Lipstick to Crayons » Deals and Steals

Ross Dress for Less Comes to St. Louis/$25 Giftcard Giveaway – CLOSED

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:27 +0000

If you love getting awesome, name-brand stuff at ridiculously low prices, then you need to visit a Ross Dress for Less store. And that visit got a whole lot easier for St. Louis-area residents last week (3/3/12) when the nation’s largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain made its debut in the area with two new locations in Chesterfield, Mo. and Fairview Heights, Ill.

I was among a lucky group of women who got invited to a special opening of the store and I left the place with a LOAD of great bargains. Here’s a list of my delightful finds, all for $134.19:

a name-brand (can’t say the brand) dress for me to wear to my Godson’s first communion
a boutique-quality sundress for my teen
two pairs of shoes (also name brand) for my 4-year-old
a name-brand summer top for me
a “sliders” burger basket for my grill
a “Live Laugh Love” wall decal for my family room
an 18×24 wooden framed mirror for my kitchen

As promised, I found the same brand names carried in department and specialty stores priced at 20 percent to 60 percent less at Ross. In fact, the above-mentioned dress would have cost me nearly “$130 at my favorite department store, and I got everything on that list for $134.

Ross Dress for Less stores — more than 1,000 nationwide — have been in business for 30 years and carry apparel, shoes and accessories for the whole family, as well as home fashions. It’s literally a treasure hunt shopping experience.

The Ross “strategy” is “no frills, big thrills.” And that holds true in the store — no fancy displays or staging of the merchandise but thrilling merchandise just the same. Despite the “no frills,” the store was super organized and easy to navigate, and the racks aren’t overstuffed like you find in some discount stores. Plus, the associates were helpful, efficient and informed, even on the first day the store was opened for business. I think that bodes well for the customer service going forward.

But don’t take it from me — try it out for yourself. I was told (and I believe) that the best way to find those treasures at Ross is to visit often and snatch them up when you find them. Enter the contest below for a $25 Ross Dress for Less giftcard to get you started.

Giveaway Guidelines:

To enter the contest, you MUST subscribe to Lipstick to Crayons (subscribe button in upper right corner) and then comment below that you did so (or leave a comment telling me you’re already a subscriber). After completing this mandatory first entry method, you can gain additional entries by doing any or all of the following (but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

Blog about this contest.
Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (You can tweet daily, but leave a comment for each time you do so).
Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar
Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.
Post a link to this contest on your Facebook page.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time March 20, 2012. Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. The winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If the winner does not claim the prize by March 23, 2012, she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner who will be drawn at random.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO CAROLSUE, COMMENT #39.

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Six Ways to Reduce Fuel Costs

guest — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 02:52:48 +0000

by Andrea Woroch

Crude oil prices are surging again as commodities traders respond to the continued tension between Iran, Israel and the United States. According to NBC Nightly News, the fear of any kind of military action in the Middle East drives up the price of fuel despite no real shortage of supply. Just recently, the price of gasoline rose three-and-a-half percent and is up 42 cents from one year ago.

As winter subsides into spring, consumers should gear up for another pricey summer with gas prices expected to peak just in time for weekend getaways. But before you cancel your vacation plans, consider these tips for saving on fuel.

1. Use your smartphone.
Look up gas prices in your area and pinpoint the least expensive options on your route by using GasBuddy.com. The site also offers a mobile app that uses GPS to provide current gasoline prices per gallon based on your location. Another option is the CheapGas app which guides you to the least expensive gas station in your proximity, an invaluable resource when driving in unfamiliar areas.

2. Travel with cash.
Many gas stations advertise the price per gallon to cash-paying customers and those who use credit cards are charged an additional 10-cents per gallon. Pay with cash when you can to save.

3. Stock up on discount gift cards.
You can purchase gift cards at less than face value from sites like GiftCardGranny.com including gas gift cards for popular brands like Chevron, Shell and Exxon. For example, the site is currently selling a Hess gift card for 8-percent off. These cards go fast, so set up an alert to receive an e-mail when new gas cards become available.

