What to Shop for in August: Get More for Less!

What's a Gorilla doing in a shopping blog? Why he's standing on the roof of this car dealership telling you this is the month to look for deals on new cars.  Are you going to deny him? August is when the newer models come in and the car dealer wants to move this year's models off the floor. So take that Godzilla!

August is a good month to look for bargains--from barbecues to White Sales. Happy Shopping!


This is the 9th post in a series of posts on how to get more for less. If you follow the retail sales calendar, you'll find the best bargains each month.


In August to get value for your money look for deals on:

• Air Conditioners/Fans
• Barbecues
• Bathing Suits and Beachwear 
• Camping Gear
• Cars (newer models coming in)
• Clothing: School/Fall
• Computers
• Curtains and Drapes
• Furniture
• Gym Membership
• Garden Tools (Sprinklers)
• Lamps
• Linens/Towels (White Sales)
• Mowers
• Pool Equipment
• School Supplies
• Sunglasses
• Tires

Each month I'll preview the next month's sales. Look for my next blog post in the series,"What to Shop For in September: Get More for Less!" Check out last month's post. You'll also like: 10 Shopping Tips: Getting More for Less.


p.s. I'd like to say I was out shopping, but that's not the reason this post was delayed. It's summer time, the weather was nice and well, let's just say I hung a sign on the door that said, Gone Fishin!

But I'm back!


photo credit: Peter Kaminski:http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterkaminski/11843486/

For the Pet Lover: Dog Figurine Soaps (Plus a Cat & a Bunny!) from Gianna Rose

These soaps from Gianna Rose are soooo cute. Do you own a lab? A poodle? A cat? Or are you an unabashed pet lover? Then these soaps are for you! 


The soap comes in many scents--from a westie with a vanilla, melon, passion flower, and rose petal fragrance to a pug with a clean woodsy-floral.


And for the cat lover there is the chat sophistiqué cat soap with an attitude! This keepsake, triple-milled, vegetable-based soap has a tulip and hyacinth fragrance. 


And don't forget the bunny!

More Gianna Rose...

Modern Kitchen Linens from Tikoli: Add a Little Pizazz!

These modern kitchen linens from Tikoli will really brighten up your kitchen. The designs are influenced by Japanese prints and mid-century modern design. 


On one hand...they are almost too nice to use. On the other hand...why not add a little pizazz to a dull task? Plus they make wonderful hostess gifts.


Tikoli is located in the San Francisco Bay area. Their eclectic, designs "reflect both the relaxed California lifestyle and  the freshness and innovation of California cuisine."


Click on photos to see more information and to order: 

100% cotton fabric: kitchen linens: $9.50

Deal of the Week: Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox Cosmetics are the epitome of style and elegance.


Smashbox Cosmetics was conceived by the great-grandsons of the legendary Max Factor. The great- grandsons, Dean and Davis Factor, created the makeup line to fit the needs of their famous clients at SmashBox Photo Studios Los Angeles.


The studio is a place where celebrities, supermodels and top makeup artists come together. Now you can be a part of it too!


It's my deal of the week for you.

More Smashbox...

Illustration credit: noemi manalang @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/92119253@N00/4077834060/

What to Shop for in July: Get More for Less!

July is a good time to buy a sofa. Furniture sales are big this month. The newer styles arrive in August. And how about a rug to go with that comfy couch? 

This is the 8th post in a series of posts on how to get more for less. If you follow the retail sales calendar, you'll find the best bargains each month. 

In July to get value for your money look for deals on:

• Air Conditioners
• Bathing Suits
• Camping Equipment
• Children’s Clothing (Summer)
• Electronics: Radios and Stereo Equipment
• Furniture: Sofa, bedroom sets etc.
• Fuel (oil)
• Handbags
• Lingerie
• Luggage
• Major Appliances
• Men’s Shirts
• Men’s Shoes
• Rugs
• Sports Equipment
• Sportswear
• Used Cars

Don’t forget the "After 4th of July" Sales!


Each month I'll preview the next month's sales. Look for my next blog post in the series,"What to Shop For in August: Get More for Less!"  

Check out: 10 Shopping Tips: Get More for Less! and What to Shop for in June: Get More for Less! for more money-saving tips.

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chicagobart/3684667717/

Deal of the Week: Trendy Yellow Satchel

How about a little color in your wardrobe this summer? 

