tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82019832360482501392024-03-12T19:35:19.474-07:00HoopelaCarlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-60178908890029641982008-11-20T08:33:00.000-08:002008-11-20T08:40:10.856-08:00Stephen's Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6CcZyJLg_e3yxyoCgM6V05YRRKEeEc4Ix4pc62VvXGuSg0EOtpvxGdz-up-NMGRBwUGOF_zO_IxLjohTz7DoyyN9yF98WXPsimIwiDdR-ui1MrD0HWkZ1sRRQzxflVCzTv-QPU9en4aG/s1600-h/stephen's+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6CcZyJLg_e3yxyoCgM6V05YRRKEeEc4Ix4pc62VvXGuSg0EOtpvxGdz-up-NMGRBwUGOF_zO_IxLjohTz7DoyyN9yF98WXPsimIwiDdR-ui1MrD0HWkZ1sRRQzxflVCzTv-QPU9en4aG/s320/stephen's+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270779927988432754" border="0" /></a><br />So it appears Stephen's now makes a Peanut Butter Cup hot cocoa. I need to try this. Like, immediately.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-37622863666095328442008-10-29T14:11:00.000-07:002008-10-29T14:58:53.998-07:00Ode to Subway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lakeviewregional.com/CPM/subway%20with%20sandwich50%25.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 176px;" src="http://www.lakeviewregional.com/CPM/subway%20with%20sandwich50%25.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Subway,<br /><br />Thank you for being bold enough to lower the price of your Footlongs to $5 for a time, and for offering a $2.99 Daily Special. Even though I don't care for the Footlongs that you decided to keep on your $5 list permanently, your actions have brought sub prices down all around town. Hogi Yogi, Blimpie, and Quiznos are all offering $5 subs now as well in an effort to keep up with the competition. And that makes me feel good inside. I love sandwiches, but for a very long time, the prices were too outrageous for me to feel comfortable splurging on one. But Subway, you did the right thing. You've kept things in check and allowed those of us who couldn't fathom paying $8 for a sub to once again regain a long lost love.<br /><br />Let it be known, Subway, that despite the fact that I am giddy inside and out that the blessed sandwich prices around town are dropping in an economy where everything else seems to be increasing in price, I will still do my best to support you. I will continue to ask for Subway giftcards for my birthday and Christmas in an effort to continue ordering my sandwiches from you. Because I have tried all the rest, but your subs really are the best. I love that I can order whatever I want on my sub instead of having to pick the sub that most closely represents what I like on a sandwich. The anticipation of creating my own sub just about kills me. Where else can I get a turkey sub with provolone cheese, lettuce, pickles, cucumbers, ranch dressing, mustard, salt, pepper, oil, and vinegar on it? You guessed it. Nowhere. No other sub shop allows me this amount of customization. And for that, you will always hold a special place in my heart.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Carlee<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Cassi, wow, that was rejuvinating. I love being able to sing praises directly to the things I love. Thank you for introducing me to "the letter" style.) </span>Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-45218709413573302062008-10-26T08:15:00.000-07:002008-10-26T08:43:50.641-07:00No worries, Omaha Steaks just lies!I checked my inbox this morning to find the following e-mail from Omaha Steaks:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The email you recently received from us indicating 12 FREE burgers are on the way was sent to you in error. When placing your </span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; font-style: italic;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225034172_0">Omaha Steaks</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> order, a special offer for a free item was combined with a Geico $25 reward gift card. As stated in all Omaha Steaks’ promotions for free items, offers cannot be combined. As you know from the email you received from Omaha Steaks earlier in the week, your order was shipped without the free burgers. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We apologize for any inconvenience.</span><br /><br />Ok, I don't care how much I like my burgers, I will never order from Omaha Steaks again. I am honestly appalled at how poor their business seems to be run. I mean, <a href="http://hoopela.blogspot.com/2008/10/omaha-steaks-deal-cont.html">telling me I'm not going to receive the 12 free burgers</a> that were clearly listed on my final invoice is one thing. But then <a href="http://hoopela.blogspot.com/2008/10/apparently-i-am-getting-12-free-omaha.html">to tell me that they've shipped</a> when they clearly hadn't is another. Does Omaha Steaks just send out bogus e-mails to people telling them their orders have shipped when they really haven't? Do they make a point to lie to their customers? It certainly appears that way to me. It seems to me that if they messed up and lied about sending a shipment of burgers that they actually hadn't, they should have an obligation to send those out, regardless of whether they intended to or not. It's just good business sense. Also, it sounds like Omaha Steaks needs to re-consider the promotions they decide to offer and make sure their online order system is prepared for those promotions. Because as it stands, this seems to be a promotion gone completely wrong and consequently turned many future customers away.