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anti-Valentine’s: dating site horror stories

[ 0 ] February 9, 2012

Get used to making that face.

“Online dating? Hah, what could go wrong?”

This is a sentence nobody has ever uttered in the history of mankind. Nobody sane, that is, because sane people know that online dating really brings out the crazies and weirdos. Think most couples end up like a happy eHarmony ad? Think again.

I consulted readers, friends and the invaluable source that is the Internet for the  worst online dating stories and got exactly what I asked for. If you’re one of those fluttery love-is-forever types, I advise you to read our 12 Romantic Travel Activities for Less post instead. These crazy stories are for all of our fellow anti-Valentine’s!

the law vs. romance

Lexi – I went on a date with a guy I’ll call Charlie after connecting through Facebook (we had mutual friends… I know, I know, lame). We met at a bar and he looked like he was going to drop dead in fear. I asked him what was up, but he refused to admit anything was wrong. After several quickly consumed drinks and very awkward conversation, Charlie ushered me out of the bar and across the street. Then, holding my hand, he started RUNNING full speed! He slowed down after a few blocks and said “Whew! That was close. I saw my parole officer sitting behind you in the bar. I’m not supposed to be drinking.” I took my broken high heels off, said goodbye and hailed a cab.

Richard – I had a date where, while kissing on a picnic blanket in the gardens outside Buckingham Palace, Royal Police interrupted and tried to determine if either of us were prostitutes. Moral of the story: don’t go on a date with someone you only know from the Internet where there might be a heightened level of security and policing.

when worlds collide

Pinotnoirlover – I posted an ad on Craigslist and I wasn’t expecting much because of its skeevy reputation. But I figured whatever, I’m 22, still young, what’s the worst that could happen? It turns out that the worst that could happen is getting an email response from  a man I recognized as my 5th grade teacher. Who attached very, very inappropriate pictures. I never posted on Craigslist again.

Giana – After talking online to this one guy for close to a month, we decide to go out on a date. I was really excited, he was really cute from his pictures and was always charming and funny in his emails. When we met he brought along his son who I never knew about. On his son’s birthday. He then brought us to Chuck-E-Cheese.

picture perfect

Nick – The worst date I’ve ever been on was with a girl from OkCupid. We took a walk downtown and she seemed more interested in taking pictures of skyscrapers than in making conversation. When she did speak, it was about her Pokemon collection (I don’t want to judge, but she was 30). When I suggested we get something to eat, she started to break down and cry. I did my best to console her and tried to deflect all the shady looks I was getting, so I just took her home. I got a text a week later saying she had only met me to make her boyfriend (of three years!) angry.

missing manners

Lauradelrey – A very handsome man took me to an Italian restaurant and could not. Stop. Imitating the waiter. It was really bordering on offensive. “Whatsamattawitchu? You a-no like-a dah specials?” I wouldn’t laugh or acknowledge his impersonations and he ended up getting really angry. He actually said he hoped nobody would put a horse’s head on my bed the next morning. I think we ended up splitting the bill. Thanks for nothing, Plentyoffish!

Anonymous – I was exchanging messages with a man on eHarmony for a while and we finally decided to meet at a restaurant. He sits down and after a couple minutes of conversation he goes “Just so you know, with the last few girls I’ve been out with I’ve had to drop like $100 on each of them and I can’t do that again. We’ll just get a drink.” I understand dating can be tough on a guy’s wallet but I’m not looking to bleed anyone dry! And who actually says that to their date?!

What’s the worst date you’ve been on with somebody you’ve met from an online dating site?

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top ten Valentine’s Day gift ideas from FragranceNet

[ 0 ] February 8, 2012

Besides the other classics – flowers, chocolates…you know the drill – perfume is one of those Valentine’s Day gift ideas that never goes out of style. Below are my top five perfumes for women and top five colognes for men to help make choosing the perfect scent a little easier this holiday.

Plus, get 15% off fragrances, skincare, haircare and makeup with our exclusive FragranceNet coupon!

top 5 men’s colognes

Lacoste Pour Homme 

Original Price: $43.40 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $36.98 (total savings = $6.42)

Sporty, fresh and clean. Do those words describe your man? If so, this scent is the perfect choice for him. Between his tennis sets and debate team meetings, that prepster guy of yours will smell fabulous with a spritz of Lacoste under his cable knit sweater.

