Halloween Costumes at Wholesale Prices

With Halloween right around the corner, it's time to find a great costume without spending a fortune.  I hate spending serious money for a costume that my child may only wear once.  That is why I love the costumes from Wholesale Halloween Costumes.  These are perfect for that fright-night of Trick-or-Treating and to wear afterwards for imaginative play.

My sweet daughter decided she wanted to be a pirate for Halloween this year.  She picked out the perfect costume and is asking daily when she gets to wear it!  And countless times she has pulled it out to show her friends.

This costume is only $22.90 and includes the dress and pirate hat!  Certainly a great deal!

Emily Post Etiquette

I have always had a special interest in etiquette and it certain is one of those things that a woman needs who is trying to "Become Classy & Sophisticated!"  I have an old copy of Emily Post's 'Etiquette' book on my desk to refer to when the occasion arises.  Let me say that there are many times that I have looked back and wished that I had taken the time to refer to my book before certain events.  Too often I find myself in a situation where I simply don't know what to do.  Thankfully I have this wonderful book to refer to after the fact.   



I'm sure that many of us have had this same situation!  If you do, you can enter a contest by the Emily Post Institute. 


Here's the information that you need to enter!

Prize Details

Join William Morrow and the Emily Post Institute as we celebrate the release of Emily Post Etiquette 18th Edition with this essay contest.

The grand prize winner will receive a Barnes & Noble Nook Color with digital editions of her entire backlist. Three runner-ups will receive a copy of Emily Post Etiquette, 18th Edition and a set of specially designed note cards to commemorate the release of the 18th edition.

Click here to pre-order your copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette 18th Edition today!

Contest Instructions

To enter, write a short essay (between 200-300 words) about a time when you wished you had Emily Post’s etiquette advice. Was it your most embarrassing public moment? Maybe an office faux pas you wish you could take back? Or a time when you didn’t know you should have brought a gift or written a thank-you note? Maybe you needed Emily when you just wanted to know the right thing to say or do. Do tell!

Ten semi-finalists will be chosen by public vote, at which point The Emily Post Institute will select a Grand Prize winner and three finalists. Entries are judged on originality, creativity, humor, grammar, and sincerity. All judging criteria are weighed in equal parts.

Prize Eligibility

Only persons who are at least 18 years of age can enter.

Contest Starts

August 17, 2011 @ 09:00 am (EDT)

Contest Ends

September 12, 2011 @ 05:00 pm (EDT)

Need more Details?

Read the Official Rules

Tips: Dressing for a Friend's Wedding--Celeb Stylist Tips

Weddings on your calendar this spring and summer?  Not to worry, celebrity stylist, host of the Style Network’s show “How Do I Look?” and Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up spokesperson, Jeannie Mai, provides her expert advice on how to prep for a wedding this season.

Color and cuts: When it comes to being a guest at a wedding, think about the colors of celebration. Bright jeweled colors of turquoise, royal blue, purples, or even pinks are gorgeous, and create an inviting ambiance towards the family and friends around you. Because weddings can run long, and you're never sure how long you'll be standing or sitting, make sure what you're wearing is comfortable. Fashion forbid you wear anything that's going to have you fidgeting or adjusting and not focusing on the festivities!

Day vs. Night: Day weddings give you that perfect excuse to wear a fabulous frock. Think breezy, hemlines that end above, at, or below the knee - they can all be appropriate. The only day don't? Thick lycra or opaque tights. Unless you're a 9 year old girl hunting for Easter eggs.  Night weddings are definitely a reason to vamp up your look. Dresses can be flirty and fun, but makeup should definitely be enhanced for the lights. Be brave with a bolder lip, play up those eyes with false lashes, dare to go there! A wedding is just another word for a party :).

Cooler/ Warmer weather: For cooler weather, think layers. If you're wearing a dress, it's essential to have accessory pieces to keep you warm like a cashmere wrap, shawl, capelet, or cardigan. Blazers look great over dresses with the sleeves rolled up, and leather jackets can totally play up a cute frock. For warmer weather, think open toed or strappy sandals to keep your look cool, and definitely wear your hair up. The worst is feeling your hair stick to beads of sweat running down your back. Ick!

