The Aveda Institute is primarily a school for all things spa — haircuts, color, massages, facials and the like — where students perform under the tutelage of experienced professors.  I have always found that I get amazing services in this type of set-up, and this one was even better.  All the students were young, hip, dressed in black and with fabulous hair, so I knew I could count on them for a new and up-to-date look.  Because it’s Aveda, all the products are eco-friendly, and the corporate philosophy is to give back.  So, I got a haircut (regular price only $12!), bought myself a gift box of products ($40, regular price $45) which came in a beautiful, handmade paper box made by a craftsperson in Nepal, AND I scored a $20 gift card with purchase for my next visit, which I scheduled before leaving.  (The Aveda website also offers gifts and samples with purchases; click here.)  So, I suported a student, a Nepalese family,  myself (with a fab new look and products and a new place to go) and my friend, for company and allowing her to contribute to me.   We had a fun girly day and made a difference.

Search the internet for haircare, massage, nail and related schools, and call to see if they have student clinics.  The savings are amazing and make great gifts for yourself and others.

On a related note, if you haven’t already, now is a great time to join Groupon, which offers amazing city-specific savings on all kinds of goods and services.  I just bought the hubby a haircut and MANicure for just $15!  Check them out here.

The thing is, a lot of people have been cutting back (no pun intended) on things this year.  Haircuts and other personal pampering services are often the first things to go.  Find out what your friends are putting off, and you’ve got the perfect gift.

For more ideas on gift-giving that makes a difference, please click here.

Have you heard of Groupon? I first became aware of this organization about 5 months ago, when a reader from New York mentioned it.  As it was very focused on only a few cities, I passed on reporting it at the time.  But now, it’s expanded to over 30 cities, so it’s time to let all my readers in on it.

Groupon, and other organizations like it, put people together to harness the power of volume buying.  It’s a deal-a-day thing, city specific, where, if they get a certain number of people to sign up for it, everyone gets the deal.  (If not enough people buy, the deal is cancelled and you get a refund.  But this seems to be a rare occurrence.)  The deals are for spa treatments, bars and restaurants, amusements and the like. It’s a great way for businesses to build their customer bases, and for consumers to get awesome deals, sometimes up to 82 per cent off retail!  Plus, they’re brilliant at growing their own customer base, urging readers to sign up their friends so they can create a big enough demand for each offer, and offering referral bonuses in Groupon cash for each member registered.

Groupon now serves 35 metro areas, and they’re actively growing, so if you live in or near any major city, it’s worth a look. www.groupon.com.

For more ways to save on lots of great stuff, click here.

Petula Clark and Ethel Kennedy

Ah, October — my favorite time of year…autumn colors, cuddly sweaters, all leading up to Free Candy on Halloween!  How do you do Halloween on a budget?  Here are some pix and ideas to show you how to have the best costume without blowing your whole candy budget!

I have been collecting costume elements for years — everybody has something that can translate into a fun or funny character.  Look at the news, tv shows, movies for inspiration.  Dig through your closets, your friends’ closets, and your local thrift shops (do good, and take a tax deduction!).  You can even donate them back at the end.  Brainstorm with friends and family.  Ideas are plentiful, and many need little to no additional money spent.  Here are a few from my past, and a few off the web.

Why, who's the little lady?

You can be just one fruit, or a whole platter!

Kids' and Adults' TV shows can be good inspiration

And then there's that constant source of amusing ideas, the news

Past and current movies are always a great source of characters to portray -- guys love these from The Fifth Element

If you’re not really interested in making your own stuff, or need some help, now is the time to get on line and order.  I’ve found a few spots to check out:

BuyCostumes.com has daily $5 and under specials — they keep changing so check now!

CheapHalloweenCostumes.us — Lots of great buys, and a fabulous selection of both complete costumes and accessories.

I also like Costume SuperCenter, which has deals on shipping and
lots of pre-holiday specials.

For some great looks and ideas from last Halloween, click here.

And before you know it — it’s Christmas!  We’re scouring the market to find you the best items for holiday gift-giving, and the best places for the best prices.  Check back soon!

The deal is $30 for dinner and a show (kind of) — it’s actually a lawn seat, hot dog and soda, and NO FEES!  It’s available today only and it’s good for 100s of shows nationwide.

GO NOW to get the best shows.  Don’t forget the ear plugs.

For a few ways to save on theatre tickets, click here.

Here are a few links to get you there.

Stay cool!

Great Escape Theaters

Regal Cinemas

Cinemark

For more local and regional location listings:

Five Cent Nickel

Also, check your local newspapers — lots of cities do free movies in parks and other venues.  You can also order discount movie tickets through your local Entertainment Book — which is free for the balance of 2009 with your order for next year’s book.  Good deal.

Of course, there’s always the stay at home movies.  If you really don’t want to leave the house, Blockbuster online and Netflix always have great offers.

If Dinner and a Movie is more your style, there are some fabulous discount dining sites.  My favorite is Restaurant.com.  Great discounts on loads of restaurants nationwide, and no sign-up fees.

For more ways to save on entertainment, click here.

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend.

And this was just one party! So you see, a little imagination can save you big bucks. Now is the time to shop for next year’s costumes. Be creative and have fun! 

Come on back soon for tips on living the good life for less.  Live well and prosper.