http://www.savings.com/blog/featured.html Visit Savings.com for great deals and and advice on how to make your money go further. http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html <p>Last week I posted part one of the <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/post/1-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html">Top Ten Electronics Gifts for 2009</a> covering my picks for numbers ten through six. And now we have, live and in color, without further ado: THE TOP FIVE.</p> <p>Pause for applause.</p> <p>Cue Queen's "We Are The Champions." Thank you, thank you. Okay, enough with the second stage comedy, let's dive right in.</p> <p>Kicking things off this week in the number five spot:</p> <p>5) <strong>Green Technology Gear</strong> - It seems everyone is hopping on the carbon footprint erasing bandwagon. One of the biggest tech buys this year will be anything promoting power reduction and saving the world from our own wasteful ways. A really cool gadget from Arizona-based iGo is the iGo Green laptop charger. It purports to significantly cut down on unused standby power. 85% is the number quoted by most hands-on reviews. It comes with a USB cable and works fluidly with Bluetooth devices, mobile phones, portable gaming systems and MP3 players. Best of all, they look pretty sweet too. So scoop one up for about $99.99 and save the world. Well, at least until 2012 comes and the reset button is hit.</p> <p>4) <strong>Touchscreen Laptops</strong> - Less environmentally-conscious and deep than going green, will be the New Year's trend of no longer freaking out about fingerprints on the computer screen. The big daddy models in this sphere offer multi-touch functionality and intuitive compatibility with Windows 7. (<em>more on that later...</em>) Some must haves for the season are the Acer Aspire AS5738PG, which is affordably priced at $799.99. Tablet designed touchscreens also make the experience more fluid. To learn a bit more, check out Rob Enderle's post at <a href="http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-windows-7-laptops-desktops-and-diy-home-or-business-pcs/" target="_blank">Digital Trends</a> where he breaks down some of the best touchscreens on the market today.</p> <p>3) <strong>Budget GPS Systems</strong> - The use of traditional maps is fading away faster than Bret Michael's hairline. So you five guys out there still folding and unfolding with your hazard lights blinking on the side of the road, it's time to let go of the past. Wave hello to the 21st Century! GPS systems have been steadily growing in popularity for the past few years now. Budget systems like Tom Tom ONE will cost you no more than $200. If you are really feeling the crunch of an ever shrinking budget, then older models offering similar functionality can be had for about $100 or less without a significant drop in power.</p> <p>2) <strong>Droids, Droids, Droids</strong> (<em>see pic above</em>) - Google Android powered smartphones are coming to take over the world. Sara Conner was right and there is nothing we can do to stop the machines. So the best thing is to reach out and embrace the multi-touch functionality of the highly sought-after Motorola Droid from Verizon Wireless. Boasting a 3.7 inch LCD touchscreen, often seen lit up by an ominous cyclopean red eye, the Motorola Droid uses Google Android 2.0 operating system. Bells and whistles include bluetooth wireless, stereo streaming, a 5 megapixel camera and a 480p camcorder, as well as a horizontal keyboard, MP3 player, voice-controlled Google maps navigation, and a messaging platform that supports, video, picture, text, IM, and e-mail. I hear the iPhone is scared and wants to call Mommy.</p> <p>And the number one best tech buy of Holiday Season 2009 will be:</p> <p>1) <strong>Windows 7</strong>. Initial reviews show it not to be the buggy hatefest-generating disaster that marked past iterations of Windows. You've seen the ads on TV and you're no doubt among the many eagerly looking forward to the chance to upgrade. Windows 7 is being hailed as having an incredible user-interface, great touchscreen functionality, an innovative taskbar, and broad hardware compatibility. Windows 7 is the big bad OS beast in the room stomping out all of the ugly memories associated with the epic disappointment that was Vista. As a result of the good word of mouth from early adopters, many sites are also offering holiday packages to entice users to buy now instead of waiting later.</p> <p>So that's my list. Keep an eye out for <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday sales</a> and <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Cyber-Monday-coupons.html">Cyber Monday deals</a> to get the best price on these hot products. And remember--it's still a gift if you buy it for yourself.</p> <p>What gadgets, gear, or various techy doo-dads are at the top of your North Pole bound letters? Bring them to the comments and share it with the blogosphere. I'll see you all right back here next week and on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SavingsGCapes">@SavingsGCapes</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:42 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/2-Top-Electronics-Gifts.html GCapes 2009-11-19T18:00:42Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Party-Wear.html <p>The Holidays are approaching and that means you no doubt have a few eggnog laden nights in your future. It's the time of year where you'll be hopping from party to party, trimming trees, giving thanks, collecting gelt, or just being merry with friends. But with all the expenses of gift giving and travel, who wants to add a Holiday party wardrobe to your list of expenses?</p> <p>Not you, Savvy Saver!</p> <p>With just a few simple accessories, you can wear the same basic dress to any occasion. Save money and time--and look great doing it.</p> <p><strong>The Bones</strong></p> <p>Somewhere in the recesses of your closet, I know there's a cute little dress (<em>hopefully in black or navy blue</em>) just waiting for its big chance to hit the town. It's strappy, it hits just above the knee, and it's perfect for the Holiday season. Hopefully it's also in a nice, festive textile, but even a jersey or cotton will do, so long as it's flattering and you feel great in it.</p> <p>So that's where you start, with a great anchor for a Holiday party wardrobe. For party number one, sport your dress, some simple stud earrings, and your go-to shoes.</p> <p>But surely, you social Butterfly, there's more than one engagement on your calendar this Holiday season. So, what next?</p> <p><strong>Belt It</strong></p> <p>Give that shift a new silhouette with a simple belt. Make it splashy for some party fun: a sequin belt, something metallic, or patent leather will do the trick. Anne Klein makes a classic <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1651317-10669104?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anneklein.com%2FPatent-Covered-Buckle%2F884585039705%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html%26ep_tag%3DAKbase&cjsku=884585039705" target="_top">Patent Covered Buckle</a> belt and you can ake it even more affordable with one of our <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Anne-Klein-coupons.html">Anne Klein coupons</a>, of course. Pair it with some hot to trot heels, like these <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10457058?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpiperlime.gap.com%2Fbrowse%2Fproduct.do%3Fpid%3D703765002%26tid%3DPLAF1%26ap%3D2%26siteID%3D%25zp&cjsku=703765002" target="_top">Milan pumps in Deep Sea</a> by nude footwear. Use a <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Piperlime-coupons.html">Piperlime coupon</a> and you'll be ready for some Winter Wonder at your next cocktail party.</p> <p><strong>Warm It</strong></p> <p>Hoping to look more cozy than showy? Throw an <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-American-Apparel-coupons.html">American Apparel</a> turtleneck underneath that dress, add some leggings and boots from <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-DSW-coupons.html">DSW</a>, and in a snap you look ready to curl up with a cocoa and some nice conversation at your intimate Thanksgiving potluck.</p> <p><strong>Retro-Fit It</strong></p> <p>Invited to an old-fashioned Holiday shindig? Make the look of your trusty dress old school with a few vintage inspired pieces. A beaded cardigan and a pair of peep toe pumps gives you the Holiday kitsch factor you're looking for. Charlotte Russe has some great deals on cardigans; check out our <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Charlotte-Russe-coupons.html">Charlotte Russe coupons</a> before you buy. And <a href="http://www.savings.com/b-Seychelles-coupons.html">Seychelles</a> look like a retro throwback, but feel like the comfiest pair of heels you'll ever wear.</p> <p><strong>Upgrade It</strong></p> <p>When New Year's Eve rolls around, you don't need a New Year's dress--a simple broach and a scarf can make your old stand-by dress look 2010 ready. Pick luxe fabrics like velvet and satin for your scarf, and find a broach that's lacquered for a little shine. Check out the offerings at Mod Cloth and check out our <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-ModCloth-coupons.html">Modcloth coupon codes</a> as well.</p> <p>With these simple tricks, you can save the stress of Holiday dressing for your turkey and tree. It's easy to look winter wondrous and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. And the pieces you buy can adapt for life after winter.</p> <p>For more great style tips, check out Teen Vogue for <a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/style/market/feature/2009/10/winter-coats">Fall's Best Cheap and Chic Statement Coats</a> and <a href="http://www.teenvogue.com/style/market/checklist/2009/10/three-key-fashion-pieces">How to Style Three Key Fall Pieces Three Different Ways</a>. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/SavingsMBones">@SavingsMBones</a> for great Beauty deals this Holiday Season and all year long.</p> <p>Happy Holidays !</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Party-Wear.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:14:31 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Party-Wear.html MBones 2009-11-18T18:14:31Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Green-Thanksgiving.html <p>The big T-day is almost here, and if you're looking to make your family feast a little more green, look no further. Follow these tips and you'll be celebrating the day, and respecting the environment.</p> <ol> <li> <p><strong>The Elephant, Er, The Bird in the Room</strong> - There is no doubt that one of the most harmful environmental factors about your meal is consuming the bird. Global warming. Wasted land. Deforestation. Air pollution. These are all side effects of eating meat. To read more, check out <a href= "http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp" target= "_blank">GoVeg.com</a>. We understand it might be a lot to ask to give up the centerpiece of the family gathering, but you can consider your turkeys origins. A free-range organic turkey is not only a healthier choice for you, but also for mother earth. <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Williams-Sonoma-coupons.html">Williams-Sonoma</a> and Whole Foods both offer free range options. And <a href= "http://www.reallynatural.com/archives/food/where_to_buy_organic_freerange.php" target="_blank">Really Natural</a> is a good place to start researching free range options.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Organic Side Dishes to the Rescue</strong> - Make an effort to buy organic side dishes for your feast via the farmer's market, or try online organic shopping. Remember to research organic coupons before you buy. Savings.com has deals for organic outlets such as our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Mighty-Leaf-Tea-coupons.html">Mighty Leaf coupons</a> and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-MotherNature-coupons.html">Mother Nature coupons</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Don't Toss Out Leftovers</strong> - A turkey sandwich from leftover turkey undoubtedly goes great with weekend football games, but try not to let any of your leftovers go to waste. Think of the many families struggling to feed themselves every in these tough times. If you cooked too much, have some friends over to help you polish off your delicious dishes so you don't end up tossing them in the trash.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Decorations that Love the Environment</strong> - Recycle decorations from last year. Go to the back yard to find items for a fall centerpiece. Real pine cones not only look and smell better than plastic ones, but they're environmentally friendly also.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Plant a Tree</strong> - Fall weather is an excellent time for many shrubs and trees to flourish. Start a new family tradition and plant a tree on thanksgiving, and watch it grow together through the years.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Off-Set Your Carbon Travel Footprint</strong> - Many of us may be traveling long distances to get home for Thanksgiving. Consider buying a carbon credit to off-set your carbon travel emissions. You can check with your local utility company on their carbon credit program. <a href= "http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/carbon_offset_wind_credits_carbon_reduction.htm" target="_blank">Eco Business Links</a> provides a survey and suggestions on where to purchase your carbon credits.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Donate Your Cooking Oil</strong> - When you cook up a storm for your family feast you will likely have lots of cooking oil left over. Throwing away cooking oil not only pollutes our waterways, but also disposes of usable biofuel. Many communities are starting local collection programs to provide raw materials to biodiesel plants. If you can't find a donation program near you, check-in with a few local restaurants as many programs have been set-up for the restaurant industry. That turkey oil may just fuel your own car one day.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Organize a Carpool</strong> - Get the kids home all together. If guests live near enough to drive, get them all in the same car. If the drive is long, hey, family time starts early!</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Try the 100 Mile Challenge</strong> - The Daily Green challenged readers to preparing Thanksgiving menus only with foods within a 100 mile radius of home. They've posted full on meal plans for Albany, Seattle, Kansas, Flagstaff, and Montgomery <a href= "http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/100-mile-thanksgivings" target="_blank">on their site.</a></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Wrap it Up, Just Not in Plastic</strong> - Make sure you wrap up those leftovers in reusable containers, and make sure you avoid plastic wrap. Try tin foil and ceramic instead.</p> </li> </ol> <p>Got any tips for a greener holiday? Let us know in the comments below. Also, check out our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/deallist/Weekly-Greens-for-November-16th-November-22nd.html">weekly green deals list</a> and follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/CoupieSavings">@CoupieSavings</a> for great fashion news and deals.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Green-Thanksgiving.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:11:52 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Green-Thanksgiving.html coupiedoll 2009-11-18T17:11:52Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Laptop-Giveaway.html <p>Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Ah, the holiday displays and "Silver Bells" playing over the sound system--not to mention parking hassles, crushing crowds and fist fights over the last Tickle-Me-Elmo...