Update On Life...

I've been rather remiss on postings and video reviews lately but I do have a good reason!!  I've been busy moving back to NYC!!  Packing was time consuming enough but the unpacking, finding/purchasing of furniture (not to mention building of furniture), and cleaning has been overwhelming. 

Plus, being the anal person that I am, I want the apartment ready now.  Actually, I wanted the apartment ready the day I moved-in.  Not the most realistic (as Sunshine has been continuously been pointing out), but there you have it.  I tried to get my new 1 bedroom apartment ready in the span of 1 week.  Obviously, that didn't happen.  I'm now shooting for 2 weeks.  The one piece of furniture that I really need (not just want), is my new bed.  And unfortunately, that's not getting delivered until later this coming week.  Sleeping on the sofa was okay for 1 night, but after 1 week, it's getting kinda old.

Out of all of this, I learned one very important lesson: unless you're building a single Billy Bookshelf from Ikea, pay for the Ikea assembly service and get your Ikea furniture built by someone else.  Building Ikea furniture sounds much easier than it actually is.  Being the sale seeker that I am, sometimes you gotta splurge.  It will save you not hours, but days!!  And if you bargain a little, you can knock down the price a little.

And yes...I missing my cable tv and my broadband internet service.  3G is great for your phone and iPad, but exasperatingly slow for you laptop.

Oh and before I forget: when measuring a room for furniture, don't forget to take into account the depth of your baseboard.  It can make or break you room arrangement.  (Yes, I learned it the hard way.  I couldn't fit a bookshelf into a nook thanks to the baseboard.  I was short 3/4".)

How I Get My Daily Dose of Multivitamins and Minerals

Getting your daily dose of mutivitamins and minerals is important (per my primary physician).  I've honestly tried the whole horse pill route.  I have a collection of women's multivitamins and minerals bottles from GNC, BJ's, Up&Up (Target), etc.  And each bottle is basically new because I have a problem swallowing such large pills. I even purchased a pill splitter but that gets messy (the pills crumble) and the blades in the pill splitters are not travel friendly (TSA anyone?).

This past Monday, I explained my good intentions to my doctor but all she heard was, "excuses, excuses, excuses."  She told the following:  Flintstones Complete (the chewable multivitamins and minerals tablet for children) works just as well!!  The only caveat: since I'm iron deficient, I have to take additional iron supplements.  This was fine by me because I'm already taking additional iron supplements.

I went to Target and purchased Up&Up's Children's Multivitamin Dietary Supplement (the Target house brand version of Flintstones Complete).  A quick comparison of BJ's Women's Daily Multivitamins and Minerals and Up&Up Children's Multivitamin Dietary Supplement shows that while the vitamin/mineral breakdown is not exactly the same, it is indeed comparable for the most part.  (For those of you who need more calcium, you will need to take a calcium supplement.)

I now take a children's multivitamin dietary supplement tablet and a iron supplement tablet daily.  I'm feeling good about being more pro-active in maintaining my health...and I'm hoping that it translates directly into more energy!

For those of you who are like me and have a hard time swallowing large multivitamins and minerals pills, grab the children's chewable multivitamins tablets!!

Note:  I was tempted to buy the multivitamins gummy bears.  However, after a comparison of the labels, the multivitamins gummy bears fall short on what you need.  Skip it. 

Mr. Max: A Picky Eater?

Mr. Max was given new dog food this week and to my surprise, it turns out that he is a picky eater!  At first, I thought it was a fluke, because it takes a lot of effort to separate the dog food.  But after 2 days, I've realized that it's not a fluke.  See the before and after pictures below:

• Before: (This is actually Mr. Foo Foo's bowl.  He'll eat anything and everything.)

• After:  Apparently Mr. Max doesn't like dog food in the shape of cylinders.  The shape of dog bones, however, are okay.  I may start calling Mr. Max, "Mad Max."

Reminder: If You're Buying On-Line This Weekend, Use Ebates.com!!

