Sleeves - Am I asking too much?

I have been trying to buy some new shirts for work because I've gone down a size, almost two, from what my current tops are. I've been everywhere I normally go - Avenue (seriously lacking choices), Lane Bryant and LB Outlet. I then decided I scope out Sears , Macy's and JC Penny. As if that isn't enough I've been online checking out Old Navy and Ashley Stewart. And everywhere I go, I'm coming up with the same problem. No sleeves. I like sleeves. I NEED sleeves for work.

 Yes, I get it, layering is in. Let's make me wear a cami under my see through sleeves shirt, and then toss a cardigan on over it. That's great for some but I don't want to. I don't want to have to constantly throw a cardigan or blouse over my shirt that I bought because it's adorable, but yet some idiot decided sleeveless is necessary. My workplace is air conditioned and our dress code requires sleeves, I can't be the only one out there. I don't want to have to buy 3-4 tops just to get one look together. I don't have the time, effort or money for that. If you're going to make me layer, then discount your clothes accommodating that option.

Because I need clothes, I had to settle for some JCP clearance rack deals (which were great this weekend, btw) and settled on three tops.  All three have sleeves, one though of course, see-through, requiring a cami.

Am I the only one out there who still wants sleeves?

Ryka for the Win!

I love shoes.  But finding comfortable shoes is something I hate doing.  I like buying for pretty and for illogical reasons.  When I started on this kick determined to do a 5K - I went on the hunt for a fresh pair of sneakers so that when I was working out - I had full support and comfort.  I bought two pairs.

The first are the Reebok Zigs.  I had a pair already, and they were beat up, so I figured I'd get another pair. I bought a kids pair that would fit, versus adults, and maybe that's part of the problem, but these shoes are no longer super comfortable.  They're OK to wear when I'm running errands and whatnot, but the back is so high on the ankle, and rough - that after 20 min into my workout the other day on the treadmill, I have huge cuts on the back of my ankle.

I immediately hopped off once the pain was enough to make me want to quit and grabbed the pair of Rykas that I bought the same week as the Zigs when I was shopping with my mom.  It's a more snug fit in the heel like I like, but keeps the front portion wide, which I also need. I slide those on and noticed two things instantly.  1 - the Rykas are WAY lighter than the Zigs. Wow. And secondly - they didn't even remotely hit so high and hard as the zigs did on my ankle. So I slide those on and finished my quick workout.

I've never been able to comfortably wear Nike shoes, and now these Zigs are likely out of the picture, my selection is getting smaller at my local footlocker (which by the way needs a bit more variety in their life).

I realize that a proper/improper shoe can make a huge difference in a workout - but I had no idea that the new pair of Zigs I got would be such a disappointment. As soon as my ankles recover, I'm going to try and wear them again, maybe just to run some errands and see if breaking them in helps. Otherwise - that was probably the biggest waste of $80 (they were on sale) that I've spent this year so far.

No self-control

I am completely unable to walk into a store and out of that store with just what I went for.  On Friday's I like to stop at my local Walgreens and pick up a Monster Java (the mean bean to be exact) and every time I walk into Walgreens it's like my mind goes into brain freeze and I suddenly need everything in sight.

Today for example:

I didn't need chapstick (though really, it's not a wasted purchase as I will use it), and the suckers (hello - it was a banana split sucker!) were BOGO so I will give the cherry to some great student today, and the chocolate, who needs it, right? Well I bought it convincing myself I'll share it with the kids in a review game (though that review game isn't until next week).  As I was leaving, the cashier said 'Honey, you didn't get your monster today'. Seriously?? I came in here, and was about to leave with the one thing I came for? I'm such a scatter brain :) 

Are there any stores you can't go into without buying things you had no intention of getting? 

Hair Pretties Make Me Smile

My dear friend, Annelee, has started a business, The Ruffled Cupcake, and makes the most adorable hair clips.  I mean - she makes other things - but I can only brag about my adorable hair pretties.

Everything she makes is completely handmade and custom made.  She took my order and within 2 days had it out in the mail on it's way to me. How awesome is that?

So they arrived - and I almost didn't even want to open them up because they were so cute!

