http://www.bargainsla.com/blog Zannee's Blog en Suzanne O'Connor Copyright 2012 2012-02-02T18:33:44+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/the_new_jc_penny/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/the_new_jc_penny/#When:18:33:44Z A breath of fresh air was pumped into the retail markets this last week with JC Penny’s launch of their new logo and marketing. The new branding of JC Penny is good news for savvy bargain shoppers.  Gone are the fake sales, over inflated retail pricing and other manipulative B**ll Sh*t. As a consumer, you have to ask yourself how they can afford to lower their prices across the board by 40% ? Have their costs gone down? Did their overhead expenses suddenly drop… .Nope. They’ve just decided to end the “ sale” farce. Their minimal profit margin is intact. On average, department stores mark up 150%-300%.  The mark up range depends upon actual unit cost of the product and the price point they think they can offer it for. In the middle of this equation is the reality of what the product will actually sell for … that’s usually between 20% off and 50% off MSRP. Remember MSRP is just an offering price point. It doesn’t mean anybody bought it at that price or it’s worth that price. MSRP is really just a marketing tool. Keep in mind that JC Penny and others large chain department stores are large volume buyers. Their per unit purchase price on the thousands of pieces they buy is far less than a independent boutique that can only buy a few dozen pieces. JC Penny, now JCP is finally being straight with customers. I’m eager to stop in to see the new marketing and strategy works, feels and looks. I’m hoping to see new, better quality brands along with the lower pricing. We’ll see how this plays out. But as of right now, I’m impressed by their bold move. Zannee's Tips, Inside Scoop, Consumer 2012-02-02T18:33:44+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/a_visit_to_lacma/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/a_visit_to_lacma/#When:22:33:33Z After steam cleaning my hardwood floors and writing an article on Sunday morning, Webdude suggested we get out of the house for some R & R. We headed out to LACMA, dragging our teenager kid with us for 3 hours of art immersion. We’re not members, but the deal here is kids under 18 get in Free. Adults are $15. They’ve added a lot of interactive exhibits, which may not be fine art … but are fun, tangible art you get to experience. Honestly we hadn’t been in years and were pleased to see some terrific additions to the museum. Perfect for families to take their kids to engage in artistic conversation. We went to see Metropolis II which was incredible! Fine art… maybe not so much…. but fun, thought provoking, dimensional art…. absolutely yes!  You must view it from all sides to get a real perspective of the kinetic work.  This structure has 100,000 cars circulating through a dense network of buildings… all in miniature of course. If you love trains or Hot Wheels as a kid, this exhibit is a real kick. The sound created is part of the experience. Then we went into the California Design 1930-1965.  Full of innovative, mid century designs from an original Mattel Barbie doll and Barbie cardboard Dream House to a Studebaker Avanti designed by Raymond Loewy. The kid went nuts for some of the vintage clothing designs, reciting repeatedly to herself that she was born in the wrong era. She stopped her mantra when I told her she could find some great similar pieces at local vintage stores…. And yes, I’d take her. If you’re over 45 and grew up this stuff, this will be a real treat for you. Popped into the Ellsworth Kelly exhibit…. Simple, abstract prints are not for me.I did however immerse myself into the works of Picasso and the dozens of other modern impressionistic art works.  Some of the works were enlightening, others shocking, some were irritatingly self serving, but your not supposed to love everything you see. The rewards of our day of art immersion was intellectual debate, jokes, conversation along with historical and emotional insights lasting well into the evening…. all because we took the time to see some art. Nice. Entertainment, Local fun 2012-01-23T22:33:33+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/cruising_commerce/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/cruising_commerce/#When:00:43:42Z Web Dude and I were cruising around Commerce Thursday, checking in on some outlets we love and visiting new ones. Saw a couple of places I wanted to research in depth and another couple of places that were just so so. We did however pop into long time BargainsLA fave California Closeouts. California Closeouts has expanded since I was last in, though it’s just as chaotic. Expect to have someone tell you where stuff is or be prepared to dig a bit.  