President's Day Savings

If you're in the mood - and have the $$ - President's Day sales are a great way to go. Most start on Friday and go through Monday. A small sample:


Pizza Pi Cutters

The Spoon Sisters - 15% off orders of $75 or more; free shipping on orders of $50 or more

JCrew - Long Weekend Event: 20% off orders of $150 or more

LOFT - 25% off full-price purchases

Piperlime - Up to 70% off final sale of the season

As I mentioned, this is far from an exhaustive list. Do some digging and you can find some great deals.

Monday Madness

Retail that is. Here's a fun list of today's dealios:

Groupon - $25 for $50 worth of women's clothing and accessories at Lovely Boutique in Arvada

LivingSocial - $20 for $40 worth of hair care products at Vida Salon in Denver

BoCo Daily Deal - $29 for 3 indoor cycling training sessions at Computrain Bike Studio

zulily - 40% off adorable kids rain gear by pluie pluie

Today's Dealios

The deals just don't stop coming. . .

BoCo Deals - $39 ($82 value) 1-month unlimited use Flatiron Athletic Club in Boulder.

LivingSocial Deals - $20 ($40 value) toward any class at Bella Glass Studios in Denver.

WeeklyPlus - $25 ($50 value) for 3 yoga classes and 2-week unlimited use at The Yoga Mat in Denver.

zulily - Hazel girls clothing up to 45% off, Trendy Tykes ties for boys (so cute!) over 30% off

HearthSong - 20% off featured item for 3-days

The Container Store - annual 30% off elfa sale

Southwest Airlines - Click 'n Save deals (as low as $144 roundtrip DIA to DC)

LOFT - extra 60% off sale items

Retailers Hit The Skids

It turns out things are tough all over. Several major retailers, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Restoration Hardware, abercrombie & fitch, and Blockbuster are closing stores around the US. American Apparel is dangerously close to implosion - or at least bankruptcy - aside from the fact that the CEO, Dov Charney seems like a creep (find article here). In fact, the company's auditor, Deloitte and Touche, dropped American Apparel after finding "material weaknesses" in the company's financial practices.

Not to be an ambulance chaser, vulture or anything distasteful, really, we shoppers can take advantage of savings at the locations that are closing soon. Restoration Hardware is closing many stores, including downtown Seattle and in a mall located near Boulder, due to corporate downsizing. I have a theory as to why the company is downsizing. After luring Gary G. Friedman away from Pottery Barn and crowning him Co-CEO, he took the company in a direction á la PB but at a much higher mark-up. I think consumers rejected the strategy because PB offered similar merchandise at lower prices. Frankly, I miss the original Restoration Hardware full of period light fixtures, and you guessed it, furniture hardware.

The Boulder location is scheduled to close in late January having already reduced everything in the store by 40% before the holidays. I'm waiting for prices to come down a bit further. I've got my eye on some accessories and possibly, floor furniture/art samples.

It's a bit sade, but retailers come and go, a brutal consequence of a "free" market.

White Sale Mania

January and February mean white sales. You can take advantage of deep discounts on both sheets, comforters, blankets, bedding, towels and more. I love the idea of huge savings on goods, but keep in mind that prices may have been inflated from the start.

I've already ordered a featherbed and sheet set from Macy's (the featherbed is no longer on sale). Even if the prices were too high to begin with, I FEEL like I'm saving big. Both were a steal and qualified for free shipping. Saved me a trip to the mall, fighting the crowds and digging through piles of merchandise. Always a good thing.

If you're buying sheets, keep in mind that anything over 230-thread count is basically the same. No need to buy mega-thread count. It's more important to buy quality fabric such as Egyptian or Turkish cotton.

Some other retailers conducting white sales:

Garnet Hill
Target
Pottery Barn
Shop.com
JCPenney
Crate and Barrel

It's best to buy now; selection will go down the closer we get to President's Day.

Good luck!

Garnet Hill

Garnet Hill has some killer deals right now:

Cashmere gloves - $24

Anastasia Dress - $39

Easy Cargo Jacket - $49

Sequined Wrap Sweater - $89

Faux-Fur Coat - $124

Hurry! Things are selling out and limited sizes are available.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 3

Pears make such terrific christmas ornaments. 12 days of Christmas, right?

I'm missing the partridge, but I have some gorgeous pears on my Christmas tree.

