Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters

With all the importing we do for fruits and vegetables I have become rusty on which fruits and vegetables are ripe in what season.  You can find almost anything now at anytime. But from traveling thousands of miles you have to put up with buying frozen or somewhat unripe produce.

Then I found FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters.org. … a complete resource for those of us that can’t remember what grandma taught us about fruits & vegetables. About the only thing I remember is that Fruits and vegetables are at their cheapest price when they are in-season. With Springtime around the corner it’s time to learn how to choose, use and get the biggest bang for our buck with fruits & veggies.

At FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters.org.  you can learn about vegetables, nutrition, meal planning around seasonal vegetables, buying on a budget, long term storage and more. You can even ask an expert about preparation, nutrition content. Label reading, menu and recipe advice etc.

Broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, squash, and even Rhubarb more will be come more familiar and be on our menu more often by using their planning and tasty menu guide.

Now you have no excuses.

Bargainist.com

Bargain hunting has always been in and right now getting a great deal is super hot. The new trend in 2010 is coupon use, freebies and discount codes. Looks like a lot of folks are jumping on the band wagon helping us find deals in town and on the web.

The Bargainist is a national website with coupons, discount codes and deals listed on everything from designer boots to electronics. Recent leads to online deals include a Guess boots at 40% off, a Nike Coupon, a 70% off at ShopBop, and a 25% off a $30 purchase at Pro Flowers and a Nikon Coolpix L20 camera for $90 instead of $120.

They cover a lot of goods at discount websites but they also get and post links and info on less common savings like a 20% off coupon for Kenmore kitchen appliances at the Great Indoors and a 62% savings at at the Watchery on a Movada Junior Sports Chronograph watch.

You’ll also find a section with “How to” and “Money Saving” tips. Always useful for getting the best deal.

Bookmark this one. Visit it often. It’s fun and packed full of info and savings!

BigCityDeals

In a big city like Los Angeles, there are big deals to be found everywhere. Competition is fierce amongst retailers. Importers and manufacturers abound! Services want your business!
Nice to have help finding them from Big City Deals.com.

Similar to Groupon, this free site (Big City Deals) lists specials money savings deals in Cities nationwide for just one day. Ya gotta move fast to get the deal.

Recent savings have included a 30 minute golf swing evaluation by Golf TEC in Santa Monica at $25 instead of $85. And $25 of SOS Emergency Preparedness products for only $10.

Still in it’s Beta mode (working out the kinks), Big City Deals posts BIG savings for big city dwellers like us. Actually for anyone who loves a deal.

Big City Deals is a nice new addition to money saving websites.

Ebay Fashion Vault

Oh Boy… Ebay has gotten into the online Sample Sale biz!
Ebay has enlisted some of their most trusted sellers and designers to work closely with eBay to bring you Fashion Vault sales events. For a limited time, 48 to 72 hours, exclusive online events will have selected designers on sale by brand authorized Ebay sellers who sell these higher end garment at substantial savings to Ebay members..

The current sale when I cruised the site was Hugo Boss with savings of 60% on tops, jeans, suits, blazers, belts, dress shirts and more. All NWT using Hugo Boss catalog pictures, but from only one seller. These designs come directly from sellers who are authorized by the brand to sell their merchandise. And to make these deals even better, shipping is free.

The discounts seem to be limited to “up to 60% off” and like all online Sample Sales, quantities are limited. But that’s a enough savings along with the Free shipping to more than capture my interest. Do sign up for notifications of the Vault Sales.

If you’re a fashion or Ebay junkie, now you have something new to quench your interest… Ebays Fashion Vault. OY!

ServiceMagic

If you’re one of those lucky folks who just purchased a new home or need to spruce up, make repair or upgrades in your existing home for the holidays, then check out ServiceMagic.com. 

On this site, you select what kind of work or what you need in terms of contractor/ handyman services and they send you names of 3 pre-screened, qualified, insured, licensed and bonded workman you will bid on your job.

This service is free to you.


ServiceMagic has made over 12 million matches between consumers and service professionals skilled in more than 500 home related services nation wide. Plus you can read word of mouth feedback from customers who have used the service professionals.

Is it completely fool proof, no. You will have to provide an accurate description of what kind you need done. But it does help you make better choices for getting work done around your home. You make the final choice on who you use.

ServiceMagic.com also want you to follow up with them on how the work is progressing. Then, if something goes wrong, they’ll help you communicate with your service professional and even provide up to $500 of additional labor toward making the job right.

Finding qualified home improvement services and contractors just got easier.

Beyond The Rack

Yep, This is the year of the online Sample Sale. There seem to be a new one every month. Some stand out… some don’t.

One stand out is BeyondtheRack.com. The set up is similar to Rue La La and Gilt, and they have sweet discounts. 40%-70%, on both men’s, women’s and kids designer clothing and accessories.

This week Bed Head PJ were featured, most priced at $49. The last online sample sale I saw them at they were $59. They also had J Brand at $99-$149 instead of $150-$225. Over 24 different styles of Marc Jacob sunglasses were $59-$89 instead of $135- $185.

Upcoming sales include La Coste, Miss Sixty, Superga, Thro, Adrianne, James Jeans, Linea Pelle and more.

This one ya need an invite to sign up for, otherwise you have to wait… can’t have that.
BeyondTheRack

Debt Proof Living

Years ago when I did my first NBC 4 morning news show, Mary Hunt was the interview in front of me. Her practical, frugal tips, advice and good sense made a serious impact on this humble bargain hunter.

But frugality was not in vogue then.

Well it is now and this Queen of frugal common sense has a website packed with tidbits of info to help all of us manage our finances better.  The real practical tips are in her membership section. Included in her subscription based newsletter were articles like “3 Ways to cut the High Cost of Health Care, “ Generosity and the Recession”, “8 Restaurant Ploys to Watch For” and more.

The value here is the expertise of Mary Hunt. With dozens of television appearances, magazine article and a track record that is over a decade long, this frugal financial Queen is the real deal. …Not a “pop up” frugalista.

Though her advice and insights are practical and serious, Mary keeps it light.  She also keeps membership affordable with a 6-month membership at $18, a 12-month at $29, a 24-month at $56. Of course you can gift a needy someone with membership too.

By following one piece of advice you’ll probably save more than the subscription price. Living debt free is real freedom and Mary Hunt will help get you there.

Bad Joan

Do you have a need to be bad?
A visit to Bad Joan.com may make you feel like your being bad, but you’re really being good by shopping a website that will save you serious money on fun cutting edge women’s fashions.

This online 24/7 Sample sale carries goods by Purp7e, Colin Robertson Footwear, Desanke, Eco Skin, Farron Elizabeth, Kaj Ani, Karmel & Alden, Kate & Kass, Jenny Han, Nu Collective, Object of Desire, Wilen and more…. All at 50%-85% below original retail.

A Purp7e belted poncho pullover sweater is $36 instead of $140, A Zovo robe was $170- but Bad Joan has it for $45. A totally cute Jenny Han U Neck dress would normally set ya back $225. But Bad Joan has it at $45 and a Tricky Threads Frankie dress in Lavender is $25 instead of $275!

Like all sample sales, sizing can be limited and you should pounce when you find something. The savings here are steep, real and oh so sweet. Bad Joan should be visited a least once a week to pounce on the best deals.

Now who said being bad wasn’t good? At Bad Joan it is!

TheFairest.com

Similar in concept to the Gilt Group, Rue La La and other online Sample Sale sites, TheFairest.com offers 2-3 day sales on quality better upscale cosmetics and beauty products at 50% savings. We’re talking cool brands here Juara, La Rocca, Skin Nutrition, Bodyography, Clarks Botanicals, Butter London, Korres, Tarte, Warren Tricomi, Stila MOR Cosmetics, and more…. All for a song!

This weeks deals include 50% off savings on the cosmetic line by Bodyography. Cream blush was $7.50 instead of $15. Duo eye shadow was $8 instead of $16 and concealer was $7.50 instead of $15.
Clarks Botanicals was also on sale at 50% off. Their cellular lifting serum was $177.50 instead of $355 and the deep moisture Mask was $36 instead of $72.

Shipping is buy UPS and a $11 item and a $177 item each cost $5.95 to ship.

Keep an eye on this one for deals on your favorites cosmetic lines!

TheOutnet.com

Usually when I shop online sample sales I have to be ready right at the top of the sale or I could lose out on my size. Sometimes I am just not available to sit like a jockey at the starting gate to go shopping.

I have discovered a new site that offers many of these sought after designer names at seriously steep discounts that are on sale all the time. The Outnet.com.
Savings here are 40%-80% off with the bulk of goods priced at 50% off. original retail. The designers tend to be higher end/ couture lines, so while the savings are steep, the items can still be pricey.

