Back-to-School is gearing up and MDM Chics found these steals to make your college flat the coolest, or hottest!

Steal: Summer Clearance at WalMart. For a high-end decorating 29″

stool, walmart has these saddle top stools in red (online & instore) and

white (instore only), walnut and blackfor $39.98-$45.55. This is reminiscent of the asian motif for little $$$.

Also, check at Target®’s 30″ black backless stool set of 2 for $99.99.

Steal: From The Container Store®. Students and Parents sign-up for 20% for instore events and promotions, by state–save on cool ideas like this mini-mantel bedpost shelf. No more knocking that cup of water and soaking your cell phone on the nightstand. Great for bunk-bed dorm configurations, $19.99 black only.

Okay, we have already established that MDM’s significant other is a meat & potatoes kind-of-guy and MDM well her palate is more varied.  How can both be happy?  Omaha Steaks® is having a super sale with 50% off everything!  And if you think that means only steak, au contraire, mes amis, –yeah, the french again.

Seafood, pork, veal, lamb, plus premium beef,  poultry, pasta, and even pet treats–and so much more!  You won’t be able to look at the selection without salivating!  And 50% off, all, everything– toutes!    Why go out, spend gas money and time to fight the hungry crowds at the grocery store when one click and you have the best at your fingertips.  And at 50% off–did we mention that?

Literally this is the place that carries everything from fruit to nuts!  Seriously, if you want to find exceptional buys on fruits and nuts this is the place.  Great to make your own party baskets, or go healthy by adding a variety of nuts and legumes in your diet.

Bergin Fruit & Nut Company formerly located on Kasota Avenue In the Twin Cities, now has a small  outlet store on Energy Park Drive in St. Paul, Minnesota.   The store has limited store hours: M-F 8:30-4:30pm, but worth skipping out of the office a little early to see.

Prices generally range from $4-$20, depending on the type (e.g. almonds versus peanuts) and size of the item (e.g. package or box).  Right now there is a 40% OFF bin with a variety of grains, lentils, and goodies.   Selling both wholesale and retail, here is a listing of some of their products:

Bergin also offers unique blends such as "Cranberry Honey Nut Mix," which includes peanuts, walnuts, cashews, raisins, and cranberries, and "Minnesota Mix," which includes peanuts, sesame stix, sesame seeds, and yellow and purple M&Ms to celebrate the Minnesota Vikings. 

With the writers guild on strike, Markdownmom thought she had become a permanent resident of Wisteria Lane.  Luckily, the ringing in of the New Year means returning shows and some late night talk show writers.  Since many shows like, LOST, 24, Ugly Betty, etc. , will be airing at the same time, MDM says now is the time to upgrade your TV arsenal and get a TiVo®.  The best TiVo® available at a great price is the Series2 Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder with 80-Hour Capacity.  The Series2 allows you to record two shows at the same time, MDM plans to tape the 24 premier and the Jane Austen special on Masterpiece Theater!  MDM has listed the best sites she found to purchase the TiVo® Series2 Dual Tuner Digital Video Recorder with 80-Hour Capacity.

1) Amazon.  The original TiVo® cost is $215.99 but Amazon is offering Free Shipping and $150.00 Rebate.  The final cost of the TiVo is $65.99.  The rebate can be done online or through the mail.

2)  Best Buy.  Best Buy has TiVo® priced at $249.99 but, like Amazon, has a $150.00 Rebate.  In addition, you can sign up for the Best Buy Reward Zone and earn points.  TiVo® with rebate is $99.99.  The item is on backorder so you will have to wait a few weeks for TiVo® to ship.  Offer ends 1/26/08.

3)  TiVo.com.  TiVo® is also priced at $99.99 but the site also has service plans.  Service plans range from 1 month to three years.  MDM likes the service plan for 1 year at $129.00.  Offer expires 02/02/08.

4)  Target.  The Series2 runs at $249.99.  Target offers a 10 percent  discount when you spend $100 or more in electronics.  Discount is only available for online orders.  Final Series2 price is $229.99.

5)  Ebay.  What can’t you find on eBay?  On eBay you can find TiVo® running from $10.51 to $399.00.  Beware: Check shipping costs.  Shipping can be anywhere from $45.96 to $65.00. 

