Frugal Fridays

Today's tip is probably a no-brainer for all you frugal gals out there.  I highly recommend signing up for e-mails from your favorite shops and websites.  I get coupon codes all the time from places I already love.  The best part is that you can use most of the coupons on top of sale prices to really maximize your savings.

Here are some coupon codes that I snagged this week (you can use them too):

Stonewall Kitchen (yummy gourmet foods) - 20% off everything this weekend, use code: SUMMER20 at checkout

Chronicle Books (my favorite publisher for cookbooks and craft books) - 35% off and free shipping, July 14-28, use code: FRIENDS

Borders books -25% off most items July16-19, use code: BHN7798F

Happy Shopping.

Frugal Fridays

This week's money saving tip is to buy ahead.  I am always thinking about my family's future needs, so when I find something on sale, I can buy it and save myself a lot of money down the line.

For example, I have two kids heading to school this Fall.  They will both need backpacks and lunch bags.  When I was in Utah visiting family earlier this summer I stopped into Down East Outfitters (my favorite bargain hunting ground).  They had monogrammed Pottery Barn Kids' backpacks, and lunch bags, on clearance for an additional 50% off their already low prices.  I grabbed two sets of matching backpacks, and lunch bags for each kid.  The backpacks were $5.00, and the lunch pails $2.50.  I took them home, sat down with a seam ripper, and removed the monograms.  Now I have two years worth of back to school supplies for two kids that cost me a grand total of $30.  Even if I had purchased backpacks and lunch bags on sale at Target I would have paid at least $10 for each backpack, and $5.00 for a lunch bag.  Plus, Pottery Barn Kids' bags are much higher quality and won't be coming apart at the seams by the end of the school year.  Buying ahead means you save money, and get better quality.

I also use this principle with birthday and Christmas gifts.  I try to buy items on clearance for at least 75% off, then store them until I need them.  Many stores like Target, Toys R Us, and Walmart, mark down lots of toys in July and August to get ready for new Fall lines coming in.  The next few weeks are the perfect time to stock up.

Hope you all have a great weekend.  Don't forget to enter our giveaway, it ends on Saturday.

Frugal Fridays

This is a new feature we're starting.  Every Friday be sure to stop by to find great deals on clothes, housewares, restaurants, spa services and more.  In this tough economy we're all trying to save money, and I have discovered all sorts of great ways to get deals on things you need every day. 

Below are links to 5 different websites that you can go to and sign up for daily e-mails that will help you keep more money in your pocket.  Groupon and Screamin Coupons offer daily deals to local businesses based on your home city.  I have purchased half-off coupons for pedicures, Cold Stone Ice Cream, cooking classes for kids, organic produce, rides on the Heber Creeper (A train ride in Utah), and more.  It's a great way to discover new businesses, and stretch your dollar.

Hautelook, Gilt Groupe, and Billion Dollar Babes, hold daily sample sales of name-brand items for up to 90% off.  The sales run for 24-72 hours.  Some of my best finds on these sites have been gorgeous jewelry at giveaway prices.  I mean, why buy costume jewelry, when you can get the real deal for the same price?  I've also found great deals on name-brand children's clothing and toys.  They also offer a lot of luxury brand purses, sunglasses, skincare, and make-up.  Sometimes, the shipping can be slow on certain items, so you'll have to be patient if you buy from these sites. 

Until Tuesday July 6th, you can get the lovely Rosanna cake plates pictured above on sale for 40% off at Gilt Groupe.

So check them out, and let me know if you like what you see.  Happy Shopping.

Groupon

Screamin Coupons

Hautelook

Gilt Groupe

Billion Dollar Babes