Shopping!

Today we took full advantage of Mike's day off! After a lazy morning we hit the ground running and didn't return home until after dinner! We bought some random odds and ends including a stainless steel cleaner that gets great reviews (our new fridge is stainless and I'm having a hard time finding a product that doesn't leave streaks), a sprinkler, shoe racks, and this impulse buy.. well not really an impulse buy, I've been looking at these for sometime! Mike thinks they are tacky but he gave in and now we have 2! Not that we really need more glasses. Ahem.

As I was saying, we had a busy day of purchases! The most exciting items include a new coffee table and a leather chair for the family room! The leather chair is super comfortable!! I can already envision nights of tea + knitting by the fire. Maybe a small dog at my feet... The chair was in stock so we took that home with us (that was an adventure involving slow speeds and twine..) and the coffee table will be delivered in about 2 weeks. I can't find the chair online so will have to post a picture later, but this is our new coffee table!

It's the perfect combination of what we were looking for - something with a leather look (aka the top is not real leather) to go with our new chair as well as storage space! The table is also part of a set so in the near future we may be getting this end table - or something similar with more storage. :)

How exciting, right??

new beer discovery!

I really like Michelob Ultra's line of flavored beers. The lime cactus and tuscan orange grapefruit were my favorites, but there is a new player in town! Dragon Fruit Peach! Mmm mm!

Husband asked if I would get sick of it (I tend to do that with beer) and there is a good chance! But it's a nice change, and if you're into light fruity beers, check it out!

That's all! Happy super bowl - if you're into that kinda thing...

Did she just say spa-tastic?

Yesterday I met up with my friend Jessica for happy hour! After we wined and dined ;) we did a little shopping! No big purchases, but I did buy a candle on sale @ Banana Republic! Strange place to be buying candles, I know, but BR was (is?) having a sale with an extra 50% off all sale items!

The candle was not packaged as pretty as this as it was the last one in the store, but who really needs a fancy candle box anyway? Not when it's a gift from me, to me, that's for sure!

In case you find yourself at BR, the scent is Golden Orchard and it's divinely therapeutically spa-tastic! That's right. Spa-tastic!

Original price: $16.99

Sale price: $9.99

My price: $4.99 + tax!

PF Chang's skillet meal - review

Y'all - this meal was delicious! I'm not even kidding! I hate that I always have the need to have at least one frozen skillet meal on hand at any time, but dang this one was really good! It's $9.99 @ my Kroger, which I would imagine is pretty close to the cost at the restaurant, if not more? Anyone know? Clearly I'll have to indulge myself and have a date for one -aka carryout sometime soon and investigate! All for the love of blogging accuracy ;)

I "made" the General Chang's Chicken last night as that is my favorite, but there are a variety of options. They say the bag is for 2 people, but let me tell you, this is one of those dangerous meals where you diligently only put half on your plate.. then you go back for "just a little more".. then you get out the tupperware box so you can have the rest for lunch the next day.. but find yourself eating directly from said tupperware. Anyone else hear me on this? It's baaad, but oh so good! 

I guess if I would have made rice (completely forgot that this would be appropriate, not being a rice lover!) it would have been more filling and I might have been able to control myself a little more. I did add some steamed corn (c/o Bird Eye frozen veggies) and that was tasty, but my to go box for lunch has now been changed to an after work snack. Oops! 

Bottom line: this dish is pricey, but worth it, if you can find a coupon!

Oh! I want to share a tip! I'm not the most health conscious person out there, but I'm well aware that typically these meals are just bad, bad, bad for you! My tip with any frozen skillet meal is to take out some of the frozen sauce pellet things! Usually you can pick out a handful and not even notice the difference! Give it a try!

Imagine the google image searching I had to do to find the only picture with sauce pellets! This is for some kind of frozen lasagna.. but it shows you what to look for! Got it? Good.

Canvas Winter Sale

On my lunch break the other day I stopped by Sears and had my first real experience with the Lands' End Canvas line! I tried on a bunch of things, but only purchased a few items from their sale. Admittedly, I was distracted, and it was really warm in there so I didn't have as much energy to go all out - probably a good thing!

I got two crewneck tops (in brown and navy) and a a navy turtleneck. Both fabrics are pretty thin, but great for layering!

I also purchased these grey gloves! I've been wanting a long pair of gloves that are convertible - these aren't the real fun kind that have a mitten topper but I think it's going to work perfectly for my purposes! I think the button is cute too. :)

Sadly the white sweater that I love so much was not there! Overall, I'm glad I got to actually try some items on, and was impressed by the selection the store had! The sale helped too!