Recent arrivals include Marc Jacobs concrete jungle print dress for $138 instead of the original $460. A Narcsio Rodiguez satin dress at $855 instead of $2850. A T-Bags graphic print dress at $82 instead of $165 and Mathew Williamson stunning lace embroidered dress at $413 instead of $1375. An Anna Sui lace cocktail dress was $100 instead of $249 and Burberry quilted jacket was $298 instead of $595.

You’ll also find shoes, handbags and other accessories here. I like the red Mulberry shoulder bag for $597 instead of $997 and totally flipped for the Roberto Cavalli Zebra messenger bag at $1295 instead of $2500.

A fun site to cruise for fashion,  even if a $1200 handbag or dress is not a normal purchase for you.

Skin Care RX

I hate paying retail. But there are some things I have been forced into paying retail for. One of the categories I used to pay retail for was skin care products. Now that I see an Esthetician I have been able to try some really good skin care products. I cannot switch back to department store or CVS brands.

So I went on a hunt. An internet search turned up SkincareRX.com. Easy to search and read about product, this site is for the most part retail. But after I signed up for their e-mails, I started getting 20% coupon codes regularly about once a month.

When I get them I load up on my favorite product.

You’ve got a lot of quality choices here with brands like:
AFA
Bioelements
Boske Dermaceuticals
Cellex-C
Dermalogica
Epionce
iS Clinical
Kinerase
La Roche-Posay
MD Forte
M2 Skincare
Murad
MD Skincare
Obagi
PCA Skin
Prevage MD
Relastin  
… and many more

The site is secure, shipping is fast, and product always arrives in excellent condition.
They also have specials where if you buy a certain amount, you’ll get FREE shipping.

This months 20% off code is BASICS20

HiddenLosAngeles

One of my little hobbies is to discover the unusual and unknown treasures of Los Angeles. Apparently I am not alone in this endeavor.

Cool new website, HiddenLA.com lists local interests, off beat locations, calendared events and other treasures about Los Angeles that are just out of the main stream.

Owner Lynn Garrett has a sense of Los Angeles that will make you cheer.
According to her Mission Statement,
“Los Angeles spans over 498.3 square miles (1,290.6 km2), is home to almost ten million people, and is one of the most complex and diverse cities on Earth. There is no way to stereotype a place like that or really understand it in a weekend, a week, or even a year……It’s impossible to truly understand what Los Angeles holds unless you are willing to rip off the packaging and look inside of the box.”

Her discoveries are interestingly fun, off beat and surprising all at once.  You’ll find an appreciation for Los Angeles that you hadn’t thought you felt.

As a native Los Angeleon, I reminisced through the Flashback section on ABC 7’s Dr George Fishbeck, savored the calendar of events, appreciated her post on a FREE Book Swap and laughed at the Long Beach Crawfish Festival.

Everyday something new is added on this neat site.. You’ll catch yourself saying things “Ooh, this is cool!” and “Who’d have thought” and “I didn’t know that!” while cruising thru this packed site.

HiddenLA is a gem of a site for anyone visiting or trying to learn more about the soul of this city.

StubDog

With the recession in full swing, everyone is getting on the discount event band wagon.
If you’re still not finding entertainment venues you like at a discount, a new site worth a try is Stub Dog.com

Like Comedy Clubs but can’t always afford to go? StubDog.com has savings of 50% or more on local comedy clubs. Next Tuesday you can see Jo Koy at the Hollywood Improve for $7 instead of $14.  You’ll also find half price tickets to the Knitting Factory and other cool comedy venues.

But that’s not all….

You’ll also find serious discounts to events and entertainment like Speed Dating, Pilates Classes, Film Festivals, Spa treatments, Night club shows, Beer Festivals,, Shakespearean plays and more.

Hooray for another way to see local entertainment for less. Yep, we’re totally digging this!

Groupon

Holy Cow this is cool!
This website uses the power of group purchasing to get consumers incredible deals on the best local goods, services, and culture. Groupon features one daily deal on everything from restaurants, teeth whitening and sporting events to paintball, hypnotherapy sessions and boat tours. By requiring a minimum number of customers to sign up for each deal before it is available, Groupon uses collective buying power to negotiate jaw-dropping prices.

The way it works is that everyday they send you an email with the deal du jour. If it’s one you like, purchase it, get your friends to join in, and if enough are sold, then the savings are yours. If not, then your card isn’t charged, and you try again another day.

Recent Groupon’s in LA have been:
$50 for tickets to LA Women’s Tennis Championship on 8/8. $85 value.
$35 for $70 meal at Porterhouse Bistro
$13 Whale Watch off Newport Harbor, $30 value.

If enough people purchase, the next day you’ll get the deal via printable coupon.

Sign up through email, and every morning your inbox gets the deal of the day. You have till midnight to decide, and if the deal isn’t for you, then you always have tomorrow

SpendLessTV

Changing the way we think about money is paramount to saving it. Some people find it annoying that all I want to do is figure out how to get something I want at a bargain price. But thinking like that saves ya money.

So if you need to change your thinking or tweek it a little, try checking out Spend LessTV.com. They have a ton of pre-loaded videos from a full range of sources on how to save money and spend less. Videos loaded with tips, tricks, ideas and how to’s to expand your bank account and train your brain.

They have their video collection sorted by topic so you can peruse it that way or just go through and look at them in the order they were posted.

Though they have some home made videos most of their sources are not just fly by nights. Their savvy sources include Good Housekeeping, The Debt Diva, and frugal style hipster Michelle Madhok.

Cool educational viewing to save more money. Works for me.

BeautyTicket

I am soo tired of waiting for giveaways and promotions to buy quality cosmetics and feel like I got a deal.

So I was more than a little pleased to come across Beauty Ticket.com. Here you can save 20%-80% everyday, with an average savings of 50% on major better brands of cosmetics. Yves St. Laurent, Nina Ricci, Orlane, Bourjois, Clarins, Joey New York, Laura Mercier, Lancome,  Borghese, MD Skin care,

There are no complete lines here but a quick weekly check will pull up deals on eye shadows, lipsticks, nail color, face creams, face powder, pencils, mascara, eyeliner and more , most heavily discounted. 

You also find body and spa products here by Orlane, Perlier, Perscriptives, Trucco and Borghesa and gift sets and kits.

I loved the Pop Beauty “Hell Gorgeous make up kit with 36 eye shades, 10 lip glosses, 6 cheek shades and 2 applicators for $18.99 instead of $48. The Borghesa Seasonal Lip pallet was also a good buy at $10.99 instead of $28. The MD Skincare serious lip treatment was $28 instead of $60 and the Joey New York roll on Blemish fix was $6.99 instead of $22.

 Beauty Ticket.com is fun to browse and can save you some serious mullah. Get beautiful for less at the Beauty Ticket.com

WiseMoneyMatters

Do you have a difficult time saving money. At the end of the month is all you money gone? Well apparently you’re not alone and thousands of people have the same problem.
WiseMoneyMatters.com can help with insightful and real life tips on how to save money everyday.

Each week they have a new Weekly Financial Check Up (so you can see how you’re doing) along with productivity tips ( to help you use your time better and make more money) and Investing Basics (for those of us who are investment dummies).

Simple concise advice and information to help you keep and save more of what you make.

LAFreeBee

Lets penny pinch shall we? No, better yet lets pay nothing at all! That’s the concept behind LA Freebee.com, not paying anything.

This neat little site serves up entertainment events that won’t cost ya a penny. Carnivals, street entertainment, wine tasting, concerts in the park, poetry readings, artwalks, and more. Most of these events are hip, artsy, unusual and definitely very L.A.

You can sign up for their newsletter to have these cool happenings sent to your inbox or just cruise the site.
Check out their list of free services, from group activities to tax services.  So now after your savings are depleted and the pay check is spent ya can still find something cool to do for nothing.

6PM

If you are in need to of some shoes, especially for your kids, you should check out 6pm.com. Savings here run 40%-75% on name brand and designer shoes for men women and kids.

I found slip on Vans is a bunch of different styles, colors and sizes for $23 instead of $40-$45.. Casual mens shoe line Deer Stags was here at $32 instead of $62. And mens Ben Sherman lace up work boots were $#9 instead of the original $185 and street savvy shoes by DC at $35 instead of $70.

Some funs Crocs were also here at substantial savings of 50% at $17.25Emillio Pucci decorated rain boots were $87 instead of $175. Some Bass “Tibi” flip flops are $25 instead of $49.  Some Clarks sandals were also well priced at $40 instead of $80. A pair of dressy silver evening shoes by Anne Klein were $128 instead of $255.

You can search by size and color and shipping is a flat $6.95. They run specials all the time so signing up for their Daily Deals newsletter is a must. Another cool spot for online savings.

RedTagCrazy

By now many of you know what a fan I am of Gomatta Girls.com. The concept of one deal at a time is a hit with me. It makes shopping easy and fun.

