Best Purchases of the Day

[cynsaligia]

i know there's eric's electronics bargains (http://hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=13976&highlight=black+friday) thread, helen's dvd purchase stories (http://hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=6055&highlight=purchases) thread, and a thread or two on black friday purchases. but i didn't see one where we could all share about something that we've bought and really enjoy or are glad we spent the money on, no matter what the category or price.

plastic bags seem to multiply like tribbles in our home nowadays, even if we re-use them as garbage bags. so just now, i ordered a bunch of greenbags (http://www.ecobags.com/Our_Products/The_GreenBag) from ecobags.com (http://www.ecobags.com/) for us to use when shopping. they come as cheap as $2.15 and are much roomier than the canvas bags grocery stores sell with their own logo on them (they're 13.5" tall x 12.5" wide x 8.5" & hold as much as two grocery bags). i got one of the skull design so eric doesn't feel like he's carrying a girly tote, three of the "love this planet" design and five of the original greenbags because i plan on giving some as gifts.

recently, i bought a microfiber hair turban (http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P35087&categoryId=C12673&shouldPaginate=true) from sephora. i have very long, fine hair--and lots of it. 350 days of the year, i let it air dry since blowdrying it is labor-intensive when compared to the rest of my hair/makeup regime. this turban cuts my drying time drastically and keeps me from getting that humid aura around my face as i put on my make up (our bathroom isn't air-conditioned). i like that i put all my hair into it, twist the end of the towel at the top of my head and bring it down to the base of my head. there's a nifty loop that goes around a button so that hair and towel are neatly tucked. it's the best $20 i've spent on a beauty product in a long time since it literally keeps me from being a hot mess as i try to get ready for the day.

please share about your favorite recent purchase, whether it's a really tasty grocery item, an article of clothing, a car, a trinket or a plant. during these days when we have to be especially mindful about how we spend our cash, maybe we can help each other out with a gift idea, time- or money-saving item or other cool gotta-have-thing that is either under the radar or truly deserves the hype!

[kani-lehua]

regarding your "greenbags". if you are not a member yet, join the customer rewards program at http://downtoearth.org/. i'm pretty sure i got 1 bag free and when you use it they give you a 5 cent rebate. it was strong enough to carry some of my groceries i purchased in chinatown yesterday (can't always afford organics). made the day of it. lots of fun.

my favorite purchase recently was the "bioset" from johnnyseeds.com (http://johnnyseeds.com). it comes with 3 different sprouts that take app. 4 days to harvest. all you do is water 1-2x per day. that's it! for lunch today, i'll be enjoying either chinese red radish, mung beans or broccoli sprouts on either a tuna or all veggie sandwich.

[tutusue]

My favorite purchase, altho' not really recent, is the Foodsaver handheld vacuum sealer (http://cgi.ebay.com/brand-new-FOODSAVER-HANDHELD-VACUUM-SEALER-APPLIANCE_W0QQitemZ350057257690QQcmdZViewItem) with accompanying cannisters. It allows my one person household to buy Costco size bags of salad and the fresh, cut up fruit platters...with no waste. It works!

While searching for a source URL it appears this product is now a bit elusive. Regardless, I love it and highly recommend it.

[cynsaligia]

my favorite purchase recently was the "bioset" from johnnyseeds.com (http://johnnyseeds.com). it comes with 3 different sprouts that take app. 4 days to harvest. all you do is water 1-2x per day. that's it! for lunch today, i'll be enjoying either chinese red radish, mung beans or broccoli sprouts on either a tuna or all veggie sandwich.

THANK YOU for posting this. i was looking for an herb garden like the one in the website you provided, to no avail (checked two walmarts & home depot, as well as the king st star market garden store). i thought this thread would be helpful; didn't realize i'd be the first one to be helped! yay! :D

My favorite purchase, altho' not really recent, is the Foodsaver handheld vacuum sealer (http://cgi.ebay.com/brand-new-FOODSAVER-HANDHELD-VACUUM-SEALER-APPLIANCE_W0QQitemZ350057257690QQcmdZViewItem) with accompanying cannisters. It allows my one person household to buy Costco size bags of salad and the fresh, cut up fruit platters...with no waste. It works!

While searching for a source URL it appears this product is now a bit elusive. Regardless, I love it and highly recommend it.

eric and i second that recommendation! we don't have the model you have, but the foodsaver has saved us money the same way it has you.

makes me wonder if mel has one! :D

[tutusue]

[...]
eric and i second that recommendation! we don't have the model you have, but the foodsaver has saved us money the same way it has you.
[...] :D
I also have the larger, vacuum bag version. I love that for freezing AND for safely sealing and storing artifacts...such as my dad's high school yearbook, class of 1935!

