Bonus Time!

Those words have always evoked a feeling of sheer euphoria in me. I will only visit a department store cosmetics counter with the promise of a bonus.

Then one day, I hit the motherlode - working for a newspaper you receive the strangest things in the mail; popcorn, coasters, food seasonings etc. A larger package came in the mail one day from Sephora. At the time I'd only heard of Sephora - never been to one or even visited the website. But all I needed was the taste of it.

I'm completely hooked. I love buying online because you always get to choose 3 samples which can include perfume, cologne, creams & makeup - so it's always bonus time! My suggestion is to sign up to be a "Beauty Insider". You receive emails about specials only available to Insiders, receive a free bubble bath on your birthday, and once you've spent $100 you get a deluxe sized sample in addition to your 3 regular samples with your purchase.

Another little bit of luck on my part was that since I was signed up for this program, I received notification a new store was opening in my area and they would be giving away gift cards to the first 100 at the door. I rounded up some people who love me and have no need for cosmetics (husband & father-in-law) and ended up with $80 in gift cards!

Anyway, check it out - if you don't buy anything, you should at least sign up as a Beauty Insider so you can keep your ear to the ground for good deals!

Reading for Entertainment

It's hard for me to really get into a book. Short attention span, I guess. But, a book I won't leave the house without lately...

It always went against what I thought was my better judgement to buy coupons. These books are usually 25 bucks. Bargain fiend that I am, of course, I did not pay that. I am now an Entertainment Book convert, however and, I can tell you, it is worth every bit of $25. You won't have to pay that either, fortunately. They are half off now and you have until November to take advantage of any offers inside.

Don't want to flash coupons in front of your date/boss/mom/whoever? The book comes with a plastic membership card - all the fine dining offers merely require a flash.

In the past 3 months, I've saved over $30, at least. Many of the offers are buy one, get one. Since my husband and I eat out quite a bit, this has been very valuable to us.

Also save money on car washes, flowers, local attractions & more.

I can see clearly now

Not only do I have six gray hairs now, but apparently my vision is going too. I've been holding on to the eyeglass prescription I got over six months ago, and you know, I don't see any better for some strange reason!

Part of the reason for my procrastination was just waiting for a good sale. But from what I gathered I wasn't going to get out of any of the major eyeglass retailers for less than $100. Even if that is for two pair, I have a strict policy on not spending over $100 dollars on anything unless it is a TV or car.

My mom mentioned buying glasses online which I was initially leary of. But after doing some research I made my decision. I ordered a pair from EyeBuyDirect.com and for $49.95 (plus shipping/handling of course) got a great pair of specs. The prices all include lenses with anti-scratch coating and I added anti-refelctive for an additional $5. Frames start at $7.95.

I found another pretty reputable looking website called PeerlessOptical.com which touts free frames with the purchase of lenses. Lenses start at $15, however, they claim semi-rimless frames require a "poly" lens which are $35. What I especially didn't like about this site was the cost of additional coatings - anti-reflective was $25 extra compared to $5 from the first website.

Again, don't forget to check these websites out by going through Upromise.com. Upromise offers a 15% discount at EyeBuyDirect and 6% of the total purchase comes right back to the Upromise college saving account of your choosing. (pick mine! pick mine!)

Here are the ones I bought...

SEE ya later!

No More Flo-Bee Haircuts For Me!

Okay, I've never used a Flo-Bee. But I do find it very difficult to shell out $35-$50 just for a haircut. I don't even give a second thought to color or highlights. Until now.

Times are tough and a lot of bussinesses are doing everything they can to get customers in the door. The radio station I listen to has a slew of advertisers on their website offering $50 gift certificates for $25. Fifty percent off is pretty good but I can ALWAYS do better!

I'm pleased to say, I will finally be treating myself to $50 worth of professional color at a trendy midtown salon for only......$13! (It was on sale for $10, plus $3 shipping)

If you're in Kansas City, check it out:



It is Studio 39 Salon on 39th St. in Westport (Kansas City)

http://studio39salon.com/



Most radio stations do this, I've found. So check out the local FM station's website and see what you find.

"Smart" Bargains

The first website I want to recommend is Upromise.com. It is an especially useful resource to me as a college student because, not only have I found awesome deals, but I also receive a percentage back from my purchases towards my college savings account.

If you're not a student and don't want to register, you can still check out the deals by using my guest shopping pass:

http://www.upromise.com/guest/2845977053

This gives YOU the access to all the discounts and coupons and ME the return on your purchase for my college tuition.

**Especially check out Restaurant.com - This month, through Upromise, you can get a $25 gift card to a local restaurant for $5. (They are usually $10)

Happy Bargain Hunting!