Decorating Chic Bargains

Lately, my biggest project, my first house, has taken my full attention and tested my best bargain hunting skills. From finding remodeling contractors to properly "nesting" my home with furniture and accessories. My favorite home decorating destinations:

• Home Goods
• Overstock.com
• Home Improvements Catalog
• Linens N Things online

This tufted ottoman from Overstock.com is absolutely darling and in a chic French document style that will compliment any home decor. For $215, it's a bargain compared to similar styles. Your friends will "ooh" and "ahh" over your sophisticated decorating style and sharp bargain hunting talent!

High Quality Grilling Tools by Cuisinart

Get ready for summer grilling! The Sears Outlet in Santa Ana, CA had quite a few of these amazing stainless steel grilling tool sets for only $29.99. A quick online search of this item shows most retailers selling the set for $79.
Amazon Link. High quality, heavy stainless steel and rubberized grip handles.
Chef's Spatula includes:

• Serrated edge for slicing meat
• Integrated bottle opener
• Grease channels for more healthful grilling

Professional Grill Tongs include:

• Extra-wide notched gripping surface
• Integrated scooper for vegetables and sauces

Chef's Fork includes:

• Middle prong designed for easy handling of hot dogs and sausages
• Oversized handle keeps hands away from heat

Silicone Basting Brush includes:

• Angled head for applying sauces easily
• Oversized handle to keep hands away from heat
• Drip cover to prevent sauces from dripping
• Removable dishwasher-safe silicone bristles

All Tools include:

• Durable stainless-steel construction
• Comfortable Santoprene™ rubberized grip
• Large, ergonomically designed handle

Stack Your Savings

Recently, the importance of remembering all possible retail discounts came into play. I bought a grill from Sears.com. There was already a 10% discount due to friends and family weekend. I layered on a 5% discount from my AAA membership. Next, I made sure I clicked through from my Fatwallet account, qualifying me for 5% cash back. Amidst all my coupon stacking, I forgot there was a $5 off $50+ coupon easily found online. Not so bad, all in all we got a $349 grill from $320 after taxes.

So before you buy something online think:

• Do I have a membership that qualifies me for discounts for this retailer? (AAA, etc.)
  
• Go to Fatwallet and search for the merchant under Coupons and Cashback. It also has other coupon codes.
• Do a Google search for the merchant and coupon code, try some discount codes and see if they stack.

Happy shopping!

Luxe Bedding at a Steal of a Price

Sierra Trading Post is a great website to buy shoes and outdoorsy gear. Who knew that they have a home decor section? While their stock and selection are slim, if you dig around, you might just come across a fabulous find. Case in point a 7 piece comforter set in a modern botanical motif, complete with accent pillows and shams for only $100. Sign up for the deal flyer coupons on Sierra Trading Post. Clicking on the email coupon gave me the discount on the comforter set, regularly $189 through Sierra Trading Post. They also had a romantic rose comforter set by the same maker in dusty browns and pinks. Grab it while it lasts. LINK


Be sure to take advantage of Fatwallet's cash back on Sierra Trading Post purchases. http://www.fatwallet.com/coupons-cash-back/Sierra-Trading-Post/

Coffee Snob No More

One rainy day, I decided to go to my local Walgreens instead of my full blown grocery store. In search of my favorite Peet's coffee, I came across Mr. Coffee "Cozy Classic" for only $3.99 a 12 oz. bag. Keep in mind, Peet's is usuall about $9.99.

I decided to give it a try. Much to my surprise, Cozy Classic was quite smooth, but robust. The perfect start to a cold morning. These days, when every dollar counts, sometimes we can't always afford to be a coffee snob.

I know, it sounds crazy. How can Mr. Coffee compete with Peets. I'm not saying it's similar or better, but I am saying it's pretty darn decent. Give it a try!

Google Nexus One Phone- Unsubsidized vs. Subsidized

The Google Nexus One phone is here! Jan 5, 2010, Google launched their highly anticipated unlocked phone. Subsidized with a T-mobile plan: the phone is $179 with a $79 phone plan (500 minutes, unlimited data and web, 2 year contract). Unsubsidized the phone is a somewhat daunting, $529, but the payoff is in the freedom of finding your own plan.

The fact of the matter is, unsubsidized phones will always be cheaper than buying a subsidized phone and being tied to a contract (at a higher rate). After some research and talking to T-mobile, my best option was buying it unsubsidized with a family plan:

• 1000 shared minutes (500 each)
  
• Unlimited data and web

Despite the unsubsidized phone's initial cost of $529 (a difference of $385), you make up the costs in 15 months. At that point, 9 more months of the subsidized contract will cost you $192 more than if you bought the unsubsidized phone and got a family plan. After 2 years, you save $306 every year, over the $79 plan. Of course, once your 2 year contract is over, you should shop around and find a better plan. Still, $192 in savings in 2 years isn't too shabby.

Take a look at my spreadsheet for details.

Bring in the New Year - On a Budget

As the new year approaches, we all like to celebrate in style. But with style, often comes a high price tag. New Year's Eve prix fixe dinners, brunches and all those sorts of things are marked up for the occasion.

Instead, consider a quiet and romantic evening enjoying some appetizers and bubbly with you loved ones.

On the menu:
-Cristalino Cava
-Stuffed dates wrapped in bacon
-Smoked salmon on crispy potato chips, garnished with sour cream and dill

Cost Plus Imports has two varieties of Cristalino (Brut and Extra Dry) at a mere $5.99 per bottle. A longtime favorite of Wine Spectator as far as value, this is a bargain bottle with lots of personality. Check out this amusing review of both the Brut and Extra Dry.:
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Cava, Spain

Cristalino Cava Brut is a sparkling wine from Spain, made from the grape varietals Macabeo 50%, Parellada 35% and Xarello 15%. Produced by Jaume Serra, this lovely sparkler offers a fine alternative to Champagne at less than half the price.

Cristalino Cava Brut has a bright green-gold color and shows fine bubbles. It has a pleasant nose of green apples, peaches, toast, flowers, cinnamon and herbs. Crisp and bright, dry with medium-full body, this sparkler offers rich flavors of apples, figs, lemon, roasted almonds and pie crust. It is fruit-forward and balanced, with a clean, lemony finish.

Enjoy Cristalino Cava Brut as an apéritif and with chicken salad, shellfish, paella, filet of sole and fruit desserts.
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For appetizers, here is your shopping list:
-Dates (buy the bulk ones at Whole Foods, they're fresher and larger)
-Blue cheese crumbles OR you can stuff them with a whole almond instead
-Bacon
-Smoked Salmon (Trader Joe's has an excellent one in the small black package)
-Lightly salted potato chips
-Sour Cream
-Fresh Dill

Preparation
-Slice dates in half lengthwise, stuff dates with a bit of blue cheese. If you don't like blue cheese, substitute parmesan or mozarella. You can also just stuff it with an almond for a bit of crunch. Cut bacon in half crosswise. Wrap the date tightly, place seam side down on a broiler pan. Bake in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes and (remember to turn after 20 minutes), watching closely.
-Place pre-sliced smoked salmon on a potato chip top with a bit of sour cream and garnish with fresh dill

VOILA! Happy New Year!