window shopping at Pier 1

I went to Pier 1 last week and couldn't help but fall in love so many cute things! I am on a budget, so I didn't buy anything, but I decided I'd take pics of the items I thought were adorable and share them with you. I love going to Pier 1 for home decorating. And they usually have really good sales. Hope you like what I saw!

Ever since Ronnie brought me back an authentic tea set from China, I've been obsessed! I thought these were so cute! My favorite is the rose one in the front. It would be really pretty in a little girl's room as decoration.

I thought these jars would look so great in a kitchen because of the labels already on them. You can personally label them in your own handwriting in chalk. Fill it up with cookies, coffee beans, or even an office or craft room filled with ribbon and yarn! Super cute!

This cupcake jar is extremely charming! I almost took it home, but I am going to wait until it goes on sale. Hopefully I can snag it up! I just ♥ it!

This notepad just says it all!

This rug caught my eye. I thought it was a gorgeous!

I thought these cute owl wine toppers would make a great birthday present for a co-worker or neighbor. Or maybe even a hostess gift. Really unique and you can't have too many of these. Really fun!

And that's it. Hope you enjoyed my little virtual shopping tour at Pier 1! :)

Ikea Madness

On Saturday, Ronnie and I thought about heading to Charlotte for the day. (well OK, it was my idea!) But we wanted to spend time doing something fun together, since were apart for 5 days. Charlotte is about an hour and so away. And I thought about going to Ikea. It opened during the spring and I've been dying to see what I hear so many people talk about. And, boy, did we see! The parking lot was filled with cars. We were surprised. You could imagine Ronnie. He was not having it, but was being a good sport. It was madness! I was impressed with the accessories for the home. But Ronnie and I agreed the furniture was not our style or taste. I think the stuff would be great for like an apartment and I loved their kids room designs and accessories. But there wasn't any furniture that I felt I would want to go cheap on in my house. I definitely prefer more quality for our home. But I did happen to love a lot of decorative pieces. I picked up a great little lamp we have been needing for the guest room. And the perfect decorative pieces for my kitchen window sill. Check them out!

Overall, it was fun. And I definitely go again. But I will probably will have to convince the hubby somehow! :)

I LOVE MACYS!!!

Isn't she a beaut?

Mr. and I went to Macy's to buy him a new shirt to wear for our special dinner at Club 33 in Disneyland. And, of course, you know that everytime I enter a Macy's it is my ritual to stop by the Martha Stewart collection. (you know, I'm devoted).

So any how, I stumbled upon the clearance section and what do I see? Her enamel cast iron casserole on sale. Then I see the "take an extra 40%" sign above. I couldn't believe it was true!!! So, I took it's little price tag and scanned it on their little price scanner thingy....and it read $35.99!!!!

"SHUT UP!", I thought! This thing is regularly $139! I've been wanting one of these cast irons since I got married. And each time I visit Macy's I salivate and beg Ronnie for one. But he always said "maybe next time". I hated him for it, but I loved him for it today!

In the end, I felt great because I was finally able to score one and in MS blue!!!

Hubby felt great because "he was right", yet again! :) (Ladies, you know what I am talking about, right?)

Oh yeah, and hubby was able to pick out a really nice shirt. At a great price, too!

I love Macy's!!!!

early birthday present?

The Steve Madden Trufle. I'm in love with these! so in love! if you know me, I'll wear these for like probably 10 minutes only. I am terrible at wearing any shoes with a heel higher than 3 inches. I always tend to buy these beautiful shoes, with a heel, and can never wear them longer than 10 min! LOL Either way, here I go again! I can't decide between the mustard or the black. Maybe an early birthday present for myself? Have to keep an eye out for a good deal. Especially if most probably wear these 10 minutes at a time. What do you think?

recession beauty!

I've given in. To the recession that is. But mostly when it comes to my beauty needs! And during these times it is when you realize just how much money one throws out the door on the personal up-keeps. I may do more than most. I get manicures every week and pedicures every 2-3 weeks. I purchase name brand shampoos, conditioners, makeup, lotions, facial cleansers, you know name it! So, I've definitely changed my ways this summer (because I don't get another paycheck till Sept), but especially during these times of saving.