</p> <p>Why not avoid the stresses of your local mall and shop at home? Not only are we helping you to save money when you shop online with our <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday coupons</a> and <a href="http://www.savings.com/c-Cyber-Monday-coupons.html">Cyber Monday deals</a>, but we're giving away a HP DV7T Quad Laptop so you can surf the web in style.</p> <p>Our friends at Hewlett Packard have provided us with a brand new <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10427473?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopping.hp.com%2Fwebapp%2Fshopping%2Fstore_access.do%3Ftemplate_type%3Dcto_config%26config_id%3DLOWEST%26bomProductId%3DNZ584AV%26aoid%3D35252&cjsku=NZ584AV">DV7T Quad laptop</a> for one lucky winner.</p> <p>Specs:</p> <p><ul> <li>Operating system - Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit</li><li>Processor - Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)</li><li>Memory - 2GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)</li><li>Hard drive - 250GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection</li><li>Graphics card - 512MB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 4530</li><li>Display - 17.3" diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)</li><li>Primary optical drive - LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support</li><li>Wireless-G Card, 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery, Microsoft(R) Works 9.0</li></ul><p>To enter, just take this <a target="_blank" href="http://savingsdotcom.questionform.com/public/Deal-Finding-Habits"><strong>BRIEF SURVEY</strong></a> (<em>just three questions!</em>)<a></a> on your deal finding habits. At the end of the survey, enter your name and email address to enter the giveaway. Hurry--the survey is only for one week and one winner will be chosen at random and announced next Wednesday.</p><p></p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Laptop-Giveaway.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:38:52 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/HP-Laptop-Giveaway.html stella.louise 2009-11-15T06:38:52Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-in-a-Tough-Economy.html <p>In today's tight economy, more consumers than ever are looking for alternative ways to stretch their Christmas shopping dollar. The key to saving money when shopping retail is to find the deals in advance and stick to your budget. With proper planning, you won't be tempted to pay full price for any of your gifts.</p> <p></p> <p>The early arrival of Black Friday this year offers consumers more time for holiday budget planning. It seems that the traditional day after Thanksgiving mega-deal day, has been turned into an entire season. Some stores started as early as Halloween with their 'Black Friday' savings.</p> <p></p> <p>Along with Black Friday, shoppers can also look forward to Cyber Monday online shopping deals. Many websites list stores and their Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for your convenience. When ordering online, many payment screens have a space to input a coupon code for additional savings. Many times, you can quickly pop onto a coupon forum website and find a valid coupon code. I did this recently when making airline reservations and ended up with an additional 10 percent savings. These same <a title="Coupon Forum" target="_blank" href="http://thecouponcupboard.com" rel="nofollow">coupon sites</a> also have printable coupons for in-store shopping trips.</p> <p></p> <p>An additional way to save is to consider handmade or low cost gifts. With a little creativity and planning ahead, inexpensive gifts can become classic favorites.</p> <p></p> <p>Small gifts for babysitters, gift exchanges, neighbors and friends at work could include the following:<p></p> <strong>Ornaments</strong>. Whether you make them or purchase them, ornaments are a perfect gift. Most women love new decorations for their tree, and the person who receives this gift will think of you every year when trimming the tree.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Recipe Cards</strong>. A sweet personalized gift, you can use pretty recipe cards and write five or six of your favorite recipes on them. Leave the rest blank so they can be filled out by the receiver of the gift. Fabric and craft stores generally have decorative recipe cards and matching boxes for one or two dollars each.</p> <p></p> <p>This gift can also be presented with one or more of the recipes (<i>such as cookies or fudge</i>) wrapped in a tin.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Calendars</strong>. Target and other stores have cute calendars and planners in their dollar bins during this time of year. They are very attractive and practical.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Gift Baskets</strong>. Gift baskets are a perfect way to be both creative and personal. If your friend likes golf, put together a small basket using golf balls, tees, and a few homemade club covers. If they knit, give them a new pair of needles along with a few skeins of yarn. Another inexpensive gift basket for a couple could include two coffee mugs along with some hot cocoa or decorative tea.</p> <p></p> <p>Other Gifts that could be given to family members or close friends:</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Quilts or throw blankets</strong>. If you like to sew, blankets are the perfect gift, especially for young people who have recently moved out on their own.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Decorative pictures or framed photos</strong>. Use your computer and decorative fonts to print out motivational or meaningful quotes, poetry, or Bible scriptures and frame them. Frame favorite photos and give them as gifts to grandparents, aunts, or uncles.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Aprons, potholders, or place mats</strong>. Depending on your sewing skills, these can be quick and inexpensive presents for loved ones who love to cook.</p> <p></p> <p>There are many more, but these should spark your imagination. Christmas shouldn't be something that you later regret because of overspending. This holiday season, make it a memorable, meaningful and stress-free time.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-in-a-Tough-Economy.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:26:35 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Holiday-Shopping-in-a-Tough-Economy.html chaotic_barb 2009-11-14T21:26:35Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Money-Wasters.html <p>I spent the week in Las Vegas at a conference and as such I was inspired to write this post. Las Vegas--aka "Sin City"--is world-renowned for its gambling, a past-time whose charms elude me. In my opinion, if I'm going to be dropping a wad of cash I want to see something leather in my closet to show for it. Spending money on slot machines, roulette wheels and the like is the equivalent of taking a match to your bankroll and setting it on fire.</p> <p>Except when you do that, at least you'd enjoy some warmth...</p> <p>And so I started thinking of other extreme money wasters for those with money to burn:</p> <p><strong>Lottery</strong>: Akin to gambling is the practice of buying lottery tickets. Most who engage in this habit will argue that it's just a couple of bucks a week. Even so, a two dollar a week lottery ticket spend adds up to over hundred dollars at the end of a year. You could definitely get some nice leather item for that kind of cash!</p> <p><strong>Questionable Pharmaceuticals</strong>: I'm sure you've all seen ads touting the weight loss prowess of this or that pill. But let's face it--banishing the bulge is never as easy as popping a pill no matter what the photo-shopped before and after pictures depict. The Mayo Clinic ran down a list of <a href= "http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01160" target= "_blank">popular weight loss supplement ingredients</a> and the results were that none were likely to assist with weight loss--but some could potentially be harmful. The reality is if losing weight were that easy, obesity wouldn't be a national epidemic. There's no magic bullet for shrinking your body--or in the case of other questionable pharmaceuticals, enlarging (<i>ahem!</i>) certain other body parts. And the only thing that these miraculous fat burners accomplish is burning through your bank account.</p> <p><strong>Commemorative Memorabilia</strong>: Not all memorabilia is a complete money waster--although few will have the monetary return that more traditional investments have. I'm talking about cheesy commemorative items--like the <a href= "http://www.avclub.com/articles/where-will-you-put-your-limited-edition-michael-ja,30529/" target="_blank">Limited Edition Michael Jackson Lithographs</a> that were being hawked mere moments after his death. The collection of four posters--each a bit creepier than the next--comes with a <a href= "http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/14/stop-giving-me-certificates-of-authenticity-with-worthless-crap/" target="_blank">certificate of authenticity</a>. Okay, so unlike gambling you actually have something tangible to show for your exchange of dollars. But the fact is, most of these "collectibles" are only good for collecting dust...</p> <p><strong>Phone Psychics</strong>: I have no doubt that there are people with clairvoyant abilities--I do doubt, however, that many of them are working for Dionne Warwick. Most <a href= "http://www.slate.com/id/2083907/" target="_blank">phone psychics</a> have very little ability to see into the future--what they are good at is stringing you along on the phone line racking up charges at $1.99 per minute. You'd get more value--and more accuracy--from purchasing a Magic 8-Ball and posing your questions to it.</p> <p><strong>Credit Card Protection Plans</strong>: There are a couple of versions of these: one "eliminates" your liability in the event of credit card fraud and acts as a monitor for identity theft. The other offers payment protection in the event that you lose your job--covering your minimum payments for an extended period of time. In the first case, Federal law limits liability for unauthorized use of your credit card to $50--and your out of pocket is NOTHING if you report your card missing or stolen before any charges are made. As for <a href= "http://blogs.consumerreports.org/money/2009/07/fraud-alert-services-dinosaurs-lifelock-experian-transunion-debix-identitysecure-credit-bureau-fair-credit-reporting-act.html" target="_blank">identity theft protection services</a>, what they do is put fraud alerts on your accounts every 90 days--something you can do yourself for free. And over at <a href= "http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/1-13-2006-86276.asp" target= "_blank">Buzzle.com</a>, they break down the cost benefit of payment protection and conclude that it's more cost efficient to just put the money you'd be spending on the monthly payment protection fee and use it to pay down your credit card balance.</p> <p>What money wasters are the equivalent of lighting cash on fire for you? Let us know in the comments!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Money-Wasters.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:01:21 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Money-Wasters.html stella.louise 2009-11-13T03:01:21Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Great-Green-Gifts.html <p>With <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday</a> fast approaching and the holidays right around the corner I thought I'd highlight some great green gifts that might not be on your list, but would make a great edition, particularly for that hard to shop for fuddy duddy. These trendsetting green gadgets and gizmos aren't only environmentally conscious, but they'll also turn your friends green with envy.</p> <ol> <li> <p>Check out the <a href="http://egovehicles.com/" target= "_blank">eGO Cycle.</a> This emission free vehicle is great for the urban commuter. You can park the helio cycle in the bike rack and travel in the bike lane, but you won't get tired up hills, and you'll have the wind flying through your hair in a much more manageable and eco-friendly vehicle than a motorcycle or scooter. Plus, the eGo comes in colors like Wasabi, and Very Well Red--delicious and stylish fun.</p> </li> <li> <p>A guitar made of hemp? <a href= "http://www.madaguitars.com/concept.htm" target="_blank">A Mada Guitar</a> is just that. Hemp, a highly sustainable eco material replaces the traditional wood. So, does hemp sound good? According to Mada, "the permanent transition from impact sound into airborne sound is essential to the sound. That's how resonances are formed. This makes Hempstone the perfect 3 dimensional molding material for music instruments. The material consists of 100 % hemp fibres and contains no plastics, which would close these resonance-gaps.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="http://www.freeplayenergy.com/product/summit" target= "_blank">The Freeplay Summit Self Sufficient Radio</a> doesn't use batteries or a plug, instead the radio's solar panel charges in a sunny window sill. Or you can crank out your tunes manually. For every 30 seconds of hand cranking, enjoy 30 minutes of music.</p> </li> <li> <p>The <a href="http://www.sinkpositive.com/site/" target= "_blank">Sink Positive</a> will not only become a conversation piece, but it will save you hundreds of dollars on your water bill. This water saving accessory sink helps you easily conserve water. It turns your handwashing water in the water used to flush the toilet the next time around.</p> </li> <li> <p>While your solar powered <a hrer= "http://www.neubers.de/vmchk/Solar-Taschen/View-all-products.html" target="_blank">Energy Sun Bag</a> will have to be shipped from its German place of invention, the wait will be worth it. The solar panel on the bag generates enough energy to charge most portable gadgets like cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, etc. On top of that, the bag weighs only 1 lb. Pretty cool.</p> </li> </ol> <p>While the top of the line green gadgets occasionally are pricier up front often times the savings reaped by energy and power conservation are worth the up front price tag. Additionally, newer green gadgets often come with great warranties, some even offering lifetime guarantees.</p> <p>Check back throughout the holiday season for other great green gift recommendations and check out our latest list of <a href= "http://www.savings.com/deallist/Weekly-Greens-for-November-9th-November-15th.html">weekly green deals</a>. Follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/CoupieSavings">@CoupieSavings</a> for great fashion deals.</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Great-Green-Gifts.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:56:59 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Great-Green-Gifts.html coupiedoll 2009-11-11T15:56:59Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Black-Friday-Deals.html <p>Although the Christmas creep has been causing an ongoing battle between Jack Frost and Jack-o-Lanterns, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season has been the day after Thanksgiving, aka "Black Friday." But according to an article on Mainstreet, Black Friday has morphed into <a href= "http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/smart-spending/bargains/deals/black-friday-deals-come-early-year">"Black November"</a>.</p> <p>I don't know about y'all--but I'd much rather watch a marathon of "According to Jim" than to be anywhere near a shopping mall the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas. Yes, I know there are bargains galore, but the crush of the crowds, long lines and slow cashiers aren't worth the rock-bottom prices and door-busting (<i>literally--crowds crushed a Wal-mart security guard to death last year...</i>) deals as far as I'm concerned.</p> <p>A much better way to handle holiday shopping is to do as much as possible online. No crowds, no lines, no hassles. And you can still score awesome deals and savings with <a href= "http://www.savings.com">online coupons</a> here at Savings.com.