Bulmer said there were many belts around the house

Bulmer said there were many belts around the house, but they were able to eventually find the black and yellow belt. She said they did not find the pink belt.

Bulmer also testified that in the master bedroom, there were two nightstands. One nightstand's top drawer contained Biggs' wallet, plus small plastic bags of what looked like cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and marijuana. She said they also found weighing scales on that nightstand.
Det. Matt Campbell also testified. Campbell, a member of Metro's abuse-neglect detail, said he took the small bags of what looked like drugs back to his office, weighed them and tested them.
He said there were seven small bags that weighed 2.5 grams, including the contents, that tested positive for methamphetamines.

Another bag containing what looked like narcotics tested positive for rock cocaine, he said. The bag and the cocaine inside it weighed 1.5 grams, he said.
The five bags containing what looked like marijuana buds weighed 11 grams, including the weight of the bags, he said. They tested positive for marijuana, he said.

Biggs, who sat next to his attorney, Dan Winder, during the testimony, is being held without bail in the Clark County Detention Center.
The boy's mother, Lolita Marshall, 31, was also charged in the case and has entered a plea agreement with the Clark County District Attorney's office. Marshall has taken an Alford plea of guilty to the charge of attempted child abuse and neglect with substantial bodily harm.
Marshall has been released from custody on her own recognizance and must report back to district court for sentencing at 8:30 a.m. May 12 before Clark County District Judge James Bixler.

The boy’s five siblings were removed from the home and are in the custody of Clark County Child Protective Services.

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The butcher, the baker and a fascinator-maker

'TRY Town First' is the slogan in Kanturk, the north Cork town where two rivers, the Allow and the Dallow, converge in a surge of rushing waters.

"We know it is not realistic to expect everyone to do all their shopping in the town, but we encourage people to buy a bit more locally, and we are promoting the town as a viable place to shop in," said Kieran Fitzgerald, of Fitzgerald Insurance and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.

Kanturk is a very attractive town, with a Georgian influence, a 17th century castle, a market square, two bridges, three riverside parks, and an imposing church. 'Kanturk' is derived from Ceann Tuirc (Boar's Head) and a stone marks the spot where the last boar in Ireland was reputedly slain. The town has a lot going for it in that it is also less than an hour's drive from Cork, Tralee, Limerick and Killarney. There is a strong community feel in the town, which has an annual arts festival, but most extraordinary of all, it has seen the opening of 23 new small businesses since February 2009.

I had only been in Kanturk once before at a funeral where we had ended up in the Alley Bar -- a fantastic old-style pub and shop with nooks and snugs, and history hanging off its walls.

The Alley Bar is owned by Eilis O'Connor and her husband John D O'Connor. The premises was always a pub and shop, which Eilis's father, Ned Jones, had traced back to the 1890s. There was a famous ball alley at the back, hence its name, and from the Thirties to the Fifties, there were "famous All Ireland games there". It was owned back then by a husband and wife team of two Doctors O'Toole. In 1959, Dr O'Toole retired and the pub remained closed for a couple of years. Eilis's father, Ned, working in the creamery company across the road, would look over and bemoan the closure of the pub where he used drink as a young man. One day he said to his wife Mary, "We'll buy the pub!" They bought it in 1961 and now it is run by Eilis.

One of the longest standing businesses in the town is McCarthy's Butchers. Jack McCarthy is a very pro-active artisan food producer, and a great public relations man for Kanturk. He is the fifth generation of his family business which was founded in 1892 by Callaghan McCarthy, a baker who put down his dough hook and took up a butcher's cleaver because he couldn't buy decent meat for his table. Looking at the old ledgers you could see where the business suddenly changed from selling bread to the next day selling meat. All of the old Kanturk names are in the book, and all are still in the area, Sullivan, Conway, Clancy, Mahony, Dillon, O'Connor, Barrons. You could also see too that the British Army was in occupation. There is also a great picture taken of a group of men "the day Parnell visited town" and Jack's son, Tim McCarthy, the sixth generation in the business, proudly showed me his two great grandfathers.

