Tag Archive for: Paula Rizzo

5 Reasons I Gave Up Black Friday Shopping

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I treat shopping like a sport. I love to sniff out the best deals and values by clipping coupons, collecting discount codes and doing my homework before making a purchase. I’ve battled my way through the crowds on many a Black Friday but this year as many of you gear up to take advantage of shopping’s biggest day…I will not be going to the stores.  I’ve officially retired from Black Friday shopping for several reasons:

1.  It’s Stressful: Fighting crowds, waiting in line, finding a parking spot and possibly not even getting the item I came to get makes me anxious. It’s so much easier to just get some online shopping coupons on sites like retailmenot.com than fighting my way through the shops! There is nothing exciting about putting yourself in a stressful situation. Sure you might save some cash but is it really worth your sanity? I’ve decided it’s not. I’ve done too many stories working in news about people getting trampled while getting the newest Elmo doll. I’m serious! Read more

Thanksgiving To-Do List

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Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey day is all about food, football and family.  But, of course, I must have a to-do list even on the holidays.  Here’s a look:

1. Do some yoga in the morning before the big meal

2. Make a gratitude list

3. Make a game-plan list for Black Friday online shopping

4. Make my own holiday gift wish list

5. Eat turkey

6. Avoid football on TV

7. Drink lots of wine — preferably Pinot Grigio

8. Eat more turkey

9. Put up Christmas tree

10. Relax and enjoy…repeat

Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your friends and family. Take a few minutes to give thanks for all that you have — big and small!

My List-Making Secrets in Whole Living Magazine

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Does your to-do list work against you and stress you out? Do you have post-it notes all over the house?  Or endless to-do lists that never seem to get crossed out?  I have a solution for you! Go to the bookstore or newsstand and pick up the December 2011 edition of Whole Living Magazine!  I’m really excited to announce that some of my list-making secrets are published in this Martha Stewart magazine!

Lists are not difficult to make but if you go about it wrong — they end up being counterproductive. The act of listing is simple but it’s how you do it that matters. The important thing is knowing how to make an effective list that will set you up for success.

I worked with senior editor Terri Trespicio since July hatching this idea for the time of year when most people’s lives are ruled by lists…the holidays! I’m grateful to Terri for her advice, collaboration and master editing skills. Check out her brand new blog: Best Decision All Day for some simple ways to get the very best out of life.

Please buy the December issue and let me know what you think — my piece is on page 109!  Thrilled to share my compulsive list making tips with all of you!

10 Holiday Travel Tips

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We are entering the busiest travel season of the year. If you don’t plan ahead you might pay an exorbitant amount of money to get from point A to point B for the holidays. But you don’t have to if you check out this money-saving list. Teri Gault, CEO and founder of TheGroceryGame.com, has shared tips in the past on how to save on Halloween decorations and how to cut back on your grocery food bill.

Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips

by Teri Gault, CEO

As CEO of www.TheGroceryGame.com, I fly over 150,000 miles a year, and stay in hotels, and rent cars all over the map! I also have a family and have enjoyed many family holiday trips and vacations without breaking the bank. Here’s my top 10 holiday travel tips for saving money when we need to most!

1. Compare alternative airports – Flights are higher during the holidays, but you’ve got lots of options to compare. Check to see if it’s cheaper to drive a few hours to a connection, than to take a second flight. Or, it may be cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale than Miami, for example. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars per ticket, and only had to drive 30 minutes further. I like Orbitz.com for comparing flight prices. Also, different airlines have different rates, as they have different hub and origination cities. Just note that Jetblue and Southwest do not participate on Orbitz. So, be sure to compare their rates on their websites as well. Read more

Trimming Your Holiday Gift List

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We’re back from our refreshing vacation — the weather was warm, the cocktails were cool and we had a great time.  It was just what we needed to relax and recharge. While we laid by the pool though, holiday music was piping throughout the resort! It was very strange to be basking in the 85 degree sunshine and hearing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer playing in the background.

But it just reminds me that everyone will soon join me in their holiday shopping efforts.  If you remember — I started my shopping in August.  I do it every year and sometimes I’m even done by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.  I’m halfway through with the buying and mostly done with the brainstorming now.  Now that I know what my plan of attack will be — it will be easy to get all the shopping done.

One reason I start my shopping early is to stretch out the spending throughout the year so we don’t get one huge credit card bill in December or January. But what do you do if you want to scale back on your holiday gift list but don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings?  I was recently quoted in this BankRate.com article, “How to Trim Your Holiday Gift List With Class.”  Check out some of my tips about list making, of course, and some other secrets too.