HEY KIDS!

Sorry, we're taking a brief time out as I visit a friend, but I will be back tomorrow with a great new VicPick and some more tips for all you Bargain Shoppers out there! DON'T GO AWAY :)

Because we need to find a cure...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Its not a bargain or a discount, but for those of you that may be in the market for a car, remember the Ford motor company has raised over 85 millions dollars for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in their 12 year partnership. Breast cancer kills over 40,000 women every year in the U.S. alone. As someone who has had 3 women in her family and 1 friend suffer from this insidious monster, I urge all women to perform monthly self-exams and to get yourself a mammogram every year starting at the age of 40. Remember, you don't have to have a family history, over 90% of breast cancer cases have no family history whatsoever.

I am a member of AAA

As someone who recently (and very stupidly) left her lights on for about 3 hours while she worked on this very blog in the library, let me expound upon the wonders of having a AAA membership. Now while many (ok all) of the important reasons to have a membership with the American Auto Association have to do with your car, having a AAA membership means a lot more than just the comfort of knowing who to call should you ever have a problem on the road. There are a number of significant discounts that are opened up to you when you join: discount movie tickets, discount tickets to major attractions, fee free travelers cheques, discounts on auto insurance, a cell phone discount with Cingular, plus a number of show your card and save programs. I am particularly fond of the discounted movie tickets, as movies can be quite expensive these days. My mom likes to buy the certificates and give them out as gifts, sometimes as part of a whole "movie theater-themed" basket, with some microwave popcorn, bags of candy, and some sodas. In terms of the actual intent of the membership, their roadside service is absolutely excellent, with exceptionally friendly operators who are thorough and precise as well as sympathetic. Upon calling for a jump when I found my battery dead, I was told a truck would arrive within the hour, and a guy actually showed up within 20 minutes of me calling. He got right to business and knew exactly what to do, and was extremely friendly, going so far as to reassure me about how common my absentmindedness is, and definitely not one of those creepy, dirty/grungy grease monkeys (no offense if there happens to be one that read this). Even after the car was jumped and he got a call for another job, he took the time to talk to me (in the rain no less) about taking care of the battery and special deals that they offer for replacement. Exactly one week afterwards, I received a card in the mail with a very quick and easy to fill out questionnaire regarding the different aspects of their service (operator, repair truck, etc.) that took me less than 3 minutes to fill out. When I was finished, all I had to do is tear the card off at the perforation and drop it in a mailbox as it was already stamped and addressed. For me, I think AAA deserves an A+++!

An aspirin a day keeps the...pimples away?

Zits happen to even the best of us, and not everyone is always properly prepared to fight the good fight, until now! This tip comes straight from the editor in chief of Allure magazine, Linda Wells. Simply take a few aspirin and grind them into a fine powder with a mortar and pestle or even just the back of a spoon. Then, add a little water to make a paste and apply to affected areas over night. This remedy works because aspirin contains salicylic acid, which is the same active ingredient found in most topical acne medications.

VicPick: L'Oreal Paris Color Pulse Concentrated Color Mousse

Looking for a bit of a change this Halloween? This VicPick will help you do just that. L'Oreal Paris Color Pulse temporary hair dye is a great way to change your hair color just for fun for a very short period of time. I personally tested this product this weekend and I found it to be very satisfactory for its purposes. Though there is a limit in color choices, all of them come in an easy to use spray mousse that requires no mixing, doesn't drip, and is very easy to apply. You can choose the amount of time to leave it on your hair depending on your natural or dyed coloring, hair texture, thickness, etc. It washes out very easily, and has a very pleasant fragrance. There is no ammonia or peroxide, and it washes out in 8-10 shampoos.The color choices are somewhat dramatic (particularly on lighter hair) but after dying my hair Friday night and taking a shower every day since, by today it is just about completely washed out. For my demo I chose color 80 Red Copper Spritz. You can check out my before and after shots below. To learn more about this product, go here. Color Pulse retails for about $6.99.

Before

After

Why WiFi?

As the proud new owner of a WiFi capable Macbook, I have recently discovered the wonders of WiFi and how easy it can be to find and use various signals. Today, the Yahoo homepage is featuring an article discussing the rights and wrongs of WiFi use. Check out what it really means when you covet Thy Neighbor's WiFi.

