Things I Order on Amazon

I'm kind of obsessed with the idea of documenting my life.  It's why I started journaling with I was 10 years old.  It's why I was always the one with a camera taking pictures at every sleep over, birthday party (which were also sleepovers if I had my way), gymnastics meet, and football game.  I'd drop the film off at Long's and wait the five days or so for developing, because as anxious as I was to see the prints I would not pay extra for overnight processing.  I'd pick them up and excitedly shared them with friends at school before carefully arranging the best ones in photo albums. I was the unofficial team historian.

Now.  I haven't bought a photo album in many many years, and all of my journaling is online.  Then I started a blog.  Of course I did.  Instagram and Facebook serve as date stamped time capsules, of all the fun things I've done and the special people I did them with.  Who woulda thought that shopping on Amazon could do the same thing?

I went through my past orders looking for a product I want to order again, and the first thing I noticed is how my Amazon obsession really exploded over the last three years.  This is a tally of my Amazon order history since 2003.  I'm already at 5 orders for 2017.  It's only February.

2003-6
2004-1
2005-2
2006-3
2007-1
2008-0
2009-1
2010-0
2011-3
2012-1
2013-3
2014-31
2015-38
2016-49!

The second thing I noticed is that browsing through my order history was like catching a glimpse of my past life via the things I ordered on Amazon.  It's all there, neatly organized by year, and in their own way they tell a story.  A story of me. 

2003

So this is my very first Amazon order, ever.  Did you know that in 2003 I was kind of sort of an aspiring actress?  These two books were required materials for a pretty intense acting class with a local casting director here in San Diego.  Once a week I sat in this cramped walk up studio downtown for three hours while this dramatic man by the name of Samuel Warren yelled and gestured with all his might trying to teach us the subtle craft of acting. I starred in an exercise infomercial and did lots of industrial videos.  Nobody I know ever saw them (thank goodness), but I still got paid!  I auditioned for an independent film in L.A. and distinctly remember blowing the call back because I didn't realize they were having us read a different script.  Obviously, I didn't "make it" and it was mostly really discouraging, but I loved it and I still look back on those days very fondly. 

2003

These purchases show that I prefer working out at home rather than the gym.  I do believe that these were my first home workout videos.  Ever!  I bought them on VHS because VCR's were everything back then.  That's all we had.  I always made sure to hit rewind after I finished otherwise I'd be super annoyed when I was ready to start my workout and had to wait for the rewind.  According to Amazon I grew my collection again in 2006 with some toning videos, and again in 2011 with 6 more videos.  By then, I was really into Barre, Ballet, Yoga, and Jillian Michaels, but I also repurchased that Kathy Smith Time Saver cardio video in DVD.   I can only imagine how funny I look doing it, but it's such a fun cardio routine, I don't care and it was worth buying again.  I went through a weight lifting phase in 2014 with the purchase of a cell phone arm band, but the at home workout thing really stuck and these days I workout almost exclusively at home.

2005

This purchase shows my age!  In 2005 I had a flip phone.  A Samsung VGA1000 Sprint to be exact.  'Aint she a beauty?  I think I'd lost my phone out of contract, and this was the replacement.  I'm pretty sure I thought it was the best phone ever at the time, but I remember how distraught I was that I had to spend Two-hundred dollars on a cell phone.  I WISH my iPhone only cost $200.  Was there ever a day that an iPhone was that cheap? I didn't get my first smart phone until 2010. 

2014

These purchases expose the serious popcorn addiction I developed in 2014.  It took me 5 months to eat my way through a 12.5 lb bag of popcorn kernels all by myself.  I had to eat it every single day,  and I loved this popcorn bowl so much I bought one for my sister and my mom.  That reminds me.  I really miss popcorn.

2015

These purchases reveal that my skin is not always perfect, and that I was on a mission to lose weight.  I had perfect skin for most of my life, but in 2004, out of nowhere I had a horrible bout with hormonal acne that recurred in 2006, 2009, 2014, and then crops up here and there every year since.  When my skin is good it is very very good, but when it is bad...UGH!!  In 2015 I scoured the internet looking for products I decided on Arcona Acne Raspberry Clarifying Pads, Alpha Hydrox Intensive Serum 14% Glycolic Acid AHA, and Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion.  I really like the skin care products, because by this time it was less about getting rid of the acne and more about just caring for my skin and treating the acne as best I could during that time.  I had given up on trying to "cure" it because it seems to come and go as it pleases without any kind of rhyme or reason.  I bought the CoQ10 and Acetyl-L Carnitine cellular energy promoting fat transporting, pills out of desperation because I read somewhere that they'd assist with energy and weight loss.  They did nothing for me.  In 2016 I went about it the good old fashioned way.  Diet and exercise.  It worked, and I got to use the tape measure to keep track of inches lost.     

2016

These purchases show my love for writing, traveling, and that I married a Bills fan.  I bought these books for a fiction writing class I took last year.  I hated how long and exhausting it made my day, but I LOVED the class.  I learned so much and it was something I've always wanted to do.  I venture to guess this neck pillow is probably one of the best ones out there.  I HATE sitting up while sleeping on a plane for hours, so I bought this last year before my looong ass flight to Germany.  It's high enough so it actually supports my neck, unlike the cheapie one I had before, which I gave to MJ.  He likes it, but it was useless for me.  These Packing Cubes are awesome.  They keep everything organized in my suitcase and when it comes time to unpack I just take out the cubes.  It also comes in handy when I stay in places with minimal storage.  I bought a set for the husband too.  These socks were part of MJ's Chrismas gift.  He loves them.  Being married to a Bills fan means my husband makes me go to Buffalo.  I've got two Bills games under my belt, and I see more in our future.   

It started out innocently enough with using Amazon as easy order and ship for gifts, things I was having a hard time tracking down or things I couldn't find at a decent price like an inexpensive duvet cover, or a space heater during the summer. 

