school supplies, you get me.

*this post is not sponsored. I just love certain stores for shopping for school supplies. All items mentioned were purchased on my own.

When July and August come around, you know what that means? School supply shopping!! I love the hunt for them. When there are sales and or coupons for school supplies, oh man, I am allllll over it!

As you can see, here's a small haul from Target a few weeks ago. This includes:

2 packs of 24 count Up and Up crayons-39cents each
2 packs 100 count index cards (Up & Up)-50 cents each
2 packs- 8 count mechanical pencils (Up &Up)-92 cents each (the following week the price went up)
10 count sharpie markers  -$6
2count Up&Up glue sticks (not shown)-39cents each

Eight count colorful mechanical pencils for 92cents? Count me in! I got the index cards for 50cents. The following couple weeks, Walgreens had the same index card count for 29cents with their store coupon. Greeaaat. Grrr. I know. "Brittany, it's only a 21cent difference." But you guys, being able to get that item for cheaper is what it's about. It's part of the game! haha.

I am not in elementary or high school, but I am going back to school myself this fall! In October! Through ASU, online! I am SO excited! I registered for a class yesterday! yahoo! I am thrilled to be going back to school, to work toward my bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, but I am NOT loving the $900 debt I will be in. I can already tell ASU that I need to enroll in a payment plan, that honestly, will take me months to complete. However, education is important and I will do my best. Because I've enrolled in school, you know I bought myself some school supplies too!

Ok, so back to school supplies. I am addicted. I can't help it. I can't help buying them when they are so cheap! It's the only time of the year that I justify stocking up on glue sticks (for my cardmaking), for spiral notebooks (for my letters + at 17cents each at Walmart when I went), for pens (cuz I write alot), for index cards (because i might need them), for highlighters + crayons + sharpies (because I love color). Do I really need these all, in excess? NO. But I do and will use them up. Also, I am the go-to-gal. And I like to be prepared for what I may need at any given time.

" Britt, can I borrow some glue?
Britt, I need a pen, ok?
Britt, do you have any paper? "

Of course! Of course is my answer. I am more than happy to be able to help a friend or donate to the children. Yes, the children. Think of the children. And when I say children, I mean, my little friends here at my house. The sons & daughters of my caregivers. They know Britt has got the goods.

When I am Target or Walmart and see the school supplies section, my heart jumps out and my eyes pop out at all the amazing goodness that awaits at rock bottom prices. A one inch three ring binder for 69cents?! Why, Yes, thank you Walgreens!

Do you know how old books smell? I love that smell and I love the smell of new school supplies. It's intoxicating. Ok, now I sound like I have a problem, but I know I am not the only one! ;)

Goodwill Brittany

look ma! haha. James and I went goodwilling. I haven't been to a Goodwill in about seven years! that's so crazy! I know some people cringe at the idea of wearing or using something that was used before, but man, just throw that stuff in the washer/sink and let those germs be killed!

There really are some quality treasures waiting to be found among the racks!

Honestly, I'll tell you that I am planning to wipe down and clean my two purses that I got.

I get really excited when I might find something that is well preserved and if it's is name brand and cheap, then that's a bonus!

Here are the following items I found today that were a pretty good deal to me. None of my purchases were orange colored tagged, which meant they were only $1 for today, but still pretty good. Now if you go on every other saturday when it's 50% off, well, that promotion can't be beat!

I spent a total of $14.36 for four items. Because a couple of the apparel items had something wrong with them (one I did not end up purchasing), like the cardigan missing a button, the cashier said he could offer me 20% off if I was spending at least $10, which I was.

The following alligator-esque, greige cross-body purse (no label on it) was $2.39!

This coral-ly, white polka dot cardigan from Old Navy was $5.99 before the discount/$4.79 after discount. Now, I thought that was super, because usually cardi's are between $15-20 each at least from certain well-known stores!
I am so ready for Fall time!

I didn't snap a photo of the super adorable yellow top I got, but plan to wear it soon and will defintely take a style photo.

Last but not least was the best deal of the day in my opinion.
This super chic tan envelope clutch from Nordstroms was only  $2.99 before discount!!! After discount, $2.39!!! that's insane!

I am so glad James spotted the above clutch. Cross-body purses and clutches are my favorite types of women's handbags!

What style of purse do you like? Have you ever been shopping at Goodwill? What was the best purchase you scored there? What kinds of items do you look for at Goodwill or other thrift stores?

over the weekend

my weekend was lovely + laid back minus the fact that my stomach pained me both saturday & sunday mornings! but today, so far so good! I am so relieved!

Friday: my friend Rosa came over and did my toes! Aren't they cheery? They are a hot pink with white polka dots.

My mom called them strawberry cupcakes. Sofia called them Strawberries, just need green for the little vines.

they look orange but are pink

Saturday: I got to see my mom--that day spent with her since we won't get to see each other Mother's Day weekend.

I cannot WAIT for her to open her package this coming sunday. I put the special contents, one being a specially painted birdhouse that she wanted for her frontyard, into a big box. I didn't have enough pretty wrapping paper on hand, so I ended up using kraft paper & drawing flowers on the paper. I then wrapped/tape pink satin ribbon around it tying it with a bow. I also taped her card to the side of the box. that too was also handmade.

I want to post photos of the process of painting the birdhouse the way I did and also the card I made, but we'll have to wait til after the 12th! :D

My mom makes me laugh and is such a beautiful, strong person. I love her mucho!

So what did we do on saturday? We did one thing we do best: SHOPPING! went to TJ Maxx + Barnes & Noble/Starbucks & with a chicken ceasar salad to-go from Paradise Bakery.

Only bloggers would take a photo of their salad before, but i did AFTER I devoured it! yum.

While at B&N I got the updated & revised edition of For Women Only: What you need to know about the inner lives of men by Shaunti Feldhahn. There's also For Men Only: a straightforward guide to the inner lives of women.

Part of me feels like I've read it before in my college days, but reading this book (again?) made me feel like I am reading it for the first time.

view of my exciting saturday night!

It probably has to do with the fact that I am older and wiser. It's also probably because I am more ready & able to understand this book and what Shaunti points out in the "inner lives of men."

I am nearly through with the book but want to go back and take notes on some things. It's not about changing our men [God wired men & women differently for a divine reason], but learning from this book to change us women, if need be, so that our romantic relationships: dating, engagements and marriages are better enhanced and run more smoothly.

Sunday: spent with my stomach hurting so bad! I was wondering if the waves of pain I was experiencing were like those of pregnant women going through contractions? if it's close, good golly I TOTALLY sympathize!

After that went away, i felt so worn out--pain & nausea, I took a almost 3 hour nap. Did some couponing, called one of my besties H and mindlessly enjoyed watching Once Upon A Time, Revenge & Red Widow!

How was your weekend?
Do you watch any of those 3 shows?

I was so into them that I felt compassion for Regina! darn Tamara!, surprised Takeda got cut out & happy that Jack still pines for Emily & nervous of what Nicolae may do to the daughter or Marta!?

Oh the suspense! Can't wait for next sunday night!