[MyopicJoe]

recently, i bought a microfiber hair turban (http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P35087&categoryId=C12673&shouldPaginate=true) from sephora

Oh I should get that for my wife. She's always complaining about how long it takes for her hair to dry. Thanks!


One of my happiest surprise purchases, also $20, was a PaperPro stapler. Don't laugh. This thing rocks. You basically get the power of a staple gun in the form factor of a common stapler. Punching through 25 sheets of paper feels as effortless as a single sheet. The elegant power in your hand is delightful. Trust me. Use it once and you'll love it.

You can easily find it at Office Depot:
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/551703/Accentra-Prodigy-Desktop-Stapler/

If you bring it to work, be sure to write your name on it, because people will "borrow" it ;)

[kani-lehua]

johnnyseeds.com is a very interesting site. i got turned on to it by watching, yes, you guessed it, martha stewart.

the vacuum sealer that has been mentioned sounds like a good idea. however, it wouldn't work for me, or would it? i've become the "vacuum" of the family having to eat leftovers no one wants--the meals that hit the 3 day mark. after that, they're tossed. well, if i froze the stuff, then, yes it would work. something to think about.

[tutusue]

[...]
the vacuum sealer that has been mentioned sounds like a good idea. however, it wouldn't work for me, or would it? i've become the "vacuum" of the family having to eat leftovers no one wants--the meals that hit the 3 day mark. after that, they're tossed. well, if i froze the stuff, then, yes it would work. something to think about.
If you and your family will eat frozen leftovers then the price of the Tilia is worth it. Another advantage to the vacuum bag sealer is that, with all the air out of the bag, food can be kept frozen quite a bit longer...and with no freezer burn.

When I cook...:rolleyes:...I cook in bulk then freeze my own "TV dinners"! This can be done with leftovers, too. Makes for a very quick meal. I did this a lot when my kids still lived at home because my work schedule then was just as chaotic and unpredictable as it is now.

The canisters can also be used with the bag sealer but the bags can't be used with the handheld device. I leave the handheld sealer (it's also a wine sealer with the Foodsaver wine stoppers) on the countertop 24/7 and use it at least 3 times a day.

[cynsaligia]

i've been fighting off a cold this last week. the aching head and stuffed sinuses, i can deal with. it's the super raw, sore throat that has been a pain.

cepacol's dual relief sore throat spray (http://www.cepacol.com/products/spray.asp) was my rescuer. the relief that the spray provided really lasts. a sore throat like the one i have can be so painful that it wakes me up at night. the chloraseptic one i used before would have to stay on my nightstand so that i could spray several times thru the night. not with this cepacol one--it helped me sleep rather soundly. additionally, it made talking while at work relatively bearable.

i think it cost me just under $5 at walgreens. i've also seen it at walmart.

[tutusue]

Yesterday...CFL bulbs! I had $6. worth of coupons from HECO. City Mill unexpectedly gave me an additional $8. in coupons. $14. knocked off my total. Very cool...'cept one bulb has already burned out! Back to City Mill...:rolleyes:

Today...two $1.00 side salads from McDs!

[kani-lehua]

best recent purchase: cress seeds that i have in my bioset. started it yesterday and they are already starting to sprout.

[cynsaligia]

eric and i bought 5 t-shirts, 2 short sleeve polos, a pair of dressier slippers, and a camisole at steve & barry's (http://steveandbarrys.com/) in waikele today. everything in the store cost $9.98 or less--specifically, the t-shirts were a dollar less. for nine items, we spent a total of $85.75.

i think overall the deals are better for men than women. the clothing quality is also a little spotty. i saw clothing with obvious sewing and/or fabric flaws. the women's & girls' t-shirts are on the thin side--perhaps better meant for layering (something i don't do much in hawaii). additionally, the women's clothing lines lean more towards junior in styling and size. polos and t-shirts for women all had cap sleeves, which i don't always care for. in contrast, the cotton weight on the men's t-shirts was more substantial, and the polo shirts were better constructed. definitely, if you shop there, make sure you scrutinize your choices carefully!

the clothing is kitschy, and if you're a fan of sarah jessica parker/sex in the city/laird hamilton/venus (or was it serena? can't remember) williams, steve & barry's is the store for you. besides what we bought, they also carry jeans, casual pants, shorts, workout clothing, and footwear.

i asked the cashier how long the $9.98 sale was going to be and she said that they didn't know. it would last however long corporate told them, she supposed.

i haven't bought anything from the website yet, but a girlfriend sent me an email saying that eyes lips face (elf) cosmetics (http://www.eyeslipsface.com/default.asp) is selling most of their stuff for a dollar because nordstrom is going to change the elf logo to nordstrom or something like that. i absolutely do not need any more cosmetics, but lip gloss with SPF 15 (http://www.eyeslipsface.com/products.asp?dept_id=1096) for a dollar is mighty tempting! anyone familiar with the brand?

