July 2007 Archives

LUV this new magazine from Consumer Reports called ShopSmart. A brief preview of the Aug/Sep issue offers these savvy tips:

Buy airline tickets on Wednesday morning because that's when Delta, American and all the rest cut prices for any seats that have not sold on flights in the next 10 days.

Spot items on eBay that have been recalled, like car seats and strollers, by first checking www.recalls.gov.

Don't fall for designer rip offs by sniffing out the fakes. You can't tell just by the price. Fakes are getting so good that some are being sold at full price! So ask for extra pictures to ensure the seller actually has the item on hand, look for words burried in the description like "inspired by" which means the item is a fake. Pay with your credit card. You'll have a better chance of getting money back than if you pay with cash or check. If you use PayPal, link it to a credit card, not your checking account. Look for a phone number (and make sure it works) and address on the seller's info. Seals of approval by watchdogs like the BBB or BuySafe are good signs, too.

(not actual pool)

We still have a few weeks of summer vacation and the thermometer shows no signs of mercy. But most places are sold out of kiddie pools, says a colleague with a young swimmer at home. Except for Kmart in North Hollywood, apparently. They have the rigid plastic ones that don't require you to huff and puff and blow the thing up. $8 each! It's a secret sale so you won't find it on their web site or in the weekly circular.

Visit them at 13007 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, (818-764-0250). Other locations in Northridge, Simi Valley, Valenica, and Burbank.

Until Aug 4, Staples offers 12% off using this printable coupon. Just in time for back to school!

Get 40% off at Reebok, Rockport, and Greg Norman Outlets with this coupon. Good thru Aug 19!

Locations at Camarillo outlets.

SmartBargains has dropped their shoe prices even lower. Now the summer shoes are 40% off!

I liked this flat side with jewels by White Mountain for$80 (orig $63). Uh oh, just checked the fine print. Only one pair left in size 9! Too small for me.

Also saw a cute Nine West platform with carmel-colored leather straps for $21 (orig $83). Only 3 sizes left! Doh!

Tons more good stuff on the site.

Buy one item $10 and up at Borders and get an extra 30% off this coupon. So if you haven't picked up the latest copy of Harry Potter...

Thanks to SlickDeals.net for the discount!

Locations in Canoga Park, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Burbank, Valencia, and Glendale.

Just heard T-Cup Couture, a pet boutique dedicated to the smaller paws in life, is opening at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks. Wonder if they'll have grand opening sales to celebrate?

If posts are a little light Friday and Monday it's because I'm in New York visiting friends. Was reminded of a great deal on the bus from the airport when I saw a man with a cart selling icees, wonderful treats that come in a paper cup and leave a stain on your tongue ((different than Italian ices and the brand ICEE) . When I was in college they were $.25! Such a deal for something so tasty and refreshing in this hot and humid and humid climate. Do they have icee carts in the Valley?

Am salvating over this post about The Shoe Rack on BargainsLA:

"Shoe diva’s will love a super new source, The Shoe Rack. This manufacturers distribution outlet carries mostly in season and some last season women’s shoes that you see at better department stores like Macy’s and Nordstroms at 50%-80% off the original retail."

...

"Most styles run $19.99-$29.99. Regular boots can run upwards of $49.99 but you get the picture. You can easily duck outta here with 3 pairs of shoes for under $100. How’s that for retail therapy?"

Visit The Shoe Rack at 10122 Mason in Chatsworth. 818.882.3442

Trader Joe's is going to replace the Long's Drugs that closed on Ventura near Canoga a few months back. Apparently there's a sign outside that says so, tho I haven't driven past. Not sure why the company told me that WH was NOT in their near future, but since they sell Tofutti Cuties, it's all good.

Any word on an opening date?

Westfield Topanga and Fashion Square are starting this new thing where you can check what's in stores before you drive down to the mall. You can either purchase then thru the retailer's online store, or have a salesperson set them aside for you to pick up at the mall.

Check this link to try it at Fashion Square
or Topanga.

Saw a massive 20% to 50% sign across the storefront of Wheel World on Ventura in Woodland Hills, east of Fallbrook. Many of their bikes are on sale, and they have a "continuous" rack of marked down clothes, an employee said.

Location also in Culver City.

eBags.com says it has more than 28,000 on its site, including 96 backpacks on clearance. I like this lime CalPak Rebel for $22.49 (orig $55), above, or this Burton Reverb Pack, below, for $50 (orig $70).

