Is it too early to think about Christmas?

If you have seen a local Target ad recently you've noticed the 'off to college' merchandise in the stores. While you may not personally have a need for extra-long twin sized sheets, this is a good time to go through the stores with early Christmas shopping in mind. There are some great deals out there on small household appliances, electronics, home office and home decorator items.

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? You may want to grab up some inexpensive coordinating plates, glasses and flatware. You can find some lovely tableclothes and serving pieces at Standard Restaurant Supply on Fairview by Orchard, too.

By the way, when those XL-twin sheets go on deep, deep clearance, consider buying them for fabric if you're into sewing your own Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts or even those adorable little-girl pillowcase dresses.

Speaking of little girl dress, don't pass up short sleeved T-shirts, sundresses, and tank tops when they go on summer clearance. Tank tops easily go UNDER a shirt during wintertime and those short sleeved T-shirts are fun to layer with a long sleeved plain shirt underneath. A carefully chosen sundress can be layered with a turtleneck and some cotton tights for an autumn-into-winter, back-to-school look. My little one likes to put those comfy cotton knit shorts under her dresses for a little extra warmth and modesty for when she's on the monkey bars. Boys will enjoy wearing their summer T-shirts under their flannel shirts, too.

While it is fun to snap up some summer toys and furniture that will easily store in the attic until next year, DO NOT buy any extra sunscreen or bug spray to stock away. It won't be good next year and plenty will go on sale next spring.