Wireless jumping (aka: changing service providers)

It seems that I’m literally trying out every wireless provider that I can.  I’m lucky enough to live in a metro area so I actually have more at my disposal than most.  I’ve done T-mobile, Verizon, and Sprint (just can’t get myself to lock onto AT&T).  Now, for the first time ever, I’m entering a no-contract plan with MetroPCS.  I’m learning the caveats to the plan — specifically, the ill-fated charge of “Roaming” can apply again if I leave the MetroPCS area (already checked any area I would be visiting and it seems unlikely to be a problem) and that they have a crappy return policy as well as a lame way to charge you when you want to end your month-to-month contract (as in, once I pay for a month, I never get it back — is that even legal to do in CA?).  But so far its ok — I got a budget level Android Smartphone (Huaweii Ascend) — it’s no Galaxy S phone but a definite upgrade from my Instinct.  I still have no reception in my house but hope to finally get this Sipdroid/Google Voice thing to work so I can more easily make phonecalls in the house.  So far, its ok — I am roughly saving $25/mo from my Sprint Plan so that will hopefully pay off for the phones sooner than later.  I wish I could have gotten a Droid phone form Motorola or a Galaxy phone from Samsung or even a Blackberry, but despite my lab calling my phone lame, its seems to be fine.  To anyone reading this, any advice on with apps to get, how to get this Wifi calling working, and anything else I should know about Android or MetroPCS is much appreciated.  I thank you in advance and assure you my complaints will be cataloged on this blog.  🙂

UPDATE: Well, we can to an unfortunate realization.  We were willing to exchange our phones for the more expensive Optimus M from LG but with the way MetroPCS handles it customers, I would lose my phone number that I’ve had for longer than half a decade (basically, I can’t do an exchange — only a return and reinitiate a new service).  That’s annoying but not the end of the world.  I would like to upgrade to take advantage of its 4G network at one point but keeping Android is more important to me than it’s speed.

Deal Alert: STS Super Sale!

If any of you are really serious about changing your workout routine this year, look no further that STS.  I have many blog posts for my 15 week rotation of STS + Shock Cardio last summer for those that are curious. I don’t care about you P90xers — start lifting like a girl!  (Though if you ever met Cathe face to face, you’ll understand that she’s probably from another more evolved fitter version of Homo sapiens than the majority of us.)

Ok, so why am I talking about this?  Well, it’s on sale until Sunday!  Using code FP-30, you can get the entire STS set for 30% off on top of the original $50 discount!  That’s way cheaper than what I paid and almost as good as the pre-sale price and completely worth EVERY freaking penny.  Take my word for it — at $140 pre-tax, you want this set so go buy it now! (Sale Ends Sunday, January 16, 2011.)

ETA:  SALE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!!  So get it now, if you haven’t already!  Last day: Sunday, January 23, 2011

BF Shopping Alert: e-readers!

Yes, I’ve been in a hole — my dog almost died, my other dog escaped, and I got into a car accident.  But I will try to update the shopping deals as they come.

Nook: Overstock has Barnes and Noble Nook WiFi + 3G eReader (Refurbished) + a filler item to put it over $100.  Then apply $15 code (149418) for a total of  $84.99 with free shipping.

Kindle: Amazon is selling a limited number of the 2nd Generation Kindle for $89 starting at 9am PST on Black Friday! This generation uses the same E-Ink technology as the current Nook.

Insane Shopping Alert:Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym for $399!

If we had room and didn’t have all this other awesome home gym gear, we would be jumping on this deal.  If you’re looking for a compact mini-home gym to do some of your resistance training, this is your deal.  Enter the code W9HFSA1 and the $1299 Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym will be yours for $399 with FREE SHIPPING (plus tax).  Sale ends at Tuesday 11:59 pm PT 9/28.  If you’re having a hard time accessing the website, call (800) 952-7205.

Xmas in July? Wha??

When I came home, it felt like Xmas.  Mostly a bunch of stuff I ordered online regardless of when I ordered it came today.  Even though I paid for it all, it still felt like Xmas.  And since there was so much, it really did because my birthday is just around that time as well.  And it was uber fun to open it all.

So, what came today?  The largest package was from Costco — my new knife set.  Because of a very nice little birdie, I was able to snag the set for the low low price of $199.99 before tax. The Saber knives are of top quality without the insane price that usually comes along with it.  I had toyed about the other set that is normally $199, but decided that I had no use for 8 steak knives.  My favorite part of the new set that wasn’t in the other one?  Shears!  I actually have a couple shears so I’ll be testing each one out.  What I wish were in this set but was in the other set?  I like the sharpening tool of the other set — the kind that you set down and pull the knife against.  Instead, this set has a sharpening steel.  I’m sure once I learn how to use it properly it won’t be as much of a problem but it seemed the other sharpener was far more idiot proof.  Idiot proofing that I adore: labeling the knives for what it is (chef or santoku or boning or paring etc)  I’d like to put a review down when I have time to test it all out, but in the meantime, you can go to Cooking For Engineers‘s excellent review of the knives.  I won’t go into nearly as much detail as them but scientists have just as valid opinion as engineers!  🙂  The new block swivels which I like but I think I may just buy a magnetic strip and place the knives there instead.  The block really could be better and it takes a huge amount of room up.  I like the more counter space I can manage AND a sexy place for my sexy tools.  (Are you listening, Rich?  🙂 )

I also got some multivitamins from Centrum, specifically the Centrum Performance Line.  This purchase was actually important in many ways: 1) I bought it through Drugstore.com through the United Mall so I will be able to keep my expiring miles from…expiring.  2)  I have not had multivitamin support in over a month at this point as I ran out and haven’t gotten around to finding a suitable replacement (on sale!).  3) This will be third “performance” vitamin I have tried: GNC, One-a-Day, and now Centrum.  My hope is after a month to give a detailed account of the pros and cons of each of these multivitamins.  Remember, its very important not to go cheap on vitamins and often how much you pay correlates to the quality, so don’t go too bargain on these purchases.  Groups like Centrum and GNC spend a fair bit of money for the quality control — as does Kirkland so it doesn’t mean you have to pay out the nose either.  Just keep on eye on the baddies.

