November 27, 2012
Online shopping’s my coping mechanism for not loving shopping in stores where my sizes don’t live but I actually have very little patience when it comes to buying things online. For someone who relies on delayed gratification in so many parts of life, you’d think I’d have a thoroughly Zen outlook on this now.
Instead, I survive slow shipping times by pretending I didn’t order anything and then slowly forgetting that an order even exists at all. Then when packages arrive, fun surprise! The whole thing is a bit mad, really, but it works.
This post is, therefore, flouting my whole coping mechanism. But what the hey, wild side, and all that, right?
From Jcrew.com: a purple (!) blazer I couldn’t get an image for [Petite 2] and two trousers [Petite 00]. Getting adventurous with color here. Total: $309
Funny story, when I went back to get a photo of the pants, I couldn’t remember why I picked the Cafe trousers in the first place. That bodes well for liking them …. :/
Left, Cafe trousers; Right, 1035 trousers in Super 120s.
From Banana Republic, a grey blazer and a blouse that might go with any of the blazers I bought and currently have. Total: $137.00
Grey Flannel, Petite 00
Spicy Yellow Mustard, Petite XXS
From NY and Company, two pairs of the same trousers in two different colors: black and cherry. I didn’t even know they carried petite sizes but with free shipping and no minimums, it’s worth giving them a try to see what quality they’ve got. I’m looking to replace a specific lack of black and other professional trousers in the closet. Total: $50.
Petite 0
No huge surprise that J.Crew is the most expensive of the group, even after 25% off and free shipping.
The challenge will come when all the boxes finally arrive and I have to start a) trying things on, b) figuring out what actually fits, and c) making the call on which to take to the tailor and which to return. Emphasis on the two choices here because nothing will fit off the rack.
Any predictions?
March 4, 2012
The week didn’t start off as planned, my brain’s been a traitor and I keep having feelings, so I’ve been seeking asylum in food. It’s not quite so bad as eating to cope or anything like that. I just need an outlet whereby my brain can stop thinking on what it keeps focusing on. Thankfully, the internet in the form of creative cooking Twitter and blogger friends have been sharing some delightful food tidbits and I have been paying attention!
Also I cheated and bought premarinated bulgogi for dinner. It was expensive at $10 for 1.25 pounds but it was cheaper than going out, made two meals over two nights and was really fast prep. Sometimes cheaters don’t lose sleep at night over the cheating because it saved some time better spent on sleeping.
I did finally bite the bullet and order some shoes to try on, though, after hemming and hawing all week long. I hate shoe shopping and I hate wasting money but torturing myself with blisters and calluses is just plain stupid. With any luck, at least a couple pairs will be good and last several years.
Posts for Perusal
I’ve a hankering to try Frugal Scholar’s braised lamb shoulder. It just sounds fantastic. But the price of lamb at Trader Joe’s- $17.99/lb– had my already wobbly knees buckling. I didn’t try looking further.
SP is conducting a More Money, More Comfort, More Time? experiment with her shoes. Coincidentally my happy new flats from Aldo several months ago have also crapped out on me far earlier than I would have liked. They aren’t destroyed but they are now destroying my feet. And with my new resolution to walk 2-3 times a week when the weather’s friendlier, I simply need to admit that adding the gel inserts and gritting my teeth through the weekly blisters is actually not a solution.
Nicole and Maggie reprise “You’re So Vain” in Some folks are easily offended. Not everything is about you. I operate on the philosophy that very little is. If anything your feelings should be hurt about that. [tongue in cheek]
A Recipe
I’m feeling reminiscent of (craving) the awesome Thanksgiving Turkey I made, with a slight variation from this L.A. Times brining recipe. ie: I didn’t realize I should brine it overnight much less for three DAYs so it was brined for about three hours. Still delicious.
Served: 14 pounds, 2 greedy-faces, up to 5 days.
Dry-brined turkey
Total time: 2 hours, 50 minutes, plus 3 days brining and drying time
Servings: 11 to 15
Note: This is more a technique than a recipe. It makes a bird that has concentrated turkey flavor and fine, firm flesh and that is delicious as it is. But you can add other flavors as you wish. Minced rosemary would be a nice finishing addition. Or brush the bird lightly with butter before roasting.
