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July's Birthstone -Ruby

Thursday

AA Airlines Travel Deals for September to December



Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

American Airlines and its regional affiliate, American Eagle, have put
many of their destinations in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and
Bermuda on sale for travel Sept. 2 through Dec. 10, 2008.

Here are highlights of American's sale:

American Airlines Sale to Caribbean / the Bahamas / Mexico / Bermuda

-- Sale fares available between the United States and select destinations
in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Bermuda.

-- Begin travel Sept. 2 through Dec. 8, 2008; return no later than
Dec. 10, 2008.

-- Purchase tickets no later than July 31, 2008.

-- Other restrictions, including embargo dates, apply. For rules and
restrictions, see the terms and conditions below, or visit American's
Web site, AA.com.

Priceline.com Hotels - save up to 50%

Here are samples of American and American Eagle's great low fares to
the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Bermuda.

SAMPLE SALE FARES

Sample Fares are each Way based on Round-Trip Purchase*
City Pairs

  • Miami - Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago $76
  • Miami - Freeport, Bahamas+ $78
  • Fort Lauderdale - Kingston, Jamaica $89
  • New York Kennedy - Bermuda $123
  • Miami - Grand Cayman, Cayman Is. $127
  • Los Angeles - San Jose del Cabo, Mexico $131
  • Miami - Bridgetown, Barbados $186
  • Dallas/Fort Worth - Tampico, Mexico+ $190
  • New York City - St. Lucia, B.W.I. $239



  • * Fares shown are each way based on off-peak round-trip Economy Class
    travel purchased on AA.com, and are in U.S. dollars. Fares are valid
    for travel beginning Sept. 2-Dec. 8, 2008; complete travel by
    Dec. 10, 2008. Fares do not include all government-imposed taxes and
    fees.
    + Service operated by American Eagle.

    Travelers can check schedules and fares and book flights by visiting
    http://www.aa.com. On AA.com you'll find the absolute lowest fares
    available for American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection(R)
    flights -- guaranteed. For full details on our Lowest Fare Guarantee, visit
    http://www.aa.com/benefits.

    For Current travel deals visit CheapCaribbean.com for All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacations to getaway before September!


    Tuesday

    Pick $1 DVD Rentals at Your Supermarket



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Over the last several months, a big red machine has been sitting near the doorway of my local super market. It is a Red Box DVD machine. You can rent new release dvds from the machine for only $1 per day plus tax. You are charged a $1 for every day (plus tax) you have possesion of the dvd. You need a valid credit card to rent the movies...no cash accepted.

    In addition, they may debit or put a hold on your credit for more than the cost of the rental to cover late fees etc. SO make sure you have enough credit on your card to cover the hold.

    You can rent two ways: Reserve online with credit card and then pick it up at your nearest location or directly rent from the Red Box machine. The company says it has over 8,000 locations so their might be one near you. Once you find a location, check that location for what titles are available! Don't forget your credit card if you reserve online with one...you will need it to get your video.

    http://www.redbox.com/Locations/KioskSearch.aspx

    OR you could Rent movies from Netflix!


    Monday

    Savvy Household Tip: Remove Wall Streaks With Ease



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Have you ever accidently grazed the paint on your wall leaving behind a dark streak? I do it all the time. Recently I moved a wood box and it slid against my wall leaving a very dark and sinister looking black streak! These do not wipe off with water or cleanser.

    Here is a tip: take a disinfecting wipe and dab about a 1/2 teaspoon of nail polish remover with acetone. Use the wipe to remove the surface streak. The mark will disappear. You can also use a plain damp paper towel and a 1/2 teaspoon of nail polish remover with acetone for the same effect. The nail polish remover is strong enough to just to remove the streak and not the paint on your wall.

    Bonus Retail Secrets for Savvy Consumers tip: If you have surface paint transfer on your car from grazing another car, garage, or other inanimate object you can do this same trick to remove the surface paint transfer. It wont remove any deep damage but if it is just a little paint transfer, this tip will do the trick.

    Savvy Deals:
    Theme Park Tickets - which ticket is right for me?

    Check out our weekly free shipping offers at BestBuy.com


    Save on your favorite cosmetics at Spalook.comGet 15% off your $100 or more purchase at spalook.com. Coupon Code: Spa15

    California Last Minute Deal Destination Sale!

