Illustration by OConnorCartoons.com
This contest has two winners: Wanda Goeden is the winner for “liking” the BargainBabe.com Facebook fan page and @FrugalHomemaker is the winner for following @BargainBabe on Twitter!
Each winner will receive one $100 gift card to Restaurant.com, which can be redeemed for certificates to specific restaurants. Please contact me to claim your prize, which was donated by Restaurant.com.
Thanks for reading BargainBabe.com.
Don’t forget to enter the contest to win two $100 gift cards to Restaurant.com, donated by Restaurant.com. Each can be redeemed online for gift certificates to restaurants across the country of your choosing.
To win, “like” the BargainBabe.com Facebook page and/or follow my money saving Twitter page. One gift card will go to a Facebook fan and one will go to a Twitter follower. If you join both pages, you are eligible to win both gift cards!
If you are not on Facebook or Twitter, this is a great reason to join. Even my Mom is on Facebook! Future giveaways will go to readers on my email list.
The contest ends Monday, Aug. 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Right now certificates at Restaurant.com are 80% off, so you can get a $25 cert, which normally sells for $10, for just $2. Use coupon code CLEARANCE. Buying a certificate benefits BargainBabe.com.
$100 Restaurant.com gift cards to be given away
Today I’m launching a reader giveaway of two $100 Restaurant.com gift cards, donated by Restaurant.com. Each can be redeemed online for gift certificates to restaurants across the country of your choosing.
To win, “like” the BargainBabe.com Facebook page and/or follow my money saving Twitter page. One gift card will go to a Facebook fan and one will go to a Twitter follower. If you join both pages, you are eligible to win both gift cards!
If you are not on Facebook or Twitter, this is a great reason to join. Even my Mom is on Facebook! Future giveaways will go to readers on my email list.
The contest ends Monday, Aug. 30, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Right now certificates at Restaurant.com are 80% off, so you can get a $25 cert, which normally sells for $10, for just $2. Use coupon code CLEARANCE. Buying a certificate benefits BargainBabe.com.
La Grande Farmers' Market/Flickr
Don’t forget to enter the reader giveaway to win a copy of the eBook “Real Food on a Real Budget,” by Stephanie Langford. The book is devoted to eating organic on a budget. Click on the eating organic on a budget link and leave a comment with how much you spend on groceries every month to win.
Enter by Aug. 18, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. A winner will be announced Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010.
The ebook is currently selling for $19 (orig. $25). A hard copy of the 280-page book is $26.
Illustration by OConnorCartoons.com
I have so many new ideas to improve BargainBabe.com it’s ridiculous. Thank you to the 219 readers who commented with a suggestion, thereby entering themselves to win the 10-pound swag bag I lugged home from BlogHer (winner named below). I am taking each idea to heart and have already implemented many of your suggestions.
You wanted custom subject lines in your daily email - you got it! Yesterday I found a way to modify the subject line.
You wanted more coupons and deals – you got it! I am going to post drugstore deals (CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid) on Monday and grocery deals (Ralphs and Safeway) on Wednesday. If you want to see links to additional stores, let me know by commenting on this post.
You wanted a better site design and navigation tabs – it’s in the works! I’ve contacted a web designer/tech geek about making the site easier to use and easier to look at. Realistically, a major change to the site will take at least (more…)
Contents of the prize swag bag!
Don’t forget to enter the latest BargainBabe.com reader giveaway to win my BlogHer swag bag, filled with beauty supplies, coupons, and treats worth $249. Everything in the bag, which weighs 10 pounds, is pictured here. The blurry picture (thanks, iPhone) makes it hard to tell what each item is, but the link below has a detailed listing of everything in the bag and it’s approximate value.
Click to enter the contest by Thursday August 12 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
My stuffed swag bag from BlogHer '10
This contest has ended.
I received a ton of swag this past weekend at BlogHer ‘10, one of the biggest blogger conferences in the country. All of the swag I received is highly branded. The idea is to get influential bloggers to try new products in hopes they will blog about them, generating sales. I don’t plan to write about any of these items (other than this post) because I don’t do product reviews. (See my About page Ethics policy for details about my commitment to transparency on editorial and paid content.) But I thought a reader would enjoy the swag.
To win my swag bag, leave a comment with a suggestion about one thing you would improve on BargainBabe.com. Comment by Thursday August 12, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST!
Here is what the swag bag, which weighs 10 pounds, contains. I estimated the value of each item to the best of my knowledge so the total value is approximate.
