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

New Nordstrom Rack grand opening in Clearwater

The third Nordstrom Rack was welcomed to Tampa Bay just in time for Labor Day weekend shopping. The upscale discount stand alone department store is located at Westfield Countryside Mall north entrance (former Sears Auto Center). Two-levels of shopping for everyone on your shoppping list, for yourself and for your home.

Shoppers arrived as early as 6 a.m. to be one of the first in line to try their luck at the gift card drawings and see the new store and shop for bargains.

Happy shopping and savings at your local 

Nordstrom Rack

2435 State Road 580

Clearwater, Fla.

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!