Awesome Boot Buy

Just wanted to share my amazing boot score off Amazon.com.





I've been looking for a boot that might be a little bit more supportive than my current boot. I've found that rounded toes also help ease the pressure of my foot, which works well if you have neuromas like I do. These boots seem to fit the bill, although I wish the heel was under 3" since that is better for foot problems. Actually no heel is ideal, and it's quite the shoe catch 21 for me as I don't tend to like anything without one.

I ended up paying $26.99. Did I mention they are LEATHER boots!? They were on clearance (you can't even buy them on Aldo's website for this price) there was free shipping, no tax, AND I had $15 in Amazon.com gift cards I accumulated from swagbucks. In case you haven't heard of swagbucks, it's an online search engine. It somehow utilizes Google's search engine (so if you use Google anyway you might as well get something out of it) and when you search, you randomly win swagbucks. The bucks can be cashed in for gift certificates and prizes. I usually spend 45 bucks on a $5 Amazon.com gift certificate. It's so simple, takes little effort, and I usually earn at least one gift certificate a month. Click on the link below to sign up if you haven't already!

My New Laptop Bag...Now All I Need is the Laptop!

I know I've been MIA. Between work and the holidays I've been pretty busy and not very motivated to write.

I've had a HUGE computer fiasco. My desk top is old...very, VERY old. My brother built it years ago, but then gave it to me when he received a laptop for college. We've upgraded it a bit over the years and at one point I installed a new hard drive due to a power surge that destroyed the old one (thankfully not before I was able to rescue most of my data!) Despite he hard drive refresh 3+ years ago, it's become annoyingly sluggish. I couldn't even operate Internet Explorer 8. Finally it crapped out with what could be a fixable error, except it won't let me login at all...not even in safe mode. I'm not going to pay the cash to have it fixed at this point, and while I am pretty good with computers this issue is way past my realm since I can't get into safe mode. Thankfully my brother has some kind of hard drive contraption that would allow me to plug in the hard drive and then connect it to another computer via USB, so that I can pull off my data. SCORE!

I've been itching to get a laptop as I watch my roommates type around the couch while we all watch TV. It would be convenient to check email during commericals. I asked my brother for assistance and he helped me find what I think is a pretty darn good deal. I should have had it Monday, but due to complications it was supposed to be delivered tomorrow...and then the fiasco began...but that is really another story.

I've been told that I SHOULD be receiving a call at some point to tell me when I can pick up my laptop. So I maybe too eagerly worked on the assumption I will have one soon and decided to order a cheap laptop bag. Unfortunately in my search I stumbled upon a beautiful camo Nicole Miller laptop bag with hot pink lining! It was only $39.99. $39.99 isn't what I would define to be cheap, but it was 84% off the MSRP. I opted to go through Bing.com shopping and received 20% off plus 20% back from Bing. This should bring the final price to $34.54 when I factor in shipping costs. I've never used Bing before, so I hope it doesn't disappoint! After I made the purchase I realized eBags has a special that ends today...10% off plus free shipping. The total cost will be $35.99 if you go that route which is not much of a difference. I come out on top with Bing, but since I'm not sure how it works, I'm kind of bummed I didn't see the eBags special.

I think I should be good based on Bing's terms since I will be over $5, I just might have to wait 60 days for it:

A waiting period (of up to 60 days) and $5 minimum applies to payouts. To
earn your cashback, stores will provide us (Microsoft) non-personal info
about your purchase, and you will need to provide us with personal
information (like your email address above) to create a Bing cashback
account. We may use this information to personalize your online experiences,
and will treat all your information in keeping with the Microsoft privacy statement. cashback is available only for personal purchases made during your store visit directly from the Bing site. You cannot use coupons or discounts. See Bing cashback terms. Additional store terms may apply.

Either way the bag was a complete deal and you can find it here. Not that I travel much, but it would be ideal as my personal carry-on item, because it looks like it could hold far more than a laptop. I'm HOPING I will be having one of many trips soon, but I don't want to jinx it. I felt that way about Chicago and that didn't work out so well. What is it with me and long distance?

My only real downfall is I've had trouble tracking my spending without complete access to my spreadsheet. I haven't added all of my recent spending, but thankfully so far it's been pretty minimal. I've updated it at work, but I'm always wondering if people are checking out my income. I don't feel totally comfortable doing it this way, but right now it's my only option.

The Blind Side

I think this will go down in my history of top free deals!

The Blind Side opened last Friday 20th to rave reviews. I was lucky enough to get to see it earlier, because I had free tickets to a preview on the 17th. This was my 3rd free movie this year. In NYC movies average about $12 per ticket, so far have saved approximately $72!

"The Blind Side" depicts the remarkable true story of Michael Oher, ahomeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightfulself-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. In the latest chapter of his inspiring story, Oher was a First Round draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, selected by the Baltimore Ravens. The Touhys were there to share the moment with him." ~Anonymous from IMDB

I was prepared to enjoy the free movie and was fairly excited for this movie in general. What I didn't know was that I would be attending the premiere! Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and the real life Touhys were all in attendance. We didn't see Tim or Faith, but Sandra was not sitting too far away. I could actually hear her speaking from where I was sitting.

The premier was held in a HUGE theatre. It even had a balcony level. The tickets had seat assignments on them and somehow my roommate and I scored prime seats. Free popcorn and soda were distributed. I wish I had known this was the premiere, because I felt a little under dressed.

