Introduction

 One of those wonderful things about being a deal shopper is knowing how and where to find the best for your money. I used to drop an absorbent amount on spa days, till I stumbled on a few cost conscious treasures that brought the spa home. For an initial investment, you can have a whole season of spa days (average cost of head to toe treatments, less than $20).  

 This weekend, as I sort the best of the beauty products and spots online, I’m going to show you how to do this for yourself. Honestly, some discount products are as good, if not better, than the pricey ones. If you watch sales or use coupon codes you can obtain the feel of luxury at a fraction of the cost.  Jump on one of these deals, listed below for NEW savings and you’ll save even more!

 Here’s how:

 Hair:  Pick up an intensive treatment from Pantene. Mix in a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil , heat in a microwave proof bowl for a minute and slather on damp, shampooed hair. Wrap hair in a towel or use a plastic head cover. Leave on for fifteen minutes. Rinse. Enjoy silky hair all week. (BTW, you should always apply deep conditioners to clean damp hair, as it helps lock moisture in).  Unlike some single purchase masks, this product has at least ten applications for a CHEAP price.   Find this product at CVS. (It goes on sale often).  
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask – Cost $ 6.19.

Face: Who would have thought I’d pick Kohl’s as a top beauty spot? After using Clinque for years, buying store brands, and shopping high end to low end deals, I’ve come to the conclusion that Kohl’s has a few absolutely great skin care products at a fraction of the cost. Really.  There are three products here really worth having. And as of this morning they are on SALE, so it’s an even better time to try these items. Here’s the scoop on your spa day facial treatment, using today’s sales and our trusty friends, CVS and Drugstore.com.

Cleanse face with L’Oreal’s Skin Genesis, (really does brighten skin and smooth away years, without stressing your bank account). I did try Oil of Olay’s Skin Regenerist’s line as well, but it made my skin break out. You may have better luck with that than I did. L’Oreal, on the other hand does the same trick that Lancome did for super cheap. ($7.99 for Skin Genesis Foaming Cleanser). Pick it up on a “buy one; get one half off” at Drugstores.com, this weekend. (Keep shopping sales on the site. Orders of $50 get free shipping or hop over to their partner site, Beauty.com to sample a few items. Two sites, one shipping=great deal)

One of the most aging factors on a woman’s face is the lack of reflection, the dull “matte” look that skin takes on as it is exposed to time, stress or toxins. Peel years away with Kohl’s Citra Peel. I am 100 percent serious. This stuff works! It’s a two part program, (Swipe skin pads with citric acid based product. Leave on five minutes, Neutralize with step two. Let dry. Rinse).  You will feel some tingling, and that’s normal because the citric acid is working. However the gain of this product is amazing.

Here’s what Citra Peel promises:

• Immediately: improved clarity 54%
• After four weeks: improved skin tone 34%, reduced pore clogs 29%, visible reduction in pore size 20%
• After eight weeks: visible reduction in lines and wrinkles, more refined texture 30%, visible fading of age spots 25%

It’s on sale at Kohl’s NOW for only $25.60, (reg. $32) (Shipping is NOW only .99 an item)

With about 30 applications, at a suggested use of up to 3 times a week, you’ve got almost 3 months of beautiful skin for less than .85 cents an application!  

If you purchase these products at a cost of $39.79 (without shipping or tax) you will have months of beauty. At a sliver of the price of peels, and deep conditioning treatments!

Other super nifty products for wrinkle treatment from Kohl’s (also on today’s sale).

Sculpinex- Provides instant contouring of face, at again, a fraction of high end products. This product lifts, supports skin and moisturizes while boosting vital collagen production. $35.60 (reg price $44) (I use this product for three months at a time )

 Tri-Aktiline – Instant deep wrinkle filler. Tri-Aktiline does work. I have a heavy line on my forehead, which is super minimized by this product (not gone, but faded). Though small crow’s feet around my eyes are nearly non-existent with its use. I used these products in combination before a class reunion this summer and was told, “You never age”…. Hmm.  On sale now for 34.00, (reg. price $42.50).  (Product has lasted me nearly four months)

One item in this line I was disappointed with is their eye lift product (Eylipex 2). I saw no difference at all. But Kohl’s does have a money back return policy if you’re not satisfied. So shop with no regrets. If you order online this weekend, you’ll also receive .99 shipping on each item. Or wander into a store to sample products first hand.

