Make CASH off your Old Clothing and Accessories at Consignment Shops!

I discovered consignment shops about five years ago. Many small affluent towns have consignment shops that offer gently-used clothing and accessories for sale. The clothing is sold at the shop for the individuals who wish to sell them.

Here is how it works: Find a consignment shop in a high traffic area. That could be a popular local strip more or a shop on a main street in a downtown area. If you can’t find one, use a search engine to find a shop in your area. Go to the shop and check it out. Look at the merchandise to assess if they offer clothing that no one wants or stuff that people would not mind buying used. If you find that the merchandise passes up against your standards, then inquire about putting your clothes for sale in the store.

Most consignment shops are busy, so you may have to make an appointment to have the shop look at your items. If they are a particular about the merchandise they accept, don’t be surprised if you walk out the store with some of your stuff. Like department stores, consignment shops try to be seasonal. So, if you go in with a bag full of summer clothes during the winter, your clothes will be turned down. Be sure to plan your clothing sales accordingly.

Some consignment shops take up to 40% off the sale of your clothing. That may sound steep, but think about how much you might make if you were to GIVE the clothes away. If you think from that perspective, you are definitely better off selling the clothes through a consignment shop (unless you donate them for a tax deduction).

Be patient! Your items may not sell right away. The type of merchandise that is most popular at consignment shops is gently-used designer clothing and accessories. If you have designer bags that were once popular and you don’t really like them anymore, you can definitely unload them at a consignment shop.

Many people go to consignment shops looking for wedding dresses and accessories. If you are no longer sentimental about your wedding wears or you happen to be the bridesmaid queen for your friends, try selling your surplus at a consignment shop. Remember your unattractive gently-used bridesmaid dress, could be someone’s new fabulous holiday party dress.

Tips for Living More Frugal in a Down Economy

With all the talk about a recession, I feel it is important to consider ways to save money. Over the last few weeks companies like Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Citibank have announced layoffs. Even if you feel your company is doing well, these are uncertain times.

So it might be time to restrict your spending and do more with less. I am member of a board on About.com and one of the other members named UCONN started a post offering hundreds of ways to save during a recession. Here are some of the tips that I think we can follow:

1) Buy Loss Leaders and Stock up!

2) Use every bit of toothpaste, dish soap, etc, to stretch it, just use half and when the tub is empty, make sure to rinse w/water and use the last bit.

3) Put up a clothesline inside and outside if permitted.

4) Don't buy unless you use it and need it.

5) It's okay to say NO, don't get into other people's financial messes!

6) Stay healthy, mentally and physically, try to maintain a healthy weight, eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, get enough sleep, etc!

7) Don't buy any make up, use up what you have.

8) Try not to eat out and try new creative dishes at home. Pick up some new cookbooks to keep your cooking interesting. Remember to eat your leftovers.

9) Try more economical meals such as beans, rice, lentils, less meat which is more expensive!

10) Cook from scratch, try to make our own, healthy bread, etc.

11) Cut down on sweets, I really need to work on this one as I bake when I get a craving.

12) Try to mend things and not throw out.

13) Try to be more green and recycle, good for our earth, reuse what you can. Use rechargeable batteries for digital cameras and buy a Small Rechargeable Battery Kit.


14) Try to set up a little garden. Start with an indoor garden like an AeroGarden.


15) If you have a baby, breastfeed and use cloth diapers (at least when you are home like the
Gerber Childrenswear Birdseye Flatfold Diapers (12-Pack).

16) Wash all of your clothing in cold water to save on your hot water bill. Buy cold water detergent. Instead of dryer sheets try eco-friendly reusable Dryer Balls.

Gasoline Facts:No Idle Law Helps Air and Wallet

It seems that some cities in the U.S. have been declared no idle zones. This means that the city has restrictions on how long a car can idle before being in violation. I just learned that I live in one of these cities (whoops its been a while too.) As I was researching the facts behind the idle zone designation I learned some really great things that can lead to saving money - mainly on gas and car maintenance.

For those of you reading over 30, remember when you were a kid and your parents would run outside about 25 minutes before it was time to go to work/school to start and "warm up" the car. Back then, cars needed to be warmed up. But I learned modern vehicles do not need to be "warmed up." I normally get out of the house in the morning with only six minutes to spare before my train arrives, so I have no time to do anything but drive to the train station. I always felt guilty about not warming up my car. Now I can run out to my car guilt-free. Here are some facts from cleanwateraction.org:

Idling for more than 10 seconds actually uses more fuel than restarting the engine.

Tests show no more than 30 seconds is needed to circulate engine oil.

The best way to warm up your vehicle is to drive it.

Idling can actually damage engines because it is operating not at peak (or high) operating temperatures. It causes incomplete combusions and more harmful pollutants to be released into the air. Fuel residues also form and contaminate engine oil and damage engine parts. In addition, water can condense in vehicle's exhaust.

