Cool Dollhouses

Browsing around, I found some gorgeous dollhouses here. Lovely enough for parents to engage in some play time, methinks ;-)

Better yet, I found the A-Frame second from the bottom for sale at Totsy for 75% off retail (otherwise, $75). It's a quirky house, but fun! And for 75% off, worth a second glance, no?

Ice Cream Maker Give Away!

I've been thinking about ice cream lately. I stumbled across this post, and I thought I'd share in case anyone else is thinking similar thoughts.

Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Give Away

As posted recently, I purchased one. It's super easy to easy, and the result is fantastic. All you need is a little patience, since it does take at least a day from start to finish (mostly chilling time, not actual work). And there's nothing nicer than knowing what you're eating and feeding your family.

Striving for Success and Relief in the Kitchen

Food makes me feel better. It's not just the eating or talking about food, it's the making it. I'm not talking anything gourmet, I just like trying new recipes, new ingredients, new techniques. The fact that you can make something from start to finish with a tangible end product is really gratifying. So while I've always been inclined towards baking cookies, cakes, muffins, etc., I've recently been branching out. It seems to help me regain a bit of myself when I'm lost in the throws on toddler tantrums.

These past couple of weeks have been particularly trying. MetaDaddy has been traveling for work, so he's been gone for 10 of the past 14 days. And when he gets back, I can't expect much because of jet lag. As usual, the kids got sick the minute he stepped foot on the airport. Why, why why!?! MetaBoy started it, and MetaGirl was lucky enough to get a mild version of whatever he had. Then she caught something somewhere else, and now he's sick. Tomorrow is two weeks with one stomach flu or another.

So, I'm having a pity party, and everyone's invited!! Except you probably don't want to come over because you might get sick ;-)

And what's a party without presents? I "happened" to find something on sale that I've been eyeing for a while. I figured it's time to indulge.

Sur La Table is having a sale on Cuisinart ice cream makers (well reviewed by Amazon users). Supposedly, they retail for $90, but they seem to be $50 everywhere. You could get it at Bed Bath and Beyond with one of your million 20% off coupons, though I couldn't seem to find it on their website. The Sur La Table deal, available thru May 31, 2010, offers a $15 gift card with your purchase, which works out to for $50 plus tax, less $15 for a future purchase. Amazon's best offer, if you're willing to take the white machine instead of selecting one of the 5 other colors, is pretty comparable (currently $41.48).

No, I didn't need it. But we all like ice cream. And MetaBoy loves to help me in the kitchen, so I'm excited at the prospect of showing him how to make ice cream. I think it's incredibly valuable that he knows that foods he loves like bread, cake, or ice cream are easily made from scratch at home, even though we can also buy them at the store. As a kid, I didn't know that pancakes could be make without a mix. Or that butter is so incredibly easy to make!! Heck, I didn't know a lot of stuff about food until well into adulthood. We've learned to take basic stuff for granted, and it's a real shame. How can we know how to eat well if we don't know what we're eating?

Anyway, I haven't made anything with the machine yet because everyone's still recovering. But once we're ready, I've been eyeing a decadent mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe from Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc at Home. I love that book. Some recipes are a little tedious or labor intensive, but there are several great, easy ones, like the amazing cauliflower soup that I could eat for days, or the chocolate shortbread cookies. Best of all, whatever recipe you make, you're guaranteed something delicious. There's comfort (food) in that.

Keeping an Eye on Amazon's Black Friday-Movies

Here's a link to all of the movies and TV deals Amazon will be having over the coming week. The price isn't listed on each item, but I suppose it might show up as the sale approaches. And some of the listed prices are pretty good (e.g., The Tale of Despereaux for $5).

Keeping an Eye on Amazon's Black Friday

Amazon has some Black Friday deals going on right now. It's something to keep watching because the deals change every few hours. We got a copy of Wall-E for $4.99!! I'm sure it will come in handy this Christmas with all of the cousins ;-)

You can scroll through all of the items that will go on sale today, though the price isn't listed until it actually goes on sale. I saw a couple of things that will keep me refreshing throughout the day.

