Why I'm MIA

Yes, I haven't posted anything since Dec 2008. I've thought about it, but just fell into a lull. My life has been consumed by preschool, evening classes and focusing on my jewelry line (see right). So, I apologize and hopefully soon I'll post fabulous shopping deals before Dec 2009 rolls around. Until then...

Win a $500 Gift Card to WalMart!

Share your best money saving holiday tip and you could win a $500 gift card to Wal-Mart compliments of Nickelodeon. All you need to do is visit one of Walmart's Eleven Moms, read their blog about the contest, and post your best holiday tip for an entry. You can start here with Being Frugal.net , an awesome money saving blog that you should seriously consider adding to your blog reader list.

And in the spirit of the contest, here's my best money saving holiday tip. If you're a little strapped for cash this season to buy holiday gifts, but want to give at least something, consider making a small donation to charities such as March of Dimes. You can donate as little as $1 in someone's name and it will help that charity tremendously. You can also printout a receipt that shows the gift recipient's name and the name of the charity (the amount will not show). This a beautiful, priceless gift that will make you and the gift recipient feel good. It really embodies the holiday spirit of giving.

We are Family...and Friends! Discounts Galore!

Now sing along if you know this Pointer Sisters song:

We are family (and friends),
I've got all my discounts with me,
We are family (and friends),
Come on everybody, let's spend!

Hee, hee! Well, seems like major retailers are spreading the love with their friends and family discounts before Black Friday hits. Take advantage of these special discounts to get your holiday shopping under control. Don't forget to check out the clearance section for extra savings. Also, please make sure to read the fine print of all offers for exclusions, exceptions and expiration dates.

Bath & Body Works: Pamper yourself with a 20% discount valid only online using promo code 20FRIENDS. Expires 11/16/08.

Bloomingdales: Designer brands are a tad more affordable with Friends & Family code FANDF. Pair the savings with Bloomie's current sale of 20% off Fall Favorites for Women and you'll get a runway look for less. Promo ends 11/16/08/.

Calvin Klein Underwear: For an intimate gift, click over to Calvin Klein's online store and use promo code FRIENDS2 to save 30% off your purchase. You can also save up to 50% off on select clearance items. Sale ends 11/18/2008.

Charlotte Russe: Print out this e-mail coupon and bring to your local store to save 30% until 11/18/08.

Chicos, White House|Black Market, Soma Intimates: Save 25% online through 11/16/08 with the following codes:
Chicos: 6321
B&W House: 8750
Soma: 7113

Eddie Bauer: Use online promo code HOLFANDF to save 30% (except clearance items) from 11/14/08-11/16/08.

Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Store, Old Navy: According to these popular retailers, it's "Give and Get" time with this special Friends & Family code that knocks off 30% off your purchase. Please note that this code can be used multiple times in-store; the online code shown is a one-time use only. Valid 11/13/08 - 11/16/08.

Harry & David: Stock up on these popular edible gifts with this printable coupon that takes 30% off your purchase through 11/16/08.

KB Toys: Use this in-store Friends & Family coupon to save 20% your purchase on either 11/17/08 or 11/24/08.

Janie & Jack: I have never seen this type of discount from Janie & Jack - save 25% from 11/14-11/16 with their friends & family promotion!

Restoration Hardware: Get 20% off your online purchase with promo code FFR2008.

Free Holiday Shipping

Save yourself from the stress of holiday crowds with free shipping offers from the following online retailers. Pair the savings by going through Ebates or other cash back sites (see list on the right) and you'll have a little extra cash to get something for yourself!

Fisher Price: Purchase $50 or more from their online store and get free shipping until 11/14/08.

HSN: Purchase from hundreds of select toys available at HSN and you'll get free shipping. Try using promo code C79238 to save an extra 15% (supposedly works on orders over $50). Expiration unknown.

KB Toys: Enjoy free standard shipping here on thousands of toys until 11/17/08.

Roxy: Get free shipping on orders over $49 (no code required). Expires 11/16/08.

Toys R' Us: Take advantage of small and big ticket items with its free shipping offer on orders of $49 or more. Expiration unknown.

