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By Isreal Lawrence on May 29th, 2009
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I spent most of Memorial Day on Monday around my house, but outside. We cooked some food on the grill, hung out, it was very therapeutic. Oh the weather in Los Angeles has been nice, very nice indeed. The sweet California sunshine can be a wondrous thing. Quite the switch from recent years that I have spent back east, where it has been nail bitingly cold for six months then transitions into humid and swampy. Yes we were having a great time, but I also started getting a little bummed out.
California weather has quite a bit going for her, but she can also be a cruel mistress…you see she is killing my lawn and plants. Yes, we water regularly but the sun is just burning them up. I believe the time has come to be proactive and take some steps to avert certain disaster.
As we entered our nearby Home Depot to obtain all of our necessary supplies, Sara’s attention was drawn to the patio furniture. “We really should pay some attention to the patio situation”, she was telling me. My first inclination was to say, “Oh come on, let’s just get what we came for”. Sara’s persistence and logic always has a way of changing my mind though, “So you want a good looking lawn, but don’t care if the patio area looks crummy?”. Okay, fair enough. Though if we are going to think of purchasing new patio furniture, what do we have to consider?
- Too Eat or Too Talk? - As with any new patio furniture purchase you should step back and look at the space you want to fill. Begin by thinking of what you’ll need. Is it for dining, or just lounging? Deciding what you’ll use the space for will help you begin to figure out what you’ll need.
- People or Alone Time? - Imagine what you want the space to look like. Do you want a seating area that you can have a lot of people in conversing? Or do you want a place you can be alone and read in? Knowing how you want the area to look will also help you figure out what to get and how much.
- What Style? - You need to be aware that materials convey styles and eras. Wrought iron is thought of as Victorian, wicker is romantic and wood feels rustic and warm. Decide what style you want to convey.
- Warranty? - When you’re ready to start looking at patio furniture look at warranties, and care instructions. Make sure the furniture is durable and the parts are easy to replace. Decide what works for you as far as the amount of maintenance needed.
- Fabrics Choices - Make sure fabrics are water resistant and plan to retreat these annually. Also, check that hardware and brass are galvanized and stain resistant.
- Bargains & Deals - Look for bargains in floor models, pieces with minor scratches or discontinued styles. You might be able to find sets that are missing a cushion, for example, and you can get a deal on that.
- Shop with a budget in mind, but look for value over price. Home Depot is currently offering 25% off of selected patio sets as well as free shipping! Let me tell you, that little sale went a long way in convincing me to come around to Sara’s way of thinking
- Try it OUT! - Before you buy it try it out! Make sure you like the styles you choose and that you are comfortable in them. Be sure you know return policies, etc.
Believe me, if you decide to take the plunge and go this direction, I have no doubt you will be so happy you did, and with these Home Depot coupons you will be even happier. Think of all the comfort and pride radiating from you home as you entertain in these warm upcoming months. Yeah, it’ll be great.
Suffice to say, Sara won out and this weekend I plan on napping on our new Hampton Bay Wicker Patio set.. 
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Tags: Home Depot, Patio Furniture
Posted in Home & Garden, Furniture |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 28th, 2009
I love polarizing fashion trends.
There are certain style options that pop up from time to time, that while undeniably popular, also produce an equal amount of “I don’t get it, I’m not into it”. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, and can think of a few fads that fit these parameters. I personally am thinking about Ugg boots. The big puffy, sheepskin Ugg boot has been nigh ubiquitous for a good five or six year now. Undeniably popular, yet I always hear folks claim they would never wear them.Maybe the secret to fashion is simply the ability to get people talking and take notice.
Well the Ugg phenomenon was explained to me simply by my friend Michelle - COMFORT!
Therein lies the crux of the matter. Too often fashion trends and styles appointed to women entail squeezing a size 9 foot into a narrow (albeit sexy) stiletto! Ugg boots are very comfortable! In her words it’s like enveloping your foot in a cloud of pillows. And as far as style goes, they are getting cuter by the second!
They certainly don’t seem to be going anywhere and are in fact more popular than ever with their 2009 spring styles. The Classic Cardy can now be found in several vibrant spring colors: grey, aqua, sage, clay, sunflower and several others. I have no doubt the aqua Classic Short flavor will be a huge hit. That’s just my prediction. Another is that Ugg’s may have crossed the line from fad into something more enduring. Hey folks it has been several years, it seems like the people have spoken on this issue! Once in a blue moon it seems COMFORT trumps SUFFERING for fashion.