Toiletries/Makeup
Sample of shea lotion and perfume/room spritzer ($4)
Udderly Smooth Shea Butter foot cream, 8-oz ($12)
Udderly Smooth udder cream, 2-oz and travel sizes ($6)
SunBurnt after sun homeopathic relief gel, 2.5-oz and sample size ($7)
First Degree homeopathic burn cream, .75-oz, ($6)
Bic Soleil Bella razors, 3-pack ($12)
Minerals powder in coffee latte ($3)
Monave minerals powder in purple ($3)
Monave lip glaze in raspberry ($6)
Orange square compact ($2)
Everyday Minerals, 6-pack ($16)
Total: $77
Coupons
Free, any one Jimmy D’s product ($2.50)
Free, one pint of International Delight Coffee House any flavor ($3)
Free, one cup Yoplait Greek yogurt up to $1.19 ($1.19)
Free, any one Healthy Choice frozen meal ($3)
Free, one box of Nature Valley Granola Bars up to $4.75 (4.75) (more…)
Entertainment books – New contest! 25 random winners will win two 2010 Entertainment Books of their choosing. Like the BargainBabe.com and Lozo page on Facebook to enter. If you’re not on Facebook, this is a good reason to join!
Free tote – Get a free tote if you are a woman fighting cancer.
White Castle - Here is a White Castle coupon for a buy one get one free Saver Sacks.
McAlister’s – Today only! If you live near a McAlister’s Deli, head on over for a free sweet iced tea.
Free apps – Coupon Cravings has a neat list of the top 30 money saving iPhone apps.
Check out all the coupons and deals on my WalletPop blog.
Illustration by OConnorCartoons.com
There were so many wonderful, informative comments left as part of my latest reader giveaway contest that I had a hard time picking one winner.
I envy Brenda A.’s meticulous organization.
We love camping and do it several times a yr since our kids love it. I have all my cooking pans in plastic bins labeled, cooking stuff (pantry items)in another bin and so on. The most important thing to me is making a menu for each meal and day we are going to be camping, that way I dont buy thing I dont need and stay on top of the items I do need. After every trip we do an inventory list of the items that need to be replaced.
We keep all our camping/outdoor gear ready to go inside our emergency kit (water, food, etc.). It saves time getting out the door for a weekend getaway and keeps us prepared in case of a major disaster.
Fonedoc gets his/her kids excited for the trip by including them in the decision-making process.
I like to get the kids excited by telling them some options of what we can do and have them decide on some activities, so that its their decision in helping us plan our trip. They usual can’t wait and talk about the trip for days before and even after. I like hearing them tell their friends all about our trips together.
Michael Ayson Muson starts by calling his friends to borrow gear – very savvy!
I prepare for my camping trips by calling all of my friends to borrow their gear! Please hook me up with my own gear both for my and my friends’ sake!
Hilary takes a stress-free approach.
I start by taking a nice long shower…because it will be a few days before I get another one! In the shower I start making my mental list of everything I need to pack/take with me…anything left behind…well, we don’t need it!
Scaredekat’s comment made me laugh. Get ready, set, go!
i check to see if the camp grounds are available. then i check weather and i start on my list! from supplies/gear to food to toiletries, and not to forget my dog supplies for Max!
My most favorite thing to do is to time how fast i can pitch the tent!
And the winner is…Michael Ayson Muson. I hope these camping supplies, generously donated by Kmart, help you go camping more often. If Michael does not email me within 48 hours to claim his prize, the runner up is Fonedoc. Thanks to everyone who joined the contest!
My latest giveaway features a ton of camping gear donated by Kmart. Camping is one of my favorite frugal vacations – did you know there are many places you can camp for free?!
To enter, go here.
The contest ends Tuesday, July 27 at 9 a.m. PST.
One winner will take home:
- A $50 Kmart gift card
- A Northwest Territory 18×10 Dome tent, above, that sleeps 8 and has a rear storage locker with flap (orig. $230)
- Two Northwest Territory Big Boy Mesh Chairs, which each have two drink holders (orig. $27 each)
- Two Northwest Territory Hot Hood Sleeping Bags, which each come with a fleece pillow (orig. $25 each)
- A 4D LED Rugged Rechargeable Battery Lantern, right, that has a “lifetime” bulb that never needs to be replaced. The lantern has three settings and includes a 6V XPS rechargeable cartridge, 120v adapter for home, and a 12v adapter for car or boat (orig. $40)
- A Coleman Perfectflow portable grill with a 11,000-BTU tube burner and a 200-square inch cooking surface (orig. $70)
The camping gear will be shipped directly to the winner. Colors may vary.
Sears.com
Tomorrow day is the last day to enter the reader contest to win a $249 Kenmore mixer, donated generously by Sears. To win, like the Kenmore and BargainBabe.com pages on Facebook.
