Endless.Com

I LOVE shopping for shoes.  I LOVE looking at shoes....I LOVE opening shoe boxes to the scent of new shoes.  I just LOVE shoes....

On my wish-list for Fall:
L.A.M.B. Glamette Thigh-High Boots

There is always an occasion to shop for something to add to your collection that is more fancy, more comfortable, more stylish or more height-inspired.  It is also the ONLY shopping therapy option that you can be sure you will always be the same size, no matter what happens to everything else above your feet.  I believe shoes are much like friends....your friends are all unique and round out your life in many ways.  Friends to go out on the town with (sexy stilettos), friends to call to cheer you up when you are down (comfy sneakers) and friends to have serious and analytical discussions on how to solve the debt issue in the U.S. (peep toe work pumps).  Although you may have a pair you like to wear almost everyday or a pair that that you like to bring out on special occasions, like friends, you can never have too many.

A few years ago, I found Endless.com.  I know there are a lot of on-line shoe sites to choose from but, at Endless.com, you are always sure to find exactly what you are looking for without leaving the comfort of your couch.  I also really like that even though you may not be sure if you would wear a 6.5 or 7 or not sure what European size you may be exactly, you can always order both, and ship one back for free.  This is an important consideration when you are shopping on-line and can always cause anxiety, especially if you are on a deadline.

Endless.com is owned and operated by shoppers like me who also like to shop on-line and realize the process of shoe shopping, which usually includes trying them on and envisioning yourself in the perfect pair, regardless if you are browsing in a store or scrolling through the different designs and styles on a website.  The thing I like most, and think would be a benefit to everyone, is that they have FREE on-line shipping for either overnight or 2nd day delivery, which is indicated when you browse the specifics of each pair so you can plan accordingly.  You can also contribute a small shipping cost if you find a pair you need sooner than 2nd day, but otherwise, it is fast and free.  Most importantly, you can confidently order a couple of different sizes and not be penalized by having to pay shipping on one or both ends.  There is a simple and free return process with no questions asked whether they do not fit or are best suited for another owner that will give them a better home.  Not to mention that they are able to offer significant savings in some designs which you may no be able to find at Nordstrom or other stores.  I am assuming because of the lack of overhead for an on-line site is the reason for these types of savings and have been ordering from the site long enough to know they are not selling impostor brands.

Here are my Top 5 all time favorite pairs I have come to know and love which I was lucky enough to find on Endless.com:

#5 - Carlos Santana Roulette Peep Toe in Blue Java

These look amazing on my feet with a simple shift dress, even for work.  I was most surprised that Carlos Santana was in fact a designer of women's shoes since he is a music legend and is obviously very busy touring all over the world.  Every time I put them on, I find myself pondering the question, "How did Carlos come to the realization that his guitar skills MUST translate to his ability to design women's shoes?"  Obviously he was right and it must have been a childhood dream of his and decided he needed to become famous as a musician first in order to fulfill his lifelong wish to be a designer.  I have not looked into the autobiographical reasons for this decision as I am content with my version.

Although these shoes are amazing and extremely reasonable price-wise, especially on Endless.com, be ready to change out of them after about 2 hours and only if you have been sitting for 90% of the time.  This can be difficult in a job like mine if I have meetings that require me to navigate parking garages of large medical centers and navigate the bowels of the hospitals where my customer meetings may be located.  I usually reserve these shoes for a time I KNOW that I am going to be sitting the majority of the time or bring a pair to change to once I am no longer able to take the pain.  Considering my high threshold for shoe discomfort in the interest of style, you may want to carefully consider your ability to walk in painful shoes before you purchase this or any Carlos Santana design.

#4 - Roper Sydney Boot in Brown and Turquoise Inlay
Being from Kansas and spending the majority of time at the farm when I am home, it is surprising even for me that this is my first adult pair of cowboy boots. I was so excited to have an occasion to round out my shoe collection even further a couple of months ago with this particular pair.  Since it has been summertime, I really haven't had a lot of additional reasons to wear them again but fully anticipate they will make an encore again in the fall.  They are extremely comfortable (if you wear socks, which I forgot to bring on the trip) and are trendy but traditional.  They are much less expensive than the embroidered Old Gringo pair which I was eyeing but could not justify the cost of at least $350.  Both brands can be found on Endless.com, should you have a need to update your shoe wardrobe with cowboy boots as well.

