Unexpected Shoes

I haven't bought shoes for a long while - in my books. But in the past 2 weeks, I have unexpectedly received not 1, but 2 new pairs!

First, a friend unexpectedly gave me a pair of silver Gianni Bini sandals that didn't fit her right. Think woven 3/4-inch strap up the middle of my foot and then a woven strap around the top of my foot. Look great with jeans and I am very excited to have them. (I can't find a picture of them online.)

Then, I was shopping a few weeks ago and felt I needed a pair of Sperry's Top-siders. I tried on a really cute pair at 3 different stores. But, I never actually bought them. They weren't really a need, and I knew we should spend the money on something else.

Then I unexpectedly received a gift card to the mall the next day. I promptly went over and ordered my new shoes and they came in the mail yesterday. I am very excited about them and now feel very much the need for a sailboat.

This is the first pair of shoes that I have paid full-price for in ages. I don't foresee any other cute shoes in the near future, besides cheapy flips or flats. Have you bought any cute shoes lately?

Good days

What can turn a day into a good day?

A really good cup of coffee. And good doesn't have to mean Starbucks. I'm talking a flavorful, full-bodied cup of hot coffee. Sipped slowly to enjoy the flavor.

A profitable time in the Bible. When you walk away pondering something and working through it in your mind all day.

Getting your workout done in the morning so you feel good all day long.

Finding exactly what you were shopping for - on sale. It hardly ever happens that the exact item you needed is the item on sale. Usually it is a cute item that you don't need, but spend the money anyways because it is such a good deal.

Trying a new recipe that becomes one of the best meals you've ever cooked. It makes the last 10 new recipes that failed worth it.

Getting everything on your to-do list done - then having some guilt-free relax time with a good book or movie.

A great big hug from Hubs. Out of the blue.

So, what turns your days into good days?

Walmart: A place to ruin joy

Rarely do I shop at Walmart. Not necessarily because I have a particular vendetta against the place, but because I don't feel like it is worth the trip. And after today's trip, I am once again drawn to the same conclusion.

It began as I drove into the parking lot. I took the first spot I came to. Of course there was a cart trapped between my car and another from the lazy, selfish person who had just pulled out of the spot. I grab the cart to take it inside so that cars are not needlessly banged up by other's lack of respect for mankind. To make it even worse, as I am walking towards the store a man takes his cart and doesn't just place it near someone's car; no, he gives it a small shove in the general direction and walks away, disregarding where the cart actually ends up. I work on grabbing his cart, too; mainly out of anger. Then I start walking with two carts towards the store. This same man nearly runs me over trying to get around me and his cart. This is all that was necessary to ruin the trip. Honestly, just take a short trip to Walmart to remind you how utterly depraved mankind is and how desperately we need a Savior. And I was reminded of this before I even stepped into the store.

(If you are one of these lazy people who can't seem to return your carts to the proper spot, please think on this. I cannot think of a valid excuse, besides an armed gunman chasing you, for not returning your cart. Nothing in your life can be so important that you can't take 2 extra minutes - if that - to be a responsible shopper and human.)

I drop the carts off, because I didn't actually need one, and start looking for my items. The store is packed with people buying things they don't need, which is another reason I don't like shopping there. I ALWAYS end up with items that aren't needed, but are so cheap that I buy them. And our Walmart seems to have a wider selection of food items, which means I end up buying "new" pre-packaged things that weren't on my list and aren't any good for me. Anyway, I gather the few items I need (including two fleece throws for only $5 - cheap toys for Ransom.)

The fellow customers aren't necessariliy happy either. I mean, don't get in their way. Because you may just cramp their style. And its all about them, you know.

By the checkout lines I am hot (temperature-wise), which makes my crabbyness sky-rocket to new levels. Walmart was partially redeemed by a very friendly cashier, but my mood was already set. And then, she put my 5 items in 3 different plastic bags, when I would have preferred everything to be smushed into 1. I hastily re-sacked them and threw the wasted bags into the recycle bin, you know, to prove a point.

I got in my car and rolled down the windows to cool off. Then, I got a grip on my attitude and realized I act no different than the people that I let irritate me. Keeping it inside didn't hide it from God. Sickened, I confessed my lack of love for others.

All that said, it might be a while before I go back.

What he said about my boots...

I love showing Hubs all that I got from my shopping trip. So, as I went through my birthday items, I was excitedly showing him all the fun buys. He was mildly enthusiastic about them. And then, I got to these boots:

I was very excited about them; and I asked what Hubs thought.

