Great ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, single or taken!

I wrote this article last year, and when it received such a positive response, I thought it might be a good idea to post it again.  After all, my goal was to remind you that Valentine's Day is not about how popular you are, but all the great ways you can choose to make the most of the holiday (oh, the possibilities!).  Tell us if you have your own ideas to share of unique ways to spend the holiday!

"He loves me.  He loves me not."  "She loves me.  She loves me not."  Ah, Valentine's Day.  Love it?  Hate it?  What's the verdict?

In elementary school I always looked forward to Valentine's Day.  I loved decorating the box that would collect valentines from my classmates during our parent-sponsored parties of heart-cookie decorating and cutesy crafts.  Then I would go home, spread all the valentines out on the floor and read each one - some over and over to decipher whether any of my crushes might be crushing in return...

Black Friday Weekend Deals and Coupon Codes

It's finally here!  The biggest sale day/weekend of the year!  Of course, we wanted to help you maximize your money and time, so we put together this list of great places to look for gifts (and some things for yourself) PLUS the associated coupon codes and expiration dates.  The list is divided into categories based on what you might be looking for, but all are worth perusing. Feel free to share these with your friends!

The Big Fat List of Black Friday Sales / Weekend Deals / Cyber Monday Offers

Top Gifts:
Apple - The one-time-a-year sale we adore!!  Everything you crave is on sale.
Barnes and Noble - 30% off any one item, toys and games are buy 1 get 1 50% off, and more.
Best Buy - Electronics at up to 70% off, in store and online, plus free shipping.  No codes needed.
Macys - Huge sale on all items plus an additional 15% off and free shipping with code TURKEY
Target - Huge promotions and savings in all departments with gifts for everyone. No codes needed.
UncommonGoods.com - Great unique gifts for anyone on your list.
WineExpress.com - Up to 50% off over 50 Cabernets.

Wedding Etiquette 101: Common Guest Faux Pas to Avoid

Ladies and Gents, if you haven't noticed yet it is engagement and wedding season!  Whether your Facebook feed constantly reminds you with status updates and photos, or your bank account is looking wimpy from all the travel and gifts, there's no question this season of love is in full swing.

I've had a couple of conversations and questions lately that inspired me to write about wedding etiquette.  It seems, for some reason, many etiquette rules weren't clearly passed along through the generations, and that many of us will never know our offenses until we are the ones getting married!  I myself was guilty of several of these items, and reached into my past after my own wedding to make sure my wrongs were made right.

To spare many a bride and guest from a variety of awkward situations, here are some of the most common wedding faux pas and how to handle them.  I will be blunt and to the point so as to be as clear as possible - no hurt feelings intended.  Remember, if you've made any of these mistakes before, it's ok!  It is never too late to acknowledge them and move forward with the lesson learned :). NOTE:  These answers assume an average sized wedding (50-200 guests) within an average budget ($10k-$35k).  Weddings on the ends of the spectrum (financially conservative or very very fancy) may have different etiquette norms.

Born of the Great Depression - One Man's Story of Building Financial Freedom

Grandpa Ferd enjoying his 90th birthday in Colorado - forever the traveling man!

--> It's our three month anniversary!  Thank you ALL for your incredible support and participation in this website.  This endeavor has been a dream come true of many years, so I am grateful to have each and every one of you on this journey.  It seems fitting after the initial push of this start up that I share the inspiration for Classy Not Pricey.  Two words:  My Grandpa.

I am the proud granddaughter of a 100% Italian man, the son of an immigrant to New York City from Piacenza, Italy.   Ferdinand, lovingly called Ferdie, was the ultimate survivor.  At 91, he outlived his parents, all four younger brothers, his wife, and two of his three daughters.   He was a child of the Great Depression, although he never realized the state of his family's needs at that time.  Regardless of his financial status, he worked for almost his entire life...

Taxes - How to Maximize Your Tax Return

Taxes.  Stick with me here... I know that's the biggest turnoff word anytime of day, and most especially as we creep closer to April 17th (tax day for 2012).  BUT, taxes and the processes of filing them each month can actually be a great time of hitting the refresh button and potentially getting back some of your well earned money!  I will keep this article short and sweet (but full of resources) with some tips for making the most of tax season.

Do you do your taxes yourself or work with a tax professional?

This year is the first year I've enlisted the help of a tax professional.  Previously I did my own taxes for years using TurboTax.com.   It's great!  I saved myself a lot of money, learned a good amount about taxes, saved time in back and forth with a tax pro, and every year TurboTax pre populates some of the minutiae based on my last return.  There's also no cost to try it out if you want to see how it works - you pay when you file.  H&R Block has also come into the online world with its  H&R Block At Home system.  I haven't tried it, but would love to hear from you if you have!  And of course, you can always file them directly with the IRS.  I didn't find it nearly as intuitive as TurboTax, but it is the cheapest option if expense is your primary concern.

