While in the dollar store recently, I witnessed a scene that must be happening in dollar stores all over North America. A Mom was helping her college-bound son pick out kitchen ware, bath ware and cleaning essentials for his first foray into life away from home. Been there, done that -- twice. But in case you haven't yet, here are my picks for the great and not-so-great deals to help you save money as you nudge your fledgling out of the nest.

1. Dishes. Check your favorite department store for inexpensive boxed sets. I saw a 16-piece set for $16.87 at Wal-Mart. At the dollar store, each piece is $1, so the boxed set is almost as cheap and certainly a lot easier to transport to a first apartment or dorm room. On the other hand, if you don't want or need four place settings and don't care if everything matches exactly, buying each piece individually could be the way to go.

2. Silverware. I saw an off brand set of 20-pieces of silverware that comes with its own storage tray. That's two items off the list for $6.97. At the dollar store, each piece costs $1 so buying the set is definitely the way to go. Even if you only need two forks, two knives and two spoons, you'll still be spending $6 at the dollar store.

While we're busy planting and primping in the garden, we shouldn't forget that houseplants need love too. If your ivy is in need of a new home, check out the selection of pots at the dollar store. Whether you're looking for plain or fancy, large or small, clay or plastic, a buck is all you pay for each. The latest addition to the mix is the small ceramic pot with an attached saucer pictured here. I liked this one with the raised pattern around the rim, but there are lots of other styles and colors, too. I thought them very attractive but knew I'd never plant anything in something that small. I would, however use it for a votice candle holder or anchor some floating flowers in a bed of stones for display on an end table.

And don't forget to check out the different sizes of plastic planters for use outdoors.

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes about decorating with items from the dollar store on her website www.dollarstorestyle.com.

Every day, WalletPop will be bringing you information about a fantastic freebie. Like what you see? Check back tomorrow for more!

ValueMags.com, through a partnership with Restaurant.com, is offering a free 2-year subscription to Country Home Magazine. Just fill out this form and be sure to check the box indicating that you don't want to receive any other special offers.

According to the company:

"Country Home Magazine is a lifestyle publication for readers who are interested in country decorating, renovating, antiques, foods, gardens and much more. It contains in-depth features on interior design, building, crafts and gardens. Country Home's focus is on the individual who is content to maintain and lead country lifestyle. With Country Home Magazine you will learn how to update your wicker chair with fresh summer style by choosing the right color to paint and the DIY additional stuffs."

A 2-year subscription on Amazon would set you back $23.97. The newsstand price would be $83.76

Candles are always appealing in home decor. You can use them in any room in the house. Most dollar stores stock a variety of pretty candles and each season brings new wax creations to delight. Rather than plunking one pillar candle into a traditional candle holder, why not think outside the mold? In decorating, things are always more eye-catching or appealing when grouped together and any non-flammable container might serve as a candle holder.

In this example, a carved-look pillar candle was teamed with two gel and wax tea lights and two floating floral candles on a small oval plate to make a display for a botanically inspired bathroom. This particular candle grouping cost about $4.00. The smaller candles are meant for display only, since they wouldn't last long anyway, but that's entirely up to you.

Check out Decorating with Candles to get more ideas to light your fire.

Given the current economy, most people probably aren't thinking about buying art. However, as savvy investors often point out, going against the prevailing current can be quite profitable. Besides, President Bush has told us that we are supposed to pour our tax refund checks back into the economy. Buying art is a great way to do just that--after all, you buy the art and the artist spends the money on booze, drugs and cheese. This, in turn, makes it possible for the breweries, distilleries, dairies and drug dealers to hire more employees, leading to economic recovery and a bright, shiny future. Best of all, you end up with a beautiful piece of art to hang on your wall!

If you've looked at art prices recently, you've probably noticed that most art pieces are really, really expensive. Unless you plan on visiting one of those "starving artists" shows that feature a lot of boring, uninspired landscapes, you're probably going to pay at least a few thousand dollars for a decent painting, and the prices go up quickly when you start looking at work by well-known and well-regarded artists. On the other hand, artists' prints tend to be an outstanding value. They cost a fraction of the price of paintings while offering a good investment opportunity.

I know you're probably skeptical about this. Decorating a home at a dollar store? What's next? Wedding gifts at the Salvation Army?

But Marlene Alexander who runs DollarStoreStyle.com shows readers how to do just that -- with candles, dinnerware, fake flowers, soap dishes, etc. all purchased for $1.

I've also become a big fan of dollar store decor: after buying a Pearlessence SpaMist, I headed over to DollarTree and found very good-quality liquid potpourri in tons of scents -- 33.6 fluid ounces for $1, 1/3rd of what it would set you back at Jo-Ann Stores (when it is in stock).

If you're Marlene Alexander and you're interested in writing about dollar stores for WalletPOP, leave a comment and I'll be in touch!

This post is for all of you home decor buffs out there -- I'm unashamed to admit that I myself am one of you. That said, there are some popular trends that are incredibly asinine. Exhibit A: leatherbound books sold by the foot.

The Strand bookstore in New York City is a landmark for bibilophiles, and it ought to be ashamed of selling their souls to pander to booshie, culturally-sophisticated-wannabe snobs.. For just $400 per foot, they'll sell you "Beautiful antique leather books with gold tooling, mostly 19th Century books in good condition. Your library of fine antique leather books can be customized by language or color for a higher price."

$400 per linear foot too much for you? For $30 per foot, you can get "Hardcover books in good, clean condition. You may specify color and we choose subjects."

Here's what's so messed up about this: good decorating is about creating an environment that is a reflection of the occupant's personality. Selling personality by the foot doesn't exactly qualify. If your true personality is Baywatch and Keystone Light, you should try to find some creative way to make that work- because as good of a first impression as leatherbound books might make, sooner or later people will figure out that that's not you. And they'll think you're a loser, and rightly so.

Hat tip: Consumerist