Here's how they came:

It's little things like the tissue paper that make me smile - she could have used something solid - but I know she spent time picking that out so that her customers would smile, just as I did.

And then these are my two clips I ordered:

I apologize for the dark picture - I used my cell phone because I couldn't find my camera.

And here is a picture of the one in (You can see the color much better!)

Bridesmaid Dress Shopping

My big sister is finally getting married! The date is set (Oct 8, 2011) and now that we have a location (Long Island, NY) and a color scheme (Navy) we were set to start looking at dresses.

This weekend my sister came in from NY to come check out some dresses. Her wedding party consists of me,  here in Ohio, my cousin - in Pittsburgh, her friend, also here in ohio and then my other cousin, down in Atlanta.  So finding a dress easily accessible at other shops was ideal.

Together we checked out Coming Attractions Bridal in Akron and David's Bridal in Fairlawn, at Summit Mall. The following day my sister and cousin went to Alfred Angelo in Boardman since we don't have one here.

Here's what it's narrowed down to:

Jasmine Bridal - B2 - B3088A

We liked this dress a lot.  It was cute, but the length was actually a little shorter than we were looking (she ideally wanted tea-length, and this falls a bit shorter than planned).  But the fit was nice (how can a dress look back on someone whose a size 6 anyhow?) and the pockets were a bonus ;)

Then we ventured over to David's Bridal because we knew they'd be easily accessible from any state.  We found three there.  I was partial to the longer ones, because I know what ugly knees I have - but as the maid of honor (well that, and because I'm fat) we might do a different dress for me of same color/same fabric that stands out a bit.  I actually didn't try anything on yet because of the discomfort I'm still in after surgery.  I will likely go another day when it's less busy and I can take my time to get ideas once she settles on a design.

Here are the three choices:

Y Neck Charmeuse Dress with Bubble Hem Style 8417

We sure do love those pockets ;) But again, it's shorter.  This dress was pretty flattering on the hips of the two girls who tried it on.  The color is nice as well.  The neckline was different and something fun - it was nice to have something a bit out of the ordinary.

One-Shoulder Chiffon Dress with Floral Detail Style F14010

This is a dress my cousin has in the red (Apple) color already for another wedding. It was very cute.  It seems like it would be a great fit for various figures and body styles as well.

And finally ...
Strapless Structured Satin Gown Style F14205

This was a last - let's try it on type of thing. It's a beautiful dress - the length was nice, the top was really nice - everything about it was really nice.   No pockets (so sad).

And then - Lor and Nat went to Alfred Angelo (I couldn't make it) and picked out this dress, which I think is the frontrunner. I will be going to try it on in two weeks or so, to see if it will work.  Colors will be Navy and the accent will be charcoal. I really like it. And I can get another wrap to use for my shoulders (she's having an outside cocktail hour, in NY.. it's going to be cold!)

Alfred Angelo Style 7017

I better get rocking on my classes at the Y, and inquiring about a trainer to get into a routine program ;)

Fluky Friday ... Odd (?) Products

I love how I start shopping online for shoes (see my rant from yesterday) and end up with products like these:

Pants Un-Heeled.... Who knew heel wedgies were such an issue?

The Whiz ... I must try these out sometime before I die!

And finally - the last product, that I still can't quite figure out (though I'm sure it'd be a blast trying)
The Cone - at a whooping $129 and no reviews, I'm not sold...

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But I want it now!!!

So I often slip into 'must have, right now' mode... I'm very much an instant gratification type of person. But about 5 (ok, maybe 6 or 7) years ago - Merrell made this awesome pair of tennis shoes that shortly after I bought, they completely discontinued.  I forked over $90 for them (and back then, I thought that was a lot) and got them in yellow. Then a few months later they were on clearance (should have been my first sign) in a blue.  Not one single pair since those shoes has ever, ever compared, and I have been so sad.  I've bought Merrell work shoes, but not tennis shoes, and now that I'm working out again  - I miss them.  I wish I knew the name to see if someone on ebay has them... They were just perfect.  Thin soles, not to chunky and bulky like a lot of their tennis shoes now, and a lightweight shoe... and pretty, the shoes now have taken such a rugged look. Oh how I miss them.

