Treat Yo Self to Birthday Goods!

What's the best way to get free stuff and discounts? Sign up for free stuff and discounts and get rewarded on your Birthday!

In the month of November, only 2 weeks in, I have redeemed $5 off at DSW, $10 off at Victoria's Secret, $10 off at the Body Shop, ate a free pretzel from Auntie Anne's, and drank a free Starbucks chai latte.

If you're a woman, or even a man shopping for your woman, you NEED to be part of the the Pink Nation at Victoria's Secret. FREE PANTIES! I repeat... FREE PANTIES. Free to sign up, check in store by providing your home phone number or simply on their website. Almost every month I get a free panty card in the mail good for a free panty, usually a cotton one worth up to $8.50 but sometimes they have a special one worth up to $12.50! I never have to buy underwear again! #TMI :)
They also will send you a $10 rewards card for your birthday! I used it to buy yoga pants that I absolutely love but I'm never willing to pay $34 for them. They were on clearance at $22 and after the -$10 I paid $12, plus since I purchased more than $10 I got a Victoria's Secret Rewards card to redeem (secret reward ranging between $10-$500; most likely it will be worth $10 when revealed-- however, one time I received $100!).

I signed up for the free DSW Rewards about 2 years ago and already twice now I have received a discount savings from DSW. I know $5.00 doesn't sound like a lot but if you use it correctly you could get a good deal! I bought these heels that were on clearance for 80% off and used my $5 off on top of the total cost for a final total of $9.78, a $110 savings! If you can't find a god bargain there then use the $5 for a pair of socks, laces, or insoles for your shoes! Hey, they're free or barely a $1 or $2 after the reward.

I bought a Groupon for the Body Shop for $20 worth of product for $10. They usually have this deal 2-3 times a year and it's a great deal when used correctly in combination of current deals. I usually only buy one Groupon because I buy enough items only using one Groupon I don't think it's necessary for me to buy two and stock up on something I won't have room in my makeup bag or bathroom cabinets for. See, I have some...control... =P.

I signed up for the Body Shop rewards program which costs a one time fee of $10. I have turned down this program numerous of times whenever I was offered but decided to go for it this time! Why? It took a lot of convincing from the sales person but as a person who works in sales I needed to know the details and benefits as I'm not one to easily just say yes to a deal. If anything... I say no to a lot of sale pitches. I'm not ever easily convinced. 

By purchasing the Body Shop rewards program at a one time fee of $10 I actually received my $10 back right away because as a part of the program you receive $10 for the Body Shop during your Birthday month! Plus I received a point for my first purchase. After 4 purchases (4 points) you receive a free item worth up to $15, nice!

The Body Shop also always has promotional deals going on. During the Holidays they like to have a "wheel" that is spun for a reward deal-- 30% off your purchase, 40% off your purchase, 50% off your purchase, buy one get one free, etc. I was able to spin the wheel and land on 40% off my total purchase (except on gift sets). Last year I was fortunate to land on 50% off my total purchase.

I purchased 2 lipsticks ($12.50 each), a concealer ($14.50), hemp chap stick ($8), travel size moisturizer ($6), and a facial scrub brush ($3) [40% off everything + rewards discount] for a total of $12.43-- less than the cost of one lipstick at full price. Apply the Groupon I purchased -$10 which equals my cost today of $2.43-- less than the cost of the facial scrub I purchased!

SIGN UP FOR FREE BIRTHDAY GOODIES AND TREAT YO SELF!
There are many other Birthday freebies especially at restaurants where you can get a free dessert. That's easy and a no brainer on your birthday!
There's definitely way more birthday freebies if you're a kid but there's some still left for adults!
When I was a kid I was a part of every kids birthday club you could think of. My Mom would have to take me to multiple places to claim all my free ice cream sundaes and children's meals :). Of course back then you would sign up with a self stamped post card but if there was free food involved, you would have me at "free".

Years of training. TinaDeal in the works since I was a kid.


