May 2008 Archives

This is such a good sale I didn't want to wait until tomorrow, even though I've already sent the daily digest. Dodgers tickets for June 2, 3 and 4 games against the Rockies are as low as $4!

Four types of tickets are discounted. Field Box tickets are $17 (normally $50), Infield Reserve tickets are $9 (normally $28), Lower Reserve tickets are $6 (normally $20), and Reserve tickets are $4 (normally $16). The Monday and Tuesday games start at 7:10, the Wednesday game is 12:10.

Buy the tickets here and remember to enter the promo code TZOOJUNE to get the discounted prices. Each ticket has a $1 convenience charge.

Unclear how long the deal lasts but don't expect a good deal like this to stick around.

MetroPCS is handing out free hands-free earpieces starting Monday June 2 and going until Sunday June 8. You don't have to be a customer to get the freebie, you just have to drop by one of their 12 company stores and ask for one.

The deal comes just in time to satisfy California's new law requiring drivers to use a hands-free device starting July 1. Also, wireless safety week is June 2 to 8.

Caveats: the freebie earpiece may not be compatible with all phones. Find a MetroPCS store near you. Note, the deal is only at company stores so if the name of the store is not MetroPCS it is NOT participating. Company stores include locations in Panorama City, Culver City, MacArthur Park, Fullerton and East LA.

Thanks, Greg!

Get $25 off a regular priced pair of Brighton Footwear at Cobblestone Cottage in Valencia when you donate a pair of new or gently used shoes. They can be men's, women's or children's shoes. The donations go to Soles 4 Souls Inc., a charity that gives shoes to needy people around the world.

The shoe drive and discount ends Sunday, June 15. Visit Cobblestone Cottage at 24335 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia. (661) 253-0209.

UPDATE: The sale has been extended until midnight PST June 2.

PREVIOUSLY: Road Runner Sports is having a mega sale on running shoes until noon on Monday, June 2. A tab on the left lets you sort the pairs by size, width, brand, color, price, foot type, and gender. Many of the shoes are $10 off, which is not a huge deal but not bad either. The best prices are in the bargain basement section, where a pair of women's ASICS gel empire II sneaks, above, are $58.50 (orig $110), in size 6 only, unfortunately. A pair of women's Addidas post-workout sandals in pink and black are $16 (orig $25). A pair of men's Nike Air Cesium are $58.59 (orig $120) and come in many sizes.

A few of the discounted items are final sale so look for that. If you join their VIP program you get a free pair for every five you buy and free shipping. It costs $40. Some clothes are also marked down.

Get $10 off a $30 purchase at Walgreens today only with some caveats. In stores only. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: excludes alcohol, tobacco, prescriptions, gift cards, and pre-paid cards. Find a Walgreens near you.

Get a $500 gift card to Ikea if you are selected to get married at the Ikea in Burbank as part of a celebration of Mamma Mia! The Movie. Exactly 20 couples will be chosen. Note, you can also renew your vows or do a commitment ceremony.

Folks will be tying the knot July 17, a day before the movie comes out. They take care of the reception, justice of the peace, entertainment and cake, and will have a Swedish spread, according to Ikea. You can also invite up to 16 friends!

Fill out this form by June 10 with your name, email and reason why you want to get married at Ikea. 1250 words or less!

As a mini-honeymoon you and your beloved will get a pre-screening of Mamma Mia! The Movie at Universal CityWalk following the ceremony.

Phew. Boy am I relieved. I can barely afford to fill up my gas tank, the cost of putting dinner on the table is skyrocketing, and home prices are still totally out of my reach. But at least I can afford to get dressed!

Mainstream clothing prices have dropped over the past 10 years, according to a story in the New York Times. Luxury brands like Gucci and Prada are still rising, but those labels are priced in another stratosphere anyway.

"As consumers adjust to soaring prices for gasoline, food, education and medical care, just about the only thing that seems a bargain today is clothes - mainstream clothes, anyway," the story says.

The deflation of clothes is due to manufacturing going overseas and competition between retailers. Think of all the low-budget retailers out there: H&M, Target, Forever21, Ross, Kmart, Aeropostale, Gap, American Eagle, The Express, Charlotte Russe, Costco, Hot Topic, Kohl's, JC Penney, Mervyns, The Limited, Loehmann's, Marshalls, Old Navy, Sam's Club, Sears, Stein Mart, Neiman Marcus. Whaa? (Just checking if you are still paying attention.)

From 1998 to 2008 a pair of Levi's 501 Jeans has dropped from $50 to $46, a Lacoste Polo shirt has fell from $95 to $75 and Joe Boxer briefs have slipped from $17 to $9. But don't expect clothing prices to get any cheaper, says Bud Konheim, chief executive of Nicole Miller. "I think we've exploited all the countries on earth for people who really want to work for nothing."

I'm back from New York City and am pretty proud of myself. I limited my shopping, ate cheaply, and only took three cab rides. Below is the budget I set up before the trip and in bold is what I actually spent. Did I come in under my estimated $317.50?

+Weekly subway pass: $25. Actual: $25

+Hands free device so I don't get a ticket when the new CA law takes effect July 1: $6. Actual: $0 (didn't buy one)

+Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art: $20. Actual: $0 (didn't go)

+Shoes (just in case I spot an awesome pair): $60. Actual: $0 (bought clothes instead, see below).

+Meals out: $75. Actual: $60 for seven meals

+Presents for friends who let us crash on their floor: $50 Actual: $65.
+Lunch at Ibby's Falafel in Jersey City: $5. Actual: $6

+Bus fare to wedding: $26.50 Actual: $19

+Drinks with friends (multiple nights): $50 Actual: $52

+Run around Central Park Loop: free! Actual: free!

Plus all the expenses I forgot to budget.
+Cab rides: $10
+NY Post: $.50
+Purse for $13 and khaki's for $10 at Goodwill
+Chinatown bakery sweets: $1.70
+Train ride back to the city after the wedding: $14
+CT Advocate newspaper: $.50
+Summer top for $15, plaid shorts for $10 and Calvin Klein bra for $17
+Picture of the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset on my cell phone was free!

Grand total: $299.70!!! Not too shabby. Making a budget definitely helped because I knew going in where I wanted to spend my money and I was conscious of my spending while I was there.

It would be hard not to blog about something that has been cluttering my brain this week - the "Sex in the City" movie! Roll your eyes now if you don't love every minute of the Carrie-Charlotte-Samantha-Miranda foursome in action. They are fabulous!

And now, a smattering of ideas about the foursome's clothes. About.com has a great low-down on "Sex" fashions, from trends the show has popularized (Stilettos, great coats, the bob) to favorite brands (Manolo Blahnik, Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe, Prada, Roberto Cavalli). The site also has four tips to look as amazing as the foursome.

+ Mix high and low. "What this means is simply learning to mix flea market finds with designer or wear high-end fashions in unexpected ways," the site says.

+It's all in the shoes. "Toss the Birkenstocks and opt for sky-high mules, sandals and pumps (the more expensive, the better). Comfort is not the key here: long legs are the point. If you have the legs for it, go bare-legged. Otherwise, try super-sheer pantyhose. And of course, a perfect pedicure is required."

+Dress on trend or slightly ahead. "Can't bear to part with your hippie chic duds? Well, the "Sex and the City" gals wouldn't be caught dead in something so blatantly last year. Subscribe to every fashion magazine and read the Fashion website religiously."

+Be prepared to drop a bundle. "Price out a typical designer outfit and it can easily run in the thousands. That's probably why the producers made Carrie's apartment such a dump (all that rent money being blown on $500-a-pop Manolos)."

Hmm, not so sure about that last one. There are ways of getting a designer look without paying for the labels. Dress like Charlotte with these tips from the Budget Fashionista. I'm not sure how much Charlotte's actual outfit costs, but the BF puts it together for $203.

Fashionable flowers litter the film, apparently, and you can get the look too. "To wear it, pin or clip pretty silk or jeweled flowers to you jacket, dress, handbag, or hair, and let it be the focus -- meaning pare back on other accents or just go ahead and leave the rest of 'em at home. A note: while Carrie can pull off the most outrageous of floral pieces we suggest that, in real life, the flower you choose to don should not exceed the size of your head," the BF writes.

Look for a lot of "get the look for less" type ideas online and in magazines after the movie comes out. I'll try to find the best of them!

The Babystyle spring sale has prices up to 75% off and many good deals if you look closely. The sale has discounts by category for pregnant ladies, babies and kids.

A pair of metallic baby sandals with red hearts, above, are $13 (orig $24). Plain brown leather baby shoes made by Robeez are $15 (orig $26). A little boring, but perfect for serious play at the park. A pair of blue sweatpants for the baby are $4 (orig $18). Ideal for days when you just can't bear to put anything else on her/him.

In the maternity section, a yoga cami with three solid colors is $13 (orig $38). Calf-length leggings come in limited sizes and colors but are only $13 (orig $48).

Plenty of deals for kids, too. A pink and brown tunic top with a geometic tulip pattern is $17 (orig $30). A brown mini skirt with eyelet ruffles around the hem is $20 (orig $28).

Unclear how long the sale lasts. Online only.

Spending for Father's Day gifts is going to decline this year, according to a retail group called the National Retail Federation. The average spending will be $94.54, down from $98.34 last year.

Is it me or does that seem awfully high?

I think a card or a phone call is a good gift. If you are compelled to buy something consider a gas card or gift certificate to a food store. Gifts like cologne or a silk tie are more sexy, but a gas/food card will definitely get used. And if you are worried about your budget, chances are he is too.

You can always pair the utilitarian gift with a joke about the unusual gift. I was going to write one but I couldn't think of any!

The folks at Laemmle Theaters wrote me about their senior discounts and they sound pretty good. Every Wednesday matinées starting before 6pm are $4 for seniors aged 62 and older.

On any day of the week for any show seniors can get a the "senior concession combo," which consists of a small popcorn and a 12 ounce fountain drink, for $4.

I saw a preview for Son of Rambow and would like to see it. Find out what other movies are playing at Laemmle Theaters.

Click on a Laemmle Theater location at the top of this page. Or visit them at the Town Center 5 in Encino and the Fallbrook 7 in West Hills. Thanks for thinking of the Bargain Hunter, Laemmle!

(my actual food!) I thought I was stuffed a few nights back until I saw the window of Egg Custard King Cafe in NYC's Chinatown. Puff pastry treats and colorful sweets beckoned and I found my dessert stomach rumbling with hunger. It wasn't a hard decision to cross the street and step into the cafe.

Inside I ordered two delicious treats, each under $1. The first, a mini-egg custard in a flaky crust, was my favorite. I love flan and creme brulee and the egg custard, above, had a similar texture. Soft, slightly warm, and sweet. At 70 cents each I was addicted. Why didn't I buy a dozen more?

Next up was a sweet rice ball, below, with diced peanuts and sugar in the middle. It was covered in coconut flakes and about the size of a baseball. Eating the gooey ball with my fingers made me feel adventurous. But it was an awful lot of chewy ricey goodness for one person and I did not finish mine. Hubby would only sniff it. Still, at 90 cents I felt it was a good deal.

I'm not very familiar with LA's Chinatown but I bet it has similar low-priced bakeries. Here is a list of Chinatown restaurants that includes Family Pastries Inc., Co Co Bakery, and Fun On Bakeries. Check one out and try and egg custard!

If you are in NYC Egg Custard King Cafe is on Lafayette just south of Canal.

Get $5 off a $50 purchase at Home Depot online now until June 4, 2008. There are many caveats so read the fine print. Use coupon code DAD2008.

