September 2007 Archives

(not my actual lunch)
A colleague recommended Poncho's Restaurant in Winnetka (no Web site, unfortunately) and handed me a menu filled with huge plates of food priced at $5.50 or less. Bingo! Then I went and found I was two weeks late. They raised their prices Sept 14, limiting my fiver options (prez Lincoln is on the $5 bill btw) to breakfast dishes, tacos, a tostada, quesadilla, torta, chile relleno, sope, or burrito. Woe is me, huh?

I settled on the chicken quesadilla with rice, beans, guac, and salsa even though it was $5.50. A friend ordered ceviche tostadas for $5.99 but was disappointed. My quesadilla was tasty but not exceptional. I think I would have been better off with a huarache for $4.50 or if I had stopped by on a Tuesday, when two fish tacos with rice and beans are $5.

Visit them at 20116 Sherman Way, just west of Winnetka St. in Winnetka. (818) 716-0077. Parking is limited.

This sounds pretty incredible! You get a CD and the digital tracks for your MP3 player for $7 plus $2.95 in shipping per CD at AnywhereCD, which is having a going-out-of-business sale. Don't dilly dally, this sale ends midnight Sept 30. I spotted Buena Vista Social Club with Ry Cooder, an amazing recording of Cuban musicians playing traditionals, Dreamland by Madeleine Peyroux, who sounds freakishly like classic Billie Holiday, and sound tracks to the Departed, Hustle & Flow, Borat, and tons more. There are also many recordings for $7 in these categories: heavy metal, classical, punk, jazz, Christmas. In rock/pop alone there are almost 3,000 recordings.

Caveat: not eeeeeeverything is $7, but like 97% of it is.

Sounds like it's time to buy a gas grill. Consumer Reports Magazine has a smart article about what time of year shoppers should buy certain major purchases to get the best price. In-house researchers looked at industry surveys and publications and talked to experts to come up with this list, from the July issue of their magazine.

September:
bikes, gas grills, shrubs, trees, perennials, small consumer electronics

October:
bikes, digital cameras, gas grills, winter coats

November:
new cars, bikes, computers, gas grills, toys

December:
new cars, bikes, computer, gas grills, small consumer electronics, toys, tvs.

If you want to take advantage of sales on gas grills (or another item) but don't live in a warm climate that lets you use them year-round, keep the new purchase in its original packaging. When you open it next spring or summer, it will really seem like you just bought it.

More items to come when it's closer to that time of year.

The Body Shop has marked down all their gift sets by 25% to 50% off. Sounds like the store is trying to jump start people's holiday shopping. You will see the full price initially, but once you click on an item it comes up at the discounted rate. I like the spring home fragrance set for $21 (orig $28). Home scents are big these days, ya know. The picture is slightly misleading as everything in the kit is pictured twice. It actually includes "Cool Watermelon Home Fragrance Oil, Pina Colada Home Fragrance Oil, Small Silver Oil Burner, Tealight (2 pcs)." Watermelon and pina colada? Maybe for teeny boppers. The men's grooming kit ($45) is NOT on sale, unfortunately. I hear it's one of their biggest sellers. The grapefruit "glorious gift" sounds like a decent deal. For $24.50 (orig $34) you get a Pink Grapefruit Bath & Shower Gel 8.5 fl oz, Pink Grapefruit Body Butter 1.7 fl oz, Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub 1.7 fl oz, Pink Grapefruit Soap 3.5 oz, and a Ultra Fine Pink Grapefruit Bath Lily.

Free shipping when you spend at least $55. Unclear when promotion ends.

I don't get excited about vacuums. They do wonderful things in record time but for some reason we all hate them. However, I love a good deal and Woot has an excellent deal on a very fancy vacuum. The Dyson DC 15 is $290 plus $5 shipping. Wooters discuss the product here. The same vac goes for $500 to $600 at Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon. Sears has it for $600.

The folks behind Woot are a bit wacky but their schtick is simple: every 24 hours starting at 12:01 a.m. they put a new item for sale. It's only available that day before they replace it with a new sale item. So ya gotta act quick. The clock is ticking.

Burger King is giving away free access to play an XBox Gold Trial. Sounds like Greek to me, but I guess gamers will appreciate it. Wonder if it includes Halo 3, the new game that just game out? The artwork on the link suggests so.