Then it turned into all the things.  Hair accessories, shampoo, cell phone chargers, goggles, protein powder, ice packs, toilet paper holder.  No item is too insignificant for me to order from Amazon, but I do try to keep a cart going until I have a few items so I can do a group order.  It is a heck of a lot easier than running out to the store, searching for the item, then possibly going to yet another store if they didn't have it.   Like those awesome storage cubes I got a few weeks ago to deal with all my stuff.  I could have gotten lucky and found the right ones on my first trip to Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, or not, but with Amazon I can do the run around online.  And if they don't work, I just print out a shipping label and drop it off at the Postal Annex down the street to send it back.  I used to add to my list of things to buy, never get around to it, and then give in and order it on Amazon.  Now, I don't even fight it.  I go straight to Amazon, because chances are I'll have it a lot quicker than the time it would take for me to go get it.

Amazon is easy and efficient; exactly how I want my life to be.  It feeds my obsession to document all the things, and makes a pretty nice time capsule of the past.  So there's that, as if I needed any other reasons to use it. 

 
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Romping Around

Target // Mossimo

We had a wild night on Friday bar hopping in Ocean Beach to celebrate a friend's birthday, which was really refreshing because I thought I'd aged out of Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach.  It was an 80's theme.  We did not dress up although in a way I felt like I did because I was wearing a romper.  I think it's important to note that it's my very first romper ever.  Well, not ever, but the last time I wore one it actually was the 80's and I was about 10 years old.  It's one of those things I kept saying, "Oh yeah, I need to get one of those," but never did.  At first I wasn't sure if I liked them.  Then I wasn't sure if I wanted to take down my top to go to the bathroom.  Then I wasn't sure if the trend was going to die and I'd be stuck with something I didn't want to wear.  Then it seemed like they just wouldn't go away so when my mom spotted a cute one while we were at Target, I tried it on and was sold on the comfort and versatility.  It's not to tight or too short. 

Me Too Abbie Ballet Flat // DSW

 Someone had an extra gold chain for MJ so we fit right in.  Bar hopping and dancing wearing a romper with ballet flats was positively liberating.  These flats are amazing.  The goal was to find a pair of ballet flats that felt like house slippers and these are it.  I'm already looking for a pair in nude or taupe.  I felt comfortable.  I felt like me.  We had a great time.  I'll have to reconsider Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach for fun nights out without the downtown pressure to dress a certain way.  Oh, and the prices.  At the first bar we hadn't eaten so I was going to wait and not order anything but when the waitress put two beers in front of him and asked for $7.50 I was all over it because you can't get a single drink for less then $10.00 downtown and that's what Uber is for.  We left the driving to them.  Sometimes the downtown scene is just too much with all the heels and the tight dresses.  I have nothing against either.  Not true.  I'm pretty much over heels that hurt.  I refuse to suffer anymore.  Anyway, I love downtown and I'll go back, but the change in scenery was nice. 

I think the same could be said about Dolci Cafe Italiano Rancho San Diego.  It's one of those unassuming little places in a strip mall that you see on your way to the grocery store and say, "That place looks cute, we need to try it," and then promptly forget about it until you see it again and say, "That place looks cute, we need to try it." Well, we finally tried it on Sunday.  This is our last weekend at home together for the next month and we wanted to go out for breakfast.  Coast?  or local?  It was hot.   It would have been nice to head out towards the beach, but then I thought about it.  Local, because all the hot spots would probably have long wait times without a reservation.  And then there is the parking.

We love the vibrant restaurant scene in San Diego but sometimes we just want to drive to a restaurant, get out of the car and eat so it's always nice to find cute non-chain restaurants without all the hoopla.  We were seating in the covered patio area which was nice.  The Italian sausage was juicy and the french toast was perfectly moist in the middle and full of flavor.  And the prices! My french toast was $9.00.  Our bill was only $35 and that includes three mimosas.  Two for me.  I can't wait to go back to try lunch and dinner.

I should probably wear my romper.

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Because Target

Shopping.  Most women love it but there are some out there that aren't into it at all.  I always wished I was one of those because it would save me a lot of money.  I mostly love it but I do go back and forth.  It seems to come in phases that initially begins with me feeling like I wear the same thing every day and that it's impossible to get dressed in the morning.

Last year I was really into it but the "shopping bug" that plagued me last year has officially left the building.   I hated all the money I was spending and I hated that I felt like I couldn't stop.  Shopping is awesome and all but enough is enough.  We've been doing a lot of traveling over the last year and all that shopping was bumping up against buying airline tickets.  I was stretching myself thin trying to do both so it needed to stop.

It takes a while for the bug to fully leave your system.  When you are in the thick of it you feel like you need to buy all the things and they call out to you wherever you go.  I'd buy one thing, which would lead to another to go with it which would lead to a pair of shoes to go with that and it just never ends.   Now I can go into a store and not even glance at the women's and shoe departments.  I don't feel tempted to buy things when I see an add, get a SALE NOW!! email or click on an outfit of the day post.  I have a coupons I get in the mail usually from Express, Limited and Macy's that I save 'just in case' but I don't use them and I'm not online searching for that next thing.  I've gotten closer to shopping just if I need something. Like men.  I knew I was getting over it when I could buy just one thing and be happy without it leading me to want something else.  Hunting down the clothes, trying on the clothes, and sending back the clothes that don't fit just feels like a lot of work right now.  I have plenty.  My poor closet is stuffed because I'm terrible at purging. 

Target Haul:  Blue & White Maxi // striped skirt // T-Shirt Dress // Pink & Grey Maxi // Navy & Off-White Maxi

Now if I could just get over Target I'd be okay.