    Join the Kodak Gallery and get a Free Pocket Photo Book, 30% off for current members.


    Thursday

    Free Coke Zero Nascar Related Promotion



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Retail Secrets Freebie News: In celebration of the inaugural Coke Zero 400 at iconic Daytona International Speedway, fans would still be able to receive free Coke Zero.

    Any U.S. resident 13 years of age or older can simply visit www.CokeZero.com through July 13 and follow the instructions to receive a coupon for a free 20-ounce bottle of Coke Zero (1). In addition to quenching their thirst, fans can help support a charity close to the hearts of Coca-Cola Racing Family drivers. Coke Zero will donate $1 to the Victory Junction Gang Camp on behalf of the first 10,000 people who visit CokeZero.com to request a free coupon.

    Nascar fan or not- get your free coupon.

    Get 20% off Any Single Item until 7.31.08 at Store.Nascar.com!


    Tips On Buying A Foreclosed Property



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Challenging times in the U.S. real estate market means there are record numbers of foreclosed homes for sale. Some homebuyers are considering purchasing a foreclosed home because these properties are often going for what seem like bargain prices. But buyers beware, there are some tips and tricks you need to keep in mind if you are considering purchasing a foreclosed home.

    Leading online real estate site Trulia.com assembled a panel of industry experts and asked them to come up with things every buyer should know before purchasing a foreclosed home:

    • Prioritize your needs: Make a list of “must-haves” for your new home. The foreclosed house you choose should have an overall appeal as well as most of the items on your list.

    • Talk to experts: Make an appointment with an experienced foreclosure agent. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

    • Be current: Look at neighborhood data with emphasis on real-time sales. Compare current and last year’s home values to determine which way the market is moving.

    • Aim high: Find out the overall value of the neighborhood in which you are buying. A foreclosure may allow you entry into a better neighborhood. Foreclosure.com--Start Your Free 7-Day Trial Today!!

    • Make inspection mandatory: Minimize hidden costs by planning a professional inspection. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.

    • Avoid prestage deals: The preforeclosure/short sale stage is typically not the most profitable. You could wait weeks or even months for an answer from the lender.

    • Buy at the right time: The foreclosure stage can be profitable when it goes to public auction. The best deals are often situations where the home has been on the market for 60 days or more.

    According to Pete Flint, cofounder and CEO of Trulia, providing guidance from foreclosure experts combined with comprehensive information on foreclosed homes across the country can help potential homeowners take full advantage of this market while avoiding the kind of risks that might otherwise make them hesitate.

    Trulia, Inc. is a residential real estate search engine and one of the fastest growing U.S. real estate sites. Trulia helps approximately 5 million unique visitors per month find information on homes for sale using custom search criteria. The site also provides market trends and neighborhood data, as well as Trulia Voices, a real estate Q&A community that enables consumers and professionals to exchange information about their local markets.

    For more information, visit www.trulia.com. Get a Free list of every Bank & Government Foreclosure in the Nation!

    A growing number of homebuyers are thinking of purchasing a property that’s in foreclosure. If you are one of them, it’s wise to start the process by talking with an expert.

    What's Today's Best Investment?
    It's Not Stocks! It's REAL ESTATE!!
    Create Wealth Buying FORECLOSURE Properties!
    Search the Nations largest database to see what opportunities are waiting for YOU!


    Sunday

    Travel Freebie: FREE Companion Airfare to Canada from United Airlines



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Retail Secrets for Savvy Consumers loves free offers. Supriseinly, United Airlines is giving away free companion airfare. With air travel costs through the roof, this is huge !

    Travelers can have their companion fly absolutely free when they book their vacation of three nights or more bybJune 30, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2008.

    The offer is quite simple to book -- just enter promo code FLYFREE at
    the time of purchase. The hardest part will be deciding between which amazing Canadian city to get immersed in. Vancouver, Toronto,
    Montreal ... thankfully United Vacations offers convenient flight options
    to 8 of the 10 Provinces!

