Sales! From the Baby Cheapskate

I read a blog called baby Cheapstake and I'm re-posting her sales here:

The Children’s Place‘s Monster Sale has already begun. Should go to 50% off shortly after January 15.

Crazy8.com‘s Semi Annual Sale is already on.

Gymboree.com‘s clearance sale is already on, with 50% off all regularly priced items.

Hanna Andersson‘s Twice Yearly Sale just started.

BabyLegs.com‘s clearance sale is already on. Save 75% when you spend $75 or more on clearance items.

77Kids.com‘ Snowy Sale is on with up to 60% off.

PS by Aeropostale‘s clearance sale is already going on. Get 50% off everything.

Discount: Gap Deals!

Major deals starting today at the Gap - in-store only! Printable coupon. 40% off today, 30% off tomorrow, and 25% off 12/23.

Enjoy!

Deals: Bobbi Brown

I just ran out of Bobbi Brown foundation and my cream eye shadow - right when the stores are crazy for Christmas and there's no parking to be found. So I decided to order what I needed online at Bobbi's site. I've said it before, but when you are looking for a new look, have someone help you at the makeup counter. They know the latest trends and it's free! But in this case, it's just a reorder.

Much to my delight, I found that if I placed my order by today 12/9/10, Bobbi Brown was giving away 3 samples - of which you could choose from 8 products. In addition, I always check Retailmenot for discount codes. Again, much to my surprise I found four free codes for eyeliners and eye shadows with a $65 purchase. I only needed two things, but I have 7 items arriving for the price of 2, plus free shipping! Much better than the make-up counter.

Deals: Starbucks 12 Days of Sharing

Gotta love the bucks! 12 Days of deals. Sorry to post late on this one - vacation got me behind. But there are still 5 deals left!

Deals: Trader Joe's Spa Collection

I'm always on the hunt for great facial products, without braking the bank. If I had my choice, I'd buy La Mer cream! Lately, all I'm finding is facial lotion that contains SPF. This irritates me for two reasons, 1) Lotion with SPF smells weird and 2) My makeup already has SPF in it so why should I put lotion on my face before bed that has chemicals in it? Enter Trader Joe's Spa collection...who knew? Priced so cheap you won't believe me if I told you! They also have a spa facial cleanser too. Give it a whirl!

Discount: 30% AGAIN at Gap Corp

It's almost silly how many promo codes I get for the Gap Corp. But it does make you realize that you shouldn't ever buy full price there! Through tomorrow 10/5/10, use code SAVEBIG to save 30% at Gap, Old Navy or Banana. Spend $100 and get free shipping too.

Discount: Gap Corp Discounts

Gap:
Today only, 9/30/10, get 25% off at Gap.com. Code GAPSAVE at checkout. Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Get 30% off full-priced items and 15% off sale items until 10/3/10, paying with your Gap Corp credit card (BR and Old Navy too). Enter GCSTYLE at checkout.

Old Navy:
Today, 9/30/10, 20% off Old Navy. Code ONSAVE20. Free shipping on orders of $75 or more.

Banana Republic:
Free shipping when you spend $100 or more through 10/3/10. Code BRFREE100.

Sales: Kid's Halloween Costumes

If you're in need of a Halloween costume, there are some deals out there! Children's Place is offering 30% off all costumes right now. I just grabbed this Ballerina outfit for the little miss for $11.99! I googled online coupon for Children's Place and found code WA78 for an additional 10% off. I have no idea how long that is good for, but that brought it down to $10.79. And shipping is a flat $5.

Costumes at Old Navy are seriously marked down as well.

Discount: 20% Piperlime 9/22/10 only

Piperlime 20% discount 9/22/10 only. Use 20SPREE at checkout.

Unfortunately, my wallet can't handle their fabulous clothing prices right now, but it's the perfect place to buy shoes - free shipping. Need kid's shoes? Also perfect! You won't leave the store with Lightning McQueen shoes and they have easy returns in case you buy the wrong size. Read the reviews for sizing recommendations - those are very helpful!

