April 30, 2007 | Hot Hot Hot!

… is free frozen dairy confection!

It’s Free Quart Day at TCBY. Stop into your local shop tonight from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and get a free quart with any purchase.

And because it’s frozen yogurt that means it’s healthy. Pinky swear!

Hot Hot Hot!

(That’s totally different than “pretty smelly,” by the way.)

Lovely Rebecca points out that today is the very last day for this deal: Buy at least five Signature Items from Bath & Body Works (they’re already on sale) and you can use coupon code LUXURY10 for an additional $10 off, plus you get free shipping (EDIT: you need to order $30 worth, so 7 items for the free shipping) because they calculate that before discounts. The result is five yummy, smelly things which are normally $10.50 each for just $25 (+ tax), shipped.

She also points out that many scents are sold out, but you can exchange in-store if you’re motivated. (Me, I don’t care. They have White Tea and Ginger body wash, which is my current favorite scent. Yum!)

Hot Hot Hot!, Product Talk

If you’re in the market for a quality MP3 player, you know that I’m going to suggest an iPod, every time. That’s the thing to get if you want best ease of use, customer service, and reliability in my opinion.

But maybe you don’t want to spend that amount of money right now; or maybe you’re exceptionally hard on your music players and so just want something cheap that you won’t be too upset if it breaks; or maybe your kid wants an MP3 player and given that she can’t even remember to make her bed or put her homework in her backpack, you don’t want to be breaking the bank here on something that might get lost.

If any of the above scenarios sound familiar, go check out woot! today. They’ve got a 2GB Sony NW-S705 MP3 Player with noise canceling headphones for just $49.99 plus shipping. This could be the player you’ve been looking for.

Skeptical? Again, I’m not going to tell you this is as good as an iPod. It’s not, for a variety of reasons (most notably, people are complaining that the proprietary software is pretty terrible). But they normally retail for around $170 and PC Magazine gave them a decent review.

And if you simply must have an iPod, keep in mind that the refurb stock at the Apple Store changes almost daily.

Go forth and rock on.

Hot Hot Hot!

I don’t understand what this is, really, unless it’s like that old Saturday Night Live skit where Shimmer is a floor wax and a dessert topping; this may be both a blush and a low-calorie mousse, I’m really not sure. Nonetheless, it’s absolutely free, so why the heck not: Go get your free Ramy Whipped Liqui-Air Blush and then let me know if it’s as disgusting as it sounds.

How’s that for a ringing endorsement, huh?

Hot Hot Hot!, For the kids

Have a kid who loves trains, but is outgrowing Thomas and other “little kid” train sets? Check out this Eztec radio-controlled set as an awesome (and deeply discounted!) option for something a little more sophisticated. It’s 62% off and looks like a lot of fun.

My son would lose his mind if he found this under the Christmas tree, I’m pretty sure.

Hot Hot Hot!, Pets

Now through May 10th, all sorts of stuff is 25% off at PETCO. Pay attention to the shipping costs, of course, but this may beat hauling bags from the pet store (in both cost and convenience).
And don’t forget to pick up some treats for your furry friends. It’s hard work being adorable, you know. They totally deserve a reward.

April 28, 2007 | Hot Hot Hot!

Okay, I know it sparks a big hairy debate here every time I post a Dale & Thomas popcorn deal. Yes, it’s (normally) very expensive. Yes, some people don’t think it’s worth it. I’ve ordered it a couple of times (on sale, natch) and happen to think it’s fabulous, plus I think it’s a fun gift. Who doesn’t like gourmet popcorn? Communists, that’s who. (Okay, if you’re a communist, no need to email me about your popcorn preferences. I’ll just apologize now.)

Anyway, for three days only, all Dale & Thomas chocolate popcorn flavors are 65% off. Why? Because—according to an email I received—of “the difficulty of keeping them munchy, crunchy, and chocolaty when shipped in extreme summer temperatures.” I can dig it. And I can especially dig the deeply discounted prices.

Sale ends April 30th, 2007, at noon; or when supplies run out. On the fence? Code AFFAPR10 will take $10 off your $60+ order through the same date. And the end of the school year is coming up… I bet you know a teacher or four who deserves some yummy popcorn….

April 27, 2007 | Hot Hot Hot!

We whined and complained about missing O-Day so much (okay, maybe it was just me who whined and complained), they brought it back. And it’s going to last all weekend. Now through midnight on Monday, April 30th, take 10% off and ship your whole order for $1 at Overstock through that there link.

I like that they offer stuff in bulk packs now, too. Because you never know when you’re going to need ten frying pans.

Hot Hot Hot!

I’m trying that whole power of positive thinking thing. I’ll let you know how it works out.

In the meantime, let’s check out the Amazon Friday Sale, shall we?

I’ve always wanted an impressive rack. That isn’t really what I had in mind, but with all the rain and such, it’s probably a good idea to get stuff off the floor….

I have a hand-held spotlifter steamer thingie, but here’s how lazy I am: I saw the Spot Bot on sale and remembered from the commercials on TV that you can just set it down and walk away while it cleans, and for a moment I considered buying one. I’d be ashamed, but first I have to go take a nap.

This deck box is still a pretty good deal even with shipping charges, especially if you have a small car. Or small arms.

After yesterday’s discussion about gifts for groomsmen, I really wish this little item was even cheaper. Tell me that’s not cool. (I won’t believe you, incidentally.)

Summer’s coming, you know. Are you ready to keep up with your kids?

Need a cheap wedding gift? You’re welcome.

Again with the quesadilla maker! You know you want one.

Now, here’s the important part: While you shop the Friday Sale, be sure to think house-selling thoughts. I’m positive this will work if we only beliiieeeeeeeeve….

April 26, 2007 | Questions Answered, Product Talk

Folks, I am all wedding-ed out. It’s just t-minus two weeks (from tomorrow) for my own big day, and my brain, my poor wee little burnt brain just cannot think about weddings any more. I cry uncle. Or perhaps, in this case, I cry bride. I’m not sure. Regardless, I need your help.

Danielle wrote in:

Dear Mrs. Wise Wise Beautiful Shopper!

I need your help. We are getting married in June! We are paying for most of it so of course I need to keep cost down, but yet make it nice.

I am having the hardest time finding inexpensive yet good quality gifts for our parents and for the Groomsmen… my girls were easy.

Grooms men - I was thinking a flask like everyone else does… we only have 3 to buy for. Is there any other ideas? They are all young in their 20’s - to early 30’s.

For our parents - I don’t want to do the hanky thing, or photo album… I want something different. Please help!

Seeing as how my wedding is going to be of the “yeah, come to the church and we’ll get hitched, and then we’ll go have some dinner… you know, if you feel like showing up” variety, I am not dealing with these sorts of issues. At my first wedding we gave photo albums to the parents and… I can’t even remember what we gave the groomsmen. A big dose of bad karma, I suppose. Ahem. Anyway, Danielle needs some ideas. If you lovely people come up with some kickin’ ideas, I would be happy to search for deals on said items. Is it a deal? Please don’t make me think any more about weddings right now.