Enjoy 5-Star Hawaii for Less: Tip-of-the-Day #237

TAKE IT FROM ME - JOIN THE CLUB AND GET MORE FOR LESS.

I just spent six nights with my boyfriend at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and we got the deal of a lifetime. Now I'm not saying that staying at the Ritz is inexpensive (or even affordable for most). But I am saying there's a way to do it and get waaaay more bang for your buck. Stay on the Club Level.

Usually located on the upper floors of the hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Club is not just about luxurious surroundings. The services include five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, a dedicated concierge on duty from 6:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. to assist in difficult-to-obtain restaurant reservations, island tips, the printing of boarding passes, etc., DVD rentals, the latest newspapers and magazines and two computer stations to enjoy freely.

The Maui Club offered a hot breakfast buffet, as well as an array of morning fare; cereal, pastries, and fresh fruit. At lunchtime, small sandwiches and tasty salads were served. Later in the day, afternoon tea was presented, with small sandwiches, scones, and fruit. At 5:00 p.m., there were cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres. When I say heavy, I mean we made it dinner on more than one occasion. Finally, at 7:00ish, a whole array of desserts were served - from cheesecake to chocolate dipped strawberries. If I had to guess, I'd say what we ate and drank on the Club Level what would have easily cost us more than $300 a day (or more if you include all the booze) in the real world.

Given the price differential between a standard "deluxe" room and a Club Level access room is hovering around $120 - you are saving HUGE money by going this route. AND, the deal we booked, included a $500 resort credit, so we got a massage and round of golf included!

Before booking your next Ritz-Carlton adventure (I know, I know) - just check out the Club pricing. It was sooooo worth it in our case - saving us hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

Downside: we showed up for every "feeding" and I gained two pounds on our trip. :(



Cell Phone Replacement Rules: Tip-of-the-Day #236

SNEAKY CELL PHONE REPLACEMENT - SAVE BIG

I just had my cell phone stolen on a business trip to Paris of all places, and was devastated. Beyond the loss of personal data (photos of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre that I hadn't yet synced with my computer) the sudden realization that I "took a pass" on the total equipment coverage came flooding back and I became wholly aware that I was going to be on the hook for a nearly $800 replacement.

I wasn't yet eligible for an upgrade and outside of picking up a refurbished phone, my options for inexpensive replacement were severely limited.

I tried to get my company to pick up the replacement cost, given the phone was stolen at a company sponsored event but that effort came up empty. Then I sat down for some serious brainstorming. On principle alone I was not going to pay $800 for a phone. No way, Jose. I'd rather go without and have people reach me by owl. But I quickly learned that the things we've become incredibly accustomed to are sorely missed when unavailable (a phone call confirming last minute dinner plans, for instance).

I phoned my carrier (Verizon) and a very helpful man in the customer support group let me in on an industry secret that apparently many in my same predicament have employed. Here's the scoop!
  1. Add a second line to your existing plan (make it a "family share" - it only costs $9.95 to add it). 
  2. Adjust your account settings (choose a new voice and data plan - it's a little different from an individual plan). 
  3. Choose your phone of choice and pay the "new subscriber" price, not the replacement cost. In this case, a savings of $600.
  4. Add the total equipment coverage to your new plan and you'll never have to face this debacle again.
Carriers have us over a barrel when it comes to plan pricing, contracts, and device replacement, especially when most folks decline the insurance. But this is a nifty way to get around it. At least once.

Bonus: you'll get the latest/greatest device, in this case the iPhone 4S. ;)

Save 30% On Your Next Meal: Tip-of-the-Day #235

OPENTABLE MAKES DINING MORE AFFORDABLE

Right now OpenTable.com is offering 30% off of your dining experience at 45 restaurants in San Francisco.

Just go to OpenTable (register or sign in), then search for the date, time and number of people in your party to see real-time table availability for the special 30%-off reservations.

For just $10, you can reserve that table at the restaurant of your choice – the restaurant will be automatically notified of your purchase and when you dine at the restaurant the 30% discount on your meal will be discreetly deducted from your bill -- no coupons, certificates or paper tickets required. Nice! Your family, friends and/or colleagues won't know what a savvy shopper you are.

This is both a fun way to try a new restaurant or return to an old favorite and the 30% discount is good for the entire table no matter how many people are dining or how much you spend.

Try it - you have nothing to lose!

Share Skills For Cash & Cache: Tip-of-the-Day #234

LEARN OR TEACH, AND EVEN MAKE SOME MONEY!

I just discovered this fabulous site called Skillshare. In a nutshell, Skillshare is a community marketplace that enables you and me to learn anything from anyone (or, teach anything to anyone). You can learn more at skillshare.com. San Francisco was only just "unlocked", which means enough people showed interest in the city to get the microsite up and running and classes developed and shared.

