Reformed Shopaholic

So last night I went to see 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' with my girl, Adrian. Gee- some people have amazing, Oscar-nominated films made after them (Harvey Milk anyone?!) but not I. No- if there were one movie that completely explained my life, or I should say- life before the wonderful joys of unemployment, it would be this movie.

I'll sum it up for you: girl, girl who loves to shop, girl who can't stop shopping... and shopping...and shopping...yep, that was me!

But then the phone rang and when I answered it, it was a BIG, HUGE wake-up call! All my 15 pairs of black shoes that only my eye can see how they are different? Yep, going to be worn til the soles wear out. Spending money on jewelry? Not on my watch!

I can proudly say I'm *trying* to curb my shopping appetite and have adopted the cozy term: safe-0-nomics. Wherein, all my extra cash goes directly into our safe for, what else, safekeeping (and no, you won't be able to guess the combination).

No more trips to the mall, dash in's to Target, strolling through Kohl's... and maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to outsmart this thing called a recession. Oh yeah, and the movie was fabulous!

Sharing the Love

One thing that I really wanted to focus on in 2009 was spending less, being thankful for all that I have, knowing how blessed I am- and I realized looking around my house- I don't need so much STUFF. I can function just fine without my spare bedroom stuffed with stuff, stuff I don't use, stuff I will never use, just more and more stuff.

So it was time to get busy! My church was seeking donated items for their annual rummage sale so last night, Andy and I filled up my entire trunk and backseat with all our extra, non-used STUFF. I dropped it off this afternoon and instantly felt the kind of relief you feel when you declutter, when you remove the chaos. It felt liberating! And great to know that someone out there might really need what I didn't.

So if you're feeling weighted down, cluttered, out of sorts- take a minute to work on a room or a closet and donate the items to a Goodwill store or local church. I guarantee you'll feel amazing for sharing the love. xo

The sun is shining! The birds are singing!

And you know what that means! Crackbury, uh- I mean, Cadbury, has started stocking the stores with their Easter shipment of crack, uh- I mean chocolate creme filled eggs and oh my! I confess- this is my Easter weakness!

If I truly wanted to sacrifice for lent, I would bid a humble goodbye to my sweet little eggs...but unfortunately, I just can't resist them! So I've had my daily allowance of 3 (3 you say!) yes, 3... and that's being on my best girl-scout behavior. I could easily down 8, oh who am I kidding? At least 20 of these creme filled goodies but since I bought out the store, I realize I need to play it safe. I need to ration.

If I were really smart, I'd buy stock in Cadbury. Here's to retiring at 40!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Saturday night, Andy and I met our group for dinner at La Pizza House in Des Moines to celebrate our good friend, Lisa's birthday! It was my first time there and I have to admit, the onion rings and pizza rocked it! Of course, I've never met a pizza I didn't like. And this one, like all the others, was calling my name...

After pizza, we headed to Crawford's to continue the birthday party. It was a great night! Happy birthday girl and enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday (she doesn't look a day over 39!) and even though we couldn't be there to help her celebrate, we were thinking about her and wishing her a wonderful birthday!

In case you were wondering, if you looked up the definition of 'mom' in the dictionary- you'd see my mom's cute little face smiling back at you. She is the epitome of a fabulous mom- she continues to lift us up every day- rooting for us, loving us, supporting us... and I don't know what I would do without her. She has shown me, not just with her words but with her actions, the kind of love a mother can give to her children. And I relish in the day when I too, can spread that love on... thanks mom for always being you!

We love you! Happy birthday! xo

TGIF!

Last weekend, we were finally able to get together with Andy's Uncle Steve and Aunt Amy for a late Christmas celebration and they spoiled us with a gift certificate from TGI Friday's! Since Andy and I have been on financial lock down, it's been a few months since we've been out to eat together at a restaurant- so this was definitely a nice treat for us!

We had a fabulous waiter, Chris, who was attentive to our every beck-and-call. Not to mention, the food was scrumptious! Here are some pics and many thanks to Uncle Steve and Aunt Amy for helping us break up the mac-n-cheese monotony!

Hmmm...I think there was a triple stack burger on this plate?! They have THE best fish tacos in town!

Saving the best for last- Brownie Obsession!

Friday Poll

Raise your hand if:
You're tired of hearing about Oprah's daily visits to the White House?
You're tired of hearing about Oprah's daily hugs from Obama?
You're tired of hearing about Oprah talking about Obama's girls and the fact that they go to a school near you, and if you had kids they would go to school together, and on and on and on...

*Raising hand*

We. get. it. You and Obama are besties. We know- and I'm done. tired. of. hearing. about. it.

Okay, turning the channel now-