Tomorrow:Rounding out products and retailers for hands and feet. Complete your spa weekend with the “best of deals”.

Introduction

The way we do business, the way we make products, the way we source ingredients, and the way we use our voice; we’re different because of our Values.

If that doesn’t make you want to buy every last Body Shop product, nothing will. But, add to it their glorious, not over priced, great stuff and you’ll lose yourself in the Body Shop. A trip to their store, means mixing your own scented lotions, creams or body scents, (another Body Shop wonder). This weekend, there are simply glorious products on sale. Try Mango Bliss Gift Set, for a friend or a sweet gift to yourself that keeps giving.  All their gift sets are on sale, with savings up to 70% off! It’s a great way to try the products at special savings.  These are two of my very favorites, the mini manicure set wafts almond scents while smoothing even the dryest of skin. You will love these. Even a princess found them regal.

Mango Bliss Gift Set- Regularly $39 on Sale for $19.00!!!

Description: Blissful, indeed! Layer yourself in the juicy scent of fresh mango with this shower gel, body scrub, and Body Butter.

Includes:

• 2.0 fl oz Mango Shower Gel
• 1.7 oz Mango Body Butter
• 1.7 oz Mango Body Scrub
• 3.5 oz Mango Soap
• Orange Two Tone Bath Lily
• Card box with decorative paper panel, PET window and elastic with coconut button closure

Also, try Mini Manicure Treats only $12.00! (Regularily $25.00)

Description: Everything she needs to enjoy an at-home manicure is in this divine gift set, featuring moisturizing sweet almond oil for velvety-soft hands and healthy-looking nails.

Includes:

• 1.69 fl oz Almond Oil Daily Hand & Nail Cream
• 2.0 fl oz Almond Oil Conditioning Hand Wash
• Mini Cuticle Sticks
• Mini Pouch of Filers
• Mini Nail Buffer
• Oval printed tin with PETA window

Introduction

Great “Don’t Miss Out” Deals

If you haven’t taken advantage of the savings this month, here are a few August deals to grab up before their gone like warm summer days:

 CVS:

Use your ExtraCare card at any CVS/pharmacy store and see what’s FREE!

In August, the first time you use your ExtraCare card at any CVS/pharmacy store, check the bottom of your store register receipt for your coupon redeemable for a FREE GIFT!

Your coupon for a FREE GIFT will be valid for one week after receiving the printout. (BTW, I know three people who used their cards twice and got double free gift printouts, worth a try even if you’ve gotten a free gift already)

 (According to what I’ve determined from scouring the net and talking to others about this deal, your free gift most likely will be one of the following- free CVS brand aspirin, mouthwash, ibuprofen, toothbrush, chap stick, or allergy relief.) You will find out which item upon redeeming your coupon. Not high dollar goods, but still a bit of welcome necessities for FREE. Don’t miss out!

 DJ Premium

 If you want to splurge on designer stuff, August “end of season” sales are the opportunity. There’s a 60 (plus) percent sale at DJ Premium going on till August 31st, which actually makes ridiculously priced celebrity fashions less appalling to purchase. (Do I sound jaded about this? I still have a hard time coughing up more than $30 for jeans, but I’m a tightwad).  However, there are some truly great deals on this site for items you’d be paying a house payment for otherwise. Case in point: People’s Liberation Jeans, (as seen on famous rear ends), regularly $189.00 (OMG) -now on sale for $74. If you feel your backside is worth investing in, now’s the time.

 Drugstore.com

At the other end of cash spectrum, take advantage of Drugstore.com’s ONE PENNY SALE! Several items available for just a penny, (you’ve still gotta pay shipping, but still worth it) or stock up on their many sales, use virtual coupons or shop clearance to bring order total up to $25.00 and earn free shipping! Offer expires August 28^th at midnight! (See below for Details)

the great penny sale

Get any one product below for just $.01! Hurry, quantities are limited!

