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As a professional blogger I love attending conferences.  Conferences not only enhance my ability to bring my readers good content but keeps me updated with what’s new and fresh in the industry.  Living in Las Vegas gives me the luxury of having one of the best consumer conferences in the country...CES.  The Consumer Electronic Show!  I’ve attended years past but this year; this year was the first time I noticed bloggers seemed to be a buzz everywhere.  In the speaker panel, in the gadget spotlight and even in the check in process.  We were front and center.

Checking out New Cool Gadgets:

Listening to awe inspiring speakers talk on our industry <bloggers & brands>

But truly…let’s admit it!  What’s really important?  What to wear….LOL  Seriously, this is the main thing.   If you go to a conference and your missing one little element to get you through the day, it could spoil your whole expierence.  So, I want to share with you what this frugalista packs in my necessity bag:

First and foremost are your kicks, a.k.a….shoes!  These will be the essence of your day.  My partner in crime wore the ever popular Toms  seen on my 2011 Gift Guide must have.  I wore my absolutely comfiest pair of kicks ever.  My Nikes!

They are stylish enough to wear with slacks {which I did wear} but comfy enough to walk for 8 hours. I nabbed these at my local Nordstrom Rack for $19 and have had them for over 2 years.

Then…there’s your goodies.  The goodies that will carry you through the conference to the end.  There is one item not pictured here and those are snacks.  Please please please pack snacks.  Lines will be long, blood sugars will drop and the day will be miserable.

And here’s what I pack in my survival pack:

1. Apple iPad 2 - a must for a quick post that you want to actually look nice. If there is downtime, this will come in handy.
2. Cell phone – need I say more, SamSung is becoming my close favorite so far this year {been through 2}
3. My iGo Charger for my cell phone and iPad
4.  MyJawbone II Bluetooth Headset with NoiseAssassin - a MUST!
5. Philosophy Lip Shine Mimosa - a must in my purse regardless
6. John Masters Lotion – Keeps my hands hydrated all day long even after washing.
7. Extra Pair of Glasses {purchased FREE from Coastal Glasses – First pai free w/code: FIRSTPAIRFREE}
8. JoToes Bag – I did squeeze my DSLR inside but only had it out for a second.

My VegasBloggers Buddy Stefanie and I had a Blast!  It was quick, fully packed and we learned a plethora of information.  Not to mention all the cool items we saw.  For more cool pics of our experience you can view my VegasBloggers post and view my Google + album!

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I didn’t post last week…it was a bit crazy.  I attended a Fresh & Easy Blogger Event at Toni Spilsbury‘s Home {which was Amazing} .  We indulged in lot’s of great holiday items you should NOT miss.  One of which is my absolute favorite at $2 per bottle, F&E Sparkling Pumpkin.  It’s a mild pumpkin flavor with a hint of ginger…yum!:

We enjoyed what was suppose to be a two hour event but turned into a 6 hour chat fest of fabulous Las Vegas Bloggers.  It was amazing to chat with local bloggers that “get it”.  Iv’e attended several Fresh & Easy events over the past few years but this one was not only special because it was one that Fresh & Easy asked me to put together {which by the way I only shouted at the rooftop}, but one that was the most personal.  A Fresh & Easy representative even attended the event!  Giving a shout out to Nicole!!!!  So nice to meet you.

Let’s dig into this weeks deals.   Don’t forget about the Fresh & Easy Rewards Program is in full affect now. The below list is for starting Wednesday, December 7, 2011 in Nevada. Since school is back in, make sure to check out Shop for Schools. Also, make sure to check out my post HERE to learn the ins and outs of Fresh & Easy and how to maximize your savings and receive store coupons.

To find your local Fresh & Easy click HERE. I list the items that I feel are great pricing. If your looking for Glueten Free foods you’ve come to the right place. They have a wide selection of Glueten Free Foods at Fresh & Easy. F&E always has Great organic lotions & makeup, did you know that? Don’t forget to check out Fresh & Easy’s “What’s New” section. You can view the current weeks flyers here.

