Green is the new Black!

Ok so in light of several circumstances I'm seriously transitioning my groceries to Organic!

It seems like food just isn't the same anymore.
In the grocery stores, the meat portions are just getting bigger and BIGGER. Is it just me or does anyone else think some of these chicken legs are starting to look like Turkey legs?

Trail is convinced that all grocery stores are pushing CLONE meat now. LOL!
How else is the meat getting bigger but the prices are the same, if not lower?
While I think the Clone Theory is a little far-fetched (though he might be on to something), I DO worry about all the steroids they are pumping into our meats and the pesticides used on our produce in these massive production line plants. Not to mention sugars, preservatives and other products used in our non-perishable groceries so they can keep them in the stores longer!

It's scary b/c we are putting this stuff INTO our bodies! And then we wonder why so many people have all these illnesses: diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure- the list goes on and on!

Now I just feel guilty when I give the kids food that I feel like has no nutritional value. I don't want to feed garbage to them their whole childhood and then they have poor health choices as an adult b/c it's what I taught them!

And we Southerner's have it the WORST with our deep fried, gravied, casseroled meals followed by sweet syrupy sugary desserts. Hell, even our DRINKS are filled with sugar! Sweet Tea=Liquid Diabetes! lol

SO health-wise- I'm SOLD on organic groceries and more conscious meal choices. The question is, can I AFFORD it?

As soon as I mentioned going organic, lots of ppl responded that it would be expensive. But there are lots of average joes living healthy lifestyles- I just need to find out their secrets....

Fortunately for me I have a Whole Foods Market AND a Trader Joes within a few miles of my job, so I can grocery shop there on my lunch hour. I'm not quite sure what my solution will be for items that must be refrigerated but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

The only way I can make this a LIFESTYLE change and not a spur of the moment fad is to take things slowly but surely.

In my research I found some really good advice on Whole Foods blog from other consumers who have been "converted" to organic food. I copied and pasted a few below for anyone else that is considering this lifestyle but doesn't know if it will fit in their budget.

You can check out the entire blog at:
http://www2.wholefoodsmarket.com/blogs/wholedeal/
I have included the tips that stood out most to me. :)

Also if anyone has any great tips or suggestions I would LOVE feedback!!

Thanks,
Angel

MY TIPS:
-If possible, avoid purchasing organic products in large chain grocery stores. They tend to jack up the prices of these items b/c they want you to buy their brands. Instead find a Health Conscious Grocery Store (Like Whole Foods Market or Trader Joes. Organic food prices at these stores are much more reasonable.

-Whole Foods has a monthly coupon publication called The Whole Deal. The PDF can be printed from their website.

-Trader Joes does not have coupons or sale flyers b/c they already offer their items at the lowest price. The prices are comparable (if not better for some items), but they do not have a large product selection. Start your grocery shopping at Trader Joes FIRST, and then if something isn't available there, go to Whole Foods or another Organic store for the rest.

-Though I can't yet afford organic meat, I purchase my meat products from farmer markets rather than large chain grocery stores. Most farmer's markets use local businesses to supply their stock. Though it is not a perfect solution, Local Farmers are less likely as many steriods and other harmful additives used by large factories because they are not producing the same volume numbers.
If you do not have a local farmer's market, also try Asian Grocery stores (Like Super H Mart)- you can easily notice the difference in the meat portion size and the fresher taste!

-Try to plan more than one meal out of an item on your grocery list so you save money by purchasing less ingredients.

-I'm debating buying a kit to start an herb garden for fresh herbs

-I learned if you bring your own grocery bags to Whole Foods, they will take a dollar off your purchase! That's almost the average savings of a Kroger Plus card! =P
Plus I've been shopping around and found some UBER-CUTE Reusable Grocery Bags!!
Imagine being stylish, healthy and environmentally friendly at the SAME TIME!!!
(I'm on to something here!!)
These cute bags by Green Concepts are on Amazon- A set of 4 for $18.99!!