A one gallon Gardenia plant known for fragrant blooms is $25. A Char-Broil Santa Fe charcoal grill with two adjustable side shelves is $119. Use their grill finder to set parameters like price, features, fuel type, brands, and BTU capacity.

Coupon caveats: cannot be combined with other discounts, not valid on labor or self-furnish and install including roofing, windows, siding, HVAC products, custom closets, storage solutions, installed sheds or structures. Not valid on gift cards, prior purchases, consumer electronics, and the following brands: John Deere, Cub Cadet, Little Giant Ladder Systems®, Thermador® in select markets, Gaggenau®, Miele®, Dacor®, Viking®, Fisher&Paykel®, Sharp Insight™, Delonghi®, Casablanca®, Hunter Prestige®, Buckhaven, Weber, Lynx, Alfresco, OCI, Marvel, Bertazzoni, Aga, and Vent A Hood.

How ironic that as soon as I leave star-studded LA I run into one of the most talked about girls these days. And I didn't even recognize her - until I saw her a second time!!!

Here's what happened. Hubby and I were getting out of an elevator with a friend in NYC when I see this smallish girl waiting to get in. Her hair was tied back and she had a little bit of makeup on. Behind me Hubby did a double take and was agog when we made it onto the sidewalk. I knew something was up.

"Who was that? Some girl you want to date?" I asked our friend Jeremy.
"I wish," he said.
"That was C.C.," Hubby said. "Wasn't that C.C.?"
"Yes, it was," Jeremy said.
"Who is C.C.?" I asked, still clueless.
"You just missed Chelsea Clinton, babe," Hubby said.
Doh!

Turns out the former first daughter (who is unlikely to get that title again) lives in the same building as my friend Jeremy. We house-sat for him while he spent Memorial Day weekend on Fire Island. Besides living in the same building as a celebrity, Jeremy has a very cool apartment with a gym, pool and roof deck on the top floor.

On our second day of slumming in the apartment we rode the elevator up to take a swim. And who did we see as we passed the gym on our way to the pool? Ding ding ding ding ding. Chelsea Clinton working out on the elliptical machine. She looked just like she does in the pictures and she was working hard.

I was barefoot and in my swimsuit so I opted against a spontaneous workout in the gym. Turns out the pool was closed so Hubby and I returned to wait for the elevator while stealing glances at Chelsea. The elevator came and we descended. Our 15 minute brush with fame was over.

There is a Mobil station on Ventura and Winnetka that I drive to (out of my way) because the prices always seem low. I never knew whether the extra drive was worth it until now.

A Rhode Island newspaper has a calculator and chart that tells you if going the distance to get cheap gas saves or costs you money. Enter the number of gallons you will buy, the price per gallon, your car's mpg and how far away the station is.

The site spits out a chart that is a little difficult to read but comes with good directions. You basically find the dollar amount you will save at the cheaper gas station as listed in the left column (say $.05 per gallon), then scroll to the left until you find how many many extra miles it takes to get to that cheaper station (say 3 miles). A green number reflects how much you will save overall at the cheaper station. A red number reflects how much you will spend getting there. For my car's stats I would save $.18 by driving 3 miles to a station if the gas was a nickel less per gallon than the closest available station.

Confused? Read the site's explanation.

There are many Web sites where drivers can search for the lowest gas prices as entered by other drivers (Gas Buddy and Gas Price Watch are two), but this MSN site takes it a step further. MSN Autos maps out gas prices from 90,000 stations across the country. They get data every day but prices change more quickly than that. The best price is marked with a green gas pump, the worst has a red pump.

Here is a gas map of the Valley. The best gas price as of 10:50 a.m. Wednesday is $3.99 at a Chevron at 7208 Reseda Blvd in Reseda. Thanks, Mom!

Orbitz is having a sale on cruise prices, which can be a great way to contain vacation costs because almost everything is included. Keep your alcohol and souvenir budget in check and you will know up front how much the trip is going to cost.

A windowless room on a three-night Norwegian cruise to the Bahamas leaving from Miami is $279 per adult. With taxes it comes to $369 per person. Not bad!

I have never been on a cruise but think it would be fun. Tons of activities - swimming, sun bathing, entertainment, yoga, dancing - and you don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning. My first choice would be a cruise to Alaska before it melts!

Browse other cruise deals. Caveats: airfare not included, prices subject to change.

Check out the "gently carried" handbags on sale up to 50% off at the Bag, Borrow, or Steal outlet sale. Viewing the sale bags requires you to register (for free).

A double-strap Kooba "Natasha" handbag made of coated-canvas shimmers and is very stylish, above, for $245 (orig $495). A Rafe New York "Lindsay" handbag made of washed buffalo leather mixes chic and casual for a versatile bag that is $265 (orig $525). Register and you can browse earrings and accessories, too! Unclear how long the sale lasts.

Not familiar with Bag, Borrow or Steal? Read about how the rental service works.

I'm back! New York City was great but I'm glad to be home - sleeping in my own bed, eating from my own fridge, pooping in my own toilet. I saw a ton of old friends in the Big Apple, reconnected with my sister and boogied at a wedding. But I was not sad that I didn't live there, unlike my previous visit, when I bawled on the subway platform because life in NYC was going on without me. Now the city felt like a bunch of people rushing around to make their lives busy.

Maybe I've turned into an LA bimbo but when my friends asked me if I liked LA and if I was *really* going to stay there I had little to say beyond pointing out the great weather and laid back atmosphere. They didn't buy it, but that's okay. When we got home I stepped out of the car and could smell the salty ocean air. This morning the birds sang to me as I woke up to a clear, sunny day. It's good to be home. ~Julia

PS. I was going to do a theme day on free stuff to do in LA but since it's my first day back from a week off I'm going to postpone it until next Wednesday. Please email me your ideas!

The Valley Cultural Center hosts free concerts every Sunday, June through August, in Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills. Check out the June lineup here. Concerts start at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted on the schedule.

The concerts are free and they ask for an $8 donation to park in one of the nearby lots to help pay for the music. The park is between Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Owensmouth Ave, and Califa St and Marylee St in Woodland HIlls.

Search By Inseam, a Web site that lets you enter certain measurements to help you find good fitting jeans, has launched a similar site for men. Here's the beta version. The site helps you narrow down millions of options by sorting jeans by inseam, waist measurement, price range and brand.

There is no way to specify cut, unfortunately. For example, I know Levi's are not a good fit for Hubby because he has linebacker legs. But when I put in his measurements I still get results from Levi's. The only way to get around it is by choosing every brand BUT Levi's. I'm guessing a lot of men don't know which brands cater to their frame.

I wish Search by Inseam would allow you to enter parameters like slim, regular or roomy cut. Even for shoppers who are familiar with what brands work for them, this would help eliminate unwanted pairs and direct them to new brands they might like. Most brands offer a variety of cuts!

No I didn't get my haircut (though that needs to happen soon). I'm talking about the blog! I went on vacation and just learned that the tech guys have reformatted the Bargain Hunter so it looks like all the other Daily News blogs. Consistency is important, I'm told. The changes mean a different width, color, banner, and a new arrangement of the links on either side.

The new look is a little scary at first! I miss the pink sidebars and will fight viciously to get them back. I mean, I'll ask the tech guys nicely until I win them over. :) The search box is up at the top right now, which I hope will encourage more readers to use it. Or you can read old posts by clicking on a category that looks interesting (Back to School, Bargain Tips, etc...)

Another big change is having ads, something I see as a mixed blessing. On one hand it means the Bargain Hunter is contributing $$$ to the company, which makes me feel a bit more employable, which means my addiction to food and shelter can go untreated. On the other hand, ads are annoying.

I hope the new look of the Bargain Hunter grows on you. Feel free to leave a comment so everyone knows what you think.

Keep it simple this Memorial Day instead of busting your butt (and wallet) serving up fancy dishes and pricey cuts of meat. The blog Yum Sugar suggests a low-key menu that includes Chipotle Deviled Eggs, Sticky BBQ wings, a BLT Salad with Buttermilk Dressing and Herb Potato Salad. Yum! I'm hungry already.

Another idea to keep expenses in check is to invite guests to bring a dish, drink, or dessert to share. It's not rude if you ask nicely and a lot of times folks enjoy contributing something.

Save money on vacation lodging by finding another person to swap homes with, a short item in the USA Weekend insert from May 16-18 suggests. If you are comfortable swapping homes with a stranger, there are a few sites to check out.

HomeExchange.com boasts more than 20,000 listings but costs $100 a year to list your home. The site facilitates the exchange and will email you if a listing is added from your desired destination. Read the FAQs here.

Digsville.com bills itself as a member club and lets you contact listings for free. Joining is $45 a year, however. They have listings in 53 countries and a "mingle" page where you can browse swap listings.

Craigstlist.com is free and has many listings. Go to the page for your city then look under the housing section for "housing swap." The LA swap page has a listing for a two bedroom house in Bologna, Italy for the month of August. It also has a listing for someone looking to swap a WestLA apartment for shelter on Catalina this summer. Good luck with that one!

A NY Times story on house swap sites also lists International Vacation Home Exchange as an option. Know of another good home swap site? Let me know by leaving a comment and I'll check it out. Thanks!

I stumbled across the NYTimes' version of the Bargain Hunter. Well, it's really more of a distant cousin but it's purpose is similar - help readers save money. Their new "Your Money" columnist offers big finance advice centered around five tips that I'll summarize here by using the story's headlines:

INVESTING IS SIMPLE

IT STILL MAY BE WORTH PAYING FOR HELP

PEERS MAY KNOW MORE THAN PROFESSIONALS

EVERYTHING CAN (AND SHOULD) BE AUTOMATED

HAVE THE TALK (with parents, about whether they will need support from children)

Read the whole story here.

Cancel it, that's how. Then get outside this summer for your workout! This long weekend is the perfect time for getting the ultimate in free workouts. Just put on some shoes and run around for an hour. For free!

Don't have that kind of motivation? Then adopt a dog from the East Valley Animal Shelter this weekend. The economic downturn means there's lots of Fidos and Fluffys being dropped off (per this Daily News article.) Believe me, it's the ultimate motivation. And talk about a bargain. It's less than $100 to get the animal with shots, license, microchip.

I haven't used my membership for the Woodland Hills Gold's membership since I adopted Bella, my energetic yellow lab in September and Beastie, my even more energetic Newfoundland/border collie in November when he was still a pup -- a BIG pup. Now my workout is all about tiring out the doggies so they don't destroy the house when I'm gone. That gets me out of bed like not even my muffin top can. I run with them an hour on weekday mornings around the neighborhood (early, to avoid the heat) and then hike with them on the weekends. (I like the Angeles National forest trails via Tujunga or Alta Dena, and the Verdugo Mountains in Burbank/Glendale. Lots of excellent trails where dogs are allowed, and not too many people.) I've saved money and got in good shape. It's all good.

And now I have extra money to spend on outdoor gear, yay! See how it's all related? And there's few things better than perusing through the REI outlet online. So many great deals! And you can avoid shipping fees by ordering your stuff and having it sent to the Northridge REI on Devonshire (in that mall at Reseda with the Albertsons) for free pickup _ or the Santa Monica one, if you're on that side of the hills. They e-mail when it's ready. I got a mondo sized dog backpack for big Beastie for only $29.99 (that's him at right in his old, puny sized backpack). Now he's my Beast of burden on the trail. Water please, Mr. Beast!