The McCarthys, father and son, produce the most wonderful charcuterie. Last year they were crowned members of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Black Pudding, won in the face of intense competition from 4,000 entrants in the 'Black Pudding Capital', the Normandy town of Mortagne au Perche, by La Confrerie des Chevaliers du Goute Boudin -- who visited here in force last year.

The future for Ireland is tourism and food -- we have to push our wonderful artisan produce. Specialities at McCarthy's include Putog Ceann Toirc, Boar's Head Pudding, Irish Whiskey Haggis, traditional dry cured bacons, honey cured roast pork, French style boudins with cream and apple, honey, garlic, an Ardrahan cheese sausage, the regular Cork-style white pudding, a new seafood sausage, and many many more inventive delicious puddings. "Pudding has gone through the roof," says Jack, "they want it everywhere."

Around the corner is Mark Reidy of Duhallow Seafoods, who opened his compact fish shop about six months ago and is "delighted with it". He has been in the fish business a while, working at one point in a fish shop in Skibbereen. He was then selling fish from vans, door to door, but "it was too hit and miss" so he decided to give himself a base and open his own fish shop.

"I keep my prices reasonable and I round it down, say if it was €10.60 I'd give it for €10, I'm not stuck in my prices. The more someone buys, the better the discount." Business is good, he says, and he is a firm believer in giving back to the community with everyone supporting one another in local business. Mark has also developed his product further by working with a local restaurant, Bob's, which produces lasagnes, fish cakes and seafood pies which Mark sells in his shop. "These dishes offer great value; if you were to buy the ingredients yourself you couldn't do it cheaper."

A few doors down is Tina Sheehan, who opened her children's clothing shop, Jemma Jim, in October 2009. "It's great," Tina says, "we have a lot of fun. We haven't been here in times past when people were having massive profits whereas, you know, we think it's going great."

Tina worked with Mallow Urban Council for four years but then her contract was up. "I have an eight-year-old daughter, I always loved clothes and fashion and previously worked with children, but I just didn't want to go back into a formal setting."

Tina's motto is to be "more affordable -- that's what we are looking for. If people want to spend €10 or €25 on a couple of things, great. We supply gift wrapping it keeps customers' costs down." They have outfits for children of all ages, equipment and toys, First Communion plus debs dresses. "Some little girls don't want to spend a lot so I have lovely dresses from €65 up to the very top at €300, likewise Communion dresses run from €50 to €200." Tina encourages girls to buy classics that they can wear again, and also to loan dresses to one another. "All I wanted to do was to bring affordable fashion, and also to do big sizes for children, I am very sensitive about that, I want shopping to be fun for kids, not a nightmare!"

Across the street from Duhallow Seafoods is Kanturk Photo Framing, where Bertie Harman originally had a "chipper" in 1994. He then bought the building and started a video business, moving into the photographic business and framing.

"After Christmas was quiet," Bertie says, "but it has really picked up particularly with the recent arts festival."

Madison Avenue is a shoe shop owned by Geraldine O'Callaghan from west Limerick, which opened in Kanturk in December 2010 after two years in Mallow. "The first year in Mallow was going okay but my location wasn't good. If you are not constantly being seen by the customer on the main thoroughfare, you are forgotten very rapidly."

Geraldine stocks children's shoes such as Startrite, Ricosta and Pablosky. She also stocks ladies' shoes, including Rockport, an American label. "Obviously price points have had to come down hugely in the recession. The first year I opened you could easily sell shoes for €150 to €200 but now it is hard to sell anything past €80. There is a massive change so you have to have different price points, stocking ranges that are good for this economy."

Kate's Kitchen is a deli that also opened in December 2010. "It's up and down but it's good, I always have people coming back for repeat orders," says owner Catriona O'Keeffe.

Catriona, who has twin girls aged seven, bakes scones, brown breads, carrot cakes and lemon drizzle cakes every day -- you would hang around just for the aromas! Catriona also makes daily potato salad, pesto pasta and Waldorf salad. She boils her own hams, glazes them with honey and brown sugar and she gets steak mince for her shepherd's pies from McCarthy's, of course. She also stocks jams and preserves, Ardrahan cheeses and Ardrahan Lullaby milk, which has a naturally higher level of melatonin so helps you sleep. "I am busy until 2 o'clock every day cooking and baking. I have total control over quality when I do it myself but I now also have three girls working part-time to help."