CONSUMER TIPS:
-Buy sale items and plan your meals around the items you purchase on sale.

-Stop or reduce your use of disposables – styrofoam or plastic cups, paper plates, paper napkins, sponges, etc.

-Stop buying bottled water. Use a Brita (filtered) water jug to fill reuseable (and recyclable) SIGG water bottles.

-Learn the Organic product name brands and go to their websites for coupons.

-Replace junk food with fresh fruit and veggies
The junk foods are so full of useless ingredients that you end up eating way more than you need. Weight loss at no extra charge)

-My money-saving tip is to buy only what you need for the week’s menu. I plan my menu for the week based on fresh produce available and money-saving deals at Whole Foods.

-NEVER go shopping hungry. This helps to stay within budget.

-Every time you open a new bottle of salad dressing, jar of pasta sauce, or carton of milk, write the date on the lid with a permanent marker. It will help keep track of what’s on hand and you save money and reduce waste by not having to throw out spoiled, uneaten food. It works especially well for dairy products like big tubs of yogurt and cartons of milk.

-Buy mostly ingredients. It does take a little more effort to cook from scratch, but this truly saves the most money.

-Plan your shopping trip “before” I go into the store. Leave a little money for a deal or two, but in general know what your total cost will be.

-Whole Foods offers a “Shopping On A Budget” class. You may learn quite a few money-saving tips!

-Find an item on sale and then use a coupon at the checkout which you can find in the Whole Deal coupon booklet . For instance: Lifeway Organic Kefir on sale for $3.39Add a $1.00 off coupon which only comes up to $2.39.

Birthday #1 and 2: Day at the Zoo

The first 2 birthdays of Birthday Season fell into a 2-for-1 deal.
Happy Birthday Tayler (7) and Tre'stin (8)!!

We celebrated by taking the whole Rachal Clan to Noah's Ark- An animal shelter/zoo and Nature Preserve in our neck of the woods.





The timing could not have been better! Scenery was beautiful and the weather was perfect.


Coincedentally, Evidence (The Zebra at Noah's Ark) was ALSO celebrating his 2nd birthday- which caused for a special event at the zoo and gave me a party theme. :)

Theme: Day at the Zoo
Dress-code: Black and White (For Evidence the Zebra)
Party Favors:
Cupcake decorations (using Zebra print and Green patterned Scrapbook paper, and lollipop sticks)
Zebra Scrapbook Stickers
Black and white ribbon
Black and White Balloons

Cupcake: Double chocolate fudge with fluffy white frosting

The Lovely Birthday Girls



The next birthday on deck! Guess who?

Attention Moms w/ Young Kids!!

I've been getting emails lately from Oshkosh B'Gosh and Carter children's stores.
I frequent these stores at the outlets now and again b/c they have great deals, but the locations aren't convenient for everyone.

It looks like now they have gotten with the rest of retail clothing stores by allowing you to Shop Online!

Great deals on basics, they send frequent coupons, and right now they have free shipping!

I get a lot of Mimi's school clothes from here b/c they have cute & cheap Mix & Match sets:

Check it out!
Carters has baby clothes and kids clothes up to 6/7
This cute top is from Carter's website

www.carters.com

Oshkosh has everything from baby up to size 12
This adorable tank is from Oshkosh

www.oshkoshbgosh.com

Birthday Season Opener

Yes! "Birthday Season" is upon us!

birth·day sea·son  /ˈbɜrθˌdeɪ ˈsizən/ [burth-dey] [see-zuhn]
–noun
The timeframe between April and July when all five of our kids have birthdays consecutively every two weeks.


I have to admit, last year being my first year of the FULL season, I was a little intimidated.
It can be difficult enough to plan a birthday for ONE child, much less five!

Plus I have always tried to throw some original flair into the parties instead of deferring to Chucky Cheese, which can add additional stress.

I've learned that Birthday Season presents me with two major obstacles:
1. Being Creative x 5
2. Being able to afford it all

To fix obstacle #2, we made the decision not to throw big gatherings for birthdays anymore.
Even though we love sharing these moments with all our family and friends, it can put a $$ strain on both sides.

