April 22, 2008 | Questions Answered, Product Talk, Travel

Pretty, pretty Steph writes:

Pretty Pretty Mir, I have a question for you. I am going to Hawaii in June of this year, and April of next year, and the Samsonite luggage I got when I graduated from high school 10 years ago is falling apart. My family does alot of traveling (the trip this June is to get my sister and I to the state of Hawaii, we’ve been to all the other 49 states, the trip next April is a high school band trip), but does it in short time frames. We rarely stay in one place more than two nights, when we are gone for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks each summer. So…I need luggage that can take a beating, then get put in the closet til the next time. II don’t want to spend a LOT of money, but I would like something with a liftime/long guarantee. Any suggestions?

Actually, Steph wrote me this email a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been mulling it over for a while, because I’m of two minds on this issue. Usually I have a strong opinion and no issues with sharing it. For this… well, I’m just not sure. (more…)

March 10, 2008 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered, Groceries

The very lovely Courtney writes:

I know you have been posting things relating to good financial decisions, but not necessarily internet deals lately and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind giving your take on wholesale clubs.

I found it interesting that I am both a member of Costco and BJ’s and some of the MAJOR differences between these two particularly. The biggest thing that affects me is baby items (I have a 23 month old and a 6 month old which means two in diapers and one on formula). I was amazed at the limited selection at Costco not to mention their prices!! BJ’s is not only MUCH cheaper on their diapers and wipes, but they have a huge variety to choose from - Luvs, Pampers, Huggies and their own brand where Costco only carries Huggies and their brand (at least the one that I use). Not only does BJ’s carry a variety of brands, but they also carry a variety of sizes - at least in the wipes department. Anyways, I find myself wondering if people realize that they aren’t always getting the best deal at one wholesale club over another or that not all are the same. Another example is that Costco sells my contact lenses for almost $5 a box cheaper than BJ’s.

Not sure if this issue would be worth posting a blog about, but it is just a thought. I know BJ’s is not as nationally known as Costco or Sam’s Club, but I have to say, I have been nothing but pleased with being a member there. Plus, they don’t seem to be nearly as busy AND they accept coupons!

So… what do I think? Are warehouse clubs worth it? Yes. No. Sometimes! (more…)

February 12, 2008 | Questions Answered, What to Wear

Most of us who are married know the agony of finding just the right wedding gown. Arguably, the only dress you’ll worry about more is the dress you wear when your baby gets married.

Dawna writes:

In exactly 5 months, my daughter will be getting married. It is an outdoor ceremony and I’m anticipating the weather to be warm (end of June in PA).

I’d like something pretty and special but not the traditional, frumpy (it’s true!) mother-of-the-bride dress.

Any ideas where I could start my search. We live in a pretty rural area so on-line options would be great.

Let’s see if we can’t help Dawna figure this one out. (more…)

February 6, 2008 | Questions Answered, Product Talk, What to Wear

The lovely Courtney writes:

I’m having a wardrobe crisis. I hate everything I have, but I don’t want to buy anything new because I’m hoping to be a different size before I spend a lot on new clothes. So I’m thinking that updating my nonexistent accessories collection might be the way to go as far as making me feel a little less haphazard about my look. Do you have any tips on finding thrifty accessories to quickly update a tired (ill-fitting, ugly, wrinkled, boring) wardrobe?

The first thing I’m going to do is refer Courtney (and anyone else who’s stuck in a self-imposed can’t-buy-til-I’m-smaller purgatory) to this excellent post by Susan Wagner, because you shouldn’t just wear stuff that doesn’t fit you until some self-imposed deadline. It sounds like you do need some new clothes. And you’re allowed. I promise.

Now. Let’s talk about accessories. (more…)

January 16, 2008 | Questions Answered, Big Picture

Selena wrote in with such a great email that I can’t wait to hear the discussion on this one. She is extra pretty for coming up with such good questions!

Dear Pretty One,

I’ve been enjoying your site for about two years now and have learned so much about deal-finding. I love the thrill of a deal, and the idea of having nice things for less money makes me swoon. I’ve had several deal quandaries lately, though, and I’m hoping you can share your thoughts on them. I want to score deals with both your help and a clear conscience!