Denise Hickey took over the Perfect Fit from previous owners in November 2010. Denise also has a DVD, games and consoles shop but was always looking for the right underwear and shapewear for herself and the right shop came up! "It was a big jump from DVDs to lingerie," she says. "In general, you do have your quiet days but occasions have a lot to do with the business. People want the right bra for a wedding, Communion, Confirmation, or under a dress for a Saturday night!

Martina Drew of the Crowning Glory opened her shop in 2009. "I was unemployed for six months and I decided this was either the time to do it or not. I am delighted with the business." She started out with accessories, handbags, jewellery and fascinators. "I now make my own fascinators in all colours to match people's outfits for weddings and special occasions and in the last month I have gone into ladies' fashions, going up to size 26."

"We work off one another here -- I send people over to The Perfect Fit for underwear and Denise would send people to me. The wedding season is big and I have lots of orders now for fascinators -- cerise pink is big this summer -- but I have to make sure people aren't going to the same wedding." Wise woman!

Finally I met Teddy Ambrose of Ambrose Ironworks. Teddy comes from a long line of blacksmiths who have been in business in Kanturk since the family came to Ireland from Heidelberg in Germany in the 18th century.

So from putogs to bras, seafood to shoes, cupcakes to iron craft, there is plenty on offer in Kanturk. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and it is imperative that we remember this when we spend our euro. It's all about Meitheal!

New shop fuses fashion, furniture

By Gloria Young

Journal Staff Writer

Eclectic finds, fashions and exotic teas are the latest addition to Central Square in Auburn.

Local entrepreneur Anthony Sadeghi opened Karma Goods this weekend.

It is his third business in the area. He also owns Karma Café on Sutter Street in Old Town Folsom and Gelayo, a frozen yogurt shop, on Auburn Folsom Road in Granite Bay.

The Auburn store has mix of jewelry, handbags, glassware and furniture items.

There’s even a tall fireplace that came from an old home in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights.

Fireplaces are a favorite with him, and he has them in all his stores, Sadeghi said.

Art is another major focus. Sadeghi already has collected numerous pieces, including several miniature works done by a Cameron Park artist.

“I want to support local artists,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to participating in this season’s art walks.

He’s also planning to accept small jewelry and art consignments.

A section in an alcove of the store is devoted to teas. Sadeghi is putting together a display of a couple of dozen dry tea varieties. He also keeps a pot of hot tea perking, ready for customers to sample, he said.

Some of the items are getting a second incarnation. Sadeghi has refurbished bed frames as signs for the store.

“In this economy, you have to be creative,” he said.

The suggestion to open the Downtown Auburn business came from customers at his Folsom café. After he thought about the idea, he decided to pursue it.

Auburn’s distinctive appeal was a deciding factor. He grew up in Bournemouth, England and said Auburn reminds him of his hometown.

“It has the same Victorian feel, the same gorgeous buildings,” he said.

He’s also impressed with the friendly atmosphere.

“To me, Auburn is the best kept secret,” he said.

Sadeghi said he is looking forward to being part of the Auburn community.

“I like to participate,” he said.

Once it becomes established, Sadeghi has more plans for the store. He said he’d like to bring in live music and hopes to use a room in the back for classes on selecting teas, spiritual themes and other topics.

Initially he had hoped to have a café at the site, but has put that on hold because of the expense of adding a commercial kitchen.

In addition to his business interests, Sadeghi is a professional photographer.

Next door at Kids Closet, employee Michele Sardella said she loves the idea of the new store.

“They’re very nice people,” she said. “We think that type of business will be a wonderful addition to Downtown Auburn and a real asset to the plaza. It will be another business draw for shopping during events.”

