NEVER Again!!

Never again will I get myself outta bed at 3am to attend Black Friday sales ... NEVER!

Thanksgiving was nice ... low key, relaxing, no stress. I debated most of the day about hitting up the outlet malls at 11pm for moonlight madness. I am a recovering insomniac, so I knew I could pull an all-nighter, just wasn't sure what my plan of attack would be for some early Christmas shopping. I decided against the outlets (I don't need to purchase any more clothes!!), but thought it would be a better idea to get up at 3am for some early bird specials at my favorite stores.
Of course, trying to go to sleep at midnight proved impossible with the constant game plan and gift ideas running through my head. Sigh. So I skipped sleep all together.
Now, my hubby and I have made it a tradition to save up our cash and gift cards and head out in the wee hours of the day after Christmas to take advantage of post-holiday sales. We splurge on ourselves and have a great time snagging awesome deals. Of course, it is a busy shopping day with returns and other people with the same idea as ourselves, but it is always manageable. So I was thinking that Black Friday would be very similar ... why not join the shopping enthusiasts?
Adrenaline pumping, energy levels high, mom as my sidekick, yahoo - shopping in the middle of the night!!!
Two hours, thousands of people, lines that stretched for miles, and only 8 minutes in Toys R Us total. What in the world was I thinking? Three of the stores on our list had lines so long that it would have taken at least an hour just to get in the doors (there was no way we were going to wait that long in the cold rain!!). Toys R Us had no line within 20 minutes of opening, but good luck trying to navigate the store or find anything you could possibly want with the lines and crazy people running throughout the jammed packed aisles.
We felt headaches coming on, so we booked it out of there! Off to a quiet Starbucks for our much needed drinks near mom's house and ready to head back for some online shopping!! Ebates is offering double cash back at all stores, why not take advantage of that!! Getting paid to shop Black Friday from the comfort and sanity of home .... aaahhhh!
I was also able to get a 3 hour power nap in before the boys woke up ... with a busy day ahead, that will definitely come in handy!!
Hope you all have a wonderful and SANE holiday weekend!! Did you snag any great deals??

Giving Thanks

To all the amazing people in my life ... my hubby, my beautiful boys, my family, my bff Betsy, and all my friends (near, far, online and in-person), I thank you!!! Without your love and support, care and friendship, my life would suck! Really!! I am so blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life! I am so thankful for each new friend I meet here on my blog. You girls all make me smile and each blog is so much anticipated each day! Blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. I Chronicles 16:8

They're back!!

Season 4 premiers tonight on Bravo at 10pm ... yay!!

Just sharing.

*For a limited time, when you order one or more 12-month calendars of any size, you'll get an 8.5"x11" 12-month classic calendar free. Add the free calendar to your cart when you place your order and enter coupon FREECAL08 at checkout. Hurry, offer ends November 31.*

Getting an early start ...

... to my holiday weight gain! I just had to do it ... I had to go and buy the cute little holiday wrapped Butterfinger miniatures. I am weak, very weak! These little guys call my name from the kitchen! I, of course, had to sabotage my hubby, too. I picked him up some Mint Hershey Kisses. Tis' the season to be jolly, right? Oh, I am dreading the New Year's resolutions already ....

I vant to suck your blood ....

Shoot - if Edward Cullen wanted to suck my blood, I would gladly bare my neck! Ha, ha!! Tonight my hubby took me to see Twilight. I resisted at first knowing nothing about the movie or the book series. I am not into scary or creepy movies and I thought Twilight was actually the finale in the novel series.
Boy was I wrong, and I am so glad I went to this movie!! I am now hooked, and will be starting the books asap! I am a sucker for love stories, and this one in particular made my heart race! Robert Pattinson (aka Edward the vampire) normally does not do it for me (not really my type), but seeing him play this role was totally hot! There is nothing like a bad boy (or a vampire in this case) who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his girl!
I won't spoil any movie details for those who haven't been able to see it yet, but all I have to say is AMAZING!! I'll be doing some reading this weekend!!

Oy!!

Who knew that a simple blog layout change could take so stinkin' long!! Arrgg!! So frustrating when you have to re-do your entire blog roll because for some unknown reason, the widget got deleted. And of course, I can't find a new holiday layout that I can't live without, so I went with a basic winter theme (still cute - thank you to the cutest blog on the block - but not what I was originally going for). Sigh ... oh well! I am happy with the new look! What do you think? Have a great weekend!!!

