Don't Play Yourself!

Good evening people!

Today I want to talk about frivolous spending. I am only going to touch on it vaguely for the simple fact that "Frivolous Spending" is a a broad topic and I just don't have the time to cover it all nor do I think you want to be here reading this until your forehead hits the table.

Today we are going to talk about frivolous spending on clothes.

Why oh why do we spend money on clothes that looks good on the racks but doesn't look good on our backs? We like the IDEA of wearing it but when we actually put it on it's another story. Most of the time some of us are in such a rush we don't actually try it on until we get home!
By the time we do that, we realize our catastrophic mistake too late and we're too tired to go back to the store to exchange for a bigger or smaller size (usually a bigger size), too much traffic on the road and in the mall to even entertain the idea, or our schedules just wont allow it.
You end up saying, "Whatever, I'll just take it back the next time I go to the mall." Or my favorite, "I'll loose the weight and fit into it in a few months."

Reality check! Chances are you wont be going back to that mall any time soon and it'll be past the return date if you do. And If you think you're really gonna loose the weight to fit into that top or those jeans, Honey PA-Lease!

If you can loose the weight, all the power to you. Kudos! But many of us try and fail. Studies have shown that 78.9964836% of us ...ok I wont go there. But lets keep it real. Unless you were already on a diet, that top is not cute enough for you to starve yourself. You'll end up saying, "Forget it!" by day 3 of eating wheat grass and celery sticks. All to fit into a pair of jeans? I don't think so. AND by time you do fit into it, the season has changed and you cant wear it ANYWAY! Give it up. Don't waste the money. Either try it on in the store or don't buy it at all!


Here is a way to find out if you have wasted money on clothing.
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you are wasting your money and you need to stop immediately!

1. Do you have clothes in your closet with the tags still on them?
   (If you just bought them it's ok. If they've been sitting in there for more than 4 weeks, and you're still buying more, you should be ashamed! You're wasting money! Wear what you have. Then go back for more.)
   
2. Did you try on a skirt that fits too snug around your midsection, and then lie to yourself that you'll loose the weight in a few weeks, and STILL bought it?
   ( :0( wasting your money)
   
3. Did you sadly give your good clothes away to friends or family members because you can't fit them, and they are brand new?
   (UGH, such a waste!)
   
4. Did you pass up a cheaper clothing store (Forever 21) for a more expensive one (New York & Co. or BCBG) because you think people will notice?
   (Reality check! Unless people are going to be all up in your neck searching for the tag that says STUPID you just wasted your money, no one is gonna know or care. Stores like Forever 21, Alloy.com , dELiA*s and Wet Seal have cute clothes for much cheaper. Try it)
   
5. Do you have 10 of the same shirts in all the colors God has ever created?
   (Stop it right now! You don't need 100 of the same tops. How REDUNDANT! THIS people will notice! One maybe two is enough. I can see a black and a white tank top. Maybe 2 shirts, 2 other colors but please, save us and save yourself the aggravation. Save your money. Spend the extra money on a pair of sandals or a nice pair of jeans)

I can go on and on for days but luckily for me, I know when to stop. Please save yourself and save your money. Times are hard.

Signing out. Happy Savings! Tootles. Bigdeals101.com

Carribean fun!

CARIB FUN!

So, I am searching for somewhere nice to go for a nice Caribbean vacation in June. I'm looking at the Bahamas, Paradise Island. I went through Liberty Travel as well as some other sites on BigDeals101.com and I was amazed to see how cheap the trip is. I couldn't believe that I could go away for 5-6 days all inclusive for a little more than $800! I slapped myself!

I have NEVER been away on vacation, due to working for the man, racking up vacation time only to use it for when I didn't feel like going into work that day, or I wasn't there long enough to acquire a 7 day vacation.

I made a promise to myself that as an ENTREPRENEUR I will never again deprive myself of such ever again.

I'm looking forward to hitting up the beach in my cute lil bikini and sarong, sipping Mai Tai's, and smelling like Banana Boat.

Here are some sites that offer great vacation packages:

Southwest Airlines Vacations
Luxury Link
Kayak.com
Hotwire
Norwegian Cruise Line and Ships
Cheap Tickets
HotelsCombined.com
Priceline

Top 3 things to buy b4 the economy Improves!

