Fab Find: Project 7 Champagne Dreams Gummies

Happy NYE, readers! If you're looking for a fun (and non-alcoholic) treat for this holiday, try these Project 7 Champagne Dreams Gummies. You may be able to still find the small bag size (shown here) in Target stores, although the larger bags have already sold out. These are supposed to be a dupe for the super-expensive Sugarfina version, which I haven't tried. All I can tell you is that I really like the Project 7 ones, and I don't usually like gummy candy!

Sale Alert: Nate Berkus Office

Looking to spruce up your office for 2017? Then check out the sale on the Nate Berkus office collection at Target. These gold-trimmed office accessories are sure to add a gleam to your desk. And best of all, the entire collection is on sale for 20% off this week, both in stores and online.

Clearance Alert: Sugar Paper Holiday Wrap

And speaking of Sugar Paper, yesterday I was able to nab several packs of this pretty scalloped-edge tissue paper from the brand. All the Sugar Paper Holiday Wrapping collection is now on sale for 50% off (as is all of Target's holiday wrap) making this tissue just $2 a pack (down from $4).

Fab Find: Sugar Paper Document Envelope

If you're looking for a stylish way to stash your important papers (or carry them into a crucial meeting) look no further than this fab document envelope from Sugar Paper. Made of faux black leather with shiny gold trim, it also sports a fun black/white stripe interior. Just $14.99 at Target or on Target.com.

Clearance Alert: Most Dollar Aisle Items

Happy Day After, dear readers! I don't know about you, but I'm glad to have this holiday behind me. Those of you brave enough to have ventured to Target this morning (as I did) already know that most items in the Dollar Aisle are marked at 50% off. While a majority of the selection is holiday-themed, there are several items I found that were "seasonless", including metallic faux-leather covered journals (similar to these, now just $1.50 each) and glass jar votives (also on sale for $1.50 each).

Nifty Gift: Dollar Dishtowl & Potholder Set

Looking for a last-minute hostess gift this holiday season? If you hate arriving to a party empty-handed, then look no further than Target's Dollar Aisle for cute dishtowel/potholder sets like this one (shown) sporting a vintage red pickup truck with a Christmas tree in the back. These sets are just $3 each; wrap one up with your favorite bottle of vino, and you have a simple & fun gift.

Last minute gift ideas from Target...

Still stumped by what to get that friend, co-worker or loved one? Then head on over to A Bullseye View for some inspiration on last-minute gifts you can find at Target. You'll find top picks from 5 lifestyle bloggers (like these shown here from Elia of Conservamom) with a links to shop the looks you like. And from there, check the "find in store" feature on Target.com to see if it's available for store pickup in your area.

Sale Alert:Top Toys 20% Off

For those procrastinators, Target is holding a toy sale (today only) on top brands. While it's too late to get them shipped, you can use Target's in-store order pickup feature and get it today and still save 20%. Featured brands include Barbie, Fisher-Price, Disney's Frozen, Pokemon, Marvel and more.

Clearance Alert: Holiday Decor

Still need to deck your halls? Then head on over to Target where all holiday home decor is on sale for 30% off. Walking through my local store I saw a lot of inventory left, so prices may drop even more as we get closer to Christmas.

Cartwheel Deal: 20% off Clearance Apparel & Shoes

I went to my local Target store this morning and it was an absolute ZOO. I guess a lot of folks have this entire week off, although sadly, I do not. In any case, if you do venture there, make sure you add this Cartwheel offer to your phone to get an extra 20% off on Clearance Apparel, Shoes and Accessories for men, women, kids' and baby. Offer good through 12/31/16.

Cartwheel Deal: 50% Off All Boots

Attention bargain hunters! For today only (Dec. 14th) Target is offering 50% off boots for the entire family when you use the Cartwheel app in stores. And mark your calendars for tomorrow (Dec. 15th) to save 40% off all women's & men's jeans when you use Cartwheel.

First Look: Modern by Dwell Magazine

Back in October, I gave you the heads-up on Target's upcoming collab called Modern by Dwell Magazine. And now you can check out the Lookbook here on Target.com. The collection features more than 120 items, including furniture, décor, tabletop and home accessories separated into indoor and outdoor collections, and prices range from from $16.99 to $399.99.

