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

Ride and Fold A Bike to Save on Gas

Take out the pain at the pump. If you have a short commute to work or to the nearest train station get a bike. At $4.00 for a gallon of regular gas, it is time to start using your own legs to get you around.

Here is a bicycle that folds and can be neatly stored in your office. The folding bikes allow you to take the bike with you on trains and even on an elevator. Plus if you can take it with you, you are less likely to get it stolen. Here is a bike available at Walmart.com and get Free Shipping with Site-to-Store at Walmart.com :



Kent International Ultra-Lite Folding Bike Just $148.00!

Hard to believe a folding bike can be this light. The Kent International Ultra-Lite Folding Bike weighs only 23 pounds, and can be taken just about anywhere. When you're done with your journey, simply fold it up for portable and convenient storage.

Click the links above to buy it now and save on gas!

Shop at Wal-Mart for bicycles!


Coming Soon! Get a $10 Walmart.com gift card when you preorder Wii Fit (to be delivered on or just after May 21)!

How To Buy Your First LCD Flat Screen TV?

Guest Article: Jason Dupont

Are you ready to buy your very first LCD flat screen TV? LCD flat screen TVs are becoming more and more popular and they have recently had dramatic price drops. If you are in the market for a new flat screen TV, then you have many choices before you.

The plasma screen was one of the most exciting consumer electronics products to hit the market in the last 10 years. Now however, the LCD flat screen TV's are catching on for many reasons. Plasma screens tend to use more electricity, and are heavier which makes wall mounting more difficult. Another drawback with plasma is that the screens are a bit 'softer' and are more easily scratched. When Plasma flat screen TV's were first produced, their life expectancy was around 20,000 hours but now with the newer generations of plasma screens, their life span is closer to 50-60,000 hours.

Panasonic - 42" 720p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

LG - 42" 1080p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV

Advantages of a LCD flat screen TV is that it is not susceptible to burn-in and usually is less expensive than plasma televisions. Because of the nature of LCD technology, there is no radiation emitted from the screen itself. It is also lighter weight than the plasma counterpart and thus easier to hang.

Plasma screens, in general, handle faster moving images better than LCD's. Plasma and LCD screens may look similar, but that is really where their similarities end. Some LCD do not have the level of color accuracy as plasma displays. Historically plasma screens had better viewing angles than LCD. You would tend to see color variations with side viewing of the LCD's, while the Plasma screen colors remained more solid.

Prices vary from company to company, so it is smart to shop around. There are many makes, models, sizes and prices associated with the LCD flat display. The prices of the TVs will vary, depending on the size, manufacturer, model and merchant. The name brands are going to be substantially more expensive than the non name brands.

Once you get that LCD flat screen TV up on your wall, you will surely have no buyer's remorse. They are totally cool and in no time your entire family will be enjoying movies and games in crisp, vivid, full HD splendor on your LCD flat screen TV and have forgotten they ever had another kind.

$20 - $50 off select TV mounts and stands when you buy select TVs at BestBuy.com! Valid 5/11 – 5/31.


Samsung - 37" 720p Flat-Panel LCD HDTV

Last Minute Free Mother's Day Scrapbook and eCards

There is a great online photo scrapbooking tool called Smilebox.com. You can share your photos, videos, and music inside amazing ecards & slideshows. Smilebox is a free service. That's right its free!

Smilebox.com has great Mother's Day templates (might I mention templates for all holidays and occassions) that are perfect sentimental gifts for all the moms in your life. Checkout this adorable sample:

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

Retail Secrets for the Savvy Consumer loves free stuff! Think how special this free gift would be for moms, plus there are no wasteful envelopes or paper. This is an eco-friendly way to share your love for Mother's Day! Visit Smilebox.com and create amazing greetings with your photos, videos, and music. Email them free.

Send an Electronic Gift Certificate for Last Minute Mother's Day Gift

If you are scrambling to purchase a Mother's Day gift think about sending gift certificates delivered via email.


You can send e-gift certificates from major retailers such Sephora, Macys, Bloomindales as well as restaurants. Plus, if you send an e-super gift certificate it can be used on any retailer affliated with giftcertificates.com.

