Hello friends and welcome to another episode of You Choose the Shoes. Today’s outfit was for a casual Friday as you know I don’t normally wear pants to work. These black and white ones were purchased from Walmart #WearWalmart and the sleeveless top was a purchase from either TJMaxx or Ross.
The contenders for this week are Red & White Gingham versus the Simply Red wedges both of which are from Payless.
The bracelet is Old Navy, statement necklace, Walmart and watch from Avon. Which pair do you like better with the printed pants, the pattern or is that too busy?
Perhaps the pop of brighter red looked better?
What do you think?
Thanks for all the votes from last week and for the first time it was a tie!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it’s advertiser. All opinions are 100% mine alone. #FireUpTheGrill #CollectiveBias
Sssh..don’t say this too loudly but it’s almost the end of the summer season…I may not miss the sizzle of the sun, but I will definitely miss the sizzle of the grillespecially on the weekends.
Last week I decided to fire up the grill and make chicken and veggie kabobs, a quick and easy side salad and a pitcher of cold and refreshing Country Time lemonade.
Hubby and I headed over to Walmart to get the fresh veggies, Kraft dressings, including a bottle of Zesty Lime Vinaigrette for the pasta salad; and a bottle Kraft Three Cheese Ranch to use as a dipping sauce for the grilled veggies and chicken. For the salad, I also picked up a package of Kraft Sharp Cheddar Shredded Cheese and a pack of Pepper Jack Cheese because you know I like it spicy!
You can basically use any veggie for the kabobs, but I chose yellow summer squash, red onion, mushrooms and sweet Zima tomatoes, all of which can be found in the fresh market produce section at Walmart. I also picked up a bag of mini Sweet Peppers, I love eating those as snacks!
A little twist was added to the CountryTime lemonade with chunks of fresh watermelon and cantaloup also from Walmart’s fresh produce section and I must admit, not only were these melons sweet they also had a a sweet price!
To see the complete recipe and instructions for making the pasta salad, check out my Brunch with Blake video below.
Summertime is fun time for pool parties, picnics and parades and the last thing you want to do is spend it indoors cooking, so head outside and #FireUpTheGrill. Create your ownstyle of chicken and veggie kabobs and dip them into some Kraft Creamy Ranch Dressing. With so many varieties to choose from there’s gotta be a flavor that everybody will love.
What is your favorite summer grilled food? Click here to check out Kraft’s digital cookbook for more mouth watering recipes.
Chicken and Veggie Kabobs
If using wooden skewers, allow them to soak in a dish of water for a few minutes first to keep them from burning on the grill
Ingredients:
Skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into chunks then cooked in the oven for about 10 minutes @ 350~ or you can boil them. I prefer to cook the chicken so that veggies don’t burn as they cook very quickly on the grill
2 – yellow summer squash – sliced and halved
1 – container of mushrooms, stems removed and washed thoroughly (see my IG video for a “Toni’s Tip”)
8 -mini sweet peppers, halved
½ – Red onion, sliced (see my IG video for a no-tear onion cutting tip)
1 – package of Cherry or Sweet Yellow Tomatoes
1 bottle of Kraft Creamy Ranch Dressing – any flavor
Seasoning Salt (optional)
Cooking Oil Spray
Instructions:
Heat Grill (follow instructions for propane or charcoal)
Preheat oven to 350~
Cut chicken breasts/tenderloins into chunks, then place them, single layer in a small pan or tray and spray with cooking oil. Cook for 10 mins or until no longer pink
Allow chicken to cool just enough to handle
Skewer veggies and chicken alternating each
Sprinkle with seasoning salt (optional)
Spray each side with a little cooking spray
Place Kabobs on grill, but use a grill mat or grill pan because veggies tend to soften and fall through the open grates or onto the ground…have you ever stepped barefoot onto a grilled cherry tomato…hot hot hot!
Grill kabobs for 5 minutes then turn – grill for another 5 minutes then remove – turn, turn don’t burn
10. Remove from grill, and allow to rest for 5 minutes then yell…dinner’s ready!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine alone. #Save4Summer #CollectiveBias
Family fun with lots of sun at the beach or down at the shore is a great way to spend a hot summer day. However, gas prices can go up and down literally overnight, which means sometimes those road trips to visit family and friends or down to the beach or shore can really bite into your family’s budget.