Not for the faint of heart or spoiled shopper. But for intrepid, hardy, bargain hunters like me, who don’t sneer at somewhat chaotic, warehouse type outlets. Here a bit o digging has to be done….. but oooohhh the deals! Their parking lot held some new bathtubs, desks, planters, air conditioning systems…. Some were mint, a few had cosmetic flaws all a 40%-70% below retail (These were being snapped up by contractors who stop in daily). There were also great buys on sundries… shampoo, lotion, bathroom staples in antiseptics, razor blades, soaps and the like… I also spotted bags of spices, toys, clothing, perfume, house wares, food staples like boxed rice and potatoes. It was suppose to be just a pop in to say hi to the owner, Mitch and see what was up. But I just happened to spot a 8’ metal garden windmill. We’ve always wanted one and have been pricing these for well over a decade at $100-$280 depending upon quality. I’ve seen them on sale at Lowes for $99. But I’d never seen them at $19…. That’s right $19! This came from a shipment that was a ‘Truck accident spill”, so California Closeouts bought them at rock bottom “liquidation” pricing. We knew it was a “one time” deal, so we bought it… along with some rice and red vines. A day of research turned into a fun day with a cool bargain buy…. How fun! 10 years of patience paid off! Read more on California Closeouts Bargain Buys, Shopping Adventures, Home & Garden 2012-01-20T00:43:42+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/if_at_first_you_dont_succeed/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/if_at_first_you_dont_succeed/#When:01:39:41Z Did ya see me this weekend? I was everywhere. This weekend was spent trying to track down some new bargain sources. Friday I drove around Santa Monica and into West LA only to find the Bridal place I wanted to research, was closed. I had checked the hours before I went. So frustrating! Then I went into East Hollywood to check out a lead. There was no parking. You needed a permit to park on the side streets and the public spaces were full. I drove around and around several blocks for a good half hour…. And still couldn’t find a spot. I drove around so many times, they had to have thought I was casing the area! I finally left with an even deeper sense of frustration. Never one to quit, Saturday I drove out to check out a furniture source in Walnut. They were shorthanded and after an hour and half waiting to ask a couple of questions, they met my questions with disdain and rudeness. So I left…. rather ticked off. Thinking I’d find a possible source I’d read about in Glendora, I drove north only to find the building was now vacant. Drat! Back home again, with nothing to show for my efforts.  I had a couple glasses of wine and we all watched Money Ball and then Saturday Night Live (great show with Daniel Radcliff). Here’s my favorite clip http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/You-Can-Do-Anything/1379100 Saturday, though frustrating, thankfully ended on a good note. Sunday is usually a day of rest. I don’t, as a rule work on Sunday. But I was determined to get something done. I had gone to 4 places and had achieved nothing!!!! I hit the road again. So I headed into West Hollywood where I discovered the Christian Andrew Outlet and then into the Los Feliz area where I spotted the Steven Allen Outpost aka Outlet store. Both were great outlets with happy, sharp personnel and terrific savings! I felt like I was finally on a streak.  Nice people great stores, solid savings! The weekend ended on a high note… so much better than it started. Now off to watch the Golden Globes. Shopping Adventures, Local fun 2012-01-16T01:39:41+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/better_than_expected/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/better_than_expected/#When:19:26:16Z Last Thursday I got ready to do battle….. I heard a funny clicking sound coming from the front end of my car. My independent Honda mechanic told me that my 2008 Honda Civic needed a new left axle. We just bought the car from Miller Honda dealership in Fall 2010. I hadn’t hit anything. I hadn’t been over obnoxious in my driving except for making too many U turns. I’ve owned Honda’s since 1986 and NEVER needed a new axle. I usually drive Honda’s up to 250,000 miles. I’ve had to repair or replace many things. This was a first.   My mechanic also told me, after looking at the computer database that there was a history of replacing axles on my car. Both had been replaced at 20,000 miles, before I owned it. That fact didn’t show up in the Carfax report I got on the car before I purchased it. That made me angry and suspicious. Friday morning, I took the car back to Miller Honda in Van Nuys and explained to them with receipts and print outs what my mechanic had found. I expected an argument, but didn’t get one. They said they’d check the car at no charge and they’d get back to me if it needed a replacement axle. I made them put everything down in writing. They were very efficient and friendly. But, I didn’t buy it for a fast second. In my head, I was already composing a letter to the CEO of Honda.  I expected a bait and switch, or some other devious explanation. I didn’t get one.  I expected to be taken to the bank. But none of that happened. Yes, the car needed a new axle… and no, there wouldn’t be any charge to replace it since the first axle was under warranty. No jumping through hoops, no argument, just a company backing up what they sell. The mechanics there all agreed with me that a Honda should not have to get a new axle every 20,000 miles. Because it was fixed under warranty at a dealership, Honda now has a record of it. I got the car back at 3pm, didn’t pay a dime. Zannee's Tips, Consumer 2012-01-09T19:26:16+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/the_new_year_is_here/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/the_new_year_is_here/#When:20:06:55Z The New Year is here! 2012 can be anything from “  a lot better than 2011” or “an average year” or it can be “horrible”. I’m betting it’s gonna be better for most of us than the past couple of years. But I’m not waiting to see what happens. I will do my best to make the year the best I can. So, I made some News Years resolutions that I started acting on the minute I made them. 1. Never pay retail…. Obviously ! But I also won’t be buying anything on credit even when tempted by super low, bargain basement prices… unless I absolutely need it! My Nordstrom’s card has been paid off and cut up. Our other credit cards will be paid off before the Summer and we will only keep one around for emergencies. 