Hot Target Coupons

And the best part ....the coupons expire 11/26  so you can use on Black Friday!!!!

It looks to be slow week for couponing

It's raining, windy and cold in NYC... and this week looks to be pretty slow for deals as predicted.  So its actually a great time to just relax and recharge your batteries.  I'll probably be organizing and going through my closet to get ready for this cold weather. And getting stuff done for month end bills and errands before my vacation.

But get ready because after Halloween... there will be all the after Halloween Clearance and then Black Friday time!

$2 Chipotle on Halloween

If your going to be stuck at work like me on Halloween, then this might a a great opportunity to score cheap Chipotle.  If you dress like a Family Farm inspiration and go in after 6pm Monday, you can get a Burrito for $2!!!!!!!  I don't know how strict they are about enforcing costumes but its a great deal because their Burritos are huge and filling!

Cheap Flour at Pathmark

For all the crazy baking your going to be doing this coming holidays grab some cheap flour at Pathmark!!! Staring yesterday they have a 5lb bag at $.99 !!!!!!!!! NO limits, NO coupons necessary! Which is an amazing deal for that price given current rise in food prices, I'd been semi - stocking up with generic brands at $2.

Rainbow Clothing Store: Cheap Finds

I love Statement necklaces, they are a super cool way to change up your outfits.  But one drag is that their really expensive.  It's the hardest thing to find deals on usually, I just end up buying them at Forever21 around $10+ ... which is really cheap compared to what you'd find at JCrew or Banana Republic.   So I was super psyched to find the above at Rainbow on Jamaica Ave.  It was on clearance too at 50% off!!!! Whoopee so it was under $5 at $ 3.99!!!!!!! I think because the general demographic has different tastes, is one of the reasons why I was able to get this on clearance hence why its really good to shop around and explore the different neighborhoods in NYC.

This piece isn't a statement necklace so I'd probably maybe able to find something similar in the $7 range at Forever21.  Although I have I looked for a long thin (not gaudy chain) with a bronze vintage finish without much success.  So it was awesome to find this at Rainbow of all places for regular price of $2.99!!!!  This is a   great piece for more Boho casual outfits super excited about finding it.


Rainbow Shops

16525 Jamaica Ave
Jamaica, NY 11432
718-206-1221

How to Quickly Change up your Little Black Dress for Work

Over the years I've collected a lot of LBD's.  They fluctuate in hemlines, sizes and cuts.  I personally like the sheath dress cut the best, so I save that one for good occasions.  Overall, they are essential because they are always work appropriate, date appropriate, and SLIMMING!!!!!!!  Basically they are classic and you can wear them over and over.  My favorite one I've have for close to a decade and I still can wear it. So if you find a great one, its truly a great investment because your cost per wear will surprisingly in most cases justify the purchase.

Here's the one I wear most to work its Banana Republic but I got it new at a more upscale version of Pretty girl for $15.  A bargain compared to Banana Republics ridiculously high prices for dresses. Hence why the tag is cut.  It's got a A-Line cut, so this is great for creating the illusion of curves if you have a boy type slim body.  Plus, since I usually wear this when I'm too lazy to think about what to wear and NOT going to wear heels, the curvy effect distracts from my shortness in flats.  And let's not forget the hemline is just about an inch above the knee, which is work appropriate.  

Because you want to wear your clothes more than once without looking like your wearing the same outfit all the time, you can really create almost a new dress with accessories.  With the LBD you have so many options, the quickest is accessories.  And it'll look like a whole other dress.

Accessories Used

Club Monaco Leather Belt got on clearance for $10 last year Originally $59

Statement Necklace from Rainbow got recently for $5 

Version 1 : Use Statement necklace 

( I didn't use long necklace because this dress has has a trapezoid cut for a neckline)

Version 2: Use belt

(I invested in something over $5 in the case of this Club Monaco belt because it was real leather and because skinny belts are more flattering)

Shoes

If you want Vixen up your look for a date or event, then sexy high heels will make the difference.  

To add power for Work Meeting, you can slip on pumps with heels.

DIY Emergency Wedding Kits

Can you believe this thing is a bestseller on their site Regular Price $90!!!! On sale its $44.99

Seriously, if your prepared you can make this thing yourself, it's the easiest DIY project ever!  And it will make a really thoughtful gift to a newly engaged or soon to be married friend.

