CURVES AHEAD

If any of you, like me, are looking for a place to work out and exercise, you may want to check out Curves. For the rest of October they are waiving the joining fee (a value of approx. $190). I went up and checked it out and joined! I thought it looked to be a great program. You get an aerobic workout combined with a toning/muscle building workout, all in 30 minutes! I went for it hoping it has everything I'm looking for: variety, social(out among others), exercise (both aerobic and toning), convenience (right here in town on Main) and time (in and out in about 30 min.). Cost is $34 per month. Let me know if you're already a member or if you join, maybe we can meet sometime and kill two birds with one stone: workout and catch up!

COLUMBIA IS BOOMING WITH FUN SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

It just keeps getting better! There is actually more than one place for a gal to go shopping in Columbia, and I'm not talkin groceries! Got a few hours for shopping? Here's where to head:

Start on North Main at Curtis Jewelers, just off Route 3. There you'll find great jewelry from fine jewelry like gold and diamonds to a great selection of sterling silver jewelry with semi precious stones. Next head south on North Main to the Distillery Building and check out Elements Off Main home decor and furnishings consignment shop. In addition to the home decor you'll find an unbelievable selection of handmade, sterling silver and vintage jewelry. They also sell a line of handbags, wallets, scarfs, hair accessories, candles, gourmet foods and a whole lot more. Just down 2 doors in the Distillery Building is Agnes Ross, a great boutique carrying the k. hall line of moisturizers, oils, diffusers, candles and more. You'll also find great loomed rugs, pajamas, bed linens and more. Just a block away is Memory Lane Gifts & Florals. Pam, the proprietor, carries a great little line of giftables and silk floral arrangements along with a large array of fresh floral options. Continuing south on Main head next to the boutique at Vida Verde Spa. They carry a great line of women's clothes at not so "boutiquey" prices along with handmade jewelry, handbags, accessories and even original artwork. If you're looking for antiques, Evalina's is the place. They also carry coffee and sweets. Looking for a great bottle of wine? Stop in and see Andrew Traughber at Bon Vivant Wine Shop, voted by the RFT as the best wine shop in the St. Louis Metro area. At the other end of Main is the new shop Chic Junktique. The shop carries consigned items from home decor to jewelry and handbags to original works of art.

Have extra time? Maybe get a manicure or massage at Mist Day Spa or Vida Verde, both located along Main Street. And if you work up a hunger there's also plenty of places to put the feedbag on. Just off Main on Rapp is Our House Cafe. On Main you have your choice from Boccardi's, Thai House, Tiny's, Gruchala's and The Lantern. Or drive over to Marketplace Shopping Centre and eat at Mokka Kaffeehaus, well worth the short drive. Also in the plaza is Bully's and Tequilla's. So, did you ever dream you'd be able to spend an entire day enjoying Main Street in Columbia?

ITS HOT AT COLDWATER CREEK

Wow! I ran in to a great sale at Coldwater Creek in Fairview Heights today! First off, they had reversible sweater/wraps/shawls for just $10.99 each. I bought two! One that reversed from black to gray and one that reversed from chocolate brown to tan. Then I got an awesome purple jacket/blazer with stand up collar and great black buttons for just $14.99. With those great buys I was able to splurge on a great long-sleeved paisley tee with sheer sleeves for $28.99. I got all four pieces for under $70, less than the regular price of one of them! SCORE!! They just had a LOT on sale already for this time in the season. This was FALL clothes girls, not summer clearance. Check it out if you get a chance, but hurry, sizes are limited but wide ranging from petites to plus sizes!

GREAT NEWS! NORDSTROM'S RACK!

Great news from the world of retail! The St. Louis area is getting its first Nordstrom's Rack. Get all the info by clicking on the following link: http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2009/09/28/daily67.html?ana=from_rss#

I shopped at one last winter and Chicago and had a great time - and came out with a bagful of goodies. Clothes, Wacoal bra, shoes. I'm just so excited!! Thank you St. Louis Business Journal for the good news!

WANT AD

I have a friend and reader that is looking for some used golf club sets for her two boys. They are both right-handed. They are 13 years old and about 5'1" in height. If you have used clubs to get rid of that might work for them, let me know. I'll connect you with the potential buyer. Anybody else looking for anything or have something to get rid? Let me know and I'll post it here.

SAVING SITES

I found these cost saving tidbits in an issue of Oprah magazine:

Check out fatwallet.com, an online community for bargain hunters, features coupons, savings alerts and rebate information. Dealhunting.com, couponcabin.com and naughtycodes.com have codes to enter at checkout for discounts on purchases or free shipping.

Bring your toner cartridge back to Staples and receive $3 off the purchase of anything in the store or online.

Use free open source software, downloadable via the Internet. For instance, GIMP, an image-producing, photo retouching program similar to Photoshop, is available at no charge at gimp.org. Find other sources of free software at sourceforge.net. And of course Google offers a variety of free options to manage documents, calendars, spreadsheets and photos.

Into Twitter? Then check out CheapTweet.com and coupontweet.com, they scan Twitter for bargains so you don't have to spend the time yourself looking for savings. There's also a site localtweeps.com that's a website designed to help users find local people and businesses that are using Twitter. Those businesses then can offer specials to those following their "tweets."

You got any good sites or deals to share? Please leave a comment or send me an email.

ART ON THE BLUFFS ART WALK

Just wanted to take a moment to plug an event I've been helping work on. That's Columbia's Art on the Bluffs Art Walk scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I won't go into too much detail here because you can click on the title, name of event or link to get more information on the details of the event. But here's a quick synopsis: Over 50 artists displaying and selling their art in businesses along Main Street and outside along the path, musical entertainment at a variety of venues, food booths, kids activities, wine tasting, classic car show and student galleries. Come on, check out the blog, become a follower and mark your calendars now to attend!

A LITTLE EDITORIAL ON HAREM PANTS

Ok, I don't make a habit of using my shopping blog to provide commentary on today's fashion trends. But this one, I just couldn't let go by. JUST SAY NO! Harem pants, remember those scary bottoms from the 80's? Supposedly they're BACK! I was perusing the pages of a Lucky Magazine and InStyle magazine a couple weeks ago and both magazines had a feature on Harem Pants return. Oh yeah, they showed them on skinny, tall models and while an argument might be made that they didn't look hideous on them (come on, nothing really looks hideous on a skinny, tall model) they did look RIDICULOUS! Now just imagine them on you or me - now that crosses over to HIDEOUS and RIDICULOUS (at least on me). So, if you find yourself thinking you'd welcome such a blast from the past, remember my wise words "JUST SAY NO". Hey, let me know what you think of harem pants and what other trends just shouldn't make a return!