Check out these Ugg boot coupons from CouponMountain.com. People will think your feet are super cute, coveting your boots for themselves…that would be prediction number three.
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Tags: shoes, Ugg Boot
Posted in Apparel, Shoes |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 27th, 2009
Okay, we all know that times are tight for quite a few folks these days financially, and when it comes to summer getaways you might be thinking of staying comparatively close to home. Not a bad strategy in most cases, but it just so happens that Summer 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic time for travel bargains. In fact often when you crunch the numbers and visit the right places, a globetrotting adventure can be less expensive than many domestic vacations. All-inclusive deals are also great for those on a tight budget and low-cost airlines are offering flights for a fraction of what you may expect. So if you are of a mind, you will get some very exotic locales at extremely low rates. Here are our top world travel destination for this summer.
- Goa - At just $11 for a three course meal, Goa was the cheapest destination on the list when it came to eating out. Located on the west coast of India, it has evolved from a backpacker haven into a more mainstream destination over the past decade and, as well as cheap food, it offers beautiful beaches, colourful markets and plenty of exotic wildlife.
- Tunisia - Think Tunisia. Yes sir, North Africa. Tunisia offers year-round sun, exotic sights and glorious beaches. You’ll find plush hotels and spas in which to relax but the more adventurous can take a camel trek in the desert, explore the Roman ruins at Dougga or visit the Star Wars movie locations. That’s right, you can find that droid you are looking for.
- Turkey - Turkey offers some amazing coastline, including Belcekiz beach on the Mediterranean Coast. The area where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet is known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and the coastline is dotted with pristine beaches and inviting resorts. If you tire of all that sun-worshiping, head for Istanbul, which offers famous sites, nightlife that goes on until dawn and some of the best value shopping in Europe.
- Egypt - The chance to visit the Pyramids is excuse enough to visit this fascinating country, not to mention the Nile or the Valley of the Kings, but Egypt also offers year-round sunshine, great beaches and great value for money. Check out the Sharm El Sheik resort, a favorite among western tourists , which offers scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities on the Red Sea Riviera.
- Bulgaria - This Black Sea coastal gem has become a favored destination spot for those in the know, due to their “non-Euro” currency status. 240 miles of of sandy beaches, entertaining nightlife, and thriving coastal resorts such as Sunny Beach. Bulgaria is well worth an investigation.
- Spain - Spain faces stiff competition from Eastern Europe when it comes to value for money but, along with Cyprus, it’s still the best destination for a budget break within the Eurozone.
- Morroco - Morocco wasn’t rated as the cheapest place to eat out but its colourful markets, such as these food stalls in Jema el-Fna Square in Marrakesh, offer plenty of exotic delights that you won’t mind parting with your dirham for. Culture vultures should visit the Imperial Cities such as Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat, while the more adventurous can try their hand at skiing in the Atlas Mountains in the winter, or take a tour of the majestic Sahara by jeep or camel. There are also plenty of beaches to relax on; take your pick of the Atlantic coast resorts of Mohammedia, Agadir, El Jadida, Oualidia, Safi and Essaouira.
- Majorca - The British know all about Majorca, in fact it is the UK’s #1 travel destination. Located on the Mediterranean sea, Majorca is Spain’s largest island. You will find that cheap and cheerful package deals are easy to find.
- Cyprus - Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and has plenty of room for all types of holiday, including package resorts on the coast, mountain retreats, agro tourism villages, activity holidays, luxury hotels and ancient historical sites for the archaeologically inclined. Oh my Cyprus has it all, yes this would be a fantastic trip.
Oh yes, you know exactly what I am thinking: Let’s go investigate some travel deals, and go attack that globe!
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Tags: Travel, Trips, Vacations
Posted in Travel |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 26th, 2009
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 It was a big Greek themed evening. Sara,myself, our friends Jill, Scott and Voula were all out at a Greek restaurant we heard excellent things about up in the San Fernando Valley. Jill and Scott were eagerly looking forward to their upcoming vacation in Greece and Voula who’s family hails from the islands and has spent many a summer there over the course of her life was giving them some pointers.