4. Fuel up at the warehouse.
Membership-based stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club have discounted gas. In some cases, you can use affiliated credit cards to get a double-dip discount: Pay less at the pump and get a cash back bonus. For instance, the Costco-branded TrueEarnings American Express card lets customers earn three percent cash back on up to $3,000 in gas per year.

5. Find a gas reward credit card.
If you are going to swipe your credit card at the pump, look for one that offers a high reward like Chase Freedom Visa, which offers 5 percent back on gasoline purchases. For other options, check out PTMoney’s “The Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards of 2012.”

6. Go for grocery and gas discount programs.
Many supermarket chains have partnered with name-brand gas stations to offer reward programs. Ralph customers can get 10-cent per gallon savings at Shell stations in Southern California after redeeming 100 grocery points at the pump. Other grocery chains like PriceChopper, Kroger and ShopandStop offer similar programs. Speak with a store manager to find out which local gas stations will honor the reward program, as some franchise-operated stations may not participate in the programs.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

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Free Chocolate Event for Moms at the Lodge of Des Peres

lipsticktocrayons — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:02:12 +0000

Dr. Diane Sanford, Ph.D. , is hosting a free event at the Lodge of Des Peres that involves eating chocolate and talking about the strategies to cope with the mental, emotional and physical challenges of motherhood. I personally owe Diane an enormous debt of gratitude because I heard her speak when I was four months pregnant with my second child. I had suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my first child and was very worried about it happening again. Thanks to Diane, I prepared during my 2nd pregnancy and was able to ENJOY the weeks and months following the birth of my second.

Postpartum depression affects one in eight new mothers and the stress of parenting a toddler, depression and anxiety are common occurrences. They are very real, but very treatable. Start by treating yourself to an evening of chocolate-tasting indulgence.

This event (and the yummy chocolate) is free, although reservations are required. Space is limited to 100 attendees, so call today to RSVP.

Details:

Tuesday, February 21, 7-9 p.m.

The Lodge Des Peres

1050 Des Peres Road (south of Manchester Rd.) St. Louis, MO 63131

RSVP to 314-812-9366

Invite your friends, but please leave your baby/toddler behind. This is for Moms only.

About Diane:

Psychologist Dr. Diane Sanford has been passionate about helping women improve their health and lead happier lives since counseling her first postpartum mom 25 years ago. She is among the most called-upon women’s health experts and has been interviewed for TV (Good Morning America), newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post), and all major women’s magazines.

In her new book, Life Will Never Be the Same: The Real Mom’s Postpartum Survival Guide, she offers practical advice on how to thrive during pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. To preview the book, visit her website. To schedule a consultation, please call Women’s Healthcare Partnership at 314-961-5666.

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Free Shipping Wars – Don’t Pay for Shipping!

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:00:02 +0000

The free shipping holiday melee has turned into a raging war and consumers are destined to win. So far, the gunfire has been hot and heavy.

Last week, Walmart, pulled out the big guns by providing free shipping on more than 60,000 online items during the holidays, with no minimum order or subscription registration required. The offer extends through Dec. 20, with a heavy focus on electronics and toys. The move was a clear attempt to wrest market share from e-commerce leader Amazon. The founding father of free shipping deals is widely recognized for its Amazon Prime offer of free two-day delivery for an annual subscription fee of $79.
Amazon sent a shot over Walmart’s bow Thursday by saying it would meet or beat any free shipping deal out there. The matching offer applies to a limited selection of items.
Up until recently, Best Buy had trumpeted free shipping on thousands of products. Wednesday, the electronics retailer said its offer is now valid on hundreds of thousands of items, including all CDs, Blue-Ray and DVD movies, gaming software and accessories. Strangely, such in-demand items as laptop computers, Apple iPads, iPods, netbooks and electric vehicles (?) are not included in the offer.
Noticing Walmart’s big push in their traditional territory, Toys “R” Us Monday began a free shipping offer on purchases of $49 or more for all items except video game consoles/handhelds, software, hardware and accessories.

