Tempted by 325 days of bright sunshine every year?  That’s exactly what Santa Monica averages, so it’s no wonder that this city draws flocks of visitors all year round.

Join the growing tide of tourists and explore Santa Monica’s beaches, shopping districts, museums and more.  Land the guaranteed lowest rate online for your Santa Monica hotel when you book through Orbitz.  Plus, take an additional 10% off the cost of your stay with Orbitz coupons!

Doubletree Guest Suites Santa Monica

• All-suite accommodations with a spacious garden terrace in the courtyard
• Outdoor pool with whirlpool
• Suites with balconies & ocean views available

The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica

• Luxury hotel with bungalows just a short walk from the beach
• Ocean-view rooms available with private balconies
• Lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool

Hotel California Santa Monica

• World-famous hotel just 300 feet from the Santa Monica Pier
• All rooms feature mini-fridges, ceiling fans, safes & leather furniture
• Complimentary continental breakfast, plus fresh fruit throughout the day

Travelodge Santa Monica Pico Boulevard

• Affordable accommodations only 2 miles from the Pier
• Coffeemakers, safes, cable TVs with premium channels & hair dryers in all rooms
• Free on-site parking

Tell Me What’s Going On

Santa Monica Summer SOULstice ‘09 (June 28)

With 20 bands across 7 stages, circus performers, a kids’ area and a massive sidewalk sale, the 9th annual SOULstice festival is one big party for the whole family!  Take a break from the beach to see Santa Monica’s Main Street come alive.

Make sure you’re prepared for the afternoon heat with sunscreen, lip balm, UV protection clothing and more from Drugstore.com.  Plus, you save $10 off non-prescription orders of $50 or more with Drugstore.com coupons!

As some of you know me as Stars, others know me as Sandra, the queen of bargain hunting. I picked up this trait from my mom who would hold up a line at the grocery or department store telling the cashier the sign above the item said 40% off. The only difference is nowadays you won’t really find me getting my “exercise” at the mall. I’d much rather do things myself, which is why I’m here to tell you about my beauty budget ideas.

There are many things I have a hard time paying for, beauty products and services being one of them. I’m no expert; however, my frugal beauty tips and corresponding coupons will dramatically cut the cost of this expense that some beauty queens won’t give up.

Beauty Budget Tips

Get Your Hair Did!

Getting my hair colored is one of my guiltiest pleasures. However, it’s oh so expensive especially when you know it washes out in 6 weeks which is why it’s number one of my beauty budget ideas. I used to spend $150 every three months to color my shoulder length hair when I finally decided that it was time to take matters into my own hands. I started buying hair dye at the beauty supply store and had someone I trusted do it for me.

There are color-at-home hair products like L’Oreal Natural Match and Color Expert. And there are many products for men too like Just for Men Shampoo in Hair Color and Sun In Hair Lightener. These products average for $10, and when you use our Drugstore.com coupons you can change your look as many times as you want.

Wax on, Wax Off!

Whether you want to admit it or not, no one is blessed with perfectly shaped eyebrows or hairless arms and legs. That’s why most of you go to an esthetician for help. Number two on my frugal beauty tips list – wax, tweeze, pluck and shave yourself! It’s your body and your hair. Make a girls night of it if you don’t trust your shaky hands and pick up Satin Smooth waxing kits and tools like a good pair of tweezers from Tweezerman and electric razors. Invest in these lifelong helpers using Folica coupons.

Spa at Home

Blah blah, besides what you say that you can’t imagine having a spa-like experience at home, I’d like to challenge you. Fill your cabinets with rich and luxurious skincare products, bath soaps and bubbles when you’re trapped inside on a gloomy cold day. Shop at Origins for bath and beauty products like Ginger Souffle, Spreadable Scrub and Body Spritz products all designed to help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Don’t forget to use our Origins coupons to save on your generously sized bottles.

So there you go my fellow frugal friends, a few beauty budget ideas and tricks you can do on the cheap. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when you could do it for less everyone will see that you look like a million bucks!

Coupons offered in this post:

• Drugstore.com discounts – $10 off $50
• Wolfgangs Vault discounts – 10% off memorabilia & 20% off apparel
• Rochester Big and Tall discounts – $20 off $250

March 6th – This day in history, save on Aspirin, Beatles memorabilia or apparel and men’s brand-name big and tall clothing.

1899 – Aspirin Patented by Felix Hoffmann – When you’ve got a headache, back pain or even a sore tooth, chances are you reach for some Aspirin. Aspirin has become one of the greatest accomplishments of medical science. It’s also known to provide protection against heart and stroke related diseases. I’m not a doctor so I’m not recommending you start taking Aspirin daily, but to learn more about how it can help improve your health, talk to your doctor. And if you already take Aspirin daily, then use our free dugstore.com coupons to save $10 on orders of $50!

