It's Not Where You Go, It's Who You're With

In the search for my own "perfect" gifts for the holiday I've come across several excellent options that I'd love to share with you. My personal favorite however? That's easy, it's the special overnight stay.

That's right, pack you and your favorite person's bags, scoop up those pre-purchased tickets and travel to another "new and exciting" town where you both can take in a show then spend the night relaxing away from the stresses that tend to surround you at home.

Here's some ideal locations/activities to consider:

• Take in an Atlantic City concert then spend the night either gambling or resting.
• Skiing by day, cuddling up to a fire by night.
• If location permits hit the Vegas Strip... I'm sure you can think of a plenty of things to do without my help here.
• Broadway is beautiful no matter what time of day, and so are those big city lights!
• Who cares where it's at, go all out for a romantic weekend stay at any luxury hotel. Pop the champagne and spread out the rose petals.
• Plan a trip to the most magical place on earth.
  

P.S. Go ahead, jump on those beds!

Shop Now, Save Later

Hi All! It's been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog, but with the holiday season quickly approaching I thought it was high time I stop by and leave a nice little shopping tip to help you out with as you begin to hit the stores in search of bargains and other exciting discoveries.

Today's tip is focused on taking advantage of store's layaway programs. Many stores such as Walmart, Target and K-Mart offer you the convenience of putting your purchases on hold within the store for a small deposit fee. Then, over the next few weeks, you pay a set amount towards the overall purchase until the items are all paid off. At this point, you will then receive your deposit back.

If for some reason you find that you cannot keep up with your payment plan, the items will be returned to the floor for others to purchase and after a inconvenience fee (and/or the deposit) is taken out, you will receive back all of your payments you've thus far made in full.

Now every store's layout plans vary, so I warn you to check out the exact payment plans, deposit and any additional fees you may have to suffer before taking advantage of your store's layaway. However, with the economy struggling this season, it just might pay to take advantage of this shopping opportunity.

As an additional tip towards savings, consider shopping for bigger ticket items while they're being offered at special sale prices. You then have the opportunity to put them away on hold for a lower price then you might get if you wait till the last minute to make your purchase.

Happy shopping!