I know spring is really here when it's time for the annual Plant Sale at Southwestern Illinois College. It begins Friday and continues April 19 and April 20. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the greenhouse at the Belleville Campus. It's usually a mad dash for the best plants (and there are plenty of them), so my advice is to pay a visit Friday for the best selections. ...
... Would you spend $49.99 on a pair of flip-flops? You might if you bought into the marketing for FitFlop, "It's the flip-flop with the gym built in." Available at Macy's and macys.com, the footwear features patent-pending "microwobbleboard technology that works your legs and bottom muscles (I think they mean your butt) more while you wear them. ..." Each step is supposed to work your core muscle strength, absorb shock and encourage better posture and burn more calories than the average athletic shoe. Now, the big question is: Are they comfortable? Fitflops have leather uppers, a flexible rubber sole and come in a variety of colors. Women's sizes 5-11. ...
... The teardrop-beaded flip-flops at Coldwater Creek are much prettier, with colorful beads in a fringe around the front of the sandals. Plus, they're only $19.97. Coldwater Creek in located in the Shoppes at St. Clair in Fairview Heights. ...
... L.E. Smith may be closing the doors of its jewelry store in Fairview Heights, but there are still plenty of good buys inside: Nice knockoff designer handbags topping out at $40, though most are in the $30 range. Check out the back wall and two tables for half-off jewelry. The tables have earrings and some necklaces, 50 cents each or five for $1. And, if you want the good stuff, look for gold and precious stones up to 75 percent off. ...
... Lots of clearance bargains to be found at Pier 1 Imports this week: Pretty placemats at $1.18 and up; cloth napkins, 69 cents; nice chrome under-the-cabinet wine rack (holds three bottles) for $4.98. ...
... Do you have children who love Thomas the Train? Visit Toys R Us in Fairview Heights from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today for a Thomas & Friends Play Date. Enjoy story time every half-hour, do some coloring and get free Thomas trading cards. Naturally, there's a big Thomas sale going on, too. Save $10 on any Thomas Wooden Railway set priced regularly at $29.99 or $39.99. Also, buy one, get one half off on any Thomas Wooden Railway accessory. Prices good through today.