If you're buying on-line this Labor Day weekend, don't forget to purchase through Ebates.com!!  They're currently offering DOUBLE cash back in celebration of Labor Day.  Here's a few e-stores that you may be interested in:

• Bloomingdales.com: 6%
• Ulta.com: 6%
• Piperlime.com: 15%
• BananaRepublic.com: 10%

Today's Ebates Daily Double is UrbanOutfitters.com: 5%.

What I like about Ebates.com is that you can use promotion codes and still get cash back!  And if your credit card gives you points for purchases or cash back for purchases, you're getting an even better deal!!

Grab Your Google Voice Phone Number For Gmail Calls!!

Currently, I am dialing everyone that I know via Gmail Call.  It sounds pretty good and unlike Skype, you can call ANY phone number in the US (and Canada) for free (for now)!!  The cost of international calls depends on the country that you're calling.  The sound quality it a little tinny but for a free service, I'm pretty darn impressed.

You can get a phone number assigned to your Gmail account via Google Voice!  Just drop in your area code (or town/city name) and available phone numbers will appear.  For you NY'rs, forget "212" or "917" or even "646".  If you input "New York City" (or is it simply "New York"?), you're given a plethora of "347" numbers.  Grab one you like before it's gone!!

I'm still trying to figure out exactly how receiving calls works (along with everything else)...but dialing is a breeze!!

I didn't want you to miss out on getting a good phone number.  :)

Jack's 99 Cent Store: I'm Like a Kid In a Candy Store

Have you been to Jack's 99 Cent Store?  If not, you're missing out on one of the best deals in the city!  I'll say this upfront: you won't be buying any goods there for 99 cents.  But you will be buying goods there for cheap!

It's like a Loehmann's or T.J. Maxx for household items and frozen/canned food.  I don't think I've ever purchased food from there but I've purchased plenty of other things from Jack's...especially kitchen-related products.  Small kitchen appliances (e.g., electric can opener, simple toaster, etc) are always a good deal.  But I'm not looking for the super fancy ones that you would find at Williams-Sonoma.  KWIM?

As great as the prices may seem, don't forget to do comparison shopping.  Always know the approximate cost of something before you buy. It may be cheap-er but it may not be a bargain.

Big Buddha swears by Jack's when it's comes to party-related items.  I'll second that.  You won't find better priced plastic cups (flip-cups, anyone?), plates and utensils anywhere else.  And if you're looking for easy and cheap holiday decorations (especially for Halloween and Christmas), Jack's is the place to go!

I believe that there are three Jack's stores but I go to the main one at 110 W 32 St (b/w 6th & 7th Ave), NY, NY.  It's 3 floors of random goods.  This equates to about an hour of browsing for me!

Be forewarned: this place is usually packed and there is no customer service.

Happy shopping!

Kitchen Renovation Update...

Helloooooo!!  I know I've been remiss in updating Sale Therapy.  I've been swamped with my kitchen renovation project.  I cannot wait to show you all the before and after pictures (and possibly video??).

The thing I miss most?  Ice!!  I am without ice for the next four weeks and it's utterly frustrating, given that we are getting hit with heat wave after heat wave.  I can't make sweet-tea!!  And I live on sweet tea during the summer.

I will say one thing:  Price check EVERYTHING - both on-line and in-store!!  My kitchen contractor has referred me to great specialty appliance, granite and fixture stores, but sometimes, the same thing is cheaper at your plain old Home Depot.  

Here's a great example: InSinkErator's 1hp garbage disposal 

• $395 at the plumbing store (as referred by my kitchen contractor) 
• $319 at HomeDepot.com
• $299 at Home Depot in-store

I'm not sure why there a price difference between the on-line price and the in-store price at Home Depot but I'll be buying the InSinkErator 1hp garbage disposal in-store for sure!

eBooks: Getting Them For Free

Before the iPad came out, I was considering a Kindle.  I like to read...especially during the lazy days of summer and when I travel.  But I was hesitant because of pricing.  I rarely buy hardcover new releases (the exceptions were the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series).  I like to wait for mass market paperback releases that I can get at a discount (thank you, Borders!).  Plus, I have yet to find a promotion code that is applicable to eBooks...so on average, eBooks are pricier than mass market paperback books (discounted, of course).

