When I was young and a lot less frugal I used to buy birthday cards at the closest pharmacy, hair care products at my salon, and shop for groceries the day that I needed them. Then I moved out, met FICA, and had to start repaying my student loan. In hindsight, I got smart.
I am now one of those crazy people who go to (insert your favorite retailer) and clean up on after holiday sales. Today I was picking up a prescription at Target and found myself wandering through the 70% off post-Valentine sale aisle. I was tempted to pick up some Dora valentines for next year but figured 45 was a bit much for a will-be two-year old. Thankfully, I was not discouraged because I cleaned up in the candy/home aisle.
I bought a picture frame, candy, and stickers that, since they are pastel and pink colored, will be perfect for a cute little girl's Easter basket. All at 70% off! Good deal!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Whitney Houston
Two of the biggest pop music stars in my young life have died and it seems very surreal to me. I wasn't the biggest Michael Jackson fan, but I appreciated his music, did my best Moonwalk impression in my girlfriend's living room, and can proudly say that Thriller was the first albumn I ever owned. When I was young he seemed larger than life. Then drugs, depression, and weirdness destroyed him. So sad.
Last night, Whitney Houston was found dead. I was probably a bigger fan of her husband, but I Wanna Dance With Somebody was one of the music videos that my friends and I studied at nauseum to perfect our dance moves and crazy 80's hair, with scarf. I cried every time she started singing at the end of The Bodyguard, and fell in love with Kevin Cosner along with Whitney. I also thought it so cool that she named her daughter after her husband. She was a pretty big deal during my middle school years. Like Michael, drugs and craziness spun her life out of control.
I am not a drug user and don't understand how people, with important jobs and loving families, with loyal friends, and in this case adoring fans can't rid themselves of the poison that ultimately destroys them.
And if we continue to tolerate and even glorify that lifestyle, I can't help but wonder, who will be next?
Last night, Whitney Houston was found dead. I was probably a bigger fan of her husband, but I Wanna Dance With Somebody was one of the music videos that my friends and I studied at nauseum to perfect our dance moves and crazy 80's hair, with scarf. I cried every time she started singing at the end of The Bodyguard, and fell in love with Kevin Cosner along with Whitney. I also thought it so cool that she named her daughter after her husband. She was a pretty big deal during my middle school years. Like Michael, drugs and craziness spun her life out of control.
I am not a drug user and don't understand how people, with important jobs and loving families, with loyal friends, and in this case adoring fans can't rid themselves of the poison that ultimately destroys them.
And if we continue to tolerate and even glorify that lifestyle, I can't help but wonder, who will be next?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Profile Picture
Did you know that when you Google someone who has a Facebook page, their profile picture shows up? Along with their name and pictures of anyone else who shares their name? Even if you have a private profile. A private Facebook... now there is an oxymoron.
As you all know, I do not have a Facebook page but discovered this today when my fifth graders were Googling their mom. A mom who happens to be a close friend of mine and has a private Facebook page. There was her smiling profile picture, complete with her smiling husband and two minor children. For any unmentionable to view, copy, and enjoy with all of their unmentionable friends. There were also many other pictures of people with the same name whom I don't know, in various states, including tongue wrestling with a bare chested and quite fit young man.
A word to the wise: make sure your profile picture, private or not, could be comfortably viewed in the presence of your mom, dad, employer, and ten-year old's fifth grade class.
As you all know, I do not have a Facebook page but discovered this today when my fifth graders were Googling their mom. A mom who happens to be a close friend of mine and has a private Facebook page. There was her smiling profile picture, complete with her smiling husband and two minor children. For any unmentionable to view, copy, and enjoy with all of their unmentionable friends. There were also many other pictures of people with the same name whom I don't know, in various states, including tongue wrestling with a bare chested and quite fit young man.
A word to the wise: make sure your profile picture, private or not, could be comfortably viewed in the presence of your mom, dad, employer, and ten-year old's fifth grade class.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Chicken Wing Cupcakes
For the past two weeks, I'm sure, like me, you have been bombarded by recipes and ideas for your Superbowl Party. I have seen too many recipes for the "ultimate" guacamole, sensational chili, and more dip than even Paula Deen could consume.
The one that I can't stop thinking about is Coccodotts' Chicken Wing Cupcakes. (I even dreamt about them last night.) Coccodotts created my wedding cake, so I know that her cakes are beyond delicious. It's the chicken wing part that has me so intrigued: the cake is topped with blue cheese and cornmeal frosting. Rounding out the unique treat? A real chicken wing!
I just checked their website and they are open until 2pm. I might have to find my way to Central Avenue in the next few hours...
The one that I can't stop thinking about is Coccodotts' Chicken Wing Cupcakes. (I even dreamt about them last night.) Coccodotts created my wedding cake, so I know that her cakes are beyond delicious. It's the chicken wing part that has me so intrigued: the cake is topped with blue cheese and cornmeal frosting. Rounding out the unique treat? A real chicken wing!
I just checked their website and they are open until 2pm. I might have to find my way to Central Avenue in the next few hours...
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Coupons
I hate paying full price for anything. If I am clothing or shoe shopping, I will rarely even try on something that is not on sale. Or if I am at Macy's, that I don't have a coupon for. Every Sunday I scan all of the ads to decide where I am going to do my grocery shopping that week, where the best deal is on diapers, and what restaurant is giving away a BOGO meal. I won't even let my 18 month old interrupt me until I have finished the whole Sunday paper and all of the ads.
My husband might say I am obsessed with coupons. I have a drawer full of them, they often fall out of my planner, and my fridge is covered. I subscribe to coupon sites. I cut them out of newspapers, fliers, and magazines and follow this amazing blog called Money Saving Mom.
