Start your mason jar with an orange, add in some cranberries, fresh rosemary sprigs and cinnamon sticks for a fragrant simple potpourri mix.

14. Hot Cocoa in a Jar

Hot cocoa given in a mason jar is like a hug in jar! Another simple and quick gift that can be made for pennies on the dollar. Take your favorite hot cocoa mix and pour in the bottom of your jar. Add some additives like chocolate chips, marshmallows, crushed candy cane, red hot candies, caramels, etc. Place a cute Christmas themed label on the jar and you’re done.

Beauty-Themed Gifts

When making DIY beauty products please be sure to clearly label ingredients used in projects to avoid allergic reactions.

15. Essential Oils

Essential oils smell amazing and have several healing qualities to them including reducing stress & anxiety as well as boosting energy & focus. Oils can be bought or easily made, check out our article on How to Make Your Own Essential Oils.

16. Foot Scrubs

Foot Scrubs can be purchased or made homemade and carry some great qualities and benefits. This Lemongrass & Chamomile foot scrub recipe from A Cultivated Nest is surely crowd pleasing.

Lemongrass and Chamomile Foot Scrub- If you need to relax after a hard day, or want to make a thoughtful gift, you should make this lemongrass and chamomile foot scrub! This could also be used as a face, hand, or body scrub! | homemade beauty products, sugar scrub, essential oils, all-natural beauty products

17. Baking Soda Shampoo

A great gift for the naturalista on your list. This baking soda shampoo is bound to leave your hair and scalp feeling refreshed and free of impurities. For the complete recipe check out our previous Kitchen Naturalista post.

18. Soap

Making soap can be easier than you think. Soap bases can be found at any crafting store and come in a few different varieties. For example, goats milk, shea butter or honey. Simply melt the soap base down in the microwave, add a few drops of fragrance or essential oils, place in a silicone mold and let cool. If you really want to take it to the next level add a few additives, like colorants made specifically for soap and/or a few dried flowers. Check out the Crafty Blog Stalker for some easy how-to’s.

DIY Coffee Soap Recipe

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are a great way to add a lot of little surprises. You can throw anything in a gift basket that you think the individual is going to love. Feel free to color coordinate or stick to a specific theme to wow your recipient.

19. Baker’s Basket

The DIY Mommy surely has put together a wonderful gift basket for the baker on your list. This quick and easy gift consists of an oven mitt, spatula, measuring cup, whisk, cookie mix, frosting and cupcake liners placed strategically in a nice mixing bowl. All of these items can be purchased for $10 or less.

20. Coffee Lover Gift Basket

Coffee is what keeps most of us sane! For the coffee lover on your list Lovely Etc. has created a stunning gift basket. If you are thinking of making a coffee themed basket start with quality coffee. From there you can add in a coffee mug, coffee scented candles, creamer, biscotti cookies, chocolates and so on.

21. Car Lover Gift Basket

Love this gift basket for all of the car lovers out there. Car lover gift baskets would make an exciting gift for a new driver, or a person that has just bought their first car. The dollar store sells a lot of name brand car products in smaller versions, so a great gift on the cheap. Kimspired DIY has crafted a lovely idea.

22. Wine Lover Gift Basket

Wine…because it’s not good to keep things bottled up! There are so many good, inexpensive wine choices out there. Pair your bottle of wine up with a few wine glasses, chocolates, bath salts, cheese & crackers and/or a candle or two and viola. I love this idea from Savvy Honey.

Gift basket filled with rose wine, napkins, bath salts, chocolate, and wine tumbler

Non-DIY Gift Ideas/Tips

  • Re-gift
    • Don’t be afraid to re-gift those gifts that you know you are never going to use. That gift set given be Nana that you’re never going to use, toss that to your hairdresser. Just be aware of giving the same gift back to it’s original purchaser.
  • Plants
    • Plants make great unisex gifts for any person on your list. Keep in mind to give plants that are low maintenance. Timing is so hard to come by these days and not every person has a green thumb. Check out our in-depth article on Easy Indoor Plants for a full list of suggestions and plant health tips.
  • Lottery Tickets
    • This is for the 18 and older individuals on your list. Buy a few cheap holiday themed lottery tickets and hand out as gifts. Its a win-win for everyone…you didn’t’ spend much and they stand a chance at winning thousands of dollars.
  • Clothing
    • Sweaters, Coats, Scarves, Shirts, etc…everyone loves free clothing during the holidays. Sales are underway and you usually can find a few nice pieces for under $10. If you need help with a few locations that sell items for $10 or less check out our post to help you snag some nice deals.
  • Perfume & Body Sprays
    • Most people love to smell nice. Body sprays can be a little cheaper than perfumes, but either are acceptable gifts.

Happy Holidays to You and Your Family!!!!

