Biography
I come from a family of black-belt bargain hunters. It's what we do for fun. We've dined on irregular sausage from the famous Usinger's in ...
Korky Vann: In Salisbury, Prime Finds Sells Antiques For Charity
May 12, 2013
When it comes to a perfect country destination for a perfect spring day, it's hard to beat Salisbury. The little spot, just a few miles from the New York border, features all the things you'd expect in a picture-perfect New England town — beautiful stone churches, art galleries, country inns, charming tea rooms and unique emporiums.
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Amazon Store Targets 50-Plus Market
April 28, 2013
Amazon is having a senior moment.
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On The 'Restaurant' Menu: Food Salvaged From Dumpsters
April 21, 2013
Restaurants don't usually serve garbage to their patrons. Then again, most restaurants aren't operating on The Gleaners' Kitchen philosophy. The home-based bistro, conceptualized by Tufts University student Maximus Thaler, features a menu of food foraged from the trash.
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Korky Vann: Is This Radical Shirt Design Revolutionary Or A Gimmick?
March 31, 2013
When it came to fashion, I always thought men had it easy. Jacket, pants, shirt, tie and good to go.
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Korky Vann: Is This Radical Shirt Design Revolutionary Or A Gimmick?
March 31, 2013
When it came to fashion, I always thought men had it easy. Jacket, pants, shirt, tie and good to go.
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Korky Vann: At Ikea, The Store's A Stage
March 24, 2013
I've always thought of shopping as theater. The merchandise, the displays, the atmosphere and the interaction of staff and customers add up to live entertainment and a unique show each time.
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Korky Vann: When Wedding Insurance Makes Sense
March 17, 2013
A few years ago, when first my son and then my daughter got married within a year, I found myself on the front lines of wedding planning. Both events turned out to be magical affairs, but not before I got plenty of panicked phone calls from the about-to-be-newlyweds during the months leading up to the big days.
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Korky Vann: Priming The Pump for Gas-Rewards Savings
March 10, 2013
I love the new Ford commercial that shows desperate customers asking a gas station attendant if he has any marked-down "day-old gas." I've been tempted to do the same thing myself, because prices at the pump are cutting into my budget — and my shopping.
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Korky Vann: Connecticut Offers Off-Price Shopping Opportunities
February 10, 2013
I come by this job honestly. As far back as I can remember, saving money and stretching the budget was a priority. My thrifty-gened parents rarely bought anything that wasn't on sale — and they taught us that scoring deals was a competitive sport.
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Korky Vann: When It Comes To Deals, Nothing Beats Free
February 3, 2013
Discounts are great, but I really love freebies. There's something fabulous about finding a free stuff in your mailbox, printing out a coupon for a free product from the web or showing up at a restaurant when they're giving out free coffee, ice cream or burgers.
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Korky Vann: Look For The 'Made In the USA' Label
January 27, 2013
A few weeks ago, I wrote about my shopping resolutions for 2013. Since then, several readers have suggested I missed an important one — making the effort to buy more American-made merchandise.
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Ready To Donate Items? Find The Right Charity
January 20, 2013
I learn a lot from my readers.
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Local Online Community For Moms Offers Budget Tips And Parenting Advice
January 13, 2013
Write about bargains long enough and you start to see certain names pop up regularly in response to your stories and blog posts. That's been my experience with Melissa Muszynski. Whenever I pose questions on where to find the best prices on pumpkins for Halloween, the best consignment shops or the best end-of-the-season sales, the Wethersfield resident is always among the first to respond with great suggestions.
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Options When There Are '0 Shopping Days Until Christmas'
December 23, 2012
You'd think, considering what I do for a living, my holiday shopping would be done by August, my presents neatly wrapped by Thanksgiving and come Christmas Eve, I'd be sipping eggnog and watching "It's A Wonderful Life."
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Time's Running Out On Your Flexible Spending Account: How To Get Your Money's Worth
December 19, 2012
By the end of the year, most of us are shopped out. But for those of us with Flexible Spending Accounts, there are more purchases to be made before Dec. 31.
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'Culture Commerce' An Artful Alternative To The Mall
December 9, 2012
As much as I love shopping, the holiday mall crawl can get old quick, even for me. Luckily, there's an alternative to big-box stores, crowded parking lots and long lines.
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Recycling To Those In Need
December 2, 2012
Several times a year, I clean out my closets and gather serviceable clothing and household linens to donate. Then, in spite of my intentions, I end up driving around with the stuff in my trunk because I have no idea where to bring them. (I've got two bags in there right now.)
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Kevin Hunt: It's A Reach With $19.99 Insignia Rockeboost Subwoofer From Best Buy
November 4, 2012
Last winter, we had record highs, little snow and lower heating bills.
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Neiman Marcus and Target Team Up for Holidays
October 28, 2012
Here's a surprise: Some of the people on my list will be getting gifts from Neiman Marcus this holiday season. Here's another surprise: Chances are very good that some wealthy people will be giving their friends presents from Target.
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Food Waste Means Money Down the Drain
October 21, 2012
Looking to save money on grocery bills and stretch your budget? Stop putting dollar bills down your garbage disposal.
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Here's Something Scary: 17 Shopping Days Until Halloween
October 14, 2012
If Mitt Romney or Barak Obama show up at your door at the end of the month, they'll likely be looking for candy, not votes. In the third annual Halloween Shopping Survey released by thrift retailer Savers Inc., close to 40 percent of respondents said they'd consider dressing as a political figure this year.
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Best Travel Apps: Don't Leave Home Without Them
June 8, 2012
<b>By KORKY VANN | kvann@courant.com</b><br><br>
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Save On Mother's Day Gifts
April 12, 2012
Mother's Dayis just ahead on May 13. Get deals on gifts at area sales.
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President's Day Savings On Antiques, Books, Decor
February 16, 2012
Shop President's Day weekend sales and you'll save some Washingtons and Lincolns.
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Valentine's Day Gifts, Soccer Wear, Free Museum Admission
February 2, 2012
Just 12 shopping days until Valentine's Day. Don't wait until the last minute and get stuck paying full price for your gifts. Check out the great sales going on at area stores now.
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Mega-Sale At Japanalia, Free La Perla Gift Card, Taste Of Hartford
January 19, 2012
On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Jan. 21 to 23, in Hartford, Japanalia cleans house at its biannual mega-sale. The event features samples, one-of-a-kind items, overstocks and irregulars at 50 to 80 percent off. Payment is by cash or check only. Hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (No dressing rooms available, so wear a unitard or swimsuit for trying on clothes.) The store is at 11 Whitney St. (corner of Farmington Avenue) in Hartford. Information: 860-232-4677.