"Now those, I don't like at all," he said.

I was just a little put out, but it didn't really damper my mood.

Then he said, "You need to circumcise those things."

And then, we all were speechless. I didn't explain that they were cuffs. I didn't try to reason with him about their cuteness. There was nothing to say after that comment.

And now, I will forever think of these as my "uncircumcised boots."

Why I didn't get the jeans

There was a big sale at Banana Republic yesterday. A pair of very cute skinny jeans that were marked down from $89.50 to $49.50. Then, they were an additional 30% off - making them only $34.65 - which is a G-R-E-A-T deal. I debated all day as they sat in my shopping cart waiting for me to push "Complete Order."

But, I didn't do it. And here is why:

1.  I did not NEED the skinny jeans. I already have a pair that I LOVE, and even though I was sure to love these, sigh, I knew that I should use money on something I really need - like slouchy suede boots or cute sweaters.

2.  I need to learn to not spend money just because it is a G-R-E-A-T deal.

3.  My birthday is right around the corner (25 days) and I am hoping to shop-til-I-drop in Kansas City!

4.  I am trying to be extra budget-conscious for the next few months as we save up for our GIANT vacation.

Where are we going? Let me give you a few hints...

It's ancient.
It's fought over.
It's smaller than New Jersey (in square miles).
And here is some of what we will see:

The Mediterranean Sea

 Old walls

Desert and maybe some camels

Jerusalem

Yes. We are going to Israel!

I could only be more excited if I was pregnant (haha). Really, we are thrilled for this opportunity. It is a study trip, so we will be taking in more than our little brains can handle from Dr. Doug Bookman of Shepherd's Theological Seminary. He is awesome, by the way.

I can't wait to be in a place where so much history has taken place and so much more will take place. We will see all of Israel and we will learn so much about God in the process.

Elastic, and some other styles

Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn. That means that it should be cool outside and we should start wearing long sleeves, or at least jeans and jackets. Not in Kansas, though. We are still roasting at a warm 90 degrees.

SHOES
That doesn't mean I don't have the urge to shop for fall clothes. No, I have been in quite the shopping mood for about a week now. Only to be a little nervous at the new style of shoes. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about:

Lots of suede

Lots of ankle booties

Lots of laces

And, lots of cuffs

I actually really like this last shoe - I mean really like, especially in black.

My first impression is that most of the shoes is that they are just plain ugly. But, I am sure - like with most other styles - once I see other, more daring and trend-setting people wear them, I will begin thinking they are cute. But I can almost guarantee I will not wear laced high-heels. Laces are for comfortable shoes.

COLORS

As usual, I am a few seasons behind when it comes to style. I was hoping for some bold, bright colors to wear this fall. But, when I went to Banana Republic last week, I saw lots of muted and faded colors and neutrals. Lots of heather-gray type colors. Which, I guess are pretty, but not appealing to me. My entire closet is full of gray - every shade. I wanted to step out and do something different.

So much for my bold colors wardrobe idea.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

One of my favorite finds so far has been a $10 skirt from Target. It's not really anything I would go for - pencil skirt, cuts off above the knees (I have ugly, awkward knees), and has an elastic waistband.

I put it on this morning and while I finished getting ready I noticed how comfortable the waistband was. A few hours later, I was sitting with some friends and it again entered my mind, "wow, this is one very comfortable skirt."

There is no digging into your skin when you sit down. It sits very comfortably around any excess skin layers you may have. Besides my sweatpants, this is one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing I have.

Here's to trying new styles this year - it looks like I don't have much of a choice!

Completely impractical

These shoes are $80. Rarely do I pay full-price for a pair of shoes, and when I do, it is for a pair that I will be wearing frequently. These are not the type of shoes I would pay full price for.

I would however, pay for them when they are 70% off! Hands down, Dillards is my favorite store for shoes. Really, I don't buy anything else there, except shoes! What I love the most, is when they have that fabulous sale where they put out everything and mark them 70% off.

I loved these shoes when I saw them. Because they are impractical. They are 4-inches high, which is really high for me and usually means we have reached the uncomfortable level. But wearing them for a few hours, is fun. They make a boring outfit fun. They make a casual outfit dressy.

Besides a couple of $3 pairs of flip-flops, these are the only shoes I have gotten all summer and I love them. Fun. Exciting. And, they make me feel tall.

I have been a little unsure about the new styles of shoes, though... Is anyone else there with me?

