Just as we’ve seen iPods and mp3s replace CD players and CDs over the past decade, eBooks and eReaders have grown in popularity.

Whether you have a Kindle, a Nook or an iPad, it’s not necessary to spend a bundle on reading material. You also don’t necessarily need a tablet. It’s possible to download the programs associated with these eReaders on most mobile devices and computers.

I asked Shoptimist blog readers about their eBook habits and got some great responses. Even skeptics who thought they would never replace their paperbacks have enjoyed their space-saving eReaders. After doing some research and taking the advice of readers, I’ve compiled this list of the best options out there for buying or borrowing eBooks. Where possible I’ve included a short blog reader review.

Local library

Roanoke Valley libraries have an extensive collection of eBooks available for download — and it’s all free. Readers can check out up to three books at one time, though the lending period may vary from book to book.

Once the lending time is up the books will be removed from your device. Searching for books is similar to searching in a regular library, so the process is familiar and easy.

Additionally, this service works on numerous eReaders, mobile phone devices and desktop or laptop computers.
Web address: www.rvl.info
App: Overdrive
Blog reader Jbx2 says: “I will pay a few dollars for a book from Amazon but a lot of the new releases I will get electronically through the library. … You get two weeks to read them and then they will come off your Kindle. You can also return them early if you finish them early. Sometimes newer releases take a little longer for the library to get in electronic form, but to me it’s worth the wait. Overall, it’s been a great investment.” (Note: The lending period is different from book to book.)

Amazon

Amazon was mentioned the most in blog comments by Shoptimist readers. The site regularly offers a selection of free books and puts eBooks on sale often, some up to 80 percent off. There are also magazines available to read for free.

Anyone with a Kindle (Amazon’s own eReader), an Android or Apple mobile device, a desktop or laptop computer can access these titles.

With the Amazon Cloud you can store your downloads — a nice backup for anything that is accidentally deleted from a device. Anything on the Cloud can be restored.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member and have a Kindle, you can also access The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. Here you can download one book per month for free and keep it for an unlimited amount of time. When you’re ready for your next free book you must “return” the previous free download.
Web address: www.amazon.com
App: Kindle Cloud Reader
Blog reader 3rd Fred says: “I’ve had a Kindle for about two years now. Have bought virtually all the ‘books’ from Amazon. There are some great buys for 99 cents to $4.99. A few duds too. But where else can you get a good edition of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare for about $2?”

Baen

If you’re a fan of science fiction or fantasy reads this is the site for you.

There are eBooks available for purchase here, but there’s also a wide selection of free downloads. One major negative to this site is you can’t sort titles by price, aside from looking at a separate list of free books. Books available for purchase generally range from about $4 to about $15.

Books are available for download on Nook, Kindle, and Apple and Android mobile devices. There are also some downloads that can be read on laptop and desktop computers.
Web address: www.baenebooks.com
App: None needed

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble created its own eReader called the Nook, so owners of that device tend to prefer this retailer’s selection of downloads. Some titles are available to download for under $2.99, and many other eBooks can be purchased for under $5.

Don’t have a Nook? You can still download the Nook App and read these selections on Apple and Android mobile devices, as well as desktop or laptop computers.
Web address: www.barnesandnoble.com
App: Nook
Blog reader Fincastle Mom says: “Before the library (and still do many now) I got free books from Barnes & Noble website. I love that I can delete a book (very satisfying when they aren’t any good!) and I can ‘test drive’ authors and books before I decide that I want to spend money.”

BookBoon

This site describes itself as “Books for Business Professionals,” which is pretty appropriate as it has a wide selection of textbooks, business books and travel guides. Titles range from guides to navigating Microsoft programs to college texts to world travel guides, specified by different cities, regions and countries.

One major positive of this site is that everything is available to download for free. There’s also no registration required. Any device that has Adobe Reader can open titles from BookBoon.
Web address: www.bookboon.com
App: None needed

BookBub

BookBub is a service that will email you the best book deals of the day.

In each email you’ll receive around 10 to 15 books ranging from free to about $2.99 per download. The site checks various sites for the best deals and then sends readers the link to each deal.

If you prefer Barnes & Noble over Amazon it’s no problem. If both retailers are offering the deal BookBub will supply both links for downloading. In addition to the daily emails, you can also browse the website for more deals.

The biggest positive of this service is that it sticks to one email per day — no spammy messages here.
Web address: www.bookbub.com
App: None needed
Blog reader Mary J. says: “You sign up, tell them your preferences, then they send you one (and ONLY one) email a day with selections from the categories you picked. Like other folks have experienced, some are duds, some are stellar. I’ve actually gone back and bought more of an author’s back list because I got one of their books from Bookbub and loved it.”

Books-A-Million

Like Barnes & Noble, this brick-and-mortar retailer is trying to keep up with the times by offering eBooks.

Downloads can be read on most eReaders (Books-A-Million does not have its own), as well as Apple and Android devices. Prices are a little higher on this site for new releases and popular titles, but it is possible to view a selection of special deals with downloads as low as 99 cents.
Web address: www.booksamillion.com
App: None needed

Free-eBooks.net

This site offers both free and paid memberships, but if you don’t want to pay it still has plenty to offer.

With a free membership you can access an unlimited amount of books in HTML format, which is supported by most eReaders, mobile devices, and desktop and laptop computers. Free memberships also give you access to five books each month that can be viewed in PDF formats; these downloads can be printed.