However, there are a lot of free eBooks to be had!  Here are the ways:

• Classics:  A good many popular classics are available because they're out-of-copyright.  I recently read Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" for free from Amazon.com!  I may read Jane Austen's collection of works next.
• You can find free classics on Amazon.com, BarneAndNobles.com and Borders.com.  Look for:
• the "Free Book Collections" link on the "Kindle Books" page of Amazon.com.
• the "Free eBooks" link on the "eBooks" page of BarnesAndNobles.com and Borders.com.
• You can find them in the iBook App in the "Charts" page.
• Promotional Free eBooks:  Certain copyrighted eBooks (new-er releases) can be found free for downloading during limited promotional periods.  You can find them through the same links that you find the Classics.  A good number of these free eBooks are available from all four of the Fab Four (Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders.com and iBooks App), but some will only be available from one or two of the Fab Four.
• When only or two of the Fab Four offer a certain eBook for free, this where the iPad comes in super handy.  In addition to the iBooks App you can download various eReader Apps on the iPad (Kindle App, Nook App, Borders eReader App, etc).  This means you are able to take full advantage of all of the promotional free eBooks that are being offered (and of interest to you, of course).  I will admit that it's a slight pain to have my free eBooks spread though 3 different apps (iBooks, Kindle, and Borders).  But hey, they're free!
• I recently nabbed Julia Child's "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking" for free from Borders.com.
• Local Library:  Most local libraries now loan eBooks off of their websites.  Yes...I'm pretty sure you haven't been to your local library in years (if ever), but one trip to obtain a library card couldn't really hurt, could it?  The New York Public Library has a great selection of eBooks.
• There is, however, a catch:  these loanable eBooks require either Adobe Digital Editions software or  MobiPocket Reader software and their compatibility is limited:
• Adobe Digital Editions software works with PC, Mac, and Sony Reader. (Note:  The Adobe Digital Editions website insinuates that only the Sony Reader works with loanable eBooks, but I've read that it works with Nook and Kobo as well.  In my attempt to be tech savvy, I tried to see if Adobe Digital Editions would work with the Kobo App on my iPad.  It doesn't.)
• MobiPocket Reader software works with PC, Blackberry, WinMo, Symbian, Palm and certain dedicated eReaders (and this does not include Kindle or Nook).
• Since loanable eBooks currently don't work with a Kindle or an iPad, a good chunck of us are stuck with reading them on a monitor/laptop....which, is not a terrible thing.  Because, hey, they're free!
• The ease of checking out and returning eBooks from a library website is amazing!  I prefer Adobe Digital Editions because you can "return" books early, unlike MobiPocket Reader.
• Like a regular book, only so many copies are available for any one particular eBook.  You may have to put yourself of a waiting list.  They'll send you an e-mail once you're book is available for checkout.

I hope this has inspired you (just a little?) to read a new book?  Maybe a classic you've always wanted to read but didn't want to buy?  Personally, I am inspired by Julia's Kitchen Wisdom to cook some new dishes. 

Borders.com: Free "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom" eBook!!

I don't cook much but that hasn't stopped me from wanting a Julia Child's cookbook.  I wrote "wanting" and not "purchasing" because I'm not sure if I would actually spend money on a cookbook when Epicurious.com is filled with great recipes and...is free! 

However, how could I pass up a free ebook version of Julia Child's "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking"?  I could not.  Just how did I obtain this little cooking gem?

Here are the steps:

• Go to Borders.com and download the Border eReader App (BUT if you already have Adobe Digital Editions, you don't need to download the Border eReader App);
• Sign in to your Borders.com account (or if you don't have one, create one);
• Search for "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom";
• Click on "Add to Library" (rather than "Add to Cart");
• Click on "go to My eBook Library" link;
• You have 2 choices at "My eBook Library" page:  If you're using
• Borders eReader App, click on "open eBook"; or
• Adobe Digital Editions, click on "download epub".