-From The Traveling Four

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The Traveling Four’s 2020 Holiday Picks

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With a number of our top gift-giving holidays right around the corner, we wanted to share some of our top holiday picks for this season. If you are still trying to figure out what gifts may be best, look below for some great ideas.

Disclaimer: The Traveling 4 are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate, Top Shop Affiliate, ASOS Affiliate, Pretty Little Thing Affiliate, as well as the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Just click on the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on .

Cierra’s Picks

  • Cricut Machine
    • A Cricut is a great cutting machine for the crafter on your list. Projects can range from greeting cards, flowers, t-shirts, jewelry, 3-D projects and so much more. If the person on your list already has a Cricut machine, supply them up with Cricut supplies. Supplies can be a little pricey so giving these as a gift will surely lighten up your recipients face.
  • Dutch Oven
    • The Dutch Oven is an appreciable gift for the cook on your list. If you’ve watched any Food Network show or cooking video you’ve more likely seen this pot used in abundance. Great for braising meats and cooking your favorite soups and stews. Le Creuset’s brand is wonderful but can be a bit pricey.
      • Luggage
        • Although Covid-19 has put a damper on our 2020 overseas traveling plans, we still look forward to traveling in the late 2021 season. Functioning and stylish luggage would make a wonderful gift for anyone that likes to travel.

      Briggs & Riley 27-Inch Medium Baseline Rolling Duffle Bag sold at Nordstrom for $199.60 (was $499.00)

      Raine’s picks

      • Ninja Foodi
        • Muti-purpose cookware is a great gift for just about anyone. I especially love it since I don’t have a lot of counter space or cupboard space to store several different appliances. This 9-in-1 appliance let’s you pressure cook, slow cook, steam, make yogurt, sear/sauté, air fry crisp, bake/roast, broil, and keep warm.

      Ninja OS101 Foodi 9-in-1 5-Quart Capacity, and a Stainless Steel Finish sold on Amazon for $159.99

      Gifts under $50, gifts under $100, toys for the kids—discover the best gifts for everyone on your list at Nordstrom. Pick up today with free gift wrapping.

      Brittany’s Picks

      A Promised Land by Barack Obama

      I have been anticipating the release of this book since President Obama left the White House and it is finally here. And it’s just in time for the holidays. A Promised Land is a great addition to the library of the avid reader in your life.

      Books

      While I am on the subject of books, my motto in life is that you can never have too many books. I am an avid reader and have collected a wide array of books. Also, in return, I love to give them out as gifts. If you have known me for some time, you’ve probably gotten a book gift at some point. I shop all over for books, but Amazon and Barnes and Nobles are my go-to’s for online shopping. I also like to shop locally at the bookshops in my community. So, whether you’re looking for something for a child, teen, or adult, books can be a great option.

      If you’re looking for some great selections, check out Amazon’s Best Books of 2020 here.

      Nintendo Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.

      If you are an 80’s baby (like me), I am sure that you have played the OG Nintendo console with the original Super Mario Bros game. Every time I think about it, it brings back fond memories of my childhood and my love for all things Super Mario. Well, this year, Nintendo released the Game & Watch Super Mario Bros handheld game with the entire original Super Mario Bros. on it. The console is small, but the screen is crisp, and it brought back so many memories. I bought mine from Amazon and then went back and purchased another one from Target. When I checked Amazon, before this post was published, it was sold out through Nintendo but sold by third parties. I found it available and in stock on Target for $49.99 (the manufacturing price for the item).

      DeeDee’s Picks

      • Pure Daily Care Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Gift Set
        • Aromatherapy constitutes healing & relaxation. Especially with the crazy year that we are having…what better gift to give. The essential oils in this gift set help with anxiety, depression, nausea, and insomnia.
      • Echo Dot
        • Like a lot of parents this year maneuvering with their new home school schedules, we could use a little help. Whether it be with homework questions, scheduling, recipes to help with dinner the Echo Dot can assist. Simply ask it a question and viola…help! The Echo Dot is a very inexpensive gift and is sure to please.
      • Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa ’71 Body Mist
        • A Brazilian fragrance meaning “Always Smell Delicious”, this fragrance has a soft, warm vanilla and coconut smell that is sure to please. Another thing that makes this Sephora product awesome is it’s regularly priced at only $19.00. Grab a few of these for stocking stuffers or a stand alone gift.

The Beauty of Buying Affordable Prescription Glasses Online

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I have worn prescription glasses for a long time, and one thing that I know to be true is that they can be costly. Traditionally, going to the eye doctor WITH vision insurance would still cost me, out of pocket, between $100 – $400 easy. This amount includes any on-going sales the vision center might be having at the moment. Typically, I would go for the frames that were on sale and not the name brand ones. The name brand frames would send that price up higher, so I usually avoided them. When picking frames, especially when you aren’t looking to spend a lot, the glasses available aren’t always the ones you absolutely love. Every year or two, I would repeat this cycle when I had to get new glasses until I found out about the beauty of shopping online for new glasses.

