So, which half of the family are you — the half sitting comfortably on the couch, watching the parade and the football game, or the half that’s sweltering in the kitchen, preparing a feast worthy of royalty? You’ve all got choices, you know, now matter how traditional your Thanksgiving celebration. Share the wealth, or rather, the duties, and have every member of the family cooking something, or make a reservations (weeks in advance) at the nicest restaurant in town, or… stay home, but let someone else do the cooking! I’ve put together a big list of some of the best online sources for pre-cooked turkeys, hams and other special occasion main courses to make your holiday easy for everyone.

Smithfield Marketplace specializes in traditional southern fare and smoked hams; a favorite shop for renowned cook Paula Dean, their Wine-Glazed Virginia ham is an elegant choice:

The HoneyBaked Ham Company is a classic favorite with a secret marinade for a tasty, crunchy sweet glaze:

HoneyBaked Ham

Harrington’s of Vermont has been smoking ham since 1873, and, if you’d like a bit of variety, they can provide your family with a full Smokehouse Buffet:

New Braunfels Smokehouse offers a lot of everything, from beef and pork to poultry and sausages, plus they get consistently high marks from their happy customers:

Greenberg Smoked Turkey may be the grand-daddy of hickory smoked gobbling goodness; this family-run business sends out over 200,000 tasty birds per year:

The hickory smoked, sugar-cured meats from the Ozark Mountains bring Burgers’ Smokehouse customers back again and again; unexpected choices include St. Louis ribs, buffalo steaks, wild game such as tasty Cornish hens, quail and pheasant, and succulent lamb chops:

From traditional Tur-Duc-Hens to an unexpected Louisiana kick, the Cajun Turkey Company makes Thanksgiving easy, and very memorable:

If you haven’t heard of Lobster Gram, you’re missing out on a smart way to ensure fresh shellfish for your ultimate seafood feasts. From clambakes to whole Maine lobsters or tails and melt-in-your-mouth King crab, you’re going to love your options here:

Sometimes, all you want for Thanksgiving is the perfect steak… or pot roast… you get the idea, that tender, flavorful beef. Allen Brothers Great Steakhouse Steaks, one of ShopCompanion’s featured stores, has all of it, plus a fine seafood selection too, offering the perfect surf and turf for your special occasion:

This is what happens when you go shopping for your Thanksgiving dinner at ShopCompanion… is your mouth watering, yet?

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Grandin Road, often one of my first stops for Halloween decor since they’ have so many cool exclusive items, has fast become a favorite all year ’round for indoor/outdoor decor that stands up to the worst sorts of weather for decades at a time (though I wouldn’t test anything against a tornado, not even my car). What did surprise me was how many top designer brands this site offers, including names I’d thought rather exclusive to certain stores, like Martha Stewart, for example. Take a look at these charming beauties — sold individually but perfect as a full set, these Martha Stewart Cut-Out Pumpkins are pre-carved from a durable blend of polyresin and stone powder to last for years — just insert a candle (real or not) through the bottom and you’re ready to decorate, indoors or out:

Martha Stewart Cut-Out Pumpkins ($19 to $34)

When I decorate for the holidays, I like trailing the scene throughout the house, beginning with my front door. I’ve seen many door wreaths over the years, but this one’s a bit different — an elegant swirl of lushly arranged natural cornhusks, twigs, and dried acorn tops are accented with richly hued poly-silk maple leaves in this everlasting Cornstalk & Leaf Wreath for $99:

Cornstalk & Leaf Wreath ($99)

And here’s a lovely accompaniment for your mantle; string it along a counter or make it meander right down the middle of your dining room table for a fresh decorative touch — this Autumn Mantle Swag for $99 is six full feet of lifelike oak and maple leaves, berries, twigs, and pumpkins designed exclusively for Grandin Road by Susie Coelho:

Autumn Mantle Swag ($99)

Pull a touch of autumn into your living room with accent pillows like these Knotted Indoor Throw Pillows at $39 each, or add some playful prints with these Balboa Pillows, originally $29 each but now just $10 apiece:

Knotted Indoor Throw Pillows ($39 each) & Balboa Pillows ($10 each)

If you should ever need assistance at Grandin Road, simply call one of their Customer Service Representatives or submit an on-site email form for a quick resolution; the company’s focus has always been on courteous, personalized attention. You’re welcome to order a free catalog and sign up for exclusive email offers as well, so you’ll be the first to know when they have a sale, or when new products arrive!