I love supporting my friends by attending their kids birthday events... But I can imagine being in their shoes getting 5 birthday party invites to the same house within eight weeks! Gas to the country alone would kill them! lol

Then from our side, it can be expensive to make sure the kids get (majority) of the gifts they want, decorations, and fun birthday activities. Plus providing food and beverages for 20 to 40 additional people five times can be tough. Then you throw in party favors for children guests, birthday cakes and the dollar signs keep adding up!

We have decided instead that we will do an activity with the kids and then have presents, cake and ice cream with the family afterwards. That way we make sure each child feels like their birthday was properly celebrated and we still have grocery money by the end of the summer! ...Just in time to buy back to school supplies =P

For obstacle #1, I've really got to get my imagination in high gear! I have a few ideas nailed down but not the details to every party like I normally would have.

Time is sneaking up on me! Seems like it was just Christmas. =/

Birthdays 1 and 2 are this weekend. Happy Birthday to Tayler (7) and Tre'stin (8)!! Can't wait to celebrate with you!!

I'll update pics soon. :0)

-A

Bathroom Inspiration

I know, I know, sounds like a weird blog title. But it’s slow at work and I’m distracted so bare with me. =)

And your bathroom, I think, is a strange place to be “inspired” by…
Nonetheless, it started two days ago.

I bought some new ceramic statues for my living room bookcase thinking I would add some color for spring and summer. Though the items looked good when I purchased them in the store, when I brought them home and put them in my bookcase, I was sadly disappointed.

I wrapped them up and brought them back to TJ Maxx on Wednesday with the SOLE attention of returning and getting my money back. But that Wednesday was an ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS day in Atlanta! I wasn’t quite ready to go back to work and decided to browse around.

Randomly my mind started whirling about all the different things we needed around the house: new silverware set, bathroom towels, wooden cutting board, heavy hangers, etc. etc.

I wondered into the bathroom section to look at towels and spotted a nickel finish towel bar. Instantly I thought of our large master bathroom, which we practically LIVE in, but haven’t touched up as much as we have the rest of the house.



We talked about adding shelves and possibly painting, but had never acted on the inspirations.
I also thought of the fact that we tend to throw towels over the glass shower door because we are missing something…. Yes! You guessed it! A TOWEL BAR! I quickly glanced at the price. With my ceramic pottery exchanges, this towel bar would cost me $4 plus tax! I snatched it up.
This one from Overstock.com is the same finish color, but different style:



So yesterday, my hubby being the Home Improvement superhero that he is (wink!), had our new towel bar up in the bathroom by the time I got home from work. I couldn’t believe how such a simple, inexpensive change made such a DRASTIC improvement!
We had also just started replacing all the cabinet hardware in our house, a few knobs at a time so it wouldn’t damage our wallets. We chose nickel finish squared knobs and have already started on our kitchen cabinets. Inadvertently, the trim on the towel bar would match EXACTLY with the hardware knobs, which is also the same finish as our door knobs. It was all coming together!

Now we realized that our toilet paper holder is NOT nickel. It’s silver. … BOO.
I remembered I had seen a nickel plated toilet paper holder at TJ Maxx too, and it was some ridiculous price- $7 I think! (One below also from overstock.com)



Since our hardware game was getting on point, I started thinking of what other things we could do to spruce the room up. My goal is to create a spa inspired haven that will allow us to maximize our sunken garden tub and play up the stone tiles.
We are not planning to rush out and do all this in one day, but it’s nice to have an established goal to work towards. Plus you get to enjoy little satisfactions constantly as you watch everything piece together!