1970 – Beatles Release Let It Be in UK – When I watch old concert videos of the Beatles in action, I see tons of women faint or cry hysterically. I asked my mom if she ever fainted in the presence of the Beatles, and she said she wasn’t allowed to go to concerts. She also stated that had she went, she believed she would’ve behaved just like the other crazed girls, which might be why my grandma refused to let her go. For all you crazed Beatles fans out there, use our free Wolfgangs Vault coupons to save 20% on Beatles t-shirts and 10% on memorabilia like posters, prints, and more!

Famous Birthday

Shaquille O’Neal, 37 – His skills have taken his career to the ultimate height, and his height has taken him to the fashion world of apparel for tall men. If you have a big and tall frame and can’t shop in a regular retail store, then you should try Rochester Big and Tall for brand-name casual, career and formal clothing for strapping. Save $20 on orders of $250 or more with exclusive Rochester Big and Tall coupons!

Coupons offered in this post:

• Brookstone discounts – $10 off $150
• Drugstore.com discounts – $10 off $50

March 3rd – this day in history, enjoy savings on fade-resistant American flags, music albums and beauty products!

1931 – Star Spangled Banner Officially Becomes U.S.A National Anthem – I’m Canadian, but I recognize a heartfelt and patriotic song when I hear one. And to me, the Star Spangled Banner is a wonderful song. I love when celebrities sing it at football games; it gets so crazy in that stadium, and you can just feel the excitement and anticipation building up. Are you feeling patriotic? Well, our Brookstone coupons help you save on huge American flags for your house or boat…or to wrap yourself in for the big game! Save $10 on orders of $150 or more when you buy a fade-resistant, nylon flag from Brookstone.

Famous Birthday

Jessica Biel, 27 – I’m still trying to figure out, if I had the choice, what feature I’d like to borrow from her: her almond-shaped eyes, her pearly-white smile, or her shiny locks. Well, I’m gonna be selfish and choose all of ‘em, ha! She’s gorgeous, but she wasn’t born with perfected features, they’re enhanced by makeup. Find the best feature you love about yourself and enhance it with products from drugstore.com. Shop for hair, makeup, skin and dental care products at drugstore.com by top brands at bottom prices. Plus, redeem free drugstore.com coupons for $10 off $50 or more.

Coupons featured in this post:

• Smart Bargains discounts – 10% off your order
• Drugstore.com discounts – $10 off orders of $50 or more

Wear Red Day – Hmm. Folks, I hate to tell you this – I don’t like the color red on me. I hardly own anything red or pink. How dull am I?! Well, today I’m more than willing to make an exception. I mentioned how February is American Heart Month, and today women around the world are wearing red to show their support for women’s heart disease. I can’t think of a better way to raise awareness and show support. In fact, I’m make it a mission to find the nicest red top to participate in this holiday. And you can and should too. Save 10% on red BCBG, Ed Hardy and Calvin Klein apparel, accessories and footwear when you use Smart Bargains coupons.

Bubble Gum Day – I love watching movies set in the 50s and 60s and seeing the girls smack and pop their gum while they talk. Man, whenever I pop my bubble gum and my mom is around, I better have my running shoes on to run for my life because she won’t be impressed! Now, onto the origin of this holiday. It is a real celebrated event around the world in which people chew bubble gum for charity, to break and create records and for a bunch of other reasons! Smell like bubble gum all the day (without the potential icky mess) with bubble gum Bonne Bell lip smackers, Dr. Fresh MouthSwoosh and Go Fish hand soap. Apply Drugstore.com coupons for $10 off orders of $50 or more.

January 26th – It was on this day in history in 1875 that the electric dental drill was patented by George F. Green. Thanks, George! Does anyone else get that awful chill down their spine when they hear that drilling sound at the dentist’s office? I’m terrified of my annual visit, must be why I haven’t gone in six years. But please, don’t follow my bad example. Your checkups are so important to maintain the health of your teeth. However, to avoid situations in which drilling is necessary (i.e. cavities), keep up a healthy daily routine for your teeth. From brushing to flossing to pastes that help prevent cavities and erosion of enamel, head over to drugstore.com. Save $10 when you spend $50 or more on tooth pastes, floss, tooth brushes, mouth wash and more! Check out how easy it is to use drugstore.com coupons by watching this short video:

1939 – Filming Begins on Gone with the Wind – Even though that movie is 4 hours long, I can never get enough of it. It’s one of my favorite romance movies. My favorite part of these types of films is the costume design. Those large, elegant dresses with built-in corsets are gorgeous. Lavish colors and fabrics, figure-enhancing designs, why aren’t they in style anymore? Since you’d be a walking target for giggles or remarks by sporting one of these dresses today, better make it for special occasions only. Whether you host a costume party or go to one, you can find lavish dresses like Scarlet wore in Gone with the Wind at Costume SuperCenter on sale. Browse the Historic Section for stunning gowns and use free Costume SuperCenter coupons to save 5% on orders of $30 or more!