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While browsing through the Bronner’s site today, I came across a decorating idea that’s long overdue. Do you have a tabletop tree? If you don’t, it’s time you got one, as this makes one of the nicest centerpieces you’ll ever put on your table at any time of the year! Although Bronner’s is primarily a winter holiday sort of site, they offer beautiful decor for every season, as you’re about to discover today.

Start decorating your tabletop tree with either some simple, tiny string lights, or this more festive Autumn Leaves Light Set for just $12.99 –

Add some beaded garland, like this Gold Ball Shatterproof Garland, currently discounted from $8.99 to just $6.98, or this unusual, delicate Gold Sheer Garland, brand new to the site, with translucent ribbon and braided beads for only $3.99 –

Finally, add these beautiful resin and glass ornaments, which range from $3.99 to $19.99 depending upon your choices –

Traditionalists may prefer either of these centerpieces for the feasting table:

• A Cornucopia Centerpiece in detailed, textured resin and soft, antiqued colors is $65, featuring the “Saving Grace” prayer –
  

  Cornucopia Centerpiece ($65)

• A Jim Shore Harvest Of Plenty looks like colorful carved wood to celebrate a fruitful bounty for $40 –
  

  Jim Shore Harvest Of Plenty ($40)

Finally, and certainly one of my favorite autumn pieces at Bronner’s, I had to share these Nesting Pilgrims, a three-piece set with beautifully etched oak branches on the inner surface of each piece. Perfect for the mantle or the center of your table, it’s only $24.99 –

Bronner’s features over 50,000 trims, decorative items and gifts, making them the world’s largest Christmas store and a lovely source for holiday items throughout the year. Don’t forget to sign up for special offers in their email newsletter; with winter just around the corner, you won’t want to miss their great deals!

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Off and on throughout this week, I’m searching through ShopCompanion for autumn and Thanksgiving decor, always a favorite theme for me and a nice way to dress up the table – and the rest of the house — for the family feast. I’m heading over to Home Decorators Collection today to share some home linens to last through several years of celebrations.

This Autumn Harvest Tablecloth is $24 to $34 depending on the size of your table; it’s clean and bright in white with leafy silhouettes and bright prints along the corners:

If you’re seeking something more subtle, simple yet seasonal, keep in mind that you can change the entire look of your dining area for months, and spend very little in the process if you focus on a special tablecloth and some pretty napkins. Add a gentle country touch with this Autumn Check Tablecloth in 100% cotton for only $9!

Each of these styles also offer matching napkins and place mats in four-piece sets to complete the look; the Autumn Harvest Placemats and Napkins are also 100% cotton, running just $24 for the place mats and $14 for the napkins:

And, the Autumn Check Placemats and Napkins will cost you even less, $14 and $12 per four-piece set, respectively:

It seems the only thing you’re missing is your centerpiece, unless you’re planning on the main course as the focus of your guests’ attention. For that, Home Decorators Collection offers a lovely transition piece to carry you through the end of November with this Williamsburg Candleholder Centerpiece at $79 in fall colors with little hints of holly berries for a step into the next season:

Finally, present your guests with their pumpkin pie — or apple, or mincemeat, or any combination thereof — on these Fall Flora Plates in a four-piece set made from hand-painted stoneware. They’re microwave and dishwasher safe, and when you’re not using them, the plates look lovely as part of your wall decor, giving you great value at $34 per set:

Home Decorators Collection is where value and selection come home with furniture, rugs, home decor, storage solutions and holiday choices for every budget. You’ll receive exclusive offers and product previews if you sign up for their email newsletters, and you can request a catalog to shop on the go!

