Boutique Shopping

Has anyone been to the new boutique in Columbia at Vida Verde Spa and Salon?  I haven't been able to make it in there yet.  But I did see that they are taking 30% off everything in the shop through March 5th (that's the boutique not the salon).  They are located at 127 N. Main and their phone number is 281.6767.

DINING DEAL

Here's a dining deal for you, with no coupon or certificate necessary.  Trattoria Marcella in St. Louis is putting their own spin on these hard economic times.  Their ad states that "this is our economic stimulus plan to stimulate your appetite."  On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights they are offering 7 entrees for $10 each.  Their hours these nights are 5 p.m to 10 p.m. 

They are located at 3600 Watson Road and can be reached at 314.352.7706.  Check out their website at http://www.trattoriamarcella.com.

GET OUT

It's a good thing.  See for yourself Friday, Feb. 27th at 3 p.m. when Martha Stewart makes an appearance at the West County Macy's to sign copies of her new cookbook, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School".  For more info call 314-966-0017 ext. 3402.

The Lenten Season fish fries heat up this Friday evening.  Friends of ours have invited us to attend the Columbia Turner Hall Fish Fry.  John loves these but me, not so much.  I've never liked fried fish and I think the alternative is fried shrimp, which I don't like either.  About all I'll eat is the french fries and maybe drink a beer.  We'll see if we go.

Saturday night we are going to the YMCA trivia night.  We usually hit one or two of these the winter.  We didn't make any last year and this is the first for this year.  Cost is $15 per person with tables of 8.  Soft drinks will be sold or you can bring your own, snacks can also be brought.  Think I'll make this great artichoke feta dip I just discovered.  I believe there's also a silent auction.

Don't forget the Scrapbook Crop and Photorganization day on Sat., 3/7 at Columbia Middle School from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Cost is $12 a person.  Call Doug Rose at 281-5001 or Anne Simek at 401-6189 to reserve your spot.  All proceeds benefit after prom.

SALE ALERT

My sister called me at 7:50 a.m. this morning:  "Dillard's is taking an additional 40% off the marked down price on just about everything (if not everything) in the store!"  The sale started today and I believe runs at least through Saturday or Sunday.  I made a quick run over to South County this morning to check it out!  In just over an hour I walked out with 3 pair of shoes for under $40 total, 2 belts for under $15 total (both leather, one a Fossil brand that was orig. $48) and 3 tops for about $30 total (one Ralph Lauren, one Nygard and one store brand).  I called a friend in O'Fallon about the sale, she ran to St. Clair Mall and came out with 3 pair of shoes for her husband (Cole Haan and Johnston & Murphey) and 6 pairs for herself (a fair and equitable share, it was her time afterall :)  NOW GO SHOP!!!

A PURPLE COW

A friend of mine took some of her daughter's clothes she had outgrown to The Purple Cow Kids Resale shop on Gravois to see if they would take them.  They do not consign there, they offer you two choices when they accept your clothes.  You can be paid cash on the spot, she was offered $150 cash for a fairly good stack, maybe a laundry basketful, or $180 credit that could be used in their store or in the sister store, Women's Closet Exchange, with no expiration date on that credit.  The catch is they do only take clothes that they are confident they can sell.  That means popular brands like Limited too, Abercrombie, ect. and they really have to be in like new condition, clean and pressed with no spots, rips, holes, etc.  Its also a great place to shop for kids clothes through size 12-14 (there's a larger selection among the smaller sizes) and maternity clothes.

SHUTTERBUG

A reader found this deal on the Bargainist website.  If you were interested in trying out creating digital memory books, now is the time to do it.   Surprise someone with precious memories compiled in a photo book created just for them.  Visit Shutterfly and order a free photo book.  Simply choose 20 of your favorite photos to create a 20-page 8x8 photo book (valued at $29.99).  All you have to do is apply coupon code:  PHOTOBOOKS.  You'll still have to pay for shipping (we assume).  Shop soon as this offer is valid through 3/10/2009.*

*Hot deals expire quickly.  This deal may no longer be valid.

