Sale Time!

With Memorial Day weekend ahead, I felt like I should at least blog a little about up coming sales and what you should be looking for. Here's a great site for coupons from merchants all over. If you don't shop this weekend, you're crazy- it's just a perfect time to get in the summer time mood!

Five things come to mind that are hot sellers during this weekend:

• Patio furniture
• Grills
• Fans/AC Units
• Pool accessories
  
• Beach cover up/ Summer clothes

I was doing a little online research about how to make the best deal during the weekend, and I came across this great little article. May it serve you well as we celebrate Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st!

I Wear My Sunglasses At Night

Faithful readers, I apologize I have been so MIA! The travel gods have taken hold of me, and while my journeys were incredible on so many levels, I am tired...and well, hoping to get back into the routine of blogging, shopping and anything else that makes me feel good.

I was thinking of ways that I could decompress from all my travels (which may be hard while I am blogging in the middle of one of the craziest gates at Logan International Airport), but I was reminded on my ride here of how I need to find time to create a little sanctuary, especially in the midst of chaotic times. Which lead me to think about what gives me rest...the ocean...which then led me to thinking of sitting outside...and since this is a blog about shopping...I went to a necessary item for all outdoor activity: SUNGLASSES!

Until recently, I have never been a supporter of buying designer sunglasses. I always thought I'd lose them, scratch them, drop them, forget them....you name it. And then reality set in. I RARELY lose things; I am super careful with my property, and I honestly covet some designer styles. So, what the hell? Break a few rules, Maria. So I'll protect my eyes, gear up for summer, and seek out someplace oceanic for me to wear them :)

The key to a good pair is fit and style. Depending on your face shape (oval, long and lean, round, etc.), you can identify which shape looks best and most comfortable on you. A few key points:

• Make sure they don't slide off the bridge of your nose when you lean down. They need to fit snug enough that they don't move.
• Make sure the style doesn't overwhelm your face. The larger frames that are trendy now can be fun, but remember not to look like bug eyed :)
• Look for frames that complement your skin tone. I saw a very fair blonde woman trying on these jet black frames- it made her look even more pale, and didn't make her look very approachable.
• Be careful with gradient lenses: they may look trendy, but sunglasses are supposed to protect your eyes from the sun! The darker the lens, the more UVA/UVB rays you deflect.
• Always put them back in their protective casing. This is how they get scratched! Even if you buy a cotton wristlet to keep them in, it's worth it.
• And if you simply can't keep track of your sunglasses...don't invest in full priced eye wear. Marshall's or TJMaxx often have designer styles at discounted prices. The new Nordstrom Rack (in Natick for my MA readers) has some fantastic ones at good prices!
  

While I decide which ones I want to splurge on, you can see the ones I really like...

The AviatorThe Jackie OThe RayBan Classic

For Garden Lovers

Since Mother's Day is coming up, and my mom is HUGE gardener (her backyard increases their property value exponentially!), I knew this little discovery would bring me some great gifts ideas!

Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters (same company) launched a new retail concept that focuses on gardening pieces, furniture and wellness items (for the bath and body) called...Terrain is just as lovely you would expect an Anthro line to be, and it has a refreshingly "relaxing" tone- just browsing the site makes me feel like I am breathing deeper. I especially love the quirky plant stands like this one...Or the intricate floral vases like this one...Every little detail is lovely, and for anyone you may know who loves their garden or can appreciate natural beauty, this little site is an absolute treasure. Maybe you'll turn into a garden lover too :)

Time to Tone

Sometimes it takes me a while to "buy into" fads. I like to see if they wear off or sustain before I really decide to spend money on something that could potentially be a bust.

Let's take the skinny jean, for example.
I didn't wear this trend right away, seeing as I had my doubts about whether enough "normal" people could wear these without looking like fools. And sure enough, the skinny jean won.
Fads = 1, Maria = 0

Or there's the 80s comeback: slouchy fabrics (ladies, remember Units??), neon colors, and leg warmers. Seriously, it was enough in the 80s, and shouldn't be relived.
Fads = 1, Maria = 1

And now that we're tied, I'm faced with another: The Reebok EasyTone athletic shoe.I saw at the holidays there was a big push for these little trendsetters. $100 shoes is always an interesting sell, but the real piece of intrigue for consumers:

• "Get a better butt and better legs with every step. With EasyTone Inspire, you can get firmer thanks to our patented sole technology, which emulates walking on sand. EasyTone technology improves muscle tone in the hamstrings, calves and glutes up to 28%"

Honestly, need I say more? I recently purchased a pair, and let me tell you, the Fad won AGAIN, up 2-1. They are even making a new "TrainTone and RunTone" shoe for basic training or running. So savvy. I'll tie things up before too long...meanwhile, time to tone!

Saving the Planet, One Day at a Time

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22nd.

And while I don't identify myself as a "tree hugging" child of the 70s, I do have a strong appreciation for all things organic, recyclable, and reusable. It not only feels good to be conscious of how I consume and the ways I dispose of what I consume, but I know in the end, it's my little part of helping Mother Earth.

And let's face it, She could use all the help She could get these days!

So, in recognition of a day where life should be preserved and respected, here's a few things you could do or think about as we approach April 22...

• Check out DisneyNature's new movie "Oceans" released on Earth Day (it looks beautiful!)
• There's no excuse: Use reusable bags at the grocery store. I even bring them along with me when I shop at the mall since EVERY store uses their own separate bags. If you need to buy more durable ones, I really enjoy this site for many reusable products.
• Organic clothing can be lovely and responsible. There's a growing trend of organic baby's clothing, too (hello, moms and dads!) I have enjoyed products from Ginger and Lime: a great eco-friendly site that boasts not just clothing, but bedding and other great products too.
• If you're more action oriented, sign the Earth Day 2010 Climate Declaration. Maybe you're interested, as I am, in motivating Congress.
• For my DC readers, perhaps you want to attend the Climate Rally on the National Mall, Sunday, April 25th. This could be your way of demonstrating your commitment to change.
  
• Check out more information about Earth Day and all of the ways you can pitch in!

I think it's time for people to pay attention to how we consume and ways to reduce waste. So, pitch in. Do your part. And find a way to say "THANKS!" to our Mother Earth this year.