Deals: $6 Leggings

Honestly, it doesn't get better than this. Mossimo leggings at Target are $6.00 each. I tested them out first before I posted to see how they did through washing. They're great! Ladies, while you're there, please grab a few extra long shirts to cover the derriere. And yes, 1990 called and they want their leggings back! Everything comes full circle I guess - leggings and flats were all I wore in high school.

Discount: BR

Banana is offering a free shipping discount for $50 or more; code BRFREE50 ends 9/12/10

BR also just introduced international shipping to over 50 countries!

Discount: Gap

I have two discount codes for the Gap right now so you'll have to determine which gives you the better deal.

25% off adults & 15% kids and baby code GAPNEW - ends 9/11/10
Free shipping on orders over $50 code GAPSHIP50

Deals: Consignment and Vintage Clothing

I'll admit it, I love consignment stores. I seem to get the most bang for my buck with children's consignment stores and I feel exhilarated each time I go in and see I have credit. My favorite kid's consignment store in Seattle is Me 'N Moms. It's also close to my house.

Many people feel like it's too complicated to manage. I have a simple system where I keep items that the kids have outgrown in two large bags - spring/summer and fall/winter. It's rare that consignment stores will take clothes for the season that you are in, unless it just began. So right now, consignment stores are buying for fall. Seattle weather is fairly mild so I lump fall/winter together and only a few things get passed back to me to "bring back closer to winter" - thick jackets or gloves. I also call ahead and get the appointment on my calendar so I have time to prepare. It does require some organization (and a bit of storage), but it works! It seems consignment stores all work a bit differently so find the one you like best.

But where I'm really behind is finding clothes for myself! When I lived in San Francisco, these were the only stores I shopped in. So forget the kids this weekend and head out there for yourself! Here are some suggestions for my west coast peeps (now put your hands up) to the best consignment, used & vintage stores for Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento (wouldn't forget you Sac), Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Happy shopping!

Discount: Give and Get is Here! (Gap Corp)

Give and Get is Here!: Enjoy 30% off from August 26-29 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy and they will donate 5% of what you spend to a non-profit.

Discount: Kohl's

Need to go back-to-school shopping? Take an extra 15% off all sale, regular-priced or clearance merchandise through 8/28/10 at Kohls.com. Use online code LOWPRICE15.

I find that Kohl's has great prices on the Carter's brand (my go-to brand for the kids) especially for pajamas. These rocket jammies are $9.00 before the discount.

Sale: LL Bean Women's Footwear

I'll be honest, I'm not really an L.L. Bean shopper, but hey, I don't just write this blog for myself. This looks like a pretty decent ladies footwear sale, plus free shipping!

Dsicount: BR Back to Style Event

25% off $100 BananaRepublic.com purchase. Ends 8/25/10. Enter BRSAVE25 at checkout.

Free: 15 Things You Shouldn't be Paying For

Great article from Yahoo! Finance on 15 things you should be getting for free!

Deals: Today's Groupon is for the Gap!

I was surprised to see that today's daily deal from Groupon is from the Gap. Pay $25 and get $50 worth of sale or regular-priced merchandise from the Gap. In-store only (bummer) but still a great deal. Expires 11/19/10.

Deals: Target & Gilt

Target never disappoints! I'll do another post on Gilt (an invitation-only shopping experience) later, but Target is partnering with Gilt for an exclusive event - launching their designer collaborations with John Derian, Tucker and Mulberry. Check out the details!

Discount: Gap Inc

7/26/10 and 7/27/10, take 30% off your order at Old Navy, Gap or Banana Republic using code SAVE30!

Deals: Summer time sales

The old joke in Seattle is that summer begins on July 5th. Only it's not a joke. FINALLY, just as we're starting to get our warm days, the summer blow-out sales start sizzling. For instance, I was at Target this week and they are clearancing all their outdoor summer items now.