These are some of my Target finds over the last seven months.  My love affair with skirts and dresses continues.  It's the only thing I buy these days and only at Target.  They are just so versatile and comfortable.  My job is casual enough that I can wear all of these things to work and on weekends.  MJ used to ask me why I had so many stripes.  Particularly striped tops.  Well, the same reason almost every single pair of shorts he owns has cargo pockets.  They are everywhere, but that's okay because I love them.

It usually happens on my lunch break.  I casually check out the women's department and end up in the fitting room.  I go in there real quick for bread and toilet paper then the next thing I know I've found something I love and I'm scanning it with my Cartwheel app to see if there's an extra discount.  I can't shop without that app.  One time I couldn't get wi-fi for some reason and I was almost late getting back to work because I refused to check out without scanning.  I also combine that with 5% off using my Red card.  So that's how every single one of these things happened .  All individual purchases one lunch break at a time.  I'm not sure if that makes it better or worse and that's exactly the thing I love and hate about Target.

I guess I don't feel too bad because it's so inexpensive but I do realize that it adds up...and takes up space.  Did I mention that I REALLY need to purge?  Does anyone else have this problem of holding onto every last thing for years and years on end?  I bought it so it feels so wasteful to get rid of it.  Even if I'm not wearing it now I might change my mind later and it has happened.    How do you buy something and then get rid of it even if you still like it? Someone please help me understand how this whole purging thing works!!
 
So this happened two days ago.  I went to Target for one thing and came out with that plus something else.  This time around it actually was need based.  Mostly.  I'm going to Vegas this weekend and I found a really cute skirt but couldn't find a crop to go with it.  I might have been able to make do with something at home but you know, since I was going to Target anyway......

Oh, Target impulse shopping.  I don't think I can quit you just yet but I do promise to work on it.  If you are interested in winning $75.00 worth of Target impulse shopping money of your own you can enter the Target Giveaway here.

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Must Have Spring Dresses

Fit & Flare Belted Ponte // Tie Waist Jersey // Oxford Shirtdress

I'm not a dress person.  At least I wasn't but now I can't believe that I've waited this long to like them.  It's actually not too surprising because I'm always late when it comes to fashion.  Not that dresses are  a new trend or anything considering that women have been wearing them since the beginning of time.  I'm a casual girl and dresses have always felt too dressy.  I like to be comfortable and I think there is a part of me that wants to blend into the wall a little bit. To me, a woman in a dress stands out. I do not want to stand out.  I needed loose fitting things for work and now suddenly a whole new world has opened up to me. I might have gone a little crazy, but I never expected that I would find so many I liked.  I have a bunch of dresses in my closet that I haven't even popped the tags on but that's all changing now. Simply put. I love them now. Dresses can be casual.  They are comfortable and  easy. It's all one piece so you don't even have to coordinate a top and bottom. These are all leggings friendly too so I can wear them year round.  It takes me a while to come around to certain things but once I do I'm all in.

Fit & Flare Jersey // Floral Print Crepe // Stripe Waisted Chambray

I really love it when shopping is just meant to be and this shopping trip is a perfect example.  Let me explain. First, I have surgery which results in a Buddha belly.  I decide to go shopping for comfortable legging and boots friendly dresses at Old Navy on my lunch break.  You know those retail sales e mails that a lot of people think you should unsubscribe from when you are on a budget so as not to tempt yourself into shopping when you shouldn't?  Well, not hours after my mini shopping spree I get an e mail from Old Navy advertising 40% off all dresses and free shipping with a purchase greater then $50 online only for a limited time only.  Nine hours to be exact.  I just spent $125.14 cents on 5 dresses none of which were on sale but I did get a 10% military discount.  I'm not going to let that stop me from taking advantage of the deal so I order every single dress I bought in store plus one more online for only $2.00 more.  One thing I don't like about online shipping is that I like to try on every single thing first so I don't have to deal with the return hassle, but I've already tried 5 of the 6 on so I already know exactly which sizes to get.  On top of all that magic I earned an additional cash back bonus of $5.84 using my Discover card to shop online.  Cha ching.  Those pesky junk mails actually can come in handy.  If it's a store you really like and can technically afford to shop in, you might as well know what sales are happening.  Unless you have no self control.  Then it's probably not a good idea.

And there you have it from a non fashion blogger.  Must have Spring dresses.  I know this because I bought them all.

Maxi Skirt-Roxy-similar here // actual here

But the whole meant to be thing doesn't stop there.  I returned the original dresses to Old Navy and on a whim decided to check Marshall's for leggings which is right next door.  I ran smack dab into my first Maxi skirt ever.  A Roxy Maxi in my size for only $19.99.  I bought my first maxi dress over the summer and have been wanting a skirt ever since.  You all know how random Marshall's can be.  I was really, really surprised to find it there and it has to be because I wasn't looking for it specifically and if I'd gone even a day later it probably would've been gone.  And it looks like it was made to go with the super soft black shirt that I bought at Old Navy when I only meant to return the dresses.  Like I said, it was meant to be.

I guess I shouldn't make up my mind that I hate something before I've actually tried it.  I do this a lot.  Especially with food.  MJ if you are reading this please note that this new found realization does not extend to food even though I am well aware that it probably should. 

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I Will Not Shop...I Shopped

I've been on a no shopping kick starting in September and it's been good because I know I don't really need anything.  Only 1 1/2 months and I already broke my little streak.  I knew I was going to make one purchase at DSW.  That was a given; because I had a rewards certificate for $10.00 that I earned and it would be just wrong to let it expire.  Then, this Old Navy deal popped up that I couldn't refuse.

I may be terrible at using Grocery Store coupons but I am very strategic about using coupons and taking advantage of deals for everything else.  Getting an amazing deal and saving money is such a rush.  Not only do you get to buy something new which is a rush in itself but then you have the extra high of saving money on top of it.