Get free black and white bangles from Revlon when you spend $10 or more. Keep your receipt and fill out this rebate form. Buy before Sept 30, mail in the paperwork before Oct 15, and the bangles are yours. Register here and get $2 off an color cosmetic (not sure what that means).

eBates, the Web site that cuts you a check for a percentage of your online shopping bills, just added more retailers. eBates has a different relationship with each store so the percentage they give you back varies. You have to register with eBates and click on the web sites you want to shop on through the eBates sites. Sound confusing? They explain it here. I signed up a few months ago and have already earned $17.50 from three purchases. eBates cuts you a check every three months.

They just added these retailers:
5% at AnytimeCostumes.com
6% at Luggage Pros
2% at Champs, Sports Chalet, Guess Fye, and X-tremegreek
3% at the Comedy Central Shop

Sign up here. Or I can send you an email invitation if you email me.

Lush Hair Salon in Redondo Beach is offering $15 off any service until Sept 30. Print out the coupon here. Visit them at 259 Avenida Del Norte, Redondo Beach. (310) 403-9193.

Thru Sept 30 get $5.00 off your tab of $25 or more at Big Mike's Philly Steaks & Subs in Hermosa Beach. Print out the coupon here. Also good at the El Segundo location. Reviews here either love it or hate it. Visit them at 1314 Hermosa Ave in Hermosa Beach, (310) 798-1455. Or at 507 Main St in El Segundo, (310)726-9638.

As part of their 105th anniversary celebration, JC Penny is cutting $10 off on orders of $50 or more. If you spend $75 or more get $15 off, or $20 off purchases of $100 or more. Use code WP34BMSM online. Expires Oct 3.

SmartBargains is knocking 20% off a selection of more than 100 jackets and sweaters, like this fitted women's motorcycle jacket with a bronze glint for $40 (orig $100). This Harve Benard wool coat, $80 (orig $250) takes me back to my days in New York, where fall truly exists. The landscape pares down and the air turns crisp and everybody waits as long as possible to put on their gloves and scarves. Each fall I vowed to wait until after Halloween to wear my winter jacket because I never needed it growing up in No Cal. It didn't seem right to need a two-layer 10-pound jacket before trick-or-treating time, but 40 degrees will change your mind awfully quick. The jacket *always* came out mid-October. But never in September. Seasons changing and air that crackles is hard to imagine after breathing LA's soggy smog day in day out. Here in the desert it drops to 50 at night and people think the season has changed. But it's still summer.

Those who just need a show coat should consider this red cropped jacket that has big buttons and ribbed trim for $64 (orig $120). Wow, that's cute.

Banana Republic is having a 30% off sale on all men's jeans. There are four different cuts (bootcut, relaxed, straight and slim) with the best selection in straight and slim (14 pairs between the two). You can certainly find jeans for cheaper - BR sale jeans are $54 to $68 - but the stuff I've purchased from the store usually lasts and is good quality. If your man has linebacker legs, I'd go for this relaxed cut pair for $54 (orig $78). Relaxed fit is usually the roomiest. If he's built like a runner, I like this darker straight leg pair for $68 (orig $98). If you're not sure about his figure, try one of the boot cut pairs. Thru Oct 8.

All boots at aerosoles are 25% off, which is awesome because their shoes are so much more cuter than they used to be but they are still really comfortable! This faux-leather boot called Risky Pizness (that's got to be a typo, right?) is $74 (orig $99). In sizes 5 to 12. The Vice President boot is $135 (orig $180) and comes in black, brown, black patent and red patent leather. There are also shorty and mid-length boots. Unclear when sale ends. No code needed.

The Against All Odds at Northridge Fashion Center (upper level near Sears) is having a buy one, get a second item half-off deal on regular priced items. At all stores until Oct 7. The store sells hip-hop inspired clothes by labels like Baby Phat, FCUK, and Ecko.

California stores here (Northridge is not listed but the mall does have one).

Children's Place is having a 50% off sale online on their outlet items, like tops, sleepwear, jeans, and shoes. Use code NMS97 to get $10 off a purchase of $30 or more. Shipping is $5, flat rate.

Halloween gear is 30% off. This dragon costune comes in sizes for 3-24 months and is $21 (orig $30). It will make you kiddo and cutiest scary beast out there!

Gap is having it's annual fall sale with some items up to 50% off. I like these gray pinstripped shorts for $30 (orig $40). A pleated floral dress is only $15 (orig $70) but only comes in sizes 14, 16, 18, and 20. A finely ribbed cotton top is $10-$15 depending on color (orig $40). I also like this cable knit cardigan which does not look overly heavy and long like a lot of them. It's $450 (orig $60). A few swimsuits and shoes are marked down. These giraffe print flats (size 8 only) are $30 (orig $40). Decent selection of jammies also on sale.

