From (500) Days of Summer.
Loved this movie!
February 6, 2010
2010 Reading Goal Update
So, yesterday I finished Book 3 of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series, Club Dead. This was much better than Book 2, Living Dead in Dallas, which I also read this year. 
Book 2 was loosely used as inspiration for Season 2 of the HBO series, and I actually thought the TV season was better. Maybe I just expected more from the book since I’d already watched the season and knew what it was about, only to be let down when I discovered it was much different.
Harris is a very simplistic writer, and I often stopped reading to admire the fact that someone actually published what I was reading. I kept telling myself, “I could write this and write it better.” Harris’s timing at jumping on the Vampire Popularity Train paid off. In the end, the books aren’t very complex. They are extremely repetitive. And contain numerous errors in the plots that a good editor should have caught.
However, as I said, Book 3 was much better since there was an element of suspense that hasn’t been ruined by television yet. I also enjoyed seeing Sookie spend much of the story away from Bill. Their relationship is even becoming stressed. Yes, I already know that they don’t stay together, so no need to tell me! Book 3 also spends a lot of time visiting characters that are werewolves. But what vampire love story doesn’t?
Despite the humor I find in the poor writing and holes in the plot, yes, I am going to continue to read the series. I may even give Mrs. Harris’s other series a try. It’s easy to see why they are so addicting though. They don’t require a lot of thought.
Harris’s characters aren’t very complex either. I like them though because I can relate to their southern disposition, being from the south myself. And they aren’t pretty. Harris celebrates their flaws and handicaps which actually makes them feel more real on the page, despite there not really being a lot on the page.
It’s definitely fluffy beach reading, although that sounds so cliché. But then again, the vampire genre itself has become cliché too, right?
February 4, 2010
A Review of an Inspiring Review
So, having worked at the same company for six years, I’ve spoken to some of the same customers each week for that same amount of time. Plus, our company owns about 35 of its own bookstores and I’m the customer service rep for a handful of them, so I know the managers well.
Yesterday, I somehow had an odd and interesting conversation with one of my favorites. We began talking about TV shows we like such as Antique Road Show, The Pickers, and Pawn Stars; and how the ideal job would be to get to go through old sheds full of junk to look for treasures. This led to a conversation about old things we like to collect. I have a strange obsession with old sepia pictures of people I don’t know. It turns out he does too. Years ago I picked up bagfuls of them at a Flea Market for a quarter each. I couldn’t believe these were someone’s family photos. Would my own Kodak and digital downloads be in a future Flea Market some day?
Back in the day, people often posed with the dead for a photo. My manager friend suggested a book to me called Wisconsin Death Trip by Michael Lesy. We actually both looked it up together on Amazon while on the phone to see if it was still available. Sure enough, it is. After the call, I began reading the reviews people had written about this book, and one review in particular totally caught my attention and I just can’t get it out of my head.
It was written 3 months ago by a reader named Erica Bell. It begins…
This is a true story.
When I was around 11 years old (I’m 46 now), we got this book as a Christmas present from my quiet uncle, who was a doctor far away. I pored over this strange book in horror. I said, “Mother, I think something’s wrong with Uncle James. Why would someone give a book like this to us?”
About three years later, he gassed himself to death.
I’ve practically committed these lines to memory. There are a thousands images these few lines conjure up in my mind and I may just have to sit down and write about it. I think these would make great opening lines for a book, and heck, I just might write it! But I find it fascinating that of all places to find inspiration, it was in a review on Amazon.
Oh, and I’m totally going to by Michael Lesy’s book too!
February 2, 2010
I smell the situation….
I don’t watch MTV’s Jersey Shore. Instead, like everyone else, I just Google phrases like “shirtless MTV guido boys” and see what images pop up. Today on Sirius, I heard Mike “The Situation” from JS is planning to launch a cologne called the “Sitch.” I wonder if it will be a cigar-sy blend of pasta and gym sweat, maybe with a touch of hair gel and white tank tops (whatever they smell like).
Smells like Joysey Spirit!
I’d buy it.
