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*

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. 

Mall Madness

(I'm sorry I left you all hanging! Truth is, I probably could have fit everything into one long run-on post...but I thought this would make it easier to read. AND I was way too tired to type anymore last night! *haha*)

Day 2 continued...

The Mall of America is awe-some. I love it! We arrived after our IKEA breakfast and found a parking spot in one of the TWO monstrous parking garages. Oh, I should mention that Jeremy and I are rather neurotic when it comes to mall-walking.  Under no circumstances is there any meandering allowed. We pick a direction to walk in and stick with it, making sure we see every single thing along our way. So we were worried that this huge mall might have absolutely no organization and would leave us zig zagging around in bewilderment. Turns out, it's really well organized in a big 'ol square and we had no trouble making our way around. :) What a relief huh? I'm sure you were worried. ;)

What's amazing is that every single section and level of the Mall feels and looks different. The colors, the design...everything makes you feel like you're in a new mall around every corner. 

The MOA was hosting a Knitting and Crochet Convention on the main level. It was packed!  Lot's of ladies crowded around kitting demo's and make-n-takes, plus a huge gathering in the main circle where they were listening to speakers. 

I thought it was all a little silly...until I found out they had just recently done this same thing for scrapbooking! WHA'?!? Oh my gosh, that would've been SO fun!! Not for Jeremy, but I would have had a cow! *haha*  Speaking of scrapbooking and having a cow...the Archiver's inside the MOA is huge! It's bigger than any free-standing Archiver's I've ever seen.

In retrospect, I wish I would have taken pictures INSIDE the store! But I was too busy walking around in a scrapbook stupor, filling up my basket. *haha*  The people there were so, so, so nice. I wanted to put on an apron and jump behind the counter with them. 

The best thing about the MOA is the variety of stores you won't see anywhere else. 

The "Life is Good" store. I love their products, especially the ones with the little yellow dog!  And they were having a sale! (I think everyone was having a sale this weekend!)

The QVC store! (Which really didn't have squat but it looked so cool from the outside.)

The American Girl store. Two stories high, with all the same features as the one we saw in NYC.

Old Navy! Ok so we have those here, but this one was two stories high! :)

Lego Land was a kid's paradise! They even had buckets and tables full of legos for kids to build with right there. (Jeremy and I speculated as to how many of those tiny blocks "disappear" every day. *haha*)

For lunch we ate at Famous Dave's, one of about a dozen full-size restaurants inside the mall. There are also two full-sized food courts! Craziness. And the rest of day one at the mall involved lot's and lot's and lot's of walking. And whenever we changed levels, we took the stairs. Just trying to make up for all the calories I was taking in. *haha*

That evening we went to see "International," or whatever that stupid bank movie with Clive Owen is called. I didn't like it, can you tell? But I just can't stand Clive Owen period, so that might have blurred my view.

Day 3

Wish I could tell you I got up and worked out again that morning, but I didn't. :(  After walking the entire MOA the day before, plus being out late with the movie, I was ZONKED. Sorry to disappoint. I went once, OK?! Geez get off my back. *haha* Ok so I feel a little guilty. ;)

We had breakfast at the hotel and then headed back to the MOA. This time we parked on the opposite side and started with a visit to the aquarium! Yes, the aquarium! It's underneath the mall! Bizarre. 

We took the Behind-the-Scenes tour, so we got to see the lab (where they were dissecting a baby stingray that had died recently - NASTY!) and the top of the tanks (looking down at the sharks swimming around was pretty freaky, they seemed closer somehow). We also got to see the kitchen, where they keep the "fish food." Here's our tour guide showing us one of the "larger portions." 

The majority of the aquarium is a tunnel which you ride through on a moving pathway. It's kept really clean and clear, so it's practically like being underwater. The sharks and fish got SO close on the other side of that glass. 

This aquarium has the largest shark exhibit in the world. Get a load of some of these beasties...

This guy is called a Guitar Shark. I don't think I'd ever seen one before.

I haven't at all mentioned the amusement park in the center of the MOA. We had originally planned on riding one or two on this day after the aquarium, but Jeremy wanted to do the "Underwater Rollercoaster" simulation thing at the aquarium and it made me SooOOOoooOOoooo motionsick (or would that be seasick? *haha*) that I totally didn't feel like riding anything else. But I'll still show you some pictures, because it's a really cool area. It used to be Camp Snoopy, but it's recently been made over as Nickelodeon Universe. I kept thinking that my niece would LOVE all the familiar characters! 

What's really cool is that because the center of the mall is lit mainly by skylights, at night it seems to get much darker. Which allows all the rides to be illuminated! It really adds to the atmosphere and makes you feel like you're at a carnival or something.

Macy's was having a President's Day sale so we spent some time there. And then we passed New York & Company and saw they were having a $5.99 sale! Holy moly! I got a sweater, a tank top and a long sleeve shirt for just $5.99 each! I couldn't believe it. :)

Since Jeremy had chosen our movie the previous nigh and it turned out to be not-so-hot, he took me to see a late matinee of "Confessions of a Shopaholic" in the mall theater. It's completely girly and silly and cheesy, but I really liked it. :)

Our last stop in the MOA was the mini-golf course. We love putt-putt and never pass up an opportunity to play. (Even though I'm really quite terrible.) It was a nice little course, too!

