It's amazing how quickly it adds up. I go into Walmart with a short list of items ranging from peanut butter to a picture frame. Shouldn't take long. Shouldn't cost much. Though I was pretty sure my $40 in cash wouldn't cover it. It never does.

Tonight is the annual Mom's Night Expo at Island Playground in Bluffton. It will be from 5:30-8:30 and no dads or kids are allowed! Local mom & kid-related businesses will be there with booths showcasing their products & services. There will also be free margaritas, massages, etc.! Admission is free, but raffle tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.

Today I am searching for a new swimsuit. The weather is heating up, pools are preparing to open, and my kids have already started talking about swimming. The inevitable is fast approaching, and I would be wise to be ready. I will soon need to wear a swimsuit.

I love a good bargain, especially when it comes to buying my children's clothing. Kids grow so fast that I cringe at the thought of paying full retail prices. Hand-me-downs, outlets, ebay.com, and used clothing stores are my friends.

I ventured forth yesterday in search of school supplies, hoping to achieve a one-stop-shopping experience. I went to the Walmart by the Savannah Mall.

After gathering most of our supplies, I started looking for book bags, but could not find any clear or mesh ones (as required by Chatham County public schools). So I asked an employee about it, and she informed me that this particular store was not authorized to carry the clear/mesh bags.

During the month of December, sara jane children's boutique (Savannah's newest upscale children's boutique) is offering "Holiday Deals of the Week". Each week they will showcase a certain product or brand to be discounted for your holiday savings! Have a bun in the oven? Register at sara jane children's boutique now until Jan 1st and receive a $25 gift certificate! Check out our unique baby registry and get all the clothes and accessories you really want ;)

Holiday Deals of the Week:

www.savannahjacks.com

Savannah Jacks is having a HUGE SALE on some of your favorite Spring items.  Come check us out and don't miss out on the savings!  Some of the sales include monogrammed flip flops, monogrammed umbrellas, cotton wraps, personalized children's furniture, monogrammed bags, monogrammed jewelry, canvas belts, needlepoint belts, leashes and collars, and more!

The day my column ran about using coupons more effectively to save money, I broke my own cardinal rule -- I went to the grocery store without a list or a single coupon.

I'd wanted to fix dinner before I went to work because I knew I'd be late and my kids deserved more than Hot Pockets and canned corn. (Dad's idea of gourmet cooking.)

While struggling through the last five minutes on the elliptical machine, I settled on baked rigatoni. All I needed was some ground meat, tomato paste and cheese.

Dear Lovely Mommie,

Savannah Jack's is a locally owned online boutique specializing in personalized gifts.  We have something for everyone and great deals!  Please come check us out!  www.savannahjacks.com  Every Coastal Mommies reader can receive 10% off their total order by using code: Coastal Mommies at checkout.