Don’t let the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown fool you – you don’t have to be a millionaire movie star to have an unforgettable stay in LA.

As long as you know where to book, you’re guaranteed a fun and affordable LA vacation.  Start by making your way to Orbitz, where you always get the guaranteed lowest rate on your hotel.  Next, take an additional 10% off the cost of your stay with Orbitz coupons!

For low-cost accommodations that still deliver the A-List perks, you can’t go wrong with a stay at:

Kawada Hotel Los Angeles

• Individual temperature controls, plus kitchenette in every room
• 2 on-site restaurants & plenty of parking
• Downtown location only blocks from Little Tokyo & Walt Disney Concert Hall

Rodeway Inn Hollywood

• Rooms feature complimentary wireless internet, microwave & fridge
• Outdoor pool
• Minutes from the Walk of Fame, Kodak Theatre & other Tinseltown landmarks

LAX South Travelodge El Segundo

• Free continental breakfast daily
• Heated outdoor pool open 365 days a year
• Free 24-hour shuttle to the airport

Good Nite Inn Los Angeles North Calabasas

• Outdoor pool
• Free parking
• Just a short drive to Malibu beaches

Tell Me What’s Going On

20th Annual Fiesta Broadway (April 26)

Don’t miss your chance to join in on the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the country.  Listen to live music and get swept up in the fun as 500,000 people celebrate Latin pride.

Even if you can’t make it downtown for Fiesta Broadway, make sure you’re prepared to celebrate Cinco de Mayo like a true Angeleno.  Shop for streamers, confetti and other party supplies at BuyCostumes.  Get 10% off $50 or more with BuyCostumes coupons!

Doesn’t it seem like sometimes girls grow up way too fast? Just flip the channel to shows like TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras. Many of them have on a full-face of makeup and look just like miniature 25-year-olds – it freaks me out!

Let girls act their age and enjoy the precious years of their youth. When you shop at Justice, you won’t have to worry about finding any plunging necklines or scandalously-short skirts here. All of their garments are age-appropriate and trendy!

Shop today using the free Justice coupons until April 5 and you’ll get 30% off everything! Here are some things to keep your eyes peeled for:

• Animal Print 2fer Tank - You can tell that it was designed for rock royalty with its intricate crown graphic across the chest
• Patterned Smocked Babydoll Tank - Her natural charm & sweetness will surely come out in this adorable top with a whimsical floral print
• Beach Surf Tank - Yes, Cyndi, it’s about fun, but as this top says, “Girls Wanna Have Sun”!
• Colorblock 1-Piece Swimwear - She’s sure to make a splash with this fetching dark halter this summer

Surprise your daughter, niece, or granddaughter today. Spring clothes from Justice are just a click away!

Recently, I had a chat with my car. She was up for some repairs, and I had to decide whether to sell her. So, I researched tips for saving money on cars and discovered you can enjoy a happy and frugal companionship with your vehicle.

Tips for Saving on Car Insurance

This one’s tricky. Insurance is mostly based on city and driving record, but shop around. Use GEICO coupons towards a free quote to make sure you’re not paying too much. It won’t cost a dime, but may save you hundreds.

Another option to consider is bundling your car, life and home insurance. If you have all of these under one plan, sometimes it can be cheaper. Also look for any discounts including retirement, good-student discounts or defensive driving classes. These can save up to 10% on your insurance!

Driving Habits & Maintenance

Each of these frugal car tips may not seem like much, but use them together to really save.

1. Give your car regular maintenance checks to help prevent expensive future damage
2. Keep the tires filled with air. Even 3 psi can make a difference. You can usually find the right pressure on the inside of the driver’s door
3. Drive the limit. Not only is it safe, but you’ll burn less gas

Planning

This is one of my favorite frugal car tips. Plan your errands so you only make one trip a week. This saves on gas going here, there and everywhere all week long. This is especially great if you don’t really enjoy driving.

And finally, compare the cost vs. convenience of owning. Is public transit an option? Getting rid of your vehicle completely can mean a lot of extra cash in your wallet. But if you’re like me and just can’t bear to part, remember these tips! Saving money on cars is possible!

Filed under: Frugal Tips

Yesterday I brought you some ideas for how you can mix your own nail-lacquer colors to (re)create special colors like Sephora by OPI’s Metro Chic. Today’s the 2nd installment for nailing the look and not hammering nails into your wallet’s coffin. Read on for cheaper nail polish alternatives!

Stop Paying High Prices for Rare & Discontinued Nail Polish

Remember NARS Zulu? Hardcore lacquer lovers would pay any price to get a bottle of this rare nail polish, but you don’t have to be like the person I saw on eBay who bought it for over $70!

• Hot Topic Kelly Green ($2.99) is similar to NARS Zulu

And whoaaaa! Stop the press! We can’t forget the Chanel Moscow Collection – a limited edition set of 3 bottles. Everyone loved the gorgeous, shimmery, deep colors, but the price was a total turn off at $30 a bottle! I’ve found close-enough dupes for them all, 2 of which you may be able to find in your local drugstore:

• Nicole by OPI Black Cat-cha Later is similar to Chanel Feu De Russie
• China Glaze Wagon Trail is similar to Chanel Or De Russia
• Nicole by OPI Blues in the Night is similar to Chanel Nuit De Russia

Awaken the Dead

Guess what? Nail polish never goes bad! Here’s how to make your own nail polish spring back to life – use a few drops of inexpensive lacquer thinner. It’s like CPR and will instantly restore even the goopiest formulas. So never trash your old bottles again (especially rare nail polish!) because you’ll just be throwing money down the drain.

Layering: It’s Sheer Genius

I’m not the only person who isn’t a fan of sheers. But sometimes I will accidentally buy one. It’s not a total loss because these types of colors look fab as a top coat over other colors. Layer them over black, navy blue, and even your purples and reds. You’ll be surprised by how you can create glittery and duochrome polishes!

That’s it for now for my tips on cheaper nail polish alternatives. Happy polishing, ladies (and glam-rock gents)!

(Click here to see Part One!)

So maybe if you asked me about a year ago, I wouldn’t know what the word “active” meant. Yes, I was a self-proclaimed couch potato who didn’t care about being fit and active. That’s until I went up two pants sizes and realized it was time to make a change. So I did what any normal person would do. I joined a gym. Except someone should’ve told me it wasn’t going to be cheap! So follow me as I attempt to achieve: working out on a budget.

She Shoots, She Scores!

A proven way to stay active and have a blast? Sports!

• If you only played a few sports in school or never picked up a ball and stick in your life, you might want to see what you’re good at it first
• Track down a store that has used sports equipment for sale so you don’t go overboard buying tons of brand new sports equipment that might sit in the closet for years
• Join a team! Get a bunch of old friends together and organize a pick-up league. Everyone can get their exercise and adrenaline rush from playing competitive sports

The Best Things in Life Are Free!

My next idea is to exercise for free. Utilize things you see and walk by every day and use them to help you lose weight and/or be active. Which includes:

• Walking or biking to work
• Using the stairs everywhere you go
• Running or swimming (perhaps you live near the beach…if you do, can we be friends?), etc.

Then there are those other not so obvious things you could do to get in shape and energized. Basically, look at your couch, bed, dresser and cans of beans as your gym equipment. There’s a bunch of exercises you can make use of. Where would you find them? Well, it’s my last idea so…listen up! 

The Internet! There’s tons of free workout and exercise tips and info online plus free nutrition advice on achieving a balanced lifestyle. Here’s a site to get you started, FitWatch offers ten ways you can exercise at home without any equipment. Check them out and happy exercising!