Shop til you drop (literally) - take 2

It's Sunday night - 10:30pm. Usually, I would be in my comfys, reading a book, easing myself into a good night sleep. Note - I enter my late twenties in a few weeks and am not even tempted to stay up into the wee hours anymore.

Instead, I hopped into a black Honda civic with two beauties for a 24-hour shopping trip. The goal was to find a dress for one of them - the one up for homecoming queen in a few weeks. Shopping trips seems to be better with little-to-no sleep (read post).

I have not had so much fun shopping in a long time. The companions were excellent - my aunt and closest relative, Ruth. She lives in KC and was gracious to let us invade her space for a while. She is so fun to shop with and has been my "sister" for years. I was so excited to spend time with her. And my two gorgeous cousins - Bethany and Sarah. These girls are so fun - we laughed and shared and talked about God. It was so easy to be with them. Not having a sister, it was so fun to see Bethany and Sarah interact together. I was just so impressed with them both in so many ways; and I love them even more than I already did.

Our shopping lasted from 10:30 am - 6:30 pm and we are sad to say we came home empty-handed. Although we saw beautiful dresses (and some ugly ones), we just didn't find the right one. Yet.

We got home at 11:15 pm on Monday. Tired and defeated. But, it was the highlight of my weekend and I really hope to do it again!

Prizes

Prizes are the best! I love to provide them for events; and I love trying to get them. Any of you who have witnessed me trying to win a prize knows exactly what I mean.

There are 2 concerts coming to town that I would love to attend. Michael Buble and The Eagles. So, I have started stalking the radio stations to find how I can win some tix!!!

Today, on the way to the dog park, I was listening, listening, but nothing. All they were giving away was a $25 gift card to a pretty nice shopping mall. So, I reach for my phone, slowly... this isn't the prize I want. But, I decide to have some fun and at least try.

I dial the long distance number...busy. I waste about 10 seconds trying to figure out how to get my phone to redail and I wait while it takes forever to connect...then, it rings. And rings. And rings. I almost hang up and then I hear those words...

"You're the 10th caller!"

I won. People ask me how I do it. All I can tell you is that I try. I actually pick up my phone and dial the number. Somebody has to win...why not me?!

I've already decided what I am putting my $25 towards!

Things

THIS is my free pound of bold coffee. Please tell me you participated in the bold-a-week deal at Starbucks! If not, you sure missed out. It was worth it for me, since I am at Starbucks at least once a week anyways. So, why not earn a free pound of coffee? My choice was this organic shade grown Mexican coffee. Can't wait to try it!

THIS is the fabric of the dress that Hubs bought for me. He left me was gone for 5 whole days and he brought me home a very cute dress and sweater. I know. He's awesome!

THIS is Pups, who is feeling much better. This is what he does when he thinks I have been neglecting him, he is bored, and he wants someone to play with him.

THESE are my new running shoes that I bought on sale at the same time that I bought...

THESE. My $110 shoes for which I only paid $10. Not only a fabulous deal, but also a super cute pair of shoes.

Easter Outfit?

Do you get a new Easter outfit every year?

As a kid, I remember always going shopping for a new "Easter dress." As I got older, I continued the tradition mainly for an excuse to buy something new and springy. But this year, I have not even thought of getting anything new nor have I had time to think about getting something new.

Yesterday I wore dark colors to church - black top, dark denim skirt, black tights, and black boots. Can we say winter? I think I definitely need something happy and bright for next week, but should I but something new or just pull out something from previous years.

A new outfit for Easter seems to be a way to great springtime. It gets us, or maybe just me, started for the next season and finally put away those dark winter clothes. For some reason, spring just doesn't start until Easter happens, and I seem to want to kick it off with something new.

Really, I don't want an entire outfit. My mother-in-law just brought me this very bright top that I think will match an old skirt. Or I have a great skirt that just needs a top to go with. But really what I want are new shoes. Some wedges or flippies. Even just a nice pair or sandals...or one of each. And it just so happens that a new month begins this week...which means a brand new, unspent budget.

So, are you getting something new this year? Or are you revamping an old outfit? Or are you just getting a fantastic pair of new shoes to kickoff spring?

Worth the wait

I'm in shock. It has been over 8 months since I have bought a pair of shoes. Not even one pair of flip flops. What has Kansas done to me!!!!

But this weekend I saw the cutest patent-leather, sunshine-yellow flats. They were gorgeous. They called my name. They were on sale (70% off). But they were a half-size too big. Not to worry, they had a pair in navy and red in my size.

I didn't buy them.

