Just one week until the Frugal Festival Summer Swap June 19. I am so excited! Goodies and prizes from sponsors WalletPop, Savings, Lozo.com, Free Fun La, Holiday Inn Santa Monica, Yelp, Restaurant.com, and others are arriving everyday. We just got word at Mani-Kir Royal salon is raffling off a $25 gift certificate!
I’m making a stash of my stuff to swap, including…
- Two pairs of pumps, including one pair I wore twice five years ago. Psst, it’s okay to swap/buy used shoes.
- A gently-used copy of California Camping by Tom Stienstra
- A brand new pair of size 8-9 hot pink animal stripped slippers, above
- A handful of tops, blouses, sweaters, and other clothes
- A slim leather black belt with white stitching (actually, I’m on the fence about this)
What are you going to swap?
Details: the swap is June 19, 1-3 p.m. at the NoHo Performing Arts Center, 11020 Magnolia Blvd in North Hollywood. Drop off is 10-noon same day. Tickets $5 if you have swappables, $10 if not, or $15 for a VIP ticket. Tickets sold exclusively through Goldstar.
Jeff Keen/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
The supermarket aisles are full of temptation and just when you think you’ve made it out on budget you get stuck in the checkout line surrounded by candy, gum, and magazines. This can be stressful and not to mention expensive. Previously, Julia shared tips to lower your grocery bill. Mine are below.
Shop alone – Having little helpers can leave you with extra items in your cart. Don’t have kids? You can still ring up a hefty bill by purchasing impulse buys like gum and magazines. As you wait in line, leaf through your favorite tabloid or magazine and put it back – you can checkout magazines for free from the library.
Generic brands – When it comes time to choose between the store brand and a well-known brand, chose the no-name. Store brands tend to be less expensive and many times are manufactured in the same facilities as brand names.
Unit price – Sometimes buying the family size may seems like the best buy because of the large quantity of food. But pay attention to unit prices and do the math to save lots. Look for a unit price tucked in the corner of the price tag in a small font as opposed to the displayed price in a big font. The unit price tells you the cost per pound, quart, or other unit of weight or volume of a package. Carry a calculator with you to spend less or use the one built into your smart phone.
Here’s an example:
Which milk would you buy?
• 2 liters of milk at $3.80
• 1.5 liters of milk at $2.70
In this case the unit is 1 liter and the unit prices are:
• $3.80 / 2 liters = $1.90 per liter
• $2.70 / 1.5 liters = $1.80 per liter
So the lowest unit price and best bargain is 1.5 liters at $2.70.
Bring your own bag (BYOB) – Whole Foods is not the only store that gives customers a couple cents back for BYOB. Ralphs grocery rewards program gives points for every bag you bring. Trader Joe’s has a weekly raffle to win a $25 store gift card for those who bring their own bags. Check with your local store to see what they offer.
Stick to groceries – Avoid buying non-grocery items at the grocery store. Toothpaste, mouthwash and painkillers can be found in pharmacies at a lower cost. The exception is when you coupon match.
Bulk shopping – Nonperishable items like laundry detergent and bathroom tissue can be purchased at membership clubs for less. Warehouse clubs send members coupons for extra savings. The trick is to get what you need and walk out before you become mesmerized and end up wasting money on impulse buys.
Avoid convenience items – Like toiletries, when you purchase cut up onions or peeled garlic, you are paying for the commodity. Instead, buy the items and cut them up yourself.
Loyalty and rewards cards – You do not have to be loyal to a store to sign up for their free rewards cards. Shopping around for deals before you head to the store will help you make an informed decision. Read the weekly flyers from your local grocery stores to compare prices.
Ethnic stores – If you have never set a foot in an ethnic grocery store you are missing out. Staple items like oil and flour can be found for up to half the price. Produce prices are often significantly cheaper.
mikebaird/Flickr
Get a free sample of “healthy” Organo Coffee while supplies last – this will probably run out in an hour or two!