From Digital Spy:
Jersey Shore star Mike ‘The Situation’ Sorrentino has revealed that he is launching his own cologne.
The reality star, who served as Access Hollywood’s red carpet correspondent at last night’s Grammy Awards, told the show that his fragrance will be named ‘Sitch’.
“Who wouldn’t buy a cologne called Sitch by Situation? It’s in the beginnings right now, but it should be coming out hopefully in the next couple months,” he said.
Sorrentino added that he is “pretty spontaneous” when it comes to buying his own colognes, explaining: “I don’t even know, as soon as I find something that I like, I’ll say, ‘That’s it! That is The Situation’, and we’ll grab it.”
MTV recently confirmed that Jersey Shore will return for a second season this summer.
February 1, 2010
Gaga’s bitch
Cause this is Thrilla....Thrilla night....
So, I’ve been thinking about this all day and I’m sure you have too. Did you notice Elton John was pretty dressed down last night on the Grammy’s when he sang with Lady Gaga? Maybe ole Elton has finally met his match when it comes to Liberace-like attire.
I mean if you compare it to what he wore when he sang a few years ago with Eminem, it’s like Gaga told Elton, “You better not upstage me bitch!”
And then Elton said, “The bitch is back!”
And Gaga said “Oh no she’s not, and just for that, I’m making you wear dirt on your face.”
And Elton said he liked it dirty, but he misunderstood.
Gaga felt bad so she let him wear some sparkly glasses and a dangly galaxy earring but it just didn’t do anything to help him stand out like he normally does.
Whose ya bitch now?
No body upstages Gaga. Only a fist of pianos could keep them from ripping each other apart. But Gaga didn’t know Elton likes fists. 
Poor Rip Torn got ripped and torn!
Hey, Gary, who does your hair?
Did Rip Torn not make enough money from those hit films he was in like Freddie Got Fingered, RoboCop 3 and Men in Black? I’m just curious…
He was arrested Friday for drunkenly forcing himself into a bank with a loaded gun.
Hello, is this Rip? Gary Busey called and wants his mug shot back.
Hey Rip! I like that shirt.
Good-bye Jan Jan! Hello Fat Naked Babies Shootin’ Arrows At My Butt!
Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher
So, January ended with the Grammy’s and while I can’t wait to see what crazy person will perform with Elton John next year, I have to admit the opening GaGa performance was pretty tasty. I swear the more I see GaGa on the news and hear her on the radio, the more I like her. There, I said it. She’s like a secret addiction no one wants to admit to, or probably should at my age. I’m tired of Green Day. I don’t care about Beyonce. Yay for Taylor! Pink got me all wet, along with half the audience. And after the MJ thing, I turned the channel. Does anyone want to buy my slightly used 3-D glasses. I have 2 pair that weren’t even worn. Anyone? Anyone?
And I woke up this morning seeing red, only because there are hearts all over my calendar. Who put Valentine’s Day in February? It’s too cold for that. Or maybe it’s just that I’m a cold hearted bitter snake and was single most of the time in February. I’m not now, but still. February??? C’mon. It’s President’s Day month. It’s Black History Month. It’s Valentines Month. It’s like the month of leftover stuff and it’s only the 2nd month of the year. I recall bulletin boards in gradeschool with the faces of Lincoln, Washington, MLK, and Cupid on it. WTF? I heart bulletin boards!
And now back to our regular scheduled rant…
Well, what I really wanted to talk about in this first February post is how awesome I’m doing on my New Year Resolutions!
I finished two books in January: The Lovely Bones and the 2nd True Blood book, Living Dead in Dallas. I’m already half way through a 3rd book which I was hoping to finish yesterday but a bad migraine kept me from that. Oh well… only 28 more books to goal to meet my goal this year.
And based on my last half dozen posts, you already know that the money saving / coupon clipping thing is paying off too. Yes, I’ve been keeping track! I saved a total of $219.28 in January from my coupon clipping. Not bad.
I did write a few letters in January too. Mostly to Mom. I included a note every time I sent her my extra coupons.