Free Bag of Groceries from Whole Foods!!

I'm sorry to have found out about this offer too late to share at a reasonable hour. It sounds like a great deal if you know how to fill a bag of groceries with expensive Whole Foods stuff ;-)

Friday, October 13, 2009 at 7AM
"The first 200 customers at Whole Foods in Woodland Hills will win a free bag of groceries."

Whole Foods
21347 Ventura Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Souplantation's Free Breakfast for Kids During Pajama Month

Apparently, Souplantation offers kids a free breakfast during pajama month, with the purchase of an adult meal. I found out about this too late, but I'd love to go to see a bunch of kids at a restaurant in PJs. It just sounds precious!

I overheard someone talking about it, and I couldn't resist finding out more. It looks like there is no current info on the Souplantation website, though they did a press release in 2007.

It turns out that this deal only happens once a year, which was October 18 this year (i.e., yesterday). I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short. So, I guess I'm posting because I was amused. And it's something to look forward to next year ;-)

Tea Collection: Stylish Girls' Clothes

The Tea Collection has the cutest clothes for girls!! I'm not crazy about the boys clothes, but there are a few nice things. But the girls clothes...if they came in bigger sizes, I'm might be doing my own shopping there. Even better, they have a section of dresses under $30, which is very reasonable for cute, stylish clothes. And if you're lucky, you might find a promotional code with Google.

$25 Vouchers for $1 via Restaurant.com (with a catch)

I know I sound like an ad, but I'm not. I just love a good deal!!

MetaDaddy cringes when I start obsessing about coupons. He stops talking to me if I suggest that he use one. Is this a guy thing? Or a MetaDaddy thing? I don't think I know any guys who like using coupons. Just like I don't know any guys who like carrying coins. I firmly believe that the reason tip jars are everywhere is because guys just kept saying "keep the change." All those Starbucks baristas just knew how to take advantage of a theme.

So I was meandering around the internet, minding my own business, when I noticed that Restaurant.com is having a sale that they claim ends tonight. The coupon code NINETY will get you 90% off of your purchase. For example, I purchased a $25 gift certificate for $1 (the catch: minimum purchase of $35), which usually costs $10. So when I use it, I'll end up having paid $11 for a $35 purchase. Once you purchase the "gift certificate," you receive the voucher via email, so you can print and use it right away.

Not every restaurant participates, but I figure it's a nice way test a new place I've been meaning to try out. I've used these vouchers before, and had no problem. I printed one out for a friend to use, and she had no problem. So I'm looking forward to trying some new places!!

A New Dryer?

We have an old clothes dryer. That is, it was here and well-loved when MetaDaddy bought the place over 10 years ago. It's basic, but it works. It doesn't have any bells and whistles; you turn it on for a set amount of time, and it dries the clothes.

I've recently started looking longingly at the bells and whistles on newer dryers, though. I know, blasphemy! But the thought of a dryer that can sense if the clothes require further drying is so...hot! No more overdrying clothes, which means savings in terms of energy usage and clothes (clothes that spend less time in the dryer last longer). That's green, right!?! Further amenities that I covet: drying racks that allow a user to dry clothes flat, a low heat setting, a wrinkle reduction cycle.

I was further compelled to research new dryer options when our dryer started to take longer to dry clothes. I always put it on for the same amount of time, but recently, it doesn't always dry the load of clothes, despite a clean lint trap and a hot drum (i.e., the dryer is transmitting heat). I'm starting to wonder how much more life it has in it and whether or not it's worth investing in to repair.

As I started researching, I found a few models that I liked. The problem is that the very few user reviews that I found on Sears and elsewhere weren't generally positive. None of them. And I began to remember a good rule of thumb: the more bells and whistles, the more that can go wrong. If one component doesn't work, either your unable to dry your clothes, or best case, you've just paid for a feature that doesn't work. What do you do? Do you bring someone in to fix or replace it, potentially leaving you without a dryer for a period of time? I do a LOT of laundry with my two messy little monsters; I can't afford to be without a dryer for very long. And I was further discouraged by Dooce's account of her non-working washing machine woes.