One day, I was casually talking with one of my co-workers about the pains of shopping for prescription glasses and how much I wished there was a better way to do things. At that time, she shared with me how she purchased her glasses online from a specific company and how much she enjoyed the process. This little tidbit of information sent me on a mission to research online companies that allowed me to order some new glasses. My research showed me a lot of alternatives, but I’ve only ordered from three. Below, I will share the three companies that I purchased glasses from so far and give you my thoughts on the ordering process and the glasses.

Warby Parker

My co-worker told me about Warby Parker. She said that she got her frames and lens together for $100 through their website. I was astonished. One Hundred dollars for frames AND lens… No Way! I thought, but after going through the process, she was right.

On the Warby Parker website, you can browse through the assortment of eyeglasses and sunglasses that they have available or, you can take a quiz that helps you narrow down your search based upon your face shape and specific likes and dislikes. The quiz gives you a listing of glasses that you can look at. You can choose 5 pairs at a time to try-on. They will mail you those 5 pairs in the mail to try for 5 days. After you have tried them, you send the test pairs back, and you can purchase any or all of them if you want. If none of them are your style, you can try another 5 pairs until you find something you like.

The process was seamless. I received the 5 frames to try-on relatively quickly and made my selection out of those. The pair I chose is in the photos above. One good thing about Warby Parker is they have brick and mortar stores, so if you need to go in for anything, you can search your location to see if they have a shop near you.

Zenni Optical

Zenni, Zenni, Zenni… Oh, how I love my Zenni’s. As you can see from the photos above, my Zenni collection is large. I think that I’ve gone a bit overboard, but the price, quality, and assortment of glasses they have has been amazing to me. With Zenni, I have purchased glasses for as little as $12.00, including lenses (with anti-glare). I have bought so many glasses from Zenni, and each pair has not disappointed me. I have been able to buy various colors and styles (as you can see above) that I probably would not have purchased from a vision center. You can upload a photo of yourself and virtually try on the glasses that are on the website. One important thing to note is that you will need to know your pupillary distance or PD and have to have your eyeglasses prescription.

Zeelool

I found out about Zeelool through a social media influencer that I follow on Instagram. She did a video on the glasses that she purchased, and I thought they were pretty nice. So, I checked out the website. After searching through the site, I found a few glasses that I wanted to purchase. I was able to upload a photo of myself and do a virtual try-on of the glasses. You will need to know your pupillary distance, just like with Zenni. Also, note that these glasses ship from China so, it takes a couple of weeks for you to receive them in the mail.

Many more online eye stores are out there, but I wanted to give you an overview of the three that I have personally used. I have bought my son a few pair, and I recommend it to everyone I know who wear glasses. I now have an assortment of glasses to switch up when I’m trying to create different styles. Hopefully, if you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, you’ll find some you like too. If you have experience with any of the other companies, let us know about them in the comments.

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Money Saving Tips – That Actually Help You Save Money

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Saving money has always been my Achilles heel. For some reason I’ve always had the hardest time saving money no matter how hard I tried. Have you ever looked at your W-2’s at the beginning of the year and thought “Where did all of this money go?“. It’s easy to look at a lump sum and think “Wow, I made a decent amount of money and have nothing to show for it“. I’ve been there – trying to contemplate over every dime whether necessary or frivolous.

Let’s face it…life is going to throw you curve balls and having a financial cushion helps make those blows a little softer. The rule of thumb is to have at least three months worth of income saved. While this option is one of the best possible outcomes, for some people that may not be easily feasible. For that reason here are a few money saving tips that you can do to jump start your savings account. Start slow and pace yourself.

Remember: The goal is to save, not stress!

Write down & Overstate

You may be the type of person that checks their online banking at least once a day. But what happens on those days when you check your account and your balance looks a lot lower that you anticipated. The average person swipes their debit card at least 4 – 7 times a day, whether in person or online. It’s so easy to forget about items that you’ve purchased.

This is my top pick for saving money because it is one of the easiest methods to save small amounts of money fast. This method helps to create discipline in the mind by helping you physically see what you spend most of your money on. My family was able to save an extra $100+ a month easy by just writing everything down and overstating our expenses.

How this method works:

You’re going to need a writing pad of some kind (spiral notebook, journal, etc.) – I call it my money pad. You can also use notepad or similar app on your phone. Start each week with a spending amount. Whether it be your paycheck amount or just a general amount you do not want to go over. Personally, I use my check amount after bills for that week have been deducted. After you make a purchase with your debit card immediately write the amount down in your money pad…but wait, don’t forget to overstate! For example, if you purchase a cup of coffee and it cost $3.42, what you would subtract is a rounded amount of $5.00 and not $3.42. You would have saved $1.58 on this one purchase. Before you know it $20 will turn into $100 and so on.

