Though online commerce has proven to be the Wal-Mart to the Green Movement's mom and pop shops, buying locally has its advantages; namely the fact that shipping goods ordered online to each individual household creates a carbon footprint big enough to bring even the most grizzled of hippies to tears. "You have these horrendous online suppliers that give (consumers) free shipping and sometimes free return shipping, and that's just ridiculous." says Judd. Though the Net may be a St. Louis consumer's only option for certain harder-to-find items, Home-Eco's worth a shot for the remaining products in your Earth-saving arsenal. Check out the gallery for a few shots from ToastedRav's visit, drop in on Home-Eco at 4611 Macklind Avenue, and visit their site here.

[gallery]

Though I'll admit, this is one trend I'm cool with following.

So where exactly do you need to go to get green? You need not look further than your own home to make an impact on the environment, your health and your pocketbook. I'm referring to a Complete Home Evaluation Including an Envelope and Home Energy Audit. It's a mouthful, but simply it's kind of like a check-up for your home.

Our home had a few nagging issues that needed tending and so my husband called our go-to-guy Frank Danna of Danna Enterprises. Frank has been helping us with home repairs and small remodeling projects for years. We've trusted him with all types of undertakings including bathrooms, drywall, electrical, plumbing, painting, flooring and more. When he asked if we'd be interested in setting up an appointment for an evaluation and energy audit, we couldn't see the downside and were thrilled that our favorite home improver was getting Certified through Building Performance Institute.

Frank came armed with about $10,000 worth of equipment and checklists. [morelink] I followed him from room to room and asked questions throughout the inspection. I quickly learned that this isn't a "Do-It-Yourself" type project, and now realize that the average homeowner is ignorant of the complexity of her surrounding structure. (The average homeowner being me and the structure being my house.)

The entire house was addressed, and though I was excited about the environmental impact, Frank was more concerned with trying to solve the problems of high energy bills, comfort and indoor air quality. He mentioned that if he gets to the root of these problems, the energy efficiency would be a by-product of making the home a more comfortable and healthier place to live.

Here are Frank's Five Tips to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient:

1. Make sure you have weather stripping on all exterior doors. It's simple, but efficient.

2. Start in the attic and work down - find every top plate, light, wire, ceiling fan and vent stacks and air seal any holes. Frank notes, "It takes a solid understanding of construction to know where to air seal."

3. Add caulking around windows and doors on the outside. Windows and doors are going to leak air no matter what, but it will help a little. It's important to remember that when it comes to windows, it's all about the installation process. Older windows that were installed properly will leak a lot less than new expensive "energy-efficient" windows that were installed poorly.

4. Purchase and install a programmable thermostat pronto.

5. If you have an unfinished basement, purchase a few cans of GREAT STUFF Insulating Foam Sealant from Lowes or Home Depot and create a seal where wood meets your foundation. Be sure to then stuff insulation batting into these spaces.

What to expect during the assessment:

Each assessment includes diagnostic tests of your home lasting three-five hours. A blower door test determines air leakage and assists in finding the largest air paths, which are one of the largest energy losses in homes. Some of the culprits were obvious, others I would have never guessed including outlets on exterior walls and even door frames on interior walls.

A test on the duct system determines how effectively the heating and cooling system is delivering air to the house versus how much is lost to, or gained from, unconditioned spaces like the crawlspace or attic. Frank even has an infrared camera to help skeptical homeowners see inside their walls.

The other tests conducted were checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide (CO) leaks, mold problems and water leaks.

Our assessment concluded that we have an outdoor gas leak (which reminds me I should call Laclede this afternoon), a lot of air sealing to do in the attic, a need for an additional CO Monitor and foam sealant in our unfinished basement.

Sure, a home evaluation and energy audit energy will help reduce your carbon footprint, make songbirds sing, instantly grow rainbows and Mother Nature will love you for it, but all those warm fuzzy stuff aside, it's good for YOU. How? For starters, it improves your comfort within your home by lessening drafts and improving air sealing. This way you're not heating or cooling the outside air and therefore, will save yourself some of the other spendable "green."

So why fork over the $400-$600 to do this now?

