Surviving NJ

Archive for the ‘shopping’ Category

The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment

I recently got a Kindle, which I’ll review at another point, but was trying to decide what I wanted my first book to read on it would be. I had a list of books I’ve been wanting to read, and a few on a “look into” list…meaning, I’d heard about it, but wanted to check out reviews on Amazon first.

One of those books by AJ Jacobs was “The Year of Living Biblically”.

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible

The thing is, I wasn’t sure if I’d want to read the entire book if I didn’t care for his writing style. The Guinea Pig Diaries would allow me to get a taste of his writing in smaller pieces. This way there were multiple experiments, and if I lost interest in a story, I could skip ahead.

Let me say, I am SO glad I gave it a chance. After enjoying the book immensely, I can say that I’ll now happily go back and read both “….Biblically”….along with another called The Know-It-All.

In The Guinea Pig Diaries, AJ Jacobs does things like outsourcing his life – including arguing with his wife, posing as a nude model, along with other experiments such as doing everything his wife says, and filling in for his nanny on the “online” world of dating and handling the “details”.

AJ Jacobs has a comfortable, conversational tone in his writing, making light of his situations – as well as describing them in a manner that leaves you laughing out loud. This was a fun and quick read, and one that introduced me to a new author I wasn’t familiar with. He has previously written for Entertainment Weekly, and I believe currently writes for Esquire.

If you’re looking for a light read – this is nice in small bites, and was a nice first read on my new Kindle Reader

*links lead to Amazon

Cast Member Confidential: A Disneyfied Memoir

Have you heard about the latest Disney “tell all” type of memoir, “Cast Member Confidential”? If you were interested in it, I picked it up this week. I was torn on reading it or not. Don’t get me wrong, I like behind-the-scenes stories, but we’re talking a place that is the all time master of illusion and happy places. I love Disney – and I guess from my last post – you get that. The thing is, digging into this book, I wondered if it would tarnish the place in my eyes.

Does it? Nah – To me it reads like half fiction, half truth – and sounds like a lot of places that have young people working there. While every place runs like a well oiled machine during the day, the employees end up partying together at night to blow off steam. On the other hand, some of the stories are tossed in for “shock value” – and while you’d be all – OH MY GOSH, NOT MY DISNEY – honestly, I take it with a grain of salt.

It’s written as a memoir, but reads more like a story. How much you choose to believe is up to you. Remember when James Frey and his “Million Little Pieces” was all about “HIS TRUTH” – then it came out parts were exaggerated (well duh, just think of the root canal scene alone) – anyway, that’s how this reads to me.

Everything is heightened – everything feels TOO over the top.

Lastly, when I went to read reviews – there were 5 perfect 5 star ratings. Not one other type of rating. Mmmhmmm, sure…I’d wait a little longer if you want to read this, and wait for the REAL reviews to roll in. Then you’ll get a more biased opinion. What do I think? What would I give it?

I’d give it about 3.5 stars. It’s an easy read, it’s got some behind the scenes stuff, but mostly it’s all about how much of the Disney employment population is gay and has wild, massive parties on a regular basis…ummm, who cares? It’s like this is some massive reveal – oh my gosh – look at his *****, oh my gosh – the party – there were people who didn’t care if they were coupled up with men or women, drugs all over, sex all over, and party, party, things. There’s a level of how in or out you are, based on the character or your roll as a Cast Member…

I still give it a solid 3.5 stars, because it’s a quick read that keeps your attention. He can write – and can tell a story, and there are enough small details to hold your interest. It’s not the tell-all you might have been hoping for – but it’s interesting. I’d suggest this one for the over 18 crowd though. This isn’t the book I’d pick out for your daughter who LOVES Disney. Cursing, nudity, sex, drugs involved…

*link leads to Amazon

Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45

I picked up this book last night and am enjoying reading it so far. I love seeing the transformations when I see makeovers, but even better – I like how this lets you take a good look at yourself to see what you can do to make changes that can help me make a difference.

As you get older, it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut. Are you wearing the same hairstyle or even eyeliner you wore 10 years ago? Maybe it’s time for a change…maybe it’s time to look at your style choices. I know I’ve been going through this during this past year. I’m making small changes, but I’m finding that it was time to update – and I’ve been quite happy with the changes. I’m excited to learn what other tips I may find in the book!

