Book Deal: Target has a 20% off Sale

Hey fellow bookaholics, you know I'm always on the lookout for a good book sale but more importantly to share the info with you when I do. Here's one I just found, for TODAY ONLY Target is having a 20% off sale on their books, movies and TV shows.

You better believe there are already a few books that I've got my eye on, I will keep you posted if I buy anything. Happy shopping everyone.

Current Event: The Grab Your Wallet Protest

It's been a sad few weeks with the death of so many from the warehouse party fire to the deaths of Florence Henderson, Ron Glass and Van Williams. I guess that's why everyday we should try to enjoy life and do as much good as we can.

Which leads me to another current event, a protest that's already in progress. We all know there are more than one way to protest or boycott and now you can add the Grab Your Wallet (Twitter: #GrabYourWallet) protest to the list. The boycott was created by Shannon Coulter as a way to protest against Donald Trump's products as well as Ivanka Trump's products. With hate and misogyny at the forefront of his campaign as well as post election many are letting their money be their voice in protesting. This boycott is geared toward retailers who carry Donald and Ivanka Trump's products but also against Trump's businesses such as his hotels and golf courses.

Coulter has compiled a list (which is updated regularly) that includes these stores: T.J. Maxx, Amazon.com, Zappos, Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, DSW, Macy’s (they still carry Ivanka's line despite dropping her father's), Marshall’s, Saks Off Fifth and more.

I find it disappointing that Ivanka Trump, a Jewish (she converted) businesswoman who aims her clothing line at women would align herself with her father's hatefulness. That is unless she feels the exact same way. Which is why I understand why her products are being boycotted as well.

I like this protest because as consumers we have the right to choose where we spend our money. I have joined this boycott because I feel like these companies are thinking only of profit and nothing else. I have been a long time customer of Amazon's for 16 years. And over the years I have spent quite a bit of money with them but I have no problem shopping elsewhere. I have not placed an order with them since November 18th and as a routine shopper that means something. When I'm not buying books, movies, TV shows or soundtracks from stores I would usually make a purchase from Amazon and over the years that's been a lot of orders. However, I can easily find all those things somewhere else.

Even if I have to pay a little more for a few items it's worth it to me not to buy from companies that do not see the conflict of interest. I recently placed a book order with Barnes & Noble and it felt nice having a new option. I don't know why I didn't order more books from them before but I think it was more to do with habit. Amazon was where I would immediately shop but no more auto-pilot shopping for me.

I also love shopping at Nordstrom and some of the other stores on the boycott list but yet again I have no problem shopping elsewhere. I know these companies have a right to carry whatever merchandise they want but that doesn't mean I have to continue to shop there.

Book Girl Thoughts: The Flash Got Me a Free Ticket to See Batman vs Superman

Guys, I'm both excited and surprised by this little bit of good news I received. You can definitely say that I was surprised when I checked my e-mail this morning and saw I had received a certificate for up to $8.00 off for a movie ticket from Amazon.com. There are only two catches, 1) it's only for Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2) it expires on Sunday (April 17, 2016). Seeing as though I still haven't seen Batman vs Superman yet (yeah I know) I may as well go see it on Amazon's dime.

Since, I'm always suspicious of e-mails that say you received something, as a book blogger I get quite a few of them, I verified that it actually came from Amazon by checking the message section on the website. It turns out when I ordered The Flash season 1 last week, it unknowingly qualified for the certificate. Who knew something good actually resulted from shopping.

Well, I guess you guys know what that means, my weekend plans have just changed. I will be heading to the movies.

Scooby-Doo Meets Impulse Shopping

I am no longer allowed to go anywhere near Amazon.com. Why you may ask? Because I just ordered the complete series of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! and seasons 1 and 3 of What's New Scooby-Doo? (I already had season 2). Plus, a few of the Scooby-Doo animated movies I didn't have.

As you can see I was on a bit of Scooby-Doo kick. I figured I would go ahead and complete my collection.

Buying all of that Scooby-Doo stuff wouldn't be a problem if I hadn't already ordered seven books a couple of days ago. Yes, the glory of overspending. I guess on that note, it's a perfect segue for the next book I will be reading "The Year Without a Purchase" by Scott Dannemiller. I will be reading this tomorrow.

I guess I've been ordering and buying way too many books (and non-books items) lately. I don't need to ask the Scooby gang where my money's gone, since I know exactly what happened to it.

I know I talk about trying to save money quite a bit. But this time I'm finally going to get serious about it. First, starting with cutting back on shopping and from there I will have to stick with my budget and not go over it. It's the impulse shopping that I need to watch out for because honestly that's the cause of a lot of my shopping sprees. I certainly have more than enough books and taking a break from buying new books shouldn't be too hard. My goal is not to buy anymore books until May. That seems reasonable.

