Newport News Clearance

Today I had to show self-control. I got an email announcing an Extra 75% off all clearance at Newport News. Since I won't be buying anything, I could at least share the news with you. In the past I have gotten some great swimsuits from this website for as little as $4. Can't beat that!!!

Tips:

• The sale is today only.
• Check the measurement charts for the perfect fit.

P.S. Two people have already tried to talk me out of my New Year's resolution. On the bright side, I have also inspired another person to follow suit!

Better Take a Seat...

My 2011 resolution was to drive slower...that's it. I have a teenager who will be 16 soon, and I can already hear him calling me on my hypocrisy. I was pretty successful slowing down.

This year, I'm upgrading my efforts. I want to be happier with what I already have. So, I decided to NOT buy anything for my home or my closet for the entire 2012 calendar year. 

My husband was speechless. My daughter is less than supportive (this will decrease her influx of fashion possibilities). I'm confident and determined.

Here's to 2012!

Bargain Cooking Class

This is my blog, so I can promote myself, right? A friend and I just started a cooking class for locals. We have talked to a lot of people who don't cook, because they don't know where to start.

We teach a basic lesson each week for 8 weeks, demonstrate a meal to cook, then eat and socialize. It's a blast!

Check out the pictures from our first class: Cooking 101--Essentials Tools and Ingredients

Tips:

• If you are local and interested (and not a crazy person), give me a holler and I can give you info.
• If not, check craigslist or local newspapers for programs near you.

Bargain Preschool Art Class

This year is my last year with a child at home during the school year.

*sniff, sniff*

I decided not to put my daughter into a regular preschool, because...

• Our Joy School group dissolved.
• Preschool is expensive.
• I will miss her too much!

Instead, our preschool is called "Mommy & Me" preschool. (I have never been good at naming things.)

We have a preschool homework book (Costco for $9).

We go to story time at the library (free).

She has scheduled play dates with a few friends (cost: returning the favor).

She also loves art! I tried to find an affordable art class for preschoolers, but $60 was the best I could find around here. Ugh! Then I discovered a program at the Dallas Museum of Art. It's called, "Arturo's Art and Me." Designed for children 3 to 5 years of age, the class has an art lesson followed by art activities. It lasts 1.5 hours, is offered once a month, and is limited to about 10 children. We went today for the first time. It was awesome!

Today they learned about still life. The children listened to a story about still life painting, then looked at two paintings of still life and discussed them. Then the class worked together to create this still life. Sofie placed the orange papaya that is right in front by the black grapes. (I'm so proud of her!)

In the studio, Sofie got to use food as a stamp. The cut pieces of food were dipped into paint, then stamped onto the paper to create their own still life.

Final product:

"Explosion of Food" (Sofie's words)

The cost is $10 per class. However, I became a member of the museum today for $90. That means I can take her to the class for free every month and visit the museum anytime I want (for a year) with another adult and any kids under 12. That's a bargain in my book!

Tips:

• Reserve your spot early. I had to plead with them to add Sofie, since the class was already full. They kindly obliged. If you sign up for the newsletter, it will inform you when the classes are available to sign up for.
• If you don't live in the DFW area, check with your local museum to see if they have a similar art program.

NEW KIDZ IN TOWN

HI I'm the Bargain Huntress' new apprentice. I have several kinks i need to work out of my system to find better deals. Number one is: I hate finding good deals. Why go through the countless number of extra effort when i have money to get what i want?

Here is a genuine leather $1.99 wallet. Pretty flashy huh? Well across town they're having a HUGE sale, and you can get this fantastic wallet for ONLY $1.97! Well see i have to learn the way of the bargain huntress and force myself to drive across town, spending a dollar on gas in the process and come home to post what a STRIKING deal i got, on my blog.

CoolSculpting by Zeltiq

While perusing my Shape magazine this morning, I read an article about a new procedure that is an alternative to liposuction: CoolSculpting by Zeltiq.

First off, let me explain my view of plastic surgery. I don't ever plan to consider it as an option for myself, exceptin the most extreme case. My main reason for this is that I don't want my daughters to think they need plastic surgery to be beautiful. I want them growing up to love themselves the way they are. Plus, I'm betting the trends will come full circle, and those that have remained natural will be en vogue. That's my two cents!

On the other hand, a procedure like CoolSculpting might be a low-risk alternative to major surgery for those who are considering liposuction. It only takes 60 minutes. This contraption freezes fat cells to kill them and the body's lymphatic system gets rid of them. The FDA recently approved it. "Studies" claim that users noticed a 25% reduction.

Dr. Oz featured CoolSculpting on his show and seemed to be on board. Whether it truly works remains to be seen. The price seems to be comparable to lipo. One session is $750, but it takes a few months to get results. So while this is not a monetary bargain, it may be a health bargain. Not having to go under the knife has its upside!

Tips:

• Make sure you go to a reputable place. Check with your dermatologist or MD.
• Another review.

Old Navy Groupon

I've had great success with Groupon! Used it for excursions, clothing, gifts, etc. Here's one not to miss:

Pay $10 for $20 at Old Navy!

Old Navy Groupon

Tips:

• Don't wait too long to use it! This Groupon expires July 30th.
• You can get 50% off the latest, or make clearance purchases dirt cheap.
• The more you spend over $20, the more you reduce your discount. If you spend just $20, your savings will be 50%. If you spend $40, the discount is reduced to 25%.