Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

Spring Shopping List 2019

by Katie Haller

It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to warm up and I start to get the urge to do some shopping.  I get so excited when I see all the new spring clothes out in the stores.  It can be really hard if you are someone who is shopping on a budget not to make impulse purchases.  I’ve been known to do it a lot in the past.  As a clearance and sale shopper, I’ve been quick to jump on a good deal just because it’s a good price, but it’s not something I necessarily need or even want.  What I’m finding out is that impulse purchases like that don’t bring me that much joy in the long run.  What I’ve been trying to do is keep an ongoing list on my phone in my notes of the things that I want to buy/need to buy.  This keeps me on track and helps me avoid buyers remorse.  As the seasons change, my list might change a bit.  So far it’s been working.  I’m not perfect and I still have my moments when I buy something unnecessary, like for example, another striped t-shirt, when I already have 100 in my closet, but overall it does help me save money in the long run. 
I’ve been doing a lot of browsing online and in stores when I can.  I try to find the best deal that I possibly can when I have my eye on something.  It gets to the point where I will buy something because I see it for a good price, but I will not wear it and save the receipt just in case a better deal comes along.  I will obsess over it and spend hours searching for the perfect deal, but what can I say?  It keeps me busy.  Here are some of the items that I have on my spring wish list this year. 

Wedge Sandals– This is more of a want than a need, but I would love a new pair of espadrille wedge sandals.  I love the lighter colors for spring.  I’m not going to lie, I’m eyeing the Walmart options (HERE) because lately, they have not been disappointing me at all in my shoe selections from them.  Plus they have the best prices.  

Slides– I love my slides and I have my eye on some cute ones this spring.  I love the Steve Madden dupes from Target (HERE).  I think that they are so similar to the originals (HERE) but at a much more affordable price.  They are my current favorites, but I’m also really loving the scallop Target pair (HERE) as well.  

Straw Purse–  I’m a little late to the straw purse trend, but it seems to still be going strong this year, so it seems like a good time to jump in.  I love the summer look they have. I think it would be fun to dress up a casual look. 

Denim Skirt–  I’m so happy to see that denim skirts are back in style.  I’ve always been a fan.  I love the button front look or the simple style as well.  I’ve linked all my favorite options above. 

Light Washed Denim– I have a jean obsession.  Just like shoes, jeans are always on my wish list, but I’ve been noticing that my closet seems to be lacking in light wash denim. I love the lighter color for spring and summer.   

White jeans– This seems to be my biggest challenge at the moment to find the perfect white jeans at the perfect price.  The problem is that I have a pair of white jeans in my closet that are just fine, but I don’t love the fit anymore, so I’m looking to update them, but it’s been a struggle.  Above are some of the jeans I’ve looked at or tried on in my search.  I am determined to find the perfect pair soon.

Camo T-shirt– This is an item I’m still debating if I actually want or not.  I’ve always felt that camouflage print should only be worn by the military or hunters.  But lately, I see that it’s all the rage.  The more I see other people wear it, the more I seem to want it.  I think that a t-shirt is a perfect way to try out a new trend like this.  It’s an easy way to ease into a trend like this.

Anything and everything Yellow!!– I am loving yellow this spring. I’m so attracted to the color every time I walk into a store.  It’s so bright and cheerful. 

Lightweight tanks- Loose-fitting lightweight tanks are my favorite thing in the summer.  Something with a print or bright color makes it even better.  They are so easy to style.

Thanks for coming along on my shopping adventure.  I’m sure I will be sharing my finds as I buy them.  What is on your spring wish list?

My Favorite Things Gift Guide

by Katie Haller

It’s time for my last gift guide of the season.  I did one for Teacher gifts, Toddler gifts and today I’m talking about gifts for her.  Nothing against the guys, but I’m horrible on buying guy gifts.  For girls, I just think of what I would like for myself.  That’s why for today’s post, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite things.  This is a list of things that I either use daily or really want to buy for myself. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will earn a commission for this blog. Thank you for your support! 

I do not have this set yet, but it’s defiantly on my wish list.  One of my friends at work has been using it and she loves it.  I always do my nails at home and this gel set gives your nails that gel finish that makes it look like you just left the nail salon. 

I got this eye shadow pallet a couple years ago for Christmas and I love it.  I think if you’re going to give someone makeup, this is the perfect makeup gift.  It’s a good quality of eye shadow and the colors work with almost any skin tone. 

Slippers $29.37
Who doesn’t love a nice pair of house slippers.  I’m in bare feet most of the year, but in the winter I love being able to slip into a pair of slippers to wear around the house.

This is a repeat from my teacher gift guide, but I am so obsessed with my leather earrings that I just had to add them again.  They are so practical to wear all the time.  I personally think that they make the perfect gift.

I bought a steamer this year and it’s my favorite!  I hate ironing and I avoid it at all cost.  A steamer keeps your clothes looking nice and wrinkle free without dragging out a giant ironing table.  Mine is small enough to use a travel steamer as well. It heats up fast and doesn’t spit out water like other steamers, plus it’s a great price! 
Pottery Barn has the cutest monogram coffee mugs.  They are very affordable and make a great gift.  I’m pretty sure I’m going to buy one for myself this year, since I’ve been wanting a “K” mug for a very long time.

Knit Blanket $17.99
I love getting and giving blankets as gifts.  A nice throw blanket is always good to have.

Pajama Pants $38.00
Every year I tell my mom that all I want for Christmas are jammy bottoms.  That’s all I wear in the winter to bed.  My favorite pair is from PinkBlush.  I wear them daily.