I've had these ornaments for years and years. I took a painted finishes class - way before the faux finish craze took off - with a friend in the 90s. Seems like a lifetime ago. The instructor's name was Barbara LeBlanc and the name of her business was Three French Hens Farm; apropos, non? Unfortunately, in all of these years, I've never found her work online.

Shortly after the 8-week class concluded, Barbara held a trunk show. Of course all of the students flocked to the room filled with her work. I scooped up three pear ornaments since I'm crazy for Christmas ornaments.

They are simple to make. If you can find whole dried pears or dry them yourself, glue a single gold leaf and gold cord at the stem, and voila, you've got a fab, thrifty ornament. I have not been able to locate whole dried pears on the web, and I'm not sure of the best way to dry them at home (while preserving the color). Sun drying or oven drying? Maybe a dehydrator?

Let me know what you think. I always love to hear from you.

12 Days of Christmas Crafts - Day 2

A few years ago I found myself without a tree skirt. I used burlap for awhile but got bored, so on to something else.

Since I couldn't find anything thrifty and fabulous, I embarked on my own crafty version. I found some gorgeous wool felt in crimson, snowy white and ebony. A tight weave and soft to the touch.

The final skirt features black silhouettes and hand stitching. I confess that I don't know how to use a sewing machine very well, especially anything beyond straight seems. Sad, I know.

It was simple to make. Craft your own compass with a pencil and string and draw circles on red felt and white felt, making sure the two colors have different circumferences. Find some free stencils on the web and trace on black felt. Cut your pieces and stitch away.

Lucy, aka Fattie, our cocker spaniel, decided to stand on the skirt.
I'm so glad I put it on the floor.

The final product:

I still haven't finished decorating the tree so the skirt is patiently waiting to be placed underneath. No point in cleaning up pine needles twice, especially from the felt.

12 Days of Christmas - Crafts & Decorations - Day 1

Welcome to my countdown to Christmas. It's the 12 Days of Christmas x 2! December 1-12 is a parade of simple crafts and decorations, and December 13-24 is a line-up of delicious cookies and treats.

{An interesting note about the 12 Days of Christmas, however, is that it does not refer to the 12 days before Christmas, but rather the 12 days after. It's actually the celebration of the days between Christmas and Epiphany, ending January 6. The evening of January 5, even though it's the 11th day, is known as Twelfth Night, a term immortalized by Shakespeare's comedy of the same name.}

Day 1 - Christmas Ornaments

I have been crazy for Christmas ornaments since I was a kid when my parents, my sister and I stitched up felt Noah's Ark ornaments using blanket stitch. It was so much fun. I wonder if my mom has any of them tucked away?

She's always had the most beautiful tree. The decorations have changed through the years, but the effect is always the same. Absolutely stunning. My sister and I carry on the tradition and decorate our trees to the hilt. The Diva and Roo get into the act, too, hanging as many ornaments as they can.

Some of the ornaments on my 12-foot tree - my biggest EVER!

And the best part is that I'm not even finished putting decorations on the tree yet. The kids and I have more work to do. . .

Can't wait for Day 2. It might include info on hand-stitched felt ornaments.

Stila Online Warehouse Sale

Holy smokes! Stila is offering huge discounts at their online warehouse sale. The prices are INCREDIBLE.

It's no secret that stila is one of the best cosmetic companies on the planet, and a personal favorite of mine, especially their gift sets.

Take a look at these screamin' deals:

Blissful Lip Glaze Set - $10 (regular price $20)

The Makeup Player - $25 (regular price $69) - not only does this set include a cosmetics train case, but it also includes built-in portable speakers!

Refillable 8 Pan Compact - $12 (regular price $30) - an eco-friendly option.

Seriously. These are terrific deals. Hurry! Sale ends December 3, 2010.

Blue (Cyber) Monday

For some reason, I'm thinking about Blue Monday, today. Must be the whole Cyber Monday thing. Not only is Blue Monday the best ever New Order song, but there's also a great cover by Flunk.

Along those lines, some gorgeous blue finds on etsy.

farouche $35.00	brooklynbookbi... $15.00	elde $85.00	EverLuxe $
thetrendybaby $22.00	BeadinBabe $10.80	blacksanddesig... $42.00	sweetpetula $20.00
MaaPstudio $38.00	alliterations $5.00	CaitlinSainio $5.00	rosebudlips $23.00
whitneysmith $44.00	abunchofscrap $2.75	thecraftpantry $12.00	BethanyOgle $98.00

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Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday - more shopping craziness. The term Cyber Monday, was created five years ago by the National Retail Federation, to ring in the unofficial start of online holiday shopping (beware retail marketing wizardry).