I know it seems silly to be that attached to a pair of shoes, but if you know me - you know once I've made up my mind - that's kind of the end of it.  Like the black Sugar shoes I HAD TO HAVE, that I saw for 2 minutes briefly in Canada, and spent a fortune to buy a similar pair on ebay only to have them not fit at all. So sad.

I'm blessed to be so spoiled...

You know how some years are better than others when it comes to gifts? Well usually my parents are 100% on track with my gifts and my list. Even the stuff not on my list, my mom buys for me.  I really appreciate what she does and the thought she puts into things.  So this year - I knew things would be tight because of my sisters upcoming wedding and me hoping to have a baby - my parents have been saving money, as are we.

Well I get to Christmas eve and it looks like Christmas exploded. Every single gift under the tree was for me or my husband!

I couldn't believe it.  I didn't spend nearly that much money on my family and I felt horrible.  To be honest - I expected a Kindle 3 (because that was the one thing on my list I knew she'd get me, and usually cut it off after that). But she kept going.

Here's me loving my Kindle3:

So somewhere over the past three days of gift giving I've recieved: Kindle3 and case, clothes, perfume, jewelry (that amazingly, my dad picked out a necklace and it's nice!), board games, pandora beads for my bracelet (which actually I needed to get a new bracelet as the old one wasn't going to cut it), a fitbit (I will elaborate on later, I love this thing) and some odds and ends.  I know I'm missing stuff,  but I can't remember right now.

My kids, err, cats, even made out with a blanket just for them from grandma and grandpa!

I hope you guys have an awesome day and I will be blabbering on about my amazing fitbit later!
And I'll leave you with our newest family member: Waddles.

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Groupon - GO AWAY, give my wallet a break

Image via CrunchBaseI am going broke lately with all these 'daily deals' that are happening.  So far I have purchased 3 from Groupon and 2 from Living Social.  I understand that's the goal - but at Christmas time this is the last thing I need to be doing.


From groupon I purchased a Zoom Whitening from a local dentist, and then two $25 gift certs to my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. Then from Living Social I purchased a massage and herbal facial (which I'm a bit hesitant about the facial, I have such finiky skin!) and then a subscription to Akron Life and Leasure magazine.  I had it when I first moved to the area and now I'm hoping if I follow through and actually read it (no promises) I'll begin discovering things about the area again! :)

If I could get a week of just some really crappy deals, I could refrain and get caught back up on life ;) That's all I'm asking for!

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Savings at Sally's!

Ok - first read this (It all came from http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2428126):

Awesome Online Deal at Sally's Beauty Supply!


Follow the instructions at this website which also gives you the links to the
specific items to place in your cart. http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2428126

Use this website to place your online order:

www.sallybeauty.com


Here is what you get:

Tourmaline Hairdryer + Mini Tourmaline Curling Iron + Mini Tourmaline Flat Iron
+ 3 bottles glossing hair polish + Large Makeup bag $28 + Free shipping Sally
Beauty Supply have a great deal on a beauty setup. At checkout, add the
following codes to cart 444630, 555156, 444510, 444512 to drop price to $28 +
free shipping. You can apply each code. Just copy the code after applying each
discount code and watch your total go down to $28 or less for all the items.
Hurry before they sell out. Makes great gifts for yourself or the tween girls in
your life.

Add the following to cart:

• Plugged In Professional Turbo Dryer
• Plugged In Mini Curling Iron 1"
• Plugged In Blue Plaid Mini Iron
• Silk Elements Glossing Polish (3 of them 0.7oz in size) make sure you change the
• size to 0.7oz in the drop down box!!!!!

Now for me personally: 

I personally followed the instructions and got everything ($81.44 in total) for just $27.52 after tax. 

I really only wanted the dyer and straightener and one of the glossing polishes, the rest I will donate to my schools Adopt-a-family program.