Tune Up ahead of time: Everyone wants to look and feel their best before attending a wedding, so think a few weeks ahead to ensure you feel your best on the big day. For example, the Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up plan a quick way you could lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks (find more details on the plan at Yoplait.com) for that added boost before attending any big event.  You can also find a coupon for Yoplait Light atwww.Yoplait.com/TwoWeekTuneUp.

You can find more of Jeannie’s fashion tips at Facebook.com/Yoplait.

What's Hot for Spring?

I'll be the first one to admit that I really don't know much about styles.  I like to look at different magazines or store displays and typically purchase whatever I think looks good.  That probably isn't the best way to do things.  When I receive an opportunity from Yoplait and the celebrity stylist, Jeannie Mai for some great tips; I certainly can't say no to the opportunity.  

Spring Fashion File – Celebrity stylist, host of Style Network’s makeover show “How Do I Look?” and Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up spokesperson, Jeannie Mai gives you the rundown on how to spring forward this season

Transition from winter to Spring

·         Take the opportunity to do a little spring cleaning.  You can freshen up your wardrobe by adding a few new pieces that follow spring trends, and wearing them with basics and staples like a great pair of jeans. It’s also a good opportunity to get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year.
·         Freshening up can also mean a quick tune up if you’re feeling a little weighed down from the winter months. For example, the Yoplait Light Two Week Tune Up plan a quick way you could lose 5 pounds in 2 weeks (find more details on the plan at Yoplait.com) to look and feel your best while rocking spring trends. 

Trends for your tresses – what’s hot for hair

·         My favorite is the low bun. Straight from Guido Palau, who created the look for Nina Ricci's spring show, he recommends starting with a center part. Next, pull hair into a low ponytail, making sure to cover the ears. Then twist the ponytail into a loose knot. Remember, a too-tight style will look overly austere, so keep it loose for a touch of bohemian flair!
·         For a change, try something serious with a more severe side part.
·         Also, from an off-to-the-side swoop to thick, Jane Birkin-esque '70s fringe, bangs are SO back!

Must-haves for makeup

·         DYING over the new makeup trends set for the spring/summer 2011 season! They’re absolutely fabulous if you wish to look dazzling with the gorgeous pastel eye makeup trend that’s so perfect for the warm season!
·         You've probably seen the outbreak of Peacock collections that MAC and Shu Uemura both have launched this season so it is no wonder that color is totally in. Experiment by adding one different color shadow to your look for the day, you don't have to look like a peacock going to work, right? Unless that’s what you were aiming for.
·         Nude has always been pretty much in but this season, try going for bolder lips like fuscia, red, or hot pink. I  love taking a  powerful lipstick and then lightly dab the color onto my lips so it leaves a semi-stain, just bitten look. Take a tip from Fendi's Spring 2011 collection, featuring a matte bright orange. Bright lips are in babe so pucker up!

What to put in your wardrobe

·         Spring 2011's floral trend sees pieces set to brighten up wardrobes in bright botanicals, oriental blooms and ditsy prints. Clash them to make a statement.
·         It’s time to wake up and smell the roses, guys and gals…..and the poppies and the lilies and the peonies too. Bold flower-power prints are hot off the runways from designers such as Jil Sander, Erdem, Jaeger, Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood, Mui Mui, Dries Van Noten and Antonia Marras.
·         Think palazzo pants, sheer blouses, or handbags and shoes, these botanical beauties are here to brighten up our spring and summer.  Also, feminine prints are rediscovered on another one of Mai faves, floaty maxi dresses.

All about accessories

·         If I had to pick one stand out musty that will be mine for the season, it’s the belt purse. There are the years when a particular style of clutch is on trend, and then there's 2011. It's out with the clutch and in with a belted alternative. It’ll be this year’s casual fashion trends, the belt purse is a statement piece of daytime wear that quickly went from the catwalks of Hermes and Pucci to the streets.

Need more style advice?