I'm not usually a Sears shopper, but there is one in my office building and every once in a while, I check out the sale rack. Literally, all the summer kids clothes were on the clearance rack which was highly marked down, plus an additional 40% off. I found some really cute Carters items for my daughter for next summer. All 3 items pictured cost a grand total of $8.37 (without tax). Buying for next season can really save you money. Yes, you have to store the items, but I keep a plastic bin in my garage with the kids "next" sizes up. Makes it super easy to keep track. Enjoy finding some good summer deals out there!

Deals: Craigslist

Lately, I'm starting to think there is nothing I can't find on Craigslist. Recently, I took my dining room Crate and Barrel rug to Goodwill. We only have one eating area - dining room and breakfast room combined, so the kids had really stained this poor rug to the point of embarrassment. So I promised myself that this time I would find a rug on a dime so when it gets ruined, I wouldn't care. And here it is. It's not fancy, but I won't be sad if a pizza drops on it!

Pottery Barn Jute rug off Craigslist for $40. Tags still on and in the original bag.

Discount: 30% off Gap Adult Purchases

It's a sliding sale...
30% off discount 7/12/10 only
25% off discount 7/13-7/14/10
20% off discount 7/15/10

GAPSAVENOW at checkout

Deal: Laura Mercier Bronzing Duo and Neiman Marcus Cosmetic Bag

Super cute cosmetic bag, plus Laura Mercier bronzing powder - $15 total! Try using code SHIPNM for free shipping.

Deal: The Real Straight Jean

I’ve been searching for some time for a great pair of affordable jeans. I must admit, I appreciate the “skinny” phase we’re in, but there are certain aspects to that style of jean that don’t work for me. 1) They hug my calves too tight both physically and visually; and 2) they make my butt look big which it’s not (I’m not saying I have a smokin’ behind, just saying I don’t have an enormous one). My husband has even pointed out that my skinny jeans don’t do my backside any favors, while many other jeans I have, he thinks look awesome.

I found them! Actually, my girlfriend found them, but either way - they are found! And apparently we didn't have to search very far. They are called “Real Straight” from the Gap. They fit perfectly on the waist – not too high (mom jeans) or low (muffin top) and the leg is clean and straight (but not form fitting at all). Go for the dark wash and although I am 5’ 5”, I have the ankle length (which honestly isn’t that short). They go perfectly with ballet flats and flat sandals. They are extremely comfortable, don’t stretch out, and stylish. Using the Gap discount (as previously posted), they were $55.60! Enjoy.

Sale: Diapers.com

Semi-annual Baby Sale going on at diapers.com through 6/30/10. All codes are in the link!

Sale: PB Kids Bedding

A nice little bedding sale going on now at Pottery Barn Kids.

Discount: J. Crew

J. Crew - Extra 20% online through 6/9/10, plus free shipping if you spend a lot! $150 or more

Discount: Gap Cardmember Event

I really do feel like I get value from being a Gap brand cardholder. Doesn't matter which card you have, Gap, BR or Old Navy. Regardless, you enjoy card member events at any store using any card, when they happen.

Gap is having their card member appreciation even from June 10-13 - 25% off any purchases during that time. Use your Gap, BR or Old Navy card to receive your discount. Online, use code GAPTHANKS.

The Almighty Library Card

Been to the library lately? For those who don’t have kids I will repeat my question…been to the library lately? I’m amazed at how much money I used to spend on buying books for trips or just general reading. Then when you’re done, they get passed on to a friend or Goodwill. Literally, money you will never see again.

Last night I took the kids for our monthly library visit and came home with 15 children’s books, two kid’s DVDs and my next read “Flipping Out”. It’s thrilling to see your kids get excited about new books.

I realize a lot of you have gone all Kindle on me, but even e-books cost money. Most libraries have great online tools for reserving/holding materials to really maximize your time. Planning a road trip? Don’t forget about their DVDs, books on CD, etc. And of course, it's FREE!

