Life in the Slow Lane

As an avid shopper, I am always on the hunter for a sale or great bargain. I never pay full price for anything, and use coupons as much as possible. But today I wanted to share a neat little trick I've been using for the last few months that makes shopping even more fun that usual! It's quite simple. I buy sometimes without trying on or even knowing for sure if I need/want an item. Then a week or two will go by, it's still in the bag, and I realize I should return it. Here's where my trick comes in. When I go to return it, I simply ask for a store credit. No cash back, no putting it back on my credit card, just a store credit. My thought when I started doing that was that I already paid for this item, allotted for the money in my budget, so why not keep that money in my shopping 'cart'? I then leave the store with credit in hand, and put it in my drawer with the pile of others. Next time I decide to go out shopping, even if I don't have any extra money t...

Yes, I know you are on vacation right now, and I know it's 80 degrees and as humid as can be. But this year I'm asking big, so I figured you may need a little extra time to prep for my gift. I want said item below, just as shown, in Surf Blue. Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Mama.

So I'm going shopping today. Yup, shocker. But one thing I always do to prep for my shopping trip is something everyone should do. It's quick, it's easy, and it can really help you in the long run. First, I make a list of all the stores I'd like to go to. Being on mom time it's hard to squeeze in not only the regular chores, but the stores as well before getting the kids. So the list helps me ensure I can get the most out of my time. Next and most importantly I get online. I google the name of each store I plan to go to, followed by 'printable coupons' . I do use sites like wowcoupons and retailmenot, but sometimes they are just not as up to date as I'd like. By looking for each store individually, it gives me the chance to find the largest coupons. Then I proceed to print, stuff them in my bag, and off I go! Even if you don't think a store would have coupons, search anyway. Today I found a $3 off for RiteAid, a store I would never think to look ...

While it's very nice to receive birthday presents, sometimes it's even better to buy everything you want yourself. Then you know you'll be very happy with the choices! I purchased everything from a previous post , and some other things. Here's a running list so far of my birthday shopping spree. More than any girl needs at one time, but hey, spring is almost here, and I have the birthday money to spend! There's one more thing I'm looking for, a specific spring jacket which seems to be out of stock everywhere. But once I aquire that I think I'll be content with my purchases....and empty pocketed. Happy Shopping!

It's time to look ahead to spring! It's only 10 or 11 weeks away and will be here before you know it. And what's the most important part of the season change? Well your wardrobe of course! I've been browsing a bit today, deciding on a few new pieces to buy and ask for on my bday. Here's one outfit I'm definitely looking to put together. Maybe not all together at once, but I still like all the pieces on their own! The top is a strapless top with a crocheted upper part which I love. I also love the color! Shoes of course are Michael Kors. Wanted similar ones last year but didn't get them, so this year they are a must. The jeans are those weekender/boyfriend jeans, you know, not really capris, rolled up messy look. Cute.

I could ask for important stuff like a responsible grownup would. You know, health, wealth, job security, blibbity bla bla. I like stuff. I'm not a materialistic girl, but I like stuff. Pretty stuff, fun stuff, gadgety stuff. So far this Christmas, even though it's not Christmas yet, I've ordered for myself or have gotten: Yup, all fun fun goodies! I'm sure I'll get more and buy more over the next few days, but if you ask me that's a fine start. So now onto my birthday wishlist. How about these hotties...Michael Kors you've rocked my world yet again....

Hey person on the long holiday line in the store. The person that waits until they get that absolute final price from the cashier and THEN decides to dig out the wallet, and THEN decides to dig for exact change. I've tried being patient and understanding, and most difficult for me silent. But today I'm here to tell you I'll be quiet no more. I'll huff and puff and tell you to move it or lose it. I'll tell you to just give the gal some bills and take the change! I'll tell you perhaps you'd be better off doing some online shopping. A common courteousy of shopping is to be ready when it's your turn. Ok, whew, I feel better now. I'll step off the box, but be ready if I see you in a store :)

Yes, I love music. Yes, I talk about it too much sometimes. This morning when I woke up I already knew what I was going to write about today(not music!). But later in the day I went to lunch with hubby and younger son and a new topic took over my thoughts. Music in public places! Sometimes you may not even realize that there's music playing when you're in a store or restaurant. But sometimes, you'll hear it, start to hum without thinking about it, and before you know it you'll be saying 'O MY GOD I used to love this song!!!'  But then, there's those times, especially as you get older, that you'll go into a store and want to get out as fast as you can because the music is too loud or obnoxious. I'm not quite there yet myself, but I've been with my mom on numerous occasions and have witnessed her unraveling and fleeing within seconds, telling me she'll wait out front. I'm sure my day will come too. I can tell you that I shop at one loc...

I taught a lesson to a class about 10 years ago that I think was one of the most useful things I ever shared with my students. It's a lesson for consumers of any age, so I thought it would be great to share here too. Why is it that people get nervous about telling a company how they really feel about a product or service? They complain they don't like something to friends or family, but then never do anything about it. I get so aggravated when I see that happening. We are consumers. We pay good money(too much these days) for goods and services from companies and people we trust. Sure, sometimes it's just what we hoped for, and positive feedback for a job well done or product satisfaction is nice too. But it's our job, as the paying consumers, to let these businesses know how we feel. How else are they going to improve their attitudes, products, food, etc? I like to voice my opinion and sometimes a bit loudly. As long as I've been in the consumer market I've...

Victoria's Secret is having their semi-annual sale right now. That means some pretty good prices on some pretty fun stuff! My choice for today is the best slippers I've ever owned, the Ugg Fluff Flip-Flops. Usually they are offered in all of these colors, but since they are on such sup er-sale, I think they are down to blue and pink right now. I got the pink ones for Mother's Day, and they are just as comfy as my boots, and so pretty to slip on when I wake up in the morning! So if you don't already have a pair, treat yourself while they're still available! You can find them here .

Unlike the other Allison blogger I know, I don't try to find sensible solutions to my shopping habits. I just go for the gold, and in this case...the gold shoes! I don't own any gold shoes, and these seem like a perfect, not too expensive addition to my collection. As usual, well done Mr. Kors, well done.