Despite the sluggish economy, e-commerce reported record sales last year with an anticipated double-digit growth in 2011. Fueled by new technology and an evolving social-media shopping sphere, commerce is almost unrecognizable to the common consumer. However, it spells good news for retailers who quickly adopt such changing sales and marketing strategies. With daily deals delivered via Twitter feeds and mobile-friendly sale sites, the retail industry is expanding in directions it would have been difficult to predict even five years ago.

Here are six retailer trends changing the way consumers shop in 2011.

1. Daily Deals

With the explosion of limited-time daily deals via group-buying (more than 23 million in the last year) and flash-sale sites like Gilt Group & Jetsetter.com, it's no surprise other retailers have adopted this successful sales strategy. In fact, online retailers like Target & Overstock now offer Deal-of-the-Day sales that bode well for their bottom line. Even Facebook and Amazon have added daily deal services.

But wait, there`s more! »

Mardi Gras celebrations are no longer limited to the Crescent City. You'll find beads, baubles and fine Cajun food everywhere from big-city civic centers to small-town backyards. Throw together some Second Line jazz, a few party hats, home-mixed Hurricanes and a crayfish boil and you've got your own celebration.

You could lay out plenty for a prime-time Mardi Gras party, but there are always a few tips and tricks to help reduce costs. Check out the following seven ways to save while enjoying Fat Tuesday.

But wait, there`s more! »

An estimated four million couples were expected to get engaged on Valentine's Day, making it one of the most popular days to get down on bended knee. If you're among this group of soon-to-be brides and grooms, there's no better time than now to develop a game plan for bankrolling your big day.

Though a detailed review of your finances and a realistic wedding budget will need to be devised, cutting back on certain expenses will ultimately lead toward a debt-free celebration. This doesn't mean you have to put your entire life on hold until you say "I Do," however. Instead, make a few budget tweaks to kick off your wedding savings.

Here are 10 easy ways to help you spend less and save more.

But wait, there`s more! »

The average American’s amount of debt is $10,000 (Money Talks News). With such a staggering number, we should take as many preventative measures as possible to avoid being buried in a mountain of debt.

Surprisingly, though, your finance classes in college are not enough to nip overspending and under-saving in the bud. Our subconscious is almost completely formed by the time we are six years old, and it is around this time when most of our notions about money are formed.

As adults, during those moments when restraint goes out of the window, we tap into our subconscious and our deepest feelings – the ones that shaped us as youngsters – come to light. For example, pretty much all of us are taught from a young age that setting personal boundaries is selfish.

When was the last time your coworkers went for post-work cocktails and pressured you into going, even though you knew it was over your budget? These types of scenarios have been happening to you your entire life, and it takes practice and acceptance of these feelings to overcome these poor money habits.

But wait, there`s more! »

Buying our first home was definitely one of the highlights of my life and almost six years later, it's still just as fun, for now I'm enjoying the process of decorating it, room by room! Our current overhaul has been the guest bedroom.

I've been loving the process of getting this room ready and have it newly painted with fresh carpeting put down.  My recent quest for quality artwork led me to discover GalleryDirect.com, a fine art publisher who believes in the motto "Fine Art for Everyone!" Keep reading to learn more about an online retailer who can instantly beautify your home for less!

But wait, there`s more! »

This post brought to you by Zenni Optical. All opinions are 100% mine.

If either you or your children wear prescription eyeglasses, you are well aware of just how expensive new eyewear can be. Once you factor in the visit to the optometrist's office, a pair of quality frames and the prescription lenses themselves, you may easily spend several hundred dollars on a new pair of eyeglasses. That's why I'm so happy to have the chance to tell you about Zenni Optical.

This online eyeglasses retailer offers top-quality frames, which include the prescription lenses, ranging from $6 to $46.  Many Zenni Optical customers are so impressed by the cheap eyeglasses they receive that they become lifelong customers.  Who could pass up an online retailer that provides a complete set of prescription glasses, which includes shipping, for only $20?

But wait, there`s more! »