I heard today from reader Jane, who was lamenting the loss of the If It's Paper store in Raleigh recently.

Jane is now looking for a new place to buy paper products, ranging from deli trays, table cloths, napkins and utensils to cake boxes and wedding supplies. I had a few ideas but I thought I'd offer the question here to see if you all have any suggestions for Jane.

Fire away.

I heard this week from reader Cat, who said she was at the ACE Hardware in Raleigh's Seaboard Station and noticed a giveaway of a 2009 calendar with a coupon inside for each month. According to Cat, there are 5 coupons for $5 off your $25 purchase distributed throughout the coupons on the calendar, each coupon being good for a month. ACE is one of several retailers that has coupon calendars. I know Chick-fil-A has one as does Auto Bell. There are charges for some, but they can be really worth the money and can also make good gifts. Just something to think about as holiday shopping time approaches.

I heard yesterday from reader Beverly, who asked me about the best case discounts for wine in our area. I told her that most grocery stores are offering 10 percent, or 15 percent on a sale sometimes. I also said I like to wait for the Whole Foods big sale (which is usually between Christmas and New Year's) and the Southern Season annual sale. I think that in some cases the discounts go higher during those sales. But I thought I'd throw the question out there for all of you, since I am certainly no expert. Where do you find the best case discounts on wine?

OK, this has very little to do with retail, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

Reader Chris asked me over the weekend if I know of any places in or around Raleigh that offer duckpin bowling or candlepin bowling (both varations on traditional bowling, more popular in the Northeast). I don't even remember the last time I went bowling, so I am not going to be of any help to Chris on this question. But if you know of a place, please share the details...

I heard this morning from Keri in Raleigh, who wanted to know if I had any recommendations for good hair stylists who don't charge an arm and a leg.

As I told her, I stopped doing highlights in my hair four years ago now, and since my hair is straight, I can usually get by with one of the bargain chains for a decent cut. But I figured one of you Taking Stock readers probably has a good suggestion. Remember to be specific, including why you recommend this stylist and what they charge. Also, remember to include enough information so that Keri (or anyone else) will be able to find this person and make an appointment!

I heard today from Julie, who is searching for "antique stores that carry vintage modern furniture (you know that cool 1950's modern furniture)" other than Father & Sons in Raleigh.

Anyone?

Help Julie out if you can... 

I heard this evening from Sandy, who posed this question: "Are there any restaurant supply stores in the Triangle area that are open to the public? I am used to having them available in FL but since  moving here I have not heard of any. They are great places to get supplies."

Sandy is right... restaurant supply stores are fantastic places to find cheap supplies for the kitchen. But I don't really know of any. There's one on South Saunders Street here in Raleigh, but I've never been inside, so I can't really recommend it based on my personal experience. Can anyone help Sandy out? 

I got an e-mail over the weekend from Jane, who is seeking help finding a hotel deal around Wilmington. Jane wrote: "I am going to a friend's wedding in Wilmington at the end of March, and they have suggested two hotels due to proximity - one is a Hilton, the other a Best Western. Both are over $140 a night - gasp! I rarely pay that much abroad, and certainly not for a "view" of the Cape Fear River! Any suggestions on how to save? My employer is a nonprofit, so no discounts there, and I am not a AAA member." If anyone has a suggestion, I'm sure Jane would appreciate your help! 

I got an e-mail from Amelia this morning asking if I knew of cheap places to get your car detailed. She particularly wanted to know what I would consider a good price and where to go. Unfortunately, anyone who knows me will tell you I wash my car about twice a year. And usually my husband does it for me. So I'm totally at a loss to help Amelia out. Anyone out there know of any good deals on detailing? Remember to be specific about the location of any particular business you mention...