Strange to think about weddings one week before Christmas? Maybe. But my ace wedding planner Liz Coopersmith of SilverCharmEvents shared two deals worth paying attention to.
Wedding Outlet has a great sale going on right now. Lots of beautiful wedding stuff for sale, lots of jewelry and other items that would make great gifts, all available with a 12 percent discount when you use the code “12Days” at checkout. Enjoy!
Tic-Toc Couture Florals has a special offer, too, now until February – 10% off any order, and that includes your wedding bouquet. What I love is that on their website, they also break down their arrangements by price, which is nice. That price also includes “sky is the limit”, which is helpful, you know. Call Eddie Zaratsian at 323. 874.3034, and tell him that you saw it on Silver Charm Events.
Thanks, Liz!
Here’s another way to say thank you to veterans today. For $11 you can ship a care package to a soldier as part of Operation Gratitude. Or you can donate items on the list below to help them fill their goodie bags. So far the organization has packed and shipped almost 500,000 packages total and more than 16,000 boxes this holiday season!
The following items will be accepted until Dec. 5 for holiday care packages:
- Electronics: DVDs, CDs, batteries of all sizes, computer flash drives, headsets (earpiece and microphone), used cell phones, video games and systems, iPoids, PDAs, ink-jet cartridges
- Games: travel-size board games, handheld electronic games
- Food: single serving cereal, individual packets of hot cereal, trail mix, beef jerky, nuts, energy bars, sunflower seeds, candy, ready to eat tuna or chicken salad kits, girl scout cookies, packets of powered cold drinks, tobacco products
- Toiletries: commercially sealed lip balm, roll-on deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, individual packets of moist towelettes, travel size containers of foot powder
- Clothing: screen printed t-shirts, socks, baseball hats, knit hats and gloves, knit scarves, neck gators
- Letters: holiday greeting cards (blank), unsealed personal cards and letters
- Misc. items: beanie babies/webkinz, small novelty items, disposable cameras, prepaid phone cards, bandana coolers/cool-ties*, mini-battery-operated fans, hand and foot warmers
Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax deductible as provided by law. Please make checks payable and send to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, California 91436
Thanks, Linda!
Veterans can get a free cinnamon roll French toast breakfast at Ruby’’s Diner on Wednesday, Nov. 11 until 11:30 a.m. Dine in only. Must have this coupon to get the deal.
Thanks, Tina!
Related:
Veteran’s Day edition – freebies galore
Military families get into parks free
In honor of Veteran’s Day next Wednesday, Nov. 11, I’m going to highlight the best deals and freebies available on that day. The holiday is particularly ripe for bargains so if you are a veteran, take advantage!
At Applebee’s, veteran’s can choose one of six dishes and eat free on Nov. 11. The dishes include a 7-ounce steak, bacon burger, chicken tenders platter, oriental chicken salad, fiesta lime chicken, or three-cheese penne. One of the following proof of ID are required, including U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services, Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), photograph of you in uniform, wear your uniform, DD214, or a citation or commendation.
In Chicago, Uno Chicago Grill offers veterans a free personal pizza or entree when you purchase an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.
In northern Virginia, Masala Wok is offereing a free entree on Nov 11th to veterans.
In the midwest, Hy-Vee supermarkets with in-dining services will offer veterans a free breakfast on Nov. 11, 2009. Choose from scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrown casserole, biscuits and gravy and more served with a free small beverage.
In Fairfax, VA, the NRA is sponsoring a free shoot and meal for a limited number of veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 from 6-9 p.m.
In Birmingham, AL Bargain Mom has a list of freebies museums and other deals for veterans.
The Freebie Queen found these freebies:
In Buena Park, CA, veterans and active duty military personnel get into Knott’s Berry Farm free Nov 1-26, 2009
Free Knott’s Berry Farm admission for veterans, active duty military 11/01-11/26/09
In Williamsburg, VA: Colonial Williamsburg offers free admission for veterans, active military Nov. 6-11, 2009
Free Colonial Williamsburg admission for veterans, active military 11/06-11/11/09
At Sam’s Clubs, disabled vets can get a free Hugo folding cane on Nov. 11, 2009
Free Hugo folding cane for military veterans @ Sam’s Clubs 11/11/09
In Fall River, MA: Get free Battleship Cove admission for veterans, active duty, reservists on Nov. 11, 2009
Free Battleship Cove admission for veterans, active duty, reservists on 11/11/2009
In Ashland, NB: The Strategic Air & Space Museum is free admission for veterans on Nov. 14, 2009
Strategic Air & Space Museum free admission for veterans on 11/14/2009
Slickdeals.net also found these veteran’s deals:
In Chesapeake, VA, Natural Elements Spa & Salon will provide FREE services to Military Veterans on Wednesday Novemeber 11th, 2009 for both active duty and retired military from 10 AM – 3 PM. Veterans interested in FREE services of Elemential Facial, Body Bliss Massage, and Hydrofying Hair must call Natural Elements Spa & Salon for their appointment. (757) 436-1141.