</p> <p>According to our sales team,</p> <blockquote> <p><i>"There's a lot of early buzz this year amongst shoppers and retailers about <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday sales</a> and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Cyber-Monday-coupons.html">Cyber Monday deals</a>. Many retailers waited too long to release deals last year and had difficulty clearing out their holiday inventory. In an effort to promote early shopping and prevent a repeat of 2008, we can expect to see heavy discounts and promotions from big box stores, like <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Target-coupons.html">Target</a>, <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Wal-Mart-coupons.html">Walmart</a>, <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Kohls-coupons.html">Kohls</a> and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Macys-coupons.html">Macy's</a>."</i></p> </blockquote> <p>To keep abreast of all the upcoming holiday deals and promotions, become a fan of Savings on <a href= "http://www.facebook.com/Savings">Facebook</a>, follow us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Savings">Twitter</a> and keep checking in with the blog! There will be contests, giveaways and an abundance of dynamite deals in the upcoming days.</p> <p>So, what deals are you looking forward to most come Black Friday and the holiday shopping season? Let us know in the poll and tell us about your Black Friday or day after Christmas shopping experiences--both horrifying and glorious!--in the comments.</p> <p><script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8" src= "http://static.polldaddy.com/p/2216229.js"> </script> <noscript><a href= "http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2216229/">Which Black Friday Deal Appeals to You Most?</a><span style="font-size:9px;">(<a href= "http://www.polldaddy.com">surveys</a>)</span></noscript></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Black-Friday-Deals.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:08:53 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Black-Friday-Deals.html stella.louise 2009-11-06T00:08:53Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Wacky-Fitness.html <p>As much as I would love to write about how Andre Agassi should be praised for admitting he used crystal meth instead of being chastised, I'm gonna pass. That won't save you money because we don't have any crystal meth deals (<i>weird, I know...</i>). Instead I'll provide you with some deals (<i>and hopefully some entertainment</i>) on some very strange fitness products.</p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Ab Wheel</strong>: It's pretty much just a small wheel with handles. You just stand up and put the wheel near your toes, and slowly roll out the wheel until you're flat on the ground. What next you ask? Roll backwards until you're back to your original position. I have to admit I've never tried using one of these--so don't blame me if it turns out that it sucks. I will also admit I probably never will try one. However, if you're so inclined, <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/335568-coupon.html#_coupon-33556">Amazon</a> has one you can get for only $9.15 after a 54% discount.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Shake Weight</strong>: Unfortunately we don't have any deals for the Shake Weight but it's a prett interesting "gadget." It's just a weight that you shake and it supposedly gets you in shape. Confused? Now before you write this off as a scam, keep in mind that Shake Weight claims that scientific studies prove that the Shake Weight "<i>increases upper body muscle activity by more than 300% compared to traditional weights.</i>" Yeah, science. Here's a video that demonstrates it:</p> </li> </ul> <div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height= "344"><param name="movie" value= "http://www.youtube.com/v/4S3C4AC908w&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed src= "http://www.youtube.com/v/4S3C4AC908w&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></object> <p></p> </div> <p></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>JumpSnap</strong>: For those of you enjoy jump roping in your dog house or any other indoor locale where the ceiling isn't high enough, meet the JumpSnap. This interesting little device is a jump rope without the rope (<i>kind of like how Carrot Top is a comedian without the comedy, only better...</i>). I'm not going to bash this product and say it's completely useless because it does have some pretty cool features. It counts your jumps, keeps track of how long you use it, and counts how many calories you've burned. The only drawback I've read about, claims that the balls on the end of handles hits your hand a lot which can get pretty annoying. If that doesn't bother you, we've got another <a href= "%3Ca%20href=">Amazon deal</a> for a 42% discount on it.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Vibram Five Fingers</strong>: Ever wish you had foot gloves? I haven't, but I promise not to judge you if you have. In fact, I will go one step further and introduce you to the Vibram Five Fingers. It's a pair of shoes so thin, I'm going to keep calling them foot gloves. Why would you ever want these? Because running barefoot decreases your chances of injury and is more efficient that using running shoes. However, you increase your chances of stepping on glass, rusty nails, and dog poo. Well, with these foot gloves you don't have to worry about that! They protect your feet enough to make barefoot running a reality. Where can you get them? Use the 15% off with the newsletter sign up and then click the deal for the Vibram Five Fingers at our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-REI-coupons.html">REI coupons</a> page.</p> </li> </ul> <p>That's it for this week folks. Hope you were moderately to fully entertained by these wacky fitness products. If you know of any others or have some you made yourself feel free to let us know in the comments section. And make sure to follow me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/YasarSavings">@YasarSavings</a> for video game news, tips and deals</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Wacky-Fitness.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:21:39 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Wacky-Fitness.html Yasarh 2009-11-05T18:21:39Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Packing-Light.html <p>After my luggage was lost on my last flight, I vowed to try to make my next trip with just a carry-on. This might sound like a small feat, but for someone as indecisive as me, it isn't. (<i>"What if I want to wear the boots instead of the flats? I'll bring both. And the t-straps. Just in case."</i>) Sure, I packed lighter when I was younger, but I usually ended up looking like a grungy teenager.</p> <p>Since tomorrow I'm headed to San Francisco for Save Up, I grilled friends, scoured the web for <a href= "http://www.reidsguides.com/t_pa/t_pa_packing_list.html" target= "_blank">packing tips</a>, and hit up fashion magazines for the best advice on <a href= "http://www.luckymag.com/blogs/shop/2008/08/packing-list.html" target="_blank">packing light</a> while looking right. As always, I found a way to make sure your biggest travel expense is your plane ticket, not your wardrobe.</p> <p>Check out the inexpensive options and the money saving coupons on these perfect travel companions:</p> <div><a href= "http://www.polyvore.com/packing_light/set?.mid=embed&amp;id=13265628"><img width="400" alt="packing light" src= "http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlRHdlJqTmZJM2hHOWlNc003eDNlY2cAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="packing light" height="400" border="0"> </a></div> <p><strong u="">Plan Ahead</strong></p> <p>Dressing in the same color scheme keeps outfits coordinated and fresh. Try a palette of just black, grey, white, and red. That way, everything matches, and the combinations are endless. Stick to jersey fabrics and denim that don't wrinkle; they're easy to wash if needed and are super comfortable for travel.</p> <p><strong u="">Key Pieces</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Jersey dress - A jersey dress can be dressed up or dressed down and doesn't wrinkle in your bag. Try one from Old Navy where you can save 30% and get free shipping with this <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Old-Navy-free-shipping.html">Old Navy code</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Shawl - A shawl provides a pop of color, keeps you warm on the plane, and can be fashioned into a top. Try one pictured in the set above or this one from <a href= "http://www.americanapparel.com/rsa0503.html?cid=51" target= "_blank">American Apparel</a> which can convert a dozen ways.</p> </li> <li> <p>Ballet Flats or Converse - One pair can do it. As for me, I love the look of Converse with dresses, but if you've got a work event or a big night out planned, a pair of lovely ballet flats are comfortable and versatile like the <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029251727">Kimchi Ballet Flats</a> from Urban Outfitters. As you trim down your footwear, trim down costs as well with one of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Urban-Outfitters-coupons.html">Urban Outfitters coupons</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Jeans - Bring your favorite jeans for the perfect sightseeing simplicity. How about a pair of <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029251817">Flare Fit jeans</a> from <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Martin--Osa-coupons.html">Martin + Osa</a>? They're dark wash and cool cut can take you from day to night without a hitch.</p> </li> <li> <p>Cardigan - A long cardigan like the one from the set can work as a sweater or can be buttoned and belted to act as a dress over leggings.</p> </li> <li> <p>Leggings - A simple pair of leggings folds up to the size of a pair of socks and helps you cope with unexpected chilly nights. Try a pair from Target and save with one of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Target-coupons.html">Target coupons</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Tee - A simple, light jersey tee can be layered under your dress or worn with your jeans, and washing and drying are a snap. And they're super cheap when you buy from the Gap using our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Gap-coupons.html">Gap coupons</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Necklace - Dress up all of the above looks with a smart, funky necklace like this <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=82248.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=1937&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.alloy.com%2Fitem.do%3FcategoryID%3D%2526itemID%3D50902%2526sizeFilter%3D%2526colorFilter%3D%2526brandFilter%3D">Noir necklace</a> from <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Alloy-coupons.html">Alloy</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Thick belt - One thick belt in a pop of color can change the look of your dress, update your cardigan or tie together your jeans and top.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong><u>Pack Right</u></strong></p> <p>A big part of only bringing one bag is the way you pack. Try <a href="http://www.onebag.com/pack.html" target="_blank">bundling your clothes</a> or use a <a href= "http://www.journeylist.com/travel/comments/vacuum-pack-your-luggage/2007-09-10/" target="_blank">vacuum pack kit</a> to reduce space.</p> <p>Throw your gear into an expandable duffel like the <a href= "http://www.shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantID=11255&amp;userID=140995&amp;productID=464736716">Kiva Expandable Duffel</a> from <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Luggagecom-coupons.html">Luggage.com</a>. It's comfortable and the perfect size for an overhead compartment. And, instead of your usual handbag, try a bigger tote like this <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029252110">Merona Bird Print Core Tote</a> from Target to hold your plane read, a few toiletries, your makeup bag, and a sandwich for that plane ride. Trust me, you don't want to spend $16 on a wilted airplane salad.</p> <p>Happy trails, bargain hunters! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/SavingsMBones">@SavingsMBones</a> for the best beauty deals on the web. And feel free to add your tips for traveling light in the comments...</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Packing-Light.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:13:06 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Packing-Light.html MBones 2009-11-04T19:13:06Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Thanksgiving-Wine.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Ah, Thanksgiving. Such a cornucopia of culinary delights. Such a delightful melange of seasonal flavors. So utterly impossible to match with wine.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">You can pair each individual Thanksgiving dish with a wine, of course. But finding a wine to complement the whole meal is a different story. You may have herbal notes in the stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, marshmallow-y yams, white or dark meat. And let's face it, one tart mouthful of cranberry sauce and the whole wine pairing plan gets shot to heck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">So what can you do, besides pretend you forgot to buy cranberry sauce? Choose a crowd pleasing favorite that goes with the widest range of flavors.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">We've got your list here.</span></p> <p><strong><u>Red</u></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Pinot Noir is a good go-to wine for Thanksgiving. It's medium-bodied and aromatic, and goes particularly well with turkey. It's also known as the red wine for white wine drinkers, so if you've got one of those whiney "I don't drink red wine!" people at your table, a nice Pinot may change her tune. Pinot Noir is a finicky grape that is hard to work with, so it's tough to find a reasonably priced one that is really good. One under $15 Pinot I highly recommend is <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FCastle-Rock-Sonoma-Pinot-Noir-2007%2Fwine%2F94707%2Fdetail.aspx">Castle Rock</a>, currently on sale for almost 20% off at <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-wine.com-coupons.html">wine.com</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">I used to recommend Zinfandel, the most American of grapes, as my red choice for Thanksgiving. But Zins are typically very high in alcohol content. That alcohol can overwhelm the food, and also the people eating the food. On the upside, no one's going to notice if the turkey's a bit dry. On the downside, you may have to collect car keys after dinner. If you're brave enough, and if you are a fan of this spicy grape like I am, <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FBogle-Old-Vines-Zinfandel-2007%2Fwine%2F98548%2Fdetail.aspx">Bogle Old Vine Zin</a> is always good.</span></p> <p><strong><u>White</u></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">For whites, I like a nice oaky <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FGeyser-Peak-Chardonnay-2006%2Fwine%2F92475%2Fdetail.aspx">American Chardonnay</a> for the Thanksgiving table. It tastes nice with the gravy and its bold flavors stand up to a wide variety of tastes. If you've got a true ABC wine snob on your invite list, you may get some complaints (<i>ABC stands for "Anything But Chardonnay." I'm serious!