Source:  Old Navy.com

Anyone ever heard of Restaurant.com?  Well, a really long time ago I had some airline mileage that was set to expire.  I didn't have near enough points for an airline ticket but they offered restaurant.com credit and magazine subscriptions.  I took advantage of both.  A few weeks ago my mom and I were planning to meet up for lunch so I logged on to restaurant.com to see what restaurants were available and found one near us.  It's really easy.  I hit redeem for the restaurant of my choice and printed out my $25.00 off coupon.  It never expires and you can even exchange it if you change your mind.  We didn't end up meeting for lunch that time but I used it last weekend for dinner at Cicotti Trattoria on a double date with my parents.

Anyways.  When I redeemed the restaurant.com gift a bunch of offers popped up that I could choose from.  One of them was a deal from Yub.com to spend $39.99 at Old Navy by a certain date and get a $50 Restaurant.com gift card.  I love eating for free and I love Old Navy so even though I've been on a no shopping thing I went for it.  Just an itty bitty extra shopping trip can't hurt- I mean, what's $40 at Old Navy?  I'm happy to do it.  I signed up the credit card I planned to use for the Old Navy purchase and then got a tip from The Tiny Heart that Old Navy has some girly and not at all ugly sweatshirts that I've been dying to get my hands on.  I went immediately to get my shop on.  So here is the deal.  I got this adorable blingy sweatshirt and this beautiful soft heather grey boyfriend cardigan with sequins elbow patches for $20.00 and $25.00 each when they were $29.94 and $34.94 regular price.  On top of that I got my 10% military discount.  Thank goodness I remembered to ask for it.  I barely squeaked in at my minimum which is exactly the way to maximize deals spending $40.50 + tax.  On top of that it was the LAST DAY to earn Super Cash so I got a $10.00 off on a minimum $25.00 purchase coupon.  They sure know how to get you.  And yes.  I'm going back.  How can I not? I will be there with bells on.

After that I went right next door to DSW to redeem my $10.00 reward.  I found a pair of cute grey wedge booties.  They are synthetic and I usually go with leather but grey is really hard to find, it's the only color I don't already have and they were too cute and too comfortable to pass up.  I did all of this on a one hour lunch break.  Power shopping at it's finest.

It was like magic.  An hour after my purchase I got an e mail acknowledging that I had completed my Old Navy purchase and then a 2nd e mail with my restaurant.com $50.00 gift card.  I was also given the chance to re activate the offer and do it all over again.  It totally makes sense to do that because I have to spend $25.00 to redeem my $10.00 super cash anyways.  Can you just see how the shopping gods and the stars have aligned in my favor?  This was totally meant to be so I don't feel guilty about any of it.  A slamming good deal is always my best shopping justification.  Plus, although my preference was to divert more to savings I know that my budget can handle this minor relapse.

If you want a $50.00 restaurant.com gift card for spending $39.00 at Old Navy this is the link.  And no this is not a sponsored post.  Unfortunately, I haven't exactly figured out how to get someone to pay me to write a post yet.  And yes, I'll get $1.00 if you follow through on the deal but then you can turn around and do the same thing later.  And you get to shop.  And eat for free.  You can shop and your husband will love you for financing date night.  Win Win Win.    

Wouldn't it be cool if I actually modeled these clothes that I'm so excited about on my blog instead of resorting to pins?  I really, really want to but it just feels like so much work with the camera and the make up and the whole not wanting to look like an awkward fool thing.  It's only been 7 months since my one and only official outfit post and I honestly don't know if or when there will be another.

After this there is no more shopping.  Ideally, for the rest of the year.  Unless I'm on vacation.  There is always a BUT.  I have The Limited, Express and Macy's coupons burning a hole in my purse.  I don't even know why I torture myself by hanging onto them.

I will not shop.  I will not shop. 

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Blogging is Bad for Your Budget

Being part of the blogging world is so informative.   You get to see all kinds of things that people are wearing and buying and doing.  We post Christmas wish lists that makes others wish for it too and exchange ideas on home decor, beauty products and fashion just to name a few.  Blogging is great and all but it can be bad for your budget and I have a hard trail of evidence to prove it starting with what happened in December. 

Exhibit A:

Back in December I saw this Holiday wish list posted on Brown Girl blogs that included Tom's Wedge Booties.  So what did I do?  Within hours I ran to my computer and ordered them from Nordstrom's.  I also saw blue chambray shirts on lots of wish lists so I wanted that too but luckily I got that from Mj for Christmas.  Or you can bet I probably would have been out buying that too!

Well, once I had a cute pair of wedge booties in beige of course I had to have a pair in black.  So what did I do?  Within days I'd done my research and and ordered these Etienne Aigner black suede wedge booties on Amazon.

Exhibit B:

And sadly, it doesn't end there for me.  Not only that, but I dragged my fellow bloggers along with me for the ride.  I'd been wanting a striped cotton blazer for a while.  They were wearing them all over Europe when we were there and I was silly enough not to buy one.  After I got home I searched and searched but couldn't find one in any stores.  I gave up, but seeing Brittany's over at Fun With the Fullwoods looking so good in hers refueled the fire.  Isn't she pretty?  By the way this woman had a baby not too long ago.  Anyways, thanks to Brittany I had to continue my search.

So what did I do next?  In January I googled it and found them at Old Navy for a great price.  I thought about it for exactly one day then went there and snatched up the last size small.  Faith at Life, Love & Marriage posted this cute outfit with a striped blazer she saw on another blog so I knew she wanted one too.  It was my blogger duty to tell her  about it so I e mailed her and what did she do?  Within days she ordered it online.  Here we are in our must have striped cotton blazers styled in two totally different ways.

Top: Express // Blazer:  Old Navy 
Jeans:  Joe's Jeans // Boots:  Aldo

Too bad Mj noticed that the sensor tag was still on it when he took these pics.  Thank goodness I'd stuffed the receipt in the pocket so when I finally went back they knew I hadn't stolen it.  I also noticed that I forgot to put on a belt and that these other ladies are miles ahead of me as fashion bloggers.  Good thing I'm not a fashion blogger, but still; I need to work on my skills.

