Say Hello to My Little Friend...

...the Dirt Devil Swift Stick Vacuum. {Please know, I get no compensation or payment for doing this, but I must review this vac since it's been so handy!} I received this for Christmas this year and I am loving it for everyday little pickups. It's easy to use, lightweight, quick and not too noisy. The suction could be (a little) better; however, it picks up the crumbs my three year old tends to accumulate under/around/on her chair after meal times and that is what we wanted it for instead of lugging out the heavy-duty vacuum regularly. The on-board tool fit a bit looser than what was pictured on the box also. On the plus side, the vac was easy to assemble and very easy to clean. A lower button releases all your 'junk' into your garbage can and there are no filters to buy either (they do sell a replacement cartridge, but it's not one that you need to change out every few weeks like a regular vac bag/filter). The chamber and filter are very easy to clean once the dust builds up - regular cleaning does allow the vac to perform a bit better. So overall, I would have to say I give this little guy a B rating.

Mine was purchased for me at Bed, Bath and Beyond...remember, with their store coupons they run (20% off or $5 off a specific amount), you can save a little change. Be sure to read this VERY interesting post about the coupons - you won't be sorry! What's your favorite quick clean tool in your closet?

(Image courtesy Dirt Devil via Bed, Bath and Beyond)

GAP Give and Get = Shopping Karma

I absolutely LOVE this promo - it's a great idea and I participate in it every year. GAP offers a Give and Get coupon - 30% off of anything for 4 days - with 5% going to the charity of YOUR choice (they have a group you get to pick from and they are all worthy charities). You can send an invite to participate to 25 of your friends - if they buy, 5% of their purchase will be donated to that charity of your choice. Although 5% isn't a ton, there is a domino effect going on here and as they say, every little bit adds up.

I urge you to participate in this when it rolls around next time - keep your eyes peeled. Here's a sampling for what I got for just about $60 with the 30% OFF! Three basic layering shirts for me (came to $8.75 for the Favorite tees and $10.50 for the gray super soft tee), uber cute legwarmers for Miss Gabi (hello, $7!) and some new cologne for the hubs (under $20). Right now, they have an online special running through November 22nd. Get 25% off your entire purchase (regularly priced items only) by entering GIFT123 at checkout (some exclusions apply - check the website for full details).


(Images courtesy of GAP)

G is for GREAT deal!

I have been a HUGE fan of Jenn Ski for awhile and was excited when she came out with her Actopus to Zelephant Animal line (screams summer - pool, exploring, zoo - with a toddler). I've been stalking her etsy site for some time, debating on whether to splurge on some items or not. When I was at Michaels the other weekend, I found that line at the store! And you know what?!? If you go online to Michaels.com and sign up for their newsletter, you get a 50% off coupon on regular priced items. Her line is regular priced! So, I got the pack of Alphabet cards (so incredibly cute) for a whopping $3.56. What a steal!

The animal cards have an adorable illustration by Jenn on the front and details of each animal printed on the back. Cute and educational - what more could a mom want! I'm sold and will be getting more items there to scrap this summer. As for her etsy shop, I will be saving up to purchase that keepsake piece for my daughter. She also has a vinyl etsy shop of her artwork and a vintage goods etsy shop. Happy Shopping!

What is your best item you found for a steal?

(images courtesy of Jenn Ski Etsy and K & Company via Michaels)