Ok. Let's get one thing straight. I am by no means encouraging you to go out and spend your last penny (I'd be a hypocrite cause I wouldn't do it- even if Jesus told me to...ok maybe Jesus but, I still wouldn't be happy about it.)

If you have a few extra pennies to spend and you've been dying to buy something new; a couch, coffee table, boots, house, car blah blah blahhhhhh, NOW is the time to do it! According to FORBES.com, both the president's Council of Economic Advisors and the Federal Reserve now believe the economy will begin to recover sometime in 2009.

OH NOoooooooo!!!! Not yet lord, please say it aint soooooo! I'm having so much fun staying home and working from my living room on what I want to work on, not what some fat sloppy supervisor - or some old ass hating boss who can't stand me cause I'm young and beautiful, feels like throwing CRAP on my desk to see whether I faint on cue or throw up just for their amusement.

Although we have to live with the idea that recession is going to improve (ugh) we can still have a little more fun until it does. - OMG sidebar- [I hate Sallie Mae- they call me every single freaking day at the craziest hours (yes the phone is ringing in the background and I am completely ignoring them, as always)---------I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY-LEAVE ME ALONE]

ok back to the topic...Top 3 things to buy before sh*t become OK again :0(

Before I get Started you can always visit BigDeals101.com to find any of the sites posted on here and more great deals and savings.



1. Women's clothing: LADIES LADIES LADIES
This is by far the best thing that WE could take advantage of!
So long ago were the days when we walked into our favorite stores, picked up that top that was to die for, envision ourselves in it only to look at that damn price tag and say, "It's cute but it aint that damn cute."

Most of us (everyday women) have grown out of that stage where we care about who made it, which season it debuted, and which celebrities we've seen it on-ok maybe we care about the last one but let's keep it real- even when we do see it on the celebrities in STYLE Magazine, they always have WHAT the celeb is wearing and how you can come close to it- so we can still never afford those thousand dollar shoes that we want. Alright, I'm sure we could if we really wanted to, but it's either the knock offs or your butt will be sleeping on the sidewalk....wearing $1K stilettos.

Anyway, Since we DON'T care about the name brand anymore, only style and comfort, we have taken advantage of lower cost clothing stores like Forever 21, Target, Marshall's (I still can't stand them-that's my very last option-still affordable though) K-Mart and Wet Seal just to name a few.

This allows the lower-cost chains to reduce their prices through production cost savings and requires the higher-cost chains and designers to cut prices on their excess inventory in response to lower demand.- Forbes.com

What does that mean for us? MORE 4 LESS! Here are a few places where you can find Great clothes for great prices, I promise!

Alloy.com is my #1 choice to find great fashionable heels at very, very affordable prices 5" heels in multiple sizes and colors for $39.50. Check out their clothing and accessories too Ultra Cheap and CUTEEEEeeeeeeeee.

dELiA*s has a clearance section with up to 80% off! Jeans, dresses, sneakers and hoodies are as low as $14.99. Sweaters are $9.99 and graphic tee's are as low as $5.99. Talk about saving a load of cash on items that can boost your wardrobe this spring in seconds.


Wet Seal has the hottest accessories this spring! Shutter shades and scarf's are the newest thing but, who wants to go broke trying to stay up with the latest fashion trends. At Wet Seal, shades start as low as $3.50 and scarf's as low as $5.50! That's a deal if I've ever seen one. Shop handbags, jewelry, belts and more. Also 30% off clearance items. Jeans starting at $10.00.



2. Electronics: FELLA'S, Guy's, DUDES...

Prices for electronics are decreasing, spiraling, plummmmmmmmmeting. Computers, mp3 players, entertainment systems and FLAT SCREEN TV's are are guy's best friend- and a gals- I'm not even going to lie and say that I've never wanted a flat screen. Actually, I would appreciate a laptop...and an entertainment system! Girls, we like this stuff too right? hmm...

FELLA'S, Guy's, DUDES...and Dudette's

According to Forbes.com- (I know I've said that a few times but, I just wanted u to know that I'm not pulling this stuff out of my a**) The radio/television category in February's Consumer Price Index was down 9% from a year ago as more manufacturers get into the flat-panel business, driving prices down.

That means, if you still have a tv that you have to turn the dial with a pair of pliers...go out and get your butt a flat screen. It's not that serious.

Here are some sites to visit:

Electronics:
CompUSA has great deals on digital camera's, camcorders, GPS', HD TV's, projector's, home theater's and mp3's. Everyone I know uses at least one of these item's so, I feel confidant that you will appreciate the deals on electronics at CompUSA as well.

