We have a winner! Congratulations to #52 Christina G., who was digging the polka dot socks. Thanks to Happy Socks and to everyone who entered—keep checking back for more great giveaways!




Please note: This contest is now closed.

It's hard not to love a company with "happy" in its name, and Happy Socks is no exception! This fun-loving company makes high-quality, high-impact socks in rad colors (wow, haven't used that word since the '80s!) and patterns including stripes, dots, argyle and colorblock. Knowing these exuberant socks are on your feet will put a smile on your face. Plus, they will make matching socks after you wash your laundry a breeze!

For your chance to win three (3) of your very own pairs of Happy Socks, visit HappySocks.com, then tell us which style is your favorite in the comment section below.

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Thursday December 11 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Friday December 12.

I rarely, if ever, make an online purchase without using a coupon code. I'd be a fool not too, considering how easy they are to find and redeem. That's why I was surprised to read a recent article on Yahoo! Finance titled, "In Lean Times, Online Coupons Catching On." Catching on? Doesn't everyone use online coupons? Well, in case I have some readers who are not coupon-code savvy—perhaps some recessionistas who are new to the Budget Babe fold—I figured I'd share some tips for making the most out of these money-saving gems.

How to find coupon codes: Do a quick Google search for the name of the store at which you're shopping and the word "coupon." Click through a couple of the search results to compare deals and hone in on the one that's best for your purchase.
If at first you don't succeed: Try, try again. Sometimes you'll enter an invalid or expired coupon code, but don't dismay. Usually if you try a couple codes, you'll find one that works. Obviously you don't want to waste tons of time, but don't give up after one failed attempt.
"Stack" coupons: Sometimes you can use multiple codes for one purchase, which is usually difficult to do in brick-n-mortar stores (although somehow my Mom always manages to do this!)
Know your favorite coupon code sites: Amidst a sea of coupon code sites, here are a few that truly stand out.

• 
  RetailMeNot.com
  


• 
  FreeShipping.org
  


• 
  CouponCabin.com
  


• 
  CheapUncle.com
  


• 
  WantedCoupons.com
  


• CouponCowGirl.com

Take it to the next level: I have not personally tried FatWallet.com or Ebates, but these sites offer cash back on purchases if you sign up, sign in and then click through to a retailer.