Christmas is coming! Are you ready?

Now that we are officially into December, I thought I would pop in and check on how everyone is doing with Christmas preparations?  Me? Getting there....s-l-o-w-l-y.  I am taking this weekend off from homework and using the time for cleaning house and decorating.  We put up our main tree today and hopefully tomorrow can get the outside done (fingers crossed!)  Of course,  I don't do nearly as much decorating as I did in the past, mostly from a lack of time but some from a lack of help in some of the harder to do decorating.  Either way, this year we are again revamping our holiday traditions as it seems change never seems to stop.  

Last night my youngest son, his girlfriend and I enjoyed our town's tree lighting ceremony, complete with Christmas music, beautifully decorated storefronts, and even a Christmas Sweater Contest (my son entered!)  There was snow...yes, snow magically fell from the sky, even with the temperatures in the 60s!  Maybe Santa had something to do with that?  

It did put us in the mood for putting up our tree and beginning to decorate.  So today we decorated and baked cookies and had a relaxed day (very much needed!) But, like everyone else, I have wondered what goodies you may have found that you love for gifting this year or you might want to receive?  Of course, I love jewelry and as I have gotten "more mature" I find I like my jewelry to have some sentimental value.  A day doesn't go by when I don't wear something that connects to my children.  It just makes me feel closer to them.  Along those lines I have seen these beautiful circle necklaces lately and just think they would make a great couples gift or family gift.  

I love these!  Wouldn't they be the perfect, meaningful gift for someone on your Christmas list? 

 Find them here: My Name Necklace

By the way, this is not an affiliated post, I truly just wanted to share something I thought was unique and help you out with those hard to buy for people on your shopping list!  Happy Shopping....and remember this season is about more than gifts!

Stitch Fix, Round 1!

I know a lot of people who have been on the Stitch Fix bandwagon for a long time but I never really paid much attention to it until recently when a friend ask me to give it a try.  Also, right now I have little to no time to shop for new pieces to add too my wardrobe so this seemed worth a try. 

Last week I received my first shipment.  I was surprised at all the fun that was packed into that little box!  The way it works is you fill out questionnaires on your style, size, wardrobe focus, etc. and each month (or what ever schedule you choose) a new shipment of 5 new, name brand pieces will be sent to you.  You have the choice of purchasing all 5 with a nice 25% discount on the entire purchase or you can keep just one item and sent the remainder back in the provided mailer, within a 3 day window. 

In my first shipment I received a maxi dress that was cute but too long and a bit more summery than I was interested in at this point (I want Fall clothes!), 2 cute tops, a pair of jeans and a necklace.  I loved the jeans but they were too big.  I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to log into my Stitch Fix account and request an exchange.  I also decided to keep one of the tops that was sent because it will make a great work or play addition to my wardrobe.  The rest I just popped back into the provided mailer and back it went. I also was asked to provide feedback for my stylist on this shipment and how it could be better,  as well as how I felt about the size, fit, quality and price of each item.  It was fun.  I was able to let my stylist know what my purpose in adding to my wardrobe is and how the items fit my style. 

I am not sure why it took me so long to try!  The great thing is, if you don't like any of items they can all go back or you can keep what you like.  I think the biggest benefit is it gives you the opportunity to add a piece or two a month to keep your wardrobe up to date and fresh without you having to step foot outside of your house!  Now, I can't wait until my next shipment arrives. 

If you would like to try it out just click here:  Stitch Fix, you own personal stylist

Southern Living Magazine comes to life!

One day last week I was able to do some major window shopping at the  Southern Living (yes, the magazine company's) only store in the United States.  The widow displays alone made me drool.  But when you walk in...it is all over....

Every detail, from live Southern Living Plants, to even the cutest T-shirts, everything in this store  called my name.  There was even a golf bag and club covers calling my name and I don't golf!  This is definitely a store I could get myself into some major trouble...from cute clothes to the perfect napkins and my dream swing bed, I wanted it all!

And, of course, how can a Southern girl not love a store with a variety of deviled egg plates to choose from? 

Even decorative Okra was available...now, you can't get much more Southern than that!!! 

Make sure not to miss this gem if you are in the area:

Visit the Southern Living Magazine Store!

Well, I have been to Vegas...

I did make that trip to Las Vegas for work a couple of weeks ago and haven't had a chance to write about it because I have been working, working, working!  My week in Vegas was truly a work week and by the time I was home I was completely, totally pooped! Then Monday came and the whirlwind which appears to be my new normal started.  Oh, and did I mention I have gone back to school as well?

I was curious if I would like Las Vegas at all, since I really never had any desire to go to the city, but I did have a good time. I learned so much workwise and met more great people than you can ever imagine.  Of course, I took pictures so you can see my favorite parts of Las Vegas....

I stayed at and  my company's event was at the MGM Grand Hotel, which is like a small city in itself.  It was beautiful and was filled with tons of shops, restaurants, entertainment and, of course, gambling! Due to it being a work function I think I saw day light once that week!  

 

 Even though I didn't get to spend much time outside, I got to see lots of pretty lights at night....