#3 - Enzo Peep Toe Pump (Various Colors Avail)
I have these in a couple of different colors and they are relatively comfortable and stylish, especially for work although I have been known to wear them out as well.  This is a staple style for ENZO and they continue to add prints and colors every season.  On Endless.com, you can usually find a pair that fits your needs for a specific ensemble for right around $70.  I really feel like for the quality and versatility, this is the best all time shoe for work clothes.  You can order different colors and styles (i.e. patent, crocodile print, etc...) as the years go by as well as be sure of the size you will need.  Like my mama always says, stick with what works.

#2 - L.A.M.B. Primrose Pump in Eggplant


These shoes are amazing and I absolutely love how tall they make me look.  I am 5'2'' so my general rule-of-thumb is the higher, the better.  Unfortunately, for someone always going at high-speed as well as the recurring memory of a recent incident with a set of stairs that lead to a broken wrist, I have to be extra careful to walk slowly as this pair boasts a whopping 5'' heel.  Also, I can only wear them with a couple of pairs of jeans as they can definitely put me in the "high-water" category if I wear the wrong pants....I love them nonetheless....

#1 - Betsey Johnson Chelsea Pump in Rainbow


I ALWAYS get compliments on this pair.  We have been together for a few of years now and still going strong.  I was hesitant at first as  I thought I would have a hard time finding something to wear, but at the beach in the summer (or winter), I can get away with wearing jeans, a simple T-shirt or tank and fun earrings without looking too ridiculous. This is a pair where you can make a simple outfit fun for a night out on the town.   Ironically, multiple people have mentioned that they look like the Wizard of Oz shoes, even though Dorthy's were a red sequin.  I love this because it is a nod to my Kansas-roots!

I hope you get a chance to take a look at what Endless.com has to offer as you can shop for the entire family.  Also, they offer handbags and other accessories.  The newest designer they offer is GUCCI Timepieces....I think I am in love!!!!

Happy strutting!!!!

A

Shopping for Gifts

I haven't had any major shopping excursions to report as of late but one of my faithful readers (ok, the only one) told me that she has a hard time shopping for special occasions for the people in her life.  I thought it would be a good opportunity to share some things I think about as I shop for a friend or loved one whether there is a special occasion or "just because".

First, I need to give you a little history on how I developed my own gift giving skills.

I remember when I was 10 , my mom asked my babysitter to take me to Wal-Mart to shop for a gift for an overnight birthday party which I was attending that very weekend. She gave us $20 and never clarified that she wanted any change back should the price of the gift not come to the full 20 bucks. I took time perusing the toy section and promptly found a Care Bear soap making kit that I decided that I just couldn't live without. The kit included egg-shaped molds with the likeness of a few of the most popular Care Bears as well as several sticks of unmolded soap in various colors that would eventually be melted down with warm water and would become fancy, guest hand soaps (in my mind). The kit came to about $12 so I knew I needed to stay right around $5 for my friend's birthday gift to ensure we had enough left for a soft pretzel and coke at the snack bar. I was always good at math and did find out later that I had not really become familiar with the concept of sales tax and assumed I knew we would be well within the range to make my plan reality. Let's just say I was a little off and the crisis was averted when my babysitter had to pony up the extra few dollars.

After an hour of searching the toy section for a gift that wouldn't completely scream cheap-gift but still allow me to pursue my new hobby of soap making, I walked by a clearance bin and noticed that there was an Elvis Prestley (cassette) album for $4.99. Since Courtney had mentioned that she did, in fact, like Elvis Prestley at some point in our 5 years of being friends, I thought this was THE perfect gift for my friend.  Also, I could comfortably start planning whether I should make my first Care Bear soap with the yellow or pink stick of un-molded soap. I figured I would just have to wait to see where my creativity would take me when I could peel back the cellophane and was able to better explore the entire kit. As I was in a hurry to start my newfound project, we high-tailed it back home after my pretzel and coke (we only had enough $ for mine) to find my mom home from work. When she asked what I got for a gift, I showed her the Elvis tape with full confidence she would be very impressed with my knack for remembering things like what my friend enjoyed in music selection, especially at the ripe age of 10.

"This is a GOSPEL tape!!! How much did you spend for this piece of crap???" I was starting to get the impression that she may not be as pleased as I had hoped with my shopping excursion in its entirety as she was not nearly as excited about the Elvis tape as I was anticipating. This was a shocking turn of events since she was an Elvis fan and had, on numerous occasions, reminiced that Elvis died almost a month after I was born and she remembered exactly where she was at the time. This was always followed with a disection of his life and what a tragedy he had become with the conclusion always being that it had to do with his creepy relationship with his mother. I always thought that he must have had some serious health issues seeing as he died while in the can.

