Did some online shopping

I had some gift certificates burning a hole in my pocket last night. I don't know why, exactly. I've had 3 of them since Christmas, and one of them since last June. But last night, I was determined to do some shopping.

So I was off to Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. I discovered some interesting cost comparisons. Even as a member at B&N, which afforded me approx. 15% discount on my purchases, the costs for the books I wanted were about 20% higher at B&N than at Amazon.

My other big dilemma: Buy new from Amazon or buy "new or used" from one of the Amazon sellers for a FRACTION of the cost (but pay $3.99 per book for shipping). So many decisions, so few gift certificate dollars to spend.

So, anyway, I wound up purchasing 9 books last night: 3 each from Amazon, B&N, and Amazon sellers. I only paid shipping on the books from the Amazon Sellers, but I saved at least $15 each on the books I ordered from the sellers, so it was worth it, overall.

5 Scrapbooking or Cardmaking books
3 Science Fiction/Fantasy books
1 Historical Fiction book

(One of the SciFi books that I ordered was recommended to me right here on my blog. Thanks, Genevieve, for the suggestion!)

Have I mentioned lately...

...how much I love free stuff?!

I received a free book from Barns & Noble.com by UPS today. A couple of weeks ago, I received an invitation to join their First Look Club (The email said, "Get a free copy of the book your friends will be reading next year."), and I was just sent an Advanced Reading Copy of The Monsters of Templeton. There will be a forum and talks with the author starting in October. Cool stuff.

I can't wait to unwind and read it (stressful weekend and work is stressful right now, too).

Apparently, Stephen King recommends the book, too!

Finished the final HP book

I finished the final Harry Potter book about an hour ago. 750+ pages of pottermania in one weekend. I started reading around 1:30 yesterday, fell asleep about an hour later for a 3 hour nap, then read most of the rest of the weekend.

I stretched the previous HP book over a week or more so I could enjoy it, but I worried that too many people would discuss the book online or post spoilers, so I wanted to go ahead and read it and experience the story for myself.

The HP books are very easy to read but not too childish. I prefer the earlier, shorter volumes, but I really like Rowling's writing style.

I borrowed a few of the Wizard of Oz books so I would better understand the backdrop for Wicked, but I can't really get into them. They are simple reads, but maybe a little too simple for me to really enjoy.

Maybe I'll read them to the kids if they'll let me LOL.

Anyway, back to housework, that has been sorely neglected this weekend.

Wicked

I'm reading a book called "Wicked". I saw it in a 2nd hand book store that I stumbled upon at the local shopping center. I read the first couple of pages then went to the library to borrow the book.

I haven't gotten into it very much, yet, but I think I'll like it. I felt I needed a book to read that wasn't craft or hobby-related.