SuperJeweler Review – Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace

SuperJeweler.com Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace

 Looking for Beautiful Jewelry at a Reasonable Price? Check Out SuperJeweler.com!

I recently had the opportunity to review a piece of jewelry from SuperJeweler.com. Exciting, right? Sure it is! I love jewelry, but as a mom, I rarely go out and buy any new jewelry for myself because I’m always worried about making sure the kids have new clothes or new shoes, a new coat, a new book bag, etc. So in my eyes, this was not only something fun, but something that was just for me. Yes, that fact alone was exciting! Moms, you know what I’m saying.

Before I get to the actual jewelry review, I want to mention something I noticed right off the bat. See, I was provided with a few different options to pick from, so of course I went and checked them out to see which would best fit my personal style. As I was checking out those products, I noticed that there were actually quite a few eye-catching pieces that I just couldn’t help but click on…the whole time thinking, “I’ll never be able to afford this, but since I’m here anyway, I’m going to dream.”

But you know what? I was really surprised by the low prices! They have several pieces I saw that are absolutely gorgeous and the prices on them were nothing short of amazing.

Review of SuperJeweler.com’s Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace

For all of you that didn’t know it, February is my birth month, so I’m naturally drawn to beautiful Amethyst jewelry and this necklace was no exception. The second I saw this Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace, I knew that was what I would be reviewing because I instantly fell in love with it’s classic beauty. I had also been looking for something to help add some color to my wardrobe and this piece made it so simple.

Now, I know I mentioned pricing above, so let me give you an example of what I’m talking about. SuperJeweler shows the regular retail price on every piece, along with their price and any clearance or sale pricing that they are currently offering. This particular piece generally retails at $199.99, but SuperJeweler offers it for $149.99 and had it on clearance for $49.99. That’s an instant 75% savings!

When the product arrived, the very first thing I did was examine it. The quality was amazing. It seems to be very durable, so I don’t see the strand breaking anytime soon. You can clearly see the knots when you look closely, but they aren’t noticeable without a careful examination. I also want to mention the bead color – truly mesmerizing, deep purple beads that almost glow with perfection. Yes, I thought that they were that beautiful!

And just look at how great it looks on!

SuperJeweler Review - Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted NecklaceSuperJeweler Review - Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace - Tied

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s nice to have some color to brighten up a dark outfit or even offset the glare of a bright white top, so this was perfect for me.

Another thing I loved? The necklace came in a cute little mesh jewelry bag. I thought this was a nice touch and I personally adored the color contrast when the necklace was in the bag. I’m not a big fan of the typical cardboard box packaging that most jewelry comes in. It’s just another thing to have to throw away. This bag, on the other hand, is something I’ll keep because it doesn’t take up a lot of space and it’s adorable.

SuperJeweler Review - Amethyst Bead Necklace in Pouch

What I Didn’t Like About the Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace

In truth, my only complaint about this necklace was that I couldn’t double it up like they did in the top picture (on the mannequin bust). I would blame it on having a big head, but that’s not it. It’s just not long enough to double up like that without having some type of clasp to allow it to unfasten. That said, I REALLY wish that it had a clasp because I would have loved to have been able to wear it as shown in that first picture. Instead, you can see that I tried to get creative and knot the Amethyst Beads Necklace myself. I have to admit, it’s not my favorite look, but I like it better than having it just hang plain.

My Overall Review of SuperJeweler – Hit or Miss?

Overall, I would have to say that the Amethyst Bead Hand Knotted Necklace from SuperJeweler is a hit. I love the beautiful color, the quality work that went into making it and the way that it sets off dark and white outfits. Even though I would have loved to have been able to double it up and wear it as a dual strand, I’m happy with the piece as-is. The product also came with SuperJewler’s Lifetime Enduring Quality Warranty, which gives customers peace of mind and shows that the company backs their products. Because the majority of the jewelry that I looked at on the site is very reasonably priced, I would definitely recommend SuperJeweler.com to anyone looking for quality jewelry on a budget. Think holidays, birthdays, special gifts or just because – because the quality and prices definitely make this company and their products a winner!

Be sure to show some love to SuperJeweler on Facebook to get the heads up on coupon codes, giveaways and new product offerings. You can also find the same by following SuperJeweler on Twitter!

I know that you all love coupons as much as I do, right? Well, if you see something you just have to have on SuperJeweler.com,  be sure to use promo code: superfab1 if you place an order between now and 4/20. This coupon code will get you 15% off site-wide (some exclusions apply).

