Friday, November 28, 2003
I've just returned from a trip to Italy, so I'll start posting regular blog updates. Today is the usual Friday Deal Mail. Later this week, I'll be starting a new feature called Buy What's Best. In Buy What's Best, my guest writer will thoroughly researching something, from mattresses to kitchen knives to table saws, and tell you the results: exactly what you should spend your hard-earned money on. He'll tell you the brands that are best, where to buy them, and what to stay away from. It's a smart way to get more bang for your dollar!
(11/28/03) Hi All,
(11/28/03) Hi All,
I hope that everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving with family and friends! Jen and I are enjoying idyllic (some would even say, exotic) Pittsburgh for the weekend and getting our yearly injection of east coast family love... Lots of fun, but we still can't figure out why they all won't pick up and move to the West coast...
Anyway, as much fun as vacation and family are, I couldn't forget my readers on what is surely the biggest shopping day of the year (particularly since several of you emailed me this week with specific requests!) So, in keeping with the holiday [shopping] season, on with the deals!
As always, the best deal comes first... Here's an item that hasn't been on the list since last year's holiday season but people have been asking me where I got mine since then!! The fancy (and amazingly giftable) Houdini corkscrew (think really fantastic lever, corkscrew that normally goes for 50-100 bucks) is on sale for Friday only for under 18 bucks! (That's more than 65% off!!!) These are fantastic in any color, but the blue one, which is on sale, is definitely my favorite...
Houdini Corkscrew
OK, I've got a few more great deals on kitchen items that I can't pass up including in my mail. First, don't kill me folks, but the fantastic Silpat nonstick baking mats that I had in the sale a month ago at $9.99 is on sale Friday only for $7.99 this week! These things are amazing and make baking almost anyhting from pie crusts to cookies and bread unbelievably easy. They normally sell for 30 bucks and any relative that you know that loves to cook will really love you for it... (At $7.99 you should stock up on them!!!
Exopat Baking Mats
OK, take it from a 5-year Seattle-ite, if you love coffee, or know someone who does, there's no comparison between buying grounds in the store and buying the beans and grinding them at home just before you make the coffee. The exact model that I asked for this year for my birthday and I know was 50 bucks then is on sale right now for under $20! It makes great coffee, since its a burr grinder, which is really important for it to be great, and is made by a really well known brand. (And I, along with anyone that's eaten breakfast at my house in the last six months, can personally vouch for this thing...)
DeLonghi Burr Grinder
Final two deals in kitchen: First a lot of people have asked me to let them know as soon as the Microplane Graters go on sale again so that they could snap them up for presents this year (Last time I featured them, they were gone by noon, before most people could get them...) Well, you guys are in luck, as they are back and they are really on sale this time at 8 bucks!!! As everyone who got them last time can attest, these suckers are really the best grater you will *ever* find and they are good for everything from zesting lemons to grating parmesan...
Microplane Graters
Final kitchen deal? You know you want it! Who doesn't love waffleson weekend mornings!?!? There is a fantastic deal right now on a Cuisinart waffle iron. This thing is almost beautiful as it comes in all stainless steel and is almost 70% off... Go on, get fat and happy at the same time!
Cuisinart Waffle Maker
First non-kitchen deal: In case you've been holding out for me to feature a really good deal on a cell phone with an answering machine, I hope this email proves you've waited long enough...This AT&T 2.4 GHz cordless phone, answering machine combo is the highest discounted item on todays list at more than 75% off! This sucker normally sells for 170 bucks but is going for 40 this Friday only!
AT&T Cordless Phone with Answering Machine
Since its totally out of season for BBQing, it looks like items that Amazon is stuck with are your gain... This week I saw a great deal on a fantastic grill by Thermos that normally sells for 250 bucks but is going right now for less than 90! Stock up now for next winter (Hey, look at it this way, if you buy this one, you don't have to clean out the one you have before next spring!)
Thermos Grill-2-Go Gass Grill
Moving right along (since it is now midnight and it is way, way, way too late for me to still be writing this thing: Check out the great gift for your favorite insomniac (Tod, this one is for you baby!). The Itty Bitty Booklight (made famous in the 80's, you know you want it!) Is on huge sale right now for almost 50% off. At under 20 bucks it would be a great gift!
Itty Bitty Booklight
Last few items, since I am now officially in trouble for still doing this this late when Jen is trying to sleep...I had a specific request this week for a fantastic deal on a DV digital video camera for a family that wants it for the holidays. Just in time, I found a deal on a really good one (30% off!), with great ratings from Sony. I hope this is what you were looking for!
SONY DCR-TRV38 MiniDV Digital Camcorder
Final Item? There's a pretty good deal on a Sonicare...(More than 20% off!) If you go to Dr. Sako in Seattle and you are tired of him nagging you to get one of these, now you can finally afford to get one. (Even if you don't go to him they're great - I have one and haven't had a cavity since we got it!) Check it out
Sonicare PS-1 Advance Toothbrush
Friday, November 14, 2003
More deals from Eric!