So, what have I done differently? First things first, I haven't gotten a manicure in over 3 weeks! I've just gotten polish changes, which is a savings of $12 a week. That's a lot. (Mani/pedis cost double here vs. in Miami) Or I've just done them myself. My nails are clean and polished and I am not sacrificing my wallet.

Secondly, I've gone to the drug stores and Costco to get my beauty product needs vs. the mall or beauty supplies. I just want to share these GREAT products because I've just been blown away at how well they work....and they might just be as good or even better than the high end stuff.

(This post definitely feels like a savings segment on the View or Today! I crack myself up!)

St.Ives Apricot Scrub and Makeup Remover/Facial Cleanser

WOW! WOW! WOW! This stuff is just plain awesome! My skin is left really soft after using the cleanser and I feel like it is working while I rub it. Amazing! I must use a scrub after I wash my face because of the type of skin and I have, and thats why I went ahead and bought the Apricot scrub. I can't tell you how clean my face is after I use these together. My skin even looks brighter. I haven't used the scrub since I was a teenager, and I don't know why I ever stopped. Pure and simple...great stuff! Go and buy! They are just $3 a pop at wal-mart! Go, like now!

Suave Naturals Body Washes

These are spanking new and smell so yummy! For just $2 at Wal-Mart, you get the $10 body washes kind from Bath and Body Works. No joke! My favorite is Cherry Blossoms. But there are 5 others to choose from. Excellent stuff!

Costco brand Kirkland Signature Hyrdating Shampoo/Conditioner

This one is so great because for just $6.99 you get double of it. Both the conditioner and shampoo come in pairs and the best part...the hubby uses it, as well! Usually, I buy special shampoo for myself (for curls, etc.), and the hubby has his own for his type. But I thought to purchase in bulk for the summer and I absolutely LOVE the smell and how well this combo works. (I am usually very, very picky about the shampoos/conditioners I buy especially since I like to change every time.) This shampoo reminds me of the high end Biolage, which I love and I usually always turn to. So, if you have a Costco card, buy this next time. Your hair and your wallet will thank you!

That's it for now. I hope these products will make you as happy and make you feel as good as they do for me. And in the long run, your bank account will be happy too!

Warm Vanilla Sugar Wallflower

I've been in our first home for almost 2 years now. And I think I've tried every candle brand, type, smell, yet seem to never find the perfect scent that I want to purchase again. I usually tend to lean towards clean scents. But that has never really stopped me. I'd try anything just to find one staple scent that I can dedicate in buying in bulk. Because of my mother, I've learned to put a wall scent in every room of my house. And a candle in the kitchen and living room. I love coming home to a good smelling house. But who doesn't, right!?

However, the moment has come! This may sound silly, but I just had to share that I have found the one I truly love.....Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar! I love the wallflowers because I've learned that they don't give off an overbearing scent. Just a light and soft scent that I can live with. And there is something light and sweet about Warm Vanilla Sugar, yet a clean scent too! Its perfect!

And beginning June 1, the Wallflowers will go on sale for $5 each! That's a $7.50 savings. Time to stock up ladies! Warm Vanilla Sugar will please you....enjoy!!!

Dining room set....I found the "one"!

I am a little too excited about something. And when that happens, I know I have made up my mind. What am I referring to? A Dining Room set!

I know, so corny right? But seriously, this has been a process for me. Living near High Point, NC (The furniture capital of the world) I've seen my fair share of dining room furniture for the past 2 years almost. And I have seen a few I've liked, but nothing that yelled "THAT'S IT!" to me. I've been hesitant to purchase any one that I liked because I want it to be something that is timeless and that I can keep forever. Is that too much to ask? Maybe so, especially being on a budget and not wanting to go into debt over the thing.

So, we've been patient. And I want to unveil the one I have fallen head over heels for to you. While on our trip to Alabama, the girls and myself went shopping. My best friend Jackie and I stumbled upon it at the Macy's. It is Bernhardt Furniture piece made for Martha Stewart and Macys. To me it yells perfect. There is something traditional, yet, modern that I find so perfect about it. I am that kind of girl that likes that style combination. I've collected a few pictures of it in different settings, including the pictures I took of it when I fell in love.