All of us at one time or another, have come across a great markdown and wished that there were a pair of the same item.  Many great markdowns are taken because there is only one left in stock.  Such was the case of the Palm Leaf window panel by Waverly® found this past weekend at Target®.  MDM’s daughters are furnishing their first apartment and with a little advice from mother, bought a super soft leather sectional w/storage ottoman in a butter cream  color at local store for a great close-out markdown.  Two of the other colors in their decor–and they are going for an Asian motif, includes a sage green and brown. 

Well, MDM found this perfect ready-made panel that incorporates the theme and colors–however, there was only 1 panel and for a regular size window at least 2 panels are needed.  MDM calculated that at least 5-6 panels were needed for their living room window.  What to do? 

Upon the advice of the salesperson, we asked the employees at the Guest Services counter, if any of the other stores still had this item in stock.  They took the numbers off our slip, punched in the code, and sure enough found approximately 5 others located in 3 other stores with addresses, phone numbers and approximate distances.  How easy is that!
 
They did warn us that since they were markdown, it was best to call ahead.  However, in the heat of finding this bargain, that was quickly dismissed, after not finding this item online, and we were off and running!  We reasoned  that if we did not find another panel, we could save our slip and return the one so no loss,no gain and who knows what other "goody" we may stumble upon!

The first store, the closest store and MDM thank goodness had a GPS system to navigate her through construction, did not have the 1  panel that it was suppose to have in inventory.  But not all was lost, they did have 75% off an oversized king white goose down comforter, sheets to match one of her daughter’s comforters to complete the set, and a wingback slipcover for MDM’s home for around $12--only one and MDM needs a pair–here we go again.

The next store was suppose to have 2 panels, but alas our search turned up "O."  But at this store, we found 75% off a flannel queen sheet ensemble to match another daughter’s comforter and a bolster to go with the elusive panels and the couch.  A bit discouraged at not finding a panel or now another wingback slipcover, but steadfastly intrepid, we were onto the third location.

At the third location, MDM went right for housewares and found 3 panels and another wingback slipcover at 75% off.  She raised her arms and gave a Hiro "Yatta!" (I did it!) in the store–no kidding!  Now, we had a workable 4 panels and could anticipate getting 1 or 2 more in a less frenzied process.  In fact, MDM’s daughters found another panel out-of-place in the same store.  Whew!  We now have 5 and when MDM returns home she will check for any additional panels at the local Target stores–any extra  panels will be like putting extra icing on the cake. 

Was It Worth It The Extra Effort?  Luckily the GPS saved us time and gas, and 75% off is a great savings.  But you will have to decide.  By asking the employees to check if the item was available at the other stores, we now have a great look at a great price.  However, next time we will take the additional step and call ahead, maybe–sometimes it takes longer to get an answer over the phone and think of the other bargains we would have missed.  Besides any true bargain hunter knows that hunting for great bargains is not for the faint of heart.

The mood that candles create can be romantic, intimate, or just restful.  However, candles can pose a fire hazard especially when there are small children or pets around.  The solution as MDM has found are the battery operated candles and one of the great sites with tons of choices is aptly named Battery Operated Candles©. 

They carry about every type of candle to meet your decorating needs and several specialty types.  They have candles that change color, scented candles, tea lights, tapers, votives, melted looks, pillars in several shapes, and speciality candles for the holidays.  MDM especially liked the scented pillar candles that change colors.  For instance, the 4" flameless Wax LED Scented  Harvest Spice Candle at left can be programmed to change colors  or fixed on a different color to match your decor or time of year.  How cool is that? 

The price for this candle is $9.95+sh, comparable or better than many home shopping network offers.  Plus save 5%-15% the more that you buy!   Just think of the advantages of being able to decorate with these soft hues without the worry of a real flame, but the look of one.  Since you can change the color to match your décor or the season, this may be the last candle you buy!   Prorate the cost of not having to continuously buy new candles, and it spells  great  $-avings! 

 Everyone Looks Better In Candlelight!

