This past weekend I went shopping with my friend Sharon. Since she is expecting we went shopping for maternity clothes for her since she had been having a difficult time finding clothes. First thing that came to my mind was the outlet mall. As I stated in a previous post, I love outlet malls and think they are the best thing that the retail world has ever made. Sharon and I decided to go out the Motherhood Maternity store outlet. When we walked in we looked at a FEW things, but not many because my first key to smart shopping is TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE CLEARANCE/ SALE SECTION. In most retail stores, they continue many of the same items each season, but put them in different colors or add or take away a graphic here or there on clearance. So MOST OF the time you can find a sale or clearance item that is very very very similar to a brand new full price item for half of the price.
There can be catch to clearance shopping however, find out the return policy before purchasing any clearance items. At the motherhood maternity outlet store we went to they would not let you return or exchange anything that you purchased, so Sharon had to try on everything before she decided what she wanted to buy. However not all stores are like this. For example at Old Navy and Target you have up to 90 days to return any clearance items that you may have purchased.
Now don't get me wrong.. you can't ALWAYS find what you are looking for in a clearance section... but I guarantee that 90% of the time you will find what you are looking for or something very similar to it.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
$.31 Baskin Robbins!!!
So I didnt know this when I posted my last blog but tomorrow from 5pm- 10pm visit your local baskin robbins and get one scoop of ice cream for $.31!!!! I dont know all the details or whatever but if you go http://www.baskinrobbins.com/
Garage Sales
Yep... you know it! It is that time of year again! Here in Michigan, April is the time of year where you start to see garage sale signs and lemonade stands. Coming from a family (mainly my aunt and grandfather) who love to garage sale, I have learned that you can find some great things at a garage.
For example, my aunt one time found two REAL leather Coach purses at a garage sale in Howell once. For both of the purses the man sold them to her for $.25 each! If these purses were to be valued on ebay or amazon they would be valued anywhere between $100 and $250! Not only can you find small things such as purses and clothes at a good price, but sometimes if you go to a good garage sale you can find some items that could cost you alot for a fraction of the price. About five or six years ago my mom bought a bike at a garage sale for $10. In the summer she rides this bike every day and it has stayed in very good condition for her.
Now I know some of you are saying, "well you and your family memebers just got lucky, I've gotten nothing but crap from garage sales" dont get me wrong, yes you can find some crappy things at garage sales, but for every five crappy things you find I can guarentee that you can find at least one really nice thing!
All in all, when you are driving by and see a garage sale sign, stop and see what they have... because you will never know what you can find at a garage sale!
If you want to find some garage sale listings in your areas go to http://www.garagesalesource.com/
For example, my aunt one time found two REAL leather Coach purses at a garage sale in Howell once. For both of the purses the man sold them to her for $.25 each! If these purses were to be valued on ebay or amazon they would be valued anywhere between $100 and $250! Not only can you find small things such as purses and clothes at a good price, but sometimes if you go to a good garage sale you can find some items that could cost you alot for a fraction of the price. About five or six years ago my mom bought a bike at a garage sale for $10. In the summer she rides this bike every day and it has stayed in very good condition for her.
Now I know some of you are saying, "well you and your family memebers just got lucky, I've gotten nothing but crap from garage sales" dont get me wrong, yes you can find some crappy things at garage sales, but for every five crappy things you find I can guarentee that you can find at least one really nice thing!
All in all, when you are driving by and see a garage sale sign, stop and see what they have... because you will never know what you can find at a garage sale!
If you want to find some garage sale listings in your areas go to http://www.garagesalesource.com/
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Coach
As most of you known I am obsessed with purses, especially designer purses. Throughout high school I had knock offs of Louis Vutton, Burberry, and Coach. I always felt that buying designer purses were out of my price range and the only way I would ever have a real one is if my parents were to buy me one. Recently I have discovered that if you are smart with your shopping, you can still have really nice designer items at an affordable price.
I love outlet malls and think that outlet malls are the greatest thing God created. About a year ago I started shopping at a Tanger Outlet mall. At this outlet mall they have a Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Banana Republic outlets, but what outlet I think is the best is the Coach Outlet. I still thought that going to a Coach Outlet would be out of my price range, but they really aren't. They are consistently having sales, promotions, etc. For instance my first real Coach purse was from there and I paid $90 for it. It was a large brown tote one with small C's on it. Later I bought a large white purse with different color C's and I got this one for $75! You can't go wrong! Now I understand that some may still find that to be expensive for a purse, but for a Coach purse that is a steal. The purse I got for $90 was originally $250.
Unfortunately, they do not do coupons, but the sales are already really good as it is.
Tanger is not the only outlet company who carries Coach.