Sales: Sale Central

There are a lot of sales going on right now - must be time to remove spring inventory and get ready for summer. Wait, it's almost summer? Sorry, for those of us living in the land of rain, we didn't realize it was June!

J. Crew - new styles added to their summer sale
Banana Republic - shorts and pants sale 6/2/10 only
Ann Taylor Loft - sale, plus enter SALE40 at checkout for an extra 40% off!

Land of Nod - book orders ship free (need a birthday gift for an upcoming party?)
Pottery Barn Kids - new spring mark downs

Deal: the lunch tote

We're all very well aware of reusable bags at this point. Mine are hideous - a free gift on earth day a few years back and I only use them for grocery shopping. But thanks to my friend Lisa, I'm now the proud owner of a new reusable lunch tote. I love it! It carries my lunch and a few other items to work each day and stands up to the cold fridge much better than paper ones (and of course good for the environment). I also use it to carry home a few things at night - items that I don't want to get lost in my purse.

These are at Target (in-store only) for $4.99 for the 3-pack. A great gift idea for sure or a little splurge for yourself so your lunch (or whatever you decide to put in there) looks a little bit more exciting!

Living on the Cheap

I got a note from a reader today about ways to live "on the cheap" which doesn't always mean sales or discounts. I couldn't agree more! In the future, I'll try to cover ways to live on less or for less, and offer creative ways to avoid buying brand new (in addition to posting sales & discounts).

Personally, I keep an ongoing list of things that everyone in our house needs. E.g., my son needs short-sleeve shirts for summer or the next size up shoes. I might need some new work shirts, or black heels for that September wedding - that type of thing. We can't always go out and get things we need all at once, but I keep my list. Then, when I do see the sales come across, I look at my list and see what we need - getting the discount for items we'll use versus just impulse buying.

Another great trick is to go through your home and see what you don't need anymore. Clothes, toys, shoes, etc. Consign them (I'll do another post on consigning later), put up on ebay, sell on Craigslist or swap/sell through a neighborhood network. I bought my double jogging stroller through my neighborhood moms and dads yahoo group and saved $200. I use it almost every day. And today, I sold some appliances on craigslist. I will keep that money aside and use for things we need from my list - not to order a pizza!

Thanks reader Heather for the great idea and I'll keep it coming.

Discount: Diapers.com

Diapers.com is offering 15% off one item through 5/31/10. Normally, their discounts are for new customers only. This one is for anyone; HOWEVER, lots of disclaimers here like not good for diapers, wipes, formula and some of their higher-end brands.

Regardless, they sell so much - Robeez, clothes, toys, chemical free sunscreen, you name it.

Code is MAY15PCT

Sale: J. Crew Summer Sale

Sunny days are here to stay (they are obviously not talking about Seattle). The J. Crew Summer Sale is on now.

Deals: Target Daily Deals

I've already done a post on the daily deal sites that have been popping up lately. But don't forget about good old Target. Called Target: Daily Deals, they offer a new deal every day with free shipping. They do sell out and you never quite know what they will offer. Sign up to follow on Twitter, RSS or email.

Deal: The Bra Factor

I know it sounds strange, but I wear an odd bra size. The only brick and mortar location to buy my size is Nordstrom. I honestly cringe when it's time to bra shop again because I know two bras later, I will be $150 poorer. Oh, the things I could get for $150!

This week, I ran into Nordstrom Rack for something completed unrelated and felt like I had just been awakened from a coma. The Rack sells bras? And they have an entire little section dedicated to my size. AND, I found a Natori seamless one for $27 - which is still selling at Nordstrom.com for $70. It's not lingerie - it's for the every day. My mom always used to say, when you need to feel pretty, go get your hair cut and buy a new bra. So I did both this week. Man, do I feel perky.