The secret life of handbags

Two men, an artist and a sociologist, have separately undertaken an exploration of women's handbags. Pierre Klein, a photographer and video-maker, asked women to empty their bags and explain the contents for the purposes of an exhibition entitled Elles Vident Leur Sac. Apart from the literal sense, this also means "to get it off one's chest". Jean-Claude Kaufmann, a research sociologist, carried out his own analysis of women's hidden secrets, publishing his findings in Le Sac, un Petit Monde d'Amour (The Bag, a Small World of Affection). So what prompted this inquiry? "Powerful curiosity," in both cases, compounded by the fact that, as men, "we are brought up with the idea that you don't look in women's handbags".

When a female friend happened to spill the contents of her bag in his presence, with a guided commentary, Klein realised he had learned more about her in just a few minutes than in several months' acquaintance. "Each object was linked to some anxiety or fear, with a story of its own. Once the contents were spread out on the counter, I saw the makings of a photo," he explains. This was the starting point for the project. Klein decided to film 50 women emptying their bag, asking them to explain each item. Then he took a photograph of the result. "They very soon started talking about their private life," he adds. "I had no idea they would go so far. They hadn't realised the importance of what was in their bag."

Women's handbags certainly contain an odd mixture of things. In the one belonging to Chrystel (not her real name), 33, there is a notebook, a pair of panties, a packet of contraceptive pills, some snaps, a pen, an American dollar, a good-luck candle, lipstick, a camera, a toothbrush, a mobile phone, a pair of socks and more besides. "There are two categories of object: things women consider essential (phone, keys, tissues, aspirin, makeup, wallet); and the rest, all the apparently useless treasures related to memorable events, emotions and superstition," says Kaufmann.

But the oddest items may prove essential. Ilhem, for instance, has a compass because she likes to sleep with her head to the north. To guard against ill luck many women carry charms, ranging from dollar bills to some personal token invested with magical powers, or a little doll or soft toy that becomes a comforter they unconsciously touch.

Some items recall happy or particularly intense moments. There are plenty of pebbles and seashells, perhaps a love letter, often photos of loved ones, little notebooks to record fleeting emotions, a phrase found in a magazine, the address of a restaurant, shopping lists, resolutions, the names of books.

Such a bag is reassuring, ready to cope with any eventuality: a book to read on a journey, a bottle of water in the event of thirst. Some carry teargas to ward off assailants. One woman who used to prefer small bags moved house after her husband's death and switched to larger receptacles, laden with books and notebooks as if to fill the gap.

If a bag is lost or stolen, all hell breaks lose. "The owner feel as though she has lost part of herself," says Kaufmann. "The handbag is a key piece in the day-to-day construction of identity." Some describe it as "a little house", "a bit of myself", "a puzzle in which every piece is part of my life", or indeed "a memory store".

Our close companion may give rise to feverish irritation. It is supposed to make our lives simpler, responding to our every whim as an extension of ourselves, but objects often go astray, above all mobiles and keys. "In just a few seconds affection switches to hatred," Kaufmann says. We complain bitterly about its shortcomings, entirely due to our own disorder. Finally in a rage we empty it on the desk.

But there is more to a bag than just its secret contents. It is also there to be seen. "It's a female attribute, an expression of style," Klein says. "A woman's handbag is a bit like a man's car: it corresponds to the image they wish to project."

Often classified as a fashion accessory, handbags are nevertheless essential items. Some women are very loyal to their bag, only making a change to go out in the evening or on holiday. Others have a whole collection of bags, chopping and changing to suit their mood. But a bag must be attractive, particularly as it is an instrument of seduction, intriguing and surprising men. "It is a bit of a hiding place, something women don't share, despite sharing a lot in other ways," says Geneviève Djénati, a couples and family therapist.

A handbag contains everything intimate relating to our bodies: makeup, lipstick, tampons and condoms. It's a private space, an ambivalent object with an outside for show and mysteries hidden inside. One of the reasons women carry so much in their bags is that they act as "resource persons", according to Kaufmann. For the benefit of children, their partner, friends, relations or even workmates, their bag is full of comforters, items such as biscuits, wipes, sweets, tissues, water.