2. Get back into good physical shape. This is beyond diet, weight loss or even working out regularly. It’s about overall health. I started by hiking in a nearby park in Glendale. Brand Park offers some shorter, but steep hikes as well as some nice easy and moderate hikes. Close by and free, both Kevin and I will be continuing to regularly hike the area. We’ll use it to exercise, get out into the fresh air and while hiking have our daily business meeting. Plus the view up at the top of the mountain is spectacular. We’ve already hiked it 3 times and I feel better already I also threw out all remaining Holiday cookies, pies, candy, cakes and breads. 3. Get and Stay Organized We spent part of the Holiday break cleaning out office files, drawers and cabinets as well as cleaning out the cupboards in my kitchen, service porch and organizing our garage and storage shed. I find that if my life is organized and de-cluttered, I can think more clearly and waste less time looking for stuff. 4. This is the hardest one…. Create a positive atmosphere. With all the bad news we are hit with daily, it’s easy to fall into a negative rut. Regardless of whether or not the bad news is accurate, will affect my daily life or just down right scary, I am gonna to find and focus on the good around me. I will do my best to be cheerful and positive in everything I do and say. I will try to see the best in everyone around me… even those I vehemently disagree with or piss me off.  I will try to only bring the positive into any situation. Yeah, I know, easier said than done. But if all of us tried to be more positive, the world would be a bit better and happier, even if it’s only for a moment. I’m not sure what 2012 will throw at us, but my hope is to be the best I can be this next year. Make it a Happy New Year! Zannee's Tips, Health & Beauty, Local fun, Consumer, Do it Yourself 2012-01-03T20:06:55+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/after_christmas_shopping/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/after_christmas_shopping/#When:18:48:39Z The day after Christmas is usually the biggest shopping day of the year.  That yearning to spend gift cards and bag a bargain persists in most of us. But the streets around the malls are still a traffic nightmare and the parking lots are filled with ill-mannered parking imbeciles. I try to avoid shopping the day after Christmas, but not this year. Of course our kid wanted to go to the mall with friends. I told her she had to spend her own money and we made her take the bus.  She took her piggy bank filled with change to the Coin Star machine at Ralph’s and came up with $50. She had a great time shopping, bagged a couple of great deals and hung out with friends without adding to the insanity or digging into moms wallet. We however, headed out to the sale at Stats in Pasadena. We went late, but it was still a zoo at 3pm and most of the items I was interested in were sold out. I still bagged a few large glass ornaments at 50% off and my hubby found some “Disco ball” ornaments at half off that he just had to have. Then we headed out to our favorite used bookshop, Brand Books (231 N Brand Blvd., Glendale). This clean, well-organized shop has a crack staff and the owner, an older guy named Jerome, is a gem. You’ll always find some quality books in any category and they will take special care if you mention you’re giving the book as a gift. They also mark down books on a regular basis, so you’ll always find a bargain! We spent hours looking through the incredible selection of books and picked up a hard copy of Dracula and a historic picture book on WWII. Got both for under $20. Afterward we cruised around the Goodwill store across the street. Where we spotted a totally retro cool, mint 1950’s Westinghouse Roaster for $20. We passed on it when I pointed out that we had nowhere to put it and as a vintage piece, it probably sucked a lot of electricity. Looking cool didn’t mean we had to buy it. We mostly avoided the worst of the crowds, stayed away from the mall but still got some recreational shopping done. Bargain Buys, Zannee's Tips, Shopping Adventures, Local fun 2011-12-27T18:48:39+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/avoiding_holiday_shopping_stress/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/avoiding_holiday_shopping_stress/#When:20:55:50Z The Holidays can be hectic and stressful enough without shopping stress adding to it. Bargain shopping should be fun with a minimum of hassle. That what BargainsLA.com was born out of… making it easier for you to find a great deal But even with that, there are caveats to shopping malls or even warehouse and samples sales this time of year…. The crowds can be daunting. So after Thanksgiving I have stopped doing certain things.I wont wait in long lines at warehouse or sample sale that are famous for having them.  You would not have seen me in line at the BCBG Warehouse Sale or Archipelago Sale. There are enough ways to find the product or a similar product at a discount that waiting has no value. I generally avoid the malls. I may have to go in to get something last minute, but will get someone to drop me or take public transit. In the worst case scenario I valet park. I won’t deal with the parking insanity. Life is too short to get cussed out over a parking spot. By this time, I am usually finished with shopping, even with the last minute gifts. But if I need to shop, I’ll shop the downtown sample and warehouse sales (without lines) and will shop local independent boutiques, gift and book stores, church bazaars and charity events.  