So many great deals from the site. Like this cute fitness top that's half off. I like it in quasar, whatever that is. Or these Wright socks for $3.93. I looove me some Wrightsocks and highly recommend them for any runner. I will only run in these socks. They are double layered to keep the blisters away. It works.

If REI isn't your thing and want to get all reusable (it's green!), check out Play it Again Sports, the store for reused sports gear. There's one right down Reseda at Nordhoff in that mall on the northwest corner of that intersection, with the McDonalds.

-- Post by Mariel

This came in via the comments section, but I thought it needed it own post.

Bargain Hunter readers can receive half-off an animal massage session from Buddha Dog Animal Massage. Regular rates start at $30. Sessions are with a Registered Vet Tech and Certified Animal Massage Therapist, are at your location in the L.A. area, and will include Acupressure, TTouch, Stone Massage and Reiki, as well as a consultation, physical exam, and a walk before and after if desired (recommended). Massage is especially helpful for arthritic and senior animals, as well as growing young animals, athletic and competitive dogs, working dogs, recovering animals, and fearful and stressed animals, but offers healing benefits to all animals. For more information, please see http://buddhadog.com or call 818-300-4478. Thank You!

No, thank you, Buddhadog!!

This might sound freaky to some of you, but honestly, it can work. I had a crazy Maine Coon cat called Chuy who had some sort of obsessive tail twitchiness that the vet wanted to control with drugs. Instead, I took him to a pet chiropractor in Pasadena who used a form of spinal massage that calmed him right down. All she had to do was lay one hand on him and he would start this insane purr and relax into a puddle of happy grey fur. So, if you have a hyper, weird, sickly, depressed or otherwise out-of-sorts animal, this might be the ticket.

--Post by Mariel

Mark, who runs The Saturday Sale, emailed to tell me about his deals. "I run the biggest clothing and accessory sample sale in L.A." The sale is held at the California Market Center in downtown L.A. It costs $1 to get in but you can print a free ticket here. Check it out and let me know how it is!

The Saturday Sale continues on June 28, July 26, September 20, November 8, November 28 and 29, December 6, December 13 and December 20.

Get free computer games at Popcap.com. David, who emailed me to tell me about this deal, says "the site offers a solid mix of puzzle games and arcade favorites." Click on the "online" tab to find their free games. There are a few dozen. Download the game you want to play.

You get 60 minutes to play the game free. I tried Insaniquariam and believe me, after three minutes I had enough! But I'm not the computer game type. You can pay $30 to download a "complete" version of a game if you want. Read more about them.

Thanks, David!

Get 20% off your purchase of $60 or more with a friends and family coupon good between May 23 and 26, 2008. Visit hmfriendsandfamily.com to update your registration or register for the first time. Then download the online coupon after you update your profile. Share the coupon with others by sending them to this site. Note, to print the H&M coupon you have to install a Coupon Printer application that can take a few minutes. Annoying!

Caveats: good only at H&M stores in the United States. Find one near you.

Hello Bargain hunters and huntresses, I'm Mariel Garza, a guest blogger to help Julia for a few days while she's doing God-only-knows-what-kind-of-debauchery in New York this weekend. In my real life, I'm an editorial writer and op/ed columnist for the Daily News, which means I write about things like local politics, state politics and, sometimes, national politics. But not always. My last column was on ways to do good for the local economy and/or the environment (like buying some porn and compact florescent light bulbs) with your economic stimulus check. If you notice that there's a decidedly green bent to to my blog posts, that's deliberate.

Here's a snippet of some of the column's advice:

Even the highest tax rebates aren't enough to outfit a house with solar-energy panels, but they could easily pay for a pack of compact fluorescent light bulbs, with hundreds left to spend on comfy yoga pants and soft T-shirts at American Apparel. Or you could invest the money in replacing the biggest energy-sucker of most homes - the refrigerator - with a more energy-efficient one.

Other ideas are putting up awnings over windows to keep your house cooler (and give less to the city Department of Water and Power for AC costs - that's a win-win) planting vegetables and fruits (save money and eat organic!) in place of lawns or heat-retaining concrete patios.

There are endless ways to spend your rebate on candy, and save it, too. But there is one thing you ought to make a conscious choice not to spend your money on: gasoline. From an environmental standpoint, one of the worst ways you could spend your money is at the pump. Not only will it not go far, but it only helps justify (for a short time) gas-guzzling vehicles. The oil companies have enough of my money already.

What are you going to do with you EcStim check? Let us know!

A reader emailed me with a tip on a good place for cheap pet baths. It costs less than a groomer and won't stink up your home!

"I take my dog to the Petco...and give her a bath at their self-service grooming for $10.00. Groomers charge me between $25 and $45 so this is a bargain for me and I don't have to burn gas to drop her off at the groomer's and then pick her up and she won't be in a cage all day waiting for her bath and then waiting for me to pick her up. Petco provides the basin for the bath, a thick no-slip mat on the bottom of the basin, hot and cold water, a hand-held sprayer with a long hose, all the shampoos and conditioners including the ones for dry skin, allergies, fleas, towels or a hair blower, and to top it off......Petco cleans the mess!"

The downside, she points out, is the temptation to buy stuff while she is in the store. Leave your wallet in the trunk (other than cash to pay for the bath) and you won't have that problem. Find a Petco near you and remember to check the option for self-service dog wash. Thanks, Shoshana!

I'm starting to write short items on food or drink for Wednesday's LA.com section. My debut item today is about Web sites that help you save on your grocery tab so check it out! (You may recognize it from a blog post last week.)

A pet-only funeral home just opened in Florida, confirming my suspicions that the sun really has gone to Floridians' heads. We Angelenos may be in danger too! A story by the TV station Local 6 says the Pet Angel Memorial Center "offers human touches to help pet owners mourn their animals, including viewing areas and a space for services.The service is part of a growing interest in pet loss services."

The owner started the funeral home because she wanted her "four-legged children" treated the same as the two-legged ones. Pet Angel handles arrangements for all sorts of pets, from dogs to iguanas, with services starting at $150 and going up to thousands of dollars.

Attitudes are changing, clearly. I guess I'm a little behind the times. My first thought about how to dispose of a furry friend is to grab a shovel and dig a hole in the back yard.

That Pet Place is having a big clearance sale with more than 900 items discounted. A pet collar that lets you snap in your animal's name and your phone number is $10 (orig $17). A mini-tent for a ferret or other small animal is $10 (orig $15).

The spider cat tree is like a playground for your kitty. It has four scratching posts, four elevated landings from which your kitty can keep watch, four dangling toys and a hollow hideout in the center of the contraption, pictured above. It is $141 (orig $230). Browse all their deals here.

Get $10 off any dog bed until June 30 at OhMyDogSupplies.com, a site that caters to pampered pooches. Use code BEDS4BARGANISTS when checking out. The microvelvet double donut dog bed, above, is $150 (orig $160) and looks tres comfy. All dogs beds are shipped free. Join their email list and you will get 12% off your first purchase.

The site also has short stories on caring for your dog, from training tips to a shopping guide for great danes. Browse all their dog tales.

If you notice a trend in today's posts it is because today is theme day! I hope you enjoy reading the pet-themed deals and save a buck from one of the tips. If I have overlooked your favorite place to save on anything pet-related please leave a comment so others can benefit. Thanks! ~Julia

PS. The next theme will be free things to do in LA. Thanks in advance for sending me your ideas!

I'm off to the Big Apple tomorrow for a wedding and to see friends and my sister. I'll also do a little shopping. It is impossible not to in New York City! Now that I'm the Bargain Hunter I feel I need to spend smartly so I made a list with allotments for each category to keep myself on track. Here's my list so far:

+Weekly subway pass: $25
+Hands free device so I don't get a ticket when the new CA law takes effect July 1: $6
+Ticket to the Museum of Modern Art: $20
+Shoes (just in case I spot an awesome pair): $60
+Dinners out: $75
+Presents for friends who let us crash on their floor: $50
+Lunch at Ibby's Falafel in Jersey City: $5
+Bus fare to wedding: $26.50
+Drinks with friends (multiple nights): $50
+Run around Central Park Loop: free!

That's already $317.50 and I didn't budget for breakfast or lunch, which we will hopefully take care of with a trip to the grocery store.

Now through Tuesday, May 27 get free shipping at JC Penney on orders of $49 or more. The offer includes outlet items. Use code SUPERSUM. Not sure if it is case sensitive.

Tons of summery dresses are on sale and many are under $50! A colorful dress with red, pink, brown, and yellow accent flowers, above, is $25 (orig $50). Bath and bedding have steep mark downs and kitchen goods are on sale, like this 14-piece red non stick pot set for $100 (orig $150). Browse all the women's clothing on sale, including swim suits, capris, accessories, tops, and maternity.

Caveats: good for delivery within the 48 contiguous United States, not eligible on truck or express deliveries, taxes, services, prior purchases, past purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Looking for a new summer outfit and only have $50? Three sale categories at Old Navy have price tags that make it possible. Tanks and intimates are $5 and under, shorts, graphic tees and knit tops are $15 and under, swimwear and capris are $25 and under.

Bead hoop earrings are $5 (orig $7.50), thongs and floral tanks are $5. A white beach tote with pink and red dots, above, is $12.50 (orig $14.50). Green espadrille flats are $15 (orig $19.50). A women's plus sized embroidered top comes in three colors and is $22.50 (orig $26.50). Unclear when the sale ends.

Fancy schmancy is the Mélange Apothecary in Sherman Oaks (formerly of Woodland Hills) but a 30% off coupon puts their prices within reach, especially for gifts or special occasions or splurges (there is always a reason, right?) The trendy store carries their own line of scents, oils, perfumes, beauty products, and home fragrances, plus brands like Seda France, Mor and Cote Bastide.

Online use code May30 at checkout. Try clicking here to print out the deal for in store shopping. If it does not work and you *really* want to use the discount in the store and not online, try signing up for Daily Candy deals. They may send the coupon to you. Offer expires May 27.

A 60ml bottle of Melange's Casablanca Lily perfume, above, is $42 before the discount.

Visit them at 13632 Ventura Blvd, just east of Woodman Avenue in Sherman Oaks. (818) 385-0495. Summer hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5.

Came across this blog courtesy of Jen's List. It is called Fun and Free Giveaways and it is a light, woman-centric blog with posts most days. (Sounds like another blog I know, eh?) Today the writer has a post about a store giving away a white picture frame with butterflies. In another post she lists three Web sites that give away free stuff. Check it out!

Got wind of a number of outlet sales through the Entertainment Book, which, by the way, I have only used once. Doh! The Best Buy Outlet includes many flat panel televisions for hundreds of dollars below retail.

The Footlocker Outlet has sneakers for $40 off and bargain prices in clothing, fan gear, and accessories. At the Sony Outlet there is currently an extra 10% of VAIO notebooks and desktop PCs that are already marked down up to 40%. Some are refurbished. Sale ends May 27.

The Disney Outlet has toys and products up to 80% off. Eddie Bauer Outlet has spring stuff on sale between 40 and 70% off. I'm sure a lot of their spring line is wearable year round in LA. Their Web site is messed up because they just re-did it so use these links to shop women's clearance, men's clearance, and bags and gear clearance.

In general outlet stock turns over quickly and is very limited so go in with a very clear idea of what you want. If you find it - zing! And by that I mean don't delay!!

If you are pregnant Baskin Robbins will give you a free three-ounce soft serve ice cream May 21 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you wondering how big three ounces is, it is small. About the size of a large swallow of water. Print the coupon here.

Caveats: gotta be preggers! Limit one per person. Find a participating BR near you. Thanks, Rachel!

