My Favorite Things

I've come across more great finds lately that I just have to pass along...

I may be busy, but I love to cook. Shopping for ingredients, though, is not one of my favorite things. I just found out about Hello Fresh, a service that sends you a box filled with a recipe -- and all the ingredients you need to make it! Hello Fresh has no sign up fees or contract for weekly meals, so give them a try for some meals of your choice.

Sites for discount purchases are popping up all over, but I've never seen anything quite like No More Rack. This site has everything -- at great prices. Whether you are looking to stock up on tank tops for summer,  buy a diamond ring or purchase a new Cuisanart, you will find incredible values at No More Rack.
While you are getting ready for spring, check out the line of Nip + Fab products. I've tried them all and they are really great for softening, tightening and smoothing at the same time. Best of all, they are easily available at Target stores. Pick up the Cellulite, Tummy Fix and Upper Arm before you hit the bikini. And, the Dry Leg Fix is great for super-moisturized, shiny legs.

I've also done some great sampling lately and am anxious to pass along some of the things I love: Van Gogh's PB&J (as in peanut butter and jelly) Vodka, Cedilla Acai Berry Liqueur, Frangelico Liqueur,Crystal Head Vodka and Kabir Moscato from Donnafugata.
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Whether you are shopping for a gift, or buying something for yourself, skip the search for a parking spot, save some gas, and even save some money by shopping online.

FIRST STOP
Before you even think about shopping online, sign up for Ebates. You will immediately earn a gift certificate and then you will start earning money every time you shop online. It gets even better – they have coupons. So, you click on Ebates, find the store you want to shop in, see the coupons for the store and then you will get more money back at the end of the quarter.

SAVE A TREE
I have vowed to dramatically cut down on paper this year and it’s working great. I love my Apple iPad for everything from reading magazines to catching up on television shows, to taking notes so I don’t have all those pieces of paper. My mom is spending all her time on her Kindle and is reading more than she ever thought she could. And, I hear the new Kindle Fire is even better. I don't know anyone who wouldn't love either of these gifts.

WINE AND SPIRITS

If you are reading this I think it's a pretty good guess that you enjoy wine and spirits. Wine Globe is one of the few places online where you can order a good selection of both. They even have some wonderful gift baskets if you aren't sure of what to get. Also look into some of the great glasses and wine storage units at Wine Enthusiast for a gift.

TAKE A TRIP

You will find some great bargains out there if you are looking to give travel as a gift. You can save up to 70% on Business Class Flights with Alpha Flight Guru. Then, book a luxurious place with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, or find a cute Bed & Breakfast.

Before you make a final decision, read reviews and discover more great deals at Trip Advisor.And, for that special traveler, check out some of the neat and unique gadgets on sale at Magellan's.

GO FOR THE BREW
What beer lover doesn't want to be a brewmaster? Now, anyone can thanks to supplies from Mr. Beer. You can by everything one needs for home brewing right here.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO GET
There isn’t anyone who doesn’t like a gift certificate. If you aren’t sure what to get, the gift certificate is the way to go. I recently discovered EBillMe. Not only can you get a whole bunch of different gift certificates at the same place, but you will actually receive cash back on the purchase.

Another option, if you want to give your recipient a big headstart on paying for a great dinner, pick up a Restaurant.com gift certificate and you can give them twice as much meal for half the money! Similar discount certificates to events and stores are available at Groupon..