Post Valentines Bargain Finds

I have to say that I LOVE shopping AFTER holidays. Truly! I think I could list that on my "passions" list. Most if not ALL of my children's clothing that does come from REAL store (aka NOT consignment or thrift) comes off a clearance rack. I just have taste that is FAR above my means I guess...

Truth is though. I was raised this way. My mother is the Master of saving money. She believed that everything should be used THREE times or more before you could throw it away. She STILL lives by it! We are garage sale junkies (on the Saturdays that I am not shooting) and she still attends the weekly HALF PRICE day at the Salvation Army thrift store. She recently told me that she believes everything she ever needs can be found at the "SA" (pronounce Essay) as we call it!

My clearance addiction is deeply rooted... my mother rarely pays full price even at a THRIFT store! She shops there mostly on Wednesday because that is their 1/2 off day! Gosh I love her.

So... I have decided that I love my Christmas tree too much to take it down. The warmth of it glowing down my hallway just makes me happy. So... I will turn it into a Valentines Tree, an Easter Tree, A summer tree, An Independance Day Tree, a FALL Tree, A Birthday Tree, A Halloween Tree and then back around to Christmas again.

Yes... call me crazy but I just like it. I have figured out in the past few years that me... is a pretty good thing to be! This tree thing... its just me!

I set out to get ICE cream (which is another rant entirely... why our city closes at 8 pm I will never know) and ended up at Wal Mart looking for my favorite Ben and Jerry Flavor - CAKE BATTER (in lieu of my Cold Stone 2$5 coupon Cake batter). I strolled through the clearance Valentines stuff and came up with some good finds!

I was sick on Valentines weekend so I am going to make this my "makeup" valentines weekend. Heart Shaped pancakes, cupcakes in pink and sprinkles, grilled cheese hearts and little gifts for the kiddos. The perk of having kids so young is that they have NO IDEA when holidays are! So we celebrate POST holiday when it costs less! YAY!

Wilton Valentine Heart cookie cutters ($1.87- reduced 50%)


Pretty Sparkly Hearts for my tree ($1.50 each - reduced 50%)

Spongebob candy boxes for their "treat" ($0.50 each- reduced 50%)
Off brand fleece lined Crocs as their "gift" ($3.50 each) - these things are a must in our house! I am always happy to buy such inexpensive "outside" shoes to keep from ruining the good ones! If you do not have kids old enough to play outside yet... you will learn soon! Crocs are the greatest thing since sliced bread... a little Dawn Dish Detergent and scrub brush... clean as new!