Another site that has taken that idea and run with it is Redtagcrazy.com

They sell a hot item from a known, sought-after label, one at a time. From casual to better women’s designer clothing at serious savings of 50-80%. Here you pounce fast as quantities are limited, and time limited.

The last few items for sale included a Paige Premium racer back baby doll top for $29 instead of $68. A LinQ zip up top at $22 instead of $48 and a Lush, dragon embellished tank top for $7 instead of $34… an 80% savings.

But it’s not just about the deals. This is a social shopping model as well having a variety of ways for you to connect to other shoppers on their site by hooking into popular social networks like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

Another fun shopping site for fashion hipsters who love saving money…. One item at a time.

FreeShipping

One of the drawbacks to online shopping are the shipping charges. Smart online bargain shoppers have always known the cost of shipping can make the difference between a good deal and a great deal. But finding out who has free shipping deals can be daunting.

Until now…. www.FreeShipping.org is cool site that list which stores are offering free shipping coupons. This site provides a list of known online retailers who are offering free shipping coupon codes to over 850 stores including JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Dell and Gap.

So I looked up Nordtsroms and got several free shipping offers
1. Free shipping when you spend $50 or more in Beauty.
2. Free shipping on orders over $200.
3. Free shipping on Nordstrom gift cards.

Operated by the husband-and-wife team of Luke and Maisie Knowles, this well organized site is easy to cruise and I also found dozens upon dozen of other web stores that offered free shipping including Best Buy, Target, Amazon, Office Depot, Brookstone, Buy.com, Radio Shack, Shop4tech, Shutterfly, Sony, Sears, Ace, American Eagle Outfitters and many more. You can also locate free shipping coupons by store name, category, soon to expire and most recent free shipping coupons.

So now you can shop online, and save even more. How cool is that!

ECrater

When rents are high, foot traffic is slow, where do retailers and small business start ups go? Ecrater.com

Ecrater.com a 100% free online marketplace and a free ecommerce website builder. Sellers receive customizable free online stores. In addition, all products get listed in their free online marketplace. So like Etsey.com, they have smaller creative start up businesses using it to get their online business going and some of these offer some outstanding deals.

Here you’ll find a wide variety of small online stores. From designer clothing to magazines, and art to antiques. Kind of like an online swap meet but better.

Some stores are tiny with great deals. One shop on ECrater I liked was My Designer Closet http://www.mydesignercloset.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=3514877

This online women’s resale boutique had a new Marc Meredith Sweater dress at just $70 instead of $160.

Another bigger store, Tillie’s Tidbits had a wide variety of women’s & men’s fashion accessories. http://tilliestidbits.ecrater.com/ Featured was a pair of Ed Hardy deck shoes for $47. And a NWT Kate Spade women’s hot pink straw purse for $125…Retail is $265.

The jewelry, vintage and collectibles sections had the most dealers listed with a full range of pricing from bargain $5 pins to pieces in the hundreds of dollars.

E Crater.com is good online site to cruise for hard to find items as well as for fun..

TheMiniSocial

Now that my daughter is old enough to shop in the junior sections I often take her to sample sales with me. But I didn’t have the luxury of shopping children’s higher end clothes sample sales when she was smaller. They just weren’t around.

Well all that’s changed with www.TheMiniSocial.com. Set up like other online sample sales this sale caters to moms who want the best for their kids… but for less.

The Mini Social is a private members only on-line boutique, featuring designer clothing and accessories for mom, baby and child. You now have access to the most hip and modern designer brands for mom, baby and child, all at 30%- 60% off.

I am sure that beats the hassle of shopping the downtown mart showrooms.

Right now they are offering up cute, boutique brands Childish, Eliza Gran, Knuckleheads and Hula Mula at some serious discounts.

A Tough Guy Knuckleheads tee was $15 instead of $30. An infant burglar stripped romper was $20 instead of $42.

An OM Gosh cute girls stripped jumper by Hula Mula was $52 now is $25. And a stripped tunic dress was $62 but is now $30

These aren’t Target prices, but if you love the designer clothing scene but can’t normally afford it, this site brings the pricing down to earth

DealNews

Like low low pricing? Then you’re gonna love this.

DealNews.com is a neat little website that does a really good job of listing the best deals on the net. Everyday they list dozens of products at lowest price they could find, great sales and online discounts from electronics, computers, games and toys, to clothing, travel and more. They’re picky too, only referring us to stores that are reputable and they ban stores with a history of poor customer service

According to them that means,  we list the best deals period, regardless of our relationship with the seller.  Okay I’ll buy that.

On the day I visited I came across some promising sales and discounted product. The Disney outlet.com was having an additional 75% off sale. They also had:

 Shoebuy.com offers the Sumdex Bantambrief Notebook Briefcase, model no. PON-302, for $32.45. Apply coupon code “ACCESSSB” and the price falls to $27.45. With free shipping, that’s the lowest total price we could find by $5. It accommodates laptops with screens of up to 15.4”.

 Toys “R” Us has Nintendo’s hard-to-find Wii Fit with Wii Balance Board in-stock for $89.99. With shipping at $14.19, it’s the only online store we could find that’s taking orders.

 Amazon.com offers the Hi-Tec Women’s Multiterra II Low Hiking Shoes in Light Tan/Taupe (pictured) for $12.99. Shipping adds $4.98, but orders over $25 qualify for free shipping. Even with shipping, that’s the lowest total price we could find by $19.

You get the picture. If one of a kind online deals and serious savings make up happy this site will become a best friend.

DiscountJungle

My hot hair iron died this week. This grooming tool had become a staple around our house and having it die created, well, an issue. Replacing it quickly was imperative.
A quick trip to the neighborhood beauty supply found several cheaper versions at $39-$59 and the professional quality ones ran $189-$225… ouch!

After some online research, I realized that buying a higher quality hot iron was a better buy in the long run, I just had to find it at a deal. I looked through several of the pricing search engines & Price Grabber etc. for the brands I was interested in. I found one of the highest rated hot irons, a T3 Tourmaline on DiscountJungle.net. The retail was $200. I got it for $94.99 and then to appease the fashionista kid I had it send 2-day air for an additional $20.

It got here super fast (within 36 hours) and so beautifully shipped that I went back to peruse the site again.

There is a lot of audio home theater and car gear here. Everything from speakers and sub woofers to LCD monitors, equalizers, alarm systems, home theater systems, phones, TV tuners, small appliances, beauty products, antennas and so much more all at 33%-65% off. Most of the discounts were in the 35%-50% range.

Judging from the impeccable service, accurate pricing and quality of the product, I’d make Discount Jungle a regular website to visit when you’re looking for car accessories, home electronics or Audio/Video products. The only caveats are a 20% restocking fee applied to returned items and California residents pay sales tax.

So do your homework first. Be sure it’s what you want and then go for it. You’ll pay a lot less at Discount Jungle.

GreenKidsAuction

As a parent and an avid shopper I always shop at resale and consignment stores. When my persnickety fashion obsessed daughter wouldn’t wear some of the clothes I bought her, I resold them back to a children’s resale store. Only got a small percentage of what they were worth, but a little is better than nothing.

Now a new website has put the obvious Green Spin on the re-use resale matter with www.GreenKidsAuction.com. Here you can buy and sell gently worn / gently used kids fare from clothing and accessories to toys and furnishings in an auction format.

The deals are here, but like Ebay you have to know when to stop bidding so you don’t over pay. 5% of Green Kids Auction’s profits will be donated to Healthy Child, Healthy World (www.healthychild.org)

As a brand new site, the listings aren’t full yet and right now it’s FREE to list your item until it sells! Normally there’s a success fee of just 4.95% when an item sells. S. Too busy? They can send you a list of agents in your area & they’ll do the work for you!

Heck make a little money, save a little. In the end it all adds up. So go clean out your kids closets.

The Accidental Wine Company

This may seem a little early, but with all of our lives so busy getting ahead of the Holiday rush is important. If you plan on giving wine or serving a fine wine at any of your upcoming holiday celebrations, take a look at www.AccidentalWine.com. Savings here average 20%-40% on better wines from a wide variety of vineyards. You won’ t find 2 Buck Chuck here, but wines worth giving and enjoying on special occasions.

Deals spotted on a recent visit include a 2005 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay $12. That runs around $22 elsewhere. A bottle of 2005 La Tunella Pinot Grigio. is priced here at $12 instead of $17 and a 2005 Kenneth Volk Santa Maria Cuvee Pinot Noir is $22 instead of $27. A 2004 Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is well priced at $22.33 which runs $35-$49 all over the web.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, The AccidentalWine.com site could be a dream come true

Favorite Newsletters

I like to stay informed. Getting the inside scoop often leads me to bargain sources, companies, innovations and ideas that I can pass on. My day always begins with checking news sites, shopping and news blogs, and the slew e-mail newsletters I am signed up for.

Two e-newsletters that always have tantalizing tidbits of information are Jens List and Robin Sax facts.

