The large downturn in real estate is leaving a record number of homes on the market ... Some frustrated sellers are getting creative, using sites like onlinehousetrading.com to connect with other sellers who might agree to "swap" -- or buy one another's property.
While the idea of trading houses temporarily for vacations has long existed, permanent house swapping is a new trend ... and www.onlinehousetrading.com is one of six such launched sites. The sites do not complete the transactions, they simply play matchmaker, similar to the role of an online dating site by aggregating a large number of properties & analyzing their "swap criteria."
Finding the right match is one thing, but finalizing the transaction can be a bit complicated ... OnlineHouseTrading recommends both clients agree to use one title company & recognize the deal's not done "until everyone signs off."
According to a recent post by money saving blog WalletPop.com, many parents have put off signing their kids up for summer camp this year. Must admit, I'm one of them. A weak economy and high camp prices can't help but make you look twice & reconsider. Indeed, we may be suffering from Summer Camp Sticker Shock.
Our childcare system works well in Summer, but -- must say -- it takes some logistical prowess to crack the off-school calendar code, especially if you're a working parent &/or juggling other caregiving & community efforts. If you're creative and do a little homework, you can find some low-cost summer camps or alternative programs in your community.
Here are some tips: - Some camps offer discounts for early sign-up (better hurry!) - Camps affiliated w/ non-profits like YMCA or the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts) will be cheaper. - Opt. for a Day Camp vs. a Sleep Away camp – find & compare camps at www.acacamps.org - Nearly two-thirds of camps offer camper scholarships or financial aid. Many others allow parents to spread payments over the course of a year. - Ask about discounts for enrolling more than one child.
As covered on Fox News Channel this weekend, http://autos.aol.com, is an open marketplace for used cars (you can list yours). They've got record-breaking selection -- more than 2.5 million vehicles for sale in the United States, including the biggest U.S. inventory of used cars on the Web.
The search tool helps cut to the chase ... You can search for used, certified pre-owned, and private-seller listed cars using natural language queries (e.g., "black Honda Civic"). Results can be filtered based on make, model, price, body style and more, giving you more relevant listings.
On the flip side, sellers can easily post cars for sale, and include specifics like photos, comments and even a car's history. Buyers can contact sellers directly through the site by email or phone.
The site also features the latest automotive news, including reviews and advice from industry experts on topics such as car buying, ownership and repair, hybrid trends and more. If you're in the market for a hybrid or want the latest news on green cars, consider also checking out AutoblogGreen.
Mother's Day is approaching & our buddy Matthew Blades in Milwaukee at 94.5 WKTI was sweet enough to cover this topic with us on-air this morning. As promised, here's link to my absolute favorite florist in the world. www.surroundingsflowers.com.
You can work through them to send flowers in most areas. They have relationships with the best florists throughout the country. If you go this route, you can't miss. Invariably you will get a call or note from someone saying, "They are so beautiful!" If your order flowers a lot, they'll keep your credit card on file & you can just call in & ask for one of their "mixed" arrangements starting at $75. Simple & stunning.
Was away with my extended family this weekend. Am embarrassed to say, they've all done a better job of "going green" vs our home. This Neutron Battery-Powered "smart" mower might help get us over the hump, especially -- as they wisely point out -- 17 million gallons of gas are SPILLED every year by people filling or TRYING to fill their mowers. A "smart" tractor & we're in ...
Even Hollywood's brightest stars aren't immune to the downturn in the real estate market. In recent months, names like Avril Lavigne, Wimer Valderrama, Denise Richards and Ed McMahon have all had to cut asking prices in an effort to sell their homes.
Former Guns N' Roses rocker Slash, slashed the asking price on his Hollywood Hills home by $325,000. Click here to see the list of tinsel town real estate casualties.
Bargain hunters ... here's one way to never miss a sale. Smart shopping site shopittome.com can alert you when clothes and accessories you need/want, go on sale online. Here's the biggest benefit in my mind -- you can be VERY specific (down to an exact running shoe model) and they only alert you when YOUR size is available.
On thing think a lot of people get frustrated by is spending time looking for things on sale only to find the item is not available in your size. Doesn't matter if the show is 70% OFF, if it doesn't fit.
Shopittome.com factors in both -- price & availability. It's quick, free, and -- of course -- at the end of the day it's smart marketing and a savvy way to take advantage of the power of the Internet to track things.
Click on your favorite brands – there are more than 600 to choose from – names like Ann Taylor, Armani, BCBG and J Crew – then, select the kind of items you're after – dresses, handbags, shoes, etc., and input your size. Shop It To Me does the rest ... sending out custom alerts, a.k.a, "Sale Mail," when the stuff you want goes on sale.
Shop It To Me works by scouring the Web of leading Internet retailers to find out what's on sale. Your personalized "Sale Mail" includes product images, pricing and links to buy. You control how often you want to be notified of sales.
Neat concept. I just signed up for the special RUNNERS edition. Took 5 mins & am eagerly awaiting the results ...
Xingtone: It's free to try and saves you money on ringtones. Just create your own and set it up on your phone.
Myxer:Just upload songs you have saved on your PC to create as many free ringtones as you like and save to your phone or share them with friends. Go to myxertones.com.
It is important to me (probably far more than it should be), that you are aware you get more bling for your buck online. Apparently, a fair amount of you are in on this. Sales of engagement rings on www.BlueNile.com have now surpassed Tiffany & Co.