Free shipping and free returns.

Every Saturday night at 8pm catch a free movie in Woodland Hills' Warner Center Park on Topanga just north of the 101. The schedule is here. Coming up this Saturday is Young Frankenstein, followed week after by E.T.! Sounds like a wonderful spot to have a picnic dinner with friends.

Sponsored by the Valley Cultural Center.

Linens-n-Things has a bunch of "back to college" sales, including an 11-piece pizza kit for $15. With one of their 20% coupons, which you can find in every nook and cranny of my house, it's just $11. (I hear LNT and BBB accept each others coupons). The set includes a pizza stone, cutter, server, two oven mitts, two filled spice containers, a sauce scooper, and three cheese-grating thingies.

I make pizza all the time at home and it's a cinch. Get dough from Trader Joe's for $1 and let it warm up a little before you smush it and toss it into a rough circle. (I set the oven to 400 and let it warm up on that.) Lay the dough on the stone, which hopefully you have sprinkled with about a tablespoon of corn meal. Otherwise, this sucker may not come off the stone. Spread a *little* red sauce on top, more than 3 tablespoon will make it really gooey - in a bad way. Then put on your preferred toppings (mine are garlic, peppers, and pepperoni), then put on thin slices of mozzarella. With the cheese on top everything gets bubbly. Cook for 15 minutes. Start to finish is no more than 30 minutes, unless you are a real klutz in the kitchen, in which case it'll take 45.

The Valley Indoor Swap Meet has tons of good deals, I'm told, including Hooked on Handbags, which is at 6701 Variel Ave. in the northwest corner of the Eton Building.

According to their web site all their bags are new. Their stuff is overstock from Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Robinson's-May, and they even have a few designer bags from Burberry, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Fendi. Oh la la!

There's a patch of thrift stores on Sherman Way and Owensmouth in Canoga Park that I've been eyeing. The most visible, Out of the Closet, smelled just like a stale closet stuffed with possibilities. Saw a black Victoria Secret purse for $5 and a $6 stainless steel teapot. Ice cream dishes were $1.

Next door Thrift Town was a bit neater and the clothes were in better shape. At the back of the store I found a brown suede Inc. jacket without a price tag. Marigold lining was in perfect condition and the jacket was only slightly worn in. Asked the owner how much it was and nearly choked at the answer. Five dollars = major score.

The military surplus store the Knife Trader was a few doors down and everything seemed authentic. Pick up a plastic canteen for $3.49, ranger hat for $29.95, or a very heavy flak jacket for $165. A whole wall of military pins and ribbons offered cool trinkets for $3.95 each.

Across the street the Council Thrift Shop (of the National Council of Jewish Women of LA fame) had decent original artwork (saw a female nude for $90, or was it $190?) but prices were a bit high for me. Also saw a few silver trays, many books and shelves of LPs.

Also nearby are the Workboot Warehouse and C&C Pet Food and Suplies For Less. Goodwill is around the corner on Owensmouth.

I set out to check out Garden Wok's $5.50 lunch and was pleased with the food but not as much with the price, which totaled $7.

Garden Wok on Reseda Blvd in Tarzana is all vegetarian and has a number of lunch choices for $5.50 that include tea, brown rice, soup or spring roll, plus an entree. I had eggplant with basil, but what came was spicy eggplant with bamboo shoots. The server also brought me wontons instead of a springroll. But all was very tasty, even the clear corn-and-tofu soup. Portions were also good.

With tax the bill was $6, plus a $1 tip brings it to $7, a bit over my goal of $5. Still, the food was good and fresh. Read other reviews here.

Closed Monday.

Don't know what birthday Nordstrom's is celebrating and I don't care. The deals are good and they end Aug 5.
Matisse mini-heels in textured silver, black, red and brown are $60 (orig $90). Designer shoes on sale too. Men's Ike Behar dress shirts are $90 (orig $135). In Savvy, People's Liberation pixie jeans with cute half-stars on the back pockets are $147 (orig $220).

A good chunk of the store is on sale at the Topanga mall, and nearly all departments appeared to have at least a few items discounted (not sure about cosmetics and designer handbags, tho). Nordie's says this is their biggest sale of the year, so wait not longer!