Money Challenges

A money challenge is an incremental savings plan. Money challenges are fun and help you feel accomplished as you start to go through each level. There are so many of these challenges all over the internet. There’s the $5 dollar challenge, 52 weeks challenge, $10,000 in a year, $1000 in 3 months, the list goes on.

My suggestion would be to pick one challenge and stick with it. Although these sound like quick fixes with great rewards they can be extremely hard to keep up with. Especially when you get towards the end your initiative can wear off a little. Another tip for money challenges are pick a goal (for example – buying a house, taking a trip overseas, starting a business). Motivation is easier when you have something that you are passionate about.

Stock Investing Apps

There’s an app for that! Of course there are apps for stock investing. Investing is a good strategy for increasing long-term wealth. Stocks are ideal for bringing in higher returns (profit). It’s usually not a get rich quick process but with the right research and portfolio diversification you can generate multiple streams of income.

Stock apps worth looking into are Stash, Robinhood, Fidelity, Acorns, Atom and E-trade. Please remember that investing is a risk. Be sure to do your research before committing your money to any app or stocks.

Snowball Method

The Debt Snowball Method is accredited to personal financial consultant and radio host Dave Ramsey. It is a method of reducing debt by paying off your smallest debt first, then tackle the next debt by adding the ‘freed’ money to the amount you were already paying. The goal is to keep snowballing debt until there is none left.

I am currently on this path and it is working out perfectly. I’ve paid off two credit cards so far and can’t wait to get to the final debt – my house.

Rethink your Budget

Rethinking your budget goes without saying when trying to save money. You would be surprised at how many people struggle to have everything without a little sacrifice. Certainly, there are things in your life that you have become accustomed to but are they really worth not having any money left over at the end of a pay period.

Write down all recurring expenses (everything that you spend money on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly) take a hard look at those expenses.

  • Start with cancelling those subscriptions and memberships that you can truly live without.
  • Next look at your utilities and research ways to cut back cost. For instance unplug appliances that are not in use (trust me it works), double check your thermostats, replace necessary filters and check for leaks.
  • Insurance premiums- whether home, car or health. The good news is that you are not contractually bound to stay with an insurance company for life. You are able to shop around for a better price and switch. Just because you are with a company for 10 plus years doesn’t mean that company is getting you the best rates. They already have your business locked in and are more preoccupied with attracting new business. Please note that switching insurance companies too often can leave a mark on your insurance credit score (yep, it’s a real thing).
  • If you can purchase a car with cash and not with a loan then do that. Depending on certain factors like credit, a car note can be unsettling. Some lenders and car companies have you paying 6-8 year notes for cars that cost $20,000. That is absolutely crazy! Look into refinancing options with your banking institution.
  • I leave rent/mortgage last for a reason. Some of us do not want to compromise where we stay for cheaper living and that is totally understandable. If you are paying a ridiculous amount that you can barely afford then look into downsizing or relocating.

Stash it don’t cash it

“Stash it and don’t cash it” is one of those old school, tried and true methods for saving. I’ve heard many stories of when family members passes away, the family goes to clean up the house and finds money stashed away in some of the most unconventional places.

Every week that you get paid take out anywhere from $20 – $100 and stash it away. Stash it in a place that you will remember of course. Some great places are in jewelry cases, jars, shoe boxes, behind picture frames, safes, containers. Get creative!!!

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$10 & Below Fashion Steals

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Yep, I am the queen of cheap, with a little bit of shopping habit. I enjoy verbal compliments on my outfits as many of us do. I get a kick out of people’s facial reactions when I tell them how much I paid; pure astonishment and confusion.

If its below $10, looks cute, and I can fit in it…I’m buying it. I’m pretty sure there are a few more people like me that have this same problem. Not to worry you are not alone. Shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, jewelry…if it’s $10, or under I feel like I just got away with a steal.

Here you will find a list of online and in-store shops that offer those awesome $10 & below steals. If you need a little help on the fashion front, check out our Fashion 2020 forecast article.

Fashion Ten

Fashion Ten is my absolute favorite store because of the quality of the clothes in this boutique. Everything in the store is $10 or less with the exception of a few of their jeans and shoes. The clearance racks makes me extremely happy because you can find some real steals for only $5.00. In addition, they are plus-sized friendly…Absolutely Love Them!

Fashion Ten has several locations in Georgia but I am sure they will venture into other states soon. To find a location near you click on the link https://fashionten.com/pages/locations . Fashion Ten also offers online ordering for persons not residing in Georgia. Shipping is only $3 per item.