The premise is that everyone has something they’ve always wanted to learn, and something that they can teach to others. Skillshare makes the exchange of knowledge easy, fun, and rewarding!

The best part is that classes can focus on just about any topic, from "how to get a job at a startup" to "how to live rent-free in NY." If you're interested in teaching, you can develop what they call a "pilot" so that you can post your idea and the proposed content and see what kind of reception you get before making it a live class. You can charge money for your class (or not) and during Skillshare's beta period they will only take 15% profit of each ticket sold. After beta they take 25%.

The classes are held live (i.e., not online). But that doesn't mean you have to invite people to your home or rent a meeting room - meet up at a cafe, at the library, in a restaurant, at the museum, or in an empty room in your office building!

I love this idea. I've already posted a pilot to see what people want to learn about (mine's about developing a blog quickly, expertly and affordably of course!).

Check it out - you may just learn something/teach something/earn some extra cash!

Closeout Beauty Products: Tip-of-the-Day #233

GET YOUR BEAUTY ON - FOR LESS!

I'm a nut when it comes to great beauty products at drugstore prices. Several years ago I discovered that Revlon makes a terrific lipstick called Nude Velvet that is ultra moisturizing, glides on smoothly and is the perfect accent color for my darker liner that I use to define my lips.

This lipstick usually retails for around $9.00 and can be found in most drugstores. Come to find out, after searching high and low at every local Walgreens 'round town that it's been discontinued! Horror of horrors. Now what? I did some research and found brands/shades that others claim are "just as good" but I hate settling for "just as good." And so, I started hunting for this lipstick on Amazon, Big Lots, eBay and even MakeUpAlley.com (a makeup swap site). I wasn't finding much. THEN, I came across BuyMeBeauty.com - a site that is chock full of closeout deals! I bought all 11 Revlon Nude Velvet lipsticks that they had in stock - and at only $5.99 a pop! There was no tax, no shipping and no hassles!

I'm quite giddy at the moment. The only harsh reality I'll have to face is what to do once I've used those 11 tubes of velvety goodness...

Anyhoo, check out BuyMeBeauty.com. You won't be disappointed by the prices or selection.

Visa Signature Card Saves: Tip-of-the-Day #232

FREE SHIPPING (AND MORE) WITH VISA SIGNATURE

I'm usually an Amex girl. I have my gold card and I use it for everything. Why? Well, because their points program can be used with any airlines, merchandise, hotel rooms, restaurants and beyond. I like their customer service, I like to track all of my purchases in one place, and I like the added travel security this card provides. But, this isn't an ad for Amex now, is it? I'm posting today's entry because I just had an unusual (and titillating) shopping experience at Swirl.com.

I was buying a snakeskin purse (water snake - go figure) and had just reached checkout, entered my Amex using my Last Pass fill-able form when a message popped up that if I use my Visa Signature card, shipping would be waived. Shipping happened to be $10 and I'll do just about anything to save a buck (hence, my blog). I quickly reached for my Visa, saw that it in fact IS a Signature Visa and entered the information. In real time the shipping was taken off my total, without having to refresh the screen or update anything. I was impressed!

Look for opportunities like this one to save a few dollars. Heck, that $10 will buy me lunch today!

P.S. I just searched for Visa Signature card and came across a Fandango offer: 2-for-1 movie tickets on Fridays using your card!

Save 50% at Cavallo Point: Tip-of-the-Day #231

LOCALS-ONLY GETAWAY: G-G-GET IT NOW!

Local to the San Francisco/Bay Area? You're in luck. Escape from your every day existence for a luxurious and restful evening at Cavallo Point, the gorgeous getaway just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Right now they have a special designed for locals (or those in the area on a Sunday night - the offer doesn't mention proof of domicile). On Sunday evenings, save 50% on the cost of any room, historic or contemporary. This is quite a steal considering their rates normally hover around $450 and up per night.

They have a terrific restaurant on the property, great full bar, but the real draw in my opinion is the outside seating complete with fire pits. Imagine the Ritz at Half Moon Bay - only closer and with a view of the Golden Gate.

Here are the deets:

- 50% off accommodations on Sundays
- 15% off a spa treatment on Mondays
- Valet parking
- Morning yoga class in Mission Blue Chapel
- Access to Healing Arts Center & Spa and outdoor meditation pool

Book it here.

FREE Movie from Comcast: Tip-of-the-Day #230

CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENT - YOU BENEFIT!

I recently had to have Comcast (now owned by Xfinity) come out and install a Universal DVR so that I could watch my shows on my newly purchased second television (a blatant protest on 24/7 golf channel streaming in the den).

They came out once, apparently set me up, took off. Typical vendor scenario, right?

The very next day nothing worked. Well, in near panic I called Comcast - Real Housewives of Orange County was on and I wasn't going to miss it!