The look the fashion world is what MDM calls the "Hepburns’ Look."  Yes, that’s not a typo.  It is a combination of the tailored look of Katharine Hepburn and the classic style of Audrey Hepburn. This look is completed in shoes with the continuation of the ballet slipper and other flats.  Amid skepticism last year that the kitty heel would replace the ballet slipper as a fashion shoe,  MDM stuck to her guns and sure enough as stated this classic is around for another season, hotter than ever.  A new spin is being put on this shoe in materials such as patent, satin, quilted and more.

Online shopping networks are unveiling the couture looks for Fall and the Holiday Season this month.  Stuart Weitzman has designed this wonderful flat as part of the Scoop collection for HSN©.  In black or  gold quilted patent leather, it has all the bells and whistles with its’ cutouts, peep toe, and belts.  However, at $265+sh it is designer priced!   And the Scoop ballet slipper satin slipper for $125 is just as hot and in demand.

With some research, MDM found a similar look in this flat at Auditions® by Van Eli, reg.$89.99/steal $29.99.   Black quilted Nappa  patent leather with a metal eyelet and lace ribbon detail.  Although sizes are limited here also, browse their sales for other hot looks at fantastic prices!

There are the usual jokes that men will spend hours on the road lost rather than ask for directions.  Well, no more.  With a GPS system get the latest and fastest routing information, detours, and should you miss a turn–this system will take you by your driver’s hand and steer you back so that you will get to your destination without having your blood pressure explode. 

MDM owns this Intellinav II Portable GPS Navigation Unit w/ Text-to-Speech  and was able to find a great outlet store in the suburbs, going where she had never gone before, and even using the freeway system to get there.   Large  3.5 touch screen w/2d and 3d views, MP3 playback, Photo viewer, and an MDM favorite feature of Detour and Avoid Road routing, plus many more features.  Hey, because it’s portable you can even take it with you to find your way around an area on foot!

Get this at HSN today ’s steal for $229.95+sh–less than $50 that MDM paid  for same item in May, and with flex pay you can purchase it with 4 interest free payments of $57.49.  You will love this product that will save you time and gas, especially great  for travelers, over the road drivers, big city commuters, and anyone that spends more time in their cars than they like to recount.

In the search for the fountain of youth, we are all willing to purchase products, no matter what the price, to regain that youthful appearance.  However, some of the best name brand products have a baby line that costs less and works as well, if not better.  Not just for babies anymore, these products are comparable to their adult counterparts and far cheaper.  For instance Aveeno® Baby Calming Comfort Lotion™, reg. $4.99, on sale $3.99 at drugstore.com™ contains colloidal oatmeal, a nongreasy superior moisturizer that soothes the skin not only carries a inexpensive ticket price, but at 8 oz. has more volume than comparable, pricier beauty products. 

This price and product differential extends to laundry products as well such as OxiClean Baby Stain Soaker®.  When all other solutions fail on tough stains, try soaking garment with this product (some exceptions may apply and it is always recommended to test product in an inconspicuous area).  From the manufacturer $9.99+sh for a 3.5 lb. tub. Also instore at Target™ in 1.5lb. containers.

 MDM has used these products with excellent results! 

Remember A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned!

All of us have a small fortune invested in VHS tapes from movies, television series to recording family events and activities.  No one wants to see those tapes fade away especially our memories which is inevitable with tapes. 

Pinnacle’s DVD Maker Plus on sale at Amazon for $46.99+sh, will convert your tapes to DVD’s using your windows compatible pc.  Although this product is not designed for the professional film maker, for the rest of us it provides an easy 3-step process of converting our home tapes at a reasonable price. 

$ Less expensive than buying DVD duplicates of our favorite VHS movies, and priceless for archiving our memories. 

As more of us accumulate "stuff,"  designers are placing emphasis on shelving and storage as a design element.  Incorporating function into design has been a decorating challenge.  With limited space, how does one create storage without creating a claustrophobic disaster?  In recent years, designers have tried to provide storage and at that same time draw the eye upwards to create a sense of height and space.  Using ladders and slanted bookshelves for storing reading materials, linens, artwork and almost everything else is now an accepted design element. 

In keeping with this motif, JCPenney has a terrific price on this floating Addison shelf that can store some of your favorite DVD’s and yet provide shelving for those fun collectibles.  In espresso, reg. price $99.99, steal today only $19.99+sh.

