July 2009 - Deal Gossip

How to Avoid Being Seduced

I was recently seduced. I almost succumbed, but at the last crucial moment, common sense prevailed and I rescued my sanity, my reputation and my spare cash.

Let me explain.

A few weeks back, a new face started appearing at all the local haunts: the playground, the neighborhood pool, friends' parties and BBQs. Sleek, handsome and charming, this stranger seemed to be everywhere. And all the Mums were enthralled.

Suddenly it seemed that no social gathering was complete without this accessory. And the name of this Johnny-come-lately? Flip.

There's almost nothing parents like more than to capture the latest cute display from their progeny. Is there a single parent in America who doesn't own a digital camera? They're great for capturing still shots but what about video?

Sometimes a still shot just isn't enough. We want moving, talking images of each new trick Junior learns so we can share the results with Grandma, show them off on Facebook or better still, bribe Junior with in fourteen years time.

But who wants to carry around a bulky old-fashioned video camcorder?

Lately, at least four mothers have been simultaneously flaunting their Flips at every opportunity and inevitably, I found myself lusting enviously after this new shiny toy. I came home to Mr. Thrift in raptures: "It's wonderful! So simple, just think how great it will be to get movie images of Little Miss Thrift (LMT) that we can email to family overseas!"

Like all those in the first flush of infatuation, I firmly avoided the glaring obvious: I already own a perfectly good digital camera with a video feature (which I'd never used). I also own a large, clunky Sony hard drive camcorder that's been more trouble than it's worth in the four years we've had it, so that one wasn't so hard to step over.

Like the thrifty shopper Lulu is, I threw myself into researching the object of my affection. (I may have been in lust but I'm never stupid with my cash).

Searching for the best price online, I started to discover things I didn't like. First, that I was going to have to pay at least $150 for the most basic Flip. And I wouldn't be able to take still shots on this or any of Flips more pricey siblings. So I'd still need to carry my old Canon Powershot with me if I wanted the option of a single photo.

Two cameras to carry at once? I'm not Annie Leibovitz for Pete's sake. I delved further. Several techie types far digitally smarter than me had some not so flattering things to say about the Flip, like it doesn't work so well with a Mac (not good) and that the battery runs out fast (really not good).

Each new fact struck a fresh blow to my heart. Like a teen in her first break-up, I felt betrayed. I slammed the lid of my MacBook shut, refusing to face the truth. It took days before I woke up and smelled the cool fresh whiff of reality.

The fact is my 2006 Canon Powershot SD550 Elph has a great digital video feature that takes good quality clips as long in duration as whatever memory card I'm using will allow. It turns out memory has grown and prices have dropped since the last time I slid a new card into my camera.

For a tenth of the price of the coveted Flip camera, I can simply purchase a new memory card for my Powershot and video clips seamlessly alongside any still shots I want to take. Which means only one camera to tote around. Later the whole lot gets ingested by iPhoto on my Mac at the same time - stills and video together. All in all, a 2 GB memory card plus shipping cost me just $10 and I've been happily shooting mini-movies on my old camera ever since.

Lately I've been taking "One-to-One" classes at my local Apple store and I'm becoming a pro at iMovie. So all those LMT clips I want the family Von Thrift in London to see? No problem. It's just a question of making the effort to use the video feature on my trusty camera and getting creative with the editing process. No need for any new love affairs, however sleek the protagonist.

So next time you're dancing with the devil of temptation and losing your head over a new infatuation - take a moment to pause. Think. Is the relationship you already have with your possessions worth taking a closer look at? Do you already own something that'll do the job just as well? Can you save yourself the humiliation of heartbreak by hanging on to your head and your wallet? There's a line from a song in one of LMT's favorite kid shows on TV that I particularly like. "Nothing I don't have yet is as good as what I've got". Worth a thought. Peace out.

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Organize Your Handbag and Save On Essentials

Every woman carries a handbag and while most everyone seems to care about the bag itself, we often forget that it's what's on the inside that really counts. Take a look inside your handbag or tote. If there's ton a stuff, consider cleaning it out every so often - those old receipts can add up to a lot of clutter! It's also time to chuck your old makeup, clean your digital camera or cell phone and start afresh with our ultimate list of the essentials you didn't realize that you need. Even better? Everything on our list is currently on sale!