Nordstrom's also at Glendale Galleria. Note, Rack stores not part of sale.

The New York Times just had a story about how gas prices are skyrockting, but that's not the case in the Valley. Prices at the pump have been slipping a few pennies here and there. Find the best prices at Los Angeles Gas Prices.

Prices have dipped below $3 at places like Costco (membership required) and Arco (cash only). But regular stations have good prices too: Valero in Van Nuys (Victory and Woodman) has $3.02, Thrifty in Northridge (Reseda and Napa) has $3.03, United in Van Nuys has $3.03.

Don't settle for paying more!

A new Target is opening today at the Glendale Galleria. But it doesn't officially open until Sunday, so it's sure to be empty aisles if you drop by before then!

The three-level Target is by JC Penney's. Phone number (818) 334-1400.

Tired of wearing the same dress to weddings? SmartBargains has a creme-colored strappless number from Robin Jordan that looks perfect for weddings, especially if you pair it with a shoulder wrap or pashmina. For $32 (orig $118.00)

Caveat: 12 left in size 6 only.

Sprint has a few generous cell phone plans through their employee referal offer.

500 anytime minutes = $30
1250 anytime minutes = $50
2500 anytime minutes = $100

The plans include unlimited nights and weekends starting at 7pm, domestic long distance, and unlimited Web/Data Access. All you need is the email address of a sprint employee, which can be found by googling @sprint.com.

Osh has some great sales now as part of their Dollar Days sale, which lasts thru Aug 1. Bet a lot of this stuff will set out, though.

Get a 4 foot bamboo tiki torch for $1. You know you could spend a LOT more on these at Smith and Hawken or Crate and Barrel.

Thirty foot rope is $2. Plastic 18 gallon containers with lids are $5 (I've seen much higher at Staples). Gardeners can replenish or add to their herb gardens, three for $7 (for the 4 inch plants).

Locations in Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Thousand Oaks, Granada Hills, Burbank, and Santa Clarita.

Here's a round up of back to school deals:

Clothes:
between Fri, Aug 3 and Sun, Aug 5, get an extra 25% at Camarillo outlets . One sale that looks good is at Sketchers, where they are offering 50% off a second pair until Sept 1.

Target has kids' school uniforms cheap: shorts ($9) and pants ($11) in khaki or blue, and short sleeve polos ($6.50) in six colors.

Supplies:
Office Depot has $.99 packs of pencils, buy two get one free Mead notebooks, $.25 comp books and 12-packs of Bic pens for a quarter. Some limits on how many you can buy per customer. Locations in Woodland Hills, Northridge, Van Nuys, Sylmar, and Simi Valley, Tarzana, Studio Vity, and Encino.

RiteAid is selling a free (after mail in rebate) Pentel automatic pencil and retractable pen with a coupon from an insert in your local paper. Expires July 26!

Walgreens has 100-packs of paper clips for $.19, rulers for $.19, and three-subject notebooks for $.79. Ten-pack of mechanical pencils is $.59.

Staples has 2-pocket paper folders for a penny each. A nickel will get you either a dozen eraser heads, a ruler, or 8 pencils.

Clearly, the stores are putting certain basic items on super sales. But watch out for other items because that's where they'll getcha!

I've been on the purse hunt for a few months now, and just spotted these super cute totes for $20 at Mervyns of all places. Dickies has three in the ad, a black pinstripe, polka dotted, and star-pattern, and Jansport has three that are also nice but not as cute. Check 'em out!

Another great tip from BargainsLA. Every Tuesday Baskin Robbins sells its $2 scoops for $1. Brilliant!

Caveat: gotta buy between 6 and 10pm and get the 4oz size. Locations in Woodland Hills, plus West Hills, Canoga Park, Winnetka, Tarzana, Reseda, Northridge, Chatsworth, Encino, Granada Hills, Van Nuys, Simi Valley, Sherman Oaks, North Hills, Panorama City, Arleta, North Hollywood, Westlake Village, San Fernando, Sun Valley, Studio City, Burbank, Glendale, and Santa Clarita. So basically, everywhere.

Lids.com is having a major sale. Get hats for $5 each, or buy four for $12 with the code LIDS4f12.

I like this $5 plaid conductor hat from Drew Pearson, and I saw a cute Superman Knit cap for kids. There's also a classic Dodger's cap from their "authentic collection" that is $15 (orig $30).