Have you scored any new items from after Christmas sales?

My Private Jet + Sequins

Santa found OPI's My Private Jet and put it in my stocking!! Santa is so hip ;)

I LOVE this nail polish!! I remember reading somewhere that it's a more sparkly version of You Don't Know Jacques and I would have to agree - although just a bit darker!

For New Year's I added new Ulta's silver sparkly "sequins" nail polish on top! I love the look! So festive!

P.S. Taking pictures of your finger nail polish is awkward and tricky! Sorry. I'll work on it!

Bobeau wrap

The other day I went to Nordstrom to return a Christmas present - I've never been more excited about the idea of a return before! Our mall just opened a beautiful Nordstrom within the last few years and I typically avoid it for "real shopping" because I tend to want everything!!

Right in front of the return counter was a rack of these Bobeau wraps!

I wasn't familiar with Bobeau, but if the other items are like this, I'm interested! This wrap is currently on sale for $39.90 and comes in a good selection of neutrals! I purchased it in black as I always seem to want another black sweater/ layering piece.

The fabric is SO soft and luxurious! Seriously! I feel like it should be meant for sleeping! In thinking about it, had I not had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket, I'm not sure if I would have been as attracted to it and bought it for myself with my own money. It's a funny piece to me, since it is trendy with the asymmetrical wrap look, but great for work (albeit the more casual end of the dress code) and play! Bottom line - I like it!

You will definitely see this wrap again, once I get the hang of taking pictures of outfits! Thank goodness Santa got me a tripod for Christmas!

Tofu Shock!

Ok, so I cheated and ate one of my new frozen meals for dinner tonight. I picked the one that I thought would be the smelliest (I'm a considerate co-worker): Thai Yellow Curry. Boy was I shocked when I read that those cube looking things were not chicken, but TOFU! Er, TofuSteaks, to be exact. What the heck is a tofu steak? Aint no steak, I'll tell you that! Ok, I'm not a tofu hater, but was definitely not expecting to buy a frozen meal with tofu in it.

When I took it out of the microwave I thought "Ok take a few bites and you can pitch it, not worth getting sick over" but I was good and ate it all! Will I buy it again? No. The thing is, the curry flavor was great!! I'm curious to check out other frozen dinners from Helen's Kitchen. Next time, I won't be in such a rush!

Random Ramblings!

As promised, a few other random thoughts!

Mom got me a new winter coat!! I absolutely love it!!! It's pea coat-esque and has a big "Elvis collar" according to dad. It just feels classy and "big girl work appropriate"! We've been on the hunt for awhile and scored it at a Macy's sale! I'm such a lazy shopper when it comes to things like this - I have to really psyche myself up to try on coats! We found it after trying on probably 20 others! Yeesh! Love it though, so it was worth it! Thanks mom! Sadly, I can't find an image of it online, so you'll have to use your imagination!

I got a free gift from Ulta for spending a certain amount in the last few months. From the list I selected a gel eyeliner. Have y'all tried it? I was nervous, but had been curious for awhile! This was a pretty easy way to give it a try!  I use a slanted eye liner brush to apply and find it much easier than liquid eyeliner! I've seen a variety of brush styles for different looks! Mine is a thin brush so not a very dramatic look! Lately I've been staying away from black eye liner and mascara for a more natural, softer look. I got the brown color and it has a bit of shimmer but it's really soft!

In a related note, I picked up this new mascara as a free gift at Sephora! It's PLUM!!! How cool is that!!! I was definitely hesitant, but I really like it and it doesn't scream plum! Again, it feels "soft" - whatever that means for eye makeup! 

Sydney from The Daybook did a tutorial on how to imitate her bun. She stated that it was a good style for dirty hair, so one Saturday I gave it a try! Not sure that I'd rock it on a regular basis, but it was fun!

the face of concentration! Still figuring out this picture in the mirror thing!

With my thick hair it probably doesn't look any different than a regular bun, but it felt different and satisfied my need of doing something with my hair! 

Speaking of doing something with my hair... I gotta go - hanging out with the in laws today before watching my brother be incredibly awesome at his first real gig!!

More product reviews!

I'm always up for trying new face products as I never seem to find the right one that clears up my skin! Over the years I've tried Proactive, Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Cetaphil, etc etc. After seeing In Style's Best Beauty Buys I went out and purchased Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer. In the past I've tried the Ultra Calming lotion from Aveeno, but never the Positively Radiant. I love that Aveeno's face lotions have SPF so I often go back to these products, but I'm not loving this new one. I've been using it for the past 2 weeks (at least) but the smell is just so distracting and unpleasant!