Modern by Dwell Magazine will be available at select Target stores and on Target.com beginning Dec. 27th. The timing seems a bit odd to me, in that they're missing the holiday buying season, but I guess they are launching post-Christmas in order to try to keep up buying momentum after the holiday frenzy.

Hot Toy Alert: Hatchimals to hit Target tomorrow!

Have you hopped on the Hatchimal craze? The hottest toy this holiday season are these cuddly creatures that hatch from eggs and learn to walk and talk. Hatchimals have topped many a wish list this year (plus sent parents in a frenzy to find one) and with just a few weeks left until Christmas, they're becoming increasingly hard to find. If you're still on the hunt, then mark your calendars for tomorrow, as more Hatchimals will be hitting Target shelves that day.

Starting this Sunday, Dec. 11, Target stores across the country will begin to receive dozens of Hatchimals ($59.99), with inventory popping up throughout the week. You’ll need to be quick to scoop these up (limit two per guest) while supplies last, so be sure to check your local store.

Sale Alert: Method Holiday Scents

If you're fans of Method's holiday scents - like Vanilla Chai and Frosted Fir - now's the time to snap them up at Target. This week the foaming hand wash and gel hand wash are on sale for just $2.84 each.

Fab Find: Beauty Advent Calendar

Thank you to reader Kris M for this fab find! Target is selling this fun beauty advent calendar online (and in select stores - use the 'storefinder tool' to check stores near you) with 12 Days of Beauty Faves. Each kit includes the following, and is just $24.99 (a $67 value):

• Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleaning Face Wash -.5 oz
• Pixi by Petra Skintreats Glow Tonic -.5oz
• Umberto Beverly Hills Lifting Powder -.16 oz
• SinfulColors Professional Nail Color -.5 oz
• Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tin - 8.5 grams
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask -.5 oz
• ME! Bath Mini Ice Cream Bath Soak - 2 oz
• NYX Xtreme Lip Cream -.23 oz
• Nexxus Comb Thru Finishing Mist - 1.5 oz
• Mayfair Soap Foundry Bod Creme in Sea Lily Jasmine 1 oz
• ACURE Day Cream Gotu Kola Stem Cell + CGF - 1 oz
• ecotools Kabuki Brush

New at Target: Shade & Shore

Are you lucky enough to have a warm-weather getaway scheduled for this holiday season? If so, then meet Shade & Shore, Target’s first swim brand to feature traditional bra sizing for its bikini top styles. Providing a closer fit on halter and bandeau tops, Shade & Shore’s sizes range from 32A to 38DDD in tops, with classic XS to XL sizing for bottoms. And that’s not all—the collection serves up a total of eight fit options per swimsuit style, which means tons of great-fitting swimsuit combos.

Shade & Shore launched on Target.com a couple of weeks ago, and the full collection is slated to set to hit Target stores on Jan. 1, 2017. Tops and bottoms range in price from just $17.99 to $29.99 each.

New at Target: Shoes from Who What Wear

On the eve of their one-year anniversary of its partnership with Target, Who What Wear is launching a shoe collection, with the holiday edition out now. Featuring 25 different styles ranging from elegant booties to classic pointed-toe pumps in velvet and microsuede, the Who What Wear limited collection is the finishing touch on your outfit for every holiday event. Prices range from $29.99 - $39.99, but note this limited-edition holiday collection will only be around for a few weeks, to be followed by new Who What Wear shoe offerings in 2017.

BOGO: Container Candles at Target

Sorry for the late notification on this (as the sale ends today) but Target has a 'buy one/get one free' promo on all jar/container candles. This is a great deal and at my local store this morning, the shelves were already pretty picked over. This sale also extends online, so if you can't make it to the store today you can order online and still get them in plenty of time for Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving dear readers! I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday. Lots has been written this week about how to "endure" Turkey Day by avoiding certain topics with your relatives and friends. My holiday table has always included people of different political, religious and social beliefs, so for me this is nothing new. But if you feel the need for a little "escape" today, here's a fun little SNL video for you to enjoy :-)

Target's Black Friday Deals...