If you need a bottle of vino to go with your summer BBQ or beach jaunt, Bev Mo has a good selection of 90-point wines (out of 100 points, as judged by Wilfred Wong of Bev Mo) for sub-$10.

A bottle of Ch Ballan-Larquette '05 Bordeaux, which scored 90 points, is $10 (orig $46). Another 90-pointer, the Contrada Sauvignon Blanc '06 is $7 (orig $43).

Locations in Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Northridge, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, and West Hollywood.

This coupon will knock $100 bucks off your purchase of $500 or more at Kevin Jewelers. Thru July 31.

Locations at Westfield Topanga, Glendale Galleria, Northridge Fashion Center, Palmdale, Valencia, and Ventura.

Free food is one of life's true pleasures. Thru Aug 31 with this couponget a free junior hand-scooped yogurt cup or cone at TCBY. That means a free, tiny treat.

Locations in Thousand Oaks (The Oaks and Overbrook Plaza) and Glendale, Pasadena and Camarillo.

BargainsLA
recommends Sharp Image for discounted designer clothes for him. Try to find this gent a pair of paints! But seriously, BargainsLA says Sharp Image is where "in the know well dressed guys shop." For clothes, not chair massagers and electronics! Apparently their prices are 50% to 90% below retail.

Visit them at 8515 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA 90069. 310.659.8215

Whoever though $3 a gallon would be considered a "good" gas price? It's not really, but who wants to take the bus? South of Ventura prices have jumped to $3.29 in Encino and $3.27 in Sherman Oaks according to Los ngeles Gas Prices. But by driving a short ways, you can find much lower prices. Costco on Sepulveda in Van Nuys has $3.03, as does Arco on Victory in Van Nuys.

If you're closer to the west Valley, Valero on Sherman Way in Reseda has $3.07. So does Mobil on Saticoy in Reseda.

It's confirmed. The chic and cheap retailer H&M is opening at the Westfield Topanga mall Thur at noon. Gift cards between $5 and $200 will be passed out to the first 100 folks in line. Some day-of specials too. I'll be wearing my reporter hat to write about it for the Daily News, but will keep an eye out for specials to post on the Bargain Hunter!

Keep an eye on competitor Zara, on the other side of the mall near Nordie's on the second floor. Wonder if they will be having some "look at me too" sales??

SmartBargains.com has summer shoes for 30% off, including the above Tommy Hilfiger Constance Tie Up Espadrille for $20 (orig $60).

This pair of silver Steve Madden thongs is $35 (orig $100).

Returns accepted within 30 days with packing slip and if goods are in original condition.

God I love the non-iron shirts Brooks Brothers makes. They are actually telling the truth when they say you don't need to iron them! Just hang them up when the dryer buzzes and you're set. No need to steam your self silly, or rack up a huge dry cleaning bill.

Now BBs non-iron stuff is half off. Visit them online or at the Camarillo outlets.

Wine.Woot.com has an offer for four bottles of Francis Coppola reds for $46. I've enjoyed some decent bottles, tho I remember paying about $10-$15 a bottle so is $46 that good of a deal? Remember to check wine woot's chat room on this product for more info.

Their entrees may not win over everyone, but the tacos at El Torrito are delish. And on Tuesday's, grilled steak, chicken or carnitas tacos are only 99-cents between 4 and 10 pm. Caveat: gotta sit in the bar area, not the regular seating.

Get a happy hour margarita for $3.95 and half price appetizers, plus all the chips and salsa you can eat.

Locations in Burbank, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Oxnard, Palmdale, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Valencia.

The wonderful folks at SlickDeals.net spotted this one: RalphLauren.com has polo shirts (for $24.50, orig $95) and other items 30% off with the code RL30. Enjoy!

Sign up for the first time at Costco before Sept 1 and get a $10 Costco cash card. Annual membership is $50. Fill out this form and bring it in for your tenner. Remember, ya gotta be a senior.

One per household.

The sun was puttin' on such a show on my lunchbreak that I came back to the air-conditioned office early. Imagine that! On my way back I saw a woman keeping herself cool with a parasol, which is really just a fancy way to say umbrella. Still, it beats slathering yourself with sun screen!

The one above can be had for $16 at Great Parasolz. Most of theirs are much more pricey. Eparasols.com has lower prices, but almost all of their $5.95 parasols are sold out. Their $10.95 Cranes Thailand Parasol , below, is available.

