Currently

This weeks themes:

watching, reminding, searching, waiting, regretting

I'm currently watching nothing; just flipping the channels right now. I was watching behind the scenes of the making of The Sound Of Music with Carrie Underwood. Extreme Cheapskates will be on soon! Yay! I love that show and how crazy people can be!

I'm currently reminding myself to watch Extreme Cheapskate tonight and Breaking The Faith about the  FLDS religion on Sunday.

I'm currently searching for free samples, jobs, and my ancestors. I've been doing my family tree since I was in the 7th grade. I love finding new ancestors and new great-whatever grandparents and distant cousins.

I'm currently waiting for Thanksgiving! I can't wait to spend my first year with my fiance, dig into some yummy food, and eat my Chocolate Pecan Pie tomorrow!

I'm currently regretting nothing right now. Tomorrow I'll regret eating so much food though!

xx Courtney

New Series: 12 Days Of Christmas

12 Days Of Christmas will be a new series on here that will feature DIY projects, holiday recipes, link roundups, gift guides, and fashion. Join me on December 1st for the first day! 

xx Courtney 

Cents of Style: Shop The Look: Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving coming up, you're going to need a cute stylish outfit. The outfit below is $336 if you buy everything from DailyLook. My outfit will only cost you $251, $85 less than the original price. Check out my outfit below.

Dailylook

Shop The Look: Thanksgiving by courtney-dyson featuring gold jewelry

AX Paris party dress
$40 - axparis.com

River Island cardigan
$45 - riverisland.com

Black pumps
dailylook.com

Natasha Couture black purse
nordstrom.com

GUESS by Marciano gold jewelry
guessbymarciano.guess.com

Jane Norman crochet hat
$26 - janenorman.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins belt
dorothyperkins.com

Currently

This weeks themes:

missing, reading, drinking, eating, planning

I'm currently missing my fiance (like always) and my debit card. I had to cancel it last year because I was going a little crazy with it. 

I'm currently reading new blog and all the posts on my dashboard this morning. I used to read books, but blogs have replaced that. 

I'm currently drinking nothing. I did have water this morning though. 

I'm currently eating some caramels. I shouldn't be though. I need them for when I bake cookies tomorrow.

I'm currently planning on my wedding (like usual) and baking cookies. 

xx Courtney  

Sweater Weather Tag

I saw this post over at Sweet Happenings and I knew I had to do it. 

Favorite candle scent?
Hmmm...probably Autumn Wreath from Yankee Candle. But I also love Pumpkin Spice candles just as much. Ok, I  love all the fall scented candles out there. 

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate! I hate coffee and tea. I only drink tea when I'm really sick and even then I hardly drink it. I take like a few sips and I'm done. 

Do you switch up your makeup routine for the season?
Nope. I like makeup, but I don't wear a lot or wear it that often; even though I have a ton of it. 

Favorite Thanksgiving food?
Stuffing (my grandfather makes the best kind, it's better than the box), pecan pie, 

Hats or scarves? 
Scarves definitely! 

Most worn sweater?
I have this cable knit (I think it's that) white sweater top from Urban Outfitters that I absolutely love! It's warm, comfy, and it looks great on me. 

Must have Fall nail polish?
I don't have one. I just wear whatever color I like. 

Football games or jumping in a pile of leaves?
I'm not a fan of football or any sport for that matter, so I'm going to have to go with jumping in a pile of leaves. 

Skinny jeans or leggings?
Leggings. I used to hate them, but ever since I put on some weight, I've been in love with them and living in them. 

Boots or Uggs?
Boots. I have a pair of Uggs, but I hate them and I dread wearing them. They're not comfortable and I feel like I'm wearing moon boots. Plus, they're not stylish in my opinion and when it gets really cold here in NYC, they don't keep my feet warm. 

What is your #1 favorite thing about Fall?
The scents! 