In Greenbay, WI, veterans and their families get into the zoo free on Nov. 11, 1009. For info call (920) 434-7841.
In Scottsdale, AZ veterans can get a one-hour massages in its Student Clinic from Nov. 16 – 21.
Michigan veterans can get free plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, 2680 Leonard NE, Suite 4, Grand Rapids. This is for any Michigan vet injured while on active duty. The injury must be the type that is treatable with cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. The offer is good only throughout the month of November for scheduling appointments. The actual surgeries will take place sometime after the first of the year, most likely in January.
I took some fabulous pictures of my sexy librarian costume Saturday night with my iPhone but only one of them survived. The next day I lost my iPhone with all the pictures. The only one that survived (because I emailed it to my sister) is um, not appropriate for the blog. Sorry, folks.
Hope you had a great holiday and found a fun and frugal costume to dress up in!
Julia
aka Bargain Babe
Kim Danger shares more than a half dozen costume ideas that cost under $10 and use items you probably have around your house.
Readers suggested a TON of amazing ideas for dirt cheap Halloween costumes. Some of my favorites are:
Lisa’s idea:
Ha, that reminds me of a party I went to where a guy walked in with a bunch of underwear pinned to the front of his sweatshirt and said he was a CHEST OF DRAWERS! I love the fact that people are turning back to ‘things’ and concepts rather than imitating a person or fictional character. Shows much more imagination and guessing what each person is supposed to be is part of the fun!
Sue’s idea – especially relevant in LA:
Make a sign saying “Happy Halloween” or better yet “Trick or Treat”, put handles on the back and go as a sign twirler. You could wear a rainbow clown wig like the guy on my corner, but you really don’t need any special clothes.
Lisa’s idea:
Get a large trash bag, cut holes in for legs and arms, then fill out around you with assorted bottles, cans, etc. and go as a Recyclable. Then you can cash in the costume for $$ – very bargain babish!
Georgie’s idea:
Put a pair of green tights and top on and blow up green balloons and go as a bunch of grapes, we did it for the whole family last year, cheap as chips.
Lynda’s idea:
I went to a party one year where a woman wore a long orange dress, and tied several piece of fern to her head…said she was a carrot!
Liz’s idea:
I dressed in black. Then I cut the cereal names from their boxes and pinned them to my body. My only other prop was a cleaver with fake blood on it. I was a ‘cereal’ killer.
My absolute favorite idea came from Elizabeth:
Two years ago, I wore a dead-on Jacqueline Onassis-style ‘do and oversize dark sunglasses, borrowed some pearls and, beneath a tailored suit jacket, wore a giant pumpkin face that I’d cut from one of those cheap plastic lawn bags. My Jackie O. Lantern was a hit everywhere it went that year and cost me a grand total of $8 for the drugstore sunglasses and pumpkin bag!
Well folks, I’ve chosen my Halloween costume. After settling on being a “Jackie O. Lantern” I realized I had NONE of the elements of the costume except for a pearl necklace my grandma gave me. No pill box hat, fancy black dress or 50s-style jacket, no pumps (I like strappy heels), and no orange make up to draw a pumpkin out on my face. Putting together the costume would have cost me at least $10-$20.
Instead, I dug deep into my closets to come up with a costume that suits me and won’t cost a penny! SEXY LIBRARIAN!
I already have the rimmed glasses, a fitted navy blue skirt that goes to the knee, a button down brown cardigan, fishnets and heels (the last two are the sexy part). I may also wear a pearl necklace and my sister is going to help me put my hair up. Now all I need is a stack of books and…young man, you have a late fee!
Related:
Halloween bargains at the 99 Cent Store
Reader ideas for frugal Halloween costumes
Every kid 10 years old and younger wearing a Halloween costume will get a free meal when an accompanying adult buys an entree at the Old Spaghetti Factory. The offer is good on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 from noon to 5 p.m. only.
The chain is mostly on the West Coast and has stores in HI, CA, OR, WA, ID, UT, AZ, TX, CO, MN, MO, IN, OH, KY, TN, and GA. Thank goodness for state abbreviations or I would have had to write that all out!
Caveats: dine in only, cannot be combined with any other offers. Not available in Minneapolis, Spokane, or Newport Beach.
Thanks Tina!
Here are 11 more ideas for frugal, DIY Halloween costumes, courtesy of the Coupon Sherpa blog. I picked the best ideas from their list of 50 do-it-yourself costume ideas. All very frugal!