I've had so much luck recently writing this the night before, that I'm continuing the tradition this week. In true Seattleite fashion, I'm sitting in my favorite coffee shop, latte in hand, pecking the weekly dealmail out on my laptop in between bites of a vegan oatmeal cookie. Any where else in the world, and people would be looking at me like I'd just landed from another planet, but in Seattle, I seem to be fitting right in... We may be strange to the rest of you, but you can't deny we make great coffee!
And now, on with the deals!
1. It wouldn't be a DealMail without starting off with an absolutely crazy deal, so why make this week any different. Amazon has a sale going on right now on the 4.5 star rated DVD player by Norcent for, get this, 39 bucks!!! I actually bought this for my mother in law last year because I couldn't believe she didn't already have a DVD player. They said it was super simple to set up and works amazingly well... (Don't take my word for it, read the reviews!) It comes with full Dolby surround sound processing and even plays MP3 CDs. An absolutely fantastic bargain.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000B35Y2/seattleot-20
2. Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I'm going to start with a fantastic deal that will help you survive actually cooking that bird you plan to wrestle home and cram into your oven...Today only, Amazon has a $120 roasting pan on sale for under 25 bucks! (That's almost 80% off!) What are you waiting for, you'll have it forever! Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000A0VG1/seattleot-20
3. As long as you're entertaining, there's great deal on a teakettle this week that I wanted to share with everyone. Its a 2.5 quart Stainless Steel teakettle that's normally 40 bucks and, that's on sale for under 10! Even in Seattle, I don't think I could live without one of these... (And at that price, you don't have to, right!?) :-)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005NCWS/seattleot-20
4. Even better are some of the deals this week on cookware. On sale all week and, amazingly, still a few left in stock: A really nice 10-inch Calphalon non-stick omelet pan. The best part? This thing started at 58 bucks and is on sale for under $13!! Come on Ben, Raina, Emily, and Rodan, you guys just got married, bet you still need one of these!! Actually, at 13 bucks, these would be great holiday presents for friends that cook... Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005M1TV/seattleot-20
5. Recently, I've had some requests from some folks on the list for some good deals on some higher end knives. If you really like to cook and the Sabatier sets in recent emails just aren't doing it for you, check these out. First, a fantastic deal on a full set of Wustoff knives exactly like what Jen and I got for our wedding and, believe me, these babies don't have a 5-star review for nothing! (Hidden InsideDeal bonus deal here: click http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/507788//seattleot-20 to find out how to also get a free cutting board from Wustoff with this purchase)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005MEI3/seattleot-20
6. One more knife set for the folks that really know knives. There is a fantastic deal today only on a set of 3 Global knives. As those in the know can attest, these almost never go on sale and they are some of the best knives in the world (Absolute 5 star ratings all around). (Bonus round tip from InsideDeal, when you click the link to go to Amazon, click on the picture of the item to go to the item's main description page with all the reviews. Look for a "Buy both and Save" button just below the picture and it will tell you how to get a free sharpener as well.)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OL4Q/seattleot-20
We LOVE our Global knives! I recommend getting a magnetic knife bar to hold them up and out of the way. $110 from amazon, or $8 from Ikea.
7. One last kitchen item and then I promise, I'm done... Right now, Amazon has the complete set of Calphalon baking pans for almost 70% off. This sucker includes everything from muffin pans to cookie sheets and normally goes for 80 bucks, but is under $25 today only.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006FX82/seattleot-20
8. Now for the geek stuff: Say...Who has a friend, relative, coworker, (OK fine, yourself) with an iPod or other MP3 player that you'd love to be able to play anywhere but don't want to mess with all the adapters and cords just to make it work? On sale, otday only, for under $25, is the iRock, wireless music adapter, which will broadcast your music from your MP3 player to any FM receiver within 30 feet. Absolutely fantastic invention at a great price...Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006BAKJ/seattleot-20
Cable clutter is a constant problem for my clients. I haven't tried this, but it sounds like a great solution.