Sale & Discount: REI

REI is having their big spring sale now through 5/31/10. If you are an REI member, you also can take 20% off one full price item. Online code is ANNVMEM.

Deal: Safari 2010

Remember when Banana Republic sold safari clothes? I do. Twenty-three years ago, my mom took me to the BR at Pavilions shopping center and bought me a seriously over-sized (my choice) safari t-shirt with a globe on it and khaki linen shorts. Just my surprise this spring when all the summer fashion started arriving at BR and what did it feature – safari gear!

Of course, the looks have changed quite a bit since 1987, but I did find myself leaving the store with what they refer to as their “safari shirt”. It’s hot pink mind you and it was free (birthday gift card) and is just long enough to go great with skinny jeans or white summer shorts & wedges. I actually prefer it un-tucked (compared to the model above). Hubby says it’s not appropriate for work (I disagree). And much to my surprise when I found it featured it Lucky Magazine this month (in hot pink!) Personally, I think it's a Deal because of its versatility and take 25% off when you use your BR, Gap or Old Navy Card through 5/23/10 (see my previous discount post).

Coupons: Papa Murphy's

Papa Murphy's is offering some great coupons on their site right now. All you need to do is enter your zip code and print!

Sale & Discount: Athleta Extra 20%

Take an extra 20% off sale merchandise at Athleta through Friday May 21st at 11:59pm (ET). Promo code SWEET20.

Discount: 25% off Gap

May 15-30, 2010, get 25% off at the Gap online or in-store when you use your Banana Republic, Gap or Old Navy credit card. Online code is GAPCARD25.

Discount: Banana Republic 30% off

Banana Republic is hosting an "After Five Style Event". Shop online today 5/18/10 after 5pm (ET) through 11:59pm (ET) or in-store 5-9pm local time and receive 30% when using your Banana Republic, Gap or Old Navy Credit Card. Promo Code 30AFTER5.

Can't go tonight? Enjoy a 25% discount through May 23rd using code SUMMERLOVE. Still gotta use one of the credit cards mentioned above!

Sale: 20% Off Beach Towels at PB Kids

Online or in-store - 20% off PB Kids beach towels through May 24th!

Deals: Kid Friendly Restaurants - "$"

In an attempt to find some low-budget, kid-friendly restaurants, I came across Urban Spoon. It deliciously covers over 70 cities - even places like Santa Barbara. Sort by city, then by neighborhood within the city. From there, you can sort by name, popularity or price. Then of course, I selected kid-friendly and opted for price so I could look at "$" and not "$$" or God-forbid, "$$$" with kids.

Here's my Seattle search (all neighborhoods), in the "$" range, kid-friendly. From here, just select your neighborhood.

Sale: Pottery Barn Kids Sabrina Baskets

I love these Sabrina baskets from PB Kids! They are great for sorting toys, blankets, books, burp clothes, etc. I haven't seen them on sale much. This 20% sales runs through May 17th.

Deals: Cheapy Weighty Suity

Spring is upon us, which only means one thing. Swimsuit season is next. This gives me shivers. Combine the thought of summer with my scary dressing room experience at the Gap last week and exercise is the first thing on my mind. So let’s discuss both – exercise and swimsuits.

There’s nothing cheaper than exercising outdoors. You can jog (not my favorite) or briskly walk (my favorite) or do a little of both. Purposely target some hills or add some weights to really feel it. Or push a stroller if you have kids. Find a park to walk through, or a nice trail, or pick a fancy neighborhood and check out the beautiful houses while you stroll. If you have a dog, give the guy some love and get moving!

There’s nothing cheaper than finding something you LOVE and being able to wear it season after season. I feel this way about J. Crew swimsuits. Seven years later, I just retired my favorite J. Crew bikini. If you count the seasons, they really do pay for themselves and quite honestly, they aren’t that expensive. I’ve had one Target swim suit and it only lasted for one year – actually it was one summer. The days are getting longer – get out there!