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I’ve talked about this store before, but when you’re seeking the highest quality apparel and accessories, buying top designer merchandise for less than $100 is a challenge. So, when I discovered that Piperlime promotes an “Under $100″ section, I was intrigued. I’ve been focusing quite a bit on boots lately, though at this time of the year, I’ve got two good reasons to feed my obsession: they keep your feet warmer in the winter, and they’re very fashion-forward, right now. With Piperlime offering Kenneth Cole, Chinese Laundry, Steve Madden, and dozens of other top brands, I had to share their picks for great boots at such low prices.

Over-the-knee styles are very big right now, and basic black is always in fashion, so I was pleased to find these Pierre Dumas Cherry-1 Boots for just $49.50 in black suede with an adjustable tie at the back:

Fold-over cuffs are also riding high on the runway; these Naughty Monkey Turn Out Boots in gray or black add some great deatails with metal studs along the cuff hem and a curvy, feminine wedge heel for $89:

However, I don’t have to limit myself to boots today; wrap and cardigan sweaters are also under $100 at Piperlime if you know how to find them! Today, I figured, why keep it simple when you can have a little fun? This DKNY French Terry Cozy Cardigan has sparkling embellishments falling forward over the shoulders for just $54.50 (that’s over 20% off the regular price):

And, you can add a touch of urban chic to your ensembles in this Aryn K. Sequin Cardigan with layered ruffles of gauzy fabric, sequins, then soft variegated gray, just $59.50 for a discount of over 30%:

Don’t miss the Joe’s Jeans and Lucky Brand jeans, among others, as well as a fine crop of outerwear from DKNY and Tinley Road for less than $100; I saw some great deals on faux fur, leather, and military-style jackets — not to be missed! Actually, there’s a little something from every department: dresses, tops (of course), jewelry and handbags, too. In fact, I’d better show you a little of each from these last two, starting with some boldly creative jewelry. This Hive and Honey Antique Flower Necklace is only $38; modern meets antique — what a design!

By comparison, Betsey Johnson’s doing you up in classic, sweet bows with these lovely crystal Betsey Johnson Bow Drop Earrings for just $35, and this cleverly-designed Betsey Johnson Stretch Bow Ring, the perfect size for every finger and a fun way to accessorize anything from jeans to party dresses for only $29.50, which is over 25% off the regular price:

Finally, I can’t leave Piperlime without browsing through their handbags, especially with choices like Juicy Couture, Nine West and Marc by Marc Jacobs at such low prices! Traditional styles are flourishing right now, such as this Big Buddha London bag with quilting details and gold-tone hardware for $95, or this fun little Nine West Rockin Out Hobo, pleated with woven chrome chains in black for only $68.50, a 30% discount off the regular price:

Big Buddha London ($95) & Nine West Rockin Out Hobo ($68.50)

Why spend too much on top designers when you can save with the prices at Piperlime? With free shipping, free returns, and great deals by email, you can’t go wrong!

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; I love discovering new ways to save! My latest find is for the shoe fans — DSW, the Designer Shoe Warehouse, which offers exactly what they claim — designer shoes and handbags at warehouse prices. And yes, I do mean top designers; I’m talking Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Taryn Rose and the iconic Prada, as well as a bevy of other great shoe and handbag designers. If you’ve ever wanted to splurge on footwear without putting a second mortgage on your home, this is the place to do it — and save a bundle on mid-level brands as well. Where else are you going to find Sergio Rossi Jeweled Booties, studded all over with crystals and beads, or Rossi’s Lace-Up Platform Boots, for less than $995? Only at DSW:

Right now, boots are the big thing at DSW, with over 500 styles worth checking out, including the best-looking rain boots you’ll ever see. These Rampage Reena Rain Boots are perfect in plaid, usually run about $50 a pair, but they’re on sale for only $29.94; I’d probably pick the black and white, but I do love the funky purple!