Good bargain shoppers can find a bargain anywhere. Happy Shopping! Zannee's Tips, Consumer 2011-12-19T20:55:50+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/cheap_gift_wrapping_ideas/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/cheap_gift_wrapping_ideas/#When:19:23:33Z One of the attributes of being a frugal minded Bargain Shopper is creativity… a talent for re-invention and looking at things from a different angle. Sometimes we need a little prodding to get our creative juices flowing. So think about these alternatives to using wrapping paper: Newspaper- This standard works beautifully for smaller gifts. Comics are great for kids gifts.  Use nice ribbon or twine. Wallpaper-  Use extra and remaining discards to wrap your presents. Stronger and thicker that regular gift wrap, good for medium-large sized gifts Fabric Remnants- Tie up with a bow on top or tie up with odd sized fabric remnants. Brown Paper Bags – Cheap yet classy, you can easily use a brown paper bag to double up as a gift bag. Pair it with a ribbon bow and perhaps a small ornament to add pizzazz. Brown Paper – Use twine, yarn or gilted ribbon for Holiday shine. Glass Jars – Use these for home made gift candies, dry mixes, fudge and other yummies! Tie a ribbon or yarn around the lid and add some pine twigs. Clear or Colored Cellophane –This very easy wrap is great for gift baskets or paired with tissue paper and ribbon. One of my favorites. Boxes/ Baskets/ Bowls – If you have empty shoe boxes, hat boxes, old bowls or other baskets lying around, you can easily turn them into a gift box, using some paint, or colored sharpies, glitter and/ or stencils. I like pairing these with Colored Cellophane. Recipes – Print out some recipes (I like using large fonts) and use them to wrap a cookbook or even, a batch of cookies in a box. Make Your Own Gift Wrap – Buy a roll of plain white paper and use paint, pens, some stamps, watercolor to create personalized wrapping paper in next to no time. Cookie Tins – Use cookie tins to gift not only food gifts but also collections of small gifts, like hair accessories, costume jewelry, sachets etc. LIne with tissue paper. Recycling Paper Gift Bags – Gift bags are expensive, so I save the one I receive and reuse them when I give a gift.  Use the Gift as a Wrap –Not possible with everything…. but a handbag filled with a small collection of makeup, a jewelry box with a pair of earrings. A Coffee mug with a bag speciall coffee extras in it. If you have other creative bargain wrap ideas, send ‘em in. Sent in by Nancy S. 1) Foreign language newspapers….(Chinese is cool!) 2) Instead of ribbon, buy a couple of crepe paper streamers at a party store. One streamer decorates a ton of gifts—tape one end and festoon away! Serpentine (that curly stuff) is good too, and cheap 3) For small gifts: make personalized wrapping paper with your friend’s name typed in all different fonts and sizes: White paper, black print, red ribbon: whee! Zannee's Tips, Consumer, Do it Yourself 2011-12-05T19:23:33+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/a_tale_of_two_pies/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/a_tale_of_two_pies/#When:04:49:02Z This year we didn’t want the chaos of baking pies while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Plus we wanted to support a friend who opened up a new Bakery in Sunland (The Back Door Bakery). Hubby ordered a pecan pie from them at $20 for us to pick up Thursday morning. Of course, I didn’t want to spend $20 on another pie, so I walk into my local Marie Calenders and ordered one Apple pie. Since I’m planning on walking to pick it up, I asked how much my pie would be and was told it was $9.75. During the rush of cooking Thursday morning at 10:20am, hubby jumps in the car and drives 20 minutes to Sunland.  I head out the door with my daughter to walk 4 blocks to Marie Calenders, cash in hand. The line at Marie Calenders to pick up pie orders was 100 people deep and wrapped around the parking lot.  We get in line and wait and wait…. And wait. Near the end of our wait it starts to get confusing with rumors of pies running out and by the time we get to pay for and pick up our pie, the staff is as frazzled as the people waiting in line. I give them my name, type of pie and reservation time… and of course they can’t find my order. They then tell me it’s going to be $12.79. I told them when I ordered the pie I was told it was $9.75 and all I brought with me was a $10. They wouldn’t budge. Then I asked for a manager. Her response was, “Well, who told you that?” I replied, “The lady taking the orders in your lobby” and was rebuked with a snarky, “Well EVERYONE knows our pies are $12.79! Now I’m ticked off and my voice starts to rise, ”Really? Really? Then why did I ask what the price was when I ordered it at the order desk in your lobby” I go on to tell them that I’ve stood in line for an hour, that they should have this Thanksgiving pie thing down to a science by now since they’ve been doing it for over 30 years and though I could go home and get my purse to pay for their mistake, I won’t ….and I’m not leaving without my pie. Not after standing in line for an hour! I got my pie for $10. Hubby got his pie and was back in 40 minutes. I got back at noon… an hour and 40 minutes later. Turns out, the Marie Calenders Apple pie was very good…. But the hand made Pecan Pie from the Back Door Bakery was the most incredible thing I have ever tasted. Next time, when we want a pie, we’ll either bake it ourselves or I’ll pay the $20. Bargain Buys, Shopping Adventures, Dining 