Deals: Love me some Kashi

I don’t know about you, but I love me a good bowl o’ cereal – morning, night – whenever! Sometimes it’s hard to balance affordable and good-for-you. I think Kashi does a great job of this. In the cereal arena, my two favorites are Heart to Heart and Autumn Wheat.

My kids have never had “kid” cereals, but they sure do love these – healthy and all. The cheapest place to buy Kashi cereals in my hood is Trader Joe’s at $3.49. Target is a close second with $3.69. If it’s over $4, you’re paying too much. In fact I consistently see it for $4.99 a box in the “health food aisle” of other stores – WAY too much. I often see Kashi coupons online or in the weekly circulars. And, if you’re up for hearing from another company in your life, sign up online for their news. You’ll get coupons, tips for living a healthier life, and sometimes, you’ll receive food samples in the mail. I never complain about free food.

Discount: Ann Taylor & Loft 30% Off

Ann Taylor & Loft Friends & Family Discount
30% off through April 25, 2010
Online code FRIENDS or In-stores - Print coupon

Discount: BR 40% off Jewelry Sale TODAY

ONE DAY ONLY! ONLINE ONLY!

TUESDAY, APRIL 20th, 2010.

Enter promo code: BRBLING at checkout.

This little Flutter Wings bracelet is $21 instead of $35.

Deals: Gaming 1.0

And I don’t mean the video kind. Two kids later, our family has really gotten into games. On the flip side, even my monthly girl’s nights are game-related. We like to play Mexican Train Dominoes (those evenings also include a $5 wager and a nice selection of wine). Makes for a very fun and cost-effective evening.

Once you make the investment, games will last for years and provide low-budget fun. Here are some recommendations. What are your favorite games?

Pre-School
Picture Link
Zingo
Don't Spill the Beans
Memory (many versions here with your kid’s favorite animated hero)
Whac-a-Mole
Don’t Wake Daddy
Trouble
Candyland
Chutes & Ladders (Also available in a variety of themes)

Kids
Pairs in Pears
Great States
Smath
Wordplay for Kids
Rush Hour

Tweens
Bananagrams
Like Minds
Monopoly (many varieties)
Apples to Apples Junior

Teens (and up)
Taboo
Cranium
Empire Builder
Loaded Questions
Imaginiff
Apples to Apples
Scattergories
Bananagrams

SAT Game for Dummies

Seattle'ites - don't forget about Blue Highway Games on Queen Anne. A great place to buy gifts, but they also have an entire game wall and tables. Grab a game and play for an hour or longer - FREE.

Discount & Sale: 25% off Gap

Take 25% off sale prices at Gap.com with code GAPSALE25 - ends tomorrow 4/14/10.

Nectar Blush & Blush Lipliner

There's one piece of makeup that I have a hard time picking out on my own: blush. To me, it necessitates a qualified associate at the makeup counter. Ok - maybe a gorgeous college student, but still, who knows what's trendy more than someone in their 20's at the makeup counter? I was definitely due for a new color. Seriously, how many years does it take me to go through blush?

The friendly gal at the Bobbi Brown counter picked out a new color for me - "Nectar". And Lord knows I can't live without my Bobbi Brown lip-liner, ironically the color is called "Blush". So those were my two purchases yesterday - Blush in Nectar and Lipliner in Blush.

And how is this cheap you might ask? My advice - do not walk away without your free samples! Be honest, ask if they are sampling any products right now and explain you prefer to try before you buy. They even have these tiny little sample jars now for taking home foundation samples. And in my case, I scored a little jar of eye cream, and two more trial size pouches of eye cream and face lotion. See for yourself!

Discount: Nine West FFF 30% Off Event

Nine West is having their Friends, Family & Fashion Event. Quick notice - it ends today 4/12/10 - but it's 30% off your entire order with code NWFRND4.

Aristotle sandals

Coupon: Suave Professionals

4/12/10 Update - coupon is gone!

