Spring is finally here and Love is in the air...

Did you ever notice that June, July and August seem to be the most popular months of the year for couples to get married? It is estimated that 2.2 million couples will tie the knot in 2008!

In the weeks leading up to your big day, there will be lots of things to decide. If you're not sure where to begin, begin with us... at Boscov's. The Wedding and Gift Registry at Boscov's is the perfect place to help you and your fiance choose just the right items that you will use together for years to come.

Having recently become engaged myself, I can tell you first hand there is alot to think about and organize which can become overwhelming at times. Choosing where to register is one of those big decisions. After all, this is the one time in our lives when we get the opportunity to create a wish list of everything we dream of as we start our new lives together as a married couple.

Now, if your like me, you may already have some things here and there, but I know when we do create our registry at Boscov's, I will certainly upgrade. Boscov's really has everything we need from bedding to bath, even plasma tv's!! (which really perked up my fiance). We can also register for a new mattress set, even major appliances!

I know the most exciting part for me will be choosing our Fine China. I love to entertain friends and host family holidays so I am really looking forward to picking out just the right pattern to suit our style. I don't consider my personal style to be very "traditional" so when Lenox introduced its new "Simply Fine" china, I was really excited to see what it was all about.

This china is not only modern and stylish, it is chip resistant and goes from freezer to oven to table! Its microwave and dishwasher safe..(need I say more girls??) Each 4pc set comes with just the right pieces that you will really use. Best of all, it has a lifetime breakage guarantee which means if it does chip, Lenox will replace it at no charge! Click here to check out all of the patterns Boscov's offers online to see which are your favorites. Featured below is my favorite -Chirp.

These days, there are so many different brands and styles to choose from. Our in-store registry consultants are available to help you decide which pattern is your "cup of tea".

Keep in mind, registering for Fine China may not seem important when you are just starting out, but believe me, as your family grows, your China will start to become cherished collectibles that can be passed on for generations to come. Once you have chosen just the right items to turn your house into a home, there is one last gift Boscov's would like to give you. After your event date, Boscov's will give you 10% back on all the purchases made for you from your registry up to $250! This means, even if you didn't receive that plasma tv you really wanted, you can purchase it using your Registry Rewards! In addition, Boscov's has a completion discount where you will receive an extra 10% off most items remaining on your registry. (5% discount on electronics, floor care, majors and kitchen electrics).

So, if you are engaged, or have friends and family that have recently become engaged, Congratulations and let's have some fun creating your wish list!

Easy Grilled Fish Tacos

Grilled fish tacos are a great way to eat a nutritious spring-time meal. The marinated grilled fish is delicous and is complemented by guacamole, pico de gallo and mango salsa. Add lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and all the toppings you love!

Try this recipe and let me know what you think!

For a delicious appetizer try the Blue Crab Bay Co. Crab, Shrimp or Clam dips! Shop online or at your local Boscov's Store Location.
Ingredients

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons finely diced white onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, rubbed to a powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless white fish fillet

Prep Items

• Oneida Measuring Cups


• KitchenAid Cutlery


• OXO Good Grips Citrus Juicer


• Oneida 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set


• For a great selection of Grills, visit your local Boscov's Store Location

Serve with…

• Corn tortilla, warmed
• Diced avocado or smashed avocado, with lime juice, and salt
• Lime wedge
• Mango Salsa
• Salsa, de Chiles de Arbol or Bottled Hot Sauce
• Pico de Gallo

Directions

• Combine all marinade ingredients. Cut the fish into several large pieces and add to the marinade.
  
• Refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours (no longer or you'll have ceviche). Drain the fish and discard the marinade.


• Half an hour before cooking, clean the grill thoroughly with a brush and wipe it down with an oil-dampened rag. Preheat the grill on high. Grill the fish until it is barely firm to the touch and opaque through the center. Do not overcook.


• Remove to a platter and break into chunks to serve. Keep loosely covered.


• To serve, hold a tortilla in your hand and add a spoonful of avocado. Add a few pieces of fish, a squeeze of lime, mango salsa; finish with the optional toppings.

Note: The fish may also be baked or sauteed.

