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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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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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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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5 ways to save on hotels

[ 2 ] January 11, 2012

On Monday, our friend Leah Ingram of Suddenly Frugal posted 5 fabulous tips on how to save on airfare from Consumer Reports.

We loved the post and wanted to respond with some travel tips of our own! Since Leah’s post already covers airfare savings, we thought we’d offer a few tips on how to save on hotels!

1. Ask around! Know anyone who’s traveled and stayed at a hotel recently? Ask them how their stay was and find out if they got any good deals. The best tips usually spread by word of mouth so use it to your benefit! Or, if you know someone who works in the hotel industry, ask if you can take advantage of their “friends and family” rates. Most hotel employees will be glad to share the savings, so why not ask!?

2. Use coupons. When booking your hotel always check for online coupons first. They’re easy to use and fairly common. For example, here at fabulous savings we have Orbitz coupons, Hotwire coupons and more! (Click for our full listing of hotel coupons). You’ll find deals and coupon codes for booking your hotel online, tours, activities and much more.

3. Book in advance. Most hotel chains offer advanced-booking discounts on their websites. If you book up to 14 days in advance, often, you’ll be eligible to receive 15%-20% off your booking. Please note, however, that discounts on advanced bookings sometimes come with conditions such as a “no-cancellation” clauses.

4. Get tech-savvy. Follow your favorite hotels on Twitter and Facebook. They’ll usually post deals, savings, promotions and contests. Also, try checking 3rd party sites such as Expedia (see our Expedia coupons) or Travelocity (see our Travelocity coupons). These sites offer the lowest possible hotel rates and allow you to compare prices.

5. Go to the source. If you’re someone who travels a lot, try joining a specific hotels rewards program. For example, Hilton Hotels offer a HHonors rewards program that gives members benefits such as earning hotel points and airline miles as well as expedited check-in’s and free stays for spouses. Or, just call the hotel you’re looking into booking a room at and ask for a discount. They’ll usually give you the down low on all their current deals and discounts. They might even give you a little extra off your booking. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

How do you save on hotel bookings? Do you have any booking tips that we missed? Share in a comment below!

 

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the DASH diet: the right choice for your weight loss resolution?

[ 1 ] January 4, 2012

This morning, The Los Angeles Times posted an article on the best new diets of 2012. Which ranked number one? A newcomer to the diet scene – The DASH diet.

I’ll admit, I had never heard of the DASH diet until today. But, the more I read up on it, the more it seems like a pretty good plan.  And, if your New Year’s resolution is to shed those extra pounds it’s definitely worth a look. Below I’ve outlined a few highlights of the diet plan.

Interested in learning more about the DASH diet? Get The DASH Diet Action Plan with our Amazon.com coupons today!

The DASH Diet

I’ve read up quite a bit on the DASH diet and the top benefit I found is simply the fact that it’s a diet plan focused on healthy eating. It’s not your typical crash diet or juice flush type fad. The DASH diet is a healthy eating plan, designed for the whole family.

It’s based on an eating plan rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat or non-fat dairy, whole grains and lean proteins. It’s basically an easy-to-follow plan which when followed correctly, and on a regular basis, will ensure that you receive all your required nutrients according to your weight, height, body type, age…etc.

Those interested must note, however, that this diet will not result in immediate weight loss. It’ll take self-motivation to stick to this plan. Your success depends on your devotion.

The book, The DASH Diet Action Plan, provides solutions to make it easy for people to follow the DASH diet. It includes 28 days of meal plans, recipes, guidance for weight loss, tips on how to eat at restaurants, how to stock up your kitchen for the DASH diet, and how to read food labels to make good choices.

I can definitely see why The Los Angeles Times chose the DASH diet as the number one diet plan for 2012. When followed, it will for sure enhance your overall health. But, those looking for immediate results should probably try something else. This plan is for those who are dedicated, devoted and ready to make an overall lifestyle change in 2012.

What do you think of the DASH diet plan? What other diet plans are you interested in?

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Centering Yourself After the Holidays

[ 0 ] December 28, 2011

The holidays can be a busy time. Sure, you may have gotten a few days off work, but those days were more than likely spent on the road and visiting. The holidays are wonderful – but exhausting. Now that most of the parties are over (except 1), it’s time to take a moment for yourself. Here are a few suggestions that may help you rest, relax and detox from the holiday hoopla.

Plus, save on the following product recommendations to help you stay centered and calm from Gaiam! Get free shipping on $75+ orders with our Gaiam coupon code.