3. The Nerd: Some can go from work to Halloween parties without a change of clothes, but for non-nerds, pair high-water pants, a short-sleeved dress shirt buttoned to the top with pens in the pocket and appropriate ink stains. Take the nose and mustache off a set of Groucho glasses and you’ve completed the look.
6. Ugly Betty is a good option for ladies not interested in a sexy look: Heavy framed glasses are required but a Sears poncho is optional.
8. Mortgage-backed Security: Financial whizzes need only wrap a lightweight dollhouse in chains or ropes to make this costume work. Pair a business suit with a briefcase and strap the house to your back. For an added touch, paint your face black and blue.
12. Corporate CEO: You’ll need a decent suit for this one, but what really makes this costume work is the golden parachute, made by spray painting a bed sheet gold and allowing it to peak out of a backpack. You can stuff fake bills in your pockets but be prepared to lose them over the evening to costumed Job Seekers.
21. Lamp: Top an all-black ensemble with a large lampshade and you’ll light-up the party.
26. Windblown (for females): Braid your hair with wire so it sticks out in one direction and glue the wire to a scarf. Wrap the scarf around your neck and extend it in the same direction as your hair. Poke the wire through the hem of a skirt and bend it in the same direction as the hair and scarf. For added affect, walk at an angle.
28. Work of Art: This couldn’t be easier: Hang a large picture frame around your neck. If you want to make it complicated, consider dressing up as a specific work of art, such as the Mona Lisa or a Van Gogh self-portrait.
31. Babysitter: Strap a baby doll to your rear end and sit on it. Sick, but easy.
35. Melted Snow Man: Douse yourself in water and carry a scarf, carrot and two sticks. Repeat soaking yourself throughout the night.
36. Hole-in-one: Golfers will love this easy costume. Just cut a large numeral 1 out of a piece of cardboard and cut a hole in the middle of the 1. Attach the cardboard to your chest and let them guess.
42. Blackmail: Wear all black and glue postage stamps to your chest.
Still looking? Check out Coupon Sherpa’s other 39 ideas.
Related:
Halloween bargains at the 99 Cent Store
Reader ideas for frugal Halloween costumes
I’m always stumped when it comes to carving my pumpkin. I want to do something cool but often resort to a classic toothy grin. Hope these ideas will spark something in your head!
Amazing – but within reach for an adult, I think:
A classic happy face:
If you have an hour or 10 to spare try this:
I bet this one is harder than it looks – and it looks hard!
I’m pretty sure this is a Star Trek reference:
How about this big toothy grin:
This pumpkin is super scary!
Drawing lines helped this carver:
And my personal favorite:
Whether you are having a big shin-dig or a hosting a few friends while the kidlets harvest candy, it’s fun to make Halloween-themed food. Here are a handful of recipes that look appealing. I have not tried them but they come from two sites I use frequently, Epicurious and All Recipes.
A recipe for skeleton fingers calls for white asparagus. Dim the lights and your guests will never know the difference! Sweeten things up with monster eyeball chocolates that use green M&Ms to accentuate the spooky eyeballs.
This recipe for carmelized spicy pumpkin seeds sounds AMAZING! If you want something simpler, just toss the cleaned seeds with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake for a few minutes until crunchy.
Jack-o-lantern butter cookies look tasty but you could probably skip the candy step. The tricky part will be finding a pumpkin cookie cutter. An easy alternative would be to make sugar cookies in the shape of pumpkins.
Making pumpkin tarts sounds hard but really it is just mixing a few things together and pouring it into pre-made tart shells (look for these in the frozen food section). A recipe for bat cupcakes, above, takes the cute prize.
Drink of the Week has a slew of specialty Halloween drinks, like an eyeball martini, pumpkin margarita and brain hemorrhage.
Still looking? Browse Halloween-themed recipes on All Recipes or Epicurious. What’s your favorite Halloween recipe?
If you are getting dressed up for Halloween, chances are you’re going to need some make up. EyesLipsFace (ELF) is a great source of super cheap make up. Most everything on the site is $1. Their video shows how to make yourself into an angel or vampire, though you can probably figure it out from looking at the page.
Oriental Trading is more of a party supply store, but they have three make up kits, including a glitter kit, a clown kit and a glow-in-the-dark white make up kit. At $2-$3 each, you can’t beat the prices!
If you’re not interested in buying make up online, drop by your local drugstore. Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens have low-priced make up and there are *always* make up coupons in the Sunday newspaper inserts. Rite Aid has a few beauty coupons online.
If you have a sizeable budget, check out MAC, which is known for BOLD colors, a must for Halloween, or Sephora.