</i>). But do you really want to invite a true ABC wine snob to Thanksgiving? Maybe leave him off the list and you can all give thanks he's not there. Or, keep him on the list and serve a <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FColumbia-Winery-Cellarmasters-Riesling-2007%2Fwine%2F95927%2Fdetail.aspx">dry Riesling</a> instead. Light, fruity, aromatic and low on the alcohol, so crazy Aunt Larue won't get up and dance on the table like she did last year. Columbia Winery in Washington makes a nice one for under $11.</span></p> <p><strong><u>Other Shades of Pale</u></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">One drink everyone seems to forget about at Thanksgiving is Champagne. Now, why is that? It's a celebration, after all. And a nice dry sparkling wine goes with just about everything. You can even keep it American for this most American of holidays. <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141136.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=4179&amp;RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wine.com%2FV6%2FRoederer-Estate-Brut%2Fwine%2F8498%2Fdetail.aspx">Roederer</a> (<i>those folks who make a little something called Cristal</i>) has an estate in California that makes a delicious sparkler for under $20.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Per usual, my last bit of wine advice is to forget my wine advice and drink what you like. A few years ago, I was responsible for bringing the wine to a small Thanksgiving gathering. I combed through tasting notes and painstakingly picked out a Champagne, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for the meal and even a late harvest (<i>sweet</i>) Riesling to go with dessert. At the last minute I threw in a bottle of California Cab, just to make sure we didn't run out of wine. And you guessed it, the big tannic Cabernet that by all logic should have clashed completely with just about every flavor on the table was the hit of the party. Because people like California Cab.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">So don't stress about pairing and concentrate on sharing this day with your loved ones. Weigh in with your favorite Thanksgiving wine below! And yes, I did just end this post with the cheesiest rhyme you've ever heard. So? Need more Thanksgiving wine ideas? Check out my <a href= "http://www.savings.com/deallist/Top-10-Thanksgiving-Wines.html">Top 10 Thanksgiving Wines List</a>. And for more great wine tips and deals, follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/SavingsHSimas">@SavingsHSimas</a>.</span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Thanksgiving-Wine.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:40:46 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Thanksgiving-Wine.html HSimas 2009-11-03T19:40:46Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Foot-Massager.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">We're gearing up for holiday shopping here at Savings.com. Expect to see a lot in the way of Holiday sales, deals for Christmas, etc. as we edge ever closer to the Holiday season. As you traipse through the mall looking for the perfect gifts and the best deals, there's one thing that will ache more than your empty wallet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Your feet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Fortunately, we have a solution for that--at least for one lucky reader. We're giving away a total leg and foot massager!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Compliments of <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-FootSmart-coupons.html">FootSmart</a>, we have a way to soothe those tired tootsies and help you relax after a hard day of shopping. The <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029240738">Total Leg and Foot Massager</a> relieves tension and fatigue from aching ankles, calves and feet, and improves circulation and muscle tone.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">According to <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/WiscoVixen.html">Sara</a>, who has been fortunate enough to try one out, it's pure heaven! In fact, she had threatened to sneak off with the one FootSmart sent us. But never fear--one of you savvy shoppers will be able to pleasure of flexible kneading discs, vibration board with pressure nodes and three settings. Just post a comment below and you'll be entered to win.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">The contest ends at midnight on November 19th and we'll announce the winner on Friday, November 20th. Then one lucky person will be able to indulge in daily foot massages, just in time for <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Black-Friday-coupons.html">Black Friday sales</a>. And while we'd love to be able to give a foot massage to each and every one of our awesome users, we can offer another way to avoid sore feet: shopping online with <a href= "http://www.savings.com/">coupons</a> from Savings.com.</span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Foot-Massager.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:47:29 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Foot-Massager.html stella.louise 2009-11-03T18:47:29Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Travel-Greener.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Thinking about a destination holiday this Winter season? Maybe an exotic Christmas or New Year's? Eco-tourism has become big business and a viable travel option.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Eco-travel is typically based on principles of respect and working with the local community. Eco travel destinations usually buy local, hire local, and often reinvest funds to help the local community. There are some pretty amazing options out there for eco-friendly travel, but even if you're just confined to going to Grandma's this year, there are still things you can do to off-set your carbon footprint.</span></p> <ol> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u><a href= "http://www.escapeadventures.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Escape Adventures</a>.</u></strong>: is a US based Eco Tour company heavily favoring cycling destinations. Imagine biking Lake Tahoe, the Grand Canyon, or the volcanoes of Hawaii. The company also plans trips in a handful or more exotic locations like Belize and Argentina. Using a bike as your primary mode of transport once at your destination not only forces you to truly experience nature, but also drastically reduces your travel carbon footprint.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u><a href= "http://www.greenpeople.org/AdventureTour.html" target= "_blank">Green People</a>.</u></strong>: offers a huge variety of eco-tour selections from hiking in the Himalayas to swimming with dolphins, or cycling around Russia. Being green while traveling never sounded like so much fun.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u><a href= "http://www.equitrekking.com/Blogs/4/Travel-Articles.html" target= "_blank">Equitrekking</a>.</u></strong>: offers a great selection of equestrian vacations--another destination mode of transport that minimizes your carbon footprint. They cover everything from the Wild River Mountains in Wyoming to stopping along for a pint at various Irish castles to give your trusty steed a well-deserved rest.</span></p> </li> </ol> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Before you even set foot out the door, <a href= "http://www.carbonneutral.com/cncalculators/flightcalculator.asp" target="_blank">The Carbon Neutral Company</a> is an excellent place to plan how to neutralize your travel footprint. The site will calculate how much CO2 is generated by your flight and give you resources to programs like the Future Forest where you can ensure trees are planted to off-set the carbon cost of your flight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Expedia-coupons.html">Expedia</a> and <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Travelocity-coupons.html">Travelocity</a> now both have a carbon off-set option when you book online. And using a Savings.com coupon for <a href= "http://www.savings.com/b-Travelocity-Hotel-coupons.html">20 to 40% off select hotels</a> makes it all the easier to splurge on the supplies you might need to plant a tree at home upon your return.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Have you ever gone on an eco-friendly vacation, or do you plan to? Tell us about it in the comments section and check out our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/deallist/Weekly-Greens-for-October-26th-November-1st.html">top ten green deals</a> for more ways to save money--and the planet! And for some great deals on duds to spice up your trip follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/CoupieSavings">@CoupieSavings</a> for fashion deals.</span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Travel-Greener.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:59:41 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Travel-Greener.html coupiedoll 2009-10-28T15:59:41Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Goth-Style.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Halloween is this weekend which means it's the time to embrace all that is dark, macabre and spooky. And though everyone might bust out their best Monster Mash, there are some spooky icons who get ghoulish 24/7.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Wanna bring a little "Day of the Dead" into your everyday? Pick your profile poison: Are you a Vicious Vamp? A Fresh Faced Freak? Or a Glamorous Ghoul? Below I've got ideas about how to make their looks wearable, even after Halloween is over. And of course, dear reader, I've also got coupons and deals for you. Because spending too much on beauty and fashion? Now that's scary!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Get inspired by the spooky styles of three classic, creepy but well-heeled ladies, just in time for Halloween. Read on--if you dare...</span></p> <p></p> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:right; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/4053580202_44d5989247.jpg" alt="Elvira"></div> <strong>Vicious Vamp: Elvira</strong> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;"><i>Think: Amy Winehouse + Bowie</i></span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Like to look fierce and fearsome like the Mistress of the Dark? Steal her over-the-top sexy look, but take it down a notch for day to day. Instead of wild talons, like hers, opt for some vampy nailpolish like <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;offerid=32532.1170240&amp;type=2&amp;subid=0">Dark Room</a> by OPI for Sephora and use this <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/322828-coupon.html#_coupon-322828">Sephora code</a> to get 20% off.</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Although her cleavage enhancing, shredded up gown might not be office appropriate, why not layer a new antique-y necklaces for a touch of the macabre in your everyday? Try this <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;offerid=137065.1023182123501&amp;type=2&amp;subid=0">layered chain</a> from Liz Claiborne now on sale and stack it with one of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Liz-Claiborne-coupons.html">Liz Claiborne coupons</a> for even more savings.</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">And of course, steal some of her wisecracking humor: <i>"Listen sister, if I want your opinion, I'll beat it out of you."</i></span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:left; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4053580262_c497f90334.jpg" border="2" alt="Wednesday Addams"></div> <strong>Fresh Faced Freak: Wednesday Addams</strong> <p></p> <i>Think: Diablo Cody + Edward Gorey Children</i> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Playing Wednesday Addams made Christina Ricci a star, but cribbing some notes from her goth baby doll look can update your goody-two-shoes style. First off, ditch the tan. Try a sweeping of Rice Powder for that alabaster look that says, "I live in a creepy castle with a disembodied hand." My favorite is <a href= "http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1651317-10547009?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fulta%2Fbrowse%2FproductDetail.jsp%3FskuId%3D2056963%26productId%3D44560%26navAction%3Dpush%26navCount%3D1%26categoryId%3Dcat80084&amp;cjsku=2056963">Palladio</a> which is available at ULTA--and you can use this <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/315131-coupon.html#_coupon-315131">ULTA Coupon</a> to save on it!</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Of course the most wearable Wednesday Addams look is her signature Baby Doll Black Dress. Update it for adulthood with something flirty and fun like this <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000029184973">Kimchi Blue Velvet Bow Dress</a> at Urban Outfitters and use this <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/327891-coupon.html#_coupon-327891">Urban Outfitters code</a> to knock $10 off your order.</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">And while you're in Wednesday Addams attire, try some of her bone dry wit on for size: <i>"Girl scout cookies. Are they made from real girl scouts?"</i></span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:right; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4053580024_5233592a8b_m.jpg" alt="Bride of Frankenstein"></div> <strong>Glamorous and Ghoulish: Bride of Frankenstein</strong> <p></p> <i>Think: Marge Simpson + Marlene Dietrech</i> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">The most fierce and fearsome spooky siren of them all, the bride of Frankenstein, offsets her classic makeup with edgy hair. Do an at-home laboratory experiment with a bottle of Manic Panic in the color of your choice. Buy it at <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/310164-coupon.html#_coupon-310164">Sally Beauty Supply</a> and save 20% with one of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Sally-Beauty-Supply-coupons.html">Sally Beauty coupons</a>.</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Then stay perfectly classic with a pair of painted bow lips. May I suggest <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;offerid=141184.602004400871&amp;type=2&amp;subid=0">Cupid's Bow</a> from Benefit. Use this <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/308210-coupon.html#_coupon-308210">code for Benefit</a> to save 15% on your purchase.</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Best not to say much with this look. Let your eyes, your shock of hair, and your terrifying monster boyfriend do the (<i>barely intelligible</i>) talking.</span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> <p></p> </div> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">For other tips on looking goth and gorgeous, check out <a href= "http://www.gothicbeauty.com/beauty_and_style/index.1.html">Gothic Beauty</a>. Also check out these great vampire inspired beauty looks at <a href="http://www.bellasugar.com/5759301">Bella Sugar</a>. And in case you need even more spooky style, there's always <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Hot-Topic-coupons.html">Hot Topic</a> for that.</span></p> <p></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Are you inspired by Dita Von Teese? Rose McGowan? The Thriller Zombies? Who else has fabulous spooky style? Leave your thoughts in the comments! And don't forget to to follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/SavingsMBones">@SavingsMBones</a> for the best beauty deals--spooky and otherwise.</span></p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Goth-Style.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:58:27 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Goth-Style.html MBones 2009-10-28T17:58:27Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Eastern-European-Travel.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Travelers looking for the real Halloween travel deal--or a summer, fall or spring deal as well--might consider an Eastern Europe vacation for a splendid trip that offers all of the history, culture, and natural beauty of Western Europe at roughly a third to half the cost depending on the venues you choose.