Buy This, Not That: Flower Tees for Girls

This one is a no brainer: You can get this t-shirt for $8 (plus 15% coupon) or this t-shirt for $19.50. With the $11.50 (or more) you've saved, you could get her these or these to go with her new shirt.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Are you already getting stocked for Spring? What other deals have you seen?

Buy This, Not That: Pillowcase Dresses

Pillowcase dresses are too cute for words. And so easy to make if you sew. But since you all know the sewing gene skipped a generation in my family, I look for a source to buy a well made dress at a reasonable price. (Or beg my mom to make one for my little one.) Either way, it pays to be a savvy shopper when stocking up on spring and summer frocks.

Here's a great example of buy this, not that. With the money you save, you could get a pair of Saltwater sandals or a sweater to match the dress. You're welcome. (And tell my red ladybug I sent you. I've ordered two dresses from her shop and can vouch for the great quality.)

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What's on your Spring shopping list?

Buy This, Not That: Black Patent Flats

I saw these a few weeks ago at Nordstrom but opted for a gray pair with a silk flower instead. But I saw the shoes pictured here yesterday at Target for $24.99. With the $40 in savings, I'm heading to Old Navy to buy a pair of skinny jeans. Shoes and jeans for the price of shoes = cheap and cheerful.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Have you found any buy this, not that products lately? Please share!

Buy This, Not That: Caldrea Soaps

My mom introduced me to these great kitchen products -- hand soap, dish soap, and counter cleaner -- by Caldrea. The products come in three scents: herbs de provence, olive oil, and citron ginger. The three piece set is only $16.99 at Target and the items are available individually as well. Compare that amazing price to this set from Williams-Sonoma which contains only two items and costs almost $40! We selected the herbs de provence and the scent is awesome! Hey, maybe doing the dishes can be fun again? Or maybe not, but you can at least smell something nice while you scrub those plates.

Buy This, Not That: Mad For Madras

These madras shorts are adorable; they are also $38. The all blue patchwork shorts (available in sizes 4, 5, and 10) are only $12.74. Or you can score this pair for $19.50. If you opt for the less expensive shorts, you can snag a polo and a pair of flip flops to complete the look and still spend less than $38!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Where do you do your summer shopping? When do you start stocking up on shorts, shirts and sandals?

Buy This Not That: Beach Towels

Give me some sand beneath my toes and I am one happy girl. A colorful beach towel can add to the fun as well. Check out this towel for $12. Maybe this one is a little cuter but it is $22. For the $10 price difference, you can get some new swim trunks for your favorite little swimmer. My kiddos have one Target towel and one Pottery Barn towel and I think the Target towel is softer and fluffier!

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Where do you find your best beach bargains?

Buy This, Not That: Men's Polo Shirts

So, this is a nice polo shirt. The perfect blend of tradition and fashion. But, this almost identical polo shirt comes in more colors and costs $30 less, plus you can get free shipping. You could get these to go with the shirt and only spend $9.50 more on your total transaction. I know at least one person at my house who would be pretty happy about that.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What would you get the man in your life with the $30 you could "save" by choosing the less expensive shirt?

Buy This, Not That: Black Floral Print Purse

While these items aren't exactly the same, I think you'll see the value in this product swap. My mom recently got me the purse pictured here for only $10 at Target. I get compliments on it everywhere I go. This similar look purse is $168! My advice -- get a cheaper purse and buy some killer sunglasses, a new bathing suit, or a new sundress to go with it! You might even have some money left over for a beach towel and an US Magazine. Add a day by the pool and you've really treated yourself to something special.

Buy This, Not That: Cotton Dresses for Little Girls

What else says summer like a t-shirt material dress? This one sure is cute, but the price tag is a bit steep. For a better value, try this one or even this one. You can get both the second and third options for the price of the first. Now that's cheap and cheerful.

Buy This, Not That: Boy's Boat Shoes

Buy This, Not That (with apologies to the famous book about eating better) will be a new feature on the blog. First up: boat shoes for boys.

These original Sperry's are amazing! Perfect and classic. And, if you're going to wear this style of shoe on a daily basis, buy a pair by all means. $48 for kids on JCrew. $45 on Zappos.

But if you're just wearing the shoes to church or for a special occasion or two, check out these. Only $19.50. You can buy an outfit to go with the new shoes with the money you save!