1. Peace of mind to know there are no gas, water or Carbon Monoxide leaks

2. Improved comfort before the season change

3. Start saving money sooner on utility bills

4. Improved indoor air quality

5. Get on that "Go Green" train just in time to celebrate Earth Day 2009. I hear it's just what Mother Nature wanted for her birthday.

If you'd like to set up a "Complete Home Evaluation Including an Envelope and Home Energy Audit," I'm sure Frank would be happy to help you and your home. You can reach Frank with Danna Enterprises at 636.358.6714.

When it's time to start packing up your place, it can be dreadful if attempted in one day. Don't do this to yourself. Whether you are a home owner or a renter, the simple steps in moving are very similar. In my case, my landlord has permission to show my place while they search for the next tenant. This has made my situation like a home opening and I have used this process and a few tips that I live by. Organization and preparation is a big key in making anything successful.

This is how I do it:

1. The De-Clutter Factor. Don't pack everything in one day. Moving takes preparation and packing day by day will definitely make things a little easier. For instance, walk around and pick up all the picture frames from every room and small decorative pieces. Begin to pack them. Do this for a few days and grab larger and larger items as you go.

This is a great tip in showing a place. People who walk through have more of a chance of envisioning themselves in the area if there are fewer personal touches around. It lets visitors focus on how they might use the space, not how you have.

2. Choose your boxes wisely. Don't choose big boxes just because they can fit a bunch of stuff, choose on what size items you are packing. Use big boxes for lighter, larger items and smaller boxes for everything else. Lift with the legs and hold at your 'power zone' which is located at your abs...less chance of breaking valuables and your back.

During the showing period, I have moved my boxes into a storage area in the basement below my living area. Avoid stuffing items in closets, you want to enhance the spacial quality. The less the potential tenant sees of your stuff, the more appealing the environment.

3. Clean a few hard things a day. Even if you are meticulous at cleaning everyday, your old home will need a deep cleaning before you go. My mother always told me to leave something sparkling more than I how I found it, and it will make a difference.

Go ahead and degrease that stove and wipe out the cabinets. Wipe down the fridge while you're at it and save some time in the long run. After doing this a few days, a little bit at a time, the final cleaning will be a breeze. It'll only require touch up and light wiping and then you can get the heck outta out of there. Enthusiasm is not a requirement.

4. To clean. Or not to clean. You can clean everything before you pack it, or you can clean everything while unpacking in your new nest. Wiping and cleaning your stuff may prove useless because boxes breed dust. This just may depend on the timing of your relocation.

Since I am showing my apartment as I clean and pack the place, I have decided to pack everything dusty as it is. The anticipation of the move is far greater than my need to unpack everything to find it in pristine and clean. Wiping and dusting as you unpack will be fun as you room for all your stuff.

5. The best way to clean. Many people are particular in the way that they clean, and I can raise my hand high in that crowd.  After you have officially pulled up the stakes, going back to finish the place off should be easy. If you cleaned at those dreaded tasks like the fridge, stove, cabinets, and such already, the rest is pretty refreshing.

Call your girlfriends, order some pizza and clean the place like mad women. It's a party when you do all the hard work first and cleaning in company of friends can make a dreadful task a farewell party. Bust open a few cold ones as you say goodbye...whewhoo!

    a. Top to bottom, room to room. Dust first, top to bottom as dust will settle downwards. Always wipe down blinds before perfecting the windows and dusting. Work the dust down and around and into oblivion.

    b. Sweep after dusting. A good exception to this method is removing dust bunnies and floaty stuff before starting to wipe down your wood furniture. This kind of dust is very light and likes to jump all over your furniture unless you grab it first. In general, though, all dirt will fall to the floor where it will be swept and mopped away.

    c. The devil is in the details. Hitting your door frames and floor boards with a dusting agent can be the difference in a room. Wiping door knobs, switches, and faucets with a cleaner will add a sparkle, too. Even if someone doesn't directly recognize it, they will notice the difference.

* Rental companies such as Enterprise offer cargo vans cheaper, no mileage, and weekend flexibility than that other moving truck rentals offer.

