Most of us have been to/heard of Los Angeles before, and even some of its popular nicknames like LA, City of Angels, or Lalaland. This expansive city houses many of the rich and famous, those hoping to make it big in Hollywood, with the rest of the residents caught somewhere in between. While shopping on Rodeo Drive (at the store Bijan alone, the average customer pays $100,000), dining at Urasawa (most bills priced around $1,100), or getting a trim at Metodo Rossano Ferretti ($1,000 haircuts) may have you filing for bankruptcy, there are some FREE, if not affordable, places to see/things to do that are also family friendly. Did you know that Los Angeles has more museums per capita than any other city in the world? Many offer free admission days once per month, but make sure to double check online or by calling, as they change frequently. A few I managed to locate were: George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits (FREE 1st Tuesday of the month) Huntington Library (FREE 1st Thursday of the month) Skirball Cultural Center (FREE Thursdays 12-9) California Science Center (FREE admission to the permanent exhibits/galleries, excluding the Space Shuttle Endeavor). Additionally, the Griffith Park Observatory (for astronomy enthusiasts) and the Travel Town Museum (mini trains and large locomotives for kids of all ages) are also FREE. Confirm before you go, which also allows you to plan ahead for parking, add-on features or special events, and to learn the best times to avoid peak attendance crowds. If people-watching is your thing, much can be found right along Hollywood Boulevard. Grauman’s Chinese Theater has celebrity hand/foot prints with signatures in cement, the Hollywood Walk of Fame will give you a pleasant neck cramp if you stare downwards while walking long enough, and characters galore like Elmo, Transformers, and Spiderman are every few feet away, waiting to collect a $1 from you if you desire a picture with one. Window shopping wisely can be done at the Hollywood & Highland Center or Universal City Walk, both with unique stores and food choices. Finally, discounts abound on sites like Groupon, Living Social, and Goldstar. Simply create an account and change your home city to Los Angeles. Hotel stays, restaurants, and exciting things to experience are at your fingertips in a heartbeat, thanks to iPhones. If you don’t feel like dealing with traffic, take the Metro rail line. Your ticket stub yields even further discounts at many popular attractions! By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

You can’t flip through the channels of cable television these days, without stumbling across a home decorating show. From kitchens to baths, bedrooms to even closets, there are many ways to organize clutter, save space, and take those dreary areas to dazzling in often no time flat! However, some of us don’t have the extra padding in our pant pockets or bulge in our wallets to make that happen. With a few simple reminders and tips, you too can make a space come alive again and celebrate a home worth bragging about. First, there are the second hand shops such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army. It’s a no-brainer these type of non-profit stores will save you money, but there’s the added benefit of knowing your hard-earned income is going back towards educating, employing, and helping others less fortunate. Goodwill alone invests .90 cents of every dollar made supporting a variety of local, community programs. Next, you can try the old “bringing the outdoors in” approach. Sticks, twigs, and pinecones, display nicely in a glass vase for the bathroom or as a dining room table center piece, while pressed, hand-picked flowers attached to thin cardboard make for an eye-catching mat within a picture frame to adorn the walls. Painting smooth-finished rocks make for great paperweights near the computer and using leaves attached to string make for a clever garland draped around the bannister. Being outdoors is one way to awaken your senses, so on days where Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, this is the best way to enjoy those elements on the inside. Finally, recycled materials are key to not only reducing waste and saving energy, but also in minimizing the money spent on decorating later. Items as simple as toilet paper rolls can be cut into thin, circular strips to create a 3-dimensional art piece. Corks from wine bottles can be used as bulletin boards in a child’s bedroom for showcasing returned homework, drawings, and more. Another nifty idea is using magazine cut-outs, wrapping paper, and last year’s calendar to decoupage on a serving platter or tv tray near the living room sofa. Check out the latest coupons on Free Stuff Finder! By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

The number one question I hear from people is, "I've been signing up for freebies, but still haven't received anything - Where is my stuff?" If you've been a Freebie Finder for some time, you may recall feeling this way when you first started. :) UPDATE: I just created this video to address this common question. Watch it below or on YouTube Here. To address the "I'm not getting any freebies" concern, I've compiled the following advice (based on my own experience): Get a Free Email Account and use it just for your freebie hunting.  I recommend and love gmail.  Never use your personal every-day email address when signing up for freebies - unless you love spam! Get a Free Phone Number and use it just for your freebie hunting.  Google Voice offers free phone numbers in ANY area code.  This is a great freebie all on its own!  Again, never give out your own personal phone number when signing up for freebies - unless you love solicitation calls!  Get Google Voice.  Also great for that creepy guy that keeps asking for your number. Sign up for a lot of offers. Since not every offer will deliver, signing up for as many offers as possible will increase your chances. We do our best to filter out offers and only post ones we believe will deliver. Be patient. Most freebies take a long time to deliver, sometimes up to 8 weeks or longer.  I didn't start receiving a flow of freebies into my mailbox until 2-3 months after I started signing up for stuff. Expectations. Expect nothing, so that when you receive something in the mail, you'll be surprised and thankful. Having no expectation has made freebie hunting much more fun and exciting for me. Going to the mailbox (once a week) has been a bit like Christmas. :)