9. Since I know all my friends with digital cameras are freaking out now looking at the holidays coming up and wondering what how they're going to fit all the new digital pictures on to the tiny compactflash card they have now. If you need spare storage, Amazon has an unbelievable deal now on 256MB compactflash cards for $34 bucks after rebate!! (Go crazy!) :-)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000630TO/seattleot-20
10. Another geek friendly item/gift: There is this great game that came out last year for PC called Civilization III. This thing almost killed our marriage by the time all was said and done! Its absolutely addicting and has great reviews and is on sale for 84% off the retail price that I paid when it came out. Great game...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005JC8D/seattleot-20
11. And now, who's ready for an item item that doesn't require a geek to appreciate it? If you're always short of hands when you're on the phone, Plantronics makes really good headsets for cordless phones and cell phones. There is one on sale, today only, for under 15 bucks (Unheard of for this name brand). It even comes with a noise canceling microphone!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001W0EC/seattleot-20
12. Last item for my buddy Tod who needs a new answering machine. J&R is selling the AT&T digital answering machine (its refurbished but 100% guaranteed) for the price that the local phone company normally charges for 1 month of voicemail. I used to have a machine just like this and it was an absolute workhorse that lasted me for 2-3 years before it finally went legs up. At $10 that's an absolutely amazing value.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J3MT/seattleot-20
13. Know someone who loves to camp, hike, bike, or basically anything outdoors that goes well into the night? There's a sweet deal on the blue Petzl LED headlamp that will make (almost) anyone look prepared when the sun sets an hour before you thought it did... (no, that's never happened to me...why do you ask?) 25% off for under 30 bucks - great holiday present...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006LUMD/seattleot-20
And, of course, what deal mail would be complete without the coolest item of the week? Under the, "I must have that and I have no idea why" category:
Amazon has the Dartech ExtendAir Direct WiFi extending antenna...Put this baby in a window and extend your WiFi signal by 500 feet! From where I sit at work, I could actually get one of these, point it at Seahawks Stadium, and give everyone Wifi! Check this bad boy out (Its even on sale!):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009RXMU/seattleot-20
Have a great weekend everyone! As always, please forward to all your friends!
Eric
I've had so much luck recently writing this the night before, that I'm continuing the tradition this week. In true Seattleite fashion, I'm sitting in my favorite coffee shop, latte in hand, pecking the weekly dealmail out on my laptop in between bites of a vegan oatmeal cookie. Any where else in the world, and people would be looking at me like I'd just landed from another planet, but in Seattle, I seem to be fitting right in... We may be strange to the rest of you, but you can't deny we make great coffee!
And now, on with the deals!
1. It wouldn't be a DealMail without starting off with an absolutely crazy deal, so why make this week any different. Amazon has a sale going on right now on the 4.5 star rated DVD player by Norcent for, get this, 39 bucks!!! I actually bought this for my mother in law last year because I couldn't believe she didn't already have a DVD player. They said it was super simple to set up and works amazingly well... (Don't take my word for it, read the reviews!) It comes with full Dolby surround sound processing and even plays MP3 CDs. An absolutely fantastic bargain.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000B35Y2/seattleot-20
2. Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I'm going to start with a fantastic deal that will help you survive actually cooking that bird you plan to wrestle home and cram into your oven...Today only, Amazon has a $120 roasting pan on sale for under 25 bucks! (That's almost 80% off!) What are you waiting for, you'll have it forever! Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000A0VG1/seattleot-20
3. As long as you're entertaining, there's great deal on a teakettle this week that I wanted to share with everyone. Its a 2.5 quart Stainless Steel teakettle that's normally 40 bucks and, that's on sale for under 10! Even in Seattle, I don't think I could live without one of these... (And at that price, you don't have to, right!?) :-)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005NCWS/seattleot-20
4. Even better are some of the deals this week on cookware. On sale all week and, amazingly, still a few left in stock: A really nice 10-inch Calphalon non-stick omelet pan. The best part? This thing started at 58 bucks and is on sale for under $13!! Come on Ben, Raina, Emily, and Rodan, you guys just got married, bet you still need one of these!! Actually, at 13 bucks, these would be great holiday presents for friends that cook... Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005M1TV/seattleot-20
5. Recently, I've had some requests from some folks on the list for some good deals on some higher end knives. If you really like to cook and the Sabatier sets in recent emails just aren't doing it for you, check these out. First, a fantastic deal on a full set of Wustoff knives exactly like what Jen and I got for our wedding and, believe me, these babies don't have a 5-star review for nothing! (Hidden InsideDeal bonus deal here: click http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/507788//seattleot-20 to find out how to also get a free cutting board from Wustoff with this purchase)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005MEI3/seattleot-20
6. One more knife set for the folks that really know knives. There is a fantastic deal today only on a set of 3 Global knives. As those in the know can attest, these almost never go on sale and they are some of the best knives in the world (Absolute 5 star ratings all around). (Bonus round tip from InsideDeal, when you click the link to go to Amazon, click on the picture of the item to go to the item's main description page with all the reviews. Look for a "Buy both and Save" button just below the picture and it will tell you how to get a free sharpener as well.)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OL4Q/seattleot-20
We LOVE our Global knives! I recommend getting a magnetic knife bar to hold them up and out of the way. $110 from amazon, or $8 from Ikea.
7. One last kitchen item and then I promise, I'm done... Right now, Amazon has the complete set of Calphalon baking pans for almost 70% off. This sucker includes everything from muffin pans to cookie sheets and normally goes for 80 bucks, but is under $25 today only.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006FX82/seattleot-20
8. Now for the geek stuff: Say...Who has a friend, relative, coworker, (OK fine, yourself) with an iPod or other MP3 player that you'd love to be able to play anywhere but don't want to mess with all the adapters and cords just to make it work? On sale, otday only, for under $25, is the iRock, wireless music adapter, which will broadcast your music from your MP3 player to any FM receiver within 30 feet. Absolutely fantastic invention at a great price...Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006BAKJ/seattleot-20
Cable clutter is a constant problem for my clients. I haven't tried this, but it sounds like a great solution.
