Todd English’s Green Pan

The other day I was in Target, shopping for odds and ends, when I remembered to check the cookware aisles. I’ve been needing to beef up my supply of stove-top cookware, and have been window shopping for the perfect items to fill in the gaps in my artillery. I happened to stop when I saw a powder-blue and grey skillet. It was 12″ with high sides. I almost moved on because of the non-stick coating, but then I noticed the name: Green Pan.

It was one of the pans that National Geographic’s Green Guide recommends. I checked the price: $39.99. Not bad. I was in the market for a wok and an 11″ skillet, but it occurred to me that this would suit both purposes adequately. So far I’ve cooked Indian curry, eggs, turkey meatballs, and pancakes in it, just so I could test out its performance range.

Things to love: According to the packaging, you can use this pan on any type of cook top surface (gas, electric, flat, coil) and it is safe up to 800 degrees–which is pretty safe. The high-temp tolerance means that the pan won’t emit fumes or leak toxins into your food the way other non-stick pans do when heated past their idea temp (usually less than 500 degrees, I believe). The green technology that Green Pan utilizes greatly reduces their carbon emissions during different steps of the manufacturing process and they use less packaging than most (just a bit of recycled paper).

The pan heats evenly and cooks beautifully. At $39.99, that’s a bargain for a great, multi-purpose piece of cookware.

Less than perfect: I can already tell I’m going to have to be careful not to scratch the non-stick coating. My bamboo cooking spoons and my silicone spatula are the only things that are coming near this. I also wouldn’t feel comfortable sticking it in my draining rack. I wash and dry it by hand. But that’s what you sign up for when you buy non-stick cookware.

Final analysis: Pretty, functional, human and eco friendly. Sold! I plan to stock up on a few more of their products.

Posted by: Catie

Joe’s Jeans.

I bought my first pair of designer jeans when I was twenty, and since then haven’t bought anything else.  The fit, the look, and the feel were dramatically better than jeans that I had been buying from Gap and Express. I really can’t afford the retail price for most designer jeans, so I shop on eBay for my denim. I usually only buy it new, with the tags still on, and I’ve gotten amazing deals.

Like my most recent score: a pair of Joe’s Jeans in the “Rocker” cut, brand new for $16.01. That’s incredible! They’re my new favorite jeans, too–I’m sold on Joe’s.

Things to love: COMFORT. I’ve tried on many pairs of Joe’s Jeans before, and they are always super comfortable. They also fit my curvier shape great–the lower rise hugs just the right part of my hips and doesn’t create love handles. Did I mention they’re comfortable? The cuts are super-cute, and the denim seems durable. Oh, and they’re comfortable, too.

Less than perfect: The price. Unless you take a leaf out of my book, which, I grant you, will limit your style and color options, prepare to pay about $175.

Final Analysis: Worth. It. I love these jeans! They’re flattering and feel like wearing sweatpants. My advice to you is to stop in at Macy’s or Nordstrom’s and try on a variety of styles and sizes to see what you like best. Jot down the information and start surfing eBay. If you’re diligent about it, you can find GREAT deals. If you don’t got the eBay route, I recommend buying fewer pairs of jeans–instead of having a five or six, just stick to two really awesome pairs of jeans.

Posted by: Catie

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy

For the past year and a half, I’ve passed the Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacyon 45th Street in Seattle countless times.  Tucked back off of the street on the first floor of the Wallingford Center, it’s difficult to see into the windows without looking silly.  Consequently, I had learned to quell my curiousity by ignoring its existence.  Meanwhile, I’d scoured the shelves at the Bartell’s and QFC across the street, searching intently for any decent natural products to offer my skin and home.  Occasionally, I would venture to the pharmacy section of the local Whole Foods but would rarely buy unfamiliar products.  Why would I spend such a premium if I don’t know if it’ll work?

Yesterday, I finally ventured into the Pharmaca in response to a mailbox ad I received last week.  The colorful newsprint featured many of my favorite and familiar natural brands and quickly convinced me that I’ve been needlessly scouring shelves at other stores for far too long! 

Things to love: 

• Selection.  Everything from candles, greeting cards, fitness, supplements, teas, prescriptions, home care, pet care, soaps, lotions, make-up, skin care, hair care, chocolates, books, magazines, and more.
• Staff.  These ladies were incredibly helpful and responsive to my questions.  They knew about each product and also suggested alternatives, citing pros and cons for each.  I really appreciated the customer service and personal attention I witnessed them give to me and to all of the other customers – including a 10-year-old girl wanting to know the differences in types of chocolate!
• Cosmetics & Skin Care.  This was likely my favorite part of the store.  They carry Dr. Hauschka’s, Avalon Organics, Astara, Zia, and many others that I don’t remember.  However, I can say that they have the full spectrum of price ranges, which I definitely appreciate.  They also have a “Makeover Bar” with a full set of cosmetics and products to try right there with the assistance of a staff member.  I was looking for a good eye cream.  Instead of trying to sell me the cream right there, she sent me home with several different samples and told me about each.  I really appreciate the opportunity to try these premium products before making the monetary commitment.  They also give the same sample treatment with all of their cosmetics and skin care products, and I can guarantee that I’ll be back!
• Price.  While most of the products are premium in comparison to those at the local drug store, the prices are very reasonable compared to other retailers for the same and similar items.
• Pharmacy.  The pharmacy accepts most insurance carriers.  While I haven’t tried this out, I intend to do so the next time I need to fill a prescription. 

