Order- COMPLETE!

I'm a total procrastinator- it's a flaw, I'm aware. I'm pretty sure I could reduce a large amount of stress if I could just be more organized and plan ahead. But that would take planning and being organized- and I'm no good there.....at least on a consistent basis. On the other hand, if I just lower my expectations I might achieve the same thing.

Who knows.

Anyway- I'm TRYING!
And today I saved 40% on my Christmas cards by ordering in November vs. my typical mid-December time frame. Genius.

What's different this year? Instead of pouring over options, trying to come up with something witty and stressing out about the perfect photo- I used a picture from the summer that I like, sent a generic wish for happiness & love and called it a day.

What about you?

darn it, he was right!

I've been telling Jon for months that I really want new carpet.

MONTHS.

And for MONTHS he's been telling me that all we really need to do is have the carpet steamed.
It'll save money...it's not that hard....I'll be amazed at the results....

blah, blah, blah.

And every time he gives me the speech, I promptly ignore him and dream about new carpet.

So tonight, I'm desperate for new carpet and I just can't take it anymore.
So I rent one of these.



There is a reason that they all but fingerprint you and keep your 1st born child for collateral when you fill out the paperwork.

IT WORKS.

Darn it....
Oh well- $45 vs. $4500.

I can take being wrong.

Quick Stop....Pays Off!

Cooper and Jon were occupied on Saturday and I headed to the grocery store by myself. I love grocery shopping by myself....it means that I can stop in for a quick visit to my favorite thrift shop. It's run by the Junior League and over the years I've scored some super finds.

It's totally hit and miss....
Today I found this.


I collect white pitchers...and this one was really teeny. Perfect for violets in the spring. And 50 cents. Sold.

Nothing in my size called out to me, so I swung by the kids section.
I don't usually find great stuff for Cooper here- but it never hurts to check.

Jackpot!
I found 2 pairs of khaki's (light and dark) and a pair of jeans from the Gap. None of them had pricetags but they were in fantastic shape. I also found a rugby shirt from Gymboree and 3 hoodies. Again, no prices.






At the counter, I asked the lady about pricing for the clothes- and she gave me the best news.

They have a new pricing policy.
Any kids clothing over size 2T was $2/item.

Are you kidding me??
7 items, all brand name, all in great shape, in the next size up so the kid can grow and not look like a freak and it's going to cost me $14????

That's not all....my pitcher had a red line on the sticker. Red lines were 75% off.
Yup- I paid mere pennies for my pitcher.

With tax, less than $15- I'm being green, cost conscious and supporting local charities. All on my way to the grocery store.

I love a bargain! LOVE!!!

I love a bargain!

Update! Went to Ukrop's tonight and glanced at their ferns....$19.99- I am SO proud of myself.

We (I actually mean, Jon) power washed the porch this weekend and so were able to bring the cushions out of storage. We can now actually use the space. Our pollen is so terrible that it's at least an inch thick in some places and power washing it away is the only option!


I rearranged the furniture this year and think that the space has some potential....but I needed plants. I've got these great planters that beg for ferns but I don't usually do super well with them. Anyhoo.....Cooper and I went to the Great Big Greenhouse to check out the selection. Ferns were $18 and I needed 2. Hmmmm- I wandered around to think about how worth it fems would be. I never realized that TGBG had a clearance section, but they do and wouldn't you know it- ferns for $8.99! They were a little haggard, but once I cleaned them up they're good as new (well, good as $18). I'm thrilled!