Spring into action
Mother's Day, Prom and spring, oh my
The seasonal shopping trifecta is upon us: Mother's Day, prom and, thank God, spring.
Whether you're shopping for one or all three, these ideas might provide a little inspiration.
Mother's Day
There will be more items for last-minute shoppers in upcoming columns, but for those who like to plan ahead:
• Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas are offering special spa retreats for moms-to-be at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles.
The package includes a pregnancy massage (doctor's note required), a pedicure and manicure using toxin-free ZOYA nail lacquer and gifts of Signature Shea Butter Body Cream and an aromatherapy pillow that can be heated or cooled to ease tension in the neck and back.
The cost is $250, and it's available now through May 11. Call (800) TRI-COCI for more information.
• A thoughtful (and cheap) gift idea is to make your mom a video. You can create the video yourself at www.animoto.com using your own photos and music. The video is then yours to e-mail or post on YouTube.
A 30-second video is free, and a full-length video is $3.
Prom
Once you have a date, that's when the decision-making begins.
www.promspot.com (run by the same people who do the popular wedding site, www.theknot.com) tackles everything from corsage styles to prom charity projects.
Among the trends they're seeing this year: back-plunging dresses and rocker chic hairdos. (Sorry, moms and dads.)
Spring looks
Even with a tax rebate check, chances are your fashion budget is being sliced. Steve & Barry's has some fun spring and summer outfits that are all less than the price of a tank of gas.
A cute one is the magenta, flutter-sleeved eyelet top ($8.98) and striped railroad wash shorts ($8.98).
Fashion calendar
• Oprah has the "Big Give," and Macy's has One Good Turn. Make a $5 donation at any Macy's store and receive a One Good Turn ticket, which equates to a 20 percent off coupon for most merchandise on April 26 or 27.
All proceeds will benefit the National Park Foundation.
Among Macy's many other Earth Day activities, the stores will launch a line of Organic Frango Mints (a 20-piece box is $15) and will give out reusable cotton tote bags to the first 250 customers in each store on April 26. If you get there a little late, you can instead buy the Kenneth Cole "Use Me. Again and Again and Again" tote ($20).
• If you're a fan of Kristen Amato's jewelry line, here's a chance to get a deal. Her Web site, www.k-amato.com, will offer 30 percent discounts on all online orders starting Friday. Just enter the promotional code Spring30.
K.Amato is sold at numerous suburban stores and boutiques, where prices range from $30 to $500. The sale is only online, however.
-- Jamie Sotonoff