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-23602579464751338382008-10-25T20:11:00.000-07:002008-10-26T08:33:39.804-07:00Apparently I am getting 12 free burgers from Omaha Steaks!!!I received this e-mail today:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for your order from </span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer; font-style: italic;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225033969_0">Omaha Steaks</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. Your 12 FREE burgers are on the way! </span><br /><br />I'm a little confused since I received the previous e-mail telling me I wasn't going to get them. However, they say they've shipped, so I'll believe them!Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-14995653136019695992008-10-23T16:13:00.000-07:002008-10-26T08:33:59.763-07:00Apparently not so smokin' Omaha Steaks dealYesterday I received the following e-mail in regard to my Omaha Steaks order:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear CARLEE </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for shopping at Omaha Steaks! We appreciate your business and are confident you will be delighted with your order. We do show when placing this order, a special offer for a free item was combined with the $25 reward card. As stated in all promotions for free items, offers cannot be combined. Your order will ship without the free item. If you have any questions regarding your order, please contact us at 1-800-329-6500. We would be happy to assist you. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sincerely, </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jamie Toledo</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Omaha Steaks Customer Care Manager</span><br /><br />I find it interesting that I clearly put the gift card code into the Omaha Steaks order form and it still accepted it. I even have the invoice that clearly states that I will get 12-4 oz. patties and 8-5 oz. patties for a total of $1.98. I wonder if this is good business practice or not. Seems to me that if the company website doesn't pick it up and I am given a final invoice, it should be final. Oh well. I guess the deal is still good, just not nearly as good. I mean, 2.5 lbs. of ground steak patties for $1.98 is still cheaper than I could find it on sale anywhere, but I still think it's lame.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-22012051239327685432008-10-21T17:14:00.000-07:002008-10-26T09:19:16.779-07:00Smokin' Omaha Steaks Deal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dav.org/membership/images/omaha_steaks_logo.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 60px;" src="http://www.dav.org/membership/images/omaha_steaks_logo.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I just ordered 5.5 lbs. (20 burgers) of ground steak from Omaha Steaks for $1.98 (including shipping!). And the best part about it is that it will be delivered right to my door! <br /><br />Click <a href="http://catherinewheels78.blogspot.com/2008/10/get-ground-steak-delivered-for-36-cents.html">here</a> for instructions. It was so easy. It seriously took me less than 10 minutes. <span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span>I have seen advertisements from Omaha Steaks in the past and have always wanted to give them a try. The idea of having my meat shipped directly to my door intrigues me, but the slightly higher cost of the meat and the shipping expenses have always kept me from trying it out. Perhaps the meat is just really good! And with a good deal like this, I finally get to see how much I like it without having to pay the shipping expenses that have always kept me from even considering it in the past.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">UPDATE (10/22/08): My sister tried this today and got a completely different gift card from Geico. Hers was for something like $20 off any purchase of $100. I'm assuming Geico was inundated with people trying to get this deal so they changed their offer. Dang. Anyway, try it out and if you get different results, let me know. </span>Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-71557286853437834882008-10-16T18:38:00.000-07:002008-10-16T22:18:58.315-07:00An ode to birthday clubs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.herostoledo.com/balloons_alone_op_406x600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 244px;" src="http://www.herostoledo.com/balloons_alone_op_406x600.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Oh how I love birthday clubs. I seriously look forward to the week before my birthday almost more than my actual birthday because that's when all my birthday club freebies begin to populate my inbox. Most freebies are sent out a week before your birthday and expire a week after, so you've got a two week birthday celebration to look forward to. It's like the gift that keeps on giving. Here's what I've used so far:<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free burger or sandwich at Red Robin</span> - We used this last Friday. I ordered the Crispy Chicken Burger because it's my favorite, and after the coupon we only had to pay for Kory's Guacamole Bacon Burger. Score! I must say that I've also become quite obsessed with their bottomless steak fries and BBQ-based fry sauce. So good!</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free entree at Noodles & Co.