Reason #568...

...that I have the best husband in the world. Hands-down. I know I've said it before, but it's true. Here is my most recent proof:

1. Thursday night as he was packing for his trip, he gave me a card that said (basically) "I'm so lucky to have a wife that will let me do things like this, but even luckier to have a wife I would rather do all those things with." Awww. 

2. Friday morning when I went to my car to leave for work, I found a card from him on my seat.  This one told me to make sure the boys (aka: Moj, Wrigs & Cubs) gave me lot's of lovin' so I don't forget what it's like to adored while he is gone. Double awwww.

3. This morning when talking to Jeremy on the phone, he hinted that I should look in the drawer next to my bed. And what did I find? Another card - this one featured Hoops & Yoyo, whom I LOVE. (They are ridiculously silly and noisy - just like ME!)

I can only assume that I might have another card waiting for me tomorrow. I mean, I don't know that for sure, but reviewing the facts it seems promising. :) HE'S SO SWEET!!! I love that he put the advance thought into it

One thing is for sure, though, I couldn't handle being married to a man that travels a lot. I was so worried last night until I heard he had landed safely. His flight was scheduled to leave around 6pm, right around the same time some really severe weather was coming in the area. I looked at the radar and I'll be darned if it didn't look like a red carpet of tornadoes and thunderstorms had been laid out directly between here and Chicago. Admittedly, I got a bit panicky. In the end, his flight was delayed till about 9:30pm. Poor guy, stuck in the boring ol' Wichita airport for over 4 hours. But he got there safely and even drove to his hotel without falling asleep (my other worry *haha*).  And today he went to a Cubs game in some beautiful weather (although he DID get sunburned since his wife wasn't there to put sunblock on him *sigh*) and is really enjoying himself.

I had a good day as well. I finally bit the bullet and went swimsuit shopping. I figured that since our waterpark trip is next weekend, I should probably see what I could find. Though I won't be modeling in a catalog anytime soon, I did find a tankini combination that didn't make me feel like a total cow. I've got a ridiculously nasty bruise on my thigh right now, which glows so nicely against my paper white skin. Ugh. I hope it goes away. (Now if I could just get myself to remember that my desk at work is LOW and stop trying to stand up before scooting my chair out, I'd stop getting these lovely bruises all the time.) I also found a pair of jeans and some capris. Hallelujah! They weren't a smaller size or anything exciting like that, but I really needed them. 

After my shopping spree, I went and got my piggies polished. Jeremy got me a gift certificate as a Congratulations for my new job and I just hadn't gotten around to using it. Again, with our trip next weekend, I thought it was a good time to have pretty feet. I even splurged and had the lady add the extra little flower with a rhinestone in the center! They are SO cute!! (I would take a picture to show you, but Jeremy took the camera with him. *phooey*) I'm not sure how long the rhinestone will actually stay on but it sure made my day! *haha*

Weight-ing Around

It's weigh-in day, folks! And the theme today is "2 steps up, 2 steps down." I managed to lose those two pounds that I gained last week, and not a smidge more. I guess I'm happy with that, although I was really hoping for a bonus pound as a reward for coming to my senses. :)  Ah well, considering I missed three gym days last week to take the dogs for a walk, I didn't burn quite as many calories as I should/could have. So I'm good with two pounds.

I've decided something. I know in the past I said I was only going to track my weight loss since January and not count the 5 lbs I lost in November/December. Well that's just stupid. Because in my head I'm still including that 5 lbs and it's just getting downright confusing tracking two different numbers. Plus, it's weight that's gone off my body, why shouldn't I count it? I was at my heaviest weight EVER around Thanksgiving, so I should be counting any weight lost since then. There, it's decided. So I'm down 17lbs. That's a big chunka change, folks! Looking at myself, I don't really know where I put it! Guess I was bigger than I thought.

