Ever since my computer’s hard drive went splat last year (I can’t believe it’s been a year since that happened), my home office has been turned into a fortress of redundant data back-ups. I learned it the hard way, unfortunately, but now my data is secure. Because there’s little worse than realizing you just lost everything.

So now I’m always on the lookout for easy ways to back up large chunks of data. Like, say, this Toshiba 2.0 160G USB hard drive, on sale today at Buy.com for just $49.99 with free shipping.

I’m not saying you have to buy that drive. But it’s a great deal, and if you’re not backing up your data, please do so before I have to come over there and give you a lecture.

I admit it; I’m a sucker for these Amazon Kitchen and Home Sales. There’s always something that I could probably use or that would make an awesome gift. Like a canine DNA test! Or a solar rainbow maker!

Well, okay. Maybe not those things, specifically. (Though if they had a solar doggie DNA test, maybe…. Nah, probably not.)

But how about this set of three Lenox ornaments for just $7.49? It’s eligible for free shipping and the 4-for-3 promotion, which means it has Teacher Gift written aaaaaaaall over it. (Give entire sets, or buy a few and split them up as the perfect finishing touch to another gift, or to go with a nice card.)

Or how about a combo grill and waffle maker with high ratings? (Someone was asking me about waffle makers recently. I like that this one can do double-duty, frankly.) Or the ever-popular breakfast sandwich maker? Or a retro panini grill?

Hey, I’m starting to get hungry….

It’s been quite a while since I sang the praises of my Roomba (or openly lusted after a Scooba)—sometimes, I do try to lay off on something if I think I’m becoming tiresome. But I just can’t keep quiet about this one: Check out the Dirt Dog, which is the Roomba specially made for shop spaces. It can handle big messes, plus it has a significantly cooler name than the other models. Heh. And while it’s usually $129.99 plus shipping, today Amazon is offering it for just $109.99 and free shipping.

I’m not suggesting it’s a reasonable impulse buy, but if you’ve been scouting out the Roombas and have wanted one for a smooth floor with a big mess, this may be the deal for you. Woof!

Good morning! If you’re the sort of person who actually likes to shop in stores, I recommend you get on out there this weekend. Once Thanksgiving comes and goes, it’s going to be madness out there. Madness, I tell you! Or you could just keep shopping online, because you’re smart and pretty that way.

This weekend you can take $35 off your $600 purchase at Overstock through that there link, which should buy you some furniture to seat your Thanksgiving guests on, or an entirely new wardrobe. Either way. (Still need a new coat? They have an entire section of cots $30 or under, too.)

Over at 6pm, right now all Nike shoes are 40% off, and they’ve recently changed their shipping to a $6.95 flat fee, too. (I know their shipping was a little high, before.)

Right now at the Discovery Store, get $10 off your $50+ order automatically, as well as free shipping on orders of $75+. But it gets even better, because for a limited time you can use coupon code FANDF8 for 25% off any order (and free shipping on $75+). In addition to fabulous DVD series like Planet Earth, the Discovery Store also has a ton of cool toys. Just sayin’.

Remember how last holiday season, the EyeClops was the big, hot “It Gift”? It’s back, and much cheaper—just $24.99 at Amazon right now.

Take 25% off one item at Brylane Home with coupon code BHA1000. (I think I saw a good deal on some fake trees there….)

Shopping for Collectibles? There’s pages and pages of items with free shipping over at Collectibles Today.

Today only, receive a free Ginger Rollerball with your $65+ order at Origins. (No, Jes—it doesn’t have anything to do with rollerderby. It’s a fragrance with a ball applicator.)

Kohls is offering 15% off for everyone today (Kohls card or no) with coupon code YOUR15EXTRA. Today is also the last day for automatic free shipping on orders of $50+.

That should keep you busy for a while. Happy bargain hunting!

My husband and I went out on the town last night. I’m moving a little slowly this morning, though not due to the single glass of wine I had—more because we didn’t get back and to bed until nearly midnight. You’ll be pleased to know I narrowly escaped turning into a pumpkin, despite it being well past my bedtime.

I’m pretty sure that the Amazon Friday Sale will be able to cure whatever ails me, though.

This teddy bear lights up, and then changes colors when you clap. It’s rare you can buy that sort of trauma for under $10. (But I’m afraid of clowns, so maybe I’m being overly cynical about it.)

I think this coat is adorable, and being 64% off doesn’t hurt, either.

I’m a sucker for a beautiful peep-toe. Especially if said peep-toe is an Anne Klein shoe for under $24.

Nothing says “I love you” like a pair of safety glasses in your loved one’s stocking. Oddly enough, it also says, “Please don’t put your eye out.”

This probably isn’t the world’s greatest carpet steamer (though the reviews are surprisingly positive), but for $59.99, I’d be willing to take a chance on it.

Ahhh, finally—the perfect gift for that person on your list who’s always cold. It’s also handy for doing your impression of Thing from the Fantastic Four. (I’m sorry, I’m sure the model in the photo is very nice, and pretty, too. But she looks like Thing wrapped up in that.)

The buy 2 Numi’s Tea gift sets, save $10 with code NUMITEAC promotion is still going on—these are great gifts, and a steal at $15 each (after coupon).

Did you know they’re still making Casio Databank watches? I remember when my brother got one of these, circa 1983 or so. They were so powerful! You know, back when no one had Palm Pilots or Blackberries or cell phones that could do all of that stuff… without requiring a toothpick-sized stylus to do data entry, even.

Of course, if you’re not finding anything there to suit your fancy, start off your Friday right with a great album for just $5—the Friday Five has a James Taylor album I think I need, plus four other choices for your listening pleasure.

And while it’s not nearly as good as the Target price mistake from earlier this week, the 4-Day Baby Sale is featuring—among other things—10% off Britax this week.

Viva la Friday!