Do you have a song that gets you in the Fall mood or just a song you're loving at the moment?
Hmmm...not really. I haven't actually sat down and listened to new music in awhile. But I've been listening to Applause by Lady Gaga and The Saturday's new CD non stop. 

What is the Fall weather like where you currently live?
It all depends on what mother nature's in the mood for. About a year or 2 ago, it was really mild. We had 50-80 degree weather. Some years it's really cold and winter is a continuation of fall, they just mesh together. Other years, like this fall, it's a mix. Some days are mild, in the 
60's, and other days it's in the 30's and 40's. NYC fall is crazy and moody. Mother nature has mood swings and is bipolar at times. 

xx Courtney 

November Sponsor Giveaway

Seven fabulous ladies are giving away great prizes for the November Sponsor Giveaway!

What's up for grabs?

2 holiday-scented Yankee Candle wax tarts from Please N Carrots
200x200 ad space from A Little Too Jolley 
The Little One ad space from Simple Moments Stick
Ad space for December and January 14 from Purely By Accident
An item from Hopeful Wandering's Etsy shop
Ad space from Army Ever After
$5 giftcard to starbucks from Wifesticated

Head below to enter the giveaway, which runs from today to December 3rd. There will be 1 winner for all the prizes. 

xx Courtney 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to Miss Frugal Mommy's Celebratory Amazon Giveaway!

A special thanks to my amazing cohosts:

Juggling Act Mama, The Stuff of Success, The Deal Matchmaker, Casa Moncada, Reviewed by Mom, Xtreme Qpon, My Couponing Life, A Medic's World, Squashie-Dipity, MumbleBeeInc Deals and Steals, Rainy Day Pennies, Stacy's Savings, Totally Temberton

Miss Frugal Mommy reached 10,000 facebook fans!

Why not help celebrate this milestone with a very popular Amazon gift card giveaway! There are going to be two winners for this giveaway.

PRIZES:

-1 $50 Amazon gift card

-1 $25 Amazon gift card

Don't forget to visit Miss Frugal Mommy's Holiday Gift Guide for a collection of reviews on the must have items this holiday season!

Enter to win in the rafflecopter below, all entries will be verified, one entrant per household or you will immediately be disqualified. Winner will be contacted via email and has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Open worldwide! International winner's will receive $50/$25 via PayPal. US winners can choose Amazon or PayPal for their prize.

Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Juicy Dealz Giveaway

Welcome to theJuicyDealz Holiday Giveaway, hosted by Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Viva Veltoro

JuicyDealz is a brand new, up-and-coming daily boutique and handmade deals site. Founded by husband and wife team Cat and Andy, JuicyDealz stemmed from a simple idea: create a dynamic, online marketplace featuring an eclectic mix of American-based artisans and small businesses offering fabulous items at great prices. Every day, a new crop of deals pops up. You can follow JuicyDealz on Facebook to get sneak peeks of upcoming deals and subscribe to their daily email so you won’t miss a thing! Be it designer-inspired jewelry, personalized note cards, infinity scarves, trendy women’s clothing, accessories, home goods, or stuff for the kiddos, each and every day brings a new treasure trove of unique finds. You’ll need to purchase quickly as most of the deals only last 3-4 days and can sell out fast! You’ll feel good every time you make a purchase because you are getting not only a super unique, fun, and often one-of-a-kind product (at an incredible price!), but you are also helping to support a small business owner who is striving to support their family, while doing what they love. It is the passion, creativity, and hospitality of these amazing entrepreneurs that make up the heart of JuicyDealz, bringing you fresh, fun, and affordable deals every day.

One LUCKY person will WIN a gorgeous jewelry collection from JuicyDealz worth over $300!

Just in time for the holidays, this amazing prize package includes an incredible assortment of stunning and unique jewelry (infinity bracelets, statement necklaces, designer-inspired jewelry, sports mom bracelets, owl earrings, watches and more!). Perfect for stocking stuffers, gifts, or to keep for yourself. Please note, actual prize package may vary slightly from what you see pictured above but will include items that are equally lovely!