Modern vehicles don't require any idling to warm them up. (Source: Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada)

Okay, so you can be GREEN and save a few bucks on gas and car repairs. There is also another way to save money on gas. Drive America
Auto Club provides emergency road assistance and bunch of other money-saving member benefits. Right now it has a special offer: Get $80 in FREE GAS - Join Drive America today! FYI- the free gas comes in form of quarterly rebates so don't forget to check out my tips for redeeming rebates.

Shopping Online for Fabulous Plus-Size Deals

There are a number of retail websites that specialize in plus sized clothing. Although many large department stores such as Macy's offers the Macy's Woman collection, depending on the store, the selection varies. You can find a lot more hip and fun plus-sized clothing on macys.com. Start shopping plus size women'S clothing at macys.com.

One of my favorite plus-size specialty stores like Avenue.com. Avenue has great casual wear and intimates. And you can definitely find a career look at avenue.comthat will suit your style. I really love Avenue's hosiery. Their pantyhose give you great support and they are quite long lasting. I really do like the fit of the its intimates collection. You can find well-made Avenue Body Bras at Avenue.com at reasonable prices.You can always count on a discount too. Right now you can save 20% on $100 or more at Avenue.com. Click here for details.


Swimwear, Swimwear, Swimwear. How many times have gone to a big department store and tried on all THREE of the plus-sized bathing suits and groaned with agony? Well online retailers such as AlwaysForMe.com and swimsuitsforall can save you time. The selection is much better than you can find in department store.

Brands like

Miraclesuit Plus Size Swimwear

Christina Swimwear

It Figures Swimwear and many more! If you are concerned about the fit of the swimsuit, don't worry alwaysforme.com has a great return policy. Regular full price merchandise can be returned or exchanged within 30 days after receipt of an item if unused, unaltered, and in original condition with tags still attached. Refunds will be made for the cost of merchandise only and not shipping.

Swimsforall.com is another great online store to shop for your beach wear. Find the largest selection of Plus Size Swimwear at Swimsuitsforall.com! It specializes in selling swimsuits sizes 8 and up. Some swimsuits come in sizes up to 26W. I encourage you to check out their selection of swimwear. Their return policy is also great. Products must be returned within 20 days of the date your order was placed. International customers have 30 days from when the order was placed. After 20 days, you can return unworn items for store credit only. Right now, receive 10% off your next order from SwimsuitsForAll.com. Use Coupon Code: 1010. Cannot be combined with any other. offers So order now to have your poolside gear ready for your next trip or the summer months.

Have any interesting stories about plus-size swimwear shopping. Share your comments!

Walmart.com Valentine's Day Deals

Okay - you don't really think of www.walmart.com as Valentine's day destination,but hey how many of you picked up Christmas gifts there last year? Now you can shop and save for Valentine's Day at Walmart.com. The fact is Walmart has all kinds of merchandise that makes great gifts. Last Christmas, I picked up shower gel gift sets that were under $5 - they were the perfect items for spare gifts.

If you like to pick gifts for friends, lovers or kids, there is a list of items that might peak your interest and be easy on the wallet:
Personalized Gifts for Valentine's Day at Walmart.com
Valentine's Day Jewelry at Walmart.com
FTD® Valentine's Day Red Rose Bouquet with Vase. $35.08 - Same Day Delivery
Polaroid 8 MP i830 Digital Camera & 6" Digital Picture Frame, Pink Just $138.84 for the bundle
iPod shuffle 1GB, Purple $78.72

A Cute Gift for Kids!
Lots of Love Teddy Bear and Chocolate Gift Basket $19.88

Starbucks $1 coffee and Overstock.com Deals

For those of you who like to buy Starbucks Coffees, here is a money saving tip. According to a Reuters news report today, Starbucks is testing a $1 coffee and free refills on brewed coffee. Yes, they are actually playing around with the idea to sell you reasonably priced java and giving you something free!

Right now the "testing" for the cheap brew is in Seattle shops only. But hey, if it works there it can lead to dollar coffee for all! Now that is a sweet deal!

Overstock.com Weekend Sale
Just in time for your Valentine's day shopping,Save $15 off orders of $300 or more at Overstock.com! Offer valid 1.25.08 to 1.28.08 Only. As you know,Overstock.com sells everything such apparal, shoes, jewelry, electronics, music, books and more. Here are some deals to check out:
10% OOAK Jewelry at Overstock.com! Offer expires 1.27.08.
10% off Heart Jewelry at Overstock.com! Offer valid 1.28.08-1.31.08.
Free Shipping on Laptops & Printers at Overstock.com! Offer valid 1.28.08-1.29.08.
10% off Snow Sports at Overstock.com! Offer valid 1.28.08-1.29.08
10% off Designer Apparel at Overstock.com! Offer valid 1.30.08-1.31.08.
$15 off Lucien Piccard Men's Chronograph Charcoal Dial Tachymetre Watch at Overstock.com! Offer expires 1.31.08.