I’m totally up for this one, because I love a debate. (more…)

December 18, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered

This is the time of year when most of us like to express appreciation to those folks in our lives who’ve made our lives a little easier. It’s a kind and altruistic motivation that quickly turns into a big ball of stress because it can be really difficult to pick out things that say “thank you” and will be truly appreciated by the recipient and don’t cost too much. This is made all the more complicated by the fact that often we’re giving to people we don’t know that well outside of school/work/daycare.

Do not panic! I promise we can get you through it. In fact, I’ll just be lazy and refer you back to the post I wrote last year on this very topic.

But I also got an email on this topic, so let’s talk about it some more; I know Danielle can’t be the only one who’s struggling with this or a similar issue. (more…)

December 13, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered

Call me sexist if you must, but I think that quite often, men are really difficult to buy presents for. Women tend to be pickier, but the men I know are much quicker to spend money on themselves, leaving the rest of us stumped when a birthday or holiday rolls around.

Heidi knows all about this; she writes:

I’ve been married for 13 years, love my husband, but NEVER know what to buy him. If he wants something he buys it. I usually do the stand by gift like a shirt or slippers. Any suggestions?

It’s the “if he wants something he buys it” bit that gets many of us. There are only two ways around it: Either you have to buy something he wanted but didn’t think was affordable (and that means finding a killer deal), or you have to buy something he didn’t know he wanted. (more…)

December 12, 2007 | Questions Answered, For the kids, Product Talk

The lovely Susan writes:

Mir,
I love your site because I hate shopping and you basically do it for me!

I’ve got a problem I need help with. My 4-year-old daughter has nothing to wear on Christmas day. I cannot find a simple, holiday dress for her. I know - I’m waiting until the last minute. Still, what is the deal? We don’t like frilly, tulle-y, satiny things around here. We like plain and simple, but pretty. Her dress last year came from Land’s End and it was just a plain, red, velvety dress - tank-like at the top, to the shins with a princess waist. They’ve let me down this year, though, as they have nothing we like. I have found one or two possibles, but they’re way expensive - especially for a one- or two-time wear.

Can you help???

(I just realized while typing this that I’ve landed my dream job—I shop for other people. It’s always fun to come to work, if you’re me!) Anyway, yes! Yes, Susan, I think I can help. (more…)

December 10, 2007 | Questions Answered, Product Talk

The lovely Ann writes:

O Pretty Mir!

I am so hoping that you can dazzle me with your wisdom about comforters vs. duvet covers vs. bedspreads, as I need some direction. I have seen sage advice from you on sheets and thread counts, but now I need some advice about what goes on top!

I am looking to purchase a new comforter for my queen sized bed, but have been disappointed in the past with comforters that just don’t last. My current one has not stood up well at all, with the top fading terribly from the children sitting or laying on it (our bedroom often functions more as a family room than the family room!), plus the filling inside has practically disintegrated and is all bunched up at the bottom! I only had it about a year, and it wasn’t inexpensive.

I’m willing to pay for quality, but I just don’t know where to turn. I have been intrigued with duvets, but am not sure I would be happy with one. The sales staff at Macy’s tell me that they stay in place inside the cover and hold up well, but I’m not sure I believe that.

Do you have an opinion? Can you tell me how to research this? Who carries quality brands?

So many questions! Thank you for any help you can provide.

(I especially like how Ann asks if I have an opinion. Because I’m so shy and retiring, and hesitant to share my views.)

Anyway. Let’s get to it, shall we? Don’t despair, Ann! Help is on the way! (more…)

December 3, 2007 | Everyday Wisdom, Questions Answered, For the kids

The very pretty Jean writes:

I looooooooooove your idea of having a gift stash. My question is, how do you decide what to put in there? I want to give gifts that kids will love, but how to figure out what that is? Any suggestions? My son is 3.5 and is already starting to get invited to a ton of bday parties. Thank you your pretty-ness

In addition to being a world-class suck-up (thank you, Jean—you’re looking quite beautiful today, yourself!), Jean asks a pertinent question for those who are new to the idea of a gift closet: How do you know what to buy?

Let’s face it; get this one wrong, and you could be squandering lots of money rather than saving it. Having a stash doesn’t mean “buying everything on sale,” it means “buying things you know you’ll be able to gift throughout the year.” So how do we do that? (more…)