This giveaway is open to the US only, ages 18 and up, and ends on 12/2/13 at 11:59 PM EST.

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Prize fulfillment is solely the responsibility of JuicyDealz and not the participating bloggers. Giveaway is open to residents of the US states, age 18+. Giveaway will close at 11:59 PM EST on 12/2/13. 1 winner will be selected and will be contacted by email. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send an email to thriftyniftymommy (at) yahoo.com. If you're interested in having your company or products featured with a giveaway like this, please contact thriftyniftymommy{at}yahoo.com.

November Sponsor Highlight

This month, I had the pleasure of sponsoring some wonderful ladies! This month, I asked them what they were thankful for. Go read their answers, check out their blogs, and say hi to them!

Jessica from Please N Carrots 

Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Bloglovin

 I am a brand new lawyer living in Pennsylvania with my boyfriend of 4 years, Brian. When you check out my blog you can expect to find some funny stories, the occasional recipe, and lots of pictures of our 2 adorable miniature dachshunds, Hansel and Schnitzel. I love shopping, dachshunds, and dessert, and I'm a Gilmore Girls fanatic. Oy with the poodles already! I am thankful for my family, Brian, my dogs, and fall TV shows.. I'm obsessed, what can I say?!

Bailey from Becoming Bailey

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

Hi! I'm Bailey from Becoming Bailey. I'm a senior at Murray State University and I will be graduating college this December. I started my blog as a way to keep track of my college experience, but it's grown into such a wonderful way to make new friends and record the story of my life. Through blogging, I've been able to give college advice to so many college girls and I'm so thankful I could help them out. Stop by Becoming Bailey and say hi! :)

Jessica from This Analog Adventure

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest 

I'm Jess, a twenty-something student obsessed with Analog Photography, fashion, and travel. My blog is my space to share all of the things I love and connect with other bloggers!  I'm Canadian so we've already had our thanksgiving! but I'm always thankful for my family and how close we are, and that I live in such a beautiful Country. Happy thanksgiving to all you Americans! 

Brooklyn from A Little Too Jolley

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

I'm Brooklyn! A 20 something newlywed, with a love for passion, costmetology, and Coca-Cola. I am thankful for so many things. Green lights when I'm running late, an opportunity to go to school, prayer when I'm feeling stressed, a wonderful husband and family, and Coca-Cola. Always Coca-Cola. 

Susannah from Simple Moments Stick

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest  

 Hi there!  I'm Susannah and I blog at Simple Moments Stick.  I'm a newlywed, living with my handsome hubby in Portland, Oregon.  (Do you live nearby?  I'd LOVE to meet you IRL!)  Nate and I have been married about two and a half years but I definitely still give us newlywed status.  Maybe we'll always be newlyweds...  Currently Nate’s attending seminary here in Portland studying to be a pastor.  Yep, I’m a future pastor’s wife and I love it!  Simple Moments Stick is a place where I share all aspects of my life.  One day you I might talk about my family (I have ELEVEN brothers and sisters!), another day I might talk about my faith, and a third day I might flaunt how awesome my husband is.  (Although, he thinks that should be ALL I blog about)  My heart behind my blog is to connect with other women around the country (and world!) to love on and encourage one another.  Come on over and visit!  Make sure you leave a comment so I know you stopped by and I'd LOVE to become your friend!!!  I am incredibly thankful for the people in my life.  I couldn't imagine life without my husband, family (which of course includes my husband's side of the family), and friends.  They all mean the world to me.

Tammy from You Wouldn't Call It A Drinking Problem

Bloglovin ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

 I'm Tammy Jo from over at You Wouldn't Call It A Drinking Problem. I work full time and go to school finishing up my bachelors degree in Public Relations and Event Management. I started this blog to keep myself accountable and to share my experiences good and bad. I hope that something I write will make an impact on someone's life.
What I am thankful for would be my family, we argue, fight, bicker and sometimes STRONGLY dislike one another but I know that they are ALWAYS there for me whenever I need them! 

