ranitror / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

There’s a big controversy over a pizza chain’s upcoming giveaway, according to a USA TODAY story. The problem: Customers have to order in Spanish to get the freebie and some see this as discrimination.

This got me thinking — what aren’t you willing to do to score a freebie? Would you pass on this pizza deal just because you have to order in Spanish?

I pass on freebies all the time because they’re simply not worth my time. But, I have to admit that I stood in line for about two hour to get free Yogurtland. I love their frozen yogurt!

I also avoid freebies that require you make a purchase. There’s just no point in spending money to get a sample unless you were already planning the purchase.

I also skip freebies from companies that do not align with my principles. For example, there’s a particular chain store that I don’t patronize and avoid its freebies online.

What type of freebies do you look for? Do you skip freebies with certain stipulations?

In case you’re interested, there’s still time to brush up on your Spanish. Pizza Patron’s “Por Favor” promotion will take place on June 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at participating restaurants. The chain has locations in seven states. I’ve actually tried their pizza. It’s less expensive than Pizza Hut or Dominos, but I’m not a fan.

On June 1, you’ll be able to score a free donut from Dunkin Donuts with a beverage purchase for National Free Donut Day. There’s no stipulation on how to order for this one, but I’ll pass. You?

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cameramanron / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I compiled a list full of fun and frugal activities to do with your kids this summer. Some of them are completely free while others are dirt cheap! I already have my summer fun planned out. Do you?

Go bowling – Many bowling alleys have free bowling for kids. All you have to do is sign up at Kids Bowl Free.com. This is for kids 15 and younger. You’ll received free bowling passes for your kids to enjoy every week. My sister just made the cut and she’s already received a free pass.

Learn something – Stay cool while learning new things in your favorite stores. I like productive summers so I look for free classes or workshops to keep me busy. The stores below offer free activities for kids. Make sure to check out their calendars for times and dates! (Note that some stores may not have them up yet.)

Apple Store – Kids get to learn to make movies. You can even get notification when registration opens!

Lowe’s Build & Grow Kids Clinics – Kids get to build a wooden project and they get a free apron and goggles.

Home Depot’s Free Kids Workshops – This workshop is designed for children ages 5 – 12 and is offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all Home Depot stores between 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Pottery Barn Kids – These stores hold fun and educational free kids activities. Make sure to check out their calendar to see what’s coming up next!

Lego store – Build a model each month for free at your local Lego store for free. This event is open to children aged 6 to 14 only. Next Mini Model Build is June 5! Check with your local Lego Store for times.

Get some reading done – Your local library is the place to be come summer. Libraries have many free activities for kids and you can also get them involved in summer reading programs. (Prizes may be available as incentive!) Another option is heading to bookstores for free story time.

Barnes and Noble – This popular summer reading program is coming back! Kids must read eight books to earn a free book. Kids can also go online for the free story time. Books are read by authors and celebrities. The next online story time is June 5!

Go outside – There’s nothing worst than spending summer indoors. Take advantage of mother nature’s beauty by taking your kids to a local beach or park. Other freebies to consider:

Free National Park Days – For those that love camping or hiking, the next fee-free days are June 9 and Sept. 29.

Free Swimming – Many cities have free swimming days for kids at local public pools. Your child may also be able to get free swimming lessons. Look online to find out if your city will offer free swim days.

Go to the Movies - Take advantage of the movie theater specials in the summer. Some offer free admission to kids while others offer steep discounts. Here are some movie theaters that have announced the return of their 2o12 free summer movies:

National Amusements Free Summer Movies – Kids are going to have to complete a book report to get into a free kid’s movie. Accompanying adults go in free as well as children 6 and under!

Malco Kid’s Summer Film Fest - You can get $2 tickets June through August.

Regal’s Summer Movie Express

Marquee Cinemas

Cinemark’s Summer Movie Clubhouse

Muvico: Free Summer Film Fest

Don’t forget about free museum admission for kids. If you know of any more free or cheap things to do this summer with kids, let us know. What will you be doing with your kids this summer?