Robin Sax’s, Saxfax Weekly is a self-published e-newsletter sent out by a Robin Sax. This Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney, legal analyst, speaker, and author has been seen on many media outlets.

She is also a pretty savvy consumer and has made it a hobby to be in the know. In her weekly newsletter (Thursdays) she shares a variety of information, including contacts and resources, whether it be for a nanny, notary, web designer, legal information, or a specialized gift and like me she shares her info for free. How could I not like her and what she does!
www.robinsax.com/

One of my daily fixes come to my in box as Jen’s List. This valley mom daily newsletter is packed with community information, especially useful for moms but also of great for general interest.

I have been subscribing since last Spring and have received dozens of resources for nannys, home improvement, money management, home sales and rentals, entertainment, legal, health, kids classes and schools and more. Leads run from the Valley down to the South bay.

I wish I had had her as a resource when my daughter was little.

www.jenlevinson.com/

Stay in the know and link up with these two savvy chicks!

DrVitaminSolutions

My entire family is health conscious and several, including my husband are members of Life Extensions. I won’t get into the incredible value of the supplements from Life Extensions except to say they do cutting edge research into health issues and they sell high quality supplements that are the best available on the market& but at a price that makes CVS plain wrap vitamins look like giveaways.

I can’ t regularly afford them (only when they go on sale) and a lot of us on tight budgets can’t. But the one thing that all of us can benefit from are high quality vitamin and mineral supplements. Financially speaking….Taking care of ourselves now can save a bunch in medical costs later. So when my mother in law called me early in the morning to tell me about a website that sells Life Extensions for less& I though she was kidding. But it’s true and after convincing me this site was legit I am passing on the info.

Dr. Vitamin Solutions sells many of the Life Extensions supplements at 30%-65% off. The guy that runs the site negotiated a deal with Life Extensions where he can sell for less.

I am interested in the two per day multi vitamin. LE sells them at $18.95. Here they are $13.95. Their DHEA supplement is here at $33.95 instead of $48.95. Since the Fall winter flu months are ahead of us I also priced out the L.E. Immune Protect with Paractin at $20.95 instead of $29.95. However, you’ll have to sign up to make a purchase.

I do like Life Extensions information and membership that I get thru hubby. But being able to get their high quality supplements for less is even better.

GomattaGirls

At www.GomattaGirls.com they sell one or several items every days. Not hundreds of different items just a few,  usually rather special women’ s clothing item at a discount. It’ s like sample sale shopping…. One steal at a time.

You go by every day and they have one new product on their home page for you to peruse at a discounted price. They sometimes carry multiples of that one item but that’s it. It’ s easy to make a decision and fun.

GomattaGirls carries women’s fashion items. Dresses, tops, jackets, jewelry, accessories etc. The discounts are terrific. This week they had Samantha Jane earrings and matching necklace.Earrings are $19 instead of $75 and the necklace is $29 instead of $150. Great for yourself or a gift.

A couple of weeks ago they had Meg strapless floral dress for $36 instead of $170 and a few weeks before that a Jenny Han Chiffon drop waste dress for $37.50 that originally retailed at $225. Wished I had pounced on that one. A Wendy Katlen Cotton Strapless Dress was featured a couple weeks before that for $59 instead of the retail of $308. Most clothing items come in several sizes.

You should register if you want to be notified when something is posted. They also have a refer a friend program where any time you refer a friend, you are awarded 20% of the money they spend on their initial purchase as Store Credit. They don’t need to make a purchase immediately - as long as you’re the original referrer, they just have to make a purchase within 12 months for you to get your reward.

Finding just a few, rather cool items at a time,  that are really discounted somehow seem more special that sorting thru racks at a sample sale. Very cool!

You’re gonna love it.

ThisIsNotIkea

It was the catchy, Ikea diss-ing name that first got my attention. But as I cruised the site www.ThisIsNotIkea.com, I loved the retro home furnishings this indie site sold at very reasonable pricing.

Though not the lowest pricing I have ever seen, they’re definitely reasonably low and when you add in the time and gas you save from not cruising through mid century and thrift shops, the pricing is downright attractive on mid century collectibles and home furnishings.

Originally started when he realized his grandmother taste was terrific and her stuff was better made than Ikea. He decided to try to make a business out of scavenging thrift and estate sales for well-designed pieces and the reselling these neat finds on the web.

I’d start with the sales page to get additional savings of 25%-50%. A mid century folding wood chair w/ vinyl seat is $35 instead of $50. 2 nice wooden stools w/black seat are now $30 instead of $45. 4 iron patio chairs are just $30 each. Round Danish wooden big side table w/2 levels originally was $115, is now $80!

I found some terrific buys in retro patio furniture: A Retro round orange table with 4 chairs originally $335, now $200. Another patio set, table with marble top & 4 chairs originally $235, sale price $175! Both these sets would run double on La Brea Ave.

There are odd things here you might remember from your parents or grandparents place. A 50’s green kitchen stool w/2 steps was $45. And a shabby vintage iron white patio chair (so very 1970’s) was $75. I am certain I had one as a kid.

If you just like retro décor items they have plenty of trays, vases etc. I liked a mid century chrome square bread box for $35. A modern chrome (kinda Nambe-esque) wine rack at $30.

So much fun to cruise through. It’s only after you find something that you e-mail them to make an appointment to go by and pick it up. If you love 20th century design or antiques or are a thrift shop junkie, do stop in.

You’ll enjoy your visit and may end up with a treasure.

Thrifty Kitchen

I love it when life is made simpler and cheaper. Both happen at ThriftyKitchen.com.

For a $10 a month subscription you can have weekly family dinner recipes based on the discounts and sale items offered at your local supermarket. You can save a bundle by eating what’s on sale each week! You choose the store you prefer to shop and the number of hungry people you need to feed - they do the rest!

Each week, on Thursdays, you log in and see what’s on sale each week as well as information on applicable coupons and where to find them or print them online. Then on Friday you go back to view “This Weeks Menus and Recipe Meal Plan” for tasty recipes that use those ingredients. You print your customized shopping list and purchase the ingredients in one shopping trip, then just follow the instructions for each day’s meal prep.

These tend not to be gourmet meals but are family-friendly, nutritious, and simple to make. The recipes are adapted from a wide variety of sources including website owner Lisa Leete own family favorites, cookbooks, cooking magazines, online cooking sites, and reader submissions.
The menus are highly varied, but some ingredients are more common than others. Chicken is a frequent ingredient, as it is lower in fat and very reasonably priced compared to many other protein sources. Vegetables are a major player in both side and main dishes. If you see an ingredient in a recipe that you know won’t go over well with your family, simply leave it out.

Seems like a good way to spend less and eat better!

BagBorroworSteal

As some of you have noticed, I like nice handbags. Not the Louis Vuitton or the Gucci, but good designers who make interesting quality handbags.

I never got the concept of the website Bag Borrow or Steal. Here you can basically rent a bag for week, a month or as long as you like and when you’ve had your fun, you return it.
What I didn’t know is that you can also borrow jewelry and designer sunglasses at far less than paying retail.

Membership includes 20% discount on borrowing rates, priority access to new arrivals, member only private outlet sales, and you can earn rewards. Rates run from $9.95 a month to a year for $59.95. Good savings if you love to change handbags all the time.

However, if I love a handbag, I want it for keeps, not just for a couple of weeks or one night affair..

On this site they have a page where you can buy new or gently worn bags at around 30%-50% off the original retail.

They have Tylie Malibu, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Isabella Fiore, Kooba, Prada, Hermes, The Sak, Donald Pliner, Maxx, Yves St Laurent, Fendi, Lorelei, Perlina, LaMarthe, Bottega Veneta, Bulga, Gusto, Pollini, Gucci, Cynthia Rowley, Coach, Celine, Betsy Johnson, and so much more.

A couple stellar buys include a gently carried Lulu Guinness frame bag at $335 that retailed at $1125… a 70% savings. An Emilio Pucci bag is $195 instead of $370.and a BCBG Max Azira leather bag at $180 instead of $362.

If you have a bag you’ve been coveting but couldn’t get this is a great site to either Borrow the bag or Steal it.

Etsy

It’s wedding, graduation, and Mothers Day gift giving season. If you’re tired of the standard faire at the mall and are looking for something completely original, than start your search at www.Esty.com.

This site carries a wide variety of handcrafted jewelry, handbags, clothing, furniture, artwork, prints, home décor items and more from independent artists, vendors and craftsman. Sort like an online arts and crafts show but with delightful extras.

You can search by description or category. Trying the time Machine is fun. It shows you the most current additions to the site and you can go backwards to re-look at them.
Most items are reasonably price and since you are buying from individuals you contact them directly.

I found a neat original Ranunculus Print by seller Tara Hogan for $30. A pair of Peruvian Opal, Rose Quartz and Sterling Silver Earrings for $24 in the Mothers Day Showcase section. I was smitten with the wall mounted Pink Polka Dot Earring Holder for $34.

