February 11, 2008
Awesome deal
You may hate me but I just bought a new winter coat for Youngest.
For next year.
How can you beat a $110 Columbia jacket marked down to $34.50? $34.50 people!! Can't forget the bib snowpants for $12.00 either.
Thank you Kohls!
Posted by Cate at 10:27 AM | Comments (2)
January 02, 2008
Damn You WallyMart!
Well, so much for only purchasing a mattress pad, deodorant, and creamer. I also picked up new pillows, printer paper, Peach Mango juice (SO GOOD!)
::side note:: As I type this, I am listening to the best of "The Bob and Tom Show" and they are interviewing Peter Frampton, who is now singing "Baby I Love Your Way". I think Peter Frampton was one of my most favorite rockers from the 70's. I was only six when the song was released but my Mom played the Frampton Comes Alive album constantly. Somehow, I know a lot of the songs and I never ever switch the station when his song plays.
Where was I? Oh, my excessive shopping trip to WallyMart. I knew I was screwed the moment I grabbed hold of a shopping cart.
I've got laundry to fold, dinner to prep (meatloaf and stuffing), a bed to make, and a TON of Girl Scout stuff to prepare. Ciao for now!
Posted by Cate at 09:13 AM | Comments (0)
August 15, 2007
Real Simple... or Simply Expensive?
The other day, I had one of the girls fetch the mail for me. To my surprise, I received a copy of Real Simple Family. I have a subscription to Real Simple and I really enjoy browsing through it. I have found great recipes and some pretty interesting and inexpensive decorating ideas.
I settled down in the backyard, on my lounge chair, along with a glass of iced tea in order to read my "special Real Simple issue" (as it says on the cover) while the girls went swimming in the pool. In order for you, my gentle and kind readers, to understand the rest of this post, I have scanned the cover of the magazine just so you can view it for yourself...
See?
So, as the girls fight over pool toys merrily splash and laugh while frolicking in the pool, I relax with my magazine. I lazily flick the pages, reviewing the table of contents. So far so good. I anticipate reading the interviews of four moms listed under the "real life" section.
The first interview was titled "meet a Real Simple mom". I know the magazine is called Real Simple but couldn't they come up with a better title than that? You know - it reads like the mom is simple..duuhh simple. But, what really sent me over the edge was an article titled "they've got your back"
This article was all about helping us dopey parents choose and purchase a backpack that would be specific to your child's needs. I know what my child needs - something to carry her books, notebooks, and lunchbox. But wait, I am getting ahead of myself. Real Simple had the reviews broken down into age groups, for example, best for toddlers, best for ages four to seven, best for teenage boys, and best for teenage girls. What really tweaked me the most was the $100 dollar Jansport backpack recommended for teenage girls. Yes, you read that right. A $100 backpack. The other backpacks were, in order, $35, $26.50, and $30. Even worse was the written review of this one particular backpack:
Meet the ultimate media-savvy sack. Your daughter can slip her iPod into the exterior pocket, plug it in, then use the buttons on the padded strap to switch from Gwen Stefani to Hilary Duff. Inside, you'll find organizing pockets for a cell phone and other adolescent necessities, like lip gloss and Sour Patch Kids. Also available in black and houndstooth
I've got numerous problems with this particular review. First of all, $100? For a backpack? Cut me a frigging break. BUT, I found it offensive in the way the review was written. A place for my daughter's lip gloss? And her iPod? Thank goodness she has a place to store them - don't worry about books or anything like that. All your daughter needs to do is listen to her pop music, apply her lip gloss, and eat candy. WTF? Is it me? Seriously - Real Simple expects me to run out and purchase this backpack because it's "media-savvy"? It's a dang backpack!
The teenage boy's backpack, which was only $30, states this:
Equipped with exterior bungee cord pockets for securing water bottles or sports equipment, a supplies organizer, a detachable Velcro case, and an iPod holder with an exit port for headphones, this satchel comes with a protective bottom to guard against wear and tear that goes with, you know, being a teenage boy. Also comes in two other colors
Again, no mention of those silly things one may get from school, like, you know, books. While this backpack had a slight mention of being sturdy, again, it's all about the iPod. At least this review didn't mention lip gloss.
I am very disappointed with Real Simple. I thought they were better than that.
Shame on you.