</span> - We used this tonight. You get a buy one get one free (BOGOF) coupon just for signing up, so I recommend doing what we did and have your spouse sign up the week of your birthday so you can use that along with your birthday coupon (since it's one coupon per person) and you'll end up getting 3 meals for the price of one! I ordered the Pennè Rosa with Parmesan-crusted chicken (the free meal includes an add-on!), Kory ordered a huge bowl of chicken noodle soup, and we ordered some awesome Wisconsin mac 'n' cheese for Maggie (<span style="font-size:85%;">well, and us</span>). We got all this for under $6 and we even have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free Like-it Create Your Own creation at Coldstone</span> - We used this tonight as well. I ordered up some chocolate cake batter ice cream with Reese's Pieces mixed in. YUM! This is without a doubt my new favorite flavor combination! We were so full from dinner that we all just shared this, which means our entire night cost us less than $6. :)<br /></li></ul>And here's what I have to look forward to this coming week:<br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Free dessert at Biaggi's<br /></li><li>Free meal at Rubio's</li><li>Free cream slush at Sonic</li><li>Free ice cream cone at Baskin-Robbins</li><li>BOGOF Orange Julius</li><li>BOGOF DQ Blizzard</li></ul>Kory and I both love to go out to eat, but we usually only go if we have a coupon because it can add up fast. These are some great coupons that you don't usually see during any other time of the year. If you want to sign up for some of these and/or other birthday freebies, click <a href="http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/search/label/birthdays">here</a> for a very comprehensive list. Nothing makes me more happy than eating great food and getting a great deal on it. It's like the best birthday present ever!Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-47740696058921858242008-10-10T12:10:00.000-07:002008-10-10T12:24:01.945-07:00Soliciting some adviceIf anybody reads this, I need some help. What do you use to plan your days/lives with? I currently just write what I need to do on a notepad widget on my Google homepage, and then as I accomplish things I delete them. However, I am desperate for a new method. Do you guys have actual planners? PDAs? IPhones? Normal calendars? I just need to find a good method where I can write everything down in day/week/month form. I would also like to be able to jot notes down and grocery lists and stuff. Maybe I just need a good calendar and a pad of paper. Franklin planners used to be the thing, but I'm pretty sure they went out with the 90s. Anyway, any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Also, I am ready to scream at my coupon printer. Have any of you guys been able to get it to work in Firefox? I absolutely despise Internet Explorer, but that's what I have had to use to print off all my coupons. Then a few months ago it started telling me that I needed to install the coupon printer even though I had already installed it and had been using it for a while. I re-installed it and no matter what I did it would always keep telling me that I needed to install it again. Regardless, I keep seeing great coupons and it is killing me that I can't print them off! Has anybody else had this issue or just me?Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-29927406665330369352008-09-29T10:11:00.000-07:002008-09-29T10:38:46.360-07:00Command Strips by 3M<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.buyonlinenow.com/photo2.php?photo=3M-COMMAND-ADHESIVE-HOOKS-MMM17003.JPG&folder=VAAA&width=225"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="http://images.buyonlinenow.com/photo2.php?photo=3M-COMMAND-ADHESIVE-HOOKS-MMM17003.JPG&folder=VAAA&width=225" alt="" border="0" /></a>Have you ever tried the <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Command/home">Command Strips by 3M</a>? If not, you need to. They have now earned a solid spot on my list of best inventions ever. Kory and I had wanted to install hooks on our closet and bathroom doors to hang towels on for several months, but we could just never seem to get around to doing it. It's one of those things you put off because you know you're gonna have to get all your tools out and drill into the doors and then make sure everything's level, etc. So a few weeks ago Kory finally went to the store to get some hooks and he came home with some Command Strips. I was skeptical at first, but after he put one up I was instantly sold. No drilling, no screws, no leveling...nothing! These were so easy to put up and the best part about them is that if you decide you don't like them anymore or if you want to move them, you just have to pull the adhesive strip and they come off without any effort. And you can use the same hooks over and over again by just applying a new adhesive strips (every pack comes with extra adhesive strips or you can just buy the replacement strips).<br /><br />We have only tried the hooks, but 3M also makes picture hanging strips, along with many other products that use the same adhesive strips. Do you know what this means people? No more holes in your walls! No more debating whether or not you should hang something and risk having an unnecessary hole in your wall. If you have a decoration you want to hang up for Christmas or if you want to hang a wreath on your front door, holes are no longer required. Simply hang the decoration on one of these hooks and then when you put the decoration away, you can take the hook down without leaving a mark. They're just amazing! Go <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Command/home/us_en/products/">here</a> to see all the different products these strips are used on. And if you want to give the picture hanging strips a try, click <a href="http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Command/home/damage_free/picturehanging/">here</a> to print a $1.00 off coupon.