Faith- Top: Alloy// blazer: Old Navy  // Necklace & Earrings: F21 //
Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: Zara's

How cute does she look? I love the way she styled it with pink shoes and rolled up the sleeves. A big thanks to her and her photographer husband for braving the snow for these shots. It just dawned on me that she came down with pneumonia not too long after these shots were taken. She's all better now thank goodness.  I hope this photo shoot didn't bring it on.  Oh the sacrifices we make for blogging.

 Exhibit C:

The story of woe continues.  While I was in Old Navy getting that striped cotton blazer I saw the gingham shirts that everyone in blog land has been rocking lately.  I told myself I wasn't shopping anymore, well except for that cotton blazer that got me there in the first place, so I didn't get it.  Then, I saw this post over at Because Shanna Said So about buying the black and white gingham she finally found at Old Navy after an exhaustive search.

I stayed strong and told myself I didn't need it but it was Emily's post at The Sweetest Thing that pushed me over the edge; and I quote. I own gingham button-downs in several colors because of the versatility. They are layering essentials, they look great alone, and they are multi-seasonal.  Well clearly Emily was telling me that I should go back for the black gingham.  I commented on her post that I'd probably be going back to Old Navy to get one in black and white.  She emailed me back that she didn't know they had them there.  I think that might be the one color she didn't have!  Well, it's a good thing I told her because within days she posted this pic.  And she's posted this shirt styled in two other amazing ways since this post.  Can you believe that I haven't even worn mine yet? But I will.

And here is Shanna rocking her black and white Gingham.  I'm learning from the best apparently.  This girl is so fashionable that she's in the running to be the first official US Wallis Blogger Ambassador.  She's in 1st place!  You can vote for her here. 

Source: becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com  via Cece on Pinterest 

And that my friends is how blogging is bad for your budget.  I do believe the evidence that I have presented speaks for itself and proves that this kind of domino shopping effect is absolutely sweeping the blog world.  You better watch out.  Those fashion bloggers are dangerous!

Exhibit D:

You!!!

See anything you like here?  Who knows who's posting what tomorrow.  I hate to say it but there is an excellent chance that you have already fallen victim to blogging budget busting or that you will be next.  In fact, I've been struck again.  I bought some red skinny jeans two weeks ago...something I would have never considered even buying before!  Thanks again Shanna!  All I can say is DON'T break the bank and DO exercise some measure of self control. As much as we'd like to we can't buy everything! I love checking out blogger fashions as opposed to fashion magazines or runways because it's much more accessible and realistically presented to me.  Their influence has inspired quite a few shopping episodes but as long as I'm only spending what I can afford that's okay.  It's fun to like what I see in my closet and get excited about getting dressed.  I will never be a fashionista like some of these ladies but I think my wardrobe choices have definitely improved since I've started blogging and I like that...even if my bank account doesn't!

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Gone Bananas

Adrienne Vittadini Jalya printed leopard flats [Source:  DSW]

I did a little shopping over the weekend.  Ok, well let me backtrack.  I actually bought these adorable leopard flats before my vacation when I actually wasn't even supposed to be shopping.  But you know how sometimes these things happen?  They are super comfortable.  I have no regrets about it now.  They are perfect and they are mine.  What's done is done.

                                                                                         Source: bananarepublic.gap.com via CeCe on Pinterest

                                                                                      Source: bananarepublic.gap.com via CeCe on Pinterest

                                                                                      Source: bananarepublic.gap.com via CeCe on Pinterest

Mj heard from a friend that Banana Republic was offering 50% off of regular priced items to veterans in honor of Veteran's Day.  He knew he had better tell me because if I found out later that I could have saved 50% off at Banana and he didn't bother to let me know I would have been mad.  Not that I ever shop there.  I'm more of Old Navy then Banana.  It's way too pricey but for 50% off of course I had to check it out.  I got the Merino V neck sweater in a brighter Red.  It's so soft and it looks really cute layered over the plaid top.  The plaid top is part of their Soft Wash collection of shirts.  What is soft wash?  According to the website:  Our Soft-Wash shirts undergo a delicate wash cycle for 60 minutes followed by an enzyme wash, giving the shirt a softer and more lived-in finish.  That enzyme wash must do the trick because it really is soft.  It feels so good on.  It's loose and casual but it still has somewhat of a structured fit so it doesn't feel too boxy.  When I was in high school we used to just call them flannels.  They were all the rage back then and now they are back like so many other things.  The sweater was originally $64.50 and the button up was $59.50 but I ended up paying $62 for both with the discount.  I would have never paid those original prices.  They both feel very expensive (because they are) and I like it!!  The V neck top was on clearance for $19.97.

                                       

                                                                                                                                               

                                                             Source: bananarepublic.gap.com via CeCe on Pinterest

I really wanted this denim chambray shirt as well but they didn't have it in my size.  I hate it when that happens.  I'm hoping Santa will bring it to me for Christmas.  If he happens to be reading this; XS please.   

Confessional Fun

I confess that I got to page 132 of Fifty Shades of Grey and wanted to call it quits.  It dawned on me that the book was going to be about her life as a willing sex slave and I found that  I just wasn't all that interested. I stopped reading it for a week but I'm thinking I might as well finish it.

Budget Buster $130, marked down from $400
[Photo Source]

Budget Friendly $12, marked down from $49.99
[Photo Source]

I confess that last month I actually considered buying a pair of Jimmy Choo Sandals.   I was looking for snake print flat sandals for my trip, they came up in google images and I fell in shoe love. They were on sale for $130 down from $400.  I have only ever spent over $100 on boots so even though the price was low for Jimmy Choo it's still too high for sandals and my budget.  I found a cute pair of Alfani flats on clearance at Macy's for $12 bucks instead. My heart still yearns for the Jimmy Choo's.  It could have been my one chance to every own a pair but I'm glad I didn't spend that much.  I guess.  If anybody tells me that I should have bought them I'm going to cry.

