Something kool in the works

So, have you ever gone out to a bar or club in a ridiculously painful pair of heels? Have you ever brought a pair of flats because you know your too-cute heels are just not going to last?

Well I found something. The only problem is, it doesn't quite exist yet. It's a convertible heel that goes from pump to flat in seconds. Pretty awesome.

You know what's even more awesome? It's made by a European car insurance company. Why you ask? To make driving safer. Also a good reason, but I prefer the benefit of being able to change my shoes in the middle of a bar without having to carry an extra pair.

Lets hope this figment of their imagination comes true.

Make Me Up

So I haven't done any really good shopping or deal finding in a while. Been entirely to busy. However, ULTA has a coupon for $5 off $10, so my streak is going to be short lived.

For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, ULTA is a cosmetics store that has high quality as well as normal CVS type make up and other stuff like hair care.

Check them out online, they're having some great BOGO sales right now, www.ulta.com. And if you find something you like I suggest you google ULTA coupons. And then I suggest you sign up for their email list.

This place has easily become my favorite place to buy make up and other such beauty products. Mainly, though, because of all the coupons I get from them in the mail.

Usually, if I'm going to buy something, I put it off until the next coupon comes because they're always worth the wait.

But, if I can't wait, I just found a Harmon around the block from my workplace the other day, so that'll do juuuuust fine.

Well, I'm off to spend and use my coupon! Bon Voyage!

My Addiction

So I have realized I am an addict. For tank tops. But not just any tank tops. Express tank tops.

It all started when I worked there and had my fabulous discount. Now, even though I have no discount other than coupons, I still can't help myself.

As far as I can tell, to date, I have atleast 15 in one ridiculous rainbow of colors. They are essential in my wardrobe. They either fit under, or look good with everything I own. I highly suggest them.

I went there last week and unbeknownst to me, was not allowed to use my coupon with the on going sale they were having.

Also unbeknownst to me, that sale ended the day I went. So what did the good shopper that I am NEED to do? Ofcourse, go back and get an adjustment.

So I went back and got it adjusted and knocked 10 bucks off my bill. You would think, oh good, you saved some money! But no, not me the addict, I've been searching for a specific tank top since they clearanced out and up until today couldnt find one in my size.

Notice I said up until today. Naturally I found it and couldn't resist. So how much did I end up saving you ask? A dollar and change, haha.

I would put a link up to the website that has the picture, but I really don't think anyone appreciates them until they put one on. So for all of you who want to go and see what I'm talking about, go to your local Express and try on a Sexy Basics tank and be prepared to NEVER look back!

Bra-tastic

So I have started working out and signed up for a gym. I HATE it. There is just something about your heart feeling like it is going to explode that I just don't like.

But, on another blog today I found a contest and the featured prize is pretty dang cool if you ask me. So I'm going to enter this contest because I want it, and to enter the contest I have to repost it here.

So here it is for your sports-bra-wearing pleasure...bra with a pocket! There's nothing like buying something new that might actually get me to the gym!

I entered the Gracie Gear Giveaway!

Check out Roni’s Weight Loss Blog for more information.

The Ins and Outs of Shopping

Clearly, I like to shop. I think it's fun, it wastes time and hopefully you come out with something new and exciting. But if you aren't a real shopper yet, don't worry, in about 10 mins you will be.

First you should know the basics, most stores follow them:

1. More often than not, you CAN'T combine your coupons. Now for this one I am talking more about stores you would find in a mall as opposed to stores like <3 Target <3. They want you to purchase their stuff, but they also want to make a profit. You can almost always get around this by asking to make seperate transactions.

2. Keep those tags on. This is the most detrimental of all mistakes and cause for a lot of problems between employees and customers. Many stores simply do not accept returns if they are not attached, however, some will allow it as long as you atleast have the tags. Better safe than sorry on this though

3. Know the return policies. I literally could give you a run down of stores I frequent and what their policies are. On average you have about 2 weeks for a price adjustment and anywhere from 30-90 days to return something with the accompanying receipt. Make sure you know the policy, especially if you are unsure about the purchase to begin with. All else fails, check the site before you go!

Next Section: How to Save.

1. It's the 21st century people! Most stores market via email. You might want to dedicate an email address to deals and store mailing lists. It's good to be in the know.

2. Adjust and save. Like I said before, you often have a few days to a couple of weeks to go get a price adjustment on an item you bought that either went on sale or went on promotion. The store knows you had no clue it was going on sale the next day, they don't want you to feel stiffed (plus they want to get back in your wallet, what a great way!).

3. Check the site before you go. I usually make a gameplan of what I want to buy when I go to a store. That doesn't mean I stick to the plan (how was I to know they had a faboulous pair of heels in my size for 10 bucks marked down from 50?!) but atleast I know what promotions are on for the day and get more info on them.

4. Add yourself to the mailing list. Ever wonder why they ask you for your phone number at the end of the transaction? Your number is verification and permission for them to send you coupons and other marketing in the mail. How do they do it? Do you KNOW how much info they have on you once you swipe that credit card? HELLO!

I'm sure there's more I can think of, but I'm also sure I could write a book on it too. But I'm confident that these rules are a great foundation to building yourself up to that black belt in shopping!

Let me know your best piece of shopping advice. Sharing is caring you know!

Trick or Treat?

With Halloween right around the corner I figured I would write a little somethin' about getting deals on some great halloween costumes.

My girlfriends and I decided we were going to go to Oz this year. So I am in search of a "Tin Woman" costume. I went to one of those Halloween stores (the kind that rent out vacant space for a month and are never heard from again) over the weekend with the soon-to-be Scarecrow in search of our costumes. No dice, however, there was a very nice saleslady who told us a new shipment would be out by Wednesday. Here's where deal #1 comes in. She also told us that if we came back and found our costumes, they would give us a 15% discount if we mentioned her name.

Turns out I went back today, (it happens to be on my way home from work) but they had just begun to put out the shipment, -sigh- I'll have to wait until tomorrow. If that fails, off to the Internet to buy the dang thing...where most times you're likely to spend more on the shipping than the actual costume! Update: will not be going back tomorrow due to Amazon's awesomeness. See Below.

Deal #1.5: Luckily for me I have already researched and found the best possible price I could on the outfit: $29 total GOD BLESS AMAZON. I'd be willing to spend a little more if the store here had it simply because then I would know I would definitely have the costume in time for the holiday. I have definitely had a few close calls with ordering costumes online; I learned my lesson.

Deal #2 comes in while helping our Dorothy find some Ruby Red Slippers. I am really, really, really good at finding deals on shoes. I have a knack. Without fail I can find you a shoe that fits your budget and your style if you are being reasonable. So where did we find the Ruby Reds you ask? No, we didn't drop a house on anyone, we found them at Mandees.com. Lucky as I am, they had a cute pair of red peep toes in clearance for 8 bucks in her size. She got them today, apparently they are comfortable, another point for me.

Last but not least I have two general tips. We will call these Deal #3.

1. If you are buying a costume off the Internet. Make sure you do it 2-3 weeks before Halloween. I'm not even kidding, the worst thing is paying for a costume you won't get to use until next year.

2. Check a few sites for your desired costume, many have coupon codes right on their homepage. Dont get discouraged if you don't see one though...you can always google the site name and "coupon code" and potentially find a great deal.

3. If you don't really care what you are going to be, wait until the last minute and then go to one of those Halloween here today-gone tomorrow stores. Chances are they want to almost give away the costumes at that point, so you're bound to score!

So there you have it. Top my deals, I dare you, leave me a comment and put me to shame!