Bethenny Frankel visits Tampa Premium Outlets

From a nanny to a celeb, Bethenny Frankel was a special guest at Florida's newest outlet. Shoppers and fans were in for a treat during Tampa Premium Outlets grand opening.

The meeting place was at the newest outlet's VIP lounge where registered guests enjoyed a fashion session with Bethenny Frankel just before she signed autographs for fans who waited in line since the outlet opened at 10 a.m. And even took a few minutes to answer questions.

Not only were Frankel fans able to enjoy her presence but were also able to take advantage of the perks Tampa Premium Outlets VIP lounge offered. The lounge included drinks and snacks from Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl food line  - sparkling water, chips and nutrition bars, sweets and water. In addition course there was pampering which included free makeovers, hair styles, massages and a photo booth.

Bethenny Frankel starred on "Real Housewives of New York City" and was Paris and Nicky Hilton's nanny. She's an entrepreneur, chef, author and a talk show host.

Check out the videos: Q & A with Bethenny Frankel and Bethenny Frankel fashion must haves

More photos by Doris Irizarry:

Tampa Premium Outlets is officially open

I am not much for shopping at outlets but made an exception to join in on grand opening at Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz, Fla. which was only a hop and skip away. Well clearly about a 30 minute drive compared to drives to outlets in Ellenton and Orlando.

So we braved it by taking the drive Thursday morning about 8:30 a.m. I knew better not to listen to my GPS that wanted me to jump on the highway. I instead took the back way (North Dale Mabry to 54) and were there without heavy traffic. With only one entrance to the outlet, we had no other alternative then to follow everyone else entering. But once in I made a quick right and found a parking spot immediately. 

We entered through the Pearl Court entrance once in the outlet premises. Of course press and swarms of people were already there. Some lined up at their favorite stores or at stores participating in grand opening giveaways. Others took a spot to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Once the Tampa Premium Outlets was officially opened the excitement and shopping started. There are 90 stores of which a few were not ready to open, a huge market place (guest services and a small food court are located) but only five places to chose to eat. There are plenty of restrooms and family restrooms as well scattered throughout. A VIP lounge, a stage, a little play area, oh but the best part for me was the beautiful landscaping which in one area included lounge chairs.

Grand opening celebration continues all weekend long. Have fun shopping, walking, enjoying the atmosphere but remember it is grand opening so be patient or just wait to swing on by after the chaos dies down.

Need the address:

Tampa Premium Outlets
2300 Grand Cypress Drive
Lutz, FL 33559

More photos by Doris Irizarry:

Tampa Premium Outlets grand opening events

Here it is Tampa Bay our very own outlet a hop and skip away. Tampa Premium Outlets is opening in Lutz, Fla. in a few hours - Thursday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m., ribbon cutting ceremony is at 9:40 a.m.

Lots of giveaways, entertainment and surprises.

So come on out during grand opening starting Thursday and running throughout the weekend:

Tampa Premium Outlets

2300 Grand Cypress Drive

Lutz, FL 33559

Check out the schedule:

And the giveaways:

Additional information click ==> Tampa Premium Outlets

Few coupons and tips for sales tax holiday - updated

Here are a few coupns for a few stores. There are sales going on - check online, check newspaper circulars which usually are available on Sundays or in weekly town newspapers that are delivered during the week and of course look for coupons to save even more during no sales tax holiday.

And if you have school supplies to shop for your children, make sure you have the supply list. Some local supply stores usually have the supply list for schools or check the school online for it.

One last pointer make sure you know what are the limits and exclusions for the sales tax holiday. Refer to my article Let the sales tax holiday begin for links to designated states participating and additional information.

JCPenny has a sale going on now until Sunday, Aug. 16, see their ad online by clicking here (note showing Florida ad, change to your zip code for your local JCP ad). 

