Sunday, May 27, 2007

Target Shopping Strategies

I'm not usually a fan of big box discount retailers but I'm a fan of Target (even after the Target card hacking debacle!)
(Those in the know pronounce it Tar-jhay!)
Target has fashionable clothes,electronics & home accessories at reasonable prices. Some stores have groceries & pharmacies & dollar bins.
Some useful Target bargain hunting strategies can be found at Not Made of Money
I've found that clearances are towards the back of merchandise areas & on the back end shelves.
Target.com has a listing of weekly sale merchandise, discount coupons & merchandise and sales not available at a local brick-&-mortar Target store.

'TisThe Season for Local Produce !

It's almost summer & it's time for local produce!
Buying local produce is good for the local economy, usually good for your pocketbook & is a greener option than buying stuff shipped from another area. Fresh produce is yummy & a great addition to your healthy diet. Frugal, green, tasty & healthy; what's not to like?
During the colder seasons, most of these places close down except to sell Halloween & Thanksgiving pumpkins & Christmas trees.
I'm listing many, but not all local options for local produce.
I've shopped at all these markets & wouldn't hesitate to recommend them!

17th Street Farmers Market in Shockoe Bottom:
100 N. 17th St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-646-0310

Thursday, May 3, 2007 through Sunday, October 28, 2007

Thursday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm

Saturday Growers’ & Bakers’ Market: 8:30am–2pm
Sunday Open Heirloom Market: 8:30am–2pm
Antiques, vintage & collectibles


Ashland Farmers Market:
On Duncan Street behind Town Hall (off Rt.54)
Saturdays May 5 - November 24
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

William Byrd House Community Market:
S. Linden St & Idlewood Ave ·
Downtown Expressway, I-195 South · Exit 186 (Belvidere St) ·
Next to Grace Arents Community Garden
Free Parking - Rain or Shine.

Tuesday,3:30 to 7 pm, May through October.

Goochland Rural Market:
Grace Episcopal Church -
2955 River Rd W, Goochland, VA
(Rt.6 or Patterson Ave./River Rd. extended)

Saturday May 5th through Sept. 1st - 8 a.m. to12 p.m.
Labor Day through October 27th - 9:00am to 1:00pm

Pole Green Produce Stand
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices!
6547 Pole Green Road (Meadowbrook Road extended), Mechanicsville, VA 23111
804-730-7732
Open April through Thanksgiving
(Weekends only April, October & November - Daily May-September)

Hanover Plant & Vegetable Farm
Local produce & plants at very reasonable prices!
Has a large greenhouse.
13580 Ashland Rd
Ashland, VA 23005
804-752-2334

Jim & Robins Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices in Henrico County
11120 Patterson Ave. Richmond, VA 23233
804-754-0484

Cheryl's Produce
Local produce & plants for decent prices
Rt 660 & Route 33(Staples Mill Rd.extended), Ashland,VA
804- 752-5846

Produce cart on Libbie Avenue just off Patterson Avenue:
During season a vendor sells fruit & vegetables at this location.
Hours: ?

Some links to listings of Virginia produce markets, wineries, pick-your-own-produce farms & food festivals:
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/index.shtml
http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/index.html
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/organic/index.shtml
www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown-july/pdf/frmsmkts.pdf
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/festival.shtml




Saturday, May 05, 2007

Second Debut

I've not yet shopped at Second Debut, the new Goodwill in Carytown.
Their ad in Style Weekly says the store stocks fashions, home furnishing and accents.
What I don't know is if the merchandise has typically low Goodwill thrift store prices or if it is considered a 'boutique' store because of its location in expensive, trendy Carytown.
This thrift shop connoisseur is going to check it out a.s.a.p.
Please post comments if you have any opinions on the store.

UPDATE: I have been here and found a very nice leather belt for $5.00. I do find the prices a tad high (more like consignment) but they do have nice merchandise. My biggest beef is that it is hard to find anything decent at this store for anyone larger than a size 10 or 12.Goodwill Second Debut
3114 W. Cary Street
Phone: 254-7623
HOURS: Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun.: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.