Sharing my "skill"

For many years now, I have had this uncanny way of finding the "deals" out there. Whether it's a great sale or knowing someone to get some sort of hook up, I've been able to save moolah on lots of things. Maybe it's being anal... Maybe it's my extreme patience in doing research... Maybe it's not being satisfied until I know that I've gotten the best deal... Honestly, I think that it's simply because I don't like having any regrets.

So I decided, why not pass my finds on. They just may help someone out, for others, this will all just be useless information:

- TRAVEL: I've taken a few trips back home to Hawai'i in the past 15 or so years. Here's what I've discovered... If you're flying on passes, go in February or October. Those are the best times to get on. When my sister was working for United Airline, I always got on the flights when going during those times. Even got in First Class a couple of times. If you're buying, go to http://www.nwaworldvacations.com. I just got our tickets to Kona in September for $450 a person, and that included the car. When I went to NWA's regular website, the tickets alone were $520. So it's like saving $70 per ticket AND getting a free car.

- GROCERIES: CUT THOSE COUPONS!!! Yes, it can be time consuming... I guess for me, it's like a victory when I walk out of the grocery store with $400 in groceries for less than $200. If you're here in WA, go to Albertsons! We all see those ads that come on Tuesday from the other grocers with the coupons. Albertsons takes them all! One stop shopping... (No, I'm not getting paid for saying this)

-CLOTHES: My kids are VERY expensive in this department. Maia loves Limited Too and Abercrombie. I NEVER pay full price for anything at Abercrombie, cause it will always come on sale. The prices to start are very ridiculous ($70 for an 11 year olds' jeans). The quality truly is unbeatable. Here's my tip: The jeans will come down to $15.90... The shirts ($30-20) will go as low as $9.90... The sweatshirts ($40-60) will come down to $15.90. Last time I was there, we got her a sweatshirt, a pair of jeans and a pair of capris for less than $50. Limited Too is just as pricey, so always try and go when they have the TOO BUCKS being offered. They save you alot. And the best trick of all for LTD Too is to do an online search for their coupon. You'll always find a back door to a 25% off coupon. You can use it on anything. And my favorite... MACY'S. Go when they have the extra off on clearance!!! This usually happens during their One Day Sale. This is best for my son, who can only fit Ecko, Roca Wear and Sean John jeans (built like a Samoan). About 2 months ago, I saw this awesome jelly style Guess beach type bag with a blanket inside.. for $115.. Yah, not happening!!! But I got it, about a month ago. One day sale. Best part is I paid $19.99 for it!!! That was a happy day!!!

-PARTIES: Use the people that you KNOW!!! You'd be surpised at home many people have hidden talents. A friend of mine makes Salsa (the best) and rolls her own Lumpia. Her friend does beautiful cakes for about 20% of what a "real" baker charges. Another person I know actually knows how to do caligraphy for invitations (and we all thought that it was a useless art lesson in high school...)

So there it is, just a little bit of my "useless" talent... Hope it helps somebody!!!