Summer sales keep rollin' in. Get up to 60% off at Land's End. This pink nightie is $40 (orig $68). Shop online or request a catalog.

Everyone and their grandma went nuts over the iPhone. In case you forgot, it's a phone that sells for $600. $600! You could buy a really, really crappy car for that much, or like 150 pints of Haagen Dazs.

For a reality check, watch this video from Blendtec, a company that likes to test the "blendability" of everything using its industrial blenders.

SeniorDiscounts reports steep savings at movie theaters:

AMC Theaters: Save up to 30%. Age Requirement: 60
Cinemark/Century Theaters: Save up to 35%. Age requirement: 65
Regal/Edwards/United Artist Theaters: Save up to 30%. Age Requirement: 60

Double check discounts and age requirements because they can vary.

Starting tomorrow thru July 21, Big Lots is marking down all their grills and accessories by 25%. Yum, just in time for a weekend BBQ.

Also get an extra 30% off clearance patio, lawn and garden stuff.

Locations in Canoga Park, Reseda, Van Nuys, Granada Hills, Simi Valley, Pacoima, North Hollywood, Sylmar, and Santa Clarita.

For discounted designer love seats, rugs, lamps, and more, head to The Dock Downtown . They claim their designer overstock pieces are 40% to 80% off, and they do custom orders. Free delivery until Aug 5.

The web site doesn't have specific info on the stock in their 20,000 sq foot warehouse, but instead has pictures of hypothetical settings and arrangements. So thaaaaaat's helpful.

Tue thru Sat 10-6. Sun 11 to 5. I'm told the return policy is non-existent, but check to confirm.

Get a free appetizer or dessert ($7 to $13 on their menu) at Ate-18, an upscale Encino restaurant that specializes in American, French, Israeli and Mediterranean food. The Filet Mignon Yakitori ($13) sounds excellent: Japanese Yakitory Style Skewers Served with a Chilled Tomato, Red Onion & Baby Arugala Salad. Desserts are pretty standard.

Print this blog post for the discount!

Caveats: Not valid with any other offer, one per table, only good Monday thru Thursday with $ 15.00 purchase between 10 am and 5 pm (and $ 20.00 purchase 5pm-Midnight). Good thru July 30, 2007.

Visit Ate-18 at 17620 Ventura Blvd just east of White Oak. 818-728-1212.

Paul Mitchell opened a cosmetology school in Jan. at the Sherman Oaks Galleria. The students give really cheap hair cuts: get a new do for $10. You have to sign a waiver in case you're unhappy with it, but how long can it last? Hair always grows back!

Make an appointment Tue to Sat 9:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. by calling 800-761-8000.

There's always a good reason to drop in by the Sharper Image, i.e. their free massagers and tester gadgets. Now, use this coupon to get an extra $10 off a $75 purchase during their half-yearly sale thru July 31. Visit SI at the Northridge Fashion Center.

Shed your workday stress with a free swing dance less at the Sherman Oaks Galleria this Wednesday. Listen to the first set starting at 6:30, learn to groove while the band takes a break, then test out your moves when Flattop Tom & His Jump Cats return.

My girl Maggie recommends Luleeta.com for rock bottom prices on designer jeans like 7 for all Mankind, Rock and Republic, and True Religion.

Best prices on the site are at X-Final Sale where I saw a cute jean skirt from 7 for all Mankind with white embroidery on one hip for $39 (orig. $285). Also saw a pair of Antik Denim jeans with cool patterns on the back pockets for $82 (orig $326).

Unclear if Final Sale items can be returned. Normally, shipping on the first exchange is free within the continental US. But watch out for the 15% restocking charge on all items returned for a refund. Plus, all exchanges/return must be made within 14 days from the day you receive your order.

“The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.”

-Marcelene Cox

Buying munchies at the movies is already expensive. But now Reuters is reporting that popcorn prices have gone up as much as 40 percent since 2006 due to higher demand for corn to make ethanol.

The madness!!

That's why this coupon at AMC Theaters makes even more sense, despite the fact that you have to join their little club (kind of like the frequent shopper cards at Vons or Ralphs).

The dealio is you get a free small popcorn when you buy a fountain drink on Mon, Tue, or Thur AND present your AMC MovieWatcher card. Until July 27. Members always get free popcorn on Weds.