AND! AND guess what! There's more! You know my handy dandy scale with it's fancy doohickies that measure body fat? Well my percentage went down! I was at 31.somethin' (after we figured out how tall I really am *hehe*) and this morning it read 28.7! That's a significant drop, isn't it? So I guess I'm building some muscle, which is great. To be honest I haven't even worked that hard at strength-training yet. I've been doing mostly cardio with some weights thrown in every once in a while. So I was pleased to see that number had changed. :)

Here's what I'm most excited about. Remember the great weather I told you about? Well it spurred me to dig out some shorts and capris from the depths of my drawers. I thought trying them on might give me some extra motivation, y'know, to shrink into them. But they FIT!!! Hallelujah! My super cute denim capri's that I ballooned out of last Summer are fitting beautifully again. 

And then there's a couple pairs of shorts that I bought last Spring on sale. They were too tight when I bought them but I planned on losing some more weight so they'd fit. I never managed to do that, so these shorts were sitting in my drawer with the tags still on them. Tragic! But I was able to get them up and zipped AND still breathe in them. :) It was a very good day.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

It was ironic that we went to see this movie while on a trip that revolved completely around shopping (and eating! Don't forget the food. *haha*). Like I said yesterday, it was a cute movie. I think Isla Fisher is just about the cutest thing ever. (I think I must have a thing for red-heads. You now, Amy Adams? Love her too.)  The entire time I was watching her I was thinking, "Hmmm...maybe I should try red again." But then I remember what a disaster that was last time I did that and it changes my mind.

It was funny to watch it after just coming from Macy's with a bag of clothes. I found myself dissecting my own behavior to see if I was a shopaholic too. I really don't think I am. For one thing, I just don't get into name brands. I really don't understand it. I'm not attracted to a purse or sweater based on who designed it. If it's just a basic black polo, I'm gonna buy it based on fit and price, not based on what the label says. (I say this because I bought a black polo at Macy's that was on clearance. Hmmm...now I can't even remember who makes it!) 

I was mentioning this to my husband as we left...probably trying to show him how lucky he is to be married to a woman with such great self-control. Well then he had to go open his big mouth and say, "But you have favorite scrapbook brands, right?" *gulp* "Like that brand that was half-off at that scrapbook store...you got really excited, remember?" Oh yeah, I remembered. He was SO totally right! Clothing brands might mean nothing to me, but there are certain scrapbook brands that really make my world go round. But I argued anyway. "Well it's just because those brands have designers that I...eeeh....yeah." I wasn't helping myself.  "Oh, designers that you like huh? Is that what you were going to say?" *haha* "Yeah yeah yeah...you got me, OK?"   But I still hold to the fact that I won't buy something JUST because it's made by a certain company or designer. I only buy it if I like it. Unfortunately, I almost always like it. ;)

So onto the goodies!!  I would like to preface this section by saying everything I purchased on this trip was on sale. Every single thing. So there. *haha*

First, the stuff I got at Scrapbooks Too.

Here's the FancyPants stuff I came away with. I know, you thought there'd be more, right? Well I did exhibit some self-control. These are felt-shape packages...I was so excited to see them! I have the girly pack and have really enjoyed it, so I picked up the boy one with buttons to match (for Jack pages!) and the Christmas set.

New Easter stuff from Reminisce. Loved that bunny!

I've been wanting these templates for quite a while, so when I saw them 30% off I jumped on it! (Gotta love the hotel carpet...)

And now what I got at Archiver's....

I love sales!! I'd been wanting the paper pack (on the left) from Cosmo Cricket for a while. It's called "Jack's World" and it will be absolutely perfect for pictures of the kiddos (or even my pups, for that matter.) And who can resist a set of Autumn Leaves stamps for 75% off?!? Wow!

This collection of goodies is from My Mind's Eye. It's their newest line and I'm in love with it!  I spent probably 20 minutes around that display, picking and choosing and putting things back and then picking them up again. I wanted it ALL but clearly couldn't have it all. So here's what I ended up with.

Has anyone been to Old Navy recently? I don't know if I just have spring fever really badly or what but walking into that store was like a big breath of fresh air! Oh the colors! I just wanted to scoop them up in a big pile and wallow in them. *haha* I would have bought out the whole stinkin' store...if more things had fit properly. But I did leave with enough to make me feel fresh and happy. (Have I mentioned that there's no sales tax on clothing in Minneapolis?!? What a thrill! Sale items with NO tax!!) My favorites are the sweaters with the dragonfly and sparrow on them.