My Current Checklist:
-New coordinated towels and washcloths- All white
-Wooden shelves over sunken tub



-Bath salts and Apothecary Jars (The beauties below are from Pottery Barn)


-Spa Inspired Artwork [And Nickel Finish Picture Frames for the Wall]

I'm really feeling this photography set by Sondra Wampler! =)




-Replace plastic blinds with heavy wood blinds like the rest of the house
-Scented candles [Taking advantage of the Bath and Body Works Outlet Store 2 miles from my house!]
-New bath rugs that tie into the theme
-A Bad Ass Magazine Rack for our "Throne" Reading Collection (lol)

Spring 2010: How to Look Like a Lady

Hey there Bloggettes, I'm back!!

Just a mini-post to get my feet wet again...

So I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or if my sense of style is simply inspired, but I'm in LOVE with super feminine clothing and accessories right now!

Digging through my closet the other night I discovered a pale pink/almost beige satin trench coat I had purchased a year ago and never put into use! Now I'm hoping to build on that piece and have fun with this new look!

My Spring Hot List
-Soft/Feminine Trench Coat
-Pink Sunglasses!
-Statement Jewelry
-Pearls and buttons
-Hearts
-Ruffled Blouses
-Pastel Tops
-Bags with Silver and Gold Chains
-Mini Clutch Purses
-Casual Skirts
-Fitted Chinos
-Girly Cargo Jackets

I will do a separate post on beauty looks to go with this style.
For now, ponder your own inspiration. :)
Three cheers for SPRING!!!











Store Inspiration:

Savvy Spending

A couple of people have asked me how I "do it"...
And no, get your mind out of the gutter!! lol-
The discussion was about how to get what you want without sacrificing what you need.

I was a single mother of two, and now part of a blended family of 7 (5 kids & 2 Adults) with a mid-range salary, so needless to say I've had to find 20 different ways to stretch a dollar!!

I'm a brand name shopper who believes in Quality over Quantity, but I don't shop without a good deal (or sacrifice- depending on the purchase! lol)

Just thought I would share some of my tips & tricks, it's not 100% foolproof but maybe you will pick up an idea to expand your budget, or maybe you have some awesome tips and would like to share with me as well!! =)

Today's topic is groceries. Here goes...


Groceries:
I can never keep track of coupons (for food) if that's where you thought I was going. LOL
I actually have a more complex approach for groceries.

Keep in mind, I'm a "GRITS" (girl raised in the south) so this is based off of American/Southern food basics. It would be easy to make a similar list based off your own most frequently used items.

1. Keep staples in your house at all times-
I PROMISE you will use at least ONE of these a day. Even if you don't have any other groceries, you can make a meal out of these alone!!
This list totals to around $25

-bread [$1.50]
-butter [$2]
-sugar [$1.50]
-all purpose flour [$1.50-$2]
-milk [$2-$4]
-eggs [$1-$2]
-potatoes [$2-$4]
-onion [$2-$3]
-ketchup/tomato sauce [$1.50]
-mayo [$1.50]
-cream of chicken soup [$1]
-cream of mushroom soup [$1]
-crackers (saltine or ritz) [$2-$3]
-for my southerners - Lipton Tea Bags for brewing Ice Tea [$2]

2. Try to plan your week's menu around the same key ingredients so you don't have to buy a whole bunch of different things.
Example: canned tomatoes can be used in spaghetti, enchiladas, beef/vegetable soup and gumbo (among other things). One large family can is $1.80, which can suffice for two meals.

3. Cook enough to have leftovers to take to work the next day.
Eating out at work is the NUMBER ONE "wallet-killer"!!
The money you would spend on ONE meal eating out is the equivalent of two packs of dinner meat (or a romantic steak for 2 dinner at home!)

Also make sure you are making meals that carry well to work. Save items that don't "rollover" for Friday nights.
Example: Tacos/Nachos, Fish & soups aren't easy to take as leftovers. Save these types of meals for Friday nights and weekends.

4. Gadgets make life easy!!
You may be thinking, how will I ever find time to cook dinner when I get off of work?! Sorry, you get NO sympathy from me! I work 8-5pm, have a 2hr commute, children with bathtimes & homework, and my own shows I like to watch too. If I can make dinner every night, so can you!
These are kitchen gadgets that I would NOT be able to do it without though!!
Any time I give a housewarming gift, I pick one of these items b/c I know how nifty they can be!