Computer's:
Kmart has a wide variety of electronics and computer's. If you are simply looking for a laptop you can find one at Kmart for as low as $449.00. That's a good deal.

Software:
PC Connection/ MacConnection has an extensive category section listing everything from electronics, computers software and more. They categorize the software depending on whether you have a Mac or PC. Stop by and search for the software you've been looking all over for. Chances are, they'll probably have it.



3. VACATION'S, Sa-weeeeeeeeet!

It seem a** backwards to think about vacationing during a recession but trust me, it's worth it. Many resorts, airlines, and hotels are practically giving away rooms and tix because the demand for them has dropped so much. If a resort could fall on it's knee's and beg you...it would. NO ONE wants to go anywhere or spend any money, especially if you belong to the half of the country who has been laid off and is surviving off of that lil unemployment check and the extra $25 a week Barack is giving us- me included.

I refuse to live like a hermit crab! I want to go away and pick those things out of my bikini! Eff that! And here is how you do it.

• Travel Agency: Call up your travel agency (Liberty Travel etc;) and simply say, "I'm broke. I want to go away somewhere nice for cheap and I want to stay for a few days, NOT a few hours."- they always try to get you to go on those weekend trips for less, And i think that's a tease.
• Group Packages: Get a bunch of your other Broke a** friends and go as a group. There are TONS of group package deals that are bound to make your trip a bit lighter on your pocket.
• Volunteer Vacations: Most people don't know about this but this is what I am here for :0). A VV is when you go on vacation and volunteer your services or talents to that community who is using it's resources to entertain you! Entrepreneurs, Students, baby boomer and seniors take these trips.Because they are giving back to a community and blending this with a vacation they save on many expenses the regular tourist would have. You still get to vaca- but make a kid smile by doing a little dance with them or something. You'll get some $ signs slashed.

Here are some sites to visit:

Southwest Airlines Vacations Explore eight magical lands with a family Disneyland® Resort vacation package from Southwest Airlines Vacations. Let your imagination run wild at the Disneyland® Park where dreams really do come true. Book your complete family Disneyland® Resort vacation package today! BigDeals101.com can show you how.

Luxury Link Tour Italy, Mexico, Greece, Spain and more! Bid on your vacation's here! It's a wonderful time to explore other lands!

Kayak.com Find vacations and more. Enter your intended location and destinations, dates and ticket options. At Kayak you can compare vacation prices on the most popular sites like Priceline, Travelocity, CheapCaribbean.com, Bookit.com and Hotwire.

Hotwire Enjoy a 5 Night Caribbean Weatern Royal Caribbean cruise deal from $229! What a great bargain. Book it here!

Norwegian Cruise Line and Ships Imagine sailing on a world-class resort without boundaries. There's no need to hurry to breakfast or lunch. And you can spend the entire trip tie-free, unless you just want to wear one. With Freestyle Cruising, you can dine where you want, when you want, and with whomever you want. Choose from gourmet or ethnic cuisine, from a chocolate buffet or a White House presidential menu. Challenge your mind and body with classes ranging from health and wellness to financial planning and computer arts.

Cheap Tickets has discounts on every ticket you could ever possibly need. You can visit them and get a great deal on a cruise! Travel the world with no worries.


HotelsCombined.com Search all the best travel sites at once and find the cheapest price, read independent hotel reviews by other travelers and you can click to buy direct from hotels or your favorite travel sites. It's easy and free.

Priceline Has solution's to all of your vacation needs. Hotels, cruises, flights, rental cars and vacation packages. This is great especially for some of us last minute planner's. For example, You can save up to 60% on Last Minute Flights!
7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from $78/night AND $100 in On-Board Spending!
Blow Out Sale! Cruises Starting From Only $56/night + Free On-Board Spending!
72% off a 4-Night Baja Mexico Cruise! 7-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise from JUST $46/night! $200 Cash Back Rebate from Nassau & Paradise Island!
And that's just the beginning.


Happy Saving! Tootles. BigDeals101.com

Editor's Thoughts.

I wonder, how many people actually care about saving money during the recession? It seems like everyone would be interested, no one likes to over spend and then find out from a friend that there was in fact a discount floating around somewhere for that same item (doh!).