If you’ve got a man in your house, you better not ask him to take the trash out Sunday afternoon. It’s Super Bowl Weekend! February 3rd marks the 47th (XLVII) annual Super Bowl match-up between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion, Baltimore Ravens, and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion, San Francisco 49ers. Kick-off is set to start at around 3:30 PM PST or 6:30 PM EST, with the game being played in New Orleans, Louisiana. In case you already knew that much ladies, it’s also exciting to note that Alicia Keys is singing the National Anthem, while Beyoncé is set to perform at the half-time show (rumor has it Destiny’s Child will join along, as will her husband Jay Z). There’s also much talk/anticipation over the Super Bowl commercials where advertisements from the biggest companies try to entice the over 111 million expected viewers. Ever wondered how much a 30-second spot costs during the Super Bowl? This year, it’s to the tune of $4,000,000! Ouch! Food Many Super Bowl Parties just wouldn’t be the same without the proper food to celebrate along with. Finger foods work best, especially since guests don’t like to miss the entertainment, the game, or the commercials. Favorite munchies of mine include Grape Jelly Meatballs, Artichoke Parmesan Dip, Hot Wings, and assorted nuts, candy, and popcorn. While many recipe variations can be found online or passed from generation to generation, I love the Artichoke Parmesan Dip Recipe created by celebrity Chef Katie Chin. Here’s what you need: Ingredients: 2 cups mayonnaise 2 cups Armanino Grated Parmesan Cheese (from World Market) 2 (7.5 oz.) jars Cucina & Amore Grilled Artichoke Hearts (from World Market), drained and chopped Carr’s Rosemary Crackers Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Place the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and artichoke hearts in a medium oven-proof serving bowl and stir until combined. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve with crackers. Drinks are simple at parties because traditionally hosts either order pony kegs or do it BYOB style. However, if you’re looking to step outside the box and away from your popular light beers, some San Francisco and Baltimore favorites may be right up your alley. The Floating Island Cocktail Rum Orange Juice Grenadine 99 Bananas Schnapps Baltimore Zoo Mixed Drink ½ oz rum ½ oz vodka ½ oz gin 1 splash Sprite 1 splash Grenadine Lemon squeeze 1 shot of beer Decorate Decorations do not have to cost a fortune. Simple balloons with each team’s colors can be purchased at the local dollar store or supermarket for that matter, before spending more at the party supply place. Signs can be created supporting both teams by simply printing off images from the internet. If you’re planning on doing a Super Bowl pool for your guests, have plenty of dollar bills handy to make change.  You can grab a piece of poster board, make a grid and start taking wagers!  A super bowl party can be fun for everyone...even if you are not a big sports fan! By Sheila, Free Stuff Finder Contributor

We all know going to a spa and getting our nails done can be relaxing. It’s quiet, soothing, a break from reality but most of all costly! Getting your fingers and toes done may make you look good but it will all make you feel good too! There’s nothing better than soft hands and cute feet in flip flops during the summer but why pay so much?! Why not learn how to do it at home! If you’ve never done your own at home manicure and pedicure you don’t know what you’re missing out on or what you could be saving!  Here are a few simple steps to get your perfect at home spa day started! Gather these items before you get started so you don’t have to stop once you’ve started: Cotton balls Hand soap Nail polish remover Towels Basin/deep bowl Nail clippers and file Foot/hand scrub Nail base and top coat Nail polish Pumice stone Lotion Radio/iPod/book/magazine (so you don’t get bored watching paint dry) A good glass of wine or your favorite beverage. Pedicure step by step Remove any leftover polish on your toes. Use your cotton balls and polish remover to scrub pre-existing colors off. TIP: if you’re color is being a pain to remove rip up your cotton ball soak it in polish remover and let it sit on the nail for a bit. Fill your deep bowl or basin with warm water and allow feet to soak for 10-15 mins. Tip: add your foot scrub and/or Epson salt to the warm water. This will help to soften your feet. Remove your feet and gently towel dry Rub off all that dead skin with your pumice stone Trim up your nails to the desired length and  file to the shape you like Wash off your feet with your preferred exfoliating foot scrub. Then towel dry excess water and apply lotion Apply your base coat to each toe, add two coats of desired color finish with a top coat and FREEZE! Sit still, listen to your music and sing along if you must but don’t get up! You’ll risk chipping smudging or denting you pretty toes! While you’re waiting for your toes to dry start on your manicure!  Manicure step by step Remove all old nail polish (if any off your nails). Remember if your polish is being a pain to remover you can rip up the cotton ball and soak it with remover then stick it each nail. Trim up and file down to the length and shape you want. You can go square, round or a mix between the two which is sort of the shape of your nail bed. Fill a small bowl with warm water with just a few drops of hand soap and soak your fingertips. Remove fingers after 5-10 mins and gently dry off. Massage your lotion of choice into your hands, then wipe off each nail with some more polish remover so you get all the soap and oils off which can cause nail polish sticking and cracking problems later on.   Apply a base coat to each nail, followed by two coats of the polish color you choose. Last add the final top coat to each nail and sit still so you don’t mess them up!! As you can see you could produce soft beautiful nails and skin from the comfort of your own bathroom!  Not only did you learn something new but you saved money!! Most of the things you need for your home mani/pedi session are in your home and you didn’t have to spend the gas or money!  My last and best final tip for you is to refresh your top at least twice a week! It will help keep them from cracking, chipping and keep them nice and shiny! Check out all of our Beauty Freebies!