From their site this is what their bag includes:

The BrideSaver kit in a pink satin-like cosmetic bag.
Includes the following items:

Compact Mirror

Travel Size Hair Spray (Tresemme or Vidal Sassoon)

Travel Size Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant (Soft & Dry, Degree, or Dove)

Travel Size Hand Lotion (Jergens, St. Ives, or Nivea)

Manicure Kit (Nail Clippers, File, Tweezers, Scissors)

Tampons (Tampax)

Maxi Pads (Kotex)

Tissues (Travel Pack)

Hand Wipe

Hand Sanitizing Wipe (Purell)

Tooth Wipe

Flosser

Breath Mints (Certs)

Pain Reliever Packet (Motrin or Aleve)

Antacids (Roll of Rolaids)

Imodium Packet

Cough Drops (Halls or Vicks)

Bandages and Alcohol Pad

Vanity Kit (cotton swabs, cotton balls, nail file)

Nail Polish Remover Wipe (for mistakes, smudges, or after the wedding)

Makeup Wipe and Eye Makeup Remover Wipe (for mistakes, or to take it off after the wedding's over, sigh)

Basic Sewing Kit

Double-sided FashionSaver Tape (to prevent wardrobe malfunctions)

Stain Remover Wipe (Shout)

Static Eliminator

Ponytail Holder

Bobby Pins

Safety Pins

Earring Backs

Mini Tape

Super Glue

Smelling salts (in case someone faints)

Rings (just in case someone forgets them, it happens!)

Drinking Straw

Optional Items: Banana Boat Sunblock SPF30 and Unscented Insect Repellent

I think the most expensive thing is their tacky holding case and the double sided fashion tape.  But everything else with some time and thoughtfulness you can get for $1 in the travel section aisle or for free in samples!

To buy one link

Got My Olay Spa Set

So my Olay Spa Kit from Walmart came super fast!  Remember it was $9.80 after taxes and now I can submit for my $9.99 Allure Mag rebate offer or get a magazine subscription.  Sorry my pic looks alil out of wack because I opened mine to get to my card with the code for my rebate.  And I didn't even get to the best part they gave me samples and coupons!!

I got some kind of AXE product with SPF 15, not sure what it is but its perfect for a MAN gift bag.  And some cool Suave Professionals travel size Hair Spray and Dry Shampoo.  Not to mention the lil Dove sample spray of body mist.  Everything is super cute for the Christmas bags, I've been think of making.  And 4 high value coupons at $2 each with no Size restrictions!!!!!!!

Groupon on FIRE!

Man, today was a pretty decent Groupon day!!!!!!!! I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that their IPO is about too hit soon.  You can snag the below by going to Groupon and its under NYC or you can use my referral link to get you to NYC : NYC LINK

Anyways the first deal I snagged with my Discover Shopping (you get 15% back in rewards) was this awesome Body Shop Deal

Basically its about 50% off your purchase! There are some restrictions like you can't use on Black Friday but you can use it on Sales aside Black Friday but if your a die hard fan, than this is pretty super.

And if your too cheap to pay for Gym Memberships like me, they have a one month membership for $24.  There is fine print that is very important, the turn off for me is no Pool access but they do offer I think depending on location sauna and steam room.  And you can't have used their services in the past year too which means those who already have memberships you can't extend a month via this deal for this low low price.  I grabbed one because you have till Dec 31 to start your 30 days and with all the eating I do during holidays... I will totally put this too use.  Plus its starting to get cold ..  and I know people who use their GYM memberships for hot hot showers and convenient Manhattan freshen up spots.  Like no joke, one guy I know used his as a clean bathroom stop while hanging out in the city.

And lastly if you use GROUPON NOW to eat spontaneously, when I logged in I saw this below the Top Groupon Logo and menu:

Danice for cheap clothing basics

The secret to looking Fabulous in NYC without having your entire networth in your closet is avoiding retail stores as much as possible!  I've already posted on my two favorite sales in NYC for the cheapest finds an average of about $1 a piece and thats really an overestimate: NYC Housing Works Warehouse Sale and St. Johns Church sale.  But for those of you that hesitate over used clothing there's still some amazing deals to be found at some of my favorite stores for new clothes with tags.