Whether your cosmetic bag is large or small, you should have a good pair of tweezers and Tweezerman is the brand of choice. Everyone loves Tweezerman, especially beauty pros and makeup artists. It's easy to see why, since they're designed with a slant that makes plucking those stray hairs much easier. Currently at Sephora, buy one pair of select Tweezerman tweezers and save $5.00 off the $25 regular price. And these tweezers come in stylish animal prints (giraffe, leopard, alligator or zebra). Tweezerman tweezers are must-have beauty tool at a great price.

Beyond keeping you warm, a stylish scarf can really expand your wardrobe options. Unless you live in the North Pole, you don't want to lug around a thick, heavy scarf in your purse. Old Navy is selling lightweight summer scarves at lightweight prices (only $10, which is 20% off). The Lightweight Plaid Scarves come in a multitude of pretty colors (including blue, green and gray). Made with 100% rayon, these beautiful scarves make a low-key but nonetheless versatile accessory. You can wrap it around your hair or tie it around your waist in lieu of a belt - the possibilities are endless.

While most can't  afford a manicure every single day, you can keep your manicure in shape with a portable manicure kit like this one from Conair. The Travel Smart by Conair Mini Professional Manicure Set is only $10.99 (which is 29% off) at Drugstore.com. This kit has everything including nail clippers, tweezers, file, scissors and more. It's all stored neatly in the chic little black case that will fit perfectly in your handbag for anytime, anywhere accessibility.

Finally, take stock of items in your purse that you'll probably run out of often (I do) like lip gloss and perfume. These are two essentials that most of us reach for on a daily basis and sometimes several times a day. Beauty.com has two wonderful deals for both mandatory beauty items: KLS Beauty Fabulosity Plumping Lip Gloss is now $11.90 (originally  $17.00) and Red Flower Roll-On Organic Perfume in Champa which is now $33.60 (originally $48.00). The former is a plumping lip gloss in a tasty Raspberry Schnapps flavor, and the latter is a sexy nature-infused woodsy fragrance. If you'd like to keep a supply of beauty product miniatures and samples, simply spend $25 or more at Ulta.com, and receive a free deluxe sample bag with miniature versions of wonderful beauty goodies such as a 10-day sample of bareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil, H20, and DDF (among many others).

Photo from Buy.com of Nine West Handbag.

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Back-To-School Bargains and Deals

Are you looking forward to next month when the kids head back to school? What I'm sure you're not looking forward to is all the shopping that must be done beforehand. The clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, electronics, stuff for the dorm - it sure adds up. But with a little time and effort, you can find real bargains on everything they need for school without forking over full retail price. Whether you are prepping your little one for pre-K or sending your child to their last year in college, you can save big. You can also save time since we here at CheapToday will do the deal-hunting for you! Simply log on to CheapToday daily for the best deals and watch them add up.

Send your kids back to school in style. Start out with shoes because when you spend over $100 or more on select shoes at Endless.com, you’ll save $20 on everything from flats, sneakers, wedges, oxfords, and more. This includes some of the hottest styles of footwear for children and teens including OTBT Park City Flats (which come in hip colors like brown or navy), Hush Puppies Mary Janes, the bold printed DC Pacha Chelsea Sneakers and so much more. The sale includes shoes for girls, boys, juniors, young men, athletic shoes and cleats, and even women's footwear.

Now that you've got them stylish shoes and footwear, its time to move on to clothes. Check out Amazon for discounts on jeans for both kids and teens - spend $50 on select styles of denim and save $10. Brands on sale include Levi's, Glo, Applebottoms, Union Bay and more.

Kids are getting more and more into technology. Since it will eventually help them in their future career plans, why not encourage that interest? Buy them the Archos 10 Netbook at CompUSA for only $299.99 (originally $329.99). This ultra-portable computer may be small but it is perfect for those who want to catch up on extra work, email, and more - it's ideal for a college or high school student. This Archos 10 Netbook contains Windows XP, Wireless LAN (for easy internet access), pixel webcam, Skype, BitDefender Anti-virus and more.