"It was only $4.99! Courtney really likes Elvis, mom!!! She told me so!!!" I thought this was an important point to make as I knew that if I could win her over with my skills as a bargain shopper with her money and she felt a connection with a fellow-Elvis lover, she may see the rationale that had seemed so air-tight to me in Wal-Mart.

"What did you do with the rest of the money that I gave you?"

"Well, we were hungry after searching for an hour for this perfect gift which I may point out, you are giving no respect to in spite of your love for Elvis...so we stopped to get a pretzel and a coke at the snack bar. Then we came straight home to wrap it."

"What else did you buy.....?" I didn't like where this line of questioning was going. I mean, if you wanted a 10 year old to be responsible with money, you don't send them to a store with a less than reliable authority figure with $20! Even I knew this as I was still months away from the apartment that I was sure to be moving into because I kept dipping into my savings as I had recently discovered my love of pixie sticks.

"I found a really great Care Bear soap making kit and I just thought you and dad would really appreciate it if I would start helping out by making soap for us.  Especially since you both work really hard and need a little help around here. I was just thinking of you....and look! We can make pink for the front bathroom and a yellow one for your bathroom! Also, I thought they would be great gifts for grandma or grandpa!" It was a long time ago and a little fuzzy on the finer details, but I am pretty sure I leaned back in my chair, folded my arms and gave her a smug smile as if to say "I can't believe you are questioning my selflessness."

She smiled back and said..."Do not open that box. Courtney is going to be getting a Care Bear soap kit for her birthday."

I am sure a poor attempt at a renegotiation process ensued full of reasons why she should rethink her position but I knew I had lost the battle when my dad came home from work and my mom instructed us to take the Elvis tape back to Wal-Mart.  As we were leaving, she reminded me that I needed wrapping paper and a nice card, which is why she gave me $20 in the first place. I gave up at this point when I realized I was fighting a loosing battle since she was perfectly willing to send her beloved Elvis's work back to the clearence bin at Wal-Mart, just to prove her point. I relented and was extremely envious when my friend opened my gift, it blew everyone away with how cool of a gift she received from me and she stopped opening gifts to discuss ideas and solicit recommendations from our friends on what the perfect color scheme she should use for her bathroom.

As traumatizing as not ever fulfilling my dream of becoming a professional soap maker has been on me in my adult years, I learned a few things from this experience as well as other gift giving adventures along the way. Here are 10 things to remember when you are thinking of gifts and want people in your life to feel special:

1. As much as we may love to shop for ourselves, it is fun thinking of your friend's and family's reactions when they see what you have found out in the world for them! It may be something they never would have found otherwise and who knows what their life would be like without it. Also, knowing that there is another person out there that cares enough to find it for them, see them enjoy opening it up, and imagining how it will make their life more fun or easier, will be a gift back to you.

2. Imagine what you would like for a specific occasion. Is it something they would like too? Or, would they pick that item out for you as well? You may be surprised how much you and your friends and family may enjoy the same things, even if they are opposite sexes or occasions you have never celebrated yourself. Put yourself in their shoes and what they would really like to see beyond the bright pink gift bag or shinny wrapping paper. Plus, it would make them happy to know that you would really like to have that gift yourself, but thought enough to give it to them instead. (Except if it is a Care Bear soap making kit...)

3.  Never shop for your friends or loved ones at a sex toy shop. There is never an occasion where that is ok....EVER!

4. Gift cards are ok and are best for adults for occasions like birthday's. If I do give gift cards for Christmas or Weddings, it's only if they indicate that is what they want. Otherwise, I may use them as 1/2 a gift, small gifts like Valentine's Day or if I have to ship to them and can't be there for the occasion. I think they are well-recieved but Gift Cards lack the time and thoughtfullness that should go into a gift.  Also, you want to show your friend or family that you would take time out of your busy schedule to go hunting for a tangible item they can envision themself using and enjoying right then and there when they open it up. Plus, a gift is so much more fun to open!

5. Never give lingerie. If you guess the wrong size, that may backfire in a way that you won't be expecting and will endanger an entire planned evening. Believe me, women like to buy their own intamates because comfort is never as exciting as what you have picked as the "perfect gift for HER".

6. Flowers are ok in certain situations, but not as many as you would think. Flowers for berevement have become less common because people would rather have the money donated on their loved one's behalf. Also, it is just not common for a guy to show up with a bouquet and therefore, would seem weird if they did bring flowers in today's liberal dating world. The only living thing you should give is a plant or orchid that can go on living, or in my case, until all the perfect blossoms drop off and you are left with a stick in a pot no matter what kind of care you give.