We won’t mention the weight loss goal.
And I’ve already forgotten my other goals by now so they must not have been that important.
Dance around my living room to Lady GaGa songs every day? Check.
Make fun of Valentines Day? Check.
Ramble on about my book reading and coupon clipping because I’m slowly turning into some odd 1960, Donna Reed, McCall Reading, Home Perm, Clothes Line, Gossiping house wife in sensible shoes? Check!
Welcome to February, bitches.
January 31, 2010
Walgreens Savings for End of January
At first, I wasn’t too impressed with the new Walgreens ad this week, but after reading on Coupon STL about all the freebies, I decided to take advantage of a few more deals than I had originally planned.
I went into the store with a $10 RR (register reward) which I had earned from my last Pepsi deal. So, already I was in the positive.
On my first transaction, I bought the following:
1 Blink Eyecare Gel. This item was on sale for $7.99 and also earned me an $8 RR. So, basically it was FREE. There was also a $2 coupon in today’s paper for it which would have made it a steal, but I lost the coupon in the shuffle at the register. I may still go back and buy another just to use the coupon! It’s like getting paid $2 from Walgreens.
2 Vitamin Schtick Lip Care Balms. These were on sale for $1.99 each and earned me $2.00 each in RR. So, they were FREE too!
2 Keebler Club Crackers. These were on sale 2 for $5. I used two $1 coupons from today’s Parade Magazine. They also earned me a $2 RR back, so they were actually just .50 cents per box.
I actually paid $5.11 cash to cover this transaction. However, I also used the $10 RR I came in with and the two $1 coupons on the crackers. I got back $12 in RR from the eye drops and lip care. If you subtract my cash from the RR I earned, I came out ahead $6.89 which makes all of this product free.
After sales and coupons, I saved a total of $21 in the first transaction.
Transaction 2:
2 60 oz. bottles of Clorox Bleach. These were on sale 2 for $3 with a Walgreen ad coupon.
1 40 ct. Advil Liquid Gels. These were on sale for $4.49 but I used a $2.00 coupon from today’s paper which made them just $2.49.
1 box of Thermacare Back Wraps. These were $6.99 but I used a $1.00 coupon from today’s paper making them just $5.99.
Buying the Advil and Thermacare together earned me a $5 RR back at the register. After coupons and RR earned back, I basically paid $2.24 each for these two items.
So, after $3 in coupons and then using $10 in RR which I had earned from my first transaction, I paid $1.59 in cash out of pocket. I saved a total of $15.58 after sales and coupons. And I earned a $5 RR back.
If you subtract the $1.59 from the $6.89 I was ahead after the first transaction, I’m still ahead $5.30 which still basically makes all of these items FREE after coupons, sales, and register rewards used and earned.
Transaction 3:
I now have $7 in RR left. I bought a bottle of Cascade laundry detergent for $6.49 regular price. I also bought razor blades at regular price and paid out of pocket for them, but I’m not counting them since really they were the only full price item I bought. The Cascade was free with my $7 RR.
I know it can be confusing with all the coupons and RR, so here’s a quick recap…
Blink Eye Gel: $7.99 (earned $8.00 RR back) FREE!
2 Lip Balm: $1.99 each (earned $4.00 RR back when I bought 2) FREE!
Keebler Crackers: 2 for $5 (earned a $2 RR) Also used $2 in coupons. $4 in savings makes them just .50 cents per box
Clorox: 2 for $3 on sale
Advil: $4.49 on sale (used a $2 coupon)
ThermaCare: $6.99 regular price (used a $1 coupon)
These 2 items bought together earned me a $5 RR back
Cascade: $6.49 regular price (FREE after RR used)
I began with $10 RR when I went in.
I earned and used another $19 RR.
Total Savings from all coupons, RR, and sales: $43.58
Total cost of all product bought: $38.00
Total out-of-pocket expense: $6.70
January 30, 2010
Dear, Dear Dierbergs!