Armani Code

Original Price: $44.79 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $38.07 (total savings = $6.72)

For something a little more sensual, treat your man to Armani Code. A deep woodsy, citrus scent that’s perfect for a night out…or in. ;)

 

Polo Double Black

Original Price: $59.19 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $50.31 (total savings = $8.88)

When I think of this fragrance, I think class and sophistication. It’s deep, rich and has a touch of sweetness. Sounds like the perfect man, doesn’t it? Well, even if your Valentine isn’t all that, at least he can smell like it!

 

F By Ferragamo

Original Price: $33.00 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $28.05 (total savings = $4.95)

If you want to get him a scent that he can wear anytime, this cologne has the perfect balance to take him from the office to evening.

 

 

Burberry Brit

Original Price: $28.28 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $24.04  (total savings = $4.24)

You just can’t beat the classics. This one’s elegant, classy and almost always appropriate.  It’s a nice woody scent that’s not too overpowering so he can wear it all day long.

 

 

 

top 5 women’s perfumes

Romance by Ralph Lauren

Original Price: $60.19 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $51.16 (total savings = $9.03)

I know what you’re thinking: ‘She obviously picked this one because of the name.’ Well, I won’t lie, it did have a little influence in its spot on this list, but I swear it’s not the only reason! One word describes this scent to me: Pretty. It’s light, floral and ultra feminine. Perfect for a woman who enjoys being girly.

 

Poison by Dior

Original Price: $103.79 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $88.22 (total savings = $15.57)

Is your Valentine sensual and romantic? Then this, my dear, is the perfume for her. Let out her darker side with this rich and bold scent from Dior. Just let her know not to go too crazy with it. Just one spritz will do. This stuff is strong, but sooo good.

 

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Original Price: $59.19 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $50.31 (total savings = $8.88)

Well, I just had to add this one to the list since it’s my personal all-time favorite! This scent is light, balanced and appropriate for pretty much any occasion. If you want to get her something she can wear anytime, this is the scent for her. Plus, the bottle is super cute which is always a plus.

 

Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker

Original Price: $31.19 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $26.51 (total savings = $4.68)

I recently included this scent in our top Valentine’s Day gifts under $100 post. It truly is a beautiful scent which, like Daisy by Marc Jacobs, can work for almost any occasion. It’s light, floral and, well, lovely!

 

Sheer by Stella McCartney

Original Price: $64.19 | Price with coupon (use code FABU15): $54.56 (total savings = $9.63)

Is your girl the natural type? If she’s into all things organic, she’ll surely appreciate this fresh scent from every nature-lovers home girl, Stella McCartney. This fragrance is daytime perfection with a light floral scent and citrus notes.

 

 

What’s your favorite perfume and/or cologne? Share your answer in a comment below!

 

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the best of the worst Valentine’s Day gift stories!

[ 0 ] February 7, 2012

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day filled with happiness, love, romance and bonding. Psssh, yeah right! If you’re into that stuff this holiday – look away! For my fellow anti-Valentine’s, read-along and enjoy.

In preparation for this post, I threw out the question – “What’s the worst Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever received?” And boy, were there more responses than expected. So, we’re dishing the dirt on the top, worst gift stories of Valentine’s past.

Read below for the craziest, most hilarious worst gift stories we received from you.

And remember: if you’re looking into really impress your valentine this Feb. 14th , don’t forget to check out our top Valentine’s gift ideas under $100!

 

archery bows, Jimmy Buffet and garbage cans

Apparently some “romantics” just don’t understand the point of gift-giving, as proven by our first set of gift stories. Hint: When giving a Valentine’s gift remember, the gift is not for you. It’s for your Valentine. Get something you think he or she will enjoy!

Brina from The Younique Boutique - My ex-husband gave me an archery bow for Valentines Day. He was a hunting enthusiast and since I had zero interest in archery and/or hunting, I am pretty sure he used the occasion as an excuse to buy a second bow that he had his eye on. What a Prince Charming.

