@Target Product #Giada De Larentiis Mezzaluna Knife #cooking #shopping

Giada De Laurentiis is a Food Network celebrity chef whose warm Italian cooking style is quite captivating. Retail Secrets recently purchased her Mezzaluna Knife available at Target stores and we are RAVING.

This knife is curved on the top to allow for smooth quite chopping strokes. The knife is super sharp! It glides through veggies and boneless meat with ease. I used the Giada De Laurentiis' Mezzaluna to dice boneless skinless chicken thighs - five thighs were cubed in less than to minutes.

We highly recommend Giada De Laurentiis' cookware line at Target.com you won't be sorry.

Fashion Bargains You Can Take To The Bank

MONEY SAVING IDEAS

If you've been wondering what's new in fashion, here are two trends that budget-conscious fashionistas may welcome: new, lower prices overall and a sizing system that does not charge more for larger sizes.

Lower Prices

Any woman who has had to cut back on her spending lately may be pleasantly surprised the next time she shops for clothes.

Stores such as Fashion Bug now feature prices as much as $5 or even $10 lower than last year for the same or similar styles. Find Labor Day Specials on Clearance Items Like $4 Tops, $7 Bottoms and Even More at FashionBug.com! Valid 9-04-09 through 9-07-09.



Responding to the economy and in an effort to pass the savings on to customers, the store has revamped its business model and streamlined its operations.

As a result, the store's everyday prices are like sales prices at most other stores.

One thing it has not skimped on is design. The store now has an in-house fashion design team, led by veteran retail design diva Kady Dalrymple.

New designs focus on outfitting, including accessories to make it easier for busy women to build their wardrobes head to toe.




One Size Range

Virtually every store in America offers a separate size range and assortment for misses and plus. Fortunately, Fashion Bug, for example, is changing that.

Misses and plus customers now have a wider selection of styles in one size range from 6 to 30. And they never pay more for a larger size, a claim many other stores cannot make.

It's a welcome change for women who love to shop, making it easier to look stylish without breaking the bank. The store offers clothing for work, casual, active and dressy lifestyles.

For more information, visit fashionbug.com. Today's deals in plus-size fashions from Fashion Bug

More women are looking for ways to save while remaining stylish. Fortunately, stores are responding with lower prices.Shop FashionBug.com for dresses with new lower prices!

Gamestop Declares Declares Summer Tuesdays As Family Night I

GameStop has proclaimed summer Tuesdays as Family Night In to help families create fun and affordable in-home gatherings. The world’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer is rolling out special summer offers, discounts and chances to win free dinners while helping families strengthen their bond and extend their budgets.



To help fulfill those desires, GameStop is extending a special value offer and a Family Fun sweepstakes to consumers who make their purchases on Summer Tuesdays from June 23-Sept. 1. GameStop’s Family Night In summer fun incentives include:

A 20-percent bonus trade-in credit on summer Tuesdays. Families looking to trade in older games will receive extra currency that can be applied to select Family Night In titles;

A Family Night In sweepstakes that celebrates 100 nights of summer by awarding 100 families a free dinner. Ten families each week will be awarded a $25 gift card redeemable at a food purveyor or restaurant of their choice, a Baskin-Robbins® Brownie a la Mode® ice cream cake for dessert and four TWIX® Caramel Cookie Bars;

To help make Family Night In even sweeter, coupons for $3 off any Baskin-Robbins® cake purchase of $15 or more will be given to all GameStop customers making purchases on summer Tuesdays (while supplies last) and to those who enter the Family Night In sweepstakes online.



The company is also launching, GameStop.com, offering fun tips and pointers for families to consult in enhancing their own Family Night In gatherings, such as:

A list of hot new and pre-owned family-friendly titles (rated “E”, “E10” and “T”) including NASCAR Kart Racing, Up!, Guitar Hero Smash Hits and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010;

A guide to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board’s (ESRB) rating symbols and content descriptors to help parents make informed decisions about which games are appropriate for their own kids;

Ways families can stretch budgets without sacrificing fun by taking advantage of GameStop’s trade-in program to buy new titles or other items using older games as currency; and Ideas for how to make Family Night In fun, creative and inexpensive.
For additional information about GameStop’s Family Night In please visit GameStop.com.

