Simplifying Life. Saving Money.

I used to be the kind of girl that could shop anytime, anywhere.  I could get totally hype over finding a new bag or checking out new makeup, or slithering into a new line of Citizens at Nordstrom on a rainy day.  Alas, those are luxuries that I don't quite enjoy anymore.  For one, the nearest Nordstrom is too far away to just casually browse on a whim; more importantly, I have two almost-three-year-olds that find shopping to be like stepping into a game of "Make mama lose her mind!  And US!"  They think it's the most fun EVER to climb in and out of clothing racks and zig zag around the aisles in a department store.  I would rather have a root canal than handle such activity, and my anxiety level goes through the roof (obviously).  They behave just fine when we're walking through the store on our way to the play area, or to Chick fil A or something, but to stop and  browse?  Hahahahahahahaha.  Not anymore.

My solution to it all?  ONLINE SHOPPING.  In the last week, I've used PayPal to fund an Old Navy haul (clearance + 30% off?  Don't mind if I do!), a menswear rose-gold watch from Overstock ($19.99!!), and a J.Crew knockoff necklace (less than $20!).  If you're a follower on Instagram or Twitter, you know exactly what necklace I'm referring to since I can't seem to take it off.  To summarize, online shopping is a mom's best friend.

With that said, I want to share another new addiction... OTC makeup!  A long, LONG time ago, I opened myself up to "reader questions."  A few of them centered around my makeup routine, and I distinctly remember talking about my love for Bare Escentuals, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown.  I was kind of a makeup snob back then, especially because I had a great paying job and could spend hundreds of dollars at Dior in Las Vegas on a whim (true story... and how long ago that seems).  Being a stay-at-home mom is a blessing to our family, but the reality is that I live pretty frugally.  Nathan's residency salary is decent, but in order to live the kind of lifestyle we want - traveling, eating out, memberships to fun things around town - I had to change my style just a little bit.  People always claim that certain products work "just as well" as the expensive ones, but until I needed to reel in the spending I wasn't willing to find out.  Now that I have, please take this for what it's worth -  an opinion.  I'm no makeup artist and I'm sure there are differences, but for me, this stuff is amazing.  I've never had perfect skin, so finding a product that covers up all the places I find to pick and squeeze is a must, as well as blending in areas where I probably need a good Botox shot or two.  :)  On top of the blemish situation, I'm over 30 now and the wrinkles between my eyes are maddening!



CoverGirl and Olay have made this just for me, I believe.  It's budget-friendly, goes on smoothly, evens out my skin, covers up what I need to hide, and makes my crevices-between-the-eyes more subtle.  I don't think I can say much more than that.  

Icing on the face-cake, though, is that I CAN BUY IT ONLINE NOW, along with a ton of other P&G everyday and household products.  (Side note:  There is a $3 off two CoverGirl products coupon as well).

If you want to check out the new Proctor & Gamble online store, please click on the "Buy Now" link in the widget above.  By clicking through here, you'll receive:

* 10% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 31st, 2012


* FREE SHIPPING OVER $25


I'd love to know your thoughts on this new site, and which of your everyday/household favorites you'll save on by shopping online.  (I can almost guarantee I'll spend less through the P&G site than at Target with the 10% off and free shipping... plus I won't be tempted with that dang $1 section so often!!)  Also, if you weren't aware of P&G's Olympic sponsorship, you'll notice loads of Olympic-themed bundles and deals right now!

If you'd like to share this awesome site with your friends and family, please direct them back to this blog to click through!  Full-disclosure:  By visiting the P&G eStore via the widget above, I will earn a commission on any items purchased.  I vow to use any commission money I earn towards our Hawaii-fund (seven weeks and counting!!!!!) and groceries, swear.  Thank you in advance for the support!