Jennifer - My boyfriend gave me a Jimmy Buffet CD. I cannot stand that music… but it’s his favorite.

Maribeth - The worst Valentine gift I ever received was a grouping of garbage cans. One was a yellow janitorial style, five-gallon bucket on rollers complete with ringer and a mop. There was also a waste basket and a 50 gallon garbage can in the group. You might think that this was a joke but it wasn’t. This guy was serious. I broke off our relationship. He went to a mutual friend indignant and said, “She wouldn’t have a bathroom scale, a broom, or a garbage can if it wasn’t for me!

old pizza, ‘found’ flowers and sawdust

I’m not sure if there’s any saving this next group of gift giver’s. This set has left me speechless!

Cindy from BohlsenGroup.com - I picked up a previous boyfriend from work, and he said, “I got you something for Valentine’s Day.” He handed me the pizza box from his lunch, and he had carved a heart shape out of a piece of pizza. Before you say ”aw,” just picture it: A cold, congealed, leftover piece of pizza from 5 hours earlier. My face fell. And he got so angry at my lack of gratitude that he grabbed the box and threw it out the car window. Needless to say, I married a far sweeter man! (And yes, that was the only gift I received that day.)

Rebecca - I was trying not to make a big fuss about Valentine’s Day because I knew my (ex)-boyfriend was tight on cash. So I just asked that on Valentine’s he cook me my favorite meal. Valentine’s Day comes, he shows up to my house 2 hours late with a single one of those miniature roses that he later admitted he had “found.” That was it. He then said it was too late to start cooking. Happy Valentines Day. I have since moved on. 

Fran from PunksAndRoses - I received a bag of sawdust one year for valentines day. Yes, really. I had mentioned that I really wanted some sawdust to mix with beeswax and pine cones to make some firewood starters for my fireplace. So for valentine’s day I got a bag of sawdust in the mail.

break-up flowers, bb guns and irons

If you’re planning on leaving a relationship, giving flowers to your oblivious-to-your-cheating-ways girlfriend prooobably won’t make up for it - just sayin’! Read on!

Lynn Maria from Old Maid Cat Lady - Worst Valentine’s gift I’ve ever gotten was flowers from my college boyfriend. Why was it the worst? Because we were in a long-distance relationship at the time and I’d just called him the Saturday before to ask him what was wrong because I’d sensed things weren’t the same between us any more. He said that he’d “just been writing me a letter,” which I knew was not a good thing. So I was waiting for the letter to arrive, and then Valentine’s Day comes that week and I get flowers from him. I called to ask WTH was up with that, and he told me he didn’t want me to get the letter on Valentine’s Day, which really told me it was bad. And it was; he broke up with me via letter. Had met someone else who was more available than I was (i.e., in the same town). I kicked myself for wasting three years of my life with somebody who I wasn’t going to marry, and trashed those flowers that were an ugly reminder of it all. Never have enjoyed getting flowers, ever since then, because it always makes me think the guy sending them has done something he’s trying to make up for!

Rita from Chi-Town Cheapskate - The worst gift I got? A BB Gun, yep you read that right. A hand-held BB Gun. I thought it was a joke, it was not. As it turns out he wanted it so he bought it for me for Valentines Day then took it and kept it. Guess that was his way of being frugal. It made me feel like I didn’t matter. Needless to say that relationship did not last!

Katie from U Star Novels - My worst gift was an iron…but my best gift was a personalized romance novel, starring me and my Valentine.

What’s the worst Valentine’s Day present you ever received (or didn’t receive)? Are you spending this Valentine’s with the one that gave it to you?

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Valentine’s Day gift ideas for men

[ 0 ] February 2, 2012

It’s that time of year again. And ladies, I know what you’re thinking:  it’s Valentine’s Day – is he planning jewelry and a vacation, or will it be chocolates and flowers again?  (The correct answer, gentlemen, is probably somewhere in the middle.) But that’s not what why we’re here today; there are plenty of blogs that’ll show us how to spoil a lady.  No, we say that if girls want us guys to treat Valentine’s Day as sacred, the first step is putting some thought into our gifts.