Free Food Network Magazine

Attention cooks and food lovers! Get the premiere issue for free through this link from Hearst Magazines. Make sure you read the fine print - you'll be sent a bill for $15 if you like the magazine; if not, just write "cancel" on the bill and you will not be charged.

Sizing Up Shampoos

Need to switch up your shampoos? Then try these free shampoo samples listed below. Also, read here for an interesting answer to the question of whether it is beneficial to periodically change up your shampoos. I have always wondered about that!

Nexxus -Get a FREE sample of Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo and Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner.

Salon Secret Sample from WalMart: Your sample will ship 11/24/08, and the name of the "secret" product will be revealed as well.

Pantene - Enjoy a free sample of Pantene Collections Shampoos.

Victoria's Secret - Get 2 Bras and Panties Under $20!

Originally this post by $20 for Charity was on how to score 2 sweaters, 2 bras and 1 panty for under $30. Unfortunately, the sweater deal has expired (darn!), but you can still get 2 bras and 1 panty for less than $20. Just follow the steps in her post (excluding the sweater deal). Also, when selecting a panty, make sure it is white, buff or ivory. The code will not go through if you select other colors. My grand total came out to $17.98 -I spend that on one bra alone! Have fun stocking up for yourself or others (i.e. Christmas gifts)!

More Free Eats on Election Day

Here's a supplement to my previous post on free food offered by national food chains on election day. All the info is from The Orange County Register (see full article here). Seems like more eateries are really trying to encourage people to get out there and vote! Also be sure to check out your local restaurants for any freebies or promotions on Nov. 4.

Starbucks: Voters will receive a free tall coffee on Nov. 4. For more details, see the ad at http://www.youtube.com/starbucks.

Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut will give a 20 percent discount to all online orders scheduled for delivery or pick-up on Nov. 4. NOTE: Valid for new online customers only.

Daily Grill: Enjoy a free appetizer rom 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. For locations, check here.

Pat & Oscar’s: Dine in after casting you vote and receive 20% off on Nov. 4. Pat & Oscar’s locations listed here.

Vote & Get Free Food!

Given the rumors that the lines at the poll will be longer than previous elections, you'll probably miss a meal just to get your vote in. So thanks to The Bargainist for this great post on select restaurants that are rewarding your civic duty (and patience) with free eats on election day. Here is the post from the website:

"A few restaurant chains are doing their patriotic duty by giving away free food on Election Day this November 4th. Start the day with a free star shaped doughnut with patriotic sprinkles from Krispy Kreme. Each customer that shows up with an "I Voted" sticker will receive one. Then head over to Shane's Rib Shack where they'll be giving away a free "Vote America Meal" that consists of three hand-breaded chicken tenders, fries and a 20 oz. drink. Here again you must show your "I Voted Today" sticker. Chick-fil-a is also fulfilling their patriot duty with a free Chicken Sandwich for all voters. Finish up the day at your local Ben & Jerry's between the hours of 5-8pm, and you'll get a free scoop of ice cream. All offers valid on 11/04/2008 only. [Thanks, Everyone!]"

Hot Weekend Deals

Here's a few deals from around the blogosphere:

6pm.com: All RSVP shoes for women are marked down to $9.99. Just type in RSVP in search box. I found lots of sandals, pumps, dressy heels and even kids shoes for $9.99. Check out these awesome floral adorned shoes that are on sale! If you purchase through CashBaq (similar to Ebates and FYI Ebates did not have a cash back option for 6pm.com), you'll receive 5% back of your purchase (plus you'll get $5 for signing up). (thanks to My Bargain Buddy)

Bev Mo: Buy one bottle of wine, get the second for a nickel! Some 150 wines are eligible for the discount which ends December 7, 2008. (thanks to The Bargain Hunter!)

Fashion Bug: Save 50% sitewide on women's apparel through Nov. 3. Check out this plaid babydoll jacket now reduced to $15.98!

MAC Cosmetics: Free shipping on any purchase this weekend with promo code 3DAY. (thanks again to The Bargain Hunter!)