Living a Better Life
(featured column... from the editor's desk)

Shopping for After Holiday Bargains
by Michelle Jones

I learned this little money-saving tip last summer when another mom from one of my son's t-ball teams shared it with me. And, we were just talking about family camping, of all things! Yet this tip has paid off for me time and time again and I hope to see her again this summer so I can tell her what else I've discovered.

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The tip she gave me was for buying inexpensive holiday tablecloths, after the holidays. Because after they holidays, they are practically free! She said they are great for camping because if they get messed up you haven't really lost any money, and you can even use them for a mat on the ground as well as the picnic tables.

You know me, I thought her tip was just brilliant because I know every dollar saved adds up, and so did she! We probably talked for 20 minutes about those cheap tablecloths and which holidays would be best to get them from, but I also knew there would be much more to her theory.

I've always shopped after Christmas for bargain decorations and gifts, as I'm sure most of you have too. But, I have to admit, I was often overlooking the other holidays such as Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.

Well, at the time of this writing, Valentine's day has just passed and my oldest daughter and I recently made a trip to Target (a local discount chain store for those of you not in the U.S.) just to exchange some tennis shoes for my two year old, that didn't fit properly (never put off taking something back if it doesn't fit!) And, not only did we find shoes that were a perfect fit and should hopefully last throughout the summer, we also stumbled upon another great after holiday bargain!

As we headed straight for the shoe section, we were walking right past the older girls clothing section and something with red Valentine’s Day hearts caught my attention. I stopped to see what the items were and first noticed that there was a big sign that read "70% Off" sitting on top of the rack, and then we saw what was for sale at such a great bargain... we were so excited, they were adorable heart pajamas in my daughters size!

I had just been thinking earlier this month that I would like to buy her some new pajamas, since her last ones no longer fit (unless capri pants are in fashion for pjs). But, since they only fit her for a year or two I really hate to 'waste' money like that. And, she has a ton of extra large t-shirt hand-me-downs she's had for years that make great sleep shirts, so it's not like she really needs them.

Yet, they were so pretty, and were practically being given away for free. I bought her two sets and told her "happy birthday!" Though unfortunately for me, her birthday isn't until late August so this gift will be long forgotten by then.

At 70% off, this after holiday bargain fit into our family budget just fine and we should be able to come up with something new for August. Now, I'm already getting anxious to see what will be on sale after Easter. Though I guess I should make sure I go shopping alone this time, just in case!