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-50009821490856157592008-09-24T09:07:00.000-07:002008-09-24T09:44:27.454-07:00Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230_no_border/Nathans-Famous-Hot-Dogs-3-Pack_A1A8A9DB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 195px;" src="http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230_no_border/Nathans-Famous-Hot-Dogs-3-Pack_A1A8A9DB.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Every time I eat a hot dog it seems there is always some heckler nearby who feels the need to preach some sort of anti-animal-part doctrine to me. They're all, "Ewwww, you’re eating that?!? Did you know they put ground up animal eyes and lips in those?" To which I reply, "Yes," and continue to take a bite AND swallow it in front of them. So what? So what if there's animal stuff in my hot dog? Millions are consumed daily, so I'm not gonna lose too much sleep over it unless those ground up eyes and lips actually kill somebody. Until then, I will continue to eat them because they're good. Really though, I like to partake of the all-beef variety because they just taste better. They're my favorite and I think it's totally worth the little bit extra to get a really good tasting hot dog...because hot dogs are an all or nothin' deal with me. I love them if they're really good, but otherwise I'll take the burger.<br /><br />My favorite brand is <a href="http://www.nathansfamous.com/PageFetch/">Nathan's Famous</a>. Nathan's hosts the annual hot dog eating contest every year on Coney Island. Their hot dogs taste somewhat like a sausage, but with a hot dog texture. And they pop when you bite into them! They really are amazing. Sadly, most people don't know that you can buy them at local supermarkets (I've seen them at Wal-Mart and Smith's). Nathan's is huge back east and they've decided to share with us western folk. So if you've never had a Nathan's Famous hot dog before, go to the store right now and get yourself a pack (I recommend the long skinny ones shown above). Then go home, grill it up on the George Foreman, and let me know what you think.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-57546310747606167862008-09-16T10:26:00.000-07:002008-09-16T09:29:40.481-07:00Dyson DC25 All Floors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvB25S4-a_cowXlb6GPALFWpDNgRL48bwtlECKzZSyMncpoGtXYR-Sax_DOiVHPMmXzE4pZQ2e3z1VZCKVYmagMhEyiaVo3wsmASdo82GrYQg-o8GJbj0gKWdd0bEqKIIFmSX7iuIicQm/s1600-h/8352415637625P.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvB25S4-a_cowXlb6GPALFWpDNgRL48bwtlECKzZSyMncpoGtXYR-Sax_DOiVHPMmXzE4pZQ2e3z1VZCKVYmagMhEyiaVo3wsmASdo82GrYQg-o8GJbj0gKWdd0bEqKIIFmSX7iuIicQm/s320/8352415637625P.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243001352059322818" border="0" /></a><br />Several months ago, Kory and I finally took the plunge. We purchased this bad baby. It's is the <a href="http://www.dyson.com/store/product.asp?product=DC25-ALLFLOORS">Dyson DC25 All Floors</a> vacuum cleaner. And I honestly don't think I have ever been more pleased with a purchase in my entire life. Not only does it live up to it's slogan that it turns on a dime, but I am constantly amazed/disgusted with the amount of crap it picks up. We have to empty the container about once a month because it picks up so much she-haw. We had to empty the container on our former vacuum, the Hoover, about once a year, so it now makes me sick to think about what we were wallowing in before we purchased this vacuum. The Hoover only lasted about 3 years and it sucked...actually, it didn't suck. I would purposely put things in front of it and it would just roll over top of them. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pathetic!</span> Once Maggie started crawling I decided it was finally time to get a Dyson. My favorite features of this vacuum include the quick-draw telescope wand, the stairs attachment, the low floors feature, the fact that it's small and bagless, and of course, the ball!<br /><br />When we purchased ours, we were actually going to go with the DC14 model that didn't have the ball, but as I searched on the internet I actually found this version, which is much better, for cheaper than I could get the DC14. Normally this model sells for about $500. Do a search on <a href="http://www.nextag.com/Dyson-DC25-All-Floors-597407816/prices-html">Nextag</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/products?q=dc25&btnG=Search+Products">Froogle</a>, and <a href="http://appliances.pricegrabber.com/vacuum-cleaners/m/65145663/search=dyson%20dc25">Pricegrabber </a>and you will see what I mean. Pretty much the cheapest I could find it for was $435 plus $16 shipping, but most retail for about $499. However, there is one online store that always sells it for way cheaper than everywhere else. When I bought mine, they were having a sale and I got it for $350, but you can almost ALWAYS get it for $399 at <a href="http://www.aaavacuumcleaners.net/product/DYSO38?meta=FRG">AAA & Broadway Vacuums</a>, which in my opinion is still an amazing deal for this vacuum. And it ships free and is tax-free. And I trust this company. They were VERY knowledgeable about vacuums and helped me realize that the Dyson DC25 was the one for me. It was also delivered brand new within the week.