    Book Flight + 4-Night Hotel in Banff, Vancouver, or Whistler and Save $50> PROMO CODE: CAN50ADA


    And if by chance travelers have a particular interest in the impressive
    decor and hospitality of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, they can also take
    advantage of free nights at select hotels throughout Canada. Fairmont
    Hotels & Resorts proudly offers a collection of unique leisure packages,
    thoughtfully tailored to reflect an array of lifestyle interests and
    special occasions, while taking full advantage of the unrivalled prominence
    that the properties enjoy in their communities.


    Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta
    -- The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise -- 3rd night free
    -- The Fairmont Banff Springs -- 3rd night free

    Montreal, Quebec
    -- Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth -- 4th night free

    Quebec City, Quebec
    -- Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac -- 5th night free
    -- Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu -- 4th night free

    Toronto, Ontario
    -- The Fairmont Royal York -- 3rd night free, free breakfast

    Vancouver, British Columbia
    -- The Fairmont Waterfront -- 4th night free
    -- The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver -- 4th night free

    Consumers: Purchase online at http://www.unitedvacations.com, by
    calling 888-328-6877 or by contacting a travel agent.

    Other Travel Deals:

    Book your Travel on Black Friday to complete your holiday shopping in person. Click here for great deals in New York

    Visit Travelocity for Arizona and California Deals

    East Coast Escapes: Hotels from $60

    Top Destination for hotels!


    Friday

    Travel Freebie: VEGAS.com Gives Out $50 Gas Cards and Discounts on Las Vegas Hotels



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Beginning July 7, Las Vegas is dishing out more than winnings. VEGAS.com announces Gas Cards to make getting to and from Vegas a little easier on the wallet. Rising gasoline prices have already impacted Americans’ travel plans. To relieve some of the pain at the pump for Vegas visitors, VEGAS.com is giving customers a $50 gas card for the ride home and a $10 discount on Las Vegas hotel reservations with the Cash In and Top Off promotion.

    When you book a Vegas vacation, add an activity to your trip and save $100! > PROMOCODE: VEGAS100 > Exp. 7/31/08

    Customers enter promo code “GAS” at checkout to receive $10 off their Las Vegas hotel booking of $250 or more. The $50 gas card can be picked up at one of the many VEGAS.com concierge locations at Las Vegas hotels on the Strip. Reservations must be made between July 7 at 9 a.m. PDT and July 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT with stay dates between July 7 and Aug. 31, 2008.

    Top Hotel Deals in Las Vegas


    According to a survey by Rand McNally, 66 percent of Americans who plan to take a road trip this summer say that rising gas prices have prompted them to change their plans. Almost three in five (57 percent) said they expect to cut back on the number of days and/or distance driven.


    Wednesday

    Private Student Loans: How To Spot Deceptive Offers



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    This is good information from the FTC for parents seeking funding for their student tuition:

    An education beyond high school can be expensive and could require you or your family to take out loans to help pay for it.

    Student loans fall into two categories: federal loans and private loans. Federal loans are subject to oversight and regulation by the federal government. Private loans, sometimes called “alternative loans,” are offered by private lenders and do not include the benefits and protections available with federal loans.

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, and the U.S. Department of Education (ED), the agency that oversees federal student loans, say it pays to learn about student loans so you can make an informed decision about financing your education.

    Private Loans

    Private companies may offer you loans and other forms of financial assistance for your education. They often use direct mail marketing, telemarketing, television, radio and online advertising to promote their products. Let SimpleTuition find the right student loan for you.

    Comparing the costs of different ways to finance your education is important. Private loans tend to have higher fees and interest rates than federal government loans. Generally, they do not offer the opportunities for cancellation or forgiveness that are available on many federal loan programs. So it makes good financial sense to exhaust your federal loan options (as well as grants and scholarships) before considering loans from any private companies.

    If you are thinking about a private student loan, it’s important to know whom you’re doing business with and the terms of the loan. The FTC and ED offer these tips to help you recognize questionable claims and practices related to private student loans:

    • Some private lenders and their marketers use names, seals, logos or other representations similar to those of government agencies to create the false or misleading impression that they are part of or affiliated with the federal government and its student loan programs.

    Search for student loans from competing lenders at SimpleTuition

    • ED does not send advertisements or mailers or otherwise solicit consumers to borrow money. If you receive a student loan solicitation, it is not from ED.