[kani-lehua]

agreed, cyn. good basics, but definitely keep your eye on the quality. i found that the shoes ran small. they didn't have my size jeans when i went there so i didn't get anything. also, it's venus' sportswear you speak of.

[shaveice]

recently, i bought a microfiber hair turban (http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P35087&categoryId=C12673&shouldPaginate=true) from sephora....



was it from the store at ala moana or did you have to order it online? (thanks for mentioning it; i think my wife would like it....)

[cynsaligia]

at the amc sephora. you can call there or pearlridge to make sure it's in stock. ;)

[MyopicJoe]

was it from the store at ala moana or did you have to order it online? (thanks for mentioning it; i think my wife would like it....)

we picked one up for my wife at amc. she really likes it (thanks again cyn)

just beware. you have to walk past the Bare Escentuals makeup display to get to the turban (it's on the left wall of the AMC store, towards the back). if you value your wallet, run your wife past it or distract her!

[tutusue]

[...]just beware. you have to walk past the Bare Escentuals makeup display to get to the turban (it's on the left wall of the AMC store, towards the back). if you value your wallet, run your wife past it or distract her!
I buy B.E. on eBay. I really like getting the much smaller, sample sizes when I try new products and colors. Still, the regular sizes can be quite a bit less expensive...even factoring in shipping...IF those vendors ship to Hawaii! :rolleyes:

[shaveice]

at the amc sephora. you can call there or pearlridge to make sure it's in stock. ;)

not sure if the store burned to the ground (!) but no one picks up the phone! i called 6 times and it just rings and rings after the initial recorded message; myopicjoe, thanks for the info. i'll just go there now that i know they have it.

thanks!

[leashlaws]

I bought some Frank Sinatra stamps at the post office. Then I went to Borders with a 40% off coupon and got the Sinatra "Nothing But The Best" with said coupon for $11.39! I am in hog heaven cleaning my house blasting Francis Albert:D

[Adri]

Fried green tomotoes from a booth in front of Davies Pacific Center (I think it's a new "local food fair" kind of thing that they will have periodically). mmmmmm!

[kani-lehua]

my toaster/oven from macy's with an extra $10 off. dag nab it! they had such a good sale and all i could find was the toaster and two pairs of slippahs.

the worst part of the day: went to foodland and bought 2 round squash to make soup. the girl rang it up for $3.99. so i asked her what it cost per pound. she's like no, it's $3.99 EACH:eek:. WHAT?! made the soup with one squash. will return the second one.

[MyopicJoe]

i'll just go there now that i know they have it.

So Shaveice, any luck finding the turban? Did your wife like it? Did you safely escort her past the B.E. display?

[shaveice]

So Shaveice, any luck finding the turban? Did your wife like it? Did you safely escort her past the B.E. display?

are you kidding me? after your fair warning, i went there myself! ha! ha! i walked in and fortunately asked a worker for help and she knew exactly what i was looking for. i was in and out in about 4 minutes!!!

btw, yes, she likes it!

[SusieMisajon]

Cheap potatoes. 1.29 (euros) for a ten kilo bag. I bought sixteen.

[MyopicJoe]

are you kidding me? after your fair warning, i went there myself! ha! ha!

Haha. We men gotta stay ahead of the ladies ;)


btw, yes, she likes it!

Woot!

*high-five*

[kanahina]

coco puffs from Liliha Bakery - yummy!
http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/PN8A0NdMzFhonJ2ucWdVrg/l

[GregLee]

Baby Roma tomatoes, Ho Farms Hawaii, Kahuku's Finest. Bought at Hawaii Kai Costco.

[lavagal]

Nice, GregLee; I like those, too.

Today I bought Big Island lychee at the little deli that is in the HMSA building on Roycroft Street. Two pounds for a dear $10. Still, I got to pick through three big boxes. Sweet! Probably got plenty left...

[Leo Lakio]

coco puffs from Liliha Bakery - yummy!Evil, you are! Ee-ville! EEEEE-VILLLLE!!!

[leashlaws]

Baby Roma tomatoes, Ho Farms Hawaii, Kahuku's Finest. Bought at Hawaii Kai Costco.

I buy them too and slow roast the whole lot all afternoon the house smells great and they are so tasty in many things or just by themselves.

I also like their tomatoes from the KCC market as well.

Good purchase for you!:)

[cynsaligia]

MJ & shaveice, sephora is to me as fry's is to eric. somehow, even if i'm at sephora for three hours, my feet and back do not magically ache, like they did the time we were at fry's in oregon for the same amount of time. conversely, fry's does not give eric a headache like sephora does. :p

best purchase this week was at nine west. i bought a thirty dollar mocassin that looks exactly like this one (http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_628851_womens_nine_west_its_lovely_black_suede_ reviews), except in sort of a patent burgundy instead of suede & animal print--for TEN BUCKS! they're so comfy & i love how chic they are. they're great with jeans, dressier shorts, and work pants! *adore*

they also had them in brown as well as a kelly green, but not in my size. bummer!