Curious if others found this problem, I did a quick google search. One reviewer said "I don't like the smell. It's like someone mixed soy sauce with honey and watermelon." Not sure if I would agree with that description, but it's certainly funky! Another stated "Curiously (though not intolerably) edamame-scented." Seriously? edamame scented lotion? Gross!! Honestly though, I liken it more to cat pee - so edamame may be a more positive description!

When I was at Sephora the other day checking out other face products, the lady introduced me to this product. I think it is such a cool idea!! It's a brush that has mineral powder with SPF in it - all in one!! I did not purchase it, but as the Sephora lady said, it's a great way to add SPF to your favorite moisturizer! Side note: apart from the Aveeno face lotions, it's very hard to find a regular daily moisturizer with SPF! Something to keep in mind, for sure!

OK - on to beer! There are so many great fall beers out there (Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Jack's Pumpkin Spice, Shipyard Pumpkinhead..) but when Mike was home last we picked up two new ones that we hadn't tried before: Sierra Nevada Autumn Tumbler and Ichabod Pumpkin Ale from New Holland Brewing Co. If it weren't for the fun labels we may have gone with a familiar favorite, but I loved the pretty fall landscape and he liked the spoooooky Ichabod! They were both pretty good and unique! I think I preferred Ichabod and Mike liked the Sierra Nevada best. I love all the different components of fall beer - and for me there is enough going on that makes it interesting, without being too dark for my taste. Christmas beer is another story!! :) 

Do you have a favorite fall beer?

Peaceful Easy Feeling

Hello!! I'm in such a blissfully calm state and it's wonderful! I have a fall candle lit and am making coffee and I'm still in my pjs at 9:00!! YES! Work is going great, but man do I miss my lazy mornings!!

There is a sale going on at Bath & Body Works (not sure for how long!) on their candles - 2 for $10 for the 4oz candles! I have been waiting on a candle sale for awhile!! Even though the candles are pretty tiny, it was a great deal that I couldn't pass up! I purchased Leaves and Autumn Apple! Yummy!!

Not your typical leaves scent - more of a blend of all the yummy fall smells! :)

Haven't used this one yet!

I have Leaves lit right now and it's a great blend of outside and cider and cinnamon! It's a cozy wrap me up in a blanket and snuggle with husband scent, if that's possible! The sticker on the bottom describes the scent as "golden nectar, juicy mandarin and red delicious apple blend with toasted cinnamon, mulled cider and freshly harvested berries" - that's a lot going on in one candle!! After burning it for a few hours this morning I've decided to use my 20% off coupon and go back and get a larger candle because I loooooove it and am afraid they'll discontinue the scent!

So work - made it through my first full week! This past Monday I was all pumped and ready to go, but by Friday I was like get me out of here! Seriously! I felt like I could cry a few times throughout the day, but I think anybody could feel that way after a 3 hour Medicaid training!! AHHHH! lol. We survive. I really am still in training full time - our binder is one of those honkin' 3 inch binders!! It's amazing how much information we have to learn! It's a lot of policy and procedure and documentation stuff, so it's all good information that I need to know, but yikes!! My brain is ready for a mental health break this weekend!

The brother and I are going to Kings Island today for P&G day!!! I haven't been in town or able to go for years! The park is closed to retired and current P&G workers and their family members and we usually get a good pile of free products!! Very excited!

Got caught up on my movie reviews and posted a new song to my "Listening" page! SO peaceful! Check it out! Happy weekend!

Me likey!

I've given my blog a mini update by adding a few of my favorite fashion, food and other random blog /websites as well as labels for certain posts. Check them out!

Ok - a few fav. products that I've recently discovered / am enjoying right now!

1) Most of you know my OPI obsession. I just got two new colors and tried The Color to Watch first! It is in the Swiss collection line and is a shimmery lilac, lavender, silver color with hints of blue and pink. Personally, I think it is pretty fun! At times it feels kinda little kid girlie because of the shimmery brightness and other times I feel it blends in and strikes me as a more vibrant neutral? I dunno. It's definitely unique! I struggle with having loud colors on my finger nails, and this definitely doesn't feel loud.. juts feels like a good color for end of summer! Because of the shimmer factor, it took 3-4 coats to really cover the nail and make it opaque!

2) Burt's Bees just came out with two new-ish products in their lip balm collection: Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Acai Berry and Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter! I picked up the Acai Berry and was curious to see how similar it seemed to the Pomegranate, but I love it even more!! It seems more nourishing! I miss the tingling from the original, but think this is a keeper! Also makes a good planned impulse buy since it's inexpensive!