You can search the collection by genre or keyword, and textbook titles and magazines are included, but this site is more difficult to navigate than Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

With a paid membership, which is $7.95 per month or $39.97 per year, members get unlimited downloads of all formats, plus space on the website to store their favorite titles. The website says paying members also get priority when it comes to customer service.
Web address: www.free-ebooks.net
App: Free eBooks

GoodReads

This site has been popular among avid readers for years, but now it’s not just for sharing reviews of your latest read.

GoodReads now offers a list of eBook titles. If you’re browsing with no specific book in mind it’s handy because the titles can be sorted by price. Some classics are available for free and can be downloaded via PDF (these can be read on any computer with Adobe and can also be printed) or onto eReaders. Other downloads have a fee that starts at 99 cents.
Web address: www.goodreads.com/ebooks
App:Goodreads

Project Gutenberg

Are you a fan of the classics? If so, this site has everything you’re looking for — and it’s all free. The site is easily navigated and not cluttered with ads like some of the other smaller sites.

Downloads are available in multiple formats, so you can read these titles on most eReaders, desktop and laptop computers, and mobile devices.
Web address: www.gutenberg.org
App:Top10 Project Gutenberg
Blog reader Dusty says: “Gutenberg.org is a great place to get free books if you’re down for some classics.”

What is your favorite eBook site?

As a shopping enthusiast sometimes you strike gold and sometimes bargain hunting feels like a waste of time.

Luckily, this weekend I struck gold at CVS, Kohl’s and Food Lion.

At CVS I lowered my checkout price from $50 to $17 with coupons and ExtraBucks before being rewarded with another $11 in ExtraBucks. Factor the new ExtraBucks in and my total bill was only $6.
That’s especially awesome when you consider some of my purchases: a new razor, razor refills, tissues, Glade air fresheners and mascara. Those can be pricey items.

I also found some gems hidden on the clearance racks at Kohl’s. I picked up two dresses and one top, which all came out to less than $10 each with my extra 15% off coupon (which they scanned from my phone, a perk I wish other stores would honor more often). I also grabbed up some Starbucks K-cups that were on sale and a few accessories for myself from another clearance rack. Kohl’s coupons are great since there are usually no exclusions, I got a discount on all of my sale and clearance purchases.
My total came out to just over $50, which also meant I got $10 in Kohl’s Cash to spend in the coming weeks. I’m hoping to stock up on some of the fantastic Christmas decor that was already on sale – some of it up to 50% off! 
Even though I spent over $50 in the store on this trip, I left with a big bag full of new stuff. What really helps put the savings in perspective is when you consider this dress that I found on clearance was originally $40, just $10 less than my total purchase for the day.

What was originally a quick stop at Food Lion to pick up ground chicken for dinner turned into big savings. I love Amy’s brand soups, but unfortunately they can be a little more than I want to pay on a regular basis. I was very excited when I found tons of cans on clearance for half-off ($1.99) in the store over the weekend and stocked up. These cans don’t expire until September of 2014.
I also found a great deal on thin-sliced chicken breasts in the meat department. I love cooking with these, but they can also be priced higher than I prefer. Food Lion often discounts its meat on Sundays, so I timed it perfectly to find a family-size pack of the chicken breasts for only $5.40. This was cheaper than the regular size packs in the cooler, and I can split the pack up and use it for multiple meals.

Have you had any shopping victories lately? Tell me about them!
 Tons of retailers already have Christmas specials and most Halloween/autumn goods are on clearance, so it’s time to stock up.

Looking for the Shoptimist column in today's paper? You'll need to wait 'til Saturday.

If you noticed a Shoptimist sized hole in your newspaper today don’t fret — the column will be running on Saturdays from now on.

In the meantime, read up on these deals that are still up for grabs:

* “Shape” magazine has a free workout playlist available to download
* Krispy Kreme has free doughnuts for pirates today only
* 202 Market in downtown Roanoke has an awesome happy hour deal on Thursdays

Know of any other bargains out there? Share them!

I had my first experience throwing a baby shower a couple of weeks ago.

I was totally new to this scene — it’s the first baby expected among my immediate family and friends. The pressure of hosting can be overwhelming with so much involved — money, food, gifts, invitations — especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory.

While I’m extremely frugal, I’m also a stickler for detail, so I had a crash course in throwing an affordable and adorable baby shower. With a little research and the help of my co-host — my mother — we were able to put together a great party.

The theme of the shower was jungle animals, coinciding with the prints in the baby boy’s room. After browsing Etsy, Pinterest and Google, my brain was filled with easy ideas.

Here’s what I settled on, and how I managed to cut corners.

Food

At parties, folks tend to be attracted to the foods that are familiar, yet tasty, so that’s what we stuck with.

Ham biscuits, chicken salad croissants, veggies and dip, fruit salad and a pasta salad were on the menu. What made this affordable menu even better was the fact that all of these dishes could be made in advance, saving us a headache on the day of the shower.

For dessert, we served carrot cake cupcakes, the mom-to-be’s favorite, topped with icing and an animal cracker. The easy cake toppers fit the theme perfectly and didn’t cut into our budget. Consider looking for similar pre-made goodies that can accentuate your homemade treats.

Invitations and decor

The invitations and decorations took the most research. We expected just 14 people at the shower, so buying invitations, plates and napkins in bulk was out of the question. We wouldn’t really be saving anything if there were dozens of paper goods left over.

After considering a few products that could be personalized or pre-printed, we finally settled on some sale-priced Hallmark goods from Shindigz.com. Plates, napkins, tablecloths, a banner, invitations and thank-you cards were all purchased for under $40, and they all matched. Providing thank-you cards for the shower recipient is a nice perk if you can find some that fit the bill.

Favors

My mother is an ambitious lady to say the least, and she chose to tackle the feat of providing each of our guests with a box of homemade truffles. She found a simple recipe with simple ingredients, and we ended up with an attractive and delicious favor.

Plain truffle boxes can be purchased at most craft stores, and we chose to line the plain boxes with gold leaf papers. Because we weren’t providing favors for a big crowd, it was an affordable option, but this could turn into a pricey venture. Michaels, A.C. Moore and Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores have coupons in the newspaper and online almost weekly. These can lead to big savings if your merchandise is eligible.

One of our best finds was the stickers we used to secure the truffle boxes.

I found a seller on Etsy who offered jungle-themed stickers that could be personalized. I ordered 24 stickers with “Thank you!” printed on them for merely $10 — a bargain for a custom product.

Etsy has endless possibilities in the realm of custom paper products, and there’s something for every budget. Many sellers even offer a print-at-home option.

Luckily, these things were the most we had to worry about. There was a request to leave games off the itinerary, which also saved some money.

The location was free because it was held in the mom-to-be’s home. This ended up being a great plan, as she didn’t have to load all her loot into the car when the party was over. Cleanup was also a breeze because we purchased all paper and plastic products, and all of our food could be put right back into the refrigerator.

Do you have any special tips or tricks when it comes to hosting a shower? Share your ideas!

Yesterday Stephanie Ogilvie, dayside delivery editor and leader of the engagement team for the redesign of roanoke.com, posted on the RefreshRT blog about reader comments.

She covers what we envision our role to be in the commenting process, as well as ways we’ve brainstormed to get your voice heard (via our Facebook page, Twitter and, of course, blog comments).

Now that we’re in the midst of a redesign for the website, we’re curious what you think about all of this. How do you prefer your voice be heard? What do you like or dislike about our commenting system?

I know I’ve heard of some people having issues with our CAPTCHA code, while others don’t like having to wait for their comment to get approved.

Here are some specifics Stephanie asks in her blog post:

1. What do you like/not like on other websites that allow comments?

2. If given the choice, would you post anonymous comments? Or use your Facebook/Twitter account to share your thoughts? Why?

3. What other ways would you like to engage with us? For example, would you participate in live chats with reporters/editors/photographers on particular stories? Any other ideas?

Share your answers in the comments section, or head over the RefreshRT blog and join the conversation there.

Here are some of the biggest stories of 2011 when it came to shopping. Do you agree?

Digital coupons

Coupons expanded way beyond their paper form over the past year.

Grocery stores such as Kroger and Food Lion both introduced digital coupons that could be loaded directly onto their loyalty cards from the stores’ websites. Also, programs such as SavingStar were launched, giving shoppers monetary rewards for using digital coupons.

The rising popularity of smartphones aided the growth of digital coupons as well, allowing shoppers to have their phones scanned instead of printing out paper coupons.

Finally, there was a proliferation of sites offering daily deals (including The Roanoke Times Daily Deal) at local and national businesses. The deals harnessed the power of group buying, giving buyers deals while allowing businesses to attract new customers.

Coupon policy changes

The popularity of the TLC show “Extreme Couponing” prompted people to try some radical money-saving tactics.

Stacking coupons (using multiple coupons on one product), clearing a store’s shelves and paying little to nothing for items became the goal of shoppers, prompting stores to alter their coupon policies.

Many retailers have since drawn up new rules limiting the number of coupons that can be used, what types of coupons can be used together and the numbers of products that can be purchased at one time.

Couponing locally

Couponing was also a hit in the Roanoke and New River valleys. The Roanoke Times held three couponing workshops that were filled with men and women eager to learn the tricks of the trade from local “strategic” couponers Justin Dudley and Tonia Phillips.

The duo stressed sense and sensibility when it came to shopping with coupons — try to combine sales with coupons when you can, get yourself organized, use online resources (such as blogs and printable coupon sites) and know your limits when it comes to stockpiling were some of the helpful tips.

Layaway comeback

As the holidays approached, many stores decided to bring back layaway.

The once-popular method of paying off purchases over time had diminished over the years, but with the economy still struggling and credit harder to come by, the service had a surge of popularity in 2011.

Wal-Mart reinstated its layaway program specifically for holiday shopping, while stores that offered the service all along, including TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory, saw an increase in its use.

Online shopping

Online shopping has seen consistent growth over the years, and 2011 was no different. New programs to skip or decrease shipping costs — such as site-to-store shipping and same-day in-store pickup — became more common, increasing the appeal of online shopping.

Free Shipping Day 2011 on Dec. 16 featured 2,600 participating merchants after they saw $954 million was spent by shoppers on Free Shipping Day alone in 2010 — that’s nearly $300 million more than what was spent on Black Friday in 2010.

Cyber Monday was another success this year. Allowing people to get deals comparable to Black Friday without leaving their home, Cyber Monday’s 2011 sales numbers are expected to reach record highs for the retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Target.

Now, which of these trends will stick around next year? We’ll just have to see.

Do you plan on continuing to clip your coupons and shop online?

Video games have come a long way since the original Nintendo system my family had when I was young.

The quality of the graphics and controllers has risen, but so has the price of games. Now there are some new options for gamers who want to give these games a test run before purchase, or for those who want a few days of entertainment for cheap.

Games can be rented from multiple sources and in a variety of ways.

Redbox, the most recent company to join the game rental business, offers games for PlayStation 3,  Xbox  and Wii for $2 a night (plus tax). There are Redbox kiosks all over the Roanoke and New River valleys, making this a convenient option. However, Redbox kiosks can  carry only a limited number of copies of each game, so there’s a risk of the most popular games being  unavailable.