2011-11-28T04:49:02+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/anti_black_friday/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/anti_black_friday/#When:19:01:09Z Like many of you, I lead a really busy life. Trying to make room for family, friends and family obligations can be a challenge. That’s why Thanksgiving Day and weekend are so precious to me. That’s also one reason I don’t really participate in the Black Friday shenanigans. I’d rather be hanging with family and friends. I’ve learned that finding deals and great buys is ongoing, not just a one day deal. In Southern California it’s easier to find great deals than in most parts of the country. That said, if you want to do Black Friday … and there are some serious deals to be had (especially in Home Theater and electronics) , you got to be armed with information. There are many good Black Friday websites that publish where the deals are. But, keep in mind you gotta rise super early or stay up rather late to go to them. Remember, chances are quantities are very limited. Retailers use Black Friday to get you into the store. Aka “Loss leader”. They are banking that you’ll buy other items as well as get hyped about Holiday Shopping. If you must shop Black Friday…  I get it, you must. So to find Black Friday deals just Google “Black Friday”, a ton of websites will come up. If like me, you’d rather not bother with Black Friday but you do want to get some good deals during Thanksgiving at the big box or department stores, try shopping on Wednesday or Thursday mornings. The crowds will be much less and the stores will have already started some of their specials. I’ll probably hit some of the Once a Year or Bi Annual Warehouse and Sample Sales that Saturday & Sunday. But Thursday and Friday are for family and friends. Zannee's Tips, Inside Scoop, Consumer 2011-11-14T19:01:09+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/a_bargain_shopping_truth/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/a_bargain_shopping_truth/#When:20:10:05Z Not to put a damper on your Holiday bargain shopping…..But sometimes you’re not going to save 50%. What? Yeah it’s true… but the small discount you get may be the deepest discount possible. Welcome to unilateral pricing policies and retail market manipulations. Federal law allows a manufacturer to tell a retailer that if they sell an item at below the Unilateral Price, that manufacturer will no longer ship them that product or any product. This is a method of price control, since it allows the manufacturer to effectively set the prices for their products. The retailer can discount the product if they want to but risk losing further shipments from that manufacturer. This puts a stranglehold on market competition and can effectively put a small or large retailer out of business. Can you imagine an electronics dealer not selling any Sony products? But there is more to it than that. Retail markup ranges from 15%- 600%  depending upon product, demand and the kind of market control manufacturers have in place. Surprisingly the biggest markup is often at big chain discounters…. Not always boutiques or higher end stores. Additionally some furniture and home improvement stores only have samples in store and have to order product for you. This helps keep their overhead down but keeps retail prices up. For example, a couple of years ago we needed a new kitchen sink.  At several plumbing showroom locations we would have to order the sink in advance and wait a week for arrival. We ended up buying a floor model to save $100 and got it right away. Retailers may even purposely keep inventories low to keep prices up. They are, after all in business to make a buck. Often only way to save more than 30%  on merchandise that is being price controlled is to buy last years model, refurbished or used product, buy thru a 3rd party, buy the floor model or buy a discontinued product. Most automobiles, large appliances, computers, most electronics, video games and systems, cell phones all fall into either unilateral pricing or small retail markup categories. So sometimes your 10%-20% savings is really awesome! Though it’s hard to get excited over. Understanding a bit of how the market works will help you appreciate the savings you do get! Zannee's Tips, Electronics/Tech, Home & Garden, Inside Scoop, Consumer 2011-11-08T20:10:05+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/ideeli_a_bad_business/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/ideeli_a_bad_business/#When:16:27:33Z Couple of years ago I was really hyped about these online Flash/ Sample Sales. With dozens opening up, competition steep and the supply chain being tight, quite a few have slipped away. I have continued shop several of them knowing that often the stated retail is a bit higher than I should be and that the discounts were not always as low as ‘walk in” sample sales. Like many of you, I liked the convenience of not having to drive and deal with crowds as well as having access to better designer goods. Now one of these, Ideeli just pulled a “Bait and Switch” offering a Trilogy Home Scroll Tree Skirt in Fern or Berry for $19.95 instead of the original $112…. a good buy. Ideeli has a “tiered membership” To be a First Row you have to pay a yearly membership. About $83 a year. Since I’m not a “First Row” member, I patiently waited till the sale was open to me at 9am PDT.  At 9:01 am, I go to see if any are left and I’m thrilled cause only the Fern is left,which is the one I wanted.  But the price has shot up to $55.99. The supposed retail also went up to $129 instead of the original $112. Really ... Really…. Do I look that stupid?  