I confess that even though I'm on shopping lockdown I bought a cute little Victoria's Secret I Love Pink hoodie.  Hey, it's for my trip.  That makes it okay.

I confess that I seem to have replaced my pretzel addiction with Ritz and Peanut Butter Crackers.  It used to be one of my favorite after school snacks and now I've been eating it after work.  For dinner.  Between that and PBJ's I've almost gone through a whole jar of peanut butter in a month.

I confess that when Chloe beat Maddie at Nationals on Dance Moms I screamed and did a happy dance.  Maddie is an amazing dancer and I think she's adorable but Chloe is the underdog, I love her long beautiful lines and I think it was her turn to shine.  I also screamed when they won 1st for the team.   They won everything!!

Leslie at Blonde Ambition is bringing confessional Friday back next week, Yeah!!  So, I will be linking up with her next week for more of the same.  Have a great weekend!

White Skinnies

April was my Birthday month and with it came lots of Birthday coupons from places like The Limited, Express, Macy's, Victoria's Secret, DSW and Anthropology.  Pretty much all my favorite stores.  Along with the Birthday and shopping coupons galore came a sense of entitlement which caused me to spend money.  I tell myself, it's my Birthday, I deserve it.  So yeah, I've been doing a lot of shopping this month...and if I'm being honest it's kinda been more like all year so far.   It's like a disease or temporary insanity.  To my credit I did not use the Anthropology or Victoria's Secret coupon.  I can't and shouldn't use them all but I did quite a bit of damage.   I did the math and I'm a little embarrassed to admit it but I've spent about $650 bucks so far this year but if I didn't have it to spend then I wouldn't have because I don't do credit card debt.  These stores know what they are doing.  What a sucker I am.

One coupon in particular from Macy's had me interested.  $10 off anything...even the designer brands you love.  It's been a while since I bought a pair of designer jeans and I have been wanting a pair of white skinny jeans so I marched over to Impulse "just to look."  Famous last words.  The Joe's Jeans skinnies are $169 freaking dollars.  Why on earth does a pair of jeans have to be so expensive and why on earth would I even consider spending that kind of hard earned money on it?  Because when you put them on they mold to your figure like a glove and look awesome.  That's why.  I also gave Jessica Simpson's white skinnies a chance.  They were $54 but it just wasn't the same.   I shoulda never tried on the Joe's but I did and therefore could not walk out of Macy's without them.  You see, I was MEANT to have them.

Photo Source

A measly $10.00 off is a drop in the bucket but it was better then nothing.  As the saleslady rang up my jeans she says you would probably do much better off with the friends and family 25% off coupon.  A 25% off coupon that can be used on designer duds?  She scans it and the price goes down by $42 and I the jeans only cost $136 with tax.  It's still mind blowing to me that I might say the word ONLY in reference to spending over $100 bucks on a pair of jeans but there it is.  I've spent up to $150 before.  I only spent $18.99 on the tan skinny jeans I bought the month before so I guess it averages out.  That's what I'm telling myself anyways.  I've officially lost my mind but these jeans last forever, look great and they are worth it.  I'm worth it right?  Like I said, I was MEANT to have them.

What is the most you will spend or have spent on a pair of jeans?

Navy Blue Chucks

Last Thursday night it occurred to me that I needed a pair of casual shoes that would look cute with skinny jeans.  I've got so many of them now.  I have plenty of casual flat boots and I love that look but sometimes you just need a casual not quite tennis shoe that looks good and doesn't make you feel like you gave up on your outfit.

Friday morning I checked out DSW online.  Nothing.  Then I stumbled onto Converse.  Not really my style....but cute and reasonably priced.  Nordstrom's had them in the perfect color.  Navy Blue is a versatile and will go great with jeans.  I called and made sure they had my size, they put them on hold for me,  and on my lunch break I went and tried them on.  I liked them, I bought them and that was that.  These shoes will never go out of style since they've been around for oh, forever and they are classics.  I got them home and Mj echoed my earlier sentiment.  Chucks?, that's not your style.  But when I put them on he liked them and said they were cool lookin' on me.  They kind of have a throw back edge to them and I wasn't really sure if I could pull it off but I put them on and it just worked.

Photo Source

Sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning I decided that I needed a pair of Navy Blue low top Chuck Taylor's and I had them by lunch time.  It's funny how it happens that way.  I may be indecisive at times but when I decide I want something.  I WANT it and I want it yesterday.  What struck me the most aside from my ridiculous tendency for impulse shopping is the fact that I COULD buy them.  There have been very lean times where I might have wanted to spend $20 bucks on something I really needed and just didn't have the money to do it.  I've scraped pennies out of my car cup holder just to be able to afford a $1 coffee.  

I live within my means and if my means tell me that I cannot shop or that I cannot have this or that like it or not I accept it.  I've always been very conservative with my money.  I don't make a whole heck of a lot of it but I know how to manage what I've got.   I did not have a melt down, because sadly buying shoes has caused this in the past.  I did not berate myself for spending money unnecessarily.  

My means told me I could have a pair of Chucks if I wanted them and I happily obliged.