I might not be a shoe fanatic, but I have a serious weakness for great boots; several styles for the office are calling to me at this site, their siren songs reminding me that I’m saving a lot of money to make my feet happy… ooh, so tempting, these beautifully stitched suede Moda Spana Xerox Oxford Booties, usually $79, but just $59.95 at DSW; I could spend a week in this blog taking about the boots, alone!

And then again, from Impo, two perfect styles for less than $50 a pair, with these Impo Oakland Booties sporting a flirty bow and wrap-around cuff, usually $68, but you save 34% here, or the Impo Tany Oxford Booties in hoodstooth and leather, so smart and savvy at $60, still better at only $39.95:

If you sign up for the DSW rewards program, you’ll get free shipping on orders of $35 or more, plus earn points toward future purchases, special discounts and sales, and a $5 coupon for your birthday. At the very least, sign up for email notifications to catch the latest sales and newest styles!

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I’ve got just a few quick tips and special finds for you today, each of them perfect for gift-giving, which is always helpful for birthdays — my family has about eight of them between September and October — as well as for the upcoming holidays. I’ve often advised signing up for emails from your favorite stores, so you get the latest news and greatest buys, and here’s a perfect example of why you gain from this: ULTA Beauty sent me a set of coupons and a terrific deal on a huge set of makeup, perfect for gift-giving but also thoroughly tempting for keeping to myself. This is the Color My World 73-piece Collection for only $24.99, also available in a bright pink case (for the younger gift recipients, I’m thinking) which includes… well, look:

This collection is worth at least $200, but ULTA is offering it for $24.99. But wait! (I add with a chuckle…) there’s more! Use the discount code “44443“, and the price drops to $19.99 if you order this set before October 23rd. In other words, you get $5 off any purchase of $10 or more, up to $59, with that code.

Also, until October 23, if you spend $60 or more, you can save $10 with code “59201“. If you’ve ever wanted to try Bare Escentuals bareMinerals, now is the time to check it out! Choose one of six skin tones and get a Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Get Started Kit, worth about $174, for only $60 (and you save another $10 with that second code):

I’ve always been crazy for cosmetics kits; just can’t help myself — these turn a daily chore into a fun and artsy opportunity to experiment with color and try different looks — how can I resist? I’ve got three or four people on my list who would enjoy either of these kits (and yes, one of those people is me).

However, perhaps your friends or family would prefer a smaller set, something that can be carried in their handbags or gym bags. If you’re looking for something simple and inexpensive, this exclusive set for ULTA is a shoo-in; the Face Case from Urban Decay Cosmetics give you three eyeshadows, three lip glosses and a blush plus a double-tipped applicator brush for only $14 (which drops to just $9 if you use that special code)!

Sweet deals, don’t you think? Find everything you need to beautify yourself at ULTA Beauty, and sign up for those email alerts so you can benefit from the coupons and savings, too!

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So, have your little ones — or not so little ones — managed to wear and tear through their new school clothes, already? As they get older, you might be hoping that they’ll take better care of their clothes, but my son just turned sixteen, and I still see little holes in his shirts, frayed hems on his month-old jeans, and plenty of other reasons to bemoan this slow bleed on my budget. Forgive the stereotype, but I think that even the most tom-boyish of girls don’t go through their clothing as quickly as most boys — I climbed trees as a kid and went bouldering as a teenager, and still managed to make a pair of jeans last until I outgrew them… well, most of the time. How about your child’s jacket; has he lost it, yet? I’ll save you some trouble — and money — as I share a great set of sales with you from The Children’s Place!