7. Always give a gift that is proportional to the occasion AND the depth of relationship. I read an article once that a woman thought her boyfriend was going to give her a ring for Christmas only to find a sweater under the tree while he unwrapped and slobbered over his 52' plasma TV. A couple of days later, he moved out as he was planning all along....with the TV! Be 100% positive of the trajectory of a relationship before you go all-in.  This can be applied to a lot of aspects of a relationship, but definitely should be dually noted in gift giving to significant others.

8. Alcohol, other than a rare scotch for a scotch enthusiast or a bottle of wine to the host when you are invited to dinner is tacky. You never know what the personal or home situation is and you don't want to make someone feel self conscience, or worse, end up at an AA meeting at the end of the evening.

9. Concert tickets/sporting events tickets are a good choice ONLY if you and your friend/family member have a mutual interest in the artist or team. DO NOT give tickets to someone that does not want to be obligated to spend time with you. Admit it, you know deep down if that person does not have any interest in spending more that 5 minutes with you let alone 9 innings in sweltering heat.

10. Finally, large and expensive gifts. These are only to be reserved for times where you have won the lottery and want your friends and family around you to have nice belongings just as you do.  Mostly because it won't be so freaking lonely to be filthy rich. That being said, a gift that is "too much" to anyone outside of the Trump family completely defeats the purpose of the reason for gift giving. Remember, even the smallest effort in trying to reflect someone's unique personality and find what will gives them joy is the only rule of thumb you need.

For those of you still stuck, some places that I would start at with a wide variety of heartfelt gifts for your loved ones would be:

• Red Envelope
• Dick's Sporting Goods
• Pier 1
• Hallmark

Happy hunting for the people that are the most important to you!

A

Jake Mayes

RIP my wonderful friend....I will miss you terribly and know you are in a beautiful place with those who have gone before you. There is nothing more rewarding that having unconditional love from a pet and can make the good times in life better and all of the heartbreaks easier to get through. All of the fun things in life are more meaningful with a dog at your side. I will sorely miss having Jake watch me while I post musings about my shopping adventures to you all and hope you spend a little extra time giving your pet loves and kisses today.

Jake, thank you for all of the wonderful memories and I know you are in a happier place. I love you!

MAC Time Capsule

About a year ago, my MacBook was diagnosed and succumbed to the "Falling Virus". I had years of pictures and iTunes purchases that were lost instantly! I couldn't believe that just a small movement of my taking a magazine out from under my laptop and accidentally dragging the whole thing off the kitchen island had such a devastating outcome....I immediately tried to resuscitate by rebooting and then said a little prayer. Still not willing to accept the fact that it was flat-lined, I rushed it to the Apple store where they told me they would not be able to restore the hard drive and it would cost roughly $1000 to fix the screen which would have to be sent to CA for repair and would take about 8 weeks.. At that point, I realized that my computer would need to be replaced but I was most concerned about the pictures of my late grandmother as well as hundreds of dollars in music and movie purchases from iTunes.

I was sick for days just thinking about why I had not backed up my computer. Everyone always talks about backing up but I do not know ANYONE that has a regular routine of backing up thier data. I mean, wouldn't there be a Blog about it??? The look of surprise and dissapointment started to get on my nerves when everyone I told about the incident asked me if I back up and I would hedge with "not regularly"....Could you imagine if I told them "never"? I seriously would have expected an intervention with my closest friends and family telling me how "My not backing up my data hurts them because...." conversations.

Anyway, things started to get better when I found out that iTunes will give you a one-time download of all things purchased from iTunes for free. Also, I remembered that I had sent a number of albums to Shutterfly.com for printing a while back and nearly every picture I had on my computer and ALL of the pictures of my Grandmother were sent to me on CD-ROM for a $15 charge. I then went to Best Buy and purchased a replacement computer and was all set....I still couldn't sleep.

The problem that kept arising is "How am I going to make sure I don't ever have this happen again?" Ironically, this is the same conversation I have after every breakup.....Conversely, the answer is always much simpler with men since I am usually well aware that it was not going to work for at least a month prior to the big finale. Computers, as it turns out, are a little more complicated. The 3 things I knew I needed in the decision for an effective back up system was: (1) How did I make sure I could back up my data but without any extra work on my part? (Any extra work meant I may not do it or put it off...hence, my current back up system that had just failed me) (2) How do I keep my data safe? (I still wasn't sure of the privacy with off-site back up sites) and (3) What is the potential cost and what is it really worth not having to worry ever again?...this one was easy....YES!!!!

Ergo....Apple's Time Capsule!!!

I have long been attracted to Apple technology and it is true what they say... Once you allow yourself to experience the ease of the technology, you see what you have been missing with IBM technology! I explored some of the other options first and eventually ended up back at the Apple site reading over the specs for the Time Capsule...