Get More Sleep

This may seem a bit obvious, but it never hurts to remind each other how much sleep actually matters to our bodies and minds. Lack of sleep can cause problems like irritability, digestive issues and can even lead to depression. Get at least 7-8 hours a night, turn off the TV an hour before bed and have total darkness in your room. Your body will thank you.

Still can’t get enough sleep? Learn what’s causing your insomnia and discover new ways to get to sleep quicker with Gaiam’s Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions for Insomnia. Definitely worth it for the sleep deprived.

 

Meditate

Sometimes the best way to slow down and center yourself is to not think of anything. Meditation calls for sitting and simply concentrating on your breath. I recently went to a beginner’s class and found it welcoming – but much harder than expected.

Clearing your mind takes practice, so be patient. It’s something you can do at home easily, and it can make all the difference.

Try Gaiam’s Jadience Meditation Kit for a lasting meditative experience.

Exercise

This is probably one of the most popular ways to de-stress. I absolutely detest exercising and find it incredibly boring while running or biking, but always feel great after. And you’ll sleep better too! Even just a 30 minute walk around the block every day is fine.

The point is to just get moving and shake off that stress! You don’t even have to get out of the house to exercise. Try the yogacise body lift for a fierce workout at home.

 

Surround Yourself with Peace

To rejuvenate after a stressful and busy time, go in search of quiet and solitude. Light some candles, take a bath with some aromatherapy soap or spend time doing something that relaxes you – be it alone or with loved ones. The key is to get back to your happy place.

Need more help relieving your stress? Save on this Stress Relief CD with soothing music and peaceful meditations.


How do you de-stress and center after the holidays?

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take a holiday from the holidays: top “me-time” products from SkinStore!

[ 0 ] December 14, 2011

Today is Why Not Wednesday at fs. But, finding time to be pampered and proud during the holiday season can be a struggle. With all the planning, shopping, baking, cooking, parties and entertaining, it’s hard to find time to unwind!

So, we asked you on Twitter (@FabulousSavings):

Here are some of the answers we got!

@hairgirl1966 and @wins4me thought the words “relax” and “holidays” in the same sentence seemed strange:

And @battleship1 said:

Feeling the same way? No problem-o! This year, enjoy the holiday festivities without the stress. Or, at least take a break from it!

Check out the fab products and services from SkinStore.com below for great “me time” ideas.

Don’t forget to take advantage of our SkinStore coupon 20% off your purchase-no minimum (good ’til 12/22).

Philosophy Holly Berry Bubbly Bubble Bath

Original price: $16.00 | Price with coupon: $12.80 (savings = $3.20!)

What better way to get away from it all than a nice, long, hot bath? Especially one with bubble bath formula that smells so lovely!

Use this bubble bath to get yourself back into the Christmas spirit on a day when you’re feeling a bit like the Grinch! You’ll be back to singing fa-la-la-la-la in no time!

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath and Shower Oil

Original price: $63.00 | Price with coupon: $50.40 (savings = $12.60!)

Yummy smelling bubble bath is fabulous. But, after an especially long and stressful day of beating the holiday shopping crowds, this de-stress muscle bath and shower oil is the perfect remedy.

Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair RESCUE

Original price: $38.00 | Price with coupon: $30.40 (savings = $7.60!)

Winter is the absolute worst season for hair health. So, Give it some much needed TLC by repairing and replenishing severely damaged or color treated hair!

The best part? This hair rescue treatment works as you sleep! Gotta love that.

Dermelect Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail and Cuticle Treatment

Original price: $18.00 | Price with coupon: $14.40 (savings = $3.60!)

With holiday entertaining and baking comes dish washing and household cleansing. And, in combination with the dryness of winter, that can do some major damage to your cuticles.

Protect and moisturize them with this fabulous cuticle treatment. The great part about this treatment is it can potentially help grow your natural nails longer, stronger, and healthier!

What’s your favorite me-time product?

 

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Shellac attack! is it worth it?

[ 0 ] November 30, 2011

Shellac manicure using UV light

Even though it made a grand entrance onto the market back in 2010, the Shellac nails trend is just being discovered by those living under rocks. Like me.

A cross between a polish and a gel? That doesn’t chip? It sounds like magic!

Well, it is magic. Or pretty close. My nails are terrible. I have the gross and awful habit of biting them when I’m stressed, so they’re barely worth getting manicured or fussed over at all. However, when my wedding rolled around, I tried to make a conscious effort to NOT bite them – I was going to get them all gussied up with a Shellac manicure. I ended up getting a French Manicure, and even my teensy nails looked like a million bucks afterwards. And for 14 days afterward.