Griddle- I make ALL breakfasts with this gadget, I also use it to sear meat before cooking in the oven so it doesn't dry out, and it's great for sauteed veggies as well. You can get the basic size from Walmart or any other all purpose store for about $29. Larger sizes are $40-50, which is what I need to upgrade to considering the number of ppl I'm usually cooking for!


Slowcooker/Crockpot- My mom gave me one when I turned 18 and moved out. I have always had one since! The one I have now only has 3 legs (LOL), so it's time for an upgrade on this too- but it just proves how useful it is.
The great thing about this is, you never actually have to COOK anything. Just throw all the ingredients in and it cooks all day on a low heat setting (which is impossible to burn!)
You can use it to make a main course, appetizer, or one pot meal.
Great for any type of meat (will have meat so tender it falls off the bone!), Spaghetti/Chili are delicious when slow cooked.
You can get a million different meal ideas at www.slowandsimple.com.
Crockpots can also be found at places like Walmart, ranges from $25 to $50 depending on the settings. 5 to 6 quart is the size you would need for a complete meal. You can get the basic with three heat settings (keep warm, low & high), or you can also get more high tech digital slowcookers that allow you to set a timer. If you have a long commute like me, the extra $$ for the digital slowcooker is worth the investment b/c most of your meals will be overcooked by the time you get home.


Rice Cooker
My Asian Friends, I KNOW you have this item ON LOCK (LOL!!), so you can skip over this one! My American Friends, get a rice cooker! I know most American meals don't call for rice (unless you are making cajun or low country), but rice is a great side filler for meals or soups, it's inexpensive and it feeds many!!
This rice cooker is $24.88 at Walmart, but you can get larger sizes and more features with more expensive versions.

5. Where to shop for what
Some places have great prices for meats, but screw you on other items. Because of my commute, I pass almost every store on the way home, and some items I purchase on my lunch hour (depending on whether it needs to be refridgerated)
I also designate days to purchase different items if I can't get it done on the weekend. For example, Tuesdays I go to the asian market for fresh meat and veggies, Wednesday I go to Kroger for their 10 for $10 deals, Thursday I stop at Sam's Club for bulk TP, Paper Towels & laundry detergent.
Here's what I've found to be the best shopping combinations:

Asian/Farmer's Markets: have the best deals on meats and fresh vegetables. There are a ton of local farmer's markets in every major city so this isn't an unattainable place for most ppl. You DO get price-robbed for toiletries and staples at these places though (so pick up windex and ketchup somewhere else!)

KROGER: Occasionally they will have a meat special, but most of the time I only go to Kroger for their $10 for $10 deals. This special has certain items for $1 each! Example: canned veggies, flour, sugar, liquid hand soap and other basics. Also the more points you build on your Kroger plus card, you can save $0.10 a gallon on gas if you use Kroger gas stations.

PUBLIX Rarely ever have good prices on meat OR veggies, but they have a lot of buy one get one free sales on other items. Example: cereal, bread, pasta sauce, salad dressing, etc. This is also the best place for Kids Lunch items!!
Today I bought Ritz Cheese Sandwiches and Teddy Grahams for Sarina's lunch- buy one get one free!!

WALMART I know there is a lot of hype around their groceries being cheap, but don't be fooled! You will get better deals on meat and veggies at the farmer's market. Walmart IS great for non-perishables and toiletries.
Use this place for non/p items like Mac & Cheese packs, dry beans, pasta, cereal and also toiletries- mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, household cleaners, etc.

Warehouse Membership Shopping: Costco, BJs, Sam's Club, etc.
YES, you can AlWAYS get great deals on places like these, but do you really need everything in bulk?
Normally when I go to Sam's or Costco, I'm only buying a couple of items.
These are my favorites for Warehouse Shopping:
Bottled water, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and CLOROX Bleach for Trail's obession for cleaning countertops 5 times a day! (haha)

40 Wardrobe Basics

Okay, as promised, I looked at my old list and revised some items.
I didn't have time to do the combinations yet, or provide with pictures/examples, but that sounds like a fun project for later on.