Recipe from http://www.recipezaar.com/

Mad for Madras

There are a few things that you can count on each spring... the flowers bloom, babies are born, and madras is back in action. Whether you are a full-fledged prepster or just looking to stick your little toe into the ocean of plaid... there is something for everyone! Madras accessories instantly update your basic look because of all the colors in the print to coordinate with. A madras headband, shoe or handbag add style to a plain and simple outfit. Check out these stylish madras looks at your local Boscov's location or online at www.boscovs.com!

Madras Footwear
(Left to Right: Mid-Wedge Thong, Jantzen Canvas Ramp, Bongo Wedge, Tommy Hilfiger- Katie)

Madras Separates
(Left to Right: Jones New York, Nautica, Nautica, Rafaella)

Madras Accessories
(Left to Right: Lulu Headwrap, Liz Claiborne Toting Essentials, Tommy Hilfiger Coral Reed Clutch, Tommy Hilfiger Minibag)

Madras Dress
(Derek Heart)


Tell me what you think!!!
How do you wear madras?
What madras item are you dying to get?

Eco-Couture @ Philly U

Each year Philadelphia University has a fabulous fashion show to showcase the works of their students. Last night I was lucky to have a ticket to the sold out show. Not only was the show amazing... the designs were original, beautiful, artistic and the theme was right up my alley... Eco-Couture!

What is Eco-Couture? There were garments made of organic cottons, sustainable fibers, recycled and re-purposed materials, fruit and vegetable dyes, and the list goes on and on. The two hour show took you on a journey of emotion and geography.

Some students were inspired by beauty, these collections showcased soft colors, bold pattern and fabrics that were soft and flowing as flower petals and fluid like water. Trips to the Oasis, a retreat in Morrocco, garden parties and picnics, a visit in the country, formal affairs, breakdancing in the 80's, and Dancing with the Stars.

Others were inspired by a more harsh reality of America, our ideals and our shortcomings. These collections had hard edges, industrial materials and neutral greys, blacks and browns.

The entire presentation left the audience inspired and in awe. This art was created, executed and presented so perfectly through the use of visuals, and the hand-picked music to enhance each collection. To present such a show and keep up with the rest of their classes is quite a feat and it was done exceptionally well.

The Eco-Couture theme was of course my favorite aspect of the entire show. This show just went to prove that we can be creative, innovative and inspiring without having to sacrifice the health of the planet to do so. The show was a great finale for my own personal Earth Month. It is a great way to be reminded that although we may celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day in April, our Green efforts must become a part of our lifestyle and the way we live throughout the year.

Click here to see more pictures and read all about Philadelphia University's Eco-Couture Fashion Show!

*Images from http://www.philau.edu/fashiondesign/fashionshow.htm

Get Involved!

News from Boscov's Oxford Valley:

Boscov’s Buddies are on the move again for 2008! Our “Relay for Life” team will be walking for the American Cancer Society on June 28 and 29, at nearby Pennsbury High School. The team has been busy raising money during the last couple of months. Events such as a bake sale, book sale, raffles, a breakfast for our co-workers, and we are excited to attend a Trenton Thunder baseball game on May 3. We are hoping to top our goal this year of $2,000. If you would like to contribute to our efforts you can go to Boscov’s Buddies at www.events.cancer.org/rflpafairlesshills .

Oxford Valley is going Green & Making a Difference!

Boscov’s Oxford Valley has gone “green”. Co-workers are recycling plastic, glass and aluminum in our break room. We will be turning in the aluminum cans for cash that will go towards our “Relay for Life” Boscov’s Buddies team. We are also collecting newspapers, old catalogs, and paper benefiting a local school.

- Judy Beck, Public Relations Oxford Valley

To see what's going on at Boscov's Oxford Valley Click Here! To see what's going on in the store near you, Click Here!

Reusable Shopping Bags

Re-usable shopping bags are a great way to reduce your plastic bag waste. They can also be really stylish and more comfortable than carrying the usual paper or plastic. I use re-usable shopping bags and find them much easier to handle... especially going up the stairs to my apartment. The bags have long handles so they are easy to throw over my shoulder to bring into the house. Now I am able to get a full load of groceries into the house in one trip without leaving my hands in pain from all of the plastic bag handles. Re-usable shopping bags are also making their way into shopping malls and retailers nationwide.

To be earth-friendly and super-cute, make your own re-usable shopping bags! Take them to the grocery store, the shopping mall, or wherever else your shopping adventures take you! Feel good knowing that you are doing your part to help reduce plastic bag waste.

