Yummy Fun: Smart and Final Wine/Cheese Party! #SFSmarties

Smart and Final is a great one-stop shop for anytime you're entertaining. Their website is also filled with great tip, tools, recipes and information to make any party a success!


Smart and Final's First Street brand cheese was featured with complementary wines (as selected via the wine serving guide on the SF website). It was a great experience both hosting the party as well as getting ready for it!


I do shop at Smart and Final for my family, but I generally only get specific things and avoid the aisles I don't need (hmmm..strategic shopping?) but this time shopping for the party I went through the whole store and found great deals on party supplies and decorations! *Who'd-a-Thunk?*  


Anyhow it was a crazy day and a fun time. Thanks Smart and Final! [#SFSmarties shout out!]


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It was originally intended to have a couple of the other local businesses stop by, but as it turns out those we invited weren't able to make it so we had a Girl's Night! After a long day and a staff/training meeting, we sat down and had some fun together.


Even though my camera died and I was disappointed that I couldn't take pictures, the party was definitely a success. My co-workers and I are truly like family. We are 9 women who've worked together everyday, some for the past 5 years or more. Lately we have all been so busy, it was nice to have time together and just chat.


We sat around and talked about how our lives are going outside of work and shared silly stories and lighthearted conversation. It was a wonderful night and I know we're all thankful for the experience.

The Best Beauty Buy of them ALL! [I love eyeshadow quads.]

This Fall it's all about beautifully bright colored lids! It's exciting that bright shadow is in because that means we get to experiment more with makeup! I'm a big fan of colorful makeup, but more than that I've realized my favorite thing in makeup is currently: the eye shadow quad.

The thing about the quad eyeshadow is it allows you to create a perfect look every time! You don't necessarily have to use all 4 colors each time, and no matter what you do the colors are complementary to one another so you can't really go wrong.

Almost every makeup brand makes an eyeshadow quad so they're easy to find and not expensive at all!

Here are a few of my favorites...I love the new colorful blue & purple quads for Fall.

More Ulta...

What's your take on colorful eyeshadow? Do you usually stick to the smoky look? Do tell! I [heart] comments!

10 Tips for Being Fashionable on a Budget

YES! It truly is possible to be fashionable without breaking the bank. I used to be a spend-a-holic, but parenthood has taught me to shop more wisely. Here are my top 10 ways you too can be fashionable on a budget!

1. DO shop in stores! I know there are great deals online, but I've noticed for department stores and especially stores like Target and Wal-Mart, you can find GREAT deals in the store. (Recently I bought a shirt at Wal-Mart from the $3.00 rack and saw it on their website the next day for $8.00!)


2. Sign up for SALE alerts! There are great sites like shopittome.com and shopstyle.com that let you pick the brands/stores you like, your size and price preferences and they'll send you e-mails with clothes, shoes and accessories within your specified price range. I set mine to $20.00!

3. Shop RESALE stores! Resale and thrift stores have become quite popular lately, and I love thrift shopping!  You won't always  find things that you like, but I recommend checking weekly. It's a great way to get some alone time and shop! Resale stores are wonderful because you can also sell your old and lightly worn clothes! (My local Salvation Army Stores does 50% off clothes/purses every Wednesday...check yours!)

4. Sign up for your favorite stores' newsletter/mailing list, you'll get e-mails to let you know when things go on sale, or their having any type of promotions. Most stores will often send you coupons as well!

5. Organize a clothing SWAP! Encourage your friends/coworkers to gather their lightly used clothes and get together for a swap party. You'll all hopefully find something new and not spend a penny!

6. DISCOUNT stores are great also! Shop places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross for brand names at lower prices. Some things are still a bit pricey, so take your time and look around...you're sure to find something you like!

7. Do a double-take on your laundry routine. I was always lazy in terms of separating and washing clothes but I've noticed that since I created a routine and began paying attention to how my clothes needed to be washed, they are looking nice for longer. Nothing is worse than trying to combine an outfit of worn out and faded clothes!

8. Know what looks good on YOU! Trends in fashion come and go, so don't feel the need to hop on every bandwagon that rolls through. Always dress in clothing that flatters you and if the current 'it' item doesn't...don't waste your time or money.

9. Buy things LATE....or ahead of time (depending on how you look at it). Post-season sales are an awesome way to get great prices! You'll be getting things you can use for next year, or maybe an unusually warm Fall day. :)

10. My favorite tip of all! Find a TAILOR! Don't be afraid to buy something that you like even if it's a bit big,
getting something altered is inexpensive and definitely worth it if you find something for an unbeatable price.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.