Lőrinc / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

My secret to having an arsenal full of specialized cooking utensils without going broke is the hardware store. In many cases, the only difference between a hardware store tool and the kitchen version is price. Read on to see what cheap kitchen tools you can find at your local hardware.

Cooking Twine
Skip the small packages of kitchen twine sold at supermarkets and buy a cheap roll of twine at the hardware store. Just make sure to look for cotton twine only as nylon and other synthetic twines will melt. Twine comes in handy for trussing up poultry, tying together bouquet garnis, and holding roasts together.

Brushes
Basting brushes are the same quality as paintbrushes at hardware stores, but there so much cheaper. They’re usually less than $1 so it may be worth stocking up on different sizes to tackle different tasks. You can use brushes for basting and glazing everything from roasts to fruit tarts.

Blowtorch
A chef’s blowtorch starts at around $30, but hardware store torches are much cheaper and hold more fuel. These are a must if you want to caramelize the top of a creme brulee. Yum! The torch also comes in handy when making bananas foster.

Pizza Stones and Bricks
The secret to a crispy pizza is a pizza stone. Awhile back, I share how you can make your own pizza stone with unglazed ceramic or quarry tile from the hardware store. You can also buy a cheap brick to use as a weight (just cover it with foil) when making paninis or chicken under a brick.

Graters and Zesters
Head to the woodworking aisle to find cheap graters to zest lemons and other citrus fruits. Did you know Microplane first release it’s graters and zesters as woodworking tools? You’ll find quality rasps for a fraction of the cost as those found in fancy cooking supply stores. Make sure to buy one made out of stainless steel so it doesn’t rust.

Cedar Planks and Hickory Chips
With summer just around the corner, head to the hardware store to get ready for barbecues. Add flavor to your food with wood planks or chips. Cedar pairs well with salmon on the grill and hickory chips will impart a woodsy taste to you meat.

Pliers
These are a must if you have small kids that like to eat fish. You can use pliers to pick small bones out of fresh fish. Needle-nose pliers from the hardware store are inexpensive and precise. They usually cost less than $2, while fish tweezers at cooking supply stores cost $15 or more.

Scrapers and Knives
Drywall scraper and paint knives can double as tools for bakers. These hardware finds are cheap compared to pastry knives and cake decoration tools and work just as well. They can run you anywhere from $1 -$2 compared to $7 – $15.

Funnels

Funnels come in handy when you want to transfer oil to a spritz bottle. Hardware stores usually sell them in a set of two or three for less than $5. One funnel at a cooking supply store can set you back $15!

Have you tried any of these less expensive alternative kitchen utensils? What other hardware store finds double as cooking tools?

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Should I go back and snatch this beauty?

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I hit a couple thrift stores this weekend in search of an entryway bench. Instead, I found a wooden chest (image at right) that could double as a bench with storage. After seeing the price tag, I walked away. It was $50! I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the chest. Did I make a mistake leaving it behind?

All it needs is a good sanding, some staining to deepen the color, and lacquer. Except for the backside, the chest is made out of quality wood. The back has a wooden board for reinforcement. I became reluctant after noticing it since I want to use the chest as a bench where we can take off our shoes as we walk in the door.

I’m not sure it can handle daily use though I did sit on it and everything seemed fine — no creaking. But for the $50, plus the time and money I’m going to spend sprucing it up, I probably could find something similar elsewhere. It would also be brand spankin’ new.

Once home, I searched IKEA online and found a few options for less than $50. Of course, the wood quality is not the same. Then a Crate and Barrel search revealed a trunk made out of solid wood for $600. My jaw dropped and a pang of conscience ensued.

Was I right or wrong to walk away from what now seems like a steal? Incidentally, having an idea of prices before heading to shop at thrift stores pays off. I just didn’t plan.

As time passes, I run the risk of not finding the chest. So what do you think? Should I hurry back for this thrift store find or keep searching?

