Wine Finds

Many Diva wine connoisseurs understand that price does not always equate to quality when it comes to wines. But with so many types and brands of wines to choose from, it is often difficult to determine the good deals from the “cheapos.” I like a good white wine in the summer, so while we have a little bit of time before fall officially gets here, below are some of my picks:

Rieslings
My absolute favorite white wines are Rieslings and, it just so happens that these are all under $20 (some for under $10)!

Columbia Winery Cellarmasters Riesling

Refreshing and sweet (without being syrupy), this is my first Riesling fave. I have even seen people who don’t even like white wines fall in love with this one! This is a great one to pair with a nice salad, a spicy dish, or even to enjoy by itself. Magnifique!

Retail locations I have found this at are some Kroger locations in Atlanta, some Cost Plus World Markets (not all), and some Trader Joe’s. I have seen it range anywhere from $6.99 - $12.99. I found it on this site for just $7.99. Enjoy and tell me what you think!

Beware of imposters – there are many Rieslings whose vineyards have “Columbia” in the title. I have made the mistake by getting “Columbia Valley” by accident – YUCK!

Weber
So my Dad found this one (yep, the apple does’t fall too far from the tree!) and it is fabulous. It is more floral and complex than the Columbia Winery Cellermasters one, and not quite as sweet. I was very impressed by it, AND it is CHEAP (in cost, not quality). It is a German Riesling, and I was able to find it online for just $5.79!

Diva


With a name like "Diva," how could I resist? Gunderloch Diva Riesling Spatlese is the full name. I found it at a Central Market location in Austin, TX and was told it was the best Riesling there (and I must admit, I was initially skeptical when I saw the woman on the label). I bought it for $20, more than I usually pay in a grocery store, but it was well worth it. Another one on the sweeter side - but light and fruity. Spectacular – and only $14.99 online. Check it out!


Chardonnays

So I am not a huge fan of Chardonnays, but I have found a couple that I like:

Charles Shaw (also known by many Californians as “2 Buck Chuck”)

If you have a Trader Joe’s in your area and have never tried Charles Shaw wines – run to your nearest location! Granted, these are not the most “robust” wines, but they are EXCELLENT buys for your money. Named “2 buck chuck” by the Californians because bottles usually cost $1.99 in that state (that’s right, once cent shy of 2 bucks). Regardless of the location, you will never find a bottle for higher than $3.39 regardless of the location. Though they carry Chardonnay, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, my favorite is the Chardonnay. It is light with a subtle oaky flavor.

Here are the Trader Joe locations that carry Charles Shaw: Arizona (all stores), California (all stores), Illinois (all stores), Indiana (all stores), Massachusetts (Brookline, Cambridge and Framingham locations only), Michigan (all stores), Nevada (all stores), New Jersey (Westfield location only), New Mexico (all stores), Ohio (all stores), Oregon (all stores), Virginia (all stores), Washington State (all stores)

Jacob’s Creek

This Chardonnay has more fruit and less oak than your average Chard. Though I only can remember having it once, it was definitely memorable. It is really a great buy for the money – a great bottle to bring as a gift. I found this site that has it for only $8.99.

Back from Rio!

I missed you guys! I just got back from Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and had a great time. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate in Rio. It was rainy and pretty chilly, but I did manage to walk on the beach and dip my feet in the ocean.

I didn't do a whole lot of shopping (can you believe it???). This was mainly because classes are starting soon and money's tight until I get my loan check later on this month :). I did, however, go to the Hippie Market in Ipanema. This is a MUST DO activity for my traveling divas who ever visit Rio over a weekend. The Hippie Market only takes place on Sundays and is a huge market consisting of a plethora of items including jewelry, sculptures, leather goods, hand-crafted furniture, glassware, beautiful oil paintings, and your standard souvenirs. I was able to find a great handmade wooden necklace and bracelet set for just 15 reais (about $7.50). I also bought two pairs of earrings for just R$5 a piece (about $2.50) - great deals!

Going to Shop!

Hello Divas!

Unfortunately I will not be posting for the next week, since I will be traveling to Brazil for fun and, of course, shopping! I will be sure to tell you all about it upon my return. In the meantime, stay current on good deals and great information by clicking on the links under the "Links" heading on the right. Talk to you soon!