Happy almost Thanksgiving, readers! I haven't had time to post recently, and won't be posting much over the holiday, although I do have something fun to share tomorrow. In the meantime, if you need your Target fix, check out their Black Friday ad here. You can also get early access to select Black Friday deals now (details here) online, or in stores via Cartwheel.

Nifty Gift: Opulent Candle

Looking for a great hostess or housewarming gift this holiday season? Then pick up one of these Opulent Candles in a glass jar with a gold base for just $14.99 at Target. This one shown is in the scent "Luxe Linen", but I also saw them in stores in Sea Salt, Bergamot Woods, Fireside Hearth and White Cedar.

Fab Find: Threshold Plaid Pillow

I found this cozy Threshold pillow on a clearance endcap at Target this morning. Online it's called "Mohair Plaid Pillow", and although it's soft and felted like mohair, it's "faux" all the way (which is good as I'm allergic to mohair, wool, and angora). This pillow is extra soft and plushy - not stiff like some of Target's other throw pillows. Best of all, while it's regularly $19.99, I found it marked down to $9.99... but when I checked out, it rang up at only $5.98. Score!

Double-Take: Coach vs. Merona

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-shay and match it up against a lookalike - yet pricier - designer piece. Today we have two corset-back rain boots. Both are done up in basic black, with a festive lace-up back. But one of them is from Coach and will set you back almost $150 (on sale right now at Nordstrom for $99.99) whereas the other is from Merona (at Target) and costs a fraction of that at just $34.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Nifty Gift: Threshold Bar Set

In Target the other day I spied this gorgeous bar set by Threshold. Standing on a marble base, the bar tools hang from a goldtone frame. It'd make an attractive addition to any home bar, and at $29.99, it's an affordable Christmas gift.

Back at Target: Sugar Paper Holiday Giftwrap

If you liked the holiday giftwrap from Sugar Paper (at Target) last year,  you're sure to like it again this year. This season's selection is done up in combos of white, red and gold, and offers many of the same motifs as last time: jingle bells, grosgrain ribbons, foil stamping, and monogram gift toppers (this year in shiny gold block letters vs. the glitter script letters they had last year). My local store was just starting to put it out yesterday, and prices range from $2 - $15.

Clearance Alert: Halloween Candy

I don't know about you, but my local Target store seems to have overbought on the candy this Halloween. That's why as of today, they still have 2 full aisles of holiday candy "leftovers" at 70% off. And that's just the bagged candy; I also spied several endcaps clearing out the other "pumpkin spice" selection of candy, nuts, cookies, coffee, etc. at 50-70% off.

Fab Find: Twig Star Decor

I hadn't visited in Target for over a week, and was shocked today to find that the Dollar Aisle had already sold out of (or moved out) all the Thanksgiving inventory and swapped it over to Christmas merchandise. Sad news if you're still looking for Thanksgiving stuff (like these fun leftover bags) but good news if you're already prepping for X-mas.

One cute home decor item I saw was this twig star, just $3 each. They're a pretty good size (I'd say 6" in diameter) and would look great hanging in a line from a mantle or over a doorway.

New at Target: Assets Leggings

Ever wished Assets by Spanx made leggings? Well, your wish just came true! Assets Ponte Shaping Leggings combine the power of shapewear with the comfort of leggings. The inner shaping waistband flattens your tummy, the opaque fabric conceals, and the piping details visually elongate legs. In size S - 1X, they're just $28 each at Target.

"Black Friday Deals" pretty much the same every year...

By flipping through old Black Friday sale circulars from Target, Walmart and Best Buy dating back to 2008, The Wall Street Journal discovered that most of the items (and even the prices) don’t change very much from year to year.

A Target spokesperson pointed out the obvious thing: the items appear year after year because people want to buy them year after year. “Our Black Friday ads are intended to showcase the products our guests want,” he told the paper, and the items that they want during the holiday season are toys and small appliances.