Because Sears knows a lot of folks get outdoors on Memorial Day weekend they have marked down some outdoor furniture, grills and outdoor games. There is also a 12% mail-in rebate for appliances that cost more than $399 and have been purchased between May 18 and 22, 2008. Read the details here.

All Garden Oasis furniture is on sale, including a 10-piece patio set for $450 (orig $550). All Kenmore grills are on sale. A combination badminton/volleyball set is $30 (orig $50), a six player croquet set is $18 (orig $25). Browse all their outdoor games here.

Sale ends May 22. Find a store near you.

Smart Bargains has tons of summery sandals on sale, including many under $35. I wish I had had this pair of black Naturalizer peep toe sling backs for $28 (orig $90) in my closest when I went to see my girlfriend oil wrestle Saturday night. (It was a fundraiser and totally more awesome than I imagined). A pair of Kenneth Cole strappy sandals with a decent heel have a golden glow, above, for $28 (orig $90). I also like this pair of Perlina embossed leather slides with a buckle, for $32 (orig $80). Unclear when the sale ends, but many pairs have only a few sizes left.

Get 20% off your total purchase at Linens -n- Things now until May 26, 2008. In stores only. Print the coupon here. Beach towels are already 30% off as part of their Memorial Day sale. Summer serving ware is 25% off. A lot of other summery items are on sale. A squarish beach towel, above, is $21 (orig $30) before the coupon applies.

Caveats: one per customer, some brands excluded, not valid on past purchases or gift cards, cannot be combined with other coupons. Find a LNT near you.

Not only are gas surcharges on airlines tickets going up, but many airlines are increasing their fees when you check an extra bag or an overweight bag, according to BestFares.com, a Web site about cheap travel. Many of the changes will hit travelers this summer.

The site says "AirTran Airways became the latest airline to introduce a fee to check a second bag, though the carrier plans to charge $10 compared with the $25 fee adopted by most legacy airlines. AirTran said it plans to assess the charge for travel beginning May 15."

Continental Airlines now charges $25 for a second bag. Southwest Airlines recently reduced their free checked baggage allowance from three to two bags. In April, American, United, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Virgin America and US Airways increased the charge for overweight checked bags to $50 each way, the story says.

Northwest Airines, AirTran, Alaska Air, Midwest Airlines and Southwest Airlines charge $25 for overweight bags. JetBlue charges $20 for overweight bags, which most airlines define as over 50 pounds. Carry on policies are getting tighter too so it's a good idea to check the policy on the Web site of the airline you are flying, or click below.

AirTran Airways excess baggage policy.
American Airlines excess baggage policy.
Continental excess baggage policy.
Delta excess baggage policy. excess baggage policy.
Northwest excess baggage policy. excess baggage policy.
Southwest excess baggage policy.
United excess baggage policy. excess baggage policy.
US Airways excess baggage policy.
Virgin America excess baggage policy.

Travel light, travel cheap!

Get free shipping from Coldwater Creek when your tab is $100 or more now through May 26. Use code WXH3523 when checking out. Good online of over the phone.

Caveats: orders must be shipped to a single address, one code per order, previous purchases are not eligible, does not apply to gift cards.

Coldwater Creek is also have a promotion for $10 off cropped pants. The discount is marked on eligible pairs. Expires May 26, 2008. A pair of white stretchy cotton cropped pants with a cuff are $40 (orig $50). A pair of black and white cropped pants with a floral pattern, above, are $60 (orig $70).

Dick's Sporting Goods has an offer for a free gas card when you buy one of four different golf clubs. The gas cards range from $50 to $100 and the clubs range from $300 to $530.

A Callaway Golf FT-5 Tour Driver is $450 and comes with an offer for a $75 gas card. Must make the purchase by July 15, 2008 and mail in your rebate paperwork by July 31, 2008. The rebate is through Callaway so it may be good at other retailers. Double check to be sure.

Caveats: to get the gas card you have to fill out a rebate form, send in your receipt, and follow the directions. It takes 10-12 weeks to get the card back.

If you are looking for deals that ran in Monday's column, you are in the right place. Bullseye! Below are links to every deal mentioned. In general if you have a hard time finding a sale, please enter a keyword in the search box on the left and search the blog. All the sales with that keyword will come up. Thanks! ~Julia

Free shipping Web site: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/free_shipping_web_site.html

Popchips Offer: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/bogo_free_popchips.html

Magic Mountain tix $27: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/magic_mountain_tix_27.html

Sharper Image coupons: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/sharper_image_deals.html

CD rates: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/cd_rates_falling.html

Ann Taylor Loft 20% off coupon: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/ann_taylor_loft_20_off.html

Two-for-one at Yozen Frogurt: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/yozen_frogurt_2for1_1.html

Three weeks free at Curves: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/curves_three_weeks_free_with_m.html

Here are links to the deals I mentioned in my Sunday story in the Daily News and Long Beach Press-Telegram.

Cheap tickets to Magic Mountain:
http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/tickets/index.aspx

Costco Disneyland tickets:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&prodid=11241415&ec=BC-EC19107-ProdID11248536&pos=0F&lang=en-US

More Costco options at:
http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?ec=BC-EC3125-Cat21124&pos=1&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=29676&eCat=BC|21124|29676&lang=en-US

TSA list of discount tickets:
http://www.tsaspecialservices.com/entertainment.htm

San Diego hotel deals (click on the deals tab):
http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors

Deals at Mammoth:
http://www.mammothmountain.com/plan/deals/index.cfm?seg=1

CityPass Southern California:
http://www.citypass.com/city/socal.html?id=2Qx3na2a

This did not make it into the story but the Web site Vacation Rental By Owner (vrbo.com) often has a wide price range for lodging. Here is the link for the mammoth lake listings:
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/california/gold-country-high-sierra/mammoth-mountain/mammoth-lakes

Hi folks, my next theme will be pets! I am not lucky enough to have a furry animal (actually, it's my landlord's fault) but I know plenty of folks do. Please send me any ideas you have for where pet owners can save a buck! The theme is scheduled to run Wednesday, May 21 so send them in soon by leaving a comment on the blog (click on the tiny "comments" link underneath this post). Thanks! ~Julia

Women in wealthy homes make the majority of buying decisions, a story from Marketing Daily says. "Women make the home appliance decisions in 68% of households, and the travel decisions in 61%. They make the health-care calls, including choice of plans and providers, in 48% of such households, and the home improvement purchases in the same percentage. Two-thirds of wealthy women say they make family financial decisions jointly with their husbands, but fully 22% say that they make all of these financial decisions on their own."

Women in wealthy households, which they define as having a total income of $150,000 or more, don't balk at addressing service and product quality issues.

The story is based on a survey from the Luxury Institute in New York. CEO Milton Pedraza knew before the survey came out that women make big money decisions. "Recently," the story says, "his own wife walked out of a Best Buy store after a salesperson asked why her husband wasn't with her ... taking her $3,000-plus TV purchase elsewhere."

My question is, did they ask these wealthy women how important it is to get a good price? Even folks with tons of money want to save a buck!

The Mervyns Web site is a bit kooky - they don't seem to *sell* anything online, which is sooo last year - so I'm relying on my newspaper circular for the details of this sale. All swim wear is 40% to 50% off for "the family" so I'm assuming that includes men's, women's and kid's suits. Beach towels are 60% off at $5 to $14 (orig $12 to $35), flip-flops are $10 (orig $16 to $18) and sunglasses are $14 (orig $20 to $25). Reversible totes that come in three patterns, above, are $12 (orig $24). Sale ends Saturday, May 17. Find a Mervyns near you.

Save a few bucks while stocking up on bones for Beastie or toys for your Kitty at PetSmart. Get $5 off a purchase of $25, $10 off a $40 tab, or $15 off a bill of $50. Print the coupons here. The expire May 18, 2008.

Caveats: cannot be used to buy gift cards. Find a PetSmart near you.

UPDATE: Got an email from the retailer saying the sale was so popular they have pretty much sold out! Instead, they are offering $20 off a purchase of $50 or more. Use code ESAPC1. Expires May 18, 2008.

PREVIOUSLY: Gaiam is having a 50% off sale on certain pairs of Earth shoes. I'm in love with these red sandals that have a twist over the toes, above, for $59 (orig $120). They are so cute! Perhaps a little too crunchy for LA, though.

A pair of ocean blue clogs made of molded denim claim to mimic the feel of walking barefoot in the sand. Hmm...is that a good thing? Walking in the same is tiring. They are $49 (orig $99). Browse all seven pairs of sale shoes. Unclear how long sale lasts.

Thought I would re-post this popular coupon for a 2-for-1 at Yozen Frogurt because it is supposed to be a scorcher today. Plus I've got yogurt on the brain after writing about two freebies in Valencia this weekend. If you don't make it up that far north you can still save a buck at Yozen Frogurt's stores in West Hills or Westlake Village.

Here are two coupons for the store. It is a pdf so give it a minute or three to load. The first coupon is for a buy one get one free for 4, 6, or 8 oz portions. The second is for 50% off a quart of frozen yogurt when you buy a second quart. Both expire May 31, 2008.

I like their fruity flavors the best. If I get more than one dairy flavor it always seems too sweet and heavy. I recommend strawberry, tart peach, white cloud (the Pinkberry flavor) and peanut butter gold. If you ask nicely they will let you combine up to three flavors in a cup.

Caveats: cannot be combined with other coupons. Visit them at 6450 Platt Ave in the Platt Village strip mall in West Hills. (818) 887-8511. They also have a store at 2416 East Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks.

The travel sale at the Container Store comes just in time to help you stay organized on summer trips.

Zippered mesh packing cubes will keep all your socks together, or can be used to pack an outfit in one place. They are $6 to $9 (orig $8 to $12), depending on size. Basic toiletry sacks are $5.24 to $9 (orig $7 to $12). Find your luggage more easily with a bright critter tag, above, for $6 (orig $8).

Click here and scroll down to see more toiletry carrying options, travel bags, and liquid containers. Unclear how long sale lasts and if it is in a store near you.

Red Mango in Valencia is celebrating its grand opening by giving away frozen yogurt Saturday, May 17, from 12 to 6. The store is part of a popular chain that originated in South Korea in 2002. They specialize in tart, nonfat frozen yogurt flavors.

If you also hit the Robeks Juice opening on Saturday you'll be set for freebies! Visit Red Mango at 23885 Newhall Ranch Road at the Bridgeport Marketplace. (661) 253-4492.

A new Robeks Juice in Valencia is celebrating their grand opening by giving away free 12 ounce smoothies Saturday from 1 to 4. There will be samples of pretzels and soft serve yogurt, a live DJ, and prizes while supplies last. Even the Mayor of Santa Clarita may be there!

For details turn to page A8 of Thursday's Daily News. Visit them at 27730 McBean Parkway in Valencia. (661) 297-4915.

Got wind of a bunch of sample sales from Daily Candy. Here's the scoop!

The Calleen Cordero Warehouse Sale has extras from their Melrose retail store. Look for handmade shoes, boots, belts, and bags slashed 40 to 90 percent off retail. Saturday 10 to 5 at 7231 Hinds Ave. just north of Sherman Way in North Hollywood. (818) 764-0715.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent marks down spring and resort collections by up to 80 percent off retail. Thursday noon to 5 and Friday 10 to 5. 860 S. Los Angeles St. at Ninth St. Walk up to suite 422. (213) 225-2697.

