Steals+deals: Take May sales with a grain of salt

Take May sales with a grain of saltMay is a good time to buy electronics, kitchen accessories, mattresses, picnic and barbecue supplies, refrigerators and vacuum cleaners, according to www.tiphero.com. But hold on a minute. That doesn't mean that all refrigerators or mattresses, for example, are a good deal. Only "last year's models" are discounted as new styles are introduced. But not all manufacturers release new models at the same time, making the "best time to buy" more difficult to nail down. Before buying a model on sale, ask if it's a closeout or last year's model. If not, the "sale" price might not be lower than usual. New models of refrigerators, for example, are not introduced at just one time of year, said Carla Warner, director of sales at Warners' Stellian. But since refrigerators work harder in the summer, now is a good time to see if your fridge is limping along, she said.

If you are looking for a new mattress, you might want to avoid one-sided models because you'll have to replace your mattress twice as often. Look for a place that still sells two-sided mattresses, which last longer with rotation and flipping. Both Original Mattress Factory (11 locations, 651-482-9338, www.originalmattress factory.com) and Dave's Furniture World (6315 Penn Av. S., Richfield, 612-869-8855, www. davesfurnitureworld.com) carry them. Queen-sized sets range from $400 to $700.

Restaurant birthday specials Today ends the 53rd anniversary specials at Lindey's Prime Steak House (3600 N. Snelling Av., Arden Hills, 651-633-9813, www.theplacefor steak.com). From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., pay 1958 prices. Get a 16-ounce sirloin steak or six jumbo shrimp for $19.58 (regularly $28), plus garlic bread, hash browns and a house salad. Reservations and coupons from the birthday club or www.Restaurant.com coupons are not accepted for the event.

Massage, spa specials for $30 to $35 an hour Except for the free student massages at Globe University locations, the best deals this month on massages and spa treatments are at CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu School & Clinic (5300 W. 35th St., St. Louis Park, 952-562-5200, ext. 0; www.centerpointmn.com). Through May, all massage and shiatsu 60-minute sessions are $30, aromatherapy, salt glow exfoliation and clay/mud $35, and 75-minute hot stone massage and foot or hand paraffin dips $45. Appointments can be made now for services May 13-26. During this session, services can be scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Saturdays.