A couple times a year I will make a trip to Jamaica Ave, in Queens (the last stop on E train) to do my non-second hand clothing buys.  Mostly, I pick up basics and cheap cheap shoes from what was formerly the $5 shoe store now about $7.

I rarely leave disappointed and typically almost never spend over $5 a piece.  My favorite Stores are Pretty Girl which are in a couple of neighborhoods in Queens (the one in Jamaica has whole basement of clearance) and Danice.  These stores do carry cheap clothes some are tacky and typical cheap clothes.  But the best finds is the cast offs from stores like Target, Forever 21, Derek Heart, Old Navy, Gap, and some middle range Macy Brands like Energie, etc.. its really random and its typically way lower regular price than you'd find waiting for clearance at these stores.

For those of you are are retail addicts,and skeptical..... the clothes are on the same level as teen Macy's, Old Navy, and Forever 21.  Sure the neighborhood isn't as posh and the stores don't look as nice but if you want to find a bargain I'd definately make the trip.  Plus because of the demographic of shoppers don't have my sense of style and lots of size Smalls and Mediums are left.. it's really a great opportunity to find deals.  I've also picked up some amazing Work Attire deals in the past prior to the recession when stores were getting more Retail Castoffs from over production.

Here's what I got today:

I wish my camera could do this Cap Sleeve Shirt justice.  It looks like a regular black t-shirt, but its actually woven like a light sweater and fitted to curves.  I only bought it because the details make it much more higher quality and similar too the expensive T-shirts that Cali designers put out in luxury lines.  Cost: $1.99!!!!!!!!!!

I can't resist the trapeze tanks, I love them because their so versatile and great for hiding muffin tops. I justified this buy because its an oatmeal color, higher quality fabric and stitching detail.  If you find similar style in Forever 21 it probably would cost between $7-14.. the higher quality I'd say would make it on the higher price range.  I don't think they carry this level of quality.  Cost: $1.99!!!!!

This is just a plain black T-shirt Cardigan extra long for legging and skinny jeans.  The pockets have a cool ruffle detail.  Roxy has one similar for around $40 in slighly better fabric.  But mines only Cost: $2.99!!!  

And lastly a sky blue long Hippy Skirt!  I collect these so I couldn't resist buying it at $2.99!!!!! 

Total Spent: $9.96 

If there were no sales on I would walk away.... fortunately, Danice is awesome for their seasonal clearance.  I didn't touch any of the Regular Price stuff like Derek Heart Cable Knit Cardy for $11 or midsleeve knee lenghy wrap like dresses for $10 or the Long Sleeve T-shirt Dresses for $15.  I'll wait for these to go on sale.

Danice
16327 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432

Rite Aid Look Ahead Freebie sale starting 11/6

Hurry and print this Keri Lotion Coupon!!  Starting Nov 6, Rite Aid will have a Money Maker deal!

Keri Lotion $6.99
-$2 coupon
----------------
OPP: $4.99  tax
Get $6 up reward

Money maker : $1.01 - tax

Link for Keri Coupon
Hint: you can get two prints out of one computer, you just have to reclick on their home page request to get the 2nd coupon.

Rite Aid 9/23-25 Freebie

Watch your OCTOBER Rite Aid Video Values now, lots of potentially good hair care coupons ! You don't have to print them now, but the great thing is these coupons expire after Thanksgiving so you never know if they will help you get potential freebie in the future.

This week, really only one Freebie to highlight

Buy 1 Kerasal Foot Moisturizer for $.99 and submit for SCR for $2 **Purchase must be made by 9/25 for Rebate
Final Cost : $1.01 Money Maker!!!!
Plus the best thing is you can submit for a mail in Manufacture offer for free socks.
Socks Rebate

For those of you trying to reduce your out of pocket, you can add a Cup A Noodle on sale for 3 for $1, so that you can use a prior $1 up reward vs paying all of the $.99 out of pocket.

**If the socks are cool, another great thing to add to a SPA theme gift basket along like the Olay Gift Set from Walmart

Free Olay Gift Set after Rebate

This deal is repeat goodie from last year, basically you scour in store at Walmart for the specially marked gift sets or buy them online.  Right now online it's $9 +tax  for a set, pick one and when you get to check out it will be FREE SHIPPING even though on site it says you need $47 worth of stuff to get free shipping.