<br /><br />So you may have just choked on your toast hearing that we spent $350 on a vacuum, but you have no idea how awesome this vacuum really is. We spent over $200 on the Hoover, and as I've already stated, it was terrible. This one is incredible and comes with a 5-year warranty. So if you're in the market for a new vacuum, take my word for it. This one's a winner. Honestly the only con to this vacuum is the cord size...it's a little shorter than normal. That's it. Well, and the price. But I'm good at justifying that if you haven't already noticed. :)Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-77558720264120037082008-09-09T09:07:00.001-07:002008-09-09T09:49:56.085-07:00CrocsI'm totally diggin' this pair of Crocs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.surfanddirt.com/nofear/assets/product_images/PAAAAAOPCCKHBDFE.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.surfanddirt.com/nofear/assets/product_images/PAAAAAOPCCKHBDFE.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And this pair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM2-6kUFRe5EFG60odT2alatFECddvW6cqwcX13K-AZNm53hfpDyNLn1LuveJUcdDLrNqaLrpV7-dJpJVibOQcK05QcScsp1GcivJVNJmMJquI7eqL5BtZ2R8sIOm3PeYaE7HVt7saztu/s1600-h/PAAAAAEDEILPCPFN.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM2-6kUFRe5EFG60odT2alatFECddvW6cqwcX13K-AZNm53hfpDyNLn1LuveJUcdDLrNqaLrpV7-dJpJVibOQcK05QcScsp1GcivJVNJmMJquI7eqL5BtZ2R8sIOm3PeYaE7HVt7saztu/s320/PAAAAAEDEILPCPFN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244061631517124306" border="0" /></a>I think they're both very cute, and I'm certain they're quite comfortable, which to me usually trumps cuteness...even though I'm told to always put beauty before comfort. Well these would allow me to have both!<br /><br />Unfortunately, Crocs have always seemed pretty pricey to me. Both of these go for about $50. I've never spent $50 on a pair of shoes in my life! Well, I think I owned a few pair of Dr. Marten's back in the day, but I didn't buy those so it doesn't count. I bought a pair of imitation skinny Crocs (still don't care for the big bulky kind) at Wal-Mart for $8 a few months ago and I love them. I really want a pair of these though. If anybody finds a sale on either pair anytime soon, please, please, please let me know! I guess until then I will just have to wait for an imitation version to hit the stores, because $50 for Crocs seems outlandish to me. Does it to you? If not, help me find a way to justify them.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-25834206946265972262008-09-05T07:21:00.001-07:002008-09-05T07:28:53.184-07:00And the winner is...<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michelle</span></span>, who said, "Since I missed the party :( I feel I should win, but by all means, make it fair!" And, by all means, it was fair as can be thanks to <a href="http://www.random.org/">Random.org</a>. Congrats! You are now the proud owner of <a href="http://hoopela.blogspot.com/2008/08/cookie-dough-wins-and-coupon-giveaway.html">5 Dreyer's Ice Cream coupons</a>. Now you can have your own party! Please e-mail me your address so I know where to mail the coupons to. Thanks again to all who participated!Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-69067537213938543662008-09-04T08:55:00.001-07:002008-09-04T09:25:53.597-07:00Warm DelightsNobody should let themselves die without trying one of these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.raleys.com/store/new/images/delights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 155px;" src="http://www.raleys.com/store/new/images/delights.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'm not kidding! They're my guilty pleasure. My favorite is the Molten Carmel Cake shown above. I never buy them unless there's a sale AND I have a coupon because they seem pretty expensive to me. <span style="font-size:85%;">(I guess it's all relative though. I mean, I'm willing to spend a few bucks on an ice cream cone for a treat, but I have a hard time spending $1.50 for one of these, when the satisfaction I get from both treats is the same. I'm an idiot.)</span> Anyway, I was pretty skeptical before trying these because it's just cake. But, oh, it's not just cake. It's amazing cake with caramel drizzled throughout. And the best part is that all you have to do is add water and microwave it for like a minute and you have an <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/Products/Warm-Delights/">instant, warm, and delicious treat in a bowl</a>. No dishes to do or anything!<br /><br />Like I mentioned above, the only bad thing about these decadent Warm Delights is the price. They're unfortunately placed right next to the boxed cake mixes and they're usually about $1.50 or more, which is double the price of a normal cake mix and you get like 1/6 the amount of cake. So, my practical side often thinks about the price per serving and I can't talk myself into getting one. But I guess since you only have to add water (no eggs or oil) and it comes with its own topping, and it's quick and mess-free, it's not too bad. How's that for justification?