Luv Saving Money – Life on a Budget

100% Recyclable Shoes – Casual Comfort with Zebra Oasis

Shoes are great. Most of us have at least a couple pair. But did you know most shoes can’t be recycled? Most of our worn out shoes end up being burned in landfills because the materials can’t be easily separated for proper recycling. So they either hang out in landfills or are burned which aren’t ideal for the environment either.

So what can we do? Most of us needs shoes right?

Zebra Oasis

Zebra Oasis seems to have it figured out. Every step considered to make their shoes better for the environment. Here are some ways Zebra Oasis is keeping the environmental impact in the forefront of their shoes:

100% Truly recyclable with their patented “R-ring” design to easily separate materials when it’s time to retire your shoes
Recycled CO-2 injected soles – TPU foam makes their foam fully recyclable without using extra chemicals typically used in the foaming process
Hemp upper part – the upper part of the shoes is made from hemp. Making these shoes: breathable, comfortable, sustainable, and comforable
NO DYES! – Zebra Oasis is committed to using natural materials. No dyes are used. Which also means when you wash your shoes they maintain their color

You can watch how the R-ring works to recycle your shoes here:

But Are They Going To Wear?

Zebra Oasis shoes perform well in temps ranging from -10 to 60 degrees Celsius. The shoes are very flexible . Zebra Oasis shoes also come with a 1 year warranty. Comfortable enough to wear all day but durable enough to keep up with you.

My Thoughts After A Month of Wear

When I read about them before I received them I was wondering about the whole “R-ring” thing. Would I feel it in the soul of the shoe? If I do too much walking, dancing around, etc in my shoes could I accidently start pulling it? The answer to those questions is NO. I wore these while out running errands, to the grocery store, to the warehouse store while hubby and I were dishwasher shopping, and more. I didn’t even think about the R-Ring. It’s more of a strong thread so you can’t feel it at all.

These shoes are so comfortable. Honestly, these might be one of the most comfortable shoes I have for casual wear. And I’m a tennis shoe girl. The casual design make them great to wear with just about anything: jeans, shorts, capris, skorts, whatever. The soft hemp uppers made these shoes instantly wearable. There’s no break-in period or “getting used to them”. You can take them right out of the box and head out the door.

I have a feeling these will be my daily pair for the spring and summer. The light, breathability of the shoe will be nice. Though I was wearing them February and March in Pennsylvania too so…

I love that these shoes are machine washable. I rarely can keep white shoes white. (They actually refer to this color as beige but I can’t keep beige shoes beige either) It will be so much easier for me to just be able to throw them in the washer when they start looking dingy.

A Little More About Zebra Oasis

Zebra Oasis is a premium lifestyle brand dedicated to sustainability. I think they hit the mark with these shoes. They have a goal to provide high quality foot wear with low environmental impact. I love that!

These shoes will be available in whole sizes. I typically wear a US 7.5 so to be safe I requested a US 8 to review. After wearing them for a few days I probably could have gone either way. There was definitely some wiggle room in the 8s for me but I typically like to wear socks of some type with my tennis shoes that that was good for me.

These shoes are expected to be available to purchase in April. I think it’s no coincidence that April happens to be Earth Month. So when you’re considering making your earth friendly changes, think about your shoes and consider these super comfortable Zebra Oasis shoes.

These shoe will also be available in gray.

The Zebra Oasis website is live now but the shoes won’t be available to purchase until next month. Their site is full of info and a little more technical than what I said here. If you cop a pair of these shoes, let me know and tell me what you think!

I received a product sample in exchange for this post. Any opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

Waterproof Labels from Name Bubbles

I have been using waterproof, washable labels for years. I discovered them back when my oldest boys were starting school. It was so easy to label all their stuff. The stickers stayed on all year, the labels were easy to see, and if something needed cleaned up, I could do it and not have to worry about re-labeling.

Now that my kids are older I still find myself using label stickers. Inside backpacks, on gloves and hats, labeling electronics, I even use them when taking in a cover dish for work.

Name Bubbles has so many options and sizes. They have so many options for designs, adding characters, fonts, and more. When my kids were little they loved the novelty shapes or little icons. Now that they’re older they’d rather it just be plain and to the point. Name Bubbles has options for all that. And it’s so easy to create your custom label stickers.

If you have kids in daycare, I highly recommend getting the Name Bubbles daycare packs. I would get one pack for each kid. It comes with all kinds of different size and types of labels. 96 total labels to be exact. All the daycare pack labels are microwaves safe, waterproof, freezer safe, and laundry safe. So label bottles, sippy cups, shoes, clothing, toys, baby food, etc.

Custom Daycare Labels

Name Bubbles also has camp packs. I’ve already seen quite a few sign ups for summer camps, day camps, and educational camps coming up. Get ahead of the game and have a better chance of your kids’ stuff coming back home with them.

I created some name labels for my youngest son because we were getting low. What do you use name label son for a 13 year old?

backpacks
bluetooth speaker
chargers
laptop
jackets
handheld gaming systems
sports equipment (especially with football or hockey)
and more

The Name Bubbles name labels have saved us more than once. The school issues a laptop and charger to all the kids for virtual days. My daughter has lost track of her charger a couple times. Thankfully it was found in one of her classrooms. You know how they knew it was hers? Yeps, Name Bubbles labels.

So I made sure I stuck one of those handy dandy labels on my son’s charger too.