Speaking of fun spring colors, look at these measuring cups I got at Urban Outfitters. (Which is a really cool store...but I didn't feel that I was quite cool enough to shop there. *haha*) I thought these were the cutest things ever.

And finally, here's the new rug we picked up at IKEA...and Cubby doing his best impression of a Price is Right model. 

A-Shopping We Did Go!

Our clothing budget for Fall/Winter is now totally blown. As you know I went on a mini shopping spree not too long ago. Well yesterday Jeremy and I went shopping for HIM. He was in worse need of clothes than even I was. When we went through his side of the closet, we were finding t-shirts that he wore when we first met...almost 10 years ago! Most were faded, stretched out, or too snug. The man just needed clothes. So we hit the sales at Sears and JC Penney and now he's set for the seasons ahead.

And naturally I couldn't be in the mall without picking up something for myself! Back when I was employed *sigh* I was setting aside a little money each week in a New York fund. I didn't know then what I would end up using it for, but recently I decided I wanted to get a dress or something fairly formal to wear to the theater or out to a nice dinner.  (I've read that most places in the city have relaxed their dress codes, but it's still part of the experience that I wanted to have, y'know?) Well I tried on a bunch of dresses yesterday and none of them were...how do I put this...forgiving? Clingy, drapey fabrics just really reveal every flaw in every spot. I was getting depressed, but then I found this "little black dress" on the clearance rack. It was a size smaller than I've been wearing recently but I grabbed it up with a handful of others just to try.  And it ended up fitting PERFECTLY!! I was amazed. It's extremely flattering and much, much more forgiving than the other dresses I'd tried on. Actually, it follows "the rules" I'm sure Stacy and Clinton would have given me...it's kind of an empire waist with beading and then a v-neckline to elongate the neck. I was unsure of the neck at first, actually. It's lower than anything I've ever owned. But it's still very modest and Jeremy approved...and I know for sure he wouldn't let me leave the house looking like a hoochie. *haha*

Well owning a fancier dress than I've ever owned called for something else I didn't have...heels. I have never owned a pair of heels. I know, how can I even call myself a woman, right? But here's the deal. I started dating Jeremy when I was only 16...and I kind of swore off heels and other high shoes at that point because I didn't want to tower over him. That's the excuse I've used, anyway. They're just really not that comfortable and you know it! 

So I went to Payless since they always kindly accommodate my wide feet. :) This is the first pair I tried on: 

and like I dummy I tried it on my right foot first and almost fell over in pain. I don't know why I didn't think about it sooner but my ankle still hurts when I point my foot. And what does a high heel make you do? DUH! These were just too extreme. So after trying on a few others that hurt like the dickens, I found these:

The heel isn't as skinny or as high...and I know it's not a pointed toe so Stacy and Clinton wouldn't approve (*haha* I can't tell you how tired Jeremy got of my What Not To Wear references yesterday) but they're HEELS and I figure they're a good starting point! Now I need to start wearing them around the house so I can get used to them. So if you come over some afternoon and I'm cleaning the windows in jammies and heels, you'll know why. *haha* 

Oh, so my dress was on clearance and reduced beyond that because it was missing a few beads (anyone wanna help me with that? *hint hint*) and my heels were on sale too, so I got my whole fancy-shmancy little outfit and STILL have stash money leftover. I love bargains. :)

I left my $$$ at JC Penny

I know you've all been DYING to find out how my shopping adventure went yesterday. Right? Well to my joyful amazement, I struck gold!!

I decided to go to Towne East since my Dad's firm is working on the remodel there and I was curious how it's coming along. (It's looking really nice! It's amazing how much brighter it looks already.) I was lucky to even see the rest of the mall, however, since I spent over three hours in JC Penny alone! *yikes* They were having some fantastic sales. Every item I bought was at least 40% off, some were 60%! They were also doing one of those "Buy one-get one for 88¢" specials and those always seem especially cool for some reason. "88¢?!? I get this jacket for only 88¢?!? WOW!!" Bargains just excite me, period. :) Especially when they're bargains that FIT! Glory hallelujah!