Only Hearts is selling intimates, sleepwear and clothes from their own brand and Zooey, Alice McCall, and Princesse Tam Tam. Prices are up to 80% off. Thursday 10 to 5, Friday and Saturday 10 to 7, Sunday 11 to 6. 1407 Montana Ave. at 14th street in Santa Monica. (310) 393-3088.

Rhys Dwfen has samples of cotton, silk, and cashmere knits from previous seasons up to 90% off. Friday 2 to 7, Saturday 10 to 3. 453 S. Spring St.. downtown between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Walk up to suite 536. (213) 623-8285.

Tree is selling spring dresses and tops at wholesale prices Saturday 11 to 4. 846 S. Broadway, downtown between W. Eighth and W. Ninth streets. Walk up to suite 502. (213) 926-0919. Please confirm details on this last sale as I was not able to.

Get 40% off one regular priced book at Borders when you spend at least $20. Must belong to the Borders free membership club. The coupon is good in stores only. Print the coupon here. Expires May 18, 2008.

"Autobiography of a Face," by Lucy Grealy, sounds fascinating. As a young girl Grealy's face was disfigured by cancer and she struggled her entire life to accept herself while secretly wanting to be perfect, the Amazon review says.

Caveats: excludes previous and online purchases, non-stock special orders, magazines, comics, coupon books, eBooks, and shipping. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts, one coupon per customer. Find a Borders near you.

Get a free Southern Style Chicken Biscuit between 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or get a free Southern Style Chicken Sandwich from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at McDonald's today only. You need to purchase a medium or large drink to get the freebie so alas, it is not entirely free.

No coupon needed, according to Fast Food News. The deal is also posted on this McD's site. Find a McDonald's near you. Thanks, Coralee!

Get three weeks free at the women-only gym Curves when you bring in three milk caps to a participating Curves before July 17, 2008. New members only. The gym uses circuit training, above, to get members in shape. Read more about the offer here.

Caveats: caps have to be from fluid milk containers, limit one per person, not valid with other offers. Find a Curves near you and call first to confirm they are participating. If the first person you talk to has not heard of it, ask for a manager.

Double caveat: some of you may have heard Curves has ties to anti-choice groups. No matter where you stand on this issue, here is an interesting article that explains the brouhaha around Curves founder Gary Heavin.

UPDATE: Problem solved. I uploaded a new coupon that everyone *should* be able to access. If not, leave me a comment to let me know!

UPDATE: You may need a Gmail account to get this coupon. I'm looking for one that is easier to download.

PREVIOUSLY: Get a bag of Popchips free when you buy one bag now until May 31, 2008. The ad says "never baked never fried." So how do they cook these things - microwave oven? The Popchips site says they are popped "using heat, pressure, and a little snack magic." They are not fried in oil but are seasoned with oil so I'm guessing they are healthier than say, my beloved Fritos. They come in nine different flavors and are sold at Ralphs, Vons, Whole Foods and Albertsons.

Bring this printable coupon into the store. Find a store near you that sells them.

Caveats: one per customer, you pay sales tax, max value $3.29. Thanks, Natalie!

Rut roh! That's me using my best Scooby Doo voice after hearing that big dogs are not welcome at the new Americana at Brand shopping complex in Glendale, according to Racked LA.

Racked writes "Family-friendly Americana at Brand is already not looking so lovingly at Fido if he's not the size of a teacup. Franklin Avenue reports on letters coming into the Glendale News-Press complaining about Americana's no big-dog policy."

What if you live there and have a big, Scooby-sized pooch? Does this mean you can't take him/her for a stroll out your front door? If it comes down to pet people v. Americana mall rats, pet people are going to piss all over the policy. Now, who's got a Scooby snack?

Albertsons has a few deals on food now through Tuesday, May 20. Boneless London broil beef round is $1.69/lb, 64-ounce containers of Tropicana Punch are 10 for $10, Aquafresh Direct toothbrushes or toothpaste are 10 for $10, and fresh limes are 4 for $1.

During their three-day sale Friday, May 16 to Sunday May 18 a max pack of pork spare ribs are 99 cents/lb and a 1.75 liter of Absolut Vodka is $22.

Find an Albertsons near you and look for your local sales flyer here.

Here are a bunch of Web sites where you can download grocery coupons. Some are free, others charge. Please share your favorites coupon sites by leaving a comment (click on the tiny "comments" link underneath this post). That way everyone can benefit. Good luck finding one that makes money for you!

CouponMom.com--Run by coupon clipper extraordinaire Stephanie Nelson, who once paid $18 for $103 worth of groceries. Nelson shares her secrets on this site, which boasts hundreds of dollars worth of coupons. The site's virtual coupon organizer lists the date and page coupons can be found in a Sunday newspaper, but no actual coupons. You have clip and organize them yourself.

CheapCooking.com--Just what it sounds like, a site with recipes and ideas to make cheap meals at home. Check out their serving calculator to figure out how much meat at a certain price costs you per serving (it assumes you are cooking one serving/person).

FrugalFamilyKitchen.com--A well-written site that combines frugal ideas on cooking to stories about the writer's life as it relates to food. I loved her story about a resilient turkey that escaped...

We've all seen online reviews that just seem too glossy or pessimistic to be true, whether it is for a restaurant or a new gadget. Reading these fake reviews makes me doubt other write ups and leaves me constantly looking over my cyber shoulder.

Now OpenTable, the free online restaurant reservation service, claims "that every review (on their site) came from someone who actually dined at the restaurant," according to TechCrunch. They do this by sending emails to folks who were actually seated after making a reservation on their site. The down side to this is that OpenTable does not share the actual review, instead providing a ranking from confirmed diners. The system also seems to be new enough that very few restaurants have reviews. Boo!

I may stick to Yelp for now. Check out the reservations process for San Fernando Valley area restaurants.

Today through Tuesday, May 20 Ralphs advertises these sale prices: four boxes of Post cereal (Raisin Bran or Honey Bunches of oats) for $6, 10 Ralphs brand yogurts cups for $5, whole tri-tip for $2.99/lb, boneless pork sirloin chops in value packs for $2.49/lb, sirloin or blade pork loin chops for $1.99/lb, Gold Medal bread for $1.79/loaf, Barilla Pasta is 10 for $10, two packs of GE compact fluorescent light bulbs are $6, plus there are buy one get one free deals on a handful of toiletries. Caveats: discounts require you to have a club card. You can use coupons on top of these sales!

Browse the weekly ad for your zip code. Print up to 68 coupons at home through Ralphs Web site. Note, you need the Smart Source Coupon Printer to do this.

Ralphs also sells some generic prescriptions for $4 and 90-day supplies of some prescriptions for $10. Find a Ralphs near you.

Hubby and I spend a lot of moolah on groceries, between $400 and $600 a month. I came across this horrifying number while writing a story about trimming my household budget during a lean economy. Seeing the number in print - and realizing it obliterated my clothing budget - pushed me to use grocery coupons. Again. Would it work this time? Past attempts have been so frustrating or a huge waste of time. Ocassionally both!

This last try I stuck to the basics - clipping coupons from the Sunday newspaper. Master this and I might delve into the graduate school of grocery coupons - online savings programs. I made my shopping list first, noting several items that we could stock up on if they were on sale, like meat and cereal. Then I pulled out my coupon organizer and tossed out my expired coupons, slippery reminders of my failed attempts.

I clipped coupons only for products I buy, leaving behind ones for pet food, processed cheese, and instant rice. Coupons that I wanted to use that very grocery trip I put in front. Others I filed into categories for dairy, cereral/bread/grains, and the bathroom.

At Albertsons I flipped through the coupons I had pulled for the trip to remind myself to look for these items. A better idea would be to add them to my list with a -c at the end so I know I have a coupon for them.

I used five of the seven coupons and was like a hawk when it came to store sales. 20 yogurts for $10, load 'em up! Generic brand brown sugar packets for 69 cents, you bet! I also carefully did the math to discover fresh squeezed OJ on sale was actually cheaper than frozen OJ.

The checker rung me up. I owed $89.64. Then I gave her my club card and coupons and we both watched my bill jump down, down, down to $61.23. I saved $28.41, including $4.75 in coupons!

I hope my bill will drop even more as I build up my stash of coupons. I may start shopping at Ralphs, which doubles coupons. (I have resisted until now because my sense is their prices are higher than the Albertsons in my neighborhood.) My next step is to check manufacturer Web sites for coupons and get Hubby on board. My coupon career has set sail!

I rarely read the OC Register but a friend brought me the Sunday paper recently and I found tips to tame grocery prices by Reuters columnist Linda Stern buried on page 9 of Marketplace. Some of her best ideas:

+Buy frozen fish. Even the "fresh" fish at the meat counter has probably been frozen before. Prices on still-frozen fish in the freezer section are often cheaper.

+Use meat for flavor, not bulk. I've started to cut the meat we eat into smaller portions and use slightly less overall. So far, Hubby has not noticed and he is a carnivore through and through. Cooking with chicken or beef stock will also up the meaty flavor of a dish without requiring the real thing! A serving of meat is roughly the size of a deck of cards.

+Buy containers, then repackage bulk goods on your own. You can do this even if you don't shop at Costco. This works for chips, yogurt, veggies, and lots more.

+Stock up on sales. Stern recommends this for pasta, lightbulbs and toothpaste, and I would add to that list cereal, baking ingredients like flour and brown sugar (if you bake, like me), meat, bread, nuts, vitamins, canned goods (duh!), and anything else that you use regularly and that has a decent shelf life or can be frozen. Bread products freeze particularly well.

Thanks, Scottie!

The future of the Bargain Hunter is themed days, my sister and loyal reader advises me. You know, a slew of blog posts devoted to one subject, like the beach, or green clothes, or kids.

"Oh, really?" you say. Me thinks so, plus my sister is a smart gal so I'm giving her suggestion a trial run. Once a week I'm going to have a theme to my posts (other than saving a buck), starting with groceries. I'd love your feedback, whether you love/hate the concept or have great/terrible suggestions for a theme.

Please leave theme ideas as a comment on the blog. Thanks! ~Julia

Groceries, groceries, groceries. If the blog seems very dry today, you are not the only one. I've had about as much groceries as I can take. To change things up a bit I'm posting this very...wet picture of Lance Armstrong. I'm linking to it because it shows a lot of skin! ~Julia

Select pairs of women's shoes are up to 60% off at Brooks Brothers online this week. Not that I want to tempt you to blow your budget during these trying economic times, but if you have room to splurge check out the sale.

The trouser boot,, above, is a mid-length leather shoe made in Italy. It is $179 (orig $440). Comes in brown or burgundy and with the boot's 4-inch heel you will tower over everyone. I can neither afford these fabulous boots nor could I walk in them! But I can dream.

The satin and velvet D'Orsay pump is fancy schmancy and packs a stylistic punch. Not everyone can pull this conspicuous pair off. Walk into a room with these babes on your feet and you will get noticed (in a good way). The 3.5-inch D'Orsay heels are $115 (orig $200). Browse all the sale pairs.

Knock $10 off your order at the Body Shop with no apparent minimums. I tried it with a $16 purchase and it worked! You still have to pay for shipping unless your tab is $70 or more. Use code BODYSHOP. It is case sensitive. Online only. Unclear how long this code will last but I don't expect very long. Really good deals never do.

I love the Body Shop's Seaweed Day Cream, above, for $16, though you still need to put on sunscreen because it does not contain any. I also find their Vitamin E Eye Cream makes a difference if I use it regularly. Yikes, the price went up to $17. I think it used to be $14. I've also had good luck with their lip products.