Looking for an affordable backpack or two? The Gap is now selling backpacks, messenger bags, laptop cases and lunchboxes at 30% off. You will find an array of cute styles in different colors and prints. This kid-friendly luggage is also well-designed, many of the bags have extra storage pockets and compartments for your kid to store whatever they need, even small electronics like MP3 players. This sale ends quick so get over to GapKids before Wednesday, July 29 to score these savings. 

Now what about school supplies? OfficeMax's Back-To-School For Pennies is a great place to start, since this in-store sale saves you big on school essentials. You'll find buy one Post-It Sticky Note pack and get a second for .01 cent, 25% off select loose filler notebook paper packs, buy two get one free on Officemax multi-subject notebooks and much more.  Parents of the college-bound students will find wonderful deals at Target.com, where you can save 15% when you spend $125 on select college furniture or accessories including Black & Decker Coffee Makers, modern style chairs, storage, dinnerware and much more. They are also offering free shipping on select items.

With great deals like these, you might actually enjoy back-to-school shopping!

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Jean-ius Deals

Jeans are the ultimate American style staple: everybody wears them. And it's easy to see why, as you can wear them with virtually everything (tees, tanks, tunics, and more). It's equally easy to dress them up or dress them down. If you’re lucky, you can wear denim to work - just try to stick with a dark wash. For most of us, our whole wardrobe revolves around the perfect pair of jeans. But really, you should have at least several pairs of perfect denim.  If you’re looking to stock up, read on for more fabulous denim deals below.

Looking for the perfect pair of jeans? Look no further than Calvin Klein’s current denim sale. You can save up to 70% off a wide variety of denim styles including classic, flares, boot cuts, skinny and more. Now is the time to stock up on several terrific pairs of Calvin Klein jeans, like the classic five pocket premium stretch jeans ($29.99, was $89.50). Here are some more fabulous finds: boot cut white jeans ($55.65 now, was $70.50) and the slim fit cropped jeans ($41.65 now, was $59.50). Find your perfect pair now!

If you’re really loving the skinny jean trend, then Old Navy has the bargain for you. Old Navy’s The Diva Skinny Jeans are now 39% off the original price at just $17.99 (originally $29.50). True to the name, these comfy stretch jeans come in three chic colors: bright white, rinse (dark blue) and authentic (slate grey). If you want a pair of jeans to help you look put-together, these are the pair for you.

Vintage denim is good but vintage style is better, especially when on sale. J. Crew’s Vintage Slim Selvedge Jean in Cowgirl Wash is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Originally $175.00, these J. Crew jeans are now $129.99. Made with Japan’s authentic selvedge denim, they were actually hand-distressed to give them the most worn-in look with absolute comfort.

Urban Outfitters has the ultimate rocker jean on sale: Silence & Noise Bleach White Twig Jean is ($29.99, originally $68.00). These uber-bleached mid-rise jeans feature a skinny fit and a few traces of black for effect. These jeans are so stylish . Stay on the Urban Outfitters website and find more fab denim deals like Levi’s 421 Skinny Jean ($39.99, was $54.00) and Cheap Monday Brights Tight Jean  ($29.99, was $70.00). The latter comes in two colors: dry grass (green) or broken purple. Check out Urban Outfitters for even more denim deals.

Speaking of colored denim, why not pink? The Gap’s Colored Cropped Jeans in Pink Sorbet are only $29.99 (originally $59.50). These stylish pink cropped pants are just the perfect thing to wear this summer. These jeans look just as good with a mini sundress as with a simple tank. These jeans are made mostly of cotton with just 1% spandex for stretch.

With the right pair(s) of jeans, your wardrobe can go anywhere and with these sales, you can stretch your wardrobe for less. So take advantage of the sales today!