And we’re not talking socks, underwear, or anything else that our mothers might buy us.  This Valentine’s Day, we want to feel special. So, in that spirit, here are a few bro-friendly gift ideas that speak directly to our inner dude.

The WaterSkiing Chair – from Hammacher Schlemmer

Men love waterskiing, it’s a fact. But we also love sitting around and drinking a beer, and until now, we didn’t think these two activities could be combined. The thoughtful – and quite frankly, genius – makers of Hammacher Schlemmer’s Waterskiing Chair claim it’s ideal for someone just starting on their path to waterskiing ability, but to us it seems like a reward for the man who’s mastered the craft.

USB Missile Launcher – from Brookstone

It’s Monday.  The boss walks into your office:  ‘So, Darryl, what’s happening? Are you going to go ahead and have those TPS reports for us this afternoon?’   You have two choices.  Do the reports (inconceivable!) or launch a series of targeted missiles at the boss’ head. Thanks to the Brookstone USB Desktop missile launcher, the latter option is no longer just a fantasy. (And unlike the hipsters in the art department, this works with PC’s and Mac’s.)

Laser Perfect 4 Laser Level System – from Geeks.com

Technically, I suppose it’s possible to use this thing as a level.  It says here that it enables perfectly straight lines and has a built-in tape measure and blah blah blah…  Let’s be clear – it looks like a space grenade and shoots four lasers in multiple directions.  And using the included suction cup to mount this bad boy on the wall at your next Laser Tag tournament will send your opponents into a whirlwind of confusion allowing you to DOMINATE!

The Hand Fitness Trainer – from Hammacher Schlemmer

Guys, we know how important it is to maintain hand strength, am I right? Where would civilization be if, say, Stanley greeted Livingstone with a limp wrist instead of a firm, pumping handshake? That’s not to mention all the other reasons for having a strong hand and forearm – badminton, saluting, thumb-wrestling – these endeavours reward only the strong! Of course, there are other activities you could undertake to maintain good hand strength, but whipping out the Hand Fitness Trainer at work won’t get you fired.

On February 14th, by all means treat your lady like she’s your one and only someone. But Awesome Present Lane doesn’t have to be a one-way street!  A few casually dropped hints and some strategically placed browser bookmarks might just have you winning laser tag and sitting down to waterski this summer!

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ideas for a frugal and festive Valentine’s Day: a guest post from BeFrugal.com

[ 0 ] February 1, 2012


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming up on February 14th, Valentine’s Day can be a costly holiday, but there are creative ways to celebrate on a budget.

Coupon & savings expert Jon Lal offers these ten tips. His site BeFrugal.com offers free online coupons offering an average savings of $27, and free Cash Back which averages 5% for more than 1600 popular online stores such as Macy’s, Target, Dell, Amazon among others. For even sweeter savings, those who sign up for a free account for a limited time get a $10 bonus.

  1. Give an old-fashioned, homemade paper valentine.
  2. Write a poem expressing your feelings.
  3. Publish an iTunes playlist of your favorite love songs for free.
  4. Use the free app Songify to create your own love song. Writing your own lyrics shows that you care!
  5. Film a YouTube video describing why you care about that special someone. You can arrange the settings so it can only be viewed with a special link, which you can send your valentine in a free e-card.
  6. Make a coupon booklet to do fun activities together throughout the year.
  7. Create a scrapbook capturing your wonderful memories together.
  8. Bake cookies or make candy to demonstrate how much you care.
  9. Serve your valentine’s favorite meal for a romantic homemade candlelit dinner. Be sure to check out the weekly ads for sales and clip coupons when you buy the ingredients.
  10. Treat your sweetie to something sweet. When on a budget, dining out is an indulgence saved for a special occasion, but it doesn’t have to be out of reach. To avoid overspending, enjoy a meal at home then go out on the town just for dessert. Check for a free money-saving coupon before you visit the restaurant.

How do you stay frugal on Valentine’s Day?

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top Valentine’s Day gifts under $100

[ 0 ] January 27, 2012

It’s only a couple months since the holidays ended and the gift buying is starting all over again. Relax! It’s only that special someone you have to buy for this time around.