We sometimes get emails and Facebook comments from readers who are confused about how to actually obtain the Freebie offers we post about on Facebook. Some people think that by clicking on Like and Share alone will request for samples. While others seem to think that by signing up to our mailing list, you'll get free samples. Let's get all the misunderstandings cleared up. Today, we've created this quick how-to-guide to help you out, just in case you have found yourself in this boat. First, let's clear up two big points of confusion new users seem to have: We DO NOT mail the Freebies out to anyone.  What we do for you is scour the web for the latest and hottest Freebies, write up a short informative post on how and where to find a particular Freebie and alert you via our website and Facebook page that the offer is live and available. Clicking on Like & Share WILL NOT Send You Freebies. This seems to be a big point of confusion for many new readers of our page.  You actually have to follow the steps outlined below (very simple. It'll make sense when you see it) and explicitly request for samples and offers you want to particulate in. It makes sense right? I mean, how can anyone figure out your mailing address by just a facebook like and share? They can't. Below is exactly what you must do in order to claim one of the Freebies we post about... Step 1 When you receive our Facebook notification about a Freebie, you will see in the first sentence of our post, a link.  Clicking this link will take you to our blog site where where have detailed instructions on where and how to obtain this Freebie. Step 2 A new window or tab will have opened with our blog post on this particular Freebie offer.  In the first couple of lines, you will see a link.  This link will take you to the website that is offering up the Freebie.  Click on this link and follow any instructions we have laid out for you.  Sometimes it is as simple as "fill out the form on their page".  Step 3 When you land on the offer page you will usually have to first click on something like, "click here to claim your sample". Step 4 The final step you will always have to do to claim Freebies is to fill out an order form with your name and contact info so they can mail you the sample.  Sometimes they will ask you to first create and account or login. For additional TIPS on Freebie hunting read our post on 5 Tips for Free Stuff Finding.

Facebook has made some changes and even if you have liked our page on Facebook, you are most likely not getting all of our Freebie Offer Updates. To make sure that you are not missing out on any of the Freebies that we post on Facebook, we have put together this short step by step guide that shows you how to create a Facebook List. You will then have a tab on the side of your Facebook page that you can click on to quickly see all of our Freebie Offers. Step 1 Go to the Free Stuff Finder Facebook page and make sure you've "liked" the page.  Then hover your cursor over the "liked" button and in the drop down menu click on "Add to Interest Lists..." Step 2 In the drop down menu you then need to click on "New List". Step 3 Make sure Free Stuff Finder is "checked" as a page to feature in your list.  Click Next. Step 4 Choose a name for your list, like - Free Stuff Finder.  Click Done. Step 5 You will be back at your own Facebook page now and you will notice that now in the left column you will see Free Stuff Finder under "Lists".  You can click on this to quickly see all of our Freebie Offer Updates!

Once the holiday cheer has passed and people have recouped from the festivities of the season, there are many great holiday deals out there to take advantage of.  When you think of saving, this does not always mean the day after Christmas sales.  Retailers may need to clear their shelves after the holidays but his does not mean that all of the best deals come moments after the kids hit their pillows clutching their favorite toys from Santa.  With a little work, you can easily grab some great deals in the month following Christmas or for that matter any big holiday season. Holiday Items If you want to get the best deals on decor, holiday kitchen gadgets and clothing, then you will want to hit the stores and online retailers in the weeks after the holiday.  Most retailers discount holiday items 50% or more and it is a great way to snag super deals for next years celebration. The best way to take advantage is to visit retailers in the first two weeks post holiday and visit multiple locations if you can.  For example, one year I scored a great set of heart shaped Valentine’s Day Plates at nearly 75% off.  The only catch was I had to go to 2 Target stores to get them. Online retailers have great Holiday Deals too.  The great thing about this is you never have to leave the house.  Clothing, cookware, toys and seasonal apparel are just a few of the items that are great to shop for in the weeks following the holiday.  Don’t forget to also search the internet for shipping codes to save even more cash. Electronics Big ticket items are also great to buy at the end of January.  New styles usually come out in February and retailers will begin to clear out past models in mid January after the post-holiday sales have ended. This is also a great time to buy refurbished electronics.  Check out deals on sites like Apple.com which have one of the best refurbished products programs around. Fitness Equipment Everyone knows with New Years, comes new goals.  This however might be the worst time to buy fitness equipment.  Instead wait until the end of January to grab great deals.  Retailers know you are looking to make changes and they will take advantage of that.  Wait until the hype is over and buy in February. If you are looking to make health and fitness changes in January start with getting physical from your doctor, changing your eating habits and cleaning out the clutter in your house.  Then you will be ready for the deals and your new fitness routine! Winter Clothing Call me crazy but buying for the start of NEXT winter now might be a great deal.  Spring clothing is already hitting the racks come the second week of January.  This is a great time to buy gloves, hats, jackets, snow shoes and other winter apparel.  I like to buy items discounted 50% or more and then use those storage bags that you can push the air out of to store the items or large plastic tote containers.  Then you are prepared and have gotten a bit of savings in the mean time.