Oh, one more thing. A rebate program for appliances is scheduled for the fall, which means our dryer purchase might be subsidized. More details here. Hopefully, Sears will still have some good deals then. Currently, they have deals that end every few days, but start up again the next day.

While the rebate might be an incentive, I'm still on the fence. Do we get rid of old reliable? It's seen us through many, many...many disasters. MetaGirl is a messy eater, but that pales in comparison to the messes MetaBoy challenged his onesies to.

Flashback: Ewwwww.

Free Ice Cream at Milk

I haven't tried it due to dietary constraints, but I hear Milk's ice cream is wonderful. One of these days, we'll all sit down for a taste.

But you all are in luck for this Sunday is National Ice Cream Day.

"Milk is doling out free scoops of its decadent, house-made flavors like banana dulce de leche, mint chocolate chip and strawberry. Just say the secret code phrase--"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream"--for one scoop in a cone or a cup."

Milk, 7290 Beverly Blvd., Mid-City; 323-939-6455

Sunday July 19 from 8AM-11PM

Via Tasting Table LA

Blue Berries and Green Shopping

Fun stuff this weekend.

We went blueberry picking in Camarillo. Pickings were slim, but it was an interesting experience. A little too hot to be fun, but I like exposing MetaBoy to new food things. And this was definitely new. Blueberries grow on bushes? In the ground? From dirt? A pound of blueberries for $3.50! No, not organic, but I'll let it slide this time. I'll make plans to do this earlier in the season next time.

Afterwards, we stopped by the Camarillo Outlets for some deals.

I always take my shopping bag in my purse. It's small and folds up into nothing, so it's easy. And it means I'm always ready to refuse a shopping bag from stores. I did this when we bought a little something at Banana Republic, and they gave me 10% off. I got a 10% discount for using my own bag!! What a great surprise.

Good on Banana Republic for encouraging shoppers to do the right thing! I wonder if any other stores do this

Living in a Discount Culture

This was an interesting segment about discount shopping on Marketplace. Ellen Ruppel Shell's latest book Cheap:the High Price of Discount Culture is her analysis of bargains in the U.S., which she says can end up costing consumers more than they think. For example, if instead of buying the boots you love you buy the most discounted pair which you never wear, did you save money? Personally, I find myself always repeating the question to myself "yes it's cheap, but will I use/wear it?" If not, I won't buy it. My argument is both about money and space. I can't afford space for stuff I won't use. I taught myself that lesson years ago, but it primarily stems from my Virgo nature. Practical, organized...boring ;-)

Another interesting comment was about "sales" and how prices are set:

"How many of us, for example, have ever paid full price for a mattress. There's an object, you know, it's always, quote, unquote, on sale. Well, it's really not on a sale. That's the real price of the mattress. The other mattresses in that department store have higher prices, but the merchant doesn't really expect to sell those mattresses. He rotates all his mattresses into the sale pile, and he expects to sell them at that sale price, which is actually the full price."

That information will forever change how I see sales. I'm tempted to buy the book, but like those never worn boots, will I ever get around to reading it?

Maybe if it's on sale ;-)

Prix Fixe at P. F. Chang's

Do you like P. F. Chang's? They've got a prix fixe special: Four course dinner for two for $39.95. The website mentions Valentine's Day, but there's no expiration on the deal. So if you're interested, might be worth a call to your Chang's of choice.

Around the Internet

Independent Fix-it Shops Offer Nearly 50 Percent Savings for L.A. Drivers - Wow...I had no idea that dealers charge that much more for service. Getting new brakes? Transmission? Big bucks!!

"Los Angeles motorists can save nearly 50 percent on car repairs by patronizing an independent repair shop rather than a dealership, says a first-ever study of the issue."

Experts Don't Expect the Rush Retailers Would Like - Expect sales tax in LA County to go up to 9.25% on April 1st, no foolin'. The legislature approved the sales tax rate increase in February, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed it into law Feb. 20. The income is meant to help alleviate a $42 billion budget deficit. Oh, and as of July 1, "most county residents will see an additional half-percent hike - to 9.75 percent - to fund transportation projects authorized when local voters approved Measure R last November." So we're going to see sales tax go from 8.25% to 9.75% within a few months. Yikes!!

