Hey it's free

Recessionista subscribes to Hey It's Free (www.heyitsfree.net), a great place to get free stuff (most of it is samples, but you never know when something bigger will come along).

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Working up a sweat

Recessionista doesn't glow or perspire...Recessionista sweats like a man when she works out. Not necessarily attractive, but it helps keep her in her current wardrobe. Where's a good place to do this?

• The sanctity of one's own home is an adequate place to work out if one has the space, the equipment, the tapes, and the lack of inquisitive pets who want to know why you are contorting yourself so.
• The canals around Valley Ranch are great for walking/jogging with or without pets, and a great way to meet other folks and enjoy the ducks and turtles and other people's inquisitive pets
• There are several new gyms in the nabe, including Gold's and Spa Fitness but you'll have to negotiate a deal
• The Valley Ranch Rec Center is the most affordable gym Recessionista has heard of so far: at approximately $5/month it sure beats the big chains

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Fresh foods

The Coppell Farmer's Market is open for the season! Recessionista hauls herself out of bed on Saturday mornings to swing by for fresh, local fruits, veggies, spices, jams, mixes, breads and soaps, among other things.

Key things to remember to make the Farmer's Market a good deal:

1. Get there at 8a when they open -- you snooze, you lose most of the vendors
2. Bring cash
3. Bring a tote to haul your loot

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Free movie rentals

Recessionista is a big fan of Netflix, but there are even more affordable ways to get your DVDs on. Of course you can rent for free from your local library, but if the waiting list is too long for a must-see there are other ways to get free flix rentals.

At many local grocers (the Kroger on 161 and MacArthur comes to mind) there are these big red kiosks called "Redbox". For $1/day plus tax you can rent DVDs from these things. Recessionista has done this before and it's really very easy -- you scroll through screens and screens of DVD titles, find one you want (that isn't already rented out), and voila, the DVD pops right out. You watch it when you want to, and pay upon its return. So if you want a movie for the same day, what a deal! At $1.08/day that beats Netflix or Blockbuster.

But wait, you say, $1.08 isn't FREE. So true. That's where the internet works in your favor. Just Google "redbox coupon" and you'll find bunches of codes to erase that meager $1.08.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Happy Earth Day!

There are so many ways to recycle unwanted stuff -- you can get cash back by selling at garage sales, on eBay, at many local used book stores, at consignment shopes. But sometimes you just want to donate for a good cause (and a tax deduction). Recessionista is fond of:

• Goodwill/Salvation Army/Dress for Success/Attitudes and Attire -- these are so easy, and don't forget to deduct the mileage getting there
• Newborns in Need and Project Night Night specialize in children's items (both of these are .orgs)
• Books for Soldiers keeps the military from going stir crazy, and Reader to Reader helps out libraries (both are .orgs)

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

DISD P-card Loot

Recessionista got a giggle out of this. Remember last year or so when it was discovered that no one at DISD was auditing employee P-card bills, and we learned that teachers and admins were buying clothing and jewelry and iPods and other electronics using our taxpayer monies? Apparently one of the guilty party's loot was repossessed by DISD and is now being sold on an online auction. http://www.lonestaronline.com/listings/categories/index.cfm?category=892326671&sortby=title_asc has 72 lots available for your bid. There is a lot of clothing in size 2-6P (Hilfiger, Mizrahi for Target), several Coach handbags with matching wallets and other accessories, computer equipment, digital cameras, and jewelry. Wouldn't it be nice if DISD used the proceeds to hire back some of the teachers it canned when they realized they were $80 million off budget?

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

The Outnet

Recessionista first thought this site was for alternative lifestyles, but www.theoutnet.com is a new site which promises designer duds for deals.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Consignment Event

My Sister's Closet is a semi-annual consignment event at the Dallas Convention Center next weekend (April 24-26). This is a great time to clean out your closets and earn some scratch! Consignors get 70% of the sales price -- and the consignor sets the price. And the consignor gets to shop at the pre-sale to snap up the really good stuff. Unsold items are either returned to the consignor or donated to charity. The only cost is $10.

Go to www.mscsale.com to register as a consignor or volunteer. Consignors are assigned a barcode which must be attached to the item along with the price. Item descriptions can be entered on the site for printing out, too.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Get liquored up this weekend

Sigel's on Lemmon/Inwood is losing its lease and liquidating (haha) its inventory. Merchandise WAS 20% off, now it's 30% off!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Free fun in Fort Worth

Today's the first day of the Fort Worth Main Street Arts Festival. It's huge, it attracts quality artists, and it's free. The weather's good today, so if you're not working this is a great getaway since it won't be as crowded as the weekend, or as rainy as they say tomorrow will be.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Allure Nails now open 7 days a week

Recessionista stopped into Allure Nails for the first time since it re-opened under new ownership this year (next to Domino's on MacArthur north of W Valley Ranch). Brand new spa pedi chairs, and clean clean clean, with a plasma TV to entertain you while having your feet done. They're now open 7 days -- from 9a on weekdays and Saturdays for the early birds, and from 11a-5p on Sunday. Sundays can be busy, so if you can make it there during the week you won't have to wait.