Get 20% off sale and regular priced merchandise plus free shipping on orders of $75 or more at Ann Taylor Loft now until June 1, 2008. Online only. Use promo code 81300060 and be careful not to insert any spaces! Mine did not work until I had it just right.

A summery white cotton dress could be dressed up for work, dressed down for a BBQ or the beach, or accessorized for a date. It is $47 (orig $59). A pair of black patent leather slides with a buckle are $16, above, (orig $34). In size 8 only.

Get a free scoop of Vanilla Honey Bee ice cream at Haagen-Dazs today, May 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. only. Short lived, but the best deals usually are. I love their super creamy, dense ice cream!

Find a participating store near you. No idea if the scoop is itty bitty or regular size.

Just discovered this Web site. It's called FreeShipping.org and it is a ton of, you guessed it, free shipping codes. You can search by store, category, expiration date, and alphabetical order. The display format is easy to scan so you can figure out quickly if there is a code for your particular needs. Check it out!

I will add it to my links on the right of the blog in case you forget the Web site's address.

Get $27 tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia when you buy them online and visit the park before Memorial Day, May 26. Tickets at the gate are $60 for adults. You can also get a year's pass for $60 if you buy it before May 18. Wahoo!

Falling interest rates are good for home owners or anybody taking out a loan, but when it comes to lending your own money to others (in the form of a CD), dropping interest rates are bad. I found this out when I opened a letter from my bank last night, which had written to say they were pleased I renewed a 12-month CD at an interest rate of 3.25%. My jaw dropped. That's barely inflation!

I compared my last renewal letter from a year ago and sure enough, my interest rate for the previous 12 months was 5.20%. It dropped almost 2%! Now I'm on the prowl for a better CD rate, and you may want to do the same.

Bankaholic lists the top 25 CD rates. Using the tabs at the top of their site you can compare CDs for various time periods and dollar amounts. As I write this GMAC has the best rate (4.10%) for a 12-month CD with a minimum deposit of $500. It may pay to make a few calls and switch.

I always get a lot of calls and emails on Mondays, when my column runs in the Daily News, from readers who cannot find one of the deals mentioned. None of the posts actually go away, they just get bumped down by newer sales. The search box on the left will help. To make it even easier, I've compiled all the links below.

B-DAY STEAK: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/free_birthday_steak.html

DESPERATELY SEEKING: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/desperately_seeking_lincoln_lu.html

MAIL MOVIES: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/moves_in_the_mail_4mo.html

BABY CHEAP: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/babystyle_25_off.html

FREE VEGGIE BURGER: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/free_veggie_burger_at_johnny_r.html

SHOES $20 OFF: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/shoescom_20_off.html

$2.99 GAS: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/2008/05/299_gas_for.html

Get a 15-piece baking set for $10 (orig $20) from Linens -n- Things. Great for folks setting up their kitchen or home. The nonstick set, pictured above, includes a cookie sheet, a 12-cup muffin pan, two 9-inch cake pans, a bread loaf pan, plastic measuring cup, set of four plastic measuring spoons, two silicone spatulas, a whisk, icing knife and slotted spatula.

LNT also has a $10 pasta set (orig $20), an 11-piece breakfast set for $15 (orig $20), and an 11-piece pizza set for $15 (orig $20).

Not sure if the set is also discounted in stores but if it is remember to use a 20% off coupon.

Smart Bargains has marked down spring handbags by 20%. Unclear when the sale ends. A Hype clover green leather satchel is $104 (orig $325). A red and white Cole Haan canvas and patent tote, above, is $200 (orig $475). Shop all their discounted bags from lowest price to highest.

Who knows how long the Sharper Image, which filed for bankruptcy in February, will be around. With their fate uncertain the retailer has put out a lot of coupons to boost business. So if you have always yearned for a black imitation leather chair that squeezes your calves and sends rollers up and down your back while humming lightly, check out these coupons.

$10 off $50 or more until Jan 31, 2009. Online, in stores and over the phone.

$15 off $75 or $30 off $150 until May 31, 2008. Online, in stores and over the phone.

$20 off a purchase of $100 or more until Jan 31, 2009. Online, in stores and over the phone.

Note, just because the coupon expiration dates are far into the future does not mean they will be around that long. If a coupon is being used heavily a retailer may rescind the offer.

Caveats: read the fine print.

Get $5 off a food, beverage or merchandise purchase of $20 or more at Planet Hollywood now until December 31, 2008. Print the coupon here. Use it on your trip to Vegas or find one in one of these far flung destinations.

Caveats: excludes tax and gratuity, one per table, at participating Planet Hollywood restaurant's only.

Get $10 off a purchase of $30 or more at Bath and Body Works with a coupon that expires today, May 12, 2008. In stores only. Print the coupon here. Find a store near you.

Caveats: cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts, not valid on past purchases or gift cards. Shipping and taxes do not count towards $30. Thanks, Kay!

Get a ticket to see Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian when you buy one of six games, movies, or CDs at Best Buy. Movies that will get you a ticket include the first Chronicles of Narnia (avail Tue), Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Treasure Hunt. High School Musical the game for Nintendo DS and the soundtrack to Narnia: Prince Caspian will also get you a ticket. The offer is in the Sunday paper's Best Buy circular.

Caveats: The free ticket is worth $10 so at some theaters you may have to pay a little extra to get into the showing. It is valid May 16 to June 16, 2008. The movie comes out May 16.

A few Wii games are buy one get one 50% off at Circuit City, like Super Smash Bros Brawl, Mario Kart with Wii Wheel, and a few others. No cash to buy the games? See below.

A few Wii games are also marked down to $20, including Winter Sports the Ultimate Challenge, Rayman Ravings Rabbids, and No More Heroes. Unclear when the sale ends.

Circuit City will give you a gift card when you trade in your old electronics. How much is your stuff worth? Click here.

I asked around and mothers resoundingly said the gifts that squeezed their hearts most were homemade drawings, art pieces, and cards. One mom said "art projects from my little girl are always my favorite! They cost a few dollars- if that- but they can really make a girl cry :)." Another suggested going "to one of those places where you paint ceramics and can get them fired. Do a hand print on a plate, etc., to remember how small their hands are."

One mom said a few hours of free time all to herself topped her list of desired gifts. My own Mom asked for a visit, phone call, card, and a meal together or some other event on another day. I think pictures make a great present, too. You can get a nice frame for under $15 at Aaron Brothers, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and many other stores. Any other ideas, folks? Leave a comment by clicking on the tiny "comments" button underneath this post so everyone can benefit. Thanks!

The secret to my fleeting fitness - I swear two faint vertical lines appear on my stomach some mornings - is a corny video Hubby found online. It's called Eight Minute Abs and is lead by a guy wearing the tightest spandex one-piece I have seen since 1982. The only thing cheesier than his outfit is the music. Warning: if watching at work before you press play put your volume at the lowest setting. But don't mute. That would take all the flava flave out of it.

When Hubby first showed me Eight Minute Abs I rolled my eyes like any good wife would. This bulging spandex guy and his squeaky voice was the most ridiculous thing I'd seen! And tacky! And ridiculous! But...I did want to strength my core. And my abs certainly were tired afterwards. Now I'm humming the soundtrack at work and recommending it to my sister!

I think the goofiness of the video perfectly complements the serious task at hand, fighting flab. What do you think?

Get 20% off clothing and 10% off everything else at Kmart online today only. Or get $5 off a purchase of $50 in the stores now until Thursday, May 15 with this printable coupon.

Browse online sale categories. Find a store near you.

Caveats: not valid on Land's End, Sears Auto Center, hearing aids, appliances and electronics, prescriptions, lottery tickets, and a few other items.

Velvet, the girly but sophisticated line of clothing you have seen at Anthropologie, is having a warehouse sale today from 8 to 6 and Saturday May 10 from 9 to 1. I'm told that prices will be at about wholesale. To get a feel for what type of clothes the label makes, a gray stretchy top with a side sash is $78 at Anthopologie.

The sale is at 3961 Landmark St. in Culver City just west of National. Cash and checks only.

Get 25% off sale items at Babystyle now until Tuesday, May 13, 2008 online only. Use coupon code 25EXTRA. All sales final. Shop sale items here. A white maternity dress with eyelet details around the bust and hem is $60 (orig $88). A tiered toddler's skort is $19 (orig $24).

Caveats: the discount is only valid on spring sale, babystyle outlet and Cadeau outlet items, cannot be combined with other discounts, not valid on gift cards or past purchases, coupon takes precedence over any discounts you receive as part of the babystyle Rewards program, no rain checks on out of stock items.

Deconstruct a home to preserve the windows, cabinets, bathtub, and flooring and resell them to the public at low prices. That's what the ReUsePeople do and it sounds like a bargain! They have new retail warehouses in Pacoima, plus others in Oakland, Seattle, the outside Boulder.

The Pacoima warehouse is having its grand opening this Saturday and celebrating by selling all doors for $5 (normally $20 to $50). Windows are $15 to $60, kitchen cabinets are $20 to $100 per, bedroom dressers are $20 to $100, fridges are $150 to $200 and stoves are $35 to $100. Look also for water heaters, dishwashers, built in shelves, a few bathtubs, and more.

Saturday 10 to 4, Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5. Check some of the items they have on the right column of their retail sales page. One listing from a 5,400 square foot home in Pt. Loma includes beveled-glass French doors, Jen Air cook top, Sub Zero refrigerator, granite vanities and like-new hot tub.

The sale is at 11017 Sutter Ave. in Pacoima. (818) 897-2798.

Directions: From I-5: Take the 118E. Exit at San Fernando Road, make a left onto San Fernando Road, make the first right onto Paxton. Make the first right onto Sutter Avenue. The warehouse is on the left hand side, about one block down. Cash and credit cards.

JC Penney is having a home sale with prices marked down by 30 to 60%. A six-piece towel set that comes in 26 colors is $30 (orig $50). A wooden bookshelf is $229 (orig $400). An Abbott kitchen cart with a towel bar and rollers, above, is $90 (orig $150). Unclear when the sale ends.

If you shop online, get free shipping if your tab is $99 or more with promo code MAYHMS. Expires May 12, 2008.

Get 20% off regular priced merchandise and 10% off sale items during Stride Rite's first friends and family sale. Now through May 11, 2008. In stores only. Get the printable coupon. Find a store near you.

Caveats: not valid at outlet stores, cannot be combined with other discounts.

Buy $100 worth of gear and clothes at Nike online or over the phone (800-806-6453) and get 20% off your tab. Expires Sunday May 11, 2008. Check the details here. A tennis dress with mini-pleats that screams "country club" is $90 (orig $110).

Caveats: one per person, cannot be combined with other coupons, taxes, shipping and handling do not count towards $100, some brand exclusions, including Apple products, Nike +iPod Sport Kit, and a few others.

Hi folks, If you have not noticed, there have been very few posts about Lincoln Lunches of late! I have pretty much exhausted all the places I know about so I am asking you to submit ideas for where I might find a tasty $5 lunch (called a Lincoln Lunch because it's a $5 meal and Lincoln is on the fiver). I'm hungry so help me out!

Here are my guidelines: No fast food chains like McDonald's because everybody already knows about them and no repeats of places I have already been to. (You can check by typing the restaurant name into the search box on the left.) I stick to the San Fernando Valley, which I roughly define as Thousand Oaks to Burbank and Glendale.

Please share your suggestions by leaving a comment on the blog (click on the tiny "comments" link underneath this post.) Your fellow Bargain Hunter readers will thank you! And I will too!!