Miranda from Purely By Accident

Bloglovin ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

I am Miranda, my blog is called Purely By Accident. I have been blogging for almost 4 months now, I started my blog as way of passing time but now it's my hobby my baby that I share my likes, dislikes, frustrations, love etc.  am thankful for my family, my partner, my life in general and the good health the good Lord has afforded me.

Emily from Hopeful Wandering

Etsy ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Hi CAYD readers :) I'm Emily, I blog over at Hopeful Wandering. My blog is mostly about my long distance relationship with my boyfriend Tom. He is from England and i am from Texas. In fact I'm headed to England for Thanksgiving in a few days, i know a little backwards but it's all so exciting!! I am thankful for family, friends and Tom. I have had one of the most incredible years and i've got the most amazing people by my side!

Elizabeth from Army Ever After

Reasons Why I Won't Read Your Blog ~ Glazed Pumpkin Spice Bread ~ I Am The Wife Of An American Solider ~ Easy Peasy Pumpkin Pie ~ A Big Old Bloggy Family

Hey there, I'm Elizabeth from Army Ever After I blog about my life as a newlywed, adventures in Hawaii, and pretty much anything that strikes my fancy! Hmm...that’s such a hard question. There are so many things I’m thankful for--my husband, our lives here in Hawaii, my family’s health and well-being...you get the picture!!

Ashlee from A Step In The Right Direction

Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bloglovin

Hi! I am Ashlee & I am a 20-something new mom, wife, & a girl trying to live healthier at a lighter weight. I lost 35 pounds before getting pregnant, I am currently 10 lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight, but I still have 25 lbs to go. I am learning how to balance a healthy lifestyle with a toddler in the house. I live in Upstate NY near the VT border, I like the country & the small town atmosphere. I blog about my day to day life struggling to lose weight and taking care of my small family. Stop by the blog on Wednesday for the Weigh In Wednesday day link-up I co-host. What am I thankful for? I am thankful for my husband and my son. My husband is amazing and I really have no idea what I would do without him. Mason is pretty amazing too, it is true when people say it is hard to imagine life before having a baby. I am very thankful for my little family and would not trade them for the world. 

Jessica from Wifesticated

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest 

My name is Jessica & I blog over at Wifesticated. I am just a small town girl living her life with prince charming. Follow along as we go through many trails and errors of a young marriage, a great son and our beer drinking desert riding barefoot blue jeans adventures. The list could be so long and I would like to think that I am thankful for all of it throughout the year not just on one day . With that said, the very first thing I am thankful for is my family, Including my animals. My family wouldn't be my family unless I had all my animals. I love them all each in their own way and my amazing husband who works so hard to provide for us. My healthy, my blog, my friends, the ability to do what I want is on the top of that list as well and so much more.  

Check back tomorrow for the Group Giveaway. 1 winner, 7 great prizes!

xx Courtney

Black Tie Caramels

OMG! Where has this company been all my life?! Black Tie Caramels are so good! 

I love caramel. So when I discovered this company on To Adorn a few weeks, I knew I had to try them! Black Tie Caramels is a homemade caramel company on Etsy. The caramels come wrapped in either a burlap bag or jar, depending how much you order. I ordered a 3 oz. bag but I would have definitely gotten a jar of this. That's how good it is! 

Once you open the bag and unwrap one, your mouth starts to water. They are soft, sweet, and salty. After you have one, there's a hint of sea salt at the end, which compliments the sweetness really well. They're not overly sweet like some candy can be, they're just right. 

I tore the package open and ate 3 of them. Don't worry, I'm going to share them with my fiance. I'm also going to be ordering them again for him for Christmas. He's a caramel fanatic! And after you have one, who wouldn't be a caramel fanatic. 

These caramels would be perfect in baking! You can use them in cookies, cake, with chocolate, or melt them and dip your favorite treats in them. 

You can check out their Etsy shop here. 

