Frugal and Fabulous Friday

One of the things that I am most often complemented on is my style!

I LOVE fashion, but what I love more... A BARGAIN ON FASHION!!

I'm not talking about Splurge {$978} vs. Steal {$79}, I'm talking about fashions that you find for next to nothing!

A few years back I came across a "thrifty fashion" blog {I have scoured to find the original inspiration blog}, much like this one... of course my first thought was... "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT!"

It's what I do!

It's who I am!!

I could literally right a book on this!!!

There are few things that I would say I'm GREAT at, but I WILL say that I am GREAT at finding the very best deals!

Since I came across that blog, my intentions have been to share with you all of these frugal and fabulous finds, but hey, better late than never, right!!

So, today I will start!!

I think, for some reason, people do not give thrift stores a chance.

They are TREASURE TROVES, people! If you haven't been lately... RUN, don't walk to your nearest thrift store!  Often times you will find items with tags still attached but even something that has been worn once or twice has amazing life still left in it!

And Clearance racks at your favorite store... I have gotten to the point where I won't shop a rack unless it is at least 70% off! {thrift snob!}

So, here is my first of what I hope will be many examples...

Jeans: SO {Kohl's} $6.30

Shirt: Apt. 9 {Kohl's} $3.57 

{notice the adorable sequin detail around the collar and cuffs!}

Necklace: ? {Kohl's} $1.87

Belt: ? {Kohls}4.08

Shoes: Anne Klein {Goodwill}$3.75

Total: $19.57

{and entire outfit complete with accessories for under $20!}

*My secret at Kohls... don't look at any racks accept the 80% off or more and I make sure I have a coupon for 15%-30% off on top of that!

I can't wait to show you the thrifty dress and shoes I am altering!!!

You can do Hard Things

Hi, My name is Lis and I'm an addict.  It has been 21 days since my last fix.

For the past 4 years I have looked forward to Lent... I am not Catholic but I love the Lord with all my heart, and while I may not be able to do hard things simply for myself, I have been very successful when I focus on doing them for Him!

In the past I have given up things such as M&M's and Starbucks... things that I have VERY regularly and almost feel that I need for survival!

This year I was inspired to go BIG... Like, REALLY BIG...

NO REFINED SUGAR!!!

Wait, before you say anything, this is the feedback I have heard the most...

"I could NEVER give up sugar"

Oh honey, YES YOU CAN!

Let me just tell you a little about me... I may not be addicted to drugs or alcohol, but sugar has been an addiction for me!

Definition of ADDICT

1: to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively <addicted to gambling>

2: to cause addiction to a substance in (a person or animal)

I am a baker, so that poses an extra layer of challenges... heaven forbid you would just mix and bake... OH NO, you have to "sample" a good portion of the dough, right!!

Just so you can get a frame of reference about my "addiction", this is a small sampling of the "sugar laden" foods that I would eat in one day...

2-3 granola bars, about 1/2 cup of M&M's, maybe some sugary cereal, a Venti Cafe Mocha {although I would request 2 pumps of the mocha vs. 5} some variety of baked goods {cookies, puppy chow, etc} and when I say cookies, we're not talking one... we're talking about 5 cookies worth in dough and then another 3-4... Just to be sure they are ok to serve to others!

Long story short, If I can do it, you can do it if that were your desire!

How did I decide to give up something so radical for 40+ days, you ask... oh you didn't ask, well i'll share anyway.

SUGAR MAKES ME REALLY CRABBY!!!!!
{the fact that I have lost 6 pounds so far is a great bonus!}

I really NEEDED to make the change... for myself...but especially for my loved ones.

I will not lie, this has been a challenge!  But I have not faltered! Each day has gotten a little easier.  I have been creative with new ideas to satisfy that sweet tooth {see recipe below}. The greatest feeling is knowing that I can do something that originally seemed almost impossible.  
I wanted to encourage you today, if you are struggling with something that maybe seems impossible to overcome, or that has an unhealthy hold on you...
YOU TOO, CAN DO HARD THINGS!

{I have created the 2 signs that you are welcome to print off for yourself!}

Here is my fave "sugar-free" recipe thus far...
{from Preventionrd}

Bottom Layer:
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 packets stevia

Top Layer:
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup natural smooth peanut butter
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 packet stevia

Directions:

Line a mini muffin tray with 11 paper liners.

Stir all ingredients for the bottom layer together until smooth and divide between the wells (each should be about half full). Put the tray in the freezer on a flat surface and freeze until solid (about 15 minutes).

Meanwhile, stir all ingredients together for the top layer until smooth and divide on top of the set chocolate mixture. Return to the freezer and freeze until solid. Store the treats in the freezer.

Yield: 11 peanut butter cups.

Nutrition Information (per cup): 116 calories; 11.1 g. fat; 0 mg. cholesterol; 55 mg. sodium; 3.6 g. carbohydrate; 1.5 g. fiber; 3.2 g. protein

{These are AMAZING!!!!!}

Linking up at:
Southern Lovely
Someday Crafts
Reasons to skip the housework