HTC Phone Book Online

HTC has put their phone book online.  It might be a great thing to bookmark on your computer. It features white page listings and searches.  Bookmarks with the most common types of businesses.  And yellow page listings that include maps showing the location and links to business websites and email.  It can be found at http://htc.dirxion.com/Main.asp.

Check it out!

INS AND OUTS OF BUSINEESS

I made two new discoveries yesterday.  I found out from one friend and reader that it appears. Groomingdale's in Columbia is going out of business.  I don't know why, she was just called by someone with Groomingdales and told that her dog's appointment for Tuesday was being cancelled because they are closing.

Another friend called me as soon as she discovered a new shop on Main Street in downtown Columbia.  Evalina's opened on Saturday.  They will be selling Antiques, Gifts, Crafts and Coffee, Tea and Treats.  They are located at 124A South Main, across the street from Bon Vivant Wines.  Well, of course I had to hurry down there and check it out.  They're still loading the store so they opened but haven't advertised and they'll be holding a grand opening at a later date.  What they had out so far was mostly the antiques and it's looking good.  Barbara Ratz is the owner and she hasn't decided on exact hours yet but she does plan to be opened on Sundays too.  The phone number on her business card is 618.520.0569 so you might want to call and make sure they're open before making a special trip down there.  She had some vintage jewelry and I found 3 things I decided I couldn't live without.  A beautiful unique vintage purple rhinestone brooch, a silver and rhinestone accented enamel dragonfly brooch/pendant and a gold coin long necklace.  I saw a beautiful chandelier, some great framed artwork and some fine wood antique furniture.  Let her know Debbie (with the blog and newsletter) sent you!

STOP & CROP

Attention Scrapbookers!  Mark your calendars for 2 weeks from today!  On Sat., March 7th the CHS After Prom Committee is holding a Scrapbook CROP and PHOTOrganization Day at Columbia Middle School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Bring a friend or reserve a whole table at $12 per person.  CROP till you drop, help with photo organization, free demonstrations, door prizes and snacks and drinks will be provided.  To reserve your spot call Doug Rose at 281-5001 or Anne Simek at 401-6189.  All proceeds benefit After Prom (keeping our kids off the streets and out of trouble!).

Chocolate Fix

So I went out last night with a few of my friends to Bailey's Chocolate Bar in the Lafayette Square area of St. Louis.  We've gotten a group of gals together and we eat out together once a month.  The atmosphere is really rich, just like the chocolate. Dark woods, reds and golds, candles - very romantic and relaxing.  Make sure you're ready for a leisurely dinner and dessert, or just skip to dessert if you want.  You can pick your poison (chocolate) in the form of beer, martinis, shakes, on your salad, baked desserts, candies and ice cream confections.  The seven of us felt it necessary to have a bit of dinner before we dove into dessert.  On the table with a lot of sharing going on were: a couple of pizzetas (small pizzas with not your usual ingredients) of the "Missour" variety which was just a pizza crust spread with butta (butter), cheeses, mushrooms, garlic and a little green herb garnish of some sort; a couple salads - one spinach and one Salad Chocolat (mixed greens, dried cherries, toasted nuts,danish blue cheese, white chocolate with a framboise viniagrette); Baked Brie wrapped in mixed nuts with bacon, fruit and bread; and foccacia bread with olive oil to dip it in. For dessert there was: Milk Chocolate Bread Pudding, The Bailey's Bar (chocolate cake with buttercream frosting between layers dipped in ganache), Bailey's Chocolate Brownie and a chocolate raspberry martini. I'd say the pizzeta and desserts were favs of the table.  You'll find their complete menu, both drink and food, on their website just click on their name above or the title of the article and I'll take you there!

