The Chronic Consumer

I love IHOP pancakes, so I’m definitely planning on taking advantage of this offer! Tuesday February 23 is National Pancake Day, and to celebrate, IHOP is giving away a free short stack of pancakes (that’s three for those of you who have never been there) to customers from 7am to 10pm. No purchase is required, but IHOP does ask that you donate to the Children’s Miracle Network or a similar charity (although again, this is NOT required). Limit 1 short stack per customer, and you can’t get the free pancakes in conjunction with other specials or coupons.

Can’t wait for this one!

I just read that Abercrombie & Fitch posted a fourth quarter earnings drop of 31% a few days ago as consumers continue to eschew the company’s high-priced fashions in favor of similar offerings from stores like Aeropostale and American Eagle.

I used to shop at Abercrombie back when I was in college, but I’m in my mid-30’s now, so there’s no reason for me ever to go back to that store. My younger cousins used to like the place, but recently they’ve been asking for Aeropostale gift cards too. I guess that’s the best way to figure out how well a clothing store is doing — by whether or not current high schoolers want to shop there!

As someone who constantly battles with weight issues, I’m always on the lookout for that next great product that will help me shed some extra pounds. I know in the long run diet and exercise can do more than supplements, but most people could use a boost every now and then.

The problem is, there are so many different weight loss products out there that it’s virtually impossible to choose something without help. I mean, how would the average Jane or Joe differentiate between ephedra, Xyphedrine, LipoClen, and Hydroxycut? How can someone tell if Acai berries are worth buying or if they’re simply another fad? Review sites can definitely help in this area, so click here to learn more!

Obviously pills and supplements aren’t the only answer to weight loss problems, but maybe they can help. It’s worth a try!

I don’t have money to go to a spa all the time, but I try to go every 3-4 months or so for some basic treatments. For example, I get a full body massage to remove some of the tension and muscle pain that has built up from exercising or simply being hunched over my keyboard all day, and I also get a facial, at which point the employees invariably push me to buy acne scar cream. I have one very noticeable acne pit/scar high up on my cheek under my right eye, but I’ve learned to live with it. I also get a manicure, pedicure, and maybe get my hair cut and styled if I have the cash.

I last went to the spa on the Friday before Valentine’s Day because my husband gave me a gift card as my V-Day present. It was very relaxing and enjoyable… it’s just too bad I don’t have an extra $250 to spend every month!

I absolutely LOVE soft pretzels and cannot go to the mall or a baseball game without getting at least a couple. Hmm, maybe I just figured out why I also have to buy cellulite gel on a regular basis!! At any rate, there’s an Auntie Anne’s at the mall right down the street from my house, so the delicious, warm goodness is never too far away.

The only thing better than an Auntie Anne’s soft pretzel is a FREE Auntie Anne’s soft pretzel — which everyone can enjoy this coming Saturday, Feb. 20. That’s right, on Feb. 20 from 10am to 3pm, you can get a free regular or cinnamon pretzel at participating locations. You don’t need a coupon or anything, and it says limit one per person. You can even sign up for a text message reminder on the 20th — which I’ve already done. See you at the mall!

If you’re anything like me, then you can’t leave the house in the morning before dabbing on at least a bit of concealer under your eyes. I’m one of those unfortunate people who look like I haven’t slept in ages even after the most restful nights imaginable. I don’t know what the underlying problem is, but it’s been plaguing me since college. I need to get out there and buy a truck full of the best eye cream for dark circles. Maybe that would attack the root cause instead of just covering things up.

Until I find a solution, however, I just have to make sure I’m always stocked up on concealer. Fortunately I can get away with using the cheap stuff, so at least my dark circles aren’t affecting my pocketbook as well.

One of the best appetizers ever, IMHO, is the Bloomin’ Onion at Outback Steakhouse. I love those things, and simply have to order one whenever we go there. Heck, I sometimes even order one to pick up at the takeout window if I get a craving. I know those things are packed with calories and after eating one I get all paranoid and spend an hour on the Internet looking for how to reduce cholesterol, but whatever. I still can’t get enough.

But it’s expensive to buy bloomin’ onions all the time, so I am intrigued by this little device I saw on an As Seen On TV site. It’s a bloomin’ onion maker — or at least a holder for the onion so you can cut it crosswise to get that open flower look. You’d still have to dip the onion in batter and deep fry it yourself. Oh, and there’s the matter of the sauce, of course. Can’t have a bloomin’ onion without the dipping sauce!

I don’t know… This thing probably would save a ton of money in the long run, but I honestly can’t see myself going to all this time and trouble to make my own bloomin’ onion. I think I’m going to pass on this.

I’m not a big cookie person, but I like to eat them once in a while. My favorites are Oreos, which I never seem to get sick of. I’ve been eating those things since I was a kid, and they’re still the first brand I reach for when I go to the store. I just limit myself to getting maybe one package a month, otherwise I’m I’d have to stock up on weight loss pills too!

Anyway, I finally got around to trying Oreo Cakesters the other day. Though these look like giant, overstuffed Oreos, they are billed as “soft snack cakes”, so they are not at all the same texture. They don’t even taste faintly like Oreos either, which is kind of what I was expecting. They reminded me of Ding Dongs more than anything else.

Still, they were quite good, and for less than $4 for six “twin-wrapped” packages, not too expensive. I’m sure I’ll be buying them again!