SueInCali

Ross- my budget is getting the best deal for the money, silly! Actually, I am not looking for a top of the line model, just something that would come somewhere near $200 or less. I know, I am demanding! A 19" model would be nice, but as I see now thanks to Brad, the 17" ones are pretty much the same as far as viewing space at a lower price (always the shopper). Brad- thanks for the links and the heads up on the Dell items. Problem is, the 17" model still after all the discounts and what have you, is a little over $300. About $100 more than what I wanna spend. I have a Dell 2400 system, so it would be nice to make it all Dell. Then again, any monitor would work, huh? I like the features on the 17" one. Just not wanting to spend that amount. I see it also has USB ports and also DVI (someone needs to tell me what this is and why I should look for that when I purchase a new monitor). Once again, thanx for your help. You guys rock!

Hi all :) Well, I have decided that since I spend a lot of time behind the computer, I want to upgrade to a larger flat panel, LCD screen. We currently have a 15" flat panel, LCD Compaq that came with a system back in 2001. It is okay for now, but a larger screen is desired. I am looking at a 19" or maybe even a 17", depending on specs/price/etc. Anyone have any helpful hints as to go about getting the best deal possible (i.e. price and quality)? I don't want to shell out a lot of cash, but I also want a dependable model. Any ideas? Thanx in advance!

Overstock also carries ink and with Chris handy making deals, it wouldn't hurt to check them out either. :) Also, abcink.com has free shipping on all orders and always has sales and such. So far, no problems with either...product wise.

Hi Michelle :) lol I do not have a Kroger near me either. I did get a supply at a local drugstore chain here (Long's). Found some replacement bulbs at the local Albertsons (75 cents for a pack of 4). So, I think I am set with 4/25' sets ($3 each) and the bulbs. Now, to just convince hubby that he has to re-do the clips on the eaves next year. I will rub in the fact that I scored him that CD player for the car.

Brad ty :) Problem is, I'd have to drive 150 miles to get to a Walgreen's. BTW, thanks to everyone! You all are great!

I tried 'em all! lol Started calling the local drug stores and found them at Long's for $3 a box (25'). She is holding the last 5 boxes for me. Anyone want any Christmas candy while I am there?

Okay, now that the season is over, I am on a mission to re-do my lighting next year from those icicle lights to the more traditional, bigger bulbs. I am looking for the solid or ceramic type bulbs and maybe 50 or so feet of them (with the cords). Anyone happen to see any of these at any of your after holiday shopping jaunts? I am finding a lot of different lights, just not what I want. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Well, I went and was glad I did! I even got the hubby to tag along to help me carry the goodies (what a guy!). I went to Sears and was eyeing this 6.5' foot pre-lit slim tree. Well, it was going to be 75% off. I wanted the color lit one and they were out. But, the girl at the counter said she would sell me the demo for that and an additional 10% off! woooohooo I got it for $26 Then, I bought two packages (2 in each box) of those 3 and 4 foot spiral trees for $7.50 per box. I used a $35 giftcard I had for most of that purchase. Think I paid like $12 total. I went over to another store (Gottschalks) and they were selling stuff at 60% off and that's where I scored oodles of ornaments for my new tree! :) Also, I bought these cute, ceramic tea light holders (snowmen,santa,mrs. claus,etc) for $1.60 each! I bought 15 of those! That covers my co-workers next year. :) Then, they cashier produced a 10% off coupon for everything. So, I walked outta there spending like $40. All in all, well worth the driving. Thank goodness hubby tagged along.

I'm thinking of braving it on Sunday and look for some new decorations. Where are some of the good bargains? Any ads out as of yet?

Rebecca- flights looks pretty filled up for that timeframe. I saw some in the $500 range. I read where there are record number of flyers this year, so the deals are at a minimum. Ross- thanks for that option. I have found a few in the $50 range and I think that's where I'm heading. Problem is, you have to pay and THEN you get the info on where you stay. Could be in Gardena or Carson also, not my preference. Anyone ever stay at a Days Inn before?

Aaron- the least possible. :) kim- thanks! :) I did try Priceline, but the area is kinda spread out and also they didn't accept my bid.

Now, that was strange! Calling me unregistered? Oh well, been called worse!

Hi all! :) Besides the obvious places (Priceline,Hotwire,Hotels.com, etc), does anyone have any helpful hints on where to go online to get deals on hotels? Any help is appreciated.

hpowers- That sounds fairly normal for this company. Good luck on that, don't quit complaining. When they decided to tell me that my check was in the mail through MAY last year, I never stopped calling until I got a CSR manager that actually processed my rebate in less than a week. I might as well wait until next May again, by the sound of your problem.

I can say that I was done over two weeks ago. :) I drove by the mall this past weekend and it is a MADHOUSE!

Thanks, just got in on it. They already knew who I was?

Thanks to all for the ideas! It is greatly appreciated. :)

Thanx :) Yeah, looks like a tough market for these! You are right imagesmom, last I checked BOTH Wally World and Target are sold out online. May have to make some calls and hunt for one.

Hi all! :) Does anyone know where I get get a great deal on a VTech V Smile? I see that Target and Walmart are at the $50 area. Any other ideas? Thanks in advance!

Well, not to worry about the speakers. Because I used my ENTITLED 12% off coupon and my BB bucks, they decided to charge me for the speakers. No big loss, as I really am not interested in changing them anyway. I told them to keep them and secure them somewhere special. Just the idea that they can take away something that they say is free with purchase is a reason I am not a huge BB fan. If I didn't have those BB bucks that were expiring, I would have gone elsewhere. I guess I am one of them there "devils"? :)

Moto- what are you waiting for? Get up there!

Despite seeing the Overstock low price for one of the Pioneer's, I just couldn't get myself to buy a "factory reconditioned" unit. So, I think I will get down to BB today (the HORROR!) and use a 12% off coupon for being a "rewards" customer(expires today) and use the $40 BB bucks that I have from a previous purchase earlier this year. I will then take Brad's advice and get the Pioneer DEH-P2600. They are also offering a set of free speakers and free installation as well. I think I can get a co-worker to install it for me (appointments are backed up a week). Seems like they can throw in little extra charges during installation, so I trust that my co-worker can do it (used to install them for a living). So, thanks to all for the ideas. And, thanks Brad. :)

I can say that I actually DID send all my rebates in. There was no way that I was going to buy all this stuff, only to see the money you deserve not be rightfully given back to you. Many companies figure a percentage of people won't even bother with the rebates. Why let THEM keep YOUR money? I just make it a point to lay all the items out, all the forms and receipts and an exacto knive or scissors and get to work. It takes a little time, but in the long run, worth the hassle if you already bought the stuff. NOW, next step is to make copies and follow up with these companies. I had maybe over 2 dozen items (many free or close to it AR).

Ummm...I am thinking maybe in the low $100's? Don't really need all the bells and whistles, just a reliable model that can play CD/CDR/maybe MP3 (not ventured into that arena yet). I am leaning towards a Pioneer or maybe a Kenwood. They seem like the leading brands? I will look at the BB flyer tomorrow, I was there today just to get a looksee. Thought maybe you kind people could find me a better deal. Thanks :)

Hi all, I think I wanna surprise my hubby and get an AM/FM/CD player for the car. :) Of course, it's a surprise. SHHHHH! So, I need some help. Does anyone have any ideas where I can find a nice one for a great price? Any special features I need to keep in mind? Thanx in advance!