Boston, MA

It’s that *other* highly anticipated time of the year (or again maybe it’s just me), but Tax-Free Weekend in Massachusetts is almost here! On August 11th and 12th, you can buy most things without the 5% sales tax, but according to Boston.com, here are some basic guidelines:

• The Massachusetts 5 percent sales tax will be waived for most goods that cost $2,500 or less.
• The sales tax is exempt for tangible personal property bought for personal use only.
• Motor vehicles, meals, gas, and tobacco products remain taxable.
• Airline tickets and sporting events are considered services, and thus remain taxable.
• Bundled goods — such as computer packages that include computer, monitor, and printer — only qualify for the tax exemption if the price of the entire bundle is less than $2,500.
• Prior sales and layaway items do not qualify.
• If an article of clothing exceeds $2,500, you receive a $175 deduction on the sales tax. For example, if you buy a dress for $3,000, you pay sales tax on $2,825.
• For coupon items, the sales tax applies only if the post-deduction amount is more than $2,500. For coupons applied to total purchases, the discount is pro-rated for each item sold.
• Internet orders paid for Aug. 12-13 are exempt.

Since we here in Massachusetts typically enjoy no sales tax on clothing all year round anyway, take advantage of this weekend the best by buying those big purchases like plasma TVs, home appliances, computers, furniture, and even jewelry. With the end of summer sales in full effect, you can really make a killing if you plan it right! It’s like Christmas in Jul…errr, August!

Boston, Massachusetts, tax free weekend, shopping, sales, retail, sales tax

Well…it is not technically closing down. However, I was at the fabulously colorful Jasmine Store Warehouse store located at 965 Commonwealth Avenue, 617-562-0004, near Boston University’s West Campus today and was informed that that particular location will become a FULL-PRICE regular store. So, young hipsters looking for that last trendy summer item, you better hurry over there quick while you can still take advantage of 70% off everything in the store - like Juicy Couture rompers, Betsy Johnson tunic dresses and Steve Madden ballerina flats.

Although the outlet Jasmine Sola items have the full retail price tags attached which can give you quite a sticker shock ($385 for a simple cotton strapless dress…youch!), it’s still quite a bargain with the hefty discount. Belts could be snatched up for $17, all shoes are $19.95 and even funky lip glosses…you have to stock up when they’re less than $3!

They’re still adding new items, so check back often and SOON before the bargains are gone, baby, gone!

Jasmine Sola, boutique, Boston, shopping, trendy, designer brand, clothing, discount, outlet store

No…I have not gone to see the Simpsons movie *yet*. I knew I had to soon though with my inbox overflowing with emails from friends sending pictures of the “Simpsonized” versions of themselves and noticing people’s Myspace photos and avatars also becoming suspiciously looking like residents of Springfield. Has the whole world gone Simpson crazy?

Apparently so! The Boston America Corporation took it one step further for those of us who need as much energy as Bart chasing after Santa’s Little Helper and is marketing Duff Energy Drink! Sorry, it’s not the beer that Homer constantly swigs down…more of a contender to Red Bull than Bud Light. So, instead of giving you wings, this bad boy may make your skin turn yellow and your eyes bug out. With as much as 41 grams of sugar per can, I’m sure it will! D’OH!!!

Simpsons, Duff, energy drink, Simpsonize, Red Bull, Simpsons movie

Need some good news to set your weekend off to a good start?

If I had $300 dollars I would buy________.

What would you buy with $300? Or even $200 or $100? Now is your chance to find out! Comment on any 451 Press site during the month of August and you could win! Three comments will be chosen at random to win a cash prize of $300, $200 or $100. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win. So start reading and let those fingers fly.

For a complete list of eligible sites, click on “Our Sites” above. Comment on your site of choice with the answer of what YOU would buy with $300!

comment, contest, 451 Press, cash prize

Tired of the crush of fan traffic when going to the TD Banknorth Garden (or whatever it’s being called this year) for a show? How about not being able to see the sports game because you’re in the nosebleed seats of this over 19,000 seat facility?

If you’re not into the Celtics or Bruins and like smaller shows, then check out the Agganis Arena which is part of Boston University on Commonwealth Avenue. While this venue is still large at seating about 7600, it’s far easier to get to and much easier to see your favorite act. I’ve seen Duran Duran (who was the very first musical act who christened the Arena back in April 2005), Alicia Keys and Dave Chappelle here. Yes…Dave Chappelle. He was still funny even after the whole Africa thing.

So, check out the schedule from time to time or sign up for their newsletter to be alerted of upcoming shows. If you like sports, you can still watch the B.U. Terrier men’s and women’s teams in action for basketball and hockey. Even The Cure is coming September 25th.

I would still take the T though…parking is always a premium in Boston, no matter where you are!

Boston, Agganis Arena, TD Banknorth Garden, concert, show, musical act, sport teams, The Cure