<br /><br />The other downfall is the size. I have a larger-than-normal appetite for desserts so even though the back of the box tells me that it's enough for 2, this is not so for me. I need the whole thing. So, do what I do and hide it in the cupboard until your spouse goes upstairs and then whip it out and enjoy. Viola! You get the whole thing to yourself and your spouse doesn't know what he/she's missing. It's a win-win situation.<br /><br />So here's the deal on the deal. As <a href="http://atmoderation.blogspot.com/2008/09/grocery-listings.html">Mandy</a> noted on her blog, Albertson's has them as part of their 10 for $10 promotion. So if you're in need of any of <a href="http://albertsons.shoplocal.com/albertsons/default.aspx?action=browsepageflash&storeid=2480068&rapid=585534&prvid=albertsons-080903-IM&promotioncode=albertsons-080903-IM&fsid=128650181383826857">these</a> items, pick up a couple Warm Delights to finish off your 10 items, which will make them $1 each. Then use the coupon found <a href="http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20">here</a> (or on Mandy's sidebar) to get $.55 off each one. So, in the end, these will cost $.45 each, and they are COMPLETELY and UTTERLY worth this price! I want to get 8. Anybody want to print me off some extra coupons? (You can also go <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/coupons/default.aspx?WT.mc_id=Newsletter_BettyCrocker_08_15_2008">here</a> to print a coupon for $.50 off (print it twice if you can), as well as other coupons you could use in conjunction with the Alberton's deal. So if you print all the coupons, you will end up with Warm Delights for either $.50 or $.45, both of which are amazing prices!)<br /><br />So, go. Go now. <span style="font-size:100%;">This is your chance to try one. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Fall for peer pressure just this once. You'll thank me later.</span>Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-56094916478260239392008-09-03T10:17:00.001-07:002008-09-03T10:40:48.517-07:00Life Caps<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYcRH35n9D2SXLY4pW-AnoeE7hvIPXtoYt5xU033im8gvYm2IwmbW_CNuYmTlEFmvUgump8PlvLt5TgJhrdVKe83QW-nO8uoA1zJk9AXPUBqmvRDjZ0WeIrah5FuWSgpf49GY6ORizDQY/s1600-h/survival-kits.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYcRH35n9D2SXLY4pW-AnoeE7hvIPXtoYt5xU033im8gvYm2IwmbW_CNuYmTlEFmvUgump8PlvLt5TgJhrdVKe83QW-nO8uoA1zJk9AXPUBqmvRDjZ0WeIrah5FuWSgpf49GY6ORizDQY/s320/survival-kits.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241849697885213346" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, I saw a segment on Good Things Utah (GTU) yesterday that caught my attention. They interviewed a man who hadn't eaten anything for the past 17 days except for these things called <a href="http://www.lifecaps.net/">Life Caps</a>, along with some water. He went on to explain how the Life Caps work. Apparently they are small pills that are filled with essential vitamins and nutrients that are absorbed directly into the blood stream and will curb your appetite within 20 minutes. <br /><br />At first I didn't think much of them, because obviously for a girl who loves her food, these aren't too appealing. And I'm definitely not gonna try to promote them because I haven't done any research into them or tried them out for myself, but I found the concept to be very interesting. They are not marketed as diet pills, but as an alternative to food storage and are to be used in emergency situations. They say to keep a bottle of these pills in your car or in your 72-hour kits with some water and you're good to go for a few weeks. To me they kind of seem like a good back up for when and if you ever run out of food. And I think if I ever ran out of food, I'd definitely give them a shot! The guy also suggested keeping a bottle in your car so that if you're ever in a situation where you are stranded and are starving, you can just eat a pill and some water and not feel the pangs of hunger. Go <a href="http://www.lifecaps.net/">here</a> to watch the GTU segment or to read about them on the homepage. Then come back and let me know what you all think. I wonder how truly safe they are...Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-53213051048720559702008-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:002008-09-16T13:36:27.707-07:00Cookie Dough Wins and a Coupon Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPWeruMn_YhjRJ91rNLBWGmbrqWl4EBVah4zFRomGpHnhnVZIZU_1HMW2Ua0SUiSdulsHCdPqFVGSWWUKlfmKfuBaXxPxTi3JOUkWGE5kwiKOIUX0ssRrQV4Rfoj-8d8YBqlmupjJDEvL/s1600-h/1663p.jpg">s<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPWeruMn_YhjRJ91rNLBWGmbrqWl4EBVah4zFRomGpHnhnVZIZU_1HMW2Ua0SUiSdulsHCdPqFVGSWWUKlfmKfuBaXxPxTi3JOUkWGE5kwiKOIUX0ssRrQV4Rfoj-8d8YBqlmupjJDEvL/s200/1663p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240733610835432754" border="0" /></a>It would appear that despite the plethora of ice cream flavors out there, cookie dough is still the resounding favorite among the masses. I sampled almost every flavor served last night at <a href="http://www.choopes.com/2008/06/busy-day.html">the party</a> and even though I loved them all, Cookie Dough, Cheesecake Diva, and Peach Yogurt were my favorites. My least favorite was One Split Wonder. And the Cookies 'n' Cream ice cream bars were awesome.