To sign up for emails or to get more information about Tanger Outlets you can go to http://www.tangeroutlet.com/
I love outlet malls and think that outlet malls are the greatest thing God created. About a year ago I started shopping at a Tanger Outlet mall. At this outlet mall they have a Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Banana Republic outlets, but what outlet I think is the best is the Coach Outlet. I still thought that going to a Coach Outlet would be out of my price range, but they really aren't. They are consistently having sales, promotions, etc. For instance my first real Coach purse was from there and I paid $90 for it. It was a large brown tote one with small C's on it. Later I bought a large white purse with different color C's and I got this one for $75! You can't go wrong! Now I understand that some may still find that to be expensive for a purse, but for a Coach purse that is a steal. The purse I got for $90 was originally $250.
Unfortunately, they do not do coupons, but the sales are already really good as it is.
Tanger is not the only outlet company who carries Coach.
To sign up for emails or to get more information about Tanger Outlets you can go to http://www.tangeroutlet.com/
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Old Navy Weekly
Although I feel like I am kind of cheating with this post (since I work for Gap Inc.) I really felt that Old Navy is really giving a good deal. Oldnavyweekly.com is a new website that Old Navy has published online so that people can view their ads online.... YES! OLD NAVY NOW HAS A SUNDAY AD!!! Since not everyone gets the Sunday paper, they decided to make this website so that people can still check out their great sales without having to buy a newspaper.
Now, not only does this website show the items that are on sale, but it also has HIDDEN COUPONS! and these are just any coupons they are AWESOME COUPONS! for example they do have coupons such as 10%, 15%, and 20% off your entire purchase, but they also have coupons such as $75 off a $100 purchase! I AM NOT KIDDING! but there is a catch, there is only a certain amount of coupons for each deal. For instance there were only maybe 5,000 total of the $75 off $100 coupons but there are possibly 20,000 total of the 15% off coupons.
Now, if you missed out on one of those fabulous $75 off $100 coupons, no need to be sad because every week (or every new ad) they add new coupons to the website. So you really need to watch and the check the website often to see if they have added more of the coupon you want.
The coupons are also hidden, so you have to click around on the ad to find them!
the website is http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/
Now, not only does this website show the items that are on sale, but it also has HIDDEN COUPONS! and these are just any coupons they are AWESOME COUPONS! for example they do have coupons such as 10%, 15%, and 20% off your entire purchase, but they also have coupons such as $75 off a $100 purchase! I AM NOT KIDDING! but there is a catch, there is only a certain amount of coupons for each deal. For instance there were only maybe 5,000 total of the $75 off $100 coupons but there are possibly 20,000 total of the 15% off coupons.
Now, if you missed out on one of those fabulous $75 off $100 coupons, no need to be sad because every week (or every new ad) they add new coupons to the website. So you really need to watch and the check the website often to see if they have added more of the coupon you want.
The coupons are also hidden, so you have to click around on the ad to find them!
the website is http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter
So for those of you who know me, you know that I am HUGE into scrapbooking and other paper craftings. And when I tell most people I do that as a hobby they say "Wow isn't that expensive?" Yes, Scrapbooking can be/ get expensive, but if you are smart with the tools you buy, you can do it on a low budget. About a month ago I got my own Cricut, but I got the new Cricut Create.
I paid $199.99 for my Cricut and my Cricut came with:
the Cricut Create (valued at $299.99)
Don Juan Cartridge (valued at $89.99)
Cricut cutting mat (valued at $9.99)
Now when I bought this Cricut I thought I was getting a FANTASTIC Deal at the time, since the original price of the Cricut is $299.99, but recently I was mistaken.
From Now until Saturday March 7th JoAnn Fabrics has the older Cricut, the Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter for $99.99!!!!! Although this Cricut is a little older and smaller and doesn't have a few features that the new Create does, it doesn't mean that it doesn't perform its basic purpose which is to cut/ die cut paper.
This Cricut does not come with a cartridge, however JoAnn's is also running a special where they have cartridges on sale for $38.88. You can also buy two cutting mats with a 40% off coupon for $6! So lets do the math.. for all these items you would pay a total of $144.87 (pre tax) which beats my original deal by $55.12.
So if you have really been thinking about getting a Cricut, right now at JoAnn's is really the time to buy, because I can guarantee you that if you wait, you may end up paying full price.
You can check out this sale and many other sales from JoAnn Fabrics at http://www.joann.com/joann/
I paid $199.99 for my Cricut and my Cricut came with:
the Cricut Create (valued at $299.99)
Don Juan Cartridge (valued at $89.99)
Cricut cutting mat (valued at $9.99)
Now when I bought this Cricut I thought I was getting a FANTASTIC Deal at the time, since the original price of the Cricut is $299.99, but recently I was mistaken.
From Now until Saturday March 7th JoAnn Fabrics has the older Cricut, the Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter for $99.99!!!!! Although this Cricut is a little older and smaller and doesn't have a few features that the new Create does, it doesn't mean that it doesn't perform its basic purpose which is to cut/ die cut paper.