Making Dinner Plans?

The internet is quickly becoming a Bargain Hunter's greatest tool, as a simple search may turn up untold discounts and savings of unimaginable delight. About a year ago, as I was searching the internet for some tips on some nice restaurants to try with my boyfriend in the Boston area, I came across a site called Opentable. This website offers some great benefits for people who frequently go out. After registering for free on the site, you can use it to make reservations at any of the numerous restaurants listed on their site, and after completing them (by showing up and ordering a dinner that you pay for) you can earn points that you eventually redeem for gift certificates that are usable at any of their website. The restaurants listed are based around major cities, but no limited to these areas and do have international listings, and they are constantly adding more. There is also an online form to fill out to suggest particular restaurants that you would like to see added, which I have used and have seen these restaurants become participants and get added to the site within a few months. They even offer bonus points you can earn by making reservations at off peak times. I highly recommend this for people who like going out trying new restaurants. Go here to learn more about it and register yourself.

Farmers Markets

While this year's season may be running out fast for New Englanders, across the country, farmers markets are quickly growing and becoming a viable source of produce and other goods for families. In most countries, the open air marketplace has remained important to the economy from both the consumer and agricultural standpoints. After falling out of favor for a period of time and becoming relegated mostly to larger cities and ports, the farmers' market has seen a resurgence and become a tradition among busy families searching for quality and a bargain. There is a reciprocal effect from buying at these events, where you can find everything from fruits and veggies, to fish, cheeses, baked goods, and flowers; you know that you also did the right thing by buying locally. You benefit from the nutrition that freshness offers and the feeling of knowing that you helped support the hard working growers in your area. Search the internet or contact your local agricultural association or grange to locate a famer's market in your area.

McDonald's Monopoly

Its that magical time again, where supersizing at your local Mickey D's means more than added calories, it could mean winning a ton of cash! Yes, its another round of McDonald's Monopoly, and although there a lot of money to be potentially won (top prize is 1 million dollars), they game is just as frustrating as ever when it comes to not winning anything. Years ago, when the game started, McDonald's would kick off the game by putting free game boards and two starter game pieces in your Sunday paper. Well, gone are the old game boards--they're now a one long fold out strip of game board spaces available at the ordering counter, and gone are the free game pieces. No longer can you instantly win a free food item, such as small fries or cone, instead the only instant winners are Best Buy Bucks in the amount of $1 or $5, redeemable for merchandise that will inevitably cost more than the certificates are worth. While I am not a regular at McDonald's, I have accumulated a few game pieces within the past couple weeks, and though I am now on my way to potentially winning the $50, $500, $1,500, $10,000, and $50,000 prizes (there are also $1,000,000, $5,000, and $1,000 prizes), I have already gotten repeats on stamps and have yet to get a single Best Buy Buck. Apparently the chances to win $50,000 are available on large french fries only. Although you do have additional chances to win by entering codes found on the stamps at PlayatMcD.com, every time I have gone to do this, there has been a problem with the website.

Yay!

VicPicks is currently being featured on the Festival of Frugality, which you can check out here.

(YET ANOTHER) FREE SAMPLE ALERT!

So you've got your shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, what's left? Your toothpaste of course! Go here to print out a coupon for a free 1.3 oz. size sample of Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste.

(ANOTHER) FREE SAMPLE ALERT!

Since I was on the subject of free samples (particularly their usefulness as travelling toiletries) here's another offer, this time from Degree Deodorant. Sorry guys, this sample is for the women's line, but does it really matter what you put on your armpits?

FREE SAMPLE ALERT!

What better way to start off the week than with a free sample? You've probably seen the commercials on TV: a few random women walking around a random city with various hair problems--one that's too flat, another too fried, and all of them seemingly concerned with little else. The annoying narrator bemoans their problems and suggestions a solution--the latest miracle shampoo, named Sunsilk. Now, if you go to their website, you can get a free sample of your very own. The website is actually very fun and interactive--keep an eye out for a prize drawing, games, and other great features. Since I just saw the commercial last night, I only sent for my sample this morning and have not tried the shampoo otherwise, but is there really anyone out there that doesn't enjoy free stuff?