Want a Chance to Win Some SuperJeweler Jewelry of Your Very Own?

SuperJeweler has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway. The prize? A pair of 1 ct. diamond hoop earrings! Yep, you have the chance to win them right here! The giveaway begins on 4/3/13 and ends on 4/18/13, so hurry up and get those entries in!

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Father’s Day Gift Ideas Made Easy with Restaurant.com

Five Gift Ideas That Dad Is Sure to Love!

$25 Restaurant.com Gift Card

Everyone loves being able to have a night out every once in a while, right? Well, that includes dad! With Father’s Day right around the corner, Restaurant.com makes it easy to give dad a great gift – even if you don’t think about it until the last minute! You can literally purchase and print! Of course, if you think dad would better appreciate seeing a shiny plastic card, Restaurant.com has that option as well. Be sure to order now if you want it to get to you by Father’s Day!

 

There are a lot of reasons why my family and I like Restaurant.com. For instance, did you know that a $25 gift card is just $10 and $50 gift cards are only $20? That’s the regular price all the time, but they run some really great sales where you can nab these gift cards for even less! Just think of all of the money you can save, while still being able to enjoy dining out. It’s like eating for half the cost! Of course, one of the biggest things I love about these gift cards is that they make fabulous gifts. Small enough to fit in a card and convenient enough that you don’t even have to leave the house to purchase one, these gift cards make it easy to put a smile on someone’s face.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to put a big smile on dad’s face this Father’s Day? Here are a few ideas that you can pair a Restaurant.com gift card with that are sure to be a hit!

1.) Brewing Up a Great Gift!

  • A pound of dad’s favorite coffee
  • A coffee mug
  • A $25 Restaurant.com gift card to enjoy a nice meal before coming home to finish off a great night with his favorite cup of coffee.

2.) One Sweet Daddy

  • Dad’s favorite homemade cookies
  • $25 Restaurant.com gift card…because those cookies are for dessert!

3.) Dad’s Day Hops

  • A 6-pack of dad’s favorite beer
  • A beer stein
  • A $25 Restaurant.com gift card to enjoy a nice night out.

4.) Grand Slam!

  • Baseball tickets
  • A bag of peanuts or Cracker Jacks
  • A $25 Restaurant.com gift card to grab a bite to eat after the game!

5.) Four! Dad

  • A golf ball
  • Golf tees
  • A gift certificate to his favorite golf course
  • A $25 Restaurant.com gift card to enjoy after dad works up an appetite on the course!

What would you say if I told you that you have the opportunity to get one of these gift cards absolutely free?

Well, here’s your chance! All you have to do is wait for the Rafflecopter to load below and enter for your chance to win one $25 gift card to Restaurant.com!

This giveaway is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. No purchase is required to enter or win. Must be 18 or older to qualify and all entrants must fully complete the entries. All entries are checked for validity prior to winner announcement. [Read more...]

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Great Mother’s Day Crafts for Kids

 

I think that when it comes to Mother’s Day, any gift from my child is going to be one that I enjoy. In fact, the ones that cost the absolute least are some of my favorites of all time. Here are a few ideas for cheap Mother’s Day crafts that your children can create.

Cards

Perhaps the simplest and most affectionate gift your child can give you is a card that they have made themselves. All they need is some construction paper and markers or crayons and they can make a lovely gift for their mother.

A younger child may simply want to draw a picture. Another option is to either write down or print out some questions and ask the child to answer them about their mom. These are fantastic and I have several that my son’s have given me over the years. They always bring a tear to my eye as they are so sweet and simple.

Artwork Creations

Another fairly inexpensive idea is to have your children’s artwork framed or copied onto something like a coffee cup, mouse pad, or other item. If choosing a frame, a cheap one from the craft score can be purchased and your child can decorate it as well.

Handprints

I think that my favorite gifts from my boys are the ones that are created from their handprints. These little handprint creations get me every time and they are so simple to create. You can turn the handprint into a flower with a little poem or just center it in the page and have it framed. You can also use a cheap plaster of Paris kit or stone kit to make a keepsake with your child’s handprint.


Photo Books

Photo books can be created in numerous ways. Take some pictures of the family and put them together in a collage or in a photo book. This makes a wonderful gift that will last for years. There are tons of gifts that can be created with photos, just use your imagination.

