Travel Tuesdays: Personal Bag to Mexico!!

Introducing Travel Tuesdays with Frugalicious Diva!!

I do a fair share of traveling and since I'm frugal in so many ways, why wouldn't I add Travel to the mix? Based on my experience, I ALWAYS have a tip or two about getting a Frugalicious deal!!

I just came back from Mexico and I wanted to share my frugal tips. I have to admit, I was forced into the first tip...my friend challenged us to take a PERSONAL ITEM for a four day, three night trip to Mexico, with another day in Florida. Sigh...I DID step up to the plate. Should I have though?...

So if you've followed me for ANY period of time, you'll know that I am an avid Spirit Airlines traveler. I will have to do a SEPARATE blog on Spirit because...well, just because. Let it be known though, I have ZERO issues with flying with them and I'm speaking as a plus size, semi-bougie woman who's taller than average (I'm 5'8").

Anyway, so I took on the challenge. Spirit changed their personal item dimensions in April to 18x14x8, so I went searching for a bag. I saw a video and decided on the Vera Bradley Weekender. First, I freaking LOVE this bag!! It's cute, has lots of room and the fabric makes a mold-able bag...because although it "fit" the new dimensions, there was a little bit o' finagling going on!!

So, it fits, it flies. Here's the thing with the Personal Item on Spirit, which is different than a Carry On. It's FREE, which is the plus, but it's also supposed to fit under your seat...which it did NOT. Technically, it did, but then I wouldn't have any foot room. I nonchalantly placed that bag in the overhead bin. #Unbothered

Now, packing: that was the fun part. I have had some packing cubes for over a year and have only used the shoe bag. This time, I pulled out this big one, rolled all the clothing I was wearing on the trip and zipped it up. They all fit nicely and the packing cube slipped nicely into the bag, leaving plenty of room for other stuff...or so I thought. By the time I finished packing, it was pretty snug, but I could still zip it with no issues. We jaunted off to Fort Lauderdale, on JetBlue though, so I took another bag with me to hold snacks and other stuff. I knew once we boarded Spirit to Cancun, we'd have to eliminate it though.

We ended up staying one night in FL, due to the times of the flights, but I didn't want to spend any money there, so I packed lunches and snacks for us. The beauty of this is that I didn't have to worry about food spoiling or getting old at home while I was gone. Win-win. So, at our Airbnb, which I only spent $4.30 on, thanks to referrals and a gift card, I decided in order to get down to one bag, I had to repack...

COMMERCIAL BREAK: If you're looking to book your first Airbnb stay, why not save $40? Use my referral link: Frugalicious Diva - Airbnb

Yeah, I repacked and found that I got a little bit more room, removing the packing cube and staggering the rolled clothing. It worked. We got it down to one bag. We flew.

 The bag was heavy though.

My thoughts on a personal bag to Mexico:

PROs:

• it fit and flew
• forced me to be decisive in what I brought
• packing cubes fit
• less baggage (literally) and you can move quickly

CONs:

• bag was heavy
• does not fit under seat
• can't bring many souvenirs back including teguila (I mean it is Mexico)

LOL!! All-in-all, I guess I'd do it again under the right circumstances, like a "beach bum" trip, but in general, I think I'll stick with the Carry On for international trips. I'll gladly pay the fee (UPFRONT, remember that) to make sure I have room and can roll my luggage around.

Happy Travels to you!!

Frugalicious Giveaway: My Favorite Pastimes Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win the My Favorite Pastimes Giveaway!

3 Winners!

With summer just around the corner it is time to take a breather and do some things that we like. Who doesn't like music, reading and shopping?

Today, we are giving away one pair of Over Ear Headphones that have a round cup and star design. Those music lovers out there can enjoy themselves without disturbing everyone else in the house.

If music isn't your thing or if you would like a change of pace, you can enter to win one of three copies of the e-book The Lives We Lead by Alexandra Egi. Read my entire review here.

Can't wait to see if you won, you can purchase The Lives We Lead here.

As an added bonus, if you can wait that long The Lives We Lead will be free in e-book format from June 4-7!

And of course, who doesn't love to shop especially without leaving home. One reader will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. Aren't gift cards great!