If my younger child is having a show-and-tell type day I label whatever she’s taking in. If they want to take stuff on vacation with us, I label stuff. Kids are fighting over whose charger is whose? label it.

I keep talking about kids but as a healthcare worker, I recommend people label their loved ones items if taking something to the hospital for them or short rehab stays, or for those living in a nursing facility. Books, ereaders, headphones, glasses, clothing, walkers, wheelchair, please label it!

Name Bubbles labels are so durable. And they really last a long time.

If you’re ready to grab some Name Bubble labels for yourself, your kids, or your loved one. You can save 20% off with code: BUBBLE20 code exp 12/31/23

I received a sample of Name Bubbles labels in order to complete this post. Any opinions expressed are my own.

Target Circle Week Starts Starts Soon!

Target Circle Week is coming up fast. Target Circle members will enjoy special discounts and even a nice freebie from March 5 – 11, 2023.

You can visit the Target Circle Week page on the Target site to presave special discount that can be used during the week. Things like 20% off select skincare and other deals. (I don’t want to give it all away)!

Perhaps one of the most exciting offerings is a FREE 1 yr TripAdvisor+ membership for Target Circle members. Just in time to plan your summer vacations, road trips, honeymoon, weekend getaways, or day trips.

Not a Target Circle member yet? It’s ok you can still sign up, it’s free. Even after Target Circle week is over you earn rewards throughout the year. The closest Target to me is a 45 min drive so I do most of my Target shopping online and still earn rewards.

If you’re a Target fanatic you can even apply for a Target Redcard. Did you know that there are 3 different types of Target Redcards, each offering their own benefits? There’s the Target Redcard credit card, Target Redcards debit card, and Target Redcard reloadable. Check out the Target Redcard page to see the benefits of each.

Don’t forget that Target also offer free shipping on orders of $35+ so you have that for added savings too! I have to wonder if there won’t be surprise deals too. Who knows, I guess we’ll have to find out.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission on sales made through my links

Budget Friendly Jewelry For Big Moments: Starlette Galleria

I get so many affiliate invites anymore. Most of the time I glance through them and decline them. Many have nothing to do with my blog or things I write about. Then I got the invite for Starlette Galleria.

Starlette Galleria offers beautiful alternatives to real diamond jewelry. For the frugal couple looking for beautiful yet affordable wedding rings. For the couple getting engaged that don’t want to throw a year’s worth of salary on a ring. For the traveler who wants to have a ring on their finger but worries about taking their real wedding or engagement ring on vacation. Need a placeholder ring until your real one is sized or fixed? Maybe you’re single but don’t want to be bothered when you’re out on girls night with your gal pals. Whatever the reason Starlette Galleria has some gorgeous options.

There are so many styles to choose from. There are eye-catching rings with more intricate styling. There are small dainty rings that can be used alone or as stacker rings. If you’re not looking for a ring they also have studs, hoops, necklaces, and even tennis bracelets.

Do you like their styles and wish they had them in real diamonds. Well guess what, they actually have a few real diamond rings options too and they’re stunning!

To add to the value, you get free shipping on orders over $100 and even more savings when you sign up for their newsletter.

Unlock up to $50 after joining Newsletter

If that’s not enough, they even have payment options. A great way to get the piece you really want on your budget.

I’m just saying, Mother’s day is coming up in early May. Use the newsletter discount, take advantage of the free shipping and you have a nice Mother’s day gift. (If any of my family is reading this I like the huggie hoops or the bezel tennis bracelet ::hint hint::)

Don’t forget to check out the sale section for even more money saving ideas!

The owner Olivia started this company in her own house with no connections and grew from there. Her saying is “If they can’t tell, why should you?” I love it and it’s so true. Plus so many younger couples are choosing not to put themselves in massive debt right off that bat. Forgoing traditional diamonds for more unique stones or budget friendly pieces. And I’m here for it. When my husband and I were getting engaged I told him “Don’t you dare spend more than $1000 on my ring. I told him I don’t want anything bigger than a 1/2 carat. And I meant it. I couldn’t see going into massive debt at the beginning of our lives together. Plus I’m more of a minimalist when it comes to jewelry designs.

This post does contain affiliate link. I will earn a small commission from sales made through my links

February $100 Cash Giveaway

What could you use $100 for the end of this month? If I had $100 extra the end of the month it would probably go towards getting some new spring and summer clothes for my youngest ones. But really, is there ever a bad time to get an unexpected $100?

This event is HOSTED by The Mommy Island and The Kids Did It and sponsored by fabulous bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners! Click Your Way Over To Our CoHosts!Sunshine and Rollercoasters, Get Your Holiday On, Deliciously Savvy , Home Jobs By Mom, Sybrina’s Book Blog, Author Jill Chapman, Saving K, Ottawa Mommy Club, Luv Saving Money, Author Tricia Schneider, Versatileer, and Eclectic Evelyn

ONE entrant will be selected by the entry form to win $100 USD PayPal Cash! Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 02/01/2023 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 02/28/2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET. No purchase is necessary. Void where prohibited. This event is not sponsored or endorsed by PayPal. A winner will be chosen after/around March 1, 2023. The winner will have 12 hours to respond to the notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It and The Mommy Island are responsible for sending the winner their prize. Twitter and Facebook dummy/fake accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. a Rafflecopter giveaway