Testing ... Testing ...

For the next two weeks, I will be trying out a new line of shampoo and conditioners by a well-known hair care company. Being that this line is still in the testing and marketing phases, I am not sure I can divulged the details just yet, but I have agreed to put aside my normal Pureology products to give this shampoo and conditioner a try.
How did I get picked to do this study? I joined mysurvey.com and take random surveys that are emailed to me regarding products I use every day. Everything from food to pet products, electronics and household items, and more. I collect points for each survey I complete and can redeem them for cash and prizes, or even donate to charity. You can also be selected to test new products and report back your opinions.
I have also started using Dermalogica products on my face. I was using Mary Kay for years, as my sister-in-law was a rep. She is no longer selling it, and my skin has changed a bit in the last year. Venting to my nail technician about a random break-out, she introduced me to some samples of this brand she carries in the salon. Three weeks later, with full size products now in my bathroom, I am loving this new line.
What products do you like to use?

Mailman, mailman, what did you bring?

He (or she, I'm not quite sure) brought my Christmas goodies from my Holiday Swap Partner, Elizabeth!! Yipee!! How lucky was I to get partnered with such a great girl with such a fun personality in style!! Check out my goodies ...
I received a green, glittery NOEL sign (love the color!!), a red glittery star ornament (will go perfectly on my tree), 2 adorable little hand warmers (how did she know my hands are always cold??), some festive (and funny) beverage napkins, and a kitchen towel too cute to get dirty, a glittery Happy Holidays sign (lovin' the polka dots!), and some candy (what girl doesn't love chocolate?!).
THANK YOU SO MUCH to my awesome new friend!! And thank you to ClemsonGirl for hosting this great swap!!

There is Light !!!

I was blog browsing this morning as I usually do, and was thrilled to find this (click on the pic below)!!! How flippin' exciting!!! It's the little things, people ... that make my world go round!



Thank you to The Pink Clutch for this great news!!

Dear Santa,

With the holiday season fast approaching, I have had my eyes on a few things ... what fun would a wish list be if you couldn't post it on your blog, right? Ha, ha! What are you hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year?

Season One of Army Wives

Season One of Lipstick Jungle

No joke! Purple Bowling Shoes!! Size 8
(I already own my own ball, and yes, it is purple)

Chelsea Handler's book, Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

Viva la Juicy

Fairisle Sweater from American Eagle, size Medium

Naughty Monkey shoes, size 8

Flowers For A Year!
So expensive, but wouldn't it be nice to get flowers delivered once a month? Ha!

Found this cute hoody on Amazon, size medium

Oh yeah!!! Dark Chocolate Uggs, size 8
(I'm taking the boot plunge!!)

More To Love

Adding more blogs to my favorites list ... these bloggers make my day!! I check in on them each day and they always make me smile!

Grosgrain Garage
Monkey Me, Monkey You (Welcome back, Monkey!!!)
Capturing Life One Step At A Time (my holiday swap partner!!)
Conservative Musings
The Seifert's Diary of Life
Once Upon A Li{F}etime
Welcome To Our World

Consumer Warning

I am all about shopping at outlet malls ... they are probably my favorite. In Seattle, we went to Gap Outlet and I found one of my favorite colors in a soft and comfy, long-sleeve tee. Upon folding my new with tags, unwashed shirt, I noticed a (not-so-slight) flaw. I have never had an issue like this before, and will now carefully inspect any future items I purchase from such outlet.


And for the record, I rock my cute green tee ... you can't really tell that the sleeves are two different lengths when I have it on.
Hope you are having a great weekend!!

that. figures.

Got home tonight from shopping at a cute little holiday bazaar with mom and Jackie, only to log on to the computer to see that (according to Yahoo) NBC has canceled my Lipstick Jungle. I have become very possessive of this oh-so-sexy show. I am hoping they will finish out the season and not just drop off all together. Guess what DVD series will be on my Christmas list this year.
Sigh. So Sad.

I love my friend!!

There are many, many reasons why I love my best friend, Betsy .... and here's another reason added to the list:


She called me moments ago to let me know of this amazing little offer that Oprah gave out today on her show (I don't watch Oprah, so Betsy keeps me in the know). For the next 24 hours, Snapfish will be giving away FREE 8" x 11" custom photo books! Go to their site and click on the Oprah Viewer link to receive your FREE book, a $29.99 value!!! Hurry ... you only have 24 hours!!!

