I stumbled across teacherwishlist.com while searching online for nearby volunteer opportunities a couple weeks ago. It was an interesting concept. Teachers upload a wishlist of classroom supplies for their students, parents or donors purchase the items to donate to the classrooms. Pretty simple.

Although I am not a parent, (pet-parents count too though!) I decided to check out the lists around me to see if I could help out with their needs. Once I entered my zip code, a search populated 10 schools within my area. I was somewhat surprised to only find 2 teachers, both from the same school, utilizing this site!

From their about page: In a recent survey of elementary and middle-school teachers, 71% reported spending an average of $462 per year out of their own pocket on classroom supplies and learning tools.* Teacher Wish List was created to thank teachers for their generosity. (How many other jobs require employees to pay for supplies?) This service makes it even easier for parents to continue to help teachers.

I guess most teachers aren’t aware that this site exists or maybe they feel a little strange asking for donations. I know some teachers send home a list of supplies that are needed for each student, so the responsibility then is on the parents to purchase the items. I see parents and kids roaming the aisles of Target and other local “everything” stores for their Back to School supplies, lists in hand!

The supplies that were on the lists I looked at on the site were for Preschool and Kindergarten classes. Tissues, paper towels, stickers, puzzles, etc. These items were specifically for the classroom — for everyone to use. The requested supplies were everyday items that I could pick up at Target and wouldn’t break my budget either. So I decided to help out. I emailed the teachers and let them know that I wanted to donate the items on their individual lists.

I went to 2 stores and found all the items and in total for both teacher’s lists it only cost about $65.

Items from Preschool and Kindergarten class wishlists. This shows only one class. Just double what you see and that's the second class!

Target has this incredible dollar section right at the front entrance of the store. I found these and other age-group specific topics of cards, like geography, math, science, etc. But since I was purchasing for kids 6 and under, I felt these would be best suited for them.

$1 each at Target

Some may recognize these “Play Packs” from my haul video. You’re never too old to color!

"Play Packs" come with crayons, stickers and mini book.

I fondly remember making paper puppets out of white paper bags like these. You just glue a bunch of stuff on it, draw a happy face and then carefully stick your tiny 5 year old hand into it (not to open all the way) and ta-da! A new friend!

Supplies for paper puppets!

Both classes cheered for Silly Bands. I don’t get it, I must be getting old. But I’m glad the kids love them!

Silly Bands...??

The teachers were both very grateful for my donation. We made small talk and I told them I was always interested in teaching, the younger kids especially. Who doesn’t want to play with little kids and color all day?! Have juice and crackers for snack time — omg, a designated snack time?! Yes! I love the order within the chaos and the little smiling face aren’t bad either.

It’s a sad state the economy is in that the nation-wide bookstore chain, Borders is going out of business. I’m unsure how their online store is doing and if it will stick around in the near future.

There were 3 Borders stores in Bergen County. One was in Fort Lee and another in Paramus at the Garden State Plaza mall. Those 2 closed early and probably had a lot of customers clear out their merchandise very quickly. Also, depending on their lease, I’m sure they had to close their doors early since both are prime location spots for any new store. The third store is in Ramsey, about 30 minutes away from where I live. It will be open for 7 more days.

I went a couple weeks ago when they slashed their prices to 40%-60% off the merchandise. Upon entering the doors, I could not believe the sight I saw! Everything was discounted, ready to be bought. Even the fixtures and cafe tables, chairs, even the espresso machine itself were tagged to be sold! Left over paper cups, napkins, stands, shelves, racks, dividers, tape, straws,  etc., all things you’d not normally purchase at a bookstore were being sold. I ended up buying a few books and left feeling kind of sad. Not quite sure why though, when I should have been happy because of the deals I got on the books.

