Pictures

I am loving that is it finally Spring! I'm also really wanting our warm weather to come back, so while we wait on that weather I will reminisce about the good ole days! I love looking through old pictures and am hoping they bring along a little warmer weather!

New Product Alert!

Well, I'm not sure it's a new product, but it is new to ME!

And it "Rocks"!

It is by Beyond the Zone and it is a Volumizing powder called Rock On.

Powder? I know right? Well I picked this little bottle up at Sally's for about $7. 

I was curious about this product. I've used Bumble and Bumble's Dry Spray Shampoo and

it is a little powdery spray. So I thought this could be good!
The directions say to use on dry hair and rub in.
So far, so good, I usually tease in the same spot as I place the powder.

Well I wish I knew this stuff existed a long time ago! 

I have Very fire hair!! So any product that creates volume - I love. 

So, if you suffer from VFH (very fine hair), please do your lifeless hair a favor

and buy this little bottle of powder. Your hair will thank me!

Spring is Here!

Spring is finally here and has slowly crept into my home decor!

My Uncle found me this awesome nest, I placed it in my terrarium! I love it!

Happy SPRING!

Essex Visit: 03/22/11

New Items!

Kids:
Strollers
Car Seats GALORE! I saw several at $39.99. Brands: Britax, Graco, My First Years.
Foam Floor Play Mats: 1 Set with Alphabet Inserts- $24.99, I Spy Brand $15.99, and Primary Color Mat $14.99.
Child size chairs and couches (Lots of them! Including Dora, SpongeBob, and KidKraft)
Jeeps! Barbie or Hot Wheel motorized Kid Jeeps around $70-$75
Again...Play Kitchens of every brand!
Bicycles and Tricycles are also scattered in the store.

Kitchen:
Large Brita "Tank" with easy dispense tap
Hand Held Blenders
Magic Bullets ( the small blender/chopper ) $35
Professional (the large one) Kitchen Aid Mixers $200
Several Slow Cookers

Home:
More Furniture is in! Especially in boxes!
Dressers, storage cabinets, book shelves are just some of the items I saw in boxes.
New chairs and Couches
Vacuums
Side Tables
Lamps


Miscellanious:
A ton of work out equipment.
Benches, Treadmills, Weights, Individual work out items (such as an ab cruncher apparatus) haha!
Grilling Accessories: Brushes, Tongs, Spatulas, Charcoal, Racks, Grilling Baskets

Clothing:
This BCBG dress is still there! It is so Cute! Especially for $50! Size 4.

Still a lot of Floor Length Formals there!
Including a Max and Chloe dress!
It is floor length, mulit-colored (black, white, blue, yellow), strapless with black stone accents at the top!
It is either a size 8 or 14, sorry for the size I looked through too MANY! haha.
But it is totally worth the trip if you are one of those sizes!
I would have bought it in a heart beat if it was my size!
A really cute grey sweater material jacket with lots of zippers, size small for $15.99. Really Cute!





That's my information from this week! Happy Tuesday!

Essex Finds:

I know some of you aren't sure what Essex carries, so I decided to compile a photo post of some of things I've found in the last year at Essex!

(Note: these things will NOT necessarily be at Essex now, they were bought at an earlier time.)

My Kasil Jeans! One of my Favorite Finds!

They retail for over $100! My price was $39.99!

Here is my Cuisinart Food Processor! 

This little gem has came in handy with many things, from my morning shakes to potatoes for hash browns!

I purchased this gadget at around $52. When compared to retail prices I saved $100! 

This picture is an example of their price tags and Sale Stickers! 

Here is a New Item I found! This smart stick hand  blender was only $16.99 and retails for about $35. 

I thought this would be good for when I need to blend something hot, like soup or while canning sauces!

My Bread Machine!

I have my Mother to thank for talking me into buying this bread machine at a steal price of $60.

This machine retails for over $200! My Biggest Steal!

I love it and so does my Husband! :)

Madame Alexander Dorthy Doll!

This little pretty retails for $50-$60.

 I purchased it for.....$14.99

Roller File Caddy

Better Homes and Garden Roller File Caddy

I actually use this, so it's full of papers and a printer right now! haha.

