What do you do when you're not blogging? What is your job?

Lena: I'm a mom to 3.5 year old identical twin girls, wife to a handsome Canadian outdoorsman, and by trade, a health insurance agent. I love to write and have a writing blog about my twins and my journey with postpartum depression at www.TaoOfTwins.com. I also love to read, make jewelry and shop!

3 fun facts about you:

Lena: 1) My last name means Good Evening in Italian (and yes, I'm Italian!) 2) I broke my leg in 3 places playing co-ed hockey 3) I know every word to Forrest Gump

Biggest style splurge and/or deal:

Lena: My new leopard print Kate Spade frames! I don't wear them everyday, but glasses are pretty much the only (wearable) item that I am willing to shell out $100 for.

How are you able to stay fashionable without spending a lot of $$? What are your tips and where do you shop?

Lena: I'm a huge bargain shopper (hence the name of my blog), so I love the clearance section at Target. Ross is pretty much my favorite store ever, but you have to dig - and try on! I have found a lot of great items at thrift stores as well.

In your opinion, every woman should own:

Lena: A professionally fitted bra.

For this Winter, you are coveting:

Lena: A sequined tank top! Also, I'm loving the rubber boot trend right now (its so very Northwest!), so I wouldn't mind another pair - maybe in a solid, bold color like red, but I'm not sure how much use I would get out of them.

What 5 items do you always have in your purse?

Lena: Well, now that I'm a mom, it has changed a bit, but I am known amongst my friends as the person that always has everything in her purse! In any case, I always have bandaids, tweezers, breath spray, Splenda packets and - you won't believe this - duct tape. (not the whole roll!)

Three things in your closet you cannot live without:

Lena: At the moment, my three most utilized items are 1)My thrifted wide gold belt. Sounds gaudy, but its very versatile. 2)Five years ago I would have never said this, but my Seven For All Mankind jeans that I found at Goodwill for $12 3)My black Chinese Laundry over-the-knee, slouchy boots.

What are you currently grooving to?

Lena: Dynamite by Taio Cruz - I LOVE that song!

Where are you from and what are your top three favorite places to shop in your city?

Lena: I live in Monroe, Washington, which is about 45 minutes NE of Seattle. I'm a country girl at heart so I don't need a big city to find good shopping. I do a lot of online shopping. Of course, Target is a favorite and my most recent fave is St. Vincent De Paul thrift store!