Sale price valid once per order. Within each order, additional purchases are at normal price. Offer valid while supplies last. Cannot be combined with other offers. No backorders. Standard shipping charges apply. The standard shipping rate is $5.99 or free with a non-prescription purchase of $49 or more.New customers may qualify for free shipping with their first non-prescription purchase of $25 or more. For more information about drugstore.com shipping policies, click here.

Introduction

When I was a little girl, I remember helping my mom clip coupons from the hefty Buffalo, New York Sunday paper.  We’d drink tea, eat cookies and watch T.V., while we did our coupon clipping. It was a memory I still think of fondly. As a six year old, I already felt like I was contributing to the greater good of the family, with every snip of my safety scissors (even though I’m sure I clipped the expiration dates off a few coupons). There was also that feeling of a treasure hunt each week. You never knew what wonders would be provided in the paper’s offerings.

Then I grew up. In my teen years, I had little appreciation for saving money. It wasn’t till I had my own kids, financial reality abruptly dawned and I began the Sunday snipping ritual once again. I’ve shared this for years with my children.

Then e-coupons came about. Our coupon clipping Sunday afternoon events became rare. Why pay for news or coupons when their free on the net? But we still hoard our e-coupons, print, cut, and catalog them for use. At least we have some “e-moments” revolving around savings.

Now even our e-coupon moments are up for grabs.  

Kroger and P & G (Proctor and Gamble) have a program where you can sign up and preload your Kroger Plus Card with selected coupons. Then you can print an optional list of claimed coupons (an eco-friendly text list is available) and hustle off to the store. No more hunting coupons, no more clipping of coupons, (nor even printing them for that matter).  All you need to do is show up at your local Kroger and scan your card to receive the discounts.  

At present these e-load coupons are only for Proctor and Gamble products, such as Tide, Downy, etc. With hundreds of P &G items available, there still are a plethora of savings available.

E-load coupons are green. They are printer friendly, wasting less ink and paper to print a list than a series of coupons (or skip the list if you’d like).

I’m nostalgic about this, as you can tell. I see the value of coupons and am glad to receive them however it transpires. The ease of doing this is breathless. It saves time. There are a million great reasons to love e-load coupons. I suspect it will only be a matter of time before this catches on and every retailer or manufacturer is offering these. However, I will still miss those Sunday afternoon events, with my grandchildren, teaching them to save, while drinking tea, to the sound of safety scissors snipping.  I suspect we older generation will need to discover other means to teach bargaineering to our kids. E-load your Kroger Plus card today and enjoy the savings!

Sign up and save today:

http://pgesaver.com/Sites/PG_eSAVER/Page/HomePage

Introduction

Some seasons, I hate the fashions designers shove down our collective throats. Remember a few years ago, when everyone’s midriff was exposed? I don’t have a bad middle section. I do work out. But I don’t want to look like Brittney Spears Barbie, while hustling the kids off to school with my belly hanging out on a cold day in November. I despised that style.
Then there were the various episodes of the opposite extremes. What I can only gently term, “maternity wear for all occasions style” (baby doll tops capable of hiding a 10 month baby belly) which fashion designers proclaimed the “in” look. (Unless you were a teen or truly pregnant, these styles were on my “ick” list, too).  Thankfully this year, we’ve got a few decent choices.
Baby doll tops are still alive and well, but not as loose. They are more streamlined and actually are a viable choice for real women. Jeans are darker, more traditional in cut and comfortable (without worrying about posturing so pieces of midriff or backsides aren’t hanging out). Plaid shirts tossed over a cami, are a welcome casual look for any female. Purple and shades of rich plum abound. You might actually like shopping this year.
Take a gander at the newest fall styles, and nab some savings while you’re at it, thanks to Gap and Macy’s.
Gap.com has a 20% off “last chance” fall preview sale, which ends today at midnight. Gap, who never buys into too trendy styles, has once again provided livable quality, with “American classic” written all over them. Use offer Code FALL at the checkout. Valid, only on adult clothing, (sorry kids).

