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.
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.
sean dreilinger / Flickr
I share five must read blog posts about saving money every Friday.
Living the frugal life – Donna Freedman shares why frugality is the right choice. (MSN Money)
Moving on a budget – Moving? Check out this guide to cutting packaging and moving costs. (MoneyCrashers)
Financial disaster – Learn how to deal with divorce from a financial standpoint. (Bargaineering)
Money 101 – The Silicon Valley Blogger shares a basic financial plan for those starting out. (The Digerati Life)
Save money on your wheels – The Thousandaire shares ten ways to stop wasting money on your car. (Thousandaire)
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I dressed up as a guy with a big fat beer belly for Halloween, a costume suggested by reader Claudia Williams. Thanks to the nearly 100 readers who suggested ideas for the costume contest. I was not able to convince my husband to cross dress as my girlfriend, unfortunately. I told him he would look really sexy, but he did not budge.
I created my entire costume from stuff around the house, though a better fitting cap would have helped. Still, I think my beer belly looks pretty real!
This video uses adult language. Not recommended for youngsters!
Loud. Brash. Egotistical. That’s how I would describe Ramit Sethi, the New York Times best selling author of “I Will Teach You To Be Rich”
After the conference my friend, Jen from Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, chatted me up on Skype.
Jen: Ok, I just watched the video…Funny, yes, but a TOTAL insult to frugal bloggers. So, was it funny in the context of his talk, or if you are a frugal blogger sitting there, would you still have been totally insulted?
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.
Comment today for a chance to win this book!
Today is your last chance to win our review copy of “Money Secrets of the Amish,” by Lorilee Craker. So far 41 readers have entered. The title tickled our curiosity about the Amish way of life. How frugal are they?
Craker wanted to learn more about the Amish after hearing they were thriving during the recession on NPR. Being a Mennonite and a journalist, she wanted to know more as her own financial situation tightened. Craker writes:
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,
Ed Yourdon / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz. The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching. I’ve come up with four frugal and fuss-free activities to celebrate independence day.
- Free entertainment – Even if you are hosting a get together with friends, make sure you take advantage of the fireworks. Instead of buying fireworks, which are illegal in some states, head to local parades and festivals. Search online for
I promise this will be the last post about the Festival until next year! I wrote a quick recap on the Frugal Festival blog, including dozens of photos. Thanks for a great Festival!
Wow! The Festival is finally here! We’ll see you this Saturday, June 25 in LA for free food, coupon lessons, and lots of tricks to cut your grocery bill.
You CAN buy tickets at the door, though it’s quicker to get yours in advance through Goldstar.
Please stop by the BargainBabe.com table and introduce yourself!
Julia
aka Bargain Babe
Just two days to Frugal Festival Food! Saturday 6/25 in LA!!!!
Two days to Frugal Festival Food!!! I flew in yesterday and am running today around making last minute preparations for the Festival Saturday. Can’t wait to see you there!
Frugal Festival Food! is all over the news! Check me out Friday night at about 7 p.m. on NBC 4 for a preview of raffle prizes and more!
Winners of The Coupon Wallet swag have been announced!
We compiled a complete list of raffle and door prizes at Frugal Festival Food! this Saturday, June 25, in LA. Yowza!
Did you win one of two copies of “Money-Saving Recipes” in yesterday’s giveaway? Winners have been announced.
Final ONLINE Festival cookbook giveaway is today for “$5 Dinner Mom.” We saved a good one for last.
Are you a coupon clipper? Test your skills to win a $300 gourmet gift basket!
Today’s cookbook giveaway is for “Money Saving Recipes,” which you can also nab as a door prize at Frugal Festival Food! this Saturday in LA if you get there early (doors open at 11 a.m.)
The winners of Friday’s giveaway of “Wildly Affordable Organic” have been announced!
Test your coupon know-how in the Albertsons and Shortcuts Coupon Challenge at the Festival! Guess what the prize is?
Win a $100 Target gift card in the 11:30 am raffle on June 25 at Frugal Festival Food! Credit: Mattastic!/Flickr
Door prizes are first come first serve starting at 11 a.m. on June 25 at Frugal Festival Food! For a timeline of important Festival events, like the 11:30 a.m. $100 Target gift card raffle, go here.
I totally want to win the cookbook in today’s giveaway! Here’s your chance to win “Wildly Affordable Organic.”
The winners of “Gluten-free on a Shoestring” have been announced!
