Running to the Sneaker Sale

Nothing like a new pair of sneakers to put the workout into high gear! So when is the time to buy ? June/July - when retailers are starting to turn over their stock to make room for the new season's offerings; November when retailers are trying to wind down the Back to School stock and make room for winter boots. Looking for an even better deal on your favorite sneaker? Buy multiples and ask for a volume discount. Take a competitor's coupon and ask if they'll honor it.


And don't forget to give your old pair another life -- donate it the Nike's Reuse A Shoe program. For more information, go to: http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/. Since 1990, Nike has recycled more than 21 million pairs of athletic shoes toward more than 265 sport surfaces; giving thousands of young people access to new playgrounds and athletic facilities around the world.

Steaming with Delight

Stumbled across an addictive solution to my summertime dilemma of how to spend less time cooking in a hot kitchen, but still make a great tasty meal. Use ZipLoc Zip & Steam bags (10 bags/$2.79). These bags make cooking alot less painful and clean-up easier than ever before (just toss the bag). Great convenient way to steam frozen or fresh vegetables, meats. Clean up is a breeze - just toss the bag. And since you're steaming, you getter better flavor as its infused into whatever you're cooking. Also, the bags are printed with instructions and timing guidelines for a variety of foods (a great thing from this user's perspective!)


Really, it was love at first steam! 2 ears of corn steam to perfection in just 3 minutes - a great improvement over the basic method of steaming via a stove which takes 30 minutes. 27 minutes saved to do other some other task you never have time to do (e.g., write a thank you note; sort out the sock drawer; polish a silver bowl, take a nap!)

P.s., You can find them in almost supermarket. Here's the official product link - http://www.ziploc.com/?p=b13

Happy Steaming!

Recycle Your Packaging Peanuts

In my household, June is typically the month for cleaning out the cellar of unwanted stuff. Attracted by free shipping offers and the thrill of a good bargain, it's was no surprise to discover what appears to be a gizillion boxes filled with packing peanuts (also known as "Flow-pak" - who knew?!) thrown into in every corner of my basement. Too many peanuts for me! I can re-use some packaging peanuts for my own shipping needs/storage needs;; My town's recycling center has no use for the material; My local gift shop retailer doesn't want them. What's an ordinary girl to do with all these peanuts? Recycle them, of course! I've discovered that you can drop the material off at a Peanut Hotline Collection location. To find the nearest collection site, call 1-800-828-2214 or visit the website http://www.loosefillpackaging.com/search/default.asp Happy Recycling!

April Flowers Bring May Flowers and Raincoats in June

April Flowers Bring May Flowers and Raincoats in June! I've been noticing that there are great deals to be had by saavy shoppers looking for raincoat purchases. Retailers are clearing the racks in prep for the fall clothing premiers rolling out in July and August. So, if you're looking for the latest fashion look or a practical good looking coat to wear in the rain, now is the time to buy!

Dialing for Less Dollars

Are you a chronic “411” dialer like myself? Yes? Then do I have a a money saving tidbit for you…

Program 800-FREE-411 (800 – 3733- 411) into your cellphone. It’s a free/low cost nationwide directory assistance that you can use from your cell phone. Depending on your cell phone plan, you may also get charged for your minutes, but you won’t incur any additional service transaction fees. (example: On my calling plan, a 411 call generates a $1.50 charge per call.)

Here’s how it works –It's free for you to use, but once you’ve dialed in, you’ll need to hear a brief ad (10 – 15 seconds) before a record voice prompts you for “What City and State?” Interested in the ad? Fret not – you have the opportunity to connect and hear more.

Try it. It’s a pretty quick way to save yourself a few dollars. Based on my dialing habits, using this directory assistant program translates into $6 monthly savings - the cash equivalent of 3 Starbuck Coffees, 6 iTunes, or 1 roll of Hallmark self adhesive wrapping paper.

Happy Savings!