Suggested Items: Boxes, Packing Tape, Marker, Scissors, Cleaning stuff, Pizza, and a whole lot of friends to help move all those boxes.

Authors note: My so called expertise in moving and cleaning comes from years of jobs that I am grateful to have learned from. Housekeeping and box/shipping tips have definitely made these transitions in my life a heck of a lot more fun, but when it comes to organizing, cleaning, and method, I can at times take these passions to the extreme. I do not claim to give professional advice :)

It's time to dust off your bike and grease your chains; bicycling season is upon us and no one knows bikes better than South Side Cyclery. South Side has been selling, tuning and repairing bikes from their South City store for almost 75 years. The biking experts at South Side are busy getting bikes old and new ready to hit trails and sidewalks all over the city right now, but they took a time-out to give us the pro's checklist for getting your bike ready for the season.

1. Check your tires - like a car, your bike won't get very far if the tires aren't in good condition. Wayne says if the tires are cracked and dry, or if they aren't holding air you may need to replace them. During a professional tune up a bike mechanic checks the wheel bearings to make sure they are functioning properly, and tests the tension of the spokes when looking at the wheels. If your bearings seem to be loose or your spokes are wobbly you need to take your ride into a bike shop to have them adjusted and repaired.


2. Clean and lube your bike chain - Wayne said a lot people forget you should clean off old lubricants before adding new or it will gunk up the chains. Wayne recommends using a cycling specific lube because an auto lubricant is too heavy and thick.


3. Test brake and gear cables - simply squeezing the grip for your brakes and depressing the gear shifters will tell you right away if there is something wrong. If there is a lot of tension or you can't pull the grips down at all you probably need to lubricate the cables by loosening the top and bottom of the connection and applying a few drops of lube at the top; gravity will pull the lube down and coat the cable.

   
   Wayne demonstrates the way to lubricate your bike cables.

4. Check crank and steering bearings - check to make sure there isn't play in the bearings by standing to the side of the bike and pulling the pedal towards you. You can check the bearings in the headset by shaking and turning to make sure it isn't wobbly or loose. Wayne said since these bearings are contained in sealed systems if they seem wobbly or loose you will need to take them into a bike shop for repair.

   
   Wayne demonstrates testing the crank bearings

5. Test out the gears - once you have determined that the breaks, tires and bearings are in order it is time to jump on your bike and run through the gears. If your bike won't shift or if it seems to be shifting sloppily you will need to take your bike into a shop to get the derailers (which help the bike shift) tuned by a professional.

After you have made sure all systems are a go you are ready to hit the popular bike trails around St. Louis like Castlewood, Chubb Trail and Greensfelder, or find a new trail to tackle on STL Biking's website.

If you need to see a mechanic to get your bike ready to rumble, South Side Cyclery is located at 6969 Gravois in South City. They are open Monday through Friday from 10am until 7pm and Saturdays from 9am until 5pm. They sell custom and off-the-rack bikes from Trek, Schwinn, Giant and more.  They offer repairs service in the shop and also sell parts and accessories. Wayne says the typical professional tune-up will cost you around $60.

Every year, the St. Louis County Police Department holds SKYWARN weather training sessions to educate spotters in the St. Louis as a part of the national program started in the 1970's. The program focuses on refreshing and informing hounds about severe weather observation, and reporting.

Some weather hounds believe that we are due for some destructive weather, as St. Louis has a very stormy past when it comes to devastating tornadoes. The most deadly happened a little over a century ago, and some say we should keep our eyes to the sky by reason of that fact.

The 1896 St. Louis-East St. Louis tornado is a historic tornado event that occurred on Wednesday, May 27, 1896, as part of a major tornado outbreak across the Central United States on the 27th, continuing across the Eastern United States on the 28th. One of the deadliest and most destructive tornadoes in U.S. history, this very large, long-track, and violent tornado was the most notable of an outbreak which produced other large, long-track, violent, killer tornadoes. ~Wikipedia

The classes are free and open to the public where you can get certified, in graduated levels on this program.