****If you are already a member of snapfish and the site is a cookie on your computer, you will need to clear your cookies in order to get the link. Otherwise it will direct you to your log-in page and you won't see the Oprah special. When your cookies are cleared, come back here to my blog and click on the snapfish logo - it will take you to the homepage with the offer.****

Thank you Betsy ... love you so much!!! :o)

The Great Debate

To Ugg or not to Ugg ....

I am in year two of the mind-boggling debate of getting a pair of Uggs. Yes, I know. Sounds retarded, but I won't just go out and buy a pair of $130 boots because they look cute on someone else. I have to be absolutely in love with them!
Last year I debated with myself until they were no longer available to buy. I oogled over them every time I saw a girl struttin' around looking all cute! Any time I tried them on though, I felt silly in them! I wasn't a fan of stuffing my bootleg jeans into the tops of the boots - it just felt funny. I buy bootlegs to fit over my shoes, not in them. Now I know they have the skinny leg jeans for heels and boots, but (no offense to anyone who wears these) I seriously hate the look of your pants wrapped tight around your ankles. I can't imagine them being comfortable either.
So my dilemma for year #2 is this: I love the look of Uggs on other girls, whether they be paired with a cute skirt or with jeans, but I am not quite sure they look that cute on me!
While on our Seattle trip, we stopped at Old Navy and I picked up some cozy, boot style slippers. I got them in a cute green and gray striped pattern, knowing I wasn't going to wear them outside my house. Now I love slippers - I wear them anytime I am at home, and any time I will be traveling away from home, I am always sure to pack a pair. I have been wearing my new slippers and have been tucking my lounge pants and jeans into the tops of them, and I must say that I am starting to get used to the look (of the pant tucking, not the fun stripes). So now I am even more torn ... do I spend the moolah (or add them to my Christmas wish list), or chalk it all up to a boot fad that I don't need to partake in?
What do you think? Do you have a pair of Uggs or similar style boots? Do you like them? How do you like to wear them? Are they worth the price?

Sigh ... decisions, decisions!!

... Girls Weekend ...

This weekend was planned out months in advance ... at Jackie's baby shower for Natalie back in July, the Baker girls and the Timmons/Curtis girls decided it was time for a trip to Seattle to visit the premium outlets!
We headed out Friday morning, starting the day off right at Biscuits Cafe for breakfast. We had an interesting start ... forgetting the GPS, running a few minutes late for the scheduled meeting time, the waitress knocking over my cranberry juice into my lap, and Miss Macey not feeling so hot. Breakfast was delicious though, and after the eventful meal, we headed off! Destination: Seattle!! Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Mom, me, niece Natalie (2 months), Jackie, Linda, Macey (6 months), and Mary

Mary booked our hotel reservations at the beautiful W Hotel in downtown Seattle. We made great time, arriving in Seattle around 2:15 pm. We decided to stop in at the hotel to check in before continuing onto the outlets. Our room was great and so comfy! A little freshening up, and we were back out on our way ..... only to fight traffic for over an hour in what should have been a smooth 30 minute drive from our hotel. Sigh.

W Hotel, Seattle

Once our eyes focussed in on the amazing entrance to our shopping wonderland, we perked right back up! I have never been so willing and eager to jump out into the cold rain! First stop on the map: Coach!! My highly anticipated and beloved haven of joy: Juicy Couture!!


We spent 4 hours shopping Friday night, only stopping for a quick Subway sandwich dinner. Girls gotta re-fuel sometime!

Did I mention yet that our girls weekend happened to fall during the Half-Yearly Sale event at Nordstrom's? (Cue choir of singing angels)

Oh yes, the Mother Ship was calling us home .......

Five glorious levels of pure shopping heaven!! Seattle has the absolute largest Nordstrom store known to mankind, and we girls spent the entire day shopping until our little hearts were content!! Seriously ... HOURS were well spent trying on shoes and clothes, and watches, necklaces, scarves! We probably spent an hour alone just in the kids department! We had shopping bags hanging off the strollers and even had to check some with the concierge!! Yes, this Nordstrom's has a concierge and a full spa on the 6th level!!!