Yes, Shellac is the stuff you put on furniture to make it look seriously glossy. But it’s actually safer than a lot of regular polishes. It doesn’t contain some of the more toxic substances found in some brands, like formaldehyde, DBP and toluene (look on your bottle at home). And yes, I was a little taken aback that they use a UV lamp to dry the polish. In actuality, you get more UV exposure walking across the parking lot than through the lamps that are used.

Okay, so let’s take a look at Shellac nail polish and some of the pros of this product:

  1. It dries instantly and doesn’t chip or smudge when you’re reaching into your purse for the keys 8 seconds after you leave the salon.
  2. The finish is beautiful. It’s really shiny and the color choice is growing all the time.
  3. Pricewise, it’s not that much more than a regular manicure. A little bit more, but does a regular manicure stay on for 14 days? Nope. Worth it!

The main con is that Shellac removal is best done by a professional, which costs extra. It’s tough stuff! By the end of 14 days mine was starting to peel, so I chipped away at it. This is not recommended. My nails looked ridiculous afterward. Please take your nails to a salon and get it done right (it involves a lot of tin foil and acetone).

Basically, Shellac is a wonderful method of polishing those nails on special occasions where having chipped nail polish just simply isn’t an option. It may hurt your budget if you go on a regular basis, but I would definitely consider it for that holiday party or wedding. It’ll look fabulous in photos.  No matter if you’re embarrassed at the state of your nails or not, you’ll love it!

Have you tried a Shellac nail treatment? Would you try it again?

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7 treatments to get your body winter ready

[ 0 ] November 23, 2011

When it comes to my skin, winter is the devil.

The rest of the year I revel in the joy of combination skin – a mixture that brings me about one pimple over those 8 months and requires very little moisturizer to feel great. I’m not going to lie – it’s awesome. But when the leaves start to change color and Mother Nature’s icy claw of dryness known as winter starts to wrap its fingers around me, I’m done for. Goodbye well-behaved softness; hello scratchiness, breakouts and dry winter skin. Winter? My skin hates you.

So like any woman craving rejuvenation and anything that will cure a little SADD, I’ve learned of a few winter health tips that make the winter months a little more bearable. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

  1. start from the inside. The winter blahs are real and don’t let anyone tell you different. To lift your spirits take a yoga class or two, drink lots of decaf tea and give yourself more time to relax and center yourself. Stress and emotional factors do have an effect on your skin, so slow down and take it easy.
  2. drink plenty of water. This one isn’t necessary a spa treatment – it’s not at all – but, it’s essential to feeling your best and having great-looking skin. In winter, hydration is the key.
  3. moisturize. Like nobody’s business. Dry winter skin not only looks dull, it also hurts. Don’t be afraid to go crazy with the moisturizer once winter comes. Look for one with an oil base rather than water. It leaves a protective barrier over your skin. Shea butter is pretty fantastic.
  4. Don’t forget the sun, son. Just because it’s not 30 in the shade doesn’t mean you’re immune to skin diseases. Always use SPF. It helps to find a moisturizer with an SPF included – two birds one stone.
  5. get clarity on mud wraps. Mud or seaweed wraps are popular during the winter for a number of reasons. First, they help with blood circulation, a big problem when the body temperature drops. Not only that, but they’re said to literally take inches off your body. Not for the long term, but a quick fix to look hot for those holiday parties.
  6. thermal masks. You can get this done at a spa, or even try it yourself at home. It actually heats up for a relaxing experience. And because it’s heated, it’s easier for the nutrients to get into the skin and increase circulation. Vitamin C facials may also give your spirits and your skin a boost.
  7. head to the tropics. If you can get away – do it. Your skin will love the treat of more humid temps and that sun beating down is an instant mood booster. The pina coladas don’t hurt either.

Need to find a spa asap? SpaFinder is a great site that will point you in the direction of the closest spa to your location, and what kinds of treatments are available there. You can even book your appointment right there. Need a deal? No probs. We have a SpaFinder coupon for 10% off $100+. Take that, winter.

How do you keep you skin soft and your sanity saved when winter gusts in?

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Free 1-Week Yoga Pass Valid for Sep. 1 to Oct. 30 from Yoga Health Foundation

[ 0 ] September 6, 2011

The Yoga Month Card is offered by the Yoga Health Foundation as part of the National Yoga Month Awareness Campaign for September.

This voucher can be redeemed ONLY ONCE at participating studios from September 1 until October 30 and is good for One Week of Free Yoga at participating locations. Please ask your local yoga studio for details (you might want to call the studio for details before you make a studio selection).

Find a location near you. Visit YogaMonth.com for additional details.


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