Grocery Shopping Update: Aluminum Foil Prices Rise Significantly

I was in Shop-Rite this week picking up a few items. I went to go buy my favorite brand of aluminum foil- Reynolds Wrap. Although it can be pricey, I splurge because the 200 Sq Ft roll lasts for so long.

The last time I purchased aluminum foil (about 18 months ago) it was about $5.69. To my horror, a box of Reynolds Wrap 200 Square Foot roll is now $8.99. It's the commodities prices folks. Everything costs more - even foil. I could not bring myself to pay $8.99 for a roll of foil... I just couldn't. I purchased the store brand which is no where near the quality of Reynolds Wrap.

If you decide to take the plunge and by Reynolds Wrap - here is a great tip:

Re-use Foil: I learned this growing up that if the foil is not soiled you can reuse it. You can fold it and put in plastic bag in the fridge for future use. ( I put it in the fridge because if even a little food residue is on it, you do not want to attract critters with it lying out.)

Obviously, if you use foil to wrap a cake with frosting or food with a sauce... you cannot re-use it. A good way to protect your foil is to first use a sheet of wax paper (you can still buy a roll of it for under $1.50 for store brand) to put over the food and then use the foil to secure it. I like to spray a little cooking spray on wax paper before wrapping cake with frosting - it protects the frosting from smudging.

Good Deals:
Spend $149 or more on Norelco, Sonicare, Senseo, andor Avent and get $30 off your order at drugstore.com. Offer ends 06.20.08.

Buy $40 of philosophy products and get a free purity made simple facial cleanser ($20 value) at drugstore.com. While supplies last.

Get $3.50 off any purchase over $10.00
Plus free samples!

$100 off Whirlpool super-capacity laundry pair at BestBuy.com. Valid 6/15-6/21.


$100 off Whirlpool super-capacity laundry pair at BestBuy.com. Valid 6/15-6/21.

Buy Oprah's Top Picks for the Summer 2008!

Oprah recently revealed her top picks for the summer 2008 in beauty, travel, grilling and music, here are some of them you can buy online:


Look Svelte with the Yummie Tummie!:


Look thinner for $62.00Yummie Tummie Long Length Everyday Shapewear Tank
Everyone is talking about Yummie Tummie, shapewear that's meant to be seen! The Yummie Tummie Tank (in fab colors) secretly slims your midsection. Go ahead. Wear it under your favorite tops. It'll look great as it camouflages lumps and bumps! Body-conscious, shaping tank top. Soft cotton fabric, spandex tummy panel. Slick fabric won't cling to clothes. Tummy panel firmly shapes and smoothes bustline to hips. Moisture-wicking, keeps you feeling cool and dry. Elongated design, will not roll up. Extra long design. Tagless for comfort. Designed to be perfect for layering. ( Style TK1000 ) Fabric: 100% Cotton. Body Panel: 79% Polyester, 21% Spandex.

Do Your Nails on the Fly!

This is a great nail polish by OPI (my favorite brand) that let's you do nail touchups on the fly when your nails chip from all those watersports!



Just pump, paint and go! OPI Nic's Sticks are long-wearing, fast drying and better in every way over conventional nail polishes.

Buy from Ulta now -->OPI Nic's Sticks - Paint & Go Nail Laquer
Just $6.99
Remember Ulta has a great deal --> Get $3.50 off any purchase over $10.00Plus free samples!


To find your way on summer excursions:


Garmin nuvi 250 Portable GPS System w/ Preloaded Maps
Navigate With Ease Simple navigation at an affordable price that's nuvi 250. This entry-level personal travel assistant comes with preloaded maps for North America or Europe. For added flexibility, choose nuvi 270 with preloaded maps for both continents or save more with nuvi 200 which offers less map coverage at a lower price. Like all nuvi 200-series members, the 250 features an easy-to-use colorful touchscreen and ultra-slim design perfect for everyday navigation. nuvi 250 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more.


Cook like Oprah with The Oprah Magazine Cookbook!

O, the Oprah Magazine Cookbook$18.28


Giraffe Weekender Bag Toss Designs Weekender Bag

Oprah's Summer Reading Suggestion!


A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club #61)



Get the book on audio of A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Unabridged)$10.49

Oprah's Summer Copper Grill!


With three stainless steel burners, a built-in thermometer and a handy warming rack, the grill's features are top-of-the-line. "The best part is that this classic grill now comes in new colors, like my personal favorite," Oprah says. "I love this copper." The grill is also available in black, green and dark blue.

