I read that Kohl's had savings up to 80% -- and it is the closest store to me, just a few blocks away. So I checked it out and came away $150 poorer.

Good deals, though. My son has a birthday at the beginning of February, and I took care of that. Found a casual jacket and knit top in coordinating colors -- retailed for $126; I spent $42. Also found a box of Jelly Belly "cocktails" -- $3.50 marked down from $7.

Camisoles were half-price and I bought six for my two DIL's, who both have birthdays in June. $42 marked down from $84. I'm a little worried whether they will fit -- they are mediums, for medium girls -- but they looked small to me. Stretchy, maybe? Anyway, at Kohl's they can return "any item, anytime, for any reason." It's on the receipt. I hope that's true.

I also bought six sets of Food Network bar towels and scrubber dishcloths. $28 marked down from $52.

And for myself I bought four pairs of knee socks for $18, marked down from $28.

So it begins again!

I think tomorrow I will go up to Evanston to check on my son's cats (the family is away for a week). I promised to do it midweek, and tomorrow is Wednesday already. I hate to spend the gas, but I made the offer myself. I know how I worry when I leave my cats alone for an extended period of time. Even if you leave out a lot of food, there is still the water and the ever-worsening litter pan to consider.

I re-started my diet today. My son and I are both going to follow a plan where you have two very low-carb days a week, and for the rest of the week you just eat reasonably. (I'm aiming for 1400-1500 calories on those days). Today was a low-carb day and I ate only 13 carbs.

I am also going to try to exercise every day, even if it is just a little bit. Today I walked to the library (15 minutes each way). I checked out "The Help" -- the movie. I was going to watch it tonight, but instead I think I will go to bed early and read. It's looking awfully good to me.