Through Sunday, June 13 you can get a whopping 25% off at GAP when you use your GAP, Banana Republic, or Old Navy credit card.
Get a free sample of Emergen-C blue when you friend the Surfrider Foundation on Facebook.
Through Monday, June 14 this Borders coupon gets you 25% off the list price of any one item. Some exclusions.
Get a free sample of EOS shaving gel, while supplies last. Also not going to be around very long.
Here is a Redbox coupon code for a free one-night movie rental that is valid on Monday, June 21 , 2010 only.
Check out all the coupons and deals on my WalletPop blog.
My frugal friends at Savings.com shared these online coupons.
Get $25 off $125 or more with free shipping at HP. Expires July 31, 2010.
Get $5 off $50 or more at The Home Depot. Expires June 13, 2010.
Get $5 off $50 or more at Sears. Expires June 19, 2010.
Get $15 off $125 or more at Sharper Image. Expiration date unknown.
Get 7% off any order at In the Hole Golf. Expires June 30, 2010.
Looking for contact lenses? AC Lens combines the lowest prices available with dedicated, personalized customer service. Plus, they have a 30-day return policy. This winning combination has made ACLens.com the third largest contact lens retailer online – that’s huge!
AC Lens prices are among the lowest compared to rivals. Compare their price for Acuvue Oasys, the #1 prescribed contact lens, which is $24.45/box right now at ACLens.com. Try finding Acuvue Oasys for under $30 per box at 1800Contacts, WalMart Vision Center, Sears Optical, Pearle Vision, or LensCrafters. Oftentimes, rivals with a price match policy end up matching ACLens.com.
ACLens.com has gotten a lot of publicity for their prices, including mentions in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Woman’s World, The Boston Globe, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, among others. The site won the BizRate Circle of Excellence Award for superior customer service four consecutive years. No other contact lens retailer can claim that honor.
If you want specials and exclusive deals on lenses, friend ACLens on Facebok or follow them on Twitter (@ACLens). It’s always good to know about deals for products you buy. ACLens.com ships lenses to all 50 US states as well as Europe, South America and the Far East.
This is paid content. Interested in an ad? Read my Advertise page.
I updated the list of goodies you’ll find in the reusable bags we are giving to every swapper, including a $25 Restaurant.com gift card in every bag! SOOO worth the $5 admission, in my humble opinion.
The free raffle works a bit differently this year so make sure to be present for the drawing at 2 p.m. on June 19. Every swapper gets one free ticket with admission.
Where to park at the Frugal Festival June 19? I scoped out the situation.
See you at the Frugal Festival Summer Swap June 19 from 1-3 p.m. at the NoHo Performing Arts Center, 11020 Magnolia Blvd in North Hollywood. Buy your ticket here.
I’m partnering with a new start up called Daily D to offer BargainBabe.com readers a hot deal to purchase once a week. This is a totally new facet of BargainBabe.com! Outside of my winter holiday gift guide, I have deliberately not recommended specific products for purchase, instead offering advice, strategies, and philosophies to save.
So why am I selling stuff now?
Two reasons. The deals are a great value, often more than 50% off retail. And I earn a small cut of the proceeds to help pay my bills. Support BargainBabe.com by checking out each week’s Daily D! This week’s Daily D is for $90 worth of kid’s cooking classes for $37.
I’m committed to transparency and my Ethics policy has not changed. Paid content is always identified. Daily D does not pay me to share these deals, nor do I write the blurbs about each deal. I earn money when you click through and make a DailyD purchase.
Questions? Thoughts? Please comment.
Live in LA? Got bored kids that want something to do? Check out this Daily D for $90 worth of kid’s cooking classes at Katie’s Cooking School for just $37. That’s a 58% discount!
This deal expires Saturday, June 12 at 4 p.m. PST or as soon as all 100 of the discounted vouchers are purchased. The certificates must be redeemed by September 10, 2010, so you have all summer to use them.