The Value of Trees to a Community

The following are some statistics on just how important trees are in a community setting.
"The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day."—U.S. Department of Agriculture

"Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home." — American Public Power Association

"If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%." —Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research

"A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000." —Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers

"In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%." —Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests

"Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent."—Management Information Services/ICMA

"One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people."—U.S. Department of Agriculture

"There are about 60-to 200- million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year, and saving $4 billion in energy costs."—National Wildlife Federation

"Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 - 50 percent in energy used for heating."—USDA Forest Service

"Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent."—The Arbor Day Foundation

"Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property's value."—USDA Forest Service

"The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams."—USDA Forest Service

"In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension."—Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University

"Nationally, the 60 million street trees have an average value of $525 per tree."—Management Information Services

To help locate New York City's heritage trees, the City Department of Parks and Recreation conducted a program called the "Great Tree Search." New Yorkers looked for trees of unusual size and age, those linked with historic landmarks, and trees of unusual species or location. On Arbor Day, they held a big party to celebrate New York City's Great Trees.

After a tornado destroyed more than 800 trees in Cardington, Ohio, citizens organized a tree restoration committee which solicited donations and memorials. Volunteers who learned of the tree planting through local newspaper articles appeared on Arbor Day to wrap trunks, water, mulch, and stake 40 large trees which were planted along major streets.

Click here for more information & to visit the Arbor Day Foundation's Website!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Going Green has added Perks

Since I have begun my efforts to Go Green I have found a few unexpected perks that come along with this endeavour.

Go Green & Save Green
Since I have been making a conscious effort to conserve energy, I have found my home heating and electric bills have been drastically reduced! Before I paid attention to how high my heat was and how many TVs, lights, and unused appliances were plugged in and turned on, my average gas and electric bills for my 2,000 square foot apartment combined for an average total of $200 per month. Since I have changed my habits and those of my fiance, my bills have combined for a total of approximately $70 per month! That is a savings of 35%, and about $1,500 per year!

In order to see this drastic reduction in expenses, we have done a few basic things. By lowering our heat, our gas bill has been greatly reduced. Wearing an extra sweatshirt or snuggling under a blanket will keep you just as warm and save a lot of gas. Many times we leave our unused appliances plugged in even when they are not in use. Although it's not as much, they are still drawing electricity. Unplug your toasters, can openers, coffee makers, hair dryers, phone chargers, computers, and all other electronics when they are not in use. The biggest change for us has been turning of TVs and lights when we are not in the room. Prior to Going Green we were accustomed to getting home from work and within minutes every light, TV and computer in the place was runnning... whether we were in that room and using that item or not. By simply turning off lights before leaving the room and shutting off the TV when not in use has saved on electricity immensely. Of course using a Compact Fluorescent lightbulb is the best way to save on your electricity even when lights are in use.

I have always been a big water drinker. In the past, we would go through at least one 24-pack of water per week. This created a lot of plastic waste and cost about $5-6 per week (if we got the water on sale). Now, I use a water filter and keep cold water in my refrigerator, I am drinking more water than ever, saving the waste created by the bottles, and will save the $286 per year that I was spending on bottled water.

Get Healthy
Going Green not only affects the environment, but it affects the body as well. Since Going Green I have made an effort to walk or ride my bike instead of driving whenever I can. I have also changed the way I shop, opting for organic foods and those with less packaging materials when possible. I also steer clear of bottled sodas, juices, snacks and other items with artificial sweeteners in them. I have focused my eating habits on fruits and vegetables.

April Fragrance of the Month!

Introducing the newest fragrance from Nina Ricci- Nina. For all young women searching for surprise and fantasy. A new enchanted fragrance combining temptation, femininity, and modernity...a fresh fruity floral sprinkled with a tantalizing accord. Nina is characterized by topnotes of calabrese lemon and caiprirnha lime, midnotes of red toffee apple, vanilla infusion, moonflower and peony petals, and finishing with a drydown of apple tree wood and cotton musk. The fragrance is rounded out encompassed in a magical object- a round apple, enhanced by a vibrant red halo and decorated with metal leaves and engraved logo.

Stop by the fragrance counter at your local Boscov's to experience this new scent! Or shop Boscovs.com