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Austin 5

Austin 5 has many mall locations including Texas, California, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Tennessee. This store makes this list because their clothes and accessories are only $7.99 or less. I love a store with a set price, you automatically know how much everything is. You will love the styles and selections that they have in their stores, always on trend.

Courtesy of Facebook – Austin 5

Citi Trends

I will be honest in saying that the quality and name brands that Citi Trends use to sell a few years ago has gone down a little bit. With that being said you can tell they are trying to re-brand themselves… and I am loving the cheap deals they have now. The clothes here are usually under 12.99 anyways but their clearance racks always catch my attention. They have plenty of clearance racks all throughout the store which makes my attention span a little short sometimes. Shirts & pants for $3 – $5, dresses for $4 – $7. Don’t get me started on the shoes! Purses are definitely worth looking through and their $1 underwear (cute and frumpy, whatever your preference). Citi Trends has over 500 locations click the link for a complete list. https://locations.cititrends.com/index.html

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Simply 10

Looking for great fashions at a cheap price then head on over to Simply 10. Simply 10 has fashions for all body types alike. The stores are very coordinated, which is great for a person whom is not the best at styling. I call stores like these “straight off the mannequin stores”; where you can just go to one section and pick up the whole outfit and walk out. Jackets, pants, shirts and shoes perfectly stationed so you’ll always look great.

Simply 10 has 41 locations all over including Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and a few more. For a complete list of locations check out https://simply10.com/ .

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Five Below

Five Below is a store that sells a wide variety of items including toys, electronics, perfume, small furnishings, candles etc. They also have an exceptional variety of shirts, pants, shorts, workout clothes, shoes, hats and accessories for only $5.00. This store made the list because of the quirky shirt wall and low cost shoes.

My go to store when going out of town and you need some items for the beach, or walking a board walk on a hot summer day. For Five Below locations https://locations.fivebelow.com/

5Dollarfashions.com

Clothes for 5.99 or less…who can resist that price? A great website to look through when trying to add more clothes to the wardrobe closet. This website carries all types of styles for all different types of body shapes. I am hooked more on the price of these clothes than anything. I have been purchasing from them for about 6 years now and they are as advertised. Quality of clothes are satisfactory but don’t expect high end. A lot of the items are a little more on the sheerer side, which is great for spring and summer. I haven’t returned anything so not familiar with the customer service but as far as shipping, gold star.

$10 Fashion Attic

Another pick only located in Georgia but they offer online ordering as well. This store is jam packed with savings and exceptional quality. What set’s them apart is they not only sell women’s clothing but kids clothing as well. Great one stop shop when trying to shop for back to school and be able to snag a little something for yourself. The price of these clothes you can grab a lot of little somethings. Visit their website for great savings https://thefashionattic.co/

Courtesy of Ten Dollar Fashion Attic

Rue 21

I added Rue 21 because of their surprisingly low clearance sales in-store and online. You can find amazing deals here under $10 all of the time. Rue 21 caters to women and men, & fashions are always on trend. To find a Rue 21 location near you, https://stores.rue21.com/search.html

Thrift & Consignment Stores

When trying to shop on the cheap do not forget about your local thrift and consignment shops. You can find some really good name brand steals if you know what to look for. Thrift & Consignment stores are not for everybody but the gems are amazing for the half the cost. You can always find an outfit here for less than $10.

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If you know of any other $10 or below clothing stores, please comment below. We would love to hear from you.

Unclaimed Baggage

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Have you ever lost your luggage while traveling? Do you ever wonder what happens to your belongings after you have received money against your lost luggage claim with the airport? Where does all of that unclaimed luggage go? Well, the answer to your question is simple. After the airlines have failed at all exasperated attempts to reunite you with your lost luggage it is sold to Unclaimed Baggage located in Scottsboro, Alabama.

Unclaimed Baggage is a huge store with a huge selection of items. I would recommend planning a small day trip if you do not live close by because you are going to spend hours upon hours in this massive store. This store is very organized and tidy, which makes it very easy for you to find what you are looking for. Southern hospitality here is definitely not lacking. The staff here are very pleasant and eager to help you with your purchases.

Unclaimed Baggage Photo Op Area

What can you find?

Unclaimed Baggage is a great location to shop for gifts, graduations, upcoming trips, anniversaries, birthdays, school clothes, mother’s day, father’s day or just when you want to buy good stuff at a reasonable price.

