mildmom

We saved the most annoying toy my brother ever got my son. It was a rolling, screeching, beep-booping Robot, made by the Target Brand name...11 years ago...of course he loved it and my brother says it was unintentional but he dies laughing every time we bring it up. Little does he know...they just had a baby, so I am waiting it until next year when she's old enough to push it's buttons and love it as much as my son did. Of course, he fully expects the payback so it's not quite as much fun.... I think that the cheaper toys tend to be louder and more annoying-they malfunction more often so that they tend to just go off on their own, or make it to where you can't shut them off. We've had a fair amount of smallish musical "possessed" toys over the years and they are usually the cheaper brands, and the ones that the kids would totally miss if they were just gone. Now on the other side of the family, it was the gigantic stuffed animals. There are only so many of these a small house can hold, you know? And my SILs love to get them for the kids and of course they worship their aunts, so can't possibly get rid of these space-hogging things. If you want to go gradual or less obvious, start buying these for every occasion. The kids will love you and the parents will groan.

Last year KMart had a sale on Legos; I can't recall if it was Buy one get one 1/2 off or what; I just recall it made it a better deal than I could find anywhere else AND they had some things in stock. It was probably in December. My kids love legos too.

So the point is that if you've ordered it online they know you've paid for it and that it needs less security for the packaging? Great idea! I've got to go check it out. I agree, the plainer packaging might be problematic for gift-giving. Unless you grew up in my family where many gifts came wrapped in an instant oatmeal or cracker box anyway...ha ha...visitors always thought we were odd (dude I thought your mom gave you oatmeal for your birthday!) I've spent many the christmas eves undoing all the plastic ties and screws on toys and then placing them back in the box (a compromise between 'why don't we just put out the toy' and 'the agony of struggling with packaging is part of the fun'). Two year olds don't see any fun in waiting 20 minutes for you to struggle open a toy. Trust me.

Interestingly, I know three different people looking for mattresses. At least one of them prefers to buy from JCPenney. I see they are having a sale online, haven't found any other codes to go with it yet. Any other input on buying a mattress appreciated. My advice was don't buy a memory foam attached. We did and while we've gotten past "we hate it"....we don't recommend it. One of the more expensive mistakes we've made....

GE has an off-brand, I can't recall it right now, but ask the salesman. My mom's washer repairman told her about it when hers died. He said the parts are the same and you are not paying for the name. She has had it (the off brand) for a couple years now and it is nice. I have used it several times...just can't recall the name. Hers is a top-loader. I don't know anything about front-loaders. I have a Maytag that I got on clearance at Lowe's. If you ask the salesperson they will often tell you what models are about to be clearanced. Good luck- it's no fun shopping under pressure!

Funny you should say that, I've always thought O-K always ran a little big. I liked TCP because the legs of the pants ran longer, and I had a tall skinny boy. He still is, but he's sized out of those stores. I am so happy they have those elastic sizers in most jeans now!

I've tried wrapping stuff right away, but then *I* forget what's in it and for whom. I'm surprised no one has mentioned just using *guilt*. That's what my mom used! Once my kids figured out where I keep stuff I just told them 'well if you look, you won't have the fun of a surprise and neither will I'. They know that I know they hide gifts under their beds and I don't snoop. So I still hide the stuff and I don't think they look, but maybe they do/will. The anticipation is half of the fun. Hopefully they want the surprise enough not to look even though they know they 'could'. I know, some kids are just snoopy and/or want to torture their siblings. Label a big tote 'summer clothes' or some other misleading label as suggested. In the empty decorations box is the best yet because it's already empty and taking up space! It makes it harder to forget where you hid things too (I've done that).

Why do you say it will be hard to make something for dad? Who says dads don't enjoy the little things their kids make? I liked the idea of decorating a frame w/their picture inside. Make it their 'assignment' to pick out the picture, or trick dad to pose for one. Have them write a story/poem/letter to dad about a fun day they had together, a tradition, ritual, memory, whatever. How about the old clay dish (ashtray) of yesteryear (ha ha). Have them make a small dish out of plain (to be painted) or colored clay (the kind that can be baked). He can keep coins, keys, or paperclips in it. Those are great for grandparents, too. I agree on the treasure box idea- they could make them for any family member including each other. My son made one of popsicle sticks this summer and he loves it. He also wove a basket (cub scout camp)- every one of those boys (at least 50) was very proud of their basket (ie look for a kit!). You could make the treasure boxes out of clay as well. Something like that really gets the child to *think* of who they are making it for, as well as putting a bit of themselves into it. My grandma used to always ask for a story from us kids 'and be sure to draw some pictures with it' she'd say. We'd usually turn it into a book. My kids make artwork for my mom and she always frames it- even when my son gave her the (in my opinion) ugliest collage creature made on a huge piece of posterboard! She bought a huge frame and hung it in her bedroom where she'd see it every night.

I was in an Osh Kosh outlet last weekend and they were unpacking new stuff- lined jeans was one of items. I don't know how much they were, but they have coupons and sales; plus that indicates to me that O-K will have them this year (check Kohls). The cashier gave me a coupon for $10 off $50- ask at the register when you go in, or if there is a Carter's store in the same area, they were cross-promoting. I don't think Children's place had them last year, did they? Meijers (in the Midwest) actually carried them the last two years at a very good price (I'm thinking $15). Have you checked the LandsEnd Outlet? They sometimes have them. I have two boys so I don't feel too bad paying more because I know the younger one will eventually grow into them (but I sure hate paying full price!) They usually go on the wish list for grandma : )

Funny! I like this one as a couple's costume. I thought you were gonna say Bill Clinton tho :) I guess that would require a beret not a tiara. Or maybe that is waaaaayy too outdated... Wear a suit, your hair up and glasses- go as Sarah Palin. I have heard so many women say they are going to use her for their costume this year.

Yes, Lexmark is some of the more expensive ink out there...check out how much ink comes in the refills too.. DH Did refill it himself a few times... pretty messy...he hasn't used his printer in months because he doesn't want to pay for the cartridges...I can't say off hand how much more expensive it it.....

I was going to ask the same thing. I ordered from the outlet before and thought the quality was much lower than regular CC things I'd seen in the store (different products too). I wonder if they are different items. I did order a purse a few years ago that I still use and love though, so it's hit and miss I guess. The prices can be hard to resist.

I think that means if you are a card holder you can get the prices the 4th. I know some stores used to let you get the price on the preview day but not pick it up till the next day which is a waste of time to me; I don't know if anyone does that anymore (clinique does though).

I would get one of those heated wraps so wherever you are, your body is wrapped in warmth. With a heating source, you are trying to heat the entire space and heat rises, so it will run all the time, and probably be going right out the roof or competing with wind leaking in the windows, etc. I am always cold; our last house wasn't insulated well so I would wear a hat indoors and walk around in a blanket all the time (over my flannel lined pants and double sweatshirts). I hear ya; you can't fix it all right now, you just want to be warm while you figure that part out! Here are a couple from JCP: check regular and online. I couldn't find the one I was thinking of, but this is the idea. Maybe target has them. http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/ProductsHOM.aspx?ItemID=1324e15&ItemTyp=C&GrpTyp=STY&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=heated+throw&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&CmCatId=SearchResults&Search1Prod=True http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/ProductsHOM.aspx?ItemID=120631e&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=STY&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=blanket&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&CmCatId=SearchResults&Search1Prod=True&S4Filter=N%7c4294966775%7cNtt%7cblanket%7cNtk%7csearch_all%7cNao%7c0%7cNty%7c1%7csid%7c116529A1772E%7cNtx%7cmode%2bmatchallpartial%7cNtpr%7c1%7cNtpc%7c1%7cFN4294966775%7cblankets+%2b+throws Not the one I was thinking of, but prettier patterns: http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/ProductsHOM.aspx?ItemID=120631e&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=STY&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=blanket&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&CmCatId=SearchResults&Search1Prod=True&S4Filter=N%7c4294966775%7cNtt%7cblanket%7cNtk%7csearch_all%7cNao%7c0%7cNty%7c1%7csid%7c116529A1772E%7cNtx%7cmode%2bmatchallpartial%7cNtpr%7c1%7cNtpc%7c1%7cFN4294966775%7cblankets+%2b+throws You might also contact your energy provider or local energy company; sometimes they will come out and do an analysis of your house and tell you where the heat is leaking and where the quickest fix would be. Or have your furnace checked. Do you have a separate thermometer to tell you actual room temp? I know even in my newer house, air still leaks in and it feels cool, but not like you're describing. I put towels in and around my windows, insulated curtains, all that. You don't want a completely airtight house though, of course. My husband has his office in our unfinished basement. I got him an overhead heater/light. This way he has an overhead light any time and clicks on the heater part for the winter; it has two settings. Sometimes I'll go down and there and tease him about being on vacation in the tropics! They were designed for garages I think; it came from either Meijer or Lowes and was about $60. I think it is still cheaper than trying to heat the whole basement because the cement walls and floor would suck up all the heat. That just an added idea; it wouldn't really work for your living room!

I have been researching this camera all week. I saw it at amazon.com for $153 free ship w/2G card and coupon for 12 month photo calendar. They are having a $50 rebate on select printers w/this camera. I ended up buying the A560 (oops, didn't realize you asked about 570 until I typed all this; I'm leaving it in case it helps someone else). I bought Canon A560 last night on amazon for $128.xx (free shipping) and it came with a rechargeable batteries set. I had seen it earlier this week for $127 w/nothing. Ritzcamera.com has a deal on this camera; (it comes with a 4x6 printer and a coupon for $15) for $150; I think the sale ends 11/17/07. I couldn't find enough information about refills for the printer; it is for my mom, so decided to skip the printer. other places to look might be JR.com or butterflyphoto.com They had the A560 for $126.50 I got lots of good reviews and information here: http://www.imaging-resource.com/

Yesterday and today, I received a $3 discount off a $25 gift certificate. I just bought regular groceries and it printed off with my receipt. Might be worth checking out twice or more...:)

I used to work as a cashier at Target, but I think that was before the BF got to be so crazy. I remember it being really early and super crazy busy. I remember thinking What are those crazy people doing pressing their faces to the windows? It's like 5 degrees out there and we don't open for an hour! I tried shopping on my lunch but the lines were too long. My brother worked in electronics and he has some better stories. Plus he was always able to get whatever deals he wanted and hide them in the back. I recall thinking back then that the day after thanksgiving was so much better than the day after Christmas (YIKES!! Now THERE is some craziness!) My (now) husband worked undercover security there. I'll have to ask him if he remembers anything from those days. He probably took that day off....

Mario Galaxy $25 gift card: OK, I just called my store and they said the games did not come in today. They expect delivery by noon tomorrow, but not for sure, call before you come. As for the gift card; he said he does not know how many they will get, what happens is that after you ring it up, a message will pop up that you have earned a $25 gift card; the associate swipes a GC and gives it to you. He guessed that if I come in any time tomorrow I will get one. Hope that helps!

I think it means the game will be in BY 5 pm (ie gives the store some leeway in case delivery is afternoon or something)but the giftcard deal is good all week "limited quantities, one per person, instore only". I'm going to call my store and see if they know when the game will be there (ie did it arrive today). I pre-ordered this game.

If you go to lego.com there is a link to legofactory.com where he can design his own model and they will send you the pieces. You can even design your own box for free. It is a little frustrating and slow though, so will work better if your son is older (8-9-10 maybe). My sons designed some things last spring; (they mostly wanted the people) and I ordered the ones that he most wanted for his birthday. The prices are reasonable BUT you better get started now because it ships from Sweden I think and takes awhile (2-3 weeks). You could let him build something (make sure you save the design) and then order it w/o him knowing- that would be fun.

Did you look on lego.com? They change their sales often. They have free shipping through the end of the month if you spend $99 code FSH99 They have several things I can't find in regular stores. If you belong to Upromise you can get 3% back. My boys are SO into legos. Here is an idea too: the Lego Advent calendar comes with a new mini set for each day.

My son lost his glasses (new in January of course!) and I've got to replace them ASAP. Where is the best place to get them quick and not too expensive? He just had the exam but I thought the place we got them was kind of high. Of course we'll have insurance coverage in MAY, but he can't wait till then and he doesn't have a spare. Is Target reputable? Ours has an eye place in it; also there is LensCrafters, DOC and some place in the mall I think. Or is it best to get them from the opthalmologist? I was thinking a cheap pair to get us through till May, then get a pair just to have a second pair. Opinions? Should I really pay the extra for the scratch coating? His last pair got a scratch even with that. Thanks.

My mom just took my son to the Aquarium in February (on a Saturday). It was crowded, but not as bad as last year. She said the biggest thing was that everyone-adults included- was walking around not looking where they were going because everything is so cool. She said they easily could have made a day of it. She went with a friend who has season passes and has been many times, so tried to rush them through. She said to arrive early because even though they don't open until 10, the line forms at 9 and Yes, get your tickets ahead of time if possible. I think that is a wonderful idea for spring break for your kids. My son is ready to go back again already!

I was in GapKids today and they had some Great deals on boys (6-18) stuff. Shirts marked to $1.97, others to $3, $4 and $5; some nice thick sweaters too. They had some coats, but I didn't look. Of course my boys wouldn't even consider the possibility of anything today.... They had a good bit of spring stuff out. Of course the girl stuff (and baby) I peeked at was so cute!

I think coke is doubling points entered on the 28th of Dec.