Game night is back!  This classic fun from the 1950’s is back and as popular as ever!  This is such a great way to bond with family and friends without spending a lot of money and without going to much fuss in your preparation.  Host your own game night with some of your favorite people and you might just find that this becomes a regular event each month! Game Tables If you are lucky enough to have the space, you can set up an area that is dedicated to games and fun.  Check out the great deals at The Shuffleboard Federation for inspiration and the hottest games and gear.  Shuffle board, Football and Air Hockey are great classic games that kids will love! You can also check out the great deals they have on gifts for the man in your life!  What guy wouldn't love a game table for his game room or "man cave". Gaming Systems Thanks to systems like XBox and Wii, you can play team games and sports right in your living room.  From Baseball to Go Karts, you can play in teams or as single players.  Throw in some great snacks and treats and you are ready for a night of family fun. Let the kids take turns picking out a game and use codes from RedBox to save money.  Even better set up a “swap night” with another family.  Trade one of your games with one of theirs for family game night.  Then you get to try out a new game without any cost! Board Games The classics are all still available and are a great way to find something the whole family will love! Monopoly, Life, Sorry, Battleship, Candyland and Uno are all perfect for family fun. There are also some other really great board games that you can try. Settlers of Catan comes in all sorts of variations now (including Star Trek) and can be played by people of all ages. Lords of Waterdeep is another game that, in spite of having a jillion little pieces, is really easy and quite fun for kids and adults alike to play. “Betrayal at the House on Haunted Hill” is another fun game that lets you build the board as you go along and is different almost every time you play it. Card Games With a simple deck of playing cards you can have a poker night, play gin or gin rummy, or even play games like Nerts (a sort of double solitaire) or Crazy Eights. If you want to move beyond the standard deck of playing cards there are almost more card based games out there than you can imagine. Card Games are easy to set up, clean up and since you can have a variety of options with just a deck of cards, they are low cost and simple to plan. Game Night Snacks Have great munchies and more to make your game night memorable and a big hit!  Think you can make your own Chex Mix, Dips and more for a much lower cost than if you buy them pre-made in the store.  You can also add your own touch to the snacks and even give those a theme to make it more fun.  Kids will love popcorn, candy and juice boxes while adults would love nachos, spinach dip and sliders.

Making your own snacks for the kids can save you loads of time and help you get the snacks into them that you really want them too have.  No need for spending extra money on pre-packaged snack packs when you can make your own in just a few minutes.  Not to mention you can make their snacks fun, which will make them a big hit too! Check out these great ideas for fun snacks for the whole family!  Looking for more ideas?  Come check us out on Pinterest!  We have tons of great ideas to save you time and money! Chex Mix You can save tons of money by making your own Chex Mix at home.  It is easy and what is really nice is you can adjust the salt and seasoning to make it more kid friendly. Place about a 1/2 cup in a zippered bag and you are set.  Once recipe can make enough snacks for the whole family for a week! You can also check out our Pinterest page for some great ideas for flavored Chex Mix like Churro Chex Mix...YUM! Cookies and More Everyone knows that kids won't pass up a a cookie but did you know that you can freeze your cookie dough for easy prep when you want them?  Make a double batch of cookies at home bake some and freeze some.  Just use an ice cream or cookie scoop to scoop balls of dough onto a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 4-6 hours and then place the frozen cookie dough balls in a zipper bag.  Then when you need a snack, just pop a few frozen dough balls out of the freezer, place on a cookie sheet and bake. How about homemade Black Bean Brownies!  It may sound weird but they are healthier and taste yummy!  Cut them into three inch squares wrap in plastic wrap and you are ready to go! Homemade Nutella If you have never tried this, then you are seriously missing out.  It is great on toast, fruit, graham crackers and even over ice cream!  The thing is it is expensive!   Nutella costs about $5 for a 16-ounce jar and other other brands range in price from $5.99 for 10 ounces to $8.99 for eight ounces.  You can make your own at home for a lot less! I love to make a batch of any type of baked good and cut them into individual snack sizes and then freeze them. Homemade Salsa Homemade salsa is not only easy, it contains a lot less sodium and preservatives than canned or jarred.  The most cost effective recipe we have found is from Ree Drummond at The Pioneer Woman.   If you grab ingredients on sale, you can make this for under $5.00 and you will have a ton of it!  To save money shop at your local ethnic market for ingredients! You can put salsa on everything from eggs in the morning to tacos or even make your own homemade pit chips for an ultra healthy snack!  