Shopping Around

Celebrity Pink Skinny Jeans at Macy's

I hate  it when I want something specific.  I'm very impatient once I've made up my mind that I want [insert anything new here] and inevitably I can never find it.   Once it's in my head I am basically tormented by it so I pretty much don't give up until I find it.  I'm on a mission.  This time I wanted Beige skinny jeans, I didn't want to pay a lot for them and I wanted 'em now.  I walked into store after store at the mall until I finally found these Celebrity Pink Jeans at Macy's.   The color is darker then I originally wanted but I was desperate.  Just one problem.  That darn mannequin girl was wearing the only pair in my size.  She's not going anywhere; surely she can wear something else so I ask the sales lady if she can get the mannequin to take off those pants.   She had to call someone else for help because miss mannequin wasn't giving them up easily and the pant removal actually required tools.  I felt like a whiny high maintenance customer asking but I really wanted them.   I distinctly remember colored denim being in a loooong time ago when I was in high school.  They were mom jeans compared to the low slung version of today but I had white, black, beige, hunter green and plum.  They disappeared for a while but like everything else in fashion their baaaaack. 

The next day I stopped at Ross looking for some new work out clothes.  I haven't bought new ones in about 10 years.  I've basically been working out in rags (not really).  Since this whole 'working out again' thing seems to be sticking it was time to update my gear.  I found some cute tops and bottoms then poked around in the Juniors section and what else do I find?  Celebrity Pink Skinny jeans for $18.99.  Not only was the price $11 cheaper then at Macy's but the color was the lighter Tan I originally wanted.  Little Miss mannequin at Macy's can have her jeans back.  Sometimes I overlook Ross because it can be very disorganized and a pain in the butt to shop but this time they had exactly what I wanted.  

I love it he doesn't.  What now?

I poked around in housewares and found a black rimmed full length wall mirror ($14.99) and the black storage ottoman that has been haunting me for about a year.  I am so excited!  Most of the ones I've been finding are about $250 and this one is only $99.  I have tons of pajamas and instead of storing them awkwardly under the bed in a bin that doesn't quite fit I can put them in here where I can get to them easily AND we can sit on it.  Later that night Mj says, "Will you be upset if I don't like it?"  Uh, heck yes I'll be upset.  I've been looking for this thing for over a year!!  To top it off he says he isn't even sure why he doesn't like it; which clearly isn't a good enough explanation for me.  I tell him he better "splain himself" and he says he thinks it's too big.  Sigh.  I think it fits in nicely in our bedroom.  I'm hoping it will grow on him because I love it, I need it and like everything else I wanted it yesterday and don't want to keep shopping around for it.

New Clothes or New Technology?

Aldo "Perchinski" [Photo Source:  Aldo.com ]

I'm not that person who is always up on the latest technology.  I got a DVD player when I could no longer find VHS at Blockbuster and I got my first smart phone last year.  When this whole H.D. thing started to take off I thought it was cool and all but not something that I really needed or even wanted and insisted that having just one Blue Ray player in the house was plenty.  I mean, "What's the difference anyways?"   

Steve Madden "Branddy"  [Photo Source:  Bloomingdales.com]

I don't spend much time thinking about gidgets and gadgets.  I'm more likely to be thinking about those Steve Madden boots that I saw at Macy's and I've had my Fall shopping list set since last year.  I very excitedly checked some clothing items off my list at Kohl's with a 20% off coupon.  Then I just had to get the knee high boots I've been wanting.  When I get it in my head that I want something I'm on a mission.  I researched, bought and returned boots for a week until I got the perfect two pairs.  The Aldo's were not on sale unfortunately, but I had a $20 off coupon for the Steve Madden's.

Samsung HD TV

 Mj on the other hand is not concerned about his wardrobe.  He rarely ever is.  Every now and then he peruses the mall for a new pair of jeans which he has yet to find but that's about it.  He's not a technology nut but he's definitely into technology and when he wants something he's on a mission too.  About a month ago he started talking more and more about a new TV.  Why? I asked.  We have two nice flat screens of decent size already but he wanted a slightly bigger one.  He got more focused last week then talk turned into action.  Like me when I'm shopping for something specific he did his research and checked out a few stores and the next thing I know there is a brand new larger TV sitting in our living room.  It has a so called infinity edge.  There is a very thin silver border so the picture just seems to go on for well....infinity.  The first movie we watched on it was Bad Teacher.  I could see every single pore and wrinkle in Cameron Diaz's skin and it looked like they were actually in our living room.  It is the most crystal clear, realistic TV screen I've ever seen.  Did I mention that it has 3D?  We haven't tested it out yet and I don't know how often we'll even use it but apparently you can't get one without it these days.  He even downloaded the app that allows him to turn his i Phone into a remote control.    

I've pretty much loved every bit of technology I supposedly don't need and didn't necessarily want.  I can now see the huge difference between HD and non HD.   If I watch a DVD that's not in Blue Ray it looks "funny."  I absolutely LOVE my i Phone and don't know how I ever got along without it.  So what's better and more exciting?  New clothes or new gadgets?   You get to wear clothes and they can be purchased relatively inexpensively.  When Mj runs out and gets the hot new thing at Best Buy does he get the same shopping high that I do when I find the perfect sweater?  Maybe so...and I must admit that TV is beautiful.  Did I really just call a TV beautiful?  My natural inclination is to love clothes and profess that I can do without the latest and greatest in technology but in reality I guess I like 'em both.

This just so happens to be the 3rd TV he's bought in as many years.  I didn't even ask him how much it cost.  I don't even want to know but I bet it was way more then my Fall shopping....for the last several years.  I'll stick to lusting after clothes and shoes.