But do handbags reveal a form of alienation? "They are certainly a sign of compliance with a gender stereotype, which starts in childhood games and dictates that bags are essential female attributes. There is a downside to the idea of triumphant 'hand-bagging', particularly when after the pleasures of seduction, the bag is weighed down with family responsibilities," Kaufmann concludes.

Kinship of Aitkin County hosts the Butterfly Social to honor former staff member

Handbags in a variety of styles and sizes will be offered at Kinship of Aitkin County’s Butterfly Social. There will be hats, too.

The Butterfly Social is conducted in honor of Mary Ellen Moriarty who worked at Kinship for three years before her death. This year, her family has donated her collection of hats.

The Butterfly Social will take place on May 7 at the 40 Club Convention Center in Aitkin. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. to begin the silent auction. Luncheon, with its menu of chilled strawberry soup, almond chicken salad and a chocolate dessert will be served at noon. The silent auction will progress to a live auction after lunch. There will be a drawing for a door prize.

Tickets are $20. Tickets must be purchased by May 1. They will not be sold at the door. Interested persons may call the Kinship office at 927-4039 or purchase them at Salo

Nic Cage bailed following arrest

Nicolas Cage was arrested on Friday in New Orleans on a domestic abuse charge after an allegedly drunken row with his wife, Alice Kim. A Face Off, you could say.

According to reports, the argument started when the couple couldn't agree on whether the building they were stood in front of was actually the home they're currently renting in the city.

It's claimed Cage then started hitting parked cars before challenging officers to arrest him, which they did, obviously.

Talking to CNN, New Orleans Police Officer Garry Flot said:

"He and his wife were standing in front of a residence that he insisted was the property the couple was renting. She disagreed, and Cage grabbed her by the upper arm and pulled her to what he believed was the correct address.

"[Cage then] began striking vehicles and later attempted to get into a taxi.

"Police, who had been called by on-lookers, arrived to find Cage heavily intoxicated.

"The officers subsequently took Cage to Central Lock-Up.

"There were no visible signs of injury on his wife's arm."

In a slightly bizarre twist, Duane Chapman - AKA reality star Dog the Bounty Hunter, posted bail and uncaged Cage, calling himself "a truly dedicated fan of Mr. Cage."

Reports that he was transferred to jail on a convict jet with Steve Buscemi and John Malkovich are unconfirmed.

The 47-year-old Oscar winner, who has previously been married to Patricia Arquette and Lisa Marie Presley, has had well-documented financial problems in recent years and was even rumoured to be facing bankruptcy at one point (in the end, he just flogged a few of his homes).

He is now due in court on 31 May 2011. Regardless of the verdict, I'd like to know who was actually right in the disagreement…. WAS it their home?

Shear Delight at Island Alpaca

Ah, isn't it nice to finally feel some warm sun on your face? Even though the daffodils have been singing "spring!" for the past several weeks, it hasn't felt truly like summer is on the way until now. That's put me in the mood for lighter clothes and springy colors. And guess what? We're not the only ones putting away our winter coats. The fuzzy residents of the Island Alpaca Company in Oak Bluffs are ready to get into their new spring digs as well.

On Saturday, April 23 Island Alpaca will host its 4th annual Shearing Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The alpacas are lain down to avoid stress and given a once-a-year, 10-minute haircut. It's just the first stage in the annual fleece-to-fiber transition.

Festival-goers can view the animals and enter a raffle for a generous gift certificate to the farm store. There, you can buy gorgeous handbags, scarves and other garments. The Island Alpaca Co. also has graciously provided a picnic area and refreshments, as well as chili for sale, so you can enjoy an afternoon of food, drink and festivities with friends and neighbors, whether that's someone you might bump into at Cronig's or one of the Island's many alpacas.

Admission to the festival is $5. Call 508-693-5554 or visit www.islandalpaca.com for more details, as well as a picture gallery from previous Shearing Day festivals.
Found a great spa package or quiet corner you can't wait to share with friends and neighbors? Are you a business owner with a great idea you want to get out to the community? Let us know about it at mvpatchdeals@gmail.com or leave a comment. Yours could be featured in our next weekly column. Tell us in the comments.

America’s Next Top Model Review: I’m Number One!