<br /><br />A lot of people don't know that the Dreyer's Slow Churned varieties contain 1/2 the fat of normal ice cream. Normally this would turn me away from ice cream because I eat it to enjoy it and I'm not gonna settle for gross ice cream to save a few calories. But, honestly, this tastes just like regular ice cream. It is so creamy and delicious! For an explanation about how Dreyer's accomplishes this, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyer%27s">look to the Wiki</a> (last paragraph). It's very interesting. Wiki also explains why it's called Dreyer's in some parts of the country and Edy's in others...a question that has baffled me for years. <br /><br />For all the other coupon-lovers out there, I've decided to give away some of the coupons that Dreyer's sent me so you can try some for yourself. The winner will receive 2 $1 off coupons for Slow Churned ice cream and 3 $.75 off coupons for Slow Churned ice cream bars. For some reason paying $1.50 or $2 for a carton of ice cream instead of $2.50 or $3 (you can almost always find it on sale for $3 and once in a while for $2.50) seems a lot easier to pocket. It does to me anyway. So just leave a comment. That's all. This giveaway will close on Thursday, September 4, at midnight. Good luck!Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-82947129567342390992008-08-28T15:37:00.000-07:002008-08-28T23:27:05.831-07:00Plato's Closet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.platosclosetreno.com/users/pc-80209/images/Platos%20Logo%20Full%20Color.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 85px;" src="http://www.platosclosetreno.com/users/pc-80209/images/Platos%20Logo%20Full%20Color.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Has anybody ever heard of <a href="http://www.platoscloset.com/">Plato's Closet</a>? I hadn't until about 2 weeks ago when my friend Sarah told me about it. Anyway, last night I went with her to try it out. And I was quite impressed! Plato's Closet is a store that buys and sells gently used, name brand clothing items for teenager to twenty-something girls and guys. You basically take in a bag of clothes that you want to sell to them and they will take it, evaluate it, and then give you a quote for it within about 20 minutes. If you agree to their quote, they will give you cash for your clothing. Read more about it <a href="http://www.platoscloset.com/how_it_works.html">here</a>. They don't accept greatly worn items or items that are older than 2 years old (they can tell how old it is by the labels on the clothing), so you're sort of limited to what you can take in, but it's totally worth it if you have anything that fits into this category. And if you're not sure how old it is, take it in anyway. The worst they can do is send it back home with you.<br /><br />Sarah took in a bag last night and they bought about 5 items from her and gave her $23. They made her take about 5 items back home with her because they didn't meet the criteria, but I'd say that's a pretty good amount of money for only 5 items of used clothing! Anyway, if you're looking to make a little money on some of your clothes, try it out. I was impressed. And you can still donate what they don't buy from you to the D.I. or Salvation Army so you can get those warm fuzzies inside, if that's what you're worried about.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-32032987463472731232008-08-27T09:29:00.001-07:002008-08-27T09:53:25.957-07:00The Great Debate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/56/Wendy%27s_logo.svg/180px-Wendy%27s_logo.svg.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 195px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/56/Wendy%27s_logo.svg/180px-Wendy%27s_logo.svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>I have been having a moral dilemma when I pull up to the Wendy's drive-thru now. The decision was easy up until a few months ago. I'll have a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger please. Then they came out with the new Stack Attack. If I was true to my heritage, the Stack Attack it would be. I mean, you get 2 whole patties AND cheese...clearly the better value since I have them hold the tomato when I order the Jr. Bacon. However, I think the taste of the Jr. Bacon is better because bacon makes everything taste better. You could add bacon to beet casserole and I'd probably eat it. So what's it gonna be? The Stack Attack or the Jr. Bacon Cheese? Taste or value? Oh the agony.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jr. Bacon Cheese<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.flickr.com/26/97969888_d21144eaf5_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 178px;" src="http://static.flickr.com/26/97969888_d21144eaf5_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Stack Attack<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://eon.businesswire.com/prfiles/2007/12/18/583882/gI_1_BWNewsImage583882.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 206px;" src="http://eon.businesswire.com/prfiles/2007/12/18/583882/gI_1_BWNewsImage583882.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-35550243039896646472008-08-25T20:36:00.000-07:002008-08-26T16:07:04.319-07:00McDonald's Southern Style Chicken Sandwich<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://compulsivec.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/chicken-sand.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 193px;" src="http://compulsivec.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/chicken-sand.