THE 411 on 211

We've all heard of 411 and 911 but have you heard about 211? Call the United Way 211 and find help or volunteer, get the answers you need and get on the right track.

2-1-1, unlike 911, is NOT the number you cal for fire, police or emergency needs. Instead, United Way 2-1-1 IS a toll-free phone number connecting people with available community resources and volunteer opportunities.

By simply dialing 2-1-1, you can now make one call to find or give help. No more wasted time trying to find the right resource. You will reach a trained, caring professional 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. All calls are confidential. They will provide referrals to valuable health and human services in your area. Such services s basic human needs like food pantries, shelters, rent or utility assistance. Also physical and mental health resources such as Medicaid, Medicare, crisis intervention, support groups, counseling, alcohol and drug rehab. There's support for seniors and those with disabilities, children, youth and families.

You can also volunteer through 2-1-1 to volunteer centers, mentorship opportunities, locations to donate food, clothing, furniture, computers and other items. There's volunteering to fit your needs such as one-time, long-term, permanent, part-time or group volunteering opportunities.

Note, if 2-1-1 is not yet active with your phone provider, you can reach the 2-1-1 center by dialing 1-800-427-4626. You can also get more info at www.211southwestillinois.org.

YARD SALE ACROSS THE SOUTH

We went, we shopped, we conquered! Just got back from The Highway 127 Yard Sale, aka The World's Longest Yard Sale or The Yard Sale Across the South. For those of you who haven't heard me talk about this before, its an over 650 mile yard sale that runs from Ohio to Alabama along Route 127. This year we (that would be Kathy Schopp, yes, that's her name, and I) started at Crossville, TN (approx. halfway between Nashville and Knoxville) and headed north, ending in Frankfort, KY.

One of our favorite stops was Clarks Range, TN. They had a huge flea market there and just a lot of individual yard sales and markets. Too many to visit them all. A fun side "bonus" was that while we were at the huge flea market there we came across the team from HGTV taping their yearly special covering the yard sale. It was fun to watch them filming and to see them in person. Did we end up on camera. We unfortunately aren't featured but you may see us lurking in the background if we don't end up on the cutting room floor (which I imagine is where we'll end up). None the less, it was a kick!

So what did we buy? Well, we didn't buy any "big pieces" which was really the only disappointment of the trip. We usually come home with a piece or two (or five) of furniture but we thought they were a bit light on large items this summer. Maybe we just didn't see what we were looking for though. We did find more than enough small items to buy. I bought a snail made out of metal parts to put in the yard/garden. One this size new usually goes for around $50 but I nabbed mine for $7, it was my first buy on Thursday at 7:19 a.m. My son collects stoneware mugs and steins from Germany. Those usually run anywhere from $10 on up at an antique store/mall but I got one for just $1, two for $4 each and splurged on the last one at $11, that totals $20 for an average of $5 each. I done good. I love pottery from the 30's, 40's and 50's and picked up three pieces. One is a turquoise blue California Poppy piece that I got for $13 (bargained them down from $18), a creamware rabbit planter for $3 (a steal) and a small creamware dish for $3 (note, wear your glasses when shopping, I didn't have mine on and thought it said $8 and asked if they would take $5, they laughed, told me it was $3 and we had a funny story). I picked up a cool old Retro Red Rotary Phone for 50 cents and the prize for most unique item would go to the porcelain arm/hand I purchased for $12. It's an unused form used to make latex gloves from an old factory. I plan to use it to hold necklaces, bracelets and rings on my dresser (I think). I also collect antique handblown green glass bottles/pitchers/vases and I found two at $2 each. My friend bought a set of six "game" (that's as in birds that are hunted) plates and to protect the innocent (from her husband) I won't tell you what she spent. She also picked up some small items such as crocks for as little as $3 each.

We were gone 3 nights and shopped the sale for two full days. The heat is usually brutal and we come prepared with little fans that spray water on you, hats and wet washcloths but the weather was lovely and we didn't have any problems keeping cool. And the scenery traveling north through Tennessee into Kentucky is beautiful. We passed over the dam at Cumberland Lake and it was beautiful.

The sale is always the first weekend (Thurs. through Sun.) in August so start making your plans for next year now!

LIMITED TIME AT DILLARD'S

For a limited time only (I can't believe their ad in the B'ville News Democrat didn't specify) Dillard's is taking an additional 40% off the entire stock of permanently reduced merchandise in Ladies', Juniors', Men's, Children's, Accessories, Lingerie, Shoes and Home.  That's a GREAT Sale!

BELLEVILLE FARMER'S MARKET

If you head to downtown Belleville this Saturday morning for their Sidewalk Sale, be sure to check out their Old Town Market while you're there.  The market is located at 1st and West Main and offers free parking.  The hours are 7:30 a.m.. till noon.  This week you'll find tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, plums, blackberries, other summer vegetables, fresh baked goods, honey and fine artisan crafts.

DETAILS ON PAINTED HORSE SALE

I told you yesterday about a sale at The Painted Horse in Freeburg (scroll down to find it or click on the title of the original article to find it).  Anyway, I've found out some more details on it.  The sale's hours are Thurs. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  It's their Dog Days of Summer Sale, their biggest Sale of the Year!  Outside, on the parking lot, is their 8th Annual (Cash & Check Only) Huge Parking Lot Sale with items starting at 25 cents.  For more info call the store at 539-0146.

CITY SIDEWALKS

Downtown Belleville on East and West Main Street is holding an inside and outside Sidewalk Sale this Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st.  Drawings will be held at various stores.  Just some of the stores participating include Allison's Common Scents Shoppe, Beatniks, Marvin's Camera, Ben's Crafts & Florals, Aunt Mary's Parlor, Grimm & Gorly, Harold Smith Pharmacy, eye on design and more.  