For those of you who use a tax professional, it is wise to reconsider your options each year.  Using the same professional on a yearly basis can sometimes end up in cost creep (if they raise their rates each year) and can keep you from seeking out great promotions from other providers.  On the other side, the value of having a clear mind and sound, personalized advice that is consistent over time can make the cost of their services very worthwhile.

Do you usually owe taxes, receive a refund, or break even?

Five Great Ways to Make the Most of Pinterest, and Why We Love It!

If you haven't gathered already, we at Classy Not Pricey are big fans of being proactive - particularly when trying to build a life that is classy and affordable.  It takes work and awareness to make the most of what you have!  We're all for making dreams become realities using creativity and an openness to unique ways of achieving things.

You've also probably noticed lately how much we love Pinterest!  For those of you who haven't yet joined the site or learned about Pinterest, it is a modern-day approach to what used to require magazine cut outs and a bulletin board.  Instead, you can pin web images (or upload your own photos) to different virtual boards and create a collage of photos that align with your interests and style.  Add the robustness of the web (the root of each photo links back to its original source) and suddenly you are able to browse the web, interact with your friends and family, and follow your favorite brands in a visually stunning new way.

Rethinking the Definition of Classy - Did Coco Chanel Have It Right?

“The best things in life are free.  The second best are very expensive” – Coco Chanel

How do you define classy?  Coco Chanel had it right in this quote… almost. The most impactful, worthwhile things in life that bring lasting joy are usually free.  What are the best things in your life?  Are they people, places, or experiences?  Are they the little details of life, like the famous lyrics from the Sounds of Music: “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens?" Yes, these are free, and YES we love them!

Valentine's Day - Classy Ways to Celebrate the Holiday (Single or Taken)!

"He loves me.  He loves me not."  "She loves me.  She loves me not."  Ah, Valentine's Day.  Love it?  Hate it?  What's the verdict?

In elementary school I always looked forward to Valentine's Day.  I loved decorating the box that would collect valentines from my classmates during our parent-sponsored parties of heart-cookie decorating and cutesy crafts.  Then I would go home, spread all the valentines out on the floor and read each one - some over and over to decipher whether any of my crushes might be crushing in return...

Mastering Outlet Shopping, In Stores and Online

Last weekend on our way back from a wedding, my husband and I spotted the outlet mall off the side of the highway!  Although plenty ready to be home, we both insisted (actually, I insisted and he obliged) we do some "field research" for Classy Not Pricey by evaluating what the outlets had to offer first hand.  We wanted to know... were they really a great deal?  An excellent way to shop for classy brands at non-pricey discounts?

Each outlet mall, of course, has different kinds of stores.  We were thrilled to find ourselves walking through a (truly) premium outlet with fantastic brands that aren't always outlet options.  At the end of our research, we were excited to report not only great lessons to pass along to you all, but also a major success story for ourselves on some incredible Calphalon Unison pots and pans. 

Classy Not Pricey Weddings - How to "Bride" on a Budget

In honor of the wedding (this weekend) of a very special Classy Not Pricey supporter, this post is dedicated to the bridal side of Classy Not Pricey.  Sorry, gentlemen readers - this one is focused on the ladies. :)

Throwing a wedding is expensive, no matter how you slice that four-layer cake.  These days, the average wedding costs over $26,000*!!  And this does NOT include the engagement ring or the honeymoon.  Yikes.  We've received a few requests for suggestions on how to have a Classy Not Pricey wedding over the last couple of weeks.  This is clearly no easy task!  However, as one who personally planned a wedding in only four months within a budget, here are the Classy Not Pricey starting points I recommend the following three easy ways to bride on a budget...

Made to Order : How do you like your paycheck?

"How would you like your salad, Ma'am?"  Thoughts swept through my head - what I needed, wanted, and what looked so dang tempting that all logic waivered. "I'll have the Asian Chicken Salad, please."  Sensible, salty and sweet, and, well, that peanut dressing is way too good to pass up. "Oh, and can you add some egg whites to that, please?" I ask, trying to add extra protein in exchange for the sweet indulgence of the dressing.  The man across the glass case gave me a minor grimace (or gag, I couldn't really tell).  "And please hold the wonton strips." Even though they were only thirty cents extra, they were a smart exclusion to stick to great tasting nutrition within my price range.  Voila!  I walked away with the perfect salad for my needs, budget, wants, and tastes.

Have you ever thought of your paycheck as something you can customize, like an order at a restaurant?  It may not always feel like it, but every paycheck that heads your way is made to order!  Aside from the inevitable taxes (or the base cost of my salad, for example), each paycheck is prepared to provide what you specify, from pre-tax programs to retirement accounts and even to your pocket for life experiences, wants and needs.

At your request! All inclusive sales and deals list as of Jan. 17th!

UPDATE AS OF 1/21 - Some of the sales below still apply while others have expired.  Please continue to comment with favorite brands and check the Sales and Deals page for the most up-to-date information.

Thanks for voting on the next blog topic on our facebook page - the sales and deals topic won by a landslide!  And the winner of the $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate is....

