[There are over 100 million sites on the Internet. 100 million! You might think you know about all the important ones (CollegeCandy, Gmail, Google, TFLN…), but there are thousands of other sweet sites out there (like Shop It To Me, BedPosted and Yummly) and more showing up every day! We get it – it’s not easy or fun sifting through the crap and porn to find those gems, so we’re gonna bring the gems to you. Just sit back, kick up those feet and allow us to introduce you to the diamonds in the internet rough.]

I love going out with friends for drinks or dinner, but unfortunately, it’s something I haven’t been able to do very often due to my minuscule college student’s budget–until recently, when I found out about SpecialsAgent. SpecialsAgent is an amazing site that helps you find great deals on food and drinks in your area, making it the perfect resource for poor college students everywhere.  With a BFF like SpecialsAgent, you to still go out and have fun with your friends—without going completely broke.

SpecialsAgent has over 20,000 deals and specials from more than 60,000 bars and restaurants nationwide in their database. By simply typing in your location (city and state or zip code) and the date into the search bar at the top of the site’s home page, you’ll get access to every single deal that exists in your area.  The results list tells you everything you need to know about each deal, including: what the deal is (such as, 1/2 off beers or appetizers), what time it’s available, distance from your location (good for when you want something that’s within walking distance) as well as the name and address of the bar or restaurant offering the deal.  And, SpecialsAgent is always looking to include more deals, so if there are any specials that you know about that aren’t listed, make sure you e-mail them to get it added to the list! Read More »

"Out of my way, bitches! These sheets are MINE!"

When November 1st rolls around newspapers, billboards and TV commercials are invaded by Black Friday deals. They have you drooling over discounted cashmere sweaters, luggage sets for 65% off and 2 for 1 shoe bargains. My heart races every time a new ad pops up on my Facebook page. Half priced makeup at Sephora? A new TV for cheap at Wal-Mart? A diamond sale at Kay’s Jewelers? (Perhaps I should email this to my boyfriend…).

But of course this all comes at a price. You have to be up before the sun rises, usually in the freezing cold, and you have to fight your way through all the other women who are after the same deals you are.

Every year I find myself pulled in two directions. On one hand I want those deals and I want them bad, but the other part of me just doesn’t have the strength to battle the crowds when I am barely getting any sleep writing essays and getting ready for finals.

It’s pretty obvious: I’m Torn.

Love It:
An entire day devoted to shopping, what could possibly be better? Stores offer ridiculous deals, and the early bird specials reward those with the willpower to make it there at the crack of dawn with even further discounted stuff and special offers. For a deal-savvy fashionista, the advertisements for Black Friday are like invitations to a shopping competition, where only the strongest survive. And while you may have to wrestle those pumps out of that lady’s sweaty paws, all of us women who have braved the Black Friday sales share a bond. It’s an unspoken one. A slight smile before you both dash for the clothing rack, a nod as you direct the woman entering the store towards the best deal as you exit.

And how fun is it to reconvene with the girls for lunch, as you all scarf down a sandwich and a shot of espresso, triumphantly sharing your merchandise, swapping tips on the must-hit stores, and then disperse for the afternoon session recharged?

Sure, it’s hard work, but nothing is better than spreading all your purchases out on your bed when you get home and reveling over the fact that you got it all at 80% off.

Read More »