1 (12- to 16-pound) turkey
Kosher salt
1. Wash the turkey inside and out, pat it dry and weigh it. Measure 1 tablespoon of salt into a bowl for every 5 pounds the turkey weighs (for a 15-pound turkey, you’d have 3 tablespoons).
2. Sprinkle the inside of the turkey lightly with salt. Place the turkey on its back and salt the breasts, concentrating the salt in the center, where the meat is thickest. You’ll probably use a little more than a tablespoon. It should look liberally seasoned, but not over-salted.
3. Turn the turkey on one side and sprinkle the entire side with salt, concentrating on the thigh. You should use a little less than a tablespoon. Flip the turkey over and do the same with the opposite side.
4. Place the turkey in a 2½-gallon sealable plastic bag, press out the air and seal tightly. Place the turkey breast-side up in the refrigerator. Chill for 3 days, turning it onto its breast for the last day.
5. Remove the turkey from the bag. There should be no salt visible on the surface, and the skin should be moist but not wet. Place the turkey breast-side up on a plate and refrigerate uncovered for at least 8 hours.
6. On the day it is to be cooked, remove the turkey from the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature at least 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
7. Place the turkey breast-side down on a roasting rack in a roasting pan; put it in the oven. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and carefully turn the turkey over so the breast is facing up (it’s easiest to do this by hand, using kitchen towels or oven mitts).
8. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees, return the turkey to the oven and roast until a thermometer inserted in the deepest part of the thigh, but not touching the bone, reads 165 degrees, about 2¾ hours total roasting.
9. Remove the turkey from the oven, transfer it to a warm platter or carving board; tent loosely with foil. Let stand at least 30 minutes to let the juices redistribute through the meat. Carve and serve.
November 7, 2010
As I prepare for a trip overseas in December, PiC is insisting that in addition to my need for a lighter, travel-friendly computer, I should really consider his selection of ultrawarm, lightweight outerwear, the Patagonia Down With It Parka:
It retails for $275!
I did my mental “That’s a BAD PRICE” stomp and tried to walk away but he asked me to at least try it on and get a sense for the sizing and the weight.
You guys.
It was so cozy that despite the risk of looking like the Michelin Man’s second cousin (I usually hate puffy anything), the slim fit was just on this side of flattering enough for me to say I really want it. The pockets were deep deep deep and lined so they were warm and fuzzy, there was an inside zippered pocket (be still, my heart!) and the hood zips off. However, all sources say it is water-resistant and not waterproof so a waterproof is still necessary. [Patagonia’s waterproofs that fit are another $250!! Am I crazy or are they??]
I already have a gorgeous knee-length black coat that is frankly ten times more professional and lovely, but it’s also about 8 pounds of wool and silk lining I’m not sure I want to lug overseas, traipsing out into the country with dogs and horses, before then heading into the city and the countryside again. It’s not just heavy, it snaps up dirt and hair like a fancy rug and that’s not going to be presentable halfway through two weeks of travel.
To be clear, traveling light isn’t just a minimalist desire for me, it’s an actual physical need. My body cannot tolerate certain stresses. Carrying, lifting, dragging, toting, and tossing heavy luggage and bags that is typical of business travel is one of those stresses but this isn’t optional so I’m doing my level best to pare down every ounce of unnecessary gear.
Staying very warm is also not just a desire, if I get too cold, my body literally shuts down. And it has a liberal definition of “too cold.”
After combing through all the deal sites, REI, Backcountry.com, steepandcheap.com, Amazon, to no avail, I hit up all my possible gift card “vendors” (a la credit card rewards, hotel points, miles and other points redemptions) for better “financing” to reduce out of pocket spending. No luck there either. I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to make the decision to pay full price or go without.
Then I stumbled upon one site claiming to clearance out last year’s coats for $202 and free shipping in 5-7 days. A quick chat with Patagonia customer service confirmed that last year’s coats were the same slim fit, which was the only detail that was missing from my comparison of the coats. It’s not a store for which I can get gift cards so I’d be out of pocket for the full amount.