Red Envelope - Stuff for Under $20

If you have never used Red Envelope to buy gifts online, you are truly missing out. This is one of my favorite gift sites, especially since they have gift wrapping available with an elegant red box with a white ribbon - so classy! Here are some gifts (for others or for yourself!) they have on their site for under $20!


Montgomery Laptop Bag - $14.99 (it was $85!)


So maybe not the most stylish laptop bag, but you just can't beat the price. PLUS, you can get up to three initials embroidered on the bag.

Chess and Checker Set in a Bag - $6.99 (was $28)

I thought this was just the cutest thing! The brown and blue nylon bag is also a game board. It's great for the beach, park, at home or even on a plane. Game pieces are blank on one side for checkers and imprinted with chess piece icons on the other.

Leather Photo Wallets - $9.99

With such fun colors and initial embossing available for $5 extra, this is a great gift or keepsake of your own.

Sephora Finds!

Sephora is a great place to find quality beauty items. When I visit I often act just like a little kid in a candy store while trying on the "smell goods" in the perfume aisle or the many lines of make-up with a multitude of colors! I recently found these neat finds at Sephora.com that you may want to check out. To sweeten the deal, they're giving 3 free samples with every online order!

French Manicure Set - Only $2 (that's right, just 2 bucks!)

You just can't beat the price of this french manicure kit. Color schemes come in beige or beige shimmer and are equipped with a travel clutch as well. This is a convenient, cheap alternative for when you can't make it to the salon!




VH1 Save the Music Make-Up Bag - $37 (valued at $70+)


What a great way to look good and do good at the same time! Net proceeds from purchases of this make up bag go to the Save the Music Foundation which is committed to instrumental music education programs in the country. This cute bag comes with deluxe samples of Philosophy Falling in Love Body Lotion,Urban Decay Big Fatty Lip Plumper, Benefit Dr. Feelgood, and Stila It Gloss in Sweet.


CARGO 10th Anniversary Signature Collection - $45 ($108 value)

One of my newer favorites is CARGO's bronzer. This bronzer is amazing and it's no wonder why Sephora named it their best bronzer. Well CARGO is offering this limited edition bag of goodies available only at Sephora. Goodies include these FULL SIZED items: Bronzer in Medium, BeachBlush in Coral Beach, Lip Gloss Duo in Soho, Reverse Lip Liner (holds your gloss in place all day as it enhances the appearance of fullness), and Liquid Powder 01.


Carol's Daughter Now in Sephora!


If you have not heard about Carol's Daughter bath, body and hair products, you need to check them out! Carol's Daughter started a cult following among many black celebrities over the past 10 years and it has finally hit the mainstream. Though it can't be found in every Sephora (check website for details), you can at least purchase the products online. The line offers items like body butters and scrubs in intriguing fragrances like Ecstacy and Mango Melange - so scrumptious you are sure to find something you will enjoy. If you have very dry skin, try Love Butter. Will Smith apparently said something like, it is so good that every home in America should have some!

I want to hear from YOU: Where Do You Find The Best Deals?

I am on a worldwide search of the best places to help you become a DIVA ON A DOLLAR!

• Where do you shop to find the best quality bargains?
• Which thrift stores have you found the best stuff?
• What restaurants/lounges have the best happy hours?
• In your travels, where have you found the best markets and boutiques?

Let us in on your secrets - we won't tell anyone (;-) wink)! Don't forget to tell us what cities we can find these great spots. I will feature some of the best suggestions in future posts!

Belt Blitz - Belts Under 30 Bucks

Belts are EVERYWHERE, aren't they? I remember a time when belts were a "nice to have," but we have certainly reverted back to circa 1988 when belts were "must haves." This past weekend I went to Sage boutique in Atlanta (I haven't found a website for them, or else I would have linked it) on Peachtree Street. They had this darling belt that I was contemplating purchasing. It was very cute, but being the cheapo I am, I couldn't pay the full price of $24 for it. Had it been reduced from $75 to $24, maybe I would have. It was just the principal. Now I am back in Chicago and still thinking about that belt. I should have bought it!