A simultaneous brand new event is being offered at Macy’s fall fashion unveiling. Take a last chance look and a first time viewing at both, grabbing deals as you go.
Spend $75.00 at Macy’s on women’s clothing, shoes or handbags, (which isn’t hard to do this fall) and use the code- HOTLIST to gain free shipping. This offer ends August 26th, but the fashion, thankfully lives on. Hurray for fall 2009 styles!

Beauty, Introduction

Recently, I was chatting with a friend who purchased some slipcovers for her couch and loveseat. She considers me a bargain shopping guru, so she asked if the price paid was a good one. I almost fell on the floor when I heard the outrageous dollar amount she spent. My first words (after I recovered from my fiscal seizure) were, “Didn’t you compare prices?” 

This was followed by a lengthy explanation on my part. This poor friend had no clue how to bargain hunt online, at all. She had heard of “coupon codes” and “points back” but never used codes, nor signed up for reward programs, fearful of “junk” email or internet fraud creeping into her life via disclosing information. Egad.  Bye, bye money.

In light of this, and an informal poll of other friends and family, (even my own mother doesn’t use coupon codes!) I am tossing out some ideas on “online bargain hunting for dummies” today.

1. Be a store tramp. Don’t be faithful to any store or any brand. (This is one area being unfaithful is virtuous.) Always check prices before you buy, even if it’s a store you always shop with for their deals (such as Wal-Mart).  For example, starting Sunday,  Staples is offering a 15” 2 gig Compaq computer for only $349.98, which trumps Wally world as far I see online at this moment.  I hardly purchase from Staples all year, unless they are having a super sale. But I’ll gladly cheat on my lovely Wal-Mart to save a buck. It’s ok to be a bargain floozy.
2. How to compare prices? Do a Google search for starters. Type in the item you are looking for and add the words, “clearance” or “sale”. See what pops up. Be prepared to investigate at least five or more sites. If it’s something I know goes on sale often, I may look at more than ten sites to comparative shop. This takes time, folks. However, you may save hundreds if not thousands a year, doing so.  
3.  Fall in love with rewards programs and cash back credit cards. Nearly everyone has a rewards program these days. I almost hate it when filling out forms or applications, but then come the points and I fall hopelessly in love again… Tomorrow when I shop at Staples, not only will I save upfront, my planned purchases will earn an estimated twenty dollars in rewards. Double the ardor (and earnings) by combining with a cash back credit card. This is money in the bank to use like cash toward other purchases! I have received a random spam email here and there by signing up for programs. Isn’t earning a ton of cash worth hitting “delete” on your keyboard a few times? 
4.  Using codes equals cash. Maybe you just like giving your hard earned dollars to retailers. Because if you don’t search for coupon codes or offers, that is what you are doing. Like handing over your paycheck in small bits, you’re giving up the dough gladly. Once I compare prices over all, I do a second search for codes. Type in “coupon codes,” “coupons” or “rebates” coupled with the retailers offering the product you want.  Hunt for codes because retailers may have advertised them a few weeks ago, or they may not show up on the pages you’ve viewed. J.C. Penney’s is currently offering free shipping if you enter COUPON CODE: JCPCAGST.  I didn’t see it on several pages I viewed, but it’s a valid code on select merchandise.

Then, consider the deals again. You may find the savings have changed significantly (or conversely, not at all).

Example:

Retailer A-15% discount on a $100.00 item, but pay $20 for shipping, (cost before tax $105).

 Retailer B- $10.00 off a $100.00 product, and free shipping code, (cost before tax, $90).

Retailer C- Clearance product price on same $100.00 item is $90.00, plus special $5.00 shipping, (cost before tax $95.00).  But this retailer offers reward points equal to cash back of $4.50. And it’s a store your cash back credit card or rewards credit card gives double points for. You’ve saved twice, which makes this one the better buy. You may spend a bit more up front for the item, but the long term savings are fabulous.

 If there were no rewards offered, or if you want to spend less “now” money, you’d choose Retailer B.

Invest time looking at the angles on purchases. Learning to do this and modifying behavior pre hitting the “pay now” button takes discipline. It is, however, a worthwhile practice.  Saving money has not been a cultural virtue for many years. However, in the current economy it’s become vital. I think though, thrift has been long overdue. It’s exciting to save money! Don’t be an online bargain dummy.

