Back in July I finally finished our Disney trip scrapbook.  The trip was in December 2010 and I didn’t start the project until April.  So it took a good 3 month to finish the entire 20 pages.  One thing that surprised me was how much I used the adhesive.  I used 3 adhesive refills just to finish this project.

Total spent:

12×12 card stock:  $2.07

12×12 Disney Page Kit:  $10.49

8×8 card stock:  $9.99

Adhesive & refills (buy 1 adhesive get 1 refills):  $7.99

I didn’t count the album as a part of the cost since I’ve had it for a long time and don’t remember how much it costs.  Total cost is about $30.54.  I had to use some supplies that I already own from years ago when I first started scrapbooking.  For example, the page kit only has 12 sheets, so I used some paper stock I already owned.

Final result:

I’m very happy with the result and actually enjoy doing it.  I just don’t have the time.  Maybe someday when my kids are older or we win a lottery that I don’t have to work anymore….  :)

For now, I’ll just paint the memory in my heart…

Guest post written by Theresa Gordon

Back when i was much, much younger, I would always make a big deal out of making sure that I saw all of the new Saved by the Bell episodes. I used to love watching the gang go through the motions of getting through fights and making up. I’m not going to lie. I used to wish that I too went to Bayside High School. So i thought that to be ironic this year I would carve a Save By the Bell themed jack o lantern!

When I told my husband about my idea, he thought it was funny. So I looked online with my clear internet service for some good ideas about what exactly I could carve on it. I thought about the high school symbol, the show’s title or even one of the characters.

Out of all the things that I thought about using for my Saved By The Bell pumpkin, I decided to go with AC Slater. He was always my favorite character, despite that bad mullet. To me, that really captures that show.

Dining and trying out new restaurants is perhaps one of my favorite things to do.  Luckily I don’t leave in a major city where restaurants with good food are popping out everywhere, because kaching kaching… this could break your bank account.  Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. offers a few tips on dining out the frugal way.

1. FourSquare Deals
Members check-in to various locations on their mobile phones using this service, but did you know you can also receive offers for freebies and discounts simply by letting FourSquare know where you are? Check out a recent segment on FOX & Friends for a “how to” on using the app for restaurant savings.

2. Track Daily Deals
Restaurants are one of the most common frequenters of daily deal offerings, so it pays to keep an eye out for vouchers that can greatly reduce the cost of dining at a new or favored eatery. Just make sure you read the small print and are aware of expiration dates and exclusions. For example, most restaurant vouchers don’t include drinks.

3. Get Happy
Eating early isn’t just for our elders. Happy hour ad early bird deals have become more common as restaurants try to fill in slow-traffic times. For example, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill offers full-size appetizers for under $5 before 6 p.m., plus $3 drink specials.

4. Split It Up
American restaurants usually overload our plates — unless they’re into nuvo cuisine — so there’s often enough food for two in a single order. You can cut your costs down to around $20 by simply sharing an appetizer, entree and dessert with a friend or date.

5. Gift Yourself
We tend to think of gift cards in terms of what we can offer others, but they’re actually very useful for individual purchases. Sites like GiftCardGranny.com let you purchase gift cards for several restaurants at a discounted rate, yielding immediate savings of up to 50 percent.

6. MatchPin
If you live in one of nine major cities, you might download the free MatchPin app. Membership brings you offers, rewards, contests and announcements from a variety of local restaurants.

You can also get deals through Facebook.  A lot of restaurants, especially the big chain ones, offer lots of deals if you like them on Facebook.  I’ve had free salad from Noddle Co. or free meal from Pei Wei when they’re running a promotion for new menus.  I have to credit my dear hubby to find all these deals.

Keep in mind that you can still enjoy lives and save money at the same time.  Just a little self control, avoid instant gratification, and some creativity will do the justice!

Blake Lively never seems to fail in the fashion department.  Her effortless sense of style is among the most sought after in Hollywood.  In this image, Blake wears a gorgeous purple Marchesa number along with other fitting pieces.  Get this look easily at fraction of its cost with these styles from Dalia MacPhee, Guy & Eva, AMI Clubwear and OPI Nail Lacquer!

1. Dalia MacPhee Dress – $280 (www.daliamacphee.com)

2. Guy & Eva Earrings – $15 (www.guyandeva.com/shop)

3. AMI Clubwear Shoes - $25 (www.amiclubwear.com)

4. OPI Nail Polish – $8 (www.opi.com)

Eight years ago, I walked down the aisle

It was the happiest day of my life

I finally married my best friend, the man who would’ve given me the world to make me happy

Someone who would’ve done anything in order to marry me

I remember saying to my parents… He was the best thing that ever happened in my life

Years had gone by

Two kids later….along with many laughs and tears

We’re still together

Happy Anniversary, my dear hubby!