Want to save on bling? Call AAA!
A lot’s changed since my parents added me to their American Automobile Association family membership a decade ago. I grew up. Moved to Florida. Started a 401(k). Got married.
But it still stung recently when my dad called to say he was renewing their membership and no, I would not be on it. So long, 24-hour roadside assistance. Adios, free road maps. Auf Wiedersehen, locksmith service.
Yesterday I went trolling online to see how much AAA service would cost for my husband and me. That’s when I discovered the real benefit of AAA membership: the discounts. Sure, I knew flashing the card could save me at hotels and restaurants. Lord knows, I’ve heard my father ask, “Is there a AAA discount?” at many a buffet. But when I checked out the “Show Your Card and Save” section of aaasouth.com, I was amazed at the scope of the deals.
In Tampa Bay a AAA card is good for:
• $3 off admission and 10 percent off select food at Busch Gardens
• 30 percent off eye exams, glasses, sunglasses and accessories at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Sears Optical
• 20 percent off terrace level tickets to regular season Lightning home games
• 15 percent off regular-priced items at New York & Co.
• 10 percent off fine jewelry and ring settings at Blue Nile
• Six percent off all Dell purchases
And so on and so on. I’m sold. The next time I’m in the market for diamonds or a desktop, those markdowns will add up to serious cheddar. With the savings maybe I’ll do something practical, like call my parents long-distance and ask them why they didn’t tell me about this 10 years ago.
— Guest Deal Diva Dalia Colon
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Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or 
Since she was a little girl Nicole Hutcheson dreamed of dressing like a Vogue cover girl. But her reality was more JCPenney catalog. The fact only honed her better ability to find luxury for less. Always on the hunt for markdowns on designer labels, this Deal Diva’s weaknesses are good jeans and killer heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8828 or 
Colleen Jenkins learned two invaluable shopping tenets from her mom: 1. Buy quality. 2. Get it on sale. Then she added one of her own: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! This Deal Diva’s idea of a blissful Saturday includes a trip to the Ellenton outlet mall. She loves mixing classic with trendy and cheap Target accessories with her markdown Banana Republic duds. She can be reached at (813) 226-3337 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