"Back up a lifetime's worth of memories with Time Capsule, a wireless hard drive that works seamlessly with Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard. It’s also a full-featured 802.11n Wi-Fi base station with simultaneous dual-band support. Choose from 2TB and 3TB models."

Perfect! It matched all three of my criteria....It backs up automatically every time I open my computer and there is something new that needs to be saved, it is safely secured with a password and hidden in my office, and I am so glad I opened the purse strings for this one....I will never get the looks or the possibility of an intervention ever again.

Not quite sure exactly how much data is in 2 terabytes but I am sure I will have plenty of room to back up wirelessly without even thinking about it until the cows come home. I know that if anything happens and I need to leave my house in a hurry, the first thing I grab will be my dog, Jake and the second thing will be my Time Capsule. Everything else can be replaced!!!!

Nordstrom and Friends

Let's just say my week has been wrought with deadlines and teleconferences and I was in no position to be taking off for Nordstrom to meet Summer and Mama Connie for shopping and dinner at Nordstrom cafe on Tuesday night. Let's put it this way, there is only one store I prefer going to vs. online ordering simply because of the sights, smells, and most importantly, Nordstrom cafe. After what has seemed like never ending projects and deadlines and the week isn't even halfway over, I made the executive decision that my sanity and need to go to the Cathedral of All Things Shopping outweighed any fall out I may have at work from missing even the most crucial of deadlines. Only after the smell of Philosophy Amazing Grace body wash and Kiehl's Rosewater toner as well as a couple of much-needed comfort purchases at the Chanel counter and shoe department, not to mention dinner at the cafe, did I rationally come to the conclusion that I better make up for lost time. I guess I do actually NEED my job if I want to continue worshiping in the sanctuary of all things shopping-holy...so I was awake until 1:00 AM catching up on work due to my guilty conscience.

At 6:00 AM and even though I was hating the sound of "ALARM", Selection #2 on iPhone that rudely disturbed my extremely short deep sleep, I was still in post-shopping glow and excited to use my new make-up as well as walk around in my new shoes today. Not sure that peep toe heels go with PJ's for being at home in my office all day, but it still perked me up enough continue to rush to beat the clock on yet 2 other sizable projects that need to be "completed no later than EOB today."

I was so happy I was able to spend time with Summer and Mama Connie, which far surpassed anything I walked away with purchase-wise. The thing about shopping and your friends is that the two ALWAYS go together and you can never go wrong getting out and seeing what the world of commercialism has to offer and enjoying it with people who make you laugh.


When we stopped for a break from looking meticulously in every department for must-haves (or like-to-haves) to have dinner at Nordstrom cafe, I realized that even though I love online shopping, what I love more is being with people I have fun with and enjoy being myself when I am around them. Usually, shopping with friends entails very few purchases but more time wandering around and picking out either the most heinous of ensembles and wondering what yahoo with too much money would actually pony up $500 for a fuchsia mink halter top (sounds cute, but really isn't in real-life)? Or, day-dreaming about how much one would have to inherit from an unknown rich uncle to afford the clothes that seem to jump out at me where there is a 100% probability the cost will be three times more than everything else around it, or in some cases, the entire store. After the grueling day I had at work and knowing the same Groundhog Day scenario was in store for at least 3 more days, decompressing with Summer and her mom, laughing and oohing and awing, was worth being sleep deprived by Wednesday and definitely gave me the juice to get through the rest of the week.

Finally, I think everyone had the best time in the baby/toddler section, seeing all of the miniature outfits, dresses, shoes and fatigue cargo pants (That's right! They were for a 3 month old baby boy and I felt my biological clock skip a beat!). Seeing how cute and small everything was, once again reminded me how infinitely more important friends and family are than anything I could have bought and written about in this blog and I am so grateful we were able to make a fun evening of it!

Don't worry, I stopped with the mushy, philosophical stuff almost immediately when I caught a glimpse of a pair of gold metallic Michael Kors wedges as we passed by the shoe department when we were being ushered out by a Nordstrom employee because it was well past closing time. I did think all the way home how far I have come from closing down bars at 2 AM in my twenties to closing down Nordstrom at 9 PM on a Tuesday night and honestly, couldn't be happier! It's funny how priorities shift so much and what you come to appreciate over time.



Give your family and friends an extra hug and kiss as you are heading to your computer for some online shopping tonight....It will make your shopping experience much more enjoyable and rewarding!