Eating to See and be Seen

I know, you're asking yourself "what is she talking about?"  Well, I'll tell you.  We went out to eat at Lucas Park Grille on Washington Avenue in St. Louis on Friday night.  Our friends invited us and picked the restaurant.  So, as I do with restaurants I haven't been to before, I checked them out on the Sauce Magazine website and their own website.  On the Sauce Mag website I found that they were voted number 1 in their reader's choice poll as "the place to see and be seen."  Well, I guess I was seen but I don't know by who 'cause I didn't recognize anyone there.  But the restaurant itself was great.  The food, atmosphere and servers were all top notch.  I had filet mignon (I'm boring but I just think its heavenly when done well, not well done : ) with pomme puree (ok, they're a bit pretentious here, they're mashed potatoes alright) and asparagus.  Oh, but first, I had this great lavender puff pastry stuffed with goat cheese and served with greens and strawberry compote (yeah, also kind of pretentious sounding), it was very yummy.  For dessert I just stole a taste of John's maple walnut bread pudding, it was good but not in the same league as the rest of the meal.  And speaking of John and the others, John had a chicken breast stuffed with duck confit and something else, the husband of the other couple had monkfish with crab risotto and his wife had lamb chops with couscous  Everyone enjoyed, I'd give it a 3 3/4 spoons (out of 4)!

GET OUT

Take your pick this weekend, there's a lot going on.  It's Mardi Gras baby!  Head down to Soulard, I've always wanted to go but this is one event I have never been to.  If you have, let me know your experience.  Did you get any beads?  How'd you get them???  They're celebrating Mardi Gras here in Columbia too, with a dinner dance at Turner Hall with Second Generation Swing providing the music to dance to.  Doors open at 5 p.m., Dinner at 6:30, dance at 8:30. Tickets are $20 per person and includes fried chicken, black beans and rice and King Cake with a cash bar.  The evening is being sponsored by the Celebration 2009 Committee of Columbia, celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.  Advance tickets can be purchased at Ron's Pharmacy, Conrad Press and Conrad Travel.  There's also a Chicken & Beer Dance at the Hecker Community Center Sat. night from 8 to midnight.  Music by Freefall (We went to this dance last year and had a great time and the band rocked).  Tickets are $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door.  For tickets call 61-473-2970.  Price includes music, free chicken, "draft" beer and "draft" soda.

Tomorrow Night the Van Dells are performing at The Falls, doors open at 6:00 p..m.  The Van-Dells is touted as the nation's #1 Rock and roll Review.  Cost is $55 per person and includes dinner, open bar and show.  Advance tickets are required so call 888-538-7778 to reserve yours.

There's also some shopping opportunities this weekend.  The Belleville Flea Market is Sat. and Sun. from 9 to 4 each day at The Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville.  Free parking and free admission.  Asselmeier & May is holding a major Antique Estate Auction on Saturday at 9:30 a.m., previewing starts at 8:00 am.  The sale is held at the VFW Hall on Rt. 158 in Millstadt. For more info check out their website at www.amantiqueauctions.com.   Voss Brothers Action Auction will be holding a sale at noon Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5874 B Road in Valmeyer.  Sale includes tools, collectibles, household and other misc. items.

Have an Eventful Weekend!

RUB A DUB DUB

It was s'wonderful!!  Our massage, that is.  On Valentine's Day John and I visited Mist Day Spa in Columbia and were treated to a couples massage.  It was fantabulous! (that's fabulous and fantastic  combined : )  We entered a serene room and were left to disrobe (only as much as you are comfortable with) and slip under the covers of a warm massage bed.  Soft music playing, bed heated.  The massage therapists entered and started giving us each a 60 min. swedish massage.  I don't know what's "swedish" about it but it is amazingly relaxing and feels oh so good.  I had a massage once before but it did not come close to the ecstasy of this one.  I truly believe this should be on everyone's "bucket" list.  The trouble is, most of you, once you try it, will probably want it again (and again and again).  John and I left sharing that we could buy one for each other for our birthdays, mother's day, father's day, anniversary, groundhog day . . . well, you get the picture.  Mist offers a variety of services including many types of massage and many facials.  To check out their website just click on the title of this column, RUB A DUB DUB!

SLEEP TIGHT

A reader shared the following with me:

Put your car key beside your bed at night.  If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car.  The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.  This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator.  Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away think of this:  Its a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation (and no cost).  Test it.  It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.  It works if you park in your driveway or garage.  If  your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar (or worse) won't stick around.  After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that.   This would also be useful for any emergency such as a heart attack, where you can't reach the phone.  Or for the elderly if they fall outside and can't get help.