    • Don’t let promotions or incentives like gift cards, credit cards and sweepstakes prizes divert you from assessing whether the key terms of the loan are reasonable.

    • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know with whom you are dealing.

    • Private student lenders typically ask for your student account number-often your Social Security number (SSN) or Personal Identification Number (PIN)-saying they need it to help determine your eligibility. However, because scam artists who purport to be private student lenders can misuse this information, it is critical to provide it or other personal information only if you have confidence in the private student lender with whom you are dealing.

    To learn more, see “Student Loans: Avoiding Deceptive Offers” at www.ftc.gov and visit www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

    Comparing the costs of different ways of financing your education is important.


    Monday

    Recession Proof Prescriptions: Wal-Mart $4 30 Day Prescriptions!



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    About two years ago, Wal-mart started offering a $4 prescription drug plan. It was previously limited to 30 days but now is offered for 90 day supply for $10. This is an amazing savings.

    This pricing is offered without having a pharmacy plan on your health insurance. All you need is a valid prescription that ALLOWS substitutions from your doctor. You go to a Wal-mart with a pharmacy present your script for one of the eligible drugs and your savings begin.

    Check walmart.com to see if your medication is eligible in these categories:
    Allergies, Cold & Flu Ear Health Other Medical Conditions
    Antibiotic Treatments Fungal Infections Skin Conditions
    Arthritis & Pain Gastrointestinal Health Thyroid Conditions
    Asthma Glaucoma and Eye Care Viruses
    Cholesterol Heart Health & Blood Pressure Vitamins & Nutritional Health
    Diabetes Mental Health Women's Health

    Details from Wal-mart:
    The $4 Program covers up to a 30-day supply of eligible drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. $10 Program covers a 90-day supply of eligible drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. Prices for less than a 90-day supply are prorated based on $4 Program price, not to exceed $10. Prices for more than a 90-day supply are prorated based on $10 Program price. Physician permission may be required to change 30-day prescription to 90-day prescription. Not all drugs eligible for $4 Program are eligible for $10 Program. Certain plans, including government-funded programs, may not cover a 90-day supply.

    Prescription Program available at all Wal-Mart, Sam's Club & Neighborhood Markets except in ND. Only eligible drugs are covered. List may change and vary by state. Prescriptions must initially be filled in person. Refills must be picked up in store. No substitutions or mail orders. Prices may be higher in some states. Certain plans may entitle you to pay less. See Walmart.com or pharmacist for details.

    Get up to 65% off Febreze Scentstories player and discs. Discount applied at checkout. Offer expires 12.28.2009.

    Buy organic products at drugstore.com

    Save up to 70% on Clearance Items at drugstore.com

    Buy the Sponge Bob humidifier - now only $24.99 at drugstore.com!


    Thursday

    Tips For Fueling Your Frequent Traveler Points And Miles



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    As fuel prices continue to rise and traveling becomes more expensive each day, people are finding ways to decrease the cost of their vacation plans because they are strapped for cash. In a recent survey by Kayak.com, 79 percent of respondents said that while the recent economic downturn caused them to alter their vacation plans, they are still planning to get away. Of those who changed the destination of their vacation, 28 percent said they will stay closer to home, 23 percent will drop a star from their usual standard and 20 percent will choose a location where friends and family can offer room and board.

    While Americans are considering alternative ways to cut back on their travel costs, one often overlooked way to bring down the cost of a vacation is to utilize frequent traveler points and miles from loyalty programs. Travelers can take advantage of their hotel and airline rewards programs to redeem for discounts, upgrades and free rooms and airfare.

    "I think that many travelers don't maximize their hotel point earnings because hotel rewards programs often seem more complicated than they actually are," said Adam Burke, senior vice president and managing director, Hilton HHonors Worldwide. "Most travelers are well aware of the opportunity to earn and redeem airline mileage, but travelers who are truly interested in maximizing the earning power of their travel should enroll in a hotel rewards program in addition to their frequent flyer programs."

