The percentage wars between FatWallet, Ebates and Mr. Rebates are going to soar, I think throughout the holiday season.
FatWallet has just sent the first volley… Check out the percentage increases here:
Shopping, anyone ;)
Labels: Cash Back
I normally shop at the Nine West store in the Millennia Mall - the salespeople go above and beyond and I always enjoy the selection. However, I cheated on my store the other night and went to the one at the Florida mall which brought out the inner feisty wench.
First of all - I was in the store for 10 minutes holding a pair of shoes that I wanted, no acknowledgement from the two girls that were working - they were more interested in tryin' to hookup with the "wanna be gang-stah" who worked at Champs and talkin' about what gear to get for the weekend. Not to mention, when is it normal for employees to dress like they are about to go work on OBT (local "ladies of the evening" hangout") rather than work at the mall. These gals were hooched out with clothes that looked like snausage casings.
Then - 10 minutes later, after I found some shoes, a bag and something else - STILL no acknowledgement. SO, what did I do - ask for the district manager's phone number. I knew that one of these two dingbats was a manager and, since I was the ONLY customer in the store, that obviously that manager needed some training! I get this clerk who is beyond bimbette and inform her that I need the district's number, post haste. The manager is still goo-goo eyein' the Champs guy who left the store and was tryin' to talk to someone across the way. Manager tells her to go look at the call list in the back. The clerk goes "His home number?" You're kiddin' me right? I tell her that in the real world, we need business numbers to call during BUSINESS hours. I then tell her to put on the Millennia phone number… this is where it gets good. I ask the clerk if that is her manager to which I hear "Uh huh" in this barbie cheerful noddy tone. I could have SMACKED the dingbat - but figured it's not her fault.
So, I walk up to said manager who has nothin' but an attitude already and tell her that she just lost out on a sale, Millennia was going to get it and it would be substantial. I also told her to get her story ready now why she was not being "a manager" and that I would be having a long talk with her district manager. Her response: Wench sucked in her damn teeth and started to give me an attitude to which she quickly learned, I don’t deal with that mess. I informed Ms. Thang that either she change her attitude or it might be in her best interest to possibly look for another job as retail clearly isn't her line of work. Then, I advised her and her clerk - Acknowledge a client when they arrive, ESPECIALLY if they were the only customer in the store and they still had another hour to work. I also told her that if they were there to get a man, to do it AFTER work hours.
So - with that, I departed, called the district manager and left him a message about his "team" at the Florida mall, called the Millennia mall store and had them pull the shoes I was looking at and flew like a mad NYC driver to get to the Nine West store 20 minutes away before they closed. Upon arrival, I talked with the Millennia people who had already pulled the shoes I wanted and had them ready for me. Plus - their district manager already got my message, called the store and told their manager that I would hear from him after his vacation but he would deal with this situation immediately when he returned. Here's the best part - they told me that the shoes that didn't fit me on my last trip to their store, they are going to exchange because they go a size too big. So - with that, I left a very happy 9West customer, indulged in a Maple Non-Fat Macchiato and made this promise: I will only deal with that store from now on - Florida mall - notsomuch!
Monica at the Millennia Mall is the schnitzit. Hillary (or whatever her name is) at the Florida mall needs to get a clue, or 10.
VIMO is having a little somethin whereby you rate your doctor and they will also send you a t-shirt. Being here in Orlando, I’m fortunate to have some fabulous medical assistance. From Dr. Boswell (eyes) to Dr. Sovran (my g.p.) to Dr. Hardeman & the crew at Celebration Dental Care, love, love, LOVE them. So – if PayPerPost & Vimo want me to rate the docs, sure – why not. As y’all know – if I believe in something I will praise it to high heaven. If it sucks, I’ll tell ya that too.
So – being that I’ve enjoyed great success with my doctors, you can read my reviews here for Dr. Sovran and Dr. Hardeman. I went to review Dr. Boswell, but she wasn’t in there yet so I submitted her. VIMO’s so user friendly it took me no time at all. So – if you want to review your Doc, drop on by Vimo and maybe you can grab a T-Shirt as well…
Now, if only going to the doctor’s was that quick ;)
Vimo
**This post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions, as always, are my own.**
As y'all know, I'm in the market to rework my financial situation and, eventually, buy a house and lay down roots here in Sunny Central Florida. I'm very guarded when it comes to my financial/personal information so security is key when I start looking at Mortgage companies. Having been burned severely by Orchard Bank selling my info to every Tom, Dick and Harry lately for "marketing" purposes - even when they were told specifically NOT TO has made me even more caution.