It was go-sees week on this episode of America’s Next Top Model and the competition got a little dicier when the models were made to hustle just a little bit harder than they have been. Being the talent and posing for world renowned photographers and designers is easy. Running around town and booking your own gigs is the hard part and that’s what the go-sees process was all about.

Tyra kicked off the show with a huge announcement: the remaining five girls at the end of the episode would be packing it up and heading to Morocco. So now that the stakes were a little higher, it became every model for herself. Basically, the go-see challenge involves the models scrambling around town and meeting designers in hopes of being booked for shoots. Tyra helped the remaining six get their modeling portfolios together and sent them out into Los Angeles with good old fashioned roadmaps as their guides. In today’s world of GPS and Google, there isn’t too much room for paper roadmaps that unfold to the size of a small tent anymore.  Also, the fact that many of the girls seemed to be directionally challenged only added to the mayhem of making it to each go-see. Molly, who is now my confirmed favorite in this competition, was completely frazzled throughout the challenge but at least she made it to the majority of her appointments. Alexandria, on the other hand, was absolutely loving the fact that she’s from the L.A. area and had no problem finding her way around. Everything has been coming up roses for this girl despite her rocky start. Not only did she make it to four of her five go-sees, she later won the Lana Marks designer handbag campaign challenge which she is now the face of. Alex may be all drama in the house but she knows what she wants and destroys the competition like some sort of modelzilla stomping through a village of lesser models. She’s getting ahead and I guess I can’t hate her for that.

For the final challenge, the ladies got to model some eco-friendly couture designed by Michael Cinco in one of the loveliest settings they’ve been in so far: the Olinda Landfill. Talk about a dump. While the girls posed in recycled garments made of leftover rubbish, they tried to keep their perfect poses while avoid getting defecated on by flocks of seagulls. Morocco is looking even better than before at this point, I’m sure.

Deliberation time seemed to level the playing field a little. Every girl had some sort of struggle throughout the episode whether it was that they didn’t make it to enough go-sees, they didn’t get good feedback from the designers or they had some sort of attitude going on. All except, once again, Alexandria, who just happened to be wearing a Chanel “No. 1” tank top as if to say she was indeed the alpha-model. I guess she was right because she booked all 4 of her go-sees, had the best photo of the day and would definitely be going to Morocco. Talk about being in it to win it! Molly got a lot of flak this episode with some of her on-set complaining and who could blame her- it was a nasty landfill. This put her in the bottom two with Jaclyn. I’m completely used to this Tyra-tactic of trying to teach the girls “lessons” by scaring them straight and putting them in the bottom two. I mean, I guess it kind of worked on Alexandria who is now a total powerhouse. Let’s be real though, Molly is leading in the competition and Tyra is no fool. Unfortunately, sweetie pie Jaclyn won’t be catching the next flight to Morocco.

Can Luxury Brands Boost Black Achievement?

A group of scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem did a recent experiment that ended with a remarkable result: owning a designer handbag or bracelet may make a person feel like more than just a million bucks—it may actually boost human performance.

Dan Ariely, a behavioral researcher on the team and professor at Duke University, found that brand name products can act like placebos on people, much like the effect of a harmless pill given to a patient to see if it produces a psychological “feel-better” effect.

In the study, Ariely’s participants, who were given products tagged as luxury brands, read better, listened better and concentrated better in comparison to the participants who used the same products that were marked as cheaper brands.

However, branding expert Rob Frankel says that “there’s no way” that Louis Vuitton can make a person do better in life. Frankel, who is white, says when it comes to the black community, it’s all about what he calls “the golden rule of marketing.”

“If you want to go fishing, go where the fish are.”

Popular luxury brands have cornered the African-American market by simply copying and pasting famous black entertainers into advertisements or casting a desirable black actor into a commercial or magazine spread.

An example: Sean “Diddy” Combs. The hip-hop businessman is the lead brand manager, marketer, advertiser and product promoter of C?roc vodka, a premium spirit owned by alcohol-maker Diageo PLC. Since Diddy got on board with C?roc in 2007, the brand’s sales grew over 552 percent.