The Harris Interactive Omnibus poll was conducted online from May 14 through May 18, 2009, among 639 parents/legal guardians of a child/children under the age of 18 living in their home.

Warm-Weather Fun That Won't Break The Bank

If a family vacation isn't in the budget this season, there are plenty of affordable ways to still have fun in the sun.

That's good news, considering that AAA recently recommended two adults on vacation set a daily travel budget of $244 for lodging and meals. Add children into the equation and the costs can quickly add up.

Those sticking close to home this year might try something as simple as spending the night as a family outdoors, away from the TV and computer. Just pitch a tent in your backyard for the fun of a camping trip with all the luxuries of home.

Families can also visit a one-stop shopping destination like Target for affordable items that can help you have fun in the sun on your home turf. Here are some ideas to try out:

• Backyard Water Park--Re-create the water park experience at home with a mini water world in your own backyard. Items like the Wigglin' Water Sprinkler for $10.99 and Circo children's swimsuits for under $9.99 are a bargain at Target.

• Neighborhood Block Party--Plan a community potluck barbecue where each neighbor brings a different contribution. Each family can find great deals on festive paper products to help them celebrate in style.

• Ice Cream Social--Work with your children to make homemade ice cream, cones and toppings. Target has low prices on cool necessities like the Rival 4-qt. Ice Cream Maker Bucket and Waffle Cone Maker, both just $24.99 each. Spend $50, get Free Shipping on Select Appliances at Target.com

• Plant a Family Garden--Look for festive gardening tools just for kids designed by children's author David Kirk. The brightly Spend $50, get Free Shipping on Select Patio Furniture at Target.comcolored characters can inspire gardening greatness.Spend $50, get Free Shipping on Select Lawn & Garden at Target.com

• Home Movie Theater--If it's rainy, opt for an affordable movie day with the latest DVD releases. Create a cozy setting with comfy pillows and blankets and add a special touch with movie theater-style food like popcorn and candy.

• Family Game Day--Rainy days are a perfect time for board game fun. Look for sales on games and put away a few options for an unexpected cloudy day. Add to the fun by picking up small low-cost prizes like candy, stickers and small toys for the winners.

For more inexpensive family-fun products, Shop at Target.com .

A backyard camping trip can be an affordable way to have fun with the family.

A Great Bag for Travel from Ebags

I ordered a Ebags Piazza Day Bag on Tuesday paid for regular shipping and got the bag two days later on Thursday.

I was looking for a great travel bag that was sturdy and had lots of pockets. I was looking at a few travel bags known for security. But I found a lower priced bag by Ebags that is perfect.

The Piazza Day Bag is very attractive. It is nylon with a nice sateen sheen. The product has a Lifetime Guarantee which is really handy if you are rougn on handbags.

Here are the specifications:

- Lightweight, durable, versatile, and stylish, a great bag for travel or fun
- Zippered opening on the main compartment allows for easy access into the main compartment
-Inside are two blousy pockets with elastic tops, perfect to holdr camera, glasses or other bulky items. A zippered wall pocket adds organization and security
- Front flap has a zippered pocket, unzip this pocket and inside you will find:
-fleece lining on the outside panel to keep your belongings comfy
-a shallow fleece lined pocket for holding sunglasses, MP3 player or anything else that needs a little extra protection and cradling
-key leash to keep your keep keys handy
-Lift the flap to access a smart 'U' shaped pocket, perfect for items you want to access quickly, behind this pocket is an additional zippered pocket
-Hidden magnets keep this flap in place
-On one end of the bag, there is a padded zippered pocket with a headphone port - perfect for your MP3 player
-On the other end, a zip-away mesh water bottle pocket
-On the back there is a zippered pocket, perfect place for guide books
-Adjustable shoulder strap allows you to wear the bag on your shoulder or across your body
F-ashion cording on the zipper pulls add style and makes opening the zippers easy
'Silver' lining makes seeing inside the bag easy
Strap measures 48" long when fully extended - perfect for wearing across your body.