*This is not a sponsored post. I wasn't asked to write this nor compensated for this post (even though I wish I was compensated with these delicious caramels). 

Cents of Style: Shop The Look: White, Red, & Black Skirts

When it comes to finding the best item, I know that the key to the best price to shop around and look for something similar. Today's look is this beautiful Miu Miu Skirt at $895. Take a look at the similar finds that I found that are cheaper and won't break the bank. 

Miu Miu Skirt ($895)

Shop The Look: White, Red,& Black Skirts by courtney-dyson featuring a white skirt

Kendall Kylie white skirt
pacsun.com

MSGM white skirt
farfetch.com

Alice by Temperley white skirt
$160 - zalando.co.uk

MSGM white skirt
thecorner.com

Isabel Marant skirt
farfetch.com



My personal favorite is the MSGM Marant skirt. You can pair that with a white, coral or black shirt with white, coral, black or red pumps. Such a cute look! I will show you how to style that shirt next week! 

xx Courtney 

Sparkle Box Giveaway

The Sparkle Box Giveaway Hosted by Pea of Sweetness

Sponsored by Ideals Books

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him.

THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

Head over to Pea of Sweetness to see what Emilee and her family think of The Sparkle Box in their review!

About the prize: One lucky winner will receive The Sparkle Box book with a fold out sparkle box included!

About the giveaway: This giveaway begins on 11/16 and ends on 11/30 at 11:00pm (times are Central) and is open to US and Canada ages 18+. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.

Entry-Form

  Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may be different than yours. Chase All Your Dreams is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Subscription Box Giveaway

 

Hosted By: 

 

Out of the Bags

 

Co-Hosted By: 

 

The World of Contest Patti

 

Prizes:

 

1 winner will receive a 1 Month Subscription of Flicker Box

 

1 winner will receive a  1 Month Subscription of Square Hue 

 

1 winner will receive  a 1 Month Subscription of Healthy Surprise 

 

2 winners will receive a 1 Month Subscription of JackedPacked.com

 

 

About Flicker Box 

 

If you love candles then this box is for you. Every month you get a curated box of artisan candles made right here in the US. All beautifully hand made. 

 

About Square Hue

 

Every month you will get 3 full size bottles of nail polish.  They are “5-Free” Clean which means they do NOT contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor or Formaldehyde Resin. They are also made right here in the USA which is awesome.  

 

About Healthy Surprise

 

Healthy Surprise delivers healthy snacks right to your do every month.  

You never have to worry about getting anything that isn't good for you because you will know that they are

always natural, gluten free,vegan, soy free, corn free, and wheat free.

 

About JackedPacked.com

 

They help you discover the best products in sports nutrition and they have three different sized packs. The Lightweight, The Heavyweight, and the Heavyweight XXL. 

They also give $10 vouchers to their members every month to use in their store. So if you find something you like, or already know what you like, you can buy the full-size version. They also  have gift subscriptions (in two sizes) and month-to-month options, as well as 3 and 6 month options at discounted rates. 

 

 

 

 

Open to the US Only, 18+

 

 

 

 

Entry-Form

 

 

Chase All Your Dreams is not responsible for prize fulfillment. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own or even those stated in this post. 

 

 

Sunday Social

Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life. Unless you count the volunteer work I've done, I've only had 2 paying jobs in my life. I worked at my dad's medical office in 2007 as a medical clerk and his other medical office as another medical clerk. I'm tired of being a medical clerk, so I'm trying not to get a job like that again. 

Name 4 movies you would watch over and over. Pirates of the Caribbean, Despicable Me, Finding Neverland, and Finding Nemo. 

Name 4 places you have lived. When I was a newborn I lived in another part of NYC, then we moved somewhere else in the city when I was 1, and then before I turned 2, we moved to Queens, NY. I've been living in the same house for 20 years. 

Name 4 of your favorite foods. Pizza, chips, cookies, and ice cream. 

Name 4 things you always carry with you. My phone, wallet, a water bottle, and a pen. 

