Research, it's a tough job. Except when my research requires a trip to one of my favorite Washington getaway towns: Leavenworth. I'm starting a new series and planning to base my fictional town on Washington's beloved Bavarian village. With it's charming architecture and landscaping and jewel like setting in the Cascades it's the perfect place to settle, not only in fiction but in real life. If you enjoy winter sports, summer hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting, shopping, and visiting wineries this place has it all. And tons of inns and B & B's. Yes, nothing wrong with Leavenworth. We enjoyed our stay at the Alpen Rose (check out those goodies included in our package!) and good times with our friends at A Book for All Seasons. Pat and Ed ran away from the rat race and settled in Leavenworth years ago where she fulfilled her dream of owning a bookstore and he became a winemaker and the proud owner of a vineyard. Thanks Ed for sharing your wealth of information on the wine making process! BTW, if any of you are planning a trip to Leavenworth,  be sure to visit their tasting room, D'Vinery. I'm sure your experience will be d'vine!

So, here is my sage advice for the week. Get yourself down to your local mall. Right now! I got this oh-so-cool purse for 80 % off at Kohl's. I also got a piece of fine jewelry at Macy's for 75% off. Happy belated birthday to me :) Let me tell you, that jewelry score was right up there on the woo-hoo meter with my Vegas pawn shop diamond ring upgrade. And it proves my theory that you don't have to be wealthy to enjoy an occasional luxury. You just have to be wise with your money. (SAVE may be a four letter word, but it's one that needs to be in all our vocabularies!) And you have to know when and where to look. Let me tell you, right now is the when and your favorite department store is the where. This is the time of year to be shopping for presents for the upcoming year (birthdays, Christmas, baby showers, house warming, hostess gifts) while merchants are trying to clear out their old stock. And, if you happen to have a few pennies set aside for yourself, now is the time to be scooping up some basics for next year's winter wardrobe. It's a bargain-hunter's jungle out there, full of big game. Get out there, Jane, and bag something great!