Borders has a 20% off coupon to be used in stores, not online. Also good at Waldenbooks. Expires Oct 2. Find a Borders or Waldenbooks near you. Not bad if you still have books to buy for back to school or are getting an early start on your holiday shopping.

Caveats: exludes coffee, magazine, special orders, electronics, and comics.

Get 40% off all accessories for the Wii video game player at Meritline.com. Most of the sale items are colored skins for the controllers and remotes, but there is also a charging station for $41 (grrr! not in stock at the moment), cables, and a battery pack for $26. Use code Wii40POFF. Don't wait, expries Thur Sept 27.

Sometimes bargains *are* too good to be true. Shoppers should be especially wary of ridiculously good prices online, as one LA Times reporter found. David Colker - who writes about scams for the paper - says he thought he was getting "a brand-name product at a bargain price by being a smart shopper, just like my feal-market-loving mom taught me." Read "Knocked off by a bargain" here.

Estee Lauder is giving away four free samples when you buy a concealer ($19.50-$24.50), foundation ($32.50 to $33.50) OR a powder ($9.50 for a refill, or $25 to $29.50). Normally shipping is only free when you buy $50 worth of stuff but use code FACE07 for free shipping a your choice of four samples from four powders, two extreme lift creams, three scents, a washer, pore minimizer, or correcting serum.

Thru Oct. 7.

CityMommy says The Closet Concierge is offering a 10% off deal for new clients. For $250 the CC will give you an overall assessment that includes editing your wardrobe, making a closet organization plan, creating a list of specific items you should buy, and helping you decide what you should donate and what you should sell to a second hand store. The CC also does guided shopping trips for $75 an hour and group discount shopping for $300 (for you and three buddies). Email the CC at contact@theclosetconcierge.com

Our computers are being bombarded with bugs or some other cyber creature that is making every.......thing........super.......sllllooooooooooowwww. Anoying, isn't it? Please be patient and check back soon!

In a pinch I went to the chain Sharky's for a quick, cheap bite. The menu did not have a lot of $5 Lincoln options so I ordered two original tacos for $5.18 plus tax. I'm cutting them a little slack on the price because they give a big bag of chips with every order and have a free salsa bar. My chicken taco was juicy and had plenty of chopped onions and cilantro, but it definitely needed salsa. And there was no lime!!! Overall it was decent but no match for the tacos from the taco stand near my house. I didn't have high hopes for the grilled veggie taco since the chicken was bland and the veggies looked steamed, not grilled. But it was surprisingly tasty and had the slightest touch of spice. My NY friend who thinks ketchup is spicy would run for milk, but the rest of us will be fine.

Find a Sharky's near you.

Take advantage of Footlocker's hefty family and friends discount by printing a coupon here. Online use code FF79L924. Get an extra 10% off in-store only when you spend $100 or more. Good Thursday Sept 27 thru Sunday Sept 30 only. Thanks Wow Coupons! Locations here.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are offering 15% off on select routes, including Burbank to Helena, MT, Los Angeles to Cabo or Bend, OR, and Long Beach to Calgary. Need to travel between Oct 16 and Dec 13 for the discount. Use e-certificate code EC05807 when you make your reservation on alaskaair.com. Expries Sept. 30. Cabo baby, here I come!

See the full list of flights here.

Caveats: Blackout dates around Thanksgiving.

Print this coupon for 20% off at Banana Republic Factory stores. Expires Sept 30. Nearest BRFS I know of is in Camarillo, at the Citadel Outlets in Commerce, and at Ontario Mills. Find a factory store near you. Thanks Wow-Coupons!

REI stores have free classes on outdoorsy topics likes camping and bike maintence. At the Northridge store there is one Wed Sept 26 on desert camping. Their pitch: "Do you think the desert is just a wasteland? Think again! Southern California is filled with desert destinations that have amazing vistas, unique ecologies and native wildlife viewing opportunities..." Never occured to me that I needed to take a class for desert camping but this doesn't sound so bad. There are also intro classes on rock climbing and GPS, a Stoney Point clean-up day, and bike matintenence. For all the details go here. To find an REI class near you look for a local store here.

