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June 30, 2006

BBQ Season

You probably already have your 4th of July festivities nailed down. But what about the rest of the summer? You'll enjoy the BBQ season a lot more — as will your friends and family — if you're prepared for grilling opportunities galore.


Visit SurLaTable.com while the Summer Sale and Clearance is hot. The new "Original Grillslinger™ Barbecue Tool System" may not be discounted right now, but it's worth every penny of the price in my opinion. You'll also find handy grill baskets, basting brushes, the Kyocera Ceramic Scraper for cleanup, bamboo skewers and more. I almost forgot: Shop SurLaTable.com and earn a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


As fate would have it, Cooking.com is also home to a big summer sale right now. Here you'll find full-sized charcoal and gas grills in all shapes and sizes (and price tags). You'll even discover a cute little bug zapper to keep your friends and family bite-free during the festivities. Add to that aprons and mitts, grill accessories and outdoor furniture and you're pretty much set. Why not build a new deck too? Spend enough at Cooking.com and your 3% ConsumerClub.com rebate will help you save for it.


SharperImage.com is hosting its Half Yearly Sale right now. The 25-Piece Stainless Grill Set has gone from $89.95 to $44.98. And the Weather-resistant Grill Fork/Thermometer with Rapid-Read Tip is now only $29.95. In addition to those incredible deals, you can earn a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com on your purchases.


So ... what's cooking? How about something tasty from OmahaSteaks.com — where you'll earn a 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com and get 12 quarter-pound burgers free with your order. Don't forget PfaelzerBrothers.com, where the famous filets and other meats give you many opportunities to earn 4% back from ConsumerClub.com.


Finally, Williams-Sonoma.com is a great place to learn about marinating meat, and to find a long list of marinade recipes, from Soy-Ginger to Balsamic-Rosemary combinations. You'll find other cooking essentials during this site's current Summer Sale. Finally, if you'd rather buy your seasoning or marinade already mixed, visit McCormick.com for shake-on Grill Mates and tasty marinades ranging from Hickory BBQ to Chipotle Pepper. Dinnertime can't get here fast enough.


June 23, 2006

You're Welcome

Are you a parent who was recently spoiled silly on Mother's or Father's Day? A graduate still getting checks in the mail from distant family members? Perhaps a job applicant looking to follow up with an interviewer? Or maybe you're like me, a girl lucky enough to have a summer birthday at hand. No matter who you are, you can probably benefit from a little advice on finding and writing thank-you cards.


It may go without saying, but nothing shows gratitude, respect — and excellent manners — like a handwritten thank-you card. Just ask EmilyPost.com, where you can find plenty of advice on all aspects of the thanking process, from getting kids involved to knowing when it's appropriate to email your thanks.


Now, where can you find the best cards for your bucks? CardStore.com has thank-you cards ranging from humorous to sophisticated to artistic. It also has a 6% rebate from ConsumerClub.com attached to all your purchases.


Visit Crane.com for the Crane & Co. stationery Semi-Annual Clearance, plus plenty of great prices on beautiful envelope and card sets in a rainbow of color selections.


Go to FineStationery.com for all sorts of cards and paper goods, even precious children's stationery to inspire the kids in their expressions of gratitude. Shop FineStationery.com for a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Hallmark.com has its Summer Sale in full swing. And you soon be thanking yourself for earning a great big 6% rebate from ConsumerClub.com while stocking up on fine stationery, cards and more. Check out the cute new A' la mode cards and get a copy of "Shoebox Greatest Hits and Misses," a book dedicated to 20 years of funny cards.


Finally, if your taste leans toward modern, urban elegance, you must see the captivating cards from Lotta Jansdotter and Cut & Paste. Both sources supply gorgeously illustrated card selections that would work just as well as a birthday card or invitation as they would a much-appreciated thank-you card. Now all you have to do is place your order, crack your knuckles and start writing some first drafts.


Trust me, the longer you wait to thank someone, the more likely you are to forget.


June 16, 2006

School's Out

And outdoor fun is definitely in for the kiddos. That's especially true at LeapsandBounds.com, where the "Backyard Fun" section has something for every overheated child. In fact, the Giant Soccer Ball Set and the Kids' Wicker Furniture collection are on sale now.


Target.com also has a great selection, from T-ball sets and inflatable bouncers to scooters and skates. Take some time to shop the grownup porch furniture and pick up a few beach towels for yourself while you're there. Think about it this way: The more you buy, the bigger your 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Kids love KBToys.com for fun and games, and the summer selection is no exception. This is the final week of the KBToys.com "Amazing Sale," which includes items such as the Water T-Ball and Golf Value Pack, Bubble Blasters, blow-up tools and pools and much more. And all purchases earn you a 3% rebate from you-know-who.