Name 4 places you have been on vacation. Maine, Rhode Island, Florida, and Pennsylvania. 

xx Courtney 

Cents of Style: How To Shop For Less

We all want to look good, but clothes can be expensive. $26 for shirt, $50 for jeans; my wallet's running away thinking about those prices. So how can you look good but not spend a fortune? Well, that's what I'm going to show you. 

1. You can shop at outlets. They offer the same stuff but for less. Nordstroms Rack, for example, has great clothes for great prices. If you've never heard of this store, it's an outlet type store for Nordstroms. Whatever doesn't sell in the regular store, goes to the Rack for less. That's what outlets do. They take items that don't sell and sell them for less at these stores.

2. Look for sales and coupons. I'm not a fan of those 10%, 20% type sales. They do nothing for me. I like BOGO sales and $10 and $20 type sales. That's where you get a great sale. I don't really like loyalty cards though. Honestly, they do nothing for me, no matter how much I shop somewhere. You can find coupons from the store's site, through signing up for the store's emails, or online through sites like Retail Me Not. Use your coupons ladies!

3. Check the sales racks at stores. You never know what you'll find. I once found a Calvin Klein shirt at Lord & Taylor for $10! It originally retailed for like $20 or something, I forget. But the point is, check those sales racks ladies!

4. Shop off season. They'll usually mark down prices for off season clothes. So, shop for spring and summer clothes in the fall/winter and vice versa. You can normally get a winter jacket or coat for less than you would normally during the actual season. This is because the store has inventory they want to get rid of.

5. Shop at non-name brand stores and not just department stores. Shop at small boutiques or small stores in your area. You'll find a great outfit without the fortune.

Hope these tips help! Next Friday, I will be doing a Shop The Look post for this series.

xx Courtney 

Currently

This weeks themes:

wishing, typing, moving, thinking, laughing

I'm currently wishing for an apartment, the weekend to stay around forever, a job, endless money, to move out of NYC (I can't stand this cold weather), and for the holidays to come. 

I'm currently typing a number of blog posts up. I have general posts that I'm working on and I'm also working on a few new series: My Two Cents, Cents Of Style, and Wedding Wednesday. 

I'm currently moving into a chapter soon. I plan on moving out of my parents house next year and into my apartment with Jose. I'm also engaged and I'll be getting married in 2016. 

I'm currently thinking about Jose (like always), wedding planning, job searching (still), the new blog series, and lately my brain's been on beauty and fashion. 

I'm currently laughing at everything! I'm always laughing! Yesterday, I was cracking up over the fact that the silliest and craziest things happen to my fiance. He was talking to admissions yesterday at college and they mixed him up with another student. My fiance is Jose M. Batista and he's born on October 13, 1989. This student is Jose E. Batista born on April 10, 1992. So, I was joking with him saying that I'm going to give him a birthday present on April 10. I swear the craziest things happen to him. Social security had him listed as a female for a few years. Why I don't know. So, I was joking with him calling him Josephina. Jose and I have a lot of laughs and great times together. 

xx Courtney 

My Two Cents: Crop Tops

I don't care how skinny you are, how good looking you are, that you have your belly button pierced, how good looking your stomach is, how hot it is outside, what the cool trend is, or anything along those lines. Crop tops don't look good on anyone! Period. I don't want to see your midriff or stomach. Ew! Unless we're at the beach, I don't want to see it. If you want to cool off or wear something that shows your midriff, go the beach then!

I was going to the mall this past summer and as I was walking to the entrance, I saw a girl in really short shorts (ugh) and not just a crop top, something worse than that; a strapless bathing suit type top. *sigh* This is how women dress these days and this is how they dress where I live. It's atrocious! Ladies, it's not attractive, appealing, cute, hot, sexy, or anything along those lines. No guy wants to see it and you're just leaving a lot for a guy's imagination, that applies to bathing suit type tops and crop tops. I don't understand the trend and I never will. I will not follow it at all.

I think you get my point. 

xx Courtney