Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Retail therapy does a girl some good....

Today, finally - after two long years - I made it back to Wrentham.
And yes, the angels sang as I turned off the exit.

I was on a mission - this wasn't a frivolous shopping excursion. I had definitive goals: shoes, sneakers, sweats & clothes for school. The kiddies go back on Tuesday - which is right around the corner, and so I wanted to be sure that they had a good base to go back with.

Once they were done, I did pick G up a few shirts at Eddie Bauer.
And yes, Momma got a brand new bag.

I went to Ann Taylor and browsed, and browsed....I actually had a few hundred dollars in gift cards on me, and as much as I wanted that money to burn a hole in my pocket - I just couldn't! See, when I worked at an office I had to dress up all the time and so I had a need for new pretty clothes. But now..... well, the need for me to dress up is few and far between. It's more occasion driven now. I wear sweats and yoga clothes for my day to day at the store. I could wear nice jeans and shirts but not on days that I'm getting deliveries, which is 3-4 days a week typically; plus I can't wear heels any more unless they're wedges because I'm on my feet all day lifting cases and boxes, so....the days of my getting to look like a girl are fewer and further between. Well, a girly girl anyway.

So, out I walked and yes, I was sad that I couldn't bring myself to spend money on things I didn't need. Isn't that what frivolous shopping is all about? This is what happens when you're just not a frivolous shopper. Who am I kidding - I'm not frivoulous about anything, I'm serious. Moving on...

Coach was having this great sale; I went in just to browse but as I walked in, the sales girl shoved a "30% off" sale ticket in my hand. So as I'm looking - I wandered into the clearance section. I knew I needed a new wallet anyway, but imagine my surprise when I found a wallet that was on clearance AND I really liked it. Then even better, I found a purse that was also 50% off - and with the additional 30% - I ended up spending more than half of what typically one purse would cost! I tried finding a picture to link to but there are so many online and none of them seem to be exactly what I got. It's a brown signature cross body bag, with a poppy fabric strap and a poppy stripe on the bottom quarter. It's pretty....and though pink isn't usually my choice of color, there was something about it I liked. And the wallet is great, it's white and silver leather - no logo - which is nice because it's small and can go in any pocketbook without being "matchey matchey". I don't necessarily like that when it comes to purses and bags - I prefer classic versatility.

In any event, I felt great when I left because I got something for everyone - and I didn't spend all my money -- and yet I got alot. I can't wait to put everything into the kids closets and get them all resorted and organized.

Since we're having a hurricane this weekend- or so the rumor goes -- I think that is going to be my task at hand on Sunday. A nice cozy day in pajamas and getting the kids clothes all set and ready to start a new school year.

It makes me smile just thinking about it....

Friday, May 06, 2011

Stewie: ... "what do you say to that broccoli ... stop mocking me ..."

So, anyone else really really craving salt?
Last night, I ate a whole bowl of home made guacamole by myself.
As if I never saw food before.

Tonight -- I got the kids subs for dinner as a treat.
I couldn't help but to eat all the hot peppers that my son didn't want to eat.
I posted previously about it -- something about Italian subs, is like crack. I can't resist it.
(Just to clarify, no - I have never tried crack, but if it calls to you like an Italian sub calls to me - oh my, I feel your pain.)

Speaking of calling to me... there is this fabulous little consignment shop that opened up across the street from the store a few weeks ago. This store is going to be a downfall for me, I think. I have never shopped at a consignnment store; actually, this is not entirely true. When I was little, my Mom used to take me to this consignment store where I grew up - and I would pick out jeans there (think Jordache, Calvin Klein) because my parents couldn't afford to buy me them from the department stores. I was so incredibly skinny that even back then, they didn't fit me -- I always ended up in spandex pants (otherwise known today as yoga pants.) I had no hips when I was little - I was barely a size 0. I had to wear boys jeans for the most part. After having children, well...those womanly curves made their appearance! But I digress...

So today, I bought a gorgeous Michael Kors gold trenchcoat - it's stunning. (Trust me, the photos on the link do it no justice.) I wanted it for a wedding I attended last Sunday, but I told myself if it was there this week again - I'd buy it. And there it was, calling my name... for under $50. I don't have a dress coat that isn't for winter - so it wasn't an incredibly frivolous buy. (yes, I think angels might have sung a bit as I walked out of the store. Just sayin'...)