Sponsor: Alexandra Egi, author

Follow Alexandra Egi on Facebook, Twitter or visit her website by clicking any of these links.

Host: IMHO Views, Reviews and Giveaways

Co-hosts are: Deliciously Savvy | Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews | PaulaMS' Giveaways, Reviews, & Freebie

Hints and Tips Blog | My Silly Little Gang | Here We Go Again Ready

Our giveaways are a success and the main reason is because of our awesome co-hosts and participating bloggers!

Be sure to visit their blogs and look around as a thank you for working so hard to bring you so many giveaways.

We've been seeing some great stuff in giveaways lately and that is because of all of you taking the time to "like", "follow, and "subscribe". The sponsors almost always look at these numbers before deciding to sponsor a giveaway.

Keep it up and who knows what we might be able to giveaway next!

And now for the very best part!

The

  Giveaway dates: May 12 at 6 am CST - May 31, 2016 11:59 pm CST Open to entrants in the Continental United States and Canada. One set of entries per person. Prize: The first place winner will receive a pair of Headphones. The second place winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card. All three winners will received a copy of The Lives We Lead e-book. Total value of the prize package is $69.97. (discounted prices may vary) Please enter the giveaway through the Giveaway Tool listed below. Giveaway Tool will randomly select a winner. Winning entry will be verified. All entries are optional, and the chance of winning depends on the number of entries. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. By entering this giveaway, you are agreeing to have your name listed as the winner on the giveaway widget and winner's list of participating blogs. The winners name will be posted on the widget and also here. In the case of any malfunction of the Giveaway Tool the giveaway will be canceled and no prize awarded. The winner is responsible for any applicable taxes.

Entry-Form

*IMHO Views, Reviews and Giveaways received compensation for hosting this giveaway. Thank you for participating.

Disclaimer: IMHO Views, Reviews and Giveaways is responsible for the headphones in this giveaway. The sponsor listed above will be awarding the rest of the prize(s) to the winner(s). None of the social media platforms are affiliated with this giveaway. If you would like to sponsor a giveaway like this, email imho@imhoviewsreviewsandgiveaways.com and I will respond within 48 hours.

Black Friday Thrifting!! 50% off at Savers!!

Hey frugalicious divas and dons!! I know it's been a llllloooooonnnnngggg time since I've actually blogged in this format, but so many things have happened this year, so this had to be put on the back burner. You can ALWAYS catch me and my updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram though!! Join me there!!

So, about Black Friday. I'm not a big BF shopper but when I do, I shop small biz and support local!! :) But...SAVERS is the next best thing!! In addition to its 50% Monday holiday sales (Sunday, for Savings Clubers), they're also getting in on the Black Friday crowd.

They're offering 75% off Jeans, Pants & Skirts from 9am-Noon!! I WILL BE IN THE HOUSE!! This comes right on time, as I  need more dress pants and I'm always on the hunt for a cute skirt (or 3).

Now, if you're skeptical about thrift shops or "second-hand" stores, please trust me when I say you'll find something for you and your whole family!! I love Savers because the stores are clean, the staff is pretty knowledgeable (but not bothersome) and the store is arranged by category and size. Before you wonder if they will have anything in your size...YES!! I wear a range of 22-26, with a size 11 shoe and I almost ALWAYS find something in the store that I can wear TODAY (not when I "lose a few pounds").

Don't believe me, take a look...

...and this is just SOME of the items I've picked up there. I have a closet FULL of Savers deals!!

So, come Friday, get your thrift shopping ON!! You will NOT regret it!! 

Happy Shopping and stay Frugalicious!!

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday - August 7-9

Ohio!! Have you heard? Next weekend is TAX FREE WEEKEND!!

It's Back to School time (yes, ALREADY) and what better way to help Ohioans save than to take away that pesky tax!! Yes, taxes are helpful for the upkeep of our community, but it will be a welcomed vacation for frugalicious divas (and dons) such as yourselves!!

So, here's the deal!! This sales holiday will begin Friday, August 7, 2015 and will last through Sunday, August 9, 2015!! No sales tax!!

