As promised, I spent this week hunting for steals, deals and discounts island-wide and during the process I found that although it may not be glamorous rifling through used items, some of the things that can be found are nothing short of spectacular!   On my search I made the trek to St. George's, to the Second Hand Rose Shop, which I have heard so much about but until now, never had a reason to go and explore it myself. Located at Penno's Wharf on the first floor of the World Heritage Centre, the Second Hand Rose Shop is brimming with gently used home goods which have been donated by members of the community and the money from their sale benefits the St. George's Foundation.   As soon as I walked in, I immediately dug in and started exploring. Silverware, crystal goblets, Bermud...

Times are hard. What with the economy and the holiday season having taken a toll on our bank accounts, who can really afford to shop? Not many, that's for sure and the fact that even I have tightened my purse strings is a major sign that there's no use writing a shopping blog if no one can afford to shop. Which is why during the winter months, I am going to give you a series of deals, discounts and DIY projects that can save you money so that when the economy does finally pick back up again, we'll be in good shape to shop 'til we drop!   This week I bring you a DIY project that will reinvent any pair of heels, making them fun, stylish and insanely glittery!       Here's what you will need:     1. An pair of heels you want to transform - I chose a pair I haven't worn in a y...

She's featuring scarves in winter ... groundbreaking.   I know, I know, you're rolling your eyes because my obvious lack of creativity and imagination bores you, BUT these are not just any old scarves. Certainly your grandmother couldn't knit you one of this calibre, nor could you dig it out of a clearance bin at Target. These scarves, my friends, are exquisite and quite obviously my new obsession.   If you know me at all, you are completely aware that Calypso if one of my most favorite stores. Honestly, if I didn't work where I do, I would get a sales job at Calypso just so I could take advantage of the employee discount. My boss, Tina, who so kindly created this blog so I could make something out of my ridiculous and often ludicrous shopping habit, knows that when its time to prese...

I'm baaaack!   I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and that "Santa" was kind enough to bring you everything on your wish-list, however, if he missed a few things, fear not, sales are everywhere right now and it is a shopper's paradise.   I for one have been scoping out the sales since the end of Christmas and though much has gone, more and more items appear marked down each week, which is good news for shoppers! I'm serious when I say that now is the time to indulge a little as we don't know when shopping will be this good again!   Now is the time when I share with you the most worth-while sales going on now. Happy spending!     FCUK, Sisley, Bennetton, Women's Secret, MaxMara: Can you believe that everything in these Calypso-owned stores is 50% off? When you're use...

NEWSFLASH: You have less than two shopping days left before Christmas! For those looking to purchase a gift for the fitness enthusiast, check out these cool gifts, all available locally!   Natural Fitness yoga products, mat $79.75, block $29.00 and bag $33.50 from Sportseller, Washington Mall, Hamilton.       Specialised Roubaix SL3 Pro U12, $6,575.00 from Bicycle Works, Tumkins Lane, Hamilton.   Skateboard by Chocolate, available in various sizes and designs, $65.00 - $300.00 from The Booth in Washington Mall 3, Hamilton.

With only days to go until Christmas, take care of the young bright person in your life with these colourful, fun gifts available locally!   Cobalt Paisley Hadaki of New Orleans bag, $95.00 from Harbourmaster, Washington Lane, Hamilton.       ASUS Eee PC 1015PX Netbook, $695.00 from P-Tech, Reid St., Hamilton.       The original SLAP Watches, starting at $26.00 from All Wrapped Up, Washington Mall, Hamilton.       Turquoise jewellery from $12.50 to $27.50 from Hodge Podge, Point Pleasant Rd., Hamilton.        

In just 9 days stockings will be stuffed and Christmas joy will fill the air! For last minute gifts for the house-proud friend on your holiday list, check out these great gifts, all of which can be purchased locally!       Handmade Bermuda cedar tea tray, $220.00 from Otto Wurz Co., Front St. Hamilton       Table runner hand-beaded in India, $565.00 from Irish Linen Shop, Front St., Hamilton   Luxurious faux-fur throw and matching pillow, $28.00 to $99.00 from Gibbons Company, Church St., Hamilton     Buddha water fountain, $475.00 from Aberfeldy Nurseries, Pomander Rd., Paget     Soy Basics soy candles, $7.00 - $39.00 from Sousa’s Landscape Management, Southampton     Shell wreath, $22.50 for small, $27.50 for large, from Hodge Podge, Point P...

With only 16 days to go until Christmas, stock up on these must-haves for the number one guy in your life!       Rockwell Sonictool Multipurpose Tool, $153.00 from Baptiste Builder’s Supply, Warwick       FEIN Multimaster Select Plus Toolbox, $699.99 from Gorham’s Ltd., St. John’s Rd., Pembroke       Black & Decker Lithium-ion Smartdriver with exclusive magnetic screwholder, $99.99 from Gorham’s Ltd., St. John’s Rd., Pembroke         Presto Cast Aluminum Tilt & Drain Griddle, $89.99 from Gorham’s Ltd., St. John’s Rd., Pembroke    

Christmas parties, festive cocktails and lots of mistletoe are all fabulous excuses to deck yourself out in the most fashionable pieces this holiday season! In the spirt of Christmas and all things glamourous, I've put together my list of must-haves for the fashionista or fashionisto (we're not gender-biased here) for all the celebrating that lies ahead!   Mimi Di N belts and buckles, designs exclusive to Cecile. Belts and bucks sold separately, prices start at $38.00.       Donald J. Pliner men’s dress shoes, $500.00 from Perry Footwear & Collections, Reid St., Hamilton       24kt Gold multi-coloured sapphire briolette necklace and earrings, $500.00-$7,600.00 from Walker Christopher, Front St., Hamilton.       Jimmy Choo leopard print calfskin handbag...

Christmas is only one month away which means that Christmas parties are quickly approaching! Since it's always appropriate to bring a gift for the hostess, I've put together my list of the best hostess gifts to buy locally!     Hill House Christmas Diffuser, $58.00 from Gibbons Company, Reid St., Hamilton     European Style Cookie Blend, 1 pound gift wrapped box $28.00 from The Dockyard Pastry Shop, Dockyard   Most Fortuitous Traditional Windfall Chutney, $6.95, Fine and Proud Cranberry Sauce, $6.95 and Right Royal Mint Sauce, $3.95 from Marks & Spencer, Reid St., Hamilton       Custom Miles Market gift baskets, starting at $100.00 from Miles Market, The Waterfront, Pitts Bay Rd., Pembroke     Barbara Finsness custom print Turtle Tea Towel, $18.00 fro...