First things first, make sure you pop over to my other blog, Carrie Actually, and enter my $15 iTunes gift card giveaway (ends 3/1).
Now on to today’s link round up:
In the office supply/stationary section at Target, you can find these pads of grocery lists from Real Simple. Meal planning helps me figure out what ingredients I need for my main dishes each week, but by using this preset list I’m reminded to fill in with extra fresh produce, breakfasts and snacks, and pantry staples. And the pads last forever, I shop almost weekly and the pad on my fridge right now is going on almost two years now.
The Real Simple version I use is currently only available at Target. For others that you can order on Amazon right now, here are some cute options:
I also keep a magnetic pen cup like kids would use in their lockers on my fridge to keep pens, Sharpies, and scissors for clipping coupons handy.

Disclosure: Some links in the post are affiliate links and I will receive a small compensation if you make a purchase or sign up for a service by clicking through those links. Affiliate links are an easy way for you to support It’s Frugal Being Green at no additional cost to yourself.
I shop for clothes two times a year, once in spring and once again in the fall. This system helps me get a better grip on building and high quality, diversified wardrobe than if I just pick up individual pieces on a whim throughout the year.
The March and September issues of fashion magazines are the fattest because that’s when the fashion seasons change the most significantly. So every February and every August, I take some time to clean out my closet and it’s that time of year once again.
To do before the shopping can begin:
- wash or dry clean and put away everything all at once
- remove anything damaged and either repair or dispose of it (if it’s damaged it’s not worth donating)
- try on anything that you don’t wear often and see if it still fits, if it looks good, and if you still like it (if any of the answers is no donate it)
- take stock of what you have, what you need, and what you want
- start tearing out inspiring catalog or magazine pages (if you don’t get any at home, visit your library and browse fashion magazines there for ideas)
Other things I’m doing to prep for my upcoming spring shopping session:
I have and love The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece and I just found out that there is a follow up book called The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style: How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own so I bought it also and I’m going to read through both books before I start shopping.
And I’m obsessing over this spring palette from Pantone which I’ve saved on to my iPhone for easy reference while shopping. I won’t stick to it exclusively but I will use it as inspiration.
When was the last time you cleaned out your closet?
Disclosure: Some links in the post are affiliate links and I will receive a small compensation if you make a purchase or sign up for a service by clicking through those links. Affiliate links are an easy way for you to support It’s Frugal Being Green at no additional cost to yourself.