RAIN, MAN

I got this out of The Belleville News Democrat.  Belleville area residents are being offered the chance to be a little greener and for a lower price than other outlets.  The City of Belleville is teaming with Prairie Rain Harvester Inc. of Urbana to sell rain barrels for $65 a piece.  I saw in a magazine where a variety of these barrels were being offered from around $150 to $250, so that's a big savings.  For details, deadlines and pick up information check out www.prairierainharvester.com/belleville.  You need to order online by Aug. 12th or postmark your order by Aug. 7th.   I think John and I are going to try and place an order for a couple.

YIPPEEE! YARD SALE ACROSS THE SOUTH!

That's right, baby.  It's that time (almost) and I'm counting it down.  A week from Wednesday I head to Tennessee to take in The Yard Sale Across the South, also known as the Highway 127 Sale, also known as The World's Longest Yard Sale.  I just call it a whole lot of fun!  The sale runs for over 650 miles from the Ohio/Kentucky border down through Alabama.  I've already been 3 times but each of those times was concentrated on about a 45 mile stretch north and south of Lexington, Kentucky.  This time we're headed in to the north part of Tennesee and the south part of Kentucky.  We'll be spending a lot of time in Jamestown, TN, the capitol of the sale and where it originated.

I've been "squirreling" my mad money away for over a month now and have a nice nest egg for spending.  I've made my list and I'm checking it twice.  My friend, Kathy, is emptying out their Honda Element, all but the front seats, so we can fill it with our treasures.  Kathy and I have been "antiquing" together since we got out of college.  We've been to numerous flea markets throughout the Midwest.  We've visited the Sandwich (IL) Antique Market, the Heart of the Country Antique Show in Nashville, TN, we've covered The Covered Bridge Festival in Brown County Indiana too many times to count and visited many an antique mall and shops all over the place.  On our list to still visit:  The Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market in California, Round Top in Texas and Brimfield in Massachusettes.  And last of all we have dreams of visiting the markets in France and England.  I've made it to the Covent Gardens Market in London and another market over there (the name escapes me at the moment) but there is more to explore!

Back to the yard sale across the south, it starts on Thursday and we plan to be there when the stalls open.  We plan to shop all day Thursday and Friday and either come home Friday night or Saturday.  It just depends on how long it takes to fill the Element!  I'll fill you in on what treasures I found when I get back.  Got anything you'd like me to keep an eye out for?  A friend of my sister's wants me to keep an eye out for an old trumpet to make a lamp out of but I'm to pay no more than $20.  What do you want?

ULTA OPEN IN FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS

The new Ulta Beauty store is now open in Fairview Heights, next to The Bed Bath & Beyond on Route 159.  Their grand opening sale is going on through Saturday, August 1st.  Their sales flyer, which has been in the Belleville News Democrat, has a coupon for $3.50 off a $10 or more purchase.  In make up they are carrying such brands as Cargo, Smashbox, Benefit, Lorac, Urban Decay, bareMinerals, L'Oreal, Cover Girl and Revlon.  You'll also find Ulta's own store brand.  In hair products they carry such brands as Graham Webb, bigsexyhair, Paul Mitchell, Catwalk, Joico, Nioxin, Redken and more.  You'll also find facial products, hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, razors and more.  Salon services are also available.  Visit their website at www.ulta.com for all the details.  

SHOPPING IN WATERLOO

A Retirement Celebration Sale is currently going on through August 1^st at Back on the Rack in Waterloo.  Christine is retiring and thanking her customers with a 50% off sale.

A World of Difference, A Healthy Food Store, in Waterloo has new summer hours.  They are currently open Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Take advantage of this great barbecuing weather and head to Schneider’s Quality Meats in Waterloo to pick up some of their award-winning Brats for the grill.  They make a large selection of specialty brats, the best brats you’ll ever eat!

Immanuel Lutheran Church is hosting a Rummage Sale this Saturday, August 1^st from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  All proceeds go to Immanuel’s School.  Currently, the school has openings in the 4 year-old preschool class for the 2009-2010 school year.  Immanuel also plans to begin a Christian kindergarten in the fall of 2010.  Please contact Immanuel’s church office at 939-6480 for more information about the Rummage Sale or the School.

INSPIRATIONAL GREETING CARDS BY DEBBIE LARGENT

Debbie Largent of Waterloo shared with me her new endeavor.  In addition to being a floral designer at Memory Lane Gifts and Floral on Main Street in Columbia, she is now also one of their resident artists.  She is producing "inspirational " cards that combine her photography with inspirational verses.  At the present, her collection includes 20 different photographs.  Some of her photographs are from her travels while others are from right in her own backyard.  She carries her digital camera with her at all times just in case she needs to pull off the road and take a picture. She thanks Gary Edwards of Dupo for all his help in providing her with the spiritual verses. Debbie said that the photographs are nice by themselves and the spiritual verses are also nice, but it took both the photograph and the verse together to make the card "complete".  Debbie is very excited that her cards are ready to sell and also equally excited that her name is on the back of the cards.   Currently the cards can be purchased at Memory Lane and Drew's Landscaping in Evansville.

Debbie will also be participating in the Art on the Bluffs Art Walk in Columbia on Saturday, October 3^rd.  The Art on the Bluffs Committee is in their final push to round out the slate of participating artists.  If you are interested in displaying and selling your art in the fair please get your application in as soon as possible.  Applications are available at City Hall and by emailing artonthebluffs@hotmail.com.  The committee is also looking for sponsors for the event.  If you would like more information on the various sponsorship opportunities please contact Carol Fetcho by emailing her at dfetcho584@aol.com.

PARTY LITE WEBSITE

A friend of mine has a friend, Tina Thien, that sells Party Lite and she is trying to spread the word about her website.  Check out www.partylite.biz/tinathien to view all their products and monthly specials and promotions.

SHOP THE SCHOLARSHOP!

I wrote last week about Sweet Charity and The Exchange having a parking lot sale last weekend.  A friend replied to me that she knew of another second hand shop that is also having an end of summer sale.  The Scholarshop has two St. Louis locations.  The location the location in Clayton across Clayton Road from the Galleria started a 50% off summer merchandise sale on Monday.  The Webster Groves location is starting a 75% off sale this Friday and some sort of "fill the shopping bag" sale next Monday.  They carry everything from clothing for the entire family to home decor and housewares.  Check it out and let me know how you make out!

