Holiday Discount Savings Codes 2011!

As promised here are some good discount codes to help ease the burden on your wallet this holiday season when you use your Visa Credit or Debit Card. This is just what I have been able to compile thus far. Master Card and Amex discount codes are on the way.

Dr. Jay’s

Save 20% at DrJays.com when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code HOLIDAY20 during the checkout process


Eddie Bauer

Receive FREE shipping with purchases of $49 or more when you pay with your Visa® card. To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code EBFSHIP during the checkout process.

FinishLine.com

Save $10 on orders of $60 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code HOLIDAY10 during the checkout process.

Save $20 on purchases of $125 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code GAN125 during the checkout process.

Forever21.com

Save 10% plus receive FREE shipping on orders over $50 when you pay with your Visa® card. To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code F21PLUS10 during the checkout process.

HauteLook.com

Save $10 on your purchase of $100 or more when you pay with your Visa® card. Offer is only valid on first purchase with HauteLook. To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code VISA10OFF into the "Discount code" field in Checkout, and use your Visa card to complete your purchase.

HotTopic.com

Save 20% on orders of $60 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code HTA20NOV during the checkout process.

Nautica.com

Receive FREE shipping on $50 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code FSHOLIDAY during the checkout process.

The Loft.com

Save 25% on any full-price order of $125 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code NOVAFF25 during the checkout process.

Aveda.com

Receive FREE shipping & FREE sample with any $35 order at Aveda.com when you pay with your Visa® card. To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter offer code VISA35 at checkout.

BobbiBrown.com

Enjoy a complimentary Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Suede and FREE shipping with a $65 BobbiBrown.com order when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code Suede9 during the checkout process.

Carol’sDaughter.com

Save $10 on orders of $50 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code CAROLS10 during the checkout process.

Smashbox.com

Receive $15 off your first order of $75 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code WELCOME2 during the checkout process.

Ulta.com

Save $10 on $50 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code SAVE10ON50 during the checkout process.

Save $15 on $75 or more when you pay with your Visa® card.
To redeem this offer, click the link below and enter code SAVE15ON75 during the checkout process.

American Express Prepaid Card...I lubs it!

I am a huge fan of using pre-paid cards to manage money. However I am not a huge fan of the many fees associated with these cards!

At first glance, this card seems to be perfect for me. I can put the amount of "play" money I am allowed for the month right on to the card via bank transfer or Greendot Moneypak. There are no transaction fees! So I can swipe away and not worry about fees deducting from my available balance. Also, there is a $200 weekly ATM limit set on the card! Excellent! Temptation be gone!

I know this may be a little weird for a 30-something woman to be happy about, but every month I look at my bank transactions and I can't believe the amount of money I spend on "nothing". It's just crazy! At least $200 bucks goes to what I call "nothing". Also, as a pre-paid holder you are entitled to all the benefits of AMEX credit card holders. There are tons of offers and discounts available to AMEX holders. I also opened up a American Express Direct Savings. I am hoping these two products can help a sista get a hold of her finances and gain better control over "nothing spending".

$10 off $50 Purchas @ Avenue in-store

http://www.avenue.com/staticpage/blankcontentpage.aspx?pagename=avwelcome&affiliate_id=013&affiliate_location_id=01&cid=AV11802&mid=5555617994730&sssdmh=AV11802999999&SID=e3906045624e4d6887a20076c14af8fc-736206

2011 Fall Fashion Trends

Now that summer is gone and the leaves will soon begin to fall from the trees, it’s time to get your fall/winter wardrobe ready.

Like most people today, I don’t a lot of extra cash these days, so I will be utilizing accessories and a few key pieces to keep my fashionable and trendy this fall. I also plan on making the Goodwill my best friend!

This is also a good time to take a look at your personal style. I am realizing that I have been playing “safe” for the last couple of years. I love funky, bohemian, eclectic clothes and accessories. However because of my job I tend to stay pretty trendy, but safe. Well that’s about to end! I am going to embrace my true fashionista and start opting for “weekend” pieces. I can be funky and eclectic during my downtime.

Trend for the fall 2011 Season:


Solid Metal Accessories/Jewelry (ancient, tribal, oriental)
Leather accessories
Wide-Leg Pants (yeah for us big girls)
Bell Bottoms
Chokers (errrr not sure about this one)
Lace (subtle, not Madonna’s 80”s lace LOL)
Chunky/Large Sweaters
Plaid (subtle, not Nana’s plaid skirt)


My Personal Must Haves for fall 2011:


Long earth and metal tone scarves
Large Gold and Silver Hoop earrings
Jean Jacket
Brown light weight Sweater
Rust colored Sweater or Cardigan
Brown/Camel Ankle Booties
Brown/Camel large shoulder bag
Camo/Military inspired jacket

Great Places to shop for plus-size divas:

www.avenue.com
www.jessicalondon.com
www.ashleystewart.com
www.roamans.com
www.womanwithin.com

In-store shopping:
Kmart
Sears
Target
Goodwill
Old Navy

Giving up the Creamy Crack!

My last relaxer was New Year's Day 2011. Shortly after that my hair began to fall out in clumps! I don't blame the relaxer for the breakage at all. I believe a number of factors contributed to my hair loss. For one, I was screened by my Ob-gyn for PCOS and she confirmed that one of my ovaries was very cystic and inflammed. After reading up on the side effects of PCOS I found that hairloss is one. Secondly, I had begun taking Flaxseed Supplements. After doing a bit more research, I found out that Flaxseed can be good for the hair, but it can also cause your hair to fall out as well! Yikes! (that's why it's so important not to jump on any hair supplement bandwagons, unless you know what the hell your getting into)

So my hair needed a rest! I just basically decided, no more chemicals. My hair tends to do it's best in it's natural state. This is the second time I am going natural. I was natural for 2 years. 2002-2004 I did not relax my hair! I did however find black hair forums on the net and began to research the best methods for taking care of black hair.

I can't lie, I often think of relaxing, especially on wash day! My new growth is thick and it easily tangles! I have a jungle going on right now. I am not into hair types etc. I just now I have kinky, coily fine hair and I am experimenting with what works best for me. I am now on a quest to find products that work well with natural hair. I also realize that I may need to invest in quality products. I've been cheap when it comes to products, however I think I need to invest in some quality products that will give me great results with less product. If anyone had any ideas or suggestion, please let me know!