“…and another thing, they are very fashion forward over there” she was saying “They are up on trends way before they hit the States. I noticed ladies wearing those gladiator sandals in Greece two or three years before I ever noticed them here”. “Weren’t they wearing those things three thousand years before they hit here?”, I snickered.
Ahh those gladiator sandals. They have been a hot trend here for a good three or four seasons now, and their popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down. They are still a cornerstone in this year’s spring fashion footwear offerings. In fact, they are starting to feel more like a mainstream basic than a trend that will disappear next season. The ladies just love them it appears. I understand why, gladiator sandals come in all shapes, styles, colours and heel heights. Not all gladiator styles strap high above the ankle or sport copper hardware. You can purchase a pair that are a little less “gladiator-esque” if you fancy a more timeless and pretty look. The style often looks very smart when combined with skinny jeans or clam diggers. I also like them with skirts and frocks because of the appealing contrast that is created between something very feminine and quite edgy. Add a well groomed foot to the equation and you’re in business. On a side note, gladiator sandals appeal to me because I like it when the ladies show a little ankle, gets the Victorian in me all hot and steamy.
Check out the “Multi-Colored” Gladiator Sandals from the Gap featured above. (100% leather, wipe clean and imported)
Originally $39.50
Now on SALE for $29.99
Do you have your new springtime footware covered? You need to get that handled! We have some great Gap coupons available right now, and The Gap always has a wide variety of options for spring and summer. I noticed several varieties of gladiators in the $30 range on their website this morning. Oh come on, let your feet breathe, they deserve it!
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Tags: Gap, Gap Coupons, Gladiator Sandals, shoes
Posted in Apparel, Shoes, Deal of the Day |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 25th, 2009
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 Memorial Day is one of those holidays in which we observe solemn remembrances with a joyful air. Honoring sacrifice by enjoying the benefits that sacrifice allows us is the Memorial Day tradition. This is a holiday in which most of us use the three day weekend for a short getaway, or possibly a barbecue and a outdoor afternoon party with family and friends. Today is also when many stores kick off their big spring sales.
Best Buy Coupons and Nordstrom Coupons are two of the biggies. Best Buy is awash with great deals today of up to 25% off. In particular interest to this individual, is the 10% off of all major kitchen appliances I’ve heard about. My family has some definite need in this department.
Nordstrom has kicked of their Half Yearly Sale, with discounts of 33% off or more. Think on that…1/3 off and up, that’s huge! Need some fun in the springtime footwear? Well then the time is now to snap up those Jimmy Choo’s at a 40% discount!
Before you head out today to take advantage of today’s sales check out all these discount Memorial Day coupons! Now that you have saved money bargain shopping online you may now commence your BBQ and siesta festivities.
Enjoy yourselves!:)
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Tags: Best Buy, memorial day, Nordstrom
Posted in Apparel, Electronics, Deal of the Day |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 22nd, 2009
NBA Playoff time, do you all have your bets (err, I mean predictions…sports betting is illegal, ahem!) in for the West? Our boys in purple and gold, the Los Angeles Lakers, managed to advance over Houston Rockets last week to face Denver Nuggets but things are tense. They look a little tired to me. Hey I’m just being honest! The Lakers pulled out the win on Game 1 but weren’t so lucky against the Nuggets last night. I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. I really don’t. I know, I know, stay positive and all that. Honestly I do. I always think the Lakers are going to succeed. I can’t always shut my mind up though. Do I think this because of the facts, or just because they are close to my heart? The run against Houston was a hard fought battle that may have drained them to the point where the Nuggets may prevail. The sports bookers seem to think so *insert guilty clearing of throat here*.
So maybe it’s time we start planning for the future. Planning to help in the ways we can. Training to beef up the future ranks of our beloved basketball franchises. No no, I’m not speaking about ourselves. We know that ship has sailed for us. We are a little long in the tooth for all that, and besides I know I truly never had that sort of talent. Hey, we are speaking honestly right? No I’m speaking of our children. Yes gentleman the time has come for us to start living vicariously through our children. Listen, it’s for the good of the team.
The way I see it if it worked for Tiger Woods then it will work on my offspring. I am going to have a basketball and jersey on my liitle tyke the moment he vacates the womb! I think I will even install a Spalding basketball hoop in his crib. If he’s capable of grasping a finger well then he is OLD enough to hold a ball.