The Huffington Post has some great tips for Cyber Monday shopping:

1. On twitter, follow @CyberMonday, @CyberMondayNews, or @BestCyberMonday. Try following specific retailers, too, such as @Nordstrom or @Target.
2. Take a look at CyberMonday.com and BestCyberMondayDeals.com for lists of the best online deals.
3. Visit Wallet Pop, for even more ideas for extra savings.

Don't forget to start at eBates (see my previous post authored by Boulder Locavore; it includes detailed information on navigating eBates).

Be careful, though. The Early Show on CBS warns to beware bogus bargains, lookalike sites and free shipping.

If you've got travel on your mind instead of traditional gifts, take a look at these deals:

1. Hotels.com is offering up to 50% off if you book online and use code 4DAY.
2. NYC - The Duane Street Hotel in Tribeca $129/night (usually $350/night) if you book today between 1:29pm and 1:58pm today, EST. Stay is good January 1-Februay 28 (excluding dates around Valentine's Day).
3. Starwood Hotels, including Westin, is offering special rates January 1-April 30, use code CYBERLTO.

View from Duane Street Hotel - NYC

Happy browsing and shopping.

Perfect Kitchen Gagdet Gifts

I like kitchen gagdets; can't help it. Most are specific to one task, but I don't care. Anything that saves a bit of time in the kitchen is okay by me.

If you have a cook on your gift list, why not consider some of my diligent long-term favorites?

A champagne stopper from Sur La Table. For only $6 you can finish your bottle of bubbly the next day, that is, if you can wait.

Utensil pot clips also from Sur La Table. So handy, and a set of two is on sale for $11.

One of the best gadgets ever, my garlic peeler from Williams-Sonoma, has been put to constant use. Pop multiple cloves in, rub back and forth and the skin is quickly removed. It's dishwasher safe, too. No more sticky fingers.

Silicone spatulas and spoonulas are fantastic. I especially like the spoonula for removing scrambled eggs from the pan.

Finally, a Kuhn Rikon chopper is another great tool. It makes quick work of onions, garlic and nuts and it's on sale at Sur La Table.

Gather a few of these babies for that dear cook in your life. Put them in a tart pan or set of mixing bowls, tie it up with a ribbon, and you're ready to give a thoughtful, lovely gift.

Bon appetit!

Thanksgiving Recovery and Black Friday Shopping Tips

Ahh, Thanksgiving recovery. Like any other major holiday, everyone tries to cram in a feast, socializing and family togetherness.

Add Black Friday to the mix and your head can start to spin.

I, for one, will not shop today. Visiting brick-and-mortar stores is out of the question. I really don't like crowds. Online shopping is out, too, because I have yet to follow my own advice. What was it I wrote about smart Black Friday shopping?

1. Do not buy on impulse, plan first, including setting a budget and organizing a list.
2. Try to buy gifts your recipients will use.
3. Compare prices.
4. Sleep in on Black Friday.
5. Wait for prices to drop even lower. Most buyers have severely cut spending, although the average, according to the New York Times, is predicted to increase 3.5% over last year. Retailers want to empty their stores before they take inventory in early 2011 and they need an infusion of cash. Trust me, prices will go down.
6. Don't panic over selection. There will be plenty of choices left.

Since shopping is on the back burner, I might take Roo to a movie while the Diva babysits for some friends.

Hopefully your stemware, 'good' dishes and KitchenAid stand mixer - as seen at Williams-Sonoma - are safely tucked away biding time until the next biggie holiday. Today's the day to regroup and rejuvenate.

tada!shop

Have you discovered tada!shop yet? It's a great time-saving resource for kids clothing and toys. The site allows you to add items to a shopping list and directs you straight to the site where goods are available for purchase. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. If you're in the market for children's gifts, the finds on the site are fantastic. And don't worry, it's all available online.

The girls holiday gift guide couldn't be more helpful. It covers a wide range of items; everything from toys to clothing. And the list is organized by age for your shopping convenience.

What could be better than a virtual personal shopper? Your time is valuable; use it wisely.