March 2008 Archives
If you’re already a AAA member, it’s natural to look for a AAA discounted rate when you book a hotel. But if you’ve been dutifully renewing your membership dues and not paying attention to the other benefits, you may be missing out on some savings.
For example, a valid AAA membership currently entitles you to discounts from five to twenty percent on purchases or services with these merchants:
Target – 10% online at AAA.com/Target
Payless Shoe Source – 10% on regular price, in store
Barnes& Noble – 5% online through AAA.com/barnesandnoble
FTD – 20% (code required - see AAA.com/save)
Office related:
Of course, restrictions apply. It’s worth it to check the website periodically to see if a discount is offered, especially when you are preparing to make a non-routine purchase at a major retailer. The discount on a single large purchase could recover or at least offset the cost of your membership.
The quality of your educational system was likely of paramount importance to you in choosing your home. You've probably debated the merits of purchasing a home in which you sacrifice space or pay a hefty premium to ensure a good school system.
Sadly, while some schools in the Birmingham system languish and face closure, others in the area are among the best in the state. Use the Schools Matter widget to compare area public schools and see how your current system (or that of the dream home you've been considering) compares.
The truth is, both of these stores are great additions to the Birmingham shopping scene. Your preference will depend on what you need in a beauty product shopping experience; chances are, you will enjoy both.
How do these stores compare? Ulta has a salon with a full range of services, including massages, and carries specialty brands as well as drug store standards like Maybelline and Revlon. It also has hair appliances (dryers are displayed with power so you can actually check their heat output and velocity before you buy) as well as all sorts of brushes, displayed by feature and size for easy comparison.
Sephora does not have a salon in-store but carries more upscale cosmetic brands along with every kind of grooming implement. Both stores have specially packaged kits by certain manufacturers, so if you’re moving to a mineral make-up formula, for example, it would be worth your time to check out the kits that include bronzers and blush at a reduced price. Both have skin care, fragrance, and hair care products. Also, both stores have customer loyalty card programs that provide special offers and incentives as purchase levels increase.
Not all cosmetics lines play with these retailers, preferring instead to have their own consultants demonstrate the product (MAC, Bobbi Brown and Trish McEvoy, for example, are not represented). However, Nars, Paula Dorf, and Smashbox are but a few of the available brands, and consultants can offer makeovers and recommend products from more than one cosmetic line, unlike most department store counter reps.
Beauty junkies can now enjoy the hundreds of dizzying choices in one store. Make that two stores.