Here are some Birthday freebies for you to sign up for (no purchase required):
Free burrito from Baja Fresh
https://secure.murgent.com/emopt/index.php?id=8339

Free ice cream scoop from Baskin Robbins

https://www.baskinrobbins.com/content/baskinrobbins/en/signin.html

Free pretzel from Auntie Anne's (personal favorite)

http://auntieannes.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&inputsource=w

Free large order of fries from Wing Stop

http://www.wingstop.com/email_club.aspx

$10 to Cost Plus World Market

https://www.worldmarketexplorer.com/rewards/register/

Free Starbucks drink

https://www.starbucks.com/card/rewards/program-information

Free tater tots, cream slush, or medium drink at Sonic's

https://www.sonicdrivein.com/Account/Register

Free mini makeup kit at Sephora

https://www.sephora.com/profile/MyAccount/beautyInsider/beautyInsider.jsp

Free burger from Red Robin

https://redroyalty.redrobin.com/

Plus many more out there!!! It's all free and during your Birthday month!!
Please allow however amount of time it says to receive your rewards. I signed up for Auntie Anne's pretzel club in September of 2011 and didn't receive my free pretzel for my Birthday by November of 2011.

Side Note!

Instagram has taken over on Tina Deals! I've neglected updating the blog since uploading a photo using a collage application is just so much easier than this. I'm never on my laptop any way so It's difficult to update my blog via iPhone or iPad.

Follow me on Instagram @yaytina or search for #TinaDeal

The my favorite Tina Deal posts on Instagram:

 Bar III Blazer, Fitted Skirt, and Crop Top from Macy's at under $30 compared to $125

 Sad Edelman heels from Ross at $20 compared to $120

 Material Girl jumper from Macy's at $9 compared to $58

 Geometric necklace from Ross at $10 compared to $38

 Saks 5th Avenue dress from Off 5th Outlet at $33 compared to $130

 Red work dress with belt from Ross at $16 compared to $58

All 4 items from Urban Outfitters at $15 compared to $154

White one shoulder cocktail dress from Ross at $17 compared to $68

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

NYC: Blazer by Gap at $17 compared to $88

Jeffrey Campbell's for $15!

My deal for the Fall season--

Ibiza Last Jeffrey Campbell booties with fringe for $15.00 compared to $175+

Mmm..deals.

I was watching out for these at TJ Maxx for a few months starting at their maxxinista price of $99.99.
Once they became on clearance they went down to $79 and it was a slow and steady race until the TJ MAXX END OF SEASON SALE WITH YELLOW TAGS brought it down to $15!

YELLOW TAGS, YELLOW TAGS! BEST THING OVER AT TJ MAXX AND MARSHALLS!

Sorry for the caps, I'm a bit excited.

At this yellow tag event I purchased a few items but decided to showcase just my most favorite and best deal I purchased at this yellow tag event.

Note that yellow tags also mean final clearance sale and are non-returnable. But at $15 for Jeffrey Campbell's why would anyone return them?

Super cute for the Fall season. Pair it with skinny jeans and you're good to go. I love the braided tassels on the sides for a fun detail. They color of the boots are very neutral and can go with many of my fall outfits.

 
Side Note!

Just a few of my Instagram deals!

For those of you who don't follow me on Instagram this is what you're missing out on--
#tinadeal

Follow me at yaytina :)

Dress by BarIII from Macy's for $20.00, Bracelet from Forever 21 for $10.80, and LuLu belt from Ross for $4.99

Dress by Rhapsody for $12.99 from Ross

Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses at $10.00 from Marshalls

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

BLACK FRIDAY, BLACK FRIDAY, GOTTA GET DOWN ON BLACK FRIDAY

I must say that Kohl's parody of Rebecca Black's "Friday" is pretty catchy.

Any way, countdown to midnight in t-minus about 1 1/2 hours...for the majority of the black Friday sales.  There are so many good deals going on but many are unnecessary for me to buy.  I really don't need a George Foreman grill but for $10 at Macy's... that's pretty good.  Therefore, I will buy one for Dan.  Walmart had a waffle maker or a food chopper for around $2!  I know what everyone's going to get this Christmas!  Choose wisely between your waffle maker and the food chopper.