Target dropped the price on Suave Professionals in my area from $2.04 to $1.67 per bottle! And RIGHT NOW, they have a coupon for $1 off two bottles. That makes two bottles of Suave Professionals $2.34 total. See my previous review of Suave Professionals Sleek.

Freebies: Kid Workshops

What's better than letting your kids use a hammer? Away from your house? Join the fun at Home Depot and Lowe's on specific Saturdays. Kids enjoy seeing the finished product and get to do the work themselves. And it's FREE!

Home Depot Kids Workshops

• First Saturday of each month
• Designed for kids 5-12
• 5/1: picket fence planter

Lowes Build & Grow Clinics

• 4/10: baseball game
• 4/17: planter
• Sign up ahead of time

Deal: No, seriously, I took the Suave Challenge

I’ve always been plagued by fly-aways. I’m not talking Sarah Jessica Parker at the Oscars fly-aways, but still. Lately my hair has been getting even drier. Add a few pregnancies with the hair loss and re-growth and honestly, I just looked silly.

After consistently seeing those “we-tricked-salon-professionals” commercials, I started to wonder. Could Suave Professionals work for me? Really?

Regular Suave is in the $1 range, right? So I embarked on a Target run and decided to take a peak. Suave has really stepped up their game. The Professionals series is $2.04 each. Seriously?

Ok, so for a total of $4.08 I gave it a try. I almost bought the version for Volumizing because I have really fine hair. I considered Color Care because let’s face it, I haven’t been a blond since the early 90’s. I opted at the last minute for “Sleek” because that’s what was plaguing me the most.

Results: I’ve almost used up both the shampoo & conditioner and I will definitely re-buy. My hair is styling better, has much fewer fly-aways and almost feels thicker. Honestly, I’m shocked.

Discount & Sale: BR - Extra 20

Banana Republic is currently having a spring sale and is now offering an extra 20% off sale merchandise only. Use EXTRA20 code at checkout - online only from March 30, 2010 at 12:00 AM ET through March 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM ET.

Daily Deals

I was on “vacation” last week and perfectly planned on blogging. Did not happen, once. Our “vacation” was remodeling our kitchen. Honestly, nothing cheap about it, but I’ll post about that later!

Kicking off our Monday…for those who haven’t heard of the daily deal sites that are popping up everywhere, check them out. They all work basically the same way. You receive an email (or visit their site) telling you what the deal-of-the-day is, at up to 90% off the normal value. Caveat – you must buy the deal that day (or within so many hours).

Tippr.com: Deals toward spas, restaurants, and other major activities in 23 markets
Livingsocial.com: Offers deals to local restaurants, bars, theatres and more in 13 major cities
Groupon.com: Covers the most areas - 52 cities including our good friends in Canada. *You only get Groupon’s deal if enough people respond though.

So if the day’s particular offer interests you, it’s a huge win. Deals vary by city and change daily.

Freebies: Starbucks Free Pastry

What's cheaper than free? It's "Free Pastry Day" at Starbucks on March 23, 2010 (with the purchase of a hand-crafted beverage).

Deal & Freebie: Movie Land

Brick and mortar movie stores are becoming a thing of the past. Sad because when you have little ones, they love to run up and down the aisles pulling down all the movies. Wait, I mean they love to run up and down the aisles and pick out their own movie.

My neighborhood Hollywood Video is officially closing its doors, so I just joined Redbox – mainly for the kids. But it’s a pleasant surprise to see $1 rentals instead of $3.50. I’m already a Netflix gal, but we use those rentals for the parents in this house.

So if you’re up for checking out Redbox, you can get a free rental by signing up online. Or become a fan on Facebook and receive a free rental for St. Patrick's day (that's tomorrow). The code can only be used to select a movie at the kiosk (you cannot reserve it online before hand) so if you are hoping for a great flick, go first thing in the morning on the 17th to make sure they don’t run out. For future convenience, use an online account to reserve your movie before you arrive. Find your nearest location here.