HANDY TIP: For frequent travelers, or even just the upcoming holiday season, hold onto your free samples of shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, lotions, and other toiletries. They are excellent to use when traveling as their small size won't take up a lot of space in your bags and the sealed packaging won't leak. I'll post about any other free sample offers I come across.

Cheap Nights In

So, its Friday, and in most places, its starting to get a little cooler. As the fall days progress, many of us feel less and less inclined to go out on the weekends because it just gets too darn cold! Whether or not you have cause to stay inside and avoid the weather, everyone enjoys the occasional night "in"---especially if you're low on funds! Speaking of being frigid, and let's face another cold hard fact--sometimes it gets to be quite expensive to have a social life. Clubs, bars, movie theaters, restaurants, they all cost a lot more than they used to, and if you're in a negative cash flow situation, it gets hard finding things to do that won't cost you a lot. One really simple thing to do that won't cost you a lot is to rent a movie. Can't afford Netflix? Blockbuster closed in your area? Not to fear, actually, an even CHEAPER solution lies within your public library! Most modern libraries of everything from big cities to smaller towns have some sort of a video and dvd collection. While they won't have the latest flicks, you'll most likely be able to find everything from older classics, cult favorites, documentaries and educational films, and TV show collections. As you're touring the stacks, check out the library's CD collection too, and take a couple for a test drive when you go home later and cook dinner. This simple yet rarely thought of activity can quite easily turn into a weekly event. You can head down to your local public library at any time, even with an empty wallet, just as long as you've got your library card!

Strategic Spending

There's nothing worse than making a purchase at one store, only to find it for less someplace else. Or buying something one week only for it to be marked down the week or two later. Every Bargain Shopper possess two basic qualities: patience and persistence. If you aren't normally very good at finding good deals, all you need to do is start following these handy tips.

*Just Because it Costs More, It Doesn't Necessarily Mean its Better: You may think that paying for expensive brand names means it’s a better quality, but it’s not always true. You can usually find a cheaper alternative to the expensive things that works just as well.

*It Pays to Compare: Don't let your impulses rule your wallet. Never walk into a store and buy something without evaluating whether or not you may be able to find it for cheaper elsewhere. Although it might take a little longer to shop around, and you may not even be able to find certain items for a noticeably less expensive price, you could potentially save yourself from a lot of buyer's remorse by buying an item for a lesser price than what you originally saw it for.

*Don't Underestimate the Power of the Dollar: Dollar Stores are great places to get basic items, like picture frames, kitchen supplies like dish soap, utensils, and dish towels, as well as pillows, lotions, shampoos, even makeup.

*Know the Reasons for Buying out of Season: By thinking in advance you can be a better buyer. Get that new winter coat when they start putting out the spring lines. Stock up on tank tops when they start putting the Halloween candy on the shelves. Buy your holiday items the day after the holiday, when everything is suddenly marked down 75%. Strategic spending saves you more money than you think, all it takes is a little forethought!

*Friendly Discounts: If you've got close friends who work at a store you frequent, ask them if they would be willing to pick up items for you using their employee discount. While this might not be practical (or polite) for every little purchase you make, if you have a big item, or larger purchase to make, ask them if they would be willing to do this for you. If you're not sure you feel comfortable doing that, ask your friend if they might be aware of any specials being offered through the particular store for friends and family of employees. Many stores have special sales, discounts, offers, or even store hours as a promotional consideration for friends and family members of their employees.

Put these tips into practice, and soon you'll see the change--as in all the money you'll save on your next shopping trip!

More than Great Coats...

You've probably seen the Burlington Coat Factory commercials and are well versed with their overplayed slogan "We're More than Great Coats." If you've been deterred by their name because you already have a coat, or for any other reason, then you've been missing out. While their selection of coats is impressive, the real finds are in their shoe and accessory departments. If you love your labels than you can find DKNY or Steve Madden shoes, or Baby Phat purses and the like for the cheapest prices you'll be able to find without settling for a knock off. Even those items that aren't famous labels, look as good as designer items, and are all very reasonably priced. Delving further into their finds, their juniors and ladies sections are all stocked with the latest looks and stylishly different pieces that are great for people who hate wearing the same outfits as everyone else. Though I've never really looked at their men's section, they do have an infant-child section that has lots of fun clothes and accessories, as well as a home goods section with eclectic little pieces and knick-nacks to put around your house, a tiny lingerie section that has some cute finds every now and then, as well as a great selection of hats year round, from fedoras to sun hats to pageboys to cowboys, and even a modest selection of novelty slippers that often come with matching flip flops. Check the nearest store out now, as they have just recently changed their return policy to include cash back, as they previously would only give store credit.

