Deal of the Day November 30, ,2008

I never thought I’d see the day.  But it’s here!

In the first ever discount of it’s kind ever seen for Pottery Barn, this printable coupon knocks 20% off any single item of your choice. Sale items are included in this offer however, gift cards, and gift certificates are excluded. Offer valid for in-store purchases only. Valid through 11/30/2008.

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Deal of the Day November 29, 2008

Going on now at Lane Bryant, merchandise storewide is now on sale at buy one, get one free. The free item being the least expensive item in your cart. After stuffing your virtual shopping bag, apply coupon code 000159517 to save an additional 15% on total purchases. Shipping is free on any order of $75 or more. Expires 11/30/2008.

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Holiday Spending Role Reversal

Son has asked for only one thing for Hanukkah/Christmas this year.  A Tri-Rail train.

He adores trains, just like his Dad.  Husband and Son regularly go to the local train museum, and I’ve been known to just pop by the train station on a random afternoon just to let Son watch them go by.  And not just any generic trains; he particularly loves all of the trains that serve our local station – Amtrak, FEC, CSX, but most of all he adores the oddly shaped Tri-Rail trains that serves South Florida commuters.

Son is not a “gimme” kid.  He doesn’t ask for much – in fact this is the first toy he’s ever asked for.   Of course I want to get it for him.  I hoped to find something like the trucks Hess comes out with every year – sturdy for kids and about $15-$20.

Nope.  I’ve scoured the internet and come up empty.  I even had Husband try – and if there’s a train he’ll find it.  Nope.  I’ve even tried calling Tri-Rail directly.

There is no regular toy Tri-Rail.

You’d think a large-ish regional system would have toy likenesses, wouldn’t you?  Well, so did I.  Unfortunately no one makes a Tri-Rail train fit for a preschooler.  The only Tri-Rail trains available are expensive and fragile model trains, the type that people (like Husband) build entire train layouts around so they can run trains to their hearts content.   The thought of Son mistreating playing with a model train – the way a preschooler would play with a model train – makes Husband cringe (he hates to see any train not treated with the reverence they deserve), but doesn’t bother me at all.  A toy is a toy.

But.

An engine is $90 and each car is $30.  That’s at least $150. For a toy that Son will likely break.

Sigh.

I even asked Tri-Rail if they had any special promotional trains, perhaps a model sitting in some executive’s desk.  Nope.  The marketing representative was very nice, and she even sent some train erasers, but even those aren’t Tri-Rail.

Have these people no sense of merchandising????

Spending $150 on these trains is nuts.  Completely insane.  Totally irrational.

And  I soooo want to do it.    Because I soooo want my kid to get what he wants.   I’m willing to forgo any gift for myself, and cut spending on others.  I’m willing to take it out of savings.  I’m willing to do just about anything.

I find myself in an unusual circumstance – wanting to spend money on something frivolous while Husband is being more circumspect.

He’s right.  I know he’s right.

But I sooooooo wanna get it for him.

So, this is the dilemma we face.  Do we spend $150 on the only thing Son has ever asked us for?   Or do we have him face the harsh reality and disappointment of not getting the only thing he’s asked of Hanukkah Harry and Santa Claus?

What do you think?

Deal of the Day November 28, 2008

CVS is offering 10 cent photo prints through Sunday.  That’s a terrific deal!  I’m still unhappy with them, but they may just get back in my good graces.   Also check out their sale ad for more great deals!

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A Thanksgiving Kitchen Tip From Be This Way

If you have Tapioca mix that expired several months ago it’s fine if you don’t want to use it, especially when you are taking a chance of poisoning everyone at the Thanksgiving table.

What is decidedly NOT fine is Tapioca, so don’t even think of putting it down your garbage disposal, at least without running the water for a few moments to make sure it all gets through your pipes.

Why, you ask?

Well, Tapioca expands.  And if it’s sitting in the pipe under your sink it will turn into a solid mass the consistency of glue, and you will have your husband cursing you as he takes apart the garbage disposal to dig it out.

Just so you know.

But don’t worry about us.  Making up is always tres’ fun.

Deal of the Day Thanksgiving Day 2008

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

American Eagle has a Thanksgiving treat for everyone today. Use coupon code 47596384 to cut 25% off all purchases, and score free shipping. This coupon works in conjunction with their current sale of all tops buy one, get one free, and possibly along with the PayPal offer , which gives $20 cash back on orders of $125 or more when you pay for your order with PayPal. Coupon valid 11/27/2008 only, BOGO 50% off shirt sale ends 12/02/2008, PayPal offer ends 12/22/2008.

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Share a Hug with Your Pets on Thanksgiving, Not the Food

If you’re tempted to share your Thanksgiving meal with your dog or cat, think again.

