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How I Tackle Back to School Shopping

July 19, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 5 Comments

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I mentioned earlier this week in my girls backpack post, it is time to start getting serious about back-to-school shopping. You may be scratching your head at this idea, as depending on where you live, school may not be starting back for another month or even more. We are 30 days, exactly, from the first day of school for Darah. While I technically could go get all the supplies she needs the week before school (or maybe even the day before…her list is still relatively short since she’s in preschool), that is not my strategy.

My strategy is to shop the sales for the entire month leading up to the first day of school. I do this because every single week from now until then there are some great items at a fantastic price. But the entire list of things I need is never on sale at one time. But by watching the sales for the next month, I should be able to pick up almost everything I need at a hefty discount. And that leaves more money in my budget to cover things like another pair of shoes or some new clothes for the school year.

One of the things on my shopping list is White Cloud Facial Tissue. I love that you can buy it in multipacks (3 or 6). This is great for those of you who have more than one going to school. That isn’t the case for us, but I happily send along some extra tissue for the classroom. I’m not in a position to make large financial gifts to Darah’s school, but I can help out by picking up some extra supplies at a good price.

Have you ever tried White Cloud tissues? They are a brand carried exclusively at Walmart (check out the White Cloud Store Locator to fin your nearest location, as they are only available in select markets). They are an outstanding value because they are priced with the budget conscious shopper in mind, yet they feel so soft, like a more expensive brand.

I also love that when you purchase this product, you can also support the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals by purchasing the limited edition White Cloud CMN Facial Tissue boxes. Why not help a great cause while taking care of things on your shopping list AND getting a great deal? Win-win-win!

Speaking of getting a great deal, there’s going to be a coupon in the July 28th Sunday paper. You can also visit mywhitecloud.com/school-supply-list/ and get a coupon so you can check this product off your shopping list right now! Additionally, you can also find the coupon in several magazines out this month, including Better Homes & Gardens (be sure to wave at me, as you’ll find me in there, too!).

And to really stay on top of the savings opportunities with White Cloud, be sure to follow them on their social media outlets, including the White Cloud Facebook Page, White Cloud Twitter Page, and the White Cloud Pinterest Page.

So what’s your back-to-school shopping strategy? Do you have to buy tissue for your classroom? Ever tried White Cloud?

I’m Never Wearing Pants Again! No nonsense Leggings Rock!

January 8, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 3 Comments

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you familiar with the George Michael song, “I’m Never Gonna Dance Again”? Of course you are.

Well for the past 3 weeks or so, I’ve been singing it, but I’ve changed the lyrics to, “I’m never wearing pants again.”

Because seriously, I’m never wearing regular “pants” again. Leggings have entered my wardrobe, and please lord, let them never go out of style (no doubt this sentence will make me laugh out loud 20 years from now, but I really mean it right now!).

I have resisted leggings for a few years now. I mean, does it really sound like a great idea to wear something so skin tight when you aren’t exactly fit as a fiddle???

So I avoided. But my BFF Leslie told me back in August that she really loved her leggings and found them to be a friend to busy moms who might be looking for something that looks better than yoga pants but that is just as comfy.

I’ve been sporting the No nonsense tights and leggings and it was true love from the moment I put them on. They are SOOOOO soft. And yes, they are fitted, but if you style it right, they look great! I have found two tricks. First, make sure your rear end is covered up. That goes a really long way toward making leggings not look unfortunate. Long sweaters are very in style now, and this is also a great way to wear a dress, even in the winter months. Here’s my weekend look I put together on polyvore:

My other trick is to wear riding boots with leggings. They look so great together! I spent $50 on a pair of riding boots as my “investment” piece for the season (does that give you a clue about my wardrobe budget???). I think leggings look even better than jeans with them. I’m actually wearing this combo even as I type this.

I think No nonsense leggings are a really affordable way to greatly enhance your wardrobe this year. I’m planning on buying another pair. Black, which I have, is an absolute must, but I’d also like to venture out into something a bit more colorful. I’d also recommend No nonsense leggings because I can say from experience that these are NOT see-through. It is always so awkward to see someone sporting leggings and to know that they didn’t make sure they got the non-see through kind. Yowzers!!!

No nonsense leggings are also easy to find. They are available at most drug stores and mass retail stores! No having to hunt them down online or at specialty stores!

Be sure to keep up with No nonsense on Facebook as that is a great way to hear about the latest affordable fashions. I’d also suggest that you follow the handle @BeNononsense if you are on Twitter. They tweet out some cool pics to inspire you!

No nonsense has also recently partnered with Jill Martin, who is their new brand ambassador. She is, in my humble opinion, such a breath of fresh air because she knows how to marry cutting edge style with everyday life. By that I mean that she makes fashion statements that are adorable AND practical. That’s exactly the type of look I’m seeking!

Want more ideas for how to wear No nonsense leggings and tight this season? Click below!

Make Something “AstroBright” and Give a Brighter Year to Your Child’s School!

July 21, 2012 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Something's in the air…can you feel it? Something exciting, something fresh and new.

It's BACK-T0-SCHOOL, and the season is just around the corner!

AstroBrights papers want to be part of your back-to-school shopping this year, and once you see the 23 bold and beautiful colors that make Astrobrights unique, it will move to the top of your shopping list! This company provides hues that really stand out from the crowd and that will help unleash your child's creativity.

Not only are AstroBrights papers the right choice for the school year, but they also are the perfect choice for your work projects. If you've got a great new idea or brochure, why not give it the opportunity to truly shine? Put it on AstroBrights paper!

Another thing I really like about AstroBrights is that they offer support to educational instutitions. In fact, right now they are hosting a giveaway called the Give a Brighter Year sweepstakes, and one lucky winner will get a cash prize and school supplies valued at $30,000 for the school of his/her choice. Just imagine how your child's school could benefit from this great prize! You can enter over at the AstroBrights Facebook page.

But the fun doesn't stop there for AstroBrights. They also are hosting a "Make Something AstroBright" design challenge. You can upload your awesome crafts on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest using the hashtag #goastrobrights and then you'll be eligible for lots of great prizes! How awesome is it that you can win a prize by doing something fun with your kids and with AstroBrights paper? Love it!

As you are shopping for your back to school supplies, you might want to pick up more than one package of AstroBrights, as you and your children might work your way through an entire pack before the first day of school arrives!