Recent Posts
My secret savings trick: Think summer!

My secret savings trick: Think summer!

It was a snowy Saturday morning, but my mind was in the balmy days of summer as I pawed my way though the sales racks at my favorite shopping haunts. It actually made my bargain-hunting excursion incredibly easy by doing the exact opposite of every other woman there. [ More ]

Singer sewing machine triggers good memories

Singer sewing machine triggers good memories

I love accent pillows and am always on the lookout for new ones that work with the rest of my stuff. It's an easy way to weave a new, trendy color into your room or update a frumpy piece of furniture. Take your pick: sofa, love seat, upholstered chair, even your bed. [ More ]

Top shopping sites, from big ones to fun ones

Top shopping sites, from big ones to fun ones

I spend a lot of time shopping online—and it’s for work, really! (Well, most of the time!) Actually, it’s an important part of what I do here, keeping up with what’s going on in the e-tailing world. So I was thrilled to read the Hot 100 list from the trade pub Internet Retailer and see that we’ve covered many of their list of top e-tailers. [ More ]

Easy fixes for post-holiday stains

Easy fixes for post-holiday stains

Sometimes memories of the holidays aren’t all warm and fuzzy. After having a houseful of guests, I’m left with a few crimson blobs of red vino on my tablecloth and a stubborn pile of melted wax. I also think my little Westie got a bit excited when the company trooped in, and might have had an accident on the rug. [ More ]

Check out return policies as you shop

Check out return policies as you shop

Yes, it’s the thought that counts, but if you get—or give—a gift that doesn’t quite fit (even if it’s the right size!), you’ll need to know how to return it. Many retailers loosen their return policies this time of year, so you may have extra time. [ More ]

 It’s Cyber Monday! Do you know where the deals are?

It’s Cyber Monday! Do you know where the deals are?

If you’re back at work today and shopping for holiday gifts online, you’re in the Cyber Monday groove. It may not have the same feverish excitement as Black Friday (or the maddening crowds or risk of fisticuffs either), but in many ways, it’s the better buying day. [ More ]

Shoe shopping is her coping mechanism

Shoe shopping is her coping mechanism

I have a friend who is under a lot of stress—things going on with the family and at work, none of which she has any control over. How is she coping? She goes shoe shopping. She has some events coming up and a couple of outfits that need sprucing up. She finds shoe shopping relaxing. [ More ]