Check AMC listings near you.

CozyBug.com is classified listings, like Craigstlist, but for big, hard-to-sell items like boats, cars, appliances, etc. The site launched today.

Browsing is free, but posting an item is $1 and includes four photos.

They also map garage sales, so you can pin point your Saturday morning route.

Of course, it'll take awhile for the site to get off the ground, and it's all dependent on how many listings they get. The more, the merrier the selection for you and me. As of Thur morning, the Los Angeles region had one listing. That's right, uno.

Still, at $1 a post it's not a bad investment.

A few stores at the Camarillo Outlets are having good sales.

Calvin Klein has 25% to 50% off "select styles" thru July 17.

Starting today thru July 25, Barneys New York Outlet is having its summer clearance blowout. That means an extra 25% off on selected sale merchandise.

Lancôme has a bunch of stuff marked down thru July 31: selected makeup 3 for $15 including eye shadow and lip products, some makeup 50% off, nail polish 3 for $15, and selected body lotions 50% off.

Thru July 18 the entire Izod store is 30% to 60% off, with some exceptions. Alligator logo, here I come!

Now is a great time to go swimsuit shopping. Stores want to set up their back-to-school gear and the swimsuits get slapped with sales tags so they will sell quickly.

Macy's is showing plenty of one and two-piece sales.

So is JCPenny's. Their suits are 30 to 60 % off. Ditto for Victoria's Secret, with 25 to 60 % off their water gear.

Nordstrom's and JCrew's suits are still full price. Boo!

The folks at FreeCycle may sound a tad odd, but you can't beat their prices. Free! Free! Free!

It's basically a group of folks who give and receive stuff, without any dollars changing hands, through a Yahoo! group. It started in May 2003 and there are 4,041 FreeCycle groups across the globe. You can post an item you'd like to find a new home for, or message the group about something you are looking for.

Here's an animated short about FreeCyclers.

Their mission is to "build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community."

Arg. Already time to think about back to school. A few sales will brighten the task.

Target has a few backpacks for $9.99 like this Lil Einstein one.

Kohl's has this Candie's Scooter & Zebra Leggings Set for $25 and this Spider-Man Tee, 2 for $14.

And don't forget the 99-cent stores. They usually have a number of notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies.

If you're not ready to give up summer vacation, get this cardboard lemonade stand for $7.49 from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

(not my actual lunch)
This time I headed to Mission Burrito at Canoga and Vanowen (2nd location at Fallbrook and Roscoe in West Hills) for a $5 meal. Here are their fiver options:

Bean and Cheese Burrito $4.25
Chips 'n Cheese $3.25 (w/meat add $1.75)
A la carte: taco, enchilada, chilli relleno, tamale $3.25 to $4.25

I threw in a quarter and got a Green Pork & Beans Burrito that was very tasty. Green sauce and cheese melted on top of a burrito stuffed with big pork chunks. Yum. Quick service and retro floral-print booths made it even tastier!

This Paris-based line designed by Diane Sitbon is having a sample sale with prices 70 to 90% off retail today and tomorrow only (July 11 +12), from 9am-5pm. Fred Segal and Madison carry the line, but because April, May doesn't have a storefront the sale is at their PR office! Stop by 22809 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 210, in Malibu to check out the threads. Cash only.

Get a free 7-oz Slurpee samples today in honor of 7-Eleven's 80th birthday. Find a store near you.

The brand name discount clothier Loehmann's has an on-going special for 15% off if you buy 4 days before or after your bday. I'll mark it in my calender because my birthday's not until January, but I'm excited for cancers!

Locations in Reseda, Burbank, and Pasadena.

One Vons in particular always seems to have tons of sales. And it's NEVER crowded, almost to the point of being a little eerie. You know, the one on Ventura between Topanga and Owensmouth next to the bright and shiny Ralphs that gets all the attention? If you can get used to it, grocery shopping without the crowds is really nice.

Turns out Vons is also promoting their online delivery, which is free is you spend $150. Normally, delivery is $4.95 for a tab between $50 and $150. Enter DFIRST code at checkout.

Does this place ever have a sale? They are at Westfield Topanga and on their Web site. 50% off 150 different items! I don't usually shop there, buy my friend Abby is a big fan and she has great taste.

They are on the first floor by the food court.

