Hailey's Helpful Hints

  Wondering how to maximize suitcase space? Need to cram a lot into a little without wrinkling everything in the process? It's easy with the smart tips on where everything should go: 1) Line the bottom with a plastic trash bag. After you've packed add another one on top. This helps fend off wrinkles and will keep it dry if it's off-loaded from the plane in the rain. 2) Stash footwear and heavy stuff along the wheel base. Fill shoes with socks or bulky bangle bracelets, then put them in individual bags or shower caps, with the soles facing the sides of the suitcase. Splitting up the pairs saves space. Rest other heavy items like a hair dryer or a toiletry kit next to or on top of shoes. Placing these things near the wheels stabilizes the bag's center of gravity so it won't topple over when upright. 3) Lay the foundation next by tightly packing rolled clothing. 4) Build the second layer by layering folded dresses, pants, and skirts on top of the rolled clothes. Altern...

  While some of us have our shopping completely done, others haven't even started so here's a quick tip to avoid spending more... Retail stores have a clever way to get you to spend more: "the decoy effect." Behavioral research conducted by Dan Ariely, Ph.D of Duke University, has shown that when customers were given a choice between two products, one of which is priced lower and is lower quality (say an MP3 Player that holds fewer songs), they'll often choose the cheaper one. BUT when a third (decoy) item is introduced at an even higher price, shoppers are more likely to opt for the mid-priced-one. Meaning - adding another product nudges shoppers up the price scale instead of making them stick with the bargain buy. Bottom line: Think carefully when you see a display of products at varied prices, and hold steady at the price you can afford.

  Great for breakfast, brunch, tea or dessert. A holiday staple.   ~Spiced Cranberry Coffee Cake~   Ingredients:   3/4 cup(s) (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter , at room temperature, plus more for the pan 3 cup(s) all-purpose flour , plus more for the pan      1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda 1 teaspoon(s) kosher salt 1 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar 3 ...

  Super Saver Sales this weekend! Lululemon : Express FREE shipping. Ends 12/17. No promo code. Anthropologie : $25 off every $100 you spend. Online & In-stores. Ends 12/16. Promo code: MERRYMERRY Urban Outfitters : FREE shipping. No minium. Ends 12/18. No promo code. Lacoste : Up to 40% off (Semi-Annual Sale) & FREE shipping. Online & In-stores. No promo code. Splendid : Up to 40% off (Winter Sale) & FREE shipping. Online & In-stores. No promo code. GAP : 30% off Online only. End 12/15. Promo code: GAPGIFT Banana Republic : 30% off. Online only. Ends 12/16. Promo code: BR30LIST J-Crew : 30% off. Online & In-store. Ends 12/17. Promo code: WISHLIST Old Navy : 30% off. Online & In-store. Ends 12/15. Promo code: ONGIFT American Eagle : 40% off. Online only. Ends 12/23. Promo code: 23815931 Justice : 40% off. Online & In-store. Ends 12/16. Promo code: 740 Children's Place : 30% off & FREE shipping. Online & In-store. Ends 12/16. Pr...

  Want to stretch your dollar a little further this weekend? If you're headed to the stores to finish (or start) your Christmas shopping, be sure to print these coupons off before you go! Aeropostale - $10 off $50 Exp 12/24 Banana Republic Factory Store - 15% off purchase Exp 12/16 Barnes & Noble - 25% off one item Exp 12/16 Bath & Body Works - $10 off $30 Exp 12/16 Bath & Body Works - Free product w/$10 purchase Exp 12/24 bebe - $20 off $125 Exp 12/19 Carter’s – Facebook Exclusive 15% – 25% off purchase Exp 12/19 Children’s Place - 30% off purchase Exp 12/16 Dressbarn - 15% off regular priced purchase Exp 12/24 Express - $25 off $75 Exp 12/13 Famous Footwear - 20% off purchase Valid 12/15 – 12/24 Gap Outlet - 15% off $75+ purchase Exp 12/24 Goody’s - Various Coupons Hallmark Gold Crown Store – Facebook Exclusive $5 off $10 Exp 12/20 Hobby Lobby - 40% off regular priced item Exp 12/15 Kirkland’s - $25 off $75 Exp 12/14 Kohl’s - 15% – 20% off purchase Exp...

  I love the idea of Little Cuties. Translation: Fruit, custard, cream or meringue mini-pies baked in ½-pint, oven-safe mason jars. What a perfectly portioned treat. Just press the crust into the containers (available at Amazon, Walmart, even your hardware store). Choose a canned filling or whip one up yourself. Come dessert time, there’s no need to cut and serve. “People can grab a jar and dig right in,” says Shaina Olmanson, author of Desserts in Jars: 50 Sweet Treats That Shine . “They’re great for parties.” And your waistline - as long as you eat just one. Great as gifts too! :: 2 Crowd Pleasing Little Cutie Ideas ::   Mini Apple Pies: Who doesn't love apple pie!?!? Ingredients: 2 boxes refrigerated pie crusts 8 Tbsp. butter 1/4 C flour 1/4 C granulated sugar 1/4 C brown sugar 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/8 tsp salt 6 C sliced apples 1/2 C dried cranberries (optional) Directions: 1. Heat oven to 350° and set out 8 wide-mouth 8 oz jars. Cut...

Starbucks Buy One Holiday Beverage Get ONE FREE of equal or lesser value is here!!! Stop by Starbucks Thursday, December 13th (today) thru Sunday, December 16th between 2PM - 5PM and when you buy One Holiday Beverage, you get ONE FREE of equal or lesser value. Mix & Match your favorite flavors. This BOGO Free offer only valid for four days, so hurry on over with the kids after school or a friend you've been meaning to catch up with during promotional dates & times. If you're unsure if your location is participating, simply call your local Starbucks. Starbucks will carry the Holiday Drink tradition thru 12/31/12. Valid at participating locations. Not valid at airports & grocery retailer stores. Holiday flavors to choose from: Caramel Brulee Latte: Made with espresso, steamed milk and caramel Brulée sauce, topped with sweetened whipped cream and caramel Brulée topping. Peppermint Mocha: Made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint flavore...