VicPick: Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara

In becoming a seasoned Bargain Shopper, you come across certain products that become integrated into your lifestyle because the said product is not only a good buy, but a regularly used or useful item to have around. Here on VicPicks, in addition to discussing the strategies and tips that are useful in becoming a Bargain Shopper, every now and then I'll critique a product that I use regularly that I feel to be a worthwhile purchase.

For my first VicPick, I've selected something that most women use every day--mascara. My must have mascara is Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara.This piece of makeup is almost a modern icon, in its instantly recognizable pink bottle with a lime green cap. The popular line comes in both regular and waterproof, in a variety of shades including clear, blue, brown, and black. I personally use the waterproof variety (that actually has a black cap) in shade "Very Black." Within the past year or so, Maybelline introduced a "Blackest Black" shade, though it is not available in a waterproof formula yet. With all the "mascara technology" that the various makers tout on their commercials, with adjectives like "curling," "building," "maximizing," and "extending," its hard to see through the hype and find a product that actually works for you, and doesn't cost too much. Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara is the brand that many professional make-up artists swear by, and lovely lashed celebrities ala Jennifer Aniston, Katie Holmes, and Kelly Ripa have all admitted to using this product. In most stores, you can find Great Lash Mascara retails for about $3.95.

Another important discount card...

Recent graduates or people in a variety of situations may find at one point or another that they are without prescription drug coverage. With the cost of prescriptions, if you need certain medications, you may find that having to pay out of pocket is an unbelievable expense. I came across the Together Rx Access program after I saw a commercial about it on television, and wrote down the web address they provided. Upon checking it out, I discovered that there are only 3 qualifications you must meet in order to participate:


*you must be a legal resident of the US or Puerto Rico
*you must not be eligible for Medicare
*you must have no prescription drug coverage


If you do fit all the the qualifications, you can fill out their easy online form in order to register, and are able to start using your discount in a few hours that same day by copying down the ID numbers they provide you with upon confirmation of your registration. You receive your actual card within the next week or two. The website also allows you to check which pharmacies participate in their program, as well as a list of drugs (both brand name and generic) that are covered. I take Zyrtec D for seasonal allergies and saved over 40 dollars on the cost. If you do come across problems, their customer service number (located on the website) has excellent staff that are friendly and knowledgeable about the program.

Student Discounts

For college students, being able to stretch that dollar to the max is ultra important. On top of the thousands a year being spent on your education, there are a lot of other expenses that can be incurred simply by taking part in the social and cultural experiences college offers(and no that wasn't an offhanded reference to having keggers). For many "college towns," which are areas that either have a number of colleges and universities, or just have a rather large and well-known university within its limits, there is a program available for students that can save them significantly on many of these expenses. The Student Advantage Card was something I became aware of my freshman year of college, although I didn't first purchase it until my sophomore year. Initially, I was turned off by the idea of having to pay for a discount card--until I did the math an realized how much money I could save with it would more than pay for the card--which ranges from about $15-25 dollars depending on when and what kind of card you purchase. The card enables you to save on literally thousands of places, many of which are online, so even if you are a student out in Nowhere University in Waytheheckoutthere, Iowa, you can take advantage of their discounts through your online purchases. My favorite and most used discount was the 15% I saved on Greyhound bus tickets, but I also used it at food establishments like Au Bon Pain and Uno's, as well as online at allposters.com. The program is growing and changing constantly, so in addition to the mini-guide and coupons you are sent with your card, you are encouraged to check their website frequently for reference, and are sent an e-newsletter regularly featuring new deals, holiday specials, events, contests, and limited time offers. You also receive the SAM (Student Advantage Magazine) Magazine which gives you tips on college life and finding bargains, as well as fun interviews and informative articles. After you become a member, you will be emailed as your card membership runs into its final months (the card is good for one year). As the months progress, the offers to renew get better and better, including free movie passes with gift certificates for popcorn, added months to your card, up to $5 off the purchase price of your card, and free shipping. If anyone is interested in purchasing a card, leave your email address and I can send you an email with information regarding how to get a card of your own, and you'll be helping me to earn a referral fee!