If you click on the link you can see the price is $69. I paid $25. 

This has been really handy to store papers, files, and my printer fits in the bottom part! 

This is also an example of what you can find still in the boxes! This one luckily had a picture on the box!

Art Enthusiasts Lookie Here! 

I found these Staedtler Watercolor Brush Markers for $3.50 a pack!

They are a duo marker, meaning one side is a felt tip pen the other acts like a watercolor brush!

I initially bought two packs, one of each color group.  I knew the brand was great, I used the Staedtler "dots" and pencils in College!

Once I got home with them I had to go get more!

I love them for sketching!

They are also ACID FREE - great for Scrapbooking!

The original sticker was on the packs pricing them at $9.00 a pack!

I hope this gives you an idea of Essex Items. 

They rang from clothes, appliances, to art supplies!

Happy Shopping!

When things fall into place...

I love when things work themselves out. 

Its not that I don't try to work them out, it is just some things I
let be. 

Michael and I were talking during our lunch breaks about the gas prices about a month ago. 

Both of us commute, so it's a hot topic in our conversations.  Michael being the smart guy he is, figures out how much more money it will cost us per month if gas hits $5. Let me just tell you....you don't want to know the figure. I hadn't even started to eat my lunch during this conversation and I was already sick. 

Sick about the figure he came up with.

 We proceeded with the conversation then, I said " I don't really want to talk about it."  

Now, I know that is a very grown-up way to handle it (haha),

 but Michael knows me and says "Ok, I've got to go anyway." 

(Disclaimer: the above comments were not said in anger or frustration. 

I just really didn't want to think about it at that time!)

Well I did think about it a little more during lunch, but when I got back to work, I put it aside. 

I put it aside for a good while with my "let it be" philosophy. 

God has a way of timing and working things out, oh so smoothly.

A relative of Michael's passed away the next week and I went to the visitation with my parents (Michael wasn't home yet...we commute remember?). I ended up seeing a friend from middle school/high school. We talked....found out we have multiple things in common. Even distantly kin? Yes, you know my family is huge! 

She commutes also, to an office that is about a 5 minutes from where I work.

All of that said = carpooling!

Not everything works out, but some things will if you just let it be and let God take care of it.
If it is supposed to be, then it will be.
: )

Bar Stools

I forgot to mention these Bar Stools in my last Essex post:

They are not the exact brand or finish, but they would pass for a look-a like!

This picture is of the Tolix barstools at Pottery Barn.

PB's have a metal shine finish whereas the Essex barstools were more of a mate-grey finish.

I remember them being affordable, but I don't remember the exact price!

 

Pottery Barn Tolix Bar Stools

I wish I had a bar style counter top for these!

For Easton:

Here are some pictures of a gift my Mom and I created for Easton. 

Easton's Mom, Tori is a friend that I was on the Golf team with! We were also neighbors during our 

middle school and high school years. Our families are still friends and neighbors!

I couldn't help but  monogram stars on this little set!

Mom created the cloth diaper shown below! I loved it with the onesie and blanket! 

We hope you enjoy your creations!

Updates at Essex:

Hey Ya'll!

I'm writing you tonight about what my eyes spied at Essex this week!

There is still a lot of Baby Gear! Three aisles full!

They have several strollers, baby gates, bottle sterilizers and baby toys!

If you happen to go down the Clearance Isle this week, they've moved a lot of Martha Stewart Bedding down that isle. Mostly pillow cases and shams. 

They also have some new toys including dolls and wooden toy sets.

I also noticed the addition of couches, chairs, cabinets, and side tables in the store. 

Don't forget-a lot of furniture is still in the box, so if you looking for furniture make sure to scout the boxes too!

I saw several  garden/grilling items also. 

I'll be doing a post soon on the different items/deals  I've bought at Essex!

Lets Talk......

Sunglasses.

I've always had pretty good luck with my sunglasses.

Meaning I rarely loose them or break them.

Well my luck with sunglasses has taken a turn for the worse.

Don't get me wrong, most sunglasses I had ended up broken,

but they lasted me a couple years at least -before they bit the dust.

