Just Breathe Mom » bargains

Adios Blockbuster!

Meredith — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:24:37 +0000

Dear Blockbuster,

I am at the end of my rope with you. But really it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault that I’ve been too preoccupied to do the smart and simple thing and join Netflix. It’s not your fault that I continue to rent kid’s movies from you at $4.29 that are too scratched up to watch from beginning to end. And it’s certainly not your fault that frightening and grotesque DVD covers are mixed in the new release section sometimes right next to new release family fare. After all, I’m sure Experiment In Torture was such a highly anticipated new release after its blockbuster status during its first run at the theaters. Oh wait that’s right it never made it to the big screen. Well maybe that one is your fault. Hmmmm.

Regardless, this relationship is simply not working. I give, give, give while you take, take, take. I mean just the other day I rented a new release movie and tried to watch it. What a futile experience. After the 5^th time the movie stopped and I had to skip over another 5 minutes and miss crucial dialogue and action, I turned it off. I didn’t even care about how the rest of the movie played out at this point. So why oh why couldn’t you just let me exchange it for a different movie when I promptly brought it back the next day? I paid for this movie, it didn’t work. I should have been allowed something of equal value or my money back. But nope, I could only exchange it for the same movie that I no longer had any interest in. Blah!

I’ve been a loyal customer for years, especially since my children arrived in the world. We come back every single week to rent more movies. I think we have rented most of the titles in the kid and family section over the years. We’ve spent over 50 bucks on Scooby Doo and the Loch Ness Monster alone. If only my budgeting brain worked a little better, I would have bought the movie on Amazon ages ago and saved a fortune! But again, my fault not yours.

Oh well. With gas prices at record highs, I’m only hurting myself by continuing this relationship. Remember it’s not you, it’s me. (Well it’s a little bit you.) But I’m the one who has changed. You’ve been the same old Blockbuster. So now I must bid adieu. It’s what’s best for all of us. Anyway, adios! Arrivederci! Hasta la vista baby!

Hello Netflix!

Black Friday

Joey — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:52:23 +0000

Black Friday is a dark and depressing phrase given to the biggest shopping day of the year. The term is cold, impersonal and doesn’t ring with Holiday Cheer. Nevertheless, I like so many other bargain shoppers, scavengers, and thrill seekers LOVE IT. I’m not sure if it is the thrill of the hunt, the smell of savings, or the pure satisfaction of beating retailers at the markup game. Whatever it is, count me in.

I start my game plan on Thursday. I don’t anticipate the smell or taste of food served at Thanksgiving Dinner, just the newspaper ads filled with all of those delicious Friday doorbusters. After I pull out the important ads and circle my sought out items, I begin to map out my route. And yes, that route will more than likely begin at 5am, a ridiculous time that the crazy shopping masses have forced retailers to start. After my stores, items, and route has been determined, I can move on to clothing.

If you’re still reading, and I’m sure my bargain soul sisters are, then you’re probably wondering what clothes have to do with anything. Wearing heavy clothes can hold you back, bulk you down, and increase your irritability in a crowded store. My advice is to dress as light as the outside elements will possibly allow you and take advantage of fleece. This year, my strategy will involve showing off my pregnant tummy. I’m not sure how far it will get me; there are some ruthless shoppers in this rat race of all shapes, sizes and ages. But maybe, just maybe, it will help me get the one item that will make the completely crazy day worth it.

For those of you who prefer to skip the madness, I’ve set up a web page devoted to Black Friday deals and steals. You don’t have to leave the warmth and security of your own home. Just make it to the computer. The sales will begin on 11/23 with some of them lasting all weekend, including special sales for Cyber Monday, the online world’s ceremonial kick-off day of shopping.

Good luck, happy hunting, make peace with the fact you might only get 2-3 things you really want, and watch your back!

My Love Affair with Old Navy

Meredith — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:40:49 +0000

I love Old Navy. I will admit that sometimes I will buy adorable clothing without trying it on because my kids are usually with me. And they are usually busy terrorizing the other customers with those bouncing balls that cost a quarter. The balls that I buy them as a behavior bribe so that I can try on clothes. Alas, it never works, I never learn and I never wear most of the untried-on clothing.

Now my kids on the other hand, don’t have to try on anything. They are only 5 and almost 3, and are of average height and weight in their age groups. It is really pretty easy picking out their clothing. And I love Old Navy’s children’s selections and prices. Every fall I hit Old Navy for my 5 year old because he needs clothing for the cooler weather. My 2 1/2 year old will get a few new items, but he mostly gets my older son’s hand-me-downs. Well this year my oldest son starts kindergarten at a school with a dress code. Imagine how thrilled I was when I found out that Old Navy had an entire collection of clothing to fit in with most schools’ dress codes. AND I can find all of it online. So the only person who will be terrorized by flying balls will be me. I can definitely live with that. Now I am no longer dreading the “dreaded” back to school shopping.

If you haven’t shopped Old Navy’s Bargain Pages then you’re missing out. They list sales on their already low prices, not to mention a killer clearance page. Thankfully, they have a $5 flat rate shipping fee. Ahh, how I love Old Navy.Old Navy – Baby Boy Bargains

Old Navy – Baby Girl Bargains

Old Navy- Boy Bargains

Old Navy – Girl Bargains

Get a $25 Restaurant Certificate for Only $4

Joey — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:15:12 +0000

Just a short note to tell you about a great deal Restaurant.com
is offering. You can save 60% and get a $25 gift certificate to many different restaurants in your area for only $4! This is their end of the month blowout and a good time to try out this cool service.

Here’s the deal. Visit the site and enter your zip code or the zip code of where you will be traveling. A list of restaurants will pull up with different offers, click on the one you want, accept their terms, pay, and voila you have your certificate! The offer above is only for the $25 gift certificate and since it is the end of the month, some restaurants might have already sold out.

This is a good opportunity to try something new without a lot of risk, Restaurant.com
backs up all of their certificates. Hurry, the offer ends Saturday, June 30!

Freedom From Full Price 60% Off Sale! Get $25 gift certificates for just $4, use code FREEDOM at checkout. Expires 6-30-2007

Happy Eating!