There are some clothes deals for Black Friday as well but many are misleading as 'great deals':

Express- They open at Midnight with everything in the store at 40% off.  However, in the past 2 years they have not provided any free gifts.  Express has given out clutches to women in the past which were nice little gifts worth at an Express price of about $16.50.  Men received pajama pants worth around the same price as well.  Express has been crossed off my list as I find that during their clearance bin sales the deals can be better than at 40% off the entire store and of course to avoid long lines!  Express usually has "Take an Additional 40% off already reduced prices" at the end of each major season of Summer and Winter.  Dresses can be marked down to about $14.99 then plus an extra 40% off!  During this time 40% off everything in the store is great if you're going in to find that one item you loved last week and now you can get it almost half of during Black Friday.  Other than that, I don't find it too beneficial to go to Express as many items aren't marked down to it's lowest price of the season.

Old Navy- Random door busters of $5-$10 items here and there.  However, usually right before Black Friday they have random daily deals.  For example this past Tuesday they had a special where from noon to 5pm it was "Take 75% off all long sleeve women's and men's tops."  A bit cheaper than a Black Friday deal of a $7 long sleeve top when you purchase a $25 top with 75% off and not to mention no crazy lines!

Urban Outfitters- Until 10AM all clearance items are "Take an Additional 50% off."  Although, they do this more than once a year.  Usually around some sort of holiday they bring up this sale again.  During Labor day I went to UO and got 2 pairs of shoes at original price of $59 and $29.  Both were marked down to $20 each with final total of $10 each.  If lines are crazy hectic, don't bother, they will have that same sale again.  Not only that but the deal is only until 10AM!  During Labor Day it was the whole weekend clearance items were at the sale of the additional 50% off.

Just an example of how Black Friday sales can be misleading for clothing.  I won't say it's always like that but just to show you to shop other times of the year for great bargains!

Now onto my awesome deal!

It's a Day to Night outfit.

Fun and cute for the day and still fun and cute at night!

Same Jeggings, flats, and tank to mix with different jackets for day and night!
Sure my night photos aren't at night but you get what I'm talking about :)

Item 1-- Gray jeggings with side zipper at ankles
The material is fantastic.  Great pair of jeggings to go with any of your long shirts.  The zippers are a nice added touch too.
From: Nordstrom Rack
Brand: Joe's Jeans
Type of sale: Nordstrom Rack price
Original price: $118.00
Purchased price: $19.97

Item 2-- Long black tank with draping back
This shirt is one of a kind for me.  I own nothing like it and it's super cute over these jeggings with great flow.  You can actually unbutton the draping and have a more flowy top.
From: Tilly's
Brand: Ezekiel
Type of sale: Take an additional 50% off clearance items
Original price: $34.00
Purchased price: $9.99 with final price $4.99

Item 3-- Black simple flats with textured design
Great pair of simple flats from Burlington Coat Factory ("We're more... than great coats!").  I've seen these flats even at Ross for $12.99 so I got a great deal here instead.
From: Burlington Coat Factory
Brand: Bamboo
Type of sale: Burlington Coat Factory price
Original price: Compared at $28.00+
Purchased price: $7.99

Item 4-- Zip up hoodie with tied bow at back of hood
Cute hoodie for the day time with frills at the shoulders and a bow to tie for a girlie touch.  Clearance price is faded but about $20?  Nice.
From: Nordstrom Rack
Brand: Juicy Couture
Type of sale: Clearance
Original price: $148.00
Purchased price: $49.97 with final price $19.80

Item 5-- Black short length blazer
A better camera could show you the shine of the blazer.  It has a bit of a shiny tint to it which makes it ideal for a night out.  I love how the draped tank looks great under the blazer, especially in the back!  Pair it with a fancy layering necklace and you're set!
From: Macy's
Brand: Guess
Type of sale: Clearance + scan the price tag and discover the new clearance price!
Original price: $108.00
Purchased price: $37.80 with final priced (after self scanned) $13.20! This was legen (wait for it) dary!