Thursday, March 19
Jefferson Barracks Park Visitor’s Center,
345 North Road, Jefferson Barracks Park (near the Broadway & Kingston entrance)

Level 1: 9AM-12N
Level 2: 1-4PM

Saturday,  March 21
Eureka Senior High School, 4525 Highway 109

Level 1: 9AM- 12N
Level 2: 1-4PM

Saturday, March 28
Hazelwood East Early Childhood Center Auditorium
12555 Partridge Run (N. of Parker Rd., west of highway 367)

Level 1: 9AM-12N
Level 2: 1-4PM

Saturday, April 4
Crestwood City Hall, 1 Detjen Drive

Level 1: 9AM- 12N
Level 2: 1-4PM

Saturday, April 18
St. Louis Community College, Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Rd.

Level 1-: 9AM- 12N
Level 2: 1-4PM
(Registration required for this class only, call 314-513-4444; the class is free)

The St. Louis County Police SKYWARN Program operated and managed by the St. Louis County Police, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), exists to assist the National Weather Service (NWS) and St. Louis County in reporting of severe weather; dissemination of severe weather statements, watches, and warnings; and in the gathering of related storm information.

More people are tending to urban gardens and raising food in containers and smaller plots of land to cut their grocery bills, turn up the flavor in their cooking and as a fun, outdoor hobby. Kelli Best-Oliver has been maintaining a garden of some type for the past three years at her South City home. She explained why she started growing her own food, "I started for environmental reasons... Once you realize how far your food travels, and how many fossil fuels they use, and how much better something tastes when you eat it the same day you pick it, there's really no reason not to." She added. "I think it's quite amazing that I can make my own food with only seeds, dirt, and my own effort. It's incredibly satisfying. "

Urban farming presents a different set of challenges than those seen in the countryside, but if you plan for space and sunlight you can harvest many of the same foods that come from those tractor tended patches. Mindy Tobias is another South City, urban farmer who is going on her fourth year of raising her own veggies. Mindy says she typically grows green beans and cucumbers. Last year she added tomatoes, snap peas, lettuce, squash and collard greens, and this year she is trying out strawberries, potatoes and a few Asian veggies. Kelli has been growing tomatoes for pastas and salsa, peppers, broccoli, melons, as well as a variety of berries and greens. No matter where you are growing your plot, your personal produce section is only limited by your imagination and the amount of time you have.

Kelli and Mindi both have experience with both plot and container gardens, and both lady farmers say drainage is important. Mindi's said, "Be sure to have good drainage. I use lots of small rocks that the previous owner of my home had. I had success growing peppers, especially jalapeños in containers as well as spices." Gardening in a container doesn't limit you to certain types of producer though, Kelli explained, "Herbs are good for containers, but if you are looking to grow produce, look for compact varieties that will do well in smaller spaces."

This isn't a science experiment, its Mindi's urban farm in the making.
(Photo courtesy Mindi Tobias)

Planting season is only a few weeks away, and both Mindi and Kelli are getting ready for a summer of fresh foods now by starting to grow seedlings. Kelli had a few pieces of advice for first time urban farmers, "I think a good thing to start with is herbs. First of all, you can grow them inside or in containers, so space isn't an issue. You also get a lot for your money... I'd then move to containers."

She added, "Secondly, growing from seed may not be for everyone. Start out by buying plants from local farmers. When the farmers markets start up in the next few months, plants are one of the few things they'll have. Plus, you know if they are grown locally that conditions are good here in Missouri for that type of plant. I like Biver Farms from Edwardsville. They're organic and always have top-notch produce at the markets."

Mindi advised that St. Louis gardeners watch out for rabbits, "I've been growing snap peas in containers to avoid the rabbits for the last two years." Kelli also recommends doing some research online before you start, "There' so much good information available online..." You can hunt through sites specific to container and urban gardening, and there are many sites that deal specifically with Index of Metro St. Louis gardening.

Now is the perfect time to start cutting back on your grocery bills, adding more healthy and tasty foods to your diet and soaking up all of that vitamin D from the sun. Burpee, a company that sells seeds for home gardening, discovered a 1 to 25 cost-savings ratio for home gardeners. In other words, if you invest $50 in seeds and fertilizer for your garden you will get from it about $1,250 worth of food, and that some serious grocery bill savings.