There are a few ways in which to save this summer and one is by switching over to Walmart’s Family Mobile plan. Not only can you save a little money with this plan, but you can count on it to be the same monthly service costs with no overnight fluctuations.
Disclaimer: All prices for phones and plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/ax84 or your local Walmart for current pricing.
At the writing of this post the Walmart’s Family Mobile‘s 4G LTE ervice plan was $29.88/month (for the first line) Unlimited Talk, Text & Data service plan which includes up to 1G of 4G LTE data.
Switching to the Walmart Family Mobile plan can free up some funds for other summer fun events like trips to amusement parks, local concerts and outdoor festivals.
I know that we all can use a little extra savings this summer, so why not pack up those savings, along with a picnic basket, and don’t forget to grab your LG Leon Smartphone…
…then hit the road and head down to the beach or to the shore or anywhere you want to explore for a wonderful day with the family.
I can wait to see all those #summerselfies that you take with the LG Leon!
Knowing how to help aging parents is tough for everyone. It can be an unexpectedly difficult topic to address for all parties involved because it usually entails painful emotions that are difficult to process. If this is an experience you are going through, know that you are not alone and that it’s ok to feel what you’re feeling.
Here are some simple tips that will help you get through this difficult time and find your aging parents the right care:
Recognize the signs.
The first step in helping your aging parent is recognizing the signs that they need additional or professional elderly care. One adult child reported that it took his aging father driving his car through the back wall of his garage to realize he needed assisted living. But there are many simple signs that can let you know your parent needs help before anything that drastic happens:
Does your parent tend to wander, even in the short time it may take you to go to the bathroom, or step into the other room for a moment? They might be experiencing dementia.
Do they display aggravated behavior later in the day? This is another sign that they might be experiencing dementia.
Is their current home becoming a less safe place for them? If so, they probably need the attention that you can’t give them on your own.
Senior woman on wheelchair taking her husband’s hand.
Have an open conversation.
Broaching the subject of assisted living, or any kind of elderly health care for that matter, can be incredibly difficult for both parents and adult children. It can be especially challenging when a parent is refusing help. That’s why it’s best to recognize the early signs and approach the conversation before they need urgent help. It might also be necessary to enlist the help of others, in hopes that the more loving support they have, the more likely your parent will change their mind about getting help. If all else fails, know that you can call social services if your parent is of serious danger to themselves or others.
That all being said, remember that your parent is much more likely to agree to receiving elderly care if you have an honest, upfront, and open conversation with them about it. Communicate love and concern as you address this subject and discuss options. Let them know that you are looking out for their best interest and listen to their concerns as well. You may be surprised at how open they are to getting the help they need.
Multi-Generation Family Enjoying Walk In Beautiful Countryside
Scope out your options
It’s important to take the time and effort necessary to research your care options before deciding on any particular plan. If you’re concerned about your budget, remember: you’re looking for the right help, not necessarily the most expensive. In any therapy situation, it’s important to find the place where the patient will receive the individual, personalized care that works best for their condition. It’s easy to be quickly enamored by a care center or program that appears to be the most expensive, has the most state-of-the-art equipment, the newest looking facilities, etc. But the most expensive place isn’t always the right one; especially for the elderly.
If your parent is going to receive home care, there are plenty of options beyond simple housekeeping and daily check ups. Social work, chaplain assistance, and a wide variety of therapies (including physical, occupational, speech, and music) are just a few of the home care options available today. Click here for an idea of what kind of home care treatments are available to you and your parent.
people together icons
Be your parent’s advocate
Empathy is key in establishing a healthy relationship between you and your parent at this stage of your lives. Empathize with your parents. Put yourself in their shoes and be their advocate with the rest of the world. Any nurse will tell you that it’s your responsibility to be your loved one’s advocate in any medical situation. Do your part to see that your parent’s needs are being met. No matter what the situation, continue to spend time with them. The more love and attention elderly parents have from their family members, the more likely they are to live a rewarding elderly life.
Save on all of your leather goods with the current promo at Wilsons Leather! With this discount take an extra $10.00 off your order of $100 or more and receive free shipping! Although it is summer, it is time to start preparing your fall wardrobe by stocking up on leather coats, gloves and accessories! In addition to traditional leather jackets, Wilsons also carries clothing items including dresses, pants, shorts, tops and more! Hurry to WilsonsLeather.com to save during this sale! This offer is valid at WilsonsLeather.com now through 7/31/15!
