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?