9. Since I know all my friends with digital cameras are freaking out now looking at the holidays coming up and wondering what how they're going to fit all the new digital pictures on to the tiny compactflash card they have now. If you need spare storage, Amazon has an unbelievable deal now on 256MB compactflash cards for $34 bucks after rebate!! (Go crazy!) :-)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000630TO/seattleot-20
10. Another geek friendly item/gift: There is this great game that came out last year for PC called Civilization III. This thing almost killed our marriage by the time all was said and done! Its absolutely addicting and has great reviews and is on sale for 84% off the retail price that I paid when it came out. Great game...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005JC8D/seattleot-20
11. And now, who's ready for an item item that doesn't require a geek to appreciate it? If you're always short of hands when you're on the phone, Plantronics makes really good headsets for cordless phones and cell phones. There is one on sale, today only, for under 15 bucks (Unheard of for this name brand). It even comes with a noise canceling microphone!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001W0EC/seattleot-20
12. Last item for my buddy Tod who needs a new answering machine. J&R is selling the AT&T digital answering machine (its refurbished but 100% guaranteed) for the price that the local phone company normally charges for 1 month of voicemail. I used to have a machine just like this and it was an absolute workhorse that lasted me for 2-3 years before it finally went legs up. At $10 that's an absolutely amazing value.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J3MT/seattleot-20
13. Know someone who loves to camp, hike, bike, or basically anything outdoors that goes well into the night? There's a sweet deal on the blue Petzl LED headlamp that will make (almost) anyone look prepared when the sun sets an hour before you thought it did... (no, that's never happened to me...why do you ask?) 25% off for under 30 bucks - great holiday present...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006LUMD/seattleot-20
And, of course, what deal mail would be complete without the coolest item of the week? Under the, "I must have that and I have no idea why" category:
Amazon has the Dartech ExtendAir Direct WiFi extending antenna...Put this baby in a window and extend your WiFi signal by 500 feet! From where I sit at work, I could actually get one of these, point it at Seahawks Stadium, and give everyone Wifi! Check this bad boy out (Its even on sale!):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009RXMU/seattleot-20
Have a great weekend everyone! As always, please forward to all your friends!
Eric
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Welcome to Planner Pads
Are you an owner of a palm pilot who is frustrated that you cannot write fast enough to get your daily to do lists in your palm pilot, or do you have a planner you are really unsatisfied with? When using your palm pilot, do you feel unsatisfied with just clicking a button instead of actually marking it off? Well if you are, today I am going to discuss a great option to accompany your palm, The Planner Pad. I love my palm pilot, but I do not enjoy typing out my daily to do lists. A lot of my clients write notes on post it notes, something I abhor because they either don’t stick properly, or they wind up with so many they cannot keep track of all of the notes. I cannot tell you how many times I have tracked down numerous old post it notes in old boxes!
The Planner Pad is a unique organizing tool. It is like a daily planner, but it is divided into three sections.
1. The first section is for categorizing what you have to work on for the week. For example, separating personal from business activities
2. The second section is for prioritizing what has to be done.
3. the third is for appointments
The Good:
When I was just using a planner, I never had enough room for making lists, and if I did have lists, I had no room for appointments! I like that is it organized for you just enough so that you can fill out your daily tasks without having to worry about where to put your notes and appointments. This is a great product for people who:
Don’t like technology
Prefer to write out everything on paper
Like to back up their palm with paper
The Bad:
If you own a palm pilot, this means filling things out twice, and carrying two things with you daily.
The Bottom Line:
Although you will have to carry two things with you, create a system where you fill both out each time you make an appointment. The palm is great for people who need an alarm to remind them of their next task. The Planner Pad is great for people who need to write out lists. You can use just one, but that is up to you. It is always a good idea to have a paper back up of your appointments and contact information anyway. (Of course you can also back up your palm with a disc). I suggest getting both!
Are you an owner of a palm pilot who is frustrated that you cannot write fast enough to get your daily to do lists in your palm pilot, or do you have a planner you are really unsatisfied with? When using your palm pilot, do you feel unsatisfied with just clicking a button instead of actually marking it off? Well if you are, today I am going to discuss a great option to accompany your palm, The Planner Pad. I love my palm pilot, but I do not enjoy typing out my daily to do lists. A lot of my clients write notes on post it notes, something I abhor because they either don’t stick properly, or they wind up with so many they cannot keep track of all of the notes. I cannot tell you how many times I have tracked down numerous old post it notes in old boxes!
The Planner Pad is a unique organizing tool. It is like a daily planner, but it is divided into three sections.