BIG SALE THE PAINTED HORSE

OK, I haven't been there yet, but I've always heard good things and I'm hoping to check it out myself this weekend.  It's the Painted Horse in Freeburg, IL.  They are located at 810 South State Street in Freeburg and according to a friend they are having a huge SALE event this weekend.  The sale runs Thursday through Sunday and I believe they have extended hours during this event.  Call the store at 539-0146 before you head out.  I believe they are going to be discounting everything in the store from 10 to 75%.  And there is also going to be an extensive parking lot sale going on at the same time.  It sounds like a cross between a yard sale and a flea market, I'm not sure, but it sounds well worth checking out!

I'M BAAAACCCKKK

Well, not yet, but soon.  I'm prepping and tweaking and plan to be back blogging sometime next week!  Stay posted!  I'll be back and better than ever!

HITTING THE PAUSE BUTTON

Just wanted to give readers a heads up.  I am going to be temporarily suspending the newsletter, hopefully just for the remainder of May and through June.  I have quite a bit on my plate right now and just haven't had the time to be out there shopping, surfing the internet, going out and gathering all this news I share with everyone.  If I find some news and the time to post it on my blog over that period of time, I will, so you might want to check the blog every now and then.  Otherwise, I will email everyone on my list when the newsletter starts back up.  If you have info on websites or stores, etc. that is not "time sensitive" please go ahead and forward it to me.  I will use it when I get back "online" with the newsletter.

And don't forget, in the mean time, I will still be writing The Eavesdropper Column for The Republic Times and you will find some "getting out,"  "eating out," and "local shopping" information there.  Last of all, PLEASE, continue to send me any news that the readers of my newspaper column would be interested in, its a great help to filling out the column and I greatly appreciate it!  Thanks, and I'll be seeing you!

RESTAURANT.COM NEWS

Wanted to update you on a website that I have previously spoke about, restaurant.com.  I had a cautionary tale shared with me from a reader that had originally told me about the site.  She received a $14.95 charge on her credit card which is a MONTHLY charge.  As she shared, "needless to say, i didn't read the fine print so i don't know if you want to warn people but fyi.  they did return my money no questions asked."  I have purchased and used a few of the certificates myself so I checked my credit card bill and there was no monthly charge on mine but I will continue to check over the next few months and let you know if I ever get a charge.  I also know of a few other friends that bought the certificates and they have reported no problems to me.  So I would just say be careful what  you do "click on" when on the website and do check your credit card bill.  I know its a hassle to read all the fine print but I would try to peruse through it and make sure nothing catches your eye as suspicious.  I still have a few certificates to use so I'll let you know if I encounter any problems, but so far so good for me. 

Gypsy Caravan

Don't forget to check out the Gypsy Caravan flea market this Monday, Memorial Day, on the UMSL campus in St. Louis.  Its a really great flea market in our backyard.  And proceeds benefit the St. Louis Symphony.  Held rain or shine, and I've been there in the rain!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALE

The Exchange Women's consignment shop on Gravois in St. Louis is having a sale in honor of Memorial Day Weekend.  Mention this ad (I received it via email but it is also mentioned on facebook and myspace pages) and receive 25% off your first item and 10% on additional purchases.  The offer is good Wednesday the 20t through Saturday the 23rd.

Benefit Yard Sale

A volunteer team, "Hart Family & Friends", for the American Cancer Society of Monroe County is having a garage sale, this Saturday, May 16th at 987 Forest View Drive,Columbia, IL from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. They ask if you personally are not interested in their garage sale - please pass along to anyone you thinkmight be - word of mouth is a powerful thing. At 11:00 all items remaining will be reduced an additional 50%. And many items will be priced at 25 and 50 cents. Lots to pick from - furniture to toys to household - something for everyone! And what a great cause to support. I'll be there!!

GOOGLE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE

A reader shared this with me:

Program this into your cell phone and don't leave home without it.......

Leave it to Google to come up with something like this!

Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog411 (1-800-466-4411). This is an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road.

Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number. I'm driving along in my car and I need to call the golf course and I don't know the number. I hit the speed dial for information that I have programmed.
The voice at the other end says, "City & State." I say, " Garland , Texas ." He says, "Business, Name or Type of Service." I say, Firewheel Golf Course." He says, "Connecting" and Firewheel answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is absolutely free!
Click on the link below and watch the short clip for a quick demonstration.
http://www.google.com/goog411/

MY GIFT TO YOU

It's a gift giving time of year. We got Mother's Day, First Communions, weddings, graduations and Father's Day approaching. The Shrine Gift Shop and Bookstore at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is offering a special gift coupone of 15% off clearance items through June 30th. They offer an extensive selection of gifts including jewelry, rosaries, crucifixes, statues, Baptism and First Communion items, figurines, bibles, prayer books and more. They are open daily. The coupon can be found in The Republic Times or visit their website at www.snows.org/gs for store hours and more details.

BIZZ BUZZ

Raccoon Hollow Fabrics has opened in Waterlook at 742 Market Street, Suite 3. They carry quilting, sewing and embroidery supplies.

The new CVS pharmacy building is suppose to open sometime in July according to my most recent reports.

Wilson's Bar & Grill in Waterloo has shuttered their doors. And when the doors there open again, word is, they'll open with a new Italian Restaurant.

The Gas Mart at the corner of Market & Fourth in Waterloo is expected to be back open on May 6th.

A Yoga studio has opened in Columbia on Kunz Street.

A new coffee and wine shop is supposed to have opened this past weekend in Maeystown.

Celebration Station in Waterloo has shuttered their doors.

The Final Touch, an interior design firm in Columbia held their grand opening this past Thursday.

It looks like a new business is coming to Main Street in Columbia. I saw a sign hanging in the window of the old Glenn Travel Building that says Anchor Art and Frame is coming soon.

Let me know if you know of any business news I should share with my readers.

FRUEHLINGFEST FUN

Went to Maeystown to the Fruehlingfest yesterday morning with a friend and my husband. We had a great time. It "misted" on us a bit but other than that it was really delightful.
We bought heirloom tomato plants, herbs, a double piece of old tin ceiling (that's going to be used in our kitchen remodel), a vintage shot glass/cordial set in a holder and a hanging basket. Eating was also on the "to do" list and we shared potato pancakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, a pork steak plate and some great nachos by Wings-n-Things Catering of Red Bud. Not your typical gold round stale chips with bright orange nacho cheese sauce but actually restaurant quality chips with a homemade white cheese/jalapeno sauce. We finished off the eating frenzy at the Sweet Shoppe and tasted a Magic Bar, a Honey Pecan Bar and some Almond Toffee.