The Walmart Issue

I'm not a particularly big fan of Walmart. I saw that Walmart Watch documentary that came out a year ago and ever since then, I've had an issue with shopping there. The problem is, Walmart is everywhere, and once it has moved into your town, it tends to gobble everything else up and put smaller stores out of business so that you have no choice but to shop there. Well, Walmart came to my town quite awhile ago, and about 2 years ago, our Walmart got supersized. Now, Walmart is full of great bargains, that is indisputable. But when it comes to great fashion, its a lot harder to see Walmart as a viable option. However, by being smart about your purchases, and choosing very carefully, you can make the Walmart bargain system work for your closet as well as your wallet.

What to get from the Walmart clothing section:
*ultra basic structural pieces like solid colored tank tops, tees, or long sleeved shirts
*beach basics like cotton or nylon shorts, two piece swimsuits, sarongs, wraps, draw-string cotton skirts, and sandals
*underwear--they actually have some very cute and sexy novelty lines for cheap--even millionaire actress Drew Barrymore has admitted to buying her underwear at Walmart
*novelty slippers--they're cute, colorful, faux fur covered, and actually very well made
*shoes (see previous posts on shoes)
*winter basics like scarves, hats, and gloves

What NOT to get from the Walmart clothing section
*jeans--they're poorly constructed, often irregular, and ill-fitting
*structured or professional skirts--see above
*blouses--are often made from artificial fabrics that don't breath
*sweaters are woven from unnatural fibers that don't hold up well in the wash


Another place that works to your advantage when it comes to bargain hunting at Walmart is the cosmetics section. They often have great deals on makeups and lotions. In addition to having lower prices than many drugstores, they often have promotions where they sell products in bonus packs. I recently tried the new Pure Makeup by Maybelline (shine free foundation made with water not oil) that came with a bonus gift compact and I also picked up some Maybelline Great Lash Mascara that came with a free eye lash curler.

Compare and see!

I got so excited about the shoe post and comparing my actual finds to the RIDICULOUSLY over-priced (yet of course, still fabulous) designer shoes, that I took more pictures so you could actually see what happens when you get good at finding fashionable bargains.






Manolos














Merona at Target

on clearance for $4.99

Designer


















Pierre Dumas at Burlington Coat Factory on sale for $14.99
















Blahnik

















Classique at Burlington Coat Factory on sale for $14.99
















Manolos

















Italina at Burlington Coat Factory on sale for $12.99










Especially in the last case, its very easy to see how you can achieve the same style or look buying regular department store shoes rather than dish out hundreds or even thousands for the sake of a label (that no one but you can see anyways). Save your hard earned money for more important things, like a great vacation, a better car, or even rent! Those are the types of things that are much more important when it comes to spending your money.

Fancy Feet

One of the most important qualities that all Bargain Shoppers possess is the will power to refrain from impulse buys. Impulse buys are those dreaded, guilt filled purchases made on a whim without thought or regard for price, quality, necessity, or otherwise. Bargain shoppers can have that immediate reaction to a particular item--they may fall instantly in love with that pin-striped black pencil skirt, but they know if its just been put on the shelves, they are better off waiting a bit to see if it goes on sale or clearance, because no matter how hot the style is, it always feels better when you look good in a hot deal. One very easy way to break into the habit of biding your time in regards to purchases, particularly for items that are solely in the realm of extraneous accessorizing--meaning those pieces in your wardrobe that are totally unnecessary in the practical sense, is to start being more aware of your shoe purchases. Ever since our favorite Sex and City gal, Miss Carrie Bradshaw, and her real life alias Sarah Jessica Parker, the debate over women and their obsession with shoes has officially been put to rest in favor of the infatuation. Now while most of us would really enjoy being able to spend $300, $400, $500, or even more at a clip on a single pair of shoes spectacularly imprinted with the name "Jimmy Choo" or "Manolo Blahnik" upon them, this simply is not the reality for the majority of women.