Eat Drink Save Money

A reader passed this great tip on to me.  At restaurant.com you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for just $10.  If you click on the title above, it will link you to the webpage to start ordering.  You just enter your zip code or the city you want to look in and it will lead you through the simple process from there.  The reader had bought a certificate for Del Pietro's.  I did a quick search for south St. Louis and downtown St. Louis and also found Aya Sofia, The Feasting Fox, Felix's, Johnny Gitto's, Bailey's Chocolate Bar and Hammerstones, just to name a few.  Read carefully, there are a few restrictions that I believe can vary restaurant to restaurant.  For instance, at Bailey's the certificate is not good on Fri. and Sat. nights and only one certificate is allowed per table.  But what a great way to eat out at a nicer restaurant for a nicer price!

SHOP, EAT, REPEAT

Shopping, eating out, I've been doing a little bit of both this week.  Yesterday I headed down to Waterloo.  I had dropped some items at the new resale clothing shop, Hi-Style Boutique, there in the plaza in front of Wal Mart.  I had a large lawn and leaf bag full of clothes that I was emptying out of my closet and some of them were still in good condition.  They were headed to a resale shop to be donated but I thought I'd stop there and see if they were interested in any of them.  Out of the bag, they accepted half to 3/4 of them and gave me a check for $37 for them.  I can't tell you how much they gave me for each individual item because I didn't ask them to.  I was happy to be paid on the spot for items that were just going to be donated and that I didn't have to sit at a yard sale and sell.  If you're going to give them a try its best to go Tues. through Thurs. and call first and see if the owner, Lisa Kueper, is going to be in.

After that, I headed to the Western Egyptian Resale shop to donate the leftovers and while I was there I thought I better just take a peek.  I came out with 3 great necklaces for a total of $2.50.

Later that afternoon I headed with a friend over to The Closet Exchange and Sweet Charity (both resale shops), on Gravois near the intersection with Sappington in South County.  I bought a Lilly Pulitzer hot pink polo top for spring, brand new with the tags still on it for $20 something (reg. price on the tag was $75) at The Closet Exchange.  And at Sweet Charity I bought an Emmanual Ungaro black jacket for spring and a Ralph Lauren black and white stripe blazer (also for spring) both for $8 each and a Jones New York spring pink with navy polka dots blouse for $7.  There's also a home furnishings resale shop in the same plaza as Sweet Charity but I didn't catch the name of it and they seemed to still be setting up and getting ready to close for the day, so I'll have to check them out further another time.

Tonight I'm headed out to eat with my husband and another couple to Lucas Park Grille downtown St. Louis.  Of course I'll let you know how it is.

I'm hoping to find somewhere to shop tomorrow.  And yes, I'll let you know if I do and what I find.

Wine a little today

Andrew is holding a tasting tonight at Bon Vivant Wines on Main Street in Columbia from 5 to 7 p.m.  He will be tasting a range of French wines, great for Valentine's Day weekend.  Stop in and try:  Dom. de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et Maine "Clos des Briords" 2007 $16

Fernand Girard Sancerre "La Garenne" 2007 $24

Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc 2007 $16

Vincent Paris St. Joseph Rouge 2006 $27.50

Ch. Pesquie Ventoux Rouge "Terrasses" 2006 $14

Ch. Belles-Graves Lalande-de-Pomerol 2005 $35

Cooking up some Entertainment

A reader and her husband tried a Dierberg's Cooking School class the other night and had a wonderful time and it sounded like the food was fabulous. She said some great stuffed mushrooms and a wondeful salad dressing were her favorites. The instructor cooked for them and then they got to eat the demonstration. There was the appetizer, salad, main course and dessert (a molten chocolate cake, of course, I would recall the dessert she said they made and not the main course). She said it was all good and a fun evening out. Dierberg's has a south county cooking school location in addition to many other locations throughout the St. Louis area. You can check out their upcoming schedule of classes, costs and make reservations by clicking on the title above, "Cooking up some Entertainment." I think it would also make a great gift for someone. It's now on my list of things to do in 2009!