Shopper's High

Source:  DSW.com

Shopping is such a high.  Who needs drugs when you can shop?  I've been on a spending lock down since December.  I've spent so little money that when I got gas, a car wash, AND bought something at Bed, Bath & Beyond that it triggered a fraud alert on the credit card I use for day to day expenses!  I didn't care how much money I didn't have I knew I was going to be using my DSW coupons before they expired this month.  There was no question about it.  When I walk into that store with the intent on spending money I am literally giddy with excitement.  The jazzy music being piped in buoys that excitement and the pristine rows of shoes all lined up in rows and rows as far as the eye can see call out to me.  I headed straight for the pumps since I've had my heart set on some nude ones for a while.  It took me all of 30 seconds to decide that the Tahari ones were perfect after I tried on the Jessica Simpson's and found them to be just as cute but not nearly as comfortable.  That the Tahari's were $10 more at $69.95 mattered not.  Once I had that in the bag I went to the clearance section.  DSW usually has such a good selection that you can't walk out of there without at least taking a peak.  In about 15 minutes I picked out some great Grey Steve Madden suede flat boots that will be perfect with my leggings and a pair of hot high heeled sexy boots that can replace the ugly ones I've been wearing just because it's what I had.  I hate it when I find myself doing that.  They were both an additional 30% off the clearance price marked. 

I did all of this on my lunch break.  What is it about that store? The last time I went there on my lunch break I walked out with three pairs of shoes and this time too!  I had a $10 and a $20 coupon that I'd been holding onto for a while.  I had just gotten a free tote coupon in the mail so the timing was perfect.  I spent $134 on three pairs of shoes and got a really cute free bag.  Basically, I cleaned up.  It was a Thursday afternoon but it felt like my weekend had already started because that shopping trip put me in such a great mood.  I don't know when I'll be out shopping next but I think this fix should keep me going for a while!

I Won an Awesome Giveaway



Godet Cardigan, $95



Linen Cardigan, $165

I love to win!  Who doesn't right?  It doesn't even have to be much in order for me to get excited about it but I really hit the jackpot on this one.  One of my favorite and most fashionable bloggers Leslie over at Blonde Ambition hosted one of the best giveaways I've seen yet.  By the way she just got engaged and I cannot wait to see how beautiful her wedding turns out.  This is actually the first blog giveaway that I've ever entered.   We got to choose 2 of 5 items from Charli Girls.  Oh how my heart was yearning for these lovely sweaters as I did my entry even though I didn't really believe I had a chance in hell of winning.  Until I did!! I'm sure there were well over 100 entries and I was lucky #85! I'd never heard of this company before but I checked out their website and they've got some really cute stuff.  I love the muted colors and the weekend wear meets dressy style.  The fabrics are all soft and flowy.  This is truly the perfect prize.  I am always cold so sweaters are my best friend.  I try to have cute ones in a variety of neutral colors that go with everything because I don't ever leave the house without one.  Not only is the prize perfect but the timing couldn't be better.  I'm on a very limited budget right now and winning this gives me my little shopping fix. 

Mj laughs about my sweepstakes/contest entering ways.  It is not at all unusual for me to be simultaneously entering several different online contests at a time daily.  Part of me doesn't believe I will win but the other part of me figures why not try anyways.  Most of the time I don't win but this is a perfect example of how you just never know-for once it could be you!  It's been a long tiring week and I haven't been sleeping well.  Last night was my first good night of rest and finding out about this prize was the best way to start out my Friday.  Thanks again Leslie!!  Now, if I could just win that Dream house on HGTV I'd be all set!

Cyber Monday Shopping

Our new bedding
Macys.com-Calvin Klein

Mj has been saying for a while that we need a duvet cover for our King down comforter we got as a wedding gift.  When he says we need a duvet cover or anything else housewares related that usually means that I need to find it.  Not in a huge rush to spend more money I kept forgetting to check it out but it has been getting colder so I finally remembered last night.  I browsed a few websites and then it dawned on me.  It's Cyber Monday!  Anyone who has ever bought bedding knows how ridiculously expensive it can be. King sized bed sets can cost $300 or more!  The way it usually works is, I scroll through the inventory and when I find something I like I ask Mj if he likes it.  If he says no then I keep looking until I find something he says yes to. 

I'm not really into the whole holiday shopping craze. I haven't seen anything I want or don't even know what I want.  I'm just not motivated to expend the energy it takes to get out there this time of year.  Sometimes it's even hard to know if you are really getting a special deal or not.  I  mean, it's probably going to be on sale for the same old price tomorrow and this whole Cyber Monday or Black Friday thing is just the store's way of increasing urgency to bring customers in.  Well, I guess this Cyber Monday thing is for real.  At least for what I got at Macy's.com.  Mj finally said yes to this bedding set so I ran out to my car where I keep all my coupons and dug out a $50 off coupon on $200 + purchase. I resisted the urge to buy those cute little decorative pillows that match.  We only have two with our other bedroom set and they spend most of the time in the corner on the floor.  So this is what I got. 

• Calvin Klein Cut Flowers Duvet set (Duvet + 2 shams) $99.99
• Calvin Klein Cut Flowers King Sheet Set ( 1 flat/fitted, 2 cases) $59.99
• Calvin Klein European Sham $24.99 ea X 2 $49.98 

Total: $209.96.  I paid $182.53 total with tax including $17.95 for shipping.

I log onto Macy's.com today to check out prices and these are the post Cyber Monday prices I found:

• Cut Flowers Duvet $162.99
• King Sheet Set $89.99
• European Sham $32.99 X 2 $65.98

Total:  $318.96

It was the real deal!  I saved a whopping $109 with Cyber Monday prices and another $50 on top of that with the coupon I had.  Not bad for someone who wasn't even planning on buying anything.  So I'm loving that I got such an awesome deal on an amazing 300 thread count complete bedding set but a little bit disgruntled over the fact that I just spent almost two hundred bucks on our second set of bedding when there are still so many other things we need for the house.  We STILL have mostly blank walls and have hardly any decorating done.  I still need to get that darn patio furniture set I want from Walmart!  Jeez....maybe I should have checked out the Cyber Monday prices on that.

It's so strange how I was totally shopped out feeling broke and didn't really have any desire or sense of urgency to do any more shopping (even though the house still needs work) but with this one purchase my shopping juices got flowing a little bit and now I want to stop at Pier 1 TODAY to get something I saw online.  Le sigh.