I only have one exception:

My weekly comics are not included in the book buying break.


With that settled, time to start saving!

Wish me luck.

~ Book Girl

Is there anyone else who needs to cut back on shopping? Or are there any tips you would like to recommend?

Book Deal: Lois Lane: Double Down

An early Christmas purchase (or pre-order in this case) for myself that I made yesterday was for Lois Lane: Double Down by Gwenda Bond.

I had been searching the Target website when I spotted the book on sale for $12.13 and by the way it's still on sale. And if the release date of January 1, 2016 is to be trusted then it is being released ahead of schedule which is similar to what happened with the first book.

If interested, here is the link if you would like to check it out: Lois Lane: Double Down.

Book: Lois Lane: Double Down (Lois Lane book #2) by Gwenda Bond

Publication: January 1, 2016 (tentative date)     May 1, 2016 (estimated date)

Description:

Lois Lane has settled in to her new school. She has friends, for maybe the first time in her life. She has a job that challenges her. And her friendship is growing with SmallvilleGuy, her online maybe-more-than-a-friend. But when her friend Maddy's twin collapses in a part of town she never should've been in, Lois finds herself embroiled in a  dangerous mystery that brings her closer to the dirty underbelly of Metropolis.

Geek Find: Star Wars Hoodie (HSN Cares)

Last night, I did tune in to watch the HSN Cares Star Wars Special and I saw a few interesting things like the luggage and the headphones. However, I didn't buy anything from the live show instead I went on the HSN website and found more Star Wars items there. I ended up ordering this really cute Star Wars hoodie.

That was my first time ordering anything from HSN, my hoodie should arrive sometime next month. All that aside, I'm just glad that even my small purchase went to help a worthy cause.

Her Universe Star Wars "May the Force" Hoodie   $59.90   HSN (hsn.com)

Event: HSN Cares Star Wars Special (Press Release)

If you love Star Wars and supporting good causes tune in to HSN tonight for The Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman at 7:00 PM EST for a two hour HSN Cares Star Wars Special for UNICEF. For each product sold 20% will go towards charity.

Appearing will be special guest Ashley Eckstein, who is the voice of fan favorite Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels) and founder of Her Universe (heruniverse.com) an Sci-Fi apparel brand that's gear towards female fans.


For more information about this event please read the press release:


HSNi Cares Kicks Off Star Wars-Themed Special Event in Support of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF

ST. PETERSBURG, FL  – HSNi Cares, the philanthropic arm of interactive multichannel retailer HSN, Inc., announced today that it is partnering with Lucasfilm to come together in support of UNICEF's lifesaving work for children. As part of the retailer's third annual national campaign supporting the humanitarian children's organization, HSN will broadcast a special The Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman: HSN Cares Star Wars Edition on Monday, September 28 from 7-9 p.m. (ET).

During the 2-hour primetime special, Ashley Eckstein, voice of Star Wars character "Ahsoka Tano" and founder of the Her Universe sci-fi merchandise brand for female fans, will present exclusive items of Star Wars apparel to raise funds for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Eckstein will appear on-air alongside CEO of HSNi, Mindy Grossman, and Caryl M. Stern, the President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, to not only raise funds but acknowledge and raise awareness of UNICEF's work to improve and save the lives of children in need.

Viewers can learn about UNICEF's work to provide clean water, lifesaving nutrition, education, medicines and emergency relief to children around the world. As Star Wars has been a long-standing supporter of charitable causes, during this event HSN will donate twenty percent of the purchase price for every item featured and sold during the special to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. In addition to apparel, the selection of Star Wars products being sold will include items like a Star Wars Walkie Talkie, Stormtrooper Watch, and Darth Vader Cuff Links.

"I recently returned from my second field visit to see UNICEF's programs for children firsthand and was inspired by their work to make a difference in the lives of children," said Mindy Grossman, Chief Executive Officer of HSN, Inc. "I am so proud of HSNi Cares, our partners and customers who support UNICEF's work to make an impact on the lives of children around the world."

HSNi Cares has activated a comprehensive, 360-degree national campaign that runs through September 30 across television, catalogs, digital and social channels, raising funds and awareness in support of UNICEF. All eight HSNi brands – HSN, Frontgate, Grandin Road, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, TravelSmith, Improvements and Chasing Fireflies – have come together to fulfill HSNi Cares goal of empowering women and supporting families in times of need globally, through interactive digital activations and customer donations across their channels.

HSN Cares has also been collaborating with four brand partners – Perlier, Giuliana Rancic, HP and Diane Gilman – who have generously supported the campaign with a donation and will raise funds and awareness for the campaign during their appearances on HSN.

For more information about the HSN Cares campaign for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF or to donate, please visit HSN.com (keyword HSN Cares).


