The Want Not Review: Zenni Optical
Today I’d like to tell you all about my recent adventures in buying eyeglasses. I know! You’re on the edge of your seat with anticipation!
Once upon a time I wrote this little piece and basically begged you to consider glasses one of those must-have, must-pay-for sorts of items. “Do not go cheap!” I told you. “You get what you pay for!” I insisted.
Due to various factors, I decided to challenge my own notion that this was the gospel truth. I had read many sources extolling the virtues of Zenni Optical, where glasses start at just $8 for a complete pair. What did I have to lose, really? I would consider it an experiment. And so that’s what I did. read more…
Of course a castle should pop up
If you haven’t gotten hooked on the magic that is the Sabuda and Reinhart pop-up books, let me just say that they are not books so much as complicated art that you might deign to share with your child. I don’t know of anyone who can pick up one of these books and not be amazed. They are simply stunning.
Now, if you’re wanting to stock your gift closet or you need a filler item to get up to free shipping at Amazon, you’re in luck! Because this Castle: Medieval Days and Knights book is currently 76% off, at just $4.75. Please do note that the recommended ages are 9-12—this is not a toddler pop-up book, but a little treasure for an older child who can be gentle with it.
Print some Walgreens savings, today only
Headed to Walgreens today? Would a coupon for $5 off $20 sway your decision any? I don’t know that I’d make a special trip when I didn’t need anything, but if you were running low on shampoo or whatever, already, and it was on the way to wherever you were going… well… why not save a few bucks?
Coupon is valid today only (January 31st, 2008).
It’s a treasure box, see?
Have you checked your Amazon Gold Box lately? I always forget about that.
Right now (as I’m posting, though it’ll change later and someone will undoubtedly leave a comment on this post saying “no it isn’t!”) there’s a Garmin Nuvi 660 in there for $350, which is a great deal if you want a fancy GPS unit.
Why, my cheap Garmin StreetPilot C330 is getting jealous right now just because I’m looking.
I almost forgot
Don’t forget to check out the JC Penney Wednesday Deals today.
Especially if you need the world’s largest remote. Yikes. That thing scares me.
Crank it up
I have a crank flashlight that I keep in my car, and although it’s true that it’s not as bright as a big honkin’ conventional flashlight, I love knowing that this one will always work. No more fumbling for batteries in the dark!
Kohls has several sets of LED crank flashlights on clearance right now. These make excellent stocking stuffers, by the way. Choose from red and silver, yellow and silver, or blue and silver. Each set of two flashlights is $9. Or, choose a single weatherband radio flashlight for that emergency kit, for the same price. There’s lots of other stuff on clearance too, of course.
Kohls charge card holders can use coupon code MVCsave15 for an additional 15% off, plus use coupon code MVC3678 for free shipping. If you’re not a card holder, you can use coupon code NEW5779 for 10% off and free shipping on orders over $75.
Civilization on sale
No, not the kind that keeps elbows off your table. Though that would be a best-seller, I have no doubt.
No, I’m talking about the PC game Civilization IV: Gold Edition. It’s just $19.99 today at Amazon with free shipping, and appears to still be around $50 everywhere else. I hear this one is a popular choice amongst gamers.
But what do I know? I’m still trying to get the elbows off my kitchen table, most days.
Every Wednesday should be this cheap
Have you had your eye on a special little something at Liz Claiborne? Today (Wednesday, January 30th, 2008) only, get an extra 25% off of everything at Liz. The savings are automatic, and will be reflected in your shopping bag at checkout.
What’s the occasion? I have no idea. Does it matter?
You’ll never guess where there’s cheap Crocs
Nordstrom, of all places. Really!
They have the Crocs Women’s Mary Jane, the Crocs Unisex Cayman
, and the Crocs Little Kids’ Georgie Boot
all for $14.90 apiece (half off).
Shipping is a flat $5 per order, so this turns into an awesome deal if you need several pairs.
Mindful Money: Cash v. credit
This is a subject near and dear to my heart, and I’ve talked about it before, but I think it bears repeating.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for financial advisors like Dave Ramsey who have practical advice for people in dire financial straits. Truly, my admiration for them is vast and this is not about me saying “he’s wrong” or anything like that.
Nevertheless, I submit to you that any “cash only” plan for living is not only limiting, it potentially decreases how much money you have. read more…











