Shopping/gifts

Self-Service Checkouts: Boon or Bane?

September 14, 2012 by Gayathri K. 14 Comments

“It takes half your life before you figure out life is a ‘do-it-yourself’ project!”

One of the crazy shopping trends that have taken over supermarkets in the recent years is self-service checkouts. They apparently think it is a cost-saving and time-saving measure, while we consumers find it a veritable nightmare, neither fast nor convenient! While some shoppers (who magically got it right the first time) love these kiosks as they feel in control, others downright hate the frequent errors, repeated scanning, constant attention to detail and most importantly miss the one-on-one with the girl at the till!

I, for one, come in the second category. While these vile machines may have a few pros, it sure has lots and lots of cons! How about I list a few so you can share which side you’re on.

Astonishing Advantages-

When you’re in a ‘get-in and get-out’ mood, self service lanes are quite quick! That is, if you’re having a lucky day and face no major blunders! Also, we can make a few embarrassing purchases (like slim-kits and private magazines) without being under the watchful eye of our gossipy-neighbor. I guess a lot of consumers enjoy being given the choice of self-service or manned tills.

Dreary Disadvantages-

Too much to do!

Don’t you think it’s unfortunate that you’re paying and still doing a whole lot of work? I quite enjoy the break I get at the billing counter when my shopping is done and I can chill at the lane watching all the others! But with these great self-service kiosks, we’ve got to be on our toes every minute, and more often than not we anyway need to call a cashier for help!

Confusing errors

Here’s the most baffling problem- bar-code blindness! I mean half the time the scanner just can’t read the code, leaving you scanning repeatedly, wondering where you went wrong and feeling utterly incompetent. I hate not having the upper hand and having to bow to the machine’s idiosyncrasies!

Finally it’s all done and you have to bag your items, and the foolish thing gets utterly lost when I bring my own bag. Hey I’m trying to save the environment you new-age robot! Thus comes an error message so frequent it must be turned into a t-shirt slogan- “unexpected item in the bagging area”. Ok if you’re not expecting a bag, what do you think your names about!

Funnily, though self-service counters are supposed to minimize small talk, I think the machine, with all its slow animations, talks just too much! So girls, what’s your take on this?

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: grocery shopping, self service lanes at grocery store, store check outs

The ABC’s Of Travel Shopping!

September 12, 2012 by Gayathri K. 6 Comments

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”

I love traveling… the new smells, new people and brand new memories. But what I like most of all is the shopping! Whether you’re buying sparkling new trinkets and showpieces, or exotic gifts from a foreign land, a shopping trip is the best way to know the locals, learn their culture and get a truly enriching experience from your holiday. Though it is great fun to purchase memoirs of the place like a resort t-shirt or a wall hanging, you can also purchase a wide variety of gemstones, cigars, liquor or even electronic equipment at a much lesser price than in the US! Here are a few highly handy tips to keep in mind when shopping abroad.

The 3 A’s:

Act like you know what you are doing- The best way to escape from being taken for a ride is by getting a guidebook or a local to help you out. A planned hunt is much better than an elaborate excursion!

Allocate a budget before you travel, as one easily tends to drown in the allure of exotic perfumes, enticing clothes and elegant jewelry! This way you can spend right and be happy about it.

Always pack light- When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money! I also recommend folding an empty bag into your luggage, so you can fill it with your purchases and bring it home safely.

The 2 B’s:

Brand value- Not everything with a brand name, sold outside the showroom, is actually an original piece. Be certain of an item’s quality before you pay a heavy price for it. To accomplish this, do the necessary research or don’t buy standard pieces that are anyway available in the US!

Bargain your way to the best price- One of the greatest advantages of shopping abroad is the bargaining. Be sure to learn a few vital ‘shopping words’ in the local language. Then throw in a lot of ‘please’, ‘thank-you’ and smiles until you bring the price down to an awesome and acceptable rate.

The 1 C:

Clearing Customs- So, you’ve had a wonderful shopping trip during your travel. Now comes the important part- getting it home safely. Pack the delicate pieces carefully. If you’ve bought something too big to be transported, ask the shop about their shipping facilities or use a trustworthy courier service to send it home. When you are back on US soil, you must declare every single new item in your bag in Customs. Here’s another handy tip. Make a list of stuff you have purchased beforehand, so clearing customs becomes a speedy and breezy process.