Oh - here's a copy of the email I sent to Real Simple (yourwords@realsimple.com):
I just received a copy of Real Simple Family and I had to email you about the reviews of the backpacks on pages 106 and 107. I was quite disappointed to read that the one backpack that was reviewed for teenage girls was not only $100 (which is quite a bit more costly than the one reviewed for teenage boys) but the review was, frankly speaking, obnoxious. A place for "adolescent necessities" like lip gloss and candy? A place to keep cell phones and iPods? Not once was there a mention of how sturdy the backpack was or how many books it could hold. In fact, there was no mention of books whatsoever. Shame on you Real Simple.
I also mentioned this review on my blog, http://katespot.com/archives/2007/08/real_simple_or.html
I do enjoy reading Real Simple and I look forward to reading next month's copy. Please, in the future, try to have more balanced and reasonable reviews of your products
Posted by Cate at 12:56 AM | Comments (3)
August 15, 2006
Finished!
Well, I've gotten pretty much all the necessities for the girls - sneakers and shoes, jeans, shirts.. all that fun stuff. Thank God for TJ Maxx and Old Navy. I picked up some great bargains from them and even free shipping from Old Navy (code DENIM). I thought I would have a tough time with Eldest and her sneakers as she really REALLY wanted a pair of etnies. Luckily, she settled for a pair of DCs instead. Cute, aren't they?
Famous Footwear was having a Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off, we looked for another pair for her. Since we didn't happen to find some for her, I somehow managed to find a pair for me instead. Cute, aren't they?
Eldest's at horseback riding camp and I'm off to do laundry while Youngestlounges on the couch with Spongebob. We're all having a great day!
Posted by Cate at 08:32 AM | Comments (8)
August 14, 2006
Shopping
So - anyone found some awesome back to school bargains yet?
Posted by Cate at 02:52 PM | Comments (4)
April 18, 2006
We're BACK!
What a fantastic time!
Eldest is totally beat and I'm a bit tired myself. NYC was gorgeous - sunny and warm. One of the moms saw Len Berman leaving NBC studios. Woohoo - celebrity sightings!
Will post photos later.
Ciao!
Posted by Cate at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2006
Shopping
The girls and Husband decided that I needed to buy new jeans. My old jeans are starting to fall down and, frankly speaking, none of them need to see my crack. That would certainly traumatize them for life.
ANYWAY - I made it to the mall this morning and had one helluva time finding what I wanted. I watch What Not To Wear pretty religiously and I sorta have an idea what I can and cannot wear. When you are a fat chick, low riders and hip huggers are a definite no go. I finally found a pair of jeans in Lane Bryant that fit me ok. So, I bought them. I wandered the mall some more and ended up in JC Penneys. I tried on a few more pairs of jeans found a pair of Levis that fit quite nicely. They are a TAD too long but I might be able to get them hemmed.
I stopped at Famous Footwear and fantasized drooled over a couple pairs of shoes. I have a $10 coupon that I've been itching to spend. I saw a few pairs that I lived but left empty handed.
I made it back home and changed into the jeans from Lane Bryant. As soon as I sat down, the freaking button popped off. Now, there was NO f'ing way that these jeans were too tight. Now, I have to drive back to the mall tomorrow and exchange them for the same goddamn thing. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr! So, I put on the Levis and they fit great. I decided to go back to Famous Footwear and check out those shoes again. The promo was Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off. After much shoe debating, I picked out these two:
Aerosoles
and - my best buy - Aigner shoes for $12.50!
Both pairs are quite comfy and I am wearing my bargain Aigner shoes right now.
We've got a troop trip today woth Youngest's Daisy troop. We are visiting the local police station. Stay tuned for pictures - I hope!
Posted by Cate at 02:30 PM | Comments (3)
December 01, 2005
It's all about the shoes
I finally bought myself a new pair of sneakers. They are very comfortable. I can't believe I spent as much as I did on them but my Sketchers bit the dust and my Polo sneakers (a gift from Mom) didn't last long either. So, I splurged. I supposed I should have waited until Christmas but I needed them now.
In fact, I've got to run - headed to auto inspection and the gym. Woohoo!
Posted by Cate at 07:48 AM | Comments (4)
October 05, 2005
Another toy!
I'm getting one of these too!
Plus - it's coming with a free MP3 kit AND a 128mb expansion card. Booooooyah!
Posted by Cate at 03:56 PM | Comments (1)
May 06, 2005
If you had to choose
Would you pick a new digital camera or a PDA? Keep in mind that the person who this is for uses a PDA religiously. But, this person also loves to take pictures as well.
Tough decision. Very tough decision.
::update:: Thanks for the comments so far. Some more info: the PDA is four year old and the camera is five years old. Please keep sending me your suggestions.
