Affordable Summer Fun From 'O' Magazine
Gayle King and "O" magazine have great tips for saving money this summer.
June 18, 2009 — -- In difficult economic times, many Americans are cutting back on summer activities and vacations, but that doesn't mean you and your family can't enjoy all the fun summer has to offer.
In fact, some companies are bending over backward to help consumers make the most of the warm weather.
The July issue of O magazine is all about affordable summer pleasures. Gayle King, the editor at large of O, says you shouldn't have to give up some of the things you already love.
The magazine has compiled a fabulous list of ways to save money on the good stuff.
Spirit Airlines offers a $9 fare club.
For just $39.95 a year, you can access discount flights with fares as low as $3.
You can sign up to receive e-mails several times a week offering cheap fares, including a recent offer for a $13 flight from New York City to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Most women love makeup year-round, but nothing brightens up a summer smile quite like new lipstick. M.A.C. cosmetics will give customers a free lipstick of your choice if you return six empty containers of M.A.C. products to a M.A.C. counter.
"You can have ten tubes of lipstick and say, 'You know, I need one more," King said.
Kiehls has a similar deal with their "Recycle and Be Rewarded" program at their freestanding stores. If you return three empty products, you get a complementary lip balm. Return five empty product containers and you get a 2.5-ounce travel collection. Last but not least, return 10 containers and get any full-sized product up to $25 value.
Don't throw out the 20 percent off coupons you receive in the mail from Bed, Bath & Beyond. Now that the store owns the chain BuyBuy Baby, you can use those coupons, too, to buy things for your kids.
This is a great way for parents to save on summer essentials like a Chicco KeyFit 30 Cortina Travel System -- a combination car seat and stroller. It's normally priced at $330 but would be $264 with the coupon.