Carpe Diem’ my ladies… now go ahead and splurge in style!!!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: shopping abroad, shopping in other countries, vacation shopping tips

Gift Shopping For Teenagers- Mission Possible!

August 28, 2012 by Gayathri K. 27 Comments

Teenagers are perhaps the most unique human breed in the world- complicated and confused! By the time you begin to understand your 14 year old, she turns 15.. and you need a whole new book of strategies! They are at that crazy point when they are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with life. It’s definitely a befuddling period for them, but what’s even more baffling is trying to shop for a teenager! Here’s a common mantra for moms – If u like it, your teen probably won’t.

How Do I Get It Right?

Whether you’re shopping for a gift or just buying basic stuff, it’s pretty difficult to correctly guess what your kid will want. With teenagers it’s very hard to bridge the gap between what’s apt and what’s appropriate. Remember, what was stylish when you were 19 is so far out you can’t even see it on the horizon! Don’t worry my fellow mommies, being cool is complex, but not impossible!

The best way to get them, is to ask. When you take the time to really listen, you’ll be surprised at how much they unknowingly reveal about themselves. Are they into sports or books, or do they have a particular passion like dance or theater? Music is generally a shoo-in with teens and if you buy them stuff related to their favorite band, like a t shirt or a CD , you can’t go wrong. Go one step further and look up the band’s official website, so you can purchase a fan club membership or concert tickets. If you’re really not sure what they like, go for music accessories like stereo headphones, an ipod shuffle or something like a personalized CD book. Other easy ideas in this line are gifts related to their favorite star or movie, video games or sleek new laptop supplements!

Keeping it safe

Shopping for teen clothes may seem harder than climbing a mountain- one wrong choice and it’s all downhill from there! This is where you stay safe- a denim mini, black tights, cream capris etc. Let them top it off with whatever they want to wear, so it’s not a ‘my-mummy-bought-me’ outfit! I would say, the best thing you can do is getting a gift certificate from a quality store. That way you are giving them a free rein in clothing choices, plus you know the money is actually getting spent on their wardrobe!

On many occasions mothers-of-teens feel insignificant and pushed to the background! You can’t impress your kid by bordering on ordinary. Though it seems like a bold choice to decorate their room, your teenager will be mighty thrilled if you actually keep their preferences in mind. They would also love to get something they can use personally, like a funky electric toothbrush, a stylish manicure kit or even a super comfy Lazy-Boy recliner to lounge on!

Remember yourself, Mom

A friend of mine once said “It’s difficult to decide if ‘growing pains’ are something teenagers have- or are”! But remember- it was once you, and then you grew… Hey cool mommas, you have style and personality too, so be confident in your shopping and they will one day admire you for it!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: gift ideas for your teen, shopping for your teen

Get Drenched In Delight With The Perfect Rain Gear

August 26, 2012 by Gayathri K. 3 Comments

When life gives you a rainy day, play in the puddles…

Some people feel the rain… Others just get wet! I fall in the former category with a crazy passion for the pouring rain. There’s nothing as exhilarating as dancing in nature’s shower or even just standing outside, with my mouth open wide, singing “Ha-ha-ha-ha”! Oh but there are definitely those days when I curse the skies above for sloshing my Reebok loafers or turning my freshly permed locks into a dripping mess of tangles and tears! But ladies, those are the days we are caught unawares. The secret to the savoring the monsoon lies in being prepared with the right rain-gear.

Step one in shopping for rain-wear is knowing why, when and where will you need it. If you intend to backpack across Europe, you’ll need something lightweight, water-resistant and breathable to support your constant activity. If you’re camping in Antarctica, both your raincoat and your nerves must be tough, thick and hopefully bright orange, so people can spot you among all that snow! If you’re shopping for standard rain gear to survive a wet day in the suburbs, here are few worthy tips:

Functionality:

A fabric is made waterproof with a special coating that does not allow water droplets to get to your skin. But at the same time, a well made raincoat must be breathable- it should let water vapor escape, meaning it should keep you dry as well as airy so you don’t get sweaty and sticky on the inside. Another thing to look for is how multifaceted it is. We ladies never leave home without a handbag so make sure you have enough space to wear it on the inside leaving your arms free. Also make sure you have a tightening cord around the face keeping your ears and hair wind free!

