Tip #58: Watch TV for FREE

Did you know that if you have an internet connection you can watch TV for free?

Ever "lose" the TV to the kids?

Now you can watch your favorite shows for free while keeping your kids happy too!

1. Hip Bargain Chick Favorite FREE site is www.sidereel.com  (I will admit it... I have watched all the Real Housewives shows for free)
2. You can watch full episodes FOR FREE on-line at www.ABC.go.com, www.CBS.com, www.NBC.com, the www.CWtv.com (and others)

Stay tuned for Cable TV alternatives...

Tip #57: Instant Closet Clutter Busters

My youngest daughter had her tonsils out on Monday and I have been in 'Mommy Mode'.  So sad to see her in pain :(  

Now she is back to her bossy 5 year-old self and I am back to being Hip Bargain Chick :)

Use Hanging Sweater Bags to house shoes.  They cost a few dollars more than the traditional hanging shoe bags.  BUT, each compartment holds 3-4 pairs of shoes.  Sort by type or color (or both)

GROUP your clothing by type (jeans, pants, shirts, etc.) and then by color.  For example, I have all of my jeans in one spot.  All of my white button-down shirts are hanging together.  Long-sleeve (non-button down) white shirts are next door.  Do what works for you!!

Tip #56: How I get CASH BACK for On-line shopping

I do ALL of my on-line shopping via ShopatHome.com and Ebates.com!!!!!  

It is a HABIT that you need to get into that will PAY YOU MONEY for purchases that you would make anyway!!!!!!

Real Life Example #1:

1. Our family goes out to eat after church a lot.
2. Get an e-mail from Restaurant.com that they are offering 80% off (this happens every few weeks)
3. Go to ShopatHome.com (link is to the right of this post)
4. Click on Restaurant.com
5. Buy 2 $25 off coupons for Eggspectations for $4.00.  With 25% cash back, I really pay $3 (or $1.50 each).  
6. Go to Eggspectations.  For a family of 4, the bill comes to $39.  
7. $39 - coupon = $14.00 + gratuity... not bad for a nice meal that I didn't have to cook or clean up!!

Real Life Example #2:

1. Had to buy ink toner for my printer.
2. Did a google search on ink toner discounts (or bargains)
3. Compared some websites for prices
4. Found the website I was going to use (offered free shipping and a discount)
5. Went to Ebates.com to see the cash back reward (link is to the left of this post). 
6. Went to Shopathome.com to see the cash back reward.
7. ShopAtHome.com offered a 16% cash back, a $15 coupon code AND free shipping over $50.

The other day I got a $30+ check from Ebates.com in the mail (from Christmas Shopping on-line).  What a nice surprise that was :)

Tip #55: How to Soften Stiff Jeans

It takes awhile for new jeans to get 'comfy'.

Try this:

1. Rub a fabric-softening dryer sheet briskly over the surface of the pants
2. For dark denim, turn the jeans inside out to protect the finish
3. One wash is enough to notice a change
4. Repeat the process to achieve even comfier results

Tip #54: How to Earn Free Money!!

OK, people.  I learned of this opportunity to earn free money about a month ago.  I was VERY skeptical (who gives away free money?!?)

So, I tried it and it works.  Seriously... it works.

There is a little bit more clerical work on my part (or on the person in the household that does the bills), but if you are even the slightest bit as passionate about saving money for your family as I am, it is worth looking into.

If you want to learn more, e-mail me at HipBargainChick@yahoo.com

Tip #53: More Spring Trends

Dolman Sleeves

Halter-Neck Dresses

Neutrals

Tip #52: How to Get Out Stubborn Sweat Stains

I get so many questions about how to keep white shirts clean... I am hoping this is an answer.  I haven't tried it yet because I keep on forgetting to buy aspirin at the store!!

1. Place 5 aspirin tablets under running water to soften them (or use a Water spray bottle)
2. Smooth the pills over the stain
3. Leave on overnight
4. Rinse with HOT water in the morning

The salicylic acid in aspirin will loosen the sweat, dirt and antiperspirant residue that cause discoloration.

Tip #51: Shop for Boots NOW!!!!

Now is the time to shop for boots girls!!!  They are on clearance!

Here is one suggestion:

• Click on ShopatHome.com to the right.
• Sign-in
• Search for DSW
• Click on DSW result to get 7% cash back and free shipping!!!!

If you live near an Aerosoles, they have great shoe sales right now.  I got a pair of knee-high black boots there 2 years ago for $19.99 - they are SO comfortable!

Tip #50: Suggestion for Petite Girls

I am NOT petite at 5'8".  But, I do NOT want to exclude any body types on Hip Bargain Chick!

For Petite Women with a slim upper body and short(er), stockier legs:

• Choose fitted tops in light colors (but stay in your color palette) to draw attention to  your tiny upper body.
• Wear dark, wide-legged pants or jeans
• A-line skirts (avoid narrow Pencil styles if you have stocky calves).  
• Shoes with height always make the leg look longer and make you taller!!

Tip #49: What NOT to wear!!

OK, girls... this may be obvious, but I feel a need to say this after my trip to the store today.

Avoid wearing the following on areas of the body you wish to appear smaller:

• Shiny
• Heavily textured
• Superbright 

It will have the opposite effect!!!