Picture all of the things that you pack when you are about to travel out of town. Generally, most of us pack brand new outfits, jewelry, shoes, purses, electronics and treasured trinkets. Unclaimed Baggage is jam packed with all of that and more. Items are continuously wheeled in on carts as you shop, which is why I would suggest planning a day trip because of their huge selection. Below is a list of things you will find here:

  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Jackets
  • Hats
  • Scarves
  • Sunglasses
  • Belts
  • Purses
  • Wallets
  • Backpacks
  • Scuba Diving Equipment
  • Skis
  • Books
  • Underclothing
  • Hair Accessories
  • Blankets
  • Cameras
  • Camera Lenses
  • Camera Equipment
  • Tripods
  • Camera Bags
  • Laptops
  • Chargers
  • Phones
  • IPads
  • Tablets
  • Watches
  • Rings
  • Necklaces
  • Broches
  • Luggage
  • Bags
  • Toys

Cups Cafe

While walking around this humongous store you may get a little hungry or you just may need to take a quick break. For this you may want to stop inside of their onsite cafe. Enjoy a sandwich, wrap or bakery item at a reasonable price. If you get thirsty or need a pick-me-up, enjoy a delectable cup of coffee. The Cups Cafe is just a great little tucked away area in the front corner of the store for you to be able to recharge your batteries or mull over the millions of items that may be sitting in your cart.

Pricing

Pricing at Unclaimed Baggage is either hit or miss, but mostly a definite hit. Personally I thought some things were overpriced and other items were priced at a steal. For instance, their selection of iPad Pro’s were priced at $980.00 when regularly priced at $1100.00 (not much of a bargain in my opinion). On the other hand, professional digital cameras where priced very reasonably. I purchased a Canon EOS for only $50.00, currently retailing for $299 and a tripod for only $7. I was in the market for an entry-level professional camera and this one is perfect. In the future when I learn all of the tricks I will go back to Unclaimed and upgrade for the cheap. Purses were priced by the brand, cell phones were only $100, Iphone chargers are just $5 and tablets were as low as $20-$75 based on brand and age. If you’re into reselling I would recommend taking a look at the jewelry counter. The shoes were the absolute best part because they are certainly priced to move.

Whether you are into reselling, looking for the perfect gift or just a thrifty shopper Unclaimed Baggage is the store for you! If you’ve had a pleasant experience shopping at Unclaimed Baggage let us know in the comments. Also share the bargains you were able to find.

Sidenote: While you’re in Alabama, if you’re looking for a little adventure to add to your shopping experience, visit the Desoto Caverns in Childersburg, Alabama. Check out the related post below to learn more about this geological wonder.

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Do I Really Need that Gift Registry?

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Are you having a baby, getting married, or having a housewarming celebration? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then it is imperative to have a gift registry. Why? because registries take the guesswork out of gift buying by letting others know what you want. Also it limits repeat gifts.

For example, earlier this year, I helped plan my sister’s baby shower. Right before creating the invites and making the event page on Facebook, I suggested that she create a registry to be included with the information that was sent out. It was at this time that she told me she didn’t plan on creating a registry. She figured her friends would get her things that they thought she needed and whatever she didn’t have she’d get after the shower. I told her HECK NO! People needed to know exactly what she wanted. Since, she didn’t want to do it I went online and created one for her. On the day of her shower she got everything that was on her registry, plus additional gifts. After it was all over she was happy that I created a gift registry.

Nowadays, you don’t even have to mull through stores to scan items onto a registry. The internet has made creating gift registries so much easier. If you like one particular store, you can sign-up and make your registry online. If you have a variety of stores that you’d like to add items from, there are even websites that allow you to create super registries (with all of the items together in one place).

Below I list some popular websites that allow you to create registries:

If none of the registries that I listed fit your needs, there are so many other companies that will allow you to create gift registries. For me, I like the idea of the all-inclusive gift registry sites that include your favorites from every store. That makes life so much easier, especially when you are already busy.

So, to end this, while ironing out the details of your special occasion, please, please add “make a gift registry” onto your to-do list. Your friends and family will thank you, and I’m sure you will get exactly what you want.

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Tips for Traveling on a Budget

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Every person deserves a little rest and relaxation from time to time but sometimes it can be hard to just drop everything and go when you have limited disposable income. Your mind may want to visit the ancient ruins of the Parthenon in Greece but your budget may tell you that the Parthenon replica in Nashville, Tennessee is just as good…and that’s okay. With a little planning you can drop a few dollar signs off of your total travel expenses.

Read Reviews

This place is awesome…I give it 4 stars. People have become very eager to feed you their thoughts and ideas on just about any and everything these days. Reviews were created for you to get a somewhat non bias, critique on a place that you are thinking about visiting. Reviews are great for safety; they can make you consider a destination or they can deter you completely. Look at these reviews when traveling:

  • Hotel reviews are definitely a must read when traveling out of state because you may not be too familiar with the surrounding counties and cities of a location. Sometimes the price of a room can look enticing, but if it is in an unsafe location it’s not worth the stress and anxiety of constantly looking over your shoulder
  • Restaurant reviews can give you an idea on the overall price range of a restaurant. They can also let you know if the food is worth spending the money on.
  • Destination reviews can let you know if a hike is worth taking, or if a museum is worth paying for. Destination reviews can be anywhere like at the mall, historic sites, parks, tours, amusement parks, concert, comedy shows, paint parties etc.