• Skip a TV show on Saturday. It's easy to get sucked into a ridiculous reality show rerun - like Celebrity Apprentice on NBC at 9 p.m. - but cutting that out of your weekend has to be the easiest way to save time.
• Skip part of your routine when you're getting ready in the morning. I think that your friends and family would rather you not skip brushing your teeth or something similarly hygienic, but guys, try skipping shaving this weekend - there's nothing wrong with a little scruff. Same goes for you ladies, just make sure you don't wear a skirt.
• Skip cooking. Instead of spending all afternoon making a lovely family dinner, order take-out. It's not like you'd be sacrificing anything by chowing down on pizza or Chinese food instead, and your drooping eyes will thank you.
• Try multitasking. Brush your teeth in the shower, call your mom back while you're (ahem) using the restroom or watch the news while you're getting dressed.

St. Louis' Kate Hamlin would make up her hour of lost sleep by skipping a class on Monday, while Ryan would just spend one less hour dealing with his idiot boss' complaining. What activity would you give up in order to reclaim those precious 60 minutes of sack time?

We have all been there; you say something without thinking and suddenly the awkwardness dawns on you. You get hot under the collar and don't know whether to gasp or to laugh. So what is the best way to recover from opening your mouth and inserting your foot? Here are some expert tips for recovering from the most embarrassing moments:

• One of the most commonly prescribed ways to get over an embarrassing moment is to laugh it off. Laughter is always the best medicine, but make sure you let it drop before it gets more awkward.


• Ed Reggi, professional actor and producer and owner of Paper Slip Theater and Productions in St. Louis, said, "Well I tell all my actors and non actors that recovering from an embarrassing moment is all about taking charge of the problem and working it into something new. The worst thing to do is to ignore the moment as if it will somehow go away on its own. It won't. The best folks do this and work everything that goes wrong into their routine at the office and in life."


• If it is a serious guffaw just take the bull by the horns; admit it and apologize. Don Krutewicz, a manager over a large, St. Louis based IT department said, "I'd always admit my fault, try to take responsibility and ask for an apology and a chance to correct myself.

While embarrassing moments come in all shapes and sizes, hopefully the next time we find ourselves slapping our hands to your foreheads these tips might help.

Lately, I've had a bad string of luck when it comes to getting pulled over. Most people might groan and say that they "feel my pain" right about now, but let me tell you, getting pulled over by St. Louis' finest has actually been pretty painless. Let me put it this way - I've been stopped for speeding three times in the past few weeks, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I ended up with any speeding tickets. Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe I'm a smooth talker, but I always seem to escape this costly punishment for my lead foot.

Here are a few tricks that I've picked up on when it comes to escaping a speeding ticket:

• I'm not exactly sure how gentlemen would fare with this tactic, but ladies, turn on the waterworks. I know it seems cliche, but it's worked pretty well for me on numerous occasions. Sorry guys, but most of you have absolutely no idea what to do with a sobbing woman, and male cops usually tell me to take a few deep breaths, calm down and please drive slower.
• Just play stupid. If you seem really earnest about never driving on that particular road and not knowing anything about what the speed limit is, cops will often let you off the hook. Keep in mind, you have to be nowhere near a speed limit sign for this method to actually work.
• As far as what you say to the cop, a couple different methods always work for me. One is to launch into such an elaborate, lengthy explanation for how late you are, then follow that up with an apology for that not being an excuse to break the law. Usually, they're so worn out and annoyed that they just wave me on. The other method I use it to make myself sound like Mother Teresa's niece. Basically, I say that I was giving a friend in need a lift, which made me late to my charity work since I was coming from church, etc., etc. They're usually a bit more likely to put their clipboard away after that.
• And if you want to avoid getting pulled over for speeding in the first place, keep it at a maximum of nine mph over the speed limit. A policeman once told me that if you're not going at least 10 mph over the speed limit on a highway, it's not even worth their time to pull you over, and I believe him.

And yes, I've been knocking on wood the entire time I've been writing this post. How do you get out of your run-ins with the law?