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ever since I was young and would walk around food courts in search of free samples, I've had a deep love for Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Chick-fil-A's chicken samples always seemed to hit the spot and their chicken sandwich is downright amazing! The combination of taste, texture, and dill pickles have made it my #1 chicken sandwich of choice for years now.<br /><br />A few months ago I heard that McDonald's was coming out with a chicken sandwich aimed to rival my beloved Chick-fil-A sandwich, and they were gonna call it the <a href="http://cep.mcdonalds.com/foodnews/sandwich/">Southern Style Chicken Sandwich.</a> My skepticism was high. I mean, come on, it's McDonald's. They surely couldn't produce something that could even come close to rivaling a Chick-fil-A sandwich! Well, they ran a promotion on them one day so I tried one. And honestly, it tasted just like a Chick-fil-A sandwich to me. I'm not kidding. It was so good! The chicken was seasoned and cooked perfectly, the buns were soft, and the pickles...oh the pickles. Needless to say, I loved it. Some people will argue till their death bed that Chick-fil-A still produces the better sandwich, but I remain on the fence, because I honestly cannot tell much of a difference. Regardless, they are both terriffic sandwiches, and I hope to partake of both a lot more in the future.<br /><br />So if you want to give the Southern Style Chicken Sandwich a try<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facetheglory.com/?bannerid=coupon">here is a coupon</a> for a free one when you buy a medium drink. It expires next week, so you'll have to act fast. Come back and let me know your thoughts about this Chick-fil-A vs. McDonald's throwdown.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-44217804937072615792008-08-22T18:32:00.001-07:002008-08-22T21:40:45.071-07:00Never Ending Pasta Bowl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.punny.org/wp-content/images/200709/20070924olive_garden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.punny.org/wp-content/images/200709/20070924olive_garden.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Speaking of Italian food, the <a href="http://www.olivegarden.com/menus/specials/Default.asp?">Never Ending Pasta Bowl</a> is back at Olive Garden!! It's my favorite! Olive Garden runs this promotion for about a month every year around September, and I typically go at least 2-3 times. You just can't beat all-you-can-eat pasta, soup/salad, and bread sticks for $8.95! I usually start with the 5 Cheese Marinara on Penne and end with the Fettuccine Alfredo. This year I hope to put away at least 3 bowls. Can't wait!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h190/xXbelovedXx/Other%20Stuff/olive%20garden/fettuccini_alfredo_3726.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 225px;" src="http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h190/xXbelovedXx/Other%20Stuff/olive%20garden/fettuccini_alfredo_3726.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8201983236048250139.post-77253473662810676362008-08-22T18:27:00.000-07:002008-08-26T17:07:41.938-07:00Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU8dbXtSEq8Tzka54zvJSVX2qXcRUnmZjiyT-aP4o0lut2wKXFuSSEJaMAdMKdjfZwnvmnBrtzdtsdHMZRTAIOL8qIUdyN-ljIxmWjo5ooM3jFi0wvxRNo7VBaJnsaeTdqX538XB88A8k/s1600-h/box_alfredo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU8dbXtSEq8Tzka54zvJSVX2qXcRUnmZjiyT-aP4o0lut2wKXFuSSEJaMAdMKdjfZwnvmnBrtzdtsdHMZRTAIOL8qIUdyN-ljIxmWjo5ooM3jFi0wvxRNo7VBaJnsaeTdqX538XB88A8k/s320/box_alfredo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237519088781277266" border="0" /></a>I’m a total sucker for Italian food, especially pasta.<span style=""> </span>A few weeks ago I spotted something new and intriguing in the boxed meals section at the grocery store- <a href="http://www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com/">Romano's Macaroni Grill Restaurant Favorites</a> dinner kits. <span style=""> </span>Since these are new, I knew that I could plan on some coupons and promotions for them, so I made a mental note to watch for a deal so I could justify trying one of them. <span style=""> </span>As luck would have it, I received a coupon for in the mail a few days later, so I decided to go for it, even though I think most boxed dinner kits end up tasting way too salty. I also found an online coupon for $1.00 off, so I picked up 2 dinner kits.<br /><br />Last night I made the Creamy Basil flavor and it was SOOOO good! I honestly thought it tasted great!<span style=""> </span>It wasn’t too salty, and most importantly it was so easy to make.<span style=""> </span>I’m already giddy to try the Chicken Marsala with Linguine!<span style=""> </span>The kit made quite a bit of pasta, so it ended up being a very cheap, quick, and delicious dinner.<span style=""> </span>Click <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.restaurantfavoritesathome.com/">here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>to print the $1.00 off coupon so you can try one yourself (if you hit the back button after the first coupon prints, it will print again!).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update:</span> Kory and I tried the Chicken Marsala tonight and it was horrible! Neither of us liked it AT ALL. We ended up throwing most of it away. So, the verdict is 2 thumbs <span style="font-weight: bold;">up</span> for the Creamy Basil and 2 thumbs <span style="font-weight: bold;">WAY DOWN</span> for the Chicken Marsala.Carlee Hoopeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09510390091587738028noreply@blogger.com4