Friday, February 25, 2011

Happy Friday!

The last week or so has been tough for a couple close friends of mine. It has made me thankful for all the wonderful people in my life and helped me realize how precious life is. As this week comes to a close, just wanted to wish everyone a happy Friday! I'm thinking about you and love you very much.

It's already raining here. People are freaking out due to mention of possible snow flurries in the area tomorrow. We will see if that actually happens (I'd love it!).

Last weekend we attended my friend Lauren's 29th birthday party. It was a cocktail party with a black, white and pink theme. I must say that everyone cleans up pretty nice. I'll try to post some pictures soon.

This weekend we are attending a hoedown for John's aunt's 50th birthday. You can imagine how excited I am about that one! I bought cowboy boots especially for the occassion and have a pretty ridiculous cowboy shirt ready to go. The only problem is that I'm planning on wearing a jean miniskirt. Not sure how that will work with the snow flurries...

Pictures to come! Have a great weekend!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Great Deals!

I was going to send an email but thought it might be more fun to blog about some cool deals I've been finding lately. In times like these, it's important to do all we can to save money, find deals for the things we need, and stay informed. But that doesn't mean we have to throw all fun and activity out the window! Here are a few things I've been doing lately to try and save money on purchases where I can, and do new fun things in a less expensive way...

1. MrRebates.com
Mr. Rebates - Cash-Back Online Shopping, Coupons and More!
Mr. Rebates offers cash-back rebates on over 2,000 popular stores and also has daily coupons and special offers that increase how much you can save. Once you reach $25 in rebates, they'll cut you a check! There isn't any catch here - it's fun to search through the different offers and so easy to make online purchases. Think of all the online shopping you've done in the past...now think about getting 1% - 10% cash back on all those purchases...ahhh, I get it now.

2. Add It Up: A Bank of America Cash Back Program
There is a program similar to Mr. Rebates for those of you who are BofA customers. This is a recent discovery of mine and I haven't used it yet, but it seems worth looking into. It's not yet as advanced as Mr. Rebates but the site claims up to 20% off more than 400 retailers. One major benefit, as a Bank customer, I imagine it's much simpler and smoother to receive your rebate through your existing account and online banking process rather than waiting to receive a check in the mail.

3. Beyond the Rack
Beyond the Rack is a private shopping club for those who are looking for designer brands at up to 70% off retail.  They offer great prices for a limited time and number only so you have to be sure to check back frequently or subscribe to their regular emails to keep up to date on the events that take place. I don't use this site much because things tend to be pretty expensive (even at 70% off!) but love to look around at what's offered. Everything from shoes to jewelry, sunglasses, clothes, cookware, books...from brands I've never even heard of! Just a few of the events going on now are:
  • Ladies and Mens Footwear from Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo and more
  • Designer Fragrances for Her
  • Nexx Motorcycle Helmets
  • Coffee Table Books
  • Luxury Travel - Chicago
  • Remy Olivier and Thinkkitchen Cookware
If you're interested in joining http://www.beyondtherack.com/ let me know and I will send you an invite. That way I get cash credit when you make your first purchase!

4. LivingSocial
This is one of the fastest growing fads around. LivingSocial offers one fantastic deal each day with discounts of up to 90% at local restaurants, bars, spas, theaters, and more. You can subscribe to as many cities as you like (I receive updates for Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego). You purchase the entire deal on the spot and use it at a later date. It's a great way to do fun things that you probably wouldn't do if you had to pay full price.

Almost a year ago now, I purchased 50% off The Dresden Restaurant on LivingSocial. The deal was $50 to spend on food and drink for just $25 and I had a year to use it. The Dresden is an LA landmark known for its retro Hollywood Glamour. Parts of the movie Swingers was filmed here. John and I made a special trip out there to enjoy our deal and had a great time at a new restaurant that we would have otherwise never known about!

Just as an FYI, today's North County LivingSocial deal is $39 for a hot rock massage, foot exfoliation, and moisturizer at Simplify Your Life Day Spa in Fallbrook!

5. Groupon
Groupon works just like LivingSocial. John and I recently bought a Race Day Package at Los Alamitos Race Course to use when their family horse runs. This is a $68 value which includes admission into the Vessels Club which appears to be a fancy restaurant and members club above the finish line. We can't wait to go!

Today's San Diego deal is 50% off French cuisine at Cote Sud Bistro in Hillcrest. Join now or ask me for a referral to check out more deals!

Hope you enjoy all of these ways to save and play!!