Pier 1 Imports

I recently moved to a condo near the oceanfront in Virginia Beach and had a blast with my mom and some girlfriends placing all of my furniture and decorative sculptures and vases around the house in just the right place. Although I feel like I have a ton of knick-knacks that go around the house, it is inevitable when you move to a new place that you need "small" items to bring a room together.

My fail-safe tactic is to purchase high-end quality furniture that will stay with me for many years. I also have a few pieces my grandparents had when they were first married in 1938 that have been refinished and I updated with more modern hardware. I love how you can mix modern and traditional and it really helps bring a personalized look and style to a room. That being said, I try to not buy pieces that are going to be either out of date or start to fall apart for at least 7-10 years. Case in point, I have a sectional that I bought when I got my first job out of college and I was not in a "cash position" to buy it outright so I exercised the option of no money down and no interest for 12-months. I bought it at a furniture store we had been customers at for years and was owned by one of my grandparent's oldest friends. This couch has been through it all....a flood, a fire, and multiple moves. It is still comfortable and has held up well....a little Febreeze goes a long way! This is where I am grateful I do not skimp on the things that are most expensive to replace, especially in a slow economy!

As for home goods, I am on the complete opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to purchases everything related to home decor and it usually causes a lot of anxiety as I am always interested in a "bargain". In the event that you do move, or re-arrange the flow of your home, or if you have the urge to redecorate, these are the easiest items to replace for very little money and you can literally change the entire look of a room. With my staple furniture pieces in mind, I usually go to Pier 1 for any items for home decor...as someone that has moved 3 times in the last 5 years, I am a frequent customer. Usually at Pier 1, you can be sure you are getting pretty decent quality for reasonable prices. Once I moved into my new condo, I knew I needed an entry hall cabinet that would look nice and I could use for years to come. My decision making on an entry hall cabinet was really around the amount I was willing to spend, since moving ALWAYS ends up costing more than you thought, as well as what the expected longevity of such item would be....hence I bee-lined to Pier 1. I decided on the Patrina Cabinet (see above) and then placed a mirror I had above it with a decorative urn my mother gave me a couple of years ago to tie the whole thing together. Mission accomplished! I knew immediately the Patrina Cabinet fell solidly in the middle of the "quality-needed" scale which is EXACTLY where I needed it to be. I typically think quality vs cost prior to purchasing any piece of furniture and with this particular piece, I ended up with the Patrina Cabinet as it may not always fit or match my future entry halls I may have, but I could almost certainly find a place for it somewhere and it would still be relatively stylish (God help me if the next move is any time soon...).

Additionally, I needed to lighten up my trusty old couch since it once was in an area with light walls and more than necessary natural light. I still wasn't willing to part with my comfy couch that had been with me for so long as well as didn't really want to take on that kind of expense right after my move. I once again returned to Pier 1 and decided on some lighter yet colorful pillows. Not to mention an oil painting depicting an art deco type beach scene that is large enough to fill the large wall space above the couch. I also relieved the store of some fantastic dragonfly guest towels for my 1/2 bath, shells for filler in some re-purposed hurricane candle-holders on the mantle and beach-themed guest soaps and candles. I always get compliments on the home decor I purchase from Pier 1 and they always seem to go along way since I am able to continue to find a place for items I feel the need to replace for a different look. All in all, I was able to create a new look in my living area with great pieces that cost under $300 and that went well with everything I already had. I figure that is just a fraction of what I will spend on the next sectional but I still have a fresh new look for the time being....

The best part about Pier 1 is that I am a Pier 1 Rewards customer. You can sign up for free and for every $1 spent you earn 4 points. Once you reach 2000 points, you receive a $20 gift card to use at the store toward future purchases. Between my purchase of my entry hall cabinet and my home decor items, I received several $20 gift certificates, especially since customers were able to take advantage of the double-points weekend (check www.Pier1.com for any upcoming double or triple points days). This way, I can continue updating rooms in my house for even less than the great prices you get everyday in the store. The only small drawback is they do not offer is online shopping and they do not ship if you go to a store and they do not have what you went in to purchase. However, if you are very polite to the Manager, sometimes they may cut you a break or at least have it shipped store-to-store for you to pick up later. The customer service is always good and they want to reward repeat business. See below for a link to the Pier 1 Rewards program....



http://www.pier1.com/TopMenu/CreditCard/tabid/121/Default.aspx


Would love to hear of any other good finds at Pier 1....Please comment!!!!

Happy hunting!