Dierbergs is another grocery store which I don’t shop at much here in St. Louis mainly because the closest one to me is several miles away. Before we bought our house, we lived in an apartment in Chesterfield, and Dierbergs was less than a mile away so it was close and convenient but I still thought it cost too much. That was before I started clipping coupons though!
My main reason for making the trip there today was because they had select meats on sale 5 for $19.95. I thought the choices were pretty good. Total savings on my receipt from the meat alone was $8.26.
I also wanted to take advantage of the Campbell’s Chunky Soups on sale for $1.47 each. I had 3 coupons for .40 cents off two cans. Dierberg’s also doubles coupons under .40 so this equaled .80 cent x 3 which is .40 off per can making them just $1.07 per can! Can’t beat that.
The Hormel Chilis were on sale 4 for $5 which is $1.25 per can. I used two coupons for .50 cents off which would have equaled only paying $1 per can. But I guess I read it wrong and somehow picked up 5 cans. Oh well. It basically made the fifth can only .25 cents.
Country Crock was on sale $1.99 per tub. I used two .40 cent coupons which were also doubled. This made the final price just $1.19 per tub.
Helmans was on sale for $3.49. I picked up two with a .60 cent coupon making them about $3.19 each. It’s still quite a bit, especially since I had to buy 2 to use the coupon, but this is an item that I know we’ll use so it was still a good price.
The paper towels are a name brand I’ve never tried before. They were $2.50 on sale, and I used a $1.50 coupon so that made them just $1.00. Can’t beat that for 2 rolls.
Total spent out-of-pocket was $42.44.
Total savings from the meat was $8.26.
Total saved from coupons was $7.60. $2 of this was from double coupons!
Awwwwwe, Schnucks!
I don’t normally shop at Schnucks since there is a Shop ‘n Save less than a few blocks from my house, but after looking through their ad this week, and reading Coupon STL where I learned about this Ziploc Bag Deal, I decided to add a trip to Schnucks to my to-do list today. Then, I remembered that the Schnucks at 10650 Olive Blvd in Creve Coeur doubles coupons so I decided to go there instead of to the Schnucks on St. Charles Rock Road which is closer to my house. And I’m glad I did.
I used a coupon for every item you see in the picture except for the Chili Sauce and Bread. Those were just on sale and a good deal compared to what I usually pay at Shop N Save.
The main buys I was interested in were first, the Ziploc deal. They were $2.99 a box and if you bought 3 then you got a $2 coupon back at the register. I used a .45 cent coupon off 1 box, and a .40 cent coupon off each of the other two boxes. This .40 cent coupon was doubled to .80 both times. After coupons, I paid about $2.30 per box, but with the Ziploc rebate I mentioned above I’ll get $5 back. This makes each box only .63 cents per box! By the way, you can mail that rebate in 3 times per household!!
The Yogurt was on sale 10 for $5. I had a $1.00 off coupon for those.
The SteamFresh Veggies were also 10 for $10. I only bought two though and used a .35 cent off coupon for each. That was doubled to .70 cents per bag, so I only paid .30 cents per bag.
The Green Giant Frozen Veggies were on sale 3 for $5. I only bought 2 of those for about $1.67 per bag and used a $1.00 coupon off 2, so those came out to about $1.17 per bag.
Jet Dry was regular price at $4.69, but a .40 cent coupon doubled made it only $3.89. This wasn’t on my shopping list, but I did this at Schnucks because I had compared prices with this item earlier at Dollar General and it was $4 there. While cheaper at DG, the double coupon saved me .11 cents more.
The Hunts canned chili tomatoes were on sale $1.45 per can. I had planned on using two .45 cent coupons on these but you had to buy 3 per coupon. I found a vendor coupon on the shelf at Schnucks for $1 off 4 though. So, with one $1 coupon, I decided to also try to use one of the .45 cent coupons as well. It worked! So, with $1.45 off, I basically got 1 can for free.
I also used coupons on the Dole fruit cups, Swanson Chicken Broth, and the Pledge wipes.
Total spent out-of-pocket was $43.04.
I saved a total of $9.70 in coupons. $1.90 of this was from double coupons. Not bad.