Spruce up your home and save on artwork and frames from art.com. art.com carries a wide variety of art styles that will work perfectly in your home. Shop for artwork and prints by subject matter, room in your home or art style conveniently online at art.com. Save now with art.com’s current promo. With this sale, save 25% on all orders of art, prints, posters, fine art, decorative and more. Shop now and add unique touches to every room in your home while saving! Offer ends 7/31/15.
Make every party and event a little more fun this year with fun jelly bean products from Jelly Belly! Save online this season at JellyBelly.com. Order fun Jelly Belly products by shopping online. Unique options at JellyBelly.com include sugar-free Jelly Belly, Bean Boozled, Sport Beans Disney and Tobasco! This summer save with Jelly Belly’s current promo! Save 15% on party bags of jelly beans and receive free shipping on orders of $55! Savings end 7/31/15.
If you are an educator or parent of a school aged child, save on supplies and equipment this back -to -school season with DiscountSchoolSupplies.com. Discount School Supplies has the best deals on all educational related supplies. Save on school supplies now at DiscountSchoolSupply.com and take $15 off any purchase of $100 or more. Also receive free shipping on any order of $79 or more. Hurry and prepare for the upcoming school year during this promo! Savings end 831/15.
Make your work environment more fun with modern, sleek office supplies from poppin.com. Poppin is dedicated to changing the way that you view and interact with your work environment by rethinking office supply basics. Reinvent your office and save now at poppin.com. Save during their current summer promo and receive 15% off your order of $150 or more. Shop now and see what poppin.com has to offer your workspace. This promo ends on 7/31/15! Offer excludes gift cards.
Add some unique, artisan-crafted home goods from around the world your home and save with World Market’s current promo. Shop online at WorldMarket.com and browse authentic imported goods including home furnishings, rugs & curtains, decor & pillows, outdoor furnishings and decor and more! Fill your home with beautiful housewares from around the world during WordMarket.com’s current promo and save with a 10% discount off your purchase. Hurry and add some new flair to your home at WorldMarket.com. Offer ends on 7/31/15.
Save on classic beauty products from the iconic Elizabeth Arden this season with 15% off your first purchase at ElizabethArden.com. Browse cult classics like the much acclaimed Eight Hour Cream, or explore newer Elizabeth Arden items like the Presage anti-aging line during this promo and save with this discount. Shop conveniently online at ElizabethArden.com and stock up on all of your favorite beauty essentials this season. Shop now and save! These amazing savings end on 7/30.
Tame your wild summer hair with the help of Conair and save during their current promo! Shop online at conair.com and browse top quality hair styling tools including hair dryers, straighteners, hair setters, curling irons and more to help you get salon quality styling results from the comfort of your home! Redeem savings online at conair.com. Enter promo code at check out to receive a 15% discount off your purchase. Shop now! This discount ends on 7/31.
Find the perfect dress for any occasion this summer with the stylish dress options at Dress Barn! Carrying a wide variety of sizes, including petites and plus sizes, you are certain to find a dress that is the perfect fit for you. Shop online at DressBarn.com and save with 20% off any 1 regularly priced item. In addition to their famous dresses, Dress Barn also carries a wide selection of women’s clothing including pants, shorts, shirts and more! Hurry to DressBarn.com and save on a variety of styles and trends this season!
Stock up on the latest trends this season at stylish women’s retailer AlloyApparel.com. Alloy carries the top trends and styles in junior’s fashion and accessories with their online store and catalogue. Shop and save now on summer essentials like dresses, swimwear, denim and sandals at AlloyApparel.com by taking 20% OFF your purchase at Alloy! Hurry to AlloyApparel.com to save on everything you need to complete your warm-weather wardrobe for the season while this amazing sale lasts!
Home Shopping Network is offering an incredible deal for new customers at HSN.com! Shop online at HSN.com and receive a new customer promo of $20 off your $40+ purchase! Browse savings and deals on a wide variety of items including: home items, shoes, apparel, jewelry, beauty products, sports items and more! Hurry and shop conveniently online at HSN.com to see what you can save on with your first time purchase. These amazing savings end on 7/31/15!