That’s why 80% of the items on the front covers of circulars are the same from year to year. Sure, there’s the occasional fad like netbooks or hoverboards, but most of the same items appear at the same prices for years in a row. So compare this pic of last year's Target circular with this year's (due any day now) and see if you can spy any real differences.

The Look for Less: Topshop vs. Who What Wear

Bomber jackets - especially floral ones - seem to be popping up everywhere this season. With so many options, you could spend a lot - or a little - on this trend, depending on where you shop. Case in point: the floral bomber jacket on the left is from Topshop and will set you back $95. The floral bomber on the right, on the other hand, is by Who What Wear (at Target) and costs just $34.99.

Nifty Gift: Mason Jar Cookie Mix

Looking for a fun hostess gift or yummy stocking stuffer this holiday season? Then head over to Target for these festive cookie mixes with all the dry ingredients packaged in a cute mason jar: all you do is add the wet ingredients and bake! Just $10.99 each (and I think there were a couple more flavors not shown here) in the Kitchen Section at Target.

Trend Spotting: Pom Pom Hats

Earlier this week The Today Show did a style segment on "Fall Essentials"  - one being the knit pom pom hat (as shown here on Jill Martin).  This is a trend I've seen all over Target in the accessories department, and you can also check out their selection online. This week Target has them on sale for buy 1/get 1 at 50% off, which is a pretty good deal. But I've also seen pom pom hats in the Dollar Aisle for just 5-bucks each!

Clearance Alert: Sonia Kashuk Exotic Artisan Brush Set

If you're in the market for new makeup brushes, check out this "Exotic Artisan" set from Sonia Kashuk. Boasting real wood handles with an intricate Indian-inspired pattern, this 12-piece set includes a Blush, Smudger, Concealer, Eyebrow Comb/Brush, Eyeliner Brush, Eyeshadow brush, Brush, Powder Brush. Best of all, it's on clearance on Target.com for 30% off - now just $27.98, regularly $39.99. And in stores, I've seen it marked even lower at 50% off!

Trend Spotting: Halloween Skeleton Pets

I'm starting a new feature here called Trend Spotting, where I call out a trend that can be replicated by a simple shopping trip to Target. I don't know about you, but this year I'm seeing these Skeleton Cats EVERYWHERE in front yard Halloween decor. These skeleton pets seem to have exploded on the scene, with the most popular being cat and dog varieties, but Target also carries a skeleton rat, lizard, fish and crow. Some even have sound and glowing eyes. If you want to create your own "pet cemetery" it's not too late; a quick check of Target.com shows many of these items available for store pickup.

Product Review: Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry Pot Roast Starter

As I blogged about earlier this month, the Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry line is being phased out of Target and is therefore now on clearance. One item I was able to get on sale was the Pot Roast Starter (jar shown far left) which I tried last night and it was delicious. Similar to cooking sauces offered by Williams-Sonoma - but at a fraction of the cost - I found the Beekman version to be far tastier with a lot less sodium. My local store is now sold out of it, but I'm hoping to find it at another nearby store this week. And the recipe couldn't be easier: all you do is sear a small (2-3 lb. pot roast), place it in a dutch over over chopped onions, carrots and potatoes, dump the sauce over it, and bake for 3 hours.

Coming this Spring: Victoria Beckham for Target

ABC News reports that Victoria Beckham will be bringing her fashion sense to the masses.

The designer, former Spice Girl and mother of four just announced that she is teaming up with Target to bring a new line of her clothes to the retailer next Spring.

"For a while now, I have been thinking how great it would be to work on clothes for a customer that either doesn’t want to pay or can’t pay designer prices," Beckham said in a statement on Target.com. "I loved the idea of opening the brand up to a wider audience and being able to share my vision with a broader customer base."

Victoria Beckham for Target will range in price from $6 to $70, with most items under $40. The collection will include more than 200 items for women including dresses, rompers, tops and bottoms -- as well as corresponding styles for girls, toddlers and babies. The new line marks Beckham's first foray into designing clothes for children.

"From the outset of my brand, I have always designed clothes that I want to wear, and that’s exactly what I have done here, but this time there are also clothes that my daughter would love to wear, too!" Beckham said. "Designing for children is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time."