About HSN

HSN is a leading direct-to-consumer live content retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in Health & Beauty, Jewelry, Home/Lifestyle, Fashion/Accessories, and Electronics. HSN broadcasts live to 95 million households in the US in HD 24/7 and its website - HSN.com features more than 50,000 product videos. Mobile applications include HSN apps for iPad, iPhone and Android. HSN, founded 38 years ago as the first shopping network, is an operating segment of HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSNI). For more information, please visit HSN.com, or follow @HSN on Facebook and Twitter.


About HSNi Cares

HSNi Cares, the philanthropic arm of HSN, Inc., is dedicated to empowering women and helping families in times of need locally, nationally and globally. Together with trusted organizations and volunteers we are able to make a difference with hope, love and support.


About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

A Challenge To Calm My Book Buying Frenzy

I can't believe it, my mother just compared me to Carrie Bradshaw. But not in the way I had hoped such as her love of fashion or looking stylish but in comparison to Carrie's tendency to be a shopaholic. Well in my case, a bookaholic. She made the comment while I was in the process of ordering a few books (okay nine).

Nine books probably doesn't seem like a big order, however, I also ordered a total of 20 additional books over the past few weeks. And not to mention the odd few I've bought from time to time lately. What can I say, I've found some really good deals.

After I placed my order, I took a moment and decided that I'm going to go on one of my book buying breaks (for real this time) until October. And if I succeed my reward will be the Black Widow: Forever Red book which will be out in October. But I do have three exceptions: Storm vol #2, Red One vol #1 (both are out near the end of the month) and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl vol #1 (it's out in August). My challenge will officially begin tomorrow, Sunday July 12th.

In general, I don't normally buy that many books but lately I have and factor that in with my weekly comic books that's quite a lot. My comics are not included in the book buying break but I am going to cut back on those as well. Carrie once said in the sixth season 1st episode "I like my money where I can see it - hanging in my closet". I do not want my money to be found sitting on all my bookshelves, I have no desire to end up how Carrie did in the 4th season episode "Ring a Ding Ding" where she didn't have enough money to buy her apartment due to the fact that she had a closet full of designer clothes, shoes and accessories.

Which is why I am going to do my very best to stick with my goal. This break shouldn't be too hard for me since I have more than enough books sitting on my shelves that I haven't read. And not to mention I can borrow books from the library if there is something "new" I would like to read.

In the end, I think this break should be a good thing. It will give me a chance to save a little money and take a book shopping breather.

"I've spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!" ~ quote from Sex and the City season 4 episode 16, "Ring a Ding Ding"

News: Amazon marks 20th birthday with its own 'Black Friday' but for Prime Members Only

by Alexandra Gibbs, CNBC

Online shoppers get ready to spend, spend, spend, for Black Friday is coming early this year as part of Amazon's 20th birthday celebrations.

Next Wednesday, July 15, Amazon is launching "Prime Day"; its own global shopping event that aims at offering "more deals than Black Friday", for customers in nine countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Japan, the online marketplace announced Monday.

Greg Greeley, vice president of Amazon Prime said in a statement that Prime Day will be "one of the biggest deals extravaganzas in the world." The retailer also promises that new deals will be "starting as often as every ten minutes" on the day.

However, as its name implies, "Prime Day" is for Amazon Prime members only. An online service that provides members exclusive options and benefits for an annual fee, for instance $99 a year in U.S.

This January, statistics showed that Amazon Prime had 40 million U.S. members, spending an average annual amount of $1,500, compared to non-members, who spent only $625; according to a report by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, LLC (CIRP).

Amazon Prime appears to see an increased interest in membership during the holiday sale season. Amazon announced a rise of 10 million additional U.S. Prime customers during last year's holiday season, up from 29 million in September 2014, according to CIRP.

In the U.K. Amazon reported that last year's Black Friday was the British site's busiest day on record, selling around 64 items per second.

James Brooke, managing director at Rooster PR, told CNBC that while the 20th birthday is a "nice angle," it won't steal any limelight away from the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday.

"Amazon's clear focus currently is to drive subscriptions to its Prime service and this is a clever way of doing exactly that."

"While the hook of Amazon's 20th birthday is a nice angle, the date of 15th July is also far enough away from Black Friday that there's zero risk of Prime Day cannibalizing one of the biggest shopping days of the year. It's a smart marketing campaign that's going to drive subscriptions, sales and revenues," Brooke said.

----
My Two Cent:

I wonder if it's a good idea to have a sale that alienates some of their customers. Recently, I spotted a great deal for seasons 1 and 2 of 2 Broke Girls but unfortunately it was only for Prime Members. I was disappointed but I felt like I shouldn't have to sign up and pay for a program just to get a good deal. I ended up buying it from Walmart for around the same price. Not that it probably matters to them but they did lose a sale on that product.