Let’s start by getting them out of the house each morning without shivering — this easy-to-shop site offers all outerwear, cold weather accessories and snow boots at 30% off right now, so you can replace the jacket your child has lost (or get a back-up for when they do) and pick up a pair of snow boots, just in case. For the girls, I’ve found two great color choices in the Flurry Snowboots, originally $26.50, now only $18.55 with Thermolite insulation, water-resistant faux leather and a non-marking textured outsole for traction. Your boys will appreciate the Avalanche Boots with a hidden snow-stopper and adjustable straps for a perfect fit; the price is the same as the Flurries, so you should be able to outfit all the kids for very little, and if you’ve got toddlers, the price drops to $17.15 for each style:

As for jackets, think about what you’re needing for your local weather, of course. Lots of rain but not too cold? Thin but lined raincoats are a good choice. Worried about getting snowed in? Think parkas, for longer lengths and more coverage against the cold, as well as quilting to keep your child’s core temperature as it should be. No matter what sort of winter weather you face, always have a windbreaker on hand for those cool but temperate days, and for those kids who demand to go to school without a jacket at all — it might just be about the bulkiness, so a windbreaker is the perfect compromise. I’m particularly fond of The North Face for heavy coats, and Columbia or Patagonia for mid- to lightweight choices, but you will often pay more for these top brands.

In the meantime, I found this 3-in-1 Jacket for girls, which is available in a pink-and-black combo, but I like the “Jam” color shown here even more. The inner liner zips out to become it’s own fleece jacket, turing the outer layer into a windbreaker; combine both layers for cozy warmth! Originally $59.50, it’s on sale for $41.50 now:

Worried that I might not find a similar, versatile style for the boys, I was pleased to discover the same concept for the same price. I really like the print on this 3-in-1 Jacket for boys, in water-resistant nylon with elasticized cuffs and adjustable tabs to keep out the cold, and as before, the price is just $41.50:

Right now, you can also take an additional 50% off already reduced fall items at The Children’s Place, a great way to replace anything your kids have worn and torn through! For the boys, here’s one of three colors for a Long-Sleeved Striped Polo, originally $12.50, now down to just $8 in 100% cotton, and a pair of Carbon Wash Carpenter Jeans for $12, always a popular style, prewashed for softness to reduce the chance of shrinkage:

Your young ladies will love this Ombre Studded Tee, a long-sleeved knit with a burnout leaf scroll pattern and a tagless — therefore itch-less — label, originally $16.50, now only $6.49, as well as these Tie-dyed Fashion Pants, which were $29.50 but are currently on sale for just $9.99, a great alternative to jeans in cotton twill with a bit of stretchy spandex plus button tabs at the waist to make a perfect fit:

Sign up for email exclusives at The Children’s Place for even more great deals and announcements when new styles arrive. Join the Place Perks program to earn points every time you shop in-store and online for extra coupons. Sign up for their Birthday Club, and both you and your child get special gift coupons; there are lots of ways to save when you shop at The Children’s Place!

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Whenever I’m looking for a new shopping resource for current trends, I read those fashion mags and emails, just to see if some of the runway styles have made their way to the local stores and online sites. I was surprised to come across a site which specializes in what the stars are wearing, Singer22. Here’s an example from one of the Glee girls, Leah Michele, a David Lerner Mesh Tank Dress in black for $220, not a bad price for a top designer! Leah kindly models the design, showing front and back and giving you a lovely alternative for that iconic little black dress:

This is typical of the site, both in the images used to show you what they carry, often featuring the clothing on the stars and, in a general sense, the price ranges. It’ certainly possible to shop savvy and save at Singer22 as well, which is where I come in. Out of curiosity, I checked into their sale pages, and found out that they’re currently offering a number of styles at up to 90% off… and suddenly, this already cool site just became a lot more interesting. For example, check out this Pleasure Doing Business 4 Band Pinstripe High Waisted Skirt, which Rihanna has paired beautifully with a lace top. Originally $110, it’s 30% off for just $77:

If there’s one style I’m always looking for, it’s jeans that aren’t just jeans — something different, something new. 7 For All Mankind has become one of my favorites recently, offering a variety of unusual styles as well as the classics. These 7 for All Mankind Gummy Denim Gwenevere jeans at 44% off brings the price down to $99, and Kourtney Kardashian isn’t the only star who loves the style, with a ripple-target pattern that repeats across the back and the ankle; I saw these on Sienna Miller as well:

If there’s one star who’s all about the fashion, it’s Nicole Richie, who is a fashion designer as well as a celebrity. From her House of Harlow 1960 jewelry and shoe collections to her apparel line, Winter Kate, she’s been keeping very busy, and her sense of current trends is spot-on. Here are a couple of samples:

• Winter Kate by Nicole Richie Jasmine Velvet Cardy:
  

  Winter Kate by Nicole Richie Jasmine Velvet Cardy

• House of Harlow 1960 Leslie Platform Booties in black lace:
  

  House of Harlow 1960 Leslie Platform Booties

• House of Harlow 1960 Five Stack Jagged Bracelets, even prettier when they move about the wrist:

Find out what the stars wear to shine on Broadway and in Hollywood, and shop for a bit of your own shimmer at Singer22, one of the fashion industry’s leading retailers with top brands worn by today’s celebrities. Join their VIP list to be among the first to know about sales, trends and events, and don’t miss their exclusive styles from top designers!

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Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the clothes at Urban Outfitters, but I’ve had some trouble with the way the stores look; part street corner stand, part warehouse, the stores themselves just didn’t appeal. However, I find myself going back again and again, which tells me I need to get over it already, and do some online shopping, so I can share what I’ve found at this not-always-urban-influenced store.

Here’s an example from the store’s current sale — this Pins and Needles Ruffle Top was $38, but now it’s $9.99 in a year-round color scheme with a layered ruffled detail that appears to “pull” the bottom hem; actually, it’s made this way, for a softened assymetrical look:

This is also one of my favorite places to get tights, which tend to last much longer than pantyhose (although the workmanship on those is getting better all the time), and the patterns, wow, love ‘em! It’s difficult to find tights for less than $10, and the best cost quite a bit more, usually. Here are two takes on flowers, the Wallpaper Floral Crochet and the Floral Net, both originally $14, now $7.99 each:

You can do remarkably well for less than $10 at Urban Outfitters, which gives you such a wide range of apparel and accessories for men and women. These two styles of earrings are perfect for work or play:

• Animal Print Mesh Earrings were $16, now $9.99 for those who still haven’t found a way to comfortably take on the animal-print trend — ride the tiger, you know you love these:
  

  Animal Print Mesh Earrings ($9.99)

• Mixed Media Pleat Drop Earrings, which were $24, but are now just $9.99 with rhinestone accents and a very cool, pleated spiral design:
  

  Mixed Media Pleat Drop Earrings ($9.99)

For the lady who loves to set her own style, bump up the price just a bit for these Deena & Ozzy Ludlow Oxfords, originally $48, but now only $14.99, an Urban Outfitters exclusive. I can’t decide if they’re sharp and savvy, or seriously cute!

You’ll find even more selections in every section as you move further up the sale prices, which seem to stop at about $29.99. At that point, you’ll see plenty of dresses, skirts, pants and outerwear, including this Sparkle & Fade Neon Trim Open Cardigan, originally $38, now just $29.99 in soft, flowing rayon. The “neon” isn’t very much so with the royal blue piped stitching against the black fabric shown here; the alternate color (not shown) is very definitely a neon green against a soft grey:

Feel free to request an Urban Outfitters catalog by mail, or sign up for their email specials; in fact, you can receive text message alerts by phone just twice a month, and you’ll get exclusive sales and contents, just for signing up!

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