Here are the stipulations:

• Clothing priced at $75 per item or less
• School supplies priced at $20 per item or less
• School instructional material priced at $20 per item of less

If you have any specific questions, I suggest you read up on the Ohio Department of Taxation site. If you don't want to, it's cool, because I did it for you. Here are some frugalicious finds I pulled out of FAQs.

ALL clothing under $75 (per individual item) is tax free, meaning anything you put on your head, shoulders, knees and toes (knees and toes) Who else sang? LOL!! What's even better? This includes DIAPERS for my frugalicious new Moms out there!! 

Getting married? This would be the time to find a frugalicious deal under $75 and save even more because don't have to pay tax!! Have your kid's school supply lists? Get them ready because not only are the sales on, but you'll save the tax!! 

You can still use your coupons during the Sales Tax Holiday!! Though your OOP (out of pocket) will be lower, the coupons don't disrupt the actual sales price, so it's all good!! 

There are some exclusions (items used in a trade or business are not eligible), but if you following the basic three items up top, you will reap the benefits of paying NO TAX next week!! Don't let anyone give you any drama either because according to the law, they HAVE to participate in this Sales Tax Holiday!! 

Get ready to save next week!!

Refreshing National Iced Tea Day Freebies

Guess what today is? Not only is it HUMP DAY, but TODAY, June 10th, is...

National Iced Tea Day

I am a very big tea drinker, so when it's free, it's even more fabulous and frugalicious!! In my area, it's going to be almost 90 degrees today. Who wouldn't want a cool, refreshing glass of goodness?

To celebrate, here are some freebies I'm sharing with you!!

Snapple is inviting you to "Sip your Way into Summer" with a coupon!! 

FREE Snapple Tea!! 

Here's the link: Free Snapple Tea (you can print two)

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Teavana invites customers to celebrate with a 

FREE Pineapple Berry Blue Iced Tea

as well as learn about their exquisite Epicurean Loose Leaf Tea blends

Just visit your Teavana store to get yours!!

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Wendy's is inviting you to stop in an get a 

FREE 6oz FruiTea Chillers™ beverage

a cool, hand-shaken combination of freshly brewed organic tropical green tea, real blueberry puree and real pineapple & pomegranate juices. SOUNDS delish!!

$1.00 Old Navy Flip Flop Sale is...

I know people have been waiting on the edge of their seats...

but Old Navy has finally announced the date of the...

$1.00 Flip Flop Sale!!

Check it Old Navy on June 20th!!

Get all the colors you desire for beach bumming or just plain summer fun!! Be careful in them though. Don't run, don't drive in them and of course NO FLIP FLOPS at work!! LOL!! Enjoy!!

Frugalicious Deal: $10 off $10 at Silkies

I received the best email this morning!! Silkies is offering an amazing deal!! Use coupon/promo code: POINTS to get $10 off a purchase of $10 or more!! This is the perfect code to get some really frugalicious deals!!

I found and purchased the Sculptz Under Bra Shaping Slip for $1.99 after the discount!! Every curvy girl needs her foundation!! I did have to pay the $4.99 shipping, but if you spend $40 or more, your shipping is FREE!!

Check out the site and see what you can get for less!!

Declutter Game - Day #22: Coupon Class Freebies

Last week, we were talking about coupons...AGAIN!!

Every since Tasha & I started teaching at the libraries, classes have been getting bigger and more popular. We always get regrets from people who say they can't make it, or afterward that they are sorry they missed it. However, the people who make it to class always mention that they learned a great deal. My suggestion... make it a priority next time!! LOL!! You're missing out on big savings!!

I'm always so excited to share the information that Tasha and I have learned (and continue to learn) and this time was no different.

We've taught at this library branch twice before and they always prove to have the biggest turnout. It's centrally located and one of the most popular branches in the city. We are fortunate they like the program and keep bringing us back!! Plus, they are so generous too. We had coffee and cookies!!

Class is set up with rows of chairs with a table for us in front. We also have two tables on the sides. One of the giveaways that both we and the library provided. We give away previous coupon inserts with lots of coupons in them. Additionally, we had a red basket of goodies. These are mostly travel/trial size items that we had in our stockpiles that would be small, but helpful gifts for those who attend the class.