When it comes to creating Mother’s Day crafts with your kids, remember to keep it simple. There is no need to do anything extravagant because any mother is going to love getting a gift that is created by their child…no matter what it is!

Have a craft idea, but need materials? Try Amazon.com, eBay, YardSellr or your local craft store! You can often find lots of cool items super cheap at any of these sites.

 

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas on the Cheap

No matter what you think about Valentine’s Day, we can all agree that it is intended to be a day of romance. However, whether you have been with your partner for one year or twenty, coming up with romantic gifts can be difficult. The good news is that romantic gifts do not have to be expensive as there are many little things that you can do for your partner that are extremely cheap. Here are a few cheap Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are sure to please anyone.

1. Poem or Love Letter

When was the last time that you wrote your spouse/significant other a letter or a poem? I am not talking about a text or an email, but an actual letter written with a pen on paper. Chances are it has been a long time. Writing a letter or poem to express your feelings will cost you little to nothing and it is one of the most romantic gifts anyone can receive. While expressing your feelings might seem hard, taking the time to do it will be worth it in the end.

2. Take a Walk

My husband and I have hiked many trails together and there is just something about being alone in nature that is romantic. Chances are that you and your spouse have a special place that you like to go together. Even if the weather is cold, take a short walk holding hands. If you are lucky enough to live near the ocean, go for a walk on the beach.

The simple act of taking a walk together is refreshing and gives you a different perspective of your lives together.


3. Candlelight Dinner at Home

Your spouse probably has a favorite meal that you make. Perhaps there is a restaurant that makes a dish that he/she particularly enjoys. Take the time and make the perfect meal for him/her. You can light candles and have a romantic dinner at home instead of spending money at an expensive restaurant.

When it comes to picking Valentine’s Day gifts, we tend to over-think it. Remember the reason that you chose this person for your partner and simply spend time together. We often get too busy in life to remember to tell our partner how important they are to us, but Valentine’s Day is a great reminder for us to do so. Use Valentine’s Day as a way to remind each other why you fell in love in the first place and strengthen the bond that you’ve built with each other. Let go of any stress you have in your life right now, take the kids to a sitter, reminisce, relax, laugh and be passionate.

[box_dark]Editor’s suggestion: If you really want to blow your partner’s mind on Valentine’s Day, pull out all of the special, heartfelt gifts, letters, etc. that your partner has given you during the course of your relationship. You would be surprised how meaningful it is to keep a letter that he/she wrote you, a cheap gumball machine ring, a photo, a movie ticket from your first date or the flower (albeit pressed) that you picked on your first walk together. Knowing that you thought enough of your partner to save something physical from these memories will make them feel like the King or Queen of the world, and it’s a great way for the two of you to relive that young love all over again. [/box_dark]

 

Image Credit: Llyn Hunter, Bobcat Publishing

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Yes, I Do Black Friday

Each and every year for the past 7 years, I have went shopping on Black Friday. Sometimes I don’t even sleep before I go – it just depends on what time the stores I’m interested in are opening.

I’ve been told I’m crazy – insane even – for heading to the stores on Black Friday, but you know what? I ALWAYS save a TON of money when I go shopping on Black Friday, so I don’t really care what people think of me. It’s all about finding what my family wants for Christmas for the lowest possible prices. Oh, and trying to complete all of my holiday shopping in a single day (which usually doesn’t happen, but I really do attempt it). So go ahead, snub your nose at me if you want, but I’m not passing up all of these great deals!

One of my favorite stores that I refuse to miss every year?

J.C. Penney!

I can’t pass up the chance to spend around $200 to get $500 or more in clothing for my family. It’s almost the same every single year. I always spend between $160 – $200, save between $300 – $400 and I always come home with more than $500 worth of clothing. That makes this mama happy!

The other store I’ll brave every year on Black Friday?

Target!

Although I’ve waited to check out in lines that wind around the entire store and all the way back to the entrance, I can always nab some awesome deals on Black Friday at Target. Now, I was a little disappointed last year that they stopped offering rainchecks on certain merchandise that was in the ad, but I was still able to get 9 of the 12 items that I came there for. No cart, but who needs one on Black Friday? Ahaahha! Maybe my friends are right – I am a little crazy – because on Black Friday, I think I’m super woman…until I get home and my arms feel like jello.