The collection will be available April 9 through April 30 at all Target stores and on Target.com.

Double-Take: Restoration Hardware vs. Threshold

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Tar-shay and match it up against a lookalike - yet pricier - designer piece. Today we have two charming brass desk lamps. While they are strikingly similar in looks, that's where  the comparison ends, as one is from Restoration Hardware and will set you back $599, whereas the other is by Threshold (at Target) and costs just $29.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Target halts clown-mask sales...

The Washington Post reports that Target will stop selling clown masks amid a rash of reported clown attacks — real and fake — that have terrorized the United States in recent months.

All of the company’s stores have pulled the masks “out of sensitivity for the issue at hand,” Target spokesman Joshua Thomas told the newspaper. Target has 1,799 stores in the United States, according to its corporate site.

The company also has stopped selling masks on its website. On Monday morning, searches for “clown masks” on Target.com turned up nothing. Links from search engines to clown masks that Target previously stocked simply led to a message that said “product not available.” Shown here is one mask that was previously for sale on Target.com but has now been pulled.

Clown costumes for children, oversize clown suits and “sexy clown” outfits are, however, apparently still available for sale. The retail giant’s decision, just two weeks before Halloween, comes as the frenzy over “creepy clown” sightings and threats has reached a fever pitch. And across the country, scary-clown rumors have led to school lockdowns and arrests.

Clearance Alert: Fall Home Decor & Tabletop

Also while at Target yesterday I noticed that all of the new Fall home decor and tabletop items are already on clearance at 50% off. They only put this merchandise out on the store floor a couple of weeks ago, so they must be trying to move it quickly to make room for holiday decor. The selection includes decorative plates, mugs, servingware, vases, candle holders, napkins and linens.

Clearance Alert: Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry

At Target this morning I noticed that all the Beekman 1802 Farm Pantry products were on clearance for 50-70%. I picked up a couple of things, like the Bean & Barley Soup Starter Mix and the Veggie Seasoning packs. I wonder, though, whether Target has discounted these items because they're phasing out the brand, or just to make room for more holiday food offerings - ?

Fab Find: Threshold Metal & Leather Mirror

Looking for a stylish wall accent? Look no further than this cool metal & leather mirror from Threshold (at Target). Part of Threshold's Harvest Collection, it's on sale this week for just $42.50 (regularly $50). And if you use the code COZYHOME online, you can get an extra 10% off.

Coming to Target: Modern by Dwell Magazine

Like modern - and affordable - modern design? Then you'll love Target's new collab with Fast Co. Design called Modern by Dwell Magazine.

Founded in 2000, Dwell is a design and technology brand with the mission is to bridge the gap between design professionals and enthusiasts. Dwell reaches the worldwide design community through its print publication, digital platform, live events and products.

Likewise, the Modern by Dwell Magazine collection features more than 120 items, including furniture, décor, tabletop and home accessories separated into indoor and outdoor collections.

Modern by Dwell Magazine will be available at select Target stores and on Target.com beginning Dec. 27. Prices will range from $49.99 to $399.99 for furniture and $16.99 to $99.99 for décor, tabletop and accessories.

Sale Alert: Joules Rain Boots

Target is having a 20% off sale this week on all women's boots. In addition, they have 25% off all Joules brand rain boots, like these adorable doggie-print wellies - this week just $52.50 (regularly $69.99). Regular readers of my blog know that I'm a huge fan of Joules, so I'll be taking advantage of the sale to order the cute honeybee-print ones I've had my eye on since last year.

Exclusive to Target: New Halloween Treats

Just in time for Halloween, here are nine wicked-good new candy flavors from national brands like M&M’s, Dove and Hershey's that you'll only find at Target:

Boo-tterscotch M&M’s
The little wizards at your door will love the butterscotch and white chocolate flavors of this treat.

Dove Milk Chocolate Ghosts
The delicious milk chocolate you love gets a spooky makeover with ghost-graced foil wraps.

Kit Kat Darkness
Go to the dark side with this dark chocolate twist on the classic Kit Kat.

Hershey’s Spooky Kisses
This mix of cute ghost, bat and spider-themed Kisses gives every candy dish a festive lift.