A regular fill is $17, but there are coupons floating around in the mail that offer the fill for $14 (nearly a 20% discount!). Recessionista says check it out.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Ulta F&F

Ulta's got a Friends & Family promotion this week: 20% off the entire purchase. Cards are not available in the store but are often in the stores surrounding Ulta.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Sprouts sprouting new jobs and healthy food

Fabulous Fan Jan writes that Sprouts is coming to Coppell this summer -- at Sandy Lake and Denton Tap, just a few blocks south of the also-fabulous Market Street. Sprouts already has a few locations in the Metroplex -- Forest/Marsh in Dallas, Flower Mound, Richardson, Coit/Legacy in Plano, Frisco, Southlake -- but this will be the Valley Ranch/Coppell area's very own.

What's the big deal, you ask. Well first of all is new jobs -- job fairs will be held Fridays and Saturdays for the next two weekends. And then there's the wares: Sprouts specializes in natural and organic foods that are, whenever possible, locally grown and harvested. Good for your health, good for the environment. Oh, and good value/low prices are part of its mission statement -- on Wednesdays all savings published in their weekly circular are doubled.

For more information on Sprouts and its upcoming events and job fairs, visit www.sprouts.com.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

It's Flea and Tick Season

Fabulous Fan Sista Recessionista writes in about flea and tick killaz:

For a great place to buy Advantage, Frontline and Heartgard at a much more reasonable price go to http://deadfleaz.com. For 6 dogs, 6 months of Advantage and Heartgard was going to run about $800 at the vet; I got it through an Australian vet online (have ordered from him before) for $420 including insured shipping. Ta da!

Recessionista knows that a lot of rescue organizations use this service as well. Death to the bloodsuckaz!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Kwik Kar

Recessionista confesses she doesn't know much about cars other than how to drive them. That's why she's been going to the Kwik Kar on MacArthur and Cimarron for years. They're honest, you never know what Dallas Cowboy will be in the waiting room with you, and they give you a voucher for a free car wash with every oil change.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Spa Week

Fabulous Fan Chrissie writes to us about Spa Week. It's like Restaurant Week for day spas. It's next week, April 13-19. Most services are just $50. For more info check out www.spaweek.com.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

CityStore

Ever wonder what happens to stolen merchandise that doesn't get reunited with its owners? Ever wonder what the City of Dallas does with surplus or old office equipment? Let the Recessionista put your mind at ease: it gets sold at the City Store (3131 Irving Blvd in Dallas).

City Store is open to the public every Thursday at 7:30a. Things you'll find there include:

• bicycles for under $50
• cellphones for about $5
• camouflage pants and jackets
• Kodak instamatic cameras (the ones that need film cartridges and flashcubes)
• VCRs and audio cassette players (and some DVD/VCR combos for about $25)
• digital converter boxes
• old CDs and DVDs (Beatles, Josh Groban, How to Win a Date with Tad Hamilton)
• baby stroller for $3
• 5-piece fireplace set for $15
• gym equipment
• tools, tools, tools
• luggage
• computer equipment
• office desks for $25
• binoculars
• camera lenses
• athletic shoes
• golf clubs
• hockey sticks

While this is not necessarily a treasure trove of high fashion (the clientele are mostly guys who look like they can build their own computers, fix their own electronics, rehab things in general) you never know what you might find. If you know a handy type of guy, they'll dig this better than the junkyard (no rats!).

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

SATC Sweepstakes

Fabulous Fan Kim writes in about the HBO SATC:The Movie $10k shopping spree sweeps, with daily instant win opportunities.

http://hbo.eprize.net/sexandthecity/index.tbapp?affiliate_id=2n

Hint: do not click on the link at work unless your volume is turned down.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Netflix

Recessionista has begrudgingly entered the digital era because her 1980s VCR just up and died. Once Recessionista got over her grief she bought a combo DVD/VCR player (at Target, alas no deals to be had for anything that plays a tape but at least it was less than $100 and got good reviews from a variety of tech sites). Armed with a new playback option, it took Recessionista about two seconds to determine that Netflix is a better deal than renting OnDemand so a deal was sought.

