Monday, August 13, 2012

My 98¢ shopping trip

Once again I had earned a $10 gift certificate for using my TJX credit card, one that gives you rewards points along with extra points for shopping at three of my most favorite stores, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. I usually try to get something completely free for the psychological kick that always gives me, but this time there were two items at T.J. Maxx I really wanted, so I decided to go over my $10 limit by 98¢ and I'm glad I did!

Years ago I saw a checkerboard cake pan set but didn't buy it. Then, I began to see fun checkerboard cake recipes, but I had no special pans. I vowed that the next time I saw this set I'd get it, so I did, and $7.99 struck me as a great price. I'm envisioning a red and white peppermint cake at Christmas, pink and white at Valentine's, green and white (or chocolate) for St. Patrick's Day, red, white and blue for July 4th … any other ideas, friends?

And I had been thinking about getting a new "office tea mug" for tea drinking at work. This one is just perfect, and the $2.99 price tag made me pretty happy, too.

So even though I went over by 98¢ I don't think I can complain about my new goodies!

16 comments:

  1. Good finds and I especially like the mug! It is really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The mug is perfect for you. I've seen the pans before but am not that adventurous. I' m looking forward to seeing one of your creations though.
    Judith

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the mug, Angela! Great purchases!

    ReplyDelete
  4. well any favorite football team colors would be a must have cake and dont forget Halloween. "Cute Mug". you are so fun to follow. Look forward to your blog everyday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cute mug! Have fun with the cake pan.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can't wait to see your checkerboard creation!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Can't wait to see your checkerboard creation!

    ReplyDelete
  8. When my kids were young, my mom gave me a checkerboard cake set and I made so many cakes for them. In addition to the color combos you mention, we did pink and green for Easter, blue and orange for Bronco games, and countless other combos.

    These cakes are incredibly easy to do, and I always used the recipe on the box, which came out perfectly despite my being at high elevation and not compensating for it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My mother had a utensil like yours to make checkerboard cakes, and I inherited it. Actually, being the only girl, my 4 brothers allowed me anything I wanted from her house. I haven't used it in a long time, but I must make a cake for a funeral tomorrow. It may just be checker board!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That mug is very cute - perfect for the office. Can't wait to see the cake you make with your new checkerboard pan.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I shop the same way!! But I think you made the right call. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Visit Linderhof -- I've made and posted about the Fatless tea bread!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Angela, welcome to the Checkerboard Cake Club. I have sent various checkerboard cakes to work with my DH and the people he works with think they are amazing. Some of them are engineers and they couldn't figure it out. They thought I cut out little pieces and put them together. Don't tell anyone how easy this is with the cake pans. Just smile and let them think you are a genius! My favorites are french vanilla and strawberry cakes. Oh, I can taste it now. YUM!

    Love the mug! I see tea and cake in your future!

    Hint: Putting the batter in large piping bags makes it easy to distribute the batter evenly in the pans. Fold the end and pinch with a clothes pin, put bag in large pitcher or vase and fold ends over the top while filling the bag.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You did very well for 98cents. Can't wait to see these cakes you have planned. Enjoy the fun cup at your desk. It is always nice to have a special mug for work.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cute mug. My Mom has one of these pans and I loved the surprise of a checkerboard cake as a child.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That checkerboard pan looks like you could have a lot of fun with that. I like your idea of green and white for St. Pat's day.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment! It makes my day to hear from readers!