Friday, February 29, 2008

Free Shipping on Shop Smart Give More!

Great news folks! I am offering all of you the opportunity to purchase my book "Shop Smart GIVE MORE" with FREE SHIPPING until March 15th 2008! Go directly to my store and purchase today by clicking here. So what brought on this great deal? Well, today I am celebrating! I just found out today that my book will be available for purchase mid-March in the Gift Shop at Mon Valley Hospital in Monongahela, PA. The Ladies Auxillary will be using my book as a fundraiser for the hospital. Talk about a perfect partnership! And the best part is that 25% of my profits go directly to my signature charity, the Schooner Youth Center. I'm so excited! If you would like more information on special bulk pricing for your group or organization, please contact me and we'll get the ball rolling. The Shop Smart GIVE MORE movement is off to a great start! Let's keep is going! PS...you may see me on KDKA with Yvonne Zanos in the very near future, too. I will keep you posted!



Makeup Tips that Will Save You a Bundle

I have been wearing makeup on a daily basis since I was 15 years old. I've tried it all from the cheap drugstore brands to the expensive designer brands found in major department stores. Over the years, I have realized a few very important tips:

1. Never skimp on foundation! When you find a brand that you like, stick with it. When it comes to good coverage and natural tones, the department store brands and higher end drugstore brands (revlon, max factor, almay, etc) really can't be beat. Take advantage of sales and coupons when you can, but always allow enough in your budget to cover this expense.

2. Check Big Lots for sales on drugstore brands first. For example, I am a huge fan of Revlon Colorstay foundation and lipsticks. Rather than pay $12 per bottle of foundation at Walmart, I discovered that Big Lot's carries the same product for only $4 per bottle! I have to admit that sometimes it's hit or miss, but they do have a whole isle dedicated to over-run name brand cosmetics and nail polish waiting to be rescued! Some other brands that I have seen in Big Lots have been Almay, Neutrogena, and Loreal, but they always seem to be well stocked on Revlon products.

3. Unless you have highly sensitive skin or allergies, why not experiment with some of the no-name brands of lipstick, eyeshadow and blush? I have used products such as Rimmel, Wet and Wild, and Elf and have been extremely impressed! All of the Elf products are only $1 each! Heck, if you don't like it you can give it to your daughter, best friend, or little niece without the hassle of having to return it. I always have the best intentions when it comes to returning things, but I rarely get around to it. I'd rather give it away to someone who may actually like it.

4. If you only switch brands on lipstick, eyeshadow and blush, you can save up to $80 or more the next time you go out to purchase all of your necessities. Because we don't buy everything at the same time, we don't often realize how much we really do spend on these beauty essentials. Make a list with the brands and prices of the cosmetics you use every day and add them all up. I think you'll be amazed. Now multiply that total for how many of those items you buy each year. You'll be amazed and ready to experiment with a new product or two! Good luck and happy shopping!

By the way, Elf cosmetics can be found in your local Walmart, Kmart, and some Big Lot's stores. If you are unable to find them, please visit their website for a full selection of their products.

Elf Cosmetics



Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Gift Therapist Updates

"When you are on the right path, the universe will rise up to meet you"...

It's hard to believe that in the last four months since "the Gift Therapist" was introduced that I have been blessed with so many opportunties to share my message or savvy shopping with a giving heart. I often joke and say that the Gift Therapist is my alter-ego...a super-hero of sorts. But underneath the jokes, there has always been a humble and compassionate woman who just wants to help and inspire others to do the same. If the above quote is true, then I have been blessed beyond belief.

Since October, I have learned so much! I've learned how to format and publish a book, design press kits, write press releases, create e-books, and how to successfully get an article published. With two media appearances, an interview with Smart Money Magazine, and regular articles in a regional magazine, some days I just have to pinch myself!

I am living proof that miracles can happen when you follow your passion. But I can also assert that when you decide to follow your passion you must be open and eager to learn new skills. To stretch beyond your comfort zone is an absolute must. Perfection is not a requirement, only that you do your best that you can do. Accept your mistakes along the way (and you will make them) and learn from them with grace. Don't ever quit! There is always more than one way to do things. Educate yourself as much as you can and be sure to put your spin and personality into it. Make it your own and you can't fail!

