Let the Shopping Begin!

Friday evening I attended a preview party at my daughter’s school for their annual holiday market and art show, which was held throughout the weekend. They had great items for sale and, much to Hubby’s dismay, I did purchase a few things (Hey, it supports the education of our child!).

The evening started with a get-together at the home of one of the moms across the street from school. She served some great hors d’oeuvres and drinks, including something called the “Blond Bombshell.” It has grapefruit juice, vodka, among other ingredients. I had just one glass because I could imagine after two, you would be feeling NO pain.

We then walked over to the holiday boutique and had such a great time. I’m so impressed that our school’s PTO puts on this great event. Alas, we didn’t win the prize drawing for which our daughter sold raffle tickets (i.e., Mom and Dad bought them), but oh, well.

While at the show, one of the reps for Willow House had a display. Heard of this line? Apparently, it’s a result of Southern Living at Home parting ways with another manufacturer (not sure of the entire story), which resulted in a new venture, Willow House. My neighbor recently hosted an in-house party, which I couldn’t make, but that’s probably good for my pocket book. During the holiday market, the rep, Caroline, was selling these great decorative buckets that can be used for wine or cold drinks at a party, floral or seasonal displays, etc.

I wish I purchased one because it was $25 cash and carry at the show, regularly $39.95 if your order it through Willow House. Argh. Oh, well.

Saturday was then a girls’ day with my mom and my daughter, shopping for holiday clothes and then lunch. I am so thrilled with my mom’s progress. She drove over to our house! I then drove us to the shopping center and she managed to use her walker to make it around to a couple of stores. We are so blessed to have her making such strides. My mom is a strong and determined lady, so I shouldn’t be surprised.

The weekend closed on Sunday with church, laundry and more laundry. I managed a trip to the grocery where my kids did not behave AT ALL. It’s moments like that that drive mommies to drink, kids. Just remember that. ;)

So, now we’re at the beginning of a new week. Starbucks was having major problems with their computer system this morning, resulting in a long line and a complimentary coffee for me. Great start to my Monday!
Images courtesy of Willow House and A Mommy in Red High Heels

Whale Sale

Hey, kids, just got word of Vineyard Vines's 40 percent off sale. You know I love me some VV, and it's going to be hard to resist this while I'm on shopping hiatus. So perhaps I can live varcariously through some of you while you shop at the Whale.

Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July. Our neighborhood had the traditional bike parade for the kids, complete with fire engine and police cruiser to lead the way. I hope our new neighborhood does something similar. If not, we may have to start a new tradition! The rest of our holiday weekend was spent packing for the move. My MIL took the kids to the pool each day while Hubby and I purged as much as we could, in addition to packing. It's amazing what you can accumulate over a seven-year period.

Good to start the week already one day down. Although, it was not fun getting the kids up this morning. Daycare was meltdown city, so glad to know we weren't the only house where the kids were channeling the devil. :)
Image courtesy of Vineyard Vines

Summer Wish List

I am on a shopping moratorium, and I really mean it this time. With us closing on our new house in late July, beginning payments on Miss E.’s new school next month and other general debt, I really have to put a halt on the spending. Because, you know, there always seems to be more month at the end of the money.

Any hoo, if I didn’t have a self-imposed (okay, Hubby may be pushing hard for this as well) moratorium on shopping right now, here are a few summer items that the UPS man would likely be delivering to my doorstep.

New polos from Vineyard Vines – VV is currently having a Family & Friends sale for up to 25 percent off any purchase. Just enter the discount code FFSUMMER10 at checkout (Believe me, it shows great restraint on my part to have a discount code in hand, yet not make a purchase). I love the Five-button Fiona polo, as well as the sleeveless polo. Too cute! My MSL, Ms. A., recently purchased the Gold Coast Halter Polo in Sailor’s Red. Adorable!

Blue Waters Patchwork Shorts – Another piece of VV apparel. Sensing a theme here?

Balance Runners – Title Nine offers these running shoes that are good for the road, as well as trail running. If I had a pair of these babies, I'm sure I would be more inclined to run each day. You don't believe me? Yeah, me neither.

A new Life is Good T-shirt – How about this one for the Fourth of July?

Nantucket Basket Purse – This version of the Nantucket Basket Purse is available on etsy by the Up My Sleeve Boutique. Pricey, but such beautiful work. Wouldn’t Miss E. and I look adorable sporting Mommy & Daughter versions? (Uh, don’t worry, I won’t be doing that.)

So, dear readers, what items are on your summer retail wish list?
Images courtesy of Vineyard Vines, etsy, Title Nine and Life is Good

Special Offer from Vera

Attention Vera Bradley fans: free shipping on purchases of $75 or more until May 23. Get on it!

Cyber Monday

Sorry I've been a bad blogger, but the Thanksgiving holidays had me in a tizzy. I didn't hit the stores on Friday, but in an effort to get the kids out of the house on Saturday morning while Hubby studied for grad school comps, I managed to score some deals at the Gap. First, we got hot chocolate at Starbucks and then went to story time at Barnes & Noble. Afterward, we walked around the shopping area to look at decorations and ducked into the Gap to avoid the cold (American commercialism as it's best, huh?). Of course they were having a buy one, get one 50 percent off sale, so I got this fabulous sweater, a turtleneck and flats. We were attending a casual dinner party that night, so I managed to justify the purchase. Of course, Hubby just gave me that "Stop the spending, for the love of God" look.

Anyway, today is considered "Cyber Monday" in the retail world, since so many people return to work and get online to take advantage of sales. Not sure if I plan to shop online today, although I really need to get moving on my gift buying. Due to the economy, we are going to downsize the gift-giving this year (which means I should probably stop shopping for myself at this point, huh?). Let me know if you find any great deals today. I may check it out.