Saturday, Sep. 19, 2009

Halloween costume and decorating centers are creeping up in the metro-east

Ready for Halloween costumes and decorating? Here's a roundup of spook retailers in our area:

Tribout's Halloween Annex is next to Hooter's in Fairview Heights (across from Weekends Only)

Spirit Halloween is next to Broyhill on Central Park Drive in O'Fallon.

Halloween Express can be found on Illinois 159 south of the intersection with U.S. 50.

Johnnie Brocks is in a former furniture store on Salem Place, which is the frontage road on the north side of Interstate 64, east of Illinois 159. ...

... Giant Garage Sale time at our local Ace Hardware stores. Shop today from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. and be fortified by 50-cent hot dogs and soda. Sale ends Sunday, so stop by for $14.99 electric heaters, 40-inch Christmas outdoor holographic yard art for $8.88 and lots of stuff from the $1 bins. ...

... Are you a home renovator? Here's a new item sold exclusively at Home Depot: The Simplemat Tile Setting Mat for backsplashes and countertops. It has adhesive backing so you can press it into place on a wall or counter. Remove the clear plastic from the front of the and place your tile. Then grout. Cost: $25.97 per 10-foot-square sheet. ...

... To save money and energy, I have been slowly replacing all the incandescent lightbulbs in our house with those swirly-shaped CFLs, or condensed fluorescent lights. One of the problems, though, was that I had some lampshades that clipped onto the tops of my old round-headed bulbs. The CFLs wouldn't work with those shades. Then I saw the Bright Effect CFLs at Lowe's stores that are shaped like the old bulbs. Right now, the 60-watt equivalent CFLs are $5.98 for a two-pack, regularly $8.98. ...

... I'm not sure how practical these newcomers are, but I find myself fascinated by stuff at Bed, Bath & Beyond in Fairview Heights. Two items caught my eye: The first was the "hotel" coat rack for $79.99. It's solid wood, 68-inches tall, looks attractive and has a tray about halfway down the center post for keys and other small stuff. The second is a luxury item that could warm up your morning shower or evening bath. The Towel Spa ($59.99) looks like a tiny clothes hamper, but it warms towels (up to 40-by-70 inches) in minutes. You also can use it to make mittens, socks, robes and other not-too-big-stuff toasty. ...

... See two free demonstrations today at Jo Ann Fabrics in Fairview Heights. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., learn about jewelry-making. From 1 to 3 p.m., watch Yudu screen printing. Plus, through today, you'll find buy one, get one free deals on autumn decor and accessories, including indoor pots. ...

... Mark your calendar: Could you use a little Something New for cooler weather? Take a first peek at the fall '09 season during the Something New Event on Sept. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Macy's at St. Clair Square. Check out the misses designs from Style&co., plus you'll find experts on hand to help you with selections and advice. Spend $30 or more at the event and get a free tote bag (while supplies last). Plus, enter a drawing for a $250 wardrobe.