That is FRAUD! I have shopped Ideeli several times and have not run into this change of pricing before. Goodbye Ideeli….. your pricing practices stink!   Shopping Adventures, Home & Garden, Complaints & Ripoffs, OM Gosh! 2011-11-03T16:27:33+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/left_coast_wine_bar_gallery/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/left_coast_wine_bar_gallery/#When:20:00:11Z Eating in all the time has it’s rewards. Family time, new recipes, money savings and so on. Enjoying an evening glass of wine on my front porch also is cool. But too much of the same old thing dictates a change. I just had to get out this last weekend. Problem was I had already eaten and we didn’t want to drop $80 on a night out. So we went shopping for a local Wine Bar. Driving around Glendale is not fun (crazy drivers), especially around the Americana. But our efforts paid off after we found the Left Coast Wine Bar on Harvard. The cool, artsy décor was exactly what we hoped for and the choices of wine and beer were outstanding. With a wine and beer list from all over the world with over 140 wines on the menu, (400 in stock) and a beer list of nearly 65, the choices were mind boggling. A bit of input from the bartender had us select an 2007 Urban, Valle de Uco, Malbec‐Tempranillo Blend, from Argentina and a Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgium style…. Yeah really that’s the name (raise your eyebrow here)! Good conversation and the addition of two silly women in outrageous Halloween jester hats added to the festive, enjoyable atmosphere. The Left Bar offers a Happy Hour menu from 3-7 daily for those of you who need a break between office and home. Offerings include a Mini Penne Pasta w/ peppered Jack, Pesto or Alfredo sauce ($6.99). Flat Bread Pizza ($8.99) and Grilled Sausage ($4.75). House wines are $5 and draft beer is $4. The bartender was telling us all about their daily wine tasting at 3 for $15 and offer up live musical entertainment in their upstairs gallery from 8pm-11pm, if you feel like staying later. Here’s where other patrons chimed how cool the music was and how popular it had become. We will be heading back again this week to check out the music for a mid-week break. Left Coast Wine Bar & Gallery 117 E. Harvard Glendale, CA 91205 (818) 507-7011 www.leftcoastwinebar.com/ Dining, Entertainment, Local fun 2011-10-31T20:00:11+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/rewards_for_hard_work/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/rewards_for_hard_work/#When:15:45:20Z Our daughter had had a really stressful, exhausting week with her High School Choir rehearsals & performances along with a slew of other auditions and responsibilities. With her full workload she still managed to get A’s in all her classes. It was time to give her a reward for all her hard work. So last Friday I took her out of school, letting her sleep in late and then took her shopping. First stop, the LF Warehouse Sale. OMG it was busy. They had a long line to get in, a long line to check out. We spent 2 hours snapping up steals on sweaters, coats, skirts, jackets, tees, dresses and accessories. The first hour was spent with each of us shopping on our own. The dressing room was packed so we decided we wouldn’t bother with jeans or pants that had to be tried on. Everything else we could slip on over what we had on.  After an hour we got in line, taking turns in 15-minute intervals standing in line while the other still shopped. Turned out it was a good system. The long line had lots of savvy fashionistas who helped us and each other edit down our selections. Everyone was remarkably happy even while standing in such a long line. I spent $156 for about $880 worth of sweaters (2), dresses (1), blouse (1), tees (2), poncho (1), and jackets (1). By 3pm we were starving! So we headed to a local In n Out to scarf down a couple of cheese burgers and cokes. Refreshed we set out for home … but were sidetracked when I realized we were near the Silverlining. One of my favorite new bargain finds! This delightful Westside resale boutique is packed with better labels for guys and gals all at 60%-90% off. The kid picked out a pair of Frye leather boots for $10, a wool skirt for $6 and a shirt dress for $6. I got a cool jacket/  top for $6 and a blouse for $6. By 5pm and we were happy, spent shopaholics. We got a lot of her back to school shopping done and picked up some fun stuff as well… all at roughly 80% off.  Great day. Bargain Buys, Shopping Adventures, Fashion, Sales 2011-10-24T15:45:20+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/warehouse_sale_shopping_tips/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/warehouse_sale_shopping_tips/#When:22:47:39Z Okay chitlins, the biggest Sample Sale Season of the year has officially started. From mid-October to mid-December more Sample and Warehouse Sales happen in Southern California that at any other time of year. This is where you find discounts of 50%-95% off on higher quality goods. Most sales happen on weekends, are no frills and tend to be for the serious, die hard bargain shopper, though less adventurous shoppers are know to go out for these. To do well and score big, you need a plan of action. So with the season officially on, let’s go over some basics…. First: 1. To start the season right, download our free iPhone App so you can have the most current Warehouse/ Sample Sale information right in the palm of your hand. http://www.bargainsla.com/mobile/ 2. Make a list of needs, wants or what you hope to find before you go. Even a mental list is better than no list. Shop for what you want first, then cruise for other deals afterward. Keep your focus on what you are shopping for at a sale. Sample/ warehouse can be chaotic and loss of focus will slow you down causing you to lose out to a faster, more organized shopper. 