In addition to what we give, the library, who funds this program through a grant, gave away two raffle prizes. Upon entering each attendee filled out a small slip of paper with their name, in hopes their name will be called to win one of the prizes (must be present to win)!! The library gave a new Card Guard and the Extreme Couponing book by Joni Meyer-Crothers, of Free Tastes Good.

$1 or Less Show & Tell Table

On the other side, we have our Coupon Show & Tell table. We started doing that specifically for those who might be skeptical about couponing because we make the promise: "once you start couponing, you'll find that the generic brand costs too much!!" This table is also a great conversation starter. EVERYTHING on it was either FREE for cost less than $1.00.

Having this class on the 22nd, was a great excuse to get rid of 22 items (actually it was way more with the other giveaways, but specifically there were 22 items in our Freebies Bin. Glad to get rid of the items and that they could go to someone who would use them. I had to pull back on getting a bunch of freebies, because they would be in a drawer or box somewhere and never get used.

What a great class we had too!! They were energetic, very involved and most importantly, gave us great reviews!! If you want to learn how to coupon responsibly and save big, be sure to make sure you're at the next one. There will be a next one!! :)

Latisha (FD) & Tasha

Declutter Game Challenge - Day #19: Recycling Parents

It's Day #19!! I was on set once again for the last show of a local production of which I was crew. So, I still played Earth Mother and collected the bottles and cans from the actors, but on our way out a colleague pointed out a RECYCLE can right in the building...now how did I miss that thing ALL weekend? SMH!!

Anyway, I visited my parents after the show (since it was an early one) and they had their recyclables waiting for me to take. Here's the deal. When our city first introduced the new trash (black) and recycle (blue) receptacles, they were so excited to recycle. They diligently sorted the items and took pride in the fact that they were doing it (even though I was trying to get them to do it for YEARS before the city got new bins...but I digress).

Now, for my parents...the thrill is GONE!! They stopped sorted and started to just throw everything in the trash. They are older, so they get a pass, but I would still find myself digging through their trash bin and sorting it for them. I would take home their stuff and put it in my own. So, we made a deal. If they were to go back to sorting, I'd always pick it up from them and put it in my recycling. After all, they want to "help the environment", but weren't fanatics (like me). So, when they the fill bags, they leave "my recycling", as they call it, in the garage.

Here's two bags I picked up from them on Day #19. There were more than 19 items (yes, I counted while dropping them in my blue bin), but I still needed to make up 9 items from Saturday, so I'm right on track. My parents' recycling, my recycling...it's all out of our houses and our lives!!

Frugalicious Diva Teaming Up with Curvy Connect Magazine!!

Hey everybody!! Big news!! 

I am now a Contributing Writer for Curvy Connect Magazine, an online publication and website whose mission is to create an international network of professionals and businesses that support the curvy community and movement. Guess what? I will have a featured piece in the upcoming May issue!! 

Want to be part of the fun? Do you have any "Mommy Knows Best" advice to share? Submit yours to the email in the photo for your chance to have it featured in Curvy Connect Magazine!! (Like their page too, for updates)!!

Share the BEST motherly advice that you've been given at submissions@curvyconnectmag.com.

Your mom's words of wisdom may appear in the magazine or on this website!

You have until April 20 to tell us!!

We're Couponing Again...COUPON CLASS!!

Hey there frugalicious ones!! Tasha and I conducted a Coupon Class earlier this month. If you missed that one, don't fret because...we're couponing again...

If you're a beginner looking to learn or already a couponer looking to refresh, join us to get current coupon info!!

With all the changes going on in the coupon world, who knows what's going on? WE DO!! Lots of updates, but can still save big!! Hope to see you there!!

Free Extreme Couponing Classes (NW Ohio/SE Michigan)

Hey there frugalicious folks!! Many have asked, so we're answering!! Tasha & I are offering two Coupon Classes!! One for beginners and one for our seasoned couponers!! 

With all the changes going on in the coupon world, who knows what's going on? WE DO!! Lots of updates, but can still save big!! Join us next week!! Take a look at the flyer for all the info!! Hope to see you there!!

Frugalicious Savings Challenge!! Do It!!

If you've been Facebook for any amount of time in January, then you have seen The Savings Challenge grid!! It's a great tool to get a nice little nest egg at by the end of the year. Plus, it's easy to remember because you put in the amount of dollars that correspond with the number of the week you're on. 