3) Vino! Dad introduced me to this red wine, Rex-Goliath! I have only tried the Cabernet Sauvignon and love it! It is decently priced and rather tasty! A good one to have on hand, in my opinion, and it's easy to spot because of the rooster!

4) Stinky pits? I've been on the search for a new deodorant for some time! I feel like I've tried many types within Dove, Suave, Secret, and Degree product lines, but never found a favorite! I recently purchased Lady Speed Stick for the first time in.. maybe ever? and think I've found my new favorite! I like that it doesn't pill up... white deodorant clumps are just disgusting and need to be avoided! I picked up the Stainguard in Daringly Fresh scent. This product claims to fight the yellow stains that happen on white t-shirts and reduce the white residue on clothes! Magic! I can't speak to that, yet, as I've only had it for a few weeks.. but worth trying!

5) Ok so I debated for awhile about reviewing this next product, but clearly decided to do it! Prepare for awkward cringe.. NOW. I picked up a new type of pantyliner! Even intimate products such as this need revamping every now and then! This product is good because it can fit different styles of underwear. 'Nough said.

Have you tried any new products that are worth sharing?

Healthy Choice

The meeting this morning went well!! Time to wait and see :)

For lunch I had my first lean cuisine / healthy choice microwave meal since being in grad school! It took me back (not all that long ago) to lunches in the lounge with the girls! Boy do I miss seeing them all the time and walking to class with them! More on this in a later blog post..

In case y'all ever do the microwave meals for lunch / dinner, wanted to recommend what I just had for lunch! It is made by Healthy Choice and is part of their "All Natural Entrees" collection - Portabella Marsala Pasta!

Most of the meals in the all natural entrees are vegetarian (if not all?) but that doesn't so much bother me! I have heard many positives about being vegetarian at least a few days out of the week! I also really like the Asian Potstickers but would not recommend the Pumpkin Squash Ravioli (not sure what the heck I was thinking when I bought that one! bleh)! Anywho, just wanted to share!!

What are your favorite microwave meals?

Seriously, seriously??

OK so I absolutely told myself I would wait until after I got back from church and had more coffee for this blog post, but it seems that it needs to happen NOW!!! I keep hearing about this phenomena and need to share!

On the radio a few days ago, the djs were talking about a back to school list that was put out by ??? and one of the items that they joked about that was on there are "jeggings". No this is not a type-o, it is a real deal thing!!!

Who thought skinny jeans couldn't get.. skinnier? I'm sorry, this bothers me!! This wonder found at New York & Company describes the jegging as a style that "looks like a jean and fits like a legging." Have I been in a fashion hole??? A quick google search of "jegging" is a clear indicator that yes indeed, I have. Not only can you find them at more reasonably priced retailers like American Eagle and JC Penny, but the designer jean folks are in on this trend too!

This pair found at Joe's Jeans fortunately does not call it the "jegging", but we are all in on it now!! In my latest hobby of reading fashion blogs I've come across rumors that the regular legging look is not here to stay and may already be considered dated.. so what gives with the jegging?

I'm not convinced it will actually cover more or that more consumers will find they can wear them, but what do I know! Maybe I'm just misinformed and this hot item really will be a wardrobe lifesaver... it just looks.. itchy!! It appears this tv actress from 30 Rock is the model for Joe's jeans jeggings, according to In Style.. and I guess she does a good job with it? It helps seeing the full look, but I still don't think they are wearable for most people!

What are your thoughts??

OK, more to come after church - perhaps a less sarcastic post too! :)

Favorites!

OK - I've been wanting to do a top 10 favorite list for the summer and finally have my stuff together to do it! Warning: this is a pretty girlie list! One of the many reasons I wanted to start this blog was to share things that I like (from new recipes to fashion to whatever!) that you may like for yourself too! So, get ready for the first ever Almost Daily Ramblings top 10 list!

Number 10: Busken's Skinny Cookie
Those local blog readers know my love for the original Busken cookie - and after tasting this "half the fat all the flavor" cookie, I was impressed! Nice work, Busken!

Number 9: Purses!

I've been helping my mom find the perfect purse and it has given me the purse bug!! I particularly LOVE this shape, style and color for fall - this purse happens to be in the fall line of Doncaster! Of course we ran into a few new favorites at the Coach Outlet too, but I resisted as I'm not so much able to be purchasing new purses right now!

