A couple years ago I did a story about on-line shopping and ordered gifts from every store imaginable.  The goal was to see what company really made it easy, affordable and fun to buy presents from the comfort of your computer chair and what products really lived up to their on-line descriptions when they arrived.  It was an enlightening assignment for KOIN and KATU television and I went from very rarely shopping on-line to becoming an expert on the subject.  So, when I am looking for a last minute perfect and thoughtful gift that I can’t seem to find locally I turn on my laptop and get out my credit card.  With Father’s Day coming this Sunday I wanted to pass along my favorite store, www.RedEnvelope.com in case you still need a gift.  They have high-quality gifts for the golf lover, barbequer, or beer drinker in your life.  They also have traditional and sentimental gifts like a pocket watch, or personalized cuff links.  The prices are fair and you can get a really nice gift that he will love for around $50.00.  Shipping and handling can run you another $15. but the package arrives perfect, when promised and already gift wrapped in a beautiful keepsake red box with their signature blue ribbon.  They will even include a card with your personal message for no extra charge.  I would highly recommend them for all occasions and for a limited time you can get a discount if you click on the microphone on the top of their site and put in the coupon code 5522.  Hope that helps you celebrate the Father of your children or dear old Dad. 

You spend way more at the grocery store then you think you do.  The average household thinks they spend up to 40% less on food a month then they actually spend.  Keep track of your budget by asking yourself these simple questions before you leave for the store:

Who are you?  Identify what kinds of products you consume and then go straight to those aisles, resisting the urge to cruise the whole store.  If you eat fresh foods then you should shop the perimeter of the store where the fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy are kept.  If you are on a diet then skip the cookie aisle.  Out of sight, out of mind is a famous saying for a reason.

What’s for dinner?  Plan your meals before you make your list so you don’t get distracted once at the store.  Nothing is more frustrating than spending a hundred dollars at the register just to come home and try to make a meal out of brussels sprouts and enchilada sauce.  Even if you don’t like making a list challenge yourself to write down what meals you plan on making.

What you looking at?  Product placement is very important to stores and the items at eye level are there for a reason. Look up and down for better deals.  Also realize the bigger the chain the bigger their research budget on how to get you
to buy.  You can also make a list of what you are NOT buying, if you know your weaknesses.

How do you juggle it all?  If you are only going shopping for a few items then don’t get a cart or basket.  If you are going in for milk and cat food then you should be able to carry it to the checkout.  This way you won’t be able to pile things endlessly into your cart absent-mindedly and you’ll get free exercise. 

Does size matter?  Only buy in bulk for the products you’ll never stop using. Laundry detergent, toilet paper and shampoo are good choices for the bigger quantities that usually mean cheaper prices.  However, you will never use a gallon of soy sauce and your vanilla extract is too big if it has a handle.

Are you a less is more person?  Avocados at most big chain supermarkets are a dollar or more and to make guacamole you need to buy several of them since they are so small.  Zupans Markets, and other organic stores, have HUGE avocados that are twice the price but three times the size so you end up needing fewer of them and therefore spending less money.

April 21st is Earth Day but all of April is Earth Month at Pure Elements Salon & Spa.  It is a month long, network wide celebration that raises money and awareness to preserve our water and make clean drinking water accessible to everyone everywhere.  Since they know that digging ditches may not be your “thing” they have made it ultra-easy to get involved just by getting pampered.   Pure Elements is offering customers additional services for only a couple dollars with proceeds going to the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyments of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.  Add on a stress relieving hand massage that soothes, protects and reduces dark spots for only $1!  Or a blue oil neck message to calm a busy mind and tame tight muscles for only $2!  Or get a complete make-up application with the hottest looks for Spring in their new flower based make up line that is petrochemical free for only $3!  Or just pick up a Light the Way candle and 100% of the proceeds gets donated and you’re also entered to win a spa pedicure.  It has never been easier or more relaxing to give back!  For more information or to book your appointment contact Pure Elements Salon & Spa, 11211 SE 82nd, Portland OR, 503-652-5282. 

One night in August I asked my daughter if she wanted to make brownies for Valentine’s day with me in the morning.  She gave me a funny look and then took one glance at me holding a red dress and knew this was more then an invitation for a bonding moment with a chocolate treat at the finish line.  It was for TV.  We got up very early the next summer day and tried to pretend it was February, when the commercial would air.  There were boom mics and a prop and production team which jammed the whole house with people.  Ten years ago I would have been very nervous to do a national commercial for Betty Crocker but we had a great time and even managed not to get too chocolate-y.  When it was all over we drove to the closest park with a water fountain and drank lemonade in the blazing sun.  Kaden said the brownies tasted even better since it was summer.  Even though the segment is called “real Mom’s having real moments” there is some stuff you’d never know watching this finish product.  Here is some “behind the scenes” secrets for ya: I do not like chocolate at all, which is why I am eating the strawberry, and Kaden would not let us cut off her friendship bracelet so it stayed on even though it did not match, and we both got a little burned by the caramel.  Thank goodness the gig paid, ha ha.  Here is it, ENJOY!