Posted by Cate at 09:45 AM | Comments (17)
May 03, 2005
Put the lime in the Coke you nut
I caved in while shopping this morning and bought a two liter bottle of Diet Coke with Lime. It's in the refrigerator now. I will try it at lunchtime. Watch the commercial and tell me that the commercial isn't catchy.
Yeah, I know. I can't believe I bought it either. It had better be tasty!
Posted by Cate at 09:21 AM | Comments (24)
July 20, 2004
Gross
When P and I were in WalMart the other night, an employee wheeled a bicycle past us. Walking behind him was a woman on her cell phone. Right as she passed us, P and I were <strike>hit</strike> assaulted by her BO stench. <i>OhmyGAWD</i>! It was so freakin' nasty that P and I, at the very same time, exclaimed "Oh my God! Ewwwwwwwwwwww!" It smelled like she hadn't bathed in at least 3-4 days. Why do people do that? Have they NO shame? A few swiped of Ban might have soothed the savage stink beast.
Christ - she was <i>rank</i>!
Posted by Cate at 09:45 AM | Comments (3)
June 17, 2004
Oh yeah.. uh huh!
I am OUT the door and goin' to Target! Yippie!
Posted by Cate at 10:27 AM | Comments (1)
March 16, 2004
Rainy Day Shopping
If anyone is looking for some great prices, check out <a href="http://www.kohls.com"><b>Kohls</b></a> clearance section - Free shipping on $75+ Kohls Coupon Code: NOSHIP exp 3/17.
Posted by Cate at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2004
Ugh
I went shopping this morning... food shopping. I have to clean out my fridge and cabinets now.. see you later!
Posted by Cate at 10:17 AM | Comments (3)
March 10, 2004
Goin' shopping
For Christmas, Mom had given me a gift card to Fashion Bug. Tonight, I am going out and spending it. Yay!! I need socks and some other ::ahem:: girlie things as well. Husband is going to stay at home with the girls so I can shop in peace.
Posted by Cate at 07:14 PM | Comments (3)
February 13, 2004
Never made it
We never made it out last night. Right after dinner, the girls were playing with their Polly Pockets and My Little Ponies and other assorted animals. They got so involved that I didn't have the heart to have them stop playing. While WalMart may be a fun shopping trip for me, suprisingly, it's not that much fun for the girls. Gee, like picking out bleach and laundry detergent is <i>boring</i> or something.
My Mom and her friend will be coming down for lunch. In fact, they will be here in about an hour. I have to run out and get bread. I forgot to grab some yesterday. Whoops!
Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (2)
February 10, 2004
Very cool
I thought this was pretty cool.
In design cooperation with <a href="http://www.thespacestore.com/index.html">The Space Store</a>, Daron products has released
<a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/spacedoll.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.katespot.com/archives/spacedoll.php','popup','width=156,height=180,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"> this fantastic female astronaut doll set.</a> She comes in her official NASA blue flight suit with NASA luggage - with wheels - all packed in a cool pink clear plastic backpack. Great for traveling to and from the International Space Station or grandmas! This fashion doll is 11 1/2 inches and is just like other 11 1/2 inch female dolls. You know who we are talking about but we can't say the name or Mattel sends their big scary lawyers over for a visit. Ages 3 and up - the doll not the lawyers.
Posted by Cate at 05:19 PM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2003
Fun at the mall
O and I had a great time. We stopped in the Disney Store (of course) and they were having a sale on a bunch of jackets and other clothing. I picked up two of <a href="http://disney.store.go.com/DSSectionPage.process?Section_Id=11848&Product_Id=145789">these jackets</a> for the girls. Originally $39.50 each. I got them at 50% off PLUS I had a $11.00 credit. Woohoo! Click <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/jacket.html" onclick="window.open('http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/jacket.html','popup','width=400,height=400,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">here</a> to see a close up view of the back of the jacket. While they are not winter coats, they are perfect for this kind of fall weather.
Posted by Cate at 02:53 PM | Comments (4)
Hmmmm
I think O and I will go to the mall this morning. She keeps asking me to go! I think the merry go round is a huge incentive ::grin::
Posted by Cate at 08:32 AM | Comments (1)
October 03, 2003
Walmart
We just got back from Walmart. I just put 2 winter coats, 2 sets of gloves/mittens, 2 hats and 6 sets of sweatpants/sweatshirts on layaway. Children are way expensive!