Gift giving can be stressful no matter if it is for the holidays, a birthday or anniversary. You know that if  you are going to spend money on a gift, you want to give  someone what they really want. You also want to make sure that your gift is unique so that you know it can properly celebrate the reason for the gift it's self.  So what do you do to get that special person in your life a great gift and still make the gift functional and fun?  Here are some great gift giving ideas for any occasion! These days one of the most popular gifts to give someone is something that is practical.  This would mean buying a gift that can actually be used every day.  Since people these days don't have a lot of extra money to spend on themselves, you might want to buy something specific that they have been wanting but maybe not really feeling they can spend money on. For example, maybe your wife has been commenting that her old boots just are not holding up as well this year, but the idea of spending money on a new pair while the old pair are still usable just seems frivolous? In this case it would make sense to treat her to a new pair of boots! Tell her it is important to you that she has something that she really wants! You can easily find great deals for all the things that women love at sites like What She Buys.  All you need is a little direction and you are set and ready to go! Another area that is popular are gifts that can be used for a long time and serve a more functional choice in the recipients life. Appliances are an obvious choice here but this is an opportunity to buy  not "just a toaster".  Do they love the color red?  Then maybe get them a sleek new red toaster for their kitchen counter. Have a person that loves to bake on your gift list?  Then how about grabbing a set of mixing bowls and baking utensils in their favorite color?  Practical does not always mean boring!  Kitchen gadgets and appliances now come in many colors, patterns and features you never imagined!  The key is knowing what they like and choosing a little more than the average gift of that kind!  I know I loved my cotton candy colored Kitchen Aid mixer that I recieved as an anniversary gift and this was because I love to bake and my favorite color is pink!  When I also got the matching cooking utensils and mixing bowls from another family member, I was over joyed! Practicality is always a sound place to turn when giving gifts during an economically challenged time. That doesn’t mean, however, that the gifts you give have to be boring or absolutely utilitarian. It’s definitely possible to find gifts that will be fun as well as practical.

Have someone in your life who is in love with pop culture? You know pop culture is the love of the current fads, fashions and media.  Do they keep up on all of the news from the entertainment industry, watch every episode of all of the most popular television shows and seamlessly integrate the latest phrase du jour into their vocabulary? If you have the lover of pop culture in your life, here are some gift giving tips for the Pop Culture trend lover in your life. What's Hot Right Now To find out what everyone is talking about, otherwise known as "What's Hot and What's Not" you'll need to start on the Internet. There are all sorts of websites and shopping portals, like the TV Store Online  that are devoted to people who are in love with pop culture. These sites are where you’ll find things like replicas of the T-Shirts worn by Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, superhero logo knee socks, even costumes of your (or their) favorite television characters. The Internet is a great big place and there is definitely going to be something there.  You can also check out sites like eBay for great deals and savings on all things pop culture related.  This is also a great way to find not only a bargain but also hard to find items. Head to the Mall for Deals It’s trendy to hate the mall these days but this is another great place to go if you want to find a great pop culture related gift for someone. Stores like Hot Topic specialize in pop culture references and paraphernalia. If T-shirts and key chains aren’t what you’re looking for, you can bet that the department stores are going to carry bedding and other household items imprinted with popular characters, shows and catch phrases. Sure you might be able to find that stuff online, but seeing it in person first can make a huge difference when trying to get the right gift. Check out sales and clearance racks for items like this.  Since not everyone is into the trend of the week, it can be a great place to find them at a steal. How to Narrow Down the Right Pick It’s also helpful to find out which characters, shows and personalities your friend or loved one really digs. For example, some people truly love Grey’s Anatomy while others hate it. Make sure your friend loves the show before you buy her some Grey’s Anatomy scrubs (yep, they make them!).  Once you know who their favorite is you should insure that they can use the item you have in mind and love it.  They might love the hot docs of Grey's Anatomy but if you want to get scrubs, you might be better off  looking in unusual places to start.  For this type of item, you might want to head over to the local "scrubs" store and buy some real ones.  Have then embroidered with "McDreamy"  and you are all set! You also want to make sure that the gift makes sense.  Your friend might be really into the Justice League but this does not mean that she is going to want a bunch of Avengers trading cards.  Think about that "wow" gift that shows you have put a little thought into it!  Signed memorabilia might be a great give.  What Avengers loving man would turn down an autographed Scarlett Johansson autograph pic of her in that super sexy Black Widow costume! In another example of what you should take into consideration, you wouldn’t want to give your Lady Gaga loving sister Gaga’s perfume if your sister hates wearing scented products. Your brother might love the show The Walking Dead, but dislike the Resident Evil franchise. Make sure you know that the type of gift you find is going to be well received before you drop any cash on it. Just because they love Twilight does not mean they love all Vampire merchandise! The good news is that pop culture related gifts abound. It doesn’t matter what particular niche of pop culture your friend, relative or loved one is into—you’ll find something awesome for them this holiday. You just have to keep looking!  