Two days later, I was back in the big city and I stopped to see them again. I tried them on, walked around. Thought about it. Thought about it some more.

I didn't buy them.

This morning, I had an itch to see them again. So, I got online and looked them up. They had gone on sale even more - an extra 30% off - making them 80% off of the original price! So, I went to our local, small Dillards and they had one pair in a size 6 and they are bright red. I bought them for $14. Hey, that is even cheaper than Target shoes!

Aren't they gorgeous? They were totally worth waiting 5 days for the better price.

Now I am just debating over whether I should go back and buy the brown flats that were also on sale, not as cheap. Or maybe, I should order a couple of pairs online...

I have awakened the shoe monster within!

Splurge

What do you splurge on?

Is it a pair of shoes that aren't on sale? Or, how about that top that is on sale? Or, a latte once a week? Or do you wait and splurge on vacation by going to a nice restaurant or staying at a nice hotel?

It's fun to splurge every once in a while. If you splurge all the time, it isn't as exciting. I splurge on shoes that are on sale, but that I don't need. I splurge on those little bitty 7.5 ounce cans of coke zero. I splurge on office supplies - those bright colored post-its and fun pens. I will splurge for a Bogey's shake this afternoon if you'll meet me there. I splurge on vacation - isn't that what vacation is for?

So, where do you give in and splurge?

WAY ahead of schedule

I came up with the perfect idea. Even better, I didn't forget the idea. It was perfect timing too. I could get away for the afternoon with my mom and aunt to shop. I could pick it up without him knowing and wrap it before he saw.

And I did just that. I bought Hubs's birthday present 19 days ahead of schedule. And I was so proud of the idea and the gift. Then began the hard part - keeping it a secret from him for 19 whole days!

I'm not good at keeping secrets from Hubs; I just don't think it is right to keep secrets from each other. And in general, we don't. For some reason, these fun little surprises, however, are really hard for me to keep from Hubs.

So, 2 short hours later I was ready for him to open his gift. Four hours later, I was asking him to guess what it is so he could open it. He's 99% sure he knows what it is and I'm 99% sure he is right.

He won't tell me his guess though because he knows I will just let him have it if he is right.

So, it is still wrapped. Still taking up A LOT of space in our living room (its a big gift). Still driving me crazy to not talk about it. And I still have 15 days of this.

What do you do about spouse gifts? Do you keep them a surprise all the way until the actual day?

There is a lot to be said with buying gifts later rather than early!

Amazing Amazon

Amazon.com is a favorite website. Books are cheaper there. Books that I can't find anywhere else, I find there. I've also bought work-out gear, dog toys, and other stuff on that website for good prices. And, if you buy over $25 worth...shipping is free.

What's not to love about Amazon?

Then, I got a kindle for Christmas, which makes me love Amazon even more. Now, I can download books practically anywhere for about half the cost! And I get to read them on the coolest new gadget and also this year's #1 gift.

And since kindle sales were so high, do you know what Amazon is doing?

They are giving away free kindle books!! That's right. I just downloaded 2. Hundreds of books are priced at $0.00 and since my kindle can hold over 1,000 books, I am enjoying browsing through the website, picking out books to download.

Free books - ah. I'm in bliss.

Shop 'til you drop (literally)

In the past 3 years, my aunt, Ruth, and I have enjoyed Black Friday shopping. This year we took it to a new level.

At 10:30pm Thanksgiving night, we were standing here:

One of the outside shopping malls is open from midnight until 3am. To entice people, they give away 1,000 $25 gift cards. The first person in line arrived at 3pm to wait for their gift card. To Ruth and I, $25 was worth getting there at 10:30pm. As we waited, however, we hoped that we were within the first 1,000. We knew it would be close. The line wrapped around one entire building and then snaked through a courtyard and started wrapping around another building.

They had lots of vendors selling warm drinks and food. They had a radio station there with contests and loud music. At one point the line in front of us disintegrated for an unknown reason and Ruth and I moved up quite a bit.

Here is us standing in the line. At this point, the place where they are giving the gift cards out is feet behind us. We were a long way from the beginning. We were thankful for the building that blocked the wind, our warm boots, and the crowds that generated warmth.

Midnight came and went. The line hardly moved. We saw people walking by with their gift cards. By 12:30am we were now getting cold and losing hope. Then, we turned a corner and there was the guy handing out our voucher for the free gift card and knew we did it! At that point, the past 2 hours were completely worth the wait. Although, we cut it very close; we were in the late 900s.