Durability:

Mostly made in nylon or polyester, they have varying weights ranging from wispy to laden. The bulkier it is, the better the lifetime, but so much more burdensome. Dirt, grime and body oils contaminate the surface lowering its efficacy over time. Thus maintaining rain gear well is just as important for its endurance as its construction.

Comfort:

A prime factor in purchasing a parka is giving your skin space to breathe, while not allowing cold wet winds to get inside. Sounds tricky right, but well made coats will actually leave you feeling dry and dandy in the rain.

Stylish:

Oh come on girls, you know everything we wear must be fashionable! This is where you use your creativity. Go for bright patterns and matching boots and find yourself gorgeous and glowing in the gloomy weather! But even if it’s terribly cute and multi-layered, first make sure it lives up to its name and keeps the rain out!

Cost:

High-end rain-wear features advanced fabrics, exceptional tailoring and meticulous detailing right down to protective covering over zipper heads. More economical rain-wear is cut looser and often uses waterproof coating (instead of laminates). After all a raincoat is but an external accessory, so just make sure it’s light, easy to pack and budget-friendly.

Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain… but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain!!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: choosing rain gear, fashion rain coats, popular rain coat styles, shopping tips for raincoats

How To Have A Ball When you Shop At The Mall!

August 13, 2012 by Gayathri K. Leave a Comment

Ok, maybe I’m not Rebecca Bloomwood, but I love shopping. There is a bit of magic in buying something new. An instant gratification… and all’s well with the world! One of my favorite places to shop is the mall. Somehow it makes me feel young again- the vibrant variety of various stores, the mad medley of happy faces and the potpourri of things to do when you’re not actually shopping! Surprisingly I also end up buying quite an awesome collection of stuff at the mall. But there are many women, who avoid malls like the plague! The trick to an enjoyable shopping trip lies in being planned and prepared.

“When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better; but then it’s not, and I need to do it again.” ~ Confessions of a shopaholic

Here are a few ideas to make sure your trip to the mall is as fun as a sundae in the sun!

Where to park-

Now that is the chief question in mind when one thinks about going to the mall. So this is what you do- arrive early! Get there when the mall opens, and you’ll be assured of a space (surprisingly, morning shoppers even get the best bargains). If it is not a closed parking lot, try to find the shade of a tree so you don’t have to climb into an oven a few hours later! Also, if you plan to stay late, park in an area that will be well lighted after sunset- for your safety.

What to wear-

When you go to a mall, you will invariable end up buying clothes- maybe a dress, a couple of cute tops and jeans! Do not wear fully buttoned shirts or multiple layers that you need to remove every time you try something on. I prefer wide-necked tees or easy open blouses that don’t mess my hair when I take it off. Also wear skin-colored or nude underwear, so you don’t get distracted by the dash of color blurring the image of the dress you’re trying to purchase. Keep a little make-up kit in your handbag so you can go back to looking stunning after an hour in and out of trial rooms. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes that are also easy to take off (like when you’re trying pants or when you see Lotus boots on sale)!

Stay organized-

You need just one bag when you’re shopping, but it must multitask. Keep your coupons (stacked by item-type) in a separate compartment so you can access it easily. Have a little purse for your receipts (make sure you ask for a receipt, even if you believe you are very satisfied with your purchase). Carry a little bottle of water that you can regularly refill at kiosks. If you’re wearing a long coat, keep it in the car- leaving your arms free to carry multiple shopping bags. You’re also definitely going to get hot jogging from store to store salivating at the sales, and you don’t need to be overly covered!