Plus, we’ve made things a little easier for you with our picks of the top Valentine’s Day gift ideas for 2012.

The products below are all priced under $100, so you and your wallet will feel the love this February 14th!

Don’t forget to check out our full listing of online Valentine’s Day coupons for even more fabulous savings!

Reverie Light Rose Heart Pendant (for her)

Price: $69.00

Jewelry on Valentine’s may be a cliche, but it never fails to impress. Especially this beautiful rose heart pendant.

Plus, add another item and get 10% off $155 orders with our Swarovski coupon. Expires Feb 14th. 

Love Note Conversation Heart Dipped Oreo Cookies (for her and him)

Price: $19.99 (Price with our 15% off everything 1800Baskets coupon = $16.99)

Can’t say it in person? Say it in a cookie!

Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker (for her)

Price: $41.19 (Price with our 15% off everything FragranceNet coupon = $35.01)

Why Lovely for Valentine’s? Besides being a bestseller, this popular perfume is light, floral and appropriate for almost any occasion.

 

Men’s Eastender Classic Watch (for him)

Price: $49.00 (Price with our 12% off Timberland watches Ashford coupon (expires Feb 15) = $43.12) 

He’s your Valentine so he deserves the best. Treat him with this handsome Timberland watch on Feb 14th. Plus, this’ll give him no excuse for being late!

Red Velvet Chocolate Cake (for him and her)

Price: $39.95 (Price with our 15% off all cakes Bake Me A Wish coupon= $33.96)

You both deserve to indulge a little on Valentine’s. So throw away those new years weight loss resolutions (only for the day!) and enjoy this mouth watering red velvet cake.

Polka Dots and Posies (for her)

Price: $39.95 (Price with our 15% off any order Teleflora coupon= $33.96)

Another Valentine’s oldie but goodie. A pretty set of flowers like this pretty pink bouquet are sure to get a smile.

Forget Me Not Ring (for her)

Price: $77.00

You’re wrapped around her finger with no complaints from you. She’ll never forget the Valentine’s you swept her off her feet with this gorgeous sterling silver ring.

Plus, check out our Blue Nile coupons for additional savings!

Spa Wish Gift Certificate (for her and him)

Buy 1 certificate and get 1 20% off with our Spa Wish coupon.

This is a fabulous Valentine’s Date/gift idea. Treat yourself and your Valentine to a day at the spa. Just search for your favorite salon and purchase your gift certificate.

The Lacie Bustle Back Slip (for her…and him)

Price: $48.00

This angel-worthy number will be sure to put the romance in your Valentine’s Day.

Plus, check out our Victoria’s Secret coupons for additional savings! 

What’s on your wish list this Valentine’s Day?

 

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get away for Valentine’s: 12 romantic travel activities for less

[ 0 ] January 25, 2012


Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away. So, why not get away with your sweetie for an extra special celebration!?

If you’re planning to get away this Valentine’s, make sure you check out the fabulous travel activities offered at discount prices at Viator.com! And, with our exclusive Viator coupon code (FSAV7), you’ll get 7% off any activity you choose!

Look below for my top 12 romantic activity picks for Valentine’s. Click the titles for more information on each activity package. Don’t see your travel destination on this list? Visit Viator.com to check out fabulous activities in many more cities.  

Las Vegas

The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil

Original Price: $119.99 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $111.59

Total savings = $8.40! 

I wanna hold your hand. I wanna hold your hand. Listening to love songs of the Beatles with your Valentine on Feb. 14 – classic! (Pardon my singing.)

Paris

French Wine Tasting

Original Price: $38.35 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $36.13

Total savings = $2.72!

Take a tour, do some learning and, best of all, sip a little wine…in Paris! Do I even need to explain why this is an uber-romantic Valentine’s Day activity!? I think not.  

Chocolate Walking Tour

Original Price: $77.70 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $72.26

Total savings = $5.44!

Chocolate is an aphrodisiac; Paris is the most romantic city in the world. Enough said.

Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise

Original Price: $161.88 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $150.55

Total savings = $11.33!

Paris has its charm every month, but I’d choose February for a few reasons: it’s low season, and Valentine’s Day definitely emphasizes the romance of this cruise.