Hodded Cardigan $38.00 
This PinkBlush cardigan is my favorite and most warn item in the closet.  It’s so cozy and I feel like I’m wearing my bathrobe when I wear it.  I get so many complements when I wear it.  I think it would make a great gift.

This is on my list, because I really need one, but I also think it would make a great gift.  Any kind of winter accessories always make great Christmas gifts.

Happy Christmas shopping everyone!

Toddler Gifts Under $15!

by Katie Haller


1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Whether you are a parent of a toddler or you have nieces and nephews to buy for, kids are the best to Christmas shop for.  It always makes me happy to buy little kids Christmas gifts.  The best thing about kids is that it doesn’t take much to excite them.  My little guy gets excited over a sticker.  Today I’m sharing 9 toddler gifts under $15! These make great stocking stuffers or just small gifts for any toddler on your shopping list.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link, I will earn a commission for this blog.  Thank you for your support! 

I’m a huge fan of Green Toys! Jack has a couple of these toys and he really loves them!  They are made well and perfect for little kids, plus they are made from recycled materials so they are environmentally friendly, which is always a plus! 
Bath Foam Letters
This is one of Jack’s favorite toys!  He loves the alphabet and these letters helped him learn it.  I credit YouTube Kids for most of his alphabet knowledge, but playing with these letters let him practice them and get even better at the alphabet.


Ornament
My mom gave me an ornament in my stocking every year, and I still have them all.  I would love to start that tradition with Jack.  Ornaments are great because you can give them something that they are interested in or will help you remember that year.


Melissa and Doug Crayon Set
The Easter bunny brought Jack this crayon set last year and let me tell you, it’s our favorite set of crayons.  They are triangle, so they don’t roll off the table like other crayons.  They also are harder to break and they clean off of furniture and floors much easier than other crayons.


Blippi Coloring Book

I’m not sure if you have little ones obsessed with Blippi, but we love him at our house.  Jack learns so much from Blippi.  This coloring book goes along with a lot of the Blippi videos.  It’s really cute and perfect for toddlers.


Board Books
Books are always a good gift idea for every age.  I especially like books that talk about relatable topics for kids.  Books about becoming a big brother or sister, books about manners and in our case a book about potty training.


Color Bath Drops
These color drops are a great stocking stuffer.  They make bath time really fun.  You can mix the colors and experiment with them.  They sometimes are the only way I can get Jack into the tub at the end of the day.


Melissa and Doug 4 in 1 Puzzle Sets
I love Melissa and Doug toys.  They make the best toddler puzzles.  I love the little 4 in 1 puzzle sets, because they are compact and easy to clean up and store.


Honest Company Bubble Bath
Lastly, I have to share my favorite bubble bath.  Kids love bubble baths.  This always makes a nice stocking stuffer.  I love the smell of this bubble bath and it’s very gentle on skin, which is what you need during the dry winter months.

Hopefully, you find this gift guide helpful for your little ones.

Happy Christmas shopping!!

Teacher Gift Guide- Under $30!!

by Katie Haller

This is my 3rd year doing a teacher gift guide.  I love doing them because of not a lot of bloggers’ high light gifts for teachers.  For me, teachers are my favorite people to gift at Christmas time.  As a teacher myself, I know how much we appreciate being remembered by our students.  As a parent, I love being able to spoil my child’s teacher, because I want to show them how grateful we are for their hard work and care of our son throughout the year.  I’ve been asked before if teachers prefer gift cards over gifts and my answer is no. 


Personally, for me, I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a gift card, but it’s always nice to have a personal gift from one of your students.  I hold on to those gifts and I always think about the student who gave me the gift each time I use them.  It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, because it’s really the thought that counts, that’s why I have listed 7 affordable teacher gifts to give to your child’s teacher this year.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means by clicking on and/or making a purchase through a link will result in a commission for this blog with no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

One || Leather Earrings
I’ve been seeing leather earrings all over Instagram this past year.  A few months ago I won a giveaway with Brinley & Co and I am loving these earrings.  I wear them to work almost every day.  They are the perfect earrings for a teacher because they are lightweight and easy to wear around children.

As a teacher, I am outside with the children every day.  To me, winter accessories are always a good gift.  I’m really loving all the cute winter hats out right now.  That’s why I think a winter hat would make a nice teacher gift.

 Blankets always make great Christmas gifts for everyone.  They are cozy during the winter months.  I love getting blankets as gifts.  I’ve gotten them from students before and I always find them a thoughtful and useful gift. 

Four || Makeup
Last year, one of my students gave me makeup for Christmas.  I thought that it was such a great gift because I personally love makeup.  Even if your child’s teacher doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, they still might appreciate a nice eye-shadow pallet.

Five || Ornament
 I love getting tree ornaments from students.  Each year that I put them on my tree, I remember my students.  Ornaments always make a great personalized gift.

Six || Graphic T-shirt
 Who doesn’t love a good graphic tee?  There are tons of cute graphic t-shirts out there for teachers.  These are something that teachers can wear to work on casual Friday or just wear on the weekends.  

Seven || Scarf
I think I add a scarf to my teacher gift list every year.  A scarf is such a good gift.  It’s something that all most all teachers would appreciate. 

Eight || Tote Bag
 Do teacher totes ever go out of style?  They always come in handy.  That’s why I think a cute teacher tote makes a great gift. 
I always feel bad that I leave out the guy teachers when I do my teacher gift guide, but in my personal experience, guys are extremely hard to shop for.  That’s why I say, stick with a gift card for them.  You can’t go wrong with that.  Hopefully, you find this post helpful and it gives you a few ideas.  For more teacher gift ideas you can check out my posts from the last two years HERE and HERE. 
Happy Shopping!! 

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