Note:  This offer expires 07/14/10!!!  You will have to input your CC and address info  But don't worry, you can opt out of the Quick Checkout.  Just make sure you uncheck the box that saves your billing info.

Bon Appetit!  (I wonder what I'm going to cook...this has inspired me!)

Barnes & Nobles: Free Starbucks Coffee...

Get a free Tall-sized cup of Starbucks coffee at Barnes & Nobles when you show the cashier the following:

• B&N eReader App on your mobile device; and
• An ebook on you B&N eReader App

No, you don't have to buy an ebook.  There are lots of FREE ebooks for you to download...most notably, classics from Jane Austen.  And no, I am not sure how the B&N eReader App differs from the Nook App.  But I'm pretty sure that they are different apps.  

Downloading the B&N eReader App and then an ebook only takes about a minute.  If you're already chilling at Barnes & Nobles with your laptop, iPad/iTouch, and/or Blackberry, what's a minute for a free cup of coffee? That sounds good to me!

Note: This promotion expires 7/15/10.  For more info: Free Starbucks Coffee @ Barnes & Nobles.

Today Only: $6.99 Magazine Subscriptions!

I subscribe to tons of magazines because if I didn't, I would end up buying them from newstands...and it ain't cheap off the newstands.  It adds up.  For today only (7/8), select Hearst magazines are on sale for $6.99.  Most are 12 month subscriptions (Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire) but some are only 6 month subscriptions (Elle).  (Note: This deal is for new subscriptions only.)

Use this link: $6.99 Magazine Subscriptions.

Manhattan Sailing Club: Find Some Breeze On the Hudson

It's sweltering hot and you want to be active, but really, it's just too damn hot!  So what's a girl to do?  Go sailing!!  Last week, I went sailing with a friend (I'm calling her Skipper from now on...I'm crazy impressed with her sailing skills), who's a member of the Manhattan Sailing Club.  It's located at the North Cove Marina, which is basically in front of the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center.

Even though you're out in the sun it's much cooler on the water than it is on land.  Plus, the views are just spectacular!

• Downtown Manhattan:     

• Lady Liberty:

• Jersey City:

If you don't have a friend you can call Skipper to take you sailing, don't worry.  You have two other options:

• Basic Sailing:  You can take basic sailing lessons!  It's offered as an intensive weekend course or a 5-week weekday evening course (lessens are once a week).  For $390, it's cheaper than going away for the weekend and you'll have much more fun!!
• Clubhouse:  If the Basic Sailing course is too much of a commitment but you still want to be on the water, you can always visit MSC's floating clubhouse.  Transportation to the clubhouse is provided; the launch leaves from North Cove Dock F.  There's a $10 launch fee for guests and non-members.  There's a bar aboard the clubhouse but no real food; so if you want something to eat besides chips, it BYOF.

For more info, check out MSC's website:  www.myc.org.

Gym Etiquette Question?

What do you do when another gym goer gets on the treadmill/elliptrek next to your machine, you're in the middle of your workout and that person smells/reeks?

Do you:

1. Get off your current machine and use another machine (or just end your workout); or 
2. Continue on, pretend you don't smell him/her and finish your workout?  

I think Option 1 is kinda embarrassing for everyone, but then again, they're kinda embarrassing themselves for not wearing deodorant...  But Option 2 really sucks.

Thomas Pink: The Yellow Bulldog In The Window Display

Every so often, a window display that does NOT involve clothing, bags or shoes will catch my eye.  The following one at Thomas Pink is one of them:

How cute is this yellow english bulldog??  Makes me want to get a real one!

Intermix: Take An Online Survey, Get A $150 Gift Card...Too Good To Be True?

I'm sure some of us have received an e-mail from Intermix that basically reads:  Fill Out An Online Survey, Get A $150 Gift Card For In-Store Purchases.   When I first got this e-mail, I was rather excited but then I saw an asterik, and asteriks always mean exclusions/restrictions.  The major exclusion/restriction of note was the following:  the $150 gift card is applicable to selected full-priced designer merchandise only.  You are then instructed to ask an SA for a list of the selected designers.