Congratulations!!  This topic is great, because I have SO MANY sales and deals to share that are going on right now.  To you I present the mother of all lists of sales below, in alphabetical order and split between clothing/fashion and home goods/beauty :).  In return, Classy Not Pricey wants to hear from you!  Only those brands you comment about below and/or on facebook will continue to be tracked on our Sales and Deals page for future sale and coupon offers.  Make sure your favorites are included!  If you don't see your favorite brands, let us know!

Clothing/ Fashion Sales:  

• Aldo Shoes - Extra 30% off all sale items
• Ann Taylor - Use code WEEKEND for 40% off your entire purchase (through 1/17)
• Anthropologie - Check their sale section regularly for great additions!
• Arden B. - Buy one get one 50% off jeans 
• Armani Exchange - Up to 75% off
• Banana Republic - Use coupon code NEWYOU for 30% off your purchase (through 1/19)
• BCBG MAX AZRIA - Up to 60% off sale
• Betsey Johnson - New additions to sale items
• Brooks Brothers - Clearance sale, up to 50% off
• cache - End of season sale, up to 60 % off already reduced prices
• Calvin Klein - Clearance is almost over, up to 75% off
• Clarks Shoes - Semi-annual sale, up to 40% off
• Cole Haan - New additions - sale section

..... the list keeps going!!

Designer Brand Resale on The RealReal - Great Site for Savvy Spenders

One of my recent articles that received the most attention was "Consignment, Charity, Cash... Classy!"  Part of me thinks it's because my beautiful mom was in a picture with me at the top of the post.  The other part of me thinks that the consignment of high end, designer items was intriguing to you!  So, to cover both bases, here is another picture of me and my beautiful mom :).

To the tune of high-end consignment, I recently stumbled upon a relatively new site for consigning designer brands at much reduced prices: The RealReal, Inc!

Earn Exponentially: Making the Most of Your Credit Card Rewards

This calendar year, I earned enough reward points on my credit card to fly myself across the world and back for FREE.  This is not because of lavish spending, but because 60% of the points I earned were bonus points gained from intentionally focusing my choices and buying habits on "exponential" point earning.

You can too!  It only takes a few intentional habits, knowledge of the point-earning process, and the right choice of credit card to make it happen.

Volunteer Vacations - Give, Enjoy, and Rejuvenate All At Once

When the term "vacation" comes to mind, the immediate, gentle relaxing of my shoulders and a deeeeeep breeeeaaaath ouuuuut is a typical reaction.

We all need times of retreat to rejuvenate and gain perspective outside of the day-to-day rush.  Vacations, however, don't have to be expensive excursions or complete disconnections from society.  Sometimes the most restful and rewarding vacation you can take is a volunteer vacation.

Making Daily Deal Sites Work for You (LivingSocial, Groupon, etc.)

My husband and I are taking an overnight trip!  No flights, no long drives - just a reservation at a beautiful "mansion" hotel downtown, complete with a parking pass, two drink tickets upon arrival, breakfast for two in the morning and two souvineer mugs included.  Over 50% off thanks to LivingSocial!  How's that for Classy Not Pricey?

Daily deal sites are everywhere.  I've done a good deal of hunting on them myself for great opportunities to sneak in the finer indulgences at a discount (my personal favorite is Groupon).  You probably have too at some point.  And while many of the deals are great ones, being savvy about your choices is important, or your 50% off can potentially turn into wasted cash.

Cash or Credit - Being savvy about the real cost of credit

Credit cards are tricky.  I love them for their points and rewards (as I described in my From Romania to Israel to Paris on points post), and there are cases in life where having a credit line is very important, but dependence on credit can become a dangerous financial trap.

Consignment, Charity, Cash... Classy!

Being Classy Not Pricey often takes creativity and patience, but let's be honest - we live in a culture of immediate gratification. Part of the reason I started this site was to help you, dear readers, find deals easily and quickly so you can keep it classy (San Diego... name that movie!) and have extra time to spend, such as reading my other posts ;).

My mother is an incredible woman, and I certainly attribute many of my Classy Not Pricey habits to her.  Last night while I was filling her in on deals I discovered and shared with you, she trumped me again - this time with something I just HAD to write about. It was classy, price savvy, creative, and included designer fashion and charitable donations. Classy Not Pricey to the nth degree!

Kate Spade - Coupon Code for 25% off all sale items!

THIS DEAL IS NO LONGER VALID - But see our Sales and Deals page for updates on her sale items!

Ah, Kate Spade!  Classy, clean design that every girl can appreciate.  I own only two Kate Spade items (as of now anyway ;)) - a beautiful picture frame and an adorable cake platter, compliments of a wedding guests and a Gilt Groupe sale, respectively.

Getting to the point!

From Romania to Israel to Paris - Traveling for free with miles, points, and other tricks

Yes.  Really.  In 2009, I used miles, points, and program status to experience a three-week trip of a lifetime at an unbelievable price.  And not only was my trip nearly free of big-ticket expenses (outside of some savvy shopping of course), here are some incredible trip highlights specifically from reward program loyalty...