Who Knew?

 

Another shortage, the foam shortage, that is what!  Did you know there was a foam shortage?  Apparently, I missed this little nugget of 20/21 items to be scarce.  I suppose I was too busy hoarding ketchup packets.

Last weekend my sweet husband and I went on an exploratory (as in, we don’t know exactly what we want) furniture shopping trip.  Everywhere we went when we asked about sofas and upholstered pieces we were told that we had the choice to buy off the floor or if we ordered, it would be at least 30 weeks before delivery.  30 WEEKS, at LEAST? 

Well, that kind of put a kink in our plans.  Who knew… a foam shortage?  What is next in all this world gone mad? I wish it were paper straws.

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

I got older today...

Yes, today is my birthday.  In all honestly, since I became, single birthday's haven't been all that fun.  This year, though, I was determined it was going to be different and fortunately for me my kiddos were all about it.  The day started pretty much perfectly and only got better from there. 

 My day was spent exploring the little town of Aiken, South Carolina.  If you haven't ever been, put it on your to do list.  It is full of beautiful homes, gardens, shops, galleries. There was just too much to see and do!

 The sweetest part? I got to be with 2 of my 3 babies!

Yes, that is me, with a Diet Coke (my favorite food, you know!) in a glass bottle.  There is nothing better on a hot Spring afternoon!!!  Of course, Aiken is horse country so it has some wonderful equestrian touches every where you look...I can't wait to go back and explore even more!

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!

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!

People watching at the really, really big discount big box...

This morning I had to go to ****mart.  Not one of my favorite activities, but it seems in the season of life I am in (3 kids, house and a budget), it is a necessary evil.  Sometimes you just have to go. 

Generally, I will choose my times wisely,  going when it isn't overly crowded and avoiding weekends like the plague (really...if someone in my house needs something from ****mart on the weekend...it is just NOT happening!).  Anyway, today's trip to the really, really,big, discount, big box entailed having to stand in line at the pharmacy.  While I stood there, I started looking around at all the other people around me and noticed one thing...they all looked absolutely miserable.  Now, I am not talking just blah...I am talking not happy with a capital NOT.  At first I decided it was because I was in the pharmacy section and maybe everyone was sick and not feeling well, but then I noticed everyone who worked there looked that way also.  This really got me curious and I started looking further than the pharmacy department...everyone was just plain old unhappy looking.  As they made their way up and down the aisles, they just looked pretty PO'd.  So did all the workers.  I generally make it a point to appear pleasant and smile at others (yes, even strangers!) but it seemed that if eye contact was made and even the slightest smile was shared...folks looked back with just a little bit of suspicion!  EVEN the workers!!!  There was no "happy place" in that place, I can assure you.  Maybe they are in need of a major Bobby McFerrin "Be Happy" intervention!

So why is it ...everyone looked all mad and generally morose?  I don't just blame this on ****mart  - though I understand that ****mart can cause that feeling - but come on folks, do you have to share your misery?  I think a lot of people in our society have forgotten that you don't have to wear every single emotion on your face and have settled into a negative vibe all the time.  There is always something to be thankful for and keep at least a bit of positive spirit.     I am not an expert. but being mad isn't a becoming look for most folks, especially the ones I saw at ****mart. 

Jowls. Are. Not. Flattering.  I am just saying...

Ho, Ho, Ho...new stockings!!!

Last night DD and I were out for a bit of retail therapy and I found a great pre-Christmas score!!! New stockings for the whole family with each person's monogram accented with Swarovski crystals for only $9.99 each. Yes, $9.99! I have wanted to replace our stockings for several years (6 to be exact) but never found any that I liked enough to shell out the $ for 5 new coordinating ones. Since the arrival of DS#2 (6 years ago) we just let the kiddos use 3 of our previously 4 coordinating stockings and DH and I did without (yes, we are so selfless!). These great velvety monogrammed stockings (complete with coordinating tassles) are at Bed, BAth & Beyond http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx?order_num=-1&sstr=stockings&dim=1&nty=1 I am so excited to see what Santa puts in my stocking!