Visit www.GiftCertificates.com to order an e-super gift certificate for all the mom's in your life. It will come right to their email inbox for quick easy online spending.

ENERGY SAVING IDEAS: Your Older Fridge: An Energy Hog?

Here’s an idea many families can warm to: You may be able to save money and energy with a new refrigerator.

It’s chilling but true: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 1993, it could be using more than twice as much energy as a new energy-efficient model and be costing you over $100 a year to run.

On the energy bright side, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says that if all the refrigerators bought this year met the new ENERGY STAR® criteria, it would save enough energy to light all the homes in Washington, D.C. for over 20 months. In fact, the next generation of such refrigerators is so efficient that the average one uses less energy in a year than a 60-watt lightbulb left on all year.

To earn the designation, refrigerators are required to be 20 percent more efficient than the minimum federal standard.

Video Contest

To further encourage people to recycle their old fridges and to purchase qualified units, the DOE is leading the first nationwide refrigerator recycling initiative. The Recycle My Old Fridge campaign is a national call to recycle older, inefficient refrigerators and for consumers to tell their stories about recycling their older refrigerators and encourage others to do the same. Participants can submit one-minute videos between April 28 and July 28, 2008, which will be posted on YouTube™. The videos will be voted on at the campaign’s Web site, and up to three participants will be selected as winners and come to Washington, D.C., to participate in an awards ceremony.

Learn More

To learn more, visit www.energystar.gov and www.RecycleMyOldFridge.com. For more information on how to recycle your old refrigerator, visit the Steel Recycling Institute’s Web site, www.recycle-steel.org.

If you have an older refrigerator, it could be costing you over $100 a year to run.

Best Buy Major Appliances

Clearance Items for the Home

Stock up! Shop kitchen essentials at Fortunoff.com

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!

Tip Smart - Don't Give More Than You Have To!

Retail Secrets is careful about tipping too much or too little. But here is a smart way to tip. Never tip on tax.

Have you ever heard this suggestion? I would guess that 80% of all people calculate tips on a balance that includes local or state tax. Tipping on top of tax makes no sense. Who receives the tax? The state or local auhthorities. Neither the restaurant or the waitstaff see the tax - so why would you tip them on that?

When you go to a restaurant, look at the before tax balance and calculate your tip on that number. Most receipts provide the total before and after tax. Remember, the purpose of tipping is to tip for food or service. Don't give more money than you have to. In times of a down economy, we all need to tighten our belts a bit. Scrutinize your restaurant bill and other receipts to make sure you are not paying for something you didn't purchase.

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas from 1-800-Flowers!

Mother's Day is a week away and we all need to pick a nice gift to send to mom. I have taken some of the guess work out of the selection process and provided some nice gifts to send to MOM. And because Retail Secrets likes to save money, the following gift ideas are on sale now!


Pink & White Rose Bouquet - 18 StemsSale $44.99 or $34.99 without vase.



1-800-FLOWERS® Shades of Silver and Pink™Sale $37.01


1-800-FLOWERS® Pleasantly Purple™ for MomSale $54.99


1-800-FLOWERS® Mother`s Love Bouquet™Sale $79.99 (save $10)

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

MOTHER'S DAY FLOWERS ALIVE WITH POSSIBILITIES

Mother’s Day Bouquets

Each year, millions of Americans purchase bouquets of flowers for Mother’s Day--making it one of the top blossom-buying days of the year. And for assistance in choosing these petal-perfect gifts, consumers can consult a handy floral adviser online--one that’s literally blooming with ideas and possibilities.

Those in search of fresh-cut flower knowledge can boost their bloom IQ by logging on to a popular flower-education resource. Visitors can research flower varieties--perhaps to find Mom’s favorite--in the flower encyclopedia, discover flower design recipes and even ask questions of the Flower Doctor.

“Everyone loves flowers, even if they don’t know the names of the various varieties,” says the Flower Doctor, Bridget Behe, Ph.D. “Once you learn about flowers, you grow to appreciate and love them even more.”

Favorite Flower Varieties

1. Roses--These timeless, beautiful flowers come in many shapes, sizes and colors, including three popular types: sweetheart, spray and hybrid tea.