There is nothing more frustrating than going to the store the week before your big summer trip and finding that there are no swimsuits in your size.  This is one of the reasons you should consider learning how to shop out of season.  By shopping out of season, you can save time and money. Buy Seasonal Apparel Early Once the seasons change new product lines come out and things that were once in storage become necessary items. For example, swimsuits for the kids are out of sight in January just like boots and hats are in the attic when it's summertime. Forecasting what the whole family might need in a few months can save you a lot of money. The easiest way to think about it is; if your not thinking about it, it's probably on sale. Winter is the time of year to look at summer toys and clothes because it will be a lot cheaper to get them now rather than when the weather changes and suits, shorts, and tank tops are no longer on sale. Another example is to buy winter coats for next year at the end of winter on clearance because they will be at their lowest price. Benefits of Buying Ahead of Time It is always nice to know that you will have the clothing you need right in your closet just waiting to be worn. However,  there are many other benefits to buying ahead of time. One of the most important, is the savings that you will enjoy by not waiting until the last minute. Retailers often mark up seasonal merchandise that is in demand. By buying in the off-season, you can avoid raised prices on the items that everyone wants. Buying items ahead of time will also provide you with more time to pick out the outfit that will not only best suit your needs but will be the style and color you want. Where to Score Great Deals When the local stores are stocked with winter merchandise, it can be challenging to find the perfect swimsuit. However, specialty stores that cater to savvy women like alwaysforme.com have a wide variety of items that  can help you find the right outfit for you.  You can find great warm winter pieces like swimsuits, lingerie and  more that offer the opportunity to cash in on the best deals.  Don't be afraid to by shorts in the winter or a jacket in the summer!  Stores want you to shop by season so you might have to hunt the isles for out of season clothing.  Look towards that back of the store, shop clearance and shelves on the bottom of the displays.  Remember seasonal clothes will always be in the front of the store. Store your purchases in your closet on hangers or in large totes with lids.  This will help you rotate your seasonal clothing as you need them.  Storing them nicely folded in toes, that are labeled are highly recommended.  This way clothing can be free of dust and your closet is not jammed packed.  Placing a small scented sachet with them will keep them from smelling musty when you open your stored clothing! Smart shoppers know that the best deals are found in the off-seasons when retailers are hoping to clear their racks. For this reason, knowing where to shop and looking toward the next season will help you to save big on seasonal items and gear. Want to read more money saving tips? Just Click Here!

When most people think of stocking stuffers, one of the first things that comes to mind is candy. Although sweet treats are a nice item for stockings, many other kinds of gifts add extra excitement. After you have bought all of the main Christmas gifts, the money you have left can be used for inexpensive and fun stocking stuffers. Here are some ideas to help get you started. Gift Cards Everyone enjoys receiving gift cards. Pick the most appropriate kind of card for each person. For example, for a music lover you could get a gift card for downloadable music or a gift card to their favorite music store. A gift card for a clothing store may be ideal for a teen who loves to go clothes shopping. If you bought an e-book reader as a main gift for someone, consider adding a gift card for e-book sites to that person’s stocking. Inexpensive Jewelry Jewelry takes up little space and makes a thoughtful stocking stuffer for men, women and teens. Choose from earrings, necklaces, rings or bracelets. Little girls with newly pierced ears will appreciate getting new earrings. Another great idea is jewelry engraved with the recipients name or a meaningful quote makes the gift more personal. You can find attractive and inexpensive jewelry at places like FantasyJewelryBox. Novelty Items Key chains, knickknacks, small picture frames, fun cell phone accessories, engraved pen sets and figurines are nice additions to the gift list. For children, you may substitute small plush animals, small dolls or action figures, miniature toy cars, finger puppets, crayons and miniature jigsaw puzzles or handheld electronic games. If you have a family member who enjoys practical jokes, throw in a gag gift or two and add some humor to the day. Movies and Games Many stores have sales on movies and games just in time for the holidays. These can be perfect for anyone on your list and may be enjoyed by the whole family. Beauty and Grooming Supplies Men, women and teens will appreciate beauty and grooming supplies. For men and teen boys, consider a new razor or cologne. Women and teen girls may like cologne, hair accessories, makeup brushes, fingernail polish and manicure kits. Accessories Items such as silk scarves make nice additional gifts for women. This is especially true if they are unique in design or color and not something that the woman would normally splurge on. For men, a new wallet or tie works well. If you have already bought the person other clothing, you can match to the new item.

