Sale Alert: Nate Berkus Spring Home Decor

Now that the last Nate Berkus home decor collection has been cleared out of stores, Target is re-stocking with Nate's new Spring merchandise. As shown here, he's focused this collection on warm neutrals, woven textures and bright metallics. And right now Target.com has it on sale for 10% off with the coupon code 'MARCH10'.

Clearance Alert: Local Pride SF Collection

Attention Bay Area CA peeps! The San Francisco Local Pride by Todd Snyder collection of tees and hoodies at Target are now on clearance for 70% off - in stores only, and obviously only in the SF Bay Area. That's how I was able to pick up this super-cute "Lake Tahoe" tee for just $4.48 (regularly $14.99). I also nabbed a couple of tees for my hubby - like this "West Coaster" one - for the same price. There were a ton of shirts left on the racks, so I wonder if this collab hasn't done that well - ?

The Look for Less: Land of Nod vs. Pillowfort

Target has really been pushing their new Pillowfort line, with lavish in-store displays. And I have to admit, their offerings are really cute + also at a great price point. Case in point: this Teepee by Land of Nod (far left) may have served as inspiration for Target's Pillowfort version (on the right). But Land of Nod's Teepee is $159, whereas Pillowfort's is only $89.99 regular price (on sale this week for $76.49).

New at Target: Modern Sprout

I spied something new on an endcap at Target today: grow kits from Modern Sprout. I saw two varieties: an 'herb kit' (with Basil and Mint) and a 'flower kit' (with Pansies). These simple, self-watering kits feature vintage-inspired mason jars outfitted with a passive hydroponic system known as “wicking,” which brings water and nutrients up to the plant's roots. So whether you forget to water, overwater, or both, it's pretty much foolproof. Each jar comes equipped with everything you’ll need to start growing; just add water and set in a sunny window.

After taking a peek at Modern Sprout's website, it looks like single-jar kits usually retail for $20/each, so Target's version at $12 (for the single jar flower kit) and $24 (for the double jar herb kit) is a better deal. The brand was also one of "Oprah's Picks". 

Lookbook: Marimekko for Target

With less than a month until the Marimekko for Target collection drops (on April 17th) A Bullseye View just posted highlights from the line’s highly anticipated lookbook. Staying true to the beloved brand’s roots, the Marimekko collab is bursting with playful patterns and vibrant prints in bold colors and stark black & white.

The collection boasts more than 200 items (with most under $50) that range from outdoor decor and swimwear essentials to furniture and entertaining pieces. Check out the full assortment here on Target.com.

Tuesday's Rant: Target's Self-Checkouts Not Open at Peak Times

On Tuesdays I sometimes take the opportunity to rant about something I do not like about Target… because although I love ‘em to death, they ain’t perfect. I haven't done a 'rant' in quite a while, but this one's been building up and I can't hold my tongue any longer.

Can anyone tell me WHY Target bothers to have 'self-checkout' stations, but doesn't open them during peak shopping times? At my local store, this most frequently happens in the mornings, before 10am. There could be lines for days at all the other lanes, but they won't open up the self-checkout ones. When I've asked - aka, complained - about this before, the standard answer I get is that they are "short staffed": meaning, they don't have a dedicated person available to man the self-checkouts in case a shopper gets stuck or has questions. My response to this is that it'd make more sense to close ONE of the regular lanes to have that clerk supervise the 4 self-checkout ones.

Anyhow, yesterday I had enough.... with all lanes full with overflowing carts (note to self: lots of moms with babies seem to shop on Monday mornings!) I left the handful of items I'd wanted to buy on an endcap. Had the self-checkout lands been open, I would have gladly used them (as much as I loathe them) but after waiting 10 minutes in vain, I bailed.

Double-Take: West Elm 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. Clear-glass display boxes seem to be having a "moment"; I keep seeing them all over the place, filled with everything from jewelry and trinkets to succulent arrangements. Here we have two gold-framed rectangular versions (both approx. 9x4x2" size) which look very similar. But one of them is from West Elm and will set you back $49, whereas the other one is by Threshold (at Target) and costs just $14.99.

Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.