Save on new men’s clothing items this season with Jos A. Bank’s Clearance Savings, including discounts of up to 70% off! Visit JosBank.com to browse end of season clearance items including suits, sports coats, dress pants, dress shirts, golf polos, dress shirts and more! Hurry to JosBank to see how you can save! Quantities are limited, and are these savings are only available while supplies last. Save even further with FREE SHIPPING offers online. These savings end on 7/31!
This season save on the perfect jewelry for you or someone else with Kay Jewelers’ Summer Clearance Sale! Check out this incredible sale at Kay.com and save up to 50% during this Summer Clearance event. Some of the amazing savings intricate rings, unique necklaces and bracelets, earrings, pendants and more! Hurry to kay.com to see how you can save on the perfect gift or a special something for yourself. This amazing Summer Clearance Sale ends on 9/30!
In addition to being the nation’s largest lighting retailer, LampsPlus.com also offers savings on a wide selection of home items such as furniture, home decor and outdoor supplies! Shop for home items conveniently online at LampsPlus.com and receive a discount of $10 off your order of $150 or more with code! Redeem this deal and save on whatever it is that you need for your home this summer season. Hurry and shop! This promo ends on 9/30/15!
If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone, or a fun treat for yourself, Life Is Good is the place for you! This popular lifestyle company carries apparel, accessories, home goods, pet accessories and more featuring their fun, optimistic slogans. Shop online at Lifeisgood.com and save extra on clearance items this summer season! Now through July 15th receive an EXTRA 10% discount off all clearance items at Lifeisgood.com with code! Hurry and shop while supplies last!
Find your perfect summer wardrobe apparel items and save now at popular women’s retailer Loft! Shop online at Loft.com now through July 13th and save with up to 75% off originally priced items! Stock up on flirty summer dresses, casual tees and tanks, casual skirts, comfy shorts and other warm-weather essentials during this blowout sale at Loft.com. Hurry and shop this promo online at Loft.com while sale supplies last. These incredible savings end on 7/13!
In need of new summer apparel, accessories and shoes, but don’t have time to go to the store? Shop conveniently online at LordandTaylor.com to shop the retailer’s wide selection of top brands and styles for men, women and children. Brand offerings include: Lauren Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Sperry, Free People and more! When you shop from home, online at LordandTaylor.com, save with FREE SHIPPING on your order of $99 or more (or your beauty purchase of $49 or more).
Our life long dream…work for about 30 years, pay off the mortgage, get the kids through college then retire and start enjoying life traveling around the world.
Not once were the words “you have cancer” part of thatdream. Oh, it’s a phrase and a harsh reality that I’ve heard too many times from too many family members, however, I never thought I would be hearing it about my own spouse.
Approximately 2 months after hubby signed his retirement papers, he was diagnosed with small intestinal cancer, the surgery and recovery came and went before his official retirement date of July 1.
Now with a new reality mixed in with that dream, we are on a mission to downsize our home, and move into a no-shoveling or lawn/pool maintenance 55+ community so let the ride begin!
You are cordially invited to tag along, so hop in, buckle up and let’s get started on these Road Trips to Retirement…you never know, we just might become neighbors!
As a Boomer who Blogs with a Millennial Mind, it only seemed natural to not only blog about but to also vlog about our adventures in finding a new home in a 55+ community. We want to begin this journey in the state of Delaware for several reasons. First of all, I am not 55, so my retirement date is still a few years off and secondly our oldest son, who is intellectually disabled may be living with us for several more years. He loves his school, job and the benefits he receives in Delaware which are probably much better than those in other states.
Our youngest, currently a sophomore at Bowie State University is loving school and doing well, but I can see him returning home after graduation just long enough to save up enough to have a good financial foundation before he starts on his life’s journey.
Last Saturday hubby and I drove to New York to attend a graduation party for my best friend’s daughter. Prior to returning the rental car, we decided to take a Sunday cruise and check out the new 55+ community by Blenheim Homes, The Ponds at Bayberry, so this is where our adventure begins.
We toured several of the homes, 3 were fully staged and 2 were Quick Delivery models. This particular model, The Loren had an awesome layout, unfortunately it was also a two story and we are avoiding steps all all costs, however, Tayair would love it #Eagle’s Territory!
Now I want you to take a quick video tour of The Cooper, The Loren and The Tracey models then leave me a comment below as to which one you liked the best.
Wait until you see which one I chose…I could actually see myself sipping Sangrias in the Sunroom!