Finding just the right gift for anyone can be tough, but men can be the hardest to shop for.  The best way to approach finding a gift for the man in your life is to know what they like.  Knowing what hobbies they have can seriously make the process easier and less complicated.  Also I find that if you think like a man, meaning you think "what would I want if I was a guy but would not necessarily buy for myself" you can come up with a number of ideas. I always also aim for something that I know his mom won't by him!  Avoid the sweater and slippers scenario to ensure great gift giving!   Here are some of the gifts ideas we have for the men in your lives.  The Outdoors Man He loves to camp, work outside and maybe loves to go hunting with his pals.  Why not get a pocket knife.  Knife Art has some unique choices for beautiful pocket knives to fit any budget.  Check out Knife Art's new products for December and grab a deal for your outdoorsy guy! Every outdoors man needs a pocket knife so give him one that he will love! The Finer Things in Life Guy Have a man that loves to be clean shaven, pampered and prefers the finer things in life? How about personalized labels of his favorite whiskey.  You can personalize labels for free through Knob Creek and Crown Royal.  You can also put together a gift basket “man-scaping” tools, like razors, shaving cream, aftershave and cologne.  I love to use free samples for men for just this purpose! The Kid at Heart Lot’s of guys are really just big kids at heart!  It might be poker, or board games with the kids but these guys love to just have fun!  There are scores of coupons out there for board games, comedy’s on DVD and fun things like popcorn or candy to go with them.  How about a whole box of fun things to do with the family.  Include a movie, popcorn, candy, soda and pretzels.  What about a game night box with board games, snacks and drinks.  The kid at heart will love this thoughtful gift. The Chef If the guy you are buying for loves to cook, you can put together a great gift of cooking accessories, spices, an apron and even a gift card to his favorite market.  Cookbooks make a great gift too!  Maybe he has always wanted to try to learn how to make the perfect Thai meal or has a passion for making the perfect sweet treats.  The possiblities are endless for this guy!  You can score some great deals on cooking related gifts around the holidays!  Check out your local grocery store as well as stores like Williams-Sonoma for holiday deals! Gift giving for the guy in your life does not have to be that hard!  You just need to think about what really makes him special and then go with it!

I get a lot of samples.  That actually is a small statement most weeks.  Some might say I am a "Sample-aholic".  On average, I land three samples a day, everyday in my mailbox.  That means an average of 21 samples per week and nearly 100 a month.  Now that's a lot of free stuff!  I started requesting samples when my second child was born and have not stopped since. My son had a bit of a problem keeping things down as an infant.  Since he had a lot of problems with reflux and I was frustrated with trying to find him a formula he could hold down.  The thing was I did not have the budget for going out and buying can after can of formula.  My pediatrician had a few samples but not what I really needed to properly play the field so to speak when it came to infant formula.  So I decided to contact all of the companies that I knew made formula and ask them for help.  I emailed them and told them my situation and they were more than happy to send out samples of their products.  One company send a whole selection of their products and yet another sent me samples and a handful of coupons to save money on future purchases.  I realized that if I took a little time out of each day, I could easily search for samples of anything the kids needed.  So I continued requesting samples as he and his big brother got older.  I filed out sample requests for diapers, formula, creams, snacks and even sippy cups.  Pretty soon I was hooked!  I realized all I had to do was fill out a form, make a short phone call and within weeks the samples came in. The samples have some in handy over the last few years.  We have donated samples that we don't use (Depends and denture cream are two that come to mind) to local charities and even handed out samples as part of party gift bags.  No one is going to turn down a goodie bag of sunblock, chapstick and aloe lotion samples at a summer beach bash or lotion and make up samples in a pretty little bag at a bachelorette party!  The biggest thing we have noticed however is that the samples have helped us get through those lean months when we have come up short at the end of the month or when we needed something in a jam!  Towards the end of the month I try and spend as little as possible and samples are key.  They often get us through the week without having to spend anything for things like toothpaste, lotion and soap.  Although I always try to stay well stocked, things happen and you never know when you are going to need that little tube of toothpaste to get by. So if you have the time, it is worth it to start sampling.  On average I spend 20-30 minutes a day, Monday thru Friday requesting samples.  Although it might seem like a lot, the time goes quickly because I know that the pay off will be big.  So get out there and sign up!  Maybe you can "Save by Sampling!"

Since I get a lot of samples, some people ask me what I do with them all!  The truth is that we do use a lot for our own family, we also donate and giveaway a lot to local charities, churches and other events that help people.  I have also gotten creative over the years with samples and making them into fun gift bags and treat bags!  Here are a few of the things you can do with samples! Make Goodie Bags Having a Beach Party?  Fill bags with samples of allow lotion, sunblock, and Chapstick. Bachelorette Party or Girls Night Out?  Buy small fabric sachets at the dollar store (usually 4 for $1) and fill with makeup, lotion, lipgloss, vitamin, and pain relief samples. Know a child that has lost their first tooth?  Put together a little bag of toothpaste, floss, and toothbrush samples with a note that says congrats on loosing your first tooth! Know someone that is moving into a new house?  Put together samples of cleaning products, tape, labels, bath products and paper products for the new homeowner. Have a friend with a baby on the way?  Baby products are always available to be sampled!  Wipes, formula, diapers, creams and baby food make a great gift!  Put them in a diaper bag or cute basket and you have a great gift! Donate Like a Diva When I once got about 50 samples of pet food and pet snack together I paired them with about 50 cans of cat food that I had gotten for free with coupons.  I put them in a box and took them to my local pet shelter and made a donation!  They were more than thankful for the things I had brought and called me "The Donation Diva" for dropping them off!  The truth is people will love anything that you can donate, especially around the holidays.  I save samples that I know we will not use and put them in a box with canned foods to donate at the holidays.  So next time instead of saying " I don't need that" turn it around and say "I will find someone that needs that" .  I have never had anyone say no to a donation of samples. From dog food to baby cereal all I have ever heard is "thank you so much, this is great!" Be Organized To make sure I know what I have, I picked up little bins at the dollar store and labeled them.  This way I could always see what I have and therefore what I want to donate, collect or keep.  Here are a few of the bins I have: Lotions Mouth Care Shampoo/Conditioner Body Wash/Soap Makeup/Skin Care Cold and Flu First Aid Donate Vitamins and Health If you stay organized, you can see what you have rather than having a bunch of little packets in a drawer.  It looks nicer and feels nicer to keep your samples organized and easy to access.  What do you do with your samples?  We would love to hear what your ideas are!