The vastness of the selection here is mind boggling. But it’s so much fun to look through that you’ll find the time flying by. The pricing is very reasonable and you’re dealing direct with the artist. No mark up from reps, retailers or showrooms. So watch out you’ll be buying something unique and wonderful before ya know it.

SaleGrab

Okay if you are a die hard bargain shopper, have I got a site for you.  www.SaleGrab.com lists the deepest discounted prices on sale merchandise on dozens of different websites. Mostly fashion and accessories. Although I did spot several digital cameras and a few other electronics.

The savings on average 50%-95% off the original retail. 

The site organizes by steepest discounts first and some of these are so steep…. it’s stupid!

Some women’s Prada pants were $50 instead of $544. A men’s LS silk shirt by Nautica is $10 instead of $70. A stunner was a pair of Marc Jacobs Sunglasses. They say they list for $2500. No wonder no one bought them. Here they’re $120, a much more sane price.

The items at the deepest discounts had a very small size selection, often one of a kind. When you got into the 60% off range you got a bit of a better selection with more current merchandise. A Charles David Oxford pump retailed for $144 and it’s on sale at $44 in all sizes. But you have to remember these items are severely discounted for a reason.
Every item is sold off a different website, this is just a referral or affiliated website. The sites are pretty well known. Amazon, Macy’s and the like.

You can cruise the site by type of clothing and a few designer names. But the fun is starting at the deepest discounts and going from there.

Curl up with a cup of Hot Chocolate and spend a little time. You may come across the one item you’ve always wanted for a super cheap price.

ItalianPottery

Santa Barbara seems so close. Yet it is still 2 hours away in clear traffic. After getting a tip about a great Italian Ceramic outlet up there and 8 weeks passing by not making the trip, I thought I should check out their website.

Thankfully at their www.ItalianPottery.com you can also find savings of 25%-50 on Italian pottery. This direct importer scours the Italian countryside searching for the most interesting designs and patterns. Selling direct to the public, you can find plates, bowls pitchers and platters in dozens of designs. You’ll even find masks, hanging tiles, planters and flower pots.

An Allegria pattern serving plate retails at $97. Here it’s $54. An Allegria Garlic keeper jar is $50 instead of $90. My favorite, an old world pattern Terrazza, has floral and pomegranate design on a bright yellow background. Here the pitcher is $73 instead of $104. The Amalfi pattern has many decorative tiles, wall plaques and artwork. A tile with a Madonna and child is $7.50 instead of $11 and decorative tiles with address numbers on them were $8 each.

Everything is shipped UPS Insured, making shipping costs something to pay attention to.
All in all, with gas prices high and time valuable you can let your fingers do the shopping on the net and still save without the drive.

Ecost

One of the most sought after gifts for the Holidays is electronics… home computers, home theater and tech gadgets. Consumer electronics normally account for 25% of all holiday gifts.

ECost.com makes it easy to find bargains on those sought after computer and electronic gifts. They have over 100,000 different products from known manufacturers like Apple, Canon, Citizen, Denon, Hewlett-Packard, Nikon, Onkyo, Seiko, Sony, and Toshiba.

Mostly new closeout and factory refurbished items, you can find some terrific buys here. I especially like the Bargain Countdown page where they offer specific deals for a short amount of time.

A HP 1.66 Ghz notebook was Duo Wireless and had a 200GB Hard Drive, 17” screen. It was priced to move at $979. Steeper discounts are found on the Clearance Countdown page. A Nikon 6.0 Mega Pixel Coolpix S6 digital camera was priced at $295 instead of $399. There was only 23 hours left on that one.

Though some items are still near at an average discount showroom rate, most items are great buys, especially if you find an item that is a closeout. This is a site you check every day, especially if you know what you want. When it shows up you’ll be ready to pounce.

SayGoodCredit

How many of us start out every year organizing our bills and setting up budgets only to see another year go by and deeper in debt. Sound familiar?

I used to think my problem was never making quite enough money to cover my expenses. I lived in the world of “ifs”. “If “I could only get a better paying job. “If” I could make a killer business deal. “If” I could only catch up.

But my real problem was not knowing how to budget, plan ahead and live within my means. Now is always the time to get back on track.

A great starting place is http://www.sayplanning.com/saygoodcredit/manage-budget.html

There are tips on establish credit, rebuilding credit, budgeting planning and management, managing mortgage debt, avoiding ID theft, setting up a spending plan and more.

It won’t be the most thrilling read of the day. But the information, links and advice will help steer you to a better financial future.

aLaTest

Ever read a Consumer Reports report on a product you use and completely disagree? Would you like to see other people or professionals reviews of products your interested in before you buy? Then check out www.alatest.com where you can find objective reviews on products that are totally independent.

This site is free and offers quality product information and reviews from over 600 sources summarizing the results through standardized ratings that seem to follow standardized grading on a 100-point scale. The weakness is that scores of 90-100 points get “Best” ratings and scores of 60-69 still get a “Good” rating. But if you ignore the wording and stick with the score you can quickly decipher what’s what.

The categories on alatest.com cover mostly electronics and home theater products including photography, games, home electronics, appliances, computers and more.

Another good tool for savvy consumers to use before you buy.

GypsyTrunk

Most bargainistas have penchant for expensive stylish items but have learned how to get these coveted items for less. Sample sales, trunk shows, outlet malls are our favorite haunts. But for those of us fast working fingers, we can now shop an ongoing sample sale online without ever sharing a dressing room with strangers again.

www.GypsyTrunk.com is a new website that carries dozens of your favorite designer labels at sample sale prices. With a bit of something here for guys, gals and wee ones, you’ll find Bloom Love, Velvet, Trina Turks, Vince, Chip & Pepper, C&C California, Ella Moss, Mint, Joe Bush and more at 30%-60% below original retail. Though the selection in each designer label is minimal, overall there’s enough here to keep you cruising the site for more than a few minutes.

There is a seven-day exchange policy.

ShopItToMe

“Wow” flew out of my mouth the second I figured out how cool this website is. If you’re into online sales but rarely find your size or designers you adore, then www.ShopItToMe.com could well be your ticket.

The concept is simple and the service is FREE. Simply select your favorite designer apparel brands (Armani, Prada, Bebe, Betsy Johnson, Theory, Tahari, Juicy Couture, Seven Jeans, BCBG, etc…) and your size. They’ll cruise the websites of leading online retailers and then email a daily or weekly summary of the items that go on sale in your size. Clothes you love, in your size, emailed to you on sale. How cool is that?

You can specify if you want to receive daily, weekly, or semi-weekly emails. But, you’ll only get an email if a new item appears on sale in your size. They work with online stores for Saks Fifth Ave, Macy’s Gap, Nordstrom’s, Pink, Brooks Brothers, Overstock, Zappos, E-Luxury, Ann Taylor on Bluefly. So you won’t be shopping untried , unknown online stores.

RefurbDepot

Finding electronics, home theater or appliances at a discount is near impossible due to manufacturer unilateral pricing polices. But there are tricks… buying floor models, last season, scratch and dent and refurbished product. The savings can be as little as 20% but more often are really steep… upwards of 80%.

www.RefurbDepot.com is an online store that sells only factory refurbished product. Here you’ll find a wide range of product from home theater to computers, scanners to telephones and anything in between.

I spotted some terrific deals here. A Samsung SP-P4251, 42” widescreen plasma HDTV is on Refurbdepot.com for $1,199.95 instead of the original list of $6,999. That’s an 80% savings! A HP Pavillion DV8113CL notebook would originally retail at $2000. But there is a refurbished one on this site at $999.A Panasonic KX-FPG376 plain paper fax is $89 instead of $220.

Most manufacturer-refurbished items will come with a warranty for 90 days to 2 years and meet original factory specs. It’s another way to save.

CounterfeitChic

Ah, the world of fashion knockoffs.

You’d never have guessed how pervasive this world is until you read the blog CounterfeitChic.com. Written by law professor Susan Scafidi, who hides a copy of Vogue in her briefcase, you’ll find she her pulse on the business and legal aspects of business of knockoffs. Informative, insightful and full of stuff you would never have thought about before.

From Old Navy knocking off designer denim leader 7 for All Mankind to Urban Outfitters knocking off Lavin necklaces, the scoop is here with loads of extra inside info. Susan touches on just about every aspect of counterfeiting designs and products, from imports to home grown varieties along with inside industry information and insight. It’s a compelling read and a must for anyone who has ever bought a knock off ….or never has.

BargainJack

Calling all tech heads, electronic junkies and bargain hunting web heads!

A brand new website with links to the best deals and reviews of product is finally here. BargainJack.com only lists the very best deals available on the web without sidetracking his audience with a gazillion links to coupons and shipping deals.

