July 20, 2006 | Hot Hot Hot!

Sometimes things go on sale because only the less-popular options remain. That’s when you can get a great bargain, if what works for you isn’t what works for most people.

Have an unusual name? Have a daughter with an unusual name? Go to Red Envelope and do a search on initial pendant necklace (for some reason I’m having trouble linking directly). If your name starts with Q, U, X or Y, today may just be your lucky day!

July 19, 2006 | Hot Hot Hot!

I love these. Love them. And I love the price. Plus, you can get free Pyrex custard cups with your order (see item description). Do bear in mind that this dish set is mislabelled (resulting in a somewhat lower overall product rating); these are CorningWare, not Corelle. That means they’re the heavier stoneware and not the lighter dishes for which Corelle is known.

I have two sets in my cart and I’m still debating, because I don’t really need them. But. But but but BUT. Hmph. Anyway. Maybe you need them.

If you buy them, can I come over for dinner? I’ll bring dessert. And try not to fondle the plates too much. But I’m not making any promises.

Edited at 7:00 PM Eastern to note that, as is not uncommon, a spike in ordering caused Amazon to raise the price. This morning these dishes were 60% off. Still a good deal, but not the smoking deal they were before. I hope you got them if you wanted them.

For the kids, Hot Hot Hot!

It’s a one-day-only extravaganza at Darling Shoes—save 70% off of your order of $30 or more with coupon code 70off. Good today, July 19th, only.

Many adorable shoes and sandals in sizes 0-13, and a select few styles up to youth size 3… plus there are some clogs in the Preschool Girls section that come in women’s sizes (I don’t know, either).

Not ready to order? Or stumbling across this post after Wednesday? Never fear.

Thursday, July 20th: Use code 60off for 60% off.
Friday, July 21st: Use code 50off for 50% off.
Saturday, July 22nd through Tuesday, July 25th: Use code 40off for 40% off.

It’s never to early to start instilling a love of footwear in your children.

Product Talk, Questions Answered

Oh, how I have been waiting for the opportunity to rant talk about this. An anonymous—but extraordinarily pretty, I can just tell—reader asks:

Hi Mir,

I love your website—I have learned so many great tips! Also, of course, you are very beautiful and smart. My question is about cell phones and cell phone plans—I rarely use a cell phone (I know I’m one of those strange people!) but I do like to have one for emergencies (I have 3 kids and would not like to be stranded with them and no cell phone!) Is there a plan that you would recommend- should I get a pay as you go plan or a monthly set fee?? I would really need the minimum amount of minutes that are offered! I would appreciate any advice!

Ahhh, cell phones. I love them. I hate them. I love to hate them. (more…)

Hot Hot Hot!

I’ve got a few cool things for you to check out today; maybe you’ll find something you dig.

Nelements is a 3-dimensional note-taking tool. I suspect you have to be fairly organized for it to be useful, which means that I looked at it and then thought “too complicated,” but check it out. (Thanks, Zahid!)

Are you a Mac user? Check out this free pixel ruler for OSX. Maybe you can use it to measure your Nelements. (Thanks, Shiz!)

Need baby stuff, or have baby stuff you no longer need? Check out InfantExchange. Register and pay absolutely no fees through the end of the year. This is a newish site and I’ve not been seeing a ton of activity on it, but you may snag a great deal (or finally unload something you’ve been looking to lose). And it’s free (for now), so have at it. (Thanks, Marlon!)

TripHub is a fabulous resource for organizing a family vacation. From reservations to coordinating amongst a large group to travel tips, they’ve got it all. Darnit, someday I’m going to take a vacation. And I’m going to use TripHub. Provided that the shock of the actual vacation itself doesn’t kill me. (Thanks, Jocelyn!)

Lastly: speaking of vacations… have you had a chance to clicky-clicky over there in the sidebar to check out the “Good, Bad & Ugly” OurStory Contest? There are many fabulous prizes, like an all-expenses paid trip to BlogHer 2007, and Canon Elph cameras. Turn your vacation story into prizes!

July 18, 2006 | For the kids, Groceries

My very favorite dairy (local to me, but with products available across the U.S., I think) has all sorts of nifty resources.

Go to Stonyfield Farms and sign up for coupons, “Moosletters” and more. (Thanks, Anne!)

Stonyfield also hosts the Menu for Change resources, which should be required reading for any parent allowing her child to eat school lunch. (Yes, my local school administration hates me. Instead of “The sky is falling!” I run around screaming “There’s hormones in our milk!”)

Hot Hot Hot!

I love the Discovery Channel. Probably because they show stuff that I don’t have to feel guilty about my kids watching (educational!) and some of the shows are things we can all enjoy.

And this is why their annual Sizzlin’ Summer DVD Sale makes me weak with delight. Dinosaurs… Mythbusters… American Chopper… there is truly something for everyone.

Need some codes to sweeten the deal? I’ve got you covered.

EMAIL06 - $5 off $25
COM10 - $10 off $50

I don’t know about you, but Santa always brings a few DVDs for the stockings, ’round here. Maybe sometimes Santa shops in July. You never know.

Everyday Wisdom, Product Talk

Yesterday, I bought a $400 laptop bag.

Yes, you read that correctly. [Updated! Here's the story! Stop staging a revolt in the comments!]

Of course, you didn’t think I paid $400, did you? It’s a good story—and an excellent bag—and I decided that it would be fun to use this purchase as an object lesson.

Okay, fine. I just really, really want to brag about my excellent bargain. You caught me.

But seriously, people often ask me “How did you get that amazing bargain?” and just act all confused when I intone, “Wax on, wax off.” I don’t understand why that doesn’t explain everything. But I will do my best to be more specific in the name of knowledge, this time. (more…)

July 17, 2006 | Hot Hot Hot!, What to Wear

Now through Thursday, 7/20, all previously reduced Liz Claiborne merchandise is an additional 25% off. Discount shows up when you place items in your shopping cart.

What’s that you say? You want more? Oh, alright. Use coupon code LIZSTYLE for another 10% off, in addition.

They have great customer service, by the way. One time I ordered some pants on clearance right before Christmas; somehow in the holiday rush, I didn’t “discover” the box until several months later. At which point I found out that the pants didn’t fit. They let me send them back for a full refund, and didn’t even call me a space case.

Hot Hot Hot!, Retail gone wrong

Ummm… I’m… well… uhhhhhh….

I’m speechless.

But maybe you would like a free sample of drinkable collagen.

Drinkable. Collagen.

From their testimonials:

My skin seems firmer and the corners of my mouth appear more uplifted!
BJO

(Was that before or after the vomiting, do you suppose…?)