Here are some finds I found online that you may like:

Pewter Woven Belt - $21.00 from Bluefly.com. I like this one. Stylish, yet simple.






Wide Sash Belt - $9.50 from ASOS.com. This is my favorite - it's hot - great one to show off a nice waist with a shirt or dress. Plus, you just can't beat the price!



Horse Shoe Elastic Waist Belt - $19 from ASOS.com. So unique!


Ruched Leather Belt - $24.49 from bebe.com. I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. Not sure if I could pull it off, or if many people can, but it's still kind of cute.

Another Tip from the Quintessential Bargain Shopper: Shoes for Larger Sizes

Here's some more words of wisdom from the Quintessential Bargain Shopper:

One other note about Target - which is one of my favorite places to shop for stuff. If you happen to be blessed with the larger ped - Target offers very cute styles in size 11, and they fit and wear very well. I love to shop for shoes there to match cutesy outfits, and many of their shoes are top designer knock-offs - they love Michael Kors and Steve Madden. And, you're literally paying a fraction of the designer prices.

Thanks, QBS! Larger sizes are indeed difficult to find at times. If you can't find what you're looking for at Target and/or can spend some extra cash, try Nordstrom Rack!

Tips from the Quintessential Bargain Shopper: Jewelry Tips

I don't claim to know all the answers and I appreciate tips from my fellow bargain divas! I have been bestowed wisdom from a friend of mine, the Quintessential Bargain Shopper, who from time to time will be featured with her helpful tips. Below is tip #1!

Some of the funkiest jewelry that I have ever seen and bought at prices way, way, way below all others is at Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant. They have the most fabulous and contemporary costume necklaces, earrings and bracelets and the price of any one item rarely exceeds $15. Ashley Stewart has frequent markdowns but rarely has coupons. Lane Bryant has seasonal markdowns and frequently offers coupons (go to the website to get on the list for sales and coupons).

She is soooo right. I checked out Lane Bryant and they have a Buy 1, select 1 for half off sale. What cute jewelry (see the silver pieces above)! Even if you are not a plus-sized gal, you can still enjoy these one size fits all deals!

Ceramic Irons for Less!

A couple years so ago I was introduced to the ceramic flat iron (thanks, Steffanie!). What makes flat irons so great? They can straighten hair, but also bend, flip, or curl (even spiral curl) due to their rounded edges. Something about the ceramic helps your hair keep its luster opposed to dull, like with regular metal curling irons. Even better, my hair dresser used the same iron I bought, so I knew it was good. The problem was the price. Retail prices for the flat iron I wanted, the HAI Convertible (below with the blue plates), reached up to $125! I just couldn't do it. Luckily eBay came to the rescue! I have had to purchase three HAI Convertibles (my first one, a replacement after I left one in a hotel, and one for my mom), and I have never had to pay more than $78 including shipping.


hen I recently cut my hair I decided to purchase the smaller CHI Ceramic Flat Iron 3/4" turbo. This particular one has been seen for as high as $195, but eBay came to my rescue yet again. I was able to purchase one for $60 including shipping.



Many of you may be thinking that finding a $20 ceramic iron at your local Sally's Beauty Supply or Ulta may be a steal. Beware for a couple of reasons:
1) There are many flat irons out there that claim to be "ceramic" when in actuality they are only ceramic-plated. Make sure the iron is ceramic throughout.
2) The higher end ceramic irons have temperature setting that usually go up to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower end versions only have the typical low-medium-high settings which won't do the trick for hair that is thick like mine.

So go to eBay and grab yours! I'm sure like me you won't be able to live without it!

Dining on a Dollar: Churrascarias

Though my recent weight loss has caused me to steer clear from a lot of meat, I still LOVE churrascarias. If any of you have never been to a Brazilian churrascaria, you are in for a treat! Churrascarias are restaurants where meats are cooked in this special Brazilian barbecue style. The meat is seasoned very well and cooked to perfection (and I'm picky!). They have a fabulous salad bar (I'm talking smoked salmon, hearts of palm, roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and sometimes even sushi or black beans and rice), so even if you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy.