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some really good tips for craigslist…
http://sfgate.houzz.com/ideabooks/2242619/list/Secrets-to-Shopping-Craigslist
I didn’t know I could use the same tools (quote marks, minus marks) that I’d use on a regular search!
Hope you and the baby are doing well,
regards,
Lynda

Wished I’d written this post myself! What other stores or websites do you want the inside secrets to? Send us a hot tip or deal you scored by emailing us.

I look just as cute in my new robe! guelphguy / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I headed to IKEA this past weekend in search of a kitchen island and left with bathrobes. Oye! I couldn’t help myself as I’d been looking for comfy robes for a while. At the register, I received a wonderful surprise. IKEA has a rewards card! Am I the last one to know?

While in line, I was debating my purchase with my sister and the cashier chimed in.

“You know those robes are on sale, ” she said.

“Really?! I didn’t notice. How much?”

“Let me check for you. Do you have your IKEA family card?”

“I don’t have one. What is it?”

“It’s a rewards card that gives you monthly product discounts. Plus other free stuff.”

“Does that mean I won’t get the discount today?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll give you the discount. You can get your card at our kiosk.”

The plush robes were originally $24.99, but I got them for $19.99.

After paying, I walked over to the kiosk and entered basic information to get my free rewards card. Aside from the monthly product discounts, there are other perks:

Lucy at three months!

Now that I’m never again shopping at Babies R Us, Amazon is my go to store for baby supplies. (See updated pic of my baby at right!) Last week I discovered an amazing Amazon deal when I returned a baby swaddling blanket.

The blanket, which I highly recommend for new parents, helps my daughter Lucy sleep by keeping her tightly wrapped up. She grew out of size small so I ordered her a larger size. Each SwaddleMe blanket cost just under $10 when I bought them.

But when the blanket arrived I realized

it was the wrong one – made of thick fleece instead of light cotton. Temps are already warming up, so I knew the fleece would be too warm.

Disappointed, I logged on and clicked on the return link. Because I have a free Amazon Prime membership through Amazon Mom, shipping both ways is free.

But instead of giving me a return label, Amazon said I could keep it! Wahoo!

I got to keep the fleece blanket (she may still fit into it in the fall) and got a full refund. I ordered a cotton swaddle blanket, so I ended up getting two blankets for the price of one!!!

Before you ask: I did not feel guilty for getting to keep the blanket for free. It is Amazon’s return policy, not mine. I am positive the business has calculated the costs of paying for return shipping v. letting me keep the blanket. Plus, Amazon has to figure in how much the returned blanket could sell for, if at all. This blanket costs less than $10, so returning more expensive items would not necessarily have the same result. I’m not sure returning lower priced items would have the same result, either.

Has this ever happened to you?

sparktography / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I haven’t always been a smartphone user. The price tag and monthly bill made me reluctant to switch over for many years. Now I can’t live without my iPhone. Below I share how to lower the cost of owning a smartphone.

Beware of small fees

In my post about shrinking your cell phone bill, I suggest you avoid the extras like ringtones and wallpaper. With a smartphone, you also want to avoid paying for in-app purchases or going crazy downloading music. To avoid accidentally making these purchases, go to the apps’ settings and turn-off purchases.

Minimize app purchases

Stick to free apps, or at least get money back from your purchase. Use Ebates when buying apps and music. I’ve also scored many free apps from Starbucks. Make sure to look for the business-like cards by the register to score free music and apps every Tuesday. Check out my post on how to purchase inexpensive iphone apps for more tips!

Reduce your data plan

I was grandfathered in to an unlimited plan, but recently, many wireless carries have switched to tiered plans. Avoid going over your minutes by checking your usage statistics. They’re under settings and you can reset them to track your usage over a month. You may be surprised to learn that you’re not using all of your data allowance. Once you’ve reduced your data plan work to stay with in the limit.

Use Wi-Fi

One way to reduce your data usage is to log in to a wireless connection. You can do this even when you’re out! Coffee shops, libraries, and even restaurants now offer wireless connections. Just make sure not to check bank accounts when you’re on a public internet connection.