I've never been to the premiere of any movie before and some cool aspects were:

• The unusually large crowd. I have never seen so many people in one movie theatre. A good group usually enhances the movie experience.
• Lots of clapping and cheering. When the producers, actors, etc. are actually there watching the movie with you there is a lot of congratulating going on. You can feel the happiness and satisfaction of a job well done in the air.
• A lot more laughing. Maybe it was due to the crowd size, but the overall experience seemed more enjoyable.

My only beef with the movie was the loud girl behind me that I will refer to as Captain Obvious. She talked to her friend through a large portion of the movie. It was extremely annoying.

I found the movie itself to be entertaining. I quickly lost track of time and was drawn into the story. It is a great message and the fact that it is a true story which recently happened further compounds it. It is also very witty and lighthearted, despite the difficulty of the situation. There were definitely moments where I became choked up, but I just had to keep telling myself that I know it has a happy ending. I left feeling inspired.

Needless to say, I had an awesome night and it cost $0. (Although afterwards I did end up grabbing dinner with my roommate and then taking a cab home for a total cost of $18.)

11/21 Save 50% on a full priced item at Old Navy

I visit Old Navy a lot. It's a great place for cheap staples, even when they're not having a sale. When a sale is on, all bets are off. Just the other week I bought a new denim jacket and a pair of black jeans for under $30. (I know I shouldn't be spending on myself right now, but who can pass that up?) I combined the 50% off outerwear sale with the 30% off purchase Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic friends and family coupon.

I try to keep up on their sales and they even offer text alerts. One text alert just came through:

Go to Gobblepalooza.com for a one-per-person VIP deal on 11/21. Make a band logo, print & bring to a U.S. Old Navy store. Save 50% on a full priced item.

You do not require any type of artistic experience for this logo. You just need to know how to type your last name and click a few buttons. You will also get a coupon for $10 off $50 or more to use on Thanksgiving. I had no idea Old Navy would be open on Thanksgiving!

THE dress buy of the season, an offer I couldn't pass up!

I have been slacking on the posting, yet I've had many shopping triumphs this month. (My friends have been making fun of me lately, because I find saying "shopping triumph" to be extremely satisfying.)

The Daily Asker actually linked to my blog based on a comment I made about shopping in Soho. It has probably been one of my most amazing fashion triumphs to date. I feel bad for not posting earlier. Thankfully she has motivated me. (Not to mention I wrote out most of my story as a comment on her blog earlier.)

For those of you that don't know I work in Soho. (The following is a brief synopses of Soho's past based on my general knowledge, totally off the cuff, so don't quote me on accuracy!) In the past Soho was a run down area filled with warehouse space. It wasn't very safe and if you've ever seen older pictures it wasn't very pretty. Artists flocked to Soho due to the availability of large, lofty spaces and cheap rental units. Over the years it became hip to live in Soho. It's slowly been gentrified, been cleaned up, and is now a shopping mecca. Most major designers have a store in Soho.

Pretty much any clothing store imaginable is within walking distance from my office. This is not so good when it comes to walking around during lunch. I almost always find myself shopping on the way to Rite Aid, the bank, or other errands. In fact usually I'm so shopped out during the week, I'm not very motivated to shop on the weekends. The constant bombardment of clothes and trendy dressers walking around outside can really wear a girl out!

Last week I was on my lunch break and heading over to my shoe guy in order to give some old heels an extended life. (How frugal, right?) I was walking down Lafayette and somewhere between Prince and Houston I noticed a sample sale. Beautiful Cole Haan coats called me in for just a peek. (Just a peek since I should be buying Christmas presents and not spending on myself.)

On a rack of $50 Oscar dresses I found one random Marchesa dress. Despite the warning signs that I had no idea how much it cost and it was a size smaller than I normally wear I figured, heck, I might as well try it on. As I was maneuvering the dress over my head, I was simultaneously Googling the original price on my cell. If it fit I would have two options; I could keep the dress to myself or attempt to sell on eBay and if it didn't sell I'm sure I'd find a use for it. If it didn’t fit, I would just continue on to my shoe guy.

Needless to say the dress fit. It is a little tight around my hips, not in unflattering way but more of a makes it hard to move way. It turns out the sample sale prices was $50. My Google search revealed it originally retailed for $600! Of course I had to buy. After modeling for various friends, the verdict was it's too pretty and I looked too amazing in it to sell. I can't say I wasn't tempted though. Most eBay sellers were trying to unload the dress for about $200. That would be a huge dent towards Christmas gifts!

I already have the holiday party in mind that I'll be wearing this beauty. It will be perfect, because the party won't involve dancing or much sitting. My dress's fate is to stay in my closet. I've been stealing peeks at it every time I open the door. I feel like Gollum with his ring, "Oh my preeetty."

Here it is. Images, prices, and copy borrowed from Netaporter.com.

The trompe l'oeil technique is used to stunning effect in this dress by Notte by
Marchesa. The pearl detailing makes for a dressier piece that can be worn at
night whilst its simple shape is perfect for day. Shown here with a Fendi bag, Jimmy Choo shoes and a Tom Binns cuff. 100% silk; lining:
100% acetate. Dry clean only. US sizing.

Flat View

On Mannequin V1

On Mannequin V2

From the Back (I might try wearing this dress backwards)

Close Up of Pearl Detail