Anyway, because I’m such a huge fan of the biggest shopping day of the year, I thought I would share some of my finds with you over the next few days to get you just as hyped up about it as I am. That said, be on the lookout for some killer deals – but if you see me in the store, steer clear. I’ve been run over by cars, carts, wheelchairs and motorized scooters on Black Friday, but I always get my deal.

I’m going to do my best to label the best finds by store, but if you have a different suggestion, please feel free to let me know so that I can consider your input as I put these deals together.

I’m also going to be posting some online deals over the next few weeks, so don’t miss those either!

 

Image Credit: k.landerholm/Kent Landerholm

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Growing, Drying, and Selling Herbs

Today’s article is where the thrifty kitchen, the organic garden, and working from home collide. These three areas of life unite in the herb garden. I began growing herbs because it made so much sense; I cook with herbs, and I have a garden plot—so why wouldn’t I just grow my own? I started my garden four years ago, and each year my perennial herbs have gotten fuller and more prolific.

This year, it occurred to me that I could sell my excess herbs. I have stock piles of dried herbs from the last few years. Last year I made up packets of dried herbs as gifts and still had a ton left over, so why not turn my herb garden hobby into a little extra cash?

The first step is choosing which herbs to grow. I have chosen to grow the herbs I use the most: oregano, sage, basil, and rosemary. In the past, I have also tried growing chamomile, cilantro, thyme, and dill. Additionally, my neighbor has a plethora of peppermint growing, and I have full access to it. I recommend all of these plants to you. Oregano, sage, chamomile, dill, and peppermint are all perennial—they will come back year after year. You need only cut them back at the end of fall, and the next spring some of them will be among the first plants to greet you in the garden.

In the fall, rosemary must be brought inside—in the north and the Midwest anyway. You can either dig it up from your garden, or simply plant it in a large pot to begin with, and let it lay dormant inside throughout the winter. Basil, cilantro, and thyme must be planted again each year, but they are not expensive, and can even be started indoors from seed.

Your next step is to dry your herbs throughout their growing season. Any of these herbs can be collected all the way up until they begin to flower and go to seed. Harvesting herbs throughout the season will make them hardy and healthy—essentially you are pruning the plant.

After you collect herbs, there are a variety of ways to dry them. I begin by filling up my sink and washing them. Then I put them upstairs in what used to be the attic; it still gets ridiculously hot up there on a warm day. My herbs dry out in no time in such a warm place. Some people lay out their herbs on a cookie sheet and set them in their car on a hot day. They dry out fast, and the herbs make the car smell great!


After the herbs dry out all the way, I label zip lock bags and put the herbs in them. As long as your herbs are totally dry, they will not mold. Another good option for storing dried herbs is in envelopes.

The final step is up to you. You can store your herbs and cook with them all year long. You can put them in pretty pouches and give them as gifts. Or, you can contact your local farmers market and find out what you need to do in order to rent a stall. At my neighborhood market, vendors can opt to rent a space week to week—we don’t have to commit to more than a week at a time. Since I only have about a week or two’s worth of herbs to sell, this works out perfectly for me.

Whether you cook with them, gift them, or sell them, I wish you lots of luck with your herb garden!

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Start a Holiday Gift Closet Now!

Have you ever found yourself spending way too much money on holiday gift shopping, come December? What about scrambling to find a so-so gift for someone at the last minute, just so you’ll have something to give them? If so, it sounds like you could use a gift closet! If you don’t already have one, this is the time  to start one – before Christmas catches you off guard, as it always has a way of doing.

Let’s call it Christmas in July.

I don’t have a gift closet, per se. In my 1300 sq. ft. house, I don’t have a closet to spare. So, I have a gift “designated area of my basement.” Maybe you also have some space downstairs, on a shelf or underneath a bed. It doesn’t have to be an actual closet.

Once you have a spaced picked out, how do you fill your gift closet? Begin by making a list of all the people you buy for on a regular basis. I have a handy calendar book from Hallmark that’s made for just that purpose, but you could make a simple list any way you want. I include all the people I get Christmas gifts for, as well as loved ones’ birthdays throughout the year. Then comes the fun part – holiday gift shopping! An advantage of utilizing a gift closet is the ability to gather items little by little, as you find deals and great gifts on clearance throughout the year. You can add gifts to your closet with a specific person in mind, or not, but make sure you don’t buy things needlessly just to shop.