Introduction

Legos. What mom doesn’t love those little building blocks of creativity? It’s a whole afternoon of quiet play for our kiddos and a welcome break for mothers when Legos are in the mix. My own kids have crafted hundreds of castles, houses, and spaceships over time, each met with amusement and hours of enjoyment. Even though the vaccuum seems to be forever sucking up a Lego block here and there, plenty of Lego’s still exist in our house.  Given all the electronic gadgets that flood our kiddos with technology, it’s nice to see basic toys still a part of childhood. My own son has three tubs of these carefully sorted by his own unique version of cataloging.  As Lego’s are not a gender based toy, girls and boys can play equally with them, making these tiny blocks of fun another great choice for Moms.  Over the years, I’ve never regretted a single Lego purchase, (and we’ve made many).  These are a toy to hang onto for grandbabies, who I envision enjoying with the same gusto as their parents.

For your early Christmas shopping or for those rainy fall days approaching, pick up a few Lego sets from Toys R Us this week, with a $10 off deal on any purchase over $30.00. (If you stick to around 30.00, you’ll be saving a third!) Or go for the gold and buy a super set, guarrented to make you voted “best mom”  (until their teens, that is).  The set below, from the Indiana Jones, Temple of Doom is on sale for only $99.00. With $10.00 off and the satisfaction you’ve scored a home run in the Christmas morning factor, you’ll love the ease of ordering Legos from Toys R Us. 

While you’re there, catch these other amazing Toys R Us, deals featured below!  Hurry, because many are expiring soon!

Free Lunch Kit (Up to $9.99 Value) when you buy any backpack priced $12.99 or more Expires: 08/30/09		30% off ALL Thermos FUNtainers & Zak Food & Drink Containers Expires: 08/30/09		Get $10 Off $30 for NEW Bill Me Later Customers Expires: 08/22/09
Save up to $10 on LeapFrog TAG, TAG Junior & Leapster 2 Systems Expires: 08/30/09		Buy 1, Get 2 Free ALL Batman Dark Knight Movie Figures Expires: 08/22/09		Save 40% on select Pogo Sticks Expires: 08/22/09
Save 20% on Select Battery Operated Ride Ons Expires: 08/22/09		Free Shipping on Little Tikes Ride Ons Expires: 08/22/09		Free Shipping on Barbie Dolls & Accessories with Select $30 Barbie Purchase Expires: 08/22/09
Free Shipping on select Posters Expires: 08/22/09		Save $100 on the Hannah Montana Malibu Beach Home Expires: 08/22/09		25% off on the Wii Sports Resort Kit Expires: 08/22/09
Free Shipping on ALL GeoTrax Expires: 08/22/09		Free Barbie Artwork With Select Barbie Collector Purchases Expires: 08/22/09		Free Gift Free Caring Corners Gift Set ($11.99 value) with purchase of Mrs.Goodbee Dollhouse Expires: 08/22/09
Buy 1, Get 1 50% off ALL Totally Me Craft sets Expires: 08/30/09		Buy 1, Get 1 FREE ALL Neo Pets Expires: 08/22/09		40% off Select Imaginarium Arts & Crafts Kits Expires: 08/30/09
30% off Themed Back-to-School Stationary Sets Expires: 08/30/09		Save $10 on Crayola Double Easels Expires: 08/30/09		Save $100 On Select Netbooks Expires: Limited Time
Save up to 50% on select Hasbro Games		Save up to 50% on Select Dolls & Stuffed Animals		Save up to 50% on select learning toys
Free Shippingon Guitar Hero: World Tour Super Bundles for Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 Expires: Limited Time		Free Moon Sand 2 Packwith any Moon Sand purchase $12.99 or more Expires: Limited Time		Free Shipping on the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Millennium Falcon Expires: Limited Time
Save up to 50% on Select Action Figures Expires: Limited Time		Save up to 50% on select Barbie		Up To 40% Off Select Fisher-Price & Graco Activity Gear

Introduction

Once in a while something like a mall experience hits me while online. Even though I am a budget girl, I love to shop.  I call the mall experience the high point of shopping. Some people enjoy the new car smell.  Me? I love the mall scent. It’s a bargain hanging in the air, mixed with essence of virgin clothing and leather shoes.  There are times a deal to me is tangible, wafting up to the receptors in my brain. That is what I call, the “Mall Experience.”

