Favorite Things: Monogrammed Diaper Covers

Call me old fashioned but I always match a diaper cover with any dress my daughter is wearing. And nothing is more fun than the monogrammed diapers covers I've found on Etsy. Several shops on Etsy offer these white cotton covers with prices starting around $9. You can get your favorite kid's name, initials, or even a stitched design. Easy to mail in a cute padded envelope, these make fun gifts too! I recommend searching Etsy for a shop that matches your tastes in fonts and thread colors. Just be warned -- there are so many cute choices out there, you may not be able to stop yourself from buying in multiples.

Favorite Things: Multi- Purpose Halloween Costumes

My very clever sister-in-law and I agree about a lot of things, especially on aiming for Halloween costumes that aren't just "one shot wonders". Our little niece will be sporting a skirt similar to the one shown above, pairing it with a cute polo and throwing on a cardigan if she gets chilly. Grab a pink neck scarf, pull on a cute pair of ruffle socks and slip on some Mary Janes you've already got on hand and you've got an adorable costume! After the treat bucket is empty, she can still wear all of the costume items again. Now, that's what I call cheap and cheerful! [Find the adorable skirt here.]

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Where do you find your best Halloween deals? What are some fun costumes that include reusable items?

Cheap and Cheerful Chatter: LA Times Article on Best Inexpensive Makeup

Thank you to Liz in Los Angeles who pointed out this great LA Times article on drug store makeup deals from the perspective of a professional makeup artist. Definitely worth a read! Saving money on makeup does help bring out your inner beauty because, after all, being thrifty is sexy.

Deal of the Day: Sales, Sales Everywhere!

There are so many deals today that I couldn't pick just one so here is a fun assortment of money saving tidbits:

* Children's Place: Uniforms are now 25% off. While supplies last.

* Gymboree 15% off coupon, good through December 24, 2009 by signing up for email notifications. Plus, it is Gymbuck earning time, Back to School Sale, and Fall/Halloween preview.

* Kids $10 Sale at Old Navy: $10 deals on shirts, hoodies, and more for sizes 5 and up. While supplies last.

* Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac Users is 47% off today on Amazon. Just in time to edit all of those summer photos.

* Check out HauteLook, the bargain shopping spot online for those with expensive tastes. Join their email list for 36 to 72 hour sales on brands like Splendid, Seven for All Mankind, and more!

* Kmart: All shoes are buy one, get one free.

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: What sales are you planning to hit? So many deals, so little time!

Cheap and Cheerful Challenge August: Spotted -- Our Second In Store Deal

Katie from Walnut Creek sent in the following, "I tried on a cute red Badgley Mischka skirt yesterday at the insane TJMaxx in Moraga. MSRP: $328. TJM clearance price: $25 (Unfortunately, $25 is still too much when it doesn't fit...a size too big). Not to worry, got some cute Hudson's for $60! Love that particular TJM - crazy good stuff!"

Thanks for entering the contest and thanks for the great reminder about finding "the best" of the discount chain locations. Who knows what might be hiding at your local Ross, Marshall's or TJMaxx? Anyone out there have suggestions for locations of these stores that consistently stock quality merchandise? Please share!

Deal of the Day: Stationery Savings

I've written about my love of nice paper before. I simply adore pretty cards and am crazy about personalized stationery. You can get your stationery fix online and on sale at Fine Stationery. Check out the current promotions that are available. Some of my favorite designers -- Boatman Geller, Sweet Pea, and William Arthur -- are featured in these discounts. I just scored some free Boatman Geller cards through a Shutterfly promotion and I love them. Do I dare think about my holiday card in August?

Cheap and Cheerful wants to know: Where do you get your holiday cards? What kind of sales or coupons for holiday cards have you used in the past?

Favorite Things: KBM Games

KBM Games, a family run company, carries perfect party favors and more. You can now link to this great site through a button at the bottom of thispage. Check it out! My son loves his stomp rockets and parachute "guys"! They also carry bubbles, soccer kits, jump ropes and many more fun items for the whole family to enjoy. Fast shipping and friendly service. What more could you ask for?