And now for the delicious hot deals of the week:

• Farmer John Half Ham, 97¢/lb
• Blackberries or Blueberries, 2 for $3 when you buy multiples of 2
• Poinsettias starting at $4
• F&E Sparkling Cider (Grape, Apple or Apple Pear), 2 for $4, when you buy multiples of 2
• WineWrights Wine, $7.99/bottle
• F&E Milk 1 gallon – 2/$5.50 when bought in multiples of 2
• Farmer’s Gems Egge 18 count – 2/$5
• Charmin Bath Tissue 12 rolls – $5.99

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I was recently invited to a Blogger event at Albertsons and let me tell you….Albertsons is a hidden gem!  Doesn’t this cake look delish?

Did you know that Albertsons offers smash cakes for FREE to use on your babies 1 year birthday?  This is HUGE info right???

Did you know that Albertsons has a HUGE bakery section and can customize beyond the book pictures for your next event?  I’m sure we all look through those “cake books” and think, so wish we could do some cute cake balls or just something unique. Well, if you can think it, Albertsons can find a way to make it or at least try.

Did you know that Albertsons offers Cake & Floral packages for your cake and floral needs?  For me this is HUGE.  Keeping everything in house and no need to make more than one trip is key.

There were so many “Did you know moments” I couldn’t believe all that I didn’t know.

For example, Did you know that your local Albertsons will allow you to utilize their store meeting rooms for your community event if available?   This is on a by store basis so be sure to check with your store first.  But how awesome is that!!

It’s always great to meet other bloggers in the community and even sweeter when we get spoiled.  Albertsons had mini cakes made up for each of us with our blog logo on top.  Super sweet and cool!

Oh and they had these super great bags filled with all the making for a princess cake inside.  I’ve yet to use it but I know I will put it all to good use for my little princess very soon.

Here are my bumpkins enjoying all that Deal Fanatic cake!

You can view the entire event on my Google + Photo Album.

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If your a faithful reader of my blog….Thank You!!  I know there are a few of you guys  You probably noticed a lack there of posts from me this summer. Well….I took an impromptu vacation from deal blogging on a daily basis.  Deal Bloggers do a ton of blogging.  Making 1-20+ posts per day.  I’ve done it!   And now…everyone else is doing it too.  If your looking for that type of blogger, I’m not your gal.  At least not everyday.  I’ve been blogging at The Deal Fanatic.com for over 3 years now and it’s been a great place to share my finds.

You know where this is going right??  Thanks to Extreme Couponing {and I will always support my couponers} You can find more deal bloggers than you can about any other topic!  There’s a reason too .

I will always live a frugal lifestyle and continue to blog about it, but there’s really only so many Walgreens posts about how to get free toothpaste you can read.  I have favorite deal blogs too and I’m super faithful!  SUPER!!  But living a frugal lifestyle is more to me than just free toothpaste.  Living a frugal lifestyle is more to me than just getting a magazine subscription for free {although every little bit helps}:

• It’s about knowing how and when to get things.
• It’s about knowing how to budget for your lifestyle, your family and your taste.

Welcome to ……..

The Deal Fanatic.com, frugal lifestyle blog.

I will continue to bring you

awesome finds, that are “get it now” deals so Subscribe to Deal Fanatic by Email {updated every 24 hours} or your preferred reader for up to the minute posts {which will frequently come up}.   I will continue to post the

grocrey store or stores that have the best deals to shop at for the week, i.e., Smith’s {Kroger affiliate} Vons, etc.  The

hottest in gadgets {because I’m a true techie at heart} and lasts but not leasts

me.  One of my most favorite things to do is learn more about who I’m subscribing too…right?  I’ts like an online reality show..LOL.

So….what does the “me” portion mean?  Well, it means really…just how it sounds.  But I also want to get to know you all more.  Photography, food, movies, shows, kids….that’s all me, is it you?   Other portions of your life doesn’t stop just because you become frugal or your doing grocery matchups.  You still need to live beyond the toothpaste.  And that’s where the me kicks in.  I’ll be sharing how we take our vacations, how I afford my photography equipment, how we feed our family of 4 and do it just like Vegas rock stars!

Oh and by the way….because you know I live the frugal lifestyle now, this blog re-design was done all by little ole’ me.  I am by no means a designer {there are a ton of fabulous ones out there} but I blog because I want to save money not spend it on my design.  So…I grabbed an inexpensive template {StudioPress Blissful Child Theme} and the created graphic designs in Photoshop, changed around the CSS coding a bit and Wa-lla.  A frugal blog done by a frugal blogger!  Make sure to check out the StudioPress Marketplace while your grabbing your StudioPress Genesis Theme Framework for your theme. They are always adding new ones and the marketplace is cool & funky!

