Can you spot the fake? fairfaxcounty / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Even if you’re not in the market for designer bags or clothes, knowing how to spot counterfeit merchandise is a must to avoid getting duped. This is especially true since common targets include cosmetics, perfumes, computer software, jewelry, and more! The latest issue of ShopSmart lists tips to learn how to spot a fake and what to do if you’re sold inauthentic merchandize. I summarize them below.
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?
The folks who brought us the controversial Extreme Couponing are back with Extreme Cheapskates (preview above). And they are looking for people to feature on their TV show! Here are snipets of emails I received from the show’s producer, Michael Petrella.
I’m the casting director for a new TLC series that is about finding unique and creative ways to save a buck. We’ve explored some fabulous ideas, like washing and reusing fabric toilet paper and dumpster diving for items such as last season’s wrapping paper and greeting cards.
We’re looking for folks who go to free events for the snacks… or take dates to places with free chips and salsa and only order water. Fun stuff like that, and also some slightly odd ideals like the homemade toilet paper or heating a whole house with human waste.
If this sounds interesting to you, feel free to email Michael at casting@michaelpetrella.com.
I went to a bunch of garage sales with a girlfriend last week looking for an oval coffee table. (I’m redecorating my living room with the money we’ll get from selling our Vespa scooter.)
I burned out on the coffee table – the furniture selection was terrible at the five sales we hit – but I did find this great little table (image right).
I knew it would fit perfectly in our entryway. But it had an awful coat of cheap lacquer, was dirty, and made of cheap wood. I was giving it the once over when the seller walked over.
“Five,” he said.
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
Karen Horton/flickr
A person’s ability to come up with a creative, romantic, and frugal Valentine’s date is a true indicator of that person’s ability to come up with creative, thoughtful, and debt-free lifestyle choices.
We’ve already covered many frugal and creative Valentine’s dates in nine unusual Valentine’s dates that are frugal too, cheap debt-free valentine’s dates, and you calling me a cheap date? You betcha. Browse all three of these articles and you will have enough great date ideas to take you through to your 25th wedding anniversary.
However, these ideas still require you follow some very important rules:
Get a subscription to Weight Watchers for $4!
Don’t miss out on this week’s hot magazine deals including Weight Watchers and Yoga Journal magazines! If you don’t see your go-to magazine listed, browse DiscountMags.com to find your fave and use the coupon code to save 20% off (see the details below).
Weight Watchers
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Jan. 31-Feb 1, 2012
Yoga Journal
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Feb. 1-2, 2012
SITEWIDE COUPON
20% off your order at DiscountMags.com
Use coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Feb. 3-Mar. 31, 2012
Don’t forget to mark your calender so you won’t miss any of these hot magazine deals.
Clicking on these links supports BargainBabe.com. Thank you for helping make blogging my full time job! This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.
Get a subscription to Shape mag for only $4!
This week’s hot magazine deals include Shape and Family Fun magazines. Get in on these hot magazine deals EXCLUSIVE to BargainBabe.com before it’s too late! Don’t see your favorite magazine listed? Browse DiscountMags.com to find your fave and use the coupon code below to save 20% off (see the details below).
Shape
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Jan. 24-25, 2012
Family Fun
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Jan. 25-26, 2012
(more…)
Last week I ordered Bon Appetit for $4.99 for one year. How awesome is that?! You can still get in on these hot magazine deals EXCLUSIVE to BargainBabe.com! If these mags are not your fave, browse DiscountMags.com to find ones you like and use the coupon code below to save 20% off (see the details below).
Rachel Ray
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Jan. 17-18, 2012
Family Circle
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Jan. 18-19, 2012
Get Bon Appetit for $5!
I’m working with DiscountMags.com to offer a number of really hot magazine deals, two each week. Year long subscriptions. Mark your calender because these deals are EXCLUSIVE to BargainBabe.com!!!
Bon Appetit
$4.99 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Expires Jan. 12, 2012
(checking exact time this code expires today)
Rachel Ray
$4 with coupon code BARGAINBABE
Valid Jan. 17-18, 2012
Is it safe to buy appliances from an outlet? Credit: Editor B/Flickr
Jeannie is not sure she can trust an appliance outlet store. What do you think?