If you haven't started, you can catch up. We're on Week #3, so get your $6.00 and let's get started!! 

There are many ways to do your challenge. I'm traditional, from Week #1 - #52, but I've seen others say they are doing:

• Week 52 - 1, to ensure they have more money to spend during holiday season
• First and last week and working their way to the middle, where they will be complete in six months
• Lumps at a time, like Week 1 - 10, etc.
• Based on affordability, keeping all the dates and when they save for that particular week, they check it off and date it

However you choose to do it, just do it!! Don't know where to keep the money? Try an out-of-sight, online account!! I suggest ING Direct because it's easy, pays a nice percentage on interest, allows you to have multiple accounts, PAYS you $25 to start the account (with $250 or more) and $10 to the person who referred you. PLUS, you can refer others and get paid $10 each for up to $500!! That's making money on top of saving money!!

If you want to set up your account today, head over to ING Direct, open an Orange SAVINGS account and tell them Frugalicious Diva sent you!!

Frugalicious Wins!! Kroger & Affiliates Buy 5, Save $5 Instant Win Game!!

Go DAILY to the new Buy 5, Save $5 Instant Game and mix and match your way to savings!! You can win up to $15 and you can play once a day, EVERY DAY!!

My first two days, I won a total of $1.00 off my next visit to Kroger!! I'll be using these savings in conjunction with the P&G Mega sale Kroger has going on this week!!

Sign up and play today to see what you win!!

FREE Whopper Sandwich from Burger King

HOT COUPON ALERT!! 

FREE WHOPPER FROM BURGER KING!!

Enjoy a big, juicy Whopper from Burger King for FREE!! Hurry over to coupons.com and print yours!! Guess what? You can print TWO coupons (per computer)!!

FREE Whopper Sandwich from Burger King

This will not last long, so get yours NOW!! 

Make your lunch FRUGALICIOUSLY FREE!!

Frugaliciously FREE Week!! My Kroger Money Maker!!

This is free week for me!! I'm heading out to the stores and seeing what I can get for free because FREE is the most fun (not to mention Frugalicious!!) 

So, go on a ride with me!! 

Let me share what kicked off this week!! Such a FRUGALICIOUS time at Kroger on Sunday!! Went to our Kroger that doubles up to 0.99 to use my last 0.75/2 Campbell's q's and saw they were no longer 4/$5 but 3/$5. I went to Customer Service and asked if it was a mistake and told them my concern with the attached catalina (buying 4 of them would give me $2.00 back). The store manager gave the ok to get for 4/$5 since I was only getting four (and they love me sooooooo much LOL). When I went back up there, they rang me out (oh, their catalina system was down).

This is what I got and as for my total...drum roll please....

(2 Angel Soft 4pk, 2 Airwick Air Fresheners (the other 2 were free at Dollar General), 3 Dawn Hand Renewal Soap, 4 Campbell's 100% Naturals soups, 4 Colgate, 4 Oscar Meyer Snack Deli Meats.)

THEY PAID ME $3.36!! PLUS, I got a gift card with $2.00 as a replacement to my catalina!! I got ALL the overage (not typical in all cases). You have to LOVE that kind of customer service!! 113% savings!! WOOHOO!! 

Frugalicious Freebie: Free Nailene Everyday French

Looking for that professional look ladies? 

Be sure to grab your FREE

Nailene Everyday French Sample

*It's a $1.50 coupon, but we're sure to find places that where this coupon will make them free!!

What Happens on the Inside, Happens on the Outside!!

Yesterday in The Frugal Files, my blog at Belle Noir Magazine, I talked candidly about some issues going on in my life. To get the back story to this blog, why don't you check that one out first: See Yourself, Saving Yourself

Now that you've read my challenge to myself, let me go on to say...I just LOVE my new lawn guy!! He is the best!! He needs some business cards!! I let him shop in my donation pile because I am SOOOOOOOO grateful for him (in addition to me paying him of course)!!

Great family guy and since he was referred to me by members of my family that I highly respect, it was a perfect match!!

Here's pictures of his work. The proof is in the miracle he made of my hot mess of a yard!! This was just the front!!