Text and call using apps

Don’t eat up your minutes and incur costs when making calls or texting. There are apps that allow you to use your cell phone’s Wi-Fi to send free texts and make free calls. Many of these apps are also free! I like to use Skype.

UPDATE: I just received my May issue of ShopSmart and it includes apps for chatting on the go — for free! They include:

Facetime – It allows you to video-chatting for free, but you have to be on Wi-Fi.

Fring – Lets you IM, talk, and video-conference using an iPhone, Android, or iPad.

Tango – Offers voice and video calling between devices. This app works on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows.

Viber – You can call and text other Viber users. It’s free and works on iPhone and Android devices.

Whatsapp Messenger – It’s free in Blackberry, Androids for a year, and $.99 cents on iPhone.

Finally, if you’re taking the plunge and getting a smartphone, consider buying a refurbished phone. Many refurbished phones have the same warranty as new ones so you’ll reduce the cost of getting a new phone.

How do you save money when using your smartphone?

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Echo9er / Flickr

I subscribe to your daily emails.  I live in CA and I’m going to Washington, DC soon.  I was looking online for Night Tours of DC and found a great deal on a site called “Kgb Deals”.  They appear to be a Groupon like company.  Have you ever heard of them or done business with them?  I tried to research online and one guy said they were not legit.  There really wasn’t a lot of info about them, but they have supposedly been in business for a long time.

Thanks for your time and I LOVE your daily emails!

Debbie

401K / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Recently a conversation at our dinner table turned into a chat about college. My sister is in the ninth grade, but time flies. We discussed several options to reduce her college bill and I share six of them below. My main advice was to work hard and get good grades as this will eventually help her pay for her higher education.

AP Classes – Taking advanced placement classes is one way to reduce your college bill – as long as you pass the end of the year exam. These courses are college-level and you can earn college credit. If students pass the exam, it will be one less class to worry about. My sister will take a couple of AP classes when she’s in her junior year.

Community College – There still seems to be a stigma about going to a community college for two years and then transferring. But with classes being around $20 – $35 per unit, you can’t beat the price! Taking basic classes at a community college will reduce your college bill. No one will ever know you attended a community college as your diploma will only have the name of the university you last attend. Another option is to start taking college courses during the summer if available while in high school. I was able to take a couple course and received college and high school credit.

Scholarships – This may seem like an obvious recourse, but not many take advantage of the opportunities. Many scholarships don’t have many requirements. Make sure to have your high schoolers to apply for anything that they qualify even if the amount is small. Have them talk to their college advisers or head over to their high school’s Financial Aid office, as well, as high school students can start applying even if they don’t know where they’re attending.

In-state tuition – My sister has an idea of where she wants to go for college. She’s even eying some out of state colleges. Wowsa! I talked to her about the benefits of choosing in-state universities. One of those perks is that it will cost less. Going out of state will cost a couple thousand more per unit.

Stick with your major/college – The more you change schools, or change majors, the more time you lose, and the more expensive college gets. Each time students change their minds, they are losing credits that need to be made up. Therefore, it’s wise for them to start thinking of what they want to do. Internships during the summer are a great way to explore careers!

Volunteer Work – Many scholarships require volunteer work and high school is a great time to start giving back to your community. Students in high school can also start networking and this will help them land scholarships in the future. All they have to do is ask for letters of recommendations for free money and university applications.

Already have kids in college? Here’s how to save money on textbooks and college money wasters to avoid.

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ke9tv / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Every time I look in my closet and see my burgundy gown collecting dust, I’m reminded of my prom. I don’t regret going, but I would have done some things differently to save money. I’m much more savvy now and below I share tips to save money on prom.

The ticket – I waited to the last minute to get tickets. Big mistake! I ended up paying a lot more. Many schools have early bird specials so take advantage of them!