·         Check out more of Jeannie’s tips for maximizing your wardrobe – like choosing a go-to staple dress or making your accessories work double-time – visit www.Facebook.com/Yoplait

Great Costumes at an Even Better Price

Like most little girls, Olivia loves to dress up.  Since she was quiet young you would find her in costume of some sort, although the favorite has been princesses.

We started to give Olivia simple chores around the house when she turned three.  Small tasks such as make her bed, pick up toys and help with the baby.  She did this gladly and was even more delighted when she received some money for her help.  After many months of savings her money, her first purchase was a Snow White Dress.  Once again she is saving her money to purchase a Cinderella dress.

I was given the opportunity by Costume SuperCenter to review one of their costumes.  How could I refuse the opportunity to get a new dress up for Olivia!  I spent several days going over the website and looking at all the different costumes.  I was very excited by the fact that these costumes look great and are at an honest price.  I made a huge list of all the girl costumes that I loved, but found it hard to narrow it down to just one selection.  There is a large selection of Disney Princess costumes that certainly would make our day! I finally gave Olivia the opportunity to decide which one she wanted.

After a quick delivery, today we got to try out Olivia's new Ariel Mermaid costume for girls.  It is beautifully made and one that I will last a long time.  I love the description of this costume on the website.  "Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Now you can make her collection complete and get some great pictures too! Get ready to transport your daughter into a watery wonderland under the sea with this licensed Disney’s Ariel Little Mermaid Deluxe Child costume! The Ariel Mermaid Deluxe Child Costume includes luxurious sea dress with mermaid-like tail."

It's a little big right now, but she'll get plenty of play out of it!


I know that for Halloween this year, I have found a great resource to find a huge variety of costumes!

Winner

The winner of the tax software is #2 and #4.  I have been given two to giveaway!  Yay for two winners!

I will email Dogmom Diva and Abbey for their addresses!

Have you Filed your Taxes Yet? Giveaway

Tax Season.  Either a time of happiness or a time of sorrow.  For me, if I am prepared and have all my documents in order and organized I can be satisfied.  I'll admit that I also get really nervous this time of year too.  Worrying if I filed my return correctly and if I'll end up being audited. I haven't been the best of keeping track of receipts this past year, but I will make amends.


One thing that certainly can help with this whole process is a good software program to use.  Office Depot has generously offered one of my readers H&R Block Deluxe software which retails for $44.95.  


About H&R Deluxe Software


Do-it-yourself tax software!

• Get personalized guidance for all your tax situations. 
• Step-by-step interviews guide you through a customized experience relevant to your taxes. 
• Specifically designed for investors and homeowners.  Get help with mortgage interest and the sale of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, learn how to maximize charitable deductions, plus get audit support from a tax professional.
• One state program download included. 
• Five FREE federal e-files included. 

Office Depot has a great site where you can go to get a plethora of tax-related information and tips, and they are also offering customers 25 free copies of their tax return (coupon can be found here) until 4/15/11.

Last Minute Tax Tips from Office Depot’s Finance Expert, Farnoosh Torabi

Good news is you have three EXTRA days this year to file, due to April 15 falling on a holiday in D.C. this year.

1.       File Online. Go green and save time and money. Choose from a variety of affordable online software to help you file your taxes [H&R Block At Home Deluxe & At Home Business] Note that taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $58,000 or less in 2010 can file electronically for free through the IRS web site at freefile.IRS.gov.

2.       Boost IRA Savings. Contributing to a traditional IRA is one of the last ways to really reduce your 2010 taxable income before April 18.  You have until the very last day to contribute to this retirement account and deduct the amount from your taxable income. The dollar limit contribution for 2010 is $5,000 is you’re 49 or younger. $6,000 if you’re age 50 or older.

3.       Remember the Basics. Be sure to sign and date your 1040. Review your personal identification – social security, address, business ID (for business owners), etc.  

4.       Opt for Direct Deposit. Another perk to filing electronically is that if you're expecting a refund, you can get your check sent directly to your savings account. And because you avoid snail mail you can probably get paid a week early.