Online jewelers don't have to maintain stores, so they're inherently more efficient and approachable. Instead of walking into a store and feeling intimidated/foolish about asking, "Hmmmm ... How much is that?" Online, you get a price quote. And, what's really neat is you can control the price by changing the variables. Some shapes (the ones I like) are more costly than others, clarity will cost you and size is a variable, but not the only variable. Personally, I have bad eyes and am more than willing to trade off clarity ; )
Importantly, all purchases come with a guarantee and certified letter of authenticity. So, it's safe and smart. That's why the average amount spent on an engagement ring at traditional stores is $2750. A
Blue Nile executive tells me their average is 20-40% less than you would pay in-store.
Play around with this Build Your Own Ring™ if you're in the market for a ring or if you just want to pretend you are.
This week we're highlighting Stylelist.com on-air & online ...
Looks like it's all about the oversized clutch; bangs; grey (the new beige) & purple (the new black); & doing your nails if you can't afford any of the above;)!
Angelina Jolie's $1,195 eye candy purse by UK specialty designer (actually not over-the-top expensive by celeb standards), and then you click through a slideshow of similar styles, colors -- including a tote available at Target.com for $19.99. At a $1,175 savings, that certainly delivers on the "Look for Less" promise!
The site features things similar to what you see in magazines, but immediately actionable. If you're a bargain bee & enjoy the hunt ... or if you're aspiring bargain bee who needs -- don't we all -- to start being a little more thrifty, this site is worth a stop. These flats would be adorable on my sister & daughter .... Linking to OldNavy.com for $11.70! .. - R
I've known Lindsay Martin for as long as can remember & have had privilege of eating some of her food this year .... Am thrilled to see she is opening a bakery in lovely Dorset VT. What a wonderful accomplishment. If you're ever there, am sure it's worth a stop ... I certainly plan on making one;)
How cool is this ....! Haven't tested it yet, but can't wait to. You can turn a 10-30 second digital video clip into a little print flip book to re-create the moment. The smallest size would make the cutest party-favor can think of ... See Rave Reviews from bunch of sources, including HGTV's "I want that!" Me too:)
I miss my friend Chrissy. She moved to Malibu & took all her good shopping company out west .... I am kind of over Tory Burch, but these shoes made me re-think it. Shopping-related posts are some of our most popular. So, we'll do a Spring round-up. Let me know if you spot any "must-haves." In the meantime, Chrissy this shoe is sooooooooooooo you (& maybe me too if they go on sale). XO
Get Your Viewers Up-To-Date on This Month's Hot Topics: The March Madness Craze, Celebrating St. Patty's Day in Eco-Friendly Style, Making the Most of what's in Your Fridge without Spending a Cent, and Spring Break Insider Travel Tips
Regina Lewis, AOL Consumer Advisor, is available for satellite interviews on Wednesday, March 5th and Friday, March 7th, 2008 from 6am-1pm ET
The Online Buzz is an up-to-the-second report of the freshest online trends and activity. What topics dominate chat rooms right now? Whose hits are spiking or sinking on the online search charts? What is the hottest viral video? Fronted by Regina Lewis, Online Buzz keeps your viewers ahead of the curve on the best of the Web every month in a smart, upbeat segment.
Reginais available the first Wednesday and Friday morning of every month via satellite or tape from Dulles, Virginia. The Online Buzz currently airs in major markets including Atlanta, Detroit, Denverand Charlotteas well as on CNN Headline News.
Reginacan customize your segment to cover topics dominating your market, in a personal and localized fashion. Custom tags and introductions are available by request.This month's topics options include:
·Manage March Madness. It's one the year's most anticipated online events and Regina offers up online bracket tips, the scoop on watching the games online and helps you balance work with your March Madness cravings.
·
Five Easy Waysto Go Green:With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, Reginachecks in with the greenest folks around, the editors at GreenDaily, for tips on going online to green up your life.
·Get Ready for Spring Break. Easter is early this year- March 23- so Spring Break is just around the corner. For those traveling, Reginahas tips on getting through security fast, last-minute vacation planning and the most popular destinations. And, if your teenager is a Spring Breaker... Webcams so you can watch. How they work and why you might want to be careful what you wish for!
·Make the Most of What's in Your Fridge:Short on time at the end of the day? Reginatells you how to make the most of what's in your fridge or pantry to save serious time and money.
·Viral Video- See what everyone is watching this month!The cyberspace video we can't seem to get enough of. You won't believe the story behind the clip!
Regina Lewis, AOL Consumer Advisor, national TV contributor, tech-trend expert, knows the tips, tricks, secrets and shortcuts for making technology work.She is as an expert commentator for a wide range of national network and cable programs, including The Today Show, The View, Fox & Friends and weekly segments on CNN Headline News. The mother of three, she's been honored on Capitol Hill for her work in championing online kids safety.
To Schedule an Interview Please Contact
Alyssa Sullivan at212.599.1797
Interviews made possible by AOL.ReginaLewis is a national television contributor appearing regularly on network and cable news programs.Find out more about Reginaat www.reginalewis.com
This is not my mailbox. Mine is black, twice as big & always full. It's a big production for us to get the mail.
So, I went to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) website and opted-out of a lot of mail. At least that's what I think happened. They're in the direct marketing biz, so this has to kill them. They even try to talk you out of it before you confirm your decison online by explaining you're going to miss 80% of all commercial offers & the environmental benefits of shopping from home vs driving to the mall. That one is bit of a stretch, but guess if we all shop ONLINE at home, we'll save trees AND gas. To verify your authenticity, they ask to charge your credit card $1. Here's hoping the kids can soon bring in the mail iwith one trip down the driveway ... Related: Cancel Catalogs.
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