This bag is on sale for $39.99 and its well worth the purchase. The bag's quality is comparable to LeSportSac but at a much cheaper price.

If you are heading out for a trip soon, pick this bag up. The front flaps are perfect for boarding passes and other travel documents.

Click here to check it out on the ebags website:

Piazza Day Bag

Free Shipping On Order Over $75 at eBags.com


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Look Great in Plus Size Swimwear

2009 AlwaysForMe– Plus size ACTIVE WEAR Collections

The start of the New Year is usually the time to make resolutions – come true – like upping your fitness regiment . In recognition of all the plus size women who are committed to health at any size (and to those who just want to be comfortable in their down time), leading online retailer of plus size fashion, AlwaysForMe.com, reveals their 2009 plus size active wear line that mirrors the hottest trends in athletic apparel and work out wear.

One of the hottest trends the designers at AlwaysForMe are seeing in 2009 --not only in active wear sized 16W-26W, but in plus size lingerie, plus size cover ups and sun dresses, and plus size swimwear -- is multi-functionality.

EXERCISE TO EVERYDAY
This trend toward workout apparel that moves effortlessly from exercise to everyday has transformed plus size workout clothing into fashionable, everyday comfort wear. A great example of this trend is seen in the latest 2009 plus size styles from active leader Danskin . 2009 sees Danskin move beyond workout wardrobe basics into more fashionable everyday wear. Take for example, their new wide leg flare pant (Style #3093) in sizes 1X-4X. Not only does this pant work equally as well on the exercise treadmill as for everyday running around, but it answers a myriad of plus size concerns. It offers a roomy pant leg and wide comfortable waistband that together offer enhanced freedom of movement.

Another great plus size pant that can take you from work to workout is a true Danskin classic, updated for 2009: the boot leg yoga pant in plus sizes (Style #3687). This plus size wardrobe basic in black is made with Danskin’s signature fabric, Supplex®, that is world renowned for its superior fit and performance.



The trend for more plus size fashion forward and multi-purpose active wear is not held to pants alone. AlwaysForMe is offering one of the hottest tees of the season on their website right now. It is Style #3016, a number that plus size buyers will know by heart before long since this is a buy-in-all-colors-and-reorder top. Taking advantage of the fresh color trend, this princess seamed, short sleeve and v-necked tee is extremely flattering in black, white and pink. Pair the pink with the grey fleece pants and you have an instant on-trend outfit for working out or going out with family and friends.

COMFORT
You might think that comfort is a given in active wear, but looking good as well as feeling good in your plus size workout gear is really a matter of design, construction and materials. The active wear you will find on the . AlwaysForMe website is top quality and made especially for the plus size woman. That’s why it lasts longer and is more figure flattering than a pair of sweats you may be tempted to pick up at the local mass merchandiser.

The two most dominant fabrics in plus size workout gear are Lycra Spandex and Cotton Lycra. Lycra Spandex is a synthetic (or manmade) fiber known for its elasticity. Lycra, a similar fabric manufactured by DuPont, has become a generic term to describe any type of Spandex. Some of the features of Lycra Spandex include the fact that it: can be stretched up to 500% and still recover its shape, is lightweight, supple, resistant to body oils and perspiration, is free from static or pilling, and extremely comfortable. Cotton Lycra is a blended fabric that combines the stretchability and hold of Lycra with the comfort and breathability of lightweight, yet durable, cotton.

Construction is equally as important as the fabric the garment is made of. Plus size construction must be designed to contour and shape while at the same time offering coverage, support, flexibility and comfortable fit for the woman sized 16W-26W. “At AlwaysForMe.com we take the construction of any garment we sell very seriously. The plus size manufacturers that we carry understand the specific needs of the plus size body and construct their pieces accordingly. It is our job to road test each product to insure that our customers are going to be happy and confident in the active wear they purchase from our site”, Reports Always For Me Inc. founder, Susan K Barone.