There are also many other must-do-tips to make sure you get the best buy for the best price, but I’ll save them for another day!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: going to the mall, shopping techniques, tips on mall shopping

Saying A Lot Doesn’t Have To Cost! – Spectacular Gift Ideas Under $50

August 10, 2012 by Gayathri K. Leave a Comment

It’s your favorite cousin’s birthday, but you’re going through a ‘cut-back’ phase and really don’t want to spend much- no worries! The most heavily priced gift at a birthday party may not necessarily be the most valued. Something inexpensive, but with tons of thought and care invested in it, is a priceless gift from the heart. Fortunately for us, happiness comes in small packages, filled with love and generosity. When gifting someone, be it a birthday, anniversary, your best friends or even mother’s day, keep in mind their needs and preferences and buy accordingly. For just under $50 you can find great gifts or a great assortment of gifts for guys, girls and couples! Here are a few fabulous ideas to make the day special without burning a hole through your pocket!

‘Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag of his tail’…

A great place to find ‘one-of-a-kind’ gifts, that most shoppers overlook, is the antique-thrift store. Collectibles like old coins and perfume bottles or cute cutlery like creatively shaped salt-pepper shakers and star-cookie cutters may be cheap, but have character, and make quite novel, yet wonderful, gifts! Antique glass and pottery gifts like colored mixing bowls or platters with bright, floral patterns are a great addition to any home. Vintage jewelry can also be combined with other accessories to get a very different look! Mixing older and newer pieces to a create a unique gift, is a lot like remixing music- adds a fresh appeal and gives a whole new attitude to it! Another impressive gift idea that you don’t need to spend much on is silver. It always has a classy and elegant feel, and the greatest advantage is that you can easily have it personalized to add a special touch to an anniversary or even Christmas!

When a gift is both thoughtful and useful, the actual price of the gift is never taken note of. Almost everyone travels, for a holiday or for work, at least twice a year. A great gift in this line is a travel bag. These are available in a vast variety of material, colors and patterns. You could match the bag to a toiletry kit or a bathrobe and towel set with pretty embroidery to form a handsome package. An uncommon, yet fabulous, gift idea is a fully equipped first aid kit. Every home needs a well-stocked and easily transportable kit, and they are available with a variety of options for just 25$. Whoever you gift it to, will be touched at your practicality and concern for her family.

A surprisingly romantic gift idea for couples is a board game or a jigsaw puzzle. In the busy schedules couples have these days, a gift like this allows them to spend quality time with each other culminating in a wonderful experience working together! The key to making a gift look great, despite its price, is in the packing. You can couple smaller gifts with prettily wrapped chocolates and other goodies to make lovely gifts for all occasions!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: cheap gift ideas for women, gifts under $50

A Great Bag Does All The Bragging For You!

August 9, 2012 by Gayathri K. Leave a Comment

Here’s yet another famous quote from Billy Connelly: ‘A woman’s mind is as complex as the contents of her handbag, even when you think you’ve got to the bottom of it, there’s always something waiting to surprise you!’

How many of you just cannot do without a handbag? I know I can’t… if I ever leave the house with just my phone and purse in my hands, I’ll be sure to come back with one (or both) missing! Also, where else would we hide our secrets? A makeup kit (the secret to our flawless look), a book (the secret to always looking busy), a box of safety-pins (the secret to saving a wardrobe malfunction), or maybe even chili powder (the secret to staying safe)! There is so much more to a woman’s purse, and that is why it is the perfect accessory to hold every imaginable necessity!

Each woman is unique in her tastes, needs and preferences; and the handbag market reflects this. Some, like me, prefer large bags that can hold everything from a lunchbox to emergency slip-ons. Others would rather have a smaller one for daily use, just to hold their wallet, keys, goggles, tissue and a cellphone. These days we even have ‘wallet purses’ available, basically a handbag that also has an enclosed zip for cash and slots for credit cards etc, which basically eliminates the need for a separate wallet. We lovely ladies also need evening bags, picnic bags, and a few ‘make-a-statement’ bags! No wonder, handbags are usually the most expensive item on our shopping lists.

However awesome your outfit is, a handbag can make or break your look. Just like a snug pair of jeans, bags must be bought to fit your body type. If you’re petite, then do not buy a purse that reaches your hips as it makes your legs seem shorter. Go for something sleek and small, around your chest height, to make you look long. Conversely, tall and thin women must buy big, bright bags to stand out. Just as you do with shoes, take your time in the store and try on a variety until you’re sure which style, pattern and color goes best with you!

