Cricut Expression with Your Story Bundle

I've been scrapbooking since July and have quickly accumulated a bunch of stuff - embellishments, punches, paper, etc. But no matter how much stuff I buy, it seems like I always need something else.

I've had my eye on the Cricut Expression for a little while now, but it's so expensive that I really couldn't justify spending so much money on a hobby - until now. Those who know me understand that I am a borderline compulsive shopper easily tempted by HSN and Ebay, so I guess it was just a matter of time before I finally got a Cricut. Sure enough, HSN had a sale last week including flex pay and free shipping, so I decided to go ahead and buy one.

I cannot wait to get this machine because it does everything from cards, to scrapbooking layouts to home decor. The bundle that I ordered comes with a separate machine that laminates pages and binds books, and it comes includes three full content cartridges: Storybook, Doodlecharms, and Paper Dolls Dress Up. These cartridges are expensive and can retail for up to $89, so I definitely got a good deal. This will be my last big purchase for the year. For real. Okay, unless the after Christmas sales are really good....

Michael Steele is a jackazz

It's one thing to have legitimate criticism of President Obama and his policies, but this shameless jackal is only cooning and buckdancing to try to get the Republicans to see him as one of the good ones with his willingness to go after the president. He first made an azz of himself with his clumsy attempt at using slang to entice youth to the GOP talking about how it was going to be "Off the Hook."

Now he's implying that President Obama a racist because he supposedly doesn't want David Patterson to run for Governor of New York when his term expires due to his high disapproval ratings. According to Steele, Governor Corzine of New Jersey has the same low poll numbers as Paterson, yet Obama is not asking him to stand down, however what this dissembling coon doesn't acknowledge - if this story about Obama attempting to interfere in Paterson's choice is even true - is that Governor Corzine was elected to be governor whereas Paterson was the lieutenant governor who became governor after Eliot Spitzer was found to have patronized a hooker. There are greater differences between the two governors than race, and it's disingenous of Steele to insinuate otherwise.

With the election of a Black President, many networks and political groups have searched high and low for Black talking heads to oppose the President at every turn, but the Republicans really hit the jackpot with this loyal lap dog of theirs.

I can't stop shopping!

I am a reasonably intelligent person, and I understand that with the volatility of the economy, it is probably a good idea to save money rather than spending it. Still, I can't resist a good deal. Just last week, I purchased a $350 coat for $79 on J. Crew.com. That is the best deal I've scored so far, but I've also been racking up on cashmere sweaters and other winter items that have been marked down in some cases by as much as 75% because folks just aren't shopping as much. I've kept my spending under control so far, but I know that I am easily tempted and need to be careful.

One good thing to come out of this is that I am back to hunting for coupons online. I had gotten out of that habit because for a long time there weren't any decent coupons available. I was able to save $10 on groceries last week with a combination of coupons clipped the Sunday paper and those that I printed online. I also buy some on Ebay.