A great example of superior construction designed specifically for the plus size figure is the Enell Sports Bra (Style #100). The exclusive patented design of the ENELL Sports Bra features wide, non-stretch straps for added bust support while preventing shoulder discomfort. The high neckline offers full coverage and the full back, with cross straps, provides superior support and comfort. For the utmost in ease, the ENELL Bra has convenient front hook-and-eye closure and a clean-finish lining to prevent discomfort and chafing.



Another example of well constructed plus size workout apparel is the widely known women’s bike short from A Big Attitude (Style #9557A). This is the plus size bicycle short made popular by the hit television show, “The Biggest Loser”. These shorts were specifically selected for their plus size, never-ride-up construction and for their versatility for use in any exercise.

And talk about construction! The Cellulite Smoother plus size bike shorts also from A Big Attitude (Style #4445) are known by customers more as miracle workers than work out gear. With special flat lock stitching these shorts shrink wrap the butt, thighs and tummy with comfort. They smooth and lift like no other. In fact, AlwaysForMe.com reports that customers wear these plus size bike shorts as under garments for a seamless look with skirts and pants!

Comfort and breathablity are key in active wear for today’s plus size woman. When you’re actively exercising – whether its on the treadmill, golf course and chasing a two-year old -- you want to be able to move without constraint and not have to worry about chafing or irritation. More patented ingenuity can be found in the active wear bottoms that offer the Coolmax® gusset like Danskins Plus Size Capri pant (Style #3451) and Danskin plus size bike short (Style #4521). This gusset adds extra room in the crotch area that allows for better comfort and better air flow.

Moisture wicking is something else to look for in 2009’s plus size active wear styles. It uses specially made synthetic fabrics to quickly draw sweat and moisture away from your body to evaporate rather than cling. You can see moisture wicking at work in Style #3556, Danskin’s plus size racer back tank top designed to draw moisture away from the body to keep the active plus size woman dry and comfortable.

2009 promises to be a great year for making all your resolutions come true. And with the myriad of choices in today’s plus size active wear market there’s no reason not to start today! Log on to www.AlwaysForMe.com and activate your workout wardrobe. Take advantage of 2009 new styles.

O, The Oprah magazine, for our “Swimsuits that can handle the curves” highlighted in their June 2008 Beach Special.

AlwaysForMe’s figure flattering designs dominate Oprah's beach special with our Chic Collection Goddess style and One Piece Twist Front Bandeau swim mini, along with selections from the majority of our name brand designers: Carol Wior, It Figures!, Speedo, and Miraclesuit.

Eating Right When The Budget Is Tight

When household expenses are under the knife, a few simple changes in the kitchen can help you cook up many beneficial savings and health advantages. Consider these money-saving tips from the Cookware Manufacturers Association:

• Save on lunches. Large-capacity cookware lets cooks prepare soups and stews that provide extra portions for freezing and reheating for next-day meals.

• Pressure cookers and slow cookers save time and money. Each cooks foods economically, requiring less energy. Because they tenderize and heat foods thoroughly, you can use inexpensive or less-prepared cuts of meat.

• Size the portion to the pot. Pots or pans too large for the amount of food cooked use more energy than necessary.

• Consider multiuse pans that pull double duty. An oven-proof skillet, for example, can be used for baked casseroles. This reduces the number of pieces used and later cleaned. Check labeling to prevent going over a pot's or pan's temperature tolerance in oven heat.

• Baking bread at home is easier than many people realize. A few cups of flour, water and yeast combine with heat and turn into golden brown breads. The warm, inviting aromas fill the home. Today's bread makers make the task of kneading even easier.

• Measure out all the dry ingredients for several loaves of bread at one time and store the mixtures in plastic resealable bags. Just add the wet ingredients to the premade packs when it's time to bake.

• Don't stop with bread--The steps in making pies and cookies are surprisingly simple, too. As an added bonus, baking at home from scratch helps you avoid processed ingredients and preservatives.