[MyopicJoe]

sephora is to me as fry's is to eric

Oh dear...it all suddenly makes so much sense!

:D

[leashlaws]

Skin Formula 3V caps for Manele & Koele online, cheaper than buying them
in the stores here with very low shipping. Not really an exciting purchase
but certainly necessary for their soft silky fluffy coat maintenance.:)

[cynsaligia]

on his way home from work two nights ago, eric stopped at monster safeway and grabbed a whole chicken for 99 cents a pound (http://shop.safeway.com/superstore/sixframeset.asp?mainurl=http://safeway1.inserts2online.com/storeReview.jsp?drpStoreID=2747)! woot woot! he's gonna roast it for our lunch tomorrow. *drool*

[alohacandy]

This week I went to Sephora to purchase the famous microfiber hair turban that came so highly recommended. My hair is thick and coarse and takes forever to dry.....so this will be put to good use. :D
Still looking for the portable Food Saver that has been mentioned (checking ebay and craigslist).

[mel]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2619744905_0af483533d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2620566964_615bd93993.jpg

The best bargains for used books, magazines, record albums (LPs), CDs and more are at this year's 61st Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. The sale is bigger than ever, spilling out of the traditional McKinley High School Cafeteria into areas mauka and makai of the building. Many books in the cafeteria as well as in a big tent mauka of that and an adjacent building. On the ocean side is the music sale with a lot of CDs and record bargains.

I bought several scifi and media books for $1.50 or less each. I bought a small handful of vinyl and a Connells CD for $3.00 each.

Details at the Friends of the Library website (http://friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org/). More photos at my Flickr website (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macprohawaii/tags/annualbooksale/).

[MyopicJoe]

My hair is thick and coarse and takes forever to dry.....so this will be put to good use.

How did it work out for you?

I tried using it on our little one today. Just a wee bit too large ;) I ended up using it like a towel.


61st Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale

Cool. I like your vinyl pics. Too bad they don't have an online list of the books for sale, but of course it would cost money to have people do all that data entry.

[mel]

The fun about this book sale or any sale at a used book or record store for me, is "the hunt". Finding something that I have been looking for at a low bargain price is the attraction for me. Often these sales have one of a kind, often out of print items that you can find nowhere else. It takes time, but patience pays off. Here are some of the books I bought for $1.50 or less today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2620663502_f9c70b94d0.jpg

[MyopicJoe]

The fun about this book sale or any sale at a used book or record store for me, is "the hunt".

True true. You have a good point there.

Nice hard covers. So much nicer than paper back, if you have the shelf space.

[Pomai]

best purchase this week was at nine west. i bought a thirty dollar mocassin that looks exactly like this one (http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_628851_womens_nine_west_its_lovely_black_suede_ reviews), except in sort of a patent burgundy instead of suede & animal print--for TEN BUCKS! they're so comfy & i love how chic they are. they're great with jeans, dressier shorts, and work pants! *adore*

they also had them in brown as well as a kelly green, but not in my size. bummer!I was just in Sharper Image Ala Moana this past Wednesday, and they had some nice suede mocassins on clearance, along with everything else in the store. They looked comfy. Was 50% off retail price.

Sharper Image also had noise cancelling headphones (Bose knock-offs) for $70 clearance price (regular $120). Nice stuff.

Still some good stuff in stock at clearance prices in Sharper Image, last time I was there.

[alohacandy]

How did it work out for you?

I tried using it on our little one today. Just a wee bit too large ;) I ended up using it like a towel.




I love it! I used to have one similar to it that I bought off of Home Shopping Network and it's very similar.
Now I'm waiting for my ebay purchase of a Cortex Flat Iron. I went by a kiosk at Ala Moana this past week and they did a great job straightening my hair with one...but the price was more than I wanted to pay. Went on to Ebay and found it for WAY less. Hope it works as good as the one at the kiosk.

[mel]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2643660538_51919fc02e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macprohawaii/2643660538/)

Bought all of the above for the grand total of $5.50. All books were 50¢ each and surprisingly for me, CDs were 25¢ each on this the last day of the Friends of the Library Book Sale. The sale closes at 1:30 pm today.

[cynsaligia]

eric & i went to golden dragon in chinatown for dim sum @ $1.89 each. then we cruised the market for 2 broccoli heads, 4 garlic heads, a big bunch of mint, a fist sized young garlic root, a bag of six jalapenoes, a generous pound of shallots and a pound of bittermelon for less than eight dollars total. what a bargain!