The Ponds at Bayberry is a 55 and Better Active Adult Community centrally located for travel and shopping in an exclusive country setting, offering 389 single family detached ranch homes with a variety of social and community amenities. Tree line streets, walking trails and shortened neighborhood blocks. We are looking forward to coming back for a visit once the Resort like amenities are built.
The white strappy heels were purchased last season from Rainbow Shops and the flats are this season’s purchase from Payless. You guys know I have a lot of shoes, and I have finally begun to purge some of them. I can’t believe that I only work 1/4 of my winter shoes – ridiculous!
The statement necklace is Walmart and bracelet from Old Navy.
So will it be the strappy white sandals or the blue flats for this outfit?
Thank you for the votes last week, the winner was:
Don’t forget to download my app via GooglePlay for this week’s coupons and awesome savings!
Trying to save money, but still enjoy in relaxing indulgences like luxury bath items? Shop more and save more with Crabtree and Evelyn’s current promo of buy 2 get 2 free! With this deal, save when you purchase any 2 500 mL value sized products, by getting two products of the same size for FREE. Choose from Crabtree and Evelyn favorite scents including: Nantucket Briar, Summer Hill, La Source, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Rosewater. Shop this amazing discount online at Crabtree-Evelyn.com and save on the luxury that you deserve!
If you are in need of new warm-weather beauty essentials, but are trying to save money, look no further than DermStore.com. Save when you sign up for the DermStore newsletter and get $10 off you purchase of $50 or more along with FREE samples and FREE 1-3 day shipping. Shop and save on top beauty brands like Alterna, PCA, Skinceuticals, Obagi, Avene, Dermalogica and more. Hurry to DermStore.com to redeem. Offer valid for new email addresses only. Some brand exclusions apply. New customers only.
Save on a wide variety of products from the Disney Store by shopping online at Disneystore.com to receive FREE SHIPPING on you entire order of $75 or more. Shop character and park products, including clothing, accessories, toys, home décor items and more! Save on the perfect gift, or a treat for yourself with this promo. Characters include Frozen, Star Wars, Inside Out, Mickey & Friends and more. Hurry to Disneystore.com to receive FREE SHIPPING with promo code. Some restrictions apply.
Save on the top trends of the summer season during Express.com’s incredible Clearance Sale! With this amazing sale at Express, shop items discounted up to 70% off. Even better, take an additional 30% OFF already reduced clearance items at Express.com. Women’s summer clearance styles include rompers, skater dresses, one-shoulder dresses, maxi dresses, skirts and more! Men’s sale items include v-necks, pocket tees, polo shirts and more. Hurry to Express.com to shop and save on warm-weather clearance apparel and accesories today.
Footsmart.com offers footwear solutions for any foot-related health issues. Shop now and save with a 10% off discount on Footsmart.com’s top products for arthritic knees, calf pain, iliotibial Band Syndrome, knee pain, runner’s knee and shin splints. Save on comfort items at Footsmart.com including night splints, knee sleeves, ankle wraps, compression socks and more. Hurry to Footsmart.com today to see how you can fix what ails you with their wide selection of leg and foot comfort items. Offer ends on 7/31/15!
Gander Mountain is your source for savings on outdoor activity supplies this season. Experts in hunting, fishing, camping, boating and more, you are guaranteed to find exactly what you need when you shop in store or online GanderMountain.com. Outdoor apparel brands at GanderMountain.com include Carhartt, The North Face, Under Armour and Costa Del Mar. Save on your outdoor sporting needs this summer by shopping online at GanderMountain.com and receive a discount of $5 off every $50 you spend. Save up to $40 with this promo! Stock up on everything you need for your outdoor adventures today!
Looking for the perfect gift for a special occasion this season? GiftTree.com is your online marketplace for every event. Event specific gifts range from Thank you baskets, to Anniversary flowers, to Sympathy gift baskets to Birthday balloon boquets. Gift options include gift baskets, floral arrangements, wine & champagne baskets, fruit baskets and more. This summer save with GiftTree.com’s promo of 20% off summer flowers with discount code. Hurry and show you care by saving on the perfect gift at GiftTree.com. Offer ends 7/31/15.