• Using a lid when boiling water and other liquids takes less time, therefore less energy in heating.

• Inspect kitchen equipment and replace items without lids, with poorly fitting lids, loose handles or a damaged cooking surface.

• When replacing kitchen equipment such as pots, skillets and baking pans, get durable materials. Quality cookware makes cooking more enjoyable, and the products are easier to clean.

• Learn more. Much more information on cooking and cookware can be found in the "Guide to Cookware and Bakeware" offered by the Cookware Manufacturers Association at www.cookware.org.

Keep a selection of pots, pans, skillets and other items of various sizes in your kitchen to meet different needs.

20% Off New Rachel Ray Skillet Sets! Now at Cooking.com!


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The Defining Moment - President-Elect Obama's Current Reading Material

In President Elect Obama's first interview on CBS 60 Minutes since being elected, he mentioned reading a book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first 100 Days that book is The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days And the Triumph of Hope
by Jonathan Alter. Buy the book for yourself to get insights into what President-Elect Obama is envisioning for our future:



The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days And the Triumph of Hope
$29.95

In this dramatic and authoritative account, the author shows how FDR used his famous "fear itself" speech and the first hundred days in office to lift the country from despair and paralysis and transform the American presidency.

Buy now and Get 25% off an item at Borders.com

Buy it now from Borders.com

Pick up the President-Elects two books for someone for the holidays:

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream
Get 25% off an item at Borders.com



Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Paperback - only $6.95 plus Get 25% off an item at Borders.com

Cole Haan Nike Air - This most comfortable shoes ever!

I picked up a pair of Cole Haan Nike Air shoes from Marshall's recently. These sleep on ultra comfortable shoes cost around $165 dollars but I picked up a pair on Marshall's clearance rack for $29.99. This shoes are the perfect commuting shoe. I can run in them to catch trains and wear them all day in the office.

Finding them at Marshall's was a fluke ...perhaps I won't find them there again. I found other pairs online at SHOP.COM
click below to see the online sales prices. Plus look at the selection of other Cole Haan Nike Air shoes.



Cole Haan Devin Air Ballet

Usually Ships in 24-48 Hours Details: Enhance the look of your khakis and jeans by finishing off the outfit with these air ballets. The sassy front buckle and miniature heel take this casual pair to the next level making them a fashionable fit for a variety of styles. *"Devin" air ballet with buckle and heel by Cole Haan *Rounded toe *Leather upper *Patent leather around the sides and vamp *Laser cut circles on the edge of the patent trim *Decorative leather strap across the vamp wth a buckle *Black shoe has a gunmetal buckle and the dark chocolate has a brass buckle *Padded foot bed with the "Cole Haan" logo on the heel *Smooth leather sole *Stacked high heel is approximately 1 high *Sleeper bag included * Note: This item must have all of its accompanying components intact to be accepted for return. Please notice if sleeper bag and authenticity tag are present *Imported



Cole Haan Melinda Air Leather Slingbacks

Usually Ships in 24-48 Hours Details: Strut your stuff in the smart and sophisticated Melinda Air from Cole Haan. With a sexy platform high heel and Nike Air technology, these leather slingbacks have beauty and brains. Crisscrossing leather straps feature patent lacing for a gleamy flourish. *"Melinda Air" leather slingbacks from Cole Haan *Genuine leather upper with patent leather trim *Slightly elasticized slingback strap with adjustable buckle closure *Crisscross straps over vamp with patent leather lacing *Lightly padded footbed with Nike Air technology *Open, rounded peep-toe *Soft, genuine leather sole *Approximately 3.5" stacked heel *Approximately .5" leather-covered platform *Sleeper bag included * Note: This item must have all of its accompanying components intact to be accepted for return. Please notice if sleeper bag is present. *Imported

They are also at Macys.com - This is the most comfortable shoe to wear!!!



Cole-Haan "Air Dorie" Rain Shoe Women's Shoes
$160 use this Macys.com coupon to save!

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