The 400 watt mixer has a tilt back stand, comes with a 3- and 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowls, and has an LED light so you can watch the action. It weighs 25 pounds and has a 5 year limited warranty. This mixer got three out of five stars by reviews on Sears.com. Read the product page for even more details.
If you are already a fan of one, make sure you fan the other. Fan both pages by Wednesday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m. PST to be considered. One winner and two runners up will be randomly selected. Good luck!
PS. The prize mixer may not come in red.
Don’t forget to join the reader contest to win a $249 Kenmore mixer, donated generously by Sears. The 400 watt mixer has a tilt back stand, comes with a 3- and 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowls, and has an LED light so you can watch the action. It weighs 25 pounds and has a 5 year limited warranty. This mixer got three out of five stars by reviews on Sears.com. Read the product page for even more details.
To win, like the Kenmore and BargainBabe.com pages on Facebook. If you are already a fan of one, make sure you fan the other. Fan both pages by Wednesday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m. PST to be considered. One winner and two runners up will be randomly selected. Good luck!
Readers have won a ton of prizes – mostly gift cards – on BargainBabe.com, but this reader giveaway has me especially excited. Call me domestic, but I’m thrilled to announce the giveaway of a Kenmore Elite mixer, which is being donated by Sears, worth $249.
The 400 watt mixer has a tilt back stand, comes with a 3- and 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowls, and has an LED light so you can watch the action. It weighs 25 pounds and has a 5 year limited warranty. This mixer got three out of five stars by reviews on Sears.com. Read the product page for even more details.
To win, like the Kenmore and BargainBabe.com pages on Facebook. If you are already a fan of one, make sure you fan the other. Fan both pages by Wednesday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m. PST to be considered. One winner and two runners up will be randomly selected. Good luck!
yatoobin/Flickr
I asked you why you read BargainBabe.com and received feedback that left me stunned and touched. I hardly know what to say other than thank you for making me feel special. I am glad what I do helps others save money.
Exactly 95 readers commented on my post requesting site feedback for a chance to win a $50 Sears e-gift card, which was generously donated by Sears in honor of their Memorial Day sale this weekend. I read every comment and tallied the reasons you provided (some readers gave more than one reason). You said you read the blog for:
Frugal philosophy, tips, and ideas – 32 readers
Deals – 21 readers
Freebies – 13 readers
Coupons – 12 readers
Inspiration, motivation and encouragement – 10 readers
Entertainment – 8 readers
Personal stories – 6 readers
Giveaways – 6 readers
Budgeting advice – 6 readers
Frugal community – 3 readers
Grocery savings – 3 readers
Restaurant savings – 3 readers
Comments – 2 readers
Experiments – 2 readers
New website reviews – 2 readers
Los Angeles deals – 1 reader
Credit card control – 1 reader
Reader Paolina said my 15-minute budget helped her buy a car!
I love reading Bargain Babe because you have helped me financially. I did your budget and saved hundreds of dollars a month! Because of your Blog I was able to purchase my first car on my own with no co-signer and a large down payment. All of your articles help, from either saving a few bucks on a great deal or how to save for a big investment. Plus your entertaining and fun!! Who doesn’t love that? Thanks Bargain Babe keep doing what you’re doing!
I never knew I had a friend in reader Tahrer until reading her comment:
I have friends and relatives that call me up constantly while their shopping, whether it be for groceries, clothes or home decor. They call and ask me if what their getting is a good deal for the amount their paying. Sometimes they even tell me that the only time they feel like their saving is when I go shopping with them. I’m more than glad to provide such reassurance to my friends and family. However, they always end up asking me how I do it all and my response is always the same, “I have a friend too, her name is Bargain Babe.”
Reader Joannie stole my heart and won the $50 Sears e-gift card with her rhyming poem.
Why do I read Julia aka Bargain Babe.com?
Because that’s where great ideas come from.
Like learning to budget and saving a buck
When your finances seem to be running amok.
The Babe helps us to find great items for free,
Or a gift card from Sears for you or me.
It’s the first and best blog I go to each day
There’s always some inspiration to take away.
Babe’s money-savers are her claim to fame,
She puts Suze Orman’s advice to shame.
So thank you, Julia, you entertain and delight
As you write byte by byte on your frugal site!
Joannie has 24 hours to respond to my notification email or the prize goes to first runner up Tahrer or second runner up Paolina.
The top three winners in my recent gift card giveaway all emailed me back claiming their prizes. Better luck next time to the runners up and everyone else who reads BargainBabe.com. The winners are:
First place – jenncf@ who won a $25 Amazon gift card
Second place – mariedimacali@ who won a $25 Marshalls gift card
Third place – dldevineol@ who won a $25 TJ Maxx gift card
Stay tuned for another giveaway next month.