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Deals on Eco-Friendly Products

Some of us don't just want to save money, we also want to save the environment. What used to be a daunting task of trying to locate eco-conscious beauty products, home goods, and even environmentally friendly electronics now has become a bit easier, as a lot of store and companies are trying to fill that niche. Right now you can walk into almost any store and actually have a choice of natural, organic, or otherwise Earth-friendly products. Now imagine another ten years from now, we might actually have mainstream eco shops that exclusively sell all things pro-environment, things like fashionable organic cotton clothes and bamboo accessories. In the meantime I will list deals that save the Earth and your wallet.

A lot of anti-aging products have harsh ingredients that you're probably not very familiar with. This is not the case with Bieux Skin Bionaturals Power Lift & Repair Serum. This set contains six ampoules that contain purified water and green tea extract. Its also free of synthetic fragrances/dyes, and parabens. Each ampoule lasts up to two weeks(instead of a day), and over time you'll see visibly firmer and more radiant skin. It also works as a quick fix for tired looking eyes. Bieux Skin Bionaturals Power Lift & Repair is dermatologically formulated, non-comedeogenic, and not tested on animals. Right now you can buy it at Sephora for $62.50(orignally $125). BTW, this product recieve Sephora's natural seal,  which indicates a higher quality of natural based ingredients. Learn more here.

Since its summer time, and getting a good tan is all the rage, you should do it organically(minus the sun of course). Here is a Drugstore.com deal, Nature's Gate Organics Upper Tanagement Self Tanning Cream is only $11.99(20% off original price, you'll save $3). This tanning cream was made with certified organic ingredients including Fennel, Aloe Vera, and Linden Flower. Its an easy to use lightweight, non-streaking forumla and gives you natural looking results. It also moisturizes your skin thanks to Squalane(which is derived from Olive Oil).  Check out Drugstore.com for even more deals on environmentally safe products and items.

Need a snack? Download coupons from Target.com for Kashi snacks and food. Coupons include $1.00 off Kashi cereal, $1.00 off 2 boxes of Kashi cookies or crackers, and more. For bonus savings, go directly to the Kashi website and join their free community to recieve free samples and exclusive coupons from time to time. If you're looking for more coupons for savvy eco good, check out the Seventh Generation website Seventh Generation makes green products for the home, baby, and more. Like Kashi, you have to join for free. You can also print out coupons twice, and remember to check frequently as they're always adding more.

Its now easy to save and protect the Earth at the same time.

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Wales in Washington (or Free Stuff to do in your Home Town)

Every summer the Smithsonian Institute throws a festival right in the heart of the nations' capital. People come from all over the world to taste exotic culture from far-flung corners of the globe.

Spread out in the shadow of the Washington monument the DC Folklife Festival celebrates the music, food, trade, crafts and language of the lands or regions it chooses to represent.

Mr. Thrift and I have pootled about this festival a few times over the years, but never before have I felt a compulsion to attend as strongly as now. For this year, which nation did the auspicious Institute deem worthy of the world's attention? Wales.

As you'll have heard before, at least half of Lulu is from Wales, a small country to the left of England peopled by those hardiest of souls used to enduring harsh winters, mountainous terrain and a peculiar lack of plumbing.

So when I found out that Cardiff was coming to the Capitol, I knew that I had to be there. One sunny morning last week saw me up unusually bright and early, throwing thrifty homemade sandwiches into a cooler and bundling Mr. and Little Miss Thrift (LMT) into the Thriftmobile.

Forty minutes later we'd found what my sister calls "Rock-Star Parking". Now, for a parking spot to qualify as rock-star it needs to be within rolling distance of your target. Our spot peered directly up the barrel of what LMT calls "The Washument". And astonishingly it was free. Not a bad start. Or as they say in Wales - "tidy".

I'd promised LMT Welsh cakes. There were none. But you can find my recipe for them here. Thanks to some political nonsense about food licensing (well, we were within verbal suing distance of the Capitol building) the food stand was run by a local Irish pub (don't get me started) and the Welsh cookery demonstration stand could show you how to make local treats, but you weren't allowed to actually taste them. Huh?