One of the most important things to consider when you’re buying a bag, is why you need it. Don’t ever be flippantly careless like “It’s just a bag, I’ll use it for anything’!” That would be fashion disaster. You must buy bags with specific purposes and use it for that event only. Every lady needs a chic formal bag that you can take to work besides your laptop. It should not have bold patterns, multi-colors or an experimental cloth like jute or strings. Keep it standard and stylish. Another must-have bag is an evening purse or a clutch- something small, elegant and dressy, maybe even jeweled. Buy these in deep, dark colors so they go with most of your dresses and gowns. Finally you must buy a beautiful, bright, fun and casual bag to wear on a frequent basis. Remember that you define your bag- so accessorize well and go get ‘em girls!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: choosing the right purse, different style handbags for women, tips on buying a handbag

Fantastic Gift Ideas For Your Fabulous Friends!

August 8, 2012 by Gayathri K. Leave a Comment

‘Remember… the greatest gift is not found in a store or under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends’. Happy Friendship Day ma’ peeps! Doesn’t it feel quite awesome to have a whole day dedicated to these wonderful human beings (ok- your dogs are a whole different class)! Friends play a huge part in the lives of each and every person. They are fun to be around, supportive, caring and always let us be our true selves. Be it a birthday or just friendship day, use every opportunity you can to let them know how much they mean to you.

When it comes to close pals personalized gifts rule (my number one idea for every occasion)! A T-shirt with a picture together, including a fun quote on friends or a phrase you share, is a great idea for a gift. Even better, get a matching one made for you too and wear it together for that ‘Wow’ effect! An inscribed watch, pen or necklace is a beautiful and unique piece that they will treasure forever. If you’re really close you could also go all out and get a lovely quilt made, complete with cute pics of her/him with friends and family. Another adorable gift idea to win over your pals, are homemade presents. Whether it’s smart or sloppy, it will always end up being cute. You could paint a pillowcase, knit a funky scarf or even just make a mixed CD, and she’ll be touched that you care enough to spend that time on her. How about a framed collage with photos of all the wonderful moments you have shared together? If you are quite tech savvy, try making a ‘trip down memory lane’ presentation with your thoughts printed in every slide! Or a personalized calendar, with pictures and cute notes from her friends and family attached. You could even add sentimental ‘Friends are for life’ quotes in the bottom.

If you want to really make your chum’s day, try surprising her with something completely different. People love spending time with their pals. On their special day, arrange a play date for just you and her, with fun stuff you can do together, like a cooking class, a game of paintball or even a complete makeover. You could plan an unexpected getaway to an exotic location that your friend’s always wanted to visit- join her or make it a romantic surprise she can enjoy with her spouse! Complete the day with a session at the spa where they can get pampered to their heart’s content. The whole point of a birthday is to flatter your companion like a superstar, and what better way to do that than plan an evening that’s all about her.

A friend is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost, so keep it fresh and fun! A great way to revive wonderful times is with a trip to the amusement park. Yelling together in a roller-coaster, or going through the tricky maze, will be the memory of a lifetime! There’s no one in the world who understands you better than your best friend. Ensure you select the perfect gift you know she’ll love and appreciate something thoughtful and unique

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: finding gifts for your friends, friendship gift ideas

Shopping for Shoes Doesn’t Have To Be A ‘Heel’!

August 7, 2012 by Gayathri K. Leave a Comment

Marilyn Monroe once said “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot”. Billy Connolly quoted “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes”. You can go without a bag, jacket or jewelry too; but the one thing you must not go without is your shoe! The topmost buy in a woman’s shopping list is usually footwear. It may seem completely insignificant to men, but when we ladies have lovely footwear to don over beautifully pedicured feet, we will feel sexy even in a potato sack! No wonder we need to spend truckloads of time and dime on this absolutely essential accessory. Nothing has been invented yet that will do a better job than heels at making a good pair of legs look great, or great ones look fabulous!

Though most women spend a whole lot on fabulous shoes, when it is time to go out we often feel like none of them are perfect! That is what happens when we shop with passion rather than practicality. I’m all of for having 2 shoe-racks full of gorgeous sandals and stilettos, but shopping for shoes is an acquired skill- there’s a method and a mindset that yields the results you want. Here are a few things I’ve learnt over time to be an effective shoe huntress!