They came back out - promptly in fact - and fixed the problem. They weren't sure what had happened but the guy who came (on a Sunday no less) was very likable and he was in and out in a flash.

About a week and a half later I got a coupon for one free On Demand movie. I'm impressed! They explained that they don't like to have to inconvenience customers more than once, but sometimes it happens.

Now I'm not saying you should call Comcast out to your house twice in order to score the free movie - but I am saying that if you DO have to call them out, you can tell them that you know for certain they have these floating around. :)

Enjoy!

FREE 2-day Parking at SFO: Tip-of-the-Day #229

YOU FLY AND I'LL BUY - THE PARKING!

Here's a deal worth noticing. Ever since Park SFO opened their parking structure near the San Francisco International Airport, they've been doling out the deals. And they keep coming, despite the fact that this place is probably the most popular lot to park at now.

They hand out FREE one-day parking passes like candy - just grab one when you walk in the door, or ask your nifty shuttle driver for one on your way back to the structure after your trip.

But the real nectar comes from signing up for their emails (which aren't annoying because they only come once a month and they bear fruit). As a "friend" of Park SFO, you'll be emailed a FREE 2-DAY parking pass to use with every 4-day stay. That's 50% off of their ALREADY LOW pricing (as little as $11.95 a day if you park outside - inside is $13.95).

Just go here: http://www.parksfo.com/free.asp and sign up for emails. The first one is positioned as a one-day pass, but after that, you'll start getting the good stuff. This month's 2-day pass can be accessed here: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/213807/8729b8c309/100001905/ca1047954a/

Beyond the great prices, my favorite things about this lot are:
1. You recognize the shuttle instantly - it's green and blue like their logo
2. The parking lot is clean, well lit and they have indoor and outdoor parking
3. They offer valet parking (if I'm feeling REAL lazy or my company is paying)
4. The shuttles come and go ALL of the time - so you're never waiting long
5. They take credit cards

Pay Yourself & A Fav Non-Profit: Tip-of-the-Day #228

MAKE SOME MONEY AND PAY IT FORWARD AT THE SAME TIME

I just got an interesting email from the San Francisco Food Bank (one of my favorite non-profits), alerting me to the fact that they had recently partnered with Op4G (Opinions for Good), a market research company with a twist -- individuals who sign up will be able to participate in paid surveys and questionnaires, but with additional funds going toward a non-profit of their choice. Fascinated, I signed up and learned more.

I can put my opinions to work (and clearly have many of them!) supporting up to two Non-Profits with the option to change them at any time. I can contribute at least 25% of my earnings to each of my Non-Profits, and can optionally choose to contribute 50%, 75%, or even 100% of my earnings (I opted to donate 100% to the SF Food Bank). Op4G takes care of all the bookkeeping, but charges no fees — sending 100% of earnings to me and my Non-Profit(s).

This just struck me as a super cool way to make a few bucks - either for yourself or your favorite hard-working non-profit. Very innovative!

1. Sign up at: http://www.op4g.com
2. Answer a short questionnaire about yourself (don't get turned off by the probing nature - they need to know a bit about you in order to assess if you're the right fit for the survey at hand).
3. Confirm your email address.
4. Wait for a survey to come your way!

Real S.F. Treat: Donuts & Beer! Tip-of-the-Day #227


IF YOU LIVE IN S.F. YOU'LL WANT TO INDULGE IN THIS TASTY TREAT

On Friday, March 18th, Dynamo Donuts (in the mission district) will launch their newest doughnut flavor marrying Project Open Hand's homemade peanut butter with bananas and topped with a sweet honey glaze.

To celebrate the flavor’s debut, Dynamo is giving away FREE doughnuts paired with FREE Stiegl beer, an Austrian specialty, on March 18th from 4-6pm at the bakery on 2760 24th Street. They are inviting all guests to help name this new doughnut. The person who creates the winning name will receive an incredibly tasty surprise.

Indulge!

Birthday Bonus with Retailers: Tip-of-the-Day #226

IT PAYS TO DISCLOSE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT REGISTRATION

If you're not one to disclose your birth date when you register for new accounts with retailers, restaurants, etc. you may want to rethink that choice. It's true that there are times that information may be used to try and sell you stuff, but today I received a birthday wish from Pasta Pomodoro, wanting to commemorate the day I was born with the gift of a free entree. Now that's pretty impressive. They aren't throwing me a free order of garlic bread - or a dessert with purchase of an entire meal. They are actually GIVING me the meal!

Some retailers will send you "birthday bucks" (Banana Republic usually doles out savings of some kind though I haven't received that yet and my bday is March 8). And I think generally, retailers are getting better about giving the customer more without expecting something in return.

Just a heads up that if your bday is coming up, you can get a free plate of pasta at Pasta Pomodoro and if you're a registered Starbucks card holder, you can get yourself a free cup of joe to wash it down!

