Karen’s Opinion

This post was sponsored by Kmart. All the opinions are mine.

All is quiet in our neighborhood. School starts tomorrow. I feel so bad for all the kids who have to leave their lazy days of summer and start another school year. Not that the kids are sad about it. I am always the one who hates routine and early mornings.

The kids that I have talked to are genuinely anxious to begin school again. It is my guess that they are more anxious to get together with friends than they are of hitting the books. They look forward to comparing tales of summer and showing off new shoes and notebooks.

Kmart is bringing back their Bluelight specials in the nick of time! Parents will love the special pricing on everything from men’s athletic basketball shorts for only $3.00, to the almighty required gym shoes. I never could understand the need for a specific pair of tennis shoes for gym but hey, what do I know? At least, with Kmart Bluelight specials pricing, it doesn’t break the bank to get kids outfitted for school. They even help in the supply area with their filler paper 2 for $1 special. I think I may have to check that out and stock up in my office. I have to check out whether they have any inkjet cartridges offered in a Bluelight special. I would camp out at Kmart for that!

I loved the Bluelight specials when my mom would take us to Kmart. If I remember correctly, she stocked up on tape even then! Kmart is going wild with over 40 great Bluelight Specials through the day in their stores. Be sure to check out kmart.com and follow Kmart on Twitter for other great offers.

This post was sponsored by Kmart. All the opinions are mine however!

We are fortunate, in our small town, to have a fantastic discount store. I cannot tell you how many times I have needed something and have appreciated the short drive to Kmart. When I run out of printer ink is when I want to kiss the cashier at Kmart! LOL

Seriously, Kmart has everything I need for our small business and our home. From gardening supplies that include annuals and mulch, to towels and other linens to brighten up my home, Kmart has me covered. You would think they would settle for being my backup plan but no, they offer the best prices too. They have decided to make me love them even more; they are bringing back the Bluelight Special!

The Bluelight is my favorite savings spectacular. After a cashier announces that a Bluelight Special is being held in a particular area of the store, watch the customers make a mad dash to see if they can get in on the deal. It is so much fun to participate in this historical event.

Kmart Bluelight Specials began in 1965 as a way to offer savings on specific items in their stores. They might not be able to offer savings all day long but watch for the Bluelight Special and save when they make the announcement…

I love using Twitter! By following my favorite retail store @kmartdealsnnews, I discovered that Kmart is, once again, having bluelight specials. Do you remember those? I can remember rushing to whatever aisle that pretty bluelight was on and checking out the bargains. Talk about getting my heart racing! I think it was better than a game of racquetball! I would hear, “Attention Kmart Shoppers!” and off I would run. It was always a surprise when a store worker would light up a mobile police light and offer a discount in a specific department of the store.

Sometimes I would find great bargains on end of season merchandise like swim wear and beach towels. Other times, I would find a special markdown on back to school supplies. Kmart offers such a large array of merchandise. From patio furniture, to grills, to jewelry, I always find what I need at Kmart. The bluelight specials make shopping fun and a good way to save money. I am so glad the Kmart Bluelight Specials are back if only for a short time. Our town is fortunate that Kmart has stayed loyal to us during these tough economic times. Founded in 1962, Kmart operates over a thousand stores across 49 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If there is one thing I have learned from having two adult children, it is that college is expensive and I am not just talking about books and tuition fees. Most students find it difficult to hold down a job and do well in their studies. That means they have to watch where what little money they have goes. We hear the jokes about eating Ramen noodle soup 7 days a week and counting the number of squares of toilet paper used. It would be more funny if it weren’t true. Being a college student is rough.

Sears is stepping up to the plate to make it easier for parents and grandparents to help their struggling students out. By offering reload-able gift cards, available for purchase in their stores, Sears makes it convenient to add funds online to a students gift card. The student is then able to buy needed supplies such as toiletries and Ramen noodles at Sears and Kmart. You will be amazed at all the dorm room supplies available at sears.com/campus. If you are new to the college experience or simply want to be in the know about what college kids need these days to make their college experience successful check out Sears CampusReady at http://www.facebook.com/campusready. I had a great time designing my dorm room at CampusReady on Facebook!

I just have a problem with eating all that Ramen Noodle soup! LOL

Ah, the Christmas holiday is over. We decided to have our carpet store open today in case someone got some money for Christmas and decide to put a down payment on a much needed floor. We also thought that some people might decide to tackle projects around their home while they have a few days off from work. They might need some adhesive or metal and stop by our store. I actually think it is just my husbands way of making sure he gets to stay home and not go shopping with me.

I love to shop during the holidays. My daughter and my nephew will both be celebrating birthdays in the next few days. While many people are out shopping for those last minute gifts from Kmart, I will be looking for some terrific bargains for birthday gifts. I always find great buys at Kmart on gloves and scarves. I don’t think I have paid full price for winter wear for many years. I also replenish our pajama and flannel nightgowns. No matter how I was our clothes, those cotton nighties seem to shrink. I love the prices Kmart has on sleepwear. Our Kmart is just down the road from our store so that makes it one of my favorite stops.