The Camarillo Outlets are having a sale for Columbus Day (Mon Oct 8) with items 25% to 65% off on top of their normal discounted prices. Here are a few of the sales:
50% to 75% off original retail on select merchandise at Theory
25% off outerwear at the Brooks Brothers Factory Store
Take an extra 25% off all red ticket clearance at Harry & David, plus smoked turkeys and spiral sliced hams are 50% off original price
30% to 50% off all coats at Jones New York Company Store
No tax at Zales Outlet

For a full list of the sales go here. I recommend signing up for their VIP club and printing out the voucher for a free VIP coupon booklet. The office where you redeem the voucher is to the left of the Mikasa store. Visit the outlets at 740 E. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo, CA 93010 (805) 445-8520.

Once a day Mon through Fri I send out all the new blog posts since the day before to those who sign up. For some readers getting an email is easier than visiting the Web site. You can sign up by emailing me at julia.scott@dailynews.com. The daily digest is not as good being in the tropics, but it's pretty close. :) Thanks!

eBags is having their fall sale with luggage up to 70% off and handbags up to 50% off. Items part of the back to school sale are an additional 10% off with free shipping.

This black and pink Diane Von Furstenberg "Lizard on the Go" carry on is very fashionable and is $126 (orig $360) plus free shipping. For day to day stuff I love this nylon tote for $27 (orig $40), plus free shipping. Also comes in dark blue, maroon, red, orange, pink and black. If you need more input, eBags lists customer reviews at the bottom of the page of each item.

The famous ice cream chain started selling $1 scoops on Tuesdays for its 60th anniversary. That was in 2005, but many chains seem to offer the deal now, like the store on the corner of Topanga Canyon and Ventura Blvd next to Starbucks and Rite Aid. The scoop normally costs about $1.89 and is for one of their 31 classic flavors.

Caveat: gotta buy between 6 and 10 pm Tuesdays. Locations here. Call your local store to check they are doing the promotion.

Rezon8Living in Van Nuys is having a tent sale Oct 4-7, Columbus Day weekend. "Select items" are 50% to 70% off. The modern furniture store is named one of LA's top 40 home stores in next months' issue, according to the store. I'm going to try and check out the sale. Will let you know how it is.

Visit them at 7900 Haskell Ave, just north of Saticoy and a stone's throw west of the 405. in Van Nuys. (818) 728-1800. Hours Mon to Sat 10 to 6. Sun 11 to 5.

Get 30% off all your purchases at GuessFactory with code SEPT30. Discount taken at checkout. Coupon good to Oct. 6. Hmm, wonder why the code is Sept 30 then. Best bet is to use it by the end of the month. Not sure if you can double up the coupon codes, but code THANKS gets your 15% off and free shipping. I like the Elizabeth Cowl dress in dark aqua for $34 (orig $39). Fitted, made of polyester-rayon-spandex with tie at the waist. This slim cut puffy jacket also caught my eye. At $65 it's not a deal, but the coupon takes it down to $45 and I think that's borderline.

Looking at this blue and silver/grey roll-on deodorant makes you want to buy it, right? That's what color researchers say, according to a story in the Courier Journal. I disagree. The first thing that came to mind when I read blue/silver/grey was men's deodorant, illustrated above. I prefer the brown/pink combo or something with fiery orange.

Chefs Corner has a 15% off coupon that's good thru Sept 30. Use coupon code CCAFFONLY, discount taken at checkout. The online store carries "everything needed to take a gourmet meal from the stove and put it onto the table," according to the Bargainist. Free shipping on orders over $99.

Overstock.com about 60 items (clothes, bedding, dishes, electronics) marked down 75%. There's a Jabra BT350 bluetooth wireless headset for $27 (orig $130), a
gold rug with a floral pattern that measures 8-feet 3-inches by 11 feet for $480 (orig $2,160). Barcelona bar stools in black, brown, red, or tan with leather seats are two for $91 (orig $500). The Palm m505 Handheld PDA is $82 (orig $350). Some decent holiday presents in the mix, wouldn't ya say?

Get 20% off a purchase of $50 at Meijer with coupon code MEIJERCOMGIFT, according to the Bargainist. Meijer has stores in five midwestern states (MI, IN, KY, IL, OH) and sells electronics, stuff for the kitchen, home, backyard, kids, appliances, furniture, storage, gardening, animals, babies, etc. Would be a great discount if shipping is too bad. Discount taken at checkout. Unclear when it expires.

I signed up for emails about fashion and sales from Bluefly and a week later got an offer for free shipping on my first order over $100. The code is H38E27F but it says it'll only work once so you really do have to sign up for their emails to get the discount, which is taken at checkout.