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Shopping Online, Fast and Easy

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

In the current economic situation, everyone’s cutting back on spending as much as they can. I’ve noticed in my own business that clients are trying to cut back and as a result, I’ve had to cut back on my own spending by getting rid of DirecTV and lowering my internet speed. But some things are still very necessary, like school supplies, clothes, computers, etc. I had to buy some new pans recently (mine were terrible) and I spent about 4 hours looking around and deciding where to buy from to get the best deal. I didn’t want to pay $150 one place, then find I could’ve saved $40 by going somewhere else.

Just the other day I stumbled across a link to ShopWiki, which is a site that will list the price of a product at stores online and offline so you can pick the best deal. It’s almost kind of like Froogle, but it lists a lot more stores and it’s much more accurate. It lists the pan set I bought ranging from $114 to $149 and includes the store where I bought it for $119. I was so relieved to find that I had gotten a good deal, I tried again for my computer. Turns out the computer I kinda got shafted on, this site could’ve saved me $300. Next time I have a purchase, I’m checking ShopWiki first.

They also have a directory that will help you pick a product when you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for. If you click Desktop Computers it brings you to a list of the types of desktop computers with information about them and their Pros and Cons. Personally, I suggest the HP Touchsmart All In One. They have a site for those of you in the UK and Australia as well.

I like the fact that the site’s design doesn’t distract from the content and that it’s not covered in graphics or banners. Not everyone thinks a site’s design is as important as its content, but I do. If a site is too busy, has too many graphics ads, or has an unattractive design I’m not likely to stay and much less likely to come back. The simplicity of the site makes it incredibly efficient. What will you do with all that extra time you’re not comparing prices?

Posted in Saving Money | No Comments »

I Got An Elliptical

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Jay ordered me an elliptical from Bowflex yesterday and I’m very excited. A couple of weeks ago I was thinking how great it would be to have something to do other than sit on my large bottom while I watch TV. I decided I was going to start taking better care of myself (on Mother’s Day, actually) and I decided to limit the amount of time I watch TV each day. 1 hour still feels like too much, but that’s one show. So I decided I needed an elliptical and a rule that whenever I’m watching TV, I’m working out, too.

So then I realized, ellipticals are expensive. They ranged from $300 (crap) to $3,000. I really don’t have the money or credit right now for something like this, so I’ve been putting it off. The other day a Bowflex catalog came in the mail and I found the one that was made for me. We have a Bowflex card, so we jumped on it. They also had free shipping and a free gift (if you add $19 shipping) that includes a towel, a yoga mat, a heart rate monitor watch, push up bars, and an exercise ball – all for just $999 (or $15/mo on Bowflex card). I really feel like I got a good deal on this.

I’m always a little weary of buying things I can’t experience first, but I did read some reviews and everyone gave it either 4 or 5 stars. I feel a bit more confident about that.

Exercise is so important when you have a job that can put you in a chair for 12 hours straight. I think this was the best option for me to help keep up with my fitness goals while also keeping up with my productivity goals. I cleaned up my office and I have a nice space for it when it arrives. Hopefully, that’ll be soon.

Tags: exercise, fitness, goals, health, Jay
Posted in Health & Fitness, Personal Notes | 3 Comments »

Simple Salmon Patties

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Ingredients:

2 cans Pink Salmon
14-18 Ritz Crackers
1/4 cup Egg Beaters
1 Tbsp Plain Low Fat Yogurt (optional)
Pam or Non Stick Spray

Tools:

Large Skillet
Spatula
Medium Mixing Bowl
Quart Size Ziploc Bag
Rolling Pin

Preparation:

Put Ritz Crackers into plastic bag and seal. Use rolling pin (or something heavy) to crush crackers into crumbs. Set aside. Open salmon and separate skin and bones. Crush up salmon and put into mixing bowl. On top of the salmon add the crumbs, the egg beaters, and yogurt (optional). If you have preferred spices, add them now. Mix together with your hands. The mix should be sticky enough to stay together when pushed into patties. Push mix into patty shaped (probably 6) and place on a plate.

Cook:

Spray skillet with non-stick spray and set to medium. Once the spray starts to look like a liquid, you’re ready to add the patties. The first side should take about 5 minutes to cook and the second side about 3 minutes. Outside of patties should be golden brown. Don’t let them get to dark or they’ll be dry.

Summary:

These salmon patties should be a very simple, low fat, kid friendly main course. If cooked right, they’ll nearly melt in your mouth. They’re surprisingly filling, so plan 1 patty per kid and 2 patties per adult. My favorite side to go with them is Pasta Roni White Cheddar Shells. The photo shows them with Green Giant Steamers.

Tags: dinner, healthy, recipe, salmon
Posted in Health & Fitness | No Comments »