Once we had our fill it was on to Old Route 3 towards Dupo to visit the Lawn Ornament Store. There, my friend had the owner saw an old wrought iron fence piece into two pieces so she could use them to decoratively stake up her tomato plants (oh yes she would) and a beautiful concrete statue of a woman peasant carrying a basket of grapes on her head.

Later that afternoon John and I headed to Millstadt Greenhouses and stocked up on a few more flowering planters and hanging baskets to deck our deck out in. They have a beautiful selection and all priced very reasonably. But now I'm going to have to get a little dirt under my nails and get this beautification project completed. Before I go, I'm providing you a list below of just a few of the antique vendors that were at the fest, who's booths I liked and who had business cards out for me to take. I hope to visit some of their establishments in the future, maybe you can too!

Shenandoah, a primitive Country Store. Owners are Dan and Kathy Roe of Springfield IL and they have an online store at www.picturetrail.com/shenandoah or email at circa2708@aol.com.

The Tivoli Antique Company from Lebanon, IL. They do not provide an address on their card but their phone number is 618-537-4365. They had one of the most unique booths, just lots of different items that you do not come across often.

Willow Lake, owner Eileen Bicknese Martin, out of Persimmon Pointe Market in Dardenne Prairie, MO. Website is http://www.willowlake.biz/.

Pairabelles, owner Mary Hummert, out of St. Libory, IL. Mary can be reached at pairabellesdecor@yahoo.com or phone 768-4247.

I talk a lot about saving money when shopping but I don't get in to the eating out savings very often. But I'm all about eating out (less cooking at home) and saving money too!

TCBY is giving out FREE fro yo on Mother's Day this Sunday! Every mom will be treated to a free cup or cone. And thanks to Subway and their $5 footlongs, price slashing in restaurants is continuing. Have you had a $4 Torpedo from Quizno's? I have, a couple times. They look huge but go down so easy. Tasty!

Now Chili's has a "10 under $7 menu", TGI Friday's has $5 sandwiches and salads and The Cheesecake Factory has introduced a small plates and snacks menu. I'm thrilled about these developments and hope we see more. I hated spending $9 on a salad that I couldn't finish at Friday's and would rather spend a little less and get a little less, I don't like the "super sizing"! Let me know if you've heard of any good deals in the chains or local restaurants.

Once again, I gotta tell you, I got some of this info from Hungry Girl, check her out at hungry-girl.com!

TEA TIME

Echoes of the Past and Mill Street Treasures in Waterloo are holding a Mother's Day Tea Event Thursday, May 7th from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Echoes of the Past will have a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate and Mill Street Treasures will have a drawing for a set of pearl earrings, a $25 gift certificate and a stylish new purse.

HUNGRY GIRL

I've mentioned the Hungry Girl newsletter I get daily via email and they have a website too, hungry-girl.com. This week they reviewed frozen entrees and I'm passing along their faves. So if you're trying to watch your figure to get into that swimming suit this summer you might want to check these out.


Their absolute favorites were:
Healthy Choice Fire Roasted Tomato Chicken
Kashi Mayan Harvest Bake
Lean Cuisine Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken

Others they enjoyed included:
Lean Cuisine Five Cheese Rigatoni
Lean Cuisine Beef Chow Fun
Lean Cuisine Linguine Carbonara

Just a little "food for thought."

GET OUT

Ok, its a BIG weekend folks, lots going on!  

Saturday is the village wide yard sale in Millstadt scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. but I'm sure if you're an early bird you'll find some yard sales open before 8:00.

Bon Vivant Wine Shop in Columbia is holding a wine tasting this Saturday with 4 wines from Jorge Ordonez Imports:

Eguren Protocolo Blanco VdlT Castilla, Spain 2008 $7.50 (2007 vintage on sale $6.49) 

Fournier Urban Uco Torrontes Cafayate - Salta, Argentina $8.75

Muga Rioja Rosado, Spain 2008 $12

Muga Rioja Reserva, Spain 2005 $24

Also on Saturday, Raven Moon will be performing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Columbia branch of newly opened First National Bank of St. Louis for their customer appreciation day.  There'll be free barbecue brats and hamburgers and more.  Bring a lawn chair.

And if you miss that performance don't forget to catch the Raven Moon concert at the Espenschied Chapel in Mascoutah this Sunday at 2 p.m.

Rock on with local band Morland Drive at the Valmeyer Corner Pub this Sat. night from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Maeystown Freuhlingfest is Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Shop for antiques and plants for your garden while enjoying entertainment, food and a wine garden.  If you don't et your fill of shopping there you can head across the river to Lindbergh High School's Flea Market (on Lindbergh in South County).

The Monroe County's Farmer's Market has opened for the season.  You'll find it open in Waterloo on Saturday mornings on Mill Street next to the Courthouse and on Thursday afternoons in Columbia on the Ace Hardware parking lot on Main Street.

Fourth Street Bar & Grill is having a benefit poker run for Erica Sanders on Sunday, May 3rd.  Erica is a local girl that was involved in a very bad car accident and she has a 12 year old son that she needs to take care of.  The run will start at Bobecks in Waterloo and leave there by 12:00 p.m. and end at Fourth Street Bar & Grill in Waterloo where food will be served.

I'm hoping to hit the yard sales and Maeystown and just maybe the Lindbergh Flea Market.  Get out there and enjoy SPRING!  (It will be gone before we know it!)

SHOPPING ALERT

DILLARD'S is taking an additional 30% off marked down merchandise this weekend.  The sale started Tuesday for their credit card holders and was offered to all shoppers starting on Wednesday.  Also know that SEARS has they're clearance racks marked down to $2.99, $4.99 and $9.99 currently.  KOHL'S also seem to have a good sale underway.  I got the cutest Apt. 9 black mandarin collared, lace accented black tee for $8.50, regular price $34.00.  I can't state this enough, if you find something you REALLY like, go over to the price checker and check what its REALLY marked at.  This top was regular priced and on a rack where I couldn't be sure what it was on sale for, if it was on sale at all and NO WHERE did it say that I would get it for 75% off!  It was like winning the lottery!

