Savin' the Day

Jen's Book Review: The Crowning Glory of Calla Lilly Ponder by Rebecca Wells

2010-09-06T01:54:00.010-05:00

In the small Louisiana town of La Luna, Calla Lily Ponder lives a unique life. Her mother, whom she calls M'Dear, believes in the Moon Lady and tells Calla to always look to her for guidance, comfort, and protection. M'Dear runs the Crowning Glory salon on their front porch during the day, and in the evening M'Dear and Calla's father run a dance studio. M'Dear teaches Calla about the art of styling hair, which involves not only fixing hair but also healing through the hands. Calla quickly learns this is her calling. Her childhood takes a dramatic turn when her beloved M'Dear develops breast cancer. Calla finds comfort in her first love Tuck, the grandson of a neighbor. When he leaves for college, Calla never hears from him again. Left brokenhearted, she decides to move to New Orleans to attend the L'Academie de Beaute de Crescent where she fulfills her destiny of styling and healing. Calla finds love again, but after more heartbreak, she moves back to La Luna to carry out her dream of reopening M'Dear's salon. When Tuck's grandfather dies, Tuck comes back to La Luna for the first time since he left for college, and Calla must face her past and make decisions for the future.

Rebecca Wells is the author of the brilliant Ya Ya series. I was so excited when I happened upon this book at the library. It is unrelated to that series but just as stinking good. If there is a theme for this book, it is forgiveness and second chances. Several times Calla experiences heartbreak and must forgive, whether it is related to a friendship or a significant other. I think anyone can relate to that subject.

I love the southern setting of Wells' books with the descriptions of the weather, the food, and the landscape. It made me want to pack up and head to south Louisiana. Don't be surprised if while reading this book you have the urge to make gumbo or crawfish etouffe! Along with the setting and scenery, Wells does an excellent job of developing her characters. M'Dear has a contagious eccentricity. Calla is so likable that you just want her to be your best friend. Her good friend Sukey is crazy, carefree, and reckless. Tuck will make you think back to your first love and give you that warm fuzzy feeling.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Jen's Book Review: Under the Dome by Stephen King

2010-08-29T13:52:00.000-05:00

A transparent dome suddenly descends on the small Maine town of Chester's Mill. Several accidents occur before residents figure out what has happened. People cannot get in or out of the dome, and, therefore, must survive on their own. This leads to extreme power trips of local officials only interested in themselves and not the livelihood of the town's residents, namely town Selectman and used car salesman Jim Rennie ("Big Jim"). Big Jim takes it upon himself to become the leader, creating his own police force, enforcing his own rules, and invoking violence, leading to an extremist government. Within just a few days he dupes the majority of the residents into being his followers and seems to have the entire town on his side, but there is a group of residents who can't be fooled and know they must turn the town against Big Jim before it's too late. Will they be able to save the town and will they be able to find the cause of this dome that has alienated them from the rest of the United States?

I'll start off by admitting that I'm not a huge Stephen King fan. The only other book of his that I have read was Hearts in Atlantis, and I'm really not sure why I decided to read it. It wasn't his typical terror novel, and I believe I actually enjoyed it. They made it into a movie starring Anthony Hopkins, which I've never seen. The reason I don't like Stephen King books is because they are terrifying (I don't do terrifying), they can be pretty gross, etc. This book was not terrifying, but it was definitely gross and gory and way too detailed at points, notably the first several hundred pages. I didn't really enjoy it until maybe the last 400 pages. It's definitely a fictional book with some sci-fi in the mix, which I also don't enjoy. I had the same issue with Greg Isle's The Footprints of God and several Dean Koontz books. If you get too sci-fi and unrealistic, I can't stand it.

My husband bought me this book for my birthday, thinking that it looked interesting. I was reluctant to read it because it was just under 1,100 pages. Gigantic! I don't have any reading time at home, so I just read before work, during my lunch break, and any other major downtime at work. I was actually surprised that it only took me about 2 weeks to read. Also, just as intimidating was the cast of characters, which King lists in the first few pages. I was a little discouraged but ended up not having an issue with the numerous characters. King did a very good job of rounding out each and making them their own person.

While I didn't like the unrealistic and sci-fi parts, I did like the scarily realistic ideas on which King wrote his book. He initially started on the idea of Under the Dome in the mid 70s, but he felt like it just wasn't the right time to release this book. The current era of near extremism allows for the book to work now. The dome is a metaphor for the way America has sealed itself off from the rest of the world in most recent past administrations and what some believe is that continued path under the current administration. Isolationism is a scary thing, and King definitely plays that up.