Go here to buy: LINK

Then once you get your package you fill out and print out this webpage form Link for Rebate offer and submit  within 30 days of your purchase for a $10 rebate!!!!  

**Even better if you have a Discover card you can buy via Shopdiscover and get 5% rewards back!

Awesome gift as is or you can break things apart to personalize for an even prettier gift.

Starbucks Gift Sets Ideas

So I know its early, but the Holidays is one of the biggest and most unpredictable expenses on my budget.  All the parties,liquor and booze, just makes you feel like an absolute scrooge if you don't act generous.  To minimize that crazy splurging and last minute gift shopping, I totally am starting to prepare now or at least start thinking of gifts.
So I thought I'd start with co-worker gifts, pretty mandatory in most offices grrr.  The safest gift in my mind is Starbucks at least in NYC because most people do drink it daily.

Looking at all these Starbucks Gift Sets online really make me regret not buying more Starbucks mug and cups when they were on clearance last Christmas.  I'm using Starbucks, as just an example because its a "name brand" and automatically having something of their brand will make my gift look more expensive.  Not to mention in my recipient group in NYC are brand conscious.  If I didn't have to consider that I'd just replace all the branded items with non branded items and it'd be way cheaper to construct these.  Anyways I found some great ideas for possible inspiration for Coffee themed gifts.

This one seem's like a real simple one to remake.  Tie a ribbon on the handle, and stuff with Hot Chocolate packet, some mini Chocolates and long Biscontti cookie.  If you can get a Mug with out a handle, it'd probably fit in the Translucent Gift Bags making the wrapping even easier.  Since the Mug is glass, you would have to be careful not to break it so I'd probably had to put in gift bag with some kind of protective lining.

I think this must have been an official Starbucks Gift Set because really solves the Glass delicacy issue.

I think this one would be simple enough to reconstruct at a lower price of course.  Two tall mugs, small package of coffee, wide low Basket, all tied up in cellophane wrap with red yarn.

I really like this one, it look really festive because of the big Red bow and Red Base.  That would be difficult to make ourselves though.  But I think the big gift tag also makes a big difference too. If you don't have to get Starbucks stuff, then those Silicone Coffee Mugs would be a great substitute.

This one gives me a great idea for making a base.  I could probably find in the dollar store a take out box kind of carton and if its already Red that would make things so much easier.  And to take decoration even further you can Glitter on Designs like a Snow Flake.

The above would be a great way to personalize a Gift Card.  And a great reason to always save your Gift tags and Ribbons from prior gifts or purchases.

And Finally, the more expensive Fancy Ideas.  

I'm noticing them of Big Bows and Big Coffee Packages and Cookies as fillers.

And I almost forgot VIA, the packages are prefect size for stuffing into Coffee Cups.  And if you take them out and to use the individual packets, their pretty cute too.

I love this basket because its big and mixes both Starbucks brand with regular stuff.  And I love the idea of the Frappacinos, because their not super expensive to get and totally fill this basket up with Starbucks.

I didn't realize the base on this one is a Breakfast Tray! Super awesome idea and much easier to wrap.

My splurge Honey Citron Tea

Everyone around me from the train to workplace seems to be sick, and I've been fighting a cold all week.  So  I had to splurge on Honey Citron Tea.  It's amazing, so I drink it super hot so its really refreshing and great for  fighting the chills. I don't have a super sweet tooth so about a tablespoon is enough for a cup of hot water.   I usually get it at Hmart for $5.99 on sale but I got lazy all summer so I didn't have anymore.  There were no sales on it in a while but I got lucky when I hit Jmart right by the Main St train station, it was on sale for $6.99! It wasn't a crazy sale but much better than paying full price.  Lesson learned, stock up on my Honey Citron Tea when its on sale.. this is one thing I can't get with couponing but its so worth it!