Circuit City has a few memory cards with steep discounts, including a 1GB card for $8, above, and a 2GB card for $16. A 4GB card is $35 and a 12GB card designed for professional photographers is $200.

Unclear when the sale ends.

Knock $20 off your shoe bill of $100 or more at Shoes.com now until May 16, 2008. Apply promo code MAY100 at the beginning of checkout (which also lets you verify early on that it has not expired). Sale shoes do not count towards the $100, unfortunately. A pair of Croc Malindis with cute eye drop holes around the toes are $30. Get the espadrille look without an uncomfortable heel with a pair of Simple Toepazes, above for $75. They also come with an ankle strap for $80.

Caveats: one coupon or certificate per order. Coupon Codes are not valid for sale items or the following brands: Allen-Edmonds, Bragano, BRUNOMAGLI, Cole Haan, Donald J Pliner, g series, K-Swiss, Kenneth Cole, Lucchese, MERRELL, Royal Elastics and Ugg.

Get a free Streamliner veggie burger at Johnny Rockets with an order of a Streamliner® or any sandwich, starter, and drink. Good through the end of May. Print the coupon here. Find a Johnny Rockets near you.

Get 15% off one item at Barnes & Nobles stores or online with a coupon that is good until May 19, 2008. Print the coupon here. Online use promo code Y8Y8E9R. Find a store near you.

Caveats: can only be used once in stores and once online per customer, will be deducted after any applicable Member discounts, not eligible towards the purchase of gift cards, past purchases, memberships, gift-wrapping, Barnes & Noble Bestsellers, textbooks, ship-to-home orders, shipping or handling, products marked as "not eligible for Member discounts, coupons or promotional discounts," used books, PC and video games, etc. May not be combined with any other coupon. Not valid at Barnes & Noble College Bookstores. Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices on bn.com may vary from those in Barnes & Noble retail stores. Photocopies not accepted.

Thanks, Linda!

Blockbuster has a two-week free trial for movies through the mail at this site. After the trial ends plans start at $4 a month, which is $1 less than the same plan at rival Netflix. Both plans buy you up to 2 DVDs rentals a month, one at a time.

If you want to upgrade, Blockbuster has plans that allow you to return or exchange DVDs in their stores. By the same token, many Netflix plans allow unlimited watching of movies on your PC.

I'd like to rent Made of Honor with Patrick Dempsey so I can watch it while snuggling with Hubby. It's not a movie I need to see in the theater, ya know?

Caveats: the Blockbuster free trial is for new members only, requires a valid credit card, check card, or checking account number.

Today only! Get $15 off your purchase at Ann Taylor with no minimum required. Hot deal! Print the coupon here. Check out their summer dresses or head to the accessories counter for a steep overall discount. I like this stretchy bracelet with a variety of green stones laid in brushed silver, for $50, above. A lot of the jewelry is buy one get one 50% off online, but I'm not sure if that discount is also in stores and if you can combine it with the $15 off coupon. Hmmm...

Caveats: one per customer, in stores only, excludes taxes, past purchases, shipping handling and gift cards. Not valid at Ann Taylor Loft stores or Factory Stores. Find an Ann Taylor near you.

If you think you have wrung every last dollar from your budget, these tips, courtesy of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, will help you squeeze out a few more pennies.

+Raise the deductibles on your insurance policies and switch from monthly payouts to one yearly bill.

+Use coupons for everything, not just groceries. Get them from the paper, at online coupon sites, and directly from the manufacturer.

+Sign up for e-newsletters from the stores you frequent. The dispatches often contain coupons or let you know when a sale is going on.

+Sign up for rebate sites like eBates.com or Cashbaq.com, both of which give back a cut of your total purchase.

+Ask for a discount. Call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate if you carry a balance month to month (the Fed just lowered rates again). Same goes for your cable company and other vendors. Often asking nicely and pointing out that you are a longtime, loyal customer will persuade them to shave off a few dollars.

+Take advantage of merchant bonus offers when you cash your government stimulus check at their store. Many grocery chains are offering a 10% boost! If you give them your $600 check, they give you a gift card worth $660. That kind of short-term return is hard to match.

Get 25% off at Brooks Brothers online and over the phone during their family and friends event. You need a coupon for the discount in stores. Consider joining their email list because there is a chance they will email the coupon. The sale starts Thursday, May 8 and ends Monday, May 12, 2008. The code is friend49. To order by phone call 1-800-274-1815.

I like their non-iron shirts, which sell for 2 for $129 or $149 before the discount. Last time I was at one of their Factory Stores it was 2 for $80, a real deal for a nice dress shirt you don't have to dry clean! Men's non-iron shirts are 3 for $199.

Caveats: cannot be combined with other offers, not valid on taxes, shipping or handling, monogramming, engraving, alterations, personalizations, or past purchases.

Get 30% off everything at Gymboree starting Thursday, May 8 and going until Sunday, May 11. Use this printable coupon. Online use code GYMFRIEND.

Caveats: one per customer, not valid on shipping, taxes, gift certificates/cards, Play & Music class passes, in-store phone orders or donations. May not be combined with any other offers. Find a Gymboree near you.

Get 10% off your order at the running store Road Runner Sports using a discount code whose expiration date is unknown. Online only. The code is CX180069. A stretchy tank with a decorative fringe, above, is $22.50 (orig $40). Browse men's shoes, women's shoes, women's apparel, men's apparel, gear and nutrition.

Get free standard shipping on shoe orders of $50 or more at DSW now through next Wednesday, May 14. Use promo code FSHP50. Online only. A men's leather sandal with a padded sole is $50. A women's blush-colored flat with a tiny peep toe, above, is $40 and comes in five colors. You can search women's shoes by category, including floral prints, jellies, animal prints and more!

Caveats: valid for orders shipped inside the contiguous U.S. Gift cards, gift wrap, shipping and taxes do not count toward your $50 tab. Offer will be applied in the form of a credit toward the shipping and handling fee. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Lock in a three-year supply of gasoline at $2.99 a gallon when you buy or lease a new Chrysler by June 2, 2008. Eligible models include new 2008 and 2009 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles except all SRTs, the Dodge Sprinter, Viper, Ram Chassis Cab, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Crossfire, and Jeep Wrangler.

The way it works is when you buy or lease an eligible model you give the dealer your credit card number and they issue a special card to buy gas with. When you buy gas with the special card they charge your credit card $2.99 a gallon.

Each car has a yearly allotment of gallons you can buy at $2.99, from 1,500 to 2,400 depending on the model. Allotments do not roll over at the end of the year. Scroll down on this page to check the specific allotments by car model. Read all the FAQs here.

Caveats: If your vehicle uses unleaded gas, the $2.99 offer covers 86 to 87 octane only. If your vehicle can use E85, the $2.99 offer will cover E85 and up to 87 octane gasoline only. If your vehicle requires diesel fuel, the $2.99 offer will cover diesel fuel only. The program has many rules to curb cheating so read them all!

The girl's clothing store My Diva Girlz is closing their store and everything is 50% off except shoes. The owner Robin said the retail climate is tough and their lease is up but they will still sell stuff online.

They cater to girls aged 2 to 14. Most dress shoes range from $15 to $25, T-shirts are as low as $12 and they have a lot of "glitzy and glamorous purses," Robin said. Webkinz are $10. They have a small selection of shoes for women up to size 10. They will be open another two weeks but merchandise is going quick.

Visit them at 22634 Ventura Blvd. just west of Sale in Woodland Hills. (818) 222-5566. Hours are Monday through Saturday 11 to 6. Closed Sunday.

The price of a first-class stamp goes up from 41-cents to 42-cents May 12. The price of a Forever stamp, which has a picture of the Liberty Bell, will go up on May 14. But if you buy it before then it will cost you 41-cents AND you can use it after rates go up (without a 1-cent add-on).

Find a post office near you. You can also buy the Forever stamp online.

This ends Wednesday, so don't delay. Participating General Mills cereals and food products are $2.50 each (they can cost up to $4) at Albertsons. If you buy 10 at once they knock $10 off the price so you get them for $1.50 each. Combine that with a coupon, like Hubby did, and the price is even better. He used four coupons that knocked 75-cents off every two boxes, bringing his final price down to $12 for 10 boxes of Cheerios, which are stacked high on our kitchen table.

The deal applies to Cheerios, Chex, Trix, Fruit Rollups, Curves Granola Bars and more.
The flyer says you can mix and match. Find the weekly flyer for your local Albertsons to confirm they are offering the deal.

Get a free steak two weeks before or after your birthday at Black Angus Steakhouse when you join their free membership club. You also get a free dessert for joining.

Caveats: must order one entree to get the free steak, must be 16 years or older, must confirm dob before ordering the free meat, one per table, can only be used once. Dine in only, must show photo ID. Read all the rules here.

Find a Black Angus near you. Thanks, Richard!

I have not endured child labor or battled a ferocious disease like cancer, but finishing the Wildflower Triathlon Sunday was the hardest, most painful thing I have done. During the .9 mile swim I swam off course at least twice but saved energy by drafting other swimmers. The scenery along the 25 mile bike ride was beautiful and I struck up a casual acquaintance with a rider named Larry who passed me about 5 times. I was quicker than him on the uphills, but his extra heft made him faster on the downhills.

The run, however, was miserable. Legs of lead, stomach churning, everybody passing me. Every step of the 6.2 mile run was a mental battle to keep my body moving and not give up, which was the only thing I wanted to do. I expected the last three miles would be tough, but I was unprepared for 6.2 miles of agony.

To keep myself going I thought about my friend JM, who recently gave birth, and my honored teammate Meghan, who battled cancer. Surely what they went went through was much worse, I told myself. I compared my constant, consuming pain to how bad it would feel to know this was my last day on earth. My body answered immediately: this is still really hard.

I stopped many times to walk a few steps, but made my self restart because I knew if I rested too long I would not start running again. The wonderful cheering fans, mostly students from nearby Cal Poly, kept me moving. Walking up a hill I heard a man yell "Nobody has ever passed this chair walking! You can do it, start running!" I did - slowly - and stumbled on.

Somehow I managed to make it to the last mile of the race, a steep downhill. I caught a girl wearing a yellow Cal Berkeley jersey and we booked it all the way to the finish. (I'm on the right.) Gravity was on my side and I reassured myself by saying out loud "you can do it" and "almost there." I crossed the finish line and the clock said 4:11:42. Not bad, especially considering my wave started an hour and ten minutes into the race. My total time to cover 32 miles: 03:01:42, which is much faster than the 3:15:00 to 3:30:00 I predicted.

Back at camp my coach came over to ask me how I felt.
"Okay," I said. "The run was really tough."
"So what was your final time?"
"3:01."
"What?"
I opened my mouth and laughed. I'm a rock star, baby! (And so is my friend Amy, below right, who roped me into this mess.)

All those times I felt unable to keep running but somehow did, I think I figured it out. So many people kept me in their thoughts Sunday - I can tell from the number of calls, emails, and questions I got before and after the race - that you guys pushed me to the finish line. Thank you!!

My support crew, aka Hubby, was more awesome that you can imagine. He was there at every step, cooking me pasta dinners after swim practice, encouraging me to workout early in the morning hours before he wanted to wake up, re-arranging his weekend plans to fit in my team practices every Saturday. Now our roles of athlete and support crew have switched as Hubby is running the NYC Marathon in November!

Get 20% off everything at Sports Basement online until June 5, 2008 with code WILD_20_05/08. They stock everything for skiing, running, biking, hiking, swimming, triathlons, and camping. Kids sporty stuff, too! Don't forget to check out their sale pages. Before the discount a women's racerback yoga top in five colors is $20 (retails $44).