Jack even adds his two cents on the deal and the product with his (obviously knowledgeable) opinion on the products and the discounts offered. He’s good at finding the best deals too! He found a Philips 50” Plasma HDTV at 52% off from Buy.com and a Sony DSC-W30 6MP digital camera for $220 and a Logitech X-530 5.1 5-piece multimedia speakers for $40 shipped… 50% off retail.

Quick, concise and to the point, you’ll find the best deals out of thousands in home theater systems, dinnerware, PDA organizers, headphones, wireless routers, LCD monitors, plasma TV’s and more. No girlie girl clothing or fashion here, just the items that are needed in our tech driven lives.

Just point and click your way to great deals. Yep, we like that!

15DollarStore

Though I had reviewed this cool online site over a year ago, I return visit this last week yielded so much more.

Everything on the www.15dollarstore.com website is $15 or less. Most of the inventory is women’s hip junior lines with values mostly up to $100, but all at $15 or less. Since our last visit the inventory has more than doubled and they added a section for kids.

Now those of us, with persnickety mini fashionistas can take them shopping in the privacy of our own homes and get a great deal minus the public cajoling and whining that usually accompanies a normal retail outing.

A kids Roco wear denim skirt retails at $35-$40 here it’s $15. A girls Hype chiffon dress was also just $15 instead of the original $56. A My Michelle cotton/ denim boho skirt was another good deal at $15.

If your mini fashionistas is nearer an adult size there is plenty here to choose from. A Rampage sheer Victorian blouse is here at $15 instead of $46.
Other junior labels here include: Yank, Fifi, Romeo and Juliet Couture, Andrew & Co., Girl Krazy, Tramp, Topsy Turvy , Trixxi, Hot Kiss, Kali Girl, Paris Blues, Sweet Romeo and more.

Lots of fun for a mere $15 bucks!

ExperienceLA

New to Southern California? Or are you an old timer. Either way with summer here it’s time to get to know all the cool places and stuff we have to offer. But with gas at over $3 a gallon, it’s time to get to know the area via the metro.

At www.ExperienceLA.com you figure out how to get around and many of our wonderful sites by using the metro. Reader Jennifer G writes in …”We plan our family outings around the metro system. We’ve been to Universal Studios, Hollywood & Highland, Aquarium of the Pacific, California Science Center, Staples Center, and the Disney concert hall so far! They even have a section where you can find free events in the L.A. area!”

I found a link to a large number of our regional farmers markets and festival and fairs. Since there is always something going on in L.A…. From traveling art exhibits and live theatre to sporting events and festivals… Start planning your adventures by using the LA County Cultural Calendar and Experience LA.com. It should be your first stop.

MyBargainBuddy

I get daily e-mails from www.SmartBargains.com, www.Overstock.com, www.Marshalls.com, www.TJMaxx.com and a menagerie of other discount sites. It’s exhausting.

But one of my all time favorites is www.MyBargainBuddy.com. Yes, it is another one of those portal sites that lists coupons and online deals. The difference is that here, owner Karen doesn’t overdue it, listing every deal out there so your head spins. She highlights a reasonable amount for easy browsing.

The day I visited My Bargain Buddy, the site had a link to a Rival Premiere 5 speed blender for $14.99 instead of $29.99. I also spotted an Ipod Nano Sync and charging cradle with a remote for $24.99 instead of $89.99. Plus this site links you to links for additional savings on the already discounted merchandise. Cool!

This well laid out site is easy to navigate and easy on the eyes. Die hard shoppers can go to the All Stores page and check out everything if they want to. But I recommend
signing up for the free daily newsletter to quickly scan the choice best bargains of the day along with links, sales, coupons and special offers.

Any easy way to save.

Bookins

Avid book readers… oh how I envy those with the downtime spend reading. But if you compile more hard back books than you want to keep or your budget is being undone by your habit try Bookins.com.

On this free site, you can freely trade used books with other avid readers. You select books you want to receive and then you list the books you have available for trade. Bookins arranges for member to ship you the books you requested and then you mail your books when requested in the pre paid envelopes printed from your own computer.

You own the books you get or you can exchange them when you’re finished. No need to go to the post office. Their easy shipping process prints shipping labels with free prepaid U.S. postage from their website so you don’t use your own stamps.Shipping is only $3.99, including delivery confirmation. Same low shipping price for all books, billed to the person getting the book. There are no shipping charges to the sender.

This is a great way to trade new hardcover books and pay very little to read them.

Photostamps

This idea is incredibly simple and far reaching. Postage stamps with images of your choice on them. You take your own images or photographs and turn them into real U.S. postage! You can put your company’s logo, your wedding photo, newborn photo or anything else that isn’t profane or copy righted.

You may purchase Photo Stamps in one of seven different postage denominations ranging from 24 cent postcards to 39 cent regular first class to $4.05 for packages. One sheet of twenty $.39 cent stamps is $17.99. Though it’s not a “bargain” it’s so cool and unique, it goes beyond bargain hunting.

Versatile, fun, memorable and a great way personally meet all your mailing needs. Just think of it. Your face on a stamp.

EmergencyCafe

As a native Californian I have lived through 3 good sized earthquakes. The Sylmar quake from 1971 is one of my earliest scary memories. Most of us who have been here awhile take earthquakes seriously even though we live with it with the attitude “it goes with the territory”. But many of you new to Southern a California don’t know what you need or how to put together an emergency kit. Everyone in California should have one.

This is where Emergency Café comes in. Operated by Cari Butler, this entrepreneurial mom Emergency Preparedness began when her daughter started pre-school and was required to have a personal emergency kit. It occurred to her that everyone should have their own personal emergency kit at an affordable price. She now provides consultation services for families and businesses, as well as offering the Emergency Café line of kits.

For do it yourselfers you’ll find a check list of supplies to take to the store. For those of us with less time, you can purchase kits starting at $55 for a one person kit up to $205 for a five person kit. There are backpack kits for your car, pet kits, under the bed kits, tools, ladders… the basics all reasonably priced, all in one place.

Stop by www.emergencycafe.com for your emergency supplies.

Come on, get on it, it’s been 12 years since the last big quake! Some might say we’re over due for a good shake!

ChillOutLA

Okay, so I am gonna let you all in on my little secret. For the last 15 years I’ve been teaching commercial dance classes. I didn’t drop them after I became a bargain shopping guru. But I did slowly cut back as my work load increased and am sadly down to just one a week which is soon to be history.

Dance as a first love had always been a way to relieve stress, stay in shape and use my creative juices. As a teacher, I have never had to pay for a class and I am now facing paying for something I have received for free. Off hand I’d say I am spoiled. But it’s time to get on the ball and start the search for both R & R and a good exercise program… be it yoga, pilates, weight training, ballet classes or whatever.

Which brings me to Chill Out LA. This online site give you the low down on local spas, classes, yoga and other “centering” activities to help both mind and body stay in shape. Every Thursday they send out an e-mail packed with info on spas, massage centers, yoga studios, meditation workshops, and rejuvenating getaways are truly affordable. Not just the over-hyped “Hollywood glam” stuff. Real classes, real people at real prices.

The last e-mail I received had power yoga classes at $8-$10 a pop which is below the Westside norm of $12-$18. Most of the sources tend to be in LA proper but since sign up is free it’s worth it. Hopefully they’ll expand as their readership does. An easy way to find the sources that take care of your bod…. for less.

FragranceNet

Valentine’s Day is so close. If you have a loved one some where other than here, you’d better get on it.

One of the classic presents for Valentines Day is perfume. www.FragranceNet.com has been a long time favorite for fragrance purchases online. Their consistently good selection, fast shipping and savings of 5%-55% have shoppers saving on their favorite scents.

Everything from standards of Oscar De La Renta 1oz EDT spray for $19.80 instead of $38 to sexy bottle of Jean Paul Gautier 1.7 EDT for $55.89 instead of $60. There’s any easy alphabetically search available in either men’s or women’s fragrances.

A new surprise for me was the skin care products carried on the site. Some of these were at substantial discounts and others at retail. Products from Clarins, Dermalogica , Estee Lauder, La Prairie, Murad, Mac and more.

Another plus here is the free shipping in the USA for purchases of $60 or more. It’s a great way to give or get a lovely Valentines Day gift. Orders to be delivered by Valentines Day must be ordered by 2/7.Valentine’s Day is so close. If you have a loved one some where other than here, you’d better get on it.

One of the classic presents for Valentines Day is perfume. Fragrance Net has been a long time favorite for fragrance purchases online. Their consistently good selection, fast shipping and savings of 5%-55% have shoppers saving on their favorite scents.

Everything from standards of Oscar De La Renta 1oz EDT spray for $19.80 instead of $38 to sexy bottle of Jean Paul Gautier 1.7 EDT for $55.89 instead of $60. There’s any easy alphabetically search available in either men’s or women’s fragrances.

