How to Pack Your Bags!

How to Pack Your Bags SO when flying you never pay for checking luggage.

I refuse to check luggage when I have to pay. It's silly. I pay enough for the ticket.



But how do you pack correctly to make sure you get everything you need in that carry on?



Read on.



And remember these are just my tips (everyone has their own!)



1. Brown or Black rule, if traveling for 4 days or less chose a color. That's right all your outfits either are in the black or brown family. That means one purse, one pair of shoes, one belt, one set of accessories. If you can keep your outfits all in the same family; you'll pack a lot less.



2. Know your outfits. DO NOT dump your entire closest in a suitcase, pay $100 to fly it, and then wear 2 things out of it. Seriously. DO NOT. Lay out your outfits completely. Know what the proper undergarments you need are, what the accessories are, what socks or shoes will go with. Then once they are all layed out - pack.



3. Twice is Nice. If you are traveling for 7 days or more - don't pack it unless you can wear twice. Seven pair of jeans for seven days. Puh-lease. Every thing should be in the complimentary family so you can mix and match.



4. Keep the colors in the same family so you can mix and match and be spontaneous on site. The more you can mix and match the better. BUT of course you want to be fabulous....so read on to number 5.



5. ACCESSORIZE!!!!! Scarves, Earrings, Necklaces, bright colorful pieces will add tons to your outfits and not add to your precious suitcase space.



6. Know the climate. Is it 80 or 40? Snow or Sand? Don't bring unnecessary items but don't have to make emergency runs to target and then have to figure out how to get it all home. (God forbid buy another suitcase for that emergency parka purchase.)



7. Travel Size. I love the amenities from any hotel, I keep them for my next trip. I have honestly tipped and just said "need toiletries, bed is fine". It's true! I also save makeup, deodorant, and lotions when I get to the end for the next trip, this way I use the rest of the trip and then throw it away there. That means I have just enough foundation left, I put it in the travel bag for the next vacation. You can also ask any makeup counter for trial sizes....(trust me they want you to buy their product, they'll give you a tester.) This goes for perfume as well. Any free samples you might get? Save them for your next travel! My travel bag of toiletries is impressive and probably a prize possession.



8. Rules. Lots of people think "Well I can't do a carry-on because I have to bring....xyz." Not true. Razors....fine in carry on. Shampoos....get the right size. Phone Chargers....fine in carry on. Besides the biggies, most items can be carry-on. Just ask for samples and save the small sizes for traveling. Don't go raid the travel size section of any store, please. They are just too expensive. Just call me. :)



9. Save room. No matter where you go you'll end up with some souvenir. So please don't waste money on shipping it home, just leave a little extra room in the suitcase.



10. Pack ahead of time and leave the suitcase open. Edit Edit Edit. If you pack ahead time; you'll always come up with one or two things you can remove, and one or two things you forgot.





Seriously, I follow these rules every time. I LOVE TO PACK, but only by my rules. It's stressing me to see others pack.....on a mission for the perfect carry on pack!



***Disclaimer...I am going to Europe for 2 weeks and get a free checked bag up to 55 lbs so I will check a bag (GASP!) but only cause it's free and I'll be there so long....but trust me the outfits are already layed out.



Want me to pack for you? Just call. I would love to hear anyone's tips! I love to pack!

Public Service Announcement

Soooo how to save cash - not spend it right?



Well here is my latest discovery....THE LIBRARY!



Here is the thing, you are paying for the library with your tax dollars but when is the last time you used it? I was finding myself going to Borders once a month and dropping $100.00. WHAT? And probably only a few of those books do I really want to own. Most of them I read don't love and then they sit there.....hmmm.....money sitting on the shelf.



The Orange County Public Library has an online service and delivers books I request to my doorstep for FREE! To drop them off, there is a simple drive thru box. That's right all for free. I never have to even go to the library. So I figure out what books I am interesting in reading and simply go online and request them. It is true sometimes there is a wait for new releases but sooner or later they end up at my doorstep.