In 2007, increased desire for similar holiday offers led FreeShipping.org founder Luke Knowles to create Free Shipping Day, a one-day event held this year on Dec. 17, during which an estimated 1,000-plus merchants will offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve.

“The reason merchants are getting behind free shipping deals is no secret. A 2010 Accenture consumer holiday shopping surveyshowed free shipping is the biggest reason consumers continue to prefer shopping online. We created Free Shipping Day three years ago and was overwhelmed with the interest shown from consumers, merchants and national media. Now we know the opportunities are endless for both the public and merchants.”

In an analysis of free shipping entitled “The Free Shipping eBook,” Knowles noted this trend has been building for much longer than three years: “Amazon and Zappos several years ago demonstrated how effective a well-planned and well-executed free shipping campaign could be for increasing sales and market share, as well as creating positive buzz about their brands. Both of these merchants have replaced advertising with free shipping and gone on to dominate the online retail industry. We’ve also seen how small e-merchants have used free shipping to make inroads against large retailers. It’s the only way some small retailers can compete.”

As predicted in Knowles eBook, the big boys aren’t the only ones shooting off their guns this holiday season. According to Shop.org’s eHoliday Survey, four out of five online retailers will offer free shipping at some point during the holiday season, and nearly one-third said they began their 2010 offers earlier than a year ago.

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25 Percent Coupon Code for Moody Mama’s Maternity Clothes & Fall Fashion Tips

lipsticktocrayons — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:42:30 +0000

It’s that wonderful time of year when the leaves begin to change color and the air becomes crisp. Fall is upon us, which means it is time to start bringing out the boots, sweaters, and outerwear. How can you keep on trend and stay out of a wardrobe rut as the weather turns colder? Here are some fall fashion tips based on certain occasions that will help you stay warm and looking chic through the upcoming autumn months.

Date Night

Whether it’s on the weekend or during the week, it’s fun to get gussied up for a night out with your loved one. If you’ve got feminine flair, love vibrant colors, and dresses, there are tons of styles this fall that will float your boat. The prim and proper looks of the 60’s are back, as are rich jewel tones; therefore just because the weather’s changing, doesn’t mean you have to wear pants or succumb to a neutral color palette. This season, rich colors like ruby red and deep violet will quench your thirst for color and body conscious fits will make your feel sassy by allowing you to show off your curves. Looking to not just turn heads, but break necks? Try the Tina Dress from Fierce Mamas. Paired with some tights and a high heel (it’s date night after all…) this look is sure to wow. Still want to feel sexy but looking for a more casual look? Try the Eva Dress with some black leggings and a pair of booties.

Day at the Office

This just in- corporate America has adopted a new policy called pre-maternity leave. That’s right-not only do mamas get time off once the baby is born, but they also can put their professional lives on hold until their morning sickness and cravings have ceased and desisted! We wish, but until that bill gets passed, we have to deal with bringing our bumps along to work everyday. Work it, while you work. Looking good can make your feel better; so don’t hide under bulky sweaters and giant muu-muus when heading into the office. Get a professional and comfy look by wearing a jersey dress with sleek lines, or opt for a knit dress with chic appliqués like the Milly Dress by Fierce Mamas. Worn barelegged with mid-calf boots, or with black leggings and a ballet flat, these styles are versatile and can be worn post work day as well.

Weekend Wear

Everyone has at least one season appropriate staple item in their closets. It’s that piece that goes with anything and can be worn anywhere. (At least that’s what you told your husband when he saw the price tag). Now’s the time to get that fall article and you’ll find it at MoodyMamas.com with their Striped Tunic. Wear it with leggings for a trip to the park with the kids or pair it with some skinny’s and flat suede boots to grab lunch with friends. You’ll wear it so often that you should probably just go ahead and buy two.

So, if you’d like to try some of these fashion items, you can go to Moody Mamas and use the discount code MAILGIFT for 25 percent off (good through Oct. 31).