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">This region is home to Transylvania, summer nights where midnight is light as day, medieval villages, and regional cuisines and wines that keep visitors coming back. Each of the following destinations is popular among tourists, yet surprisingly affordable. Even so, you can take even more of the price of a trip with <a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/321446-coupon.html" target="_blank">Orbitz travel coupon</a> for $50 off a 4 night stay or <a href="http://www.savings.com/b-Travelocity-Hotel-coupons.html" target="_blank">Travelocity hotel coupons</a>, including one for $100 off.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Here are some highlights to a mostly overlooked and under-priced travel destination:</span></p> <p></p> <p><ol> <li></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>Romania, Dracula's Castle and Transylvania</strong> - Transylvania is a region in Romania where Vlad the Impaler lived. The fictional Dracula was loosely based on this Romanian leader who was more bloodthirsty than any vampire in its wildest dreams. Vlad eventually imprisoned in Bran Castle (<em>i.e., Dracula's Castle as shown above</em>). Transylvania, while intriguing, is just the beginning. Romania offers visitors some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, Saxon fortresses, and Gothic castles. There, nature lovers can explore the lush Carpathian Mountains and over 400 natural caves. Did I mention the vineyards? They produce over 500,000 tons of wine every year, known to Europeans as some of the finest on earth.</span></p> <p></li><li></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>Estonia, White Nights and Medieval Castles</strong> - The nations of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are called the Baltics because they border the Baltic Sea. Tourism there has flourished since 1991 when these nations broke away from the Soviet Union. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, boasts the city center built around a stunning and well preserved 13th century castle where, except for the flourishing shops, a stroll feels like a step back in time. In June, catch the White Nights when it's light outside so long that midnight feels like noon. If you love regional wines, be sure to sample the fruit wines in Estonia with tastes and textures rival even the finest Spanish sangrias.</span></p> <p></li><li></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>Croatia, Gorgeous Beaches and Mediterranean Climate</strong> - In Europe, everyone knows where to find a great beach vacation--Croatia. Whether you seek family beaches, romantic beaches, nude beaches, pebble or sand, Croatia has many shorelines to choose from. Besides the beautiful shorelines, Croatia offers islands, waterfalls, coves, and port towns like Dubrovnik that are not only centuries old, but area also vibrant with tourists, shops, nightlife, and sites of great historical significance. Last but not least--wine. Croatia has had a European presence in wine making for centuries and a remarkable variety of indigenous grapes.</span></p> <p></li><li></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>The Czech Republic, Home to Bohemia and Budweiser</strong> - While Prague is fascinating to explore, nearby Czech cities are less expensive and just as beautiful. One popular destination is Karlovij Varij--otherwise known as Carlsbad, a fairytale-like spa resort town where the modern shops boast fine Bohemian crystal pieces and other local treasures. Plus, the restaurants and clubs offer visitors a chance to sip an original Budweiser beer. The name Budweiser was first coined in Bohemia (<em>in the Czech Republic</em>) in 1785 and shipped to the United States about 100 years later. Shortly after, Anheuser-Bush decided to use the Budweiser name, sparking a long-term trademark battle.</span></p> <p></li><li></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>The Republic of Georgia, Real Highlanders plus Wining and Dining</strong> - Nestled right between the Black and Caspian Seas, this little nation hosts centuries-old monasteries, churches, and cave dwellings carved into ancient cliffs. In the mountains live modern day highlanders--villagers whose lifestyles are nearly unchanged since the Middle Ages. Georgian cuisine is one of a kind and simply addictive with salty cheeses, ground walnuts, and all the right spices. Did I mention the wine? Many European connoisseurs prefer Georgian wines even to world famous French and Italian varieties.</span></p> <p></li></ol><p><span style="font-size: 13px;">What is an inexpensive but fascinating destination you love to visit? Or one you haven't yet seen but really want to? Share with us. We love to travel and to avoid overspending while doing so!</span></p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Eastern-European-Travel.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:30:51 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Eastern-European-Travel.html ShoppinHolly 2009-10-27T19:30:51Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Natural-Remedies.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Recently Mainstreet had a post about <a href= "http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/family/family-health/nature-s-drug-store-cheap-remedies" target="_blank">cheap natural remedies</a> and on the same day, Wisebread posted <a href= "http://www.wisebread.com/7-cheap-and-natural-ways-to-fight-the-cold-and-flu" target="_blank">seven natural ways to fight the flu</a>. Tylenol, Pepto Bismol and NyQuil may be OTC standards, but there are simple and natural alternatives that deserve space in your medicine cabinet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Here's a list of five of my favorite natural basics to cure what ails you:</span></p> <ol> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Ginger</u></strong>: This one also made the Wisebread list as a cold fighter, but I like to use ginger to soothe a troubled tummy. If you've overdone it with Halloween candy or Thanksgiving dinner, ginger is a great way to ease a stomachache. It gently quells gas, bloating and nausea with it's warming action. I use Ginger Bitters, but an even easier way to get ginger's benefits is with <a href= "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKQD42?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=savingscom03-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000FKQD42">Ginger Altoids</a>. The small tin makes them portable and they can also remedy a sour, stale mouth as well.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style= "font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Honey/Lemon</u></strong>: Sore throat? Coughing? I find a soothing honey lemon lozenge helps soothe a raw throat and quiet a hacking cough. <a href= "http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1651317-10652189?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwalgreens.rdr.channelintelligence.com%2Fgo.asp%3FfVhzOGNRAAQIASNiExAABhJoFnBzZ1EABEwEay5dUFtFGCIPP3VjAgAGHwVvYlZDXUkQagURDgQCCS9FRkRAAnB9GBQcXVY-SCQ2NkhcQx5aMD9AEB8cUzsQICUnTF5fVh8XNx0BCh9ScXxLSkMraQBYQkBCUCwhDg0fXnU2ViwlJwB2Ql9GLH0mJ1YDUzFbcHJhHgUDFlk*JCwMHh1VYw4CUUU1BTBZW19eBS8nHAtGA1MxQDYnJxJBQlNaMDYKXggaSAEDICg6SFxEWFRwbEkAGx1CMVtBAhggKDpOWVlUGmE%3D%26nAID%3D11138&amp;cjsku=sku362374">Ricola</a> has one that also has Echinacea, which helps to boost the immune system. Honey has anti-bacterial properties and lemons are a great source of vitamin C. They also taste great--much better than NyQuil or Pepto Bismol!</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Aloe Vera</u></strong>: Aloe vera is a great multi-purpose product. Most people know that it's great for calming sunburned skin--but it's also helpful for soothing other skin burns and irritations. Aloe vera is very hydrating, so it helps moisturize skin without the oiliness or greasiness of most skin lotions. It also does nicely in a pinch to smooth and style hair. I get my aloe vera at Trader Joe's, but <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=184124.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=3303&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.americarx.com%252FProducts%252F38799.html">Fruit of the Earth</a> makes a nice version that's 100% aloe vera gel with no additives.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Tea Tree Oil</u></strong>: This medicinal herb has antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. I like using it to kill zits, prevent infection following a manicure or pedicure or as an alternative to Neosporin to reduce the chance of MRSA. Pure tea tree oil is very potent and can be quite irritating applied directly to skin, so I use <a href= "http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10379258?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vitaminshoppe.com%2Fstore%2Fen%2Fbrowse%2Fsku_detail.jsp%3Fid%3DDS-1042%26sourceType%3Dcs%26source%3DCJ%26cm_mmc%3DShopping%2520Engines-_-cj-_-Blemish%2520Touch%2520Stick%2520-%2520.33%2520Fluid%2520Ounces%2520Stick%28S%29-_-DS-1042&amp;cm_mmc=CJ-_-1528854-_-1651317-_-Product%20Catalog&amp;cjsku=1246171">Desert Essence Blemish Touch Stick</a> instead.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Saline</u></strong>: Whether you use it to rinse out a stuffy nose or gargle with it to soothe an inflamed throat, a solution of salt and lukewarm water is one of the simplest remedies. Use 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt (<i>preferably</i>), kosher salt or non-iodized salt dissolved in one cup of lukewarm water. Either use a bulb syringe to rinse out nasal passages or swish sips of the solution at the back of your throat. If this sounds like too much work, Simply Saline makes pre-packaged products--and there's a <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;offerid=43440.790328131&amp;type=10&amp;subid=0">BOGO sale at Drugstore.com</a>.</span></p> </li> </ol> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Those are my five favorite natural remedies. What natural cures are staples in your medicine cabinet? Let us know in the comments!</span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Natural-Remedies.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:33:21 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Natural-Remedies.html stella.louise 2009-10-27T17:33:21Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Money-Fears.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Just a little over a week until Halloween, but if you think that ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties are scary, try an angry horde of costumed kids after you run out of Reese's Peanut Butter cups!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Kidding.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">What's scarier than haunted houses is perhaps a balloon mortgage payment...Night of the Living Dead? Try working two jobs to barely eke out a living. And that monster lurking around the corner is nothing compared to the fright of dealing with a huge unanticipated expense on a very small and tight budget.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">In honor of the upcoming holiday, I thought I'd take a bit of time to explore some of our money demons--Halloween-style:</span></p> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:right; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4036827207_8562da1918_o.jpg" alt="Edward from Twilight"></div> <p></p> <p></p> <u><strong>Vampires</strong></u> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Feel like your bank account is being sucked dry by revolving interest rates, taxes, hidden fees, surcharges and such? You're not alone. A mounting credit card balance can have even the most stalwart quivering in fear. <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Credit-Card-Usage.html">Using credit cards wisely</a> is one way to stave off the swirling vortex of runaway debt as is meticulously managing and tracking your expenditures. Didn't realize that twice-a-day Starbucks habit was bleeding your bank account? Maybe it's time to put a silver bullet in it...</span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:left; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/4037577176_cea2b588b0_m.jpg" border="2" alt="Poltergeist"></div> <u><strong>Ghosts</strong></u> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">One of the ramifications of debt or poor spending habits is a bad credit score that will haunt you forever. Make sure to keep on top of your credit score by running your free <a href= "https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp" target= "_blank">annual credit report</a> and reviewing it for errors. A bad credit score can affect your ability to buy or rent a home, get a credit card or loan, or even <a href= "http://consumerist.com/5382699/legal-uses-of-your-credit-report" target="_blank">get a job</a>. Don't let the ghosts of spending past bedevil your present and future. Spend wisely and be diligent!</span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:right; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/4036827367_16ca4f05c8_m.jpg" alt="Werewolf"></div> <u><strong>Werewolves</strong></u> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Another repercussion of wild spending? Creditors. Ravenous, relentless and ruthless, collection agents hunting down money can feel like a pack of hungry wolves--and you're dinner. According to a recent post at WalletPop, you can suffer from being pursued by collection agents even if you're <a href= "http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/22/debt-collection-practices-act-needs-updating/" target="_blank">not responsible for the debt</a>. Collection agents have been known to hound relatives, people with the same name as the debtor or even total strangers who inherited the phone number of the person they are after. In one case, <a href= "http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/17/did-collection-calls-contribute-to-floridians-death/" target="_blank">collection calls may have contributed to the death</a> of a Florida man. Check out the <a href= "http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm" target="_blank">FTC website</a> to learn what your rights are and how to protect yourself from the abusive practices of collection agencies.</span> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:left; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4036827167_6aa6d76c8a_m.jpg" border="2" alt="Bill Murray"></div> <p></p> <p></p> <u><strong>Zombies</strong></u> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Too often we are on autopilot when it comes to managing our finances. Infected by a viral need to "buy stuff," with no will--or willpower--of our own, we are like mindless zombies when it comes to money. So before your financial apocalypse comes to pass, take control. Use tools like those found at <a href="https://money.strands.com/" target= "_blank">moneyStrands</a> to track and manage your money. It's better than shuffling about aimlessly and eating brains.</span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:right; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/4037577252_2a66821623_m.jpg" alt="Witch"></div> <u><strong>Witches</strong></u> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">Bewitched, bothered and bewildered? Whether you've been enchanted by a seemingly miraculous product on an <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Ad-Scams.html">infommercial</a> or charmed into a Madoff-style Ponzi scheme, it's not that difficult to fall victim to financial follies. Certainly there is a psychological component to buying and spending money--and legitimate advertisers as well as scammers know all too well the ways to cast a spell and get you to part ways with your dollars. Your best talisman to defeat these conjurers? Your own natural <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Skeptics-Save.html">skepticism</a>. Employing an "if it seems too good to be true" attitude is like a lucky horseshoe keeping the spell-casters at bay.