The last package was my first purchase from 6pm.  I got some Taryn Rose heels for an upcoming wedding.  At first, I wasn’t impressed with them and was questioning whether it was worth the high price tag (a huge percentage off of a high price is still a high price — but at least I got it during a day sale where there was more of a price cut).  But I have to say the shoe is comfortable.  Still not sure on the price…it’s a very plain shoe but a comfortable heel.  I also finally got some jeans!  In petites as well (I’m super short).  I was a bit saddened when I put them on.  They fit, but they were very tight.  My size 8 clothing have been pretty comfortable on my lately, but it is my first DKNY jeans so maybe their sizes run small.  The big winner?  These $10 shoes I saw and said, why the hell not?  Not super gorgeous, but a good professional shoe that also was pretty comfy!

I would have gotten something else but it was insured and required a signature so the post office left the slip for redelivery.  I can’t wait to get some more Youngblood, my latest obsession…

A nice way to start the weekend!  Coupled with the fact that today was National Cheesecake Day, so my husband and I stopped by the Cheesecake factory for dinner and some half off slices of cheesecake.  (But don’t worry, we brought something back from the Three Dog Bakery for my poochie.)

There should be more Xmases in July!

Shopping Alert: Troy Lite Barbell set!

I received my barbell as a birthday present two birthdays ago and love it but if I had seen it at this price, I would have bought it myself.  If you go to one of the substores of CSN Shopping you’ll find this gem.  Having the barbell set has drastically improved my ability to work out in the comfort of my own home.  And if you’re doing Cathe strength workouts at home, you’ll find pining for one.

This set includes includes 4.5′ bar, pair of collars, and 35 lbs. of rubber coated plates to make a total of 40lbs.  The rubber coated plates is what makes me swoon – they are so much nicer than those nasty cast iron ones you get at the big superstores in their fitness section.  But honestly, the price plus free shipping just can’t be beat!  Don’t forget to pile on Bing Cashback before it goes away in a couple days!  There are coupons lying around, mostly for returning customers, but don’t forget to check the Intertubes for any!  I’m waiting until July 4th to make my upcoming purchase.

Shopping Alert: Insane ACII Price @ Amazon!

I don’ t know how long this will last but you can get Assassins Creed II (Xbox 360 and PS3)  for not only $24.99 at Amazon, but also receive a $10 Video Game Credit AND a $5 Amazon MP3 credit.  Can you get much better than that?  Jump on this!  This deal is much better than the used version that’s floating around the Intertubes…

Shopping scores from Sunday

I’ve been a bit down for a while, hence the absence on the blog, but nothing picks me up as scoring some good shopping deals.  I’m particularly impressed with myself from last Sunday even before employee screw-ups in my favor.

My trip to fresh&easy

When we moved back to Pasadena, I noticed with curiosity that the Wild Oats that used to reside on the corner of Lake Ave and California Blvd had been replaced by a fresh&easy.  Though I’d seen ads in the paper and heard a couple radio ads for this “neighborhood market”, I wasn’t exactly sure what kind of place the store would be.  Was it a Trader Joe’s?  Or a Famima!!?  Or just a new kind of Pavilions?  Well, I’ve had a couple trips there, and this is what I found.

Shopping Alert! – Ryka Sale

Trolling the Intertubes as I do, I stumbled upon a shoe sale at Sears and Holabird that may yield in fruitful Ryka purchases.  Now, it’s not as big as it could be — there was the time I got some shoes for over 70% off but there are a couple shoes that range 40+% off for select sizes.  Shipping is free if it’s above $49 at Sears and $64.95 at Holabird.  (Don’t forget to pile on BCB for some cash if you have the account set up!)  If you’re interested, I posted the links:

Women’s Ryka Shoes at Sears

(COUPON CODE:SEARS5OFF50 for $5 off of $50 — may invalidate BCB)

• Ryka Womens Influence – White/Silver/Red for $34.99 (50% off)
• Ryka Flare Run – Silver/Platinum/White for $35.99 (40% off)
• Ryka Assist XT – White/Silver/Blue for $41.99 (40% off) – you can read about my review for these shoes here.  I’m seriously thinking about getting a second pair.
• Ryka Womens Outdoor Lace-up – Dove/Gray for $35.99 (40% off)

Women’s Ryka Shoes at Holabird Sports

• Ryka Pursuit Lady for $34.99 (50% off)
• Ryka MC2 Lady for $39.95 (50% off)
• Ryka Ramble Lady for $29,95 (60% off)
• Ryka N-Gage Studio Mid WSL Lad for $44.95 (40% off)

Happy Shopping!  Link to the post to spread the love!