2. Gerbera Daisies--This cheerful blossom--available in over 160 colors-is like a burst of sunshine in any bouquet.

3. Lilies-Available in white, cream, yellows, reds, pinks and bi-colors, these fragrant flowers are a popular addition to dramatic bouquets.

4. Alstroemeria--With multiple blooms per stem, this long-lasting flower can make a bold statement with only a few stems.

5. Carnations--As one of the longest-lasting fresh-cut flowers, carnations are a proven favorite for bouquets.

Picking Out Petals

When selecting flowers from a retail florist or flower market, look for stems with upright, firm petals and buds beginning to open. Yellow, spotted or drooping leaves are signs of age. Here are a few other flower-selecting tips:

• Smell the water. It should smell fresh and clean.

• Look at the stems. They should be clean and not slimy.

• Forgo any flowers that may have breakage in the stems.

There are many possibilities when creating a Mother’s Day bouquet, and an online resource can help consumers choose. Visit FlowersFast.com - The Online Florist. Great Prices, Same-Day Delivery! View Most Popular Items

Gift Idea:
Don't just send flowers. Give mom the gift of spa quality products from Bliss World. The famous spa has fabulous gift products to give to Mom and (for yourself).

Try this :
Spa-Strength Bath and Body products at blissworld.com

Tips On Selecting Health Insurance For Your Pet

Increasingly, pet owners are going the extra mile to make sure their pets are happy and healthy. For many, that means protecting their pet’s health-and their own bank account-by purchasing pet health insurance.

Such insurance has been available in the United States for more than 25 years, and it continues to grow in popularity. For example, from 2006 to 2007, the growth rate of pet insurance policies jumped from 13 percent to 23 percent.

Over the last decade, it has grown to become a strong, viable and expanding segment of the insurance industry. For instance, since November of 2005, more than a half dozen new companies have entered the marketplace with different pet health insurance products.

With this growing number of providers to choose from, selecting the policy and provider that are right for you and your pet can be a real challenge.

Here are some tips on what to look for when selecting a policy from the experts at VPI Pet Insurance:

Company Stability

When researching a pet insurance company, it is important to know how long it has been in business and if it is financially stable. What is the rating of the company’s underwriter and how long has it been with that underwriter?

Veterinary Recognition

Is your veterinarian or his or her staff member familiar with the pet health insurance company he/she recommends? Inquire if the person making the recommendation is receiving financial incentives for suggesting a particular company.

Wellness Coverage

Preventive care is critical to the long-term health of a pet. In order to encourage and remind pet owners to take their pet to the veterinarian on a regular basis, the company should offer coverage for common preventive treatments and procedures: wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection, spay/neuter, teeth cleaning, prescription flea control, etc.

Continued Coverage for Chronic Conditions

Companies should continue to cover conditions as long as the policy remains continuously current, without charging you an additional premium.

Coverage Away from Home

A policy should be effective whether your pet is in your home, traveling with the family or accidentally lost.

Full Transparency Regarding Reimbursements

Does the company use a schedule of benefits or a usual and customary fee list? It should be clearly communicated to policyholders which of the two reimbursement programs is being used.

Transparency in Coverage

If the company claims to cover hereditary and congenital conditions, are the benefit limits for these conditions enough to cover treatment? For example, a company may claim to cover hereditary conditions, but then only offer a $200 lifetime maximum benefit.

Physical Exams

How often does the company require physical exams? Some companies, for example, require a physical exam every year in order to maintain coverage.

Preauthorization

for Treatment

If a condition or treatment is covered under the policy terms, no preauthorization for treatment should be required.

Claims Submission

Companies should allow policyholders to fax or mail claims, and there should be a reasonable time limit on submitting claims. If a claim is denied, there should be a review process in place available to the policyholder.

Premium Increases

Premium increases should be based on your pet’s age and not on the dollar amount or number of claims filed.

Policy Cancellation Penalties

There should be no penalty for canceling your policy, whether because of choice or loss of the pet.

Click here--> Pet Health Insurance
for more information.

Do the research before buying pet insurance.