I had been wearing a Walmart pair I loved....for a ridiculous 3-4 years I guess....

Well they broke.

"Fine" I said, I'll just take these with me to Walmart and find the most similar ones.

Well Walmart didn't have anything near similar, so I waited about 3 months.

(I broke them before December and didn't really seem to need them all winter!)

I trekked to TJ Maxx, my second source for cheapola sunglasses.

$12.99 Franco Sarto.

Not quite as cheap as my beloved $5 Walmart pair, but good enough.

Two weeks later (aka last Saturday) I was headed out of Big Lots, tried to put them on and they had broken in my purse during my shopping trip. How....beats me, they weren't even hung on anything when I pulled them out!

Well instead of buying another new pair....I'm resorting to my old, beat up, scuffed Ray Ban's.

(I stopped wearing them because they were scuffed, scratched, and not as cool as all the 

BIG sunglasses I saw in college!) 

But....

They've had extremely great luck.

They survived through my high school days. I intentionally bought them to wear when I was lifeguarding. 

The only reason I did splurge for Ray Bans, was because looking into a pool's glare with regular sunglasses just didn't cut it. I had to see the people in the water, not just the glare on top! haha

The lenses are polarized, which helps cut the glare on the water.

They lasted through a night on a lifeguard chair stand during a bad storm.

We will see how my luck with sunglasses affects my Ray Bans....

Hand Written Blog

I wasn't tagged to do this, but I love looking at people's handwriting. 
Mine is very eclectic, mixing cursive and print throughout a word. Supposedly that means I'm artistic! haha.

The rules:

1. What's your name / blogger name?

2. What's your blog's URL?

3. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."

4. Favorite quote?

5. Your favorite song?

6. Your favorite band / singers?

7. Anything else you want to say?

8. Tag 3 ladies to participate.

Here is my handwritten blog:

I tag: 

My Sister, Laura at The Vandiford Family

Camille at The Brown's Buzz

Tara at Its a Whole New World

Updates at Essex:

Hi Everyone! 

Being a bargain shopper means you usually have to scout stores at least once a week to find out what is currently out there and on sale!

I have currently been going to Essex in Cookeville once a week and I thought why not share what I see!

Essex is a retail outlet store, prices on items are usually discounted anywhere from 40-75% depending on the product and the shape it is in. 

The items at Essex changes at least weekly, I always see new things when I go. 

Presently they have A LOT of kids toys. The toys came flooding in the store right after Christmas and they're still coming in! They have play kitchens (Little Tikes and KidKraft),

  Little Red Flyer tricycle and wagon, alot of little table and chairs for children. I have also seen alot of Baby Gear, from Boppy covers to bottle dryer racks. 

I don't usually scout through the clothes, but if there is a girl out there looking for a party dress....

I saw the CUTEST Cocktail BCBG dress for $50! The original tag is still on the dress sporting the price $138! 

It was a subtle grey and black print....SO CUTE! 

They also have what looks like sample bridesmaid dresses. There are several Alfred Angelo dresses that would be great for a price conscious prom dress! Many of the dresses were floor length.

Also if there are any guys out there that wear the Cactus Brand Clothing. The brand seems to be a more western look, there are a ton of western cotton shirts and jeans.

Furniture: Lots of Bar stools, coffee tables, and random chairs.

Summer is slowly arriving at Essex, water guns, floats, beach chairs, swim trunks are all appearing in the aisles! 

Tips for Shopping at Essex:

1. Go Often, they get new things in every week!

2. Look out for the % off Shamrocks or stickers!

3. A red line through a price means it is Half Off!

4. Things are usually still in boxes. They ask that you don't open boxes, most of the time if they have a large supply of one item, they will open one for display and leave the rest in boxes. But if you do need to look in the box, take it to the counter and they'll be glad to open it for you. 

READ THE BOX LABELS. If you find a box that isn't opened odds are the description is on the box label or stamped on the box. 

5. You have a window of opportunity to take things back  You've got thirty days to open your item and make sure it is intact or works properly. (Remember it is a discount store, so if you buy an appliance---make sure it works in thirty days!)

6. Beware Essex