Get it now ! Click here Weber #3742301 EP-310 Copper LP Grill cheaper than retail price $727.26

Looking for the the BCX top Heidi Klum showed on Oprah over swimwear?shop Women's Swimwear at macys.com

Oprah's Favorite Summer CD! MJB - Growing Pains

Listen to Mary J. Blige this summer for $13.99 at Best Buy.Growing Pains

Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000

Versatile, Technology-Filled Vehicles Lead In Growing Entry-Level Segment

A little advice from the car experts can make it easier to find the coolest ride without emptying your pockets.

For example, the editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, recently named their 2008 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 for any driver looking for a cool car on a budget.

This gas-sipping bunch provides more than just affordability and efficiency. They offer the latest technologies and versatility to accommodate all lifestyles. With options like navigation, hard-drive music storage, voice-controlled iPod integration, Bluetooth phone connectivity, push-button start and leather seating, the possibilities for functional, comfortable and cool cars abound.

In making their choice, the kbb.com editors considered safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort, technology, the vehicle’s fun-to-drive factor, as well as the decidedly subjective “cool” factor.

Top 10 Coolest New Cars 2008 Ford Focus

“Cool” might not be the first word that pops into your head upon seeing the new Ford Focus, but don’t judge this book by its cover. The Focus sedan and coupe are the most affordable cars in which you can get the SYNC music and phone integration system, which allows you to play any song in your digital library simply by saying its name. MSRP: $15,280

2008 Honda Fit

With gas prices on the rise, small cars like the Honda Fit are gaining in popularity. The Fit sips gasoline and offers the sportiest driving experience available in an econo-car. Plus, the seats can be configured in multiple arrangements, so it can easily hold things like your friends, your gear or a medium-sized alpaca (according to a photo on Honda’s Web site, anyway). MSRP: $14,585

2008 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot has a classic look reminiscent of the departed Jeep Cherokee plus a functional interior and a sub-$18,000 price tag-even when equipped with four-wheel drive. Combined with highway fuel economy up to 28 miles per gallon, the Patriot delivers a cool mix of SUV-like versatility and carlike efficiency for buyers on a budget. MSRP: $16,055

2008 Mazda3

On the list for the fifth year in a row and still in its first generation, the Mazda3 is the current elder statesman of cool compact cars. Available in four- and five-door layouts, the dynamic Mazda3 is responsive, quick and stylish, but also comfortable, efficient and practical. MSRP: $17,230

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer’s aggressive, rally-inspired looks belie a starting price of less than $15,000. The low cost of entry will leave many buyers with enough extra cash to add cool options like a hard-drive navigation system, an impressive premium audio system or perhaps a stylish spoiler. MSRP: $14,615

2009 Pontiac Vibe

The hot-looking Pontiac Vibe has always delivered a very cool combination of affordability, versatility and fuel economy. Compared with its predecessor, the new-for-‘09, second-generation Vibe boasts a sportier look inside and out, a more powerful engine and even a lower starting price. MSRP: $15,895

2008 Scion xB

The original “box on wheels” grew rounder, larger and more powerful for 2008, but the xB remains a distinctively styled non-conformist. Cool standard features include steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, iPod integration and a choice of three wheel designs for instant customization at the dealership. MSRP: $16,270

2008 Subaru Impreza

With 170 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a double-wishbone rear suspension, the Subaru Impreza sedan adds a sporty and capable touch to the cool car selections. The five-door variant has a similar base price and suits those in need of more cargo room for their active lifestyles. MSRP: $17,640

2008 Suzuki SX4

This is the second year in a row that Suzuki’s small crossover has made the list of cool cars under $18,000. In addition to a sporty exterior and roomy, stylish interior, the SX4 still has the distinction of being the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle sold in America. MSRP: $15,395

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

The versatile and affordable Volkswagen Rabbit hopped its way onto the list with its perky 2.5-liter engine, comfortable ride, sharp handling and a level of interior refinement rivaling that of some much pricier vehicles. MSRP: $16,250


Manufacturers are finding ways to nicely equip their entry-level vehicles while still keeping the price reasonably low.

Retail Secrets Tip- Remember to shop for a vehicle on the last few days of the month. Sales staff are eager to make quotas and will make you a great offer to prevent from losing a sale. Haggle until you are happy.

Special offer: Get $80 in FREE GAS - Join Drive America today!

Recession Shopping at Dollar Stores - Buyer Beware

There are news reports daily about people stocking up on food and other items. Fears are everywhere that our supplies will run out. Dollar stores to stock up might be one of the places you consider shopping at.

Recently, Retails Secrets for Savvy Consumers was quoted in an article on smartmoney.com about what not to buy at dollar stores. I like dollar stores but I am now cautious about what I buy at these stores.