Discount: Old Navy, Gap, & BR “Friends & Family” Sale

Aren’t we all friends of these stores? And now it’s my favorite time of year - the Friends and Family sale. Use this coupon for 30% off everything at Old Navy, Gap & Banana Republic (in-store only) from March 18-21.

This adorable frock is on sale for $20 right now at Old Navy ($14 on Thursday w/your discount) and would be perfect for summer.

As an FYI, the Gap Corporation used to do markdowns on Wednesdays, so generally Thursday mornings were a great day to scour the sale racks (which is when this deal starts). In talking to their sales people recently, some of the markdowns seem to be at random. But I still think mid-week is the norm.

If the price ends in $.99, it still has another price drop coming. Lowest price ends in $.97, so if you see that – grab it! Of course, only if you love it and it looks great on you.

Deal: The Low-down on Sheets

Do not buy sheets at Target. I repeat - do not. This post is for a reader who asked about advice on sheets. She just recently purchased 400 thread count doozies from Target and is about to return them. I have found that Target sheets are rough or make you sweat. Either way, no one wins.

Best sheets for the money are from Macy's (or department store that carries Charter Club).

Charter Club Collection "Damask Solid" or "Damask Stripe" 500 Thread Count - 100% Pima cotton.

And of course, they are on sale now for $99 for the queen size. Bring in the old Macy's card and you get 15% off - now you're down to $85. Soft, thick & luxurious!

Discount & Sale: Banana Republic 6 Hour 40% off sale

Today only - from 9am pacific to 3pm pacific, save 40% online at Banana Republic. Use promo code STYLEOUT at checkout.

Deals: Drink it like the French

I buy cheap wine, too often. I'm also a victim of the Trader Joe's end-cap wine selection. Wine for $4?! You get what you pay for in that case. At least I can cook with it.

But I also have a split personality. I'll pay $11 a glass out on the town, or buy an entire case of Walla Walla wine on vacation. Put me in a super market and I become cheap.

At TJ's I always find myself in the "Syrah" or "Dry White" sections (admittedly, this is not the best place to buy wine, but it's where I grocery shop). Last week I noticed "French" along the outside wall. Wait, there's a French section? Where have I been the last 10 years? I felt like I was always slodging through the discarded northern calif wines.

For the money, French wine has its perks. Here are a few bottles from a TJ's in Seattle - both well under $10 that were really good (not perfect), but we finished them both and didn't break our budget.

Deals: And so it begins

I have never bought designer clothes. I might dream about them, but I've never bought them and probably never will. Most people I know don't either. In fact, I'm always on the prowl for a great find - a deal off Craig's list, an enormous Banana Republic sale, a generic version that replaces my name brand and works exactly the same, a cheap hotel rate, a big-hit coupon for something I always buy at the market, a shampoo that doesn't cost more than $10, and the list goes on.

So off we go. You'll never find anything here that costs more than $99 - two figures only please!

I had two purchases this week that did not disappoint.

Cover Girl Simply Ageless Foundation $13

Ellen has been modeling it for months, but believe me - after wearing Bobbi Brown for 10 years, I was hesitant. It delivered. It's matte and comes with an application sponge.

Unfortunately, there were no testers at the store, so I bought the lightest shade and it may be a tad too light. I think the white in there is the "Olay" portion which is what makes the overall color lighter than you think (once it blends).

Give it a try!




Grecian Flat Sandals $17.99 for summer (whenever it arrives). Let me re-phrase.
Grecian Flat Sandals for vacation.

In Gold Metallic (yes I am vacationing in Palm Springs) but these are not for the grannies in Palm Springs. Metallic is back - even jeweled metallic - though personally I couldn't stomach the jewels so I went with these beauties.

For $17.99 at Target.com - you cannot go wrong!

Hope to see you around here often!