Shopping Alert

Macy's and Kohl's both have big sales starting tomorrow. I'll be hitting at least one of them, if not both, tomorrow, I'll let you know what I find. If you go, make sure you clip the extra savings pass for Macy's out of your newspaper (or you may have gotten one through the mail like I did) and ask for your scratch off discount at the cash register at Kohl's (or again, you may have received it through the mail, I got 20%). Happy Shopping!

Eat your HEART out

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. If eating out is the way to your sweetie's heart here's some ideas to consider:

At The Falls in Columbia - They are serving a delectable 4 course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jon Weatherfield, paired with just the perfect wine, skillfully selected by PRP Wine International (no I don't know who they are but they sound impressive. Doors open at 6:30 and dinner is served at 7:00. Cost is $55 per person, all inclusive. Reservations Must Be Made By Wednesday, February 11, 12:00 PM. Call 888-538-7778 and ask about their Sweetheart Package or visit them online at http://www.seethefalls.com/.

JV's in Waterloo is serving Chicken Marsala or Ribeye as their special on Valentine's Day.

Annebriar in Waterloo has a special dinner & dessert menu on Valentine's Day with Live Music by Singing Cowboy Terry Roberson from 7 to 10 p.m. Call 939-4653 for reservations. Drink specials ALL Night!

Bobeck's in Waterloo's Saturday V-Day special for two is a 10 oz. Strip Steak, Fried Shrimp, Baked Potato and Dinner Salad for $24.99 per couple.

The Feasting Fox at 4200 Grand in St. Louis is offering a few great options. Friday night they have a candlelight dinner, Saturday dinner with live music and a rose for your sweetheart and Sunday a Brunch buffet for $9.95. For more info check out their website at http://www.feastingfox.com/.

If antiques and collectibles are more your sweetheart's desire, Echoes of the Past in Waterloo is taking 20% off all Rose items through Feb. 14th. And if diamonds are your girl's best friend Curtis Jewelers in Columbia is having a 20-50% off Valentines Day Sale (hopefully there's some diamonds in that sale).

As for me and my sweetie, our plans include dinner out with friends Friday night at Lucas Park Grille downtown St. Louis, a couple's massage at Mist Day Spa in Columbia on Saturday (I was given a gift card to there for Christmas!) and a movie and dinner at home that evening. I'll let you know how the restaurant and spa turn out.

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

I've spoken about The Glass Olive, south on Telegraph Road before but am reminded to mention them again. I just received their email newsletter that included their February Nightly Specials. Thought they were worth sharing with you:

Sunday - 4:00 p.m. to close every Sunday night A three course meal for two on selected entrees for only $35.00 a couple.

Monday - 20% off all food and drink

Tuesday - $5.00 martinis (a wide selection of tasty treats) all night, every Tuesday!

Wednesday - Free flat bread buffet from 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday - Oh, it's ladies night with martini flights. Choose 4 - 3 oz. samples of selected martinis for $12.00!

Friday & Saturday - Live Entertainment

For more info head over to their website, just click on their name above. And while you're at it, register to get on their email newsletter list!

Cash4books

I received this note from a reader today and had never heard about this. If you need a little cash, you may be able to turn your old books into some green. Read on. "I wanted to pass this site on to you. I am planning to sell more books. But, went to this site and put in the ISN codes on the books-at once this site tells you if they are buying or not. I sold 9 books for $15.00 and they pay for shipping. I printed out the invoice of books I sold, printed out the shipping label-packed up my books and labeled-took to the PO and didn't pay a dime for shipping. They will send you a check or pay to a PayPal account if you have one. With PayPal you receive 3% back. They have a list on their site of an example list of what they will buy from you.(I mainly sold "self-help" books-go figure) (however, they really like text books) I know I made more from the books than if I had a garage sale. I'm a procastinator-and they made it so easy I mailed my books out in two days. If you have books you haven't seen for awhile and probably won't read again, I highly recommend this site. SIMPLE and $$!" Go to:
http://cash4books.net/index.php?ref=97090
Let me know if you decide to sell anything and what kind of luck you have!