The Baker Girls

Seattle was good to us ... we had beautiful weather on Saturday and Sunday, we enjoyed Starbucks and Pike's Market, delicious food, and lots of laughter!! We've even decided to plan again for next year!! Wanna join us? :o)

Cleaning and packing ...

That's what I have been up to today! Our house was re-listed back on the market today. It was up for 10 months this last year, and after finding a wonderful realtor, we are pretty hopeful this time around. Our last agent gave us a headache any time we had to talk to him. Seriously, the guy never shut up!!! So, I have been finishing up some last minute cleaning and organizing, doing laundry, and entertaining the boys.
Now ... for the packing! Yep, I am packing my bags and heading up to Seattle for a girls weekend with mom, sister-in-law, niece, and a couple other friends. We are excited for some time away, and of course, for all the shopping!!! Anyone doing anything fun this weekend?

A friend so dear ...

Without this trusty little planner, I would lose all that is left of my brain. Seriously!! I have used this specific brand planner for years!! I don't know why I prefer this one over any other, but around this time of every year I purchase a new one. It is a week by week planner with plenty of space to write down all my appointments and things to do, plus it has little side notes to keep lists. I'm off to get a new one today before I forget!! Ha!!
How do you stay organized?

Holiday Fun!

ClemsonGirl is hosting a holiday swap (my first one!!). Wanna join us? Just click on the button below to link to her blog and sign up by November 9th!! So exciting!!

i.voted.

While I am sad that my candidates did not win this election, I am awfully proud to be an American in such a monumental time in history! I do not agree with Obama's views, but I do not dislike him. I was excited to see our new, African-American president and his beautiful family proudly stand on stage in front of all his supporters. I can only hope that he can lead this country in the right direction and out of the unfortunate state of our economy. He's got 4 years to prove himself. We'll see what he can do.

The Joys of Boys

I absolutely love being a mom to boys ... and with that said, I did my cool mommy duty of ordering the boys tadpoles. Yes, tadpoles! Nana got Maddox a frog habitat last spring. Apparently, tadpoles cannot be shipped during the warmer months, so we have had to wait to order. I received an email from the frog company, and they will be shipping in a couple weeks.
Jealous? You can have them, too! Just go to ribbitsgalore.com and use the coupon code SUMMIT to receive a free tadpole. The tadpoles grow to be cute little leopard frogs, and hopefully this will be a great educational experience for the boys. Need a unique gift for the little boy(s) in your world? There you have it! :o)

Secret Shortcut

With the holidays quickly approaching, here's an easy and fun recipe for entertaining ....

Swiss Cheese Fondue:

Buy this jar (yes, jar. it is fabulous.) of fondue cheese, microwave with cap off for a minute, then transfer to a fondue pot placed on low heat. Serve with cubed bread, a veggie tray, and Oscar Meyer party sausages (also microwavable). Really, it's that simple! Who doesn't love fondue?!? A quick set up, something new and different, and delicious! Try it!

Rheinlander Cheese Fondue found in your grocer's refrigerated deli cheese department

Sweet Saturday

Sean was diagnosed with Croup yesterday morning ... yay for the flu nasal mist!! Way to lower his immune system enough to pick up a nasty virus! Sigh. He is doing much better today ... surviving lovely 104 degree fevers and suffering through a nasty little cough and sore throat. Thank goodness for Children's Motrin! On the bright side, we have been enjoying his sick voice ... way cute!! LOL!
After staying up late last night with Halloween fun, we got to sleep in a little bit this morning. I then got to go out with mom and get our nails done, have lunch, and enjoy not having to rush for any reason - hubby and Papa were awesome to watch the boys without any time limits!
On our way home, I picked up a couple treats to enjoy this afternoon .... my famous green tea latte and Panera's Chocolate Chip Muffies! Oh my ... anyone love these as much as I do? Whoever thought of baking just the top of the muffin was a genius!! I microwave mine for about 30 seconds to melt the chocolate chips, then I slowly enjoy each bite. Mmmm!
I threw on my slippers, turned on the kids' Noggin channel (for them, not me), and vegged out on the computer at the kitchen table. I had a great view of the fall day through the windows , and enjoyed doing nothing! And how awesome is it that we get an extra hour of sleep tonight! Yipee!! Don't forget to set your clocks back!!

Hope you are having a great weekend!! Happy November!