Anyway, it's Friday - and I have a brand new crush on a Chardonnay. It's Curley Reserve, Oak Knoll Napa Chardonnay, and oh my.... it's a pretty one. Clearly with a high alcohol content because just a glass and this girl is a little tipsy. Not an inexpensive Chardonnay either I might add, but definitely the perfect choice to wrap this week up.

It's Mother's Day weekend....a fabulous and yet, just a little painful time for this girl. Mother's Day this year is the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. I'm running a 3.5 mile race that day - and I think that's a great way to celebrate the day. I miss my mother more than anyone could ever know...but I try not to dwell on that. Just focus on the happiness of the present.

And a little more Chardonnay....

Friday, November 26, 2010

Friday's Thoughts....

1. Turkey's on! So, being a guest on Thanksgiving doesn't afford you leftovers...so what's on my menu for tonight? You guessed it - Turkey. In the oven roasting as we speak. Funny thing is - I don't love turkey on Thanksgiving, as a matter of fact - I didn't even eat any yesterday. I was too full from all the past beforehand. But today, I'm all over it. And I've got the most delicious lemon herbed butter under the skin....this girl just can't wait to eat.

2. Did I mention how much fun the Patriot's game was? Oh My God. Loved it. We met Robert Kraft afterwards --who was incredibly nice...and we almost bought tickets to the upcoming Jets game - but there's NO availability at Patriots Place. And there's no way we'd drive home after an 8pm game.

3. Insanely busy weekend! Big birthday bash for G tomorrow night so I'm running all over the place tomorrow beforehand. Was supposed to be a surprise but a certain family member (brother in law) blew that, so...whatever. Tomorrow there's also a food show that I need to make an appearance at with the kiddies. Sunday is the metamorphosis of the store to holiday....then it's a girls shopping day for myself, Princess Petunia and my sister and niece. Which means that my own tree is going to have to wait until a week from tonight because this girl is going to be exhausted Sunday night.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Thursday's Random Thoughts....

1. Zahra Clare Baker, who used hearing aids and a prosthetic leg because of bone cancer, was reported missing over the weekend by her father and stepmother. Except, the authorities are looking for her remains because they believe she is dead. At the hands of her stepmother, and possibly even her father. Can you imagine?!?! Kill, kill, kill....! That's my opinon. Does the death penalty avert crimes like this? Those opposed to capital punishment may suggest that it doesn't - but I'm telling you, make the taking of a life with malice and forethought punishable by death - and people just might think twice before harming others -- especially the young and innocent.

2. It's still rather surreal for me when I think about my Mom. I know that I was rather fortunate in having the ability to say goodbye - but you know, I'm still really haunted by that last day. Really, I am. My daughter talks about her alot - she mentioned her again today, and how that last day was the last time we saw her; about how the last time we took her out, it was out for ice cream, only 10 days or so prior to her passing. It's just a weird, strange feeling when I think about that period of time. I wonder if when she stayed with me, she knew how much of a gift she gave the kids for them to be able to spend time with her. I know I'm certainly not the only person to lose a parent, but trust me when I tell you - it's an unsettling feeling to not have your Mother, at least at this stage in life. Many have lost sooner, I know; but it never is really the right time I suppose.

3. I think I need to make a little time for me soon. The holidays are coming and I'm going to be crazy busy at work -- I've yet to make a Wrentham run (can you imagine?!), I never got that massage I wanted over a year ago now -- and Mommy needs a little R&R. I think the week after next I'm making a Monday Wrentham Run (insert angels choiring HERE), and maybe the week after will be a spa day. My problem is - I really love my job, and I hate not being at the store. It's an extension of who I am, in the best way - so I really don't mind being there during the day, as opposed to being at an office. Now, if only I can stick to the plan of taking a day off....

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Sweet talkin' sugar coated candy man....

So it's been some time since I've shared a cosmetic "must have".
Lush Cosmetics..... have you heard of them?
All I have to say is.... yummy.
Literally.