If scrapbooking is a someday project, but you are, nonetheless, worried about those photos you have in various shoe boxes, gift boxes, and manila envelopes around the house, consider housing your photos in an acid-free decorative box or archival box.  At Get Smart Products and Shopwiki you will find boxes to preserve those treasured photos like the acid free boxes by Pioneer Photo Albums, shown at left, that hold up to 1100 photos for $4.25- $6.50 each. Besides colored boxes, Pioneer has photo boxes in designer patterns at reasonable prices.  If you want to save this project for the next generation, along with those quilt pieces you have cut out, you may want to consider purchasing archival boxes as well.   You will find choices and competitive prices at these sites in a range of sizes and prices.

Ever prespot your washable garmet with your favorite prewash only to discover that the vinaigrette from dining out still left a spot on your garment, regretably that  shows up only after you have dried it?   

MDM has found several solutions in your kitchen cupboard, namely baking soda, baking powder, or cornstarch.   Applied on the spot(s) with your finger tip rubbing it in right before you put the garment in the washer.  Wash and dry the garment per instructions and voilà, spots are gone!  MDM tested all three ingredients on synthetic garments and all proved equally successful in removing those oil stains.  As with any garment you may want to pretest this method to make sure that the garment’s dye won’t reacte. 

Economical, Ecofriendly, and Easily Available!

Mark Twain once said that " The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them."   

At the Half-Price Books store located in St. Paul, Minnesota  you can buy great books, magazines, and records at more than half-price, and take a tour of their rare book collection which includes a volume sporting Mark Twain’s signature; however only serious buyers of the $10,000 book are allowed to view it.  This is a chain of 85 bookstores in 14 states and for Minnesota, reviews have been particularly favorable for the Half-Price Books store located at 2041 Ford Parkway as having the largest inventory of clearance books.   Celebrating their 35th Year in business on July 27th, Half-Price Books is a great place to look  for that special coffee table book at half the price of national chains or vintage LP’s.  Periodically these low prices are further reduced by sales and coupons obtained by registering at their online location. Wander to the lower level and you will find those bargain basement deals  where prices for books and vintage magazines and journals are as low as $1. Not only sellers of books and mixed media, additionally this store is a buyer where you can trade in your old favorites for some new ones.   Take your children and spend an afternoon perusing these treasures–you’re bound to come away with a sack of special finds that will provide hours and hours of enjoyment–MDM did!

Our society is always on the go and with daycare, our babies join in at an early stage in this race.  Industry has answered the call of bundling our small ones off to daycare with disposable paper diapers.  It is with mixed emotions that parents face this choice between being environmentally correct, and the requirement of providing disposable diapers  that most daycare providers impose.  

Disposable diapers don’t come cheap.  When MDM’s children were in diapers, and two were in diapers at the same time, coupons for disposable diapers were religiously clipped from newspapers and magazines.  Disposable diapers have their pluses:

• 1.  They are convenient especially if you are away from home and
• 2.  They cut down on diaper rash absorbing the liquid away from contact with the skin.  This is not foolproof, but seems to keep baby drier  longer.

However, there are ways to cut the cost of diapers and take a baby step toward being green.  On the days that MDM was home the disposable diapers were supplemented by cloth diapers with absorbable paper liners during the day.   Liners make clean-up easier, and so many improvements have been made to cloth diapers, liners, and underpants that they are worth a second look.   On weekends or days off, think about using cloth diapers to save $$$ and help the environment.  Plus there is the mad dash to the store when you find that you are out of disposable diapers. 

There are more choices on the market now when it comes to cloth diapers and liners.   Soft Cloth Bunz is a terrific site with all the latest in cloth diapers, diaper coversand liners, training pants, and accessories.  Plus you subscribe to their newsletter with upcoming sale promotions, discounts, and new products.   They even help with the downside of cloth diapers–the diaper smell–with products such as Diaper Buddies™.  This is a terrific idea with a dual purpose of deodorizing the diaper pail  and as  a laundry booster when diapers and diaper buddy are added to the wash.  How cool is that?  At $5.50+sh for a package of 6, both convenient and consumer friendly. 

Cloth diapers and accessories make perfect baby shower gifts for the expectant parents, ecofriendly and budget-wise for bringing up baby. 

What Was Old Is Now New-Again !