While I'm at it, I know you don't necessarily want a wallet full of credit cards and you definitely don't want to carry credit card debt but if you're disciplined enough to pay them off at the end of each month then its worth looking at having one for the stores you frequent most IF they have monetary benefits attached to them.  I have a Kohl's charge and they sent me a $10 off card for a purchase of $10 or more to use in my birthday month.  So, I actually got that top I just talked about for free and another dollar and a half off a sun visor I bought.  I also got a birthday certificate from JC Penney's for $15 off a $15 or more purchase.  Scored myself two new summer t's that would have cost me $25 total (and that was on sale) and I got them both for, you got it, 10 bucks!  And they've already sent me another certificate for $10 off a $10 or more purchase for Mother's Day!  Got to tell you, not so impressed with Macy's offers for credit card holders.  All they sent me for my birthday is a coupon for 25% off a purchase, yeah, its good, but not great.  Another good one, especially if you have kids that like Old Navy.  You earn "dollars" with all your purchases and then get sent a $10 or $15 certificate when you reach certain levels.  The great thing about this one is that you can take that certificate and spend it on yourself at The Gap or Banana Republic.  So check out those offers!

THE FINAL TOUCH

The Final Touch, an interior design firm located in Columbia is holding their ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 30th at 5:30 p.m.  They will be celebrating this weekend with a CABANA PARTY at their storefront on Main Street.  The party will be Friday, May 1st from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.  They'll be serving food and drinks and a dj will be providing the music.  The festivities continue on Saturday with an Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  If you're out and about, get in on the celebration!

GIVE A LITTLE

In the last couple weeks I have been told about a few good causes I thought I'd share with you.  Do as you want with the info, give if you feel so moved, forward to anyone you think might be interested in giving to the cause.

A friend of mine sent me the following email:  "To say our lives have been touched by heart disease during the past few months would be an understatement. Gary has been to Missouri Baptist 5 times since 11/18. He has received 7 stents in his heart with blockages ranging from 73 to 100%. He is one lucky man that he turned 50 and went for a physical which resulted in a stress test that uncovered all the blockage before his heart was damaged. I've always supported the American Heart Association because of my Grandpa, Robert Wild, who died of a massive heart attack at age 64 and my Dad, Roger Wild, who had his first heart attack at the same age. Therefore, I am trying to help build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseaseand stroke by participating in the American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk. Please support this cause by making a donation that will help provide research and education to stop our No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Thank you in advance for your support!  Just open the link below to use your credit card or you can send me a check payable to American Heart Association (415 Burroughs Road, Columbia, IL62236). Thanks for your consideration."    http://heartwalk.kintera.org/metrostlouis/tammykrebel

One cause, 2 cousins, 3 days and 60 miles.  Lauren Nobbe and her cousin Kristin Nobbe will be walking 60 miles in 3 days in Chicago this August for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  They will be walking in honor of Lauren’s mother, Susan Nobbe, a two time breast cancer survivor.   While Lauren trains for the walk she is also working on getting  donations together for the cause,  $2300 in donations are needed in order to participate in the event.  Lauren and her cousin have some wonderful ideas that they plan on putting together later this spring.   People may donate online at http://www.the3day.org/.   Just click on Donate Now and search for Lauren’s or Kristen's personal fundraising page, or you can make out a check to: Breast Cancer 3-Day.  You'll find the address to send the check to on the website.

I was watching the Bonnie Hunt show this morning (9 a.m. on CW11, what a great show) and she had Phil Keoghan from the Amazing Race on.  He is bicycling across America to raise money and awareness for MS.  You can learn more or donate by going to www.philridesacrossamerica.com.

BOOK'EM DANO

The Belleville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is holding their annual Book Bazaar on Wed., April 29th from noon to 8:00 p.m. with preview admission of $5, Thurs., April 30th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with free admission, Friday, May 1st from 8 to 8 with free admission and books 1/2 price and Sat., May 2nd from 8 a.m. to noon with free admission and books just $2 per bag.  The sale is located at St. Paul United Church of Christ at 115 W. B Street in Belleville and free parking will be available.  They will be selling books, cookbooks, textbooks, games & puzzles, cassettes, movies, magazines, paperbacks, cd's, dvd's, old books and new and unusual books.  For more info or to donate books contact 257-5545 or email auxiliary@memhosp.com.

10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE END OF MAY

1.  Millstadt Village Wide Yard Sale Sat., May 2nd

2.  Maeystown Freuhlingfest, Antique & Garden Show, Sun., May 3rd and Lindbergh High School Flea Market Sun., May 3rd.

3.  Raven Moon performance at the Espenschied Chapel in Mascoutah on Sun., May 3rd at 2:00 p.m. 

4.  Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair May 8th, 9th and 10th at the park near the corner of Watson and Lindbergh in Sunset Hills.

5.  Festival of the Bluffs on Sat. 5/16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cedar Bluff Park in Fults, IL.  Interpretive hikes at hill prairies, land stewardship demonstrations, discussions and demonstrations on wildlife, arts & crafts, native plant sales, food, music and more. 

6.  Art on the Square in Belleville, downtown, on the square, May 15th, 16th & 17th.

7.  Columbia Maifest Sun., May 24th.

8.  Gypsy Caravan on Memorial Day, Mon., May 25th on the campus of the University of Missouri - St. Louis.  Over 300 vendors in a flea market atmosphere.

9.  Free Yard Sale Permit Day means city wide yard sales in Columbia on Sat., May 30th.

10.  Concert in Metter Park on Sun., May 31st to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, on the bill are local rock bands Morland Drive and Rock City Overpass.

I'll try to bring you more details on all of these events as they approach but if you have any questions let me know.  Now get them on your calendar!!

AUCTION ACTION

Asselmeier & May Auctions is having an auction tomorrow night, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at the VFW Hall in Millstadt on Rt. 158.  The auction gets under way at 6:00 p.m. on Friday with preview starting at 4:00 and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with preview beginning at 8:00 a.m. Its a huge estate auction with antiques from the Erwin & Ruth Vogt Estate and the Harry Sexauer Estate, both of Waterloo.  Visit their website for details at www.amantiqueauctions.com.