Hahahahahaha!!!  LMAO!!  This must be a joke because Intermix SAs are not known for their customer service and I'm pretty sure that the "selected designers" won't have full-priced merchandise at less than the $500 price point, if that.  Spend at least $350 to save $150?  Need to ask a can't-be-troubled-by-you SA for the selected designers list?  I think I'll pass.

Out of curiosity, I did take a look at the survey.  It involves questions regarding the Intermix shopping experience:  both on-line and in-store.  Hmm...do they really need confirmation that they need to improve on customer service when they are giving you a not-really-usable gift card (which I consider a fake-nice gesture)?  The irony of it all!

There's no doubt that they have a great selection of merchandise, but poor customer service and not-really-usable gift cards overshadow it for me.  If you really intended for us to use the $150 gift card, then lift the selected designers list restriction.  I'm even okay with setting a minimum purchase requirement and the current exclusion of sale items.  At least it's crystal clear what you're offering in return for my completion of the survey.  KWIM?

Mother's Day: Last Minute Gift...

If, and only if, you've failed to notice this past week that it's Mother's Day on sunday (5/9/10) and you wake up sunday morning with an "Oh crap, I forgot to get mom something..." thought, do the following:  buy mom a nice book from Borders, throw in some flowers and then take her out to lunch (if you can't get reservations, you may have to cook (or get take out/delivery - ahem, ahem)).  All will be forgiven.  She'll be happy that you simply remembered.  Which you did, right?  

Just don't forget to use this in-store coupon for Border: Borders 33% Off Coupon.  Coupon expires on 5/10/10 (mon).

My New Favorite "No Parking" Sign

Sunshine pointed out this "No Parking" sign last night and I instantly loved it!  Someone took the time to get this sign made:

  

Do You Check Your Dry Cleaning?

I used to be very lazy when it came to dry cleaning.  I would pick up my dry cleaning and then leave my clothes in the plastic bags for weeks.  It seemed like such a PITA to remove the plastic bags, rubberbands/twisty ties, and the occasional paper stuffing unless I was actually going to wear the item.

You would think after my first incident with the dry cleaners - they shrunk my DVF dress - I would learn my lesson.  I didn't realize that shrinkage had occurred until I was on a cruise dressing for "formal night" and my bottom was barely covered by the back of the dress.  Luckily, I had packed black pants and ended up wearing the dress as a fancy one-shoulder tunic.  It was improvise or eat alone in the suite.

But no (sometimes I'm slow on the uptake)...I didn't learn until the second time around when the dry cleaners (a different one from the first) shrunk my one-month old White + Warren cashmere duster.  I didn't find out about the shrinkage until two weeks later, when I wanted to wear it while I was away on a 2-week vacation.  It was a challenge to explain to the dry cleaners one month after I picked up the duster why it took me so long to realize that shrinkage had occurred.  (Basically they were telling me, "It's been a month.  Are you sure it was us?  Don't you check your clothes when you get home?")   Their attempts to stretch out the duster were completely futile.   Once something gets shrunk, it's NEVER the same.  :(

Now when I get home with my dry cleaning, I immediately check for shrinkage.

Note:  It's also bad to "suffocate" you clothes in the plastic bags.  You should let you clothes air out.  It'll help disperse the chemical smell and moisture from your clothes.

My Horoscope For April Via A Facebook App...

The timing for my horoscope for April via a Facebook app couldn't have been better or more appropriate after my Fishs Eddy post:

"Handling any kind of kitchen knives, sharp objects or weaponry is particularly discouraged this month. Be cautious too with glass or other shatterables as the very shards might decide to slice a piece off one of your fingers."

Ha!!!

Dear Store Associates & Managers...

Dear Store Associates & Managers:

If you could try to avoid arguing (and/or heatedly discussing marketing/sales strategies) amongst yourself during business hours, it would be greatly appreciated.  It makes for a very unpleasant shopping experience...especially when you work in a very small boutique.  It's impossible for me, as a customer, to ignore.  Thanks!