The  retail industry employs 19.2 percent of blacks. According to a Harvard Business School study, being surrounded by money and luxuries “might very well have an effect on cognition and decision-making.”

If luxury brands improve human performance, Ariely’s research is the lone ranger in proving it. Frankel attributes the powerful feeling that a black person might get when wearing a brand name to a lack of self-esteem and a lack of literacy longstanding since the time before federal legislation rid blacks of their civil, educational and economic shackles.

This Week's Deals Include Tory Burch Reva Flats

Tory Burch Reva flats are on sale at Moxie this week, just in time for spring.  An assortment of handbags are also marked way down at the Church Street location.

And right down the street at The Gifted Hand glass bowls, vases and other items are on sale.

Wine by the case is discounted at Nine East Wine Emporium until Friday, everything is 30 percent off online at the Gap, and Easter supplies are 40 percent off at Michaels on Rte.9 in Framingham

We do the scouting each week to help save you time and money.

And remember, you are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box.

Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

Remember to check with the merchant for additional conditions:

Big Coliseum crowd expected Wednesday for Vera Bradley Outlet sale

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - It's an event that brings tens of thousands of people to Fort Wayne every year. After record breaking attendance in 2010, this year's Vera Bradley outlet sale is ready to go at the Coliseum.

Vera Bradley’s array of handbag and accessory colors has a sort of Siren's call on women across the country.

Tens of thousands of people are expected head to the Coliseum the next five days looking for a bargain on items skyrocketing in popularity.

“There are certainly discounts of up to 65 percent off here at the outlet sale,” said Melissa Schenkel, public relations manager with Vera Bradley. “So you're going to get a great deal if you come out.”

Last year more than 65,000 people waded through a sea of long lines for record breaking attendance. Now that Vera is selling stock, organizers expect to see those numbers again.

“I think we're always anticipating about the same number depending on the marketing we're doing and the number of people we're hoping will come into the sale,” said Schenkel.

More than 65 semi trucks full of items have been unloaded for the sale. More than 1,000 workers are ready for the rush.

Shoppers will see a change outside the Coliseum this year. Organizers set up a tent in the parking lot. It will have the newest, most popular items.

As the handbags, luggage, and accessories wait to get snatched up, the event is more than just a sale for most shoppers. It’s a yearly adventure.

“They're stocking up for the entire year,” said Schenkel. “That's why so many women are happy to come shop and have a good time with their girlfriends.”

Wednesday and Thursday people who bought tickets will be shopping the sale. Those are all sold out.

Friday through Sunday the event is open to the public. Friday and Saturday it’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday it will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

ospice supporters enjoy Spring Fair

Families from across the borough and beyond attended the annual Spring Fair at the Springhill Hospice today (Sunday 10 April 2011).

The hospice, on Broad Lane, was packed out with stalls and customers – all keen to help raise much needed funds for the daily running costs of the hospice.

Springhill Hospice Fundraising Manager, Ian Jenkins said: “We have got more stalls this year than ever before, we have got some new stall holders too and we really appreciate everyone who has turned up.

“Hopefully we will raise a few thousand pounds today. At any fundraising event we aim to raise the amount it costs to run the hospice for one day - ￡7,500. I think we can get there or there about.”

Stalls included crafts, cakes, handmade cards, handbags, shoes and a tombola.

The founder of the hospice, Margaret Geoghegan, added: “This is one of our main fundraising events and we prayed for the fine weather.

“This is the people’s hospice and they support it.”

Move your body

He is one among those who started DJ-ing in India, and now, after completing more than 20 years at the turntable, he is still going strong. DJ Sanjay Datta, who is called 'The Beast from the East', was in the city on Saturday at Scream, Le Meridien. The crowd rocked to his beats - a mix of electronica, house, tech-house, progressive house, Nu-energy & trance.