I must admit, some days I wanted to quit, but my conviction to the message has kept me going and inspired. The emails that I receive from YOU keep me inspired. Knowing that I've made an impact in some of your lives makes me want to do more!

THANK YOU!



Wardrobe Savings

When I was young and single my favorite hobby was shopping for fun clothing! Trendy but classy was my style and I had tons of stuff that was only worn once or twice. My mother used to tease me and say that I compulsively bought new clothes in order to avoid doing laundry! There may have been a little truth to that at the time! I

Ironically, as I approached my thirties, shopping for comfortable and flattering clothing that suited both my taste and style became increasingly more difficult. The new trends seemed ugly and unflattering. I now understand and accept that my style has matured and I've become much more practical. Goodbye juniors department! What a relief!!! And guess what? The ability to embrace this maturity has really saved me a LOT of money! Over the last few years I've pared down my wardrobe to include mostly classic cuts that fit me well and jazz them up with splashes of color and great costume jewelry.

Want to save a lot of money, too? Here's a great free tip! Buy good quality, black and white wardrobe essentials off season at the major department and/or online stores and buy them in multiples. I don't care what anyone says...a $50 black or white t-shirt (yes, some do cost that much!)is never worth $50!!! It's going to fade, stretch or discolor over time no matter how careful you are with it! Stains and snags will happen to. Nothing is made to last forever anymore! Knowing this, why not go middle of the road and save yourself time and money all in one shot? Don't you hate it when you're favorite t-shirt gets ruined and you can't find the same one in stores anymore? So you search for the perfect replacement over and over again. What a pain! That used to happen to me all of the time! But not anymore. I'm older and wiser now :) I know what I like, what looks good on me, and when/where to find exactly what I'm looking for. Hopefully you will find your groove, as well! If you would like more tips on how to revamp your wardrobe on a budget, please visit my store and purchase my ebook on this subject. For only $4.99, it's a bargain that will pay off in major savings in the long run! A great source of bargain wardrobe essentials is classic closeouts. They are having a huge sale right now with free shipping on orders over $50. Good luck and happy shopping!


Free Shipping $50 or more

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Gift of Prayer

On a very personal note, I just wanted to share a few personal reflections with you that have been weighing on my shoulders since the beginning of 2008. Is it just me or has 2008 gotten off to a rough start? It seems that every time I turn around I am hearing stories of personal tragedies, ill health and loss of hope/faith among my friends, family and community. Because I rely heavily on my faith, but am a mere mortal I feel like I have been constantly grieving and praying for the last two months. Honestly, I am emotionally worn out some days and find it hard to see that silver lining that is out there. I guess what I am trying to say that my head and heart are in conflict. Can hope and sadness really fit into the same sentence? For those of you who can relate, thank you for listening. I find that sharing my feelings "outside of myself" is a great catharsis for me and often leads to spiritual breakthroughs in times like these.

Being a "GIVER" and gift-guru, I think it's important to note that the Gift of Prayer can be the greatest gift of all. Rather than focusing on what you can buy for someone in pain, why not offer them this necessary and heart-felt gift? Offer to pray with them, over them, beside them...hold their hand. Never underestimate the power of collective prayer. I strongly believe prayer works. After all, that's what fuels my mission in every waking moment. That's why I am able to do what I do. And I am thankful and humbled every single day. I have a hunch someone has been praying for me, too! God Bless!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Peeble's Coming to Belle Vernon!

Peeble's Department Store will be celebrating the opening of their Belle Vernon store on April 10th, 2008. Guess who's gonna be the first one there? Yep, you guessed it...I will be there for sure! Located right next door to Ollies Bargain Outlet in the Giant Eagle Plaza, Peeble's will hopefully rank right up there with my favorite bargain stores. All ads indicate that Peeble's is similar to TJ Max, Marshalls, and Boscov's with a huge selection of name brand designer clothing, shoes, makeup (Estee Lauder) and housewares. Pinch me, I must be dreaming!!!! I'll be counting down the days! For more info about the store, visit their main website at www.peebles.com. See you on the 10th my friends!

