colors for spring

I love spring. And I love J. Jill's new spring colors!! :) Drew encouraged me to use some money out of the clothing budget for a couple new tops and new shoes, which I desperately need.
I am in love with this green color called "cactus." This top is super-soft. I got a long, white, tiered skirt last year at J. Jill's end-of-summer sale and never wore it so I'm planning to wear it with this top for Easter Sunday.

And this is my favorite J. Jill Compassion Tee in "sea mist" for all my OTHER Easter festivities. I can wear it with a skirt, jeans, capris--whatever!

I also scored a pair of beige "Naturalizer" slip-on shoes for just $25 at Ross! They're very similar to these, which are reg. $60, on sale for $50, that I almost got at the mall last week--phew!!

I love successful shopping jaunts!!

Spring find

I love birds and their eggs so this was a must-have. I found these itty-bitty little polymer clay egg pendants. Aren't they so springy and adorable?? I ordered a pink one for $10 to go with my new spring tops. Now she's got the set for $25.
Here's the description:
"This listing is for a batch of Speckled Easter Eggs in Hyacinth Blue, Daffodil Yellow, and Primrose Pink. Each measures approx 1 & 1/4" long and 2 & 1/4" in diameter and have been hand sculpted and hand speckled. While a real bird would turn their beak up at my feeble attempt to imitate the natural, delicate, beauty of real speckled eggs, I think these eggs suit our need to celebrate new life!"
And the link:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10144096

Saturday fun

Aaah, weekends. Not like my week is strenuous, but weekends are when I get to spend time with my working family members!! So my sis-in-law and I went out together--sans Andrew--Saturday and had a blast. We went to a friend's shop/bistro in Glendale's "Catlin Court" and enjoyed an extremely delicious (and leisurely!) lunch, including a turkey sandwich, salad, pita chips with spinach dip and a root beer. Mmmmm.

Then we browsed through a few charming shops, where I couldn't resist having my picture taken. Isn't this gazebo lovely?? I'd love to have a little mini-tea party under there!!

This little shop is called "Cottage Garden" and is one of my all-time favorite places to browse.

I had to force my wallet to stay in my purse with all the cute things we saw. Birds and flowers were especially abundant--two of my favorite decorative items!! But looking at pretty things and getting ideas was fun enough and just soaking in the weather and scenery made my day.
Isn't it quaint?? I wanted to just sit and read a book with a cup of coffee!
After Glendale, we grabbed some drinks at Starbucks and spent a while wandering through Hobby Lobby--another activity I don't get to indulge in very often. It was nice to be out "just us girls."

Sweet...and hilarious

Found on www.etsy.com, of course. This one brought tears to my eyes as I sang the song in my head...how sweet. I will get this for my next pregnancy.


And I'll have a hard time choosing which of these to use to announce my next pregnancy. This one is just plain cute "Bun in the Oven."

And this one, you can personalize the stork with your dute date! How fun is that??

And this Breast Cancer Awareness tee cracked me UP! I actually laid my head down on the desk, laughing. Just had to share.

I am so in love...

...with this table and chairs!!

Sarah found it for us this weekend. It's from a locally owned and operated furniture store a couple miles from our home and the owner is SO nice. We're in the market for a table and chairs and, although I've seen a few I like, this one seems to have my name on it. It's the new "counter-height" so it's about six inches taller than average and allows you to stand at it. It comes with EIGHT chairs...AND a lazy Susan! And it's green!!! Well, green and a dark wood that will match our kitchen cabinets--and other furniture--beautifully.
My vision has been for a black table and chairs--until I saw this.
Besides the color, which I adore, there's a lot of pros to this set:
1. It has leaf that disappears into the middle of the table, expanding it from a rectangular shape that seats six to a square that seats eight. And no leaf to store!
2. The unique shape means that everyone can reach the table from their spot--eliminating the need to pass dinner items and making it possible to play games together without anyone stretching.
3. The heighth makes it perfect for informal entertaining because you can put munchies on it and people can congregate around and snack.
4. The size and the number of chairs makes it perfect for hosting Bunco (now at my house twice a year) or a scrap-booking group. Or any group! Plenty of space and very comfortable to sit at. It's fun, too, cuz my feet dangle!
5. The price is $600. For the table and EIGHT chairs!! It's a steal.
6. It's from a local store so I'd be supporting a local business instead of a mass retailer or big-box store. Bonus!
7. It's green, slightly "rustic" and very unique. All wood, very well-made and sturdy.
The picture shows it at the angle you'd see it from when you enter our house.

I think it would jazz up the whole living area! I've got a lot of green already, but plenty of taupe and paprika, too. It would be a nice blend.
As a point of comparison, here's the table and chairs I fell in love with in Globe. It seats six and is around $1,000 (maybe $1,200??).

Thoughts? Opinions?

Another bargain...