The dress – Every girl wants to look her best on prom night, but purchasing a gown to be worn once is wasteful. I’ve only worn the skirt of my dress one other time to a wedding. Instead, I could have invested in a cocktail dress to wear to other formal events when I went to college. A plus, short dresses are en vogue for prom!

Want to feel like a princess? Don’t purchase your pouf dress and opt to rent it instead. This will run you anywhere between $40-$150 depending on what you want. Some of the dresses are even knock offs of those worn by celebrities to big events.

The tux – Similar to a girl’s dress, a tux can be a big expense. Opt for buying a suit that you can wear to internship and job interviews. This will save you money in the end, if you don’t gain weigh. If you decide to rent the tux, make sure the fee includes all the accessories so you don’t end up paying more to get them.

Shoes – Comfort should be your goal. I remember many girls wearing sneakers to prom. It was genius and inexpensive! Don’t want to sport sneakers? Flats are another option or go for a pump that you can continue to use. It’s a bit easier for guys to save on shoes because they may already be in their closet.

Makeup & Hair – Forget about going to the salon and getting an up do. This can set you back $40- $60. Instead go for loose curls or a blowout – these styles are more modern and can easily be accomplished at home. Want to get your hair done? Head to your local beauty school and ask for prices. Beauty school’s usually charge less since a student will do your hair.

To cut cost on make up, you can do it at home. Another option is to schedule an appointment with a makeup artist at a department store and have them do your makeup for free. Some department store require you purchase items from them so make sure to ask if this is their policy and how much you have to spend. I had my makeup done and all I bought was the lip gloss to reapply through the night.

Corsage – Flowers can be expensive, but a simple boutonnière and corsage will be less expensive. Save money on flowers by comparing prices before making a purchase. Check at local mom and pop florists, and the flower district, if your city has one.

The limo – Skip the limo, unless you can get enough friends to pitch in to cover the cost. Consider a party bus for a group as it tends to be cheaper. Another option is driving to and from prom, but it’s safer to be chauffeured.

The photos – I have no idea where my prom photos are collecting dust. I do remember forking over my hard earned cash to pay for them. Instead of getting professional photos taken, carry a digital camera to snap shots through the night. You may also want to look around for semi-professionals (for example, photography students) who will charge less or do it for free!

If your teen is headed to prom, my best advice is to sit down and prepare a budget. Remind them that prom is not about who you go with or what you wear, it’s about having fun. (I feel old saying that, but it’s true!) Did I miss any other ways to cut costs on prom?

faungg / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I’ve compiled a list of new uses for old newspaper for those of you who have piles taking up space in your home. Guilty. After reading the newspaper and clipping coupons, consider using your old paper to save money around your home and garden, and making fun projects. Here are 20 things to do with old newspaper.