But we did find a brilliant Welsh music stall where we learned the Scots don't have a monopoly over bagpipes. We enjoyed an instructive discussion in the culture tent about a typical Welsh day (apparently they eat cereal and toast for breakfast! How novel!). We even found out how coracles (an ancient Welsh single-person boat loved by my riverside dwelling sister) are made.

It was fun. Honestly. And the best part? The whole thing was free. Not a dime to get in to the festival, free parking and we avoided the Irish-Welsh food by eating the lunch we'd brought. Which at least had been made by a person with some Welsh blood.

A while back, one of our intrepid CheapToday bloggers wrote about the phenomenon known as the "Staycation". This years hottest place to go for your family fun is - right on your own doorstep. I like to think this movement is as much about our green leanings as it is about saving money. Find some close-by family fun this summer and keep your carbon footprint small, and cash in your wallet.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

If you're heading to the Big Apple you can see mermaids on Coney Island, watch movies under the stars and enjoy Shakespeare in the park. How about a free pole dancing class in San Diego? Or West African dance demonstrations in Seattle? For those in the nation's heartland perhaps a free bellydance performance will tempt you into Iowa City.

Outdoor parties and rock concerts in Atlanta make for a warm welcome southern welcome. Meanwhile back here in the nation's capital we can offer you not only the entire wealth of the Smithsonian museums (rockets, space ships, dinosaurs and Van Gogh to name but a few), the mall and all its monuments, but also the magnificent and spacious National Zoo. All free entry.

Please let me know if you find more free events around the country, you can post them in the comments section below and share the wealth. And let me know how you get on with your close-to-home free fun this summer.

Enjoy!

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Even More Deals On The Summer's Hottest Trends

Looking for a good bargain? So am I!  Luckily I don't have to look very far(some of the best stuff is over there on clearance), and keep checking for when my favorite pieces of the season go on sale. I can find even better deals online(particularly when they offer free shipping). If you remember a previous post of mine I that I written a week or so ago, you'll know that I am constantly looking at the summer's hottest sales and clearances. Look below for a sampling of even more fashion-y bargains!

Now this here is a jean-ius deal! Right now American Eagle Outfitters Boy Fit Jeans are on sale for $14.99, that's a big markdown from $49.50. They are made of incredibly soft denim, plus they have a relaxed fit that usually comes from completely worn-in jeans. These jeans are low-rise style, feature deconstructed details, and come in one color which is Faded Railroad Wash. You can roll them or wear them down. I love how simple and undone these jeans are, wear them with a simply tee or tank and add some cute ballet flats- which you can buy at American Eagle Outfitters Clearance sale where you can find clothes and accessories for up to 70% off. I found a ton of fabulous items at even more fabulous prices like the Lace Floral Tank(now $11.50) which has a beautiful graphic floral print; or the boho chic Fringe Sandals(now $9.95) which comes in a variety of colors including Wild Violet and Pipeline Blue.

Who couldn't use a comfy summer shirtdress? Victoria's Secret's Cap Sleeve Shirtdress has been marked down from $148 to $58.99. This cotton/silk tailored button-down dress reminds me a bit of a 50's style vintage dress. This dress is beyond cute is would look even better with heels. What else does Victoria's Secret have on sale? Buy 2 pairs of yoga pants for $40, including classic, legging, and cropped styles. Select styles of shorts and capri pants from at $9.99 to $29.50, including linen and chino styles. They have a wide selection of blouses and  tanks for $14.99 and up. So many great finds at great prices...

I wear a lot of different styles, but more often than not I gravitate towards simple elegance(even for casual clothes), and thats why I am a fan of Anthropologie(which also sells home decor). Currently, Anthropologie has got a lot of my favorite blouses, pants, swimwear, and more on sale. Everything they sell here makes you enjoy what fashion can do for you. Many of the furnishings and home decor are also on sale.

I'm also loving the sale at Topshop  right now (yes, the famed United Kingdom store now sells to the United States as well), You can find a fantastic mix of fun party clothes and trendy casual summer pieces for even less. What's included in the sale? Stylish pieces designed by model and former nineties icon Kate Moss, including her colorful draped vests and crochet pieces. Also on sale: a variety of eighties style dresses, casually comfy knitwear, and even glamourous bikinis. I just love to browse Topshop for their on-trend finds, and this sale will give more excuse to browse(and buy!), which are two of my favorite things to do!

