With Linda & Harriett deals this good, you’ll want to heavy up on your card stock.

THE TURN ON: Cards and paper from Linda & Harriet, the Brooklyn-based stationer known for it’s chic modern designs with a vintage twist, are not as easy to come by as they used to be.  Its delightful stationery used to be available online and at specialty stores everywhere but in May 2010, it changed gears to focus on just a few key products, such as its popular annual calendar (it features a postcard in the back to cut out and send when the month is over) and limited edition monthly projects.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: For a limited time only, Linda & Harriet have opened up an online outlet, where fans like us can shop for its letterpressed greetings and note cards.  Even better, everything in its outlet is marked up to 80% off.

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Greeting cards for $1.50 each (or a pack of five for $6) and boxes of six note cards for $5 – you can’t find cheaper at the dollar store!  We’ve picked up several boxes of note cards, which will make for lovely hostess gifts and we’re also stocking up on birthday greetings and thank you cards.  With June graduations just around the corner, we’re throwing in some congratulations cards too.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: just one more week – the outlet closes on March 31st.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT!: online at lindaandharriet.com —Natasha Muslih

Rachel Mara On Sale, Oh My!

THE TURN ON: It comes as no surprise to us that Vancouver-born designer Rachel Mara’s fashions are much loved by celebrities and those in the know.
She understands what it’s like to be a modern woman because, well, she is one, so true to form, she creates clothes with different body types in mind. You just know her pieces will work as well off the runway as they look good on it.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: Rachel Mara can be found in the ritziest boutiques, including Fred Segal, Saks Fifth Avenue and Holt Renfrew, but it’s best to shop at her online boutique where you can currently save up to 80 per cent off select items. We’ve fallen in love with a versatile striped wrap that’s been marked down to $50 from $168. And with coats that were priced at up to $600 down to $100, we’re tempted to buy one of each!

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Didn’t we mention the coats for $100?  Also since all her clothes are made in Canada, we’re feeling a little national pride.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: Until the items are sold out.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT!: online at rachelmara.com

Submitted by Natasha Muslih

Knit Me Baby, One More Thing.

THE TURN ON: There are many reasons why people knit. In Zen and the Art of Knitting, author Bernadette Murphy cites feeding the soul, resting the mind, ripening the intellect and nurturing the urge to create as tops among them. Whatever your reason for knitting or your skill level, experts and mentors will inevitably be a part of your journey.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: For $65 annually, the Knit & Stitch Shoppe in West Vancouver offers unlimited access to their infinitely patient staff who will teach you to knit from scratch or, if you are an advanced knitter, help you unravel the mysteries of complex patterns and intricate stitches. This expert assistance is available all day everyday, and you can drop in as often as you like to join them on their comfy couches to knit and chat.

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: This is a viable alternative to individual knitting classes. If you struggle with any aspect of a knitting project, these seriously talented knitters can help you out of your jam.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: The Stitch & Knit Shoppe, which has been in business for 39 years, has offered this service for the past 16 years, and they have no plans to stop.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT!: The Knit & Stitch Shoppe is located at 2460 Marine Drive in West Vancouver (604-922-1023). For more about the Stitch & Knit Shoppe visit www.knit-n-stitch.biz

—Submitted by Roxana Palcu

What’s With The Costco Oil, Olive?

The turn on: Foodies will tell you that the subtleties of olive oil in a dish can make a good meal exquisite. Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made from fresh-picked, cold-pressed olives grown in Tuscany. The description on the bottle reads like a wine label with harvest year and an analysis of the colour, overtones and bouquet.

What’s the deal: Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which comes in an attractive one-litre bottle, is only $12.69 at Costco.

Why we’re excited: The olive oil aficionados at www.onlyoliveoils.com give Kirkland Signature Extra Virgin Olive oil a five-star rating, a much higher ranking than they give other boutique brands that easily go for triple the price per ounce.

How long will the pleasure last: As long as Kirkland and Tuscany keep Costco supplied.

Where’s the F Spot: All Costco locations in the Lower Mainland.

—Submitted by Natasha Irvine

Meinhardt Fine Foods sells gourmet sandwiches for a song.

THE TURN ON: Nothing says summer like a picnic outdoors, but with the hot languid days we’ve been experiencing lately who has the energy to put together any kind of repast, let alone produce one and then cart it off to the beach or park or wherever. What we want is gourmet takeaway, clever sandwiches wrapped and ready for consumption, and we’d like it at a giveaway price.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: Every day, Meinhardt Fine Foods, Vancouver’s gourmet grocery store, makes a dozen or so different kinds of gourmet sandwich fillings served up on ciabatta buns or sourdough bread. Every evening at 7 p.m. (an insider tells us the selloff can start as early as 6 p.m.) whatever sandwiches remain unsold go on sale for half price. The goal is no sandwich (or pastry) left behind. And it works.

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Quality and convenience get us going; so does price: after 7 p.m., their most expensive sandwich sells for $3.50 a pop.