New York City

New York Dinner Cruise

Original Price: $109.00 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $101.37

Total savings = $7.63!

A 4-course meal, gorgeous city lights and your Valentine. A perfect Valentine’s date for the NYC-bound.

Venice

Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride

Original Price: $50.51 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $46.97

Total savings = $3.54!

Venice is another one of those places that just glows romance. Take a Gondola ride with your sweetie and fall in love all over again.

Veneto Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour

Original Price: $93.25 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $86.71

Total savings = $6.53!

Here I go again with the wine tastings! This tour is perfect for Valentine’s because not only will you enjoy learning about wine-making and munching on homemade appetizers, you’ll have the opportunity to take home a bottle or two for later on!

San Francisco

Dinner Dance Cruise

Original Price: $124.99 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $116.24

Total savings = $8.75!

Doesn’t this cruise look so pretty!? I chose this one specifically for couples who love to groove – you can dance under the stars after a delicious dinner made by on-board chefs.

Florence

Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour

Original Price: $103.60 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $96.35

Total savings = $7.25!

A day full of beautiful art, delicious wine and spectacular countryside views and landscapes = a recipe for romance!

Small-Group Italian Cooking Class

Original Price: $102.31 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $95.15

Total savings = $7.16! 

They say food is the way to a man’s heart. Well, I think it goes both ways! Especially with cooking tips from an authentic Tuscan chef. Foodie couples, this one’s for you!

Cuba

Acapulco Beginners Scuba Diving Course

Original Price: $79.99 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $74.95

Total savings = $5.60!

To me, one of the most romantic things you can do is experiencing something new together. That’s why I chose this – it’s complete with an underwater adventure!

2-Day Great Barrier Reef Reefsleep Experience

Original Price: $504.47 | Price with Viator Coupon Code (FSAV7): $469.16

Total savings = $35.31!

Spend two full days and one-night together on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have lots of time to enjoy the natural wonder underwater during the day and under the stars at night.

Are you planning to travel for Valentine’s? Where are you going?

 

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throw a Chinese New Year party on a budget

[ 0 ] January 23, 2012

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) is an annual celebration to usher in the new cycle of the lunar-solar Chinese calendar. It’s a time of renewal, well-wishing and best of all, a feast with your family.

Those who are, shall we say, less than familiar with the tradition of Chinese New Year might imagine the parties to be garish and full of people in dragon costumes. But the point isn’t to be extravagant, it’s to reunite family, enjoy a good meal and set the tone for the year to come.

So what can you do to save money while hosting a Chinese New Year Party? Read on for our tips…

Food

One word: potluck. My family does this every year, not to mention for other holidays like birthdays and Christmas. It’s so much less stress on the host, not to mention your pocketbook. For desserts or something to nibble on after tea, buy Chinese almond or fortune cookies from bulk suppliers to get the cheapest price (the earlier the better).

If you’re stuck on what to make, frozen dumplings (or jiaozi) are cheap to buy and super easy to prepare. Not to mention they’re always popular around the dinner table.

Decorations

Remember the color scheme for Chinese New Year: red for happiness and gold/orange for wealth and fortune. Thankfully, all you really need for a decent decoration setup can be found at your grocery or dollar store. Consider…

  • A fruit bowl of oranges, tangerines or persimmons
  • Flowers in empty tea tins of water
  • String lights
  • Paper lanterns
  • Red & gold banners

Ambiance & Games

Lively conversation at dinner should always be accompanied by great music, and a Chinese New Year party is no different. Ask the elders in your family what type of music they’d enjoy. Don’t own the CD? That’s why we’ve been blessed with YouTube and Grooveshark.

I speak from personal experience, the Nintendo Wii is a life saver. It saves your younger relatives from getting bored and makes you look like the cool aunt, uncle or cousin (which you totally are). If you don’t have one, ask around your family. Considering that Nintendo’s sold 89 million units worldwide, at least someone you’re related to will own it!

No matter how your home looks, your family and their happiness are the most important things on this holiday. Even if you don’t have the budget for a lavish Lunar party, you can still celebrate with style.

