Back-to-school itch? Supplies are on shelves

Yes, it's only the second weekend in July, but Target in west Belleville already has stocked lots of back-to-school supplies in its Prep 4 Less section of the store. So, if you are in the gotta-get-ready mode now, you'll find packages of 24 No. 2 pencils for 92 cents, a box of 24-count Crayola crayons for 30 cents, 20-count box of pens for 99 cents. ...

... Lunchbox on the list of fall necessities? Best price in town for the soft-sided, zippered ones with popular Disney and other animated characters on the front is at TJ Maxx in Fairview Heights. They're $6.99. ...

... Or, buy any backpack for $12.99 or more at Toys R Us and get a free lunch tote. Offer good through today. ...

... Also well on track to help organize college students and their parents is Bed, Bath & Beyond in Fairview Heights. Make dorm living more luxurious with a couple of items. The black plastic Clip-On Shelf ($9.99) does what it says: clips onto a bed frame or desk so you've got a place to set an iPod, clock or other necessities. Plus, a pair of square, fabric-covered storage ottomans (15- and 11-inches square) are $29.99. You get extra seating or a footrest and a place to put stuff out of the way. ...

... Trying to update a family room or apartment on a budget? Buying a new sofa may not be affordable, but slipcovers can work miracles if you can find them at the right price. Kohl's has lots of stuff on sale through Sunday, including selected slipcovers at 60 percent off. That means ones that originally cost almost $90 now set you back just $36. Sale prices go up to about $64. ...

... Yes, there are wine charms, but what if you want a label on your wine glass to say something more than "mine"? Then you need to stop in World Market in Shiloh and pick up a pack of a dozen Wine Lines for $6.99. These plastic I.D. tags wrap around your stemware and add some personality hints of the wine and the person drinking the vino. For example: "Competent but laid back" and "Mellow but charming." ...

... ... Today and Sunday are your chances to visit the Contemporary Indian Art Show from 9-5 inside the Cahokia Mound Visitors Center in Collinsville. The show draws Native American artists from across the country selling a wide variety of work, from jewelry to painting and much more.