SPANX

A couple of months ago, I had an event where I needed to wear a cocktail dress which was tasteful and hid all of my pertinent parts but, my sister Molly mentioned that I may want to get SPANX because it makes your look "more flattering". I was stunned that I was at a point where I needed shapewear since my weight really hadn't fluctuated, but I did have to admit, things are not quite where I left them when I was in my early twenties. She quickly followed with "Kim Kardashian wears them and she is a size 0." Not that I am in the habit of following style recommendations of any of the Kardashian's since I think the whole family is a train wreck, but I did feel she may have a point. I mean, if someone that is size 0 wears shapewear religously, maybe I was not looking my best even in my most-fit of times. I also remembered Dolly Parton stating in Steel Magnolia's, " I haven't left the house without my girdle since I was 18!!!!" and Olympia Dukakis responding with, "Your mama brought you up right!" I tend to refer to Steel Magnolias for all major life decisions....

After looking into SPANX, I realized they do in fact help keep everything in the place it once was, even if you are still relatively the same size as when you were 18. Regardless, gravity does take it's toll and SPANX are the answer. I took my sister's advice and ordered the Slip-Suit in black. It not only helped me look much sleeker in my dress, I wear my SPANX with pants, jeans, and suits. It is a one-piece body suit that I have even been known to use the top as a shell, especially while it is summertime. It just seems to make all of my clothes look better and am so happy that going into the closet in the morning doesn't have to be a fashion Russian Roulette!

The other SPANX suit I would recommend is the Hide and Sleek Full Slip (black or nude). It is less versatile than the Slip-Suit but it does have advantages. If you have dresses that bunch up you know where, mainly jersey knit or wrap dresses, this is a must have. It also doesn't cause too much anxiety in the event that you need to use the ladies room than when you are in the full slip suit! Don't worry, they have thought of that and let's just say you don't have to take it completely off.....


You can get SPANX at Nordstrom, Macy's, or any other fine department stores. Or, as you know I am a fan of online ordering, you can go to www.SPANX.com. I prefer the SPANX site because you can usually find the style, size and color you are looking for as well as an additional selection of bathing suits, bras, and workout shapewear.

Every girl should treat themselves to at least one article of SPANX. It's a must-have to make you feel most confident when you are out and about in your most favorite of ensembles!!!!

Bumble and Bumble

I love the fresh look of a new haircut and am definitely in the camp of people that will take a second mortgage out on my house if necessary to pay for a good cut and color. Luckily, after leaving my last stylist in Raleigh almost 2 years ago, I have finally found my hair muse in my new stylist and good friend, Summer. A few weeks ago, I told her I wanted to cut my hair into a Lob (long bob) like January Jones or Jennifer Anistin (who doesn't want her hair at any point in time?). Summer was a little reluctant as she has been working on keeping my hair healthy as I was growing it ultra long. In the end, she was excited to have an opportunity to cut a new style and, in the end, knew I trusted my locks in her hands with a dramatic style change.

The thing about the Lob, or any other style, is that it is ALL about the products you use after you spend hard earned money on getting it styled and colored. One of the things I have noticed over the past few years while paying what could be considered a car payment for hair services to make sure my hair looks professional and healthy, is that a well-trained stylist is only the first step in having good hair like January or Jennifer. It is a MUST to use good, quality products otherwise, you may end up looking like you had an incident involving a wall socket!

Although I am just as mesmerized by the Pantene commercials as anyone, especially when it looks to have the exact shine as my old Barbie's prior to my cutting their hair off as well as how good and clean it smells, I know that my hair starts to take on a flat, lifeless state that makes me look like I have poured oil directly onto the top of my head before leaving the house. This is why I have been using Bumble products for years and love the fact that, although they are expensive, keep my tresses healthy enough that the shape and texture is preserved well enough to go almost 8 weeks without a cut. As I get older, color is another story! Here are some of the products that I love from Bumble and know you will too:

B&B Shine Shampoo and Conditioner: I love the smell of sunflower and they way the hair looks after it is dry. You can easily get away without a flat iron if your hair will behave, but I do like the bounciness especially with my shorter cut. Also, it is a clear shampoo which I feel lathers better and somehow helps my hair stay clean longer...



B&B Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner: This is my all time favorite and is a staple S&C always found in my shower. It has a light and clean smell and the conditioner makes your hair really easy to comb through but is light and doesn't build up. I ALWAYS have a good hair day with this combo....very reliable.



B&B Gentle Deep Conditioner: This is a new fave of mine...It smells a little tropical without being overwhelming. I like using it on days I can lay in the tub and read a book.



B&B Spray de Mode: This is a nice medium hold aerosol spray. I get really good volume without the "hairspray" look. The smell is less overwhelming than some of the others.




B&B Texture: I love love love this product because you put it on when your hair is wet near your scalp where you have volume "deficiency" (which happens to be a lot of my head). Once you blow dry, you can then use your fingers to boost it up again and again throughout the day...this is what I use to give my hair "Oomph" (word is courtesey of my mama....who says I could always use more of).




