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.