Get Your Funk On
Puneites added some funk to their weekend. Rivka Ismail Irani and Naina Sahni Parnaik launched Funk Yard India with an exhibition held on Saturday and Sunday at The High Spirits Cafe, Koregaon Park. From hair accessories, paintings, fridge magnets, chopsticks, throws for the couch, handbags, hats, scarves, wind chimes, clocks, and home accessories, the exhibition was full of funky treats. Held all through the two days, we spotted youngsters chilling out, browsing through the display, posing for a caricature artist and listening to the musicians jamming at the venue. And plus, there was delicious Thai food on the menu. A super weekend.

Buying Coach Swingpack Handbag

n the fashion world,p, women’s handbags are the ultimate fashion statement. And we find the more attractive a women’s handbag looks, the better they feel about themselves as they walk down the street.

With the advancement of technology and rapid economic growth, the living standard of people has greatly improved,in this case, shopping is about to become the largest woman-loving. Brand-name bags, are a woman’s symbol of identity and taste. However, the rainy day if you insist on a back to go out there Name Xie always felt anachronistic, especially the leather and can not absolutely say that he is not a bit fashion over people, but at least he was not a “fashion recession over people.” Rainy days, is it what the packet back out, it is recommended is practical for the first, to waterproof the most important,therefore, patent leather, nylon and plastic bag has become the choice for wet weather equipment.Here are some features about Coach swingpack handbag that I’ll share with you. It is a sophisticated and fashion handbag, I hope you will like it.

If you’re a girl who loves to have some really cool, long lasting stuff in her wardrobe, then you probably own a Coach bag. But still, you may be a girl who loves cool, long lasting stuff and you don’t have one – yet. It’s time to go out and get yourself one. I’ll tell you why in a few moments, but first, who is Coach? We all know Gucci, YSL, DKNY and all the famous bag designers, but maybe not Coach.

Coach is a leading American designer of luxury goodies, all the way from handbags to purses to jewellery and sunglasses to shoes. They have been around for quite a while – a group of artisans came together in 1941 in Manhattan and founded a family run workshop that was based in their loft. Their unique selling point was to use the best leather possible, and they would treat it till they got it right. They are around to date, and this tells you that they must be producing some great stuff, right?

Spring 2011 handbag trends: tassels

Spring 2011 handbag trends: tassels


Tassels are making a comeback on handbags for spring 2011. The tassel was spotted on handbags throughout Milan and Paris fashion weeks for spring 2011. Tassels appeared on the middle of runway handbags as well as on the side, at the bottom of the shoulder strap. There were different lengths of tassels, some were only about four inches long while others skimmed the side of models knees.

The tassel was a big deal for handbags roughly six to eight years ago when the oversized handbag was the most important handbag in fashion. Chanel had a soft hobo that had been spotted on Jessica Simpson back in 2004 when she was at an event at the Pink Taco in Las Vegas. The large tassel on the side of her Chanel hobo bag sent shockwaves through the handbag industry as Fashionistas who want what celebrities have, flocked to store shelves and snapped up all of the handbags with tassels. For spring 2011, designers have brought back the tassel; without the hype from a fashionable celebrity.

The tassel for spring 2011 is on smaller handbags than those seen a few years back. The handbags are medium and small for spring 2011, making the tassel a high impact embellishment on handbags. When the tassel appeared on larger handbags, it was quiet and sometimes went unnoticed. For spring 2011, the tassel is obvious and can be seen before the handbags itself.

Prada Profit More Than Doubles, Led by Asia-Pacific Growth

Prada SpA, the Italian fashion house that’s planning an initial public offering in Hong Kong, said profit more than doubled last year, led by growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Net income rose to 250.8 million euros ($354 million) from 100.2 million euros in 2009, the Milan-based maker of Miu Miu bags said today in a statement. Revenue increased 31 percent to 2.05 billion euros, with growth of 63 percent in Asia, almost 30 percent in the U.S. and 20 percent in Europe.

Prada plans an IPO of about $2 billion on the Hong Kong exchange because it’s closer to the retailer’s fastest-growing region. It’s the fifth time in the past decade that the luxury- goods maker has attempted to sell shares.

“We have achieved the best sales and profitability results in our company’s history and today the Prada Group can count on a strong industrial and distribution platform, capable of seizing the best opportunities in all markets,” Chief Executive Officer Patrizio Bertelli said in the statement.