Have a happy and healthy Year of the Dragon! What are your wishes for 2012?

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Valentine’s Day dresses under $100

[ 0 ] January 20, 2012

Choosing a Valentine’s Day dress can be a tedious task. Whether you’ve been with your Valentine for years or it’s your first romantic encounter, you’ll want to look your most fabulous.

Want to dress to impress without breaking the bank? Check out our top picks below of Valentine’s Day date-worthy dresses – all under $100!

Valentine’s Day Dresses:

 dress #1: Passion Pleated Strapless Blouson Dress, $72.80, Bluefly (see our Bluefly coupons)

dress #2:  Polka Dot Tie Waist Dress, $69.00, Piperlime (see our Piperlime coupons)

dress #3:  Rhythm and Hues Dress, $42.99, ModCloth

dress #4: Sparkle & Fade Stretch Cutout Dress, $59.00, Urban Outfitters (see our Urban Outfitters coupons)

dress #5: Beige Leopard Print Silk Blend ‘Sarah’ Ruffle Trim Dress, $75.20, Bluefly (see our Bluefly coupons)

dress #6: When In Milan Dress, $64.99, Modcloth

dress #7: Lace One Shoulder Party Dress, $39.00, eDressMe (see our eDressMe coupons)

 dress #8: Ribbed Heart Back Prom Dress, $55.00, TopShop.

dress #9: Bandage Back Dress, $17.80, Forever 21

dress #10: Fit-And-Flare Lace Dress, $29.80, Forever 21

dress #11: Jasalin Cap-Sleeve Dress, $98.00, Guess (see our Guess coupons)

dress #12: Bronze Sequin Cocktail Dress, $40.00, eDressMe (see our eDressMe coupons) 

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Starbucks D.I.Y. winter drink recipes

[ 2 ] January 17, 2012

So delicious. So expensive.

A Starbucks opened up by the FabulousSavings offices not too long ago (finally, we’re just like the rest of the world!) and our wallets have heard it loud and clear. It’s no secret that buying your daily coffee, latte or espresso from the Green Mermaid quickly becomes an expensive habit.

When it comes to saving money, I know a lot of us are reluctant to give it up. But don’t fret, homemade Starbucks drinks are easier and tastier than you think. The following drink recipes have all been tried and tested by yours truly:

Peppermint Mocha

1/4 cup sweetener of your choice
1 1/2 cups hot milk
1/2 cup hot coffee
1 drop peppermint extract
1 tbsp. chocolate syrup
Whipped cream (optional)
Crushed mint candies (optional)

If you have a milk steamer, be sure to froth your milk before adding it. Otherwise just pour, mix and enjoy.

Gingerbread Latte

1/2 cup hot espresso
1 cup hot milk
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup sweetener
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Gingerbread syrup to taste

This is my personal favorite Starbucks drink, so of course I have a shop-worn recipe for it.

Combine ingredients except espresso and syrup in a saucepan and boil until the sugar dissolves. Then turn the heat down and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the gingerbread syrup, espresso and heated milk. For those without an espresso maker, substitute with freshly brewed coffee.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Having never made this sweet and salty treat before, I had to turn to the web for help. This recipe from Simply Love Food is a delicious and surprisingly accurate approximation of the Starbucks drink (trust me, I’ve eagerly tested it).

Just be sure to stir well and often or you’ll end up with all the sea salt at the bottom of your mug. And I agree with the recipe, Ghirardelli for hot chocolate is the way to go.

Caramel Macchiato

1/2 cup hot espresso
1 cup hot milk
2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
3 tbsp. caramel sauce

I like making this for a Caramel Macchiato-obsessed friend of mine. She hasn’t complained so far! Simply add all ingredients together (again, espresso can be replaced with coffee) and drizzle with caramel sauce.

White Chocolate Mocha

This is another goody I’ve had to turn to the Internet for help with. This recipe from Mommy’s Kitchen is surprisingly easy, but because it involves melting white chocolate chips, it takes a little more time than simply stirring a few hot liquids together.

Altogether it took me about 15 minutes, but it’s worth it on a cold January night, trust me!

What are your favorite Starbucks drinks? Have you tried making them at home?

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