Walmart


Green-Frugal-Free: Get Down at the Dump*
November 20th, 2010 | 12 Comments
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Recycling stations, in these times, should be a frugal-green b’s destination for fabulous finds. That’s right, the dump. Just like you should head over to your nearest Walmart or Target in the priciest zip nearby (for the best assortments), if you can enter without a sticker, check out the priciest garbage facility that has a take-it-or-leave-it near you. Be clever as you wait by the entrance for all those rich, or the once-rich forced to move and now cleaning out, to deliver their goodies. Restrain your Madame LaFarge like snickers, remember what goes around comes around, as you sort through their leftovers.

Repaint a desk and chair for Jimmy. Organize a new library for Grandma. Set the holiday table with oh-so-chic mismatched depression glass dishes.

A final word: Dignity. If you are picking through the garbage, at least be picky.

*Adapted from the book Bitches on a Budget






Black Friday isn’t just for Friday anymore…
October 28th, 2010 | Comments
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Black Friday, the day that retailers traditionally offer ridiculously low prices and open their stores at ridiculously early times while attracting ridiculously crazed customers isn’t just for the day after Thanksgiving anymore.

Frighteningly, it’s starting this Halloween weekend.  The lure of all these goodies is going to go on for a long, long time this Christmas season so your job is to plan carefully.

Sears is running a big sale and Toys ‘R Us is putting all of the items in it’s Christmas Toy catalog on sale on October 31. Target is gearing up to drop a circular with 176 gift items with deeper than normal discounts the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Walmart online will be offering very low prices beginning in November… the list goes on.

The rationale behind time and supply limited deep discounted items is to snatch your shopping dollar before another retailer can pick your pocket.  Once they get you inside, they tempt you with a big loss leader, something they may very well be making no money on (unless they’ve cut a great deal with a supplier), and grab your limited disposable dollars before you make off with another guy.

Hey, we’re not condemning them for that– every one needs to make a buck.  You just need to be a withholding little B (with your purse, ladies, your purse) and not wantonly give it away to any Kohl’s, Walmart or Macy.

What should you do with all this frantic and early promotion? By all means, if there is a brand new television that was on your list and you see it at a great price–snap it up.  But, don’t add a new toaster, iTouch and Taylor Swift CD while you’re cruising through Best Buy just because they’re 20% off, too.

We’re curious: what % off an item is motivational enough for you to make a purchase?






Play Make-Believe on a Budget
August 23rd, 2010 | 1 Comment
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Who wants to live in the real world all the time? A bitch is in touch with her fantasies. Yep, we’re big fans of role-play… especially thrifty role-play. We’re on a budget, after all.

When you think role-play, you probably think leather-clad dominatrix or sexy nurse or Catholic schoolgirl—meaning your mind goes right to the dirty stuff. We forget that we “play roles” all the time, that tiny tweaks in our attitude and appearance can be just as thrilling as hard-core stuff. We forget that we can do it to please ourselves—not only to please him.

With that in mind, here are some ideas:

MAD MEN. Fan of this terrific TV show? Love the mid-century style? Maybe you long to play role of Joan, that gorgeous curvy secretary—totally self-possessed, totally sexy, totally calm and in control. You may not have quite the same body (who does?!), but you can channel her killer sex appeal and confidence by wearing a garter instead of pantyhose at the office, just like in the days of yore. Forget the expensive stuff.  Walmart makes some wicked sexy lingerie (yes, Walmart.) Try it and see how it makes you feel. Saunter through the office, knowing how strong and sexy you are. (And knowing that cute copy guy would weep if he could see…)

SNOW WHITE. Isn’t there something refreshing about playing the virgin? (C’mon, ladies, we know you can make believe). If you get a thrill playing the role of innocent, dewy-ripe maiden, go no further than your neighborhood drugstore. Loreal Infallible Plumping Lipgloss in Plumped Red (under ten bucks) gives you that just-ate-a-popsicle look of your youth… fresh and young and effortlessly sexy. Apply, smile demurely, and feel (act?) ten years younger.

CATWOMAN. OK, there’s just something awesome about Catwoman. She’s stealthy, in control, sleek, purr-fectly (sorry) villainous. For most bitches, wearing a black leather cat suit to the grocery store may be a little much. Another way to channel this kick-ass character? Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer (around six bucks). That’s right, girls—get the feeling of Catwoman with cat eyes. You need just a steady hand and a some guts—both of which can be learned. Check out this tutorial. Be glamorous and empowered. Embrace your inner bitch.

What naughty (or nice) roles get you excited? What thrifty products/techniques/articles of clothing put you in touch with your fantasies? We want to know!