COSMO's Fun & Cheap Summer Date Ideas

Don't let a lack of money stop you from having a fun date this summer. Cosmopolitan has some fun and affordable date ideas to help you out. Here are a couple of Cosmo's fun date ideas and for more date ideas pick up the June issue:


*Find The Next Zach Galifianakis

Pick a Thursday night to see cheap stand-up comedy. Clubs boost the number of shows in summer, and midweek tickets almost always cost less than those for Fridays and Saturdays. It's more fun if you sit within heckling distance of the stage, so go early.


Style & Focus Quick Tip:

Not really into comedy clubs, watch or rent a few of your favorite most funniest movies or TV shows. You can enjoy a full night of your favorites and not have to sit through a round of a not so funny comedian. Just don't forget the popcorn and other snacks.


*Escape For Ice Cream

Both working 9 to 5 all summer? Sneak in a middle-of-the-day date by meeting up for an ice cream stand, and head to the nearest green space to sit back, relax, and make out while they melt all over the place. Score more minutes together by getting a local ice cream truck to cruise past your building. Go to allscream.com to find and contact a truck in your area.


Style and Focus Quick Tip:

Can't make time to meet or the ice cream truck not in your area, stop by the store and get ice cream, cones and toppings and take an ice cream break after work. Enjoy it even more by sitting outside and enjoying the rest of the day.

With Money Tight, How are Women Saving Money and Still Look Amazing?

With the economy not as stong as it once was, I decided to go into research mode to find out how women are saving money and are still looking amazing. They don't want to sacrifice their appearance even though their budget has taken a fall. I wanted to know what they were looking for beauty, fashion, and entertainment wise. So, what are some stylish but frugal women doing?

From my research:

* Many women are purchasing multi-purpose clothes that they can wear to work, on a date, etc. They want clothes that can work for more than one occasion. They want clothes that are durable, fashionable and affordable.

* Women are also choosing muliti-purpose makeup and beauty products that they can get more use out of. They want products that are time saving and portable, that will be useful in getting them out the door in the morning more quickly.

* Despite what's being promoted in the magazines some women are forgoing designer clothes and handbags and instead opting for affordable yet equally high quality clothes that will fit their new budgets. However, if they do choose to buy designer pieces they are purchasing from the sale or clearance racks instead. Many asked why don't their favorite magazines show more affordable options in between the inspirational designer pieces.

* Some women are choosing to forgo a few non-essential luxuries to keep at least one or two little luxuries like forgoing their daily lattes/coffees for professional manicures and pedicures.

* As for hair care products, there doesn't seem to be too much cutting back there but some are looking for more effective hair products that do what they claim they are suppose to do. However, they are limiting the number of blowouts and other professional services they are getting but are looking for products that will help extend the life of their professionally styled hair.

* Lastly, they are looking for more affordable ways to entertain and have fun, for instance going out to nightclubs and out to dinner can be fun but are quite expensive. Many women are looking for more ways to stretch their entertainment budget and still have a good time without sitting at home on a Saturday night. They are choosing some affordable but fun options such as: going to bars, pubs and diners for cocktails and meals, hosting or attending dinner parties, karaoke bars, taking turns hosting fabulous cocktail parties with their friends, etc.