3. Shopping these sales can be exhausting. Keep a snack/ energy bar and some water with you so you don’t fade if the sale goes on forever. You can’t make good choices if you’re hungry or dehydrated. Before You Go: 1. Get some cash. Leave your checkbook and over-sized handbag at home. Bring cash, debit, and/or credit cards only. Take a small shoulder strap bag or wallet for hands free shopping. 2. Plan to arrive before the sale starts if it’s a “One Time Only” warehouse sale or your favorite designer label is at the sale or if you’re an unusual size. Go a bit later if the sale happens several times a year. Go much later if you’re just shopping for sport. You may miss out on the very best items, but you’ll also miss out on crowds and bad behavior. 3. Many Sample Sales don’t have changing rooms so be prepared with prudent underclothes and/or outer clothes that are easy off/ easy on. Stay away from lace up shoes and multiply button blouses. Dress comfortably, including comfortable shoes. 4. Take all measurements of family members, living spaces and doorways along with a measuring tape with you to all warehouse or samples sales. You’ll need it to measure inseams, waistlines, sofas, coffee tables, TV’s … everything. Garment sizing runs different from label to label. 5. If possible, take color swatches with you so your purchase doesn’t clash with what you already own. The mind does not remember color accurately. 6. If you’re shopping for furniture or larger items, plan ahead how you will transport your “prize” home. 7. Parents should leave all children under the age of 12 at home. Do not take strollers. As a parent, I can attest there is no anti kid bias here. The only possible exception should be when it is the sale for child related products. When You’re There: 1. Bring a sense of humor and good manners. It can be tight quarters in chaotic circumstances. A good sense of humor can save the day and turn a potentially nasty situation around into a good laugh. 2. Team shopping. …. A couple of shoppers hit a sample sale pulling items both for themselves and their team member. It’s the fastest way to shop a sale. Both team members have to really know what the other likes and hopefully be different sizes. This technique should work well at all sales. 3. If you like something, but are not sure, put it on hold, drag it around with you or you might lose out because of your indecision. You can put it back later. 4. Remember, all sales are final. There are no returns at these kinds of sales. Always examine your items several times. Under good light, inspect all clothing seams, fabric color, buttons, content etc. Check all manufacturer warranties and parts before you purchase. Get down on your knees, crawl under tables, turn over cushions, etc.… Check everything.  Once you’ve bought it, it’s yours. Now, let the shopping fun begin! Zannee's Tips, Shopping Adventures, Fashion, Sales 2011-10-17T22:47:39+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/trader_joes_fun/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/trader_joes_fun/#When:17:02:18Z Call me old fashioned (not!) but I love my Fearless Flyer from Trader Joes. Back in the day I would ravenously read it after picking it up in-store. I was the one in the wine aisle leaning over the empty cart reading it cover to cover looking for new buys, deals, recipes or tidbits of information. Now I get it online. Though it’s still as good as it used to be… actually, it’s even better, I had more fun reading in store. This month’s flyer highlights their new Pumpkin Spice coffee and their (a staple in our house) Pumpkin Bread mix.  They also have, what looks like to be a killer recipe on Pumpkin Swirl Truffle Brownies. Can’t wait to try ‘em! I also love their section of Pairing Food and Wine that helps you pick a cheese, Hors D’Oeuvres or meal to go with your wine. It has made hubby and I look like we know something at dinner parties, when in actuality we don know “nada” about wine pairings. For those of you with dietary restrictions they also have a section where you can get helpful information on products that are Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Fat Free, Kosher,  and more. There is a lot more in this handy, fun, fact filled flyer, which is available via email, in store or on the Trader Joes Website. www.traderjoses.com This last week, I discovered on our new hot bargain source, Apt2B.com that they have the “Cooking With Trader Joes Cookbook”  by Deana Gunn & Wona Miniati for $23. Perfect for any Trader Joes addicts… including myself! Shopping Adventures, Home & Garden 2011-10-11T17:02:18+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/thrift_store_fun1/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/thrift_store_fun1/#When:21:05:37Z I love to go to thrift and junk stores. Digging and exploring are in my genes! I have a few regular pop in stores I like to haunt. Some I’ve scored some real steals at. But not all thrift stores are created equally. Some are so disorganized or smell funky so that you are put off before you’ve taken a few steps inside. In our neck of the woods is a pretty good thrift shop that blends in new product with donated used goods. The Disabled Veterans Charities Thrift Outlet in Glendale.  This is a well organized, clean store without that “Thrift store smell”!  