    Frequent travelers who have points or miles sitting in their program accounts should consider redeeming their points to help alleviate the cost of future travel expenses. Travelers who haven't taken advantage of customer loyalty programs are missing out on a world of rewards and free travel. From vacation packages to car rentals, members can use their points and miles as a new form of currency to plan for their next trip. When planning for your next vacation, consider the following tips on how to make the most out of frequent traveler points and miles:

    1. Choose A Rewards Program Carefully and Stay Loyal-All customer loyalty programs are not created equal, so take the time to research which hotel and airline programs are the best fit for your travel needs. By staying loyal to one hotel and one airline program, you will earn more rewards faster and can receive various VIP privileges and special recognition.

    2. Choose Your Preferred Currency-Whether you want free nights or free flights, choose a program that gives you the flexibility to earn the way you want. Hilton HHonors, for example, offers three different earnings options, which impacts how members earn points and miles. You can also concentrate your earnings into one currency by converting your hotel points to miles or airline miles to points.

    3. Don't Get Blacked Out-Since hotel rooms can be more expensive during peak travel seasons, redeeming your points for a free night during these peak periods saves you more money. Look for a hotel rewards program that allows you to redeem during the times of year you want to travel the most and make sure to check the fine print on the program's blackout policies.

    4. Redeem Points for Vacation Packages and Experience Rewards-In addition to vacation packages to exciting and exotic locations, some programs also offer a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences that you can redeem for rewards. For example, Hilton HHonors offers members the chance to soar above New York City in a helicopter or test-drive their dream job while on vacation.

    5. Other Ways To Earn Points-Staying at a hotel is not the only way to earn points. Most loyalty programs offer a variety of credit cards that allow you to earn points or miles for just spending money you would normally spend. You can even earn points by renting a car from one of your reward program partners. Some programs, such as Hilton HHonors, also offer an Earnings Mall that allows you to earn bonus points for each purchase.
    $30 off with 5 night booking!


    Tuesday

    Save Money on Bottled Water This Summer- Buy Portable Filtering Water Bottle



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    About four years ago, I read a great tip online about how to save money when going to amusement parks. The tip was to buy a water portable plastic bottle with a filter. At places like Disney World, bottle watered can be $3 or more. Take my advice, pick up the Sports Bottle Plastic Portable Water Filter Bottle. Having this portable water filter bottle will save you tons of money when you travel, picnic, go to the beach or anywhere.

    TIP: When you know you will be out for a long time, fill your bottle with ice. It will take a while to melt and be cold when you are ready to gulp it down.

    Sports Bottle Plastic Portable Water Filter Bottle
    Sports Bottle Plastic Portable Water Filter Bottle$35.95


    Sunday

    Be Environmentally Conscious And Save



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    (NAPSI)-Most people are unaware of the simple steps they can take to be more Earth friendly. Changing cleaning habits is one way to make a positive change. Household cleaning products can contain toxic chemicals that pollute the air and have negative effects on the Earth and your family. By changing the products you use and how you use them, you can be more Earth friendly.

    Here are 10 cost-effective tips for being more Earth friendly at home:

    • Start by making sure your home is properly ventilated to eliminate pollutants.

    • Replace thick curtains that keep heat in with light curtains that allow breezes through during warm-weather months. This will help cut down on utility bills associated with running your air conditioner.

    • Always read the labels of your cleaning products to ensure proper usage and storage. Use products the way they are intended. In many cases, using more doesn’t improve performance.

    • Always keep cleaning products in their original containers with the lids closed. Never mix products together unless directed on the label.

    • Use products completely. Don’t buy more than you can use. After use, recycle containers where possible or dispose of them as recommended on the label. Buy recyclable products whenever possible to cut down on waste.

    • Clean your windows with a half-and-half mixture of distilled white or apple cider vinegar and water from a reusable spray bottle. Once you have sprayed the window pane, wipe with recycled newspapers for streak-free shine.

    • Replace iridescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs throughout your home.

    • Bring potted plants into your home to cut down on carbon dioxide.

    • Use refillable water bottles instead of purchasing bottled water.

    • Use nontoxic cleaners, such as Faultless/Bon Ami #04410 14OZ Bon Ami Cleanser, to keep the kitchen and bath areas free of mold and mildew, two big sources of indoor pollution. Bon Ami is a cleaner that contains no dyes, chlorine or perfumes and hasn’t since it launched in 1886.