You don’t have to buy everything that makes it into your gift closet, though. Don’t forget about re-gifting! The thought might seem tacky, but if it’s done thoughtfully, it can be a resourceful and smart way of gift-giving. Be creative; think about who might appreciate an item that just didn’t work for you. Maybe you can add that item to another to make a good gift or group it with others as part of a basket.

Think outside the (gift) box.

Happy shopping!

Photo courtesy of jayneandd.

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Putting Yourself in Debt, Just to Get Your Child Gifts?

Have you ever caught yourself spending more cash than you can really afford, just to make your child happy? This spending can put you in a financial bind that can take months or longer to pull out of. [Read more...]

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Noodle Crafts for Kids

Noodle crafts are probably one of the easiest and versatile crafts. Once the noodles are dyed or painted the amount of kids art projects you complete are boundless. Please note that once pasta is dyed it is NOT edible! 

Supplies 

  • 2 cups of pasta, assorted. If you are making jewelry make sure you use tube pasta or ones with holes
  • 2 teaspoons of food coloring (any color)
  • 3 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol

 Place the pasta, food coloring and rubbing alcohol in a bag. Be sure the wear gloves so you do not dye your hands. Close the bag securely and shake being sure to get all the pasta covered with food dye. Spread onto a cookie sheet and let dry for several hours. Color will darken as it dries.

 Noodle Plague – So now that your pasta is dyed, what kind of noodle art can you do? Well for starters you can make plaques, cards or posers. Just glue the colorful pasta into shapes or messages. Add paint, glitter and rhinestones and you have noodle art that will keept the kids occupied for hours!

 Pencil Holder -  Another noodle craft is a pencil holder. This is a great idea if you have a desk that needs some livening up or need a gift for someone.

 Supplies

  • Paint
  • Noodles
  • Glitter
  • Stickers
  • Glue
  • Quart size milk carton

 Paint the milk carton whatever color your child likes. Be creative and paint scenes. Glue on colored noodles for flowers or shapes. Your child can decorate the holder with stickers or glitter.

 Jewelry Noodle Crafts – This is a great noodle craft for girls or for boys to make for Mother’s Day.

 Supplies 

  • Colored Pasta
  • Tape
  • String
  • Barrettes
  • Glue

 You can have your child make noodle necklaces, bracelets or barrettes. To make noodle necklaces and bracelets, have your child string the pasta in any order. I usually tape the ends of the string to prevent fraying. When they are done just tie the ends. To make barrettes you can use alphabet pasta to write their name or use pasta to make flowers or different shapes. Just glue the pasta onto the barrettes

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page

Frugal Gifts for Dad

 

Father’s Day leaves many moms wondering what to do. You do not need to spend a lot on gifts for dad to make him feel special on Father’s Day.  Some gift idea for dads could be:

  • · Wash his car and clean the inside. Any dad would appreciate this and it does not cost anything more than your time and the kids’ time. Make it fun and do not expect perfection.
  • · Cut the grass and do yard work. Again, this gift idea for dads does not cost anything but time and is well appreciated.
  • · Make dinner and dessert special for Father’s Day. Pack it up and make it a picnic. If you do not have anywhere to go, you can picnic in your backyard. Try stringing up white Christmas lights to give it a nice effect. Or spread a blanket on the living room floor and have a picnic inside.
  • · Coffee Cup Collage. You can get this done at your local drugstore and costs less than $20.00. Pick some of your favorite pictures and have them put on a coffee cup. Fill the cup with a bag of his favorite coffee. You can also add some plastic spoons that have been dipped in chocolate or flavored creamer. Whatever your guy prefers.

Another Father’s Day gift for dad could be a coupon book filled with coupons for chores to be done, special activities or alone time. Or try some Father’s Day crafts and frame a poem your kids helped write. Include a picture of dad with kids and it is a perfect gift for dad. Some other Father’s Day crafts that could be gifts for dad include making a shirt or tie. Buy a white shirt (available at craft stores) or tie and dip your kids’ hands in paint. Let them put their handprints on the shirt or tie.

You can also take some fabric pens (available at craft stores) and let your kids decorate the shirt or tie and create a masterpiece any Dad would love to show off. Whatever you decide, if your husband is anything like mine, he will love it because you were thinking of him.

 

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. In most cases, products are provided to Moms Living Thrifty for review. All product reviews are written according to the writer's honest opinion, experience or beliefs. Your opinion may vary. To see more on our disclosure policy, please visit our Disclosure page