Turkey and stuffing and all the rich foods that go along with Thanksgiving can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting for pets.  At least according to an article I read today, and my friend who’s a vet.

There are people out there who actually think about feeding their pets a traditional Thanksgiving meal, complete with turkey and stuffing.  A meal like that can be lethal to pets, so please don’t do it.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your pet on its regular food and routine feeding schedule.
• Do not feed your pet any turkey. The seasoning, skin and gravy can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
• Do not give your pet bones. Turkey bones are particularly dangerous because the bones can splinter and cause intestinal damage.
• Secure the garbage can. Don’t make it easy for your pet to help itself to tossed table scraps.
• Spiked eggnog is a no-no. Alcohol can cause coma and death. Eggnog can cause diarrhea.
• If necessary, keep your dog in another room during dinnertime so it can’t beg at the table.

If you must, buy some canned food and mold it into a turkey shape. But beforefeeding any people food to your pets always, always check with your veterinarian first!

Deal of the Day November 26, 2008

Here’s a free shipping roundup – just some of the places you can shop from the comfort of  your couch and have it delivered to your door at no extra charge.

Life  is good.

Accessory Geeks – 10% off + free shipping w/code GEEKS1025. Exp. 12/31/2008.
Adidas – Free shipping on $49+ order.
Aeropostale – Free shipping on $75+ order.
Bloomingdale’s – Free shipping on $100+ order w/code SHIPXMAS. Exp. 12/19/2008.
Blue Nile – 20% off + free shipping w/code SPECIAL20. Exp. 12/31/2008.
Cabellas – Free shipping on $100+ order w/code 8SANTA. Exp. 12/12/2008.
Disney Shopping – Free shipping on orders of $89 w/code SHIP89. Ends 12/01/2008.
etnies – All orders ship free & get a free beanie. Ends 12/31/2008.
Fashion Bug – Free Shipping Thanksgiving day only w/code 776249906.
Finish Line – Free shipping w/no minimum on Thanksgiving day only.
Kohl’s – Free shipping on orders of $75+. Exp. 11/27/2008.
PacSun – Free Shipping on all orders 11/27/2008 – 11/28/2008.
Staples – Free shipping through 11/27/2008.

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Celebrating Thanksgiving Twice and Hanukkah Once on Thanksgiving Day

We’re not the only ones who will be celebrating Thanksgiving more than once on Thanksgiving Day.  I venture to guess that we’re one of only a few that will have TWO Thanksgivings and a Hanukkah, too.

Thanksgiving isn’t a day in my family – it’s a four day extravaganza.   We have many traditions (breakfast at the flea market on Friday, dinner out Saturday night and  various other and sundry fun things jam-packed into those four days) that are so entrenched that when friends misguidedly invite me to go on a Black Friday Sale hunt I must shake my head and decline.

We’d gone away the past few years, but this is going to be the first Thanksgiving at Dad’s new home without my stepmother, and we all feel it’s Especially Important.  Husband’s family has been so supportive the past yfew years that we’ve gone away, so we’ve made going to their celebration a priority this year.   We’ll go there first, relax and not rush, and then head to my Dad’s later in the day.

How did we start celebrating Hanukkah at Thanksgiving?  It all began in 1983, when Hanukkah fell on December 1st.  Us kids had already started to scatter, so it made more sense to celebrate while we were together. We decided to celebrate it the day after Thanksgiving so at least we had two separate holidays.  And that’s how it’s been ever since.

This year my brother-in-law has to go back to work in Atlanta on Friday, so we’re doing all of our celebrating on Thursday.

What am I going to be doing with my time over the next two days?

Two corn casseroles, two pumpkin rolls ( a yummy dessert), caramelized onions, pumpkin pie, rhubarb pie, and wrapping several Hanukkah presents. Already did the big shopping trip with my Dad (7 family members staying at his house).

Also last minute-shopping, wrapping, welcomes, non-Thanksgiving dinners, school, karate, laundry and cleaning.

Did I mention that I’m sick? I don’t even have time to go to the doctor – my sister-in-law gave me a Z-pack.

But happy! I get to see my sisters and their families, spend time with them and the rest of my family and spend time with Husband’s family. All the people I love most in the world!

On Monday I can collapse.

Deal of the Day November 25, 2008

For those of you that just don’t want to cook a Turkey dinner, and for those of you who try and burn it, here’s an option for you.

Select Ruby Tuesday restaurants will be open Thanksgiving day and offering a traditional Thanksgiving feast. For just $9.99 you can stuff yourself with a plate full of juicy roasted turkey with stuffing and rich gravy, fresh green beans, and creamy mashed potatoes. Call your local Ruby’s to see if they’re participating in this succulent offer. Valid at participating restaurants 11/27/2008 – 11/30/2008 only.

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