PayPerPost turned me onto this service that, on its face, seems very committed to the cause of keeping one's info safe. Not to mention this site, PersonalHomeLoanMortgages.com actually has tools on its site to help you such as mortgage calculators and helpful articles. They even tell you the title companies for your area and mortgage brokers. And - they are in full compliance with the FTC, Do Not Call and Spam Regulations. Ummm.. Yeah - this place is getting bookmarked when I go on the hunt for my first home.
Thanks PayPerPost!
**This post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinion, as always, is my own.**
THE SHOES
2) As she models her outfit, she walks out wearing said shoes with a dress and LEGGINGS! Yes - LEGGINGS. I bit my lip. Why? Because back in the 80s, Ms. Ripa is the reason we all committed said fashion faux pas. I can name three girls off the bat who wore poofy skirts (ala hers today) but with more opaque leggings (*Cough Tina, Lillian, Holly, Christina N., need I go on *cough cough*)...
Bowing to the uber fashionista, Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker *snaps*
Her outfit was remicient of her earlier days on Dance Party. All she needed was her damn poofy hair and rhinestones. When one mentions bad 80s fashion, she (along with most of us) are culprits. However, I will say - that outfit today was fierce as was the Queen of ALL Fashionistas, SJP. Utter fashion fabulousness... I won't even mention the tag that flashed on the bottom of SJP's shoe with the black line crossed out that just made things a tad more human *LOL*...
Ms. Kelly - circa 1988
Kelly - you still bit the shoe concept. But I ain't madatcha. Just don't do it again.
*Photos courtesy of OurDailyRipa.*
Labels: SATC
Labels: Cash Back
Ahhh.. I feel much better now. Thank you for listening...
You know it's a late night when you are watching one of your fave movies and you hear a booming announcer say - Do you or a loved one suffer from Mesothelioma. Have you suffered a loss due to Mesothelioma. If so, please call the offices of IHAVENTGOTACLUE, P.A. We can help!"
First of all - I wake up going "What the HECK is mesothelioma" and then, as I'm on a health kick of late, PayPerPost asks us to check out a site about Mesothelioma. Ummmm.. If something else crosses my path concerning this horrid cancer, I'm going to turn into a hypochondriac.
My heart goes out to anyone that does have to deal with this. Godspeed!
**This post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions, as always, are my own**
I have to say - MTV and Music Videos have evolved since the days of the Buggles and Pat Benatar. Things are more complex and intricate and the music labels are not wasting any time in getting videos out to the fans. Videos are a promotional tool however - how can one watch videos when MTV and VH1 rarely PLAY videos anymore. BET is even starting to go down the path - we need a VIDEO channel on DirecTV but if I need to see a video for a track I love, I often check out YouTube.
PayPerPost alerted me to a new service - SingingFool.com which houses a TON of videos on the 'net. Not to mention, they will even let you upload parody videos (a little Weird Al fever, ya think), Karaoke - (I'll be safe - thankuverymush!) and indie artists can upload their tracks (JZ - hint hint!). You can create playlists and even works with YouTube. It's pretty user friendly and already during my sojourn at the site I caught the new track from Panic! At The Disco, Kelis' new track and an oldie but a goodie - The Jets with Special Kinda Love!! (MB - I know I know *LOL* but it's still one of my fave tracks of theirs).
Anywayz… take a moment and browse - who knows what treasures you may find...
**This post has been brought to you by PayPerPost - My thoughts, opinions and video selection are my own**
Well, now that I'm on a full out chef's binge, I've found myself taking special interest in various kitchen/cooking sites - i.e. Chefs.com, Cooking.com and PayPerPost put me onto another fabulous site, Kitchen Appliance Guide.
I'm a gadget-a-holic. As roomie can attest, if it's a gadget, I'm checking it out. I must have gotten that from my father. When he was down here, he was looking through William Sonoma and Linens 'N Things for juicers. While he did procure a pretty decent one at Macy*s (on sale), I couldn't tell you the first thing about using it and the manual reads like a computer book (and is about the size of one). How does the Food Network make things look so easy??
Lately I've been lusting after a Food Processor and, while my mother offered to send me hers, I'm guessing it’s the one that my dad gave her 20 or so years ago so I need to be prepared to replace, and quick. I have a Cuisinart Mini-Chopper but it just doesn't have that za za zu, ya know. So, in preparation, you know this gal is doing her research. I have an idea of what I'd like to get, but finding a site that breaks it down for the gadget-challenged aka moi, this is a godsend. I've got articles here on tips for choosing the right type of appliance, what to look for, brands and where to buy them online. That's a lot better than my usual "OMG, won't this look FABULOUS in my kitchen" or "Ohhhh.. That color looks pretty". Yeah - I'm not hard to please. No ideas of wattage, blade size, etc. even crosses my blonde brain.
So, if you are on the hunt for a new appliance, whether it be an ice cream maker, smoothie maker or even a blender, Kitchen Appliance Guide may be your one stop intel shop.
**This post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinion and thoughts, as always, are my own**
While on route for my Starbucks sabbatical, one of my earrings decided it was going to make a break for it and had the audacity to actually try to take a plunge down my wrap sweater right into my cleavage.. In front of a group of business men. I'd rather pull an 80's look of the one earring until I was able to retrieve it sans the gawk of said businessmen who already looked like they were due for a frat reunion.
That's what I get for wearing a new set of earrings with this look.
Well, this week I succumbed. After having one too many *blah* moments with my normal regular fragrances, I felt like I needed a little new blood. I couldn't decide between Vera Wang's latest offering, "Princess" or the new scent from Philosophy. After a few sniffs of the two, I felt that Princess was a tad more *grown up* and less "Love's Lemon" or something from Junior High which is what Philosphy, The Fragrance reminded me of. Labels: Shopping
Labels: Memories, Random Mess
Nowadays, it seems like everyone and their mother is up on MySpace. Granted, I'm not like many of my friends and "redecorate" my MySpace on the daily/weekly/monthly. I mostly seem to stay on an even keel. However, after viewing the new video over at Single Ma's blog, (I love that song... To The Left, To The Left), I want to do a little re-arranging, shall we say.
PayPerPost suggested that I review this site: DeliciousLayouts.com and, much to my surprise, there are a few cute layouts on there. There's a Playboy one which I know mah girl Am at work will love. There is a Juicy Couture Layout that one of the Divas, D. will adore, an Aloha Layout for Roomie and, for me, I might be lookin at something a little more "me". I'm lovin' some teal and chocolate colors and I might have to go dark.. Just because… AND here's the kicker - Ashley, the site designer TAKES REQUESTS. If you want a little customization, she's got the hook-up.
So, if you have a moment, check it out - you might find something that will make your MySpace, really YOUR Space...
**this post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions, as always, are my own**
Labels: Cash Back
It's that Time Again..
The holiday shopping season train is out of the station and barreling down the tracks. As it's already October, one might find their thoughts wandering to unique gifts for their loved ones for the Holidays.
PayPerPost alerted me to one store that has some of the hottest leather goods that might be a place to bookmark when the holiday shopping season gets underway - Kiki James. Now, they are London based, but don't let that deter you. Their goods appear to be well crafted, and I know, i.e. Reese has a journaling habit so this leather journal might be perfect for her. My father is looking for a leather wallet, so this little lovely might be the gift of choice for him. Now, not to leave myself out, I've got my eye on THIS. So cute, non?
**This post is brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions (and shopping preferences *LOL*) are my own**
I live in an apartment complex by Disney that, back in the day, was pretty good. Lately, since the complex has traded hands to a new management company, I've noticed that the clientele is WAY different, things around the complex are less than pleasant and I'm not making any plans on renewing my lease here. We've had an upsurge of crime in Orlando from armed home invasions to B&Es to Rapes and it's getting a little scary, to say the least. Let's not even talk about the murder rate. Watching the news is a daily depressing thing that HAS to be done around here. No Disney bubbles for this chick.
Our complex will NOT let us install a home security system. They are confident that their doors and the deadbolt is enough. I, however, beg to differ. The lease agreement even has provisions in that in the event that a crime or accident happen on property, they, in no way, are liable and our insurance company is. Not their insurance company - the tenant's insurance company. Lately, it seems like every other day we get a flyer saying "A crime has been reported in this apartment community. Blah blah blah" all with the reminder that, in the event a crime occurs, they again are not liable. Give. Me. A Break.
I would feel much more secure in a complex that takes better care of their tenants and looks out for their safety. That's one of the first things on my check list (besides, walk in closet, cute location, dishwasher & w/d hookups). I'm researching the criminal activity of the areas within the apartment communities that I'm looking into. Meowmix & BR are consulted before I even make appointments because I trust their decisions when it comes to security. If I know Meowmix, she will Nikita the location, have the particulars AND tell me her "It's safe" or it’s a "NO NO NO" before I even go meet with the complex managers.
PayPerPost put me onto a great service that I'm going to look into a little more in-depth - Home Security. Everything here from choosing an alarm system, to Neighborhood watches and Homeowner's Insurance. There's even a section on Apartment/Condo security.
I think I've got one of my bases covered now. If only Meowmix could decorate ;)
**This post is brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions, as always, are my own**
I just can't "look" and not "buy".
Prime Example - last night, traipse into Bloomingdales and walk through the shoe department. Look, pick up a couple shoes and put them down and walk towards the exit to the mall - then it catches my eyes like a neon sign in Vegas - Bobbi Brown. I figured, "Oh - I'll go take a peek at the new diamond dust eye shadows everyone is talking about". Yeah - just a peek right? I walk out of there with the new Rockstar Diamond Dust, 2 bottles of the Ruby nail polish from the Sparkles & Rubies holiday collection that is almost sold out and was almost victim to a bottle of Vera Wang Princess.
Yeah - makeup counters and me - not a good thing. Thank god Bloomingdales in Orlando doesn't carry Smashbox anymore - I'd wind up cleaning out the place.
Well, PayPerPost wanted some thoughts regarding DisneyWorld and Florida Holidays and, since I live in the Land of the Rat, I’m willing to give you some insider 411:
Here’s a few things I’ve learned while living here:
I could go on, and on, and on, but I best stop here. Have a Magical Time!!!!
**This post has been brought to you by PayPerPost. My opinions, as always, are my own**
Well, you know how I said my credit scored *dropped* just like that thanks to a bad financial decision back in the day with H. Well, I go to pull my score with one of the other bureaus today only to find it jumped up 31 points. On my other bureau's report - it's the same and I'm awaiting a notice of "Your score has gone up" through Equifax (Hate those S.O.B.s). I paid off two credit cards last month and I'm still in "negotiations" with that particular company as they have been my oldest card and I want to keep my score on an even keel. My goal is to have it jump up 100 points by this time next year. In time - all in due time.
Hmmm… that's rather inspiring and makes me think twice about purchasing some fabulous shoes from Nordstroms.
Labels: Cash Back
I'm taking control of my financial future. With all that's happened in the past year, and knowing I'm moving upward and onward in a few months (new apartment, new section of town, determined to get my FICO in check), I'm adapting a new aggressive spending/saving strategy. (Yes I watched Big Spender on A&E and don't want that guy on my doorstep). I've gotten rather "lax" lately and I'm putting down the stiletto. See, as of February 1st, I need to find a new apartment, have the Grammys on February 7th AND somewhere in the holidays/chaos, I need to pack, streamline and declutter ALL parts of my life.
I'm:
How am I doing all of the above?
That's over $360 a month that I'm committing to saving. That's about 6 pairs of shoes from Nine West. Or, in my mindset now, 1/5 of the payment towards my new living room set.
And when it's done, I'll have a shiny new apartment, an emergency fund, a new living room set, a fabulous (yet economical - if THAT is possible) trip to LA and the Grammys (the tix prices are outrageous) AND I might, just might, treat myself to a pair of shoes.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Labels: Cash Back
Cooking about 9/10 years ago was not my forte. When I got my first kitchen, I was able to decorate it in any way I wanted. Bec & I went through a flea market and I found the CUTEST apple jar that started my obsession with having apples throughout the kitchen. Mind you, I took it to ridiculous levels - there were paintings of apples, apples on the plates, apples on the jars - apples, apples, apples. (Thinking back - I must have gotten that from my mom because when I was younger, she redecorated our kitchen in all pineapples after a trip to Williamsburg - to this day, I cannot look at pineapple decorations without a nervous twitch… eeks!)
Living here in Orlando with roommates, I don't have as much freedom decorating wise, and my apple items are in storage up north. However, after my red dutch oven purchase the other day, I've sparked this whole obsession with Le Creuset and red cookware. I find that things look very pretty when they kinda match. However, I don't think I'll decorate my new kitchen with apples (tho I will keep that first Apple Jar), and many of the items that are remaining will find new homes via Ebay/Charity/Garbage.
I think I need to put the breaks on the acquiring of new pretty things until I get my new apartment and find the kitchen. Well, maybe I'll start putting the breaks on tomorrow - after I get this adorable tartin pan. It's red AND apples...best of both worlds, ya think?
Labels: Cash Back
I bought THIS gorgeous clutch from Nine West in Teal (it was on SALE) and THESE fabulous boots from Torrid which, for the first time, my Irish calves have been zipped up and I'm rockin' the knee length boot look. Amazing what a pair of boots can do to ones attitude, especially when they zip up and look fabulous, if I may say so myself. Torrid - you've made this gal a convert. I still love my Nine West, but when it comes to boots - Torrid & Silhouettes are my new best friends.
My penance will be returning some shoes that I purchased from Aerosoles that I like, but don't love. My new rule courtesy of the Budget Fashionista - Buy what you love - would you marry someone that you only liked? 'Nuff said.
Labels: SATC
That's just a few - I'm sure I'll think of more. However, I think I'm going to brave the mall again and get these Ta.Dah knee boots from Torrid - So CUTE!!