</span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> <p></p> </div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <div style="float:left; padding: 10px"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4037577300_d23f68b83a_m.jpg" border="2" alt="Dentist"></div> <u><strong>Dentist</strong></u> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">One of my bi-annual dental appointments used to fall right before Halloween and my dentist at the time would always ask me, <i>"Going to any Halloween parties this year?"</i> to which I was forced to admit I wasn't. I'd ask him if he was and he would reply yes. <i>"I'm going as a dentist!,"</i> he would say blithely with gloved hands scraping at my teeth. <i>"Oooh, scary!"</i> was always my stock response.</span> <p></p> <span style="font-size: 13px;">While my dentist had a fine sense of humor, he still realized the inherent terror that many people have with regards to going to the dentist. It's painful, it's scary, and there are a lot of people who avoid dealing with their finances with the same abhorrence as reserved for dental exams. But avoiding money issues can create a rotting, festering problem--worse even than a root canal. Besides, saving doesn't have to be painful! Brush up on tracking your spending, and break out the floss to shave costs by hunting for the best deals and using <a href= "http://www.savings.com/">online coupons</a>. With daily care and regular checkups you can let your blossoming bank account bring a smile to your face.</span></div> <div style="float:left; width: 100%"> <p></p> </div> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Which money demon are you possessed by? Tell us your ghost story in the comments!</span></p> <p></div></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Money-Fears.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:16:15 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Money-Fears.html stella.louise 2009-10-23T15:16:15Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Live-a-Greener-Life.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Inspired by the upcoming film NO IMPACT MAN, a story about a family that goes off the grid for a year, I decided to write a blog about some simple lessons from mom and dad that go a long way in being green. While NO IMPACT MAN'S extreme lifestyle is inspiring, there are also simple things all of us can do every day to make a difference.</span></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value= "http://www.youtube.com/v/1fITT6rVPds&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> <embed src= "http://www.youtube.com/v/1fITT6rVPds&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></object></p> <p></p> <ol> <li> <p><strong>Don't Individually Wrap in Plastic</strong>: <span style="font-size: 13px;">Watching NO IMPACT MAN get angry at seeing cookies wrapped in plastic at the Farmer's Market of all places might be my favorite moment of the whole trailer. It's estimated 1/3 of all waste in California alone is created by packaging of food and goods. In addition to buying local to avoid packaging, invest in a reusable lunch box, and maybe a good set of Tupperware for those few items that you need to keep fresh. Savings.com has a <a href="http://www.savings.com/detail/260962-coupon.html">10% off Tupperware coupon</a> to get you started.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Save Leftovers, Freeze Everything</strong> : <span style="font-size: 13px;">According to the <a href= "http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/weekinreview/18martin.html" target="_blank">New York Times</a> about a pound of food per person is wasted every day in America. So save those leftovers, or re-purpose them. Leftover mashed potatoes can make for delicious potato pancakes. My personal favorite is when mom used to make those amazing soups, using a turkey or ham bone as the soup stock, and anything that needed to be eaten in the fridge ended up in the pot.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>There's no Shame in a Good Hand-me-Down</strong> : <span style="font-size:13px;">Being the only girl in my family, I used to get a lot of long-distance hand-me-downs from cousins and aunts (which I still do). If you don't have kids yet, you can still have a fun, adult version of giving and receiving hand me downs. Do a <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Fashion-Swap-Party" target= "_blank">clothing swap party.</a> Your girlfriends will thank you. When you do buy new, think about shopping with companies that are considering their environmental footprint, like Patagonia. Shop with a <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/236367-coupon.html">60% off coupon</a> from Savings.com and you will feel good supporting a company that manufactures with recycled materials.</span></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Don't Buy Paper Towels Ever</strong> :<span style= "font-size:13px;">If each home simply replaced one roll of their traditional paper towels with a reusable dish cloth we could avoid wasting 3.4 million cubic feet of landfill space each year, and prevent 864,000 trees from being cut down. If you have to buy paper towels, buy recyclable ones (that goes for toilet paper too). According to <a href="http://www.idealbite.com/Ideal%20Bite" target="_Blank">Ideal Bite</a> "<i>[F]or every ton of 100% recycled paper that is bought, about 4000kWh of energy and 7,000 gallons of water are saved. It also avoids releasing 60 lbs of pollutants into the air.</i>"</span></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Why Pay for Water When It's Free?</strong> :<span style= "font-size:13px;">Not only is bottled water <a href= "http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/13/bottled.water.safety/index.html" target="_blank">less regulated</a> than the water flowing from your tap, but the resources and energy used to manufacture the plastic is mind boggling. According to <a href= "http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/02/bottled_water_w.php" target="_blank">Tree Hugger</a> 1.5 million barrels of oil in the US alone goes to manufacturing plastic bottles for bottled water. Invest in a good, insulated thermos to transport your water. When you stop shelling out a $1.50 a bottle, you could also be saving over $600 a year.</span></p> </li> </ol> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Got any great green living and money saving tips from your Mom and Dad? Leave them in the comments. Also, check out our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/deallist/deallist/Weekly-Greens-for-October-19th-25th.html">weekly top ten green deals</a> and follow me on Twitter <a href= "http://www.twitter.com/CoupieSavings">@CoupieSavings</a> for awesome fashion deals.</span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Live-a-Greener-Life.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:39:43 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Live-a-Greener-Life.html coupiedoll 2009-10-21T16:39:43Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Shopping-Tips.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Recently I posted about <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Saving-Style.html">saving styles</a> and not surprisingly we have quite a few savvy shoppers here at Savings.com. I put my colleagues to the test to offer up the best deal they ever scored. I got quite a few responses--along with some great shopping tips.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Here's what the Savings.com DealPros<span id="tm">&trade;</span> had to say on the subject:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">There's no doubt that <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/MBones.html">Annie</a> is super shopper. The deals she scores on a regular basis would bring your average deal hunter to shame. Two silk dresses AND a silk top at <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-Banana-Republic-coupons.html">Banana Republic</a> for $50 total! Insane! (<i>Although I can claim a silk</i> <a href= "http://www.savings.com/b-Free-People-coupons.html">Free People</a> <i>camisole that I scored for only $1.99. Yup--less than two bucks!</i>) <span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Annie also boasts <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Furniture-coupons.html">furniture deals</a> (<i>I bought an insanely beautiful antique, mid-century desk for $100 at the Rose Bowl flea market, and they threw in this rad antique lamp for free.</i>), <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Travel-and-Gear-coupons.html">travel deals</a> (<i>The week after I graduated college, &Acirc;&nbsp;I scored a round trip flight from Miami to Madrid for $300</i>) and even saves big on housing costs thanks to Craigslist.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Iva also scored a great travel deal saving $800 when she got a free Virgin Atlantic ticket to go home to Europe and visit her family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Craigslist is a favorite deal source for Sara, Catherine--and me! Catherine scored a dining room set for only $80. The kicker: she turned around and sold it later for twice that! You go, Cate! I got a 27" TV to replace my old set when it finally died--for only $40! Sara used a mismarked price on Craigslist to get her beloved Saab for $6k less than its Kelly Blue Book value.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Let that be a lesson for all: Misprints can be a huge opportunity for savings. According to the <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/adv/bus11.shtm" target="_blank">FTC</a>, it's against the law to charge more than the advertised shelf price. A while ago I purchased a TV switcher at <a href="http://www.savings.com/m-BestBuy-coupons.html">Best Buy</a> and was dismayed to see the item ring up for about double what I thought the price was. The cashier and I returned to where I found the item and saw that was misplaced, hanging under the price of another (<i>lower priced</i>) item. But so was the entire stock of this particular switcher--and so he rang me up for the lower price.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Misprints aren't the only way to score substantial savings. Slightly damaged goods can offer up a sweet score as evidenced by Katie:</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">"<i>I found this awesome picture at ZGallery once for over $300. I went back the next week and the frame was damaged on the bottom, so I asked the manager for a discount. He sold it to me for $99. I took my prize home, and spent 10 minutes sanding and staining it and saved myself 200 bucks! Sweeeeeeet!</i>"</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Lindsay's a fan of <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-eBay-coupons.html">Ebay deals</a> and her score--an old-fashioned Polaroid camera in working condition--cost only 20 bucks.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Jacob H. and Abiy recommend "research" to score the best deal. Jacob used this method to build a computer for dirt-cheap and Abiy's research proved that <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Skype-coupons.html">Skype</a> was the way to go for phone service, saving him hundreds of dollars each year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Adam recommends "networking" to score great deals:</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">"<i>When you need something, ask your friends where they go to get that sort of thing. &Acirc;&nbsp;Once I needed cables for a new TV and asked a friend where he went and he told me about a place I had never heard of (Monoprice.com). &Acirc;&nbsp;The site had such good quality cables for such a good price that I now recommend it to everyone. &Acirc;&nbsp;It has saved me so much money and I would never have known about it if I didn't ask around</i>.</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">That's one of the many benefits of a community-driven site like <a href= "http://www.savings.com">Savings.com</a>. The best deals are voted on and rise to the top!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/Phaedrus.html">Tom</a> detailed his biggest score in a blog post. Not surprisingly it involved <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Home-Brewed-Beer.html">beer</a>. But he, Guy and and Yasar all advocate for the art of <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Negotiate-Rate.html">negotiating</a>. <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/user/GCapes.html">Guy</a> haggled the price of a $250 handbag (<i>Christmas present for his wife</i>) down to $75. And <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/Yasarh.html">Yasar</a> negotiated a $120 bar tab down to $20.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/HSimas.html">Heather S.</a> used the "stacking" method to achieve her best deal. See if you can follow the math:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></p> <blockquote> <p>I got a $279 Juicy Couture sweater from <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Bloomingdales-coupons.html">Bloomingdales</a> for $18.70<br> Sweater was marked half off = $139.50<br> Waited until additional 40% off sale merchandise deal = $83.70<br> -$25 Gift Card (Bloomie Bucks) given to me by client = $58.70<br> Returned a $40 t-shirt my mother in law gave my husband = $18.70<br> <br> I realize the Bloomie Bucks I kind of lucked into. But come on! A $279 sweater for $18.70??<br> </p> <p></blockquote></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Clarice had my favorite score: the $200 she spent on her adorable, new puppy! Check out <a href= "http://twitpic.com/jned3">the pic of Paka</a> and see if you don't agree!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">How about you--what's the best deal you ever scored? Let us know in the comments and if you think you have what it takes to best the savvy shoppers at Savings.com, consider joining us as a <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Savingscom-DealPros.html">DealPro<span id="tm">&trade;</span>.</a></span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Shopping-Tips.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:54:12 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Shopping-Tips.html stella.louise 2009-10-02T16:54:12Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Fast-Fixes.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">It's Murphy's Law: Every time I have an exciting night planned, my skin breaks out. Next thing I know I'm accessorizing with a big, honking zit. I started thinking about important nights out--your high school reunion, a hot date, a special event--and all the last minute snafus that can spoil your look and your mood. How do you deal with these unexpected annoyances?</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">I asked some of my Savings.com colleagues for their fast, easy fixes for these common problems.</span></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Tired Eyes</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">There are so many reasons to miss out on sleep. Maybe you're a new parent, or you're working your way through grad school, or you just couldn't stop watching LOST last night. To liven up tired eyes, I use a cold compress. It reduces puffiness, tightens pores, and makes me feel refreshed. If that doesn't work, I turn to <a href= "http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=1EJqTwLQbuk&amp;subid=&amp;offerid=141184.1&amp;type=10&amp;tmpid=3391&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.benefitcosmetics.com%252Fgp%252Fproduct%252FB000FBF58G%252Fref%253Dsr_11_1%252F180-8922413-7193966%253Fie%253DUTF8%2526bcBrand%253Dcore%2526nodeID%253DAPS">Eye Bright from Benefit</a> for a little last minute lift. A swipe under the eyes reflects light and gives my lids a lift. Get it for free with your $40 purchase with one of our <a href= "%3Ca%20href=">Benefit coupons</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Erika says, "<i>I personally swear by using nude eye liner in the rims of my eyes to help red/tired looking eyes (I like <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000028961392">eye brightener by Pixi</a>), then very minimal eye make up with mascara, then blush.