Tomorrow is Friday 13th, and the first of two consecutive months with that dark and ominous day on the calendar. You can always count on ToastedRav to have your back in situations like this, so here are some tips on how to survive Friday the 13th:

• Let's talk loud noises: it is never just the cat, and you don't really want to know who is there. That noise was a warning signal - failure to heed that signal is certain death.


• Should you be faced with having to exterminate any type of demon, monster or dude wearing a mask, do not check to see if they are dead and do not sit next to it and start crying like a baby. After a couple more blows turn and run immediately; if they are alive they will eventually find you.


• If, and when, the power goes off stay out of the basement - and don't even think about going in the attic. Fidgeting with the fuse box isn't gonna save you. Recommended action: get in your car and drive into town, DO NOT go off into the woods.


• Unless your kid is a highly advanced, promising young physician that you have taught Latin to, destroy them immediately if they start chanting or speaking in Latin, or any other bizarre language for that matter. This is all the more urgent if their voice sounds like an eighty-year-old barfly. Also, those little girls jumping rope and singing about people coming for you - consider that a prophecy and run like hell.


• If you don't have any kids, tomorrow night is not the night to start or revive your babysitting career. If it is too late and you have already doomed yourself, don't answer the phone and don't invite your boyfriend over after the kids go to sleep.


• Speaking of babysitters, here is a list of others who are doomed: the macho football player, the guy who is always making jokes, the popular girl with blonde hair, blue eyes and big boobs. That also goes for anyone tempted to loose their virginity. Sex and Skin = certain death.


• Stay out of deserted towns (they are deserted for a reason), delay that family camping trip to Crystal Lake and don't drive on Elm Street. As a matter of fact, avoid running out of gas in that deserted town or in front of that creepy, empty house don't drive anywhere tomorrow (see our first tip for the only driving exception).


• Avoid clowns, people with glowing eyes, people with pointy teeth and pale folks who sway and moan (that includes those emo kids).

Finally, some quick fashion tips. Ladies, do not wear a plain white t-shirt - you are just asking to run through the woods during an unexpected rainstorm and you are guaranteed to trip and fall. Guys and gals, if you choose not to heed the previous warnings wear comfortable shoes at least.

I never grow tired of watching Elf, and A Christmas Story will be a classic for decades more to come. But in my 23-year career as a holiday movie expert, I have never and will never find another holiday movie that compares to the awesomeness that is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

For a brief reminder of the greatest holiday movie of all time, click on [tab:video].

Just thinking about Clark telling his yuppie neighbors where he was going to put his tree makes me laugh out loud, and I love pretty much every line that comes out of Aunt Bethany's mouth. Not to mention that that Clark and Ellen's daughter, Audrey, has a really fabulous name. But out of all the hilarity that is a result of the Griswald family's vacation, Cousin Eddie takes the cake.

This photo is my cousin's husband, Mark, on Christmas morning in the Holaday household. Not only does having "Cousin Eddie" around on Christmas make the opening of the presents more entertaining, but it also prompts all of the males in the fam to start referring to each other as "Clark." It's something you have to experience to truly appreciate, which is why Mark's tribute to one of the greatest Christmas movie characters ever has inspired to me enable you ToastedRav readers to follow suit.

There are three outfits that come to mind when thinking of Cousin Eddie. The first, and in my humble opinion, the most classic, is the one modeled by Mark. To start off, you're going to need a black mock turtleneck dickie. This one ought to work quite nicely. Cousin Eddie wears a very tight white sweater over the mock turtleneck, but according to Mark, it's tough to get a men's sweater that's tight enough to meet Cousin Eddie's standards. Which is why you'll probably have to don a women's one like this one. Finally, there is the most important accessory of all - Eddie's Moose Mug. You can find that sweet eggnog holder right here.

The next Eddie outfit that you might choose to model Christmas morning is the one he wears proudly while emptying his...waste. The beer and soggy cigar are optional that early in the morning, but here is a white robe that will suffice. The choice accessory with this second outfit is obviously Eddie's stylish hat, which you can find here. This is a pretty simple outfit to imitate, but for the sake of the young children who might be present around your tree, please remember to wear something underneath your robe.

