Home Sweet Home Wherever We Roam

Home Sweet Home Wherever We Roam is a figurine of the Red and Yellow M and Ms RVing. I feel that the paragraph provided with the ad explains the scene very well.

"Join the ever-popular M and Ms Spokescandies as they enjoy one of America's favorite pastimes, RVing. Presenting "Home Sweet Home Wherever We Roam," featuring Red and Yellow firing up the grill beside their RV. By their surprised expressions, their charbroiled dinner is a bit more charred than broiled! Whose idea was it to put Yellow in charge of the grilling anyway?"

Why would you want this? What would you do with this? If someone gave it to me, I would regift it. And that person would be like, "Wow, um, thanks for the collectible RVing M and Ms figurine." And I would say, “I knew you’d like it.” And that person would make a mental note that the presents I give are really lame, as to prepare themselves for next year when I give them socks.

As for our M and M friends, they would probably be regifted yet again. The death spiral never ends.

What do you think of Home Sweet Home Wherever You Go? Also, what are you doing for Halloween? Trick or treating? Staying home? Going to a party? Please share!

P.S. I know "M and M s" isn't the right way to write the name of the candy, but Blogger doesn't support ampersands.

What Do You Think?

Sorry I have been gone so long. I have a new post set for tomorrow. Blogger is changing up all of their interfaces, and in the name of innovation, I decided to experiment with one on Crap or Treasure?. As you might know, I have only changed up the interface once before, but it was annoying so I changed it back. However, this one has lots of different ways to view content, which I think is pretty cool. I especially like Sidebar and Snapshot. Please let me know if you prefer the new interface, or miss the old one. Thanks!

Kisses for My Granddaughter

How would I describe Kisses for My Granddaughter?

Creepy?

Strange?

Something that if given to me I would stuff into the back of my closet?

All these descriptions apply, at least in my opinion. Let's see what the Bradford Exchange, who sells this piece, has to say about Kisses for My Granddaughter:

"Just like HERSHEY'S KISSES chocolates, granddaughters make life a whole lot sweeter! Now these favorite candies inspire the "Dear Granddaughter" Limoges-style music box, exclusively from The Bradford Exchange. Hand-crafted of Heirloom Porcelain, "Dear Granddaughter" is "wrapped" in a silvery finish with a golden heart clasp and a plume that reads "KISSES for My Granddaughter." It plays "You Are So Beautiful" at the turn of the key."

Why would anyone want a music box that plays "You Are So Beautiful?" I think any self- respecting teenage girl (or younger, for that matter) would be mortified if they received this. do you really think a kid would want to display this? most kids I know would be embarassed to.

What do you think? Is it crap or treasure?

The Spirit of Flight

To jazz things up, I am writing the Top Five Reasons Why the Spirit of Flight is Creepy:

5) Her "dreamy expression"

4) The fact that there is an eagle in her hair and a bird on her backside

3) Her skin is blue

2) She takes the feather hair trend a little too seriously

1) Apparently, this is the artist's "mystical world of her vivid imagination." I am now scared of her imagination.

What can you think of?

Believe in a Hopeful Future

To raise funds to cure breast cancer, it seems that people have resorted to selling you cats.

Not real cats of course. Just white ceramic ones with "believe" written in pink across its stomach, along with butterflies and pink ribbons. I have the ad for the cat in front of me. Would you believe that the figurine above is only 4 inches tall! Also, at $30, "a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each figurine will be donated to finding a cure for breast cancer", yet they don't tell you the amount. I think that it should be required that companies tell you how much they donate when selling items like this. What if they only give a few dollars, and you are left buying a $20-something cat?

I like how the ad says that the cat is "a cherished companion." Yeah...... My best friend's a ceramic cat. You gotta problem with that?

What do you think?

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Today is Sunday, which means that there are lots of new ads, or as I like to call them, "ammo." I am starting things this week with this Himalayan Salt Lamp from Figi's Gallery, a company I have never heard of before. Apparently they offer things for the home and gifts. The salt lamp is for the home, apparently. It is not a normal lamp, but a "therapeutic lamp." It "calms the spirit." Cue snort under breath. It also "reduces stress", of course, because nothing makes me feel calm like a big orange piece of salt that has been made into a lamp. If those exciting features aren't enough for you, then you will be delighted to hear that this product also "emits negative ions to purify the air."

The ad includes a review from "Teresa M." from Texas. She gives it 5 stars, writing, "Not only is it a beautiful piece... it puts off a very warming glow. I love it and am ordering another one." Good for you, Teresa. But who am I to judge? Isn't the purpose of a lamp to provide light and comfort? If this jazzy salt lamp does its job for Teresa, than that's good enough for me.