Let Harry & David help you host the perfect event this summer or give the perfect gift for any occasion. Save on gifts or entertaining sets online at HarryandDavid.com. Summer entertaining essentials include: The Perfect Picnic, Appetizers & Sides, Gourmet Snacks and Backyard Grilling. Now through 8/17 receive 15% off your order of $75 or more. This offer cannot be used on previous purchases and excludes purchase of gift cards, wine products, chocolate-dipped fresh fruit, Surprise & Delight gifts, Stock Yards products and The Cheesecake Factory products.
Let Advance Auto Parts help you save more the more you spend online at AdvanceAutoParts.com. Shop online at Advance Auto Parts and receive a promo of $10 off orders of $30+, $20 off orders of $60+, $30 off orders of $90+, $40 off orders of $120+ and $50 off orders of $150+. You can also shop online and pick up your item in-store within 30 minutes. Save on products ranging from cooling & heating, electronics & navigation, tools, fluids & garage and brakes, steering & suspension. Hurry and shop for whatever auto needs you have online at AdvanceAutoParts.com. Offer ends 7/4/15.
Shop you favorite Discovery Channel Store items and save this season with $10 off your order of $50 or more. Whether you are shopping for yourself or trying to find the perfect gift for the science lover in your life, you will find savings on the perfect item at www.Store.Discovery.com. Save on merchandise and DVDs from your favorite shows including Deadliest Catch, Shark Week, Myth Busters, Fast N’ Loud and more. Promo exclusions apply (to Bundles, Custom, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Gift Boxes, Gift Cards, Voucher and Telescopes).
Charlotte Russe is your shopping destination for the hottest trends of the season at prices that you can afford. Save even more on the trendiest summer styles with CharlotteRusse.com’s current promo. During this sale, save with 10% off your purchase of $75 or more with promo code. Stock up on warm-weather trends like t-shirt dresses, maxi skirts, shorts, strappy sandals and more during this promo. Visit CharlotteRusse.com to redeem code. Hurry! Offer is valid 6/18 through 7/5 at 3:00 a.m. EST.
Save on your new athletic apparel this season with classic sportswear line Champion’s current promotional savings. During Hanes.com/Champion’s Refer-A-Friend Program save 20% off your purchase! With this promo, give you friend a 20% OFF discount and earn a 20% OFF discount for yourself. Shop Champion’s athletic summer styles online at Hanes.com/Champion to view promo details. Stock up on warm-weather workout essentials such as shorts, sports bras, tanks and more during this sale. The Champion Life Collection is excluded from this discount.
FragranceX.com is your online source for savings on top fragrance brands for men and women. Shop for a new fragrance this season online at FragranceX.com and save even more with a promo of 10% off your entire order. Top fragrance brands offered at FragranceX.com include: Dolce & Gabbana, BVLGARI, Burberry, Calvin Klein and more. In addition to savings on perfume, FragranceX.com also carries discounted skincare and makeup products. Save on all of your fragrance, skin care and beauty needs this season with FragranceX.com’s current promotional savings.
In addition to savings in retail stores across the nation, Kmart also offers online savings and discounts at Kmart.com. Shop online at Kmart.com and save with deals on home décor & bedding, toys, electronics, clothing, cosmetics and more. This year, save even more at Kmart.com by taking a discount of $10 OFF your Kmart.com purchase of $100 or more. This summer save big on warm-weather outdoor and beach essentials like pools, coolers, grills, swing sets and more online at Kmart.com.
Save on survival food and emergency food storage at WiseFoodStorage.com during their current promo. With this promo, save with FREE SHIPPING and a 5% discount off on your order of $200 or more. Shop and save online at WiseFoodStorage.com. Visit website to redeem savings code. The Wise Company offers discounts on long-term food kits, emergency food kits, emergency supplies and more. Perfect for camping or emergency situations, WiseFoodStorage.com has what you need. Hurry and stock up on survival essentials today at WiseFoodStorage.com.
In addition to retail stores across the nation, New York and Company also offers online retail at NYandCompany.com/nyco. Save on stylish work apparel for the season with discounts from New York & Company. Sign up online at NYandCompany.com/nyco to receive a newsletter of their best offers, latest news and all things NY&C and save with $25 off your purchase of $75 or more. Stock up and save during this New York & Company promo on professional warm-weather essentials such as dresses, suits, skirts, dress pants and more.