Item 6-- Layered gold necklace with white gems
Random find that really gives an extra pop to an outfit.
From: Nordstrom Rack
Type of sale: Clearance with 75% off original price
Original price: $29.00
Purchased price: $14.97 with final price $3.72

Side Note!
Um... It's Black Friday soon... 'Side note' could go on forever here.  Just go look at your local ads for all the awesome deals :)

Fashionably cheap

Tina

Comfort @ work

I can't help it, lots of black in my outfit.  My wardrobe consists of mostly black/white/blue/gray.  Slowly I have been trying to add in more color such as maybe some purple... and well, that's about it.  The situation would that if I had to buy a shirt and my color options were red or black I would choose black.  It's just the color I would lean towards.  However, if the red shirt is cheaper then red it is.  Sometimes that's the case where a different color is cheaper and that's how I expand the colors of my wardrobe... one color at a time.

Outfit:

A very, and I mean very, comfortable 3 piece outfit for work.  Very light material in this warm weather makes it easy to stay cool but covered up for appropriate work attire.  The outfit consists of black leggings with zippers on the side (similar to my Jessica Simpson black skinny pants with zippers on the sides from Ross $12.99 in post #2).  The leggings are made of 97% Modal material which is ultra soft and super comfortable to wear.  The top is a purple tank with a knot design at the straps and a floral imprinted design on front.  I am also wearing a black cardigan that is very light in material made with 93% Rayon (almost feels similar to Modal but not as soft).  I paired the outfit with simple gray suede flats and 2 jeweled stretch bracelets.  The bracelets are heavy and do not look or feel like the jeweled bracelets you can get cheaply for a few dollars.  They are stretch bracelets but look and feel like they should have clasps on them.  The shirt was long enough where if I wanted to take off the cardigan the shirt was an appropriate length to wear with leggings.  I'm not a fan of girls who wear leggings as pants and wear a shorter length shirt that reveals all the shapes of her back and front sides!  The outfit had very light material to it and was suited for the warm weather.

**Note: I own a lot of black skinny pants/leggings.  I will try to post other types...of..pants.

 

Item 1-- Black modal leggings with zippers on the side

From: Nordstrom Rack

Brand: Tart

Type of sale: Nordstrom Rack price + additional 40%

Original price: $65.00

Purchased price: $24.99 with final price $14.96

See this item

Item 2-- Purple tank with floral imprint design and knot ties at the straps

From: TJ Maxx

Brand: Matty M

Type of sale: TJ Maxx everyday + clearance (x4 times)

Original price: $67.00

Purchased price: $24.99 with final price $3.00

Item 3-- Black cardigan with material gathered and layered at front

From: TJ Maxx

Brand: Just Ginger

Type of sale: TJ Maxx everyday

Original price: Compared at $39.00+

Purchased price: $9.99

Item 4-- Gray suede flats

From: Payless

Brand: American Eagle (No, not like the store.  Payless has their own "American Eagle" too... not sure which came first.  I like how on their website it specifically states, "American Eagle by Payless is not a product of American Eagle Outfitters.")

Type of sale: Payless price + clearance

Original price: $19.99

Purchased price: $5.00

Item 5-- Purple jeweled stretch bracelets (came with 3 but I'm wearing 2)

From: Macy's

Brand: Macy's

Type of sale: Clearance with additional 75% off

Original price: $25.00

Purchased price: $10.00 with final price $2.50

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

Even one inch heels are an issue for me

Add color to an ordinary pair of skinny blue jeans and a simple black tank!  A designer bold cardigan on clearance and super cheap shoes will make an outfit all the better. 

