The Chronic Consumer

We’re buying a new van next year to replace my husband’s current one, which is going on 9 years old. We haven’t quite decided what make or model we’re getting, but we’re sure that we want to install a dropdown DVD player once we get it. So we’re already shopping for auto DVD players, and have identified the Alpine PKG-RSE2 as our first choice.

From the reviews I’ve read, the Alpine PKG-RSE2 is one of the best aftermarket players available. Primarily, we’re looking for something with a big screen (this one is 10.2 inches) and that has a clear picture when viewed from the sides. This last part is extremely important since the player will be mounted in the center, which means both backseat passengers will be watching from an angle.

The only drawback to this Alpine is the price tag — nearly $700. That’s certainly going to do some damage to our checking account, but I think this is one instance where we shouldn’t skimp on quality.

We’re going to keep checking around, of course, as we still have a few months before we take the plunge on a new car. Even so, I think there’s a 90% chance that we’ll end up buying this Alpine.

I can’t wait to be able to watch DVDs on long road trips!

I meant to make this post last month during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it completely slipped my mind. I don’t want to wait until next year, so I’m just going to post now.

I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I like to buy products from websites, stores, and organizations that support a specific cause, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s foundation of America. I love knowing that a percentage of the money I spend goes to help these worthy charities.

Another cause that I support is breast cancer awareness, which is why I’ve purchased several items from The Breast Cancer Site. One of my favorite items from that site is the Classic Pink Ribbon Pin, a symbol that everyone recognizes.

This is an enameled pin that, according to the product description, is approximately 2cm tall and 1 cm wide. The ribbon is made of sterling silver, and is hand-painted in pink (with a silver trim around the whole thing). It has a simple pin and clasp mechanism on the back, allowing you to attach it to your blouse, lapel, or whatever.

The pin also came in a beautiful handmade gift bag, which was a surprise. The bag is made from a velvet-like material, has four drawstrings, and features an embroidered pink ribbon in the lower right-hand corner. (Click to enlarge a bit.)

The Classic Pink Ribbon Pin costs just $8.95 at The Breast Cancer Site, and best of all, the site contributes the cost of 1% of a mammogram for each pin sold. They also offer deals on purchases of two or more pins, and handle bulk orders as well.

If you’d like to support the fight against breast cancer, I encourage you to shop at The Breast Cancer Site this holiday season. There are tons of other items available for sale, so you’ll definitely be able to find something to your liking. Check it out!