Not only is it all handmade, as well as organic and vegan which is very nice - some of it is edible.
Take for example my new favorite lip accessory - Mint Julip Lip Scrub. It's this amazingly delicious sugar and peppermint oil with a hint of chocolate exfoliator for your lips, and it leaves them incredibly soft. Then, I immediately follow it up with this unbelievable balm for your lips that's not so heavy that my Lip Fusion can't go right over it. It's called None of Your Beeswax and it's got a light citrusy scent to it. So I exfoliate, and then moisturize -- and then whatever I use for gloss or shine goes right over it.

Love, love, love it!!!
If you're as addicted to lip stuff as I am -- trust me, this combo is a must.
You'll thank me.
I promise.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Great things DO come in small packages....!!

So, Target had a sale on IPod Shuffles. Having only the Nano, which is rather old at this point now -- it's been feeling too large and cumbersome to run with at this point -- and I much prefer to use it in the store for ambiance so.....seeing the ad in the Sunday paper, I went there and bought it. Who needs more than 500 songs when running, right? It's not like this girl's doing the Marathon.....yet.

Anyway.
Love it. Love it!
It's tiny!!

I was in no way prepared for how small it was, and the best part is -- not just the voice over option that announces my next song -- but I can control the volume and the fast forward or rewind from the earpiece cord. (ta da!)

I always have to run with my IPod in my hand which can make my shoulders ache a bit from being tensed; this allows me to run hands free.... I am so loving it.

Highly, highly recommend it.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Happy Friday to me.....

Just a little postscript to yesterday's post.

1. Princess Petunia and I had a fabulous Girls Night. She got her nails done, bought some fun little gatzy's at the Dollar Store (truly, the place is a parent's dream for inexpensive toys that make the kids feel like they hit the jackpot.), we went out for sushi -- and topped it off with the acquisition of Big Top Cupcake. Pictures will follow from tomorrow's baking experiment with that creative set.

2. Really, who cares about Tiger Woods? Not this girl. He cheated on his wife, he's not a perfect person, and he's not the idol everyone imagined he was. He was a wolf in sheeps clothing. So not Earth shattering. Get over it and move on....


3. And finally, the Captain. As always, coming into training camp in fantastic shape.


Check it out....




*sighs*

Monday, January 18, 2010

I feel pretty....oh so pretty....

And yet, I'm so very sad.

I spent the day with one of my girlfriends and we visited the oh-so-shiny happy place, Sephora.
Except.... I find out that my very favorite mascara, is no longer being carried by them.
Excuse me??

Do they know how long it took me to find the perfect mascara?
And now, I dont' even know where to find it!

So, I settled on this one. Shu Uemura which does seem to be fabulous based upon what I tried today, but the truth will come out tomorrow when I use it on fresh lashes.

Additionally, I found a new perfume I love love love... BVLGARI Omnia is one of my very favorites (thank you ever so much J), and Hanae Mori is always my first choice -- but BVLGARI Crystalline might have to be the Springtime parfum of choice.

Oh, and I did get myself a brand spanking new bottle of Lip Fusion...
It's that perfect sheer yet matte shine that I'm entirely addicted to.

Sometimes it's just fun being a girl.

Friday, January 08, 2010

Things I'm looking forward to in the very near future....

A massage. Hot power yoga (Namaste). Shopping for fun things, like mascara and lip gloss and boots. Going to a grown up movie. Having time to catch lunch with some of my friends of whom I miss dearly. Going to a Red Sox game. Running a 5k. Going to NYC and seeing a play.

What are you looking forward to?

Monday, December 28, 2009

...and a partridge in a pear tree.

I need a haircut so bad. It's embarrassing actually.
It's too long to wear down and it's so out of shape that even a pony tail looks terrible.
I broke a nail re-arranging Princess Petunia's room last night.
I'm just a mess.

Which is why I'm really looking forward to the week being over. After New Year's, life settles down into something resembling a bit more normal. I can get my hair cut, my nails done and....I can go to Wrentham!! (Insert choirs of angels singing and rays of sunlight HERE.) I got from one of my girlfriends a gift card to Sephora and I can not wait to use it! (Ah, to have my Cargo Texas Lash mascara and Lip Fusion!!! I've missed you both so much!) I also received a an AMEX card from my aunt which I will happily use at the aforementioned Wrentham (angels singing again) to buy something for each of us -- and I will gladly stop in at all my favorite shops to do a little indulging on myself, gift card aside. Practical indulgence I'll call it -- because I'll not buy a purse or something frivolous - it will be things I truly need.