Outfit: 

Dark skinny jeans, a black tank with a bright cardigan over it, simple heels, and a 3 tier necklace to top it off!  This outfit consists of 2 Juicy Couture items that were both bought for more than 65% off the retail price.  I usually don't wear heels.  Okay, more like... I never wear heels.  So, why do I have heels?  They were cheap.  I only wore them for the picture and my feet were dying to get back into flats.  I just had to showcase these gold heels since they are cute and were bought for a great price.  I would wear this outfit with the heels to a "sit-down" lunch, no walking please!  I would usually pair this outfit with my Kensie Girl black flats ($12.99 from Ross) found in my last post. 

The cardigan has gold buttons on it with 2 pockets in the front.  The sleeves are "bubble sleeve" style and the feel and material of the cardigan is so nice!  You can really see and feel the high quality of the cardigan, no wonder the original price is so much.. however, I would never pay the original price for it.  The necklace is a very detailed necklace with Juicy Couture pendants including a "J".  The necklace really stands out and has a good weight to it.  You can tell it's not cheaply made by the details and the weight.

Item 1-- Short bubble sleeve cardigan
From: TJ Maxx
Brand: Juicy Couture
Type of sale: TJ Maxx every day + Clearance
Original price: $198.00
Purchased price: $49.99 with final price $29.00

Item 2-- Dark blue skinny jeans
From: Ross
Brand: Cello Jeans
Type of sale: Ross everyday
Original price: compared at $34.00+
Purchased price: $12.99

Item 3-- Simple black tank
From: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Type of sale: Forever 21 standard price
Purchased price: $3.50

Item 4-- Gold heels
From: TJ Maxx
Brand: Report
Type of sale: TJ Maxx everyday + Clearance
Original price: $40.00
Purchased price: $16.99 with final price $5.00

Item 5-- 3 tier gold and black necklace with multiple charms and a heart locket with pearls/diamonds
From: Juicy Couture
Brand: Juicy Couture
Type of sale: Juicy semi-annual sale
Original price: $128.00
Purchased price: $45.00

Fashionably cheap,

Tina

Lunch on Santa Monica Blvd.

I may love my blacks, whites, and grays but I promise you... I do wear other colors.  In this outfit I'm showcasing, I got 3 great main items for $12.99 each, a 5 dollar tank, and super cheap accessories.

Outfit:

This outfit was to wear out to lunch with some friends in West Hollywood.  It's simple, comfortable, and cute.  Throw it with a simple brown bag to mesh with the gold and you're set!  The cute head band with diamonds and beads dress up the outfit.  The gold buttons on the cardigan add a classy touch and the gold chain necklace is an added accessory for a finished look.  I could have done without the necklace but it helped bring out the black and white of the outfit.

The 3/4 sleeved cardigan is a simple black and white striped design but the gold buttons and lace trim down the center make it look classy.  The gray camisole on the inside has a white sequined trim on the top.  The black skinny pants have a zipper at the ankle on each pant leg for an added design. 

Item 1-- 3/4 sleeve black & white cardigan

From: TJ Maxx

Brand: Pretty Good

Type of sale: TJ Maxx everyday

Original price: compared at $29.00+

Purchased price: $12.99

Item 2-- Black skinny pants with zipper at ankles

From: Ross

Brand: Jessica Simpson

Type of sale: Ross everyday

Original price: $59.00

Purchased price: $12.99

Item 3-- Black pointed flats

From: Ross

Brand: Kensie Girl

Type of sale: Ross everyday

Original price: $49.00

Purchased price: $12.99

Item 4-- Gray camisole with sequined trim

From: Aeropostale

Brand: Aeropostale

Type of sale: Take an extra 50% off already reduced prices

Original price: $19.50

Purchased price: $9.75 with final price $4.87

Item 5-- Long multi-string gold/bronze necklace with two stars and a bird pendant

From: Tilly's

Type of sale: Clearance

Original price: $7.99

Purchased price: $1.97

Item 6--  Gold headband with diamonds and beads

From: Ross
Brand: Lulu

Type of sale: Ross everyday

Original price: $12.00

Purchased price: $3.99

Fashionably cheap,

Tina