Dollar stores can be great for purchasing brand name products that you recognize at a discount. However, there is a fine line between price and quality at dollar stores. I purchased a bathtub mat with small suctions cups on the bottom that were intended to stick to the bottom of the top for a $1. After about the fifth use, the mat stopped sticking to the bottom of the tub when it got wet. I learned that this was not a good idea when I was taking a shower and suddenly slipped backwards in the tub while simultaneously slamming my right arm across the track of the the shower door. I had severe contusions for 3 weeks on my arm and back. Clearly, the dollar bath tub mat is not the way to go. I now purchase bath tub mats at bath specialty stores.

In general, things that you want to last a long time are not going to cost you a dollar. Batteries, flashlights, smoke alarms and other items that you need to work during a possible emergency are best purchased at the regular retail price or on sale at a large discounter. The consumer must remember that any product that costs a $1 is worth LESS than one dollar. Otherwise what would be in it for the store owner? Bottles of water, instant soups and noodles and even some frozen foods can be okay at dollar stores. Just remember to check the expiration date and steer clear of the bathtub mats.

For discount shopping on the web. Remember you can increase the Savings with Rollback Items at Walmart.com

Retail Secrets Tip!
When you go to a physical Wal-Mart always remember to check the clearance aisle. Evey Wal-Mart has a clearance aisle that has discounts on seasonal or discontinued items. Be sure to compare the reduced price with the original. I have seen Wal-Mart reduce something by fifty cents and put it on the clearnace aisle.

Save Big with Clearance Items at Walmart.com

Macy's Shopping Tips for Upcoming Sales

Macy's credit card holders can enjoy a secret sale now until March 16. The secret sale consists of great coupons and a special gift card type promotion. When you receive the mailer, a card is pasted to the front that says it is either worth $10, $20, $50 or $500. You take the card to a price scanner or register to learn the value of the card.

Retail Secrets loves free money and the Macy's secret sales card is free money. If you have one of these cards and do not leave too far away from a Macy's - go give the card a swipe. Even if there is only $10 or $20 on it - you do not have to make a minimum purchase! You can use a low amount for a pair of panty hose, clearance item in intimates or toward a makeup purchase. That reminds me- there is no restrictions on the card so you CAN use it on makeup or perfume - unlike other coupons. The last time I had $10 on the card and bought a single pair of pantyhose. The pair was $8 and they do not give you a balance. The card can only be used one time.

Next Wednesday March 19 is the infamous Macy's One Day sale. Retail Secrets reminds you that Macy's offers price adjustments. SO go to Macy's a few days before the sale (not the day before - that is considered the preview day) buy what you like and use a coupon. (REMEMBER you cannot use a coupon on the One Day Sale Day.) Then on the day of the One Day Sale - go in with your sales receipt from a few days before and see if you can get a price adjustment on any of your purchases.

Happy Shopping!
Bed & Bath Sale at Macy's. Save 20-50% + Values! Valid 12-Mar-08 through 23-Mar-08.

This Weekend at Macy's. Step into Spring and Save 10-50% + Values! Valid 14-Mar-08 through 16-Mar-08.

Bed & Bath Sale at Macy's. Save 20-50% + Values! Valid 12-Mar-08 through 23-Mar-08.

Treat Yourself. The Best Brands of Skin Care are Here! Shop Beauty at macys.com!

Is Jessica Simpson the Next Suzanne Somers?

Jessica Simpson recently had the worst movie box office numbers ever for her movie "Blonde Ambition." It was released in her hometown in Texas and flopped. None of her films before it did well except Dukes of Hazzard which had minor success. Despite failed films and poor CD sales, she keeps getting merchandising deals. I think she is in the process of reinventing herself. Given her lack of success is tradional show business, this is a good move.

Those of you who are old-enough remember the thighmaster? Suzanne Somers famously used it in a low-budget infomercial which launched her new career as a health and beauty billionaire. She has books, clothing, exercise gear, jewelry, food and anything else you can stick a label on. Jessica Simpson is moving in the same direction. I just saw on TV that she now has a swimsuit line. Ms. Simpson also has hair extenstions, footwear, handbags, clothing, and beauty products. There is a trend here.

I was never a fan of Jessica's music but I found her amusing on her MTV reality show. But her footwear line isn't bad and from the clip I saw on TV of her swimwear line - it shows promise. There a couple a pair of her boots that I definitely would wear. Here are a few Jessica Simpson labeled products. Judge for yourself, is she the next Suzanne Somers? Will you buy her stuff?


Jessica Simpson Women's Jamela$89.99

Jessica Simpson Delfina Hobo Bag

Jessica Simpson Leopard-Print One-Piece Swimsuit Women's Swimsuit

For More Jessica Simpson Related Merchandise go to:






For Suzanne Somers Cookbooks check out: