Top choices in Table Linen Savings:

Jason Majestic Pineapple Placemats: Set of 4 for $39.50.

Seamless 132″ White Rounded Tablecloth on sale on eBay for only $39.00, this 100% polyester tablecloth will protect your table elegantly and tastefully, and will be the perfect backdrop for any red and blue accessories for this Saturday’s party!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable tablecloths and placemats.

First, some facts about compost heaps:

1. Compostable materials are natural materials that biodegrade substantially under specific biological conditions.  The compost doesn’t just “happen” if you put the materials in the backyard.  Bacteria and heat need to be at work, and they need a specific environment in the heap to make the compost effective.
2. 4 important elements are needed to make the materials biodegrade in the most efficient way: carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water.  Some easy carbon materials are cereal straws, cornstalks, dry leaves, wood, cardboard, or office paper.  High nitrogen levels are found easily in green plant material, grass clippings, manure and kitchen waste, such as fruit and vegetable cooked waste, or tea and coffee grounds.
3. Compost heaps can be done at high temperatures (active or aerobic compost) and low temperatures (anaerobic).  High temperatures are necessary to compost meat, dairy, eggs, grease and cooking oil.  To create an aerobic compost heap, the compost needs to be contained within a bin so it can achieve high levels of heat inside the bin to decompose the matter inside.  Recommended size: 3 feet x 3 feet.
4. Anaerobic composting happens at around 86 degrees Fahrenheit.  It is slower than aerobic composting but still effective, and is the common technique for domestic gardening.  Usually an open (or closed) bin of wood or plastic, or even just in the yard in exposed piles, anaerobic composting works for kitchen scraps and garden clippings.  It is recommended to improve airflow and eliminate odor by adding carbon-rich “brown” materials, such as wood chips, shredded bark, twigs, etc.

Now that we have a run down on the important facts about compost heaps, let’s look at some of the products on the market to help with aerobic and anaerobic composting.

HomeDepot.com’s ECOmposter Tumbler with Base is only $249.00 and holds up to 71 gallons of waste inside.  This is a great design for the aerobic processes, and promises to have nutrient rich compost created in as little as 4-6 weeks.  The design looks kind of like a spaceship, but at least it will contain most of the smell.

CleanAirGardening.com’s Black Soilsaver Compost Bin is a double whammy:  the bin is on sale for $109.99, reduced from $139.99, AND it is made out of recycled materials itself!  This is a great bin for domestic use compost in the garden.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more compost bins.

Ballard Designs Tilt Umbrella: $359

We live near the gulf so once in a while, a breeze comes.  A tilt umbrella will certainly help that umbrella stay in place.

Frontgate European Sun Umbrella: $699 on sale (Was: $999)

Have to be different?  Umbrellas don’t have to be in the middle all the time.

Half Umbrella Grandin Road: $299

Ok, so not everybody has a huge yard, some of us have very small balconies or patios.  No problem!  The half umbrella is designed for your outdoor space!

Solar Powered Umbrella Plow & Hearth: $149.95 (Umbrella); $79.95 (Base)

It looks like a regular umbrella but Plow & Hearth’s version is the eco-friendly kind.  No need to put outdoor lanterns, this one already has lights installed in it!

So, enjoy summer & stay in the shade!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more patio umbrellas.

Project 1: Patriotic Votives - Once the fireworks have left the sky and night falls, the 4th of July doesn’t have to be over!  Engage the kids with this creative and colorful project, talking about the importance of red, white, blue and how candles are used to light the way of lost souls, or bring hope to those who wait for news.  Whatever story you choose to tell, these votives are sure to bring light and happiness to your Independence Day festivities.

1. Measure the height and circumference of the container, adding 1/2 inch to the circumference.  Cut a piece of glassine to these measurements.  Wrap the glassine around the container, and adhere using the double-sided tape.

2. Use the remaining colors to create patterns and decorations on the votive, such as stripes of  colored glassine.  Cut the stripes with the edgers or rotary cutter to give them an added visual appeal.  Affix the decorations to the votive using the double-sided tape or glue stick.

Supplies: Cylindrical clear-glass containers, glassine sheets (in red, white and blue), tape measure, rotary cutter or edgers, double-sided tape and a glue stick.

Where to get the supplies:

Clear Glass Containers: Save-On-Crafts.com has 10” tall cylinder vases for sale for $4.39 each, or order 12 for $3.59 each.

Glassine Sheets: More difficult to find, I recommend going to your local art supply store or even printmaking specialty stores (glassine is used a lot for transferring designs from photograph to print media).  iMcClains.com has Glassine in sheets for $4.80.

Project 2: Stylish Clip Art Invitations - Print out invitations never looked so good!

Supplies:  Matte heavyweight paper, scissors, craft or screw punch, ribbon and a white gel-ink pen.

Directions, as taken from Martha Stewart’s Independence Day page:

Invitation How-To

1. Print image, and trim.  Make a pair of holes where indicated on the clip art with a 1/8-inch hole punch (holes must be smaller than the ribbon).

2. Cut two pieces of 1/4-inch ribbon 3 inches long.  Layer ribbons on top of one another, and slip each end into a hole from front.  Pull taut; even out ends.  Thread each end of ribbon through opposite hole from back; pull taut.  Trim ends at an angle.

3. Fill out invitation details with gel-ink pen.

For these invitations, it’s all about the paper quality.  You want it to be matte (meaning non-shiny) finish, thick (but not so thick that it can’t fit through the printer) and colorful (red or blue).  If you pick the right paper, then less is more in terms of the embellishments.  Find good cardstock or heavyweight paper at your local crafts or art supply store, for around $10-12 a pack.  CameraWorld.com offers Cardstock pack of 70 pieces in assorted colors for $7.05.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more arts and crafts supplies.

The Highloft 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper is an absolute dream.  The texture and weight of this egg-crate styled mattress topper will contour to your body yet support it for restful, comfortable sleep.  The Highloft is available in every size from the California King down to the Twin and even a Twin XL for the college kids.  Marked down from $429.00 to $54.99, this is an absolute dream deal.

Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK VHS/DVD Recorder: This refurbished DVD and VHS player also have 14.33 hours of recording power and has a warranty plan you can tailor to fit your needs. Marked down from $424.00 to $189.99, this is a great deal with multi-purpose use.  I know I have a selection of childhood VHS at home that will appreciate this, and so will the kids!

Serta Tuscany Futon Bed and Frame Package: Marked down from $468.00 to $355.99.  Remember, this is the perfect example of why the $1 free shipping today should be taken advantage of: you pay only $1 more than you would at the store (not including all the discounts from Overstock.com) and the furniture is delivered right to your door!  The futon comes with flip-out trays on either arm, the frame, the bedding, and adjustable levels so you can sit upright, recline, lounge, or sleep without the construction hassle needed with most pull-out futons.  Also available with warranty.

Good luck and enjoy shopping at Overstock.com!  Buy bulky is my advice on the $1 shipping deal, because then you get it all delivered to your house for free!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more memory foam mattress toppers and futon beds.

1. The World is not Enough (1999)

Gold filigree, lavish textiles, Versailles blue, sheer curtains:  this is sumptuous style at its peak.  To emulate this style, first thing you need to look at is the walls.  You want to consider accent colors, like yellow or blue, that are regal and slightly muted and darkened in their color.  But not too dark, we’re not looking to recreate Gothic Victorianism.  It’s all about finding a luminous match for gold, which is the number one trickiest home decor color to use well.  Gold promotes elegance and reeks of status, but guests (and yourself) will immediately ask “is this really necessary?  The rest of the house is so post-modern, and then you get to the living room with the gold filigree around the door, gold-winged angel hunched over the ashtray, and gold tassels on the heavy blue curtains?  Who are these people and when did I go through the timewarp?”  Gold is beautiful in the most unlikely of places:  bed comforters, hands down, look beautiful in gold.  I love EgyptianPeddler.com’s 7-piece Bed-in-a-Bag Diamond Gold Comforter Set ($99.99).  Complete with a comforter, 2 pillow shams, 2 square cushions, 1 neck pillow and 1 pleat, this deal is featured at Smarter.com’s comparison shopping at the remarkable deal price of only $99!  Available in king, queen, or full, this is a bed set fit for a goddess, and is not too gaudy or rash in its coloring.  It’s very warm, but not too bright, and is made of some if the finest materials.

2. Quantum of Solace, Bedroom Scene (2008)

Freshest on my mind at least, the most recent Bond movie has remarkable architecture and scenery as well.  The opera scene still sends shivers down my spine.  But don’t forget about the leading (and second-tier) women of the film, who are just as remarkable as their predecessors.  Recently I attempted to cut my hair like the redhead in this photo, I think it turned out rather well (more reason to look to Bond for style advice in every lifestyle choice!).  What I want to point out about this photo is the beautifully crafted dark wood in the room:  the modernist bed frame, the window screens, the lamps and wall paneling.  While dark wall painting is rarely a good thing unless you’re setting up a photography darkroom, dark wood on the walls is absolutely beautiful, natural and elegant.  I am absolutely turned on by the bed frame:  check out the sultry equivalent created by William and Sonoma, called the Wood Bed Frame, Cal King, Cocoa Stain.  Boasting handcrafted solid hardwood and maple veneer, this high-backed bed is absolutely divine.  For $795, it is slightly pricey, but totally worth the investment.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more comforters and bed frames.

What to look for in a kegerator:

Beer selection is the one and only priority in my book.  Unfortunately, it’s rare to find a multi-brand kegerator.  If you’re going to invest, you need to pick one that fits a beer you absolutely adore.  To get that pub poured taste, you want to make sure you enjoy the taste to begin with.  Don’t go for something too heavy, like Guinness: make it something more light and enjoyable to everyone, through multiple seasons.  Here are some great priced kegerators to try out:

1. EdgeStar Mini-Kegerator and Beer Dispenser:  Smarter.com features a great bargain at Buy.com on this delectable item, coming in around $119!  The EdgeStar design fits a 5-liter mini keg and perfectly fits (and pours) the Heineken Draughtkeg.  This is really a bargain, and a very sleek design too.

2. Now if you’re looking to commit to a installation piece, check out the sleek Summit Beer Dispenser and Kegerator.  Holding over a 23 liter keg, this is a sleek piece that is meant for a true beer appreciator.  For $981.14, this is a bargain deal considering all the benefits and long term use of the product.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through all kegerators.

Tips for looking for Eco-Friendly Washing Machines:

1. Look for words like “energy efficient” and “economic operation”:  Look for a front-loading washing machine instead of a top-loading washing machine, too.  We’ll get to the specifics later.  You also want to see if the machine can handle high-efficiency of condensed detergents, so that you don’t use too many chemicals.  While the words are well and good, to be a true savvy shopper you need to know the statistics.
2. The average top-loading washing machine uses over 40 gallons of water per wash!  That’s a lot of wasted water, when you think that the average front-loading washing machine uses between 15-20.
3. If you’re washing for a big family and still need the top-loader to fit in the bulky items, make sure the machine is extremely efficient and comes with a good spin cycle, so you don’t have to waste as much energy on the drying machine as well.

Top rated Machines:

1. Maytag Neptune 2.4 Cu. Ft. Energy Star Compact Front Load Washer is compact on the outside, yet very economical on the inside, with a 2.4 cubic feet capacity that can hold up to 16 bath towels!  The machine is very economical in price and in system support, with 22 different wash cycles to perform just the way you need.  Starting at $689, the Maytag Neptune is a star in the making.