    Thursday

    Wine.com Two Day Sale



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    If you have events through the summer and serve wine, you might want to buy your supply from wine.com and take advantage of the following promotion:

    Two days only! Get 10%off any 12or more bottles at Wine.com. Enter Promo Code SUMMER at checkout. Offer ends 6.20.08.

    Wine & Spirits Top Values of the Year at Wine.com

    90 point& wines under $20 at Wine.com. Shop Now!


    Wednesday

    Resort Fees: Make Sure You Use What You Pay For



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Ah resort fees, the charges you see on you hotel invoice that seem nebulous at best. Depending on where you stay, resort fees could be anything: pool towel service, bottled water, turn down service, daily newspaper - virtually anything.

    Three star or higher hotels are more likely to have resort fees than road side motels. Hotels are required to disclose what your resort fee covers. When booking your hotel stay over the phone, ask your representative if there is a resort fee and what it covers.

    Last year, I stayed at an Embassy Suites in Puerto Rico that had horrible service. It had a $10 a day resort fee that covered the "free bottled water" at the pool that was advertised as an amenity. The caveat was that water was not all you could drink and you were allotted two bottles a day from the hours of 9 am to 3pm. This really was not the most convenient perk since I was out siteseeing during that time.

    Some hotels may remove the resort fee if you say you didn't take advantage of the perks it covers. But don't count on them removing it.

    The best thing to do is to find out what you are paying for and make sure you use whatever it is.

    Top Hotel Deals in Honolulu

    East Coast Escapes: Hotels from $60

    Top Hotel Deals in San Diego


    Tuesday

    Bed Bugs-The Unwelcome Travel Companion



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    Ok this is truly gross but hotels are having a major problen with bed bugs. Before I travelled to Orlando this year, I read on Tripadvisor that a hotel I was considering had a bed bug problem. I opted to not stay at that hotel.

    Whether traveling for business or pleasure, many Americans take to the skies or hit the road for vacation during the summer months. In addition to packing luggage and double-checking itineraries, travelers should learn how to prevent unwelcome surprises, like bed bugs, from spoiling their trip or return home.

    Pest control leader Orkin, Inc. has seen a rise in the number of bed bugs cases over the past several years, treating infestations in 48 states to date, versus only 43 states in 2004 and 35 states in 2003. Experts believe bed bugs’ return and prevalence in the U.S. are due to an increase in international travel and the change to more targeted pest control applications. These factors, combined with increased media coverage, have also heightened awareness of these blood-sucking pests among the general public.

    Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not a sanitation issue; they can be found in any hotel--luxury to inexpensive-and any home-big, small, clean or dirty--as well as dormitories and cruise ships.

    “Once a bed bug finds its way indoors, it can move from room to room by traveling on clothing and luggage or through pipes and vacuum cleaners,” said Frank Meek, board-certified entomologist and technical director for Orkin, Inc. “This tendency to hitch-hike--as well as a bed bug’s ability to survive more than a year without a blood meal--make proper prevention and control steps even more important.”


    Save between $20 and $100 on ALL Hotel Bookings Now!

    While bed bugs are not known to carry disease, these apple-seed-sized pests can leave behind itchy, bloody welts on the skin.

    Meek recommends travelers use the acronym, S.L.E.E.P., to remember the common signs of a bed bug infestation and to help prevent these pests from becoming an unwelcome travel companion or souvenir:

    • Survey for signs of an infestation, such as dark brown or red spots on sheets.

    • Lift and look for all bed bug hiding spots, including the mattress, headboard and furniture. Bed bugs are nocturnal and tend to hide near their food source-you!

    • Elevate your belongings on a luggage rack away from the bed and wall, where bed bugs often hide behind headboards, picture frames and electrical outlet panels.

    • Examine your luggage while repacking and when you return home. Remember, bed bugs are only 3/16 of an inch and can easily fit in cracks and crevices.

    • Professionals can treat these resilient pests, which are extremely difficult to kill and can survive extreme temperatures.


    Don’t let bed bugs spoil your travel. Remember to look for common signs of a bed beg infestation, such as dark brown or red spots on sheets and mattresses.

