Stop! You're paying too much for eyeglasses!

This post brought to you by Coastal.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

In my household, I already have two people that wear glasses, and both of my kids will most likely be stuck with the glasses curse as well.  Buying glasses is definitely not cheap!  When trying to be a frugal family, I want to provide them all with the best, but still be able to have money left over!  

A friend of mine told me about two different websites that she uses to purchase her eyeglasses online and at first I have to say I was very leary.  Would they have the same quality?  Would they feel as sturdy?  I paid over $300 for my last pair of store bought glasses and just couldn't believe that I could get a pair of glasses, with lenses, for under $20.  She assured me that she had about 15 different pairs of glasses and they were all of excellent quality. 

She had recommended to me both coastal.com and zennioptical.com.  I have since used both to purchase eyeglasses online.  I can honestly say, I will never go back to buying my glasses from a store!  With free shipping, the low costs, easy returns, a larger variety of styles and the fact I can order in my pajamas, there's no reason for me to go in a store at all.  Now I just keep up on my eye exams and I'm set!

Here are a few of my favorite styles that I either own or have on my wishlist:

 

(I have to admit that I love plastic frames.  There's no better way to go with kids in my house!)

I again can't stress enough how easy it is to buy your glasses online, and how much time and money that you will save!  I've gotten glasses as cheap as $12 a pair!  I also want to note that websites like this can also save you money on contact lenses, which can get very expensive depending on what kind you wear!

Do me a favor and at least go check it out!  

 

Continue Reading ...

Takhi Stacy Charles Venus de Milo Vest {knit pattern review}

My Pattern Experience: Takhi Stacy Charles Venus de Milo Vest

This is the first actual article of clothing that I have ever made.  I was worried about how it would come out, since it was my first attempt, but I shouldn't have been!  You use very large needles for this pattern and it worked up very quickly!  I had the entire vest done in about a week, including time for blocking and seaming.  

It's worked in multiple pieces, you work the back, two fronts and then join them, then work a collar all the way around.  It worked up quick and easy, and I used a nice thick yarn which gave it a beautiful pattern.  Overall, I'm very pleased with how it came out and my sister in law (who got it as a gift) just loved it!

Continue Reading ...

My Pattern Experience:Fallberry Mitts {knit pattern review}

My Pattern Experience: Fallberry Mitts!

These mitts were amazing!  I had picked up this yarn (and darn it if I wrote down the info or saved the tag...) at Stitches Midwest 2012.  I know that it's a Merino blend, but I can't for the life of me remember the color or brand!  It's truly gorgeous though, soft and really easy to work with.  I picked the pattern because I was hoping that the pattern would work up striped appropriately with the colorway of the yarn.  While it wasn't perfect, it does really highlight the little leaves in the pattern.

I loved working this pattern.  It was one of the few mitt patterns that I've been able to complete both mitts in a reasonable time period.  I don't remember, but I don't think I worked them at the same time either, and the pattern was so easy, that they both came out perfect. I may even have enough yarn to work another pair for myself!!

Continue Reading ...

Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser Bike Giveaway

I LOVE BIKES!
Seriously, I love them.  I love the feel of the wind on my face, the burn in my legs and the new and fun places that you can only get to by bike.  That's why today, I'm so pleased to bring to you a giveaway for a new bike!!!!!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below!  Giveaway Runs from now until May 30th!

Schwinn Windwood Women's Cruiser Bike Giveaway
 Sponsored by: Mom Blog Society | She Informed | My Dairy Free Gluten Free Life | Frantic Mommy 
Co-Hosted by: Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Swank Savings 

 The classic Schwinn Windwood women's 26-Inch cruiser evokes the simple style and grace of traditional bicycles, making it a great choice for cruising to the store, the beach, or around town. Designed for easy, relaxed riding, the Windwood boasts a sturdy steel frame with a low stand-over height, making it easy to get on and off the bike. The rustproof 26-hole alloy rims and rear coaster brakes, meanwhile, allow you to stop on a dime. And riders will love the classic chrome fenders and rear storage rack. Other details include a comfortable wide-spring saddle, a single-speed design, pneumatic tires, and curved back handlebars.  

  About Schwinn Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that's long been synonymous with quality and innovation. The company has built some of the best-known and best-loved bikes of multiple generations, including the Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate, and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to innovate with such releases as the redesigned Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom, and performance to people of all ages.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continue Reading ...

Preserve your Spring Memories with help from Best Buy!

This time every year, I'm always amazed at the high volume of pictures that I take.  Between my daughter's birthday, the garden going in, prom and graduations, to Mother's day and Father's day, I use my camera just as much as I do around Christmas time.  My Smartphone camera is pretty handy for quick fire situations, but in these instances, I want to make better looking memories.

Fortunately, Best Buy has a great assortment of cameras to choose from, including the pricier (albeit awesome) DSLR, camcorders, and simple point and shoot cameras that feature long range zoom, low light capabilities and wi-fi for easy uploading.  Head over and take advantage of their Spring Memories deals in Cameras and Camcorders today!  Of course, you know with Best Buy's low price guarantee, you'll get the best price.  The best part is, if you order off their website, you'll get free shipping, and if you're doing an upgrade, simply take in your old camera and trade it in for a Best Buy Gift Card!!!

Also, for a limited time, you can receive 25% off of select digital photo frames!  What a great way to display your great spring memories!  Get your 25% off coupon here!

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Continue Reading ...