Just looking for ideas? I Googled “Halloween make up ideas” and clicked on images. The results may give you a good idea of how to paint your face.
If you’re still looking for a costume, support BargainBabe.com and check out the clearance section at CostumeDiscounters.com!
I stopped by the 99 Cent Only Stores yesterday because their full-page Halloween ad caught my eye. Were the bargains as good as they looked in the paper?
Yes and no, but mostly yes. Here is what I saw:
- CANDY! Mostly non-brand name candy, but also plenty of premium treats, like Smarties, mini-Sugar Daddy’s, Tootsie Roll pops, Dots, mini-Butterfingers, mini-Baby Ruth’s, mini-100 Grand’s, mini-Junior Mints, Reese’s Pieces, and king size Hersey bars
- Halloween themed dishes, bowls, plates and trays for party food and snacks
- Paper plates, cups and plastic serving platters in orange and black
- Small decorations like tiny plastic pumpkins, curled ribbons, stickers, scarecrows and orange tissue paper
- Costume accessories like skull masks, bone gloves, and swords
- Costumes for small girls, including sparkly skirts and tops, pom poms, and purses
- Sparkly makeup and face paint
- Four types of witches hats
- Flashlights
I’m currently on a Smartie sugar high, thanks to my lack of willpower. I also bought an 8-pack of mini-Butterfingers which I have not opened…yet. Find a 99 Cents Store near you. If you live outside CA, NV, AZ and TX you’re out of luck!
Disclosure: 99 Cents Only was a sponsor of the Frugal Fe$tival.
Here are some of the best personal finance blog posts I’ve read recently.
Wise Bread knows how to make use of every part of the Halloween pumpkin you are about to carve. Recipes included!
The Digerati Life questions whether a 10,000 Dow will last, which means you’re going to be hearing the term “double dip recession” for a while. Haven’t we had enough bad news?
Cash Money Life writes about the IRS’ newly-released IRA contribution limits. No changes for 2010.
Trent at The Simple Dollars says there are 15 things he loves than money.
The Street shares a survey that says price is the biggest factor for where folks will do their holiday shopping. That’s good news for Wal-Mart and Target. “In fact, 80% of the survey’s respondents said they require at least a 10% discount in order to justify making a purchase,” the story says.
Ideas continue to pour in for the the frugal costume contest. Thank you! Here are some of the best ideas you have shared lately.
John’s costume is plain and simple:
One time my wife cut a hole for the head and two for her arms in a large industrial black trash bag, tied a rope around her waist and went as a Bag Lady. Everyone loved it.
Elizabeth’s idea is classy:
Two years ago, I wore a dead-on Jacqueline Onassis-style ‘do and oversize dark sunglasses, borrowed some pearls and, beneath a tailored suit jacket, wore a giant pumpkin face that I’d cut from one of those cheap plastic lawn bags. My Jackie O. Lantern was a hit everywhere it went that year and cost me a grand total of $8 for the drugstore sunglasses and pumpkin bag!
Anyone could do Kathy’s idea:
My hairdresser gave me this one. No cost, clever and my personal favorite: comfortable. Using some safety pins, pin one or two socks, a pair of undies and any other small cloth items you can think of, to various places on your clothing. You are now “Static Cling”!
Liz has four winning ideas – I especially like the second:
In my college/post college days when money was always tight, I thought of some great costumes using my warped sense of humor. (1) Similar to Kathy’s static cling, I dressed, head to toe, in black and stuck string, crumpled tissues and other light weight items on me and went at “dryer lint”. (2) Again, I dressed in black. Then I cut the cereal names from their boxes and pinned them to my body. My only other prop was a cleaver with fake blood on it. I was a ‘cereal’ killer. (3) I bought a cheap, yellow sweatsuit from Kmart, laid it on my driveway and then sprayed black spray paint on a section of my car’s spare tire. I then rolled the tire over the front of the sweatshirt top and then on the pants. Voila! Speed bump. (4) I borrowed a white lab coat from my friends mom and made dental tools from aluminum foil. I placed the tools in the breast pocket along with a few packs of Dentine gum. I was the 5th dentist – the one that didn’t recommend Trident. When people asked what I was, I handed out a piece of Dentine as I explained the costume. It was a big hit.
Karen’s idea is clever and low-budget!
I had a very sarcastic friend in college, many years ago, and she dressed in a green t-shirt and jeans. On the left side near her heart in black marker she wrote the letters NV. When asked what her costume was she replied: I’m green with envy.
Missed the contest rules? You describe a low-budget Halloween costume in a comment. On Halloween I dress up as the cheapest, most bizarre costume you’ve suggested. With pictures of the winning costume, of course!
So what frugal costume should I dress up as?
