The Least Frugal Places to Shop for School Supplies

There are just some places that you should avoid purchasing school supplies. The reason is, because no matter how great one deal is, that is how they rope you in. They hope by offering a great deal, you’ll stay and purchase the rest. Not a good idea, if you are truly interested in saving money. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of a deal, if its worth it, but don’t do the rest of your shopping there, just because its more convenient. Here are some places to avoid purchasing school supplies: Pharmacies – Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and Eckerd, … Continue reading

Why Should I Shop At More Than One Store?

Shopping at more than one store for groceries, can save you more money than you realize. However, don’t go too far, or you’ll lose some of those savings buying gas. It is important to realize how stores work, for you to understand why shopping at several places, saves you the most money. Loss Leaders or Great Sales Every store has them. These are the products that are greatly reduced and discounted. These are the store items that are worth buying, and planning your meals around. Don’t purchase anything until you have checked all the sales fliers for the grocery stores … Continue reading

Shopping In Boston

My best friend just returned from a shopping trip (I mean business trip) to Boston. And being the wonderful, kind-hearted friend she is (hugs), she didn’t come back empty-handed. Instead, she returned with a bag full of goodies for my young daughter who happens to be a HUGE Curious George fan. If you have a child obsessed with George, you may want to consider a trip to Boston. I’m only half-kidding. The city that’s crammed with historical monuments and must-see museums is also home to some incredible shopping opportunities. (I’m not talking about cookie-cutter mall stores—-Beantown is filled with one-of-a-kind … Continue reading

A Restocking WHAT?

I’m not sure which day of the year retail employees(or shoppers who don’t like crowds) dread more—the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas. On the day after Christmas retailers are dealing with massive crowds returning gifts, and returned gifts need, well, they need to be restocked. It’s a task, which apparently has become so despised that some retailers are making you pay for it. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way. For me, returns are a part of my life. I don’t buy an item with the intention of returning it. However, I also don’t hesitate to … Continue reading

Krispy Kreme Tears

Oh Krispy Kreme—why have you forsaken me? Was I not there for you when you needed me most? Oh woe is me! These tears I shed could be adding a salty bite to your sweet, thin, crunchy layer of white glaze, but (sniff, sniff) instead they fall onto an old crumpled white tissue. Why, oh why, have you shut your doors to me… and your other adoring fans? Translation: My local Krispy Kreme store just went out of business. Pardon my shock, but you have to realize that I have a long history with these world famous donuts. In 1996, … Continue reading

Shopping At The Airport… More Than I Bargained For

There’s nothing I dread more than enduring a long flight then having to make a pit stop at the mini-mart on the way home (or to the hotel) to stock up on milk, coffee and diapers. So imagine my surprise when during a conversation with a friend (more complaint session than “conversation”) I found that I could eliminate the stop and purchase my items at the airport. It’s true! In a handful of U.S. airport terminals you can pick up necessities from buttons to baby formula. In 2004, Dallas/Fort Worth became the first U.S. airport to add a convenience store, … Continue reading

Visiting the World’s Largest Outdoor Shopping Center

Hawaii is known for its great weather and incredible natural beauty, but did you know it’s also where you can find the world’s largest outdoor shopping center? Ala Moana Center, located on the fringes of Waikiki, directly across from famed Ala Moana Beach Park, is Hawaii’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Growing up in Hawaii, Ala Moana was (and still is) considered an institution. It is home to more than 250 stores. From Macy’s, Neiman-Marcus, Prada, Puma, Banana Republic and Old Navy to local favorites like Hawaiian Island Creations, Rip Curl, and Town & Country Surf Design. If your … Continue reading