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!!