Wait, gets better you thought the new $1 redbox was the cheapest movie option....think again. Your library offers new movie rentals - that's right - for free.



I know that owning books is important to some; so for you buy and own all the books you wish. But if you find you rather read the book before you buy.... look into your local library, amazing deals to be had!



So close your wallet and open a book ;)

When Deals Go Bad

Sadly, there is a downside to our tale..

and no not only when you open your credit card bill.

(Refer to post #1 - everything including bills goes on my credit card - heeellooo rewards.)



This is the tale of "To Good of a Deal."

Look just because "it" is 75% and an extra 10% off if you buy during the 1 Day Sale..

Do you really need it? (I have to ask this myself. A LOT.)



So let's try asking these questions..

Yes, it's 75% and oh so cute but...

1. Is it your size?

2. Would you actually wear it? Does it fit in your home decor? Do you have a dog to wear that sweater? You get the idea......

3. Do you have 8 others just like it?

4. Does it fit in your budget?( 75% off $3,000....still a lot of money. Yes, you do get an extra 10% but can you afford it?)



So next time you are out and see those amazing Manolo Purple Heels with Feather and Rhinestones.....stop and ask yourself those those four questions. Oh if they are really 75% off, call me! :)

Take the Free and Run!

Today I got those "ohsoexciting" Free Pantie Coupon in the mail for Victoria Secret......



But beware...there are reasons that companies send out free panties, free small drink, free 1 night, free travel size lotion....you get the idea. These companies have decided that giving away this one thing is worth it because once they have you in the door....you'll probably buy more. They think they can trick the average consumer!



Don't let them!!! Proudly walk and claim your free _______! Don't feel guilty! I also get my free pantie and when they remind me there is $10.00 off a bra as well, I politely decline. (Well, unless you need the other item but frankly how far away is Season Semi-Annual Sale???)



Don't feel obligated to buy something else...they sent this to you because probably you are a good customer anyway. So take the free and run!

Price Adjustments?

This is not for the beginner shopper so beware.



Most stores offer "one-time price adjustment when you present your original sales receipt within "x" amount of days."



BUT NO ONE DOES IT!



It's so easy. You are back in the store within the "x" amount of days. Bring your receipt to the counter and say can I do a price adjustment. Done. Easy. Money back to you.



The other day at the GAP; Trent (the husband) was buying something and I realized a few things I had gotten had been even more discounted. I keep all receipts in my purse for this reason so I pulled it out and "POOF" $20 dollars appeared back on my credit card. Trent was dumbfounded - I think he still is.



This especially works well during holiday season, because sales change so fast and quickly. Again you have to know what the policy is, and if you have to have the item with you (I never have had to have the item in hand - just receipt.)



This is just an easy simple way to not be sale that "x" has gone on sale and already have it...

I feel like this should be longer as no one seems to get it but alas, with the knowledge, it's that easy of an adjustment.

How to Return!

OH this could be my favorite post topic to date!



I love to return! Love it!



Look, the worst feeling is seeing something, not getting it, and then going back and being heartbroken it's not there. And now you want it even more! Tear. ( Heads up ladies, this also applies to men that's another blog though.)



So I tend to follow the rule "Just Buy It! If you don't want it later, you can always return it"

Sound: Tires Screech to a Halt. Warning: You have to know the stores' return policy and guidelines. This is on you. I personally don't shop at stores that don't allow returns with receipt and tag attached within a reasonable timeline. The stores can't make me love it....



Anyway so buy it! Go home, try it on, does it work with your shoes, accessories, bags? Can you pair it with that blazer? Or those leggings? If you realize it doesn't fit or just doesn't work for your style then return it. At least you know you gave it your best shot!



Remember don't remove any tags until you are sure! Heck, don't remove the tags until you wear it!!!! Why? What if you lose 20 pounds before you wear that dress or suddenly decide No way! If the tag is still attached and you have the receipt, you aren't out anything!