Mmmm. Enjoy.

Boudin BOGO on February 25: Tip-of-the-Day #225

NOTHING LIKE A BOWL OF FREE CHOWDER

In honor of National Clam Chowder day, Boudin is offering a one day deal! Buy a clam chowder in a bread bowl & receive another clam chowder in a bread bowl for FREE.

Remember to bring this voucher to your nearest restaurant to redeem the offer. Mmmm!

Save 30% on Virgin America: Tip-of-the-Day #224


THE SKIES JUST GOT FRIENDLIER AT 30% OFF

I'm not one to enter every contest that hits my inbox, but I am a fan of New York and Virgin America, so when I just got an email promoting a SoHo adventure with three of my friends on a weekend of excess - I couldn't resist signing up. Email and zip was all they asked for and I was promised 15% off my next Virgin flight. Fine.

Then it got more interesting. If I pony up five of my friends' email addresses, I get a code for 30% off my next Virgin America flight (book by March 9 and fly through June 15). That was a tough one to pass up, given I fly Virgin as often as I can and can't resist a deal. So, I did that too! (Sorry, mom).

Once I entered the info and got my promo code for the flight, I was also extended a free upgrade offer from the Mondrian SoHo Hotel. Nice bonus!

To register for this great deal, just go to: http://sohoinvasion.urbandaddy.com/?utm_campaign=SohoInvasion&utm_source=VA&utm_medium=Elevate&utm_content=Email

Enjoy!

Get 5 Free Songs on iTunes!: Tip-of-the-Day #223


AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDHOLDERS GET FREE MUSIC UNTIL MARCH 15!

I just got an email from Amex saying that I'm eligible (just for being a card member!) for five free songs from iTunes when I use my American Express to "purchase them". Given that I buy songs from iTunes ALL the time, this piqued my interest! Free is free after all.

I went to this link: https://enroll.amexnetwork.com/US/iTunes2011/

Then all I had to do was register (first name, last name, card number and email address) and voila! I just had to make sure my Amex is listed as my preferred form of payment on my iTunes account and the next five songs I buy will be credited back to the card. 5 x $1.29 = $6.45. Not too shabby!

Enjoy. :)

UPDATE: I got my credit one day after buying my songs on iTunes! Amex even sent me an email to let me know.

Instant Savings on Instant Coffee: Tip-of-the-Day #222


SOME SPECIALS AREN'T ADVERTISED - HERE'S ONE!

I walked into Starbucks the other day and while waiting in line to order my grande, non-fat, one Splenda latte, picked up a pack of their "new" VIA coffee packets to see what the fuss was about. Well, turns out Starbucks has found a way to capitalize on instant coffee. Gone is the stigma of Folgers, this tiny packet of goodness promises to deliver a full-bodied and flavorful experience, simulating what you'd get in-store.

No price on the pack but I figured it couldn't be more than say...$6? So I gave it a whirl. Picked up the "cinnamon enhanced" version and made my way to the counter. Surprise! With my purchase of VIA, my latte was free! At $6.95, that's 50% off the VIA! I liked that, a lot.

Got back to my office and after inhaling my latte, whipped up a cup of my new cinnamon instant delight and believe it or not, liked that too!

Just thought I'd let you smart women know that you can try something new (6 packets worth) for very little - not sure how long this special is going to last, but I'll bet you can mention this post for the same treatment!

Deep Discounts on Great Wine: Tip-of-the-Day #221


WWYD IF I TOLD YOU MY NEW FAVE SITE IS WTSO?

WTSO.com is an online store that focuses on selling wine at 30%-70% off store and internet site prices. I have found some truly amazing wines on this site and for a fraction of the retail price. The best part, is that there is no sales tax and if you order four bottles, the shipping is free. FREE!

You can sign up to receive emails (or not) and you'll get approximately one a day. But whether you're monitoring your own inbox or the site directly, you have to act fast because the inventory runs out and once a wine is gone, it's gone.

What I like: the fact that the emails show the original price of the wine, "yesterday's best web price" and the sale price featured by wtso.com. You know you're getting the best deal possible and coupled with the reviews of experts like Robert Parker and Stephen Tanzer you're in fine decision-making territory.

My latest find: Wine Guerrilla Russian River Zin. It's full of fruit like the Rombauer Zin but for half the price. Yummy.

Enjoy :)

Free SF Museum Admission: Tip-of-the-Day #220


SFMOMA MEMBERS GET ACCESS TO SEVEN MORE ART INSTITUTIONS ON 1/15/2011

Enjoy 'membership' for a day at seven downtown San Francisco cultural institutions! On January 15, SFMOMA members can take advantage of free admission and special activities at the Asian Art Museum, the Cartoon Art Museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, SF Camerawork, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Not a member? Join today!