07 March 2012

Bargain Hunting Mama

My Thrifty Mama & Me! :)

With her beautiful blue eyes and honey blonde hair, my mother knows how to “work a room.”  She is always dressed in the most stylish outfits rocking the hippest accessories.  The secret behind her wardrobe—NEVER PAY FULL PRICE.
She was born in a community of conservative spenders, living in post War World II Germany. Everyone had to find ways to save what little they had to survive.  It was during those hard times, when my mother learned the importance of finding a good bargain. 
Just last week, my thrifty mama purchased a pair of Fila Fit Performance Shoes for only $5.99! The footwear normally sells for $79.99!

Mama and her new shoes!
So how does she do it?

1.       Comparison Shop- Once you find what you are looking for, locate other stores which carry the same product.  Always look for the lowest possible price.

2.       Wait for the Sale- 9 times out of 10—the item you want WILL go on sale.  So, just wait until the item is marked down.  It may take a few weeks—but it’s worth it for the cheaper price.

3.       Shop Ross, TJ Max, Marshalls and Burlington- These stores offer 50%-75% off retail prices. Why shop at a department store—when you can get an enormous discount.

4.       Combine Deals- Use multiple coupons during sale events to get the lowest possible price.
Can you believe it-- she saved $74!!

Cute walking shoes!



02 March 2012

Tagua Nut Jewelry




It’s been called the “vegetable ivory”— the tagua nut!
Found in palm trees across South America, it can be fashioned into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Crafters spend hours carefully carving each nut to create the desired form.
This weekend, I meet jewelry designer Cindy Vega at the Wynwood Green Market! She is clearly an expert when it comes to sculpting the tagua. She told me that the nut is very hard, resembling an ivory—hence the nickname! 
I fell in love with her designs—and bought two pieces! 
You can see more of her work at her facebook page!

 Cindy Vega/ Jewelry Designer

 Tagua Nut Rings--I got a hot pink one!

 
Dried Bean Shells! Got the red ones!

01 March 2012

Wynwood Green Market



It’s an “Organic Party”—complete with food, music and of course shopping. Welcome to “Sundays On The Green”—in Wynwood. A vacant lot is transformed into a mini festival of sorts- where eco-friendly vendors, food trucks and musicians set up shop.
The spot is right next to “The Armory”—on Northwest 23rd Street in Miami.  My husband and I found the fair by accident this weekend—while driving through downtown.  We were both very impressed with the effort to create a family friendly environment—in an area that only seemed to have life during Wynwood’s Artwalk.
For more information head over to www.WynwoodGreen.org! The event is every last Sunday of the month—check it out!
Wynwood Green Market

Vintage Purse Heaven
Simple Skateboards-- Awesome Vendor

Tons of Shopping--fun fun fun!

Organic Farmer's Market