While no great deals were found, Netflix offers a little something-something: a free two-week trial period which has a value of $7 if you choose the two-at-a-time option (www.netflix.com). And by purchasing through the eBates link Recessionista earned $8 which is like another two weeks gratis.

Alternatively, enrollees can opt for 1500 American Airlines miles if they enroll through the link on American's Aadvantage site.

Enjoy your sofa surfing!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Zingsale.com

Fabulous Fan Chris writes that fans of ShopItToMe.com will also like Zingsale (www.zingsale.com). Recessionista checked it out and reports that this site searches for sales on more than just luxury apparel...the categories are comprehensive. It seems the site's in beta-testing and that most of the sales reported are from Amazon.com, but Recessionista says it can't hurt!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Chocolate is sweet but liquor is quicker

The Sigel's at the corner of Lemmon and Inwood is closing and has to clear out by the end of April, and rather than move the stock, everything will be on sale for 20 percent off.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Gap, Banana, Old Navy -- new stuff at 30% off

One of the frustrations of being a Recessionista is that a lot of sale items are the icky things that wouldn't sell anyhow, or out-of-season items. But Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy are offering 30% off new arrivals this week online only. Use coupon code NEW30 at checkout to get the discount.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Shop It To Me!

If you're like Recessionista, you love a good label. Here's a way to find your favorite labels on sale: www.shopittome.com. When you go to this site you'll find a questionnaire with hundreds of selections of designer labels, a variety of clothing and accessory categories, and an opportunity to id your own sizes. Once the sign-up is complete, you'll get daily emails listing sales of your favorite brands of clothing and accessories!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Re-purposing sunscreen

As our North Texas weather warms up (present day excluded) we dig into our summer gear and wonder, 'Does sunscreen have an expiration date?'. Experts recommend starting each summer with a fresh batch of sunscreen...but what about the leftovers from last year? Sunscreen makes a fabulous shaving lotion for smooth legs! So don't feel guilty about buying new suntan lotion because you'll use every drop of the old stuff.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

$15 off at Easy Spirit + subscription to Self

Recessionista has friends with oddly-shaped feet who swear by Easy Spirit. Now through the end of April they are offering $15 off $75 (that's 20% off for those of who bereft of calculators). This is only good at Easy Spirit retail locations (like the one in NorthPark) or online. And, you'll also get a yearlong subscription to Self magazine with your $75 purchase.

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Christi Harris freebies at the Galleria this weekend!

Recessionista is a fan of Christi Harris, the local cosmetic/skincare/haircare prodigy with a retail location in the Galleria by Nordstrom and Saks. Recessionista has seen many friends emerge from a Christi Harris session looking beyond glamorous.

This weekend, the Galleria is hosting a three-day beauty bonanza (April 3, 4 and 5) and Christi Harris is a big part of that. Her latest marvel is the Precision Brow Planing tool -- shapes your brows without plucking or waxing. It's been featured in Oprah's magazine, and on Saturday the 4th there will be free (love that word!) brow clinics. Call 800-305-2509 today by 7 pm to RSVP for your preferred time on Saturday -- very few spots are available. so don't delay!

Don't fret if you can't get in to a free brow clinic. There are three opportunities to get Christi's freebies. The first 100 seated guests at her Smart Beaute sessions get gift bags and brow stuff. Times are Friday at 2:30p, Saturday at 3p, and Sunday at noon.

But wait, there's more! There's a $20k beauty package giveaway Sunday at 2p! You can register at the Christi Harris events up until noon Sunday, and you must be present at the 2p Sunday session to win.

Recessionista says, 'Have fun and be beautiful!'

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Free pass for Sam's Club

Wish you could buy toilet paper in bulk but don't want to pay the membership fees? Wonder if there's a good deal on jewelry? Recessionista was flipping through today's circulars -- Wednesday is food day as far as circulars go -- and found a free pass into Sam's Club good for this weekend. If you're single, take a buddy and stock up!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com

Help around the house

Fabulous Fan BC writes in about Service Magic (www.servicemagic.com):

It's like Angie's List only you don't have to pay. You enter in your project description and get quotes from local servicers who are licensed, bonded, and highly rated. You never have to pay anything extra. I think the contractors have to maintain a certain level of positive feedback to stay on the list.

Of course, Recessionista loves not having to pay. And she likes that you're not obligated to purchase any service that's quoted. Two thumbs up for comparison shopping!

Got a tip for the Recessionista? Want to promote your deals here? Send an email to the Valley Ranch Recessionista at TheValleyRanchRecessionista@gmail.com