    I was totally disgusted to hear about the bed bug problem in hotels. So I pick up a cocoon travel sheet below. Check it out:

    Sleep Sacks Sleeping Bag Liners - Cocoon Cotton Travel Sheet - Nile


    Sleep Sacks Sleeping Bag Liners - Cocoon Cotton Travel Sheet - Nile $32.99

    Slip into the comfort of a Cocoon cotton travel sheet on your next adventure. Use this versatile piece of sleeping gear while camping, or while traveling. The lightweight Travel Sheets extend sleeping bag life in addition to providing additional warmth as a sleeping bag liner. Sleep assured your bedding is clean and comfortable as you prepare to continue your journey. The cotton sleep sacks are ideal for use in hostels and hotels for added security in questionable bedding, Cocoon makes the best in travel sacks. Choose your sleep sack from a wide selection of colors. The Cocoon cotton travel sheet is a high value and economical piece of travel sleep gear featuring pillow pocket, double stitched with reinforced gussets, side opening with Velcro closure & nylon stuff bag. Choose from a selection of six color designs. A great companion for budget international travel!

    *Reinforced gussets *Size: 86"x35" *100% Cotton *Adds 5.3 deg F of warmth *14.6 oz. *Come in your choice of 6 colors *Easily machine or hand washable The Cocoon TravelSheet is a rectangular sleeping bag liner which can be used as an ultralight sleeping bag keeping you cool in warm weather, or simply a sleep sack for traveling. It is essential and wonderfully useful when staying in hostels and adventure hotels. When you seek comfortable rest when in the tropics this breathable soft cotton sleep sack is all you'll need.

    Buy Now for only $32.99 Sleep Sacks Sleeping Bag Liners - Cocoon Cotton Travel Sheet - Nile


    Friday

    Grocery Shopping Update: Aluminum Foil Prices Rise Significantly



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    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.


    Thursday

    Tips for Staying Cool This Summer



    Find Today's Daily Deal on Your City's Best Things To Do at Groupon.com!

    The Northeast had a major hitwave in the past week that led to a very damaging thunderstorm. Many homes were without power for days. Here are a few items to buy in advance of the next heatwave and power outage.

    Buy Battery Operated Fans:
    I have one of these that I travel with but you should definitely have one on hand for emergencies:

    O2 Cool 1054 10

    10" Indoor/Outdoor Fan, Over 72 Hours Of Battery Life, Typical Use, 2 Speed, Convenient Flip Up Handle/Hook, Fan Tilts For Directional Air Flow, U Shaped Base For Uneven Surfaces, Portable & Easy To Carry, Folding Design Saves Storage Space, Operates On 8 "D" Batteries, AC Adapter Included. *Manufacturer: GLJ LLC., DBA O2-COOL *Model number: 1054 *UPC Code: 755247010540 *Length: 11.9 *Width: 3.6 *Height: 12.2 Just $19.88
    Buy Now -->O2 Cool 1054 10" Indoor/Outdoor Battery Powered Fan

    Buy this before going to an amusement park. Amusement parks charge $30 for misting fans. You can buy the one below for $9.99:

    O2 Cool 2059 Squeeze Breeze Misting Fan - Assorted Colors

    Assorted Colors Squeeze Breeze Water Misting Fan, Pump Action Sprayer, Over 1000 Mists, Ability To Add Ice Provides A Mist 30 Degrees Below Air Temperature, Soft Foam Blades *Manufacturer: GLJ LLC., DBA O2-COOL *Model number: 2059CTR *UPC Code: 755247097022 *Length: 3.74 *Width: 2.7 *Height: 10.4
    Buy Now--> O2 Cool 2059 Squeeze Breeze Misting Fan - Assorted Colors


    Get a Small Personal Fan for Your Purse or Briefcase:
    I commute using public transporation in NYC. It is brutally hot in the subway. Fellow riders always admire me for having a personal fan around my neck. It truly is a lifesaver, especially during a heatwave!:

    Cool It Personal Fan

    Portable, personal fan has amazing power that keeps you cool and refreshed on hot, humid days. $22

    Buy now-->Cool It Personal Fan


    Buy this fan from Ulta Beauty and get Get $3.50 off any purchase over $10.00Plus free samples!