5.       Add Up All Your Write-Offs.  Deductible expenses here and there can add up to big savings come tax day. Job hunting-related expenses such as relocation (50 miles away from current home), travel and meals, copies, faxes, are eligible for a tax deduction. Also, if you are self-employed you may receive deductions for insurance paid out of pocket and any self-employment taxes.  Don’t forget deductions for student loan interest and medical savings accounts, too.

6.       Make a Copy of Your Return. It will come in handy when filling out next year’s return. Plus if you apply for a mortgage or a refinance, banks will want to see your tax return.  Keep returns for an average 3 years from when it was filed, during which time the IRS is most likely to audit (if at all).

7.       Stay Organized. As soon as you’re done filing make sure you keep all your paperwork organized. Your return, your paystubs, your receipts, will all come in handy down the road if (and I hope this doesn’t happen) the IRS decides to audit your return or if there is a discrepancy between the IRS records and what you claimed and you need to prove that, indeed, you filed everything correctly. 

8.       Out of Time? Get an Extension. If you absolutely can’t make the April 18^th deadline this year, you can request a six-month extension by filling out the IRS Form 4868.

Would you like to win the H&R Block Deluxe Tax Software?  All you need to do is:

• Become a Follower of this blog
• Give me one way that you organize and prepare yourself for tax season

You have until Wednesday, February 16th at midnight to enter.  


Good Luck and Happy Tax Season!

Interview with Farnoosh Torabi (free eBook)

Last week, I was given the opportunity to interview Farnoosh Torabi, the personal finance journalist, author and TV personality.  I was elated to ask a few finance and office organizational questions that you my find helpful.  It is important to me that I keep my family in a good financial state.  Just one more thing on my path to Becoming Classy and Sophisticated.

Take a moment and watch the interview, sponsored by Office Depot.

 

On side note, I was looking at her website and found a free offer for her new book, Psych Yourself Rich. 

Returning Injury-- Thought Provoking

I recently read a book by author, Becky Due that I simply had to share with you.

Returning Injury is about Rebecca who after years of fearing her past finally finds the strength to put it behind her. Her husband, Jack, leaves town on business leaving confident Rebecca at home. She chooses to spend her time alone catching up on work for her PR Firm which works with women. Preparing a proposal for her client you read about some disturbing facts about abuse (various forms) and what it does to women. Quickly you are pulled into her past and fear that it will catch up with her.

Suspense novels have never been a favorite genre of mine, but Returning Injury kept me reading. I would find myself sneaking in to read just one more page and before I knew it, I had finished the book. Certainly hard to put down! I love that this story was very thought provoking. I related to Rebecca in so many ways and kept asking myself if I am safe and what can I do to be more "powerful". I will be taking a self defense class next month to empower me a little more.


Don't forget to enter my giveaway on the previous post.  

Progresso Souper You Debut GIVEAWAY

Available in 40 delicious flavors with 100 calories or less, Progresso® Soup can help curb your hunger, making it easier for you to stick to your weight management plan all year long. With hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, corn and rice, and flavor-packed vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, Progresso Soup varieties with 100 calories or less offer a good source of fiber and a full serving of vegetables.

To help kick off a new outlook on the New Year, Progresso is excited to announce the return of the "Souper You™ Debut" contest! From January 3rd through March 16th, you and your readers can visit Progresso on Facebook to enter for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 20th-22nd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in an NYC hotel, a full makeover, a guided wardrobe shopping spree with a personal consultation at a New York City department store, and $1,000 in spending money.

To enter, you’ll need to do the following:

• Go to Progresso on Facebook to learn more and enter the contest
• Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love their soups that contain 100 calories or less, and why you deserve a chance to win a trip to NYC for a full fashion overhaul
• In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit Progresso on Facebook from March 30th through April 13th to vote for your favorite.

Visit the Facebook page to download a coupon for $1.00 off four (4) cans of Progresso Soup and to check out makeover videos provided by MyStyle.com and the Style Network. Be sure to also "Follow" Progresso on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Progresso.




For my readers, Progresso through My Blogspark, is giving away a great prize pack.  It contains a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup, as well as a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands.  


To enter, simply leave me a comment.  That's it!  You have until Saturday, February 5th at midnight to enter.