Meanwhile, GameFly, Gamerang, GottaPlay and Blockbuster By Mail deliver game rentals by mail. The price of each service varies, but each is considerably cheaper per rental than the $50 or more to buy a game. Monthly subscriptions do add up, but for gamers who tend to get bored with games quickly, this is a good option.

Blog reader Dave commented on a post about the latest Redbox news, saying, “There’s a lot of games that look interesting, but I’m not going to shell out $20 – $60 to try out. This is a great idea.”

The details
For a monthly fee, GameFly, Gamerang, GottaPlay and Blockbuster By Mail all offer a certain number of games per month, and shipping charges are included.
Blockbuster By Mail offers a basic subscription for $11.99 a month, which allows renters to receive one game or DVD at a time for an unlimited number of times each month. The game systems supported include Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. For two games/DVDs, the subscription costs rises to $16.99 a month; for three, $19.99 a month.

GameFly, which offers a free month trial and other introductory deals, has more than 7,000 game titles available for rent. Games are available for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, Xbox, Wii, GameCube, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy Advance for a monthly fee of $15.95 for one game at a time or $22.95 for two games at a time.

GameFly also offers perks to its subscribers. Members earn rewards that can be used toward game purchases — the longer you’re a member, the more valuable the rewards.

Gamerang offers free shipping on more than 6,500 Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, GameCube and Wii games.

This delivery service also has a variety of membership plans, starting out at $17.95 a month for one game. For three games at a time, users pay $49.95 plus a refundable $75 deposit; and for four games out at a time, users pay $59.95 plus a refundable $100 deposit.

With more than 4,000 titles (less than some of the other options), GottaPlay offers games for Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS at only $11.95 for one game at a time per month or $19.95 for two games per month.

Have you tried any game rental services? Which do you prefer?

The familiar Redbox kiosks now carry video games in addition to DVDs and Blu-Rays.

Just recently Redbox (known for their bright red movie kiosks outside grocery and drug stores) introduced video game rentals. Games for PS3, XBOX and Wii are all available for $2 a night (plus tax).

Considering the price of video games, this seems like a good way to try one out before purchasing it.

Have you picked up any games at a Redbox yet? Do you think renting out games is a good idea?

Mascara seemed to be where most commenters had the most frustration as far as makeup was concerned. There are tons of variations of colors, wands and formulas available -- the trick is finding the one that works for you.

Happy Friday! First of all, I’d like to congratulate Kaylie, the winner of the MAC giveaway.

Kaylie said, “I use both MAC products and drug store products equally! MAC is a fantastic company and I am crazy for their eye makeup. My absolute must-have product is their line of Paint Pots, which can be used as a base/primer or as a stand-alone shadow. I have oily eyelids (yuck!) and this will keep any shadow from creasing for hours on end (I work 12-hour shifts and I never have creased shadow!). Their products are highly pigmented and a little bit goes a long way. As far as drug store selections go, I am madly in love with Revlon’s Colorstay Eyeliner. It lasts forever, even through watery eyes (thanks to allergy season), is self-sharpening (which makes for easy application) and is also relatively inexpensive. I’m also a big fan of good old Cherry Chapstick! It has a slight rosy tint to it as well as some sun protection, smells yummy and is under $2.00! I’m a self-proclaimed makeup junkie so I’m always on the lookout for up and coming products, no matter where they are sold!”

You’re in luck, Kaylie, because you’re getting two eye makeup goodies in your pack. You can expect to hear from me soon for details about receiving your products.

Thanks to everyone for participating! I would’ve never expected so many people to be interested, and all of your comments were great.

Now, this story couldn’t have come at a better time. This week has been sweltering, and those of us who wear makeup know that hot weather can lead to issues. Here’s an article by the Good Housekeeping Institute with some tips on how to best handle the hot weather and applying makeup, as well as some recommendations for the best products.

Do you agree with their product choices? Do you have any more tips to add?

