What is your blog’s name and URL?

Looking Sharp! (http://fashionista0921.blogspot.com)

What do you blog about?

Looking Sharp is my personal fashion blog dedicated to bringing the Pittsburgh fashion and shopping scene to life, as well as documenting my fabulous journey through discovering fashion.

What are some ways you save money?

When it comes to shopping, I try to save money a couple of ways:

• I only go shopping when I “need.”  I started keeping a journal in my purse of wardrobe items I needed- usually staples that will allow for fversital outfits.  Every time I find myself at the mall or in a store, I try to stick to this list, though I do find myself wondering off of it if a good sale comes around.  Writing the list does make me second guess myself when I want to purchase something I don’t need.  In the end, I usually end up putting that shirt or accessory down and focusing on my list.  Usually.
• I’m always armed with coupons.  When I started signing up for emails from stores that I love (Ann Taylor LOFT, for example), I started receiving coupons via email that are usually good for in store and online purchase.

What kinds of products most interest you?

I’m mostly interested in accessories and jackets at the moment.  With fall approaching, I want to add a coupel more coats to my wardrobe, as well as accessories- like broaches and pins/belts- to accent my fall and winter coats.  Being in Pittsburgh, I often find myself in a coat for a majority of the year and one way I have found to dress up my coats is with accessories.

What are the 3 main products you CAN’T live without?

I can’t live without bobby pins, trouser jeans and cardigans.

What is your favorite store for saving money?

My favorite store for saving money is Marshalls.  My friend Mandy got me hooked and I am surprised how much of the current trends/pieces by designers they have in the stores.  I can always find something when I’m there.

Where do you shop for bargains online?

I’m not a big online shopper, but I do frequent some of my favorite stores online- Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, Banana Republic, etc.  I usually receive sale coupons from these stores via email and they usually offer some sort of shipping discount or even free shipping.

Tell us about the best deal you’ve ever scored on a product.

Once of the best deals I ever got was a blue cocktail dress from Macys for 10 dollars.  I don’t remember the original price, but it was the perfect dress for dressy holiday party I was going to. I love that dress and still wear it often.

*this was a hard question because often when I see something I am immediately in love with I purchase it. I know that if I don’t, I won”t stop thinking about it and become mad at myself. This has happen to often than not, so I just started purchasing the things I REALLY LOVE, not just like.

Head on over to Looking Sharp! to learn more about Sarah. If you love fashion like I do, prepare to be there awhile – she’s got so much good stuff! And don’t forget to drop us a line if you would like to be a featured blogger here at D Best Of or if you’d like to nominate a friend.

The Type-A Mom Conference is coming up this week. It’s a blogging conference that’s being held in Asheville, NC from September 24 – 26. Despite its name, this conference isn’t just for moms. It will appeal to bloggers of all backgrounds, as well as companies and brands who’d like to learn more about harnessing the power of new media. I’ll be going, and I can’t wait. I attended last year’s conference, and I know that Kelby Carr, the founder of Type-A Mom, and her crew have worked hard to add even more features to the experience. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from this year’s Type-A Mom Conference.

Location

The conference is being held in Asheville, North Carolina, a place known for its art, culture and beer. It’s also quite beautiful in the fall. This year’s conference venue is The Asheville Renaissance, located in the heart of downtown, making it convenient for walking to the various sites and restaurants the city has to offer.

Tribes

This year’s conference introduces a brand new feature – sessions aimed at specific groups or tribes of bloggers. Tribes include dads, education bloggers, foodies, fitness bloggers, bloggers of color and more. There’s something for everyone, and the tribes sessions allow bloggers of similar interest to come together for the opportunity to discuss things unique to their niche.

KidCon

Type-A Mom was the first blogger conference I know of to offer childcare services, and they’re doing it again this year. There are trained staff on duty throughout the conference, providing lots of fun activities, using many toys and products supplied by conference sponsors. Each age group is divided into their own room in order to provide personalized attention and age-appropriate activities. My kids absolutely loved KidCon last year. In fact, they actually told me to go away when I came to pick them up!

Family Activities

There are also fun and free family activities before the conference for those who’d like to have some fun with their loved ones while visiting Asheville. Even bloggers who come to the conference without family in tow can enjoy the excursions. There will be a tour of the Wilsonart Laminate Plant and blogger author book readings on Thursday. There’s also a pre-conference tour of the historic Biltmore Estate being offered. On Friday evening, bloggers can attend a private tour of the Health Adventures museum or go on a photo walk of the city.

Fun

You’re sure to have a lot of fun catching up with old blogging friends and meeting new ones, but there are also some fun activities built into the conference. If you love being in the spotlight (And what blogger doesn’t?), you’ll want to sign up for Friday night’s talent show. The Biltmore Guide to Wine and Wine Reception on Saturday will certainly appeal to the wine lovers attending the conference. Sunday night wraps up the conference with a Type-A Mom Flashback party. It’s a fun dance party for attendees to kick back, celebrate and remember a time before kids with great music from the ’80′s and ’90′s.

