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It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Troubles. I’ve said it before, but this should be named “things i’m annoyed / confused / want to complain about”, however I couldn’t figure out how to make any of those into a snappy title, so Tuesday Troubles it is. And yes, I do realize that these aren’t true “troubles”. I know these for sure could be defined as first world problems!
~So we have this tiny leak in our roof that no one can seem to find. I’ve had a roofer come out and he couldn’t figure it out. B’s been on the roof (and the attic where it is leaking to) looking for it multiple times. Nothing. The roofer suggested we go in the attic when it rains and look. Umm, problem is that it doesn’t leak every time it rains. We had basically a monsoon here the other night when B was up-north and OF COURSE it leaked. However, it was like 1am and it was just WB and I here and you know I wasn’t about to crawl up there and check things out. Totally annoying.
~I still haven’t decided if we are going to Chicago this weekend to check out Blogher. Now I feel less like I want to check out the Expo Hall at Blogher and more like I just want to go spend a weekend in Chicago. LOL! But to get to my trouble, I don’t know where we’d stay. I want it to be cheap AND fabulous. Has anyone used Priceline or HotWire? I think I have asked this before, but I want to know again! Have you gotten any insane deals or is it just easier to book normally?
~Please tell me that I am not the only one who is so overly invested in these trashy reality shows. Like I NEED to know what happens next week on RHONJ like you wouldn’t believe. Did Joe and Teresa really make-up? Did Joe and Joe throw blows again? I gotta know. Why can’t I just be one of those people that finds documentaries interesting? But no, I’m worried about CT and Diem. And these Big Brother idiots. And Vicki and Tamara. And is crazy angry Krissi (who I love BTW) going to win Master Chef? I know I am not alone, but I do secretly envy people who don’t like reality shows.
~Does anyone ever order from Schwan’s? B talks about their Rocky Road ice-cream all the time and I finally ordered some the other day, along with a few other items. I love the home delivery service and don’t find the prices to be insane, so I think we’re going to order on a regular basis. Does anyone else use Schwan’s? What do you get? Any recommendations??
~And finally, can someone explain to me why it’s cheaper / better for GAP to ship my order into multiple shipments instead of just doing it all at once? I placed a large order last week when they had 40% off the clearance items and basically every day I get e-mails saying part of my order has shipped. One shirt here, two shirts there. It makes no sense. I get why, say like Fancy does it because everything is shipping from different places / vendors. But GAP? I don’t understand at all. How about they just wait until everything can be gathered and ship it all at once and charge a bit less for the clothes? Shipping is free and I just don’t see how it’s cost effective if they ship in 10 separate shipments instead of like just one?
That’s it from here for now! What’s troubling you today?
I’ve used Hotwire several times and I’ve never had a problem. I even used it when I went to Chicago for their food festival and got a fantastic hotel for something like $65/night.
We grew up on Schwan’s ice cream and it is the best! Their bomb pops are really good too. My mom always gets the mini pizzas for the kids when they come over.
My sister used Hotwire for our trip to chicago a few weekends ago and it was HORRIBLE!!! I would NEVER do it again! I’ll have to get my post up soon so you can read about it!
I totally LOVE reality tv. For some reason they all give me major anxiety though. The Joe and Teresa deal is sad. I can’t decide if she is super fake and causing all of the problems or is it Melissa. I used to like Melissa until she was having the conversation with her mom and sisters about writing her book and including her dad. She said something like her husband wouldn’t stray b/c she keeps him satisfied. I just cringed and felt so sorry for her mom. I watch Love & Hip Hop Atlanta…only b/c I’m in GA…or so I tell myself. So much drama and ridiculousness on that one. It’s really the shake your head type of drama too. Not the oh I want more type.
I have ordered from Schwan’s alot. They don’t deliver in my area anymore or I’d still be ordering. Taking two little ones to the grocery store by myself is so stressful, so it helped cut down on what I’d have to buy when we went. I’ve gotten burgers, chicken, the prepared meals, ice cream, veggies, breakfast meats. I’ve probably tried the majority of what they have. What I’ve had has been good. The prepared meals aren’t like making it from scratch, but for the money and time you save it’s worth it.
I am totally obsessed with RHONJ and pretty much all of them. I even watch Below Deck! I just can’t get enough of the trash!!
I use Expedia to book hotels all the time. Their “unpublished rates” guarantee you a certain level of hotel for a great discount, but you don’t know what you’re getting until after you pay. On our most recent trip, we booked a 4-star hotel for $100/night, and it ended up being a nice place that’s normally over $200/night. I’ve never gotten a “bad” deal!