On that note, on May 19, the vehicle licensing fee will nearly double, from .65 to 1.15 percent, part of the deal to resolve the state's budget crisis.

Eau de Boy: There's such a thing as too much Axe - This was a funny article about what to expect from your boy after age 10.

Redondo Beach bystanders hurt when driver, 88, plows into restaurant - It's always disturbing to hear stories stories like these. And when I heard that a toddler was involved, it was just infuriating.

"The 88-year-old man, whom police did not immediately identify, apparently hit the car's accelerator instead of the brake pedal, sending the car hurtling through the store's glass facade, police said. "

Warm & Fuzzy Rain Boots!!

Having lived in Los Angeles for all of my 30 something years, I really never had a good excuse to buy rain boots. But something possessed me this year. I finally got a pair... Moov Boots! And while I bought them just after the heavy rain in December, they really came in handy for the heavy rain in January and February. And yes, heavy is relative ;-)

They're warm and fuzzy on the inside. They're lovely on the outside.

No, they're not cheap, but they're sturdy and I don't slip when I walk, which means they'll last me a long time. They're sold and shipped from Australia, so you'll have to convert the price into your currency to know your true cost (I like this site). Keep in mind that the price includes shipping.

Even better, Daily Candy is offering a discount of 30% (coupon code: DCMOOV)! Yes, I'm regretting not having waited. But oh well...can't win them all.

Changing Your Look

This is kinda cool for locals.

Allen Edwards Salon, where haircuts usually start at $70, offers $25 haircuts in Woodland Hills and Brentwood, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively.

For $25, You Can Change Your Look

Great Price on Enameled Cast Iron Pot in Blue

The color isn't very traditional, but Macy's has a Martha Stewart Collection blue enameled cast iron pot (5.5 quarts) for $33.74 (usually retails for $99.99). That price is fabulous!

I haven't actually seen this collection, so I can't speak for the the quality. However, I have a 5.5 quart Le Creuset enameled cast iron pot, and I love it. I use it several times a week for everything from sautees, to stir frys, to braises...it's my go to pot.

I'm just saying.

Pottery Barn Kids Discounts

I was looking for coupon codes to Pottery Barn Kids (you know, for kicks), and I find this page on Retail Me Not.

One entry says to "change 34 to 68." There are a few other similar entries with different numbers (e.g., change 34 to 59 or 34 to 89). At first, this made no sense. But then I find the item number for these storage baskets (Medium Sabrina Basket, set of 2, Honey) by putting them in my shopping cart. I then start to fiddle with the two first digits of the item number (21-4342838).

The starting number is 21 instead of 34, but I try it anyway. While I had no luck on the first few tries, that changed when I entered 68-4342838.

The price for the baskets dropped to $27.99 from $34. I should point out that any price ending in .99 is a final sale. But that's not the point.

It's like a sale playing Peek-A-Boo with me!

On that note, I probably need to get out more.

But who am I kidding. I'm totally nerdy like that ;-)

(I wonder if this works on other Pottery Barn sites?)

Holiday Deals

I'm a bit overwhelmed at the sales these days. It just feels like the question these days is not "are you having a sale?" Rather "how good is your sale?" And free shipping is a default assumption.

I went to a favorite store, Anthropology, with a specific item in mind and found myself accosted by racks of clothes that filled half the store..all deeply discounted. The better part of my loot was 50% off.

To name a few recent discounting retailers that have helped to overwhelm me: Banana Republic, Gap, J Crew, American Eagle Outfitters, Bloomingdales, Macys, and even high end retailers like Saks and Nordstrom. Emails and store signs and mailers...it's so hard to resist!!

Gap was selling all sweaters at $25 one day, then all gloves, scarves, and hats for $10 another day. Saks has some serious mark downs on designer labels, though it's all far beyond what I'm willing to spend. And I just discovered that Kate Spade (oh, their lovely handbags!!) is offering 30% off of everything on their website, excluding jewelry.

Yikes!!

Have you found any good deals out there?