1. The first section is for categorizing what you have to work on for the week. For example, separating personal from business activities
2. The second section is for prioritizing what has to be done.
3. the third is for appointments
The Good:
When I was just using a planner, I never had enough room for making lists, and if I did have lists, I had no room for appointments! I like that is it organized for you just enough so that you can fill out your daily tasks without having to worry about where to put your notes and appointments. This is a great product for people who:
Don’t like technology
Prefer to write out everything on paper
Like to back up their palm with paper
The Bad:
If you own a palm pilot, this means filling things out twice, and carrying two things with you daily.
The Bottom Line:
Although you will have to carry two things with you, create a system where you fill both out each time you make an appointment. The palm is great for people who need an alarm to remind them of their next task. The Planner Pad is great for people who need to write out lists. You can use just one, but that is up to you. It is always a good idea to have a paper back up of your appointments and contact information anyway. (Of course you can also back up your palm with a disc). I suggest getting both!
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Personworks
Today I am going to discuss five things you can throw away without ever wondering what if.
1. Tax documents that are over 7 years old. This includes all of the receipts!!
2. Old newspapers, if you have an article that you want to keep photocopy it and then recycle the rest
3. utility bills, (unless they are a tax deduction for your business and are younger than seven years)
4. Old magazines, if there is a recipe or article cut it out and put it into a file, or purchase Scanalog http://www.scanalog.com/
5. photographs that are un-recognizable
The Good:
You will never have to worry about throwing these things away! Just make sure to follow my guidelines, if you do fall into the tax deduction category.
The Bad:
You have some work to do! You will have to take a couple hours out of your day to sort, trash and/or photocopy.
The Bottom Line:
Getting rid of excess clutter is a great feeling, especially when you know you don’t need it. All you are doing is scaling down. The feeling of release you will get is indescribable, so get to it!
Today I am going to discuss five things you can throw away without ever wondering what if.
1. Tax documents that are over 7 years old. This includes all of the receipts!!
2. Old newspapers, if you have an article that you want to keep photocopy it and then recycle the rest
3. utility bills, (unless they are a tax deduction for your business and are younger than seven years)
4. Old magazines, if there is a recipe or article cut it out and put it into a file, or purchase Scanalog http://www.scanalog.com/
5. photographs that are un-recognizable
The Good:
You will never have to worry about throwing these things away! Just make sure to follow my guidelines, if you do fall into the tax deduction category.
The Bad:
You have some work to do! You will have to take a couple hours out of your day to sort, trash and/or photocopy.
The Bottom Line:
Getting rid of excess clutter is a great feeling, especially when you know you don’t need it. All you are doing is scaling down. The feeling of release you will get is indescribable, so get to it!
Monday, November 10, 2003
Personworks
Tip of the Day:
When you decide to organize a space in your home, the number one biggest mistake is to put it in the garage for later, or rent out a storage unit. If you are not using it, get rid of it!
The good:
You will find that when you get rid of things you will have more space. You are becoming organized!!
The bad:
You have to take the time to get rid of it.
The bottom line:
Keeping things just in case is a terrible idea. Unless it has REAL sentimental value, keeping something just in case takes up your precious space and clutters your mind from new things. For example, if your garage is so cluttered that you cannot see the space itself, your mind cannot be open to organizing it, it is too overwhelming. By freeing your space of unnecessary items, you will open up more avenues for a clean, organized space.
Tip of the Day:
When you decide to organize a space in your home, the number one biggest mistake is to put it in the garage for later, or rent out a storage unit. If you are not using it, get rid of it!
The good:
You will find that when you get rid of things you will have more space. You are becoming organized!!
The bad:
You have to take the time to get rid of it.
The bottom line:
Keeping things just in case is a terrible idea. Unless it has REAL sentimental value, keeping something just in case takes up your precious space and clutters your mind from new things. For example, if your garage is so cluttered that you cannot see the space itself, your mind cannot be open to organizing it, it is too overwhelming. By freeing your space of unnecessary items, you will open up more avenues for a clean, organized space.
Friday, November 07, 2003
It's friday, so I have another deal mail from Eric.
Now that its November, and every department store we walk in to is already started to subject us to holiday music, I thought I might as well help my friendly dealsters out by giving them a reason to skip the mall for presents this year. For the next few weeks, I'll try to put lots of good gift stuff in there so you all have stuff to bring to Uncle Irwin at Thanksgiving! On with the deals!
1. The first item this week is an absolutely fantastic deal: 70% off an Indoor compact rotisserie and BBQ. This one has good reviews, does everything from leg of lamb to small turkeys, and comes with the full instruction booklet and warranty. At 30 bucks, you can't beat the price and who's gonna know you got such a great deal once its wrapped?!?! :-)
Ronco Indoor Compact Rotisserie & BBQ
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000A1Q9X/seattleot-20
I bet you already know what I'm going to say... are you *really* going to use it, or is it just going to take up counter space? Of course, if you're giving it as a gift, it's not *your* counter space you're worrying about!