Like most Thrifts, it can be hit or miss, but they always have a good selection of new goods usually in clothing and home decor items right in front. This last week I found some Draper & Damone’s tops at $3.99. Some Serena Williams evening jackets at $7.99, and summer tops at $5.99. Some World Market-esque décor items in a bench with faux leather tufted lid at $65 instead of $130 and a décor table trunk at $35 instead of $79.  Some new Joe Boxer sneaks were $12.99 instead of $18. They buy new goods to fill out their inventory of donated goods. As the new goods get sold, remainders are put onto the racks in back so that there is a good selection of new clothing in the racks of used. You’ll also find the usually selection of books, records, used furnishings and house wares here at thrift store pricing. There is nothing high-end here, unless it’s been donated. But there are enough new goods mixed in to make this a good regular “pop in” spot for Thrift Store junkies. Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store 6343 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91201 (818) 244-9740 http://www.disabledveteranscharities.com/ Zannee's Tips, Shopping Adventures, Fashion, Home & Garden 2011-10-03T21:05:37+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/the_new_hollywood_piano_hollywood_sheet_music/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/the_new_hollywood_piano_hollywood_sheet_music/#When:17:54:30Z Instead of spending our time researching sources or handling what life threw at us, last Friday night Kevin and I went to the Hollywood Piano Grand Re-opening. We enjoyed stellar vocal and piano performances by known Broadway performers and composers all while dining on the great food spread owner Glenn Tribetz set out for everyone. It was one of the best evenings out ever. Really! It was particularly fun because we are crazy music people.  All of us are Musical Theater and Rock N Roll geeks. We know that Hollywood Piano offers great deals on pianos. But what I learned that night was how extensive Hollywood Pianos reach is in the community. Hollywood Piano is a member of the National Association of Music Merchants, Music Teacher’s Association, and numerous Chambers of Commerce throughout the Southland. Owner Glenn serves on the Board of Governors of the Glendale Symphony, and as a board member of Rachmaninoff Piano Competition and serves the piano needs of Southern California’s tops performing orchestras including the L.A. Chamber Orchestra, The Glendale Symphony, and the Burbank Philharmonic, to name just a few. It was apparent with all the guests who were in attendance how well Hollywood Piano is regarded in Hollywood. It was a who who’s gathering. But now that Hollywood Piano has teamed up with Hollywood Sheet Music and Radco Music Group, Hollywood Piano is a one stop music hub for music enthusiasts. Hollywood Sheet Music lost their lease a couple years back. Knowing the incredible resource Hollywood Sheet Music was, Glenn invited them to come under his roof and re-open in Burbank. Glenn has also teamed up with Radco Music Group. This company is dedicated to making music more enjoyable by specializing in the easiest to learn, most relaxing, most enjoyable and most rewarding Piano lessons EVER offered! So Friday night I came away with an increased respect for Glenn and his top team of music professionals at Hollywood Piano. Here you know you’re working with the best, will save a bundle on a piano, find affordable, fun music lessons for any level and find a great selection of sheet music. It doesn’t get any better than this. Way to go Glenn! Hollywood Piano Entertainment, Inside Scoop 2011-09-27T17:54:30+00:00 Suzanne O'Connor http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/do_it_yourself_painting/ http://www.bargainsla.com/blog/entry/do_it_yourself_painting/#When:19:09:36Z Nearly a year ago we hired a really good painter to paint our front door blue. It was a beautiful distressed Mexican door and we were afraid to do it ourselves. Thought we’d screw it up. This door takes the full blow of rain & sun and had weathered badly.  It either needed to be sanded, re-stained and refinished or painted. The first choice would take 3-4 days and leave us with a mess and an unsecured home. The second choice would take one day. After 3 months of discussion, we opted for the second choice The painter charged us $100 and did a beautiful job. It took him 4 hours to prep and paint. I finished the door w/ a small brush, painting the wrought iron details black, which took another 2 hours. This summer we decided all our doors should be blue, but we didn’t want to spend the money and decided we were capable enough people to do it ourselves.  So far we’ve done 2 doors and door jams and thresholds ourselves. Each time it was a full day of prep and repair… resealing cracks, re-puttying, taping and putting on primer. These doors, unlike our front door, had 9 small windows panes, wood weathering, molding separation and cracks.  The next day we painted. Both came out really nice. And I think we saved a good $300 doing it ourselves. The big test of our abilities is yet to come. Our French Doors which lead from our bedroom out to our patio. These rather expensive doors get a great deal of use and need a lot of prep.  The wooden patio cover also needs repair and repainting. This job would cost us about $400 if we hired someone. Should take us a weekend or two to do this next month. If we were working a lot on weekends or had a busy social calendar, it would be worth hiring someone. But we are mostly stuck at home the next 3 weeks cause our kid is in a production of Footloose.  So we might as well do something productive and save some money. Nuff said. Zannee's Tips, Home & Garden, Do it Yourself 2011-09-12T19:09:36+00:00