Continental Breakfast

Not just donuts and coffee anymore. When deciding on which hotel to stay in I always filter my search results to include a hotel that has FREE continental breakfast included. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I try not to miss it. Hotels are always looking for new ways to attract more business, so many hotels have upgraded their continental breakfast selections. We have stayed in a lot of modest hotels with an exquisite spread of items to choose from that have made our tummies very happy.

Split Cost

Why pay full price when you don’t have to? The girls and I take at least one “girl’s trip” every year and we have learned that it is very cost efficient to share cost. We split the cost of hotels, parking, Uber rides, car rentals, etc. If you are traveling with friends or family members I would definitely recommend splitting cost to make the expense easier on your wallet. It is important to have a talk with everyone before the trip so that you know who is paying for what. If you don’t carry cash there are many different apps that allow you to split cost evenly, apps like:

  • Splitwise
  • Google Pay
  • Zelle
  • Cash App
  • Settle up
  • Kittysplit
  • Divy
  • Billr

Military Discounts

We appreciate your service. This one is a good one, I learned this tip while listening to a family member iron out all of the expenses for a family reunion. If you have anyone in your family that is in or has been in any branch of the military you can save a lot of $$$$ using their discounts. Military discounts can save money on countless things like hotels, car rentals, plane tickets, amusement parks, clothing, national parks, museums, boat rentals and even restaurants.

There are also discounts that apply to other professions like bank teller, teachers, those who work in healthcare; so talk with your employer to see if there are any “perks at work”.

Use Travel & Coupon Apps

When in doubt, use a travel agent. A travel agents job is to find you a nice vacation for a reasonable amount of money. Travel agents can book flights, hotels, car rentals, attractions, and cruises. They can set up your whole itinerary if you are not good at planning and will do it in the budget that you set for them. Some travel agencies offer payment plans so that you can pay for your vacation little by little throughout the year.

Another great way to save is through coupon apps like groupon, retailmenot, and livingsocial.com; these are appreciable resources for saving money while traveling. They let you put in the city you are visiting to pull up exciting deals on hotels, restaurants, and things to do around the town.

Gas Efficient Vehicle

Don’t rent the biggest, flashiest car on the lot. Renting a car can put a damper on your overall budget but if you have to rent a car for your traveling excursion, rent a car that is efficient on miles per gallon. You need a car that is going to get you there safely and not have you stopping at the gas station every 270 miles or so. One tip that I have learned avoid renting a car from the airport if possible, the markup is ridiculous.

  • If you are a AAA member you can receive a discount on car rentals.
  • Some car insurance companies like Allstate have discounted perks for car rental if you are registered.
  • Websites like retailmenot.com can provide you with coupon codes.
  • Another way to save on car rentals is to bundle your flight, hotel and car rental in one package with a traveling website like orbitz.com.

Frequent Flyer Miles and Reward Points

Away we go!!! Use those frequent flyer miles that you have been racking up to save on flights. Credit cards have evolved to include more miles and to reduce “blackout dates”. If you have them use them, especially when you’re trying to pinch pennies. This would also be a good time to cash in those reward points on any apps that you have accumulated them on. For instance, Southwest offers rapid rewards that allows you to use flights you have taken to save on future flights.

Free Stuff to Do

Point me in the direction of the free stuff. Remember you are on a budget and you need a variety of free activities to make your trip memorable. When the goal is to try not to spend, we achieve that by looking for cool happenings around in your destination.

  • Ask the local residents for their opinion on free events happening around the town.
  • Use websites and apps like TripAdvisor and Meetup
  • Look for festivals, competitions, events and jamborees
  • Peruse through Events section of Facebook

Parks, Hikes, & Trails

Amazing Scenic Views. National parks, hikes and trails are a great way to explore the natural beauty of your traveling destination. Most parks and trails are absolutely free and some may cost a small fee for park fees and/or parking. Nature trails are an exciting way to scout out birds, bugs, landscape and beautiful scenery. I personally love hikes that end with waterfalls or a remarkable scenic view that allow you to bask in the ambiance of nature’s beauty.

Beaches

Show me the way to the Beach! I personally love relaxing on the beach under a big umbrella, listening to the waves softly clash against the shore for hours on end. It is a perfect way for you to let the kids run off energy and enjoy a nice day without spending a penny. Whenever I am strapped for cash I look for wherever the closest beach is and go. You don’t have to worry about spending all of your money on cheesy tourist attractions that only take up 30 minutes of your time. Beaches are great time wasters; you can have a picnic, play games, build sandcastles, play volleyball, or just kick back and have a cool, refreshing adult beverage.