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Psst...A Great British Icon on Sale

In 2002, two great British icons arrived in America. Stateside has been a better place ever since. One was Lulu Thrift. The other, Johnnie Boden. Both endearingly eccentric, quirkily comedic and quintessentially British. And both downright stylish.

You Americans (mostly) love our quirky British ways: our cheeky sense of humor, cream teas, royal history and foppish hairdos. If you could distill all that into one man you'd have a dapper English chap called Johnnie Boden. Never heard of him? Let me illuminate.

Johnnie is the real deal: a slightly less glamorous version of Hugh Grant with red hair, a boyish grin and an accent like something from a Merchant Ivory movie. He's your typical self-deprecating, understated Brit. And he just happens to own his own clothing empire: the self-titled Boden.

Johnnie used to be a stockbroker in the city of London, but he decided he wasn't very good at that so showing a lack of hesitation uncharacteristic in an upper-class British male, he decided to get into women's clothing (see what I did there?).

He sold just eight products from his London flat in those early days; the models he used for the flimsy catalog were family and friends. In the early 1990's I'd chuckle as Tarquin, Arabella and Rupert cavorted across the pages in their uniquely British threads; corduroy trousers and slightly lumpy cardigans.  When you called to make an order it was Johnnie's voice you'd hear on the line and let me assure you, his is an accent that must be heard to be believed.

Things have come on a pace since then. As well as covering men and women's bottoms in trademark hardy-yet-trendy fabrics, Boden has a truly brilliant kids line called "Mini Boden". Speaking as a Mum, this is pure heaven. The clothes are wearably traditional and built to last in on-trend delicious designs.

If you have a little girl I challenge you to resist the fabulous summer dresses. The frocks are to die for, and best of all you can chuck 'em in the washer on warm, hang 'em out and they'll look as good as new for longer than your daughter can still fit into them.

Johnnie Boden still sends out his catalogs, but the models are now professional (a change I don't personally believe was for the better - are you listening Johnnie? I want Tarquin back!) and most of the trade is done on line.

When Johnnie decided to "break America" in 2002 this was big news for me. I'd been buying Boden for a decade back home, I'd already had to leave my best mates and my family behind at Heathrow airport, and I wasn't ready to say goodbye to all things Union Jack.

Hooray hoorah, America embraced Johnnie and me at the same time and, boy does Johnnie ever love America. You can watch him talk about it here.

Last summer on our annual family trip to Florida we met up with friends over from England. The other Mum and I showed up at the pool with something Boden everyday. When I told her I'd got my Union Jack beach bag half price in the summer sale she was incensed. Her beach kaftan was full price. Turns out we get the sale here in the US weeks before the UK does!

I agreed it wasn't very loyal of a British company to let the Americans have the first bite of the cherry, then ran back to our apartment to snap up a gorgeous rain coat 60% off before the Brits could get to it.

You've read how Lulu adores excellent customer service. Well Boden ranks high in my top three sites for outstanding human beings and personal attentiveness behind them. These chaps have bent over backwards to accommodate Lulu's demands, making out-of-stock handbags magically appear, scouring the inventory for a coveted sweater and generally being magnificent about exchanges, returns and product advice over the years.

So what's the point of all this you're wondering? This is a deals web site! Ok so I buried the lead. The Boden summer sale is now on and I implore you to get to it fast. This stuff flies off the virtual shelves so don't delay. If you miss something, try not to fret, there's always another sale and Johnnie is brilliant at making deals throughout the seasons.

But do sign up to the site - it's the only way you'll get those deals and sales alerts. Right now I'd say jump on that sale like a caffeinated five-year-old, but once it's done I'd advise you to wait for one of these deals if you're considering a new season purchase.