I have already found a very important benefactor to sponsor our efforts - Dick’s Sporting Goods! Yes gentleman Dick’s Sporting Goods will provide us with the tools we need to acheive NBA glory through our progeny. You can find a vast assortment of team sports apparel and equipment. Plus they feature great bargains like 20% off of clearance items, 15% off of online orders of their vast catalog of sporting equipment and accessories.
Our cause shall want for nothing. Please sir listen not to the naysayers. We are doing the noble thing, now if only I can convince my wife….
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Tags: basketball, Dicks Sporting Goods, Sports Apparel
Posted in Sporting Goods |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 21st, 2009
For the past several months my friend Cameron and I have been writing a music blog. Oh it’s nothing serious, simply a fun vanity project. That being said I’ve had to delve into researching the world of web hosting. As anyone who has embarked on such a project knows, whether it’s a fun little blog like the one I’m doing or setting up a page for one’s small business, this can be a complicated project. Sometimes I feel that I’m peeling an onion, answering one question leads to several others that I never knew to ask. Beyond digging up free web hosting coupons and looking up the lowest prices, here my Top 10 Tips to keep in mind when shopping web host providers.
- Ask Friends - When it comes to web host shopping, it’s important to get opinion from your experienced friends. These friends can be your neighbors, poker buddies, favorite bloggers or even Internet friends you met on FaceBook. User reviews are always helpful when it comes to picking up the right host!
- Forums and talk back boards have become my best friend while doing research. Almost universally I have found that if I have a question, someone else has already asked it. Web Hosting Talk and Webmaster World are two very good resources. Bookmark your favorites and visit regularly.
- Educate Yourself - You need to know the basics of web hosting and the terminology. You should at least understand the differences between various types of web hosting, pros and cons for different web host operating system, as well as some fundamental knowledge about hosting bandwidth.
- Test customer service before you sign the contract. Most hosting companies provide 24/7 online chat support. I suggest you to talk with their staffs at least once before you purchase. Ask questions to test the quality of their services and only go with those that provide satisfying answers.
- Avoid Providers that Oversell - Providers often oversell their capabilities to keep prices low. Managed overselling is par for the course and acceptable, but a fly by night company that have no plan when they find they can’t handle their traffic is something else altogether. You should run away from these providers as quickly as possible. To learn if your web host is well prepared for overselling, check your server load regularly. Do not hesitate to complain or even switch host if things look fishy to you.
- Long enough Trial Period? - Make sure your web host provides a long enough trial period. You need time to test their server capabilities without risk of losing money.
- Expect the Wrath - Don’t expect a lousy provider to be nice to you when your relationship goes south. There are plenty of stories about shady hosting companies continuing to charge former customer credit cards even though canceled. If possible, always pay your web host with a debit card or PayPal account. Just in case your web host turn bad, you can stop your subscription easily.
- NO SPAM - Does your favorite web host allow spam activities? Is your website sharing the same server with a porn sites? All in all, is your hosting provider listed on Spamhaus Block List? Many hosting companies care little about what their clients are doing with the hosting as long as they get paid. Sharing same IP with such spammers will bring you nothing but troubles (imagine if your emails can only be found in your recipients spam box - terrible!).So before you make any purchase decision, make sure you run a quick check with SpamHaus Block List.
- Back-up & Protection - Find out about the hosts redundancy protections. If things go awry you need to make sure your data isn’t lost! That being said it would behoove you to do your own backups regularly.
- Unlimited is Rare - Understand that unlimited hosting is often not unlimited. That only applies when you aren’t using too much of your providers capabilities. If you expect your site to have crazy traffic, you probably want to go with your own dedicated server.
These are only a few things to keep in mind, just scratching the surface. As I mentioned previously, when jumping into this particular fire one question often leads to ten. If you deal feel ready to take on this challenge however come check out these web hosting deals and coupons. In particular, Yahoo! is currently offering 35% off. Good Luck!
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Tag: web hosting
Posted in Buying Guide, Web Hosting |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 20th, 2009
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 Do you all remember the movie Say Anything? Ione Skye, John Cusak, directed by Cameron Crowe? The story of noble underachiever Lloyd Dobler and a beautiful valedictorian who fall in love the summer before she goes off to college. The movie contains the iconic scene in which he wins her over by blasting Peter Gabriel from a boombox outside her bedroom window. Ring a bell? Have you ever thought of trying this to win over the love in your life?