 

But by far, my favorite thing was so very unVegas!  It was a handmade soap shop that had me drooling.  Yes...drooling!  I had to go in it, every chance I got just to smell, look and be amazed...

It was just too much!!!  And of course, I did spend a little time doing some late night retail therapy!

Yes, the jacket came straight home to South Carolina along with a few other goodies!

 







My biggest surprise about Vegas was how small it truly is.  There are a lot of suburbs, but the actual "Vegas" you always see on TV and the movies seems so much bigger on the screen than it is in real life (I guess that is a Hollywood trick?)  I was expecting this monsterous city full of skyscrapers and crazy traffic.  Either way, I can finally say "Vegas, been there, done that."

Retail Therapy Thursday: Target Riding on Lilly Inspiration



Lilly Pulitzer Pink Chum Bucket Cruiser

For years I have have lusted after one of Lilly Pulitzer's gorgeous bicycles!  "Bicycles, you say?"  Yes, I am known far and wide -maybe wide isn't a good choice of wording here - for my dislike of exercise but when I see these adorable Lilly bikes I have visions of my cute self peddling to and fro dressed, of course, in coordinating Lilly outfits. The reality is that I would probably never fork over the money to buy one of these dreams on two wheels...but a girl can dream in pink and green!

So, imagine my surprise when I walked into Target this morning and saw that one of their lines, Alice + Olivia as part of the Target/Neiman Marcus Holiday line, has a Lilly inspired bike...not to mention the price tag was even more than a Lilly bike at a whopping $499.00!  I know lots of people will say it isn't a Lilly "inspiration"... but really???

I will give it it kudos for cuteness, especially that basket with the belt around it and I like the white tires (which would coordinate perfectly with a Lilly bike...just in case any Lilly Bike designers read this!)

I did find it interesting that when I looked the bike up on Target's website it was half the in store cost at only $249.00.  That is quite a price difference online versus in store! At $249.00 I did think the cute factor increased. But at $499.00, I couldn't imagine forking over more for this bike at Target than I would have to for a Lilly. But, then again, I am prejudiced and only a Lilly bike makes me exert energy imaging myself exercising on it!!!

Christmas Shopping, Tips and Deals!



You can get your own Black Friday T at Black Friday Ads

Can you believe we are only 68 days, 14 hours, 29 minutes and 20 seconds until Christmas (at the time of this writing...at the time of your reading the time is even less!!!)

This morning after I dropped my boys off at school it hit... the Christmas Shopping Bug!  All of the sudden I was ready to get myself in gear to GET IT DONE!  Actually, this year I may do some Black Friday shopping.  I haven't done that in years but I guess I am feeling dangerous and want to live life on the cutting edge this year.  I haven't committed to this plan yet, so don't hold me to it (I am a sucker for sleeping in so that very may well trump any aspiration I have to run with the big dogs of shopping.)

One of the best preps for Black Friday Shopping is the website: Black Friday Ads!  They have already been sharing ads from retailers (some of them leaked) showing the deals that are to be had. You can also learn about some pretty nifty need to know tips such as Best Buy planning to do some limited*  price-matching of online retailers this holiday season while also offering free shipping on items not available in stores. The new policy is said to go into effect starting Sunday, November 4.  Black Friday Ads is a free service and you can sign up for emails and then receive all those early ads delivered right to your inbox or you can just browse the site.   If you plan to be tackle shopping on the most dangerous day of the year...make sure you go prepared!

Do you have your shopping face ON?

An Open Letter to Publix



Source



Dear Publix,

I love you; but this long distance relationship we have is really breaking my heart.  I keep hearing rumors that you are going to actually settle down and move to my town so we can see each other on a regular basis...you know, truly share our lives.  So far, though, the rumors are just serving to torture me.

I am so ready to stop this quicky visit stuff...it just isn't enough.  Not to mention, it is hard for me to sneak away from my regular life and drive an hour and half just to steal a few minutes with you.  It is time...lets make this into a real commitment.  I know my friends and family will accept you with open arms.  Actually, they are as desperate for you as I am.

Since moving to Florence, SC the only thing I regularly long for is you.  So please pack up the trucks and beat a quick path to where I20 and I95 intersect so that our love can continue to grow and flourish.  There are many memories yet to be made.

Signed~

Nothing Compares to You

Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, NC Part 1

Last Saturday, at the crack of dawn, a friend and I headed towards Charlotte for our Annual trek to the 44th Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte at The Park Expo & Conference Center.  Why so early?  Mostly because we literally stay all day!  With over 500 vendors from around the country, there is so much to do and see.  We spent about 9 hours Christmas shopping, eating and getting lots and lots of great decorating and craft ideas.  There are certain vendors that we look for every year such as Southern Supreme Fruitcakes (hey, no fruitcake jokes...these are delicious!) and always some new ones to tickle our fancy. It is a great place to find unique gift items and I was lucky enough to get quite a few names checked off my list. 