Number 8: Almond M&M's

There has been a lot of talk about the new pretzel M&M's, but after trying them, I must say I wasn't all that impressed! I love the sweet and salty combo, but would rather have my M&M's separate from the pretzels. On the other hand, these Almond M&M's are genius! So yummy!

Number 7: Etsy + flower earrings

For those of you not familiar with Etsy, it's time to get familiar!! It is a wonderful website that claims to be "your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage, and supplies." I'm currently loving flower earrings. Haven't found the perfect ones, but think that these are pretty fun!

Number 6: Opi's Hong Kong Spring / Summer Collection

I personally love "Hot & Spicy" in this collection - I think it is a fun orange that will take you into the fall. It has enough peachy / pink tones that it's not Halloween-y but still bright and fun!

The Fall/ Winter Collection "Swiss" is also out and has some promising colors - I'm liking the blues and greens: Yodel Me on My Cell, Ski Teal We Drop, & Cuckoo For This Color

Number 5: Big Rings

I know big rings have been in style for probably forever, but I just purchased my first semi-big ring not too long ago! It's a white "square stone ring" from the Limited and I love how the white jazzes outfits up for the summer! It's even on sale now and comes in other colors too!

Number 4: Summer Beer

I am in love with Samuel Adam's Summer Ale! An American Wheat Ale described as "citrusy with a hint of spice from lemon zest and rare Grains of Paradise." Makes a nice change from Bud Light Lime! Note: I think this beer is much better on draft!

Number 3: Cake Wrecks
Cake Wrecks is the name of a blog that features disaster cakes - "when professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong". This blogger is hilarious!! I find myself laughing out loud at times when I read her description of some of these cakes!!! Definitely worth checking out on a regular basis!!!

Number 2: Hobo International Rachel Wallet
I first became aware of Hobo International while I was living in Tuscaloosa. One of the stores I went to for jewelry had a good selection of their line! This make is pretty pricey, but the wallets are gorgeous, fun and vintage looking! Needless to say, I had been on the hunt for the "Rachel" wallet for some time, but was waiting for the fall line to come out.. yadda yadda. Anyway, after a trip to TJ Maxx I realized they sometimes carry Hobo International! That was enough for me, I was determined to find MY wallet at TJ's for a reduced price!!! Sure enough, the wallet gods (kidding, kidding) were on my side and I found it for 70% off!! SCORE!!! Side note: Maxxinistas, I noticed the other day that they started carrying designer jeans like 7 For All Mankind, Diesel, and Joe's Jeans!




Number 1: Fashion blogs!!!!!!
OMG! I'm so excited about this new discovery!! I love InStyle magazine, but magazines can be so expensive -- this is a total fix! Read: free! My favorite is a blog called The Chloe Conspiracy. Chloe posts an outfit of the day almost every day and includes the picture and links to where you can get those pieces AND similar styles!
 

She also does another site called See Chloe Shop where she posts daily lists of deals at various stores, and her top picks at each of those stores. My style is not always aligned with hers, but most of the time I really like what she puts together and find that it gives me inspiration for what I can mix and match in my own closet!
 

Another fashion blog I love is called Uber Chic for Cheap. Blogger Madeline also posts sale info at various stores, in addition to posting pictures of styles from more expensive stores like J Crew and Anthropologie and similar look-a-like styles for less! Gotta love a bargain shopper!

Other sites I like but don't frequent as often: Be Real Luxe, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and I am Style-ish! Enjoy!

Ok folks, I'm spent! Happy Friday!

Twilight - the cure?

After a long, tedious day of applying for jobs (yes, still thankful that I continue to find jobs to apply for!) I sat myself down and started reading Twilight (thanks to dear sis-in-law for loaning it to me!). Given that I'm a very slow reader and already on page 94 I find myself wondering if this Twilight phenomena might be the cure to the Army blues! Granted, I have no clue what time I actually started reading it, but I guess that speaks for itself that I'm engrossed! I've heard much criticism about the poor writing and "awful at best grammar" but it is surprisingly fascinating and fun to read! Besides, I'm not a grammar queen (if you haven't noticed!).

Just finished "cooking" a skillet meal for myself that I think is tasty enough to share! I love the bertoli meals as any easy meal when I'm not in the mood to cook, but they are just so dang expensive! I recently discovered Voila! they are considerably cheaper and pretty tasty! Nutritional? Eh?

Mike has arrived safely in the desert! Haven't heard much, but he sent two pictures of his living accommodations! Even though you can't really tell from the pictures, the room will house 40 soldiers! good times! Hoping to be able to share more pictures of the area as I get them!

Back to Twilight for me, folks!