Having kids involved in sports can be a big expense.  Have more than one child playing any given sport and you are looking at a budget buster! You can save money however by thinking smart, putting safety first and not waiting to until the last minute to buy gear.  Also keep an eye out for relevant coupons for extra savings. You will need to start with which sport your child is playing and what they will need. Once you have decided that your kids are going to participate in playing sports, you should be aware that they will need the proper equipment and protective gear.  Kids don't think about safety, they just think about having fun and playing a game with their friends. So parents need to put safety first. When you know the season is getting ready to start, you'll want to shop around and see which stores have the best selections, best prices and most of all the right fitting equipment.  Although some of the sporting equipment available is universal, it is important that you select proper fitting equipment that is correct for the sport and correct for your child's size and shape. Here are some of the basics you'll need. 1. Mouth Guards Mouth guards are used in hockey, football, boxing and other contact sports. Mouth guards protect players from grinding their teeth, biting their tongue and offer some protection to teeth when other players fall, punch, or butt against the facial area. Having a correct fitting mouth guard can help prevent costly dental problems and jaw pain for your child.  Custom fitted mouth guards should be chosen over those that are a "one size fits all" type.  Although the mouth guards right off the shelf may be cheaper at first, adding in the costs associated with medical care for jaw pain or damage to the teeth will be far larger.  Invest your money  in the right area to be most cost effective and save money in the long run. 2. Shoulder Pads Shoulder pads for football must fit your child's body or you risk them not protecting the intended areas of the body. For a custom fit, chest measurements and shoulder span needs to be taken. Use these measurements when shopping for equipment, or visit a company site that offers this customization. 3. Helmets Helmets are used in football, biking and other sports that expose a child to potential head injury. It is very  important that your child's helmet is the right size. It should rest securely on the head, without moving, when the straps are tied. Occasionally modifications to the inner part of a helmet can be made to improve fit – however, it is best to take the time to find a good fit from the beginning.  Although you may think that if you buy a helmet that is a little bigger, you can use it again next year, this may do more harm than good. 4. Golf Clubs More kids are golfing than ever, which means parents need to look for cost-effective clubs. Kids who want to better their game should purchase custom-fit golf clubs. The fitter will take your measurements and sometimes additional information in order to create clubs that best match your kid's body. Custom fit clubs can reduce wrist and back injury in addition to improving performance. 5. Baseball Bats When choosing baseball bats you should not pick any size and expect it to work well for your child. Proper bat length for a player is based on the player’s height and weight. For example, if your child is 4’10” and weighs 120 pounds, you would choose a bat that is of a different size than a bat for a child that is 5'2" and 145 pounds. Bat weight also varies so this is important to take into consideration. The heavier your child is, the heavier the bat should be. Using the wrong size bat reduces the athletes performance and can cause injury. By knowing the correct type of equipment your child will need and knowing where to correctly spend your money will save time and money for parents.  Participating in sports can be a great physical activity for children and when parents make smart decisions, they can enhance the child's performance and prevent costly injuries.

Almost everyone will be approached by a scammer at some stage. The internet has created endless opportunities for people that are trying to take advantage of others.  Some scams are very easy to spot while other scams may appear to be genuine offers or bargains. Scams can even take place without you doing anything at all. It can be frustrating to try and figure out what is and what is not a scam. Most scams need you to do something before they can work. Sometimes they ask you to allow them to "post on your behalf" via social media.  Other times you may send money to someone based on a promise that turns out to be false. You may give your personal details to people who turn out to be schemers but you were thinking that they are a legit business. Some scams rely on you agreeing to deals without getting advice first or buying a product without checking it out properly. After you review the list check out how to increase your number of free samples with some other tips! The simple tips below will help you protect yourself and your family from scams. Scams can cost people a lot of money and cause a great deal of distress. By following these simple tips, you can protect yourself against scams. Don't put in a credit card number! Only use trusted sites.  Free Stuff Finder and our sister sites provide legitimate offers and never tell you have to use them.  We give you the option of which offers to take.  We don't post on your behalf either which means you won't be part of one of those "response ads" like you see on Facebook. Get a Google Voice number.  This way no one has your real information which can be used to verify your identity.  You can never be too safe! Don't ever give anyone online your bank account, PayPal or other accounts. Never give out your Social Security Card or your Drivers Licence Number Mark "Spam" as such and move it to your junk mail as soon as you see it. Remember that if the offer seems too good to be true...well then it is.  As much as you want to believe it is a true offer it just is not.  People are not going to give you an iPad for filling out a form unless it is a legit contest. We love our fans and want you to be safe!  If you ever have any questions on an offer just let us know!  You can send us a message on Facebook!