Not really. I am very suspicious of this "Teresa M." I do not believe she is a real reviewer. I will investigate this. :-)

Postscript!: Figi's Gallery offers FOUR salt lamps! One is the classic one shown above, but they also have an aromatherapy salt lamp, a salt bowl lamp, and a salt candle holder!

Fire Ninja Fairy

For the people who happen to love both Japanese comic-ish characters and collectibles, The Hamilton Collection has created the product for you. Fire Ninja Fairy, "a wide- eyed fairy with the mystery of a fierce warrior" is displayed "crouching with her dragon guardian, Yuriko." Sorry, but this is just weird. Girls are going to think it's too much like something for guys, and boys will think it's for girls. I asked a girl what she thought of this fairy creature. She said she didn't like it, but her brother probably would of, if it wasn't a fairy. See? You can't mix fairies and dragon ninjas! It's unnatural! Whaddaya think, crap or treasure?

Enchanting Elouise

Sorry that I haven't posted anything in a while. I was on a trip. Anyway, today I am showcasing "Enchanting Elouise", from The Hamilton Collection. This doll has "mardi gras glamour." I think this doll is useless. What more can I say? What do you think of "Enchanting Elouise"? Also, isn't Elouise spelled Eloise?

Santa, It's Not Easy Being Cute!

This ornament collection is kind of funny, I think. Santa, It's Not Easy Being Cute 'capture(s) all the emotions of a first- ever "photo opportunity" as they pose for their most memorable family pictures!' There are three ornaments; "I'm No Angel!", "Take The Picture Already!", and "You Would Cry Too If They Dressed You Like This!". Each baby is $9.99, but come in sets of 3. Also coming soon are three more dolls, shown in the corner of the ad. If you want these lifelike ornaments, look at The Bradford Exchange. Even though I think they're interesting, I wouldn't want lifelike dolls hanging on my tree. Does anyone else think it's creepy? Also, what do you think? Crap or treasure?

Mystic Rose

This figurine is a cross between the "beautiful red rose" and "mythical unicorn", as they are both "celebrated symbols of love." I personally think it looks like a cross between an angel and a devil, with the "splendid wings" and red finish. This horsey boasts "20 Faux Gems!" Amazing! It also has "shimmery pearlescent finishes"! Yay! Nothing like buzz phrases to get me excited about a sculpture that would litter my shelves, which would eventually be sold in a yard sale for a quarter.

It looks like this pony of "romantic allure" will only be with us for a short time, as it is limited edition with only 95 casting days. I can't say I'm sad. What do you think of The Hamilton Collection's Mystic Rose? Is it crap or treasure?

Whoo Could Be Cuter Than Me?

After accidentally tossing all of this week's ammo, I had to sift through the recycling and rescue it all. That's when I came across this horror doll, ironically named Whoo Could Be Cuter Than Me? It seems that Harry Potter has killed his pet owl and reconfigured the creature into a hat.

This baby is "fully sculpted to capture a baby's irrisistible chubbiness." They spelled irresistible wrong, by the way, if you hadn't noticed. Also, "with his lips adorably pursed to imitate an owl, this little guy is truly a hoot". Chubbiness and owl imitation are not things I normally associate with cute.

This doll is the first in a collection titled "Wild About You", from The Ashton- Drake Galleries. Great. More dolls that "imitate favorite animal friends".

To build some suspense, I ask you to guess the price of this doll. Winner will get bragging rights to exercise whenever they wish on this blog. No peeking on The Ashton- Drake website! I will reveal the cost and the winner next week. T0 be a proper contender when you comment, be sure to not sign in anonymous, for obvious reasons. Here's a hint: guess a larger amount than what you would pay.

Grandma's Little Honeys

This is the first ad I have come across with no paragraph trying to sell it to me. www.GiftsForYouNow.com sell customized t-shirts that you can bestow on the people you love (to terrorize). Blank's Little Honeys. Blah. Swarming around the sugary title are little bees and the names of grandchildren. I personally wouldn't spend $14.95 for a t-shirt when I could make one for a lot less! All I would need: a shirt, fabric transfer sheets, some clip art, and a computer handy to put it all together. Grandmothers are probably more likely to keep it if you make it yourself.. I can picture the honey shirt disappearing into the back of a closet, or maybe used as a rag. i could be wrong. Maybe your grandma would love it.