Most importantly, I order all of my products I need from the Bumble and Bumble website. It usually arrives the next day or within 2, even though I elect the free 5-7 day shipping. Additionally, they send packets of samples of other products so you can find what works for you. I know it is expensive but you don't need a lot, there is something for everyone and even if you don't spend a small fortune on hair services, it brings out the best in everyone's hair. I mean, tell me that you don't have a good day at work or play if you are having a good hair day!!!!



http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/index.tmpl

PS - If any of my Virginia Beach friends would like to contact Summer for a consult, she is taking on new clients and comes highly recommended! She just moved to Va Beach with her husband from Orange Co, California, has been a salon owner, and has had many hours of Bumble and Bumble training in both San Francisco and New York. Please let me know if you would like her contact info....Plus she is an awesome friend! Thanks for everything....love ya, girl!

Pottery Barn

So one of my favorite things about my birthday is that my sister and brother-from-another-mother always give me a gift card from a store I like to frequent. This year, I was very excited to get one from Pottery Barn. I love to browse the site often, looking at all of the furniture all the way down to the wall accessories and wonder EXACTLY how much I would have to win in the lottery to furnish my entire house with everything Pottery Barn. My guess is that, after taxes, gifts to family and all of the donations to charity I would certainly make, I will have to wait until it gets well into the 3-digit millions.

So I didn't waste any time today burning through the gift card and ordered some bedding (see picture) and badly needed bath rugs. I feel like maybe by my 90th birthday, between my shopping budget and the generosity of my family, I may be able to get there without the lottery ticket....but I will continue to try!!!!

FYI....All bedding is on sale until July 12th with free shipping!

Happy Shopping!!!!!!

iPAD

Well, needless to say, it has been awhile since I have authored a blog. Honestly, with all that has been going on, I had to put my most favorite pastime on hold and have really not returned to my fighting weight and probably won't for awhile. Inspired by my cousin, Kelly, I thought I would at least start updating it more often than my current average (approx. 1 every 10 months)...

Anyway, I am happy to report that I have become recently involved with iPAD and we couldn't be happier together! It's starting to get serious as we have been together for about 2 months now. At first, I wasn't sure I was ready to committ since I have already been in a long term, and at times, a tumultuous relationship with iPhone. When I started noticing how happy some other iPAD relationships were, I thought " I am not getting any younger and really not as fullfilled as I should be for as long as iPhone and I have been together... Should I really be settling for dropped calls, frequent inability to use wifi, and, let's face it, screen size really DOES matter!" This prompted me to start exploring exactly what I may be missing in my current relationship...

After asking perfect strangers about their relationships with their iPAD and what exactly they liked about their current significant other, it was then an issue of the financial aspect of such a union. At this point, iPAD is extremely popular with it's versatility of being a laptop, Kindle, and iPOD in one device but the iPAD2 has just made it's way into the hearts of many....but a lot higher in price for ultimately minor upgrades compared to iPAD. I continued to think, "Do I really need the headache of yet another device that may end up disappointing me in the end?" and " Am I willing to let iPAD2 take my picture and send to people I know?". After traveling back from San Antoino, squinting to see my screen and seeing a work colleague sit in bliss with her iPAD while we checked email did I decide that I, in fact, DID deserve better!

When I called the Apple store to see if they had the iPAD2, they said they were out that day but I was more than welcome to come to the store 2 hours prior to opening to get a priority ticket, then wait in line and MAYBE I would be able to purchase one. If not, I could certainly return the next day to repeat the process. I knew immediately that iPAD2 was just like George Clooney....no matter what relationship it was in, it must think it is so impressive that people will wait in line just to get the possibility of purchase. (just for the record, I believe iPAD2 has much more to offer over George Clooney). Finally, when I started considering actually getting my butt out of bed to go to Apple for the iPAD2, I took a stand that this woman waits for NO iPAd, no matter how intriguing it is!!!

Finally, I went to Best Buy and I didn't even ask for the iPAD2. I immediately told the salesperson I would like to purchase the iPAD 16GB with 3G and WiFi... He then looked at me quizzically and asked, "you don't want the iPAD2?". My response was immediate... "No....I would rather not enter such a high maintenance relationship....". (long pause, with what looked like I had just slapped the salesperson right in the face). "I'm sorry, it's not you....It's me....out of curiosity, do you currently have any iPAD2s in stock?"

Ten minutes later, I was walking out with a brand new iPad with 16GB, 3G with WiFi....I think iPAD could be THE ONE!