Run, Don’t Walk!

Well, okay.  In this weather, you should probably just drive.  And be careful, it’s slippery out there.

Tip Of The Day:  Whilst Christmas shopping (and I’ll admit it – shopping for costuming stuff, too), I rediscovered not one, not two, but three frugal and fabulous stores.  Best of all, they have locations outside of the Twin Cities, so readers ACROSS THE GLOBE (or at least, the Midwest) will benefit from today’s post.  Yep, I’m a giver like that.

Tip For Tomorrow:  I’ll be on the Fox 9 Morning Buzz between 9 and 10 am tomorrow (tune in early to watch our dance-off with the News guys).  Therefore, tomorrow’s post will be the companion piece for my segment.  We’ll be discussing local stores that offer great steals and deals on holiday gifts.  Think outside the big box!  Stop by tomorrow to see where to shop besides my beloved Target.

Further Elucidation Of My Cheap Deal:  Every so often, I get stuck in a shopping rut (all Target, all the time, with the occasional pit stop at Rosedale Mall in Roseville).  And I forget other stores offer great prices and even cooler merchandise, right outside my door… then down the street and around the corner… you get the point.  There’s more to life than just the big red bulls’ eye, is what I’m saying.

Chain Stores Filled With Affordable Goodness That You Might Have Forgotten About Until Right Now:

1.  Tuesday Morning.  Tuesday Morning is a clearinghouse of higher end home goods like linens, accessories, kitchenware, cushions, picture frames, books – even fancy foodstuffs like flavored coffees.  I love browsing their ever-changing supply of goodies, looking for that perfect gift.  Or, you know, something for me.  They aren’t open all the time (example, they’ll close in January for restocking), so check first before you go.

2.  Menards.  Save big money at Menaaaaaaaards!  Actually, you will.  And not just on hardware – they carry a large, low-priced selection of cleaning products, home accessories, even winter gear like hats and gloves.  I got a box of all-important Swiffer Dusters for a mere $8 (cheaper than Target!) and toilet bowl cleaner for less than $2.  They also carry my Dad’s favorite thing in the world – double-dipped, chocolate-covered peanuts.  Added bonus – the store on Central Avenue in Fridley was remodeled, making it even more user-friendly than before.

3.  Sally Beauty Supply.  For as much as I focus on my hair, I’m shocked I haven’t visited Sally’s in so long.  I don’t think I’ve darkened their doors since high school (and no, I’m not telling you how long ago that was).  Which is a pity, because they stock fabulous salon-quality hair care products, nail products, skin care stuffs, and even FAKE HAIR.  Which you can add to your real hair and make it even more amazing.  I bought a bun form (for, you know, forming a bun) and hair pins for less than $6 – but I held back for the sake of frugality.  Trust me, I could have gone hog wild.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the deets on even MORE great stores with great deals.  In the meantime, let’s make it all about you.  What stores have you recently discovered or recovered or are loving in general lately?

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In other, unrelated news – blog reminders!  Your favorite!  First, if you haven’t already done so, please Fan me on Facebook by clicking on that wee link up there on the left.  Thanks!  I’m trying to reach 200 Fans by the New Year, and I’m sooooooo close.

Second, did you know you can follow me on Twitter?  If I’m lying, I’m dying – and I plan to live forever.  Just log on to Twitter.com and search for thecheapchickMN.  That would be me.  While you’re there, add HalfPintIngalls to your account, too.  Damn funny stuff.

Last, have you told Oprah lately I should be on her show?  Shouldn’t you?  Of course you should!  Just go here and send her a request – saying something along the lines of, “the Cheap Chick puts the fun in frugal!  Have her on your show!  Before it’s too late!”  Or don’t, I’m not the boss of you.