And then we decided we needed to get back to the hotel, considering we had to figure out how to pack all of our purchases into the very little space we had left in our luggage. Plus, our flight was at 6am the next morning, which required us to be up and gone before 4am to get our rental car returned and to our gate on time. (HENCE, why I was so tired yesterday. "Yeah, hence!" *hehe*) 

So that's it for now. :) If you would like to see all the trip photos, feel free to visit my two Facebook albums (you don't have to be my friend on Facebook to view.)

Part One

Part Two

Who says cheaters never prosper?

Initially when I read about the 20 Layouts for 20 Bucks deal over at 2P's, I thought it would be great motivation to get 20 layouts done. And it was, for a little while. But I think it was less about the motivation and more about the creative spurt I was in. Because this week (the last week before the deadline) I am NOT feelin' it at all. In fact, I feel the opposite of creative for some reason. Maybe it's a little bit of cabin fever setting in? But I just HAVE NOT felt like scrapbooking.

And this was panic-inducing, once I saw what 2P's is selling now! Does this stuff look familiar at all? Well it should, I was raving about it only about a week ago. So it was imperative for me to finish getting 20 projects uploaded to the 2P's gallery ASAP so I can order this stuff guilt-free!

So I cheated. I pulled out my camping book and used a couple of those layouts. *haha* Be ashamed of me if you feel you must, but I didn't really break any rules. They just said they wanted people to upload "new" projects to the gallery. And these ARE new...to the gallery. :) Ha! Mama didn't raise no foo. 

Just so you don't feel left out, here are the pages. Some of you may have already seen them, but I'm sorry. This is all ya get today. :)

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. :)

Missin' my boy...and other musings

Jeremy is gone on a four day backpacking trip with a friend, doing manly, sleep outside and hike long distances kinds of things. I don't begrudge his adventure, but I do miss him. I know from the time he did this previously that he probably won't have cell phone coverage the entire time he's gone. This STINKS. It's not even that I need a 20 minute conversation....I just would like to be able to text him to make sure he's alive. Y'know?  Like this:

Me: "Hey babe, how's it going?"

Him: "Good, how are things there?"

Me: "Fine. I miss you lot's and love you bunches."

Him: "I love you too."

I'm fairly low maintenance. I just need contact, that's all!! He's coming back Tuesday, so I guess I'll have to wait till he's driving home to get a call or text.

~Subject Changer!~

Have I ever mentioned Etsy on here? I love's it. It's amazing. I could spend hours just browsing around and gawking at how talented other people are. If you're not familiar with it, Etsy is a website for people to sell their handcrafted items. That could mean anything from scarves or handbags to paintings or jewelry. It's fascinating!! I've yet to order something but from what I've read on the site it's really easy. It seems like a great way for artists and other such crafty people to sell their stuff and be appreciated for their talents!!  Just yesterday I discovered these amazing die cuts from this seller:

And I have found MULTIPLE purses I would be glad to carry...

That last one is my favorite. Doesn't it just LOOK like it needs to be dangling from my arm? I think it would look awfully cute while I'm wearing my hot pink coat with a bright scarf as I'm walking the streets of New York City in December. Hmmmm.... :)

SPEAKING of NYC, look what I also found on Etsy! They're buttons! (Don't know why but Blogger won't let me add the actual picture. Naughty Bloggers!) Aren't they darling? I definitely need them for my scrapbook...or for  something. I just need them, ok?

Speaking of needs, I've been needing for months to get my hands on a copy of "Penelope."

Well yesterday I was at Blockbuster picking up some movies to help pass my lonely husbandless nights (*hehe*) and what to my wondering eyes should appear but a copy on the "Previously Viewed: 3 for $20" rack!! If I had been with someone who cared, rather than all alone, I would have squealed with glee and danced a happy jig. Instead I just snatched it up as if someone else might take it (even though there were probably 6 copies sitting there) and admired it like a long lost favorite toy. It really is such a wonderful little movie. I think it will end up one of those DVD's that I pop in frequently while scrapbooking. The colors, sets, costumes and overall feel of the movie are so whimsical and inspiring. *sigh* I can't wait to watch it again!

Then I had the task of finding two other movies to buy in order to take advantage of the 3 for $20 deal. I don't know if you've watched any movies recently, but the pickin's of something I actually wanted to OWN were slim. I seriously considered just buying something I hadn't seen, since it would almost be the same price as a rental. In the end I purchased "Cloverfield," which I enjoyed in the theater because it was so unique but wouldn't have purchased otherwise since I'm not sure how it will fare on the smaller screen...and "High School Musical 2." The worst of the "trilogy," in my opinion, but I needed a third movie people!

Oh yeah, on that note, I guess I have a confession to make. I went to see "High School Musical 3" yesterday afternoon. Not much of a confession, except that I am 25 and I went by myself. It's sort of pathetic. But I knew Jeremy would never go with me and there were no children in sight to borrow...it seemed like an acceptable thing to do on afternoon to myself. 

I also confess, I enjoyed it. Other than some unbearably cheesy dance scenes involving mainly Zac Efron (sorry, but if I see him jump up and land in a squat with his fists clenched one more time...) I thought it was really well done. You could definitely tell their budget increased A LOT and the production value was just so much higher. There were also some scenes that reminded me of old Gene Kelly movies where they were dancing around unashamedly FAKE look scenery but it was so charming it made me smile. I loves me a musical, folks. 

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. :)