I do confess that I liked the ending and that I was pretty teary-eyed during some of the last pages. Somehow I managed to get sucked into the events unfolding near the end. I'm not totally sure if I would recommend this book to anyone. Even if you are a Stephen King fan, this one is different from his normal genre.

On a side note, in searching the internet to find the name of the other Stephen King book I had read, I discovered he wrote The Green Mile. How did I not know this? Don't laugh.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

2010-08-29T13:44:00.001-05:00

Download Billy Boyle: A World War II Mystery for Kindle for FREE. I love reading about the WWII era, so I'm interested in reading this book!

Wondering what Kindle books you can download for free? Check out the Top 100 Bestsellers. The list is shown with the top 100 paid, so you can easily check it for cheap downloads.

Click here to download Kindle to your iPhone, PC, Blackberry, iPad, or Mac.

Free Lunchbag + a Bit of a Moneymaker!

2010-07-19T11:48:00.002-05:00

Last week, I picked up an Embark lunch bag at Target for my son to take to art camp. In the bag was a coupon booklet and a card for a free six-month subscription to Parents magazine. The awesome part is that you can get a refund if you don't want the free subscription! The even more awesome part is that the refund is more than the price of the lunch bag!

The smallest lunch bag sells for $3.99, and the refund is for $4.96. Only one refund per household. You'll have to send in the included card and your receipt.

In case you wonder, here's a pic of the card you'll send in for the refund:

UPDATE: Couponing to Disney also posted about this today. She has a list of the coupons found in the booklet.

Vera Bradley All in One Wristlet -- Select Colors only $16!

2010-07-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

Through July 20, you can get the All in One Wristlet in select colors for only $16. Shipping is $8 or free for over $75. Hurry before your favorite color sells out!

Speaking of favorite colors, Cupcakes Pink (pictured above) is my favorite! The colors just make me happy! Cupcakes Pink is currently on 25% off, and I am fighting myself not to buy more pieces!

20% off Deluxe Backpacks at L.L. Bean

2010-07-18T10:54:00.002-05:00

L.L.Bean's Deluxe Backpacks (in solids and prints) are currently 20% off, making them $31.96. The Deluxe Backpacks are made of nylon and are designed for ages 10 and up. They can be monogrammed for an additional $6. Shipping for the backpack only is $6.95, but it can be shipped to the store for free. Earn 2% back by shopping through Ebate s. If you're a new to ebates, you'll get a $5 bonus.

I bought my son a backpack from L.L. Bean two years ago after his backpack for Kindergarten tore up within the first half of the school year. Even though I knew I could get backpacks cheaply thanks to my shopping "skills", I decided I'd rather spend the money on a quality backpack that would last for years. Research lead me to L.L. Bean's backpacks, and now we are starting the third school year with the same backpack! That factors out to only $10 each year that he's used it, which is less than what I would have spent since I'd have to replace a cheaper backpack halfway through the year!

Disclosure: I am sharing this sale and my experience with the product because I thought you'd be interested. No one asked me or gave anything in return. Just so you know.... ;-P

This Week's Office Depot Freebies - UPDATE - $10/$10 Coupon Included

2010-07-18T02:02:00.001-05:00

Office Depot School Deals:

Expo® Fine Point Dry-Erase Markers (4 pack) - $5.29 - FREE after rebates (limit 1)
Purell® Instant Hand Sanitizer Pump - $4.99 - FREE after rebate (limit 5)
PaperPro® Nano® Mini Stapler - $3.00 - FREE after rebate (limit 3)
Office Depot® Brand Filing/Stacking Crates - $6.00 - FREE after rebate (limit 3)

Purchasing the maximum of all products will cost $57.24, plus tax. Rebates are given via Visa PrePaid Card.

You can also get 2-pocket portfolios for $0.05 each (limit 5) and notebook filler paper (150 pack) for $0.25 (limit 5).

UPDATE: Use this coupon to maximize your savings!!

Attention, Teachers!! Awesome Deals at Office Depot!

2010-07-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

If you need to buy office and/or school supplies, you must check out the deals at Office Depot! Using the coupon that I found at Deal Seeking Mom, I am making money while buying school supplies!

I'll update with my transaction later. I just wanted to post this as soon as possible so my fellow teachers could take advantage of it before everything is gone. (The markers were already gone at my closest OD!)

Teachers, make sure that you sign up for their Star Teacher Program if you haven't already!

Our Family of 4 Night of Supper, Movie, & Snacks for Less than $15!