Doesn't this remind you of Granddaughter, You're my Honey Bear, my very first post? Which of the two items would you rather have?

P.S. After I loaded the photo, I realized that this shirt isn't just for grandmas! You can put any title in the blank!

The Knitten Kitten Christmas Ornament Collection

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It seems like I lose my blogging momentum near the end of the week, which is something I have to work on. Today I'm sharing The Knitten Kitten Christmas Ornament Collection, from The Bradford Exchange. I feel deeply disappointed with myself, but can't help but think that these kittens are really cute. I feel so weak to succumb to Christmas ornaments. My favorite is the "Knit One, Hug Two", with two little kittens snuggled up together under a scarf. They are also wearing pointy hats. One cats has a jingle bell. I will control my urge to have it.

O! Say Can You See

O! "Wearing a fancy red, white and blue gown and matching chapeau, this beautiful Victorian lady is dressed in her patriotic best and embodies the very spirit of all- American pride."

The whole Thomas Kinkade enterprise makes me just shake my head with disbelief. Why do people go crazy for stuff done by the "Painter of Light?" (I want a catchy title like that. What should it be?) I can't see why people would want "artwork" by the man whose works include light up forest scenes and snow globe trains.

So, what do you think of this patriotic lady? I think she would look a little out of place, even in the Victorian Era. But you can't blame her. Thomas Kinkade is the one who dressed her.

Jasmine Becket- Griffith's Holiday Spice Ornament Collection

Ooh! "Sassy Christmas fairies"! I think it is safe to say that these are really, really weird. The fairies are perched in teacups, and are holiday ornaments. Whose genius idea was that? The Bradford Exchange's, of course. I have to wonder what goes on inside their offices. Since I have no idea, I have to make do with made up conversations of how I think they decide on what their new products will be. For example: "New junk to sell? Um.... we'll do something holiday themed because Christmas is only 6 months away.....oh, like ornaments.... I know! There'll be neon clothed creatures with wings that we'll brand "Christmas fairies".... and they'll be in teacups! Perfect!" My other theory is that they just make this Pin the Tail on The Donkey game, except instead of body parts they have random phrases among them "teacup" and "fairy."

The company has managed to convince me that these fairies are a "superb value", as they are only $9.99 each. However, you have to buy them in sets of 3, so there goes that "value" if you're in the mood for an item highlighted in Crap or Treasure.

P. S. Whatever way you look at this, you have to admit that "sassy Christmas fairies" is really fun to say out loud. Try it.

P. P. S. I just went to www.bradfordexchange.com and typed in "jasmine becket- griffith". I dare you to. It's pretty....interesting. I am fascinated with the pink unicorn thingy. What one intrigues you?

Charming Tails and Hershey's Kisses Chocolates Ornament Collection

Ta- da! Here are the rats you were waiting for. Read about them in "COT Conversation."

Heigh- Ho, Heigh- Ho, It's Off to Sleep We Go

Did you know that the Disney movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is about to celebrate it's 75th anniversary? No? Well it is, and apparently someone thinks it's so important we need to commemorate it. The Ashton- Drake Galleries (new to the ads!) are "are proudly presenting" Heigh- Ho, Heigh- Ho, It's Off to Sleep We Go. It's a miniature doll collection! They're so cute!

The dolls are supposed to be the seven dwarfs and Snow White as babies. Each doll is "so full of expressive detail" that "you can see each character's personality adorably brought to life." Grumpy's "personality" is my favorite. With it's little fists and squinty face, it looks like baby Grumpy has some constipation.

These dolls would be a fun toy for kids, but "These doll are not toys; they are fine collectibles." Oh. Sorry. And at "only" $39.99 a doll, I can't say these are something you should just hand over to your little ones (By the way, the collection of 8 would cost $319.92).

What do you think of this collection? What about the movie?

COT Conversation: Christmas Is Celebrated In June Now, Apparently

I am annoyed.

I have not been blogging for a long time about the topic of coupon pamphlet wares, but since I've started, it seems that everything is Christmas- themed. There are so many things wrong with that.

For starters, it's June. There's a whole half a year left before it's time to even start thinking about anything holiday related.

Also, the stuff being sold is junk. Right now I am staring at an ad I am going to post about later in the week, that I not so fondly refer to as the "Kissing Rats." These furry vermin on ornaments are dressed in Christmas outfits, puckering up amid Hershey's Kisses. It's weird.

There are other things wrong here, that I'm not going to go into. Tell me what you think. Should we spread the holiday cheer throughout the year? Or would there be nothing to look forward to? What do you think is wrong with this trend?

