Hot stone massage. Chocolate body scrub. Lavender rose wrap. All sound lusciously decadent ... and expensive. But even the $14 billion spa industry isn’t immune to a skittish economy. Pressured to keep expenses low yet maintain customer levels, spas (both day and destination resort) continue to ramp … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save at spas
Health & Beauty
How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure
I love the look of a pedicure. Be it a shiny color or a beautiful design, a pedicure makes me think of carefree, barefoot summer days. The weather turning colder across much of America is no reason to neglect your feet. They're still dealing with all the walking, running and pounding you subject … [Read more...] about How to get salon results from your DIY pedicure
12 places to get beauty and health freebies
Hello, gorgeous! All those products we use to look and feel a bit better can be costly. But if you know where to look, you'll find a bounty of beautiful freebies. Look even more marvelous, dah-ling with these products and services on the house. Walk in and ask... Beauty and makeup stores such … [Read more...] about 12 places to get beauty and health freebies
8 places to find a discount massage
While I was getting an expensive four-part body treatment at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale — offered to me free of charge — I thought of that saying, "Do more of what you love." The quote generally applies to work. But as I lay on that massage table for 80 minutes, my masseuse rubbing the knots … [Read more...] about 8 places to find a discount massage
Get free stuff on your birthday
Blow out the candles for great birthday freebies as a member of these online loyalty eClubs. The month of your birthday you'll receive some sort of email you can exchange for your goodie. Many of these are valid during your entire birthday month, but be sure to read each coupon for the details. Some … [Read more...] about Get free stuff on your birthday
How and when to sign up for Medicare
Think of it as a birthday with benefits. You turn 65 and you are finally eligible for Medicare. Signing up can be a breeze – under the right circumstances. Or it can be a confusing hassle. Lori McGinnis, a counselor with SHIP (State Health Insurance Programs), a federally funded program that … [Read more...] about How and when to sign up for Medicare
How to get a free breast pump through insurance
If you’re pregnant or a new nursing mother, you know that you’re going to either need a breast pump or will have to switch to formula feeding if you are going to go back to work or spend more than a few hours apart from your baby. While breast pumps can range from $25 for a manual pump to $300 or … [Read more...] about How to get a free breast pump through insurance
Enrich your life with a gratitude attitude
Happy New Year! Want to make sure it’s a good year? Keep a gratitude journal. OK, OK. Keeping a gratitude journal is old news. It seems like everyone, from your Aunt Tilley to Oprah Winfrey, has done it. But some people actually keep it up, year after year. Oprah has kept her gratitude journal, … [Read more...] about Enrich your life with a gratitude attitude
Comparing drugstore card perks: Rite-Aid vs. CVS vs. Walgreens
Drugstores carry everything from health and beauty items to school supplies and kitchenware, often at relatively low prices. We looked at three nationwide chain drugstores to decipher their rewards programs and let you in on the potential perks and pitfalls. Rite-Aid Sign up for a … [Read more...] about Comparing drugstore card perks: Rite-Aid vs. CVS vs. Walgreens
Make your own shampoo, plus other cheap natural products
Here are the simplest natural products we could find for personal hygiene, including shampoo, hair conditioner, face and body soap, skin moisturizer, deodorant, and toothpaste. There are lots of natural products you can buy and home recipes you can try to create a complete cleansing routine. But we … [Read more...] about Make your own shampoo, plus other cheap natural products
When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
Each year, the American Medical Association issues its health insurer report card, which reports on the costs and efficiency of health care billing. In 2013, they found that commercial health insurers made mistakes on 7.1% of submitted claims and denied coverage on another 1.8%. The numbers have … [Read more...] about When medical bills go bad: Fixing costly insurance errors
5 ways to save on skin care and hair products
There are lots of ways to save big on skin care and hair products when you make small changes in your personal hygiene routine. If you aren’t sure where to start, let me share some recent experiences that opened my eyes to areas where I can spend less — a lot less. Sometimes less skin care … [Read more...] about 5 ways to save on skin care and hair products