2. The next one is really sweet. For today only, Amazon has the 4.5 star reviewed home panini maker for under 30 bucks! This thing makes everything from grill cheeses to fancy italian paninis and people are gushing about how great it is in the reviews (My favorite review? "Incredibly easy to use and super tasty sandwiches. Open a can of Orangina with it and you are in Italian heaven!") Anyway, this is a great price for a great gift for yourself or a friend:
Breadman Panini Maker
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008PC7M/seattleot-20
3. If you've been on this list for a while, you know this is one of my favorite items to feature: The Silpat Baking Mats. They are on pre-holiday sale for today only at an unbelievable price of under 10 bucks!! These are the flexible mats that you cane bake bread, cookies, caramel, etc... on and they absolutely never stick. You can also take something from the oven directly to the freezer on the same mat and they work fantastically. These suckers are almost 30 bucks at Williams Sonoma & Crate & Barrel. Save a bunch and get them here for stocking stuffers for the holidays!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005AXJ9/seattleot-20
Quick tip - measure your baking sheets and be sure they fit!
4. How about a non-kitchen gift. I saw a great deal this week on the top of the line Norelco mustache and beard trimmer. 50% off and it comes with 9 preset settings to take all the guesswork out of it (that's marketing speak for: "Comes with plain english settings so you don't give yourself a bald spot on the chin just before the big family holiday picture!") Anyway, this is a really nice one with great reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000068PBQ/seattleot-20
Incidentally, the top of the line Braun razor is also on sale at more than 70% off (From $140 down to $40). Since this is also a really nice gift (this one has reviews that say "Best Shave EVER!!!"), thought I'd include it as well:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DQJQ/seattleot-20
5. Final Gift deal? How's this for crazy? The HoMedics Ultra Foot Massager is on sale right now for 50% off at $25 (whish is already a great deal!). However, if you go to the page for the Foot Massager and then scroll down a little, you will find a "Buy Both and Save" button that tells you how to get the Foot Massager and a travel manicure set for the same price! (Make sure to click on the "Buy Both and Save" button or you'll only get the foot massager!) :-)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000050FF0/seattleot-20
Now, Since not everyone is ready to buy gifts just yet, there is some great other stuff out there that I can't resist passing on...
6. There is an absolutely incredible price right now on a major brand name (LG) 18" flat screen computer monitor for under $400 (nearly 50% off!) This is a really great deal folks (now one else is selling these for less than $600!) and just a few months ago you couldn't find them for less than $650. If you are thinking about upgrading, this is a great time. Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006BAZP/seattleot-20
LCD flat panel monitors are a great solution to help make space on your desk!
7. Now, I normally don't include digital cameras in the deal mail because they're usually pretty pricey. However, my friend Alex begged me yesterday to find one for her in time for the deal mail. Luckily, I was able to pull it off: There is a great deal today and the highly reviewed, ultra tiny, 4 megapixel Pentax Optio 430RS. This thing takes beautiful pictures and is less than 4" long (completely pocket sized.) It is almost 50% off at a completely amazing price of almost $300! (Just last August, you couldn't get 4 megapixels for less than $400!).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006B12C/seattleot-20
8. For all you caffeine addicts, how about 80% off a Cuisinart coffee maker that even comes with two of those thermal mugs (that I think cost more to buy than this whole setup!) Check it out at under 15 bucks!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009K3UL/seattleot-20
9. How about your random tool of the week? The really high end Hitachi plunge router (With great reviews like, "The Incredible HULK! of routers") is on sale for 70% off this week. This thing is fantastic for woodworkers who want to make moldings, cabinets, whatever... Its $160 instead of $550! If you're into this type of thing, go to town!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000223K9/seattleot-20
10. And of course, how could I forget, the crazy, so low you'll think we're INSANE, knife set deal of this week. This time, the whole set is under 17 bucks!!! (93% off!!!) (You could get six of these and just throw them away when they get dull at that price!!) Seriously! The nice set of scissors that come with this thing are worth 17 bucks!! Buy 'em for the whole family:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000066SYK/seattleot-20
And now, for the famous, final, bizarre item for the week: For the completely paranoid in your life (you know you have one!) Check out the amazing home safe on sale today that opens only by fingerprint! (Just when you thought the shoebox full of money under your mattress was safe...right?) This thing hits an 11 on the cool meter...Now if I just had something to put into it...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009YV7Z/seattleot-20
Have a great weekend everyone! As always, please feel free to forward...
Eric
Now that its November, and every department store we walk in to is already started to subject us to holiday music, I thought I might as well help my friendly dealsters out by giving them a reason to skip the mall for presents this year. For the next few weeks, I'll try to put lots of good gift stuff in there so you all have stuff to bring to Uncle Irwin at Thanksgiving! On with the deals!