Today, I received an email that they’re discounting items down to 70%-90% off the store. So I headed back to Ramsey for a second look after my morning doctor’s appointment. The store was the same except parts of the store was roped off with shelves and other fixtures that were put on hold for returning customers. Most of the books were gone and if shelved properly, there would only be about 5 bookshelves worth of books. All the gift items and children’s toys were sold out and most of the cafe furniture was also gone. The DVD and CD racks were bare and the magazines left over were being sold at 90% off. I took this picture below of the cashier’s station. It had random graffiti but also sweet and kind words of how Borders will be missed.

Today I walked away with 9 books for $40. Another bittersweet steal. I may go back for one last look with Jeff before their doors close for good and the roller rink that’s to replace it opens up.

So if you’re a book lover and have some time to browse, head down to the nearest (and still open) Borders for some great deals.

Eight days into the month and our bills are paid (except one) through August.

There’s a certain amount of responsibility we must consider regarding our purchases when living on our own. Especially since we’re a one income household (until I hear back from some recruiters, keep your fingers crossed!) and because of this we’ve got to be smart about what we spend. Although we each have our share of splurge worthy items (for me – sephora trips, for him – camera accessories), we’ve managed to not only stay afloat without assistance, but we’ve saved five figures worth (with decimal) for our wedding budget!

I’ve always been a conscious shopper — looking for deals and such. But remembering back a few years ago, there were so many things I could have done differently to save even more. I’ve made out ok, but there’s always room for improvement.

So fast forward to 2010 and I’m a savings-savvy, bargain-hunting, price comparing, coupon-clipping frugalista! Seriously, it pays off and you’ll see what 50¢ here 75¢ there  adds up to. And if you don’t mind the spam box of occasional junk mail (but also bears great discounts/coupons), sign up online for the stores you frequent and/ or register for free store loyalty discount cards. Not sure how these work, but there have been plenty of times that I’ve made out like a bandit just by swiping these loyalty cards. There are also sites devoted to great deals where you can grab a promo code (for online purchases, of course) or print out store coupons. There are even sites where other coupon lovers swap out one deal for another! The possibility of saving a buck or two is endless, you’ve just got to do your homework.

Here’s an article with a concise list of the sites I use to wrangle my coupons:

http://www.wisebread.com/the-best-places-to-get-coupons-online

Happy shopping!

>I just got back from the best massage ever! Seriously! And for the $25/60 minute cost — it was phenomenal! Yup folks, that is not a typo $25!

I’ve been looking for a good and reasonably price massage for a while. My backaches (due to horrible posture and lumpy pillows), neck and shoulder are unbelievably tight and this morning I did something to my right foot.

I was yelping online and found this place I simply had to check out.

Zen Foot Care
16466 Bolsa Chica Ave. (and Heil)
Huntington Beach
714-846-1500

The 2 other reviews on yelp.com about this place are accurate and was such an influence for me to see for myself. I will definitely make this a weekly visit!

The place is very clean and the staff are friendly and hospitable. My masseuse was very nice. I gave her a $10 tip and a hug! She worked wonders for my scalp, face, neck, shoulder, arm, back, calves and feet — heaven!

I am making my next appointment as I type! They’re open 7 days and until 9pm. What more could a girl want?

I typically make bigger purchases on a “feeling.” That maybe stupid, but it’s what works for me. I was in Nordstroms and saw the most gorgeous Burberry bag. I’m not really into Burberry, too posh. But this was perfect size, nothing too gaudy but most of all, it had functionality written all over it. It was $998. I thought about it, left the store, and even came back to touch it again. Weighing what $998 would otherwise buy mee. You’ll be relieved that I didn’t get it.

Instead, I went back to the Coach store to purchase this black bag I’ve been eying earlier that afternoon. I liked it, wanted it, needed it and bought it.

This was first Coach bag that didn’t come home with me. It was not in stock and will be shipped to me in 5-7 days. So much for instant gratification.

This high is wearing off. 20 unsold items will do that to anyone. We’ll I’ve re-listed and reduced the costs, hopefully this will start encouraging more buyers. Do you think I was ever good at business? LOL!