As The Hartford Courant's Savvy Shopper, I help readers live the good life on less. My weekly columns, blog entries, consumer features, online tips, television segments and daily A1 deals offer a wealth of practical, money-saving news-you-can-use.

As a features writer for The Hartford Courant, Korky Vann has written about aging and covered food, home and consumer issues. She was the director of the Courant's National Writer's Workshop, an annual training seminar for journalists.

Bargain shopping, budget travel, movies, mystery novels, cooking, great conversation.

Savvy Shopper Has Moved 10/21/2011
The Savvy Shopper blog has moved to a new address, but will still have the same great deals.  Visit courant.com/savvyshopper to keep following the latest sales from shopping expert Korky Vann.

Sale at Stylez for the Aisle 10/21/2011
Stylez For The Aisle, a bridal boutique at 75A Pasco Drive in East Windsor, is clearing out flower girl, bridesmaid and mother of the bride/groom gowns and samples. (In the future, the shop will be specializing in bridal gowns and prom dresses only.)   All sample gowns are $30, (cash only), and in-stock mother of the bride/groom dresses are 40 percent off. Shawls, shoes and other accessories are also discounted. Sale ends Dec. 1. Store hours for the sale are Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m....

Free Pretzel Bites at Pretzelmaker. 10/20/2011
Anyone with an October birthday can get a free order of Pretzel Bites today (10/20) at participating Pretzelmaker stores today. (Proof of birthdate required.) Pretzelmaker shops are in most CT malls, including Westfarms, Buckland and Meriden Square.

Stop & Swap at Evergreen Walk 10/20/2011
Grab your unloved (but in good shape) handbags, jewelry, belts, shoes and scarves and head to the Accessory Swap & Shop at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor Thursday. Check-in begins in suite 443 (next to Clark's) at 5:30 p.m. You'll get a ticket for each accessory accepted (maximum of three) that you can exchange for new-to-you items. (A donation of $5 is requested. Proceed go to Dress for Success Hartford.) The swap begins at 7:15 p.m. and includes seasonal food samplin...

Shoes, Antiques, Irish Gifts On Sale This Weekend 10/19/2011
  By KORKY VANN kvann@courant.com E liza B , at 55 Plains Road in Essex, is having a giant factory sale Saturday and Sunday, with deals on trendy women's sandals and ballet flats, leather goods and accessories, including headbands, watchbands and totes. The event also features preppy men's leather goods, fashionable pet leashes and collars and great deals on fabric, ribbons and trims. Savings run to 50 percent and more, and all sales are final. Hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3...