Bernhardt Furniture for Martha Stewart: East Hampton Lilly Pond Collection





Anyways, it is on the pricey side. But I've located a store in Hickory, NC that sells wholesale and they have the China in stock for wholesale price! Ronnie will call this week to find out some more about it's condition (it was on display in a Macys). We hope to see it this weekend. So, there is hope, but I just have to be patient to get every piece at the right price. Living in NC might just be the hope I need to purchase the dining room set of my dreams! Yay!!!!

In the meantime, I think I will be placing one of these in our guestroom. Any donations towards our dining room will be greatly appreciated! LOL!



Tell me what you think!

Oh, Martha Stewart....

Every time I walk into a Macys my inner radar points me straight to the MARTHA STEWART Collection in the Home department. This has been happening to me ever since I signed up with Macys for my wedding registry. And I can't help it! There is something PERFECT about the displays of the kitchen gadgets and china in different arrays of MS colors like her signature blue, greens, and reds. And then ....it strikes me. I find something I *have* to *have*. And I will admit, it is not just at Macys. Its everywhere you can find Martha like Kmart and Michaels. I make purposeful trips to these stores for all things MS.
And when I shop with Ronnie he tries to control my impulsive buys. I get into this character, too. Almost like a bratty little girl..where I beg and plead "Pllleeeeasssseeeee honnneeyyyy??? Pretty pllleeeaassseeee! and its quite charming how he can imitate me. He is a good hubby, though, and puts up with me and gives in. He's an inner Martha fan, I think. ;-)

Anyways, after work one day this week I went to Macys to make an exchange and, of course, I made my usual stop. I couldn't help but pick up these babies... the matching cookie plate to match my MS Spring kitchen towels. Then, the PRETTIEST MS blue cake stand caught my eye and thought *i have to have this!*. (I really don't...but how cute will my cakes look, especially when our kids have birthdays?) -seriously! I also picked up 2 of her silicone spatula in her signature blue and green. ugh. LOVE! I especially love those spatulas to cook with, though. (I have it in red already.) I like them better than the usual spatulas with the wood because I don't like how water can seep through the crack in the spoon part. (This is my madness, I know....do you see how I justify my weaknesses?)

I just can't say no to anything Martha Stewart. I just can't! :)

Last One, I promise!

HELP! I need an intervention! I picked up this dress after an exchange at FOREVER 21. I can't help it. I loooove these long flirty dresses. I had to show this one off. It is my favorite by far. Promise this will be my last long dress purchase. Can't wait to wear it in Miami!

Shopping Online SALES!

I really wanted to go shopping today, but it's too cold out to go. And because of the cold I have a MAJOR headache. So, what better way to make me feel better than to shop online! I still have some Christmas money left. And ever since I became a wife and homeowner, any extra cash I get goes towards purchases for our home. Oh, how priorities have changed! It's a great thing. In the past, any free cash I had went towards a great new purse or shoes.

I logged on to CrateandBarrrel.com and snagged up some GREAT sale items under their outlet/SALE sections! Everything I purchased was a total of $59!

Look at this adorable winter door mat:

I got several of these picture frames. I think the Espresso border matches perfectly with our family room. And I love the white matted background. I would love to place these on espresso colored shelves:

And I got 2 vases, which I think add so much to a room without doing too much. The bronze vase is for the shelves with the frames. And the green vase will eventually go on our dining room table when we get one. I think the vase makes a nice piece that can go with our drapery:




Not bad for under $60, huh? And from Crate and Barrel! :)

New Kitchen Towels

Went to Macy's today. And, of course, I could never get away from the Martha Stewart collection. Check out my new kitchen towels! Cute! Don't ya think?

New Table Lamps!

I've been searching for over a year now for the perfect table lamps and shades for our living room. But I finally found them at Target! I think they were right under my nose, but I was being too picky. And they were at a great price, too! I think they are perfect and exactly what I wanted. Tell me what you think!

Farmer's Market

We are fortunate to have a local Farmer's Market near our house. We are always buying our vegetables and fruits for great deals and we love to just browse. During the Fall, there are pumpkins galore, honey, wreaths, crafts, just simple and pretty things. During the spring, there are amazing strawberries, daisies, and all sorts of seasonal things, fruits, and plants. We went today and I want to show some of the yummy things I saw. :o)
Peaches like I've never seen them before! Gorgeous and delicious!

Pretty Dahlias.

Pretty and delicious smelling Lavender.

Huge and scrumptious black berries.