Dear Julia, Love your site. Question for you or the readers: we need a new dishwasher and Consumer Reports recommends 2 Whirlpool models in our price range. I did “Bargain Babe” due diligence in looking around for a great price and came across the Whirlpool Outlet store, which claims it has brand new products. But how do I know I can trust them?
Their site looks legit, but they’re based in the Midwest and we’re on the East Coast, so it makes me wonder if I’d be better off paying a little more and buying from a brick-and-mortar store, which feels so 1990s to me! Any advice you could offer would be great! Thanks, Jeannie
Jeannie, I would check a few things off my list before making a major purchase from an online retailer you are new to.
Get Seventeen Mag free!
There are 35 coupons and freebies today, including many “Cyber Monday 2″ type deals. If you shop online, get a cash back rebate on every purchase through Ebates. Free to join! Don’t miss exclusive coupons we share on the BargainBabe.com Facebook page. “Like” us today!
Freebie Dove - Get a freebie sample of Dove Damage Therapy shampoo and conditioner for a limited time through Costco. You do NOT need to be a member to get this awesome freebie! I love these things for travel.
Free Christmas cookie recipes - Get a free eCookbook with Christmas cookie recipes when you join the Mr. Food email list.
Seventeen FREE - Get 11 free magazine issues of Seventeen in digital format through ValueMags.com. No purchase necessary! I’ve gotten many free subscriptions through this site. Currently, there are also freebies for Cosmo, Bridal Guide, and Out.
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of BobbisBargains.
MegaMind mask on cool dude
With Halloween only moments away, here are six last minute frugal activities, costumes, and decorating ideas.
- The MegaMind website. This site is full of activities that will keep you and your kids busy through Halloween week and beyond. Click above to enter the site, then click or skip intro (or watch it because it’s cute), and click on games, and activities. This will land you on a page where you can select an action figure to download. There are other activities as well – a board game, comic books, bookmarks, brainteasers, card games, and coloring sheets. There is enough cool stuff here to make an entire MegaMind party. A truly great site for a MegaMind fan who is young or old, as you can see from the picture to the right.
How many coupons can you use before being unethical? Credit: Xurble/Flickr
The Unethical Man, a reader who shared controversial tips to save money in Vegas (like taking hotel toilet paper), has a financial dilemma to share. Your thoughts?
I have one for you, and I would really like your honest opinion. I signed up for Del Taco’s Raving e-club a long time ago. From time-to-time, they send out emails containing a link to print out coupons to try something new. The coupon typically gives the bearer the new item for free with any purchase. I can and do print multiple coupons. The coupon does specify that only one coupon may be redeemed per customer per visit.
I’m sure that most people would place their typical order and throw in the free coupon as an added bonus. I’m sure that’s what the company is hoping for too. But when I go to redeem my free item,
Taking your kids to a baseball game doesn't have to be pricey! Credit: kkinjo/Flickr
There are 5 1/2 weeks before the World Series begins on Oct. 19 – plenty of time to go to a baseball game on the cheap with deals found by guest writer Andrew Kardon of JoeShopping.com.
It’s a summertime rite of passage: pack up the kids, trek to the ballpark and show your family why baseball is America’s Pastime. With ticket prices dropping along with game attendance, it’s easier than ever to have a great time at the ballpark and leave with money in your wallet. Use these 10 tips for great deals on tickets, souvenirs, concessions and more.
My sister makes the best pie from key limes, which are not in season! Credit: little blue hen/Flickr
Here’s the list of what veggies and fruits will be cheap at your grocery store or farmers market in coming weeks through November. In season produce is almost always cheaper than out of season, which is often imported. My favorites from the list include grapes, mushrooms, pears, and sweet potatoes. If you opt not to make a cheat sheet, shop by price in the store. Clicking on the links below take you to recipes for that particular item.
Acorn Squash
Asian Pear
Barbados Cherries
