Beginning the Hunt for Big Bargains

So who am I?  You’ve never seen me on camera (not on purpose, anyway).  But you’ve seen my name on the website.  I’m the girl searching the web and the wires to find stories that you will see on the newscasts.  I’m the girl making sure that newscast starts and ends on time.  I’m the girl writing the stories you hear Mike and Gina read through the week, or Jennifer on the weekend.

But that’s just who I am at work.  Outside the station, I’m the girl who’s a bookworm and a TV junkie at the same time.  I’m the one whose iPod switches from Bon Jovi … straight to Flo Rida … then to classic country from Kenny Rogers or Dolly Parton … but has anything and everything in between.  I’m the girl who loves to shop – but finding the bargains REALLY gives me the thrill – and I don’t have a credit card (and don’t PLAN on having one until I absolutely HAVE to have one).

That gets me to the point of this blog.  With the way the economy is right now, I want to help you out.  I love bargain shopping … and since the country’s financial situation doesn’t look all that wonderful, I want to help YOU love bargain shopping too!  I want to help you get the most out of your paycheck.  I want to help you fill your shopping cart at the grocery store … without emptying the checking account.  I want to help you have a night on the town … without going into the hole.

I’m going to tackle a different topic on each post – but I want to cover what YOU want to know.  I have a few ideas – but there are millions out there (probably a bunch I haven’t thought of).  So email me your questions ( ).  Find me on Facebook (Amber Hawkins).  And follow me on Twitter (AmberNBC13HD).

But in the meantime, I know you’re still wondering who in the WORLD I am … so here’s a bit so we can get to know each other!

Name: Amber Adamson Hawkins
Birthday: August 9, 1983
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Brunette with natural red highlights
Height: 5’2”
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right Handed
Weakness: Always my husband!  Food-wise, that would be sweets & carbs
Perfect Pizza: pepperoni with extra cheese, preferably from New York Pizza or Formaggio’s, or if I had to deal with a chain, Papa John’s
Favorite food: fried pickles
Favorite drink: sweet tea (preferably from Milo’s)
Last movies watched: “Bride Wars” at the theater, “Fireproof” on DVD
Thoughts First Waking Up: Already??
Your Bedtime: that depends on my schedule.  It may be 9-10PM, it may be 2-3 PM, it may be midnight or later.  Who knows?

Do you Smoke: No
Do you Sing: yes
Do you believe in yourself: I try to, but a lot of the time I’m WAY too hard on myself
Are you a Health Freak: Not at ALL!
Do you get along with your Parents: yep
Do you like Thunderstorms: not really, but when we need the rain I welcome them
Do you play an Instrument: I can play the piano a little—though it’s been YEARS since I even practiced!

What do you want to be when you grow up: I really love being a news producer.  I have to say I’d like to stick with that.
What country would you most like to visit: England
Best bargain find:  a MASSIVE storewide clearance at the Liz Claiborne outlet (got $1000+ in clothes for about $175); a $60 iPod Nano Unclaimed Baggage; major end-of-season clearance sales at JC Penney & Sears.
Favorite time to shop:  when the store has a massive sale

Random facts:
• I am very ticklish.
• Sometimes I miss being in school.
• I check my email daily (even the work email), unless I’m sick.
• I love cooking and bargain hunting.
• I miss old-school cartoons (like Looney Tunes) and TV shows (like “The Wonder Years”).
• “Punky Brewster” now makes me sad.
• I hate being cold but LOVE when it snows.
• I’m fascinated by severe weather – but I hate being alone when it’s stormy.
• I hate the person who created alarm clocks – but think the person who invented the “snooze” button was a genius!
• I have WAY too many favorite TV shows, songs, and books.
• My husband & I have 2 dogs: Molly (a mutt) & Rascal (a cocker spaniel).  I really think Rascal has ADD.

So I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know me a little bit.  We’ll keep getting to know one another as this blog progresses.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions – as well as the topics you want me to investigate.
So, let’s start this bargain hunting journey.  Let the deal-seeking begin!