I still need a rain coat, hat and gloves. I can cross the extra turtleneck off my list, we found that for $10 at H&M.
Do I suck it up and just go on the hunt for a raincoat and take my existing heavy coat? Or go for the only “deal” I’ve found in the hopes of saving myself some cold, shivery, painful travel days?
Note: Spending $200 on a coat when I’ve already got one and when I’ve been scrimping and saving all my other pennies makes me really grumpy. Plus I’ve still got other expenses. I still haven’t picked that computer, for one thing. While, it is supposed to be my birthday present, I still think of his spending as our spending.
January 12, 2010
Daily exercise update: My legs were screaming at me, I had to pass.
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Pure indulgence I always thought Amazon Prime was, for the infrequent buyer like me. While free two-day shipping and zero minimum orders would be awesome, I’d never really had an issue with bundling orders and filler items. I avoid filler items, actually, but that’s beside the point.
That $79/year may not seem like a whole lot over the course of a year, it’s just under $7 a month, but I always knew there were better uses for my almost $100. It seemed kind of like the skip to the front of the line pass at an amusement park. I don’t mind lines so much in good company, so it never seemed worth it.
So I never knew, and none of the reviews I’d ever read of the service ever mentioned, that an Amazon Prime membership holder can actually invite up to four household members to use their services. You could potentially split that membership more than two ways to defray the cost of a Prime membership to a more reasonable $20 or $30/year if you really wanted the luxury of fast and awfully cheap (you are still paying the membership fee, after all) shipping.
This could be useful if you’ve got family members away at college: they’d be able to save on shipping for *ahem* textbooks, and such. You know, the school type stuff. 😉
November 6, 2009
The flats-finding mission: When my last pair of flats destroyed my feet, the objective was simple: a pair of basic black flats, comfortable, fashionable, flexible for most events, $40 and under.
Thanks to Chelsea Bea‘s online shopping ninja-ry, we put together The Deal.
DSW.com
+ Free shipping for orders over $35 [FALLSHP, no stated exp. date]
+ $5 off $49 or more [OCTPKG, code implies it’s good until end of Oct]
+ 30% off any single purchase of $35 or more [code expired, via RetailMeNot.com]
+ ebates.com (4% cash back)
= 29% savings after DSW sale prices
This is what they looked like online:
A) Mia Hepburn Reptile Flats
B) Seychelles Frayed Ballet Flats
And this is how they fit:
A) The reptile flats were hands-down soft and comfortable, but that very squishiness may be cause for concern. Will it be sturdy enough to last? The shoe is stamped “leather upper” but the part around the heel is less leather and more … cardboard? I can’t really tell. It’s really soft, again, but seems more papery. I have to pick up something from my shoe repair/tailor shop, I can ask the shoe guy to take a look and give me his opinion. (listed $39.95, paid 27.97 after all discounts.)
B) The ballet flats were very cute, and interesting, and did not squish my toes at all. The downside was that the sole was hard as concrete, and the upper was just about as forgiving. Though I knew size 6 was probably a little generous when I ordered, this brand’s 6 definitely does not fit me, at least not in this style. Too hard, too roomy, and my heel slid out too easily. These guys are getting dropped off back at the next DSW I pass by. (listed $29.94, paid 29.57 after all discounts. To be fair, it was because of adding this shoe to the order that I got the free shipping [$7.95] and the extra $5 off to cover all taxes.)
October 22, 2009
The Privo Kivas were on sale at 6pm.com for $14.95 plus $7.95 shipping. I couldn’t find any deals on the shipping, and they don’t pay for returns, so I passed. The price is now back up to $41, only ~50% off of MSRP.
Regret factor: Low. My blistered feet don’t thank me for this pass. On the other hand, I didn’t know how comfortable they’d be or how they’d fit, so I would have been out $8+ return shipping if they weren’t good.
This cute silk ruffle scarf top from Banana Republic. Available in my size in teal or purple for $19.99, but hand wash only, and no free shipping.
