confessions of a penny pincher

So I have really wanted these pair of shoes for awhile through DSW, but they haven't gone on sale, and there were only 2 pairs left. My dilemma was that my item was just 5 cents from their free shipping deal. I wasn't going to buy two items, and I didn't want to pay shipping. What to do?

Just ask!

Gotta love Live Chat!!!

Thanks for being a Shoe Lover! Someone will help you out soon. The estimated wait time is 0 minutes and 19 seconds.

You’re chatting with Micheal, Shoe Lover!

Micheal: Hey Shoe Lover! How may I help you?

You: I am purchasing shoes that are 34.95. Is there any way I can get the free shipping? I hate to pay $7.95 for shipping just because I am five cents off.

Micheal: Sure. If you do not mind placing the order as is, then I can apply the discount code to remove shipping once it drops in to my system.

You: Thanks SO much! I really appreciate this. I will go ahead and place the order. You have a great day!

Micheal: I will need the order number.

You: order number is 60*****80

Micheal: Thank you.

Micheal: Laura Burns?

You: Will I get a second confirmation email, or does this chat work as confirmation?

You: Yes, I'm Laura. :-)

Micheal: This chat will work as confirmation, you should be able to email it to yourself or print it out.

Micheal: Would you please verify your address, Laura?

You: ***** W. Brown Rd

You: *********, OH

Micheal: Thank you.

Micheal: The total has been reduced by $8.55 and the new total is $37.57.

You: WOW. Thank you so much!!!

You: Have a great day!

Micheal: You too, Laura.

Rocket Dog Jelissa Sneakers.

save the pumps

I have these peep-toe black pumps that my sister gave to me a few years ago. I love them, and wear them with everything....dresses and blue jeans....the problem is the insides are falling apart. I'm too frugal to give up shoes just because the part no one sees is no longer presentable. I had worn them so many times that the fabric had come out, and I was now on the secondary layer. What to do?

I decided I would give them a facelift. I tore the insides out and used them as a template to cut out fabric. I ironed the edges in a quarter inch and sprayed the backside with adhesive. I pressed the new inserts into my shoes. A simple and cheap way to keep shoes looking fresh. So happy with the results.

before: pretty ratty looking

after: with a new life

when Real Simple was simple

Back in the day I used to subscribe to Real Simple magazine, and as it has been several years since my subscription expired, I decided to pick up a copy (and because I had a $1 off coupon).

Back in the day is was simple...beautiful photography, few ads, and the articles could easily be moved from print to life. Fast forward to today's Simple and it isn't so simple. Loads of ads, inserts, cluttered articles and very little stand alone photography worthy of the art desk. In fact, the best photos were clothing ads; no surprise.

With my vent session over, I will list my three favorite things from the April 2011 issue I purchased:

1. Kate Spade New York dress (don't worry...at $395.00 I won't be buying it as it is well out of my budget for a dress, but the bold print was eye-catching). Maybe I'll just make one like it!
2. Cottage entrance. Like the look for a garden shed. Stone steps leading to a white cedar shingle house, lite green door, pots of lavender and vines climbing from a terra cotta pot. Wellies on the step. Very me. Casual and comfortable.
3. So very wrong! A short blurb questions whether it was ethical to check your spouse's credit card and account balances. Seems it was only OK if you suspected him of acting in a fiscally irresponsible manner or running massive debts (and you were legally responsible of paying if he couldn't pay)....but you don't have the right without his consent. What has happened to marriage and finances??? Since when is it acceptable to live separate lives, unaccountable, untrusting of one another? Wow, I was blown away by such a tiny little article. BTW, a Christian marriage is where two become one, love, support, and share with one another....including finances.

So if you really want to have a real simple life, skip the magazine. Psalm 15 has always spoken a simple, yet strong message to me.

"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, and who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man, but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath, even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken."

He who does these things will never be shaken. That's a promise!!!