If you're still looking for a few plants for your garden, OSH has a very generous return policy. With the receipt you can bring back dead plants for a full refund. I felt a little guilty the one time I did return two brown plants, but the checker wasn't fazed. They even had a stack of plastic bags to dump the plants into!

I personally prefer Green Thumb on Sherman Way (better selection, quality, and if you can track down a salesperson they are very knowledgeable), but they close at 6 p.m.

OSH has locations in Canoga Park, Granada Hills, Van Nuys, Thousand Oaks, Burbank, and Santa Clarita.

Finally, living in one of the most expensive parts of the country is paying off. With a zip code between 90000 - 93599, you can save $12 off a $61 ticket to Universal Studios.

Hafta bring proof and go before September 30.

Sounds so much more classy when you say Tar-jhay. But anyway, the famous budget store is opening at the Glendale Galleria July 29, 2007. There's a "Family & Friends" opening July 24th from 5 to 10 pm. Unclear if that means you and me are invited, but I bet they won't turn folks away.

Senor Grandes is having a promotion (at least the Woodland Hills location on Victory Blvd just west of Canoga). Buy one chicken taco and a large drink and get a second chicken taco free!

Servers are passing out the coupons to customers. They don't sell chicken tacos a la carte so it's unclear how much they're charging, but normall the two taco combo plate is $5.99.

The catch is you can't use it for lunch. It's good only after 4pm Mon-Fri and all day Sat and Sun.

Those guys at Woot.com have done it again. The sellers of electronics-at-fire-sale-prices also sell wine at wine.woot.com. Every week they put up one bottle and sell it until it's gone.

This week's vintage is a trio (opps, I guess they do sell more than one at the time!) from Mill Creek Winery for $56.99 plus $7.00 shipping. If you're not familiar with the wine click on discuss this product beneath the bottle's details to chat with other wine wooters.

The folks behind Woot.com have a great sense of humor. This is how they assuage concerns about ordering a bad wine: "First of all, if you think the wine tastes bad, wait a few minutes and try another sip. It may need to “open up” (wine term) or your palate might be “wack” (colloquial term)."

There are a couple of web sites I like to check to keep tabs on gas prices. Gaspricewatch.com is one, and losangelesgasprices.com is another. Pump prices are rising so be sure to fill up soon. And get a decent price when you do. For a gallon of regular $3.05 is the lowest in the Valley, while $3.15 is at the top.

Okay so I know this is kind of a stretch, but at some point this summer, a lot of Valley-ites will want to get *out* of the Valley. Southwest has some of the cheapest flights and they just launched a super sale. Each way $49 to $99 for flights departing Tue, Wed, or Sat.

We're all weak-willed when it comes to keeping down the tab at Costco. Somehow, nibbling on free ravioli or cheese bites while naviagating the oversized aisles makes us splurge on things we never use up. I know I still have most of a 20-can pack of tomato sauce in my pantry.

A new study tries to explain this phenomenom. A story by The Age in Australia says we go into one of four modes when we are grocery shopping, triggered by what we are shopping for.

In "buzz mode" or "variety-seeking mode" we want to try new things and may buy a new product. In "bargain hunting mode" we just want the cheapest item. And in "auto-pilot mode" we buy what we always do.

Wish the study could answer what to do with all the extra tomato sauce!

To combat rising grocery prices (expected to grow 4 percent this year), Big Lots advertises these supermarket items:

Crystal Geyser Water, 24 pack 16.9 oz. bottles $4.00
Angel Soft Double Roll Toilet Tissue, 9 pack $5.50
Ban Roll-on Deodorant, 3.4 oz. $2.00
Cat's Pride Heavy Traffic Cat Litter, 25 lbs. $3.00

Aerosoles at Glendale Galleria is having a end of season sale of 60% off certain pairs. Their shoes are very comfy, and have gotten more stylish of late. Thru July 30.

I had a blast riding the coasters at Magic Mountain in Valencia Friday, even more so because of the $28 tickets we scored. Normally, general admission is $60, if you buy online it's $35. But using this code at SlickDeals.net you can shave off a few more dollars. And that means more money for funnel cake!

If you don't mind venturing outside the Valley, the Fashion District (circa 9th and Maple) has tons of good deals, if you don't mind the so-so quality. I checked it out for the first time this weekend and came home with a super cute, 70s-inspired print dress. But be prepared to bargain!