Anyways, here goes!!
I used black and gray as my staples b/c those are the colors I wear most often. If you generally wear warmer tones, substitute black and gray with brown & navy or olive as your basics.

Good Color Compliments for Black & Gray
Pop Colors: Fuschia, Plum, Royal Blue, Teal
Pastel Colors: Ice Blue, Lavender, Pink

Good Color Compliments for Brown & Navy
Pop Colors: Butter Yellow, Deep Red, Sienna Orange, Hunter Green
Pastel Colors: Light Gold, Peach/Coral, Seafoam Green

40 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Section 1- Tops
1. Crisp white shirt
2. Crisp black shirt
3. Pinstripe shirt
4. Silk Blouse
5. Blazer
6. Cardigan
7. Mock Turtleneck
8. Pop Color [your choice of style]
9. Pastel Color [your choice of style]
10. Trench coat

Section 2- Bottoms
11. Pinstripe Pants
12. A-Line/Full Skirt
13. Dark skinny denim
14. Black Pencil Skirt
15. Trouser style denim
16. Gray dress pants
17. Black dress pants
18. Gray pencil skirt
19. wide leg pants
20. black leggings

Section 3- Dresses
21. Sheath Dress
22. Sweater Dress
23. Shirt Dress
24. Long Tunic/ Kimono Style
25. Black/White Pattern Dress

Section 4- Shoes
26. Black Pumps
27. Black patent loafers
28. Black boots
29. Gray pumps
30. Gray boots
31. Nude shoes [your choice of style]
32. Jewel tone shoes [your choice of style]

Section 5- Accessories
33. Cinch belt
34. Scarves [assorted colors]
35. Skinny belt
36. Stud Earrings
37. Necklaces [assorted styles]
38. Watch
39. Black Sunglasses
40. Coach Bag!! =)

Work Wardrobe Essentials- Style Combos

YAY!! WE GOT A NEW DRESS CODE POLICY AT WORK!!

Puhahahaha, I know my thought process is difficult to understand (except by Lyn)-
But I HEART structure!! LOL
Organized lists, detailed to-do projects, powerpoint presentations & illustrated reports ROCK!
I am a CAPRICORN in the truest sense!

And NOW we get more strict on our Business Casual policy. =)

No, we aren’t strictly Business Attire YET, and though I love that idea I couldn’t afford a closet full of suits right now.
But since our dress code policy had never previously been established (small company), many employees (I’m guilty too!) began to take advantage and dress more comfortable than norm for an office. We interact with clients over the phone, so it was more lenient.
Now we are expanding from a smaller company, to a more formal business environment, with potential and perpetual clients in and out on a daily.

This gives me the opportunity to clean house if you will, and of course… GO SHOPPING!! =)

It reminded me that long ago I created a “work wardrobe essentials” list for myself & girlfriends. I searched my old emails and found it!!
Haha, kinda funny that even 3-4 years later- all of these items are still wearable.

Tonight I'm going to revise and update some things then post a new version tomorrow.
Hope this helps out my corporate ladies!! Have a great Monday!


-------------------------------------------

So most of you who know me pretty well know that I'm walking a fine line between genius and insanity...
(LOL- but it's true)
But you also know that I am an obsessive/compulsive list maker who has lists for her lists. (And I'm PROUD of it too!)

Anyways, I did one of my CRAZY lists last night after a convo with Lyn and this list actually doesn't seem that crazy!
Thought I would share…

The conversation was about how working in the office world you have to look professional and exude a certain polished air to gain the respect you deserve (especially YOUNG FEMALE MINORITIES who are attractive).

But often times your budget- when allotting for rent [now- mortgage!], a car note, credit cards, KIDS (God bless you)- isn't very compatible with the look you need to put together.

So I took 15 basic work wardrobe essentials and switched around combinations to make an ENTIRE MONTH'S work wardrobe NEVER wearing the exact same thing!

