Favorite Things: Christmas in July!

Christmas in July? Well, not quite ... but a bit of start. Today, I hit the Old Navy sale since I also wanted to take advantage of the 25% teacher discount offered this weekend. I spend just $40 on everything pictured here, which includes two Christmas gifts!

My friend Kim shared the "something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read" Christmas gift list mantra. My five year old son does not mind getting clothes as gifts if the clothing gift is something like a Batman or Star Wars long sleeved t-shirt. Add some jeans (which I will grab at another back to school sale soon) and there is one whole gift category crossed off his Christmas list!

The navy blue pants are for school, the black polo (only $3.75!) is for our fall family photo, and the dress is for a little girl who is starting preschool soon. It was just $9 with the discount and will pair perfectly with three sweaters she just interited from a generous friend.

I love Christmas in July!

Today's Giveway: Raffle for 4 Rivercats Tickets

This one is for my fellow Sacramentans. You can enter a raffle for four Rivercats tickets by sending an email to mmsweepstakes@moneymailer.com. The deadline is August 10th. One entry per household. 30 winners chosen at random.

The "flyer" from Money Mailer (the envelope of coupons that arrives weekly) includes three coupons: $5 off a Day of Game price ticket, $6 Lawn seat, and $7 off Club Seats. All coupons are valid for Monday - Thursday games.

Deal of the Day: $9.99 Leather Flip Flops

I would wear flip flops 365 days a year if I could! And these cuties from Lands' End are just $9.99. Go ahead -- get more than one color!

Money Mantra: Time is Money

Don't let anyone tell you any differently: Saving money takes time. Whether it is printing coupons, scanning ads, or driving to an alternate store, it takes time to save a dime. But the reward is more money in your pocket to enjoy the other time in your day. I'd say that it's a win-win.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What is the most time consuming part of saving money for you?