I have found amazing deals on this site like winter hats from LL Bean for $1.99 (shipped). I use it to accumulate Pampers Gifts to Grow points and Swagbucks. There are also postings for inexpensive recipes, home improvements, and vacation deals. I haven also gotten a ton of free samples of all sorts of products. The blogger devotes ALL of her time to scouring websites and fliers for the best deals imaginable. She is an extreme couponer and something that I aspire to.
Last night she did her grocery shopping for the week and only spent forty-four dollars and change between Target and Aldi. Though I have never been to an Aldi, I have been known to frequent Target multiple times in a week. As I was looking through what she was able to purchase, with utter amazement, she noted that every single thing she bought she used a Target coupon to save money. She also used a manufacturer's coupon for additional savings.
Once again my shopping guru has opened my eyes to savings! I now know that multiple coupons can be used for the same item and that Target has its own coupon site. AHHHHHH...
Check out the link below for your own enlightenment. I am off to Target with my coupons to save a bundle. I will check back later with my results!
http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/01/super-savings-saturday-aldi-target-and-farm-fresh-eggs.html
My husband might say I am obsessed with coupons. I have a drawer full of them, they often fall out of my planner, and my fridge is covered. I subscribe to coupon sites. I cut them out of newspapers, fliers, and magazines and follow this amazing blog called Money Saving Mom.
I have found amazing deals on this site like winter hats from LL Bean for $1.99 (shipped). I use it to accumulate Pampers Gifts to Grow points and Swagbucks. There are also postings for inexpensive recipes, home improvements, and vacation deals. I haven also gotten a ton of free samples of all sorts of products. The blogger devotes ALL of her time to scouring websites and fliers for the best deals imaginable. She is an extreme couponer and something that I aspire to.
Last night she did her grocery shopping for the week and only spent forty-four dollars and change between Target and Aldi. Though I have never been to an Aldi, I have been known to frequent Target multiple times in a week. As I was looking through what she was able to purchase, with utter amazement, she noted that every single thing she bought she used a Target coupon to save money. She also used a manufacturer's coupon for additional savings.
Once again my shopping guru has opened my eyes to savings! I now know that multiple coupons can be used for the same item and that Target has its own coupon site. AHHHHHH...
Check out the link below for your own enlightenment. I am off to Target with my coupons to save a bundle. I will check back later with my results!
http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/01/super-savings-saturday-aldi-target-and-farm-fresh-eggs.html
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hannaford Supermarkets
I am not a Price Chopper fan. Yes, I find the Advantage gas savings alluring, but unless I am buying gift cards or they are having a buy one get three free sale I try very hard to avoid their over-crowded and high priced stores. I am a Hannaford shopper.
Hannaford has a policy that states if you are over-charged for something or if your receipt is incorrect, they will refund your money and give you a dollar for your inconvenience. Really! You simply go to the customer service counter, explain your situation, and hand over your receipt. Or not, like I found out today.
It all began yesterday when I was checking out. I asked the cashier if they still sold stamps at the register. She responded yes and commented that I was the first one to buy the new stamps from her. Stamps went up again you see and I was exactly one day late in buying them. My favorite mailman must have gotten another raise...
Anyway... as we continued to discuss how the post office is going to alienate the only customers that they have left by bankrupting us, we must have gotten distracted. When I got home and looked for my stamps, they were not in any of my bags.
I returned to the store today, went to the customer service counter, and explained my situation . The extremely helpful rep didn't even ask for my receipt. She appologized for my inconvenience and handed over a book of stamps. Just like that.
Take that, Chopper Shoppers!
Hannaford has a policy that states if you are over-charged for something or if your receipt is incorrect, they will refund your money and give you a dollar for your inconvenience. Really! You simply go to the customer service counter, explain your situation, and hand over your receipt. Or not, like I found out today.
It all began yesterday when I was checking out. I asked the cashier if they still sold stamps at the register. She responded yes and commented that I was the first one to buy the new stamps from her. Stamps went up again you see and I was exactly one day late in buying them. My favorite mailman must have gotten another raise...
Anyway... as we continued to discuss how the post office is going to alienate the only customers that they have left by bankrupting us, we must have gotten distracted. When I got home and looked for my stamps, they were not in any of my bags.
I returned to the store today, went to the customer service counter, and explained my situation . The extremely helpful rep didn't even ask for my receipt. She appologized for my inconvenience and handed over a book of stamps. Just like that.
Take that, Chopper Shoppers!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Blue Monday
Did you know that the most depressing day of the year is not your birthday? It's not even the day you mourn your dead cat, curse your ex, remember your first love, or step on the scale.
The most depressing day of the year is Monday; Blue Monday in fact. Apparently this is a reaction to a combination of factors: winter is in full swing (or in our case beginning), New Year's resolutions have been broken, post holiday credit card bills are pouring in, and W2s are showing up in paychecks.
But before you start shelling out your money to Citibank and The IRS, head to Cold Stone Creamery in Stuyvesant Plaza. They are offering half off all of their ice cream. Guaranteed to turn that frown upside down!
The most depressing day of the year is Monday; Blue Monday in fact. Apparently this is a reaction to a combination of factors: winter is in full swing (or in our case beginning), New Year's resolutions have been broken, post holiday credit card bills are pouring in, and W2s are showing up in paychecks.
But before you start shelling out your money to Citibank and The IRS, head to Cold Stone Creamery in Stuyvesant Plaza. They are offering half off all of their ice cream. Guaranteed to turn that frown upside down!
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