This year's show had a retro theme which I especially love, since in the last couple of years I have realize just how much  I love Americana and things that take me back to when life just seemed simpler.  (This is why I am totally over the moon with the old glass Christmas ornaments I have from my Grandmother).  When we entered the Expo Center we were greeted with a full sized, mid-century modern ranch house complete with an Aluminum Christmas tree and the familiar color wheel.  I was captivated from the first peek...and especially with the 1963 Ford Fairlane in the carport! 

 Notice the gift wrapped front door, my Grandmother used to do that!

Also, at the show there are some beautiful designer Christmas trees like this retro inspired one!

 Christmas wonderland!

 Lite Brite and Raggedy Andy, anyone?

When I was a child I played with a doll similar to this

 that had belonged to my Mother.

Oh, I had a Mrs. Beasley doll and she was one of my favorites!

Check back tomorrow for more photos of the designer show rooms and decorations!

Frugal Friday: Black Friday Ads

Are you a Black Friday shopper?  I used to be every, single year, but not so much over the last few years.  That is probably because I have been the one to cook Thanksgiving Dinner and I have been too pooped to shop but I my husband has been known to head out (along with DD) if there was something in particular we hoped to get a deal on.  Fortunately, there is a website: Black Friday Ads - The Official Black Friday 2011 Website for Black Friday Deals that makes planning your Black Friday attack combat shopping trip easier if you are brave enough inclined to join the masses!  For weeks now, they have been gathering and sharing all the leaked information from major retails about their specials.  Check it out and you can decide if you want to do the Black Friday shopping dance and save some money!

Lilly Pulitzer and Amy Butler are coming to Rue La La!!!!

You may have heard me mention Rue La La at some point, in reference to their great designer boutique sales, but I thought I would mention it again in case any of you are looking freshen up your wardrobe (or fill some Easter Baskets) with Lilly Pulitzer or freshen up your home with Amy Butler linens (I don't know if any of her fabulous purses will be featured, but rest assured I will be checking it out!)

Rue La La is a private online shopping experience that features top name designer "boutiques" for very short periods of time at private sale prices.  Members discover new offerings daily - each available often for just a few hours or until the sell out.  Trust me when I sale the Lilly sale can be one that sells out VERY quickly.  IF you would like to experience the Rue way of shopping, click here for your invitation:  You personal Rue La La Invitation.  Once you are member you can sign up for email reminders or text messages to help you remember when to shop your desired boutiques!

Hurry, because the Amy Butler Boutique starts April 4th at 11:00 AM and Lilly Pulitzer Boutique will begin promptly at 11:00 AM on April 6th!!!  Happy Shopping, my frugal friends!!!!!!

It is all about the Shoes, Jack Rogers versus Stephen Bonanno!

Jack Rogers



Stephen Bonanno



OK, girls (and guys if there are any out there reading), I have a shoe question....If you have had both Jack Roger's sandals and Stephan Bonanno sandals which do you prefer?  For me the Jack Rogers are locally available the Bonannos aren't...so I am considering buying the Jack Rogers but have heard they aren't as comfy as Bonannos...so blog friends, what has been your experience?

Christmas in Charleston

We took a break from all the busy, hectic, must be, must do and snuck off to Charleston on Sunday afternoon.  It was a much needed break and great time spent just with the 5 of us.  Here are some pictures I took of our day:

 Our day started with a visit with the man in red.  My sweet DS2 asked for a Chess set for Christmas and Santa informed us that no one had asked for one of those this year! 

 This lovely gentleman was seen wandering downtown.

 Ahh...empty sidewalks

 Now if this isn't a brilliant marketing strategy I don't know what is!

Simple and Beautiful

 Shopping in Charleston...LOVE it!

 Even with the cold weather we have had lately, there were beautiful blooms to be found.

 There is just something about that water.

 peeking...

Merry Christmas!

Frugal Friday (prepping for Black Friday!)

I don't know how many of you are planning to be Retail Warriors next Friday, but Black Friday Ads should help you out if you will be joining the army of shoppers.  It has a copy of many Black Friday ads available already so you can plan your attack. There are also some great ads and list of online and pre-Thanksgiving ads to get your motor running! 

Onward, Retail Warriors!

TasteBook...

Seeing as how I have already done 1 post (Have you Checked Your Calendar Today) about the upcoming holiday season, I guess I don't have to give much explanation about why I am thinking about gifts already!  Do you have anyone on your list that you find a bit of a challenge to shop for?  It can be fun trying to come up with something that is unique and special. This year I think I will try creating a TasteBook or two. 

This is the neatest website!  It allows you to create gorgeous, full color cookbooks for friends and family.  You can use your own recipes or use the Tastebook library of recipes.  You also can use your own photos! This is like being able to publish your own cookbook just for someone special!  How cool is that?

Wouldn't it be special to do one of old family recipes and photos?  Or one for the male cooks in your family that is tailored to them?  I think this is the neatest thing and these books would make great Christmas, birthday or wedding gifts! 

So, since I am in the mood to plan ahead, I would love to hear what y'all are thinking about for holiday gifts this year? 

***no endorsement paid, just me trying to share something cool!