Here's one more source for discount flowers to show your Mom how much you appreciate her. She may not wipe your butt anymore, but it takes a lifetime to repay her for all she has done. At least, that's the case when you have a Mom like mine.

Look for flowers at LA's flower district, which boasts prices up to 50% off retail. Sure, you have to trek down there, create your own bouquet and refrigerate your them until you see your Mom, but you will likely save moolah. (If you don't know how to arrange the flowers flip through a magazine or do a Google image search until you see a combination you like. Rip it out or take notes and bring it to the flower shop so you know what to buy. I like putting together two different types of flowers with similar coloring for a bold look, like the image above.)

The flower district is in the fashion district, roughly bound by 7th Street on the north, 8th Street on the south, San Pedro Street to the east and Wall Street to the west. Click here for specific locations.

Check here for hours. Scroll down to see the special hours for the public leading up to Mother's Day. Note, it costs $1 to get in Saturday and $2 Monday through Friday. Closed Sunday.

Get the low down on 529 college savings accounts at SavingforCollege.com. The site covers everything from the basics of what a 529 plan is to how fees for the plans are steadily dropping. You can also calculate how much college will cost by your child's age. The family of a 12-month old will need to sock away $623 each month to pay for the their total college bill, a whopping $294,496, the site estimates.

Check out their ranking of the least expensive 529 plans (each state has their own) and the top 10 performing plans. They site has a forum page where confused parents of the college-bound can ask questions and share knowledge. The site is free.

UPDATE: This offer has expired ahead of time, probably because so many people printed it out.

PREVIOUSLY: Get a dozen Krispy Kreme original glazed donuts when you buy any dozen donuts at regular price. Use this printable coupon. Expires May 13, 2008. Nearby locations include Burbank, Santa Monica, LA and Gardena.

Caveats: valid only at Krispy Kreme stores, not at grocery or convenience stores. Thanks, Kay!

Get $15 off $100 or $30 off $150 at Babystyle now until Sunday, May 11. Many brands are excluded, see below. For $15 off use code 15OFF100 and for $30 off use code 30OFF150 during checkout. Online only. Shop the sale.

Caveats: no rain checks, not valid on past purchases or gift cards, cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts, no rain checks, this discount will take precedence over any discounts that are part of the babystyle Rewards program. The following brands are excluded: Baby Jogger Company, Britax, Bugaboo, Citizens of Humanity, Eberjey, Habitual, J Brand, James Jeans, Juicy Couture, Maclaren, Maxi-Cosi, Mustela, Medela, Nest, Orbit, Paige Premium Denim, Peg Perego, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Quinny, Stokke, Storksak and Timi & Leslie.

Phidippides in Encino, my favorite place to get running shoes, warns me that the price of sneakers is about to skyrocket by 12 to 20%. Buy now and stash that extra pair in your closet until they are needed!

The e-newsletter said price are increasing in China, where the vast majority of shoes sold in the U.S. are made. "The cost of doing business in China has skyrocketed - labor laws and environmental laws and enforcement have changed; the dollar has fallen against nearly every currency in the world (wait 'til petroleum is tied to, say, the Euro instead of the dollar!!). Add in the cost of petroleum (the raw material for EVERY part in your running shoes), and the impact that oil prices have on the cost of transportation of raw materials and finished goods and you can see why these price increases are inevitable."

Generally you want to replace your running shoes every 6 months or every 250-300 miles. If you only walk in them it probably does not matter as much.

Visit them at 16545 Ventura Blvd. in Encino. (818) 986-8686. Closed Mon. Tue, Thur and Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5. Wed 10-8. Closed Sundays except for the 1st Sun of each month, when they are open 12-4.

The boys clothing store Boy Oh Boy! is closing and all clothes, shoes, and hats are 50% off. Webkinz are $10 and Lil'kinz are $8.50. The sale goes until the end of the month. I have not been to this store but it sounds like a good sale.

Visit them at 20929 Ventura Blvd # 7 (just west of De Soto on the North side of the street) in Woodland Hills. (818) 888-1824. Hours Monday 11 to 5, Tue through Sat 10 to 5, closed Sunday. Thanks, Jen!

Sending flowers to your Mom to celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday? Here are a few promo codes that will lighten your tab. At 1-800-flowers.com get $10 off your tab of $50 or more with code PAYMOM. I'm told you can get $20 off $100 if you pay with Paypal and use code PAYMOM4. Unclear when the codes expire.

Get 50% off your order at BloomsToday when you sign up for their $9.95/month membership plan. Get $10 off an order of $50 or more at JustFlowers.com with code JF2008. Offer expires May 11. ProFlowers has marked down select bouquets by $10, like this collection of potted roses. Get $10 off your purchase at Teleflora with code PSGG10D.

Target is offering free shipping on many, many items now until Saturday, May 10. Some 40,000 eligible items say "free shipping" in red and can be found in furniture, home, electronics, toys and clothing. A Waverly Metro sheet set in white with lithe gray flowers, above, are $50 to $70, depending on the size. In the gifts-you-could-give-your-Mom category, a pink tote is $14 and qualifies for free shipping if your tab totals $50. Browse all the categories with free shipping items.

Caveats: excludes 1-day and 2-day shipping and handling charges, may not be applied to previous orders. Online only.

Get five free toppings on a large cheese pizza at Papa Johns when you order online. Use code PIZZA3. Unclear when it expires. Where you enter the promo code is not immediately evident when ordering. Look at the top of your screen and click on a link that says "Enter Promotion Code." It is easy to order and pay without adding the code. Other than that, ordering online is easy and once you share your email address they send a coupon or two a week.

Get 15% off your Jockey bill online with coupon code SMARTSHOPPER. A semi-reliable source says it is good until May 31, but if you know you need new underwear or socks I would not wait. Sale and regular priced items are eligible for the discount. You can enter the code early in the checkout process to make sure the coupon works.

A pair of mesh capri pants that look great for yoga or a walk on the beach are $25.50 (orig $30). A microfleece robe, above, is $17 (orig $60). Perfect for Mother's Day!

My friend Maggie told me about this site and it sounds too good to be true. At Shortcuts.com you register your grocery store frequent shopper cards then add coupons to your cards. When you buy the item at the store the card remembers the coupon and automatically deducts the savings. To join the site you give them your email address, they email you to confirm the request to join, then you register your name, address, and club card numbers.

The only grocery store it works with around here is Ralphs, unfortunately. The whole process of joining and finding coupons took me less than 10 minutes, and I was disappointed to find they only had 12 coupons. I added five coupons totaling $4, including three for cereal, one for tp, and one for yogurt. Read more about how it works.

I guess they add new coupons each week and they can only be added a certain number of times so the good ones go quick. The best part about the site is not having to clip coupons *and* remember to use them. Shortcuts lets you make a shopping list and add your coupons to remind you which ones you have on your card. Expired coupons are automatically removed from your account. Not too shabby. Thanks, Maggie!

A stylist at Dream Beauty Supply, Salon and Spa is offering a really big promotion just for Bargain Hunter readers. The salon opened recently (I have not seen it myself) and they are trying to get new customers. The deal is spread over three visits and is free.

During your first visit you get a shampoo, deep conditioning treatment and haircut. On the second visit you get highlights (6-8 foils) or a sunkist glaze. On the last visit you get eyebrow/lip waxing or threading. These treatments would add up to $120 normally.

Call Sossie at (818) 913-2793 to make an appointment and don't forget to mention the deal. Sossie is also offering a 30% discount on other services, including color, Japanese straightening, Hairloc hair extensions, and chemical services. Expires May 31, 2008.

Visit them at 3001 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank. Mon through Sat 10 to 6.

REI's gear sale with prices up to 30% off starts Friday, but the Web site already shows many marked down items. I'm not sure whether the sale will bring further markdowns or this is the final sale price. The sale ends Sunday, May 11. It is happening online and in stores. Find one near you.

A BOB Revolution stroller comes in five colors and is $287 (orig $369). A fleece vest for toddlers, above, is $14.50 (orig $19.50).

Mervyns has a 20% off coupon with very few exclusions that is good for an entire week! Hint, hint, they want you to use the coupon for Mother's Day, which is Sunday, May 11. Print the coupon here. It is valid Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Caveats: not valid on gift cards, past purchases, mail or phone orders, Levis, Hallmark or Guess brands. Limit one per transaction. Find a Mervyns near you.

Get 30% off at Footlocker during their quickie friends and family sale, today through Saturday, May 3. Print the coupon here. It is also good at Kids Footlocker and Lady Footlocker. If your total *after* the 30% discount has been applied is above $100 you get an extra 10% off.

Caveats: not good online or through the catalog, cannot be combined with other offers or school rewards programs, not valid on gift cards or past purchases. Find a Footlocker near you.

How appropriate for a mega mall to be named Americana at Brand. The spending center opens Friday in Glendale and will be a major competitor to the Glendale Galleria. Americana at Brand is like the Grove on steroids, writes the LA Times. "Consider the Grove -- L.A.'s love-it or hate-it open-air mall that's more insular universe than shopping center. Now think of the Grove on steroids. The fountains are jazzier, the shops swankier, the rolling green lawn super-sized. And you can actually live there -- have breakfast at Tiffany every day."

It will be big, it will be shiny and new, but will there be sales??? I'm going to put in a call so stay tuned.

The triathlon I have been training the past 10 weeks for is this Sunday, May 4 and I've done everything I can to ready myself. I trained hard, stretched nearly everyday, and done, like, a million sit ups. I even painted my toenails with the fastest color polish in my bathroom - silver.

I want to finish the 32-mile race (.9 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run) in under 4 hours for sure and hopefully under 3:30. I may squeak by in under 3:15 if the stars align and it is not too hot. In past years temps have passed 100 and I absolutely wilt in the sun. Secretly I want to be a rock star and come in under 3 hours but there is no way that is going to happen unless I attach invisible rockets to my body (visible ones would get me disqualified). Mostly I want to finish feeling like I gave it my all, which is not as easy as it sounds. My usual M.O. is to save a little, just in case.

My Mom, Dad, and step-Dad will be there, plus my number one fan, Hubby. I'm nervous just thinking about getting into my wet suit and lining up with thousands of other Wildflower triathletes. We start in waves to avoid pandemonium in the water and my start is either 10:05 a.m. or 10:55 a.m. So think fast thoughts around that time!

I raised more than $3,600 while training to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you want to get in shape and do some good, I highly recommend Team in Training. Now wish me luck!

Even bridesmaids are trying to save a buck and get cheaper dresses, a short story from Fortune says. So where can you find a decent bridesmaid dress under $150?

JCPenney has about 15 dresses, many of which are on super sale right now. A classic long black V-neck with satiny material across the waist, above, is $90 (orig $150. A strapless light blue dress has a forgiving cut across the top and long skirt, for $80 (orig $150).

Windsor has many, many dresses in the $70 to $100 category. Some are intended for prom but plenty of others would suit a wedding, especially the long ones. A long purple dress with an empire waist and ruched bust is $90.

Bridal Sassique, which is online only, sells directly to the public so prices are closer to wholesale. A mid-length strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline and interlocked satin waist band is $70.

Macy's has as ton of dress online, but none scream bridesmaid for under $150. Most of the bridesmaid dresses at J.Crew were well above $150, sadly. A slik chiffon dress with a V-neck and flowy skirt comes in six colors and is $165. Browse all J.Crew's bridesmaid dresses.

For more tips on how to keep bridesmaid costs low, check out Cheap Chic Weddings.