</i>" You can buy Pixi products at Target and save $5 on orders of $50 or more with one of our <a href= "%3Ca%20href=">Target coupons</a>.</span></p> <p><strong>Breakouts</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Of course you always notice your own blemishes more than anyone else will, but that doesn't mean a zit isn't an obnoxious, unexpected guest at your party. Wanna banish a break out? <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/stella.louise.html">Stella</a> recommends Desert Essence Tea Tree Blemish Stick. "<i>It's fabulous!</i>" You can get it for less than six bucks at VitaDigest and use one of our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-VitaDigest-coupons.html">VitaDigest coupons</a> to save on your order.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">If you have no time to go to the drug store, <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/coupiedoll.html">Lindsay</a> reminds us of a tried-and-true fast fix. "<i>Toothpaste dries out pimples if you forgot your regular face treatment creams.</i>" If you don't have time to zap your zit--even with toothpaste--a drop of Visine can reduce redness. Follow that up with <a href= "http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000028954401">Boots Complexion Refining Concealer</a>.</span></p> <p><strong>Flat or Frizzy Hair</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/user/ShoppinHolly.html">Holly</a>'s fast fix: "<i>A bun. Stick a nice little comb or clip in there, work with the bangs and sides for a minute or two, and you are all dressed up and ready to go</i>."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">A spritz of Neil George Volumizing spray will lift your tired roots, and a few drops of Gooseberry Oil can smooth even the most frizzed out locks. Get a free volumizing spray with your $40 Neil George purchase with our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/detail/305449-coupon.html">Beauty.com coupon</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">So these quick fixes work in a pinch, but if you're feeling all around blah, what are the best cure-alls? I recommend a 40 minute power nap followed by a huge glass of ice cold water to revive your skin and your attitude. <a href="http://www.savings.com/blog/user/HSimas.html">Heather S.</a> suggests:</span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">"<i>It's not as fast or easy as putting cucumber slices on your eyes or the like, but I find some hard cardio an hour or two before you get ready for a big event hides a multitude of sins. A good sweat gets rid of puffy eyes, perks up tired skin and is close to miraculous how it banishes all-over bloating--making it easier to fit into the big-event dress! Working out also gets those endorphins going and helps you feel good about yourself. And we all know if you've got confidence and an "I'm hot" attitude, it doesn't matter what beauty snafus you're suffering from.</i>"</span></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Well said! After all, if they're noticing your zit, you must not be having a very interesting conversation. Got any fast fixes to share? Leave 'em in the comments below!</span></p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Fast-Fixes.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:24:43 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Fast-Fixes.html MBones 2009-09-30T17:24:43Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Ghoulish-Careers.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">It may still be September but Halloween is upon us. It's seems these days the new holiday season starts immediately following the last holiday. Seconds after Labor Day was over, you could see your local <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Walgreens-coupons.html">Walgreens</a> stocking up their Halloween wares. Which is just fine because Halloween rules. And these days there's so many more cool Halloween decorations than when I was growing up. Kids today have it good when Halloween rolls around.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">But with all the light-up skeletons, talking candy bowls, fake severed hands and so-on, we need a way to pay for those <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Halloween-coupons.html">Halloween deals</a> somehow. So today we look at some of the most Halloweenish careers out there today. Trouble is, it's a year-round gig, not just an October thing so it takes a special type of person to make this their livelihood.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Crime Scene Cleaner</u></strong>: The movie "Sunshine Cleaners" gave this profession some more attention, but it glossed over some of the more gruesome details. If you're really considering jumping into this line of work, read the book Mop Men, which follows around a crime scene cleaner company with vivid detail. It'll probably scare you straight.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Ghost Hunter</u></strong>: Another profession popularized by pop culture, notably, "Ghost Hunters," which is eerie at times, and at other times the evidence is dubious. Whatever your beliefs, it's not just a TV show; there are ghost hunters all over the world--and it's a growth market, given the popularity of the TV show. MainStreet recently posted an article about the <a href= "http://www.mainstreet.com/article/career/could-ghost-hunting-be-your-new-career" target="_blank">growing ghost hunting profession</a> in the U.S.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Coroner</u></strong>: What kind of person studies up to be a coroner? You could ask the same thing about a proctologist, but anyway: it's a strange job when "I see dead people" is what you say about the people you work with. There are different types of coroners: a county coroner will not need the same types of credentials as a forensic pathologist - it depends on the jurisdiction. Some coroners are merely managers who hire pathologists, autopsy specialists, and the like. A full forensic pathologist needs an M.D. and a degree in forensics.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Embalmer</u></strong>: If a coroner needs an M.D. to do the job an embalmer is like the rent-a-cop of the after-death industry. OK, that's a little unfair, as it does take some artistry to make the dead look presentable--and it's an enormously important job to relatives of the deceased. But it requires less scientific work than a coroner, who needs to be a criminologist, as well as an M.D. That said, it's pretty gruesome: draining a body of its fluids, replacing it with embalming fluids, then sewing it up. This job takes a special kind of person.</span></p> <p><span style= "font-size: 13px;"><strong><u>Gravedigger</u></strong>: This job is not nearly as spooky as it sounds - at least not any more. The stereotype of the creepy old guy wielding a shovel is no more. Really, gravedigging is more like a kind of construction work, using powered excavation equipment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">If it's true that nothing's inevitable but death and taxes, working in one of the above professions means you'll never be short on work. So let us know in the comments: what's the spookiest or most-gruesome job you've ever had?</span></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Ghoulish-Careers.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:52:28 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Ghoulish-Careers.html Dealman 2009-09-28T16:52:28Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Saving-Style.html <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Annie recently posted about the happenings at <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Fashion-Week.html">Fashion Week</a> and it occurred to me that no matter what length hemlines are, or if pink, navy or brown is the new "black," saving never goes out of style.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Many of us express our personalities through the clothes we wear, music we listen to or things we buy. But our shopping habits can also provide insight as to our saving style. I've narrowed it down to four categories. Which defines your style?</span></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Passive Saver</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">For you, time is money. So you're not about to waste this precious resource clipping coupons or scouring the internet for deals. Yes, you'll seek out the occasional sale or special offer, but you don't like putting a lot of effort into savings activities. Fortunately, you don't have to. By signing up for a Savings.com member account, you can enroll in our deal alerts or have our weekly newsletter with our hottest deals sent straight to your in-box. That way you don't have to search for deals, the deals will come to you.</span></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Spaver</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">You "spend" money to "save" money, creating this seemingly oxymoronic category. But while your monetary outlay in the short term may be significant, it's the long-term savings that you have your eye on. Your pantry is always well-stocked and thanks to that buy one, get one free sale you will never run out of underwear. You may need to rent a storage unit to hold the cases of peanut butter, paper towels and toilet paper purchased in bulk at Costco, but oh--what a great deal!</span></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Savvy Saver</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Cautious and analytical, you shop with your head, not your heart. Rarely prone to impulse spending, you almost never pay retail. You have the patience of a panther--just waiting, waiting, waiting for the best deal so you can POUNCE on it! And all the money you've saved? Earning interest in a nice Roth IRA, thank you!</span></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Saving Maven</strong></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">The only thing better than scoring a great deal is sharing it. You may even have a blog or Twitter account dedicated to all things deal-related like our list of <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/30-Deal-Hunters-to-FOllow-on-Twitter.html">30 Deal Hunters to Follow on Twitter</a>. You're not just a deal hunter, you're a deal SHARER--a savings savant sought out by your social circle. Why let all that talent go to waste? Post your finds on Savings.com! Our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/User-Submitted-Deal-Savings.html">user-submitted deals</a> have saved our community loads of money.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 13px;">Want to know which saving style defines your personality? Take the quiz and share the results in the comments!</span></p> <p></p> <p><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src= "http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNTM5MTg3Mzc*NDEmcHQ9MTI1MzkxODc1MDA4MiZwPTEwNzE3MSZkPSZnPTEmbz*1OWU5NjRhNmFhYTU*MmM3OGU5M2M5YzgwNjRjZjdmNyZvZj*w.gif"> </p> <iframe name='proprofs' id='proprofs' height='422' width='440' style='overflow-x: hidden;' frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src= 'http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/widget/v2/?id=62996&amp;bgcolor=ffffff&amp;fcolor=000000&amp;tcolor=9B2A29'></iframe> <p></p> <div style= "font-size:10px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; color:#990000"><a href= "http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=whats-your-saving-style" target="_blank" title="What s Your Saving Style?">What s Your Saving Style?</a> <br> <br> </div> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Saving-Style.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:36:53 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Saving-Style.html stella.louise 2009-09-25T21:36:53Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Disney-Movies.html <p><font size="2">Disney has been in the news lately what with their <a href= "http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/14/the-mouse-means-business-with-disney-world-fantasyland-expansion/" target="_blank">Fantasyland expansion</a> at Disney World and their recent (<i>and first ever!</i>) <a href= "http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/14/news/companies/disney_d23_expo.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2009091411" target="_blank">fan convention</a>. It got me to thinking about the many Disney movies I've watched over the years.</font></p> <p>The Disney name has long been associated with groundbreaking animation and wholesome family fare--but beyond the pure entertainment there are also great educational opportunities.</p> <p>Here are ten money lessons I've gleaned from watching Disney classics:</p> <p></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <div style="margin-left: 2em; list-style:decimal"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 25px;"><font size="2"></font> <ul class="noindent"> <li><font size="2"><a href= "http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fs-pre-order-2-disc-snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs-2-disc-dvd%2Fp%2F1246630%2F13694%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=63540P"><strong>Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs</strong></a> - Although many would decry the anti-feminist message of "Someday, my prince will come...," the takeaway for me was the positive work ethic of the Seven Dwarfs. Even Grumpy whistled while he worked. Today it's more likely to be "Twitter while you work," but the idea of maintaining a good attitude on the job is definitely a good one.</font></li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fp-70th-anniversary-platinum-edition-2-disc-pinocchio-dvd%2Fp%2F1238619%2F13691%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=63359P"><strong>Pinocchio</strong></a> - I bet millions of moms have used the "Don't lie, your nose will grow" line on their kids, but it's the Pleasure Island Amusement Park sequence that sticks with me. With the promise of an endless supply of fun, games and sweets, Pinocchio indulges in laziness and sloth--eventually turning into a jackass. Literally. The lesson here is that short-term indulgences can have long term consequences, so spend your time (and money!) wisely.</li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fm-mary-poppins-45th-anniversary-edition-2-disc-dvd-set%2Fp%2F1239426%2F13688%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=63374P"><strong>Mary Poppins</strong></a> - The no-nonsense nanny had many good lessons to impart, but my favorite actually comes from Mr. Banks and his colleagues at Dawes, Tomes, Mousely, Grubbs Fidelity Fiduciary Bank who tell young Michael: <i></i> <center><i>If you invest your tuppence<br> Wisely in the bank<br> Safe and sound<br> Soon that tuppence,<br> Safely invested in the bank,<br> Will compound<br> </i></center> <p><i></i></p> <center><i>And you'll achieve that sense of conquest<br> As your affluence expands<br> In the hands of the directors<br> Who invest as propriety demands</i></center> </li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fj-the-jungle-book-40th-anniversary-2-disc-platinum-edition-widescreen-dvd%2Fp%2F1208577%2F13685%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=62710P"><strong>The Jungle Book</strong></a> - Baloo gives Mowgli a lesson in living within one's means when he tells him about the "Bear Necessities": <center><i>And don't spend your time lookin' around<br> For something you want that can't be found<br> When you find out you can live without it<br> And go along not thinkin' about it<br> I'll tell you something true<br> The bare necessities of life will come to you<br> </i></center> </li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fa-the-aristocats-special-edition-dvd%2Fp%2F1218868%2F13676%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=62970P"><strong>The Aristocats</strong></a> - Edgar's evil plot to do away with a quartet of high class cats in order to claim their inheritance is foiled by a streetwise alley cat. Moral: Build your own savings and don't count on inheritances. And beware of hound dogs....