mom section
reel2real
By Melissa Hurst
5 Tips to Save on Clothing, Shoes pasta vixen
mom cents
Have you noticed all the back-toschool deals already? Hopefully you are taking advantage of the school supply deals at many of the office supply and drugstores around town! As you start to shop for new clothes, shoes and accessories, don’t forget that there are many ways to save in that area, too. Here are some tips for you: 1. Take inventory of what can be reused for the school year. Check your child’s wardrobe to make sure you know what is needed and, more importantly, what isn’t, so you don’t spend on unnecessary items. 2. Shop second-hand shops. Thrift shops, consignment stores and even yard sales can have hidden gems at great prices. To find the best selection, shop early in the season, stop by often, and don’t be afraid to try new places around the Valley. Tip: Check the donation policy at local thrift shops or consignment photo page
events calendar
hearsay
monthly meeting
stores. They may offer coupons or higher discounts to shop in their store when you use store credit. 3. Host a clothing exchange. Make a party out of it and ask people to bring their gently used clothing to exchange. Divide up the clothes by gender and size and let each person shop for their new attire. Each person gives away clothes that don’t fit and gets to pick up new ones. After everyone has made their picks, donate or sell clothes that are left over. 4. Shop outside the uniform shop. Many retailers offer uniform basics for half the cost of the uniform shops.
Cutie Patooties!
You can use sales and coupons to save even more. Some of the stores that carry uniform basics include Old Navy, Kohl’s, Walmart, Target, Sears and more. Shop early and buy ahead because these items can be in limited supply in store and they don’t always stock them throughout the year. 5. Skip the stores and shop online. Find coupon codes (RetailMeNot. com is a great resource) and use cash back incentives with sites like Ebates. com to help you save. Amazon also carries plenty of school clothes, shoes and uniform basics, plus, shipping is free with a purchase of $25 or more. Other retail stores also carry more choices and inventory online, so if you can’t find what you want in the store, make sure if it is carried online.
Melissa Hurst, a Valley-based deal-hunting savings pro, is also a mom of three. She understands the importance of budgeting and shares her savings tips in her column. Visit www.SavingCentsWithSense.net, where she shares her passion for bargain-hunting and strategies for stretching a budget.
Happy Hour Mon-Sat 2pm-7pm Sun All Day!
Is your kid a “cutie patootie?” Of course he is, so submit your baby, toddler or kid photos to the The Nearby News’ Valley Moms section for a chance to win Arizona Diamondbacks tickets. Send highresolution digital photos to moms@ nearbynews.com. Be sure to include your name, your child’s name and age and your phone number. (Don’t worry, phone numbers will not be published.)
It Wasn’t Easy But The Winner Is...
1-year-old Colton Price. His mom Tonya says Colton dressed up as a little monkey on a recent Halloween. Thanks to this adorable photo, Tonya is headed to see the Arizona Diamondbacks!
• Dine-in • Full Bar • Take-out • Delivery • Outdoor • Full Catering
Voted best Greek food in Mesa since 2007! Order Online!! BellagioPizzeria.com 4545 E. McKellips Ste. 103 • 480-325-1600 PICK-UP OR DELIVERY SPECIALS
DINE-IN ONLY
$4 OFF
FREE 10” CHEESE PIZZA 50% OFF WITH PURCHASE OF ANY 14” OR 16” PIZZA AT REGULAR PRICE *Specialty toppings addional. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Exp. 08/31/13
August 2013
PICK-UP SPECIALS
$11
WITH PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE
16” XL 1-TOPPING PIZZA
*Excludes alcohol. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Exp. 08/31/13
*Specialty toppings addional. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Exp. 08/31/13
DINE-IN ONLY
PICK-UP SPECIALS
ANY PASTA AT REGULAR PRICE AND GET THE 2ND PASTA OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE 50% OFF. *Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Exp. 08/31/13
$15
20” GIANT 1-TOPPING PIZZA *Specialty toppings addional. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Exp. 08/31/13
On the web at www.NearbyNews.com
Page 11
EAST VALLEY MOMS
mom ¢ents