The items that don't have a color listed can be adjusted to your style, and this would work with whatever budget.
YOU determine whether your white shirt is from Target or Nanette Lepore, but either way you'll be totally outfitted for your CAREER!! =)

And now that you have the wardrobe figured out, you can spend more time ACTUALLY working (or surfing myspace- haha)! <<<<------ [note, I guess this should be changed to facebook now!!! lol]


Wardrobe Essentials:
1. Crisp white shirt
2. Black Pencil Skirt
3. Black Blazer Jacket
4. Black Dress Pants
5. Black Leggings
6. Black Pumps/Stilettos
7. Long Tunic Sweater
8. Black Boots
9. Gray Cardigan
10. Dress- Black/White Pattern
11. Jeans- Dark/ Skinny Fit
12. Mock Turtleneck
13. Ruffled Blouse
14. Wide leg pants
15. Dark Jeans- Bootcut or Trouser Style

Work Week Combinations:

Week 1

Monday: 5-7-8 black leggings, long tunic sweater, black boots
Tuesday: 1-2-6 white shirt, pencil skirt, black pumps
Wednesday: 4-9-8 dress pants, gray cardigan, black boots
Thursday: 3-10-8 blazer, dress, black boots
Friday: 11-13-8 skinny jeans, ruffle blouse, black boots


Week 2

Monday: 3-1-4-6 blk blazer, whte shirt, dress pants, black pumps
Tuesday: 9-2-6 gray cardigan, black pencil skirt, black pumps
Wednesday: 5-10-6 dress, leggings, stilettos
Thursday: 13-14-8 ruffled blouse, wide leg pants, black boots
Friday: 15-6-12 bootcut or trouser jeans, black pumps, t-neck


Week 3

Monday: 7-14-6 tunic sweater, wide leg pants, pumps
Tuesday: 3-10-6 blazer, dress, pumps
Wednesday: 12-2-8 t-neck, pencil skirt, black boots
Thursday: 9-4-6 gray cardigan, black pants, pumps
Friday: 1-11-8 white shirt, skinny jeans, black boots


Week 4

Monday: 13-2-6 ruffled blouse, gray pencil skirt, pumps
Tuesday: 9-10-8 gray cardigan, dress, black boots
Wednesday: 12-4-8 t-neck, black pants, black boots
Thursday: 3-14-6 black blazer, wide leg pants, black pumps
Friday: 15-7-8 long tunic sweater, trouser/bootcut jeans, blk boots

Cocktail Mix for Wedding Favors- Yay or Nay?

Okay, getting to the point where I need to have a set budget and an idea of what I want our wedding to be like.

Came across these wedding reception favors.
Cocktail Infusions= HOW CUTE?!!!!
They are little mix drink satchels that you put into your cup and then add alcohol of your choice for a custom mix drink!! Like a Bartender in a box! haha







This is an original USEFUL gift idea. Much more creative than a candle or mini box of mints...
But is it cliche to assume that EVERYONE attending the wedding drinks alcohol? lol
Hmmm, I really like these though...

Fall Fashion Love - Blazigans!! =D

Deconstructed Blazers and Cardigans= BLAZIGANS??
haha That's my new word!! Called it!!

I love these new Blazer/Cardigan hybrids!!
They have the look of a jacket, but soft pliable fabric textures.
Looks super comfy and cute!!
Come on LOTTO!! hehe, I want them ALL!!

bebe fragrance is back!

happy, happy, joy, joy!!
One of my fav fragrances [bebe] of all time is coming back!!
They broke my heart when I ran out of my last bottle and found out it had been discontinued!
If you like Earthy, sensual scents- (reminiscent of Prada) then you will love this perfume.
Countdown is ON!! =D

Not a baby anymore...

Huyyy, ok so I spoke briefly about this last night on F/BK, but today it's sinking in more.

My Sarina is growing up.
A couple of her back to school looks she put together)


You know how they say that moms will cry when their little one starts Kindergarten or gets on the schoolbus for the first time? Well, actually did OK with that.