GET OUT

The weekend is almost here and what's going on.  I'll be celebrating my son's 20th birthday this weekend.  I can't believe it, no more teenager!  Sounds like the weather's going to be pretty great so get out there and enjoy it.

Rev up your engine and head to the Waterloo VFW’s Sixth Annual Car Show this Sunday, April 26^th at 406 Veteran’s Drive in Waterloo.  Registration is 8:00 a.m. to noon with judging to begin at noon.  Trophies will be handed out at 4:00 p.m.  Food and drinks will be available at the show.  Call 973-0153 for more information.

Columbia’s Celebration 2009 Committee is proud to announce “Celebrate Columbia,” a special performance by the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday, April 26^th from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. at the Columbia Middle School.  “We are delighted to help Columbia celebrate its 150^th birthday,” stated Robert Charles Howard, conductor and music director of the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale.   The orchestra will be performing in Columbia in order to reach out, share the group’s talents and introduce the orchestra to citizens in the Monroe County area who may not have had the opportunity previously to see it perform.  A selection of music celebrating “Our Country”, a “Salute to Our Germanic Roots” as well as a “Salute to the Movies” will be performed.   Jackie Hausmann, the Event Coordinator for the City of Columbia, noted “this concert is free to the public and a great opportunity to hear some very talented musicians perform right here in Columbia.”  For more information call 281-7144 ext. 106 or visit their website at www.columbiaillinois.com.

Bethany United Methodist Church in Columbia is planning their Annual Rummage Sale with a twist this year.  Pastor Allynn Walker has been delivering sermons on “radical” hospitality and “extravagant” generosity, so the church has decided to offer free clothing as well as some household goods.  Other “rummage” items will be for sale.  The sale is this Saturday, April 25^th from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Proceeds will go to the church’s youth programs.  The church is located at the corner of Hillcastle and Hilltop Road off Route 3.

Also holding a rummage sale on Saturday is Christ Community Lutheran Church in Columbia, next to Oerter Soccer Park off of Route 3.  Their “Share Our Treasures” indoor rummage and bake sale will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The St. Patrick’s Friends and Family Relay for Life Team is holding a Yard Sale Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25^th from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. both days at 1327 Summerfield in the Vandebrook subdivision on the south end of Waterloo. 

Bookworms head to the Morrison-Talbott Library Book Sale this weekend to stock up on your reading materials.  Preview Night is Thursday, April 23^rd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and cost is $2.00 per person, a small price to pay to get a look at the cream of the crop.  The sale continues Friday, April 24^th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 25^th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The Saturday special is “Buck a Bag,” all you can fit into a plastic grocery bag for $1.00.  For more information contact the library at 939-6232.

I'm planning on trying to hit the book sale and a couple of rummage sales and yard sales.  I'll let you know if I find anything.

THIS WAY TO THE YARD SALE

A reader told me about a site that searches craigslist in an area for yardsales and plots a route using google maps.  Check out: http://www.yardsaletreasuremap.com/.  I haven't tried it yet but it sounds interesting.  If you know of any yard sales let me know, I am always on the hunt!

GET OUT

It's Easter Weekend!  Happy Easter to everyone!  Hopefully most of you are going to enjoy a day off tomorrow!

Mokka Kaffeehaus and the Kiwanis in Columbia are having a fish fry tomorrow night beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a portion of the evening's take going to support Kiwanis children's programs.  John and I are planning to go.  They'll also be serving their regular menu, which works great for me, since I don't eat fried cod.  I recommend their spinach salad and their BrieLT in particular but its all good.  And sounds like their fish is going to be yummy and different too (if you like fish, which John very much does).  There'll also be beer and wine and entertainment.  Maybe we'll see you there.

The Falls in Columbia will be having their brunch on Easter Sunday.  Another great place to go for great food.  Check out their website at www.thefalls.com for the details and you probably want to have reservations this weekend.  While you're there (their website) sign up for their email newsletter, they include coupons in it for their brunches!

More happening in coming weeks and I hope to have a comprehensive list for you in the next couple weeks, but keep an eye out for:

Maeystown Freuhlingfest Sun., May 3rd

Millstadt City Wide Yard Sales Sat., May 2nd

MASC play the next two weekends after Easter

A Spaghetti dinner at St. Paul UCC in Columbia on Sun., April 19th

YMCA Healthy Kids Day Sat., April 18th

FINDS/SCORE

At the Shelter Shop in Belleville earlier this week I found some great buys. A friend I was with unearthed this beautiful lace studded with rhinestones long vest with scarf, for just $8. I found a summer Izod purse that looks very "Lilly Pulitzer"ish in a hot pink and lime green tropical print with white leather accents and a vintage summer straw zippered clutch, both were only $2.25 each, and I'm ready for summer!

WIDE WORLD OF WEB

So, I've saved up some website info to share with you. Some useful, some probably not but none the less a new frontier.

One of the useful ones is www.tightwadmama.com. This gal does the work for you. She searches out the sales, coupons, discount offers even better than I do. Having a birthday? Just click on the birthday cake and she has a comprehensive list of places to get free stuff or specials on or around your birthday. Want to know about the flyers in Sunday's paper, she's got that. Want to know who's giving something away. She knows that too. The great thing is, she's out of St. Louis so while some things are national, some are local too. She's been heard on Cornbread's morning show on a country station in town (I forget which one he's on) and she's been on Channel 4's magazine show that's on at 10 a.m. in the morning (can't think of the name of that either). I've perused a little of it and she's good. Check it out!

This site I've mentioned before but its worth mentioning again. It's www.hungry-girl.com. She's there to help you make more healthy food choices whether you're eating in or eating out. She reviews grocery market food, restaurants (from a health and taste standpoint), provides recipes and discusses health issues. She's not local but a lot of the information is still very helpful. Its very upbeat and realistic too. She doesn't assume you have a personal trainer and your own chef. You can sign up for a daily newsletter that comes Mon. - Fri. that's helpful in keeping you on track if your trying to eat healthy. That being said, I subscribe, and I'm still off the track!