And this girl, can not wait!!!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves....

*Yawn*
So very tired today.

It was a nice day yesterday; that being said, it was one of my least favorite holiday meals that I've made. The ham -- was disappointing. I bought a different ham than usual and I will never do that again. The texture, the flavor - it was all not that good, and typically the ham is outstanding. Such a disappointment. The bisque came out nicely - though I didn't make it with heavy cream like I typically do -- I used half and half and while the flavor was nice - you could tell the difference. The stuffed scallops I overcooked because I was distracted....and I didn't like the flavor of my sauce for the lasagna. The chateaubriand everyone loved -- and yet I thought it was just okay; it was super tender but the flavor wasn't as good as I'd hoped. Probably no big deal to anyone else, but definitely a big deal to me since I take such enjoyment out of cooking on this holiday.

I think it's all just truly a testament to how busy I was this season. Next year - I'll be better prepared. I decided I'll be done with my shopping come October/November of next year so I'm not feeling so overwhelmed. And that will help me feel better planned for dinner as well.

The most important thing is that everyone was together for the first time in two years and while it's not for the most optimal of circumstances, we were together none the less!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

When it seems that we have lost our way...We find ourselves again on Christmas Day

Where is the time going??

I am well beyond the eight ball this year. I know I said that last year too, but if you browse my older posts -- at this point of the month I think I was pretty well set.

G's presents -- almost done. Kid's presents -- almost done. Niece/nephews gifts -- not even close. But that takes a short time, fortunately. Other gifts -- not even close. Again, they don't take much time, but it's finding the time to actually get it done.

Before the store - I could take a sick day or vacation day and get all my shopping done in one day. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Not this year.... I have no days off. No down time. I'm not complaining -- just an interesting observation. Truthfully, I haven't even finalized my holiday dinner menu -- can you imagine?!?! Not one thing is wrapped yet, and today is what -- December 17th? This is the least organized in this perspective I have ever been. But, I'm on a mission and come the end of this weekend, presents will be wrapped and under the tree. And all my shopping will be done.... mark my words.

So, I've decided not to do the Turducken for dinner... I'm a little sad, truth be told - but I don't have the time this year. This is a big learning curve year for me; next holiday I'll have it all better scheduled. So, I'm finalizing my menu tomorrow and I'll gladly share it at that time. I still have a few details I'm working on.....

If anyone's looking for some wine recommendations for gift giving -- let me know. You don't have to buy with me -- but I'll gladly pass on some great advice! I'm actually sitting here right now with a delicious glass of Honig Chardonnay after a long day at work -- and an even longer week.

But that's a story for another day....

Friday, November 27, 2009

Black Friday....Happy Friday!

You know what the only bummer to not cooking on Thanksgiving is?
Not having leftovers.

I could totally go for a yummy turkey sandwich right now.
Instead, I'll settle for take out - because I don't have the ambition or motivation to cook at the moment. I was supposed to be attending a family engagement party tonight with the kids but I worked late - am tired, and they're exhausted still from last night and being out late - so to get them ready just isn't that appealing to me at the moment. So, takeout and snuggling up with the kiddies it will be.

I went shopping this a.m. before heading into the shop to get my holiday store decorations. I was very pleased with what I got at very reasonable prices! The store is going to look beautiful...at least I hope so. How it looks in my mind on how I want to set it up will hopefully come to fruition on Sunday morning. Later that day, we will be transforming our house to the Christmas mood as well, by setting up the tree. It's one of my most favorite days of the year. Pumpkin donuts, hot cocoa, cookies, holiday music and lots of ornaments. Truly - does it get much better than that?

The only thing about this year that I'm sorry I've missed is the Midnight Wretham run. However, I've already decided that I'm not going to work the day after Thanksgiving next year so that I can be sure to enjoy my dinner, and then head on down for a night filled of happy, happy shopping!

I don't know about any of you - but this girl is happy, thankful and tired.
Have a fabulous, frivolous, black Friday -- and may you be graced with spectacular sales!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

No emotional baggage, just big bags filled with Dior....

You know what I miss?
Shopping.

Not just shopping, like the physical aspect of being in the store -- but buying.
I've been shopping alot these days - but I'm back to the lost art of browsing; I can't really afford to buy anything for me, it's all about the store right now. (Well, and of course the kids. I don't hold back when it comes to them.)

But I do miss my old favorites like DSW, my girl Ann Taylor - and of course my very shiny happy place - Sephora.

It's a small time in life to sacrifice.
I will once again be able to indulge in my favorite perfumes (of which I'm all out of...) and maybe get my hair spruced up a bit since I'm long overdue in the highlight department.

(Especially after recieving a phone call from the contractor that we are now an additional almost $10k over construction budget. What exactly is the point of quoting a price and setting a budget, if it's not even close to being kept?!?!)

Mommy needs a new pair of boots to make the world pretty again.
*sigh*

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

It's kinz krazy!

I think I should own stock in Ganz.
Truly.

My kiddies are obsessed with WebKinz. To make things even more difficult as a parent, there's nary a store you can go into that doesn't have a WebKinz or two to sell.
Case in point....

Canobie Lake, we're at the gift shop just poking around to see if maybe I wanted to get my Princess Petunia a puka shell bracelet or something - when out of nowhere she starts shrieking "The Sherbat is here! The Sherbat is here!"

Sherbat?!? What the heck is a Sherbat?

Ah yes, well actually - it's a Bat WebKinz but the kids decided if they ever bought one they'd name it Sherbat. (In typical "Viva Pinata" fashion. If you don't know what "Viva Pinata" is, well - that's a whole other story. Give it a Google....)

So naturally with it being her birthday, G caved in and let her buy one. Which meant my son had to have one too, birthday or otherwise - it would've been total anarchy. (Yes, you deal with two kids after a long day in the sun with lots of sugar...) You think that either one of them bought this "Sherbat"? Oh no. She bought a lamb, and he bought a frog.

Today, I come home from an exhausting day of working the new store issues (one bright spot being a very quick spicy tuna roll at my favorite sushi restaurant with one of my favorite friends), to discover that they purchased a mountain goat and a golden retriever, respectively.

I think this brings the count they each have to something like 15?
And seriously - the decor the kids put on their rooms online for these animals are nothing short of spectacular. Fortunately, just about the only website I have unblocked for their use is the WebKinz site - and truth be told - the games are educational and good for them.

Sure, it's a crazy gimmick and a fabulous way to get parents to spend an insane amount of money on stuffed animals (which, my son hates to have me call them. He says they're "friends". He's sensitive....) but it's a small price to make them happy. Thinking about today's society and the types of toys that are out there, truly - if it's a little furry creature that makes them happy then I guess I'm all for it.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Because I'm all about the scents.....

I found a new room freshener that I love. The packaging is lousy, but it's not meant to be out on display in your living room anywhere, truly. It's meant to be tucked away, sprayed -- and then hidden once again so no one knows how you got your house to smell so good.

At Lowe's today, I was browsing through the cleaning product section because you can really get great pricing on cleaning products there (and truthfully I was there for some cabinetry, but I just can't avoid the cleaning aisle. It's a compulsion.) and the scented Glade oils are something I was out of and can't pass up on. (Lavendar & Vanilla, and Vanilla are the typical scents flowing through the house when it's not wintertime.)

So, this not so pretty yellow can of spray catches my eye; and of course - I have to spray it and try it. It's perfectly yummy. Think oranges, pineapple and a hint of vanilla. It's like a tropical drink for goodness sake -- it smells like a tropical creamsicle tastes! I had to have it - bought myself two and one for the store. (Oh, and for the record -- I didn't pay the price that particular link suggests. I paid about 1/3 of that price - don't know what they're thinking!)

Anyway - if you're looking for a fresh new scent for your car, home or office - and my description totally sets your taste and scent buds watering, then you must get yourself some. I highly recommend it.

Besides, have I ever steered anyone wrong with a recommendation?!?
I didn't think so.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

I can see clearly now the rain is gone...

Well, not really. It's still raining off and on. But who doesn't love a happy euphimism?

So, I wonder why children have one level of volume: insanely loud. Seriously, are my kids the only who completely disregard the concept of inside voice? My daughter has this uncanny way of screaming when she speaks, and forget it when she's angry. Glass breakingly loud. It's beyond annoying, and yet -- how does one get them to just be quiet??? It must be an acquired skill.

I feel quite accomplished today. A little overwhelmed, but accomplished. I purchased a good amount of barware and linens, as well as some other fun wine accessories. I stayed somewhat under my budget because I have other vendors still to buy from, but for a start -I feel good.

We spent almost the whole day at the store site, meeting with contractors for the refrigeration and window work - and while I'm entirely taken aback at the cost of the HVAC and now the plumbing for the cooler which is being completely restructured -- I'm feeling pretty excited about the rack design. We've simplified and redesigned our high end section in a way that's asthetic, and less expensive than originally projected. (The wall giveth...the wall taketh away. Sure, that's the Green Monster but you get the point.)

I'm a little surprised by my Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance estimate. I was going to go with the exceptionally reasonably priced Neighborhood Health Plan, but my kids pediatricians aren't on it and I refuse to switch their doctors. Your pediatrician is like a family member, you trust them implicitly and I am not switching. So, I'm pricing Blue Cross plans. In order to keep the budget we're going to have to go down a tier from what I had hoped - but at the same time, I believe it will be better than what we have now -- and that isn't terrible, so. I'll take it.

This coming week I should be starting to plan out my fresh cheese list. That, I am almost beside myself in excitement to do. I won't be ordering it for a while, but I am the organized type that needs to know exactly what I want in advance.

I can't wait to capitalize on my day of massage because let me tell you -- I sorely need it. That and a good yoga session. I'll feel better overall with a little grounding and re-establishing my center.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Ooh la la….

For those of you who are as obsessed as I am with having your house smell delicious and “like home” (whatever that comfort smell might be to you…lavender, pumpkin, vanilla, all of the above….) I thought I’d let you know that The Body Shop is having a huge sale, similar to what Bath and Body Works has (which also is going on right now, might I add!) where many of their products are on an incredible clearance.

I personally stocked up on the home fragrance oils, which are normally $7-8 a pop – for $1 a piece! That’s right, a buck.

I’m sure the available scents vary from location to location, but this girl stocked up on the following: Pumpkin, Almond (definitely a favorite!), Spa Relief, Gingerbread, and Herbal Remedy. (I’m toying with visiting the mall near my work at lunch this week to grab even more, incase there’s some vanilla or lavender tossed into those baskets!)

Don’t walk, run - to your closest mall that has a Body Shop in it and get some amazing fragrance oil for yourself. They last forever, there’s no messy wick smoke (or expensive soy candles to avoid that!) and for the amount of money you’d spend on one Yankee Candle – you can have enough oil to last a year for each room in your house. (Not to down on the Yankee -- I'm always going to be a fan, but the candle scents and burn quality have diminished in my opinion.)

Trust me, you’ll be glad that you did!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Now that's a Monday....

It was a little odd this morning being out for coffee and breakfast with G as we started our day today. It's not often that I'm with him and not the kiddies - I almost felt guilty being without them if I'm not at work. Ah yes, the guilt of being a Mother. Anyway...we were spending the day together doing some shopping (or rather, pre-shopping since the gift show isn't for another two weeks) for some product lines for the store. I am beyond excited with some of the food products -- and as much as I want to spill the beans on what they are, I can't just yet. But they're gooood.....

Afterwards, we ventured to the mall - a place that we rarely get to go as grownups without having two little people to keep an eye on. It was great, actually going into stores and browsing and having lunch. But the best part was.... we got our teeth whitened! There's a Smile Bright at the Mall and they were having a two for one special so... we figured what the heck! My teeth are already really bright (I used Crest white strips a while back - they really work!) so now they're screaming bright....and G's teeth had never been whitened and they really brightened up. So he's going to go back in a few months, touch them up again - they'll be even whiter. It's pretty reasonably priced, quick - and me personally, I love the way my teeth feel.

So, as we're sitting there with our shades and blue lights glowing -- the phone rings. G listens to the message (naturally we can't speak because our teeth are being pampered) and I see him motion to me out of the corner of my eye. I grab the phone and listen -- and it's the bank calling to say our loan was approved and we'd be receiving our official commitment letter this week.

That was definitely news we'd been hoping to hear, and today was for me -- one of the better Monday's I've experienced in a long, long time.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Stewie: Yes, I rather like this God fellow. He's very theatrical, you know, a pestilence here, a plague there. Omnipotence. Gotta get me some of that.

1. As I was getting my coffee this a.m. , I saw on the television a story about a bird in San Francisco who is randomly attacking people in front of a building: http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1157040. You have got to see this, it’s one of the funniest things I’ve seen! I wish I could walk by and have that bird do that to me, it would be one of the funniest things, ever. He/She’s this really cute little black bird who is for whatever reason coveting the landing on which he/she perches (I didn’t notice a nest being protected unless the tv cameras weren’t able to get a good shot of it) and he seems to like to snag people on their cell phones in particular. He/She just swoops down, and gives them a little ruffle in the back of their hair. It is hysterical. Our little feathered friend even has a blog dedicated in his/her name: http://www.frontstreetattackbird.blogspot.com/. This story was a great way to start a rainy, dreary Friday morning.

2. Surely we’ve got to see the sun again soon. I’m hoping it’s tomorrow because the poor kids are starting to get cabin fever (as I am, truthfully.) This weekend’s plans are going to be fun, but not hectic which is great. Tonight, one of my girlfriends is coming over and I’m making dinner (though truthfully, I have no idea what I’m making just yet – nothing is appealing to me. Maybe a light pasta tossed with veggies and some salad?) and then we’re going to have our Denise Richards “Its Complicated” viewing. It’s unfortunate there is only one episode right now to watch, but that’s okay. We tend to like to watch HGTV on Demand too, so that might be on deck afterwards. Saturday, I think I’m taking the kids to the Butterfly Place and then Kimballs for ice cream should the sun make its appearance. We haven’t been yet this season, we love it there – and especially since the kids have a collection of about 30 gypsy moth caterpillars that they’ve captured and have spun their cocoons – they’re going to have so much to talk about with the butterfly keepers.

3. How’s about those Sox? I really, really wanted to see us get CC Sabathia. That was a drum I was banging a year before he was even available. Definitely would’ve been a good weapon to have in the arsenal – and he was on his game last night. At the same time, while I don’t follow the Yankees at all – Texeira has been rather unimpressive to me, from what little I have seen of him. So glad we didn’t waste our money. It’s always interesting to see the comparison between the Yankees dugout and the Sox dugout. Joe Gerardi and the rest of the crew always look frustrated and tense….and yet our staff and team tends to look even keeled and laid back. I’ve got to think that goes back to my thinking that there just isn’t a lot of cohesiveness in that organization as a whole.
3a. Brad Penny looked really good last night, no? Despite coming out swinging (come on, who didn’t feel just a smidge of satisfaction when he nailed ARod?) he pitched with a lot of diversity which was great and made for a very interesting game to watch.


4. Who’s got a long weekend? I do! I do! I’m taking Monday off to go do some product line shopping for the new store and I can’t wait! This has been a long and rather stressful week and this girl is long overdue for a little relaxation. Now, don’t get me wrong – it won’t be relaxing at all, but it will be fun.
4a. I have promised myself a day of relaxation on the first day of being self employed. My very first day, I plan on utilizing the gift card for a massage that my girlfriend gave to me a few weeks back, and add a service or two additionally on my own so that I can detox and purge all of the tension I’d been carrying with me to that point. And I can’t wait….!

5. Rediscovering Twitter…. And finally, I’ve re-embraced using Twitter. I still think it sucks for personal use – but it has its place for business use. I’ve found some of my favorite Food Network chefs on there (love my girl Giada, still think she needs bangs though! Just sayin’…), and some great wine resources and vineyards who are now Twittering as well. It’s interesting, when I first started using it two years ago – no one was on there really. Now, though I think the interaction is lousy and it’s still buggy – the user base has improved tremendously -- so for the store, I’ve got some fantastic food/cheese/wine feeds that have been sharing some really useful information.

However you spend your day and your weekend, do it with a smile and those you love - and enjoy!