Targethas a 10' by 6' inflatable pool for $25 thru Saturday. Sounds like a good way to cool off to me!

This isn't a deal - it's free! DVD John claims to know how to "un-brick" an iPhone. Until you activate an account with AT&T the gadget doesn't do anything, i.e. it's a brick. Use John's directions if you just want to use the iPhone as an iPod and web browser, without signing up with AT&T.

Thanks to my gadget-obsessed husband, I know about Woot.com. Besides having a really cool name, Woot has really cool sales. The gimick is this: one day, one deal. Woot's sales cycle starts at midnight and lasts 24 hours, or until the item sells out. Their deals are renown.

Woot sold 2,000 of today's item - an Insignia 4GB Media Player w/FM Tuner for $60 - in less than 3 hours. Now I know why my hubby yells "Woot Woot" when he gets excited!

Stay tuned for more of their deals on Bargain Hunter.

Tis the season to ride roller coasters and get sun burned at the water park. Buying tix for Six Flags in Valencia (exit at Magic Mountain Parkway off the 5) is a LOT cheaper online ($35 adult ticket) than at the gate ($60). Have fun, and don't forget the sunscreen.

After much ballyhooed openings in Pasadena and at the Beverly Center, H&M is opening JULY 27 in Canoga Park at the Topanga mall. Let's hope it perks up the older, quiet side of the newly-rennovated mall.

First 100 folks in line get a T-shirt and a gift certificate for amounts between $10 and $200. Word on the street is there will be special opening-day only sales.

My hubby goes gaga for tools, but when he returns from Home Depot dare I check the recipt?? Just like Costco, it's too easy to spend $100-plus.

My co-worker Roger suggested Harbor Freight Tools for lower prices. He recommends basic items like hammers at HF. They have stores in Woodland Hills, Simi Valley, and Ventura.

BargainsLA.com, one of my fav sites, spotted this deal: a 15% coupon at Rodeo Drive Resale (the name says it all) in Sherman Oaks.

Get the coupon at http://www.bargainsla.com/promotionalcoupons/rodeodrivecoupon.htm

Visit RDR at 13727 Ventura Blvd or go online and type in Summer15 for the sale at www.rodeodriveresale.com

vs.

Zara at the Topanga mall is having a huge sale - 50 % off much of the store. Tons of cute, flashy tops and dresses and great prints. Could it be a pre-emptive strike against competitor H&M, which is opening a huge two-level store in the mall July 27? Both stores pride themselves on their cheap chic offerings, and if it leads to competing sales I'm all for it!

If you are the type who remembers to use coupons, this is a great deal. The SFV coupon book, normally $32, is $10 at http://san-fernando.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtmlA few of the offers: 50% off at Northridge Car Wash, 2-for-1 at Carvel Ice Cream, and FREE Dodger ticket with purchase of one ticket.

Get 20% off stuff that is already marked down 75% at the babystyle store at Westfield Sherman Oaks mall, thru July 31.

Gotta print the coupon at http://www.westfield.com/fashionsquare/specialoffers/index.htmlValid on maternity, baby & kids apparel sale items ONLY.

Ever wonder if it's possible to get lunch in the Valley for under five bucks? You have to look closely, but there is a way, my friend.

One of the best spots around here is Zanos Pizza on Ventura just west of Canoga, in a little strip mall on the south side of the street. For $5 you get a side salad, soda, and slice of pizza (cheese, veggie, or pepporoni).

Plus they give you a basket of super delish garlic knots. The pizza can be heavy on the cheese, but the salad and garlic knots make up for it.

2 pairs of sunglasses for $10 at Charlotte Russe at Glendale Galleria. Nuff said.

Filling up at the pump always hurts, even if you drive a relatively efficient car like my MINI Cooper!

Ease the pain with a credit card that gives a 5% to 10% discount on GAS. (It shows up on your bill.)

This web site reviews various gas cards, including the Discover Student Clear Card which claims a whopping 10% off gas. Sign me up for Econ 101!

http://www.cheatincorporated.net/Splashgoogle/gas.html

Normally, I don't even peek in Lucky Brand Jeans stores because their sales are so few and far between.
So I was surpised to find the LBJ store at the Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks is having a 50% sale (on selected items - I hope it's not just one dumb hair tie on sale). Until July 8!