I’m obsessed with all of the Real Housewives too. It’s gross.
I wonder the same thing about Kohls. I place one order and it comes in so many different boxes. I do know theirs comes from different warehouses since I can follow the tracking but its weird like why aren’t all the little tikes toys in one place. Last Christmas my toys came from all over the US craziness.
I’ve done Priceline for airfare and its been ok. We had booked it about a year out though so it changed alot before our actual flight. 🙁 You should be fine for just a quick weekend away. I’m not sure what Blogher is but I love a good convention. I have a scrapbooking one coming up in Aug and I’m so ready. Its only in Charlotte so staying at my moms house but I get to wonder the hall all day and take classes and see people I only know from the cons. I don’t have any tv show cons planned right now and I’m getting anxious for a new one to get posted. I’d love a VD or SPN one to come closer to me I loved going to Vegas but it was a little much to do the con and do Vegas at the same time. Must be getting old LOL
Schwans have really good cheese balls that you can deep fry or bake in the oven and I always loved the orange sherbet push pops they had when I was a kid. Their ice cream is good and their meal kits aren’t too bad either.
Couple things. When we went on a mini vaca over Memorial Weekend, I checked out all the sites and the price was the same on every single one for the hotel I wanted.
I have never ordered from Schwan’s but when I used to babysit (a long time ago) they did and the chicken bites (could be chunks, tenders, etc) were to die for. They were so good and really nice quality of white chicken breast. I recommend trying that.
I used to work for Old Navy. I know we have a distribution center (Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic all ship from the same center) kind of close in Grove Point, OH. But they ship them separately sometimes because they come from different distribution centers. Check the return labels and see if they all come from the same place. I’d be interested to know.
I’ve never commented on a blog before which is insane because I read a few (including yours) daily. But today, I totally related to your troubles so here goes!
We have the same random leak in our roof. ours comes into our garage but only on certain rainstorms. My parents also had the same leak and its from the flashing (?) that goes on the roof in the corner. ours is where the roof of our garage meets the side of the 2nd floor. Our roofer is coming out this week to fix, but my pa is pretty sure that’s what it is…maybe its your issue too???
2nd….your trip to Chicago…we ALWAYS use priceline to book our hotel. I bid on rooms and usually get rooms about half off. I always go for the 4 star because who needs less?? and get them for about $75/night on average. It is a prepay situation but you can buy insurance for $5/room if you are unsure that you’ll keep your reservation. On priceline, they also have the hidden rooms and you can see your star level and price right there too. I did that this weekend and got a 4 star downtown Minneapolis for $75/night and…we ended up with poolside rooms which was amazing in and of itself!
Reality TV….Is there really people who arent addicted to this stuff? I’ve never met anyone. My hubby maybe, but he watches when I watch so I know he’s secretly into it!
The Gap….its a weird company issue…I have it when I order from them too and it is super annoying plus then my husband thinks I’ve just spent a million dollars ordering stuff so I blame the Gap for 50% of my marital arguments 🙂
Schwanns….they are amazing! We did the french toast sticks and silver mint bars as kids and they are soooo good! We don’t order anymore because no one comes to our house…I should probably figure that out, you’ve given me a renewed interest in them!
I need to know what happens with RHONJ too. My sister in law’s mom ordered from Schwan’s when she grew up -and she talks about how she’d buy corn dogs, and ice cream sandwich cookies, and nutty buddies??… for her it was like a big childhood memory, the shwan delieveries.
SO – I ordered a bathing suit from urban outfitters…. and the top came already, but I’m waiting for the bottom……….. which is okay I guess…. but why did they do that?? I can’t wear the bathing suit yet either.
I think GAP ships like that because some of the items actually come from a store instead of the warehouse. If you notice some of the packing slips look like photocopies it because the store prints it out and sends it on to you. That’s what i think is happening anyway. I think it helps them get rid of sale inventory faster.
It’s good to know that I am not the only one who is super invested in reality TV too! Like catfish for example, last week was a happy ending and I still find myself checking up on the happy couple!! Oh and I follow all my favortie Teen mom girls, I think Jenelle had her appendix removed and something is going on with Leah’s daughter and I’m dying to find out!!!
I love love love Schwan’s!!! I used them heavily in the past but for some reason they do not deliver to my neighborhood or maybe I need to look into having them deliver to my neighborhood! My mom also ordered from them like crazy when I was a kid, it was so much easier for me to grab some Schwan’s and heat it up!!!
I’ve used both Priceline and Hotwire and I swear by them! I’ve gotten really nice accomodations for cheap and at the last minute!! I like Hotwire more than Priceline but I check them both out just in case one or the other has a cheaper rate!