My style of blogging is still the same…just more of it and me!  It was great taking the summer off in a sense and really getting to spend time with my bambinos, hubby, pimping out my new layout and just enjoying everyday.  Really enjoying every day!    Try it~!

Whew….I didn’t realize I wrote so much…..

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Now that 4th quarter is coming up, for most bloggers  it’s the busiest time of the year.  For me, it’s when I spend time planning conferences for the next year.  2011 for me was all about my photography conferences and it was an awesome year!!!

2012 is going to be all about my bloggy conferences and I’m looking forward to one in particular.  BlogHer 2012 will be in New York again and as I understand it,  tickets are being sold at a good speed.  So…what does this mean.   Plan!  There are some great offers on Hotels right now.  It’s considered Off-season deals in NYC !   Get your Flight + Hotel from $280! – Expires 9/25/11.

If you factor in the cost of the conference{if your getting sponsors} plus that $280….this is a sweet deal bloggers!!

Hope to see you there…2012

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I’ll tell ya……

This post is a long time coming.  About 2 years ago I was a complete twitter fan.  I told everyone I know to join so we can chat.  I chatted…I missed a few days & weeks and then I noticed I started to have more conversations over on Facebook as more and more were becoming affiliated with the power of Facebook.  Since then I’ve noticed a shift in how I post and it’s simply easier for me to have dialog and share content on Facebook.

Are you one of the Dealfanatics that I chat with or click on my like button when you read something that fits you?  Leave me a comment below {oh an by the way, when you like my post at the bottom of any post you can also comment using your facebook login without creating a new login for wordpress}. If your not yet a fan, you could be are missing out on some of my Daily Deals.  My Facebook Fans are some of the first to hear quick deals {that might not otherwise make it to my blog}, conversations about Hot Topics and on location finds.

Join me on Facebook so you never miss “the next best” Deal!

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Update: I wanted to address an issue that I’ve been receive emails on regarding Extreme couponing. Let me say that being able to “extreme coupon” depending on your definition will also depend on what portion of the country you live. You can still save TONS in areas that like Las Vegas only receive Smart Source in our Sunday Newspaper and Red Plum in our Weekly circulars…it will just take more planning. This is half the fun!! However, I always stress to anyone that is just starting out, try to be considerate of others and mindful of what you need. I personally NEVER clear the shelf!!

In full support of the ladies who are putting it all out there, I will be watching and supporting the TLC Extreme Couponing Group. Regardless of my personal opinion {which are in support of} couponing is simply of way of life for me.

Bottom line is this, how could you not love saving a buck or two in this economy or anytime!! Going to pop my popcorn now! Go Antoinette…

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Did you know you could do all this right here on my blog? Yep! Just click on the tab above labeled Frugal Recipes. Once on that page you can search for recipes, and by clicking the other tabs {shopping & jobs} you will have just entered your own personal shopping mall.

I did the shopping tab this moring while searching for a lens cap.  It will even find the best price for you.  Check it out and let me know what you think.  Once you put in your location it will remember each time you come back so you won’t need to enter it again if your searching from the same computer.

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Are you a blogger?  This post is for you.  If you’ve been holding off getting your registration for Blogworld, here’s a deal for you.  Register now for BlogWorld and save 15% on Thursday, Weekend or Full Access Passes. That would make the Exhibits pass only $42.50.  If your planning on coming drop me a comment so I can give you a shout!  Here’s a sneak peak into the conference.

Want to know Who’s speaking at BlogWorld 2010? Go check it out! Join me at BlogWorld and New Media Expo 2010 at Mandalay Bay!

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Hi guys.. my computer is getting some back end tuning updated since it decided to crash today.  I’m posting from my phone which is not easy.  I’ll be back up and running tomorrow with Walgreens, CVS, Vons and my Sample Saturday from today. 

I received my picaboo book today and love it.  Have you done yours yet?  Did you get it?  I must say it was super fast delivery.  If you haven’t ordered yours yet, scroll down below and look for free offers.
Also,  I’ll l be announcing the winner of the Dominos  card winner tomorrow… stay tuned.

Have a great Saturday everyone, and it you find any awesome deals…. leave a comment and let us know. 

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