Melt-proof your makeup

   Those hot, humid days of summer can cause a makeup meltdown on your face — but you can prevent it with these five easy steps from the beauty experts at Good Housekeeping.
    Lose the layers
    Sweltering weather means sweatier, oilier skin, which breaks down makeup. And the more layers you put on, the likelier they are to slip and slide. Who wants to slather on extra products anyway? Instead, look for a light-feeling multitasker like Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup SPF 55 ($14, drugstores) — it gives you hydration, coverage and SPF all in one.
    Pencil it in
    Opt for eye and lip pencils over liquid liner and lipstick. Their waxy formulas resist dissolution on damp skin; plus, lip pencil under gloss makes the shiny layer last longer by giving it something to adhere to, says Chantel Miller, senior makeup artist for the MAC Pro Team. For super budge-proof color, look for waterproof formulations. Try Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye and Lip Pencils ($18 each, Sephora). Bonus tip: Store them in your fridge. The cold solidifies the wax for easier sharpening and application.
    Pick a powder
    Choose powder blushes, bronzers and eye shadows during the summer; cream formulas melt in the heat. For long-lasting color, first dab on a mattifying gel, like Paula’s Choice Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish ($22, paulaschoice.com). “It creates a dry base that helps color stick, but it’s not as thick or heavy as a primer,” says star makeup artist Carmindy. Too much primer, says Miller, actually may cause your foundation to slip in the humidity.
    Use high-tech mascara
    Sure, waterproof mascara stays on, but it also can take a toll on your lashes. “Chemicals in these formulas can make eyelashes dry and brittle,” says Carmindy. Instead, use a mascara with tube technology — microfibers that wrap around lash tips for a lengthened look. Try L’Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara ($11, drugstores). It won’t come off in the heat and humidity, but will when rubbed gently with warm water.
    Touch up midday
    You may be used to applying primer before foundation, but oil-absorbing formulas can also be used on top of makeup to help tone down shine, says Miller. Unlike a powder, a primer won’t cake; unlike blotting papers, it won’t lift off your makeup. Good Housekeeping’s beauty team likes Bare Escentuals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer ($21, Sephora). Pump a few drops into the palm of your hand, then gently press onto oily areas with your fingertips.
    Self-tan like a pro
    You can get a beautifully sun-kissed look without spending hours soaking up the sun’s damaging rays. Here, Good Housekeeping’s recommended products for every purpose: 
    * Instant (temporary) tan: Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray ($12, Victoria’s Secret); L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel ($10.50, drugstores. 
    * Tinted tanners (to help make sure you don’t miss any spots): St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse ($30, Sephora); Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Adjustable Self-Tan Lotion with Shimmer ($14, Victoria’s Secret) 
    * Clear self-tanner: Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel ($32.50, department stores) 
    * For hard-to-reach areas: L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist ($10.50, drugstores) 
    * For a gradual self-tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer ($9, drugstores); Nivea Sun-Kissed Firming Moisturizer ($8, drugstores) 
    * To remove streaks: St. Tropez Tan Remover (18, Sephora) 
    * To mask self-tanner odor: Scent Secure ($32, Nordstrom)
    On another matter
    Spilled salad dressing on your blouse? Immediately sop up any excess with a dry napkin, or scrape it off with a clean spoon. Another trick: Grab a packet of sugar and sprinkle it on to soak up the blob. If you have an instant stain remover, use it right away. No matter what the fabric, when you get home, sponge the stain with a dry cleaning solvent, like Guardsman Dry Cleaning Fluid ($10, guardsman.com). Take dry clean-only garments to the shop ASAP. For washables, apply prewash stain treatment and launder as usual.

Have a great weekend!

Spring is here and summer is quickly approaching. This is the time of year I  get the fever to freshen up  my living spaces — planting flowers , dusting decks  and finally trimming the grass.

What else can we do to change up our most lived-in spaces, while saving a little money at the same time? Here are a few tips:

* Rearrange furniture: Not only will this change the look of a room, but it’s always nice to remove that layer of dust  under the couch and those crumbs hiding between the cushions.
* Swap out photos: Changing the framed photos throughout your home can add some new visual interest and allow you to put  more of your prints to good use. Consider  some family vacation photos for the summer months.
Look for coupons or sales on photo enlargements and reprints in drug store ads or sites online, such as Snapfish (www.snapfish.com), to save a few extra cents .
* Clean out closets: Get rid of any clothes you haven’t worn in the past year — there’s probably a reason they haven’t seen the light of day. Consider donating or selling any items that are still in good condition and you won’t be the only one to benefit from this project.
* Organize drawers:  Throw out those random receipts, 5-year-old phone books and Tupperware pieces that have a missing mate. Adding a liner to the bottom of a clean drawer makes for cheap and easy clean-up after any accidental spills, and unwrapped bars of soap and dryer sheets can be left in drawers to keep them  smelling  nice.
* Brighten up bathrooms: Simple changes, like a new shower curtain or rugs, can really transform a small space. While I’m a little picky about the quality of my sheets and towels, I don’t mind going cheap for other bathroom items. Check out Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, thrift stores or even a dollar store for  affordable bathroom decor.
* Visit yard and estate sales: One new piece can add a lot to a room. Yard and estate sales are a great place to find unique chairs, lamps and tables for a fraction of department store prices. Some items might need a little work, but the price makes it worth while, and a coat of paint to match your space can be a nice personal touch.
Visit estate sales or auctions on the final day to really find the deals; often shoppers are able to place an even lower bid on leftover pieces.
* Make household cleaners: Baking soda, white vinegar, lemons and plain old tap water are all low-cost items that can be transformed into pet- and kid-safe cleaners.
Run lemon peels through a garbage disposal to freshen drains, sprinkle baking soda across the carpet to remove smells before vacuuming and mix white vinegar and water for a great all-purpose cleaner (especially on windows and hardwood floors).

For the vinegar and water solution, I usually do about half and half — maybe a little more water than vinegar.

Here are a few at-home cleaning recipes that ran in a story in 2006. Know some more tips? Share them!

* All-purpose spray: Useful for sink, tub, toilet, tile and floors: 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 tsps. borax, 32 oz. hot water,1/4 cup liquid dish soap. Dissolve borax in hot water. Add vinegar and borax solution to a 32 oz. spray bottle. Add liquid dish soap and shake to mix.
* Scouring powder: 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup borax. Mix in bowl or shaker.
* Drain cleaner: For slow drains, pour one cup each of baking soda, salt and white vinegar down the drain. Wait 15 minutes and flush drain with boiling water. Pour boiling water down the drain every two weeks to prevent buildup.
* Glass cleaner: 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 qt. warm water, 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Combine mixture in a spray bottle. 
* Oven cleaner: Sprinkle bottom of oven with water, then sprinkle with baking soda, and sprinkle again with water. Let it sit overnight, wash and rinse.
* Toilet bowl cleaner: 1 cup borax, 1/4 cup white vinegar. Pour ingredients into bowl, let it sit for a few hours, then scrub with toilet brush. 

