Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009

Energy-saving work could save you cash

If you've done any energy-saving work on your home, make sure you check out the Energy Star web site (www.energystar.gov. Click on Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency.) to see whether you qualify for a federal tax credit when you do your 2009 taxes next year.

There are some rules and regulations, but they're pretty easy to follow: Keep your receipts and look for a sign at your hardware store that says the product is an Energy Star-qualified product.

You may qualify for a 30 percent of cost tax credit, up to $1,500 if installed (by you or a contractor) by the end of the year.

Also, the manufacturer of products such as insulation, doors, windows, roofing and heating and cooling systems offer a certification letter you can download and show your tax preparer. I can thank Home Depot for my letter from Owens Corning (for attic insulation purchased), which I found, along with many others, at www.homedepot.com/taxcredit. ...

Belleville happenings today:

Teach A Friend to Homebrew Day is being held today at Dave's Homebrewing Supplies, 122 E. Main St. downtown. There will be a free brewing demonstration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plus, brewers will be on hand to answer questions and the supplies will be on sale. ...

... Also downtown, drop by Grimm & Gorly for a spectacular Christmas Open House from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check out the holiday decorations and accessories, help celebrate the first anniversary of the Cupcake Company set up there, learn how to make bows and get 25 percent off all merchandise. Plus, with every $25 purchase you get a chance to win a holiday centerpiece. ...

... And, not far away at Basket Case on Lebanon Avenue, stop by from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the annual Holiday Open House. There will be refreshments, gourmet food samples, prizes and lots of gift ideas, plus a staff that really enjoys helping shoppers. ...

St. Clair Square

To keep shoppers updated:

Santa's house was finished just in time for the jolly old elf's arrival Friday at Center Court at the mall. You can visit him now through Christmas Eve.

Calendar Club & Toys & Games, a seasonal shop, has opened upstairs by Sears.

Next door is a new men's clothing shop: Broadway Fashion Wear for Men.

Also new is 4everyoung, a junior shop with inexpensive clothing and accessories.

... At J.Jill in the Shoppes at St. Clair, anytime you bring in a gently used Jill item, receive 10 percent off a new item. ...

... Not so practical, but cute enough to bark about: Fuzzy Nation wristlets ($20 at Macy's) are zippered mini versions of well-clad pups, from pugs in satin, Schnauzers and Scotties in plaid, as well as dauchunds and chihauhuas in bright fabrics. Attention-grabbing gift for a preteen. ...

... If you don't want to spend mega bucks on the new line of Ugg boots at Dillard's, consider less expensive (but still pricy) Ugg earmuffs for $75. Gloves will set you back $145! ...

... On the more practically priced side of holiday shopping, Claire's has colorful red and blue reindeer-patterend boots for $20, with matching leg warmers for $12 and a faux-fur-lined tassle hat also for $20. ...

... Great with jeans this winter: Soft cotton long-sleeve tees with ruffled V-neck and three buttons. In gray, black or royal purple for $24.50 at Aerie. ...

... Forever 21 already is stocked to the ceiling with New Year's and partywear. It's hard to miss the sparkly tank tops for $22. ...

... Stocking gift: Two pairs of shea-infused comfy socks to wear at home are $12 at Bath & Body Works. ...