GUYS. SALES ARE HAPPENING.

Hello, my pretties!

I wanted to disclose to you some not-so-secret shopping information I've learned on this snowy Monday morning in New York City.  Dig out your wallets, because these are big.

Firstly, ASOS.  Who can say no to a winter jacket marked down 70%, amIright?  Also, do not hesitate to scan over the men's sale for oversized sweaters.  They are too damn comfy.

Secondly, Piperlime.  An extra 20% off items already marked 60% off?  I think all my dreams have come true.  Plus, you can search the sale easily by shoe size, and you know that's always a plus for Size 11 ladies like myself.

Thirdly, Barneys.  A place I usually can not afford (let's be real) is having a "Warehouse Sale" this February - wait for it - ONLINE.  Some discounts will be marked up to 70% off, a.k.a. semi-affordable!  Click here for more information (via Racked), and don't forget to put your email down for notifications regarding WHEN this sale is actually happening.  Trust me people, you're not going to want to miss this.

NOW's the time to shop, people!  Even though winter clothes are currently on sale - IT'S STILL WINTER, and you're going to want to wear them.

Any other ridiculous sales I'm missing?  Comment away!

Do It Yourself: Teeth Whitening (Thanks, Shelli!)

Guys, isn't this sexy?

I have mentioned plenty of times how awkward I was growing up.  Super awk.  Like most middle schoolers, I had braces, and after three traumatic years, I finally got rid of them.  I immediately begged my mother to get my teeth whitened, as my older sister did the same after her braces were off, and she complied.  Oh, maybe I should mention my teeth are ultra sensitive and getting them whitened was one of the worst experiences of my life.  I can't even tell you how uncomfortable the process is.  Peep the image to the right.  (Cost: about $500 - $900)

A few years back, I decided to try Crest Whitening Strips.  Easy enough, right?  Totally wrong.  Who wants to sit around and wait with these ALSO uncomfortable strips on your teeth, not able to talk and randomly salivating when your mouth is supposed to be dry?  Not me.  (Cost: about $32 - $67)

Bottom line: whitening teeth is expensive, and the process sucks.  But, thanks to my lovely friend Michelle Loizeaux, I've learned that it doesn't have to be expensive, and it can take less than 5 minutes a day.

I present to you: Activated Charcoal. (Cost: $7.99, 100 capsules)

Image via the Vitamin Shoppe

Activated charcoal, as defined by Vitamin Shoppe: "One of the finest natural adsorbent agents.  Each particle contains many small chambers and cavities that 'capture' or bind up unwanted materials and gas, which are safely carried out of the digestive system."  Sounds pretty gross to me, too, but don't worry, you don't actually swallow it.

Here's what to do:

1.  Take a capsule, open it, and empty its contents into a glass.

2.  Add a tiny bit of water to the black powder.

3.  Swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes.

4.  Spit it out.

5.  Repeat this process every night for about two weeks, and you should notice a difference in your teeth.  After two weeks, you can switch to every other day, for as long as you feel necessary.

It's cheap.  It's quick.  It's pain-free.  I know, the black powder is slightly creepy, and sometimes it stains your tongue, and sometimes trying to take apart the capsule is a bitch, but it's been working for me!  And duh, white teeth are always in style.  Plus, you'll have a ton of capsules left over, so feel free to pass it along to your family, friends, coworkers, and roommates!  Just try not to make it look like a drug deal.

Lolz.

Interested in buying some activated charcoal?  Have any other teeth whitening options for a tight budget?  Comment away!

Situation: #brandproblems

A very happy new year, recessionistas!  My sincerest apologies for the lack of blog posts this past month.  This year, instead of being my usual cheap self, I splurged on my holiday presents, and therefore had nothing to write about.  I hope you all had a lovely holiday, and I hope Santa brought you exactly what you wanted!  Or, at least some gift receipts.

My poor puppy. Such a good sport.

Now that it's the new year, I'm suddenly really into this whole "resolutions" thing.  Reading Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project  recently inspired me to make small changes to my life to ultimately increase my own happiness, and what better way to begin than by drafting my own resolutions list.  While I still haven't really finished my 2013 list (it's in the makings, I swear!), one resolution I'm certain will make the cut is Trying New Things.  New workouts, new food, new people, new wine, and new brands.  Seems easy enough, right?  As a city girl, I'm always about having the most choices (which restaurant should I eat at tonight out of the MILLIONS in Manhattan??), and that is why this business is so absolutely genius.

Birchbox.  Ever heard of it?  If not, let me introduce you.  Launched in 2010, Birchbox is a business that sends a box of hand-selected samples right to your door for $10 a month.  The company describes itself on its website as "redefining the retail process by offering consumers a unique and personalized way to discover, learn about, and shop the best beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products on the market."  Brilliant.  Just brilliant.

It's not just for women, either.  While the women's subscriptions offer skincare and makeup products, the men's subscriptions offer everything from grooming supplies to fun socks to tech accessories.  If you fall in love with one of the samples (as you're sure to do so since they ROCK), you can purchase the full-size product right on the Birchbox website.  So easy.  Then there's the loyalty program that rewards you every time you shop, refer friends, and give feedback on samples.  They also have a Best of 2012 list, $25 and Under list, and a Bonus Shop.  Finally, free shipping on orders over $50.  I literally can't find anything wrong with it.

Birchbox is a fantastic idea for birthday presents and other random gifts (what a great way to suck up to someone even after gift giving season is over!) because it's super cheap and, seriously, who doesn't like beauty samples?  I haven't signed up YET, but I'm seriously considering it.

What do you think?  Good idea to have beauty samples sent to you, or are you brand loyal?  What else is on your resolutions list?  Comment away!