Don’t you love the feeling of finding a bit of cash in an unexpected place? If you’ve recently purchased an Energy Star labeled appliance, up to $150 could be staring you in the face in your own home.

Almost $100,000 worth of rebates from the Alabama Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate program is still available for appliances with an Energy Star label that were purchased on or after April 19, 2010.

Five types of appliances are eligible for rebates ranging from $25 to $150:

• Room air conditioners: $25
• Freezers: $50
• Dishwashers: $75
• Clothes washers: $100
• Standard-size refrigerators: $150

To reserve a rebate for your appliance, go to www.alrebates.com or call the toll-free number (877) 856-6645. Once you apply, you have 15 days to mail in the application form and the proof of purchase for the appliance.

A third Birmingham city park will be transformed Wednesday when volunteers and community leaders begin to beautify Smithfield Estates Park through of Operation Power Play.

Roosevelt City Park and Germania Park have already had improvements made through Operation Power Play, a joint initiative to upgrade playground equipment and beautify three city parks between Alabama Power, the city of Birmingham, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, the Citizens Advisory Board and Birmingham neighborhoods. Alabama Power employees have dedicated a service day at each of the parks, helping to get the renovations going.

Starting Wednesday at 8 a.m., volunteers will be planting shrubs, removing trash and other debris, painting picnic tables and other park equipment.

His dresses have been worn by Beyonce, Blake Lively and Queen Latifah. His career in design began at a young age as an artist born and raised in Japan. His fashion house has been around for 29 years. He’s the internationally famous fashion designer Tadashi Shoji, and he’s visiting Birmingham for the first time Thursday, Feb. 17 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

A luncheon and fashion show displaying Shoji’s Spring 2011 collection will benefit the YWCA of Central Alabama. Saks Fifth Avenue and flowerMagazine are hosting the luncheon and will show attendees the latest trends in wedding designs. Shoji will also be available to consult with customers after the luncheon.