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Planning a party is fun…paying for it is not! Whenever possible, I try to save money by looking for bargains, especially on disposable items. Since everything at Dollar Tree is so affordable, I’m picking up lots of supplies for my Valentine’s Day party.

For a quick and easy decoration, it’s hard to beat stringing crepe paper and tying a balloon to every chair. I love to mix red and pink together, creating a festive mood, in less than 15 minutes.

Heart shaped pizzas and pink lemonade punch will be on the menu, and we’ll be frosting heart shaped cookies as well. I’ve chosen these foods because they’re a snap to prep ahead of time, letting me minimize kitchen work, so I can enjoy more time with my guests having fun.

As a final farewell, everyone will receive a take-out box filled with candy. Aren’t these just the cutest?

Did you know that Dollar Tree also sells paper doilies, cards, and stickers (stuff the kids love!). Best of all, everything can be ordered online or shipped for FREE to your local store, ensuring you’ll have a spectacular celebration with a minimum of fuss!

Want to exercise more in the new year? (Yeah, same here!) Considering a personal trainer for added support and motivation? Check out Find Your Trainer, a matching site that lets you find the perfect trainer based on your goals, personality, lifestyle and body. Trainers are vetted pros who will come to your home or office, or you can choose to train with them at their gym/studio—no membership required.

Another great option they have is group training. Up to 5 friends can join, helping to lower the cost and increase the fun. (Because we all know exercising alone can be so boring…)

When you sign up for a 4 session subscription with Find Your Trainer, you’ll receive a FREE TRX® GO Gym (retail value $129.95)! This cool kit is the lightest, leanest suspension trainer ever. It’s ideal for travel and easy to use indoors or out, allowing you to tighten, tone and sculpt your body anywhere, anytime.

This freebie can help to increase strength, power, endurance, flexibility, and mobility. It comes with the following equipment:

• TRX® GO Suspension Trainer
• Door Anchor
• Suspension Anchor
• Setup and Use Video
• Mesh Carry Bag
• Workout Poster

Use code TRXFYT at checkout, before 1/31/17.

Serious bargain shoppers know that January is an amazing month for rock-bottom prices. While every retailer features after-holiday sales, there are two stores that I never skip:

Target:

Twice a year, in January and June, Target holds their biggest sales. I have seen prices up to 90% off, but 50-70% is more common. Areas with the best deals tend to be Toys, Baby, Clothes/Shoes, Bedding, and Sporting Goods. Don’t overlook endcaps and use the price scanners to double check (often, it rings up cheaper than the sticker).

Another way to save is by using Cartwheel and/or coupons.

Victoria’s Secret:

Similar to Target, VS has two semi-annual sales per year. Some sizes sell out quickly, so going early is better if you have the time. Be on the look out for 50% off lingerie, 40% off loungewear, 60% off active wear, $19.99 or less bra clearance and $4.99 or less panty clearance.

Coupons tend to be less common here, but if you’re on the mailing list or have their credit card, they do snail mail promos periodically.

Which stores do you feel have the most clearance?

Every day between now (12/23/16) and January 2, 2017, select Starbucks locations will have free tall handcrafted espresso drinks from 1:00-2:00 PM. 100 different locations are chosen each day, so make sure you check the 10 Days of Cheer list daily to see if a store near you is participating. Not valid on Christmas Day.