FamousFootwear.com is your source for online savings on all of the top shoe trends and brands this season. Save even more on all of your foot wear purchases this summer by taking 15% off your purchase at FamousFootwear.com. During this promo, receive a discount on top shoe brands including Nike, Keds, Stride Rite, Reebok, Circus by Sam Edelman and more. Hurry to FamousFootwear.com and stock up on all of your warm-weather footwear needs while these savings last. Promo ends 7/5/15!
This season, stock up on classic menswear essentials at PerryEllis.com and save with their exclusive online offer. With this promo save with $25 off your purchase of $75 or more. Redeem these incredible savings by shopping online at PerryEllis.com. During this promo save on classic men’s styles such as dress shirts, polos & knits, suits, vests, pants and more. Hurry to Perry Ellis and save on all of your menswear needs while these savings last. This promo ends on 7/31/15.
Within the next few years, hubby and I will be downsizing and moving into a 55+ development but I have begun the process of decluttering now. If you are also looking to downsize or are preparing to sell your home this summer, here are a few tips to help you.
Do you need to sell your home this summer?
You are in luck because summer is the best time of year to sell. Tax refunds tend to bring many potential buyers into the house hunt and many families want to move during summer break in order to avoid disrupting school. Summer also brings better weather for moving, as you are not likely to have to move during a rain or snow storm.
As you put your house on the market, follow these guidelines to help your house sell more quickly this summer:
Interior Of Beautiful Contemporary Lounge
1. Price it Right: Shave 10-15% off the home’s value from the beginning. You run the risk of not getting the value, but the reward may be a bidding war that sends the final bid above the value. At the very least it could lead to a faster result.
2. Half Empty Closets: You will want to show off the storage space available, so take quite a bit out of the closets. Keep the remaining items organized as most buyers will open most closets.
3. Maximize Lighting: A bright house is more appealing so take the time to clean windows, take down drapes and curtains, increase light bulb wattage, and trim trees or bushes that may be blocking windows.
4. Put Pets Away: Not everyone likes pets or they may even be allergic. When your house is being shown, make sure your pets are not around and be sure to put away their toys, food, and litter box.
5. Enhance the Curb Appeal: Plant bright flowers, clean up the yard and pressure wash the drive. You want the first impression to be enough to get the buyer to consider the rest of the house.
6. Depersonalize: Take down religious items, family pictures, and anything political. People like to be able to picture themselves there and often can’t if they are reminded you live there.
7. Declutter: Rooms are best shown off when you can see more of them. Put away countertop appliances, make sure piles are cleaned up, and store away excess items and decorations.
8. Stage the Room: If there is a room or a nook without any particular purpose, give it one! Convert awkward nooks into small office spaces or display as organized storage.
9. Make it Easy: Be flexible on when potential buyers can come see the house and be ready to show at short notice. If you can leave the house during this time, this is even better so shoppers can feel more relaxed and able to move around the house.
10. Utilize Every Internet Avenue: Make sure your home is all over the web, including all the major home selling sites and even on social media like Facebook. The more exposure your home gets, the more likely it is to find someone who is in the market to buy it.
11. Good Online Photos: Most people start their home search online these days and if they do not like what they see there, they probably will not take the time to go see it in person. Taking the time to have professional pictures taken could make a big difference in the long run.
12. Make Repairs: If there is anything that needs repaired it is best to do it before the house goes on the market. You can also touch up rooms, apply a fresh coat of paint, or even replace old looking hardware. But be careful to not go overboard, especially with really trendy updates.
13. Be Willing to Leave Good Items: Throwing in the top of the line kitchen appliances or a great electronic can make you stand out against competition and make your home more desirable.
14. Know the Competition: With different homes on the market, you may find yourself up against a short sale or a pre-foreclosure, where the seller might be more flexible in order to avoid negative effects to their credit as described here. Knowing what you are up against can help you know how and when to step up your game.
15. Hire the Right Person: Do your research before you hire a realtor and make sure they are someone who follows the tactics listed here and has a record for good selling practices. They will help your home become the most desirable house in the area!
Couple Standing By For Sale Sign Outside Home
Selling your home is the beginning of a new chapter in your life and you want to start it off on the right foot. Follow these steps to have a successful experience and attract someone new to love your home as much as you have.
Before you get caught up in a lot of outdoor fun, travels and holiday activities, make sure you take some time to sit back, relax and listen to a few of your favorite summer songs.
Remember my list from last year, well they’re back again this year because these songs always put me in the summertime mood.