"From sunshine to mustard, yellow is turning heads this season," said Elle. Yellow also showed big on the Fall 2010 runway. So you can take this bag from summer right into fall.


Yellow is my favorite color, so I'd love to give it a try. 


This satchel adds a little pop to your style.


It's my deal of the week for you.


Nine & Co. Satchel: was $48.00 now $22.99  Sorry the yellow sold out! 
Also available in Espresso and Black.

Anthropologie Sale: What Will You Find?

Anthropologie is having a sale!

I've put together some fun things including--accessories, beauty, clothing, jewelry and home items. It almost feels like a fabulous flea market you've accidentally come across. Only everything is new and under $25!

Happy Shopping!

More Anthropologie...

Deal of the Week: Betsey Johnson's Jewelry for Summer Fun!

Maybe because... summer starts in just a few days. 

Maybe because... of the recent hot spell. 

Or maybe because... today, I have that same excited feeling you get when you’re a kid and you know school is letting out, and you have the whole world in front of you. 

Betsey Johnson--the free-spirited fashion designer--has that feeling all year round.

She hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to be that kid. 

Maybe that’s why I want to share with you some of her playful jewelry. 

It’s my deal of the week for you. Have a little fun today!
Flower Drop Earrings: was $30 now $21
Beatle Studs:was $25 now $12.50
Beatle/Gingham Flower Duo Necklace: was $45 now $22.50
Gingham Earrings: was $30 now $15.00

Large Flower Earring with Pearl: was $34.00 now $23.80
3 Row Key, Heart Charm Necklace: was $42.00 now $21.00
Long Chain Earrings with Charms: was $50 now $25.00
Padlock Earrings:was $30 now $19.99
Flower with Pearl Center Drop Earrings: was $30 now $21

Nice Stuff for Dad Under $25

It's easier to find a gold nugget on the sidewalk, than to find a gift for Dad! But here are some possibilities at a good price:

More J.Crew...

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetruthabout/4683765715/

Back to the Beach With Home Accessories from Roost!

For me, the beach is the song in my head I play over and over again. I love driftwood and the salty stink of low tide. I love the ocean air that gives my hair a thick and messy texture and the beach sun that paints my tresses with lemony highlights. And I love to swim.


I bring the beach home with me. 


I dump sand out of my paperbacks and bags. And as if the waves ebb and flow through my front door, and leave behind their watery treasures: You'll spot seashells, sea glass and smooth round stones scattered every where. 


I tell a friend my living room style is French-Japanese-Beachy. 


When I discover Roost I am a happy beach bum. Roost uses "authentic materials and finishes" like shells and wood. All their accessories are "handmade, small craft production." Like me they favor naturalism: botanicals, trees, birds and sea creatures.


Beautiful. 

top to bottom:

Petite Shell Mirrors: $15-20

Sea Urchin Vases: $8-12

Tealight: $16.00

Cowrie Shell Salt and Pepper Shakers: $16

What to Shop for in June: Get More for Less!

Looking for a bargain? 


June is the month to replace that old refrigerator. Then, fill it up with yogurt, cheese and milk as June is National Dairy Month.


Also you'll find good deals for dear ole Dad. Don't forget his special day. Keep your eyes open for sales on tools, sporting goods, men's sportswear or high-tech items like computers and DVD players. You can keep costs down and make your father happy. 


This is the 7th post in a series of posts on how to get more for less. If you follow the retail sales calendar, you'll find the best bargains each month. 


In June to get value for your money look for deals on:

• Building Materials (Lumber etc.)
• CD’s
• Computers
• DVD Players
• Fabrics
• Fishing and Camping Gear
• Gifts for Dad
• Men’s Cologne
• Men’s Sportswear
• Refrigerators
• Storm Windows
• Swimsuits
• Tools (Power Saws, Drills etc.)
• TVs

Each month I'll preview the next month's sales. Look for my next blog post in the series,"What to Shop For in July: Get More for Less!"  


Check out: 10 Shopping Tips: Get More for Less and What to Shop for in May for more money-saving tips.


Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/markhillary/3659751646/

Deal of the Week: Dior/A Book on the Fashion Giant

This beautifully illustrated book is the story of the French designer who started a fashion revolution: Christian Dior. 


The designer rocked the fashion world in 1947 with his New Look: an hourglass silhouette with a long full skirt.


It's my deal for you this week, for a little luxury in your life.


Dior: was $30 now $19.