This Cricut does not come with a cartridge, however JoAnn's is also running a special where they have cartridges on sale for $38.88. You can also buy two cutting mats with a 40% off coupon for $6! So lets do the math.. for all these items you would pay a total of $144.87 (pre tax) which beats my original deal by $55.12.
So if you have really been thinking about getting a Cricut, right now at JoAnn's is really the time to buy, because I can guarantee you that if you wait, you may end up paying full price.
You can check out this sale and many other sales from JoAnn Fabrics at http://www.joann.com/joann/
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Vacations
As we all know during this tough economy we often find ourselves stressed, overworked, exhausted and anxious. Not only are we having these types of emotions because they are simply our jobs, but these emotions have been heightened with people currently losing their jobs left and right and the foreclosure rate going through the roof. Although most things in life cost money, it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to spend alot of money to enjoy some extra luxuries in life. This is where I come in, I am Laura and I REFUSE to pay full price for ANYTHING and am a deal finder.
Now let's get somethings straight first, I will not sit here and say that I have NEVER paid full price because there are somethings that are necessities in life that you can not always control the price of, for example gasoline. But when it comes to luxuries such as vacations, retail items, and basically anything of those sorts you can most definitely always find a deal... you just need to know how to find them.
So my Deal of the Day is from Spirit Airlines. Although flying or using Spirit Airlines is not the most luxurious airline company these days, they are definitely one of the most economical around. I am on their email list and they always send emails on certain deals they have. I bet most of you get these emails but delete them because they are often mistaken to be spam.
This one particular deal is for vacations to various different locations, WARM locations, which us people in Michigan really like at this time of the year. With the deal you have airfare and a three night hotel stay at the choice destination. A couple of catches is that I believe you have to book your flight on a Monday and in the Promotions section you need to enter "Top Picks". I also believe with this price that you have to book before the end of May but I am not 100% positive. (Note: price does not include tax and airline fees)
Elle's Top 3 Deals for 3 Different Destinations (based on departure from Detroit Metro,trip for 2. and standard accommodations):
1.) Las Vegas: Excalibur Hotel &Casino: $417.22 per person
2.) Cancun: Celuisma Dos Playas: $458.69 per person **ALL INCLUSIVE**
3.) Orlando: DoubleTree Hotel at Entrance to Universal Orlando: $393.47 per person
So you might be thinking to yourself, "Well how do I know this is a good deal?" One reason why I found these to be great deals is from a few experiences. First about three- four years ago I went to Mexico and paid just under $1,000 just for MYSELF to go to Mexico including airfare staying in an all inclusive hotel. I also know friends who have gone to Las Vegas who paid $400 alone just for the air fare . If you click on the link it will take you Spirit Vacations and it will give other deals to other destinations than the few I listed.
A direct link to this website to book a trip like this is http://www.spiritvacations.com/deals/index.asp
To sign up to receive Spirit deals go to http://www.spiritair.com/EMailNotifySignup.aspx
Now let's get somethings straight first, I will not sit here and say that I have NEVER paid full price because there are somethings that are necessities in life that you can not always control the price of, for example gasoline. But when it comes to luxuries such as vacations, retail items, and basically anything of those sorts you can most definitely always find a deal... you just need to know how to find them.
So my Deal of the Day is from Spirit Airlines. Although flying or using Spirit Airlines is not the most luxurious airline company these days, they are definitely one of the most economical around. I am on their email list and they always send emails on certain deals they have. I bet most of you get these emails but delete them because they are often mistaken to be spam.
This one particular deal is for vacations to various different locations, WARM locations, which us people in Michigan really like at this time of the year. With the deal you have airfare and a three night hotel stay at the choice destination. A couple of catches is that I believe you have to book your flight on a Monday and in the Promotions section you need to enter "Top Picks". I also believe with this price that you have to book before the end of May but I am not 100% positive. (Note: price does not include tax and airline fees)
Elle's Top 3 Deals for 3 Different Destinations (based on departure from Detroit Metro,trip for 2. and standard accommodations):
1.) Las Vegas: Excalibur Hotel &Casino: $417.22 per person
2.) Cancun: Celuisma Dos Playas: $458.69 per person **ALL INCLUSIVE**
3.) Orlando: DoubleTree Hotel at Entrance to Universal Orlando: $393.47 per person
So you might be thinking to yourself, "Well how do I know this is a good deal?" One reason why I found these to be great deals is from a few experiences. First about three- four years ago I went to Mexico and paid just under $1,000 just for MYSELF to go to Mexico including airfare staying in an all inclusive hotel. I also know friends who have gone to Las Vegas who paid $400 alone just for the air fare . If you click on the link it will take you Spirit Vacations and it will give other deals to other destinations than the few I listed.
A direct link to this website to book a trip like this is http://www.spiritvacations.com/deals/index.asp
To sign up to receive Spirit deals go to http://www.spiritair.com/EMailNotifySignup.aspx
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