BEFORE (Left Side)


AFTER (Left Side)















BEFORE (Right Side)















AFTER (Right Side)

Now, this is just Step 1. I'm on a mission to get myself and my yard together!! I heated up two bottles of my almost free vinegar and sprayed all the areas where there were weeds, because tomorrow he's putting down mulch!! YAY!! More importantly, a freecycler told me the city sells mulch for cheap. Even though I was already set to hit up Lowes tomorrow for their 4/$10 mulch sale, I think I will just drive around the corner and have them fill up a few large containers for $1.50 each!! WOOHOO!!

I'm getting it right and getting it tight!! I'll check in when the mulch is down!! Stay frugalicious!!

Cover Blown on the CoverGirl Freebies...The Truth

Couponers...BEWARE!!

If you're a couponer, then you are familiar with our beloved CoverGirl coupons. We originally were getting $1.00 off ANY one CoverGirl item, but for the last couple of months, in addition to this gem, we've also been getting $3.00 off ANY two CoverGirl items. We found out we can use them at Family Dollar to get some awesome beauty tools and so, you KNOW we were getting them faithfully!!

I have been having some "interesting" experiences with Family Dollar and their coupon procedures. This happens typically because the register beeps EVERY time we use this coupon. The beep is fine because we know the cashier can manually punch in the discount and Voila...free stuff!! Every time!! It's not usually without some discussion though, as cashiers were coming up with every excuse known (and not known) to couponers, so that we wouldn't walk away with freebies. Some "discussions" are plain ridiculous because my free stuff does not come out of their checks and they certainly don't get paid enough to argue about a $1.00 coupon.

I was going to list all the excuses and blog about it, but after doing a little more research, I found out that Family Dollar found the biggest loophole to stop our usage on theses products. Just for fun, I even solicited one of my favorite couponing groups I LUV 2 COUPON, to run down a list of excuses they've received and here's a few:

Excuse: The picture doesn't match the product.
Answer: It doesn't have to match the product in the picture, just whatever is WRITTEN on the coupon. By the way, the picture changes periodically.

Excuse: You're not allowed to get items for free.
Answer: I am permitted to use my coupon as long as it doesn't exceed the amount of the product and even then...

Excuse: Your coupon is for more than the item costs.
Answer: According to your coupon policy, you are to adjust the coupon down to the price of the item. I realize I'm still responsible for the tax.

BONUS Excuse: It's illegal to get free stuff with coupons.
No need to answer that one...pure nonesense.

Anyway, today, I had the worst experience with the CoverGirl coupons EVER!! So bad, in fact, I had to send a message to Family Dollar's corporate office regarding the poor customer service. The cashier was rude and told me I couldn't use the coupon even before I put it on the counter. She told me since the product was not a P&G (Proctor & Gamble) product, they couldn't take my P&G coupon. But it was the way she said it, talked over me and continued to talk crazy as I exited the store. Unacceptable.

It still didn't sit well when I got home, so I called CoverGirl (800-426-8374) to ask about their products. I found out that some of their CoverGirl products were licensed to a company called Bassett. These products include the following CoverGirl/CoverGirl Queen accessories products:

• Pumice Stones
• Nail Clippers
• Tweezers
• Emory Boards
• Eyelash Curlers
• Etc

Basically...ALL of Family Dollar's CoverGirl beauty items!! Skeptical? Turn your package over, you won't see P&G there, but Bassett Brands. This is Family Dollar's loophole and perhaps for good reason, because if P&G is not going to pay them for the coupons used to buy Bassett licensed products that completely makes sense. I concluded this is probably the communication that Family Dollar's District Manager sent to his stores....so couponers, it looks like we'll be out of luck in the future trying to score these goodies. My projection: their loophole, their loss. We'll simply stop buying them. The End.

This is Frugalicious Diva reporting the Coupon News...signing off!!

Frugalious Freebie: Free Samples of Miss Jessie's!!

For all my Naturalistas!! Have you always heard about Miss Jessie's products, but never got the chance to try it? Are they not  in your budget just yet? 

Well, get your Free Samples of Miss Jessie's Hair Care!!

You can select up to 3 samples and just check out!! Shipping is FREE!! (This offer may require a credit card at checkout.)