Less than perfect:  Pharmaca is currently only located in selected areas of California, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington State. (Check out the website for specific locations.)  Unfortunately for those of you who live outside these areas, the Pharmaca website doesn’t contain a product list or links to featured brands.  You’ll have to stick to alternative means of obtaining great natural brands.

Final Analysis:  I’m sold and never want to walk into a normal drug store ever again.  If you’re into natural products, this is definitely something for you to check out.  If you haven’t tried many natural products, this is a great place to get started with the help of their knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Posted by: Lynnette

Links to love.

I’m a big fan of internet shopping for clothing and household items, largely because on the internet you can quickly compare products and prices and come away with the best deal. I have my favorite stores, but I tend to check out a few sites to help me achieve the best bargains:

Retailmenot.com: This site allows you to search for coupon codes and printable coupons for a ton of stores!

The Bargain Shopper Lady: This lady has tips, trips, and coupons and updates her site regularly.

Ebates: Log into this site before you make an online purchase and then find the store where you’ll be shopping. Not every store is listed on the site, but many are. Follow the link from Ebates to the internet site and a percent of your purchase will be credited back to you. If you get really into it, you can get bonuses for referring friends. Click here to use my sign-up code and we’ll both get a $5 bonus!

Coupon Cabin: Another coupon site. Lets you search for deals store, category, expiration date, and more.

If all else fails, I just use Google. For example google “Jcrew free shipping code.” I can usually find a way to off-set some of the purchase price, and make internet shopping way cheaper than shopping at the mall.

Posted by: Catie

Aerie

Oh. my. gosh.  I’m in love.  I’ve found my underwear Mecca.  Girls, read on. 

The Seattle area just got its first store of American Eagle’s underwear line Aerie.  Although American Eagle is primarily designed for high school and college students, I’m roughly the average size of this age group, which makes shopping for business attire and undergarments particularly difficult.  Even the smallest sizes of most clothing companies do not fit me as they were intended, and hardly anyone carries a 32B in any sort of fashionable bra.

If you’re in the same boat as me, Look No Further!  This store is a dream come true for smallish girls everywhere who wear unusual sizes.  With at least 6 different bra lines, each in various colors, textures, and designs, you’ll never have to “settle for whatever you can find” again! All bras come in sizes 32AA through 36D, which means that you lucky girls who are 32C’s are also in luck. Also, when you try them on, they give you a little caddy full of every line in your size, so you get to try on all 6 lines without having to go through the racks.  Awesome!  Added bonus: all priced between $24-$34.  I’m sold.  Alas, I was not there to buy bras, but panties, so I didn’t buy any bras today.  However, I know exactly where I’m going in a few months when I need new ones!

I went in to buy panties, and they have roughly the same deal as Victoria’s Secret, 5 for $25 for all cotton.  There are tables and tables of options, also with at least 9 different cuts.  I’m normally a thong girl due to the pooky butt, but this store has expanded my options.  My classic favorite: the Boybrief – unlike any other boy brief out there.  Thick, soft binding is comfy, doesn’t cut you at the cheek, and somehow doesn’t show through jeans.  My new favorite: the Boyshortie – hits down the leg and stays down, also without cutting.  Because these hit lower and don’t have a thick hem, they’re perfect for dress slacks when you don’t want to wear the thong – something I’ve been seeking forever.  I also bought: the Lowkini – due to the low waistline, the leg edge comes up at a lower angle, which keeps it from riding like a normal bikini.  This one will need a test drive before I commit to buying more than one.

Last but not least:  I went in on Promo Day.  For trying on a bra, I got a $5 off anything coupon.  They have a 6-month “A Club” card that gives you a free gift any one Thursday of the month for 6 months - even if you don’t buy anything.  Today, I got a really pretty candle in a tin.  And the day you sign up for the A Club, you get 20% off of your purchase in addition to any other discounts.  Also, they have a points reward system like a grocery store where you earn points for every purchase, and you get a reward coupon mailed to you every 4 months.  The coupon entitles you to anywhere from 10%-40% off of your total purchase for one visit.  Perfect!  I can totally budget new panties each season.

All in all, I made out with 5 pairs of panties and a candle for $17 after tax.  Not bad.  My advice: go in and try on bras on a Thursday and get yourself some new panties and a reward.

Posted by: Lynnette