Sessions

Whew! That’s a lot of stuff, but let’s not forget the conference sessions! Friday is the Business Conference, full of smaller workshops for a more intimate learning experience. Friday evening, the conference itself kicks off with a company and blogger speed dating session designed for brand representatives and bloggers to connect. Lunch breaks will be provided by conference sponsors like Chick-Fil-A and Little Debbie. There will be a Mom Market for bloggers to showcase their individual businesses and creations and a Bloggers Town Hall for folks to discuss the important trends emerging in this new world of digital media. Amazing conversation is sure to be had.

Will you be at the conference? Let us know in the comments, so we can look for you. If you won’t be there, be sure to follow the hashtags #typeamom, #typeamomflashback and #typeamomtalent to keep up with what’s happening. Hope to see you there!

9-11 pm EDT @momitforward #gno It really feels like you are out with the girls on this chat. Love all the charity related ones they are doing lately. Focus this week is on ovarian cancer: how to prevent, detect, and treat it .
More info here: http://momitforward.com/rsvp-for-tuesday-gno-twitter-party-with-seventh-generation Wed.  9/22

11:00 am  pm EDT. @mariaduron @davidsandusky #brandchat I learn a lot on these. I can’t always make it but really enjoy it when I do. Wed. 9/22

1 pm EDT @JimSilver @TheToyGuy #TimeToPlayLive Win prizes at virtual game show answering toy and children’s entertainment trivia. @ohmariana told me about this one. Sounds fun! Wed. 9/22

8-9  pm EDT @smallbizlady

@cathywebsavvypr #SmallBizChat A bit early for me but a great chat especially for small businesses. They are really nice to newbies and you get a real “we want to help vibe on these. This week, @NinaKaufman shares the ins and outs of partnership agreements. Thurs.9/23

9pm EDT @ergeekgoddess #latism I am a regular on these. It’s a fun and lively discussion among Latinos or those interested in Latinos. The after party is a blast with great music and is just relaxing fun. @ergeekgoddess is the “hostess with the mostest”. Sun. 9/26

9 PM EDT @MackCollier #blogchat A gathering place for bloggers to share tricks and tips. I learn a ton on these.

Are you getting social this week? Add any chats below.

How about winning some new duds? Enter these fun, fashion-forward giveaways:

• $100 Old Navy gift card giveaway at Baby Makin(g) Machine. Ends September 19th.
• Shabby Apple dress giveaways at Familylicious Reviews and Funky Finds. End September 19th.
• $100 Target gift card giveaway at Twee Poppets. Ends September 29th.
• GAP jeans giveaway at Girl Gone Mom. Ends October 4th.

What is your blog’s name and URL?

I have a few different blogs. The first one is Crayons in my Dryer (http://crayonsinmydryer.blogspot.com) The next one is Diary of a Fat Mom (http://diaryfatmom.blogspot.com) and my business one is Melissa Austin (http://melissa-austin.blogspot.com)

What do you blog about?

Crayons in My Dryer is my mommy blog, as a stay at home mom of 4 kids (3 of them 4 and under). Life gets pretty interesting sometimes. I cover just about anything there.  Diary of a Fat Mom is my new weight loss blog. I am on a mission to lose 80 pounds and run the Chicago Marathon in 2011. My business blog is also new. I am an upcoming author, full time freelance writer, editor, and writing coach.

What are some of the ways you save money?

We buy groceries every two weeks. So I make a menu, then a grocery list. I make sure to purchase ingredients, instead of meals. Meaning I get more for my dollar is I buy noodles and cheese rather than buying a box. I use my crock pot ALOT. I also shop thrift stores. You can find new clothes for a fraction of the cost.

What kind of products most interest you?

I am a huge video game nut. So anything related to XBox360, Wii, or PC (World of Warcraft is my favorite.). I am also interested in anything for my children. Toys that help them learn, encourage social skills, motor skills, things like that. I am an avid reader, so books are always being bought. (Well, I just bought an e-reader, so they are being downloaded ALOT, LOL.)

What are the 3 main products you can’t live without?

My Blackberry. I just got one about two months ago, and I would be lost without it. My laptop. I am a writer, so all my files are here. My third would have to be my iPod. I use it when I am working out, or just want to drown out the noise in the house.

What is your favorite store for saving money?

Walmart. My husband is a manager there, so we get an additional discount. But even without it, they are pretty reasonable.

Where do you shop for bargains online?

Overstock.com, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com.

Tell us about the best deal you’ve ever scored on a product.

My laptop. It’s brand new, updated operating system, but it was returned with a scratch on the top (visible when it’s closed). So I got a 60% discount, then an additional 10% Walmart discount, so it was 70% off. I had a gift card from my birthday. So all told, I only spent $10.00 out of my pocket. It never hurts to check the open box table at places like Best Buy or Walmart. Just because it’s open doesn’t mean it’s bad.

Wow, what an amazing deal! Thank you so much, Melissa, for sharing your bargain hunting strategies with us. Visit her websites to learn more about her, especially if you’re a writer. Sounds like she has a lot of great information and knowledge. And don’t forget to follow her on Twitter, @melissa_austin.

Searching for the perfect lunch accessories is no easy feat! I’m looking for cute, reusable items that aren’t too expensive, as I wouldn’t be surprised if my daughter loses it all her first week of school. I mentioned the Goodbyn lunchbox in a previous post, and while that looks like a great option, I’ve been checking out a few other brands. Here are 5 that have stood out.

Do your kids take their lunch to school, too? Any advice for me?