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$10 JC Penney Coupon Code Plus Free Shipping

lipsticktocrayons — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:35:01 +0000

Right now, JC Penney is offering free shipping on shoes, and you can use the coupon code LIZ4YOU to get $10 off your purchase. I just bought my husband a pair of winter snow boots using this code and got them for $39, plus free shipping. Enter the code at checkout (pick the checkout option that says promo code.

Thanks STLMommy!

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St. Louis Moms — You Gotta Sign Up for This!

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:05:25 +0000

If you’re a Mom (or a Dad) living in the St. Louis area, you absolutely must sign up for STL Kids Club Deals. These deals are launching this month, and will work similar to Groupon. STL Kids Club deals will offer special discounts of up to 75% off at the retailers, restaurants and service providers that parents and families in St. Louis use most. In other words, they will cater to the needs and busy lifestyles of families and they will arrive in your email Inbox if you’ve signed up for the deals.

It’s free to join, and you won’t be bombarded with all kinds of spam — just one or two emailed deals a week that you won’t be able to pass up! I have it on good authority that the first deal is amazing! (I won’t tell you what it is, and I’m not sure what day it will be distributed, but it will be this month. You’ll want to be signed up so that you don’t miss out, because I know it will go fast.)

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Old Navy 30 Percent Off Coupon and More!

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:22:55 +0000

Go here to print a 30 percent off one item coupon from Old Navy, valid until Sept. 23. (thanks MoneySavingMom).

Go here and sign up for JCPenney emails and receive great online offers and valuable in-

Join Chili’s Email Club to get the latest happenings, exclusive offers, and a FREE order of Skillet Queso & Chips.

Go here and get up to $500 in coupons to use them at your favorite grocery stores.

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Three Months Free of Amazon Prime by Joining Amazon Mom

lipsticktocrayons — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 01:07:49 +0000

Amazon just launched a new program called Amazon Mom (www.amazon.com/mom) which is free to join and was developed to cater to the 13.6 million online U.S. moms of children from birth through the diaper-wearing years. And one of the best benefits of joining Amazon Mom is that you get three months of Amazon Prime for FREE!! Amazon Prime is awesome becuase it includes free two-day shipping with no minimum purchase required.

LOVE IT! Can you say “Just in time for holiday shopping”? And you don’t have to provide any credit card information to get your three months free membership of Amazon Prime. It will simply expire after three months (you might get an email telling you it’s going to expire, and encouraging you to renew), but your Amazon Mom membership benefits will continue.

Other benefits of the Amazon Mom membership include:

Upgrades to One-Day (overnight) Shipping for just $3.99 per item.
Option to earn additional months (up to one year) of FREE Two-Day Shipping for every $25 spent on Baby products in a single order.
An additional 15 percent discount on top of the standard 15 percent off select diapers and wipes, bringing the total discount to 30 percent when using Subscribe & Save delivery.
Many more exclusive discounts and offers, tailored to a family’s interests, delivered right to their inbox.

Signing up is simple. Just visit Amazon Mom and provide some information about your family. Please note that the program is not just limited to moms—primary caretakers are eligible too. Members also have the opportunity to connect with other parents on community discussion boards to share product information, tips and techniques.

I’ve already used my Amazon Prime membership to order two books on Amazon. When the shipping is free, it is one of the most frugal ways to shop!!

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Lots of Free Stuff from Vista Prints!

lipsticktocrayons — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:41:54 +0000

Are you famliar with Vista Prints? If not, now is the time to visit them. They’re celebrating their 10th Anniversary with 10 free products.

Free products of the following:

• Free Business Cards

• Return Address Labels

• Free Rubber Stamps

• Free Sticky Notes

• Calendars

• Photo Flip Books

• Free Tote Bags

• Free Mugs

• Photo Notebooks

• Free Mouse Pads

Click Here

Here’s a hint: on the free address labels, instead of typing your address, type in Bradley’s toys or Gretchen’s book — and then you’ve got instant labels for your kids’ belongings.

The Vista Print 250 free business cards offer is awesome. You can create the cards in minutes and receive in as few as three days. Choose from 42 designs and add your text. Click the button below to make your set today.

Or, check out the great promotions around “Back to School” by clicking the button below: