mildmom

January is "Get Organized Month" with most stores. If you can wait until after New Year's you can usually find some really good deals on all types of storage the first two weeks of January. We did this two years ago and updated a little last year. We went with wire cubes for part of it-built them like a shelving system and they were 50% off at Target and Meijer. Many other stores have these items then as well. Stack-a-shelf products usually go on big sale as well. The 3ft tall two-door cabinet makes a nice bookcase for kids. I'm sure the tubs/totes go on sale then as well, since I have a ton of them and never pay full price, lol.

I've had the Brewstation for almost 3 years now and I still love it. I got it because I ususally only make a little but can make a large pot if I have company. It has a programmable timer and auto shut-off. It is easy to clean, either by hand or in the dishwasher. I went through several pots the year I got that one. I had an insulated carafe because it is such a great idea, but then the lid leaked and also got mold in it so that all the coffee coming out tasted moldy to me-yuck. I had talked my mom into the same one and hers had similar and different problems. There was no way to take the lid apart to clean it. The key to the Brewstation not leaking is to clean the little spout where the coffee comes out every so often. It gets clogged with oils from the coffee. You are supposed to run a vinegar rinse through every month to keep it running best. I don't do it that often, but occasionally. Once a year I have taken a q-tip to the little spout area and that has done the trick. As for hotness, I find that the coffee gets hottest if it sits for 10-20 min (duh, makes sense). I love the fact that I can draw out as little as I want at a time and always have hot coffee (it is so EASY- you just push your cup up against the button and it goes right into your cup). I've been known to draw out two sips at a time (just because I'm the Mom and I CAN). It also comes with a water filter which I have never replaced (I have good water though). I also find that using an espresso grind yields much better flavor-don't know if this is the pot or true in all cases; I'm not much of a coffee nut, just appreciate a good cup of Brazilian coffee : ) I totally recommend the BrewStation by Hamilton Beach.

checkout the jcpenney online outlet; they had some pretty good deals last week. I don't really recall the colors, but they had different shapes in addition to 5 x 7.

Both of my kids' mattresses came from JCPenney- the Penney's brand and they are soo comfortable. We've let 4-5 different guests sleep there (hey the kids like the sleeping bag on the floor anyway...) and all have said that was the best night's sleep they'd ever gotten! We use the mattress and boxsprings on a metal frame, it makes a difference (though I prefer right on the floor). And they are flippable-one even has a winter side and a summer side (basically of little importance since I use a waterproof protector anyway. They were quite a bit more than $150 but I figured they'll be sleeping on them for 15+ years. So I'm guessing that a puke stain would void the warranty as well??? geez, I leave the cover off for ONE night and the toddler gets sick........ We bought a new set for us last year-Sealy with the memory foam top. It is a HUGE mattress and it has been very weird to get used to. The entire bed moves differently, I guess because of the foam. If we could have returned it in 30 days we would have. It was a very expensive mistake. I'm afraid it will develop a valley as well. The problem with the memory foam is that I wish it would forget a little more, lol.

Thanks for all the input!

jcpenney.com online outlet has some different styles of Levis for under $30. As low as $12.99 Open up the different styles and look. There are regular, big, and tall sizes.

My mom had a heated mattress pad. She said it nicely warmed the bed, but didn't get really hot like an electric blanket or heating pad.

I know a lot of the kids have them and a note came home from school that they are not allowed there... my son (10)would like a pair, but I see they are $60! Grandma offerred to get them, but I'm hearing mixed reviews about them. Are they worth it? Is there an off-brand? Would he be better off with some old-school skates and rink time? (He can barely rollerblade as it is). How about my 6 yr old? He can't skate and doesn't like to try either.

My kids loved these movies at that age! I didn't mind them either. They are religous-based, but not overtly so. Basically they take a theme from the bible and make it silly and easy to understand ("be kind to your neighbor"). I was wary at first, but love them. Plus they reinforce listening to your parents and asking them when you have questions or problems. Jonah and the Whale was a good "feature" movie. I just love all the music-what a great way to sneak in music appreciation, lol. We/they also loved SharkTales. Bambi 1 and 2. They also liked Lady and the Tramp, Scamp (lady and the tramp part 2) and The Brave Little Toaster series. They were old then, so don't know if you can find it anymore; you'll recognize the voices (Jon Luvitz, and the guy who did Tony the Tiger).

I have a 10 yr old boy who likes plush, especially if it is associated with a game (just in case you see something/good deal). My friend's son has the guidebook and it is helping him to read! (He is six) He Loves that book! There are story books too, probably too young for a 10 yr old; just right for young readers though.

I called around last month and got mine (we missed out last year). They had them for $50 at Target (3 instock) Toys R Us and Meijer (2 in stock). I was almost set to pay big bucks on ebay. I went to nintendo.com and bought a second pad ($20 + $7 s/h) so my boys can play together. I knew it would "have" to be the official Mario pad so didn't settle for the better-priced knockoff. It came in about a week (received it Monday). I was tempted to sell one on ebay, but there are so many listed already. Now DH just has to figure out where he hid the thing! There is another version they sell at Target for $30. I don't know anything about it other than I saw it there. My boys are crazy for Mario though and this other one I don't know if it was more for girls. It was in the regular toy department.

Check the JCPenney Outlet online; they often have men's tall Levis for very low prices. I know that is a hard size to find.

I'm looking for deals too. Right now I use a heating pad! It soothes my back and warms the bed. I turn it on at the foot of the bed while I get ready, lay on it while I unwind and turn it off when I turn off the light. Between that, fleece or flannel sheets, and pajamas, I stay warm all night. I switched from a comforter to a quilt last year and was surprised that it seemed warmer. Also our bed is raised; I don't know if that helps, but in theory it would (heat rises). I bought my heating pad on clearance at Target last winter, but my mom said she bought a new one recently and the only one she could find was around $40. I was hoping to get a queen-sized blanket for that price...so I'll be hanging out looking for deals.

I Wanted the 512MB MP3 Player (back page) but no store in Michigan had it, as of Mon night. Will be checking again Wed as available in-store only.