Ah! I am one of those people that does not like reality TV shows. I mean I don’t hate all of them. I do watch So You Think You Can Dance and I used to watch hells kitchen a lot and I like chopped but I don’t consider those reality shows even though they are lol. But big brother, real world and such I do not like. I much rather watch my other tv shows.
I’ve used hotwire before to get a hotel and I love it! My mom uses it all the time too. I just look at the ratings and stars but I saved a lot of money and I got a great hotel in the Disney area for much cheaper.
http://www.thewonderlanding.blogspot.com
RE the Gap multiple shipments: I work in a clothing store that also sells online, and often when people order things online (especially sale) the online warehouse doesn’t have it in stock, so we use something called Direct Fulfillment, where those website orders that are out of stock check inventory from a store somewhere that DOES have it in stock, and that store ships the item directly to the buyer. I’m guessing that’s why you’re getting multiple shipments.
Sorry for the super long run-on sentence up there!
I like reality shows, but mainly watch the cooking shows. Top Chef, Master Chef, Chopped, Hells Kitchen, some of the food network ones. I also like Survivor and Amazing Race (but don’t watch every single season of those). My husband doesn’t like any of them :-/
My boss loves Schwans. She orders green beans and aspeargus and some other stuff. the processed foods are not at all healthy, but they are nice for treats/for nights you want something super quick and easy 🙂
Oh and I say just book a hotel on your own for Chicago. We’ve only pricelined it once at Disneyland, but I spent time finding the tricks and tips for bidding exactly right to get a certain hotel, which we got. I’m guessing with a bigger city there might be a lot more variations to it.
I am a Big Brother junkie!!! I can not get enough (even though this has been a not so great season!) I think seeing how messed up other people are makes me feel a little better about myself 😉
We always use Priceline’s Name Your Price if we have time to mess with it. I will only select four stars and above, so I know I have a pretty good chance of getting a great room. We have gotten rooms that normally go for over $200 a night for around $60. I am pretty sure that you can only bid once per day (unless you change the star rating.) So, if your offer is too low and not excepted you have to wait until the nest day. If you have the time it is ABSOLUTELY worth it!! Good luck!!
As far as Priceline or Hotwire goes, they typically are cheaper than the posted prices on individual hotel websites. However, I’ve good luck by looking at the prices listed there, then calling each hotel and asking them if they could beat the Priceline price. Usually, they will because then they don’t have to pay Priceline a cut.
For the leak—if the roofer can’t find it, maybe try a leak detection company? They specialize in that stuff, so they better be able to find it!
I just used Hotwire for hotels this coming weekend. Sunday night will be in Chicago. Wasn’t to cheap but saved about $50 then going through the hotel website. I am picky and wanted to stay in the loop and close to the park. I say go for it and try.
Fyi Target 90% at Macomb location
Try BetterBidding.com to learn the trick for bidding for hotels. They show you how to get extra chances in bidding. If too lazy to learn, they also have a message board that is useful to see what prices people have won with so you know what to bid yourself.
I love reality tv too. I am obsessed with The Challenge, but everytime I watch it I always think I am too old and nobody my age must watch this show anymore (I am 28). I so badly want CT and Diem to be together though.
I have also used Hotwire and Priceline where you don’t find out what hotel until you pay. I figure if I choose a 4 star hotel, there shouldn’t really be a bad choice. The 3 stars vary a ton. We stayed at a Westin in LA and a Kimpton in San Diego. Both really nice for just over 100 a night compared to nearly double that regular price.
My troubles are you have now gotten me hooked on getting boxes. I have like 5 coming I think.. and that’s only because I can’t afford all of the ones I want.
@Tiffany: I watch the Challenge and I’m 35! 🙂
My gap packages do the same thing, but mine always come from different places when they do more than one shipment. Also the Chicken strips from Schwan are delicious as is their pre portioned cookie dough, but since your eating cleaning I wouldn’t recommend that.
I waffled on Blogher but figured I’d just go to Blogher food next year. And now I hear Queen Latifah is one of the speakers. Wanna go! Sigh.
My Mom used to order from Schwans. She used to pass stuff on to us that either she didn’t like or where too much for her. Don’t remember specifics but we were surprised that the stuff was actually good.
I started to say I don’t watch reality TV but then I’m watching Project Runway. And Heros. And Cupcake Wars. And Duck Dynasty. No longer watch any of the Housewives (did watch 1st year of Atlanta and always team NeNe). My husband will deny deny deny that he watches reality TV. But then he watches Duck Dynasty, Deadliest Catch, Alaska State Troopers, Ice Road Truckers etc.
