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The Frugal Diva
There is a place with free books, free DVDs, free magazines, free books on CD, free Internet and use of reference materials. This place is called the public library. I live in Los Angeles and the public libraries have provided me with reading material, books on CD, magazines, and fantastic DVDs including Louis Malle documentaries and The Simpsons Movie. I listened to Little Scarlet by Walter Mosley on CD during a long drive. I looked through two months of Martha Stewart Living. Having a problem with your Internet? Just scurry over and use the library computers to answer your email…
The Frugal Diva has a few rules: 1. Remember this is a holiday not a death march. 2. Make a list with budgets and options for everyone. Those who shop Black Friday, stores will run out of certain items. You and your loved ones have lived this long without them, you will live even longer if you don’t stress about losing a bargain. 3. Do not leave home without googling stores and brand names with the word “discount” or “coupon” or “offer.” You never know what will pop up. 4. Do not…
Repeat after me, “I will never pay for rush shipping.” So start your pre-shopping now. What I mean by pre-shopping is making a list, checking it twice, finding out whose been naughty or nice. Preparing in advance allows you to avoid last minute decisions and last minute expenses. Map out birthdays, shower gifts, and all every other gift giving occasion now and be way ahead when the holidays roll around. Of course we all have have our favorite stores bookmarked. This post is for sites that cover many categories. For things you need, gifts that can…
If you have the time to deliver these yourself locally, they will very appreciated. Gift baskets are best when they have a theme. So here are some ideas. All you have to do is pick up a few baskets, ribbon, and cellophane at Michaels. Proceed to the grocery store and you have the perfect gift. For the BBQ Dad – Mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauces, spices (maybe add in team paper plates and napkins as an option) Wine lover – Wine, cheese that is shelf stable, crackers, nuts, dried fruits, salami Dessert lover – Muffin mix, cookies, chocolate, candy, Starbucks or…
UNIQLO started in Japan with well priced, well made clothes and accessories for men, women, kids, and toddlers. In San Francisco, the line was blocks long when they debuted. With only five brick and mortar stores in the USA, they have finally opened an online shopping site. Light weight cold weather vests and jackets in a variety of colors are one of their specialties. They have all the basics covered and then some choices of eye popping yellows, pinks, and oranges for a total of 17 colors. They look slim cut however there is a chart that goes up to…
In order to boost their online sales, Nordstroms is going to a free standard shipping/free returns policy (this does not apply to the Nordstrom’s Rack or international shipping). While usually pricey, there are bargains to be had at Nordstroms. When the sale happens, look for well made basics and classics that will last for many seasons to come. Outerwear that those of us in Los Angeles can keep forever and that basic dress you need a few times a year. Check out the children’s department for cute bags and hair accessories that work for adults…
The Frugal Diva loves to keep up on all the latest news for saving money and saving the planet. Many times these two coincide and what better place to find out the Green Festival LA on Nov. 17 and 18 at the Convention Center. The best ticket value looks to be the weekend pass for $15 which includes $5 to spend at the Green Festival. FREE AT DOOR —————- • Youth 18 and under • Bicyclist using bike valet • Green America and Global Exchange members • Union members with card • Sierra Club members with card These festivals are also…