The last website I got from a reader and honestly, at best, it would be a guilty pleasure for some of us. It's topix.com. And its basically a gossip forum on a variety of topics, sorted by community. So that means you can type in Columbia, IL and find out what the people on topix are talking about in regard to Columbia. When I checked it out last night there was a lot of talk about the elections. But there was also mentions of businesses closing, when Maifest is, when free yard sale permit weekend and recycling weekend is. Some useful info if you weed through it but mostly people going off about a variety of things. Some of you may want to check in regularly, for some it won't be your cup of tea at all. I don't think I'll be a regular visitor and I doubt that I would ever post. BUT, hey, no harm in trying it once and its enlightening no matter what you think of it 'cause as I said, its a new frontier out there and its just part of the mindblowing (at least to me) experience that's out there on the web (just like Facebook was to me).

If you have any interesting or helpful websites to share with my readers please let me know. I love learning all these new things and I'll share with everyone else.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

I had some birthday money to burn through and I've been wanting to freshen up my spice rack.  We've been remodeling our kitchen a bit and part of the remodel included a spice cabinet.  In the process of moving my spices to the new cabinet I realized that some (ok most) of my spices were probably, shutter, OLD, like 5 to 10 years old!  So I edited what spices I want and need, made a list and took it over to Penzey's spices in Maplewood.  They are located at 7338 Manchester just east of Big Bend by about 3 blocks.

If you're not familiar with them you can check them out online at http://www.penzeys.com.  Their prices are really competitive to what you find in the grocery store but I believe their spices are a bit better.  The staff there is knowledgeable and helpful and you can pick up recipes and ideas while you are there.  They also come in a variety of sizes and because I don't seem to use them up very fast, most of mine are the smaller size, about half the size of a regular spice jar.  They also have come up with an interesting selection of blends so you can "shake" one jar instead of having to mix a bunch of them yourself.  If you sign up for their email list you'll occasionally get coupons, I got a free jar of cloves and we purchased a copy of the current issue of their magazine and it had a coupon for a free jar of basil so we got that too.

Bonus!  So I got them home and filled my spice cabinet and I have the added benefit that they look very nice in my open shelved spice, cabinet in my remodeled (well not quite done yet but getting there) kitchen.

MORE PROM

A reader inquired if I knew of anywhere to sell used prom dresses.  I don't.  I told her she could check with Plato's Closet in Kirkwood but that's the only place I know of that caters specifically to Juniors clothing.  If you want to know more about them check them out at their website http://www.platoscloset.com.  I suppose you could also list them on Craigslist this time of year and maybe get some bites.  If you know of anywhere to sell used prom dresses let me know.

GET OUT

I have to tell you, I don't have a lot under Get Out this week.  We just came back from vacation and I'm kind of out of the loop on things.  I did mention a couple of rummage sales and a yard sale already.

First Baptist Church of Waterloo is holding an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday at 10 a.m.  The hunt is for toddlers through 6th graders and is open to the public.

Zion UCC Sunday School is holding a trivia night at the SPPS Gym on Saturday night to benefit Kindercottage and Church World Services.  Questions get under way at 7:00 and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Just 2 more Fridays of Lenten fish fries on tap.  Get out there and eat that fish and drink that beer!

Don't forget to get out and vote on Tuesday!

That's all I know folks, will try to dig up more for you next week!

Koffee Klatch

Mokka Kaffeehaus in Columbia had a few interesting announcements in their last newsletter that I thought I'd share with you. First off, they've added a Buffalo Chicken Wrap to their menu. They also continue to experiment with new gooey butter cake recipes and some of their newer ones are Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake and Butterfinger Gooey Butter Cake.

Much to my happiness they have announced that they are now serving breakfast weekdays and not just weekends anymore. Yeah!! Music on Thursday nights continues and its a nice little almost weekend night out. Sip some wine or guzzle some beer and listen to some great music while visiting with friends. I've been twice with friends and look forward to going back and taking my husband sometime.

Last of all, Fri., April 10th, their having a Mokkawanis Fish Fry. That's a fish fry at Mokka to benifit the causes of the Kiwanis. Sounds like a great idea! Serving begins at 5:00 and Mokka Joe will be providing the entertainment. I'm thinking that's where John and I will be.

If you're not a subscriber go to www.mokkakaffeehaus.com and sign up. I love having the inside scoop!

PENGUIN SUITS

It's prom season and a reader wrote in asking where to find the best tux deals. I thought other readers probably have prom questions and issues too, so I thought I'd open it up. If anyone has ideas to share on tuxedos, prom dresses, corsages and boutonnieres, transportation, etc. please send them to me and I will pass them on to all you readers.

While my experience is limited I will share what I know. When Bryce went to prom a couple years ago, he chose to purchase a tux and wear it both years. At that time, we shopped at Men's Wearhouse and JC Penney, both at South County mall, and found a tux for $99 at Penney's that he liked. We did have to buy some black shoes (I think for $20 to $30) and a tie each year but that was it, and he still has it if he finds occassion to wear it again.

If I had been renting one I probably would have went through Memory Lane on Main Street in Columbia, since I use to work there and remain friends with owner (and reader) Pam Haberl. When I recieved this question I asked her what tuxes were renting for these days. She checks her competition and she says she is priced competitively if not on the low end compared to her competitors. She carries tuxes from two tux distributors - Anderson Formal Wear and Jim's Formal Wear, which is headquartered locally out of Trenton. Tuxes from Anderson start at $80 and ones from Jim's start at $90 and they go up from there. Remember, if you are comparison shopping you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some include shoes and accessories, some do not. And different styles will run different prices. Pam has color catalogs in her shop for you to peruse and choose. She will then take measurements and place the order. You go in, pick up, try on and adjustments are made if necessary (and as long as you don't pick it up at the last minute). You can also check out their styles online. Go to andersonsformalwear.com or jimsformalwear.com.

One last plug, when it comes to flowers, Pam does a beautiful job at a very reasonable price. And she will take the time to work with you on the details to make that girl's corsage one of a kind. Details like color of ribbon and color of flowers and floral spray if needed and the type of "bling" that is put in it. And she's always up on the latest trends too. I can't say enough good things. Sometimes I help out, I'm the queen of boutonnieres, and the same care is taken with them as with the corsages. Memory Lane's phone number is 281-4538. If you're going to be picky order early so she can make sure she has everything you need in stock. But even if you're last minute she'll make something wonderful up for you!

Send me prom pictures and I'll post them!!!!