Famous Birthday

Wayne Gretzky, 48 – Nick-named “The Great One” in the NHL, Wayne Gretzky has set some amazing records in his career leading a huge fan base. He’s adored by fans, looked up to by athletes and used for comparison purposes by sports commentators. He’s a living legend and will always be a heroic figure in sports. If you’re a huge Gretzky fan, then be sure to check out some amazing collectibles on sale now at NHL Shop. From posters to photos, plaques to signed pucks and more, NHL Shop coupons save you money on great items to add to your shrine. Score a 15% discount everything today!

1962 – NFL Prohibits Grabbing of Face Mask – Ya, this isn’t cool by me. It’s a sucker’s move – pulling someone down by the mask. Hardcore NFL fans go crazy if a player is taken down this way. It comes down to football etiquette (hahaha! Yes, I believe there’s such a thing even in the most vulgar of sports). Players should just know that it’s simply foolish to try something that low. And for you nodding fans out there that agree with me, there’s also fan etiquette too, you know. Like, if you’re going to an away game to cheer your team on, wearing your team jersey to show everyone who you’re routing for is cool. Bringing a 12 ft banner with profane writings about the other team – ya, not so cool. So, be the hardcore fan who’s smart enough to know how far to go by shopping at NFL Shop for all your fan gear. Discover team jerseys with player’s name and number on them too. Use free NFL Shop coupons for 15% off your order.

Famous Birthday

Crystal Gayle, 57 – She’s a country singer that’s known for her super long, flowing hair. I think long hair is so pretty. But styling it every day can be so tiring. Plus, too much blow drying and straightening can turn your hair into hay. But, if you equipped yourself with right tools and hair serums, styling long hair can actually be pretty fast and less damage can occur. I personally believe that the CHI straightener is the best out there! And coupled with the CHI Silk Infusion hair serum, oh man, your hair will look lustrous and shiny plus soft to the touch. Find these products for less at drugstore.com today! Plus, save $10 when you spend $50 or more with exclusive drugstore.com coupons!

I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore Day – Have you ever been so sick and tired of a nagging issue in your life that it makes you want to burst out with anger? Well, look at the title of today’s holiday. Friends, you’re not going to take it anymore. It’s a new year, new outlook and big changes need to happen. Don’t allow the issues of 2008 to come creeping into 2009. It’s not right! Whatever is going on in your life that’s making you feel so stressed, it’s time to confront it. Want to know why? Because you’re not going to take it anymore. Gosh, I feel so empowered already, don’t you? So what’s eating at you? Your relationships with others? Your job? Your financial issues? All three? Well, I’m not an expert on any of these areas; however, I can tell you that making these issues boil inside of you is the wrong move to make in this game of life. So whatever is bothering you, make sure you never lose sight of you. Stand up for yourself, because if you don’t, who else will? If you’re feeling on the edge today and could use some spa therapy, do some shopping at Drugstore.com. Save $10 on L’Oreal cosmetics, philosophy skincare and spa robes on orders of $60 or more when you use Drugstore.com coupons.

Old Rock Day – Did you ever have a collection as a kid? Or perhaps you still do. Well, yes, if you’re interested, I did collect rocks and leaves as a kid. That’s until my mom started getting fed up at the mud and sand I was bringing into the house, so I was forced to take my rock and leaf collection outside. When winter came, I had to give up on my hobby. I used to love finding unusual things around my dad or grandfather’s garden. Whenever I found an unusually shaped rock, I’d tell my friends it was a dinosaur fossil. I’m so imaginative huh? While I’m on vacation at a sunny, tropical place, I make it a point to find one or two pretty seashells and take ‘em home with me. Oh and sand too! It makes a really pretty display. Nowadays, many interior designers use the great outdoors as their main inspiration. I’ve seen many design shows where they literally take pieces of nature, whether that be grass, rocks, moss, branches, and other things and incorporate it into a space. Today be inspired to do the same in your home with help from Macys. Save 10% on home decor accessories and more when you open a Macys account and use Macys coupons.