So why NOW, when Sarina is beginning THIRD grade, do I all of a sudden feel like boo-hooing into a tissue?

I'm not quite sure what bothered me most...

Was it her demeanor at the Elementary School for her Open House?
She held my hand through the parking lot, but once we got inside the school, she let go and took the lead.
Teachers and other students were stopping her in the hallway, carrying conversations with her while Mimi and I stood in the background like a celebrity's no-name boyfriend. (LOL- Think Forgetting Sarah Marshall)

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't bothered by it. I was IMPRESSED.
For the first time, Sarina was introducing ME to people instead of the opposite. She just looked so confident, so self assured, and spoke so intelligently...

Or was it when we went school shopping?
After the open house, we stopped by the outlet on the way home to get her some school clothes so we wouldn't have to fight the crowds this weekend.
There were some young girls we had JUST seen at her school go into a store that was suited more for High School girls than 3rd grade.
Sarina asked if we were going in that particular store like her friends.
...And that's when I realized I need to start having "talks" with her.
Girl Talks- like clothes, makeup, peer pressure, smoking, etc.

I told her,"Sarina, something VERY important for you to understand as a young girl (and when you grow up as well) is that however you dress is how people will treat you. Your appearance is the first thing people will see before you even open your mouth, and whatever you say AFTER that won't matter because they already have pre-judged you. So I'll let YOU decide, how do you want others to perceive you?"

And then I let her pick out her own school clothes. No supervision, no direction.
Once she was done, there was NOTHING I had to tell her to put back. She even put together some looks that even I wouldn't have thought of.
She came out of the dressing room and said, "Mom, do you think THIS is appropriate for a young lady?"
Young Lady... OMG, yes- she certainly was that. I just nodded my head, gave a thumbs up and had to turn away b/c my eyes starting watering!!



...It seems like just yesterday when she loved Carebears and Cinderella. Now she wants an IPOD, a bedroom that doesn't look like a baby, and shoes with a heel on them?

Where did the time go??
This is not a sad thing. I'm glad to say that she is molding into a young lady that I am very proud of. It's just tough to see your babies changing.

...I hope my little Mimi will STAY little for me a while longer!!

Tax Free Shopping

Hey FB/Blogger Parents
Just a reminder that this weekend is the Tax Free weekend to school shop!

Georgia's Tax Free Week: July 30-Aug. 2, 2009

Applies to:
+ Clothing under $100
+ Computers/computer equipment under $1500
+ School supplies under $20

Georgia has also scheduled a separate tax free week for the purchase of energy efficient appliances (priced under $1500) for October 1-4, 2009.

Sarina's request for school clothes this year:
A button down shirt and converse sneakers.
So glad I dodged a "mini-skirt" request for another year at least! LOVE IT!! <3

So it's tax free weekend, New Fall stuff is 40% off and I have an addt'l 30% off outlet coupon... Sounds like Sarina might get loaded tomorrow!!


Happy shopping.

Military Vest - ON, now GONE!!

So this vest that I blogged about last time, I went to the store to actually try on and...



Voila, btches!


Wow! That goes superhord, son.
Unfortunately I didn't have the $$$ that day to actually purchase the vest.

Went back yesterday to check on it, and it's GONE!!
I should have KNOWN b/c the sales lady was sweatin' the vest when she saw me come out of the fitting room to look at it in the long mirror. She probably bought it RIGHT when I left for like half the price I would have paid for it. *SIGH*

So back to square one on "Mission: Fall Fashion Supremacy". Gayness!!! =P

Inspiration this Fall

Come on mild weather, I got some shopping to do!!!

Here are the looks I love this fall:

Silk Shift Dresses




Military Vests


Oversized Dark Glasses


Trench Coats


I also need some eyeglasses! Trying to find a really cute style that I like, something different but not sure yet. I'm thinking I might get a couple pairs if different colors. I'm kinda digging this two-tone look! Might look good with my black hair. What do you think?