A new surprise for me was the skin care products carried on the site. Some of these were at substantial discounts and others at retail. Products from Clarins, Dermalogica , Estee Lauder, La Prairie, Murad, Mac and more.

Another plus here is the free shipping in the USA for purchases of $60 or more. It’s a great way to give or get a lovely Valentines Day gift. Orders to be delivered by Valentines Day must be ordered by 2/7.

MoneyPants

Did you overspend again this year? Oops -did I bring up the uncomfortable money issue? The New Year is always a great time to start a new. One of the most useful things we can do is get our financial houses in order. All of us, no matter what our financial status should re-examine our financial behaviors, spending and saving habits and long term goals. But not all of us can afford professional financial consultation.

Welcome to www.MoneyPants.com. Three friends, who are not financial advisers got together to create a better way to gain control of their money. The result is a very useful website. For $9.95 a month they’ll helps you track your spending, create livable budgets and make financial priorities.

Learn how to save 10%-20% by becoming aware of unconscious spending habits. Set up a spending plan as a way to reach your goals. Use their software program “Cash Track” on their site to track your spending. Since no account information or personal data is listed it’s very secure. You list what you spent money on and evaluate if it was worth the expense. From cookies to car payments. Seeing all of it in front of you helps you create a realistic budget, track spending habits and make changes to meet your goals. They’ll also e-mail you when your bills are due. There are message boards where you can pal up with someone who has similar goals.

This is basic financial planning and budgeting for those of us who need a pal and a plan to get and keep us on track. If you suffer from “the more I make the more I spend” syndrome and no matter how much you try, you’ve spent all your income or more by the end of the month, this site is for you. Plus they have a 30 day try out where they’ll refund your money if the program doesn’t work for you.

A great way to start your New Year.

CheapskateMonthly

Down deep inside of every bargain hunter is a suppressed cheapskate. All of us want to get more for less, become debt free, live well within our means and learn the inside tricks of how to do that.

Mary Hunt’s Cheapskate Monthly newsletter is packed with creative and realistic ideas on how to live debt free, improve your credit score, reduce your debt and manage your money well. Mary uses her own experiences as a point of reference and with her strong background in business and finance along with 13 years of Bringing dignity to the art of living within ones means.” Credo, her insights into our daily financial world are as practical as they are inspirational.

All of this information is presented in a straight forward, easy to read format with a sense of humor. Cheapskate Monthly tips, advice, and hard learned information should be incorporated into our lives.

DesignerLinensOutlet

With the holiday season knocking at the door, many of us will be having guests stay over. Bedding may be first on your list of items to take care of. A cruise through DesignerLinensOutlet.com will yield some delicious deals on name brand and designer linens.

Bedding and linens by such well known names as Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Croscill, Liz Claiborne, Armoire Collection, Cottage Laundry, Dockers and more are here at 30%-60% off original retail pricing. You’ll find comforters, sheeting, coverlets, pillows, throws, towels, window coverings accent rugs and some home décor items.

I liked the twin sheet set by Villager Lulu for only $16.99. This 200tc, 100% cotton set would retail at over $30. If you’re into more luxurious bedding the 500tc, 100% Egyptian cotton sateen sheet set at $69.99 in all sizes was a steal when retail is over $200. If you’ve got teens the rugby patterned down comforters are a great buy at $45-$68. The Liz Claiborne cable knit bath towels at $9.99 are a fair deal. Retail would run $17.

The sites easy to cruise and with its nice selection, should be a must stop for bargain shoppers… especially if guests are on the way.

BargainOutfitters

Sleepless nights usually find me surfing the net. On one of these lunar surfing expeditions I stumbled across a site that infused me with bargain glee…. BargainOutfitters.com

This site is filled with lots of guy stuff like cameras, radios, camping supplies and government surplus items at prices that were more than reasonable if not down right bargain basement. I couldn’t pin point what got me so energetic. It probably was the deals in their Super Email Bargains like a Seth Thomas retro styled Alarm Clock for $9.97 instead of $39.99 ( 75% savings) or the portable Conair Back massager for $11.97 instead of $50. Perhaps it was the Pulsar women’s watch at $24.97 instead of $125 or the feather and down feather bed at $39 instead of $120.

As I scanned the site, the disappointment of missing the Night Owl specials from 12am-3am (CST) was overwhelming. Doesn’t 4:30 in the morning count? It was way too early for the lunchtime specials that run from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm CST, but at least, I could plan ahead. Both of these super buying times have already discounted merchandise marked down even more.

My gleefulness at this new find must have come from the ease of surfing the site along with the promise of a bargain on something I never thought I would have wanted. Like all good e-commerce sites, there is a phone number so you can call in your order or check on your orders status. I signed up for their e-mails so I wouldn’t miss any exceptional deals.
This site is more fun… and has better deals than hitting an outlet mall.

Amazon Outlet

With the holidays just around the corner and all of us trying to keep our information secure during online purchases, I thought I’d check into the outlets at a tried and true, major online store.

Amazon.com is a fairly priced website. The Amazon Outlet is an extension of the regular site with additional discounts of 10%-50% on a variety of items usually found on their site. This outlet section includes deals from the independent sellers that Amazon partners up with.

There is a ton of product here, from computers (both new and refurbished) to sundries, bedding, toys, electronics, books, apparel and so much more. If you shop Amazon, you’ll want to start your bargain search here.

A quick cruise around the site yielded deals in every section. I found a Phillips DVD recorder for $200 instead of $399. A Panasonic 5.8 Ghz cordless phone was well priced at $54. An Audiovox portable personal video recorder w/ 2.5 LCD was $74.99 instead of $219.

The apparel section was quite large with dozens of name and designer labels. A bit of something for anyone (guys and girls) from plus size to infant. The bedding section had a good selection of higher end bedding. No poly junk here. The toy section was huge and you can browse by age appropriate toys. Books and music were overflowing with choices. This on line outlet is huge!

With all the goodies available, you may never leave your home to shop again. Simply put…lots of tempting deals

KidsSurplus

Gone are the days when I could buy clothing for my daughter without her being present. This sad realization became very apparent this last summer when everything I picked out was “too cute” for her “oh so cool” pre-teen tastes and went unworn.

I am told I’ve been lucky, many parents find their girls get picky much earlier, sometimes as young a 5! Okay, so how do you find quality kids wear for less without dragging your kid around from store to store? Shop the web of course.

Pallets, a Kids Superstore is found online at www.kidsurplus.com/clothing.html. Savings run 20%-70% on better kid’s apparel from catalogues and well know children’s apparel retailers. Some label names have been changed on this site to protect the overpriced retailer, but you can guess their names…”Old Gravy”, “The Lambs End”, “The Zap”. Others names you’ll recognize. Sizing runs infant to pre teen in girls and up to 20 in boys.

I spotted some cool deals for girls in just seconds… A bohemian circle skirt that is so “in” is here for $17 instead of $34. These are in stores now. A “Zap” kids rugby tee shirt that retails for $24.50 is $9.99 here. No Boundaries knit pants are $5.99 instead of $9.99. An Amy Byers fur collared jacket was 78% off at $12.99 instead of $59.99.

There a bit less to pick through for boys. But I did find a Timberland hooded boys sweatshirt was $14.99 instead of $44.

Unfortunately like all outlets, the selection doesn’t have full coordinating outfits, and can fluctuate as the get closeouts, overstock and overruns from manufacturers and retailers. But with deals like these, my daughter and I will be perusing the site every few weeks.

DealsofAmerica

The biggest shopping season of the year comes on the heels of the second largest….back to school shopping season. If you’re a parent, seems like all you do from August through December is shop and buy. Being able to find great deals, coupons and online bargains can really aid in keeping credit card debt down and balancing your budget at the end of the year.

You can add another coupon codes and leads to deals site to your bookmarks with www.dealsofamerica.com. A quick scan of the site yielded leads to bargains at 10%-90% off original retail. I found 40% off notebook computers deals plus coupon at Dell Home. A link to Classic Closeouts had a girls down coat at $8.49 instead of $89. Another buy at Buy.com had an Ipod Shuffle IGM MP3 player at $119.99 w/ free shipping…. Not bad.

The Back To School Center page has links, coupons and specials at HP Home, Amazon.com, E-bags, Alibris.com, Smart bargains and more. Great for the college bound student.

Deals of America links to well-known, safe shopping sites and updates every half hour making it easier to find some of the best current deals the web has to offer.

Go get ‘em tiger!

Half

Sometimes when I am scanning the web, I may overlook the obvious. I was reminding of the obvious by an intrepid internet shopper this last month who pointed out www.Half.com and when I went back to look it over…. Well I loved the deals.

Half.com is an online market place, like Ebay where buyers and sellers come together. This isn’t an auction, prices are fixed, but the discounts on retail can range from 25%-70% off with most products hovering around 50% off.

