New Clothes

I've never been to an Old Navy store, and yet all of my clothes come from there. I find the best deals on their online store and this year's purchase of "run-around-the-house" clothes was no exception.

Earlier this year I purchased my new summer shorts from Old Navy since all of my old shorts were threadbare. Since I usually purchase clothes every other year, it was no surprise that it was time to buy some new winter/spring ware for running around the house (inside and out) and the occasional trip to the grocery store.

I was in luck this year that Old Navy had brought back their light-weight fleece pant with draw-string closer and inseam deep pockets and that they were on sale, in my size, for $15. With a large selection of outlandish plaids, I purchased 6 pair, buying 5 colours (I bought 2 of the orange). I also purchased two pairs of socks and 3 "T" shirts.

I'm all set for the next two years for a price of $127 which included sales tax (6%) and shipping ($7 for the lot).

You can also shop Banana Republic, Piperlime, Athleta,and the GAP from this website and all your purchases can be combined into one charge and shipment. I have never had to wait more than 6 days for delivery.

Recommended shopping website — Old Navy, GAP, et al

New Camera

It saddened me this week that my 10-year-old Polaroid digital camera died. It was still taking pictures, but would not let me move, nor remove, the pictures to the computer.

When I purchased the PDC700, it was the best in its price range and remained so for at least 3 years. However, technology and time marches on and I found myself this weekend in the market for a new camera.

My budget for this one was much less than for the old one, plus what I would need the camera for is different for when I purchased my old camera. The old camera was to be used for professional photography for websites that I was updating for customers. I no longer do that.

I needed a camera to take pictures of my garden and changes that I make to my house. Simple. Now, I'm feeling my age when I found out that a viewfinder has become obsolete. Who knew that such a device would not be available with digital cameras in the twenty-first century.

Oh well, I will need to learn how to use that viewer that I never cut on with my old camera.

In my search, I first went to Polaroid's website. I didn't like anything there, plus they do not have an online store. I then went to the Apple Store website to see what camera they were suggesting for my iMAC. (any camera, these days, I found out) They were selling Cannon. I could not afford their selections.

I then went to Kodak's website and found a nice little camera that was on sale and available directly from Kodak. (see picture) I don't believe I have ever seen a purple camera before, but I now own one.

The Kodak Easyshare M1063 had a 4.4 stars out of 5 from sixty reviewers. It had all the features I was looking for and then some.

With the 20% discount (online, weekend sale), and the additional purchase of a camera travel case plus taxes, the order came to $116.55. The shipping was free with a delivery time frame of 3-8 business days and I felt that a case (simple black camera case) is good to keep dust off of the camera and to keep the lens from becoming scratched.

One feature I really like with this Kodak camera is the re-chargeable battery and AC recharger. That feature would have been nice on my old camera. I spent a small fortune on batteries.

New Washer

Last night around 7:00, I got a call from Sears to confirm my address and to let them know that someone 18 or older would be here between 8:15 and 10:15 this morning to receive the new washing machine.

At 7:15 this morning, I got a call from the deliveryman who said that they would be at my home in 30-45 minutes. The washer arrived and was installed at 7:45.

Yeah Sears.com!!

Merry Christmas to me!

As I have said in an earlier post, December is not my month.

Yesterday morning, I got up early to start washing bed linens and clothes for my much anticipated company from family on the 29th. Much to my dismay, my 13-month old washing machine refused to work.

Being one month out of the warranty, I had no other choice than to purchase a new machine via Sears.com.

Since I'm low on funds at this time, I went with the cheapest. This machine was not available 13 months ago, however. At that time, none of their cheaper machines were lighter on water usage nor energy efficient. This unit was also on sale, however, no expensive enough to forgo the $65 delivery charge. Oh well.. the $57 savings on this Kenmore 400 3.2 cu. ft. Capacity Top-Load Washer, almost covered the delivery. I will continue to dry the clothes on the line outside.

Their website has become more friendly than 13 months ago when I was last in the market for a washer. This is the fourth washing machine I've had in this house, and with my luck, it won't be the last. The new washing machine will be delivered Christmas Eve.

I truly believe that we need these appliances made with good old US-worker ethic of producing well-built, long lasting appliances. These foreign-made units just don't last. Of course, FPL's electricity surges don't help either.

A gift I didn't want to have to get!

BAH HUMBUG!!!

Grocery Shopping Online

This is basically a new thing for me ... or atleast in the last 9 months. Except for tea, which I've ordered online for years, I have just started buying other foodstuffs online.

My tea purchases are with the English Tea Store. I've been a loyal customer of theirs for over 5 years. Quite a few of my holiday and birthday presents come from there. Their customer service is the best. If there is any question about my order, they do not hesitate to call be by phone. If any item is unavailable and is not on backorder, they email me before the order is sent out.

My current order with them was quite big, as I've had a lot of crazing in my mugs that I really never liked in the first place because they are so big. My dream has come true. They finally are offering a tea cup and saucer in assorted colors. See sample of cup/saucer set at right. The one shown is Cadet Blue. I also purchased Plum, Seafoam, Royal Blue, Forrest Green, Saharra, Coral and Burgandy. I cannot wait to throw away those old mugs I bought 2 years ago!

I will be making a link list on the blog of shopping sites that I use.