Finally, if your family dresses up on Christmas morning, Cousin Eddie's blue leisure suit might be the way to go. This one is pretty darn authentic, and it will pair nicely with these white dress shoes.

It never fails with me; as soon as the uber-quiet cashier is done ringing out my items at the grocery store, I have an uncontrollable outburst after seeing the total: "What? One-hundred and fifty dollars? But I just picked up a few things!" 

It seems nowadays with the current trends and food costs, its becoming harder and harder to bring home the literal bacon within a budgeted amount. Prices are shooting through the roof and our on-the-go lifestyles force us to purchase overpriced prepared and convenience foods.  

I've compiled a list of some tips that I've learned through the years to help you shave down your total expenditure at the grocery store and limit those disbelieving outbursts.

1. Beware of Marketing Tactics. As a full time marketing executive, I know all too well the marketing ploys used to make the consumers believe they are getting a "great deal" or a "superior product." Just because products are centered around an eye-catching, elaborate display does not mean the product is on sale or even a good buy. In some cases, vendors buy the prominent floor space to push product, and the store is only endorsing it for their benefit, not yours. It may not actually be a "deal". 

Also be aware that if you decide to enter a promotional sweepstakes, you do NOT have to buy the product to increase your chances of winning. By law, a sweepstakes guarantees no purchase is necessary. Rebates are also a trap; with multiple purchase requirements, you can end up buying more than you need or something you don't care for just to get the deal. If you are not careful during your shopping trip, you can easily fall victim to marketing strategies and purchase items that you just don't need. 

2. Never Go To the Store Hungry - or Full. It's kind of a case of Catch 22. If you visit the grocery store on a empty tank, you are guaranteed to grab budget-busting impulse buys or quick fixes for the car ride home. On the flipside, do not go full as you will tend to forego things on the list because they don't sound appetizing at the time. If your fridge is too bare after your grocery store visit, you can bet on using your most delicious (and costly) crutch- pizza delivery. Try to hit the store mid-afternoon or after a meal is settled, when your belly is content. It's a small window of opportunity, but do try.

3. Bring a Calculator. Since I have an inability to do math in my head, I rely on my cell phone calculator at the store to check exact cost per ounce and cost per item (the cell calculator also helps mask the frugal geek factor). This is especially important when comparing generic brands to well-known, as in some cases the generic isn't always the cheapest option. 

4. Do Not Buy Toiletries at a Grocery Store. Hand soap alone will cost you dollars more at a grocery store than a retailer like Wal-mart or Target. Hold on the toilet paper, trash bags, sandwich bags and shampoo until you can swing by Wally World. 

5. Pay Attention To Price Ads and Be Open To Shopping Different Stores. If you can break the cycle and venture out to a different store, weekly circulars could be your ticket to cutting your grand totals down. Look to see which store has your favorite brands that fit into your food repertoire. If its a really great deal, stock up. It will help you in the long run. As a matter of fact, I've saved at least a hundred dollars on Lean Cuisines in the past six months just by going to the store that is featuring them each week. Since I typically eat them for lunch everyday, a $2 sale spend on five a week versus the normal price of $3.50 saves me over $7.50 a week - that's a $30 savings a month, or a tank of gas! Small savings do add up, especially if you are a loyal luncher.

6. Search High & Low. Typically, like the marketing strategies, vendors either petition or pay to secure the best shelf space at eye level. Sales volume will also determine what brands get the premium shelf space. But just because brands or items are hot sellers do not mean they are better or line priced with the competition. Costly high-end brands are typically eye-level or can be taken off the shelf without reaching or bending. But if your back is healthy and your budget tight, reach up or bend down to check out other brands of the same nature. You may discover a new brand you like better and your debit card will thank you. 

7. Surf Your Favorite Brand Websites. You are bound to find some type of trial offer or coupon to help save on a product that you already use. And, if you are curious about a new product, see if they offer to ship free samples online before you head to the store and buy a whole box. It could save time, money and a gag reflex.