I got a pair of brown slacks and a pair of khakis. Then I got some blazer/jacket type things, one of which was only 88¢! *haha* One of them is denim, one is like a light tan pinstripe and the other one is soft green. They're casual, so I don't feel like I'm posing as Ally McBeal or something. (Wow, random 90's reference. Not sure why I thought of her.) Then I got a couple of button-up tops...again, one was just 88¢. So exciting. Then I also got this super cute brown suede jacket with some neat detailing around the collar. Not something I would typically be drawn to, it was one of the 60% bargains so I couldn't pass it up. Besides, it makes me feel kinda cool. :)

I embraced Fall as far as the color scheme goes. I look better in those colors, anyway. (Browns, oranges, greens, teals, etc.) Though I'm drawn to brighter colors, they aren't always the best choice for my skin tone. And there weren't many to be found, anyway.

Couldn't leave the mall without stopping at Payless for some BOGO fun! I needed some "dressy" shoes to go with my slacks, but I certainly wasn't going to give up comfort! I love Payless....they cater to my wide feet. So I found these classy little loafers:

And then since it's BOGO I needed to find another pair to get for half off, so I bought these:

I figured they would be a good casual alternative to my regular pink&white tennies. They're really comfy AND they're Velcro, which amuses me. :)

So by the end of the day, I'd dropped some big bucks. (Well, compared to what I normally spend on myself.) I was feeling pretty guilty about it but then I thought: #1 When was the last time I actually bought myself clothes?? It's been a long time. #2 When was the last time I found things that FIT?

Then I went to Von Maur to use their spotless restroom facilities and saw a cute sweater while walking through. Checked the price tag...yeah, that ONE sweater cost as much as ALL OF MY PURCHASES COMBINED! So then I really shed that guilt I had been feeling. I was a very smart shopper and got a ton for my money. Plus the things I got are versatile and mix&matchable. And I followed all of Stacey and Clinton's rules so even THEY would be proud of me. :)

My wardrobe = What Not To Wear

One of the first thoughts that crossed my mind after losing my job with Scrapbook Garden was, "Aw crap, I'm gonna have to buy new clothes!!!" It's true, I was allowed to dress pretty casually there and I got to hide behind that apron. Let's be honest, I've turned into a shlub. (Yes a shlub. I'm ignoring the spellchecker and pretending it's a word anyway.)

Though I had great success earlier in the year with losing weight and dropping a size, I've gone back to bad habits and those clothes don't fit anymore. And I've kept telling myself, "Once I lose that weight again, I'll buy some clothes." Well if I've heard Stacey and Clinton say it once, I've heard it a thousand times: "Dress the body you're in NOW." I've seen a dozen women on that show who are walking around like slobs because they don't want to invest in a new wardrobe until they're at their perfect body size. Well let's be honest, how many of us actually have success with that?

I hate shopping for clothes, not just because I have a poor body image, but also because I have no personal style. I'll look at clothes on the rack and think, "That looks like so-and-so." or "Oh that would be really cute on her..." But rarely do I see things and think, "Oh that's SO ME!" And if I do, it's usually in the toddler section so it's not in my size. *haha* You all know my love of bright colors, but I can't go around dressed like a piece of scrapbook paper. I'll look like a clown!

I'm also kind of in between. I'm certainly no teenager, but I also don't feel like I should be dressing like a "mommy" yet since I'm NOT a mommy. I'm not really a professional sort of person, but I know my t-shirt and jeans selection isn't appropriate for all situations. As I type this, I'm thinking I've heard this exact argument out of many a guest on "What Not To Wear" and I'm trying to remember what Stacey and Clinton told THOSE whiners. (Seriously, if someone would just please set me up to be on that show, it would solve all of my problems. I can put up with the evil mirror and their cruel comments about my wardrobe. Heck, I'll join in! "You're right, these jeans ARE horrible. Let's get me some new ones!" It would be worth it for the shopping spree in NYC and the overall makeover. I could totally handle it.)

So today I'm embarking on a little shopping journey. I have to get some nicer things so I can begin applying for jobs and hopefully interviewing as well. I'm feeling optimistic this morning, but I know by mid-afternoon these hips will have knocked this Pollyanna right back into reality. Wish me luck. I'm gonna NEEEEED IT!