Wait…NeNe has her own reality show coming out in September? Okay I guess I officially watch reality tv LOL.
Love Priceline. Used it for Chicago twice and got great deals. I won’t go for anything below 4 stars tho. Love Hotwire. Use it a lot for vacays.
Gap issue I noticed too. But yeah, like someone else said its cuz of the fulfillment center.
Schwans- I do buy stuff but I’m sort of picky about it. I’m not going to buy things like tater tots or frozen veggies because I have brands I like better for the price.
My Top Picks
-Triple Layer Chocolate Cake. You freeze it and thaw it when you want to eat it. It’s perfect when I need a last minute dessert for something. I like that the cake is moist and the frosting tastes fudgey.
-Chicken Bites. These are chicken nuggets made with pieces of chicken, not the ground chicken paste. Now if only they could be shaped like dinosaurs?
-Cheeseburger. I have a love for the nasty little cheeseburgers that hang out under heat lamps in convenience store. These things are just as good and I don’t have to drive anywhere.
-Chicken Egg Rolls. Every so often I just need an egg roll. I feel like an idiot going to a Chinese take-out place and ordering 1 egg roll. I thought all microwavable egg rolls were gross until I tried these.
-Crispy Wings. Not for hot weather since you really should bake them. They are really crispy, no soggy breading going on here.
-Natural Casing Weiners. Weird name, only available in summer. It’s got a snap to it, like a brat. But it’s a hot dog.
Ha! The hubby and I were just talking about how ridiculous it was that Old Navy split up his order into multiple shipments and we’ve been receiving a t shirt or hoodie daily. I don’t think our UPS guy is amused.
And I can’t believe all the priceline haters. We love it, especially for big cities. We got the Hyatt in San Francisco last summer for $80/night. Booking directly would have been about $240 with an advance payment discount rate. Check out BetterBidding.com for listings of what people have recently paid at the star level and neighborhoods you’re interested in. It’s really helped us a lot.
About Priceline: Be wary, but you may be surprised! I only ever book with Priceline, because their prices are usually the bomb.com. But I’ve only ever named my own price once, and we ended up getting an AMAZING hotel in the middle of historic Downtown Savannah for about $60 cheaper than the listed price. Good luck!
About Reality TV: I really can’t explain why I’m so obsessed with Big Brother this season, but it might be because the husband, a deputy sheriff, is working graveyard shifts now (he HATES Big Brother, but now that he works at night, I don’t have anyone pestering me about changing the channel to something “educational and fulfilling”; what?!).
Krissi has such a hateful attitude. I truly hope she does not win Master Chef. I am sad that she acts that way on T.V. for her son to see and emulate.
I echo the love for Hotwire, but not so much Priceline. Hotwire has stricter rating standards than Priceline so what might be a 4 for Priceline would only be a 3 for Hotwire. We have been displeases with the quality of hotels we’ve gotten with Priceline but have adored every room booked via Hotwire. I also think Hotwire does a better job of dividing up cities so you can be really specific as to where you want to stay.
Regardless of which you use, remember to call the hotel directly to request your bedding arrangement as none of the sites can pre-enter that for you.
Cheers,
Shauna
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Schwan’s! I wouldn’t be able to get supper on the table during the week if it weren’t for Schwan’s. Virtually every night we have SOMETHING with supper that’s from them — batter-dipped fish, brocolli, whole-wheat bread, etc. Only had one thing we tried that we didn’t like — the fried cheese sticks. They just weren’t to our liking.
Gap’s shipping annoys me too. But I think they are doing it more for a customer service reason…just like Michelle said in an previous comment.
If you go to Chicago this weekend, you can run the Big 10-10K! 🙂 I wanted to do it but got vetoed by my H…he says we have to wait until it comes to our Big 10 town!
http://www.btnbig10k.com/event/
How fun does that look??
I am right there with you on the reality tv. Although I dont get into Big Brother or Survivor … the rest?! Totally there! RHONJ has always been one of my summer go-to’s. And I’m dying to see whats going to happen. It seems like every season they take one of the characters everyone loves and portray them to be the bad guy. This season its a combo and Jacqueline and Melissa. I used to think Melissa was just the nicest thing to walk through Jersey … but they are clearly showing this season HOW MUCH she really is getting in the way of trying to fix things. There were MANY times this week when I wanted to reach through the screen and slap her around! I’ll just pretend like you dont like MasterChef’s Krissi, though. I am ready for her to go HOME!!!
That gap thing bothers me too. I’ve literally spent about $200 before on random stuff and received 1 pair of panties a wk later, followed by everything else in increments. So crazy!