Well forget that nonsense. As a musician myself, if you want to charm that special someone with the power of music, put in some work, learn an instrument, and do the serenading yourself. Believe me. I wouldn’t steer you wrong about this. Just like I wouldn’t steer you wrong in finding the the best music discounts.
Those of us who know, who play music, know about Musician’s Friend. This veritable wonderland of musical instruments, accessories and pro audio can’t be beat for selection and price. On their best days their deals are incredible, but now they are offering us $200 off purchases of a $1000 or more, and $400 off those of $2000 or more! Just use coupon code CLK at checkout.
To find more free Musician’s Friend Coupon Codes - Click here.
Such low prices to win over the love of you life, don’t you think? Don’t worry Coupon Mountain won’t let anyone know that you sealed the deal on discount. Your secret is safe.
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Tags: music, musical accessories, musical instruments, musicians friend
Posted in Music, Deal of the Day |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 19th, 2009
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 When you walk into your home after a long hard day you want it to feel welcoming correct? We all like to have the tools at our disposal to throw entertaining get togethers and be proud of our homes, don’t we? The Lakeside Collection is one of the hottest companies out there right now helping us to achieve just that. The Lakeside Collection travels the world to find beautiful and affordable products that turn houses into homes. You will love what they have to offer. Gosh, everyone loves what they have to offer. This company is hot, hot, hot!
The Lakeside Collection is an online store that features categories like Apparel, Domestics, Electronics, Food Gifts, Furniture, Garden, Collectibles, Home Decor, Health & Beauty and Jewelry. So many things. The prices are good too. Really Good! With the plentiful additions of the online coupons and discounts they offer it just gets better. Excellent prices and discounts, and products people love? Well no wonder The Lakeside Collection edged into the top 10 most searched for items on Google today!
What are we shopping for today? Items for the kids? How about character bedding, pajama sets, stuffed animals, Christmas theme toys, art sets, puzzles and educational toys. Your picky teenage daughter? How about purses, lip gloss sets, aromatherapy sets, or brand new bedding for her room? the guys in your life will no doubt love the thermals, camping equipment, sports items, a telescope and outdoor games, to name just few options.
A great example of the savings and quality available at The Lakeside Collection is 100% Cotton Towels featured above - Set of 16 for only $9.95
See the Lakeside Collection is a veritable wonderland of savings. They are constantly offering up new deals so it would behoove all of us to check out current offers and check often! Their slogan is: “good things in life don’t have to cost a fortune.” Yes. Exactly. Those of us here at Coupon Mountain completely agree.
For Free Lakeside Collection Coupons - Click here!
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Tags: Home Decor, Kitchen Towels, The Lakeside Collection
Posted in Home & Garden |
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By Isreal Lawrence on May 18th, 2009
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 I love computers. I really do, I’m totally the guy who learns a new way to utilize his computer, and can’t stop prattling on about it to my wife. It’s like I’m ten years old, “Look what I learned at school Mommy!”. Oh she indulges me, maybe she thinks it’s charming, at the very least she appreciates the fact that I know what to do when her computer acts up.
This past Friday, Sara (my wife) and I wandered into a local electronics store and I saw the most beautiful thing. A brand new desktop, with a loaded feature set, with a flat HD display. “Oh my lord “, I exclaimed “think of the possibilities“.
You see these days at my house, we’ve just about done away with the regular television. We watch Hulu, stream movies on Netflix or download them off of iTunes. We watch them all off of computer, or wired through the regular TV set.
I’ve been a laptop man for quite awhile because of portability. However desktops have the advantage over most laptops, due to a larger hard drive, and just generally being more powerful all around. I already have a laptop, two actually. We have been thinking very seriously about purchasing a new television, but what if we got this!?!?!
Lenovo is offering a really great deal right now, at a truly beautiful price might I add. The Lenovo IdeaCentre A series, with a 21.5″ HD monitor, Dolby Home Stereo, Blue Ray player…oh it’s an entertainment wonderland!
Well long story short, Sara pulled me away before any major purchases were made. I’m still working on her however. Check out these Lenovo coupons…up to $400 off? You have to be kidding me! Please take advantage of this! I want to live vicariously through you.
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Tags: computers, Lenovo, Lenovo Coupons
Posted in Computers, Deal of the Day |
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