Sources: “Clean and Green: The complete guide to non-toxic and environmentally safe housekeeping,” by Annie Berhold-Bond; “Clean House, Clean Planet,” by Karen Logan; “Non-toxic, Natural and Earthwise: How to protect yourself and your family from harmful products and living in harmony with the Earth,” by Debra Lynn Dadd.

The city market is a popular destination for a lot of locals, especially on weekend mornings. Through October, Haley Toyota is sponsoring additional free events to be held as a part of what they’re calling City Market Saturdays. Here’s the schedule for the month of June.

June 4: How-To: Container Gardens with the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation

June 11: Blues BBQ cooking demonstration

June 18: Music by RagTop and a “Make a Mug” station for Dad for Father’s Day

June 25: Music by White Top Mountaineers

For more information, check out www.downtownroanoke.org.

Many folks know about the travel perks of membership groups  such as AAA or AARP, but the benefits have multiplied over the years. 

Today, AAA members can enjoy discounts on tickets for theme parks such as Busch Gardens, Sea World and Universal Studios, a price cut on movie tickets, retail discounts at Target, Payless and Gap Outlets, and enjoy savings at optical retailers and health clubs — just to name a few.

I’ve been a member of AAA since college and have had success with travel discounts, but until now hadn’t ever thought to pull out my card for everyday shopping.

AARP members get plenty of benefits, too. The over-50 crowd can enjoy discounts at Tanger, Reebok, Rockport and Ashworth Outlets, Walgreens and Teleflora. Members can also access special coupons and online savings through sites  such as Kellogg’s, Grocery Coupon Center and Everyday Savings Center. Other perks include discounts at Denny’s, Regal movie theatres, Gold’s Gym and ADT Home Security.

Other groups with member benefits that may not be as widely known include the National Rifle Association, American Legion and the National Association of Realtors.

If you identify with any of these niche groups, check out the benefits and consider joining. In addition to the standard travel and lodging discounts, some perks include discounts on Apple products (American Legion), savings on mailing and shipping (NAR) and savings on hearing aids (NRA).

Though membership to these groups does require a yearly fee, most of the time the savings outweigh the cost — if you  use what’s being made available.

For a full list of the benefits for each membership, click one of the links below:
*AAA
*AARP
*NRA
*American Legion
*NAR

Do you know of any other membership programs that have notable discounts for members? Tell me about them!

Visit The Homestead and get a second night for only $24.50. Photo: FamilyVacationCritic.com.

This year is the 245th birthday of The Homestead in Hot Springs. To celebrate the big event, the resort is offering a BOGO deal until May 20 — buy one night, get the second for only $24.50. Rooms at this high-class resort usually start around $200, so if you’re planning to treat yourself you may as well add an extra day!

Remember, you must book your rooms by May 20 (Friday), but they can be used through December 22. Blackout dates do apply and this offer can’t be combined with any other offers.

For more information or to make reservations, call 877-899-1306, option 3.

Shopping clubs such as Sams are often cheaper than most gas stations, but that's not saying much these days. Photo by AgentAkit, Flickr.

Gas prices are on the rise again, but there are a few tools you can use to find the best prices around.
On smart phones, iPhone apps such as “Accufuel” (99 cents) and “Where” (free) can not only track your mileage for performance comparisons, but find gas prices at the nearest stations using your phone’s GPS feature.
“Where” is also compatible for BlackBerry users. GasBuddy (free) is available for download on the Droid. This app features real-time updates and the option to sort prices by distance.
If you don’t want to download an app, use your phone’s browser to visit gasbuddytogo.com. This mobile site is updated by users throughout the day with the current gas prices at stations around town.
For people without smart phones, GasBuddy.com (which operates the mobile site and app mentioned above) is a great resource to check before leaving the house if your tank is running low. You can search by ZIP code, use the Trip Cost Calculator and read fuel saving tips.
According to GasBuddy, Sam’s Club and Kroger consistently have some of the cheapest fuel in the Roanoke area, while the Pilot off Interstate 81 in Botetourt County and the Sunoco in Blacksburg are also competitive.
If you would like to help keep the lowest gas prices in the area up to date, consider joining GasBuddy.com. Users can join for free, report gas prices and be entered to win prizes every week such as free fuel.

What other tools do you use to find the best gas prices? Have you noticed any gas stations that tend to be priced higher or lower on a regular basis?

Take a peak at our new mobile site at m.roanoke.com.

Congrats, Sonya! After much deliberation (seriously, this was tough), your tips about Brighter Image Day Spa in Roanoke won you some Ecotools products! I’ll be emailing you soon to get your address. I love that they give you a discount on your birthday and have a new special each month. The 90 minute pedi and leg massage for $41 is a steal compared to some prices I’ve seen recently.

Everyone had some great ideas, though. I forgot to mention in my previous post Nikki’s tip about using spas and salons with students in training. Usually you still get great service for a fraction of the cost. Signing up for last minute deals, like Meghan suggested, is also good advice. So many new massage therapists, spas and more were brought up, I wish I could reward everyone!

Now onto some news for you smart phone users. Be sure to check out our new mobile site m.roanoke.com to stay up to date on headlines and blog posts. If you’re going to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade tomorrow be on the lookout for The Roanoke Times! We’ll have lots of info and goodies to hand out in the site’s honor. We’re even asking you to upload your photos of the parade to our Facebook. The three photos with the most “likes” by 5 p.m. March 17 will win a Roanoke Times comics umbrella.

While you’re at it, “like” The Roanoke Times Inside Out to stay up to date on all your favorite entertainment news. It’s a great way to interact with us.

The Ecotools train case features a large compartment with a removable clear case inside.