2010-07-06T01:08:00.000-05:00

My hubby and I took the kiddos to see Toy Story 3 last week. We'd been looking forward to seeing the movie for a looong time, and I'd spent that time figuring out the best way to use the promos for free tickets, etc. In the end, we ended up spending less than $15 the entire night. Here's how:

We had two free tickets thanks to the Toy Story & Toy Story 2 Blu-ray and DVD promo. (I only paid $14 total for the movies using coupons and sales, btw.) We also had two more free tickets thanks to Jack FM, a local radio station.

Since we had the free tickets, we went to a night showing, instead of our usual time of before 6 p.m. on a weekend. We didn't have much time between hubby's work and the start of the movie, so we headed to Backyard Burgers for supper. We planned to each use a coupon from the 2010 Entertainment book for 1 free kid's meal wyb 1 adult combo. We didn't have to use them, though, because it was kid's night at BB and kids ate free!

Thanks to the Kellogg's promo, I had $10 in concession cash. I had to buy 5 boxes of cereal (one code came from my mom), but I used coupons and sales to keep down the cost of the cereal, and the cereal is something that we use. One of the boxes is part of the recall, so I'll get a refund for that.

When I tried to redeem the concession cash, the cashiers could not get them to work even though they had typed instructions from a boss. The manager on duty tried to call the 800 number, but it was after hours. Finally, he told the cashier to give me whatever I was ordering and he'd figure out the concession cash later. My total actually came to about $12, but they didn't charge me the extra $2.

So, all four of us ate at Backyard Burgers, watched a movie at the theater, and had snacks at the movie all for the cost of two combos from Backyard Burgers!

(BTW, I bawled like a baby during the last 20 minutes of the movie! The ending was absolutely perfect!)

UPDATE: Get 50% Clearance Costumes! Time to Stock Up on Dress-up Clothes or Halloween Costumes!

2010-06-28T15:50:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Couponing to Disney, I just ordered two dress-up/Halloween costumes (both originally $25) a wig (orig. $15), and a pirate hat (orig. $20) for only $27 shipped!

Click here for all the details, but be sure to go through Cashbaq to get back 8% (plus $5 if you are a new customer) of your purchase!

UPDATE: My order arrived yesterday, so it took less than three full days to get here! I am very happy with the items I ordered.

GONE! - FREE Magazine Subscriptions - Shape and Muscle & Fitness

2010-06-27T10:42:00.003-05:00

~~Now that this offer is gone, RewardsGold has two more free subscription offers.~~

~~Get a 2-years of Shape here and 1-year of Muscle & Fitness here.~~

!!Even those these offers are gone, you can get two different offers by clicking on the links.

$2/1 G Series Pro

2010-06-26T15:52:00.000-05:00

Athletes might be interested in this $2/1 coupon for Gatorade's G Series Pro.

FREE Subscription to Men's Fitness Magazine

2010-06-26T12:43:00.002-05:00

Sorry!! This deal is gone!

Get a free subscription to Men's Fitness magazine from RewardsGold. Hurry -- these offers don't last long!

I have ordered many magazines from Reward's Gold, and I have always received them and never gotten billed.

Funny Video - Swagger Wagon

2010-06-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

A friend emailed me this video yesterday. It's part of an ad campaign for the Toyota Sienna, but that's not why I'm showing it. It's just funny for parents so we can relate and singles because they know people who can relate.

Download the Toy Story 2 Soundtrack for $3.99 @ Amazon

2010-06-18T11:13:00.000-05:00

Download here.

Toy Story Products On Sale & Shipping Free @ Disneystore.com

2010-06-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

Through June 22, get free shipping on your entire purchase at disneystore.com when you buy any Toy Story item. You'll have to use code TOYSTORY at checkout.

The Twice Upon a Year Sale is going on, and you can get some great deals on Disney merchandise. You can find shirts for the kids as low as $5.99.

Go through Ebates or ShopAtHome to get 5% back! (Plus $5 if you are a new member.)

Amazon's Top 100 Free Kindle Downloads

2010-06-17T00:15:00.000-05:00

Walmart.com Value of the Day: Wii Bundle for $279.00 + Free Shipping

2010-06-05T17:57:00.001-05:00

Right now at Walmart.com get the Nintendo Wii Family Fun Bundle for only $279.00 + FREE shipping!

The bundle contains the following:

Nintendo Wii Console with Wii Sports Resort (choose black or white)
Dreamweaver 3-in-1 Player's Sport Kit
nunchuk (choose from 3)
remote (choose from 10 - some add to the price)
two games (see below)
charging station

You can also choose additional accessories for an additional charge.

