Direct to you from Janet Simons, author of the Colorado Smart Shopper and veteranRocky Mountain News shopping columnist.

Sample Colorado's goods for kids

            Did you know the world-famous Boppy was created by a Colorado mompreneur? Dozens of products for parents and children created and manufactured by local moms and dads are discounted by 30 percent to 80 percent at the Congrats from Colorado Sample Sale, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at Ambajam, 3457 Ringsby Court, Taxi 2, 303-691-2236. We couldn’t find a list of firms participating in this sale, but previous participants have included Alpha Buddies, Ambajam, Baby Candy, Belle Baby Carriers, Boppy, Bruz Wear, The Bump, Funky Monkey Thread, Katy Tartakoff Photography, Memory Divas, My Favorite Bows; Oh, That Baby; Oshie Vintage, ShadyBaby and Sycamore Kids.

            For more information, Google those companies or go to www.congratsfromcolorado.com.

Fine linen is only the start

            Technically, the annual storewide sale at the Brass Bed, 3113 E. Third Ave., 303-322-1712, doesn’t start until Monday, March 1, when everything in the store — whether it’s on the sales floor or special ordered — will be marked down by 15 percent to 50 percent. The sale runs through March 30.

            However, selected items among the store’s bedding, down comforters, bathroom accessories, towels, robes, bedroom furniture, tablecloths and nursery items already are discounted, and this would be a great time to preview merchandise so you’re ready at rope drop at 9:30 a.m. next Monday. For more information, go to www.brassbedofdenver.com.

Get your bras more than half off

            Selected bras originally priced at $70 to $100 are $20 apiece or two for $35 through March 15 at Pampered Passions Fine Lingerie, 9615-D E. County Line Road, Englewood, 1-888-775-4643, www.pamperedpassions.com. No other coupons or discounts can be used in conjunction with this sale.

Wizard celebrates blizzard

            Clearance and overstock toys, games and costumes are reduced by 25 percent to 60 percent through March 15 at The Wizard’s Chest, 230 Fillmore St., 303-321-4304, www.wizardschest.com.

Whether you’re spurning wheat...

            Owners Michael and Marcy Schreiber have opened their annual Passover Store at the East Side Kosher Deli, 499 S. Elm St., 303-322-9862, www.eastsidekosherdeli.com, offering the largest selection of kosher-for-Passover products between Kansas City and Los Angeles.

            This year’s new crop of chometz-free products includes Chinese sauces, nut-flavored oils, almond butter, cashew butter and marshmallow fluff.

            Anyone who has a problem with corn, wheat or soy stands a good chance of finding something new and delicious to eat. But demand for Passover food has grown hugely as the public has become more aware of food sensitivities, so you’re going to want to shop early for a good selection. If you want shmurah matzah for your Seder table, you should get that right away, too.

            Ashkenazi (Western) Jews don’t eat corn during the holiday, so you can find soda pop, syrups, sauces and salad dressings  made with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, corn-oil-free margarine and other prepared foods made without the ubiquitous yellow grain. If your problem is with wheat, you’ll find lots of options, but steer clear of anything that lists matzah or matzah meal in its ingredient list — that’s wheat. East Side also stocks matzah made from oats and spelt that works for many, but please be aware that many people with gluten sensitivities experience serious reactions to those grains.

            East Side also offers a wide selection of table-ready kosher-for-Passover items, including soups, entrees, side dishes, horseradish, horosetz — even fully appointed Seder plates.

....or embracing it

            Enthusiastic organic bakers will love the new Colorado Easy biscuit and cookie mixes made with locally grown and milled organic whole-wheat and unbleached flour. For a limited time, Colorado Easy founder Terri Claus is offering $50 club memberships that entitle members to buy a 5-pound bag of flour for just $1 monthly and offer similar bargains on baking mixes. But wait! There’s more. Club members also receive a free Italian glass wire-bail jar while supplies last.

            Colorado Easy products are available at the Denver Urban Homesteading Indoor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, 200 Santa Fe Drive. For more information, go to coloradoeasymix.vpweb.com or call 303-748-0653.

Don’t let friends buy dresses they can’t afford

            It’s prime season for prom dress shopping, and if you know any families who will have to strain the budget to buy a prom dress, please tell them about the Prom Dress Exchange, where more than 3,000 gorgeous, gently used and freshly cleaned prom dresses will be available between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21, at Copper Fields Events Chateau, 4901 Marshall St., Wheat Ridge, 720-898-8388. No one will insist, but a $10 donation to defray the cost of cleaning would be appreciated.

           This is the 10th Prom Dress Exchange for Copper Fields owner Cheryl Wise, who knows that the need is particularly great this year. She wants to make sure every dress finds a proud owner.  So please help spread the word by printing out a few copies of this item and posting it on bulletin boards wherever high school girls or their families might see it.