I wanted to know what the breakdown of the coupons were so:
444630 (Free Silk Elements Love Beauty Cosmetic Bag w/p3 Full Size Silk Elements product)
555156 (Order Discount: 25% off your online order)
444510  (Free Plugged In Mini Flat Iron or Dryer w/ $44.99 purchase)
444512 (Free Plugged in Mini flat iron curl iron crimper or dryer w/p Plugged In Full Size Appliance)

Not too bad of a deal :)

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Power 90 Workout

So I am still planning on doing the couch to 5K, but I needed something else to keep things going. So I went on Ebay and got an older copy of the Power90 DVDs.  My sister has P90x and I know Insanity is out there as well, but I had to start somewhere. 

So far? I did the Cardio and the Ab Ripper, and it's an awesome workout.  It's very similar to the Fit4Life bootcamp I was doing (that I miss SOOO MUCH!) 

So, between training and doing Power90, I should be seeing progress in a few weeks, like new years time?? :)

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Here a deal, there a deal, everywhere a deal deal

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeOh yes, I really just sang my title line to Old McDonald... Wow. So I'm all about shopping and not all about spending a ton of money. So here's my list of websites with good deals so I can constantly go shopping and not regret it later ;)

• Groupon - Some good deals, some are *in my opinion* a total waste.  I know it's different appeals for everyone but sometimes I just think either the expiration on it or the guidelines for using some of them kind of stink... I did get a zoom whitening deal the other day, super easy buying process though which I appreciate!
• LivingSocial - I like that these are usually pretty affordable. I haven't bought anything from it yet but I'm pretty sure I will soon enough :)
• DailySteals - I love this place. I got 2 sets of earphones for free (with only $4.99 shipping*.  They are amazing earrphones so totally a good deal.
• HalfOffDeals - Some good deals.  I haven't bought anything personally so I don't know how smooth the process is.
• Restaurant.com - Great savings on places to eat at, however not too great of a selection for my immediate area that I'm interested in
• Woot - One item a day at a great price, unless it's a woot off *which is indicated by flashing lights, then it's a new item everytime the previous one runs out*

My Christmas List

Image by Sarah Parrott via FlickrI've got my Glee Christmas album ready, and I have my wrapping paper and bows all set and ready to go. I love Christmas. I love the season, I love buying gifts for people and I love wrapping! I have 3 people done on my list.  It's going to be a frugral Christmas this year, but that won't stop me from having fun!

In case any crazy people out there want to buy me something.. here's my list ;) Feel free to add to this list with anything you know you want to buy me ;) I'm not a picky person. I just love gifts. It's not even abut the gift so much as it is the thought that went into getting me something. With Christmas so close, you really can't delay.

• Nike + iPod sport Kit
• Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse DVDs
• Droid Pro
• Wireless pointer, someone keeps stealing the adapater to my other :(
• A nice hair straightener and curler
• Kindle credits for the books I can buy as soon as I get my new kindle ;)
• Channel Allure or No. 5
• And of course, the normal stuff: Slippers - I love the ones with backs, jewelry - I always love earrings, candles, lotions... the list goes on and on and on ;)

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I Love Ebay

I really  love eBay.  When I was pregnant I was able to find a ton of super cheat maternity clothes so that I didn't have to stock up on a ton until I knew whether I was going to continue to need them or if I was going to miscarry again.... but that's a story for another day... and trust me. I will get there.


Anyways -  back to why I love eBay.  I got this snazzy little purse for a super awesome price. And since I can't seem to refrain from shopping, I have to make it work for me somehow! ;-)


 It's a Vera Bradley wristlet... The Barcelona print. I love it!!! I wish it'd get here faster (though really, I say that like I've been waiting forever... I just paid this morning lol)

Hello Kindle... I love you (:

Image by goXunuReviews via FlickrSince the beginning of September I have been itching for a Kindle.  I don't want to lug books around and I've really enjoyed getting lost in a book.  I've been doing my research and I think I'm going to just ask for the $139 version because I can't imagine really needing the 3G option.

It's a hard decision because while I can appreciate the smell of a book and turning of the pages.  But I also can't stand having mounds of books (with no storage) and constantly having to shuffle around and remember which part of the book I was on. I'm not a person who likes to read multiple books.

So if, as I release this blog to my friends and family, you read this - Hello Christmas gift ;)