This is not paid content, however I earn a commission on every purchase made through Daily D.
adria.richards/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz
Staying fit and healthy can stop doctor’s bills from rolling in but hitting the gym can be costly. The good news is that there are many affordable ways to get a proper workout without slimming your wallet. Here are some ways to help you reach your fitness goals.
Go back to college – If you still live near your alma mater, many universities offer discounted gym memberships to alumni. Some of these gyms are better than private gyms and include all the amenities. Cost: monthly membership fee.
Hit the pavement – Go jogging or walking around your neighborhood for free. If you want a different scenery head to your nearest park. Remember to carry water to stay hydrated and a cell phone in case of an emergency. Cost: $50-$100/year for running shoes.
Exploit your insurance – Many insurance companies reimburse you half or all of your gym’s fees. Check with your provider to see if they can help you out. Cost: phone call to insurance company.
Take a hike – Need a workout that will get your heart pumping and blood flowing? Try walking on a slope. Hiking can be a great way to get a workout without the monthly dues. Cost: gas to drive to park.
Exercise videos – If you are easily bored with the same workout routine rent exercise videos from your local library for free. Most libraries have a variety of exercise videos ranging from yoga to Tae Bo. But whatever you do, don’t become delinquent with your checked out material or it will end up costing you. Trust me, those fines can quickly add up. Want to avoid the fines? Check out online exercise videos. You can find just about any type of exercise you’re interested in to get moving. Cost: none.
Mooch off your company – There have been studies that show a correlation between healthy workers and an increase in work productivity. Many companies are investing in their workers by helping them pay their monthly gym fees. Check with your company to find out what they can do for you. Cost: visit to your HR department.
Restaurant.com is 80% off using this coupon code. Expires Thursday, June 10, 2010!
Expires tonight! Through June 9, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST, get an extra 20% off sale items at J.Crew with this J.Crew coupon code.
An eco brand of nail polish is offering six new colors when you mail in six bottles of old polishes. You pay $3.50/bottle plus whatever it takes to ship in your old polish. The new bottles go for $7 each so this is a good deal.
Starting June 20, Dad’s can get a free ice cream float at Denny’s with a minimum $2 purchase. Happy Father’s Day!
Expires tonight! Here is a Blockbuster Express coupon code for a free movie when you rent one!
The Bev Mo nickel wine sale is on. Buy one bottle of vino and get the same bottle for $.05.
Read all the coupons and deals on my WalletPop blog.
The offending soy milk and raspberries.
I’ve bragged many times after scoring great deals at a small, independent grocery store near my house, but after my last visit I’m not sure I’ll ever shop there again.
I was drawn to this store because the produce prices are especially low. The cost of meat, canned goods, and staples are pretty snappy, too. I’ve bought two pounds of sweet, crisp snap peas for $.99, a whole pineapple for $1.99, and prime pork chops for $1.99/lb. The store is a little funky and caters to Asians, but it is rarely crowded and the cashiers are fast. I can get almost everything on my list (except hummus and avocados) in one place at fabulous prices.
On my last trip I scored a bag of 15 limes for $.99, a 60-ounce pack of raspberries for $1.69, and three liter cartons of soy milk for $.99 each.
Well the limes are dry, the raspberries taste like nothing, and after two bowls of cereal I poured the soy milk down the drain. None of the food is past expiration date and everything looks fresh. It just doesn’t taste very good.
I’m less concerned with getting a refund or slamming this particular store, which I’ve been very happy with in the past, than with figuring out at what point it makes sense to pay more for food. I’ve bought plenty of produce at mainstream grocery stores that was mealy or plain tasting. I bet even organic produce hits the mark.
Is it worth it to pay for premium produce? Or do super low prices save me more in the long run, even if I occasionally have to toss something?