Some of the game choices are:
Animal Crossing: City Folk
Biggest Loser
EA Sports Active
Hasbro Family Game Night
Just Dance
Mario Kart with Wheel
New Super Marios Bros.
Wii Sports Resort with Wii Motion Plus

More Free Books for Kindle

2010-05-30T18:13:00.000-05:00

I LOVE that I can find so many free Kindle books. I don't have an actual Kindle, but I do have the app on my iPhone. It's one of my favorite and most-used apps!

Here are some of the current free titles:

Shadow of Power by Steve Martini

Rage of Angels by Sidney Shelton

Private Justice by Terri Blackstock (One of my favorite authors and one of my favorite series!)

A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin

Daughter of Joy (Brides of Culdee Creek, Book 1) by Kathleen Morgan

The Shadow and Night (The Lamb Among the Stars, Book 1) by Chris Walley

Milrose Munce and the Den of Professional Help by Douglas Anthony Cooper

Home to Italy by Peter Pezzelli

Click here to download Kindle to your iPhone, PC, Blackberry, iPad, or Mac.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Download Christina Aguilera's Greatest Hits for Only $7.99.

2010-05-19T18:34:00.001-05:00

iTunes is currently offering Christina Aguilera's Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits for only $7.99.

Literal Music Video: Total Eclipse of the Heart

2010-05-18T00:23:00.001-05:00

A little humor on this Tuesday! This video gives me fits of giggles!

Jen's Book Review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

2010-05-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Robert Langdon is asked by his good friend Peter Solomon to give a lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building, butwhen he arrives and finds there is no lecture taking place, he realizes something is wrong. Soon afterwards in the rotunda a gruesome object with several symbols is found. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation. He receives a phone call and is informed Solomon has been kidnapped and his life depends on Langdon's finding an ancient secret. What follows is a race throughout Washington D.C. to uncover this mystery by deciphering codes and symbols. Langdon discovers a world of Masonic secrets and unveils a hidden history that could change the world. Will he solve the mystery in time to save his friend and the world?

This book is the third Dan Brown book I have read (The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons), and once again I was not disappointed. Brown does an excellent job of creating thrillers. I almost could not put this book down. In fact, last night I was trying to finish it with a certain little man laying in my arms. I love how Langdon incorporates so much history into his books. It's a history lesson disguised as entertainment! He states at the beginning that all organizations in this book are real, along with the rituals, science, artwork, and monuments. He definitely does not skimp on discussing the history of the city. It's amazing to learn what all is hidden in plain view. Throughout the entire book Langdon was successful in keeping me on my toes and guessing all the way to the conclusion. I highly recommend this book but do make sure you read the first two books prior to it.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

I just won 10,000 points from MyPoints's Daily Spin 'N' Win!!!

2010-05-17T00:07:00.002-05:00

That is the image I saw after spinning the wheel in MyPoints's Daily Spin 'N' Win!! I have only spun the wheel every once and a while since the contest started, and definitely never expected to win, esp. such a large amount of points!

If you are not a member of MyPoints, you should really check it out. You can read my original review here, but here are the highlights and update to my experience:

As a member of MyPoints, you can points through activities such as reading emails, taking surveys, shopping, search the Internet, and using coupons. You can redeem the points for gift cards to almost 100 stores and restaurants.

While I shopped through MyPoints when I first joined, I have found that places like Ebates, Cashbaq, and ShopAtHome are more reliable and give me more bang for my bucks. Now, I gain points simply from clicking through my emails (5 pts for most emails), taking surveys (usually 10-50 points per survey), and using the search toolbar (10-75 points per month depending on number of searches). It doesn't take long to complete those activities, and even just 5 points adds up after awhile!

To join MyPoints just click on this link. If you would to sign up under my network (in which I would receive 25 points for your joining and then 10% of eligible points you earn), then email me and I'll send you an invite.

I'd love to hear if you have won any points from the Daily Spin 'N' Win!

Download a FREE Sister Hazel Album from Amazon!

2010-05-13T00:05:00.000-05:00

Download this album for FREE at Amazon! It contains 20 songs from 4 Sister Hazel albums, and it has great reviews!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Free Magazine Issues from zinio -- Reader's Digest, PC Magazine, & More

2010-05-11T00:18:00.001-05:00

Click here for free magazine issues from zinio. You'll find PC Magazine, Reader's Digest, Business Week, Popular Science, and more.

Check out the apps for iPhone, iTouch, and iPad here!