Manolo Blahnik originals that cost hundreds



So what do we do instead to satisfy our lust for foot adornments? First of all, accept the fact that you can't afford designer and move on--if you're a true fashionista, then your impeccable taste and ability to put together ensembles will enable you to likewise make any piece of fashion--be it Valentino or Walmart, look fabulous. After you've gained that self confidence, you can start planning your assault. If you have a particularly good eye and are attuned to the latest trends, you can even go out looking for less expensive versions of the latest designer styles and achieve the same look for a lot less dough! Realize that women's shoes are very seasonal items--you're not going to find pink flower covered sandals in December, and just the same, you'll have trouble finding black leather knee high boots in May. The key to finding discounts is to buy when things are at the end of their season. This means you have to keep an eye out for what you may be interested in and look to make your purchases 1-2 months after they've first appeared in the displays. Retail stores have to make room on their shelves before the end of each season so that they can stock them with new apparel. That means that those sizes and styles that haven't sold are marked down drastically on clearance in an attempt to move them out of the way quickly. While this is a risky bet depending on the availability of your shoe size as well as how popular the particular type of shoe you are interested in is, since the shoes would simply be an addition to your closet, and not a need-based buy such as work shoes, or winter boots, you shouldn't feel that bad if you don't end up getting what you wanted.

Apostrophe by Sears on sale for $9.99

By using this tactic, I've had some fabulous shoe splurging shopping trips where I have bought up to 3 or 4 pairs of shoes at once. These splurges are made all the more fun (and guilt-free) by the simple fact that I've paid so little! One such trip, my mother and I bought 9 pairs of shoes between the two of us, and each pair only cost $3! One of the pairs of shoes I got on this excursion quickly became one of my favorites, and a staple in my then high school wardrobe. I distinctly remember the secret glee I would feel when classmates and even teachers would say how much they liked my shoes--one friend even recalled seeing "my shoes" on Sarah Michelle Gellar in a magazine recently. My best shoe bargains ever came from the now closed Ames, where I found 3 pairs of shoes, costing $0.25, $0.50, and $0.75 respectively. It was in fact one of those pairs of shoes that I wore to my junior prom. Some of the other stores that I have had particular luck with finding some sexy shoes on sale--Target, Walmart, Sears, Burlington Coat Factory, and Fashion Bug. So go ahead--fill up that closet with as many shoes as you can fit, and when your parents or your boyfriend bemoan your plethora of ped-wear, ask him when's the last time he only paid 3 bucks for a pair of shoes.

bluefly ad

The BlueFly TV commercial.

BlueFly

Now, I've never really done a lot of online shopping myself, and not for clothes particularly because I have a lot of problems with sizes on different things, and have to try things on or atleast hold them up against my body in order to gauge things. However, that being said, I recently caught wind of this new site called BlueFly after seeing a television commercial of theirs. After checking out the site about a week ago, I've found it to be one of my "daily visits" on the net, as not only do they have a drool-worthy selection of designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessoriess, starting at 40% off, but they also have a fun little virtual game you can play once a day (per email address) and try to win yourself a pair of free designer shoes. Though I haven't won yet, I have one some free additional chances to play and a couple "take an extra 10% off" codes to use should I decide to buy something.

As far as their selection goes, they have all the big names you can think of from Prada, to Gucci, Nicole Miller, Kenneth Cole New York, Vera Wang, and Dolce & Gabbana, among numerous others. They feature all the latest styles and regularly have new arrivals, which are featured in a special section, and their menswear is top notch. You can choose to carefully prowse the thumbnail pictures on their pages which include the designer name/line, a short description, the piece's retail value plus the Blue Fly price and your total percentage saved. If you have something more specific in mind, you can even search by deigner name or price range. Best of all, the site has a special "clearance" section (which is every Bargain Shopper's favorite word), that features items that are even further discounted.

Even if online shopping is not for you, its worth the look to try and win yourself some of those free designer shoes!

WELCOME!!

I'm not sure when it started, but I'm sure that my mother had something to do with it. Over the course of my 22 years of existence, I have quite adeptly become what would be called a "Bargain Shopper." While I can't say exactly what skills it requires to be a dedicated Bargain Shopper, I can tell you certain tips and tricks of the trade that I find to be particularly helpful.