Turkey Coupon

Butterball coupon

Ekk ok if your a regular Turkey eater than this would be a great coupon because meat rarely have coupons.  I was hoping that this coupon would expire after Thanksgiving but mines expires 11/17/11 still worth printing and holding onto in case their is a good sale on these babies before Thanksgiving making it super cheap!
One of the best coupon tips, I've ever gotten was to buy Turkeys during the Thanksgiving season when their super cheap!  A whole turkey goes along way, you can use the bones for amazing soup stock, you can use all the meat for a ton of recipes or use oven drippings for gravy.  Last year, I remember Target had butterball on clearance for like $.49/lb in my store and if I'd had coupon that would have been a sick deal.  If you have room in your freezer, these freeze for a long time so I'd stock up.

Cheap Coffee Cups

Collections ETC is offering these two reusable Coffee Cups for $5.99 plus $1.25 processing fee.  Which makes each about $3.63 You can get free shipping with  code 3LE5C1C till Oct 20th.  You get them via Link.  Super cute and eco friendly, not to mention great gift staple.

DIY Hot Chocolate Gift Idea from Target

So one thing I do around the Holidays is troll stores like Target to look at their gift sets for inspiration.  The inner tightwad in me just is amazed at how ridiculous the mark ups are.  Like last year for example, I saw this super cute Snowman bag filled with Cocoa Powder.  Basically because of the adorable packaging, they can fill in about 25 cents worth of instant Hot Cocoa powder and sell it for $2.99!!!!!!

So what I did last year it was truly one of the smartest things I did last year lol was buy this baby when it was at 90% off during Christmas Clearance for $.29 and took it a step further by keeping the packaging in tack.  Hence you see I even have the tag still.  So that this year, I can re-use the packaging and stuff my own mix of Cocoa Powder and tie the ribbon and BAM easy instant gift.  You can even tie a candy cane on it if want to splurge even more.

For those of you who are crafty, you can make a bunch of these for very little money and you'll have yourself cute teacher gift or small gesture gift of thanks or a great filler for gift basket.   

So be on the look out for HOT Cocoa on sale!

Note: I think this can be adapted for different occassion's like a Spa theme, and you can tea bags and mint in them.  

Sanrio and Morning Glory Gift Idea

Retail Cost: $30

From Morning Glory Website

So last Christmas when I was short on time and low on Gifts, I browsed Sanrio and Morning Glory stores for gift ideas.  For those of you who don't know what Sanrio and Morning Glory Stores are their basically gift shops that sell their branded items like Hello Kitty and Blue Bear etc.  Their like staple stores for Asian teens filled with cute little things like stationary stuff, statues, dolls etc.  Basically they sell stuff that should really be like a dollar and mark it up obscenely because its their brand Character and just Pretty, the stores are very big on Pretty.  And around Christmas they go big on Gift Packages and they'll add really cute wrapping, bows and confetti and put small cheap stuff together and sell it for a lot.  And Teens and Tweens just eat it up, the stores are super packed during the holidays.

    

Retail Value: $18 

(Sanrio Pekkle Glass Coin Bank $15, Nivea $3)

My Version Cost: $.05 for Wrapping

So last year I'd thought I do the same to save some money.  Over the years, I've collected a lot of useless Sanrio/ Morning Glory stuff that are still in their boxes from my teenage years.  Like this Pekkle Glass Coin Box, which sold back then for about $15.  I took it out of its box and put it in the Translucent Gift Bags I got from dollar store.  Then too make it more "pretty" I put in some Holiday Hershey's Kiss Candy I got for free via DrugStore sales.  And to get the gift a height, so the cheaper Cellophane substitute I used would stand taller, I threw in a pretty shimmer Nivea Lip Gloss I got for free.




Tip: If you have stash of Gifts you haven't used,think of ways to repackage and   gift.


Okay, this is shameless re-gifting but hey, it's not like I was every going to use this again.  And like I said for my gift list recipients, its tougher because their very image conscious.  This way I gave them a "name brand" gift that is expensive and looks pretty.
  
Besides we're in a recession and my other option would have been selling it on Ebay.  I personally, think this is a craftier way to not wasting your money and repurposing items you don't need or use.

Free Conair Hair Brush!!!!!! Rite Aid

Freebie after UP rewards and Rite Aid Video Value Coupon (VV)

Buy 1 Conair Color Vibes Hair Brush $2.99

-$1 VV

---------------------------------------------

OPP: $1.99 + tax

Get $ 2 +UP reward

Hint: Cute for gift bag addition for tweens

Rite Aid Oct 16 Run Results

Subtotal: $17.78 + $.52 tax = 18.30

Got: $13.99 new +UP Rewards

Submitting for SCR $6.99

Total Final Cost: FREE + $2.68 MONEY MAKER!!!!!!