Regret factor: Medium. My non t-shirt wardrobe is mostly variations on the button down shirt theme, and I’ve been looking for a few nice shirts that could be casual but not t-shirt casual. But hand wash only always gives me pause, I’ve got to be very particular about how much more complication I bring to my life and hand wash isn’t high on that list.
The sweaterdress from Kohl’s on sale for $23.99. It was cute, and even fit me, but the neckline is just a little too wide, and the fabric was on that side of scratchy. Probably not the best of materials.
Regret factor: Low. Knit clothing is always iffy in my book because of the care needed so whatever I purchase has to look stunning to be worth the extra work.
And for the return bin…..
This has to be the last of my close, but no cigar, interview tote attempts. The straps aren’t designed to drop down/bend so they either stick straight up or bend very unattractively. It’s only a matter of time before they start cracking and breaking.
August 27, 2009
Just when I’d gotten the whole anti-wedding rant out of my system, we’re confronted with a rather astounding creature: the only child, Miami bride who is marrying our dear friend.
Full disclosure: Literally the only things we know about this individual is that a) she’s an only child, b) she evidently likes him pudgy, and c) our friend is staying in Florida to be with her.
But if we may amateurishly practice the art of psychological profiling via behavioral observation to ascertain a little more about this mystery woman, let’s do!
Tell me, folks, what make you of this?
No registry information was listed in the invitation. The invite itself was classy, understated, printed on VERY nice card stock that shimmered. Since we’re associated on the groom’s side, there was no handy brides/maid of honor/bridesmaid grapevine from which to glean the shopping 411. Normally, I just give cash. But since we’re flying out there, we’re already spending a whole heck of a lot of money and frankly, I’d rather find a good deal that costs less than the $200 cash we’d feel obligated to give.
I cracked my knuckles (not really, I hate the sound of that) and went to work online. My first foray was to the Macy*s gift registry because what couple doesn’t register there?
And my-my-my! I had to double check the date to make sure we really ARE still in a recession. Also, I know our friend and he’s an REI dude. Like, a dude who has seen fine china but would be hard-pressed to identify the various implements and doodads involved in fine dining. I’m just going to go whole hog on the assumptions here and guess she never let him handle the registry gun but once.
A sampling for your pleasure:
Every single piece of Kate Spade china and flatware made or sold by Macy*s
~ A Platinum teapot — $238
~ A sugar bowl — $105
~ A salt and pepper shaker set — $82
~ A Platinum creamer — $90
~ A gravy boat and platter — $180
Every appliance known to man, platinum pricing
~ DeLonghi coffeemaker — $375
~ DeLonghi espresso maker — $140
Bedding must not be neglected ~ Hotel collection comforter — $760 [someone actually purchased this, btw]
~ Duvet — $470
~ Sheets (5 sets) — $95/each
~ Pillowcases (2 sets) — $95 each
~ Pillows — $220
Does it surprise you that my next hunch also panned out? Where else would this couple be registered? Bloomingdale’s? YES. Target? NO.
At Bloomie’s, we’re Monique Lhullier all the way:
~ 5 pc place setting, we’d like ten — $140 each
~ Creamer — $115
~ soup bowls, we’d like ten — $80 each
And Vera Wang for the flatware, of course.
Our friend is not in a profession where he’s going to be pulling down six figures a year, ever, so my faint hope is that she either simply is unaware that some of us po’ folk can’t spend rent money on a few objets d’art for the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, or that she’s tailoring the registry to the style her friends and family are accustomed to giving. I find the latter hard to believe, though, because the wedding’s in three days and most of those selections are still wide open for purchase.
Whatever the reason, the registry seems to imply that this lady is waaaay out of his income league, and I can only cross my fingers that Daddy or Mommy’s money will be subsidizing their lifestyle if this demonstrates her idea of normal.
By the by? I did check REI. And Bed, Bath and Beyond. And Linens’n’Things. Nope on every single one.
I finally did find a decent combination of kitchenware that wouldn’t break the bank, found a 10% off coupon via retailmenot.com, and added a little ebates.com action to boot. All told, with gift wrap, it’ll be about $75 which is still way too much for a few baking pans. But what did they really expect? A bi-coastal wedding and they registered for nearly all $100+ items? *sigh*