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Simple Everyday Shopping Tip

As I mentioned earlier, planning your spending is very important no matter what or who you are buying for. Being a Bargain Diva isn't easy, so I try to shop online as much as I can! Especially for the everyday essentials that are not really FUN to buy! For example, I make monthly purchases through drugstore.com (they ship for free on non-prescription orders over $25...YAY) for shampoo, hairspray, razors, soaps, toothpaste, personal care items, makeup and more. This saves me a lot of time, money, and Walmart STRESS! I always check the sale section of the website first. They may have a different brand on sale or a buy one get one deal that I can't resist. It's a win/win situation for sure! I've compared the prices between drugstore.com and my local walmart and they are pretty spot on. Don't forget that shopping online at out of state stores (most are!) will save you sales tax, too and that can really add up. With a little pre-shopping planning, why not give online shopping a try? Drugstore.com is offering an incentive for new customers that is pretty hard to resist...and don't forget the free shipping! Good luck and happy shopping!

drugstore.com, inc.
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Planning Your Gift Budget

In my new book, Shop Smart GIVE MORE, I recommend that everyone sit down and determine an annual gift budget for all the special people and occasions that will require a gift. This budget is very important because you can break down that budget in weekly or monthly chunks and have the freedom and incentive to shop all year long without guilt! I also recommend that you keep at least $10 in a seperate shopping wallet with your gift list so that you may pick up great gifts from clearance sections on the fly and check off the recipient/occasion as you go throughout the year. This will help keep you on track and organized so that you do not overspend or over-gift!

Establishing a yearly gift budget will also allow you to take advantage of online sales and free shipping offers that require you spend a specific amount. For example, Mikasa has a fantatic clearance section as well as a "gifts under $15" section but the shipping for the items may deter you from buying from their site. They do offer free shipping on orders over $150, so why not pull out your yearly gift list, analyze your budget, and see if you can knock out a bunch of gifts all at once? That's how I do it and it works like a charm. No gasoline costs, no lugging big packages through the mall, and best of all, no tax if you shop outside of your own state.

Interested in checking out the Mikasa site? Click below and browse their site. They just may have the perfect birthday, mother's day or wedding gift for your spring gift list! Good luck and happy shopping!
Great gifts under $15, from Mikasa's Celebration line.

Don't have a copy of Shop Smart, GIVE MORE yet? Click here to purchase your copy today!



Friday, February 22, 2008

Broyhill Furniter 40% off at Big Lots

Just got back from my almost daily trip to Big Lots and I am happy to report that they are having a giant sale on all Broyhill furniture at 40% the retail price. This stuff is BEAUTIFUL! The Belle Vernon Store has sleigh beds, marble kitchen tables, end tables, kitchen sideboards, and dresser drawers all in cherry wood. While I was there, a customer pulled up with a U-Haul because the boxes were so huge and heavy! Because I'm somewhat of a regular, the clerk gave me an additional 20% coupon for their Friends and Family event on February 21st...meaning an even bigger discount on a high ticket item! If you are looking to update your bedroom or kitchen, check out the Big Lot's near you. You won't be sorry! Good luck and happy shopping!



Thursday, February 21, 2008

Attention Prom Moms! Sale at Filene's!

Good news for all of you Prom Mom's out there! Just received a flier from Filene's Basement advertising their annual prom gown event on Saturday, March 1st. Prices range between $39.99-$69.99. Not sure how long they will keep the gowns at the store, but my advice is to always get there early and get in line for the best selection! I visited Filene's earlier this week and they are also having a huge sale on all of their winter merchandise. I bought two great designer sweaters for only $5 each! It's bargain season, folks! Go get some Christmas shopping done early this year...believe me, you'll thank me later!
Good luck and happy shopping!



Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Christmas Shopping Yet?

Well folks...it's bargain time! If you haven't noticed, most stores have all of their winter clothing and accessories at their highest discounts of the season. This means that you can now go out and buy fabulous sweaters, jackets, scarves, and winter jammies for a STEAL! From Macy's to Marshalls, be sure to check every nook and corner of the store for items that are up to 90% off the retail price. They are still there, but much harder to find. Are things picked over...yes. Are there a few treasures still to be found? ABSOLUTELY!!! Imagine finding a complete outfit from head to toe for less than $50...and that includes the boots! I found great bargains at New York and Company at the mall. Bargains at the mall...YAY! Most of their winter sweaters were on sale for $5.99 and pants for $9.99. Stock up now and take advantage of the extra coupons, online deals and newsletter coupons for even better prices! Good luck and happy shopping!



Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Gift of Fitness



My good friend Jennifer Antkowiak has partnered with fitness diva Leslie Sansone on several DVD sets tailor made to make execise fun and manageable for the busy family. In addition to fitness videos, Jennifer boasts a full line of aromatherapy oils that she has created to help us relax, rejuvinate and enjoy some precious moments just for ourselves. LOVE THAT! Please visit her store and tell her the other Jennifer sent ya! http://www.jennifertvshow.com/shop.php
Good luck and Happy Shopping!




Cha cha cha chia!

Ok folks, remember the infamous Chia Pet? Well this company has expanded to include a gourmet herb garden that is certainly no joke and makes an excellent gift. I found a ton of them at my local Goodwill store in Belle Vernon today for only $5! Apparently Target stores had a large overrun and we smart shoppers in the Mon Valley area are swooping them up! If you don't have a Goodwill Store close and would like to get your hands on one, drugstore.com currently has them on sale for $14.99. Click the pic below and be sure to check for other coupon codes before you check out! Good luck and happy shopping!




Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Shopping for Change $$$

Imagine walking through your favorite retail store and the perfect gift for someone you love jumps right out at you. You run to the item, only to be immediately discouraged by the seeing the high price tag. With so many people to buy for you realize you can never afford to give such an expensive gift to one person. Your joy is immediately snuffed and your desire to give the perfect gift is now a memory. How you wish that you could afford to give the perfect gift just this once!

Eyes filled with tears, you contemplate charging it on your credit card. You can’t bear the thought of another year of giving gift cards and entertainment books! But you promised yourself you wouldn’t charge any gifts this year. While you debate with your conscience, a shining smile and sweet voice breaks your internal argument. “Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am the Gift Therapist. I have something really special to show you!”

Like a superhero, the Gift Therapist grabs you by the arm and whisks you into corners of the store that you have never seen. With lightening pace and a twinkle in her eye she reveals mountains of merchandise 50, 75 and 90% of the retail price, all the while coaching you on how to nurture your own “bargain vision” powers. Now you can go back and buy that perfect gift that you saw earlier because you only spent a fraction of your shopping budget! Is this a dream come true?

There is just one small catch. The Gift Therapist requests a small favor. With warmth and urgency the Gift Therapist makes a plea. This time, her eyes fill up with tears. She encourages you to do something really meaningful with some of the money that you saved. She explains that sometimes a donation of $10 can change the life of an individual, a family and a community and with the potential for those positive effects to branch upward and outward throughout the entire world. It’s all starting to come together now, isn’t it? Suddenly, you truly understand what the Shop Smart GIVE MORE Movement is really all about and you want to be a part of it! It’s contagious! Awestruck, you realize that you have now become a shopper with a higher purpose. And that feels really good!

After an afternoon of bargain hunting with the Gift Therapist you will have learned:
How to buy more gifts with less money
How to prioritize your gift giving so that you may give more thoughtful gifts to the ones that you love
How to do great things in the world with the money you save

Shop Smart GIVE MORE. It’s easy, it’s important, and it’s absolutely necessary if we want to see real change in this world. After all, they say real change starts at home. Why not start with your own?



Saturday, February 9, 2008

Cheap Valentine's Day Roses!

Aldi's Market is featuring a dozen of premium long stemmed roses for only $16.99 this week! Tell all the guys you know because this kind of deal doesn't come around very often! They also have 1/2 dozen bouquets for only $2.99...I'm guessing these are the short stems, but what the heck? Buy two and you have a full dozen for only $6!!!! Take them out of the celophane, stash the plant food packet somewhere she won't find it, trim the ends, and tie both bunches with a piece of satin ribbon...tada....instant romance! I have purchased Aldi's flowers and plants before and they are absolutely beautiful. With the cool, but not freezing weather you can leave them outside in a box and your lucky lady will never know that you picked them up a few days early! Walmart is also running a special this week for $19.96 if you don't have an Aldi's nearby. Good luck and happy shopping!





http://www.thegifttherapist.com/

Friday, February 8, 2008

Perfect Gift for the Man in Your Life

OmahaSteaks.com, Inc.