There are regular 15-20% off plus free ship & return offers coming through, but only for those signed up to receive emails. The site is a hoot too, with joke pages and behind the scenes info. You can tell that our Johnnie doesn't take himself too seriously, just his clothes. Oh, and if you're lucky, you might still get Johnnie answering your phone call. We Brits do like to be polite don't you know?

Finally, lest you be wondering, Lulu Thrift has received no remuneration in cash or kind for this glowing and utterly biased post. I just really love Boden and wanted to share the joy with you.

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Beauty Deals and Freebies

I am a self-professed beauty product and cosmetic junkie. If it comes in a bottle, tube, tub, or whatnot, you can pretty much guess that I got it(you should see my bathroom...). I love trying new products: the colors, the scents, the creams, and virtually everything else that creates a whole spa-like experience. I love the products,  but not the wait or price that you'd get at a spa or even salon, so I most often do-it-myself. With the right products you will look and feel like you stepped out of a salon. But even though I'm not afraid to spend a little on quality makeup and fragrances, I find even more joy when I discover that a lot of my favorite products are affordable. Remember that price doesn't always equal quality. And if you really look a bit, you can often find skin care, hair care, cosmetics for less(and sometimes nothing). Are you looking for some fabulous beauty freebies and deals?  Read on.....

Why choose between a cute new tote bag or a few new beauty items when you can get both? Right now at Macy's, buy any Estee Lauder foundation or skincare that's retailing at $32.50 or more and recieve a free nautical striped tote bag stuffed with summer's essentials including Projectionist High Definition Volume Mascara (10 day supply), two Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks(in flattering shades of Sugar Honey and Nectarine), DayWear Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15 (14 day supply), Take It Away Makeup Remover (travel sized), plus a smaller makeup case! Even better, spend $50 or more on any Estee Lauder foundation or skincare purchase and recieve free shipping. Sounds like a beautiful deal to me!

Are you into mineral foundations? I am! Here's a great deal for those of us who love mineral cosmetics(and also for those who haven't tried them), Sephora is giving away a 10-day supply New Matte Foundation from Bare Escentuals absolutely free with any purchase-no minimum purchase. Simply use promo code BEMATTE at the checkout and choose your sample from six different shades including fairly light, light, medium beige, medium tan, medium dark, and golden brown. These fine loose minerals give you a natural matte look, yet don't clog your skin's pores the way traditional foundations do. Remember that quantities are limited, so you'd better hurry.

Mary Kay is giving away free samples of their newest development in anti-aging skincare called The Miracle Set- which is based on modern advances in skin care. These products are ideal for those who want to start an anti-aging regimine and improve their overall skin tone. This set contains four small samples(roughly one application each), but you don't have to purchase anything to recieve these. The samples include Time Wise 3-in-1 Cleanser, Time Wise Age Fighting Moisturizer, Time Wise Day Solution Sunscreen SPF 25, and Time Wise Night Solution. Like the previous deal, the quantities are limited.

Have you ever envied a makeup artist's palette or cosmetic box? It must be worth hundreds of dollars....but you can buy Victoria's Secret Ultimate Makeup Kit for only $29.50 ( valued at $218). This lovely box contains 50 pieces- including 30 Silky Eye Shadows, 5 Lip Glosses, 5 Perfect Lipsticks, 4 Blushes, 1 Luminous Powder, 1 Translucent Powder, 1 Bronzer, 1 Mascara, 1 Lip Liner, 1 Eye Liner, and 5 brushes plus a mirror. 13 of the pieces contained in this kit are best-sellers(including Black Velvet Eyeliner and Perfect Lipstick in V.I.P). This kit is so complete that it will be tempting to throw out your current makeup bag.

And if you need to stock up on skin care essentials, check out Drugstore's current deal- buy 1 get 1 half off on certain products including Noxema (skin care), Nivea (SPF hand lotion), and Freeman (bath and skin care products).  Other deals from Drugstore include 25% to 30% off most products from Clearasil, Nature's Cure, Pond's , and Vaseline.  Stock up and save on moisturizer, body lotion, anti-aging products and more. This is a lot like a beauty BOGO(buy 1, get 1 half off) sale and it can't be missed.

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