Overstock.com seems to bring this out in on a continuous basis. If you’ve not shopped there before, take a gander at the many categories of merchandise, nearly everything under existence is on Overstock.com. Home items, clothing, shoes, gadgets, electronics, etc.  While Wal-Mart and department stores have their fair share of merchandise, Overstock hit a sweet spot with me, in the variety of quality. From high end to mainstream, you really can find it on there.

However, my favorite Overstock places to shop are the “Redline” deals and the Make it Mine, online auctions.  Redline deals are featured items that need to be liquidated quickly. Pick up it for a limited time at up to 39% cheaper than an already decent price.  Honestly, I virtually never shop in the regular categories, because the Redline deals are so attractive.

Always a consummate eBay fan, I’ve come to love the auction sites, however Overstocks Make it Mine auctions are easier to manage. It’s not as well known, as eBay, so the bidding is more competitive and there are an abundance of merchants who sell their slightly dinged or scratched items online. I just got a new laptop last week from this site for a scant- $249.00 from Best Buy Outlet, selling on Overstock.  It’s a 15 “Dell, brand new, works great, and retails for $499.00. I don’t mind the scratch on the top, nor the fact it didn’t come with packaging.  If you do opt for buying on their Make it Mine auctions, be sure to carefully read the product descriptions, however. My computer was certified to work, and still has a warranty.

You can opt for bigger steals yet, by coupling with rebate codes.

Here is a comprehensive listing of today’s rebate codes, for up to $25.00 in savings on top of Overstocks great prices.

http://www.anycoupons.com/overstock.html

Enjoy shopping, bargaining and your own version of the mall experience at Overstock this week!

Introduction

Is it possible to “go green” and stay on a budget? First of all it’s important to understand the concept. Being ecology sensitive doesn’t necessarily mean only eating vegan or splurging on organic eggs. It does being good stewards of this planet, reducing waste and looking for ways to save energy. Actually, being green, if you stay away from overpriced hype, goes hand in hand with budgeting. Saving energy, for instance, also saves cash. In the early days of green awareness, coupons for items were few and far between. Now a savvy shopper can find everything from energy saving light bulb to pesticide free foods and cleaning supplies coupons. 

Great resources for green coupons and rebates can be found at Pristine Planet, who offers an up-to-date inventory of merchants, along with an exciting shop full of products.

Try the “rainforest hemp tote” on sale for only $14.95 or the Prismiere Soak n Soap Showerhead, for only $9.95.

Link to Pristine Planet:

http://www.pristineplanet.com/coupons.asp

Here are some quick ideas to save the planet and your cash, too:

Reduce waste- Wherever possible, cut down on packaging. According to Pristine Planet’s resources, over 380 billion plastic bags are used by Americans every year. Pick up a few cheap totes and recycle your own packaging when shopping.

Save water and electricity- Using a low flow shower head can save up to half of water consumption. Shut faucets off when brushing teeth to reduce almost nine gallons of H20. Illustrate this for your kids by asking them to guess how many gallons of water are wasted by running tap water. A prop of several empty milk jugs can be used to demonstrate your point.  Unplugging cell phone charges saves a bundle of electricity, folks. It just makes sense. Pick up energy savings light bulbs and replace them one by one for easy budgeting ecology.

Stop polluting- Chemicals from cleaning supplies are toxic to the waterways. When possible, use white vinegar for cleaning glass or discover baking soda’s cleaning properties. A paste of baking soda will scour dishes and clean sinks, while being 100% safe and cheap. White vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle, will clean glass in an ecology smart jiffy.

Places to watch with frequent energy saving light bulb coupons or rebates are Walgreens and CVS, along with Ace Hardware.  Save your CVS dollars and redeem them for cash off on these items for an extra bang in your Save-the-Planet budget.

These are but a few, “feel good” ways to go green without saying, “goodbye cash.”

Introduction budget, Coupons, ecology, go green, green, pristine planet, tips on saving the earth