1. The first item this week is an absolutely fantastic deal: 70% off an Indoor compact rotisserie and BBQ. This one has good reviews, does everything from leg of lamb to small turkeys, and comes with the full instruction booklet and warranty. At 30 bucks, you can't beat the price and who's gonna know you got such a great deal once its wrapped?!?! :-)
Ronco Indoor Compact Rotisserie & BBQ
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000A1Q9X/seattleot-20
I bet you already know what I'm going to say... are you *really* going to use it, or is it just going to take up counter space? Of course, if you're giving it as a gift, it's not *your* counter space you're worrying about!
2. The next one is really sweet. For today only, Amazon has the 4.5 star reviewed home panini maker for under 30 bucks! This thing makes everything from grill cheeses to fancy italian paninis and people are gushing about how great it is in the reviews (My favorite review? "Incredibly easy to use and super tasty sandwiches. Open a can of Orangina with it and you are in Italian heaven!") Anyway, this is a great price for a great gift for yourself or a friend:
Breadman Panini Maker
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008PC7M/seattleot-20
3. If you've been on this list for a while, you know this is one of my favorite items to feature: The Silpat Baking Mats. They are on pre-holiday sale for today only at an unbelievable price of under 10 bucks!! These are the flexible mats that you cane bake bread, cookies, caramel, etc... on and they absolutely never stick. You can also take something from the oven directly to the freezer on the same mat and they work fantastically. These suckers are almost 30 bucks at Williams Sonoma & Crate & Barrel. Save a bunch and get them here for stocking stuffers for the holidays!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005AXJ9/seattleot-20
Quick tip - measure your baking sheets and be sure they fit!
4. How about a non-kitchen gift. I saw a great deal this week on the top of the line Norelco mustache and beard trimmer. 50% off and it comes with 9 preset settings to take all the guesswork out of it (that's marketing speak for: "Comes with plain english settings so you don't give yourself a bald spot on the chin just before the big family holiday picture!") Anyway, this is a really nice one with great reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000068PBQ/seattleot-20
Incidentally, the top of the line Braun razor is also on sale at more than 70% off (From $140 down to $40). Since this is also a really nice gift (this one has reviews that say "Best Shave EVER!!!"), thought I'd include it as well:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008DQJQ/seattleot-20
5. Final Gift deal? How's this for crazy? The HoMedics Ultra Foot Massager is on sale right now for 50% off at $25 (whish is already a great deal!). However, if you go to the page for the Foot Massager and then scroll down a little, you will find a "Buy Both and Save" button that tells you how to get the Foot Massager and a travel manicure set for the same price! (Make sure to click on the "Buy Both and Save" button or you'll only get the foot massager!) :-)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000050FF0/seattleot-20
Now, Since not everyone is ready to buy gifts just yet, there is some great other stuff out there that I can't resist passing on...
6. There is an absolutely incredible price right now on a major brand name (LG) 18" flat screen computer monitor for under $400 (nearly 50% off!) This is a really great deal folks (now one else is selling these for less than $600!) and just a few months ago you couldn't find them for less than $650. If you are thinking about upgrading, this is a great time. Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006BAZP/seattleot-20
LCD flat panel monitors are a great solution to help make space on your desk!
7. Now, I normally don't include digital cameras in the deal mail because they're usually pretty pricey. However, my friend Alex begged me yesterday to find one for her in time for the deal mail. Luckily, I was able to pull it off: There is a great deal today and the highly reviewed, ultra tiny, 4 megapixel Pentax Optio 430RS. This thing takes beautiful pictures and is less than 4" long (completely pocket sized.) It is almost 50% off at a completely amazing price of almost $300! (Just last August, you couldn't get 4 megapixels for less than $400!).
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006B12C/seattleot-20
8. For all you caffeine addicts, how about 80% off a Cuisinart coffee maker that even comes with two of those thermal mugs (that I think cost more to buy than this whole setup!) Check it out at under 15 bucks!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009K3UL/seattleot-20
9. How about your random tool of the week? The really high end Hitachi plunge router (With great reviews like, "The Incredible HULK! of routers") is on sale for 70% off this week. This thing is fantastic for woodworkers who want to make moldings, cabinets, whatever... Its $160 instead of $550! If you're into this type of thing, go to town!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000223K9/seattleot-20
10. And of course, how could I forget, the crazy, so low you'll think we're INSANE, knife set deal of this week. This time, the whole set is under 17 bucks!!! (93% off!!!) (You could get six of these and just throw them away when they get dull at that price!!) Seriously! The nice set of scissors that come with this thing are worth 17 bucks!! Buy 'em for the whole family:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000066SYK/seattleot-20
And now, for the famous, final, bizarre item for the week: For the completely paranoid in your life (you know you have one!) Check out the amazing home safe on sale today that opens only by fingerprint! (Just when you thought the shoebox full of money under your mattress was safe...right?) This thing hits an 11 on the cool meter...Now if I just had something to put into it...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009YV7Z/seattleot-20
Have a great weekend everyone! As always, please feel free to forward...
