Tip that I hope helps folks:
I don’t know if this still holds true, but back in 2001, I worked for a woman whose husband was a VP at Meier & Frank (now owned by the Bon). She filled me in on a little known secret. If you’re shopping for apparel, the lowest prices you’ll ever get are the sales on the 2nd Wednesday in December. At that time, I wanted to buy a dress for my mom and also needed some new suits for work. I shopped that day and followed the “sales” after that and found her advice to be true! Plus, with many folks not knowing this little tidbit, the crowds weren’t bad at all.

Question: I hear more and more that bargaining at retail stores can work. Have you ever seen a sweater or something that had a little make-up on it because of someone trying it on? Do you think a person would be able to get a discount if pointed out to the sales clerk? (Of course, I would want to be sure it can be washed out, but Surf detergent and Woolite work wonders!).

Merry Christmas.

Had the out of state gifts with me on the plane in October – done.
Wrapped the local gifts the 1st of November and was done with it all! Ahhh! Relaxation and NO stress! By buying sales all year long, it is not an effort this time of year, and NO strain on the budget either. Very relaxing to be “ALL DONE!”