2. Fisher & Paykel Intuitive Eco IWL16 is a top loader with a great rating.  Gentle operation and very energy efficient even considering it’s size (measuring in at 3.7 cubic feet capacity!).  Praised for being very quiet and efficient, and costing between $769-799, the machine is a perfect companion for a large family home.

Take care of the environment and still keep your family clean–eco-friendly washing machines are not sacrifices, but great investments for your own future and the future of the environment.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more front-loading washing machines.
Discount on washing machines.

Tips for Picking Rocking Chairs:

1. Think about the surface you are going to be putting your rocking chair on.  Concrete?  Wood?  Make sure the surfaces are not going to harm one another—concrete or brick is unforgiving on wooden or wicker rocking chairs, but plastic ones can hold up, and are still very stylish.

2. Think about what type of atmosphere the rocking chairs are going to be in.  Covered porch?  You can go for that nice unfinished wood look.  Outdoors, next to the pool?  No cushions, or you will be regretting it by the end of the summer

3. Consider who will be using the furniture so you can gauge quantity and quality.  Family, friends, relatives, boyfriends, children—all have different rocking chair needs!  While the little rocking chairs may be darling for young children, investing in some nice well-sized rocking chairs is so much more important, and children love them (and don’t grow out of them!) just the same.

Some top flight choices:

Check out this Pair of Dixie Outdoor White Slat Rocking Chairs at the reduced sale price of $179.99, saving 50% off market price!  This durable pair is strong enough to withstand the outdoors, yet comfortable and elegant enough to be in your favorite garden.  There is a seat pad available for extra comfort, if you desire.

Target.com’s Bolongo Swivel Chair is sumptuous style to die for!  This chair would be perfect for your elderly relatives or just for a peaceful day reading a book: the wicker supports and cushioned, high-back make this chair lightweight, seasonal and comfortable.   On clearance for $274.98, this chair should be protected against the elements so it can stay a family charm for a long time!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more rocking chairs.
Discounts on patio furniture.

The easy to use interface of GardenBargainsOnline.com hosts product reviews, garden articles and tips for going green as well as the latest coupons, discounts and special offers.

Here are some bargains you can’t afford to miss:

10% off all seasonal products from Arbico Organics Online. This is a great place for you to stock up on all-natural fertilizer or bug repellent for your garden, like the McGeary Organics Side Dress Fertilizer 8-1-1 - Large Jug, cut down from $19.95 to the sweet deal price of $17.80.  This product is recommended especially for corn or lawns.  Natural fertilizer helps your lawn look especially healthy, and it won’t harm your pets or children like artificial fertilizers might.

Another great product you don’t want to miss is the Mosquito Barrier- 1 Quart.  It may not be mosquito season just yet, but it’s always good to be preventative.  You will be thanking yourself later for investing in this long-lasting and affordable product.  The application lasts for up to 4 weeks, knocked down to the stellar price of $23.50.

The other great bargain you don’t want to miss is happening at Plow & Hearth.com.  Make sure you click on the red-highlighted “Outlet” tab on right side of the top banner–that’s where all the deals are, and they are unmissable!  Everything from Adirondack chairs to bird feeders to chalkboard organizers are right here, and all at bargain price!

Some highlights:

Bamboo Serveware, hand-crafted and eco-friendly, bamboo plates are available for $5.99, cut down from original $12.99 price.  Unfortunately the salad bowl and servers shown in the photo are no longer available–but if you’re a savvy shopper, I’m sure you can find a complimentary salad bowl for the bamboo plates at bargain price!

Best of luck with your bargain hunting!  Remember, for the best deals the product may not be completely in stock, (like the bamboo serveware) but if you’re a savvy shopper, finding the perfect complimentary assemblage of items is all part of the fun!

Enjoy!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bamboo dinnerware and fertilizer.