Posted by Cate at 06:33 PM | Comments (4)
July 03, 2003
Music
I am shopping cd's through Amazon. I am playing clips of Simon and Garfunkle for the girls. They love "Kodachrome", "Mrs. Robinson" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" and the <b>REAL</b> version of of "Bridge over Troubled Water" not that half-assed version sung by that putz from American Idol. Ick.
Posted by Cate at 12:02 PM | Comments (4)
Unsuccessful Trip
IKEA was a bust. They were out of stock on the bedrails!!! The bedrails are one of the major components of the loft bed. CRAP CRAP CRAP!! All that driving for nothing. I called their 800 number to order it through the catalog but since the rails are out of stock, they wouldn't accept any backorders on them. I asked if the bed was going to be discontinued and was told it was going to be a regular stock item. I have to wait until 7/21 and hope the rails will be in by then.
After that fiasco, P and I stopped at Toys R Us and bought M a GameBoy SP, 2 games and a carry case for her birthday. That's it from us. Those little things are freakin' expensive.
I am calling her friends' and inviting them to M's birthday party. I didn't get the invitations out fast enough. ::sigh::
Posted by Cate at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2003
Shopping
O and I hit WalMart after we "did lunch". I picked up a couple cute things for M.. a little purse, some lip glosses and a Barbie skort w/matching top. Way pink and awfully cute.
I forgot to mention that, between O's doctors' appointments, we had an hour to kill. I noticed that the hospital was hosting a handbag/totebag/luggage sale. I stopped in and I found a Stone Mountain leather bag and a red leather wallet. AND, I bought them for myself. Happy freakin' anniversary to me.
Posted by Cate at 04:20 PM | Comments (1)
May 20, 2003
Wednesday Plans
O and I will be meeting my Mom and her friend at Ikea tomorrow. Yippie! Shopping therapy! I am going to check out the loft beds. We would like to get one for M.. hopefully for her birthday.
I will be going to bed after I catch up on a few blogs. G'night everyone!
Posted by Cate at 10:59 PM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2003
YEAH baby!
O and I will be going to Ikea on Wednesday!! I just *love* Ikea!! We will be meeting my mom and her friend there. Yippie! I will be checking out loft beds for M's room. We really need to make better use of her space.
Posted by Cate at 01:32 PM | Comments (2)
April 16, 2003
Why is it
that a quick run to Wal-Mart for four bags of play sand can set me back $100?
Hmm - maybe it had something to do with purchasing the new Harry Potter movie, 2 ink cartridges for my printer, fish food, 3 balls of yarn, clearance clothing for the girls and (don't forget) four bags of play sand.
Yeah, maybe.
Posted by Cate at 12:04 PM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2003
Funny from Amazon
I was browsing around on Amazon earlier tonight. I had selected a book and was reading some information about it. I scrolled down the page and saw this:
<img alt="amazon.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/amazon.bmp" width="571" height="147" border="0" />
Gee - what about the customers who <i>don't</i> wear clothes?
:wink:
Posted by Cate at 09:27 PM | Comments (3)
March 30, 2003
BJ's Day
Well, we finally got to go to BJ's Wholesale Club today. I wasn't able to pick up everything I had wanted. They ran out of ground beef!! P waited in the meat section for a while while the kids and I walked the rest of the store. 20 minutes later, still no chop meat. The kids were getting antsy so I just said "Let's go".
Made meat slop for dinner - the kids love that. Brown about a pound of ground beef with a small/medium onion. When the meat is all browned with no trace of pink, drain out any grease. Then, add 2 cups of brown gravy. Simmer for 15-20 minutes and serve over noodles, rice or in a bread bowl. Voila - instant dinner. Ok - it's not Wolfgang Puck but it's reasonably quick and easy and certainly hearty. :lick: It's not my favorite meal - but I know the kids will suck it right up.
I think I will skip <i>Six Feet Under</i>tonight - I want to watch the Rudy Guilani Story. Did anyone catch <i>Trading Spaces</i> last night? Vern's room rocked, as always. Gen's room... well... I thought it looked like ****. It was a great room and she dorked it up. I watched <i>What Not to Wear</i> and I was freaking out. That hippie chick - wow - she was W E I R D. Oy - that HAIR!
Posted by Cate at 06:23 PM | Comments (2)
March 11, 2003
Nice Healthtex Deal
If anyone is interested in some bargains on children's clothing, check out <a href="http://healthtex.com/Pages/splash.asp"target=_blank>this deal by Healthtex.</a>
Posted by Cate at 08:09 AM | Comments (1)