The Cheap Girl

Online shopping is so convenient. I can’t wait until all my favourite stores go online. I love the fact that everything is accessible with just a few clicks and things just show up at your door. Before I make a purchase online, I usually check to see if there are any discount codes available.  I love shopping online because items are usually priced lower than store-front locations. And if they’re not, they’re cheaper somewhere else. When it comes to shopping online I find that clothes are hardest thing to shop for because of sizing. I usually try things on at the store (if possible) and then I would check online to see if it can be purchased at a lower price point. One thing that I love doing is shopping for accessories. Shoes, bags, scarves, jewelry…you name it!

There are many sites out there offering discount codes but I like savings.com because of the variety. This site carries free online coupons from many brands and stores.  I think that this site carries mostly American brands but a lot of places ship to Canada and internationally. I usually visit the fashion section and beauty section for discounts. I wish that more places shipped to Canada. I have family and friends in the States so I usually send my purchases to them whenever the store that I shop from only ships in the States. Also the additional discount helps especially if you have to pay for the shipping cost. I cannot wait until companies start offering more free shipping offers.

Another Canadian treasure treat! If you love showering yourself and others with multiple surprises, you are in luck! Divalicious Sample Boxes from SweetDelight.ca is something that you must check out.  Each box is priced at an affordable rate of $25 and filled with fashion, bath and body, jewelry sample sized and full size products from up and coming retailers and designers.  How fun is that? I think that the treat-filled box is perfect for the I-don’t-know-what-to-get-that-person-as-a-gift type because of the variety that is available with each box. These boxes go pretty quickly so if you want one get one TODAY!

Previous Sample Boxes:

Divalicious Boxes are currently available only in Canada and The US

WaySpa is having a fantastic promotion! Order a gift certificate before February 9 and receive a 15% discount, free gift wrapping and free shipping.

The gift certificates are valid world-wide in thousands of spas and never expire.

I personally LOVE receiving spa gift certificates. Who can say no to a day or pampering and r & r?

Facials + Massage + ManiPedi + Body Wraps = Total Bliss!

Click here to visit the website

A part of my New Year’s Resolution is to become more active. I thought that I’d give yoga another shot. I found a video that explains a few of the basic stretches and poses quite well.

Simple and easy to do. My goal is to try the poses and stretches every other day. Wish me luck!

Pilates for Life is offering pay-what-you-can classes every Friday for the 12:00-12:50 class.

+ Receive a free class with coupon. See the left side of the link for the pdf download.

With so many places out there that offer health and wellness services it is sometimes hard to make a decision when it comes to buying work out packages. I love it when companies offer free trial classes. It gives one a chance to scope the place out and try the service before making a commitment.

I hope to set a feasible exercise routine this year so I am glad that I found this great deal!

Pilates for Life is located at:

27 Yorkville Avenue, Suite 204
Toronto, ON M4W 1L1
416-922-0387

What:

Receive a complimentary Sjal Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask and a skin brightening Pearl Exfoliator treatment form Kiss & Makeup + get a chance to win a Kashmir gift collection

Where:

H5 – 925 Main St
The Village, Park Royal
West Vancouver
BC Canada V7T 2V3

When:

January 21 – 22, 2010

How:

Call 604 922 6296 to book an appointment

* I am not sure if there are any spots left but it may be worth to call in and check

Visit wwww.kissandmakeupstore.com for info

Source: The Sweet Life

This is a nice present to stock up on and give anytime of the year. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Hostess’ gifts or any time you feel like giving a gift.

Click here to order a gift certificate

When it comes to cosmetics and beauty products I have many favourite brands as opposed to just being loyal to one brand. Every company/product has their “specialty”. I just wanted to share a wonderful discovery that I made recently.  I’ve been trying to incorporate more natural products into my beauty routine and I found something that I LOVE. Organic, cold-pressed coconut oil. I am really in LOVE. I use it as a body moisturizer, lip moisturizer and hair moisturizer (plus I am learning to use it in the kitchen). It’s super moisturizing and nourishing without being greasy. A little goes a long way so use it sparingly. It is a great alternative for butter and it can stand high cooking temperatures plus it helps prevent stretch marks. It’s so useful. I know I’ve said it before but I LOVE this product! And the best part? The price. I bought mine at an organic supermarket for under $10. Why buy the super expensive, synthetic department store product when there is a natural and more affordable alternative? I’ve used organic extra virgin olive oil (also wonderful!) before but I was not too crazy about the smell on my skin. I prefer the exotic, delicious, coconut smell. It reminds me of the sun and beaches.

The current brand that I use is the Coconut Oil by Activa. I am so adding this to The Cheap Girl Beauty Picks. What are some of your  favourite natural products?

WHAT:

Marcelle Essentials 1st Wrinkles Eye Contour Cream

THE PROMISE:

From the website:

“Prevent the first signs of aging with this ultra-light and non-sticky cream that penetrates skin instantly; allowing you to apply your make-up immediately.”

“Enriched with high performance ingredients, this unique care will increase micro-circulation, reducing puffiness and dark circles. It deeply moisturizes and protects the delicate eye contour area.”

PRICE:

$27.50 CAD for 15 ml

PROS:

An eye cream that does it all! Hypo-allergenic and perfume free. Affordable price

CONS:

The light texture might not be suited for really dry skin. The pump also dispenses a little too much per application and you end up getting more than you need. With eye cream, I find that a very little amount is suffice.

THE VERDICT:

This is a good start-up cream that battles the first signs of aging for people who want to kick start their skin care routine. The cream provides  hydration (it got rid of my dry lines   and combats fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. I don’t think that this cream will cure everything but as a basic eye cream, I think that this is a very good choice. It has a gel-cream texture so this is suitable for people with normal and combination skin.

4/5 ****

Visit Marcelle.com for more details.

Save $3 on your purchase of the Essentials 1st Wrinkles Eye Contour Cream. Click here for the coupon

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The Cheap Girl Contest: Win an Essentials 1st Wrinkles Eye Contour Cream

The fabulous people at Marcelle is giving away an Essentials 1st Wrinkles Eye Cream to one lucky reader. Simply leave a comment below about your favourite Marcelle product or your favourite budget beauty tip.  This contest is open until December 17, 2009 to all Canadian residents. The winner will be contacted via email.

Good luck!!

XOXO

P.S A special thank you to Isabel for the contest!

Fruits & Passion Canada 20% Off Sale

Take a 20% discount on all in-store merchandise from November 19 – 20, 2009.  Bath and body products start going on sale this time of the year, so now is the ideal time to start stocking up.

Click on this link to view more deals

Click here to find a location near you