And, they serve the meat by coming to your table with different cuts of meat and they slice it on your plate. Everything is all you can eat, and you can indicate you want "mas" or "no mas" by a chip that has one green side (i.e., "give me more!") and one red side ("I've had enough, at least for now!"). You definitely should wear an elastic waist band to these restaurants or you will be so very uncomfortable afterwards. My favorite is Fogo de Chão, but there are others around the country, such as: Brazzaz, Texas de Brazil, Sal & Carvão, or Fire of Brazil. Dinners at churrascarias in the U.S. are usually $50 a plate (just for food, drink and dessert are extra). Here are some ways you can minimize the damage to your wallet:



1) Go for lunch. Most places have lunch for $30 or under (Brazzaz in Chicago has a special now for $19.99)

2) Go for just the salad bar. Most of these restaurants offer the unlimited salad bar for under $30. This is one way to minimize eating yourself to an oblivion. PLUS, if you go with someone who is getting meat, just take a bite of some of theirs!

3) Look for coupons or specials. Like I said, Brazzaz in Chicago had a lunch special, and I found a $15 off coupon online as well.

Target Target!

I must say, Target has really captured the market for cheap chic. Sometimes the quality is questionable, other times, it doesn't matter since it looks so good. So this is what our reader, Nekia had to say:

"I bought these wedges from target.com, and they are friggin GORGEOUS! they look so rich, they are comfortable and they are CHEAP! i was looking all over for some cute affordable ones and i finally found some at tar-jay! don't know if you are in the market, but wanted to let you know about my latest find."


Thanks, Nekia for your new Target (or as you said it, tar-jay) find! If you are a Target fiend, like many of us, check out this Slave to Target blog.

Nordstrom Rack - Bras and Spanx!

As you may have read in earlier posts, Nordstrom Rack is my favorite bargain shopping store (aside from the Fashion Shack in Greenwood, South Carolina that I haven't been back to in years). Last week I found yet another reason why I love it so much - their lingerie section! Though everyone may not find it as fulfilling as me, my most recent visit made me happy for two reasons: I bought both a pair of Spanx footless hose for about $10 and a Wacoal bra for under $20 (originally $44). This sounds like a typical great deal, right? Let me tell you HOW good it is...

The pair of Spanx I got is usually $24, so I got them for over half off. Ladies, if you are not familiar with Spanx, you need to be (at least if there are some areas of your tummy, hips, or legs that you are not happy with)! Spanx are body shapers. There are several variations including body suits, power panties (glorified girdles), and hosiery. I particularly like Spanx if I have a tight fitting dress and I want to smooth things out, or if I want to cinch in my waistline for an outfit, they really do the trick!

As an "endowed" woman, it is always difficult to find good bras, and when I do, they are more often than not at least $40. I found a bra that is quality, black, low cut, and normally around $45 for just $18. What a deal!

What To Find at Loehmann's

So many people swear by Loehmann's as THE places for bargain shopping. I beg to differ, BUT I do understand the importance of what you can find there for cheaper than normal prices. Loehmann's is great for unique items - especially designer items that most people have never seen - particularly trendy shirts/tops. If you like specific designers or lines like Tahari, Laundry, Seven, or Donna Ricco, you may be able to find much better prices than usual. I went there last Sunday and, though I didn't find anything to buy, there were some great items that I could have bought if they happened to have them in my size. Hopefully if you check it out, you will be luckier than me.

Arden B Sale!

I'm not sure if this was an Independence Day special or not (hopefully not). Arden B and I continue to have a love-hate relationship. I love it when I can find great deals because they really do have great sales. I hate it when I am in a time crunch to find something quickly and I have to buy outfits full price, especially when I know the same items will be 50% off the next week! But this week's shopping extravaganza made up for it... On Monday I went to a local Arden B and got an entire outfit worth $200 for just $46! Unfortunately the website doesn't have the same deals, but find your local Arden B and check out the prices! Here's what I bought:

I bought this cute tank - it was originally $58 and was marked down to $34.99 plus 50% off! I also bought these black bootcut jeans:



They are still on the site for $118, but in the store they were marked down to 79.99 plus 50% off! I also bought a cute pair of gold dangly earrings for only $4.99! As if those prices weren't great enough, since I am a member of the B Rewarded program, I accumulated enough points to get $20 off! Just a great shopping day....I hope you all are as lucky!