Do you think a Prime Membership is worth it or not?

Shopping: Arrow Seasons 1 and 2 on Sale

Who doesn't love a deal? And by deal I mean Target.com has Seasons 1 and 2 of Arrow for $10.00 each while on Best Buy's website the Blu-ray version is on sale for $16.99 each.

Although, I'm nearly finished watching the first season (from Netflix), I figured why not just go ahead and order them. I'd say this is a pretty good deal.

Why doesn't Amazon have a $35 or $40 gift card?

I was just wondering why Amazon hasn't created a $35 gift card especially since they have increased the free shipping minimum from $25 to $35. I prefer to shop on there using gift cards, for 1) you don't have to worry about charging things to your credit/debit card and 2) it keeps me from going over budget. It would be really great if I could buy a either a $35 or $40 gift card from a store, but they don't have any.

I wonder if the idea has ever been raised at one of their meetings. It certainly would be a good idea if you ask me.

Target's Justice League Save the Day animated commercial - Video

I think this is pretty cool.

Picture of my Justice League Target Collection Purchase

This was the only Justice League item that I wanted from the Target collection. I couldn't pass this up. They're each in their pre-reboot costumes. So far from what I have seen from the collection everything seems geared to kids. Hopefully they will have more items for us big "kids" as well.

New Book Purchase: Inferno (and I spotted some new products)

I was at Target earlier and decided to just pick up Inferno by Dan Brown (since it was released today and it's on my wish list). I'm so excited, I really can't wait to read this. I really love the Robert Langdon series.

While I was walking around the store guess what else I saw? Can't guess, well Target has the Justice League stuff on display already. I saw some toys, beach chairs, beach towels including a Batman towel that has a hood, cups, plates, etc. I guess Target didn't want to wait until the 19th to display it.

I'm not a fan of the purple and pink Wonder Woman stuff. What's wrong with the original Wonder Woman colors? I don't understand why they always change the design colors for female characters. They would never change the colors for Batman and Superman.

Anyway, I did end up buying one thing from the collection, it was the DC Dive Heroes pack. Yes, it's a toy but it's cool. It had Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in their original costumes and they look like little statues. I'm not sure if I will take them out of the package but for now I'll just put them on my bookcase. I'll try to post a picture later today.

PR: Target and Warner Bros. Consumer Products Team Up to Reimagine Justice League Merchandise

Summer collection inspired by exclusive visit to the DC Comics archives

 

 

MINNEAPOLIS --- In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Target^® Corp. (NYSE: TGT) and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with DC Entertainment, have teamed up to introduce an extensive summer collection of exclusive Justice League merchandise. The summer collection was inspired by “DC Comics – The New 52” comic book character designs and holds surprises for fans young and old. Featuring the full lineup of DC Comics’ iconic Justice League Super Heroes – Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman – the summer collection will launch at all U.S. Target stores and on Target.com beginning May 19.

 

The summer collection was co-created by the Target and Warner Bros. Consumer Products design teams and features contemporary and nostalgic, vintage-inspired graphics and designs. With more than 50 summer products available exclusively at Target, guests will see the collection come to life in home, stationery, sporting goods, and lawn and garden. Some of the more unexpected items include melamine dinnerware that features a purple and pink-clad Wonder Woman; an apron that transforms the cook into Batman; sand toys that will help beach-goers create Gotham City; and children’s Batman, Wonder Woman and The Flash beach towels that double as capes.

 

“We know Target’s guests love discovering unique merchandise, and this collection delivers the unexpected with a dash of great design. Fans of all ages are sure to love these one-of-a-kind summer items,” said Greg Van Bellinger, director of product design and development, Target.

 

“DC Comics’ Justice League characters are a powerful assemblage of the most recognizable Super Heroes in the history of comic books. We are incredibly excited to offer fans of all ages a unique collection and collaboration that pairs the heroics of the Justice League characters with the product design and marketing super powers of Target,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

 

In addition to the exclusive summer collection, Target will be part of a broader partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products that will offer more traditional Justice League licensed products. The broader partnership will span more than 20 categories including home, stationery, toys, apparel and accessories. All Justice League licensed products will range from $1 for Justice League temporary tattoos to $59.99 for a Justice League Rocker Chair. Target will also offer Justice League Halloween costumes for kids later this year.

 

With the release of “Justice League #1” in 2011, DC Entertainment officially kicked off “DC Comics – The New 52” as part of a re-launch of their entire comic book line of 52 new number one issues. “DC Comics – The New 52” Super Heroes are presented in a more contemporary way, including new costumes, characters and storylines.

 

 

About Target

   

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,832 stores – 1,784 in the United States and 48 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.
   
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
   
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
   
About DC Entertainment
   
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.
   
JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.