8. Mosey On Over To Shop 'n Save. While aesthetically it may not be the best grocery store in the Lou and some interesting, um, characters have been known lurk the aisles, they are desperate to get your business and are providing great incentives on a weekly basis. For months now, they have had "No Coupon Thursdays", where all patrons automatically get $10 off their food order of $50 or more. If you even just go to get your staples there once a week, you could save $40 a month just by shopping there on Thursdays. That could add up to almost $500 a year.

That's some serious savings I'd rather take to the bar!

To improve upon my ice wobbling experiences of years past I thought I would try learning how to properly stop on ice skates before causing too much damage to the rink or myself this skating season. Here is what I learned about properly stopping (without running into the rink walls) when ice skating:

Step One: When you are ready to stop bend your knees

Step Two: Put most of your weight on your outside foot

Step Three: Drag the edge of the skate across the ice

You can also check out [tab:video] for a demonstration on two ways to stop on ice skates. My favorite part of ice skating will always be the hot cocoa breaks, but maybe with a little less bruising I might start enjoying the actual sport a little more this year.

TIPS:

• If you're a woman, stuff a pillow up your shirt and scream, "I'm going into labor, let me through" whenever necessary. When you're pushing past them, just make sure that they don't notice that: a) you're not actually going into labor, or b) you had to make a pit-stop in the electronics department first.
• Guard your cart. I have literally seen a woman take something she wanted out of someone else's unattended shopping cart. I guess she really wanted that lamp, but don't let this happen to you.
• Stay together. Many people descend upon stores in groups, so it's easy to get separated from your own. Hold hands, keep your cell phones on you, and if necessary, wear whistles.
• Scan the floor space directly ahead of you, and anticipate your route around slower walkers and obstacles.
• Know what to wear. Since you might be waiting in line for a few hours outside the store, you'll want to be prepared for the cold weather. At the same time, if you're wearing your puffy jacket, you might end up getting bounced around like a pinball on the inside.
• Get buff ahead of time. You might need to get forceful with some people, so if you have to throw up a 'bow at someone, you need to have the biceps to back it up.
• Walk deliberately and don't make eye-contact. If you have that "crazy, don't mess with me" air about you as you head down isle 3, trust me, they'll want to avoid you.
• If someone won't move enough to let you through the mosh pit of shoppers, distract them. I'm told that if you grab something from their cart and throw it a few yards away, it will divert their attention long enough for you to get by. Of course, you'll need to run very quickly afterwards...

Good luck, and happy shopping. I'll be safely at home in my pj's, saving my Christmas shopping for the week before December 25th, like I normally do.

1. Familiarizing your self with weather terms such as Freezing Rain, Sleet, Winter Storm Watch, Winter Storm Warning, Blizzard Warning, and Frost/Freeze Warning. It is helpful to know the conditions that are taking place and how they will affect you.

2. Winterize your home and your car for the event that you are isolated there and have to survive the cold temperatures. Insulating your home, and regular maintenance on vehicles helps insure that you will be able to stay warm if needed.

3. Wear proper clothing to ensure that your body maintains normal heat levels. Avoid dressing in one heavy layer, instead using several layers of loose clothing, that are lightweight. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water resistant. Wear mittens, hats, and wear a scarf over the mouth protect lungs in the cold weather. The more layers you wear, the more you can adjust as your body heat rises and falls.

4. Know the signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If these symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately. Get victim to a warm area and begin slowly warming the extremities. Sometimes removal of fingers or toes is the only treatment if not responded to immediately.

5. Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If these symptoms are present, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet or cold clothing and begin warming the center of the body first. Have the drink warm, non alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. It is important to gradually warm the body as to not perpetuate shock.

It may seem a little early to be thinking about snow storms, blizzards, and freezes, but I have seen flurries twice in the last two weeks. With the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Holiday, remember to take time to take these necessary measures to ensure a cozy and warm winter with family.

FYI: You can order a copy of "Are You Ready? FEMA's In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness" by calling FEMA at the number listed on their website. The brochure that I received in the mail is jam packed with protective measures for any disaster or emergency situation. It has proven quite helpful already and you can never be too prepared! Bring it on, Winter!