The Ecotools 5 piece brush set includes a compartment for brushes and cosmetics, a blush brush, mini foundation brush, mini powder brush, eye shading brush and spoolie brush.

The comment detailing the best local value (name of the spa, phone number, treatment(s) and price) will win some loot. I’ve got an Ecotools 5 piece brush set & bag and an Ecotools train case to pass along to the winner.

Be sure to leave your tip by noon on Friday! Check back here that afternoon to see who has won.

Also, don’t forget about the Starbucks promotion for free Petites that runs today through Friday. See more information here.

How many stores will you visit to save a buck? Photo courtesy of Mike Licht, Flickr.

While at Food Lion a couple months ago I passed by a woman loading a cart full of groceries into her car. I didn’t think much of it at first, but as I got closer I noticed her trunk was already full of groceries from the Kroger right down the road.

I’ll usually shop at whichever store has the most of what I want on sale, but I’ve never done major shopping (stocking up on canned goods and the like) at multiple grocers in the same week — much less the same day.

This made me think, how many people will check out the ads and make lists specific to each store? Do you make trips to multiple stores in the same week to stock up on goods?

The Groupon deal posted today is $20 worth of books, toys, games and more from Barnes & Noble for $10.

The deal is valid in store and online. Limit one offer per person. Expires April 11. See the full terms.

It appears the offer will continue through Monday.

I’ve seen some comments lately wondering about different stores and restaurants supposedly locating to Roanoke, like Kohl’s. Jenny Boone has been following these stories on her blog, The Storefront, so take a look and join the conversation here.

The large Thirty-One Thermal Tote, courtesy of thebagreview.com.

Thirty-One Gifts has a special on thermal totes through the end of the month. This means you can get the large size thermal for $10 (savings of $4) and the small size for $8 (savings of $4.50). These items can also be embroidered in a variety of fonts and colors for just $1.50.

I have one of the large totes that I use for a lunch box and it’s great. It’s large enough to hold small tupperwear containers and a drink, and with an ice pack I don’t have to worry about stuffing everything in the fridge at work.

I’m planning on ordering a second in “Wild Zebra” as a back-up tote or gift.

These prints are all new for spring, so if you’re getting tired of winter pick one up and day-dream of spring-time picnics.

For more information, click here.

Courtesy of Mod Market on Etsy.com.

Hello everyone! Rebecca here, and I’m happy to inform you that we’re halfway through the week.  One of the dilemmas people face when it comes to shopping these days is online vs. local. You can find some awesome deals online, but then you’re not supporting your favorite local shops and boutiques.

Recently I discovered the “Shop Local” option on Etsy.com. If you’re shopping for a special, unique gift I’d be shocked if you couldn’t find it here.

For example, my sister loves accessories and decorations featuring yellow birds. That’s a pretty specific niche! When I went to buy her a necklace featuring a yellow bird for Christmas, my only problem was that I had too many choices. After scrolling through dozens of pages of original items, I finally settled on a small piece similar to the one in the photo. Not only was it great to find a unique item, but the price was right, too.

Click here to see a list of Roanoke shop owners  and creators on Etsy.

Do you know of any other websites that give an option for buying local?

Hi shoppers! This is Kathy Lu, features editor at The Roanoke Times.

I know you’ve been missing Hollie this week, and we apologize for the lapse. Hollie is taking a leave, which started this week.

Courtney Cutright

Courtney Cutright covers K-12 education out of our Roanoke newsroom. But she’s also an aspiring coupon queen who recently discovered online coupons (couponmom.com is her favorite). Here’s one of her success stories:

“On my first shopping trip, I spent about $10 on four cans of chicken broth, contact lens solution, shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, dish soap and two bottles of multivitamins. The contact solution and floss were FREE after coupons! I love to see how much I can save, the hardest part is trying only to buy what I need.”

Rebecca Holland

Rebecca Holland is the calendars editor and an editorial assistant in the Roanoke newsroom. She calls herself a “reformed tomboy” who learned her bargain-hunting skills from her mom. She says she’s a fan of etsy.com and ebay.com, where she can find unusual — and sometimes local — items at good prices. “Shoes are my Kryptonite,” Rebecca says, “but I can happily say I’ve never paid full price for any of my beauties.”

Courtney and Rebecca will continue to promo our Sunday circulars as Hollie has done. They might also share lessons learned and other good deals along the way.

Please continue to comment and ask questions. I know Courtney and Rebecca are ready to help.

Not to be confused with Discover card’s Diner’s Club International, International Diner’s Club (IDC) is local and is not a credit card.  A co-worker asked me if I had used IDC and I had never even heard of it!  He loves it for his family of 5 and has used it for years to rack up savings while eating out and I am wasting no time in signing up!

The basic concept is that you pay a $40 membership fee, get mailed a card or cards that you have to take with you when you dine and get two for one dining (of equal or lesser value of course).  All restaurants are valid for dinner, most for lunch and some for breakfast.

With close to 50 restaurants participating in Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford and Moneta and multiple visits available per restaurant, $40 seems like a nominal fee for half off dining.  The return policy is 15 days for a full refund (could be a little longer in my opinion, but not too shabby). The big disclaimer is that the list can change as restaurants decide to participate or go out of business, so call to check if one restaurant sis a deal breaker for you before signing up.  Check back here tomorrow for a full list of restaurants by city.