HOW LONG WITH THE PLEASURE LAST: It’s ongoing. Meinhardt’s sandwiches are made fresh every day, and everyday they must replace the previous day’s stock.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT: In Vancouver, Meinhardt Fine Foods is located at 3002 Granville St. (604-732-4405), and 3151 Arbutus St. (604-732-4405). For more about Meinhardt Fine Foods visit www.meinhardt.com

THE TURN ON : Frugalbits readers already know we feel the love for JNBY, the Chinese clothing label we wrote about here last Monday. We love the originality of their designs and the fact British Columbia was the first JNBY location in North America, and that we have the only JNBY stores in Canada.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: When we dropped by JNBY late last week we were excited to learn that all regularly priced merchandise (basically their summer collection) is 25 percent off, and select items are 50 to 70 percent off. This includes some interesting shoes, handbags and straps (their word for belts).

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: What can we say, it’s JNBY, good value for the quality any time. The sale is just a bonus.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: This sale lasts through the end of the month, July 31.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT: All three JNBY locations: 2201 West 4th Avenue, 2623 South Granville Street and Metropolis at Metrotown. To view the summer collection, visit www.jnbynyc.com
-

THE TURN ON: High-style solid rosewood furniture for wholesale prices.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: The sign says Closing Out Sale but this is really a pop-up store, where the merchant keeps overhead low by taking a space on a short-term lease. Once the lease ends, the sale really will be over—at least in this location.

WHY WE ARE EXCITED: Simple, clean-lined rosewood pieces ranging from coffee tables and consoles to beds and buffets would shine in any décor; traditional Indian styles are also available. All are made in Rajasthan of Indian rosewood, aka sheesham, harvested from a plantation in the Punjab. A 39-inch-square Parsons-style coffee table is $495, a Shaker-style buffet $950.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: As long as there’s stock up to the end of August.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT: In a former car dealership at 1177 Marine Drive (between Pemberton and Lloyd) in North Vancouver. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. To check out the furniture or keep an eye out for future sales, visit www.exoticrosewood.com.

—Submitted by Rosa Woods

THE TURN ON: With raising your own food the latest rage, community gardens are a growing craze. Vancouver’s first-ever community garden was started in Strathcona in 1985—and tomorrow Strathcona Community Garden will be open to the public along with Cottonwood Community Garden across the park.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: Free gardening workshops all day for adults and kids as well as a legendary plant sale with hundreds of annuals and perennials that the gardens are almost giving away they are so cheap.

WHY WE ARE EXCITED: Professionals and local experts will be running the FREE workshops including Keeping Backyard Chickens, Winter Gardening, Bee-Keeping, Mushroom Growing, Composting and more! Besides being interesting and informative, there will also be activities for kids that run at the same time so everyone wins on this fun and free family outing.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: One day only, tomorrow, Sunday July 11th between 10am and 2pm, but show-up early if you want to get your hands on hundreds of unique plants at bargain basement prices. The plant sale is one of this event’s main acts.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT: Both Strathcona and Cottonwood community gardens border Strathcona Park, on Prior between Raymur and Hawks Ave. For workshop schedules visit the gardens’ websites: cottonwoodcommunitygardens.ca and strathconagardens.ca

—Submitted by N. Irvine

THE TURN ON: Few things feel more heavenly under bare feet than 100 percent wool carpet. Vancouver’s top interior designers and architects know this, which is why so many of them have used premium wool carpeting and area rugs from Colin Campbell in the luxury homes and high-end commercial projects they design. A longtime, local Vancouver company, Colin Campbell imports and distributes gorgeous natural wool broadloom and hand-knotted rugs, and it has an international reputation for quality and style—not to mention eco-sensitive product development with it’s Nature’s Carpet line. Of course, this exemplary product comes at a price.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: Colin Campbell is selling a large quantity of high-end wool carpets, including remnants priced from $10 a square yard, and area rugs at more than 50% off their normal price. If you mention (print off) the tiny ad on the Frugalbits home page, they will take and additional 10% off the price. With more than 120 individual wool skus (distinct colours and textures), you are bound to find something you like.

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: Of course the prices are unbelievable for a product of this quality, but this sale is also a rare occurrence. Normally, Colin Campbell sells directly to interior designers and architects. This is the first time they have opened their warehouse to the public. Woohoo!

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: Today only, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT: Colin Campbell Warehouse, 2351 No. 6 Road, Richmond (not too far from Ikea!)
—Submitted by F. Astaire

THE TURN ON: Laptop computers may be wondrous things, but their prolonged use can wreak havoc on your body if you don’t take care. A good laptop stand raises the height of your computer screen, which helps with posture issues. Also, it keeps your wrists from falling below keyboard level, a practice that can lead to hand and forearm fatigue. So laptop stands are a good thing—but they can be spendy.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: The Brada plastic laptop support from IKEA is a good thing. It costs $5.00.

WHY WE’RE EXCITED: It’s hard to find a specialty coffee this cheap, let alone a genuinely useful laptop accessory. The first time we tried this little gizmo we were impressed by how much better our laptop performed under our command. With a price this low, the Brada is the perfect “just because” gift for laptop lovers.

HOW LONG WILL THE PLEASURE LAST: IKEA has plenty in stock.

WHERE’S THE F SPOT: All Lower Mainland IKEA locations.

—Submitted by S. Jobs