Mickey's New York Yankees Fan for All Seasons Flags

It's Sunday, the best time of the week for Crap or Treasure- ers! This week had some awesome stuff, such as Mickey's New York Yankees Fan For All Seasons Flags, from The Hamilton collection.

"Celebrate your passion for the New York Yankees with the first-ever holiday flags honoring this legendary ballclub and featuring Mickey Mouse!" These seem to be a very personalized thing. I would think only a small percentage of people like both the Yankees and Mickey Mouse, and are willing to have a flag in their front yard telling the world. This seems to be the kind of thing that clueless well meaning relatives would give to their younger male relations, only to have it thrown out later.

Don't you dare toss it, at $29.99 each. And don't lie and say you like it if one is bestowed apon you, because you're just setting yourself up to get more. There are different patterns of flags, for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and more. Beware, before it's too late.

What would you do if you received one of these flags? Do you like the Yankees? Feel free to comment.

"Deliciously Chic" M&Ms Handbag

Okay, I'm just going to quote a large amount of the ad:

"Sophisticated yet versatile in function, our exclusive "Deliciously Chic" M&M's Bag features a delectable cream background that will complement almost any outfit in your wardrobe. A custom print of the M&M's Characters created as artist sketches adds more designer appeal. Crafted from a water- resistant canvas, the roomy bag features faux leather handles with an 8 1/2" drop and a magnetic snap closure. The lined interior has a large zippered pocket. A detachable M&M's charm is attached to a strap ring. This imported designer- style bag is a must- have wardrobe essential for anyone who loves the sweetest trends in fashion!"

I might have been convinced that this is a couture bag, what with the $99.95 price tag and all the hype in the text, if it wasn't for the fact that it has M&M's all over it! M&M's!! Since when are little pieces of chocolate candy one of the "sweetest treends in fashion?" I feel insulted that they tried to skirt the truth and expected us to believe what they had written. I might just demand free M&M's as an apology.

Personalized Bride & Groom Ornament

This may be the very first treasure on this blog. The Personalized Bride & Groom Ornament, by Lenox, is a figure of a bride and groom, with the couple's names and wedding date. It is "crafted in fine china and lavishly accented with 24 karat gold." It's "just $29.90", and "personalized at no extra cost." What are your feelings on the Personalized Bride & Groom Ornament? Do you think it is the first treasure?

The First Lady of Fashion

Today I'm sharing my personal favorite of the week, The First Lady of Fashion Elongated Ornament Collection. These Christmas ornaments (again, another Christmas tchotchke being sold in June) "showcase Mrs. Obama's wardrobe, elongated to highlight the flow and grace the First Lady Brings to everything she wears." Oh, they're elongated? I just thought Michelle Obama had 6 foot legs....

You can currently buy "Set One." Set One comes with 3 ornament doll creatures. The set is $60. I'm sorry, but $60 for creepy ornaments that will cause nightmares and wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat?

The 3 mini- Michelles are dressed in three different outfits! One has a red dress, titled "Dining in Style." The second has a champagne colored dress, titled "Dinner with Dignitaries." The third is in blue, and is "In Vogue."

To me, these dolls showcase what The Bradford Exchange is all about. People may call this stuff treasure, but I'd have to disagree...

What do you think?

Heaven Shone Its Love On This Pair Of Doves

Sorry that I haven't posted anything in a while, but my internet was down. Today I am sharing a new item from this week's paper called Heaven Shone Its Love On This Pair Of Doves, from Precious Moments. This should be good.

Apparently, the statue is based on a china pattern called Blue Willow, and the pattern was "based on the timeless story of starcrossed lovers who are turned into doves because their love is pure and true." Uh- huh.

"The legendary doves appear on her skirt and - in fully sculpted form- on her hat and hand." "Her hat is also adorned with a sparkling gem and real feathers, while her sash is a real satin ribbon." The figure is "glazed just like Blue Willow china" (what is Blue Willow?) and "handcrafted and handpainted."

I am in awe of the people who buy this. You have to be a really caring, trusting, mushy person to feel the sentiment in this object. Are you one? Then go on, good fellow, and buy a lot of these $29.99 figures to give to people and share the joy! Some people might slam the door in your face, but who cares? Perhaps lives will be touched at your kind sentiment!

Seriously, someone needs to send this to that Delilah woman on the radio and see what see thinks of this. I'm willing to bet that she'd love it.

