January 6, 2009 | Groceries, Hot Hot Hot!

I know, I keep talking about diet and fitness stuff. It’s not you, it’s me. You look marvelous. Me, I have a bad case of NewYearItis, with a side of flab. Very tragic. But don’t worry—I’ll be back to my usual denial and apathy about such things by Valentine’s Day. Happens every year.

In the meantime, though, here’s a great deal on Lightfull Latte Smoothies: They’re today’s Gold Box Deal, so already a 12-pack is just $14. Sign up for Subscribe & Save (which you can cancel after your order ships) and save another 15%. And use coupon code LIGHTF43 for another 10% off; you’ll get 12 smoothies for about $10.50. (Order 2 packages and it’ll ship for free, too, even though it’s under $25 at the end, because the original cost was $28.)

Each one has just 90 calories and enough fiber to help you feel full, and these are apparently a big favorite amongst the Weight Watchers crowd. For that price, I’m willing to give ‘em a whirl.

Hot Hot Hot!, What to Wear

The big Winter Sale at Lands’ End is still going strong, and now there’s a new free shipping code, too!

(Not that their shipping is all that expensive, or anything. But hey—you’re a Want Not reader. You know better.)

Through Friday, January 9th, 2009, use code LESPORT and PIN 7301 to receive free shipping on any order. These free shipping codes will allow you to ship to up to two addresses, by the way, so if you want to split your order they’re totally cool with that.

Or maybe they’re warm. You know, with the fleece and all. Whatever.

January 5, 2009 | Hot Hot Hot!, Product Talk

So today I picked up all of our vacation mail, and I’ve just now emerged from a giant pile of catalogs, junk mail, and bills. Yeah. Fun!

Amongst the mail I actually needed was a packet of stuff from my accountant, and while such things usually fill me with dread, this year it didn’t both me at all. Because in 2008 I switched to doing all of my accounting in Quicken, and lo the heavens did shine and the angels did sing. Also, I actually kept track of my finances for a change, like, in a way that other people might be able to decipher. I am so proud of me!

And right now, the Quicken Personal Finance line of software is available with free shipping and $20 off each product. And don’t forget that Quicken Online is still absolutely free, so even if you don’t want to shell out the money for your own copy of the software, you can still get your finances organized.

Trust me; it makes doing your taxes (or taking stuff to your accountant) a lot more pleasant.

Contests

It’s a new year! And a new chance to wonder why my pants keep shrinking in the wash. I mean, that must be what’s happening. I’m sure it doesn’t have anything to do with all of those cookies I keep eating….

The very pretty Kirsten from Box of Polka Dots—who happens to be a Senior T-Tapp Trainer—has offered up a very fitting (get it? fitting?) prize to one lucky Want Not reader for the new year: She’s donated a Total T-Tapp Workout set for giveaway. This includes all of the great DVDs you need to learn about T-Tapp, isometric linear alignment and how to shape up while slimming down. Thanks, Kirsten!

As always, please read the rules and regulations about contests here before entering. If you enter, I assume you’ve read them. Enter by leaving a comment on this post by 11:59 p.m. Eastern (8:59 p.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009. One comment per person, winner to be determined by random number drawing, and did I mention that you should read this first? Yes, I thought I had. Good.

Ready to get fit? Go!

Hot Hot Hot!, What to Wear

There’s a huge sale going on at Lane Bryant, with savings of up to 60%, but even better, it’s time for their semi-annual Cacique sale. Bras are Buy 2, Get 2 Free, and panties are 5 for $25. This is the time to stock up if these are the underthings you adore!

If you order $100+, use coupon code 006953058 to ship your order for free. Or use coupon code 000155922 to take 15% off your order, regardless of amount.

I’m not a plus-size, so I can’t take advantage of these deals… but another week of holiday eating and that could change….

For the kids, Hot Hot Hot!

It’s Monday after the holidays, and that means everything’s back to the regular routine. Right? Well, sort of. My children don’t go back to school until tomorrow, so you might want to say a little prayer for them today.

But the Amazon Monday Toy Markdown is back, and that’s part of the normal Monday routine. There are an assortment of so-so deals to be had, and a few downright steals.

I cannot imagine how you’d need more toys at this point, but it may be worth a look. (Hey, if you know someone who’s graduating this year, be sure to pick up the Oh, The Places You’ll Go Game for $5.99—that’s a cute grad gift.)

January 4, 2009 | For the kids, Hot Hot Hot!

Experiencing that post-holiday sale letdown? Don’t fret—the Big Red Sale is on at the Scholastic Store, with savings up to 75% on all sorts of books and games and such. Use code REDSALE to get free shipping on your $49+ order, too.

I mean, unless you’re against literacy or something. You monster.

January 3, 2009 | Everyday Wisdom, Groceries, Product Talk

We are home, and I may even get out of my pajamas sometime today. But I’m not making any promises.

I’m not much for resolutions, but I was poking around this morning looking for some motivation on further improving my family’s eating habits. I came across this series of books called Eat This Not That! that has me intrigued: There’s the Supermarket Survival Guide, the Thousands of Simple Food Swaps version (which looks like it deals with a lot of restaurant options), and the Eat This Not That! for Kids! version.

Who knew a Big Mac was healthier than a Whopper? I’m fascinated by this, truly.

Also I am excited by any “diet guide” that still allows me to have fast food once in a while. Hey, I’m only human.

January 2, 2009 | Hot Hot Hot!

At (long, long) last, we’re headed home from our trip. I’ll be on the road all day (again! not that I’m counting!), but after this we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming. And sleeping in my own bed.

(Well, you‘ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming, and I‘ll be sleeping in my own bed. I love you guys, but not quite enough to share my bed. Sorry.)

I’ve only had time to glance at the Amazon Friday Sale, but it looks like there may be enough bargains there to keep you busy while I go drive a thousand miles.

A thousand miles. It’s possible I’m going to need some serious chocolate and/or retail therapy after we return. I’m just sayin’.

January 1, 2009 | Groceries, Hot Hot Hot!

Gooooood morning! I hope you celebrated in style last night. We sure did; my father noted that it’s midnight in Rio when it’s only 10:00 here, freeing us up to both celebrate early and to feel extremely fancy.

If part of your New Year’s Resolutions have to do with getting healthier in 2009, you might want to check out Amazon’s new deal on Honest Foods Country Squares. They’re all-natural, wheat-free and completely vegan… and best of all, if you buy one, you can use code HONESTFD to get another one for free. These are normally ridiculously pricey, but the discount brings ‘em down to a reasonable cost.

And you’ll feel virtuous. Baby steps for the new year, and all that.