Ruth and I shopped until 2:55am. It was a blast. They had some great sales, but it was more of just the atmosphere and thrill of shopping while the rest of the world is sleeping.

From there, we went to I-HOP to get sustenance and plan the rest of the morning. I was dying after breakfast, and slept while we waited for Macy's to open. We then went from store to store and dropped at 8:30am.

It took me a while to recover from our evening out, but it was worth it because of the sales, the fun, and the hanging with my friend.

I can't wait 'til next year!

The skinny jeans story, and other items

Since Hubs and I started an intense workout regime 9 weeks ago, I have noticed some changes in how my clothes fit. For that reason, and because it is my birthday month, and because I haven't shopped since April, and because it is time to wear fall clothes, and because my Hubs is awesome, I went on a shopping excursion this weekend.

First, I found a shopping buddy - something I never really had in Lincoln. She could be a professional shopper and now would be my second favorite person to shop with (Ruth, you know you will always be first).

Two years ago, I tried on a pair of skinny jeans and showed Richard. We both were unanimous that they were hideous. Ever since, I have stayed away, content to watch those people who don't store their body fat in their hips and thighs wear these jeans. Personally, I really didn't think they were that cute anyway.

But in two years, when the style doesn't disappear, they grow on you. So, I tried on another pair and my shopping buddy confirmed that they look good on me. I got a great deal on them (40% off) and I brought them home.

Now I am debating whether I should keep them or not. I don't have boots to go with them; so I would be wearing them with flats. But, they truly are a comfortable pair of jeans that fits.

I also bought a denim pencil skirt. Five months ago, I would not be caught dead in a pencil skirt - the thigh/hip dilema again. Although I am short, I have these prominent hips, you see and felt more comfortable in a-line skirts. This denim skirt, however, could possibly be my favorite article of clothing.

Even some of the tops that I bought are stretching my usual boundaries, but I am excited. After 10 years of shopping for clothes, I am finally finding what fits my body and I think stores are finally starting to make clothes with the short, no-torso people in mind.

PS - I didn't buy any shoes!

Skinny Jeans

Your opinion:

Yes to skinny jeans, or no?

Old vs. New

My new grocery store does not have a Caribou Coffee inside. It doesn't even have cup holders for the grocery carts for that matter.

Oh, how I miss Caribou and their happy hour specials.

But what my new grocery store does have is a plus card. Really, the plus card isn't cool on its own. The part I love is that I can load coupons onto the plus card off the internet! Why is this so cool? Because, it is very likely that I might have a printed coupon and a coupon on the card, which means I get double savings!

For instance, I bought a package of Yoplait Plus Light yogurt (4 pack). I had a $1-off coupon from the paper and I had loaded a $1-off coupon to my plus card. The yogurt, originally $2.89, costed me $.89.

Yesterday, I bought some Cheerios on sale for $1.79. I had completely forgotten about a coupon loaded on my plus card for $.75-off. I got a box of Cheerios for $1.04. I was floating on a cloud the rest of the day.

Another perk of the plus card is for every $100 I spend, I get $.10-off per gallon of gas at the Kwik Shop. So far, we get this savings everytime we fill up.

So, my new grocery store may not have Caribou; or as many samples; or my friendly Hy-Vee man; or cup holders; or be right across the street, but maybe the plus card can make up for some of that.

Bargain

I love a good bargain. It thrills me to come home and report to Hubs how much money I saved, not spent.

On Friday, Hubs came home with a bargain story of his own.

In our efforts to eat healthier, our food budget has increased and now includes protein bars, and few other various supplements. During the first week of the month, GNC takes 20% off of their products if you have their card. So, Hubs went to stock up on one of the items we use.

While there, he was looking through their protein bars. The salesman asked him if he wanted to get some. Any of you who have eaten a protein bar probably have thoughts of cardboard in your head. We have found some great bars that taste good, but they are more expensive (of course). Hubs told him that we can get them cheaper at Wally World, so we'd pass. That's when the salesman told Hubs that GNC will match another store's price by $1.00.

GNC's price: $2.00

Walmart's price: $1.50

Hubs bought a bar from Walmart, took it back to GNC with the receipt and bought the entire stock of the same protein bar from GNC: 32 bars for $.50 each. PLUS, we got the extra 20% since it was the beginning of the month.

GNC's price for 32 bars: $64.00

Our price for 32 bars: $12.80

A savings of 80%.

Don't you love a good bargain story? Now that Hubs has experienced bargain shopping, perhaps he will be sympathetic next time I head out...