V-Day

That's right, a week from today is Valentine's Day. So make sure your hubbies and boyfriends see this (well one or the other, hopefully you don't have both). If flowers are what you want for Valentine's Day, and what girl doesn't, then call or stop by Memory Lane Gifts and Florals in Columbia. Yes, it's kind of a shameless plug, I use to work there, but Pam, the owner, also just happens to do beautiful work. Quality flowers at a very reasonable price. And she's more than willing to work with you. Tell her what your budget is and she'll come up with something beautiful no matter the budget. For V-day she's offering premium Long Stem roses (but order early for best selection and best prices), Teleflora specials and her own unique Memory Lane creations. One example is her new hot and trendy arrangement of hot pink spray roses with lime green button and fuji mums in a pink retro vase with the new green m&m's (the mint, new color of love ones) in it. In addition to flowers you can send balloons, plush animals and candy. She can also attach or work in gifts you bring in to the flower arrangements (got a diamond ring you want nestled in the flowers?) These men need the help, time to drop the hint, right?

Somethin for Nothin (well almost)

So, I'm needing foundation and not wanting to go the department store route. I peruse the sales fliers in Sunday's paper and find that CVS has L'Oreal makeup buy one get a powder, blush or concealer free. Lipstick is also buy one, get one free. I could use a new color of that, too, with Spring coming. Then I decide to do a little coupon clipping (I'm not religious about this but I do take a look now and then). There in the coupons are two coupons for L'Oreal makeup. $2.00 of a foundation and $1 off a lipstick. Bonus, I have a CVS cash register coupon for 50 cents off. So today I headed to the cosmetics counter. I purchased a L'Oreal foundation for $14.49 and got an undereye concealer ($10.49 value) for free. Then I got an $8.99 lipstick and got another $8.99 lipstick for free. Then they took off $3.50 in coupons and when it was all said and done I got $42.96 worth of makeup for $19.98. A savings of $22.98. That ROCKS! And THEN, to top it all off, the cashier said that if I'd give her my email address they would email me a coupon for $4.00 off my next purchase! Ha, beat that!!

Heavy Metal

Elements Off Main just got a rockin' new line of jewelry in. It's called Liquid Metal by Sergio Gutierrez. He's an engineer turned artist out of Miami. His pieces are worn by such celebrities as Demi Moore, Cher and Britney Spears. They're made of nickel and are kind of a cross between "rocker" chic and 30's deco glam. They may be a little more expensive but they are definitely a signature piece and look great whether dressed down in jeans or dressed up in a little black dress. If you are going to have just one bracelet, this is the one to have (its going to be my one, anyway). Other pieces in the line that Elements is carrying are necklaces and earrings. They have a very limited selection and only one or two other boutiques in the St. Louis area sell them so you're not going to see these on every other girl friend. Check them out at Elements or you can visit Sergio's website at http://www.lmcollection.com. Come on, you ROCK!

TRIPPIN'

Oh, baby it's cold outside. Then warm. Then cold. Then . . . well, you get the picture. So crazy weather like this gets me thinking of other climes, which gets me thinking about vacations. We have a few planned.

We're planning to take a short weekend trip down to see Bryce at Mizzou and make a few stops along the way at wineries and antique shops. In March we are headed to Brownsville and South Padre Island Texas. In June we are headed out to Washington State to visit family, friends and (fingers crossed) see our oldest son graduate from Portland State University (Yea!!). Oh, and take in some wineries out there. I'd also like to travel with John once or twice more this year on business (usually Richmond, Virginia, Kansas City or Chicago) and I hope to plan a girls weekend of shopping somewhere. Oh, and throw in a couple weekend getaways with John, hopefully, one will be to visit my niece in Indianapolis and another down to Southern Illinois to visit more wineries.

I would love to hear if you have any travel plans or tips. Where are you headed this year? Anyone been to South Padre and got any good restaurant ideas, places to go or things to do? We will be staying in a condo in Brownsville (which I got a deal on through RCI vacations) and flying on Southwest to Harlingen (2 free tickets with John's frequent flier miles). But we're still looking for a cheap car rental (any help here?) and ideas for things to do while we're there. So let me hear from you!