Stop by LittleTikes.com for those coveted plastic play houses you see sitting outside many retail chains this time of year. You'll also find great sandboxes, swing sets, climbers, patio furniture for kids and a whole lot more, in addition to a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Of course, no shopping trip for kids is ever complete without a peek at what's for sale at ToysRUs.com. Right now you can save up to 75% during the "Big Toy Blowout" sale. Browse a massive selection including bouncy houses, sports activities, fun on wheels — including scooters and skateboards — and all sorts of water fun. Shop now and save big, while scoring major points with your youngsters.


June 09, 2006

It's Beach Season

You may be nowhere near a coastline. And your idea of a day at the beach might consist of simply hanging out at the nearest public pool. You still deserve flattering, comfortable swimwear, fluffy towels and all the other waterside essentials that come with the season.


Shop LandsEnd.com and browse a vast selection of traditional swimwear for the whole family, as well as flip-flops and sandals, beach totes, towels and so much more. You'll earn a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com while you're at it. Find more of the same, only a tad trendier, at OldNavy.com, in addition to sunhats, sunglasses, plenty of hip, affordable clothing styles and a 2% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Newport-News.com is another great place to browse women's swimwear in all shapes, sizes (petite to plus) and styles — and earn a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com. You'll also discover fashionable cover-ups and more.


One more suggestion for the ladies this week: The famous Nordstrom Half Yearly sale for women and kids. Shop Nordstrom.com and save 40% on select styles from a variety of in-demand brands. Big bonus: 3% back from ConsumerClub.com.


And our final stop on the summer style spectrum is UrbanOutfitters.com, where you can shop both men's and women's swimwear, sunglasses, funky hats and a whole lot more trendsetting style. Add to that a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Now you know what to wear. But you still have your skin to cover. Stop by Avon.com for all the SPF and insect repellant you could possibly need in the coming months. You'll protect your wallet as well with a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Last but not least, we all know how coveted poolside seating can be. And sometimes you want a little more support than a towel or blanket on the beach. So grab a couple of bright Kauai beach chairs from CrateandBarrel.com for only $24.95 each.


June 02, 2006

Don't Forget Dad

Just 16 days to go before Father's Day (June 18th). That means you still have plenty of time to shop — and a chance to save money with standard or free shipping.


Why not treat Dad to a new plush bathrobe from BathRobesOnline.com? You'll get a treat too, in the form of a 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com. And what's the perfect complement to his comfortable new loungewear? A monthly membership to Blockbuster.com. Sign up now and have his first movies delivered before Father's Day. You'll earn a $9 rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Is your dad a connoisseur? A backyard griller? A tech guy through and through? Visit RedEnvelope.com to get help from the Father's Day gift guide. You'll find everything from a satellite radio to silver-plated wine stoppers to a hip pocket compass. And on top of all that, you'll earn a 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Find even more unexpected gifts for Dad at HammacherSchlemmer.com, where you can get a generous 6% back from ConsumerClub.com. I'm eyeballing the automatic golf tee and the authentic pub glass collection at the moment.


If fly-fishing is the name of the game, give him a gift from Orvis.com. You'll find waders, boots, rods, luggage, fly boxes and plenty of other gear fit for your favorite outdoorsy fellow. Shop now and earn 3% back from ConsumerClub.com.


Here's a shortcut to cool gadgets for Dad: DiscoveryStore.com. Check out the hand-crank emergency radio for his camping kit, a tiny digital camera for his keychain or a sleek tactical flashlight for the glove box. Earn a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Everyone loves flowers. And gourmet gift baskets. And gifts like a miniature money tree, lucky bamboo arrangement or Tee Time Treats basket. Find all this and more at
AmericanBlooms.com. Get a full 8% back from ConsumerClub.com on purchases.


Need to stick to your budget while getting the most bang for your buck? Join the club. Then go to Brookstone.com for gifts that cost $35 and under, such as the new motorized grill brush, electronic golf scorecard, the safety light kit tool, among other great choices. You can easily spend a whole lot more than $35 here. The good news is that if you do, you'll simply get a bigger 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


And finally, I'll tell you where to find affordable photo gifts for the old man. Shutterfly.com lets you create a fabulous photo book at 20% off if you buy before June 7th. But you'll also discover customizable playing cards, mugs, tote bags and more. Simply upload your digital pictures and choose the best one to display on Dad's gift. Another treat: A 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com on your purchases.