Be prepared-

Step one to shoe shopping is being armed with your shoe size. I know most of us assume we know exactly what size we are, but fact is our size varies with seasons, brands and sorry to tell you, weight! You may not always be a size 7 like your 20’s! Do not even attempt buying footwear that you will fit into someday- it will never happen and you’re not Keira Knightly! It is best to get your feet professionally measured so you can be armed with the perfect size even when you’re buying online!

Do your brand research-

Women share with shoes what men do with cigars. They have a special attraction to certain brands. I have been having a quite an intense affair with my Sergio Rossi, Neosens and Jimmy Choo’s for quite a while now. Once you have bought a few you will know how the sizing fluctuates within the brand. Also make sure you sign up for monthly newsletters from your favorite brands, so you can keep updated on their styles, events and sales.
Remember that the best shoes score high on quality, durability, construction and comfort. Yeah I know many of us feel elegance and comfort are at opposite ends of a pole, but truly you have not known wonderful footwear. With the perfect brand, the perfect style and the perfect size, even stunning 6 inch platforms can be cozy and delightful. What is most important to an awesome lifestyle with amazing shoes is looking after your precious feet with utmost care!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: best practices when shopping for shoes, shoe shopping for women

Why You Need A No-nonsense Shopping List!

July 31, 2012 by Gayathri K. Leave a Comment

‘Whoever said money can’t buy happiness obviously didn’t know where to go shopping!’ Shopping is a woman’s favorite sport. It’s almost like rugby- women enjoy the scuffle, the contest, the crazy crowds, the danger of being caught in a stampede of hysterical women, and finally- the sense of pure satisfaction and utmost joy when they finally land at the billing counter with their prized possessions! There’s nothing more exhilarating, exciting, and quite frankly cleansing, than picking up a bag and a credit card, and hitting the stores… with intention to splurge!

Though we lucky ladies love to shop, more often than not we feel like crap when the bill is added up, unless we’re looking to take revenge on an inattentive husband! What usually leads to over-spending on shopping trips is the assumption that if we don’t get it right now it may not be there in future. Now that is completely misguided. You do not need to purchase a yellow sundress in winter, just ‘because it outlined your waist perfectly! Come spring, you’re definite to find the same outfit in more colors and better styles. Another reason is falling prey to the deceptively worded and wonderfully inviting promotional offers and sales pitched advertised around the shop. Why even last week, I bought a triple pack of great-smelling, instantly effective carpet cleaner, and my home floor isn’t even carpeted!

It is these little bouts of extravagancy that lead women to often self-impose a shopping ban on themselves, leading to a disastrous down-slide in her mood and a consequently dangerous effect on her family. We are all shopaholics, so let’s not even try to get sober. What one must do is resort to this ingenious and quite in-complex idea of making a list. Be it shopping for grocery, gifts or even gardening equipment, writing down what is essential to our purchase helps stay focused, positive and firm on our wallet. There are umpteen grocery lists available on the internet to help you methodically shop for your monthly provisions without forgetting important stuff. But do not forget that pruning the list is vital, so you don’t end up buying half the shop in one go! Let me reiterate- you do not need carpet cleaner without a carpet (note to self)!

Even when you’re shopping for clothes, follow Tim Gunn’s rule- make a list of wardrobe essentials, be it just jeans, formal tops or an evening dress. Frankly it is a fabulous idea to write down what kind of outfit you want to buy, so you can go straight to that section, try on a few, buy what’s perfect and be completely content with your purchase! With our apparent passion for apparel, it is a regular scenario to go into a store and get lost in the beautiful, vibrant fabrics and dreams of delicate dresses that aren’t even our size. In a few hours we either end up loaded with tops we don’t need, depressed that we don’t fit into anything cute, or back again with our favorite kind of outfit that is already bursting through our closet! In my case, I have a crazy penchant for black tops- and every time I go shopping for a white skirt or cream pants to go with them, I just end up back home with more black tees and blouses! This is where a shopping list helps- kind of works like those blinders they put on the side of a horse’s eyes to help is stay on a straight path!

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: how not to be a shopoholic, shopping tips to save money, tips for women when shopping