</li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Flive-action-dvds-tron-20th-anniversary-collectors-edition-dvd%2Fp%2F1101351%2F13534%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=25320P"><strong>Tron</strong></a> - This video game inspired film not only had a groundbreaking visual style, but delivered prescient warnings about identity theft and computer fraud.</li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fw-who-framed-roger-rabbit-15th-anniversary-edition-dvd%2Fp%2F1120241%2F13698%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=28130P"><strong>Who Framed Roger Rabbit?</strong></a> - This innovative combination of live action and animation featured cartoon characters fighting to save Toontown from demolition after owner Martin Acme dies without leaving a will. Actually, Acme DID leave a will--but the lesson is: Keep important financial documents in a safe place known to those you trust and don't write wills in invisible ink!</li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fl-the-little-mermaid-trilogy-gift-set-dvd%2Fp%2F1237805%2F13687%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=63332P"><strong>The Little Mermaid</strong></a> - Although Ariel eventually had her happy ending (these are DISNEY films, after all...), she would have been wise to have thought through her deal with Ursula. Moral: Read the fine print in contracts!</li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fw-walle-dvd%2Fp%2F1234693%2F13698%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=63275P"><strong>Wall-E</strong></a> - It's hard not to be reminded of our wastefulness and need to recycle after watching the little Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class building piles of trash. As a planet, we really need to keep our consumption in line and recycle wherever and whenever possible.</li> <li style="list-style: none"> <p></p> </li> <li><a href= "http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1651317-10676026?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneystore.com%2Ftransfer%2F224510%2Fu-pre-order-up-dvd-free-up-pin-set%2Fp%2F1250949%2F13696%2F%3FCMP%3DAFL-AffLSGen%26att%3DLSGenAffl&amp;cjsku=63662P"><strong>UP</strong></a> - Tying balloons to your house and floating away to a remote rainforest in South America won't work in the real world, so you better make sure you've done your due diligence when it comes to retirement planning.</li> </ul> </div> <p></div></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>There you have it: ten money lessons I've learned watching Disney movies. If reviewing these animated classics has made you nostalgic, you can always add them to your DVD collection--with some assistance from our <a href= "http://www.savings.com/m-Disney-Store-coupons.html">Disney Store coupons</a> of course!</p> <p></p> <p>What lessons have you learned from the Mouse? Post 'em in the comments!</p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Disney-Movies.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:23:34 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Disney-Movies.html stella.louise 2009-09-18T16:23:34Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Vegas-Tips.html <p><font size="2">I recently came across this <a href= "http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2074609/top_10_free_things_to_do_in_sin_city.html?cat=16" target="_blank">list of free things to do in Las Vegas</a>. While it's a good primer for a first-timer, I found it to be full of the obvious: the lions at MGM, the dancing waters at the Bellagio, the Sirens show at Treasure Island. Ho hum. I can only stare at a couple of bored felines for so long and don't get me started on those fountains-- am I the only one in the world who hates those things?</font></p> <p>You Savings.com readers deserve more imaginative lists. With that in mind, I present Heather's Lucky 7 List of the Best Cheap/Free Things in Vegas!</p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <ol> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2"><strong><a href="http://www.bigelvis.biz/" target="_blank">Big Elvis</a></strong>: The name says it all. This is a big, big man. And he sings just like Elvis. A reasonable person would pay for the privilege of seeing this. But you can enjoy this rotund rocker for free from 3-5 pm and again at 6:30 pm at Bill's Gamblin' Hall (<i>the erstwhile Barbary Coast</i>) every single day.</font></p> </li> <li> <p><strong><a href="http://www.pinballmuseum.org" target= "_blank">Pinball Hall of Fame</a></strong>: No, it's not on the Strip. But grab the 201 bus at the MGM and it's a straight shot down Tropicana to this 4,500 square foot pinball playground. I would call it a museum, except you can actually play the hundreds of games here! Admission is free, and games are 25 cents a pop for the oldies but goodies, and 50 cents per play for newer machines.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Casino Royale</strong>: Not to be confused with the James Bond movie. Or any place that James Bond would be caught dead in. Crammed in between the much more expensive properties of Harrah's and the Venetian lies Casino Royale, home of the $1 margarita, $1 Michelob in a bottle and free slots. I skip the free slots, as I've heard a rumor you get a timeshare pitch once you try to walk away. I plead the fifth on the $1 margaritas. If the raucous crowd makes this not your type of place, you may still want to pop in to withdraw some cash here--the ATM fees at Casino Royale are also $1, the cheapest I've seen on the Strip. <a href= "http://www.vegastripping.com/battleroyale/osheas-vs-casinoroyale" target="_blank">VegasTripping.com</a> has got a very humorous page on the Battle Royale between Casino Royale and its equally cheap neighbor O'Shea's.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Graveyard Specials</strong>: A $1.99 egg breakfast? $4.99 for steak and eggs? Absolutely, if you are willing to wait until after midnight to get your grub on. You won't find graveyard specials at the poshest casinos in Vegas, but if you hang at the poshest casinos in Vegas, you probably stopped reading this post long ago. Check out this great list of <a href= "http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/showtable.cfm?id=9" target= "_blank">post-witching hour specials</a> on Las Vegas Advisor. My personal fave is Marilyn's at the Tuscany, which has a whole menu of graveyard goodies--not just one special or two.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Mr. Lucky's Surf &amp; Turf</strong>: How fun is it to order off menu? Mr. Lucky's at the Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino has had an off-menu special for years now, and it's as popular as ever. For $7.77, you get steak cooked your way, three jumbo grilled shrimp, salad and potato. I've heard that you have to phrase your order in a certain way: "<i>May I have the steak and shrimp special, please?</i>" But I think that rumor is spread to discourage outsiders and the uncool. I've watched the people I'm with mangle the order in any number of ways, all while trying to look extra smooth and in-the-know, and they still get their steak and shrimp.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>The Fontana Lounge</strong>: If all these dirt-cheap specials are making you feel a little gritty, clean yourself up and get to the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio. Feel like a high roller as you sink into a cushy booth, order up a reasonably priced cocktail, enjoy the live band and gaze upon those darn fountains through the gigantic picture windows. No cover charge.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Twitter</strong>: I realize that Twitter is more a tip and less a thing to actually do in Vegas. But be sure to check out everyone's favorite "140 character or less" community of bloviators for special deals on the strip. <a href= "http://twitter.com/CaesarsPalace" target="_blank">Caesars Palace</a> and the <a href="http://twitter.com/LuxorLV" target= "_blank">Luxor</a> are just two of the many casinos that tweet out specials and info to their followers. And there are many, many Twitterers eager to give you savings tips. My favorite is "<a href= "http://twitter.com/vegastaxidriver" target= "_blank">vegastaxidriver</a>." Is it really written by a former Las Vegas taxi driver? I don't know and I don't care--as long as he/she keeps telling me where free Champagne receptions are and how to get on the list at Pure nightclub.</p> </li> </ol> <p>Have you got a favorite off-the-beaten-path bargain in Vegas? Tell us all about it below! And when I say "tell us," I mean "tell me."</p> <p>I've got a hankering for a road trip and some serious Vegas withdrawal!</p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Vegas-Tips.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:38:49 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Vegas-Tips.html HSimas 2009-09-08T22:38:49Z http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Buying-Value.html <p><font size="2">Earlier this week I posted about <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Ad-Scams.html">ad scams</a> that were proliferating on the Internet and television. While you might not fall prey to the whole <a href= "http://consumerist.com/5349663/the-article-cash4gold-doesnt-want-you-to-read" target="_blank">cash for gold</a> scheme, chances are you have been influenced by advertising. After all, the goal of advertising is to get you to buy something.</font></p> <p>The question is: Do you really need it?</p> <p></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <p><font size="2">Consider these facts:</font></p> <p><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2">The average U.S. consumer debt rose more from 2000 to 2007 than it had in the past 25 years and household debt is about 140% of household income (<i>source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis, US Federal Reserve, McKinsey Global Institute</i>)</font></p> </li> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2">The average US consumer saved less than 4% of his or her disposable income for the last 9 years (<i>and in the 2nd quarter of 2009 this number increased to about 5%!</i>).</font></p> </li> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2">The average credit card debt for households that have at least one credit card is more than $10,000. (<i>source: Nilson Report, April 2009</i>)</font></p> </li> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2">The US spends more money on advertising--to the tune of $140 billion per year--than any other country. (<i>source: The Nielsen Company 2009</i>)</font></p> </li> </ul> <p><font size="2">I'm not suggesting that we should stop spending money. In fact, most economists feel we must continue to spend money as this is our only way out of this recession. But we need to make sure we get the most for our money and focus on real value. If you listen to or submit to advertising but don't use common sense and good judgment, you will never be able to find real value.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Let's look at the top 10 categories in 2008 ranked by how much they spent on advertising:</font></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <div><font size="2"><img src= "http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3884621695_b8f4135f03.jpg"></font></div> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <ol> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2">Automotive - Okay, we all need cars and they are big ticket items, so huge ad spends here makes sense.</font></p> </li> <li><font size="2"></font> <p><font size="2">Pharmaceuticals - Definitely causing consumers to waste money. Yes, there are needs for pharmaceuticals, but mostly we're treating the symptom and not the cause. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States buys and uses 90 percent of the world's Ritalin supply--and more than 1 in 10 boys ages 6-14 have been prescribed Ritalin! When I grew up, hyperactivity and short attention spans were answered with "boys will be boys." I know there are legitimate cases of ADD and ADHD where Ritalin can help, but 1 out of 10? Come on. One study found that <a href= "http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080105140107.htm" target="_blank">pharmaceutical companies spend more on advertising</a> than they do on research and development.</font></p> </li> <li> <p>Autos again...</p> </li> <li> <p>Quick Service Restaurants - Three out of ten Americans are obese. Need I say more? Spending less money here and cooking more healthy meals at home would be a much better use of consumer money. This would save everyone money up front--and on the back end in health care costs.</p> </li> <li> <p>Department Stores - We need clothes, household appliances, etc. But are we buying value or "fashion" we can't afford? I like to occasionally splurge on nice clothes too and I do think the best value is to buy quality things that you will actually wear, but I always hunt around for the <a href="http://www.savings.com">best deal</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p>Cell phones - I'm addicted to my phone too. This is such a growing space now the ad spend is probably justified. But always look around for <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Cell-Phones-and-PDAs-coupons.html">cell phone promotions</a> to get the biggest bang for your buck.</p> </li> <li> <p>Motion Pictures - Yup. I love a great movie, too.</p> </li> <li> <p>Direct Response Products - This one is a killer as I mentioned in my <a href= "http://www.savings.com/blog/post/Ad-Scams.html">previous post</a>. There are so many people selling you things you don't need, or things that are actually very bad for you--but it's also the fastest growing segment of advertising. Buyer beware!</p> </li> <li> <p>Restaurants - I love to eat. I love to eat at great restaurants and there are so many. But again, consumers need to make sure they are not wasting their money and instead focus on value and health or they will be paying too much on food AND too much on health care (<i>over 30% of Americans are obese and your <a href= "http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/01/health/01obesity.html?_r=2" target="_blank">waistline is one of the best predictors of health</a></i>).</p> </li> <li> <p>Furniture stores - We need furniture. But again, are consumers buying value or style? I like design, too--but I also want to make sure I'm getting a good buy. Savings.com and other deal sites have great <a href= "http://www.savings.com/c-Furniture-coupons.html">furniture coupons</a> to help you get more for your money.</p> </li> </ol> <p>Bottom line, we're being hit with thousands of advertising messages a day that are focused on getting us to buy something. It's important that we all continue to spend money, but it is more important than ever that we do this <u>wisely</u>. Buying things you need and getting good deals is an investment in the future. Wasting money is not. Before you whip out your wallet, use some common sense and some research to make sure you're buying what you really need and also getting the best deal.</p> <p>Saving money feels good.</p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Buying-Value.html#Comments">Add a Comment</a> Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:26:01 GMT http://www.savings.com//blog/post/Buying-Value.html LorenB 2009-09-03T20:26:01Z