Museums

Oooohhh…what’s over there? Museums are a great way to kill time and fill out your daily events. They are an easy way to immerse yourself in rich culture, and history. Museums help broaden your knowledge and perspective on past and current events. Most museums are non profit and do not charge admission, while others may charge a small rate per person to gaze around. Many banks and visiting centers offer free admission to these lovely educational attractions. So before you go check the perks with your financial institution for any discounts applicable for your next traveling destination.

Pack Snacks

Once we get on the road, I’m not stopping. You can easily buy snacks at a local convenience store but the price of one candy bar can be as much as ten of them in the grocery store. Healthier options are often hard to find when you are on the road as well. Packing a small cooler of snacks and beverages can ensure that you and your passengers are happy as they travel with you.

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If you have some great ways to save money on travel expenses, please share them in the comments section below. We would love to hear your feedback!

All Things for $1.00

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Dollar Sale! $1 Sale! 1.00 Sale! However many ways you can say “Everything for $1.00”. On average every outfit I wear from top to bottom usually cost less than $20. I mean the whole outfit including shoes, and accessories. I love a good bargain and I am willing to stand in line for a good sale. While shopping with my mom years ago we found this small, cute, little consignment store called Back by Popular Demand. Fast forward a few years and that cute little store has blossomed into two booming full-sized stores. One store located in Marietta, GA and the other in Lilburn, GA. My personal favorite is their location in Lilburn, GA. Why? Because the Lilburn location hosts my favorite clothing sale of the year. Yes, everything is priced at only $1.00!

What Makes Back By Popular Demand So Great?

Back by Popular Demand is a consignment store like no other. They offer great clothing at great prices of course, but they also offer a friendly dynamic that you’ll want to spend hours shopping in. Trust me when I tell you, you will spend hours here and not even care about what time it is. The staff there get to know you as a shopper and will take the time to help you find pieces that are fashionably noticeable. If you’re like me where fashion isn’t your strong suit, you’ll welcome the help with open arms. The store is always packed with current season merchandise at all times, so you will never get bored with their selection. If you’re into high end slightly used or new items, they offer those too. Those are way too much for my wallet so when I go I try not to stare too hard at the items “behind the glass”.

What is the Dollar Sale?

The dollar sale is like their own little secret sale that only their customers know about. If you are not a frequent shopper you will want to become a part of their Facebook group to hear about the sale date because they literally only announce the sale a day or two before the event. I have changed plans on numerous occasions just to make sure that I have made it to this sale. On their Facebook group they show you snippets of what they are putting out just to entice you. The sale starts promptly at 8 am and ends around 12 noon. This year 5000 items were put out and the event only lasted for approximately 24 minutes and I’m pretty sure they set a new record for themselves. Everything is $1.00 and it’s mostly women’s clothing, but sometimes they do have shoes, coats, and a minimal amount of housewares.

Sale Preparation Check List

There are no guidelines, or rules for this epic event and I have had to learn the hard way through the years. For this very purpose you’re going to want to follow a few of these carefully thought out tips for the next sale to come.

  • Get a Good Nights Rest
    • The early bird gets the worm! Since the sales starts promptly at 8:00 am, a good night’s rest is highly recommended.
  • Wear Tennis Shoes
    • On Your Mark…Get Set…GO! Put on a comfortable pair of shoes that you are not going to mind standing and/or possibly running in. Flip flops are definitely not advised since you may slip and fall unintentionally.
  • Bring a Bag
    • Because this is a grab and go type sale there are no baskets set out for you to shop with so don’t forget a bag. Any type of big bag, carrier, or small cart would be ideal for you to throw your items in with ease. Carrying a ton of clothing can be very exhausting.
  • Bring Cash
    • Everything is cash only at this sale so stop by the ATM on the way to avoid embarrassment in the check out line.
  • Have a Good Attitude
    • No one wants to hear from a “Negative Nancy” while we are trying to swipe these deals. Leave your complaints and bad attitude at home because they are certainly not welcome.
  • Hire a Babysitter
    • You are probably not going to want to bring the kids with you because your focus may not be primarily on them. My recommendation is to hire a babysitter or bring a friend with you to watch the kids.
  • Don’t Put it Back
    • One Man’s Trash is Another’s Man’s Treasure! If you are hesitant or not sure if you want a particular garment, do not put it down. Chances are the piece that you are not so sure about another person is eyeballing. Wait until you have picked out all of the items that you are interested in and then go through them thoroughly. If you decide you do not want something then and only then do you put it back on the rack.

If you think their clothing and great sales are amazing don’t forget to check them out for Prom. They have turned a whole wing of their Lilburn store into a Prom Haven. They have dresses that range from $50 and up and no, these are not cheap looking dresses. If you are ever near one of their locations stop on in. Once you go you’ll be hooked!

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