TWD: Allspice Crumb Muffins and How Best Buy Gives Me Heart Palpitations

This is the first time blogging from My iPhone, so please forgive any mass of errors or words like "mr" instead of "me". Three weeks and still no camera. I called the place where my camera was sent for repairs and the informed me that it was sent back to the store ten days prior. Oh, reaaaallllllly??? Why did no one call me to let me know, I wondered. I called the store ready to give them a stern talking to. But my plans were foiled when they informed me that they couldn't fix my camera but would give me a new one. Holla. I arrived at the local Best Buy and headed right to the Geek Squad. I happily asked for my new merchandise. I then find out that Nikon stopped manufacturing the D40 and so I would have to buy a new, more expensive camera. I was not prepared for this. I did not have my game face on. I was tired. My body craved its morning coffee. And to make matters worse, the girl helping me was pregnant. I couldn't argue with a pregnant girl. That's like hitting someone with glasses on. So I politely negotiated the terms of my refund. Best Buy would refund me the cost of the camera - $500 - but not the two-year insurance plan I only bought 5 months ago. I asked in a most convivial manner to please at least prorate the insurance for the remainder of the two years. In the nicest way possible, I told her that "It is not my problem if there was a manufacturing defect, therefore, I should not lose $70 for it." Nice as I tried to be, my blood was boiling. Log story short, an hour later I walked away with a $580 gift card, refunding me for the camera, tax, and insurance. As Johnny Drama from Entourage would say: Victory! Until I checked my initial Best Buy credit card statement today and saw that I paid $600 for the camera and not $500. So more polite fighting awaits me. We Italians call the heart pains that I am suffering from "acita". And I could write some more bad Italians words to describe Best Buy but I will refrain. But I could write some fantastic words about these muffins, chosen by one of my favorite bloggers on earth, Kayte of Grandma's Kitchen Table. Her site is filled with photos of her gorgeous family (who are also very accomplished swimmers! Swimming is hard!) sampling her fantastic dishes. These allspice crumb muffins were among my top five items to bake from Dorie's book, and they did not disappoint. The muffins are light, yet deliciously moist, and frangrantly spiced with allspice and McCormick's chai spice (my own addition) and given a bright note by orange zest (again, my substitution for lemon) and are topped with a delicious allspice crumble. My crumble, however, baked right into my muffins. I have to admit, I am not a good crumble maker, and this happens to me every. Single. Time. If I had a baking resume, it would say "Does Not Do Crumble.". Making crumble gives me almost as much acita as Best Buy. Regardless, these are a fantastic fall muffins chosen by a fantastic blogger. Check out Kayte's site for the recipe and the rest of TWD for some more muffins while I go talk through a tight smile to get the rest of the money that is owed to me. Maybe if I bring them some muffins...

Comments

[Tracey]

Wow, I'm impressed that not only did you write a great blog post from your iPhone but you didn't kill anyone at Best Buy! I'm not sure I'd have been so nice :) Glad you enjoyed the muffins so much! I really hope you get the camera situation settled soon without too much more stress.

[Michelle]

So sorry about the camera. I had a terrible time with Best Buy with my D60. It would not focus and being it was a new camera I was not sure if it was me or the camera. Took it back and they did not have another one in stock so I wanted a refund. OH they gave me a refund minus a $120 restocking fee. It was the end of a very long day so I just left. My husband on the other hand was loaded for bear when he heard what happend. They eventually gave us full credit.

Best Buy also delivered a scratched dishwasher and would not pick the darn thing up or refund my money. Another saga for another day!

[Kayte]

What a hassle with that camera...this has been going on way too long for you. I saw your photo and the muffins look pretty great to me, topping and everything! Thank you for the lovely words about my family, very sweet of you. Loving the Top Chef you are doing over here, always fun to tune in and see those. Good luck with the camera return, etc.

[Heather B]

wow...you poor thing! I hope the camera issues get easier for you. At least the muffins were a hit for you! Love your chai spice addition!

[Kim]

You poor thing. There is nothing worse than arguing with customer service. I hope you get your extra $100. Your muffins look yummy.

[Margaret]

You did good, girl. The poor little preggers girl didn't go into labor. Good Deal. Muffins sound delish.

[Jennifer]

I'm so sorry to hear of your camera woes....poor thing....:(

[Maria]

You are dedicated to still post. Muffins look great!

[Charli]

Your escapades make me want to guard my camera in a safe box and never take it out...

[Wendy]

Can't believe you wrote all this on your iphone. I'm planning on getting one soon...just waiting to be eligible for an upgrade.

Anyway, that sucks about your camera problems. And that was stupid that Best Buy wouldn't refund you for the insurance at first.

[Margot]

Wow, I can't believe that a $600 camera is so disposable; that it broke and can't be repaired within just a few months of purchasing it, what a bummer. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the muffins, chai spice sounds delicious.

[ingrid]

Go girl, you go! That's $100 PLUS the tax that you paid against it! I've got your back Teanna!
~ingrid

[Lauryn]

I am not worried about you...sounds like you are a master negotiator! You will get your $100 back! Can you renegotiate my lease for me while your at it?? :) I loved these muffins too!

[Jill]

You sound like a great negotiator, so I'm sure you'll get the other $100 back! It sure doesn't make sense that you had insurance and didn't seem to benefit from it though. Geeks.

[Sugar B]

Awww, very sad about your camera. I bought my Canon Rebel XSI from a good friend .. so far, so good. I love my camera. I would cry if anything bad happened to it.

Just glanced at your muffins, they look great! Not bad from an iPhone, darling!

btw I recorded the past 3 Dexter episodes and I will watch them on Saturday. I love Dexter too. I think Eric Northman has some competition! :)

[Cheri]

Oh you poor girl! I hope that everything works out and that you are able to get the full refund back! At least you will hopefully get a better camera out of the deal! Even though it will cost you extra. :(

[Linda]

I work at best buy in the customer service department.They probably thought they should give you a little less because you purchased it 5 months ago. However, you need to tell them that They should give you enough money to purchase a camera of "like technology" (real term) which should be very close to what you payed as well as continue your protection plan, meaning it would be active on the next camera you buy for the rest of the two years you purchased. If you payed 600 for it you need to tell them that you want at least 600. they can do a manufacturers exchange for exactly how much you paid. but no promises as each agent gets to make the call.

[lisaiscooking]

Good luck with the rest of your battle! And, the muffins sound great.

[Sarah]

Oh, what a hassle! Good luck getting the rest of your $... I loved these muffins too. Chai spices sound like a great addition!

[AmyRuth]

Yummo Teanna, loved your camera shenanigans. Good Luck with your new purchase. Wow the toys are expensive huh? The muffins on the other hand .... not so expensive except if you eat a lot and have to pay at the gym, he he he. Great job.
AmyRuth