August is a shopping month for me. Every year I try not to go crazy but there is just something about August that makes me go a bit wild in the shopping department. It is just so easy to find great deals and use all of my birthday coupons that just makes me so happy.

I put together a little birthday board to share some of my finds and gifts I received. Chris got me a new pair of tennis shoes that are so comfortable. I'm also loving my purchases from Bare Escentuals - I've been wearing the 5 in 1 Eye Serum on the daily by itself and I just love how bright it makes my eyes look. I didn't think I would like the new liquid foundation after wearing powder for so many years but it is freakin' awesome. It doesn't even feel like liquid on my skin and it covers really well.

As  you might be able to tell - I'm in love with navy blue right now, I just can't get enough. And I'm super pumped to wear that cozy aztec sweater as soon as the weather decides to get a little cooler.

While it looks like I might have gone overboard - I was able to pay for a large part of my shopping spree with Swagbucks! It was my goal this summer to earn enough to be able to shop for myself without feeling guilty. I was able to earn a little over $150 in about 8 weeks by spending about 20 minutes a day clicking around the Swagbucks website and watching videos through the Swagbucks TV app. I cashed my Swagbucks in for the $25 Paypal gift cards which are like cash because they transfer to your bank account. So easy!

My next goal is to bolster my Christmas gift budget through Swagbucks - every little bit helps!

Are you using Swagbucks to help get what you want/need? Or did you shop your heart out in August too? I know material things aren't the most important things in life but a little treat once year always makes me feel good.

August will always be my "treat yo' self" month!

It's check in time with Stephanie at Bourbon and Glitter! July is just about over and I will say I did a pretty good job at completing some but not all of my goals.

The biggest task completed: 12 hours of grad school credit!


HOLLA! I may have only just finished my classes on Wednesday but they are done and I'm ready for a nice little pay raise when I return to work in August.

I also found some time to get crafty in July, prettifying my teacher toolbox steal.
Washi tape is my new jam, it's going to be all over my classroom this year.

The pool and I got acquainted in July but unfortunately we didn't become BFFs. Three trips total including one at a million dollhair mansion. Gotta love when the boyfriend's mom housesits for Richie Rich!


My birthday is only 20 days away and so I did update my wishlist on Pinterest. Can't wait to ease the pain of turning 28 with some retail therapy.

Things that didn't get accomplished: going to the gym 3x a week and updating the bloggy blog. But there's always next month!

What is it about summer that makes me want to spend money with reckless abandon?

Is it because I have oodles of time to online window shop? Or possibly because my crazy school district pays me 5 paychecks at one time, which makes feel like I'm rich?

The world may never know but Mr. Postman is going to be delivering some fun to my doorstep over the next week or so.

My new purchases included a new GHD Flat Iron.

Folica.com

 
My Sedu straightener shorted out a couple of months of go and I've been roughing it with a small travel size straightener since then. The plates are literally a 1/2 inch and pulls out my hair. After looking at pictures of my hair from my cousin's wedding last week in which I felt my hair looked a little "fluffy", I decided, no more!

I got an alert that Folica was offering 25% off through Wednesday, so I pulled the trigger and invested in a new flat iron. I use the word "invested" when I want to justify than I'm not crazy for spending $130 on a tool that makes my already straight hair - straighter. Also, I used Ebates and received an additional 5% cash back.

$185 flat iron - 25% off coupon + 5% cash back = slightly less panicked Sara.

Then I took my online shopping self to the mall. Normally I show great restraint in shopping but on Saturday I was in a buying mood. I proceeded to Victoria's Secret and took advantage of their 7 for $26 panty deal and bought the cutest little Cardinal's outfit which my sister assured me was not in the least bit "skanky".

Victoria's Secret

The picture doesn't show the navy bandeau I bought to go underneath the tank.

When I showed the outfit to the boyfriend, he looked at me and replied, "I don't get it."

Not quite sure what there is "to get" but the jury is still out on if I will actually wear this ensemble to the game on Saturday or not.

While checking out at VS, the sales girl sprayed my bag with one of their body sprays. Normally I detest this practice because I am somewhat sensitive to smells but much to my surprise, I love the scent. So I went home and ordered it online as well as another bra. Oops. At least I got free shipping and 2% cash back from Ebates.

I continued my spending spree yesterday when I decided I needed a new nail polish color. Off to Walgreens to purchase my favorite Sensationail gel nail polish.


 "Cabana Boy" -  a great orange-y red to kick off summer. Thankfully, I had a $1 off coupon and found another $2 off coupon in store.

As I re-read this, I realize it may not be the money burning a hole in my pocket but the fact that I feel like I'm getting "deals" on everything. Congratulations marketing department of every store in America...you're doing a great job!

What about you? Has the shopping bug bit you recently? Or are you forever a window shopper?