Details Below, the best part about free Health Related Stuff is that in NYC no tax, so beautiful.  And I could have totally bought more stuff for free but I didn't wanna go overboard.  Keep that in mind, for me it would have been easy because I have so many +UPs to churn from previous weeks and so my OPP was very little. If you are starting with ZERO ups and don't really need this stuff, then either break your transactions up so your not using lots of OPP or skip the deal.  My suggestion is to do the two money makers and then keep churning till you get to the SCR deal.  Just because looking ahead I don't see many good deals in the next two weeks for Rite Aid.

Priority Deals ( because their money makers)

Buy 1 Sinus Buster $8

- $2/1 MFC coupon

Pay $6

Get a $8 +Up Reward (limit 1 offer)

Final Cost FREE + $2 moneymaker!

Buy 1 Revlon Nail Emery Boards Reg $1.69, Sale Price $1.01

Pay $1.01 + $.09 tax = $1.10

Get $ 2 +Up Rewards (limit 1)

Final Cost FREE + $.90 moneymaker!

Note: You have a lot of choices for this deal, its up to your personal preferences. I could have about the $4.99 Nail Polish or other items and still have gotten them for free and maybe pay nothing more than tax but I chose to go with the highest money maker.  Just because I don't need any more nail polish or mascara.

Easy + UP Freebies

Organix Cough Drops $1.50

Get $1.50 +Up Reward (limit 1)

Final Cost FREE!

Blitex $1.49

Get $1.49 +Up Reward (limit 1)

Final Cost FREE

SCR Freebie ( I try for these last to turn my +UPs to cash)

Zarbee’s Natraflu Nightime Cough & Sleep Drink $6.99

Submit for $6.99 Single Check Rebate (SCR) 

Final Cost FREE!

This was the most expensive of all my transactions, still Freebie if you don't count Tax

Buy 1 Veet Hair Remover Face Wax Strips $4.79

- $2/1 MFC coupon

- $2/1 in-ad coupon

Pay $0.79 +$.43 tax=1.22

Get  $1 +Up Reward

Final Cost: $.22     

Art Day

I really wanted to make use of my scanner, access to free color copies and library card to decorate before the holiday rush so today was like my own Art Day.  I went to the Queens Library and took out two books with awesome print potential and that were light to carry.  I ended up picking up a color picture book on the drawings of Manolo Blahnik ; Andy Worhols book on flowers and Frida Kahlos masterpieces.  The first two I picked because they had really nice commercially pleasing prints, great for making cards and prints to hang.  I got some great scans that I will be printing while I still have access to print for free.

The last allowed me rediscovered my love for Frida Kahlo's work.  I used to really be into art but as life got busy, I really never got to return to my appreciation of art.  Sometimes, I think what they say about art is true, its really for the filthy rich or artists themselves.  To have the time and peace of mind to just look is a luxury. So hence why categorized this post under entertainment, it was really a great way to pass time and senses.


DIY GIFT and Decorating idea


Print and frame these yourselves.  You can make it an expensive looking gift by blowing up like poster and framing as huge centerpiece.  Or you can go smaller and put in small modern frames or even in unique shapes.  The advantage of getting copy from book is you can preserve the texture of the work making it look less like a simple zerox.


You can find cheap frames typically at goodwill or dollar store or NYC side walks.  To modernize them, you can spray paint them a nice color depending on what decor your trying to match like white or black.


Or on a smaller scale, you can print on card stock to make unique ThankYou cards or gift tags to brighten up a home made gift.

Rite Aid Sale starting Oct 16 money maker!

Coupon Found !!!!! If you do the Sinus Buster deal you have a $2 money maker.
Buy 1 Sinus Buster $8
- $2 off coupon (coupon link)  ** you have to do quick register and they take you to coupon print page
-------------------------------
OPP: $6
Get $8 UP reward
Money Maker: $2 !!!!!!!!!


** Personally, I'd try to buy the Sinus Buster first and then buy the SCR deals to convert into cold hard cash because I still have a lot of ups to burn.