Eric
Thursday, November 06, 2003
http://www.simpliciti.com/site/product_topten.asp
Today, I am going to review the Simpliciti, an organizational tool. This reasonably sized gadget is a perfect idea for families who are continually on the go. The PDA system does the following:
Holds up to 500 recipes
Has a to do list
Holds memory of important household scheduling Information
Shopping list
Holds memory for contacts
Has a calculator
Has a timer
Read what extreme tech said: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,822046,00.asp
The good:
The Simpliciti can be used for a whole family, rather than just an individual. It has a mini printer, to print off lists. If you don't like to carry around scraps of paper, you can purchase mini PDA cards that include a keyboard to carry around at an additional charge. You can download Simpliciti onto your computer. It runs on batteries, so no fear of losing important information, if the lights go out. It will train your children to be more organized, with time management skills. The timer is great for kids who tend to forget their schedules. People who have been diagnosed with add can use the timer to keep themselves focused on an activity, without going into hyper focus. It will minimize clutter. For example, when you have a new handout from your child's school, you can type it into the Simpliciti, instead of pinning the handout up on a bulletin board, or losing it under a pile of papers.
It will keep all of your household needs organized, including:
Things to do
Grocery lists, which you can add to when you run out of something
People to call
Bills to pay
Phone numbers easily accessible for the whole family
The families schedule, including soccer games, pta meetings, etc...
The bad:
Most of what the system offers you can get from a dell axim, or even a low end palm pilot. If you are disorganized, this will be hard for you to keep up, once the thrill of having a new gadget is gone. It is for families, not one person housholds.
The bottom line:
After reading reviews, and looking the gadget over on their website, I think this is a fantastic idea! If you are a family that is constantly running out the door, trying to keep track of all of your kid's daily activities, this is a brilliant idea. Because it is suited for a kitchen wall, not a brief case or purse, the whole family will know what is going on, on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Today, I am going to review the Simpliciti, an organizational tool. This reasonably sized gadget is a perfect idea for families who are continually on the go. The PDA system does the following:
Holds up to 500 recipes
Has a to do list
Holds memory of important household scheduling Information
Shopping list
Holds memory for contacts
Has a calculator
Has a timer
Read what extreme tech said: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,822046,00.asp
The good:
The Simpliciti can be used for a whole family, rather than just an individual. It has a mini printer, to print off lists. If you don't like to carry around scraps of paper, you can purchase mini PDA cards that include a keyboard to carry around at an additional charge. You can download Simpliciti onto your computer. It runs on batteries, so no fear of losing important information, if the lights go out. It will train your children to be more organized, with time management skills. The timer is great for kids who tend to forget their schedules. People who have been diagnosed with add can use the timer to keep themselves focused on an activity, without going into hyper focus. It will minimize clutter. For example, when you have a new handout from your child's school, you can type it into the Simpliciti, instead of pinning the handout up on a bulletin board, or losing it under a pile of papers.
It will keep all of your household needs organized, including:
Things to do
Grocery lists, which you can add to when you run out of something
People to call
Bills to pay
Phone numbers easily accessible for the whole family
The families schedule, including soccer games, pta meetings, etc...
The bad:
Most of what the system offers you can get from a dell axim, or even a low end palm pilot. If you are disorganized, this will be hard for you to keep up, once the thrill of having a new gadget is gone. It is for families, not one person housholds.
The bottom line:
After reading reviews, and looking the gadget over on their website, I think this is a fantastic idea! If you are a family that is constantly running out the door, trying to keep track of all of your kid's daily activities, this is a brilliant idea. Because it is suited for a kitchen wall, not a brief case or purse, the whole family will know what is going on, on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Monday, November 03, 2003
Amazon.com: Home & Garden: Organize It 12-pr. Shoe Cube - Maple
Tip of the day:
When you begin sorting through your belongings, such as your shoe collection, keep in mind how much room you have. If you don’t have adequate shoe storage go out and purchase one of my favorites, the shoe cube: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000916NN/104-6827828-4147122
The good:
You will be able to find your shoes more efficiently
The bad:
You won’t be able to hoard your old favorite shoes, the ones you keep, just in case.
The bottom line:
If you have more shoes than space, get rid of more shoes! Think of your shoe collection as an ongoing process of elimination, when you purchase a new pair of shoes, get rid of an older pair.
Tip of the day:
When you begin sorting through your belongings, such as your shoe collection, keep in mind how much room you have. If you don’t have adequate shoe storage go out and purchase one of my favorites, the shoe cube: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000916NN/104-6827828-4147122
The good:
You will be able to find your shoes more efficiently
The bad:
You won’t be able to hoard your old favorite shoes, the ones you keep, just in case.
The bottom line:
If you have more shoes than space, get rid of more shoes! Think of your shoe collection as an ongoing process of elimination, when you purchase a new pair of shoes, get rid of an older pair.