Contact number is 800.849.4432 and find IDC online at http://www.idc241dining.com/index.htm

Have you seen the new TLC show Extreme Couponing yet? Since I usually catch up on my DVR and onDemand viewing on the weekends I haven’t had a chance to watch it, but have seen clips from other news sources and read some about the show.  As with anything “extreme”, it’s probably not for everyone and can be consuming.  Using common sense and moderation, plus knowing how valuable time really can be is key when couponing (not to mention just living life in general). I’m interested to see if there’s a negative reaction to couponing due to a handful of extreme individuals.

Most reward programs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.  Spend $5,000, get 5 rewards points that can be redeemed for a pencil eraser!!!  Or airline miles that can only be redeemed on certain flights, dates, destinations, etc.  Aren’t those convenient?  Here are my criteria for what make a rewards program worth the time.

- Don’t spend to participate.  If rewards only start after a certain spending level has been reached, it’s not worth it.  If you have to buy things you normally wouldn’t to get rewarded, it’s not worth it either.

- Don’t pay fees.  The point of participating in a rewards program is to be rewarded.  If there are service fees or fees to redeem points, it ends up being not rewarding at all.

- Know the program.  Signing up for UPromise or Ebates is great, if you know how to use it to your advantage.  Read all the information you can find on the rewards programs that interest you, then set rules for how you’ll use it and manage your rewards, don’t just sign up and forget about it expecting the program to work for you.

- Work it!  If you shop strictly at Food Lion, having a Kroger Plus card with the mindset of, “But I get fuel points” is not a good fit.  While the fuel points are great, if you’re an infrequent Kroger shopper your points may take a long time to build or expire before use.  Make sure the rewards programs you participate in fit your needs, not the other way around.

Which rewards programs are working for you and which ones need to be ditched?

Just a question for readers today.  Are you interested in hearing about magazine subscriptions that come up that are great deals?  I run across super cheap mag subscriptions every few weeks and can start posting if ya’ll want to take advantage.  Some examples are Weight Watchers and Elle Decor. Let me know!

The “never pay full price” mantra I use when shopping is more possible than it has been in a while today.  If you’re brave (VERY brave), almost every store in the Valley View area, so many online retailers and many local shops are touting 20-50% off, free shipping and the like.  Let me know if you score any great deals today!

Photo courtesy of hairfoils.net.

The holidays are always a time when salons and spas are packed.  One of the biggests dilemmas faced by patrons is whether to tip more or the same as any other time of year.  On a normal, non-holiday visit (and if your salon has a designated shampoo-er), tip that person $3-5, same goes for holiday services since it’s typically not a long-term repeat service relationship. 

As far as your stylist and colorist go, I typically follow one of two rules.  If the services I received are excellent, I simply double the service cost.  So for a $40 haircut, I leave a $40 tip.  If the services I received are average or below average, I leave a 40% tip (double the normal 20% tip rule I follow).  And of course, if the service is really bad, you should speak to someone at the salon and maybe find somewhere, or someone else next time.  What holiday tipping rules do you follow?

The 20 Something Finance blog had a great post yesterday on selling gift cards you won’t use, and buying gift cards you will use at a significant discount.  Would you consider selling your unused gift cards?

The inserts in your Sunday papers are shaping up to be great this holiday season.  Not only are we getting to see what’s on sale in stores and scoring significant discounts, the standard coupon inserts are filled with very useful coupons for holiday cooking with expiration dates stretching into the New Year.  

Between work, friend and family gatherings as well as house guests this year, there will be a whole lotta cookin’ goin’ on in my kitchen.  Not one to be too adventurous when cooking for others, most of the time I stick to my tried and true recipes for the holidays.  This strategy will hopefully save a little of my pride knowing a dish will be good and allows for planning ahead.

Many of the inserted coupons we’ve been seeing so far this holiday season can be applied the ingredients for soups, salads, sides and even some of the more expensive things like hams and turkeys!  In addition, ecoupons that are loadable to your grocery savings cards are being added weekly at the local grocery store websites, shortcuts.com, pgesaver.com redplum.com and smartsource.com plus any number of other sites when searching for “ecoupons” or “grocery coupons.”  So get to clipping (or eclipping) and  fill me in on your holiday cooking strategy.

I love scouring holiday gift guides to see what I may be missing for the people on my list each year and I have stumbled onto a gift guide that suites me, and my price range perfectly!  The StyleLush Gift Guide has 125 gifts for under $25, seriously.  And almost all the gifts are things I would (and could!) actually purchase and it covers men, women and children.

Any gift guides you’ve found useful in your gift giving this year?

Despite all the warnings about gift cards over the years, I’ve always loved getting them and I’m more than happy to give them as gifts when they’ve been requested.  I know they can be a little impersonal, but. . .the ease and convenience cannot be beat!

Gift cards used to be a little tricky with their quickly approaching expiration dates and fees for inactivity, however, in late summer this year several improvements were made to the gift card industry.  Here are the highlights of the new gift card rules:

- No inactivity fees for the first 12 months.
- Cards cannot expire for 5 years.
- No more than one fee per month of any kind.
- Website or phone contact information must be printed on the card along with fees and expiration date.
- A one time fee can be charged when purchasing the card.

So, many of the “gotchas” and last minute scramble to find the expiration date, then use the card are out of the picture!  A couple of things to keep in mind.  First, the disclosures on the card didn’t go into effect immediately in order for retailers to use up cards they already had printed.  That means it’s possibly to purchase or receive a gift card with no disclosures or contact information this holiday season.  All the other changes like the five year expiration date and limit on inactivity fees still apply.  

Another thing to know is that although the value of the card doesn’t expire for at least five years, sometimes the physical card may. You’ll have to contact the issuing company and have them send you a new card if that happens.