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If you need to add some brand new contemporary pieces to your summer wardrobe, head over to Target .  The reason?  Target continues to collaborate with the biggest names in the fashion industry to bring out stylist collections at ultra affordable prices.  Why pay more when you can get fashion for less?  Whether it's bright solids, crisp stripes, fun pastels, or romantic wispy fabrics, there's no shortage of color, comfort and choice for men, women and children.   A 4-pack of Carter's bodysuits for newborns are $8 bucks.  And assorted colors of men's C9 by Champion tops and shorts range from $12.99 to $18.99. From advanced performance running shorts and tech tees (with Duo Dry Max fabric, cooling ventilation and UV protection) to Mossinmo sun dresses and maxi dresses -- not to mention straw fedoras and handbags -- you really can't go wrong, or do better than Target.  All active wear and smart casual wear (oooh yeah ... also known as vacation wear )...

Nothing says easy, breezy summer like listening to upbeat, feel-good music.  Since Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, THE SAVVY SHOPPER wants to put you in the right mood by giving away  Train's latest CD: California 37 . Here's how to enter for your chance to win: *       Become a member of THE SAVVY SHOPPER blog, then leave a comment , saying you'd like to enter the contest.  If you also " Like " THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S Facebook page [go to top of blog for link], you will double your entries/chances to win. And don't worry: By signing on to "follow," nothing bad happens; you don't get spammed with promotional emails.  The l ucky winner will be announced on June 16th .  It is the birthday of one of our readers, Pam H. Train's new music is fun.  You can shimmy and dance to it, which is a splendid, uplifting way to begin your summer.  Also this summer, look for the band on tour in a city near you.  Good luck!   ...

This is a good year for ticks; they are thriving.  So as we move into warm weather, we need to be more aware of lyme disease.  Lyme disease is an infection caused by the  borrelia burgdorferi, a  bacterium known as a spirochete , which is transmitted to people and animals through tick bites.   Symptoms can include a rash, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.  Doctors diagnose lyme disease through blood tests, and it can be treated with several weeks of antibiotics taken by mouth.  It is important to diagnose lyme disease early and treat it with the correct antibiotics so that patients recover quickly and completely.  If left untreated, lyme disease can affect the heart, joints and nervous system, causing heart failure, meningitis, arthritis and chronic joint pain. But don't fret, you can reduce your risk of lyme disease by taking a few simple precautions.  According to the Mayo Clinic, you should [...

Fruit is good.  Photo: Marco Lazzaroni Life is about following rules.  There's no getting around it.  Eat too much, or spend too much money regularly and you end up not being able to take care of yourself, or your family. When you think about it, how you eat and budget requires knowledge, discipline and a similar mind-set.  Both areas involve putting off instant gratification for a larger purpose or reward. Setting goals, planning and making choices are not just facts of life, they are the subjects of countlesss books and discussions, especially in the media.  Every week a new expert explains how to eat or budget better.  Here are a few recent rules: The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper - A new book which teaches you to lose weight and keep it off. Here's how: 1. Drink a large glass of water before breakfast and every meal.  –  Try to drink 8-12 glasses of water per day.   I can't see a French woman doing this. Croissant and coffee - oui. ...

Today we honor mothers and motherhood.  Like Father's Day, Mother's Day is celebrated on different days of the year throughout the world.  Here in the US , President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day a national holiday in 1914.  And although it's become super commercialized, what most mothers really want is love and validation for everything they do.  So be sure to call your mom and spend time with her doing what she enjoys.  Take your cues from her, and listen twice as much as you talk.  A good gift is thoughtful.  Give your mother gifts you can afford, but things that make her life easier, better or joyful. In addition to time spent with you, mom should recieve things she wants, not things you want her to have. Happy Mother's Day to you, Mam'ma!  (I usually call her "Mom," but she signs all her cards "Mamma.") xoxo. Love, Debbie You may also enjoy: Treat Yourself To One Nice Thing     Watches, Tales And Sprouts    Steaming Ho...

At 5'10" Kate doesn't shy away from wearing high heels.  (A few reports say she's actually 5'8 1/2" sans heels.) I am an unabashed Kate Middleton fan.  I know we are supposed to call her Catherine, but she's  Kate  because we love her. Previously I stated that Kate can do no wrong.  From all accounts, she has intelligence, a level head, a kind heart, a strong work ethic and is, without fail, an asset everywhere she goes. One place Kate went recently was a formal dinner in London with Prince William at Mayfair's Claridge's Hotel.   "Eva" earrings by Beaut sold via Jenny Packham Kate looked smashing, wearing a cream colored, long, to-the-floor, gown believed to be designed by Roland Mouret.  Wow, did she kill it!  Her understated gown had a high neckline and long sleeves, as well as, a thigh high slit to show off a pair of lovely, bare legs.  What I love most about Kate's style is  this : She is always classy, totally practical and n...

Photographer: Marc Serges If you enjoy wine and want to increase your current knowledge and tastes, let wine writer Mark Oldman expand your wine horizons.  Not only does he have an information-packed website, called: Mark Oldman, drink bravely , he teaches a number of “Outsmarting Wine” courses and seminars -- from private tastings to large corporate events. Mark's books, including  Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine ,  will teach you a tip or two as well.  It is a best seller, won a host of awards, and collected glowing reviews from publications including, Wine Enthusiast , Businessweek and The New Yorker .  The book points you to “insider wines" at reasonable prices that taste great! Although Mark is passionate about wine, he writes with a touch of irrelevance and makes learning fun.  He cares very much about taking the mystery and snootiness out of drinking wine.  Enjoying fine wine should be accessible to anyone (and everyone!) who takes the initi...