Have you noticed that it took longer for the “good” discount sales to start after Christmas this year?  Granted we stayed close to home for about 3 days after the holiday officially ended and only went to Walmart, it seems like in years past the “holiday” items were discounted at 75% off by day 4, day 5 at the latest.  Not this year.  This year, retailers held onto that 50% off sale until after January 1 in my area, and some retailers still have that sale going on.  I hate to break it to them but most likely that merchandise will sit there as far as most consumers I know are concerned.  Why buy something at 50% off today that I could get before the holiday cheaper or at the same price?  No, thank you.  We’ve already talked about that though.

Today I was tickled pink to find Target’s leftover, well-picked-over Christmas items at 90% off!!  It happened yesterday and yes, I could cry that I missed the “big markdown” of the year.  They still had plenty, and I got more than enough pretty basic ornaments to use for years to come.  I also found some pretty computer paper for $.15 per pack, so I bought enough of that to last awhile.

Now is the time to start watching winter wear, both in stores and online!!  I’ll be keeping you abreast of all of the huge winter sales and discounts, unless you start  telling me you’ve had enough.  Keep your eyes out for huge, steep discounts on outerwear, winter shoes, sweaters and other basics that can be used year after year.  I don’t buy clothing that I can’t use year after year, and I only buy it on clearance if I can help it!  I worked retail long enough to realize that 99% of the time it will end up on clearance anyway.

Items for your home will also start to be even more deeply discounted, both online and in stores.  Basic holiday colors like red and white, in different shades, can be used year round in your home so why not get the great deals?  A part of the fun of decorating, for me, has always been taking things I find on clearance from holidays past or whatever the occasion and finding ways to repurpose them for my home decor.  Don’t forget about the deals you can find in craft stores like Michael’s and Hobby Lobby!  We stopped by today, and they have a ton of things you can use in your home year ruond, as wel as deals you should take advantage of for next Christmas.

I scored 2 very pretty stockings at Target today with my and my husband’s initials for about $1.25 each.  I’d been eying them but at $12.99 originally that just wasn’t happening.  After my discovery that I wasn’t the least bit crafty, well, store bought stockings were in order.  Now we just have to find the right stockings for Baby and Cobra.  A trip to Pet Smart is in order I do believe!

So how has your holiday shopping gone?  I hope you don’t mind these chatty posts occasionally.  It’s an easy way for me to keep in touch with you when I’m short on time, since we’re visiting in-laws, and I can let you know of any hot deals easier when I find them.

Tomorrow’s plan is to go to the Galleria and Target (another one not visited today) and a couple of Walgreens in search of more $.99 sweatshirts.. but I won’t hold my breath nor take it for granted.  I want to visit the Bath and Body Works Semi Annual Sale one time before it ends, and see if I can find my Dad a couple of shirts.  We just have to beat rush hour.

Go ahead, share with us your great clearance finds!! If you are having trouble finding any great deals try shopping online.  Target.com has a FABuLESS clearance and I’m about to let you know about some other hot deals in jstu a bit.  I also need to notify some giveaway winners.  It’s going to be a l-o-n-g but most fun night!