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April 27, 2007

Mom Shopping

Only two weeks left until Mother's Day. No idea what you're getting the most important woman in your life? Every mother is unique. So I've come up with a variety of gift ideas that will save you enough time and money to make any Mom proud.


First stop: Wrapables.com. Will she fancy the Garden Tote Tool Set? A patterned Chris Notti sleep mask? One of Tracy Porter's Collectible Trays? Or the set of three little Eggling Plants? Only you know the answer. Here's one thing I can tell you: You'll earn a lovely 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com when you shop this site.


Mother's Day is about making Mom's life easier. How would she like some comfy lounge wear around the house? Pajamagram.com has gowns, robes and PJs galore, in addition to a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com. RedEnvelope.com offers a terrycloth robe and slippers, peony blossom pajamas and silk pajamas, in addition to the usual incredible selection of jewelry and other fine gifts. Earn a 5% rebate from ConsumerClub.com here as you stock up on perfect gifts for mom — and yourself.


Another idea: A vase so beautiful and unique, it will become Mom's new pride and joy. Find plenty at MomaStore.org. The Flex vase connects 10 lab tubes to create a beautiful blank canvas for floral design. The Outline vase gives her a beautiful porcelain shape to build on. And the sleek, earthy Wobble vase, made from European oak, has a rounded base that allows it to wobble slightly.


Still not sure how to show your appreciation this Mother's Day? A gift basket might just do the trick. It will also give Mom something to share with everyone she loves. Try HarryandDavid.com for baskets featuring everything from fresh fruit and flowers to chocolates and desserts — plus a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Find more incredible baskets at GiftBaskets.com, where you can choose from the "Relax and Pamper Spa Kit" basket, the "Gourmet for Mom" basket and the "Chocolate Lover's Dream," to name just a few. Another bonus of shopping GiftBaskets.com: A full 7% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


April 20, 2007

Happy Earth Day

This Sunday is Earth Day. Wondering about related events near you? Visit Earthday.net/earthday2007 or check your local paper for details. Beyond the immediate celebration, Earth Day is a great reminder of the endless ways we can make earth-friendly choices every day. I have a few ideas that can help.


Not sure where to begin with your Earth-friendly efforts? Amazon.com has some affordable books that can help. My favorite is "1,001 Ways to Save the Earth." For just $9.95, you'll discover enough bite-sized tips to make a big difference in the world.


Here's a great way to celebrate this Sunday — and each night when you turn on your lights. Visit HomeDepot.com to learn about the store's Eco Options, including Earth-friendly compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Home Depot stores are actually giving away 1 million CFLs this Sunday, so stop by the location nearest you to grab your own. And remember, you'll earn a 2% rebate from ConsumerClub.com on all your purchases on HomeDepot.com.


How are your recycling efforts coming along? I've found a fabulous way to improve them with the Set of 4 Recycling Bags on DWR.com. These vibrant, heavy-duty, waterproof bags make it easy to separate cans, bottles, papers and more. And the bags aren't only earth-friendly, they're wallet friendly. The whole set is only $22.


Find organic, Earth-friendly products of all kinds at MotherNature.com. From bath and body products to groceries to apparel, the healthy selections are endless. Here's another reward: A full 7% refund from ConsumerClub.com for shopping here.


One last suggestion for doing your part this Earth Day: Visit CarbonFund.org to learn how you can reduce your "carbon footprint" by lowering the amount of carbon emissions you create at home or on the road. Best of luck. And happy Earth Day.


April 13, 2007

Sweet Shades

Yet again, I find that my favorite sunglasses are missing in action. Great timing, I suppose, as some of my favorite online retailers are offering ever better-looking styles with prices and rebates that are hard to resist. Maybe I'll order two pairs this time.


For starters, ArmaniExchange.com has classic aviators, spectators, wrapping styles, plus both round and square sunglasses to spare for both men and women. It's also a great place to earn a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com as you shop.


Find playful, fashionable, lightweight, extremely affordable shades at UrbanOutfitters.com. I'm considering the Hand-painted Vintage Sunglasses, the Sweetheart Sunglasses and the Owl Eye Sunglasses, the latter of which are only $10. Prices here are even lower than they seem thanks to the 3% rebate you'll earn from ConsumerClub.com.


And what about your kiddos? Little girls love the mini-me versions of the latest fashions at LimitedToo.com. The sunglasses selection is no exception. Pick up some sparkly Sweetheart Shield sunglasses and Sparkle Metal sunglasses and the oh-so Hollywood Fling and Belle sunglasses as you earn a 2% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Find sportier versions, including my all-time favorite sunglasses, the Smith Toasters, at LandsEnd.com, where you'll earn a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com. For dozens more sunglasses that'll hold up outdoors with you this season, go to REI.com, where you can shop brands like Smith, Oakley and many more.


April 06, 2007

Delightful Dishes

Birthdays. Brunches. Barbecues. There's plenty to celebrate over a meal this time of year, and there are plenty of places to find attractive plates, platters and bowls at reasonable prices right now.


Shop SurLaTable.com for Italian Square Party Plates, Polka Dot Ceramic Plates — even square and shell-shaped dishes. Remember as you shop SurLaTable.com that you're also serving yourself a 4% rebate from ConsumerClub.com.


Lucky you. You're just in time for the Tabletop Sale at BombayCompany.com, where you can save up to 40% on select dining styles, including dishes in the exotic Damask pattern and the dainty set of jewel cordial glasses. You'll also earn a 3% rebate from ConsumerClub.com on all your purchases here.


CrateandBarrel.com has dinnerware in everything from bamboo to translucent plastic. The green melamine Lotus Dinnerware is my personal favorite, but the Spring Flower, Garden and Palm Leaf plates are all beautiful selections for spring too.


Save big on dishes at Kmart.com. Right now much of the Martha Stewart Everyday collection and plenty more dinnerware is on sale for 20% off. And with patterns as beautiful as Martha's Blue Leaf Stamp and the Corelle Pretty Pink, you'll be lucky if you can choose just one. You'll also earn a 1% rebate from ConsumerClub.com as you shop.