Take advantage of these coupons also for more savings (coupons can be obtained on JCP's website as well and exclusions do apply, refer to website or ask sales associate):

Macy's has a sale starting Friday, Aug. 14 which runs through Saturday, Aug. 15, see their ad here and another sale that starts Sunday, Aug. 16 that runs through Wednesday, Aug. 19 ad is here. If you have not signed up for Plenti Reward Program then make sure you do online here or at the store with an associate. There are coupons for this sale which will be available online as of the sale date and can be acquired at Macys.com. Coupon can be used or mention designated coupon codes (codes are usually valid all day: ODS50 and try ODS25 for $10 off a $25 or more purchase, remember exclusions do apply):

Kohl's I am pretty sure will have a sale going on as well, check them out here. They have these codes and coupons good through August 19:

Staples for supplies, computers... there are many coupons available online here. Just too many to include.

I am sure there are many more store coupons, sales... if you know of any please include in the comments section of my blog.

Happy no sales tax days, happy savings and happy shopping!

Let the sales tax holiday begin

August quickly approached us, summer is almost over, pretty soon it is back to school and parents are scrambling to buy school supplies and clothes for their children. But not only parents get to take advantage of this years sales tax holiday that range from a tax free weekend to a week in some states or even 10 days like in Florida, adults can also take advantage of the holiday as well.

Of course there are limitations and what is taxable or exempt depending on the state - for information click on your state. Make sure you check your local newspapers and online for coupons in addition to circulars to take along on your shopping spree as there are many available.

2015 no sales tax days:

Alabama (8/7-8/9)
Arkansas (8/1-8/2)
Connecticut (8/16-8/22)
Florida (8/7-8/16)
Georgia (7/31-8/1)
Iowa (8/7-8/8)
Louisiana (8/7-8/8)
Maryland (8/9-8/15)
Mississippi (7/31 - 8/1)
Missouri (8/7-8/9)
New Mexico (8/7-8/9)
Ohio (8/7 - 8/9)
Oklahoma (8/7-8/9)
South Carolina (8/7-8/9)
Tennessee (8/7-8/9)
Texas (8/7-8/9)
Virginia (8/7-8/9)

Happy shopping and savings.

Go ahead share with us any coupons online, certain sales... Who are you shopping for? Did you save during tax free days? Where did you shop? What was your best deal(s) and where?

Road trip to Sarasota's The Mall at University Town Center

Photo courtesy of The Mall at University Town Center

So I decided to take a short road trip to visit a new mall in Sarasota, Fla. Although it was opened October 14, 2014, I still consider it new since I hadn't been there yet. It's about an hour or so drive from Tampa. I didn't mind the drive since Ellenton Premium Outlets was only 15 minutes away and the beaches were close by.



Photo credit Doris Irizarry

But anyways back to the new mall, The Mall at University Town Center. It is situated right off of I-75 on University Parkway. But the mall wasn't alone, as the intersection is fully developed with loads of stores, business and restaurants all around.


Photo credit Doris Irizarry

The Mall at University Town Center depicts Florida's beautiful architecture throughout the 880,000 sq. ft. mall on 73 acres. The two-level mall features about 125 businesses that include renowned stores to classy styled boutiques: Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Vera Bradley, Vince Camuto, Michael Kors, TINA Stephans, Jackie Z Style Co., Francesca’s among many others.

Photo credit Doris Irizarry

And while shopping when hunger strikes don't expect the typical food court. Instead enjoy a fine or casual restaurant setting that even includes YO! Sushi - a Japanese ‘kaiten’ sushi bar that delivers freshly prepared food via a conveyor belt. I opted out on the sushi since I'm not crazy for it but settled for oriental food instead at Mandarin Express. Although the food was warm just how I prefer it, my choice of noodles over rice wasn't such a good choice (noodles were sort of 'greasy' and not tasteful which I sort of resolved with a few packs of soy sauce). If it’s a simple snack or a quick eat your taste palette desires than your choices range from ice cream, baked goods to pizza.

Photo credit Doris Irizarry

And one last advice upon your arrival, stop by the Customer Service desk located on the lower level near Grand Court for a "Passport to Shopping." It is full of discounts and special offers from select retailers.

Photo credit Doris Irizarry

Click here to get additional information about The Mall at University Town Center.

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The Mall at University Town Center

140 University Town Center Drive

Sarasota, FL 34243

941-552-7000

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Additional Photos



Photo credits Doris Irizarry