David's Cookie's Valentine's Deal

Free Money: A Credit Card that Pays You

Retail Secrets for the Savvy Consumer Loves free money. So I was really excited to hear about a credit card that gives YOU money. You may have seen commercials for the Discover® Motiva Card. What I like about the Discover Motiva card is that it rewards consumers for paying on time.

This is how it works when you make six on-time payments in a row, Discover Motiva card gives you your next month's interest back. So think about it, you can use the Discover Motiva card to make a purchase get money back on your purchase. This my savvy consumers is free money. Plus, you receive up to one percent cashback bonus on everyday purchases, automatically.

Check out the Discover Motiva card for yourself. Click Here to Apply for the Discover® Motiva Card!

Listen to Tripadvisor Reviews When You Are Planning to Travel

I do not make a reservation at a hotel before I check tripadvisor.com, which provides user generated reviews of hotel stays virtually around the world. You can find reviews of beautiful resorts like Sandals Luxury Included Resorts or Beaches Family Resorts. Sure you can go to the resort website, but the fluffy info provided doesn't compare to the juicy tidbits from REAL PEOPLE.

I would like to tell you the story of the Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach and Golf Resort at Dorado in Puerto Rico - NEVER CONSIDER STAYING THERE. I consulted tripadvisor.com before I booked my trip and there was a mixed bag of good and okay reviews for the property. I had a horrendous stay. They were filming a Chilean soap opera on the property (banging noise at 8 am) and they had convention group there which played loud music one night until 11:30pm. ( I ended up complaining there and they gave us a free night.) When we returned from our trip, we immediately posted to tripadvisor. I also complained directly to the Hilton which credited us for a second night.

Since we complained in August, the tripadvisor complaints about this hotel have gotten worse. That Chilean soap opera filming when I was there in August - is still there SIX MONTHS LATER. I believe the Chilean soap opera is using the Emabassy Suites Del Mar Beach & Golf Resort as its permanent set location. If you go to the reviews you will see what I believe to be planted short reviews about how nice the property is. Clearly, those are staffers trying to cover up the horrendous disclosure posted by real people.

The lesson here is to listen to travel reviews you read on the internet. Real people have real stories. And you can always trust that if you are reading several bad reviews - they are real. No vacation property would post its own bad reviews. Also, if you are planning to go to Puerto Rico - don't bother staying at the Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach & Golf Resort, it is not a place for tourists - just locals and Chilean soap operas.

Read another story about a Hertz rental car bad experience I had in Puerto Rico and how I got free money for my trouble!

Order Valentine's Gifts in January and Save Before Markups!

I once heard Michelle Singletary,personal finance columnist of the Washington Post, speak at an event about saving money for Valentine's Day. She made a comment about spending $50-$100 for roses the days before Valentine's Day and saving 50% on the same roses two days AFTER V-Day. That is a huge difference!

Retail Secrets for the Savvy consumer has a way for you to save on your Valentine's Day treats. Many flower and candy company's are offering special deals THIS MONTH. Did you know that you can order your flowers today and have them sent at anytime while taking advantager of NORMAL or REDUCED pricing? You definitely can. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM is promoting saving 40% now to lock-in on savings. Not only are the prices lower right now you can actually save $10 on Valentine's Day items at 1-800-Flowers.com!code BST2, exp. 1.27.08 Why wait and pay full price for something that you can order now and have sent later with a siginificant discount?

Thinking of sending loved ones gift baskets for Valentine's Day? GiftBaskets.com is offering 10% off all Gift Baskets with promo code ZK-8978. This offer is good until February 15, but in my experience if you want your pick of the baskets, order early.

For chocolate lovers you can order your sweetie some delicious treats from World’s Finest® Chocolate. If you pick out your sweet treats now you can save. Order World’s Finest® Chocolate Valentine's Day heart shaped boxes Free Personalization + 50% off shipping orders of $50+. Other than savings, ordering early also gives you the best selection.


If you are not into giving edibles or flowers you can check the wonderful keepsakes at Things Remembered. It's Valentine's Day selection is quite lovely. They have all sorts of special gift items for women, men and kids. Monogrammed keepsake boxes, bracelets, flasks, NFL related items - they have something for everyone. And if you shop now, you can save. Right now they are having a clearance sale! Save Up to 75% off on select gifts! I visited the Valentine's Day gift selection and virtually everything is marked down. Plus you can save 20% on orders over $125 at Things Remembered Code: LOVE20

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day? This Valentine's Day add a little heart to every room in your home or office. You’ll fall in love with ou one-of-a-kind selection of amore-themed jewelry, accessories and household decor from Lillian Vernon. Plus there are extra savings of 15%. Click the the box at the left (note the promo code at the bottom) to shop and save through 1/31/08. (Why not order your Saint Patrick's Day stuff too with your 15% discount?)

Get shopping now, order your deliveries on a discount just like a savvy consumer.

Save $5 off your Valentine's Day order at The Popcorn Factory,code MAR5, exp 3.31.08