Here is another tip: Let's say you bought xyz and then you go back and IT'S ON SALE!!! Well, if you haven't worn xyz yet....buy it on sale and then return the one at home you bought for full price! This can be easier than returning to your favorite store daily to see if "it" has gone on sale. (Let's be honest I have done this and know what day my favorite stores do their clearance inventory. And the manager on that works these evenings....sad but oh so true) With this line of shopping, it's safe to say you need a good storing place for all those receipts.



Basically you have to commit to the return and safely storing receipts. But having a good return in your back pocket can save you a lot of money and near missed deals....

The Morning After

The Morning After.......

A Major Holiday! Get your minds out of the gutter!!

So a morning after a major holiday is prime dealoholic shopping time. I almost get more excited for the day after.... why??

Because everything is 50-75% off!!!!!!

This weekend I went shopping with a friend and saw a great new Easter wreath...it was 25% off. She urged me to get it. I refused with "Hello, on Monday it will be 75% off?!@!?". This morning I returned to the same spot and POOF! A Large Red 75% Sign appeared. I was giddy with my deal.

Basically figure out what you need, new Christmas lights, new Skeleton paint, new Easter basket, new Turkey napkin rings, new Yuletide cards but only get it AFTER the holiday. Stock up. And yes, it will always go on sale ..... stores need to unload their seasonal items ASAP.

Okay short and sweet just a friendly reminder, shop after the holiday for your holiday decor needs. EXCEPT the candy....let's be honest candy is best fresh.

Off to hang my wreath! :)

What have your friends done for you lately?

And of course....quickly followed by what have you done for your friends lately?



A good deal is your best friend or is your best friend holding your next great deal?



Look we've all had those moments when you open your closets, drawers, whatever and go "I have nothing to wear!" It's the worse when followed by "I am broke." What to do? I learned young, whenever you are low....turn to your girlfriends! So let's try that now...



#1 - Clothes Swap! If you are broke and need new outfits, 10 to 1 so does a girlfriend....Ask and closest raid! Important rule, set expectations of guidelines: condition returned, dry clean or washed, and due date prior to borrowing. You don't want to ruin a friendship over this so be up front with your expectations. But let's be honest if you are the same size as your girlfriend and she has a habit of giving designer clothes to goodwill barely worn....let her know you'll happily be her favorite charity!



#2 - Trade and Trade well! If life is all about the hookup then start with your friends. We learned in school all about East Indian Trade Routes...did we learn nothing? What do you have someone might want and what do they have in return? Are you working at the GAP and holding a 50% Friends and Family Discount....why not trade with your friend that is a hairstylist for those blond highlight you can't afford? Have a friend that works for Delta with buddy passes to fly, why not offer your hotel discount and together make vacation magic! Usually you look at your own hookup as unimpressive, but undoubtedly there is someone out there who will what to partake! Maybe you have a gift card to Southwest you don't need and a friend has cash and willing to pay for it....you can pay down that credit card!

Warning: Don't get your friends fired, and know your company policy on sharing the perks. Enough Said.



#3 - Editing! The best deal is sometimes not getting that _____ (fill in your guilty pleasure) at all. When you have 16 dresses in that dressing room, and you feel you need them all, you can not live without them....a girlfriend is in desperate need. A honest friend will let you know which truly look amazing and which you can't see fully in that 2 way mirror and need to go. Bring your girlfriends shopping so you don't overspend.....Coco Chanel once said "You usually need to take off the last thing you put on." She didn't mean this but I usually add "your credit card" to that statement.



#4 - Advertising! Girlfriends are walking talking ads, they can try out those trendy pumps or new length skirt...does it work? do you really like it? When they have gotten that blazer you've been eyeing, ask where it come from!!! Don't be shy! When you get there....it'll will probably be there still and on clearance....



In closing, your honor, Girlfriends are key is finding the next best deals! But remember, their friendship is more important than that amazing designer dress in their closet you want.....