Unlike Ebay, you can’t find anything and everything here. Half.com is limited to books, music, movies, video games and game systems. There is more than enough to look through in each category in both new and used. Besides the description and price they also rate the item for quality. But, like Ebay, Half.com is easy to navigate and straight forward to purchase or sell.

With back to school on my mind, I looked through the Textbooks superstore section. Here I compared a bunch of “Biology” (Hardcover, 2004) by Jane Reece and Neil Campbell. The Range of quality went from Acceptable to Brand New and the prices went from $64-$156 with the highest prices being in the acceptable range.

I also priced some X Box game system and found prices ranging from $75-$240. Some new, some refurbished all well described and a few with games.

Half.com is a useful source both for comparison shopping, evaluating market pricing and getting great deals. Start you hunt here and you may nab your best deal on your first visit.

Estate Sales

Savvy bargain shoppers can get real deals on estate furnishings, collectibles and artwork at Estate Sales. Estate sales are where the dealers shop to find inventory for their antique shops. Outside of cruising through local papers for listings, where can people go to get information? Try Estate Sales LA sales calendar www.estatesalesla.com

Here they list the Estate sales they will be conducting in the Los Angeles area along with a brief description of inventory offered. They don’t list pricing, so it’s up to you to decide when you get there to what’s offered up for sale is a reasonable deal. Like all bargain hunting … do your homework.

Another source on the internet to try for estate sales and garage sales is Craig’s List garage sales page http://losangeles.craigslist.org/gms/. Craig’s List has pages for cities nationwide so you can even help Aunt Edna find a garage sale near her home in Milwaukee.

PriceGrabber

Shopping on the internet can be an exasperating experience. Particularly now with the disclosure that some sites sell to different customers at different pricing. Yep, it’s pricing discrimination based on your profile as a shopper. Read more

So how do you make sure you get the best possible price. Well the always fabulous www.pricegrabber.com is great if you can narrow down the specifics of what you’re looking for.

Doing a general search say for binoculars yielded page after page of results from Bushnell to Nikon. Getting more specific with model numbers, manufacturer or specifics of use will give you a good selection without overwhelming you so you can choose from whom online you want to purchase.

Comparison shop hundreds of different sites for men’s and women’s apparel, toys, electronics, books, sporting goods, beauty products, computers, software, magazines and even …mortgages.

I have found this tool not only useful for online comparison shopping but in store comparison shopping as well. You immediately get a sense of what real market value is without wearing out your feet or your wallet.

Pricegrabber.com is an extremely valuable tool for any savvy bargain shopper. Book mark it!

TheSavingDepot

Knowing where to cruise online for a deal, when to pounce and how to get additional discounts helps all bargain shoppers score better deals. www.TheSavingDepot.com is another online site that has coupon codes, specials and sources for online deals. What makes this site stand out compared to others is the ease of navigation. You can scan the pages quickly to see if your favorite website is having any specials or to see what items are offered at bargain basement pricing.

This easy to navigate site like other sites lists dozens of ways to save on well known brands and manufacturers at known websites and some not so well known. You find codes and links for everything from Plus Sizes savings to kids stuff, DVD deals to savings codes for The Sharper Image much faster than other sites that have the same information.

Since time is money, we like thesavingdepot.com

Bookmark it.

SheFinds

The boutiques and designers of New York are always at the top of fashion divas shopping list. But us hip West Coasters, Southerners and equally savvy Mid-Westerners can’t always hop on a plane to shop these designer digs. Enter www.SheFinds.com.

Owner Michelle Madhok, knows the trends and where to find them. Her expertise and knowledge give consumers everywhere the insight they need to get the latest styles and products that fit everyone and every budget. She reads all the fashion publications, scopes out the streets of New York and scouts the stores to find out what’s worth your while. Then she surfs the web for the best style finds and put them at your fingertips in her free weekly newsletter.

Like BargainsLA.com, SheFinds.com is packed with great ideas and sources. You’ll find out about new trends, products, designers and shopping boutiques before the masses and where the sources are for those items. But the area that She Finds has that Bargainsla.com does not offer (or I’d lose my mind) are leads to some of the best online sales in “Deal Alerts”. She Finds digs around, scopes ‘em out and saves you time and money by helping you find the best the web has to offer. As all savvy shoppers know, the best bargain shoppers are armed with up to date information. Here’s a great place to get that along with the goodies.

If you’re a shopping fashion diva or just a “wanna be”, She Finds.com is the place to visit to get in the know.

GotPrint

Some things take awhile for me to feel comfortable with. Shopping online wasn’t one of them until it came time for me to print up some postcards. I was still stuck in the 1990’s where you walk into a print shop and place your order. Printing was not something I felt comfortable doing in cyber space.

My girlfriend Lorelei had designed and printed up my last batch of business cards and swore by www.gotprint.net. I was so relieved not to do it over the internet that I really was surprised when I walked into this small working warehouse with my disc and was directed to put my order in through their site. I had to establish an account and ALL of that was done online whether or not you lived nearby. Thankfully I used their in house computers to do that.

Got Print finished my order 3 days before they said they would and it came out perfect. I printed up 5000 5 x 7 postcards for $449 plus tax. Since I was local I could pick them up and avoid shipping costs. The quality and service was excellent and everyone involved was extremely helpful and courteous.

After cruising their site I realized you can do almost anything here online. Business cards, booklets, brochures, mini menus, posters, press kits, CD covers, letterhead… anything you can print. You can upload directly to them or send in a CD disc via the mail. They check it for any problems before they print. They can accept any of the following file formats: .TIF, .TIFF, .EPS, .AI, .PSD, .JPG, .PNG & .PDF

The pricing is better than just competitive… it’s a down right bargain. Some specials on now include 5000 full color brochures for $368, 5000 full color front and back business cards for $99 and 5000 full color front and back 4 x 6 postcards for $239.

Because of the quality and pricing I will use Got Print for all my printing needs… ordering over the internet and picking up in person. But even if you live out of the area, it’s a real deal!

SilverJewelryClub

The old adage, “You get what you pay for” doesn’t always ring true, particularly if you’re a savvy bargain hunter. My adage is “To get more than what you pay for” … I like mine better and usually it’s true.

So I get an e-mail from a website that will send you FREE jewelry. It sounded too good to be true, but curiosity over came me and I went for a peek to www.SilverJewelryClub.com

What they do is list a new piece of a sterling silver jewelry on their site that you can have for free, except that you have to pay shipping and handling of $5.99. They’ll only send one per customer… so you can’t keep going back and get more. Here’s how they explain why they’re doing this.

“Giving away our jewelry for free is our way of introducing our products. We know the competition is fierce, and we want you to experience our jewelry. Wear it yourself or give it as a gift!”

The day I logged on they had a garnet earring set as a freebie. A nice sized garnet set in sterling silver. I plopped down my credit card and sent away for my almost free jewelry. My hubby thought I had lost my mind… possibly.

It arrived in less than a week and was much nicer and a bit bigger than I imagined. This could retail anywhere from $19-$29 and I paid $5.99, a definite deal! Not quite free but a definite deal. They guarantee their jewelry and buying is secure with encryption with a SSL certificate from Verisign.

As I write this they have a matching garnet pendant that retails at $39. Phooey- I’ve already ordered mine. Go get yours!

ConsumerWorld

To keep on top of consumer information I read everything I can get my hands on. The LA Times, OC Register NY Times and Daily News almost daily. I cruise dozens of websites looking for trends, recalls, fashion tid bits, business mergers, sales, web technology info and store opening info. It’s a good hour of snooping every day.

One of the best of these is Consumer World. I find the most amazing factoids and leads through this weekly e-mail updates. Did you know that this week is National Consumer protection week? Neither did I, until this morning. But I get more info than that and most of it is eye opening.

How about what the top consumer complaints were for 2004? How do you spot a “Fake” product… that’s one I’ll need to read. I learned about Phishing through Consumer World… those phony account updates e-mails. Do you know about the new trend of paying by using your finger print? Did you know airline complaints jumped 24% in 2004? Consumer World also offers a “Bargain of The Week” with a lead on finding this week Roses for $19.99. Hmm, isn’t that my territory?

These are all pieces of information that most of us can’t seek out by ourselves and effect our financial spending and stability. Through their weekly e-mails I can decide what articles I need to read on their website and what applies to my “bargain” neck of the woods.

Smart consumers, smart people stay well educated about their world. This is another easy way to do that. You’ll be able spot a scam and save a buck or two.

TheTieBar

Okay guys, no excuses now for not looking great anymore. You’ve got your fabulous suit so why not get a great tie for only $15… hmmm? At www.thetiebar.com they have original silk woven ties for $15 in dozens of colors and patterns. They change their inventory with every season so you’ll always have something new to peruse.

It’s now so easy and affordable to have a wardrobe of quality ties. They have a “Tie of the Month Club” and for the challenged even directions on how to tie a tie, now you can let your wife off the hook. At $15, it’s a great way for business exec’s to look great for less.