Hershey’s Caramel Pumpkins
Gooey caramel fills each chocolate pumpkin shape.

SweeTarts Skulls and Bones
Your favorite tart treats in a skulls and bones motif.

Jolly Rancher Spooky Shapes Gummies
Your favorite Jolly Rancher flavors, in softer, spookier form.

Brach’s Brunch favorites Candy Corn
All the best of brunch—French toast, strawberry waffles and chocolate chip pancakes—in classic Halloween candy corn.

Maple Brown Sugar Peeps
These new Peeps are the perfect fall-flavored treat.

Target plans more 'mini stores' aimed at millennials...

Although other retailers haven’t been able to lure shoppers with mini stores, Target is hoping to succeed where others have failed, and seems pretty confident about its plan to open a slew of mini stores in new markets geared towards millennials.

According to Consumerist, Target executives say they’ve shifted from the big box store model it’s used in the past with its new mini stores, which are putting down roots in college towns and urban areas with younger shoppers milling around, looking to spend money. This is in contrast to Walmart’s failed Walmart Express Stores, which were mainly located in suburban and rural areas.

“We had become really good at stamping out the same store in different markets,” Chief Operating Officer John Mulligan told The Wall Street Journal in a new interview. “For these formats, we are rethinking everything.”

Each store will cater to local tastes — so for example,  a mini store near the University of Minnesota will carry ping-pong balls and beer, with nary a stroller or teething toy in sight. In contrast, at a store in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, there will be baby items to appeal to all the families living nearby. Target has been fighting sluggish sales amid slowing traffic at its 1,800 or so stores, and these new stores are geared to help boost the company’s overall performance in the next two years.

New at Target: La-ta-da

Starting this week, Target is adding glitz and glam to your ‘do with La-ta-da—a new, exclusive line of hair accessories for women and children. The assortment includes chic pieces ranging from headbands and hair ties to clips and barrettes that’ll take your braids, buns and fishtails to a whole new level. You can check out a gallery of images from the collection here on A Bullseye View.

And thanks to La-ta-da, you won’t just get to look and feel good, you’ll get to do good too. That’s because with each product purchased, leadership development opportunities are donated through Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation’s campaign dedicated to empowering adolescent girls across the globe.

Fab Find: Threshold Wood Accent Table

Want to add a unique touch to your living room? Look no further than Threshold's Wood Accent Table at Target (shown here) for a look that's both modern and rustic. The metal hairpin legs and natural wood top complement each other perfectly. And best of all, right now it's on sale for just $59.49, plus you can get an extra 10% off by using the coupon code HOMESALE at checkout.

Nifty Gift: Kids Critter Scarf

Last year I started a feature called "Nifty Gift", featuring finds at Target that would make great holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. I'm continuing the tradition this year, starting with these adorable 'critter scarves' for kids in various animal designs. As shown from left to right, I saw bear, panda and fox versions, with the animal "face" at each end that doubles as a pocket. You can find these in the Dollar Aisle for just $5 each.

Fab Find: Thanksgiving Leftover Bag

In the "I didn't know I needed this until I saw it", Target has these cute kraft-paper bags labeled "Thanksgiving Leftovers For...." (fill in the blank). They're a substantial size with an easy-to-use handle, and come 3 to a pack for just $3. I found these in the Dollar Aisle along with a bunch of other great seasonal decor items.

New at Target: OhJoy! Fall Home Line

Target has rolled out another installment from OhJoy!, just in time for Fall. "Inspired by the moon, the stars and Swan Lake, this collection mixes rose gold accents with jewel and midnight tones,” says Joy. “In preparation of the holiday season, there are entertaining pieces like a barware set, cocktail shaker,serving bowls, serving utensils and cocktails forks. And for cozying up your home, we have swan and moon lights, pillows full of glimmer and a chic side table.”

She adds "I'm especially loving the mini rose gold appetizer forks (shown here) for both hors d’oeuvres and for desserts as well as the serving bowl and utensils for serving up salads, pastas, and other delicious morsels when guests are over.” You can read more here on A Bullseye View.