I wonder how many people actually know that there are in fact exclusive online discounts, where you can't find them anywhere else. Not in stores or newspaper coupons. Online only! We have them but I guess our biggest challenge at BigDeals101.com is finding a way to tell people about them. How do we get people to visit our site and save their own money? Think, Think, Think...

Aside from me writing in my blog everytime I remember to, and telling a few people by word of mouth, I know what I should do, but we are in the business of saving money, not spending it (all!) so printed flyers (eeek), magazine ad's (ugh), Radio Promo's (I'm fainting at the thought) Facebook, Twitter, blogging, craigslist (ummmmmm-i guess) But I need people to realize that saving money is the greatest thing there is (since this world runs on money- depressing) and one way to start is by seeking discounts and such.

My site is totally free to the user. Now, how to reel them in (and save their lives)?

LaToya Powell
Editor/President/CEO
BigDeals101.com

Signing out.

Editor's Tips 101: Vacations are in!

"The best thing about vacations is that you can take them at any time of the year. If it's cold, go somewhere warm. If it's warm travel somewhere cool. Visit another country or simply fly to another state. Either way, you're bound to get away from home. A change of scenery is definitely in need! To save on packages, try to plan your trip with a group of people to take advantage of the low cost per person prices and beneifits of group packages!"

BigDeals101.com
Editor/President/Ceo
LaToya Powell

Great Vacation Sites:
Southwest Airlines Vacations Explore eight magical lands with a family Disneyland® Resort vacation package from Southwest Airlines Vacations. Let your imagination run wild at the Disneyland® Park where dreams really do come true. Book your complete family Disneyland® Resort vacation package today! BigDeals101.com can show you how.

Luxury Link Tour Italy, Mexico, Greece, Spain and more! Bid on your vacation's here! It's a wonderful time to explore other lands!

Kayak.com Find vacations and more. Enter your intended location and destinations, dates and ticket options. At Kayak you can compare vacation prices on the most popular sites like Priceline, Travelocity, CheapCaribbean.com, Bookit.com and Hotwire.

Editor's Tips 101: There is a time and place for everything.

"Do you remember when your parent's told you that there was a time and place for everything? That statement has never been truer. When you have to work, you go to the office but when it's time to play there are tons and tons of places to go to release that pent up energy! Try to go an amusement park this summer for great family fun!"

BigDeals101.com
Editor/President/Ceo
LaToya Powell

Theme Parks:
Southwest Airlines Vacations Explore eight magical lands with a family Disneyland® Resort vacation package from Southwest Airlines Vacations. Let your imagination run wild at the Disneyland® Park where dreams really do come true. Book your complete family Disneyland® Resort vacation package today! BigDeals101.com can show you how.

Editor's Tips: 3 Way's to Relieve Stress!

"Whether you are running a business like myself or working a 9-5 job, stress always seems to take center stage, preventing you from focusing on everyday activities. Bill's can pile up and the mortgage crisis alone can send someone over the edge but, I can tell you 3 things that I do to relax, re-group, and re-focus. Afterwards, you'll feel refreshed, energetic and satisfied."

BigDeals101.com
Editor/President/Ceo
LaToya Powell

Read a book:
Borders is one of my favorite places to find a book. When I am overwhelmed with life itself, I read. I escape into someone else's imagination while sitting in my favorite chair with a mug of hot chocolate or a bottle of water. Nothing is more soothing than peace and quiet. I don't even have to leave my house to get the book if I don't want to. Traffic just add's more stress. I go online, read a snippet of a book that I am interested in and order it. If you can't wait til' it arrives, get the pdf version too. You can start before the paper back even gets there. If you're worried about extra cost's then you may want to take advantage of the sales that are posted for Borders here at BigDeals101.com. They are very helpful.

Listen to Music:
fye.com is a great site to find all kinds of music. Classical, Country, Jazz, R&B, Grassroots and much more. You can currently save up to 50% off music and up to 40% off of TV on DVD. It's very relaxing to listen to your favorite artists or groups after a long day of work. Listen to something more uplifting for inspiration or encouragement or something more fun and upbeat to boost your mood.

Play Games:
Gamefly let's you pick your games online. They send it to you and you can enjoy the games for as long as you want with no late fee's. When you're done you just return the game by mailing it back and they will send you another game from your list. Great right? The best part is you can start or only $8.95 or try it for free! Playing game's are a great way to escape your hectic reality, at least for a little while.