I was so wrapped up at work for 2 weeks (plus the cat waking us up at 3am) that I have intentionally avoided my home computer to avail of some quiet evenings. It's going to be a long Memorial weekend and I am planning for a girls' night out with a visit to the mall at some point.
As always, I will drag my feet towards the mall ...but with advance planning, this can be an opportunity to save money on items I will usually pay for regular price anyway! The trick: Basic research and plan the mall route to what's on sale this week:
1. RESEARCH SALE ITEMS ONLINE :
Sephora (www.sephora.com) has recently posted an ad in their website of up to 75% discount. I usually stick to my favorite brand (Clinique/Estee Lauder/Lancome/Mac) but with a good $6 deal, this is worth checking. So far, I found three items:
- Candle
- Tweezer
- Foundation
2. CHECK THE FREEBIES:
I usually schedule my cosmetic purchase where there are freebies. I have a drawer full of goodie bags that lasts me for months -- the good thing - -they are free! I am halfway through my foundation, so i think its time to refill. Frequently check Clinique, Lancome and Estee Lauder for seasonal gift packages (lipsticks, face care, bags, mascaras etc)
3. YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE THE CLEARANCE:
I never check price tag when we were living in Manila. In my mind, If I am brave enough to enter a boutique - -then I should be ready to pay for a premium price. It doesn't apply here obviously!
Believe me or not - -but I got a black pants at Ann Taylor for a whopping $5 a week ago! Yes ! - The retail price is $89 - -but they got so tired of looking at that 0P item that they begged me to take the pants for 10,000++% discount maybe?
This is a new add released at their website(www.anntaylor.com) so I will be checking the store for another deal!
4. CHECK WHERE THE TEENS HANG OUT:
Our daughters are given monthly salaries (some people call them allowance?) and since it's not a 4-5 digit figure we receive monthly, I need to give them credit for extending the life of their dollars as they usually find great deals. Recently, their favorite is Forever 21 (www.forever21.com) and they got cool suede bags ($10 , originally $60) and basic inner shirts ($2.50 versus $6 from other stores). For this mall run..I am going to check on this dress
5. AVOID THE ROTONDA (FOOD COURT):
I am sorry, but I just hate to waste $6.99 for a lunch plate, plus $4 starbucks and maybe $3 pretzels when I have better food at home. We changed our mindset that eating at the mall is an option and not an obligation. I am lucky that the girls have a healthy lifestyle - -So the gazillion calories and chances of seating beside a coughing/sneezing psycho are motivating enough for us to avoid the food court dining experience!
AND LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST - - PAY IN CASH! If you can...leave the plastic at home!