...found at Target--and this one wasn't even at the end of the aisle! :) It was marked "clearance" and two other sets were marked down from $58 original to about $42. THIS set, however, was marked less than $15!! Whoa!!
4 each of mugs, salad plates, dinner plates and bowls! Only thing I can figure is that someone had opened the box, and the box of mugs inside, to get a peek--big deal!! I was thrilled. The on-line reviews have a lot of cracked pieces reported--so these will strictly be pieces for entertaining or decoration and WILL NOT go in the dishwasher. But, still, ya can't beat it! I got a set of two turquiose bowls--BIG--for $150 for table snacks when I host Bunco TWICE this year. Woo-hoo!!! Wasn't expecting to buy anything dinnerware-related, but, hey! Carpe bargain!!

customer service

My mom and I had a whole day together "running around" yesterday--coupons, gift cards and exchanges in hand--and had such a blast! We returned home and realized, "Wow, we had really terrific customer service today!" How unusual--and what a treat!
First stop: Origins. They were doing a little skincare clinic so we got lots of good information, free samples, juice and trial mix! I exchanged an item, got new makeup and a toner. I'm all set for a while!
Then off to J. Jill where I got this lace tank in black for $3!!!! It was on sale, then I used a $10 off coupon. Sweet!!

Then off to Lucy, which is really nice activewear/yoga clothes--definitely more my mom's style...but I could be talked into it!! It's www.lucy.com I treated myself to these "dance pants." SO comfy--and in a tall size, so they're not too short! Woo-hoo! I know I'll get my moneys worth.

If I'd have had any more $$$ to spend, this tee is SO charming.

I tried this one on--whoa. So chic. It's on my wish list.

ANYway, a gal there reminded me of my dear college roommate that I haven't seen in two years--so I told her and she came over and gave me a hug!! How cute is that?? And she was so knowledgeable and kind. But not pushy!!
I even hit the after-Christmas sale at Hallmark and got some great ornaments for next year at 75% off and a few gift wrap items I can use now, for less than $1 each. Cha-ching!
There was even a friendly sacurity guard who teased Mom and I cuz he told us where Payless was, but accused us of getting sidetracked when we stopped into Chicco's on the way there!!
It was nice, just Mom and I, being girls. And not dealing with anyone who was rude or incompetent. SO nice! Unfortunately, the Jaguars lose last night--but good shopping more than makes up for it! :)

Splurge for ME!!

I find it very easy so splurge on Andrew and Drew...and virtually everyone else. Just not on myself. I don't buy Starbucks drinks unless I have a gift card...I rarely buy myself food when I'm out and about...I wait three months between haircuts...I never order fancy drinks when we eat out...it's just hard for my to justify it, when there's so many other things we need! But...today I got a $10 discount card for J. Jill in the mail. J. Jill is hands down my favorite place to shop for clothes. I get one Compassion Tee every spring and winter (they're soft, less than $20 and don't shrink) then maybe three other items during their end-of-season sales. The vast majority of their stuff is waaaay out of my price range.
Last summer, I fell in love with a sleeveless sweater and bought it at full price--whoa! That was $40 and seemed like a lot!! Then when it went on clearance for $10, I bought two more!!
This season, I fell in love with a brown jacket that my dad bought for my mom at J. Jill. It's beautifully tailored, soft, chic...and $80!! It was on sale for $40 a couple months ago and I tried it on...and sighed as I put it back. Well, in their most recent sale (their sales are awesome), it was down to $30. So when that coupon came--HELLO!! That jacket is MINE. So I got it with tax and shipping for LESS than $30!!

It looks purple in the picture but the color is called "java" and is the color of a coffee bean. I love the buttons and the pockets--and the fact that it will be perfect for dinners out, cool meeting rooms, church, whatever! And it will go equally well with jeans OR a dress! AND...it fits in with my new color wardrobe--green, blue, pink and brown. Those are the only colors I'm buying in '08. Well, except maybe lavender for my red hat events and red for Valentine's Day. ANYway, I'm thrilled and feel very good about my purchase. Yeah, me!!
****Wish list alert!!****
Here's what I've got my eye on for spring. I love this outfit! The short-sleeve cardigan, the belt...everything! I wouldn't wear the belt on top, though.

These will be my shorts of choice--a steal at $39.

I'm also loving these denim pants, the swingy jacket and the tunic-length tank.

Here's the pants on their own--I don't do well with jeans so I can see getting a lot of wear out of these.

And this top is SO cute--I love it!!

ANYway, probably more than you ever wanted to know about my clothes preferences...but there ya go! :)
Drew...?? Are you paying attention?? Valentine's Day is only a month away...(heehee)

Networking event

15 ladies, almost 20 home-based businesses, four hours and a LOT of fun. Today was all about meeting each other, making contacts, discovering new companies and, yes, shopping. Now, however, I'm encouraging the ladies to consider meeting once a month for a similar event, only it will be more for learning how to grow our businesses. We all have different strengths and weaknesses and can learn so much from each other about what works and what doesn't. It's all about the right tools and tips. I'm hoping 12 ladies will commit to a monthly meeting and hosting once/year. Each month will have a different topic to cover and then we will each get a challenge and be assigned a "buddy" to be accountable to for doing the challenge in the month ahead. I hope they're up for it because it could be majorly beneficial to all involved.
Anyway, I met a lot of lovely ladies and saw some old friends, too. It was a blast, but...I'm also glad that my hosting for November is done!! I'm so tired. But it was SO worth it! Seemed like everyone enjoyed it, too.
We'll see where it goes!! Maybe I'll start a new blog just for the home-based business aspect of my life...
Here's a picture of us hearing from our Reliv rep, Maria, who is a former Miss Philippines!! :)

Seriously...are you checking???