If you'd like a Heaven Shone Its Love On This Pair Of Doves for your very own, the look for it at The Hamilton Collection. Does this statue touch you, or is it just crap?

Thomas Kinkade's Wonderland Express Miniature Snow Globe Collection

I know that people say the holiday season comes more quickly every year, but isn't June a little extreme? Today's post is on Thomas Kinkade's Wonderland Express Miniature Snow Globe Collection, which was featured in the coupon pamphlet in the Sunday paper this week. The train set features "the magic and delight of real snow globes from the Painter of Light on charming hand-crafted train cars." "Premiering with the engine", which is titled "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, each car features a real working snow globe!" "To keep your Christmas spirit on track, the engine even plays the melody of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas!'"

Well, I wouldn't want anything to hurt my Christmas spirit, especially in June.

There are 5 editions of the cars ('Deck the Halls", "Home for the Holidays", "Winter Wonderland", and "Silent Night Caboose"), along with the "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town" Premiere Edition engine. Each train car costs $19.99. That makes it a $99.95 set of glorified snowglobes (ooh, math). However, you are only reserving the train, which is good, because this ad was freaking me out a little. But does that mean it's too early to tell you all Happy Holidays? I'm confused. Curse you, Wonderland Express Miniature Snow Globe Collection.

What do you think? Is this snow globe train crap or treasure? Would you buy it?

Freedom's Light Endures

Isn't it great that we live in America where it's okay to charge 99 dollars for an 8 inch tall, illuminated, resin scupture of the Statue of Liberty?

Today's post is on Freedom's Light Endures, from The Bradford Exchange. This sculpture is supposed to "capture all the timeless details of the Statue of Liberty" while being a "tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11." "A handcrafted, illuminated sculpture embraced by a REAL FABRIC American flag", this statue also "lights up with changing colors of red, white, and blue!"

I was reading these statements, thinking that absolutely no one is going to pay that much for a resin copy of Lady Liberty, when I came to this: "A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support families of emergency responders who died in service." Hmm, I'm a little curious about what the percentage will be.

So here's what I think. I believe that some people are going to look at this, scoff at the price, roll their eyes at the light-up factor, and then place an order when they read about the donation. Come on people! Instead of buying the statue, write a $99 check to one of the charities at: http://www.sheckys.com/2010/09/10/911-charities-that-help-us-never-forget/ Your money will go to better use.

What do you think of this statue? Is it crap or treasure?

Collectible Depression- Style Glassware Red Biscuit Jar

This is the Collectible Depression- Style Glassware "Red Biscuit Jar" from Miles Kimball. "Charming your kitchen in brilliant, ruby red," this jar is "Great for treats, flowers, nuts, or potpourri." My understanding is that this jar is just something that takes up space in your kitchen. I can understand treats. But flowers? Nuts? Potpourri, for crying out loud? Who has potpourri in their kitchen? And what exactly do they mean by "biscuit jar?" My definition of biscuit is like a roll. Do you know anyone who keeps jars full of rolls on hand?

The jar is "hard to find" (well duh, who wants a biscuit jar) and "combines retro style with the look of vintage collectibles!"

I looked online, and there is a whole collection of "Depression- style Glassware!" In different colors! You can have a whole collection of things like miniature baskets, milk bottles, and nut jars! And candy dishes! Shaped like hens, roosters, cats (oh my!)... It's also dishwasher safe!

So if you want a collection of glassware designed for strange purposes, then go to mileskimball.com. Who knows? Maybe some people snatch up "depression- style" items. However, I find the thought of that very...depressing. But if you must have a red biscuit jar, they are $14.99 in the ad, and $21.99 online. It also has a 4 and a half star rating (well whaddaya know).

So what do you think? Is this item crap, or treasure?

Granddaughter, You're My Honey Bear

Happy Sunday! Everyday this week I will share a product from the coupon book from today's paper. Today I am kicking things off with Granddaughter, You're My Honey Bear (Gagh.), from The Bradford Exchange. This 5 and a half inch Heirloom Porcelain music box 'plays the delightful melody of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."' It "opens on a 22K gold Limoges- style hinge with a heart- shaped clasp". "A delightful expression of the love you bear for your granddaughter." This scares me. If one of my grandparent's gave this to me, I would stay far away, or maybe place a restraining order.

However, if you have a deep need for this bear, maybe to leave on someone's doorstep along with a stalker-ish note, then the bear costs $40, but you can pay in two payments of $20. Who knows? Maybe the bear seems adorable and heartfelt in person. Or maybe it is just a cheesy sculpture.

What do you think? Crap or treasure?