GET OUT

St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Columbia will hold a concert on Sun. 2/8 at 6:00 p.m. featuring Susan Drake and Julie Jennings.  Admission is free, but there will be a free-will offering taken during the concert.  For more info on their music visit their website http://www.originalwomen.com.

Last reminder for a good time listening to good music head to EagleFest on Sat., 2/7 at the Columbia American Legion.  Music starts at 6 p.m.  Entertainment for the evening includes the bands Morland Drive and Rock City Overpass.  Refreshments and pizza will be available at the event.  Advance tickets cost $4 for students and $6 for adults (at the door $6 for students and $8 for adults).  For more info you can email premier@htc.net.

Mark your calendars for Valentine's Weekend and make your husband happy (no, not with that).  Take him to the Metro East Home Improvement Show at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds. The show runs Fri. 2/13 through Sun. 2/15 with hours being 2 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.  Visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Southwest Illinois website for more information and for a 2 for 1 admission coupon, just click on their name and you'll be linked.  And speaking of Valentine's Day, let me know how you'll be spending it with your Valentine (again, get your mind out of the gutter, I'm not talking about that)!

Never Pay Full Price Again

My hubby found this article on Yahoo News from the Wall Street Journal.  I know, sounds kind of hoity toity or like something that might not be worth your time.  But it talks about a couple good websites for coupons and savings on purchases whether online, in a grocery store or purchasing big ticket items.  I'm all about not paying full price for anything so I'm going to check it out.

The site is:

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106535/Coupon-Web-Sites-Never-Pay-Full-Price-Again

Real Estate Sampler

I've got three listings to share with you this week.

The first one is a late 1960's ranch on an acre and a half on Maeystown Road in Waterloo.  Its a 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick home in a country setting. The property features 2 large outbuildings/garages (one is approx. 1500 sq. ft.) and 2 cute wooden sheds decked ot in red and white.  Also on the property are 3 apple trees.  There is a full finished basement included in the 2689 sq. ft. home.  The home is priced at $220,000.

New on the market in Columbia is this home in Wilson Hills.  Located at 1011 Arlington this tri-level home has 2006 finished sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths.  Features include cathedral ceilings in the dining room/living room, 2 bedrooms sized big enough to hold a king sized bed, a lower level large family room with fireplace and half bath, storage room and laundry room with washer and dryer that stay, and a deep oversized 2 car garage.  All on a lot that includes  large herringbone-patterned deck off the dining area and a large privacy fenced-in yard.  An all new heat pump system was installed in 2008 and a new roof and siding were installed in 2003.

New on the market in Waterloo is this cute cottage at 105 S. Moore Street.  This charming 4 bedroom home on a corner lot with large cedar fenced in back yard is freshly painted with recently refinished white oak hardwood floors, arched doorways and an updated bathroom. Features include a large unfinished basement with built in storage and rough in for another bathroom and a large eat-in kitchen with loads of cabinets and countertop space.  There is a 2 car detached garage with workshop in rear, all for $149,000.

If you'd like more information on any of these homes or any home for sale in the greater Metro East area just let me know, I'd love to be of assistance.  You can reach me at 618.719.8049 or via email.

Going out of Business Sale

A reader emailed me to let me know that Accents, Decor & More with JC will be holding a going out of business sale on Sat., Feb. 21st.  They are located at 424 W. 4th Street in Waterloo, that's the blue building that you can see from the Rt. 3 bypass on the left just south of the Illinois Street turn off.  The "JC" stands for the owners name, Jo Carol Goff.  For more info call the shop at 618.939.5832.

Yet Another Sale

A reader has informed me that Don Rodgers Ltd. in Belleville is having a great sale.  Currently all holiday and winter women's apparel is 50% off and then take an additional 20% off that price. She had great luck and walked out with quite a few finds.  They are located at 6727 West Main in Belleville.  Phone number is 618.398.2421.  Their hours are M - F 9:30 to 5:30 and Sat. 9:30 to 4:30.  They carry lifestyle apparel for men and women.  For more info click on their name above and it will link you to their website.