Cathy from Chief Family Officer shared four deals and freebies at Ralphs this week. Cathy makes it easy to save at the grocery store! The final prices assume coupon doubling up to $1. New to coupons? Check out my post on coupon clipping basics. If you want to take advantage of these deals, make sure to save the coupon inserts you receive in the mail or with your Sunday newspaper. Here’s a great suggestion for how to handle coupon organization.
Use $1 off 1 coupon for Kens salad dressing 16 oz. or Lite Accents any from 5/9 Smart Source coupon insert in your local newspaper
Final price: $0.67
Jell-O Gelatin or Pudding on sale for $1
Use $0.50 off 1 Kraft Jello Brand Gelatin box coupon from 6/6 Smart Source coupon insert
Final price: FREE
Buy 10 and use $0.50 off 8 Yoplait Yogurt Cups from 4/25 or 5/16 Smart Source insert or 5/30 General Mills insert
Final price: $0.30 each
Use $0.50 off 1 Knudsen Sour Cream or Cottage Cheese 16 oz or larger from 5/23 Smart Source insert
Final price: $0.99
gwrrty/Flickr
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains
A couple of years ago during the Los Angeles fall fire season I had to decide which of my belongings to pile in my car when I evacuated. The items I left might be burned to a crisp. The stuff I could take with me was limited and therefore HAD to be my favorites.
One of the things I grabbed was my Klutz book
What are Klutz books? They are THE standard in hands-on learning for everything from crafts to science.
Over 33 years ago, three college buddies stood a sidewalk corner and began selling juggling lessons. This turned into the very successful how-to book “Juggling for the Complete Klutz,” which now comes with instructions and juggling balls. People liked it. I mean, they REALLY liked it. These three guys must be making a fortune.
My first Klutz book was the polymer clay book. I bought it used because I didn’t need the clay that the new version comes with. I needed the instructions. I pulled the book apart, put the individual pages into a ring binder, and used it to teach hundreds of students how to work with oven hardened clay.
Then I discovered that many people sell their Klutz books once they have used up the supplies that come with the book. The supplies are good, but the best part is the instructions. So began my pursuit of used Klutz books.
The books are almost always bound with white wire spiral, which makes it simple to find them at a yard or book sale. I just reach in, grab that binding and if I am lucky, there is a fabulous Klutz book in my hands. Instead of paying $10 to $24, I pay a buck. Yipee skipee! Yard sale score!
I have Klutz books on face painting, costumes, table top football, nail art, trick photography, magic, science, car games and more. My latest Klutz acquisition is the “Klutz Book of Animation”
The next book I really want to get is the Superhero Starter Kit
Related posts:
Free movie tickets for kids and families this summer
Sears.com
Tomorrow day is the last day to enter the reader contest to win a $249 Kenmore mixer, donated generously by Sears. To win, like the Kenmore and BargainBabe.com pages on Facebook.
The 400 watt mixer has a tilt back stand, comes with a 3- and 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowls, and has an LED light so you can watch the action. It weighs 25 pounds and has a 5 year limited warranty. This mixer got three out of five stars by reviews on Sears.com. Read the product page for even more details.
If you are already a fan of one, make sure you fan the other. Fan both pages by Wednesday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m. PST to be considered. One winner and two runners up will be randomly selected. Good luck!
PS. The prize mixer may not come in red.
titlap/Flickr
A reader named Estela wrote in with a spending conundrum that I have no idea how to answer.
I was wondering, do you have anything regarding how to frugally heat up your pool? We don’t want to use our heater & we just don’t know if there are any other options out there other than the $20 solar rings. You need about 8-10 to cover a small-med sized pool. I look forward to reading about this in your site. Thanks!
If Estela bought 10 $20 heating rings she would spend $200. Do you have any cheaper solutions? How about throwing sun-heated rocks into the pool? Or covering it with sheets of black plastic, which absorb a lot of sunlight (similar to how solar showers work)? Funneling the hot air from your dryer into the pool?