Who doesn't love a great steak? Gourmet desserts? Jumbo shrimp and crab legs? Omaha Steaks has it all and and at great prices! For a limited time you can receive 6 free burgers with your order. Be sure to check out their overstock section for great discounts on overstocked items, desserts, and samplers. You are gonna love it, I promise! The Family Value Combo is on sale for only $59.99 (regularly $120) but comes with an array of steaks, chicken, franks, burgers, and stuffed baked potatoes. YUM! Good luck and happy shopping!

www.thegifttherapist.com

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Priceless Valentine's Gifts for Him or Her


When I say priceless, I mean very unique and FREE! I just found this wonderful website that is basically a search engine for romantic gift ideas all year long. The best part is that if you do a search by price under $25 you will get a ton of free ideas that are both sentimental and won't require you to go out and spend a ton of cash. Here is the direct link to gifts for men under $25
http://www.magicofromance.com/content3889
Good luck and Happy Shopping!

http://www.thegifttherapist.com/

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day to You!

You know I love a great bargain and when I find one! I just had to share this one with you! At Fragrance X you can find all of your skin care needs, perfumes, colognes and accessories at up to 80% the list price. They even carry the hard to find brands that the retail stores no longer carry. They offer free shipping on orders of $59 or more, so save your trip to the mall, save on gas and browse from the comfort of your home! Happy Shopping!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Schooner Youth Center Gets 25% of Profits from Shop Smart GIVE MORE













When I was in 8th grade I had an English teacher who believed that I was a good writer. That praise always stuck with me while I quietly journaled my way through early adulthood. I've always wanted to write a book but never really had the confidence or inspiration to embark on such a huge project. I started slowly with article writing and quickly realized that all of these little articles could fit nicely into one great book. But there was something missing. I didn't want this book to be merely about shopping...it had to improve lives...and I was stumped. Until one day when I was driving home from a shopping trip (imagine the irony) and while waiting at a stop sign, divine intervention struck me like a bolt of lightening...Shop Smart GIVE MORE! I finally had the last piece of the puzzle that would turn my bargain shopping guide into a piece of inspiration for everyone who wanted to make a difference in the world but just didn't know where to start. I rushed home to write the final chapter, which in my opinion, is the most powerful, unique and timeless part of the book. The sale of this book will help me GIVE MORE to my signature charity, The Schooner Youth Center. I have spent countless hours working along side a very dedicated team of professionals who also want to see the quality of life for the kids in the Mon Valley to get better. We started off three years ago in an abandoned old catholic school building located right in the heart of Monessen and we still have a very long way to go. We do the best with what we have, but government grants and private donations are very difficult to come by these days. It's going to take a lot of philanthropists next door to build this youth center into the resource center that is has the potential to be and I'm proud to say that I'm one of those proud investors. One day all the classrooms will be filled with great programs and our gymasium/theater will be booked every weekend. I can't wait to see that day...and it will be soon if I have any say about it! The picture below is of me in the room where a new program will be housed this spring called Angela's Angels. This organization provides prom dressess for disadvantaged girls in the Mon Valley so that they can afford to go to the prom. Pretty amazing stuff, wouldn't you say?

To purchase my book and help me GIVE MORE to the Schooner Youth Center, please visit my store at www.theGiftTherapist.com/store.html














Friday, February 1, 2008

For Football Lovers and Entertainers!







Just in time for the big game on Sunday, I found this football crock pot at Big Lots stores for only $12! Fortunately my husband was with me to snap this pic. What a great gift for the football lover or entertainer on your list! I'm pulling mine out for the Super Bowl on Sunday and will be making my semi-famous spinach and artichoke dip for a party that I am invited to. Just take it with you and have the host plug it in...how perfect is that? And they can keep it because it also doubles as a hostess gift...You just scored major points! Visit your local Big Lots and pick a few up in the featured items section and keep them for gifts throughout the year or even for Christmas 2008...it will be here before ya know it!