1. Gift wrap – A couple years ago, I wrote about using newspaper as gift wrap. It’s not tacky, it’s green and cheap! I especially like to use the pages with the comics.
2. Clean windows and mirrors – To keep my windows and mirrors squeaky clean and lint free I like to use newspaper to wipe them clean. It beats using rags or paper towels, and it’s so much cheaper!
3. Seedling pots – I recently shared how to make newspaper pots to start seedlings. They are so simple to make and the best part is that they will decompose.
4. Compost – Most of the newspaper I had hanging around my home I donated it to my community garden for our compost.
5. Weed blocker – Another way to use newspaper in your garden is to use it to kill weeds. Just cover weeds with newspaper and saturate with water. On top of that add mulch. The newspaper will smother the weeds. This can also be done with carton.
6. Book covers – When I was a kid, my parents never bought store-bought book covers for me instead my dad would use brown paper bags or newspaper. Till this day, we have books around our home covered in newspapers.
7. Table cloths – When you don’t want to ruin your counters or table top, newspaper comes in handy. It’s serves as an inexpensive table cloth that make clean up super simple.
8. Packing supplies – Instead of using bubble wrap in packages, shred newspaper and use it to protect items. Popcorn also works well for this. Just make sure it’s the one without butter!
9. Make money – If you have a paper from a historic day you can easily make a couple bucks. Remember when newspapers sold out when Obama won the presidency? If you have a copy you could try selling it online.
10. Preserve shape – Use it in boots, bags, and hats to preserve their shape. Since this can be messy, stick the paper in pastic bags to protect your belongings.
11. Mat – I always put out newspaper when it rains to soak up water from shoes and umbrellas. This also works well in your car. The paper protects the floor from mud stains.
12. Floor and furniture cover – Avoid spilling paint on the floor and furniture by using newspaper.
13. Ripen fruits – If you want to speed up the ripening process, simply wrap individual bananas, avocados, or tomatoes in newspaper so you can eat them sooner.
14. Line pet’s litter boxes – Have a pet? Use newspaper for training purposes or in your pet’s litter box or cage. My friend uses newspaper underneath her cat’s litter box, as a mat, for easy clean up.
15. Recycle – I’m not talking about tossing it in the recycling bin, though that’s an option. I’m talking about taking it to a recycling center to get paid. The most I’ve received is $5 and our recycling center is walking distance. This may not be the best solution for you if you have to drive miles to your nearest recycling center.
16. Fire starter – With warm days just around the corner, starting your grill just got easier. Use old newspaper and get cooking fast.
17. Neutralize odors – I’ve never used newspaper for this purpose, but a friend swears that newspaper can be used to neutralize stinky tennis shoes and deodorize coolers.
18. Origami sculptures – Need an inexpensive activity to do with kids? Orgami is the solution. There are many things you can make. All you need is newspaper and directions can be found online.
19. Paper mache – Use newspaper, glue, flour, and water to get crafty. A long time ago, a friend taught me to make a homemade pinata using this method. It was simple and so inexpensive.
20. Nail art – Giving yourself a mani is much more cheaper than going to the nail salon. But you don’t have to settle for bland manicures. Give yourself newspaper print nails this weekend for a fun and quirky look. I found the nail tutorial below on YouTube.

The show, which is in its final 2 weeks at the Ahmanson, tells the story of three lifelong friends in a post 9/11 world. The friends are forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. The smash-hit musical features several Green Day hits including the title track, but you don’t have to be a Green Day fan to enjoy this Broadway musical. According to the press release, the musical will “dare you to feel and celebrate and hope.” Variety even described it as a “blissful extravaganza” that “makes you think even as it knocks you out.”

• Liking Bargain Babe on Facebook
• Sharing this post on Facebook
• Following us on Twitter@BargainBabe
• Tweeting “Win tix to Green Day’s American Idiot (@CTGLA) on @BargainBabe – enter NOW! Giveaway ends 4/16 at 11:59 p.m. EST. http://bit.ly/IH8Wi9”

Don’t forget to share your favorite Green Day song with us. Make sure to leave a comment for each entry so we know how many times you’ve entered!

Can’t wait to see Green Day’s American Idiot at the Ahmanson Theatre? Get 50% off mezzanine tickets through April 22 by calling 213-972-4400 or visit www.centertheatregroup.org/greenseats.

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TobiasMik / Flickr

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Reader Asia wants to sell her furniture online. She’s looking for a website to safely get rid of items in her home. Asia writes:

Hi,

Previously I noticed on your website that there is a website if you want to exchange household items for use by others in your area. I was wondering if you know a website (other than Craigslist) where I can safely sell my furniture.

Thank you,
Asia

Asia, I suggest you try eBay. It’s similar to Craiglist, but people will bid on the items you post. If you’re on Facebook and Twitter, make sure to post your listing in case your friends and followers are interested. A quick search online revealed several sites to sell furniture, but I’ve never used used the sites so I’m hesitant to suggest them. If you decide to go with any of these websites, make sure you can post your listing for free.

If you’re not set on selling your furniture online, consider donating the furniture to your local Goodwill and then writing it off your taxes next year. You can also search online for local furniture stores that buy used furniture. This will help you get rid of items sooner instead of waiting around to answer inquiries. Share your suggestions for Asia below.

Got a question or tip? Shoot me an email.

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