YET AGAIN, bargains galore at Target!! Praise God, Andrew was happy to munch in the stroller, then FELL ASLEEP!! Giving me over an hour to shop--peacefully--in Target with my popcorn and diet drink. Woo-hoo!! I stocked up on clearance party stuff for my birthday (and finally decided on a theme for my party), got three much-needed fall tees on sale, got a little card and gift for my boss for Boss's Day, and...drum roll please...a new bra!! That isn't a nursing bra!! Woo-hoo!! Feels great on, very smooth and flattering, and the perfect shade of beige to go under everything. Oh, it was good!!
Oh, and I got a cute baby gift I have to ship to Yuma. I wanted something flat so I got a cute flowered onesie and the Sassy "Who Loves Baby?" photo book. They have a new version now!! This is the old one:

Now it's longer and has scalloped edges, even cuter!! Just FYI! :)
So I'm checking things off on my to-do list for the upcoming church retreat this weekend. I'm SO looking forward to getting away with the girls!! Cooler temperatures, good food, great teaching, fun activities...I can hardly wait!!
Anyway, really...check the clearance racks and bins at Target. I got my mom some really snazzy "P" notecards for 75 CENTS!! And my birthday invitations were $1.25 for 8--and are super cute!! And go with the theme to boot. But, like, the other initial stationary was $1.98, but the "P" and "Q" was 75 cents, probably cuz it's the least popular. So you really have to look!! Which I can't normally do, but today I could!! Thank you, Lord!! I love bargains!!

Wednesday: One of My Favorite Things

Yes, I love Origins. I don't buy it for myself, though. But Drew and my mom buy it FOR me!! She and Drew are in cahoots now and she buys me their ridiculously awesome night cream (called "Nightamins") for Christmas and Drew buys it for me for our anniversary in August--so I never run out!
The "Shedonism deeply hydrating butter cream" lives up to its name--it is so thick and luxurious and the scent is light and fresh, yet intoxicating. I love it!! Wearing it is a treat I reserve for times when I'm dressed up or feeling especially festive. Oooooh, it's good.

Can a plate make you happy???

I am truly passionate about supporting women in business for themselves and, whenever possible, give my business to women I know before I spend a dime at a "big box retailer." Home decor, jewelry, candles, make-up, herbs, craft supplies, the list goes on. And I spend a lot of dimes!
Do you hear the "but" coming? :)
BUT...I am also a bargain shopper and I love a good deal on something I need or love. And because I am familiar with the prices of the items I buy most, I know a good deal when I see it. And it's often on an end-of-aisle clearance shelf at Target. Such was the case tonight. We have somewhat of a mis-mash of plates, cups and bowls. Some Drew had, some we got when we got married...but you know how it goes. A bowl goes missing, a mug gets cracked, your brother-in-law breaks a plate when he drops his gun during a demonstration at Christmas dinner...it's not uncommon. But...a dinnerware purchase hasn't been at the top of my "to-buy list" and I don't typically look for them, either.
However, when cruising through Target this evening while my boys were napping, I wandered into the housewares section and a certain polka-dot plate caught my eye. On an end-of-aisle clearance shelf! The sign said 30% off, but...can it be?? Less than $4 for four really cute polka-dot dinner plates??
Why, these would be perfect for the eighteen different birthday dinners coming up between now and the end of the year! That makes them less than a dollar each!!
And so it was that four new polka-dot plates came home with me tonight. So I promptly baked a batch of "the world's easiest peanut butter cookies" and put them on one of those plates!! And I felt very, very happy. Call me materialistic...but it wouldn't be the first time.
In double-checking that my eyes did not deceive me, I also spotted a set of four beige dinner plates and matching salad plates, perfect to mix-and-match with what we already have, including my orange plates that I'm dying to use for fall. They have that sort of "hand rubbed" finish that I love and a neat braided edge. The clearance price for the set of eight, you ask?? Why, a mere $9 total! Amazing, huh??
So, naturally, I took pictures. And I said to myself, "Put that on your blog. Tell them when you're at Target, cruise along the backs of your favorite aisles. You never know what bargain you'll find." And even if it only says 30% off, there may be items marked down even more than that! I think the plates were all at least 75% off. That's also where we found an entire matched set of bedding for, like, $10 when we did Andrew's new room. It's like they're paying you to take it off their hands. Aren't my new plates purty with my fall stuff?? Fabulous!