If you’re a woman over 40, maybe 50 or 60 and you’re maybe divorced, lost your husband or are just out of a relationship and looking at dating again, a new look can really help you feel confident again. When you’re ready to start dating again, there’s a service that is specific to seniors – so you can feel comfortable knowing you’re meeting people in a similar age group looking to reconnect in relationships once again too. Try the Senior Dating Service and get your feet wet once again.

Vera Bradley’s Blue Rhapsody and I are having a love affair. Okay, maybe it’s one sided, but I am just loving this pattern. I’ve picked up a few smaller pieces, and finally snagged this last night. Vera seems to be my latest addiction…

At those prices though, I’m always thrilled when I can snag a bargain on eBay! Last night was one of those times. All the cards lined up right, and now it’s on the way. Happy day!

(Katherine Betsy)

Ooh…Vera Bradley bags…they have hooked me in with the great combination of colors, styles, and I love how pattern presentation is different on many bags. Lately, I’ve been liking them too much! I’ve been watching eBay and grabbed a few bargains, which I love, but it’s feeding a growing obsession!

(Capri Blue Mini Hipster)

I’m digging some of the blues and browns: Java Blue, Caffe Latte, Windsor Nnavy , Kensington, Blue Rhapsody

And loving me some yellow Katherine — and so many other patterns.

(Java Blue Hipster -older version of Hipster)

Everyone has their favorites, but I guess for me it’s a combination of how the pattern looks on a certain piece.

Anyway, how did this obsession start? I was always into a buttery, soft leather bag….how, oh how could a quilted bag woo me?

I was surfing on a message board one day and someone posted some pics…and they hooked me in. The funny thing is – I all ready had two Vera accessories, as they sell them at a few of the Hallmarks around here. Little did I know this would start a crazy search for the perfect color combination and pattern placement quest on the perfect piece for me!

(Raspberry Fiz – PURE Cosmetics Bag)

I think I’m good for now, but my mind is all ready thinking…hmmm, this would look great in this color too!

It’s time to jump off this Vera merry-go-round, and know that there are only so many days in a year! A girl can only have so many bags…ah…Yeah right! I didn’t believe myself either.

(Villa Red – Libby)

Here are a few of the fun patterns. There are so many more to choose from. There’s a message board that started up recently with photos and reviews – so if you’re looking for pictures of certain patterns or colors…or trying to decide if a hipster or mini hipster is for you, you may want to check it out. It’s just starting, so as more people add things it will grow. Right now – the owner of the board all ready has quite a few things up, and a few others have added in pics and reviews. Hopefully this will become a great source of information. I love how there are not only pics of outside, but INSIDE the bags so you can see how many pockets the bags have, the inside designs, and the size comparison…pics of things in the bag and out, so you can figure it out. The pics shown above are mine, but the board is not…though I’m adding a couple reviews as I get new things to help out too.

It’s here: Vera Bradley Pictures and Reviews (board is called: Vera Bradley Resources)

If you’re a Vera fan, maybe you can check out some pics and add some reviews of your own. I know it would be welcomed with excitement, and hopefully the community will continue to grow.

I was watching International House Hunters last night on HGTV, and they were over in Scotland. Anyway, as they went into the bathroom, they highlighed that they had electric water heaters, so it was on demand hot water, and saved a lot of money. I’d never seen it before. It actually hung right on the wall there. It was a new concept to me.

I went over to GlobalTowne.com to learn more about a tankless water heater, and was reading about them. They are supposed to save you money, give you an endless supply of hot water, and the US even has tax credit regarding high-efficiency improvement. See that you learn something new everyday!  

As I watched the show last night, I was like "What was that?"

Now I understand it better! I think from what I read they can be powered by gas, propane and electric.   

Dear goodness, how time flies! I can’t believe we’re all ready 1/3 through the month of December! Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I don’t know about you, but I’ll be looking for some great deals.

 I was able to snag a couple of gift certificates and gift cards, to get those out of the way, but there are a few more tiny things we need to accomplish. I’m just blown away that Christmas will be here momentarily.

 I’m having the hardest time getting into the groove to even decorate this year. I’ll get too it soon enough, but I’m starting later than usual!

What about you? Are you all ready? Baking to do? Gifts to buy, or decorating to do? I’m behind schedule on decorating, but ahead of schedule on gift buying. I guess it all evens out eventually!

 If you’d like to know about a contest, I’ve got some news to share!

Okay, we all love to win things, and this time you’ve got the chance to win some cool stuff. EBillMe.com is giving away over $30,000 in cash and prizes! That got your attention, eh? The contest only runs until December 26th, so hurry up and enter. Here’s the scoop, you’ll enter a video  that has a shopping confession on it. The video will run from 30 seconds to 600 seconds, but no longer. (You can submit multiple entries)…you’ll upload your video with special tags (found in the official rules), and then go join the Shopping Confessions website which is at ShopAndConfess.com, then you’ll post it to the contest entries page.

Don’t have a video camera? No worries mate, you can enter a text confession. Go to ShopAndConfess.com and scroll to the bottom of the screen. In the bottom corner of the website, you’ll find the words "how to enter"…go there, to get all the official rules. Good luck!

If you sign up, don’t forget to mention you saw about the contest here at Surviving NJ!  

I’ve been on the lookout for boots. My problem is I have wide feet, and the tops of my feet swell. I’d love to be able to wear trendy UGG Knightsbridge boots, but unfortunately most trendy boots don’t fit me right.

One day, I was in Kohls and had about 6 pairs of boots I was trying on, and not one of them, even the wide ones were comfortable enough to buy. I see adorable heels, shoes, or boots, and I know that I won’t be able to wear them. That gets frustrating.

I used to wear sneakers all the time, but the swelling on the tops of my feet, mostly  my right foot seems to make them tight now too. I’m guessing it’s the Diabetes and edema, but that’s the way it goes right now. Crocs are my friend, as well as some of the wider shoes out there. I love New Balance makes wide shoes that usually fit okay. Even some of them, depending on the day aren’t the right fit. The funny thing is, it’s not just about the width, but it’s also about that top swelling. Weird, eh?

EDIT: I’ve got a winner…the contest is over. Thank-you for participating. Congratulations go out to Cass…I hope you enjoy your gift set!

The folks over at Pilsbury have been kind enough to send me a gift set and coupon to try out their new Savorings. They also have another one set aside for you! You could win this great gift set if you are the first person to answer a question below correctly.

I’ve been seeing the commercials for Savorings, so I’m excited to give them a try. I’ll be buying them this week, so be sure to check back for a review on the flaky pastry appetizers. They offer 3 flavors: cheese and spinach, mozzarella and pepporoni, and buffalo style chicken.

As for the adorable set, you can see there’s a wine bottle topper, wine glass charms, bottle opener, a great tray to hold your food with a place for your wine glass, along with a great wine guide.

I have one gift set to give away.

The answers can be found on my blog in my family category. *Hint: look for pictures….the answers are in posts that have pictures in them!

The question: I have 3 dogs and 1 cat. What are their names? I will only accept their real names. My beage we call Boo and Little Dog, but his real name is on my blog! Our newest addition is named two different ways on the blog, but what did his actual name turn out to be?

EMAIL ME YOUR ANSWERS! DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS. IF YOUR ANSWERS ARE IN THE COMMENTS, YOU WILL NOT WIN.  THE FIRST PERSON TO EMAIL ME THE CORRECT ANSWERS WINS.

EMAIL ME AT: DebsMix (at) Gmail.com

Good luck! 

OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY 

I’m at the store the other day, and was heading towards the back of the store. In the center of the main aisle, they have this rack of calendars for 2009. One of them at the top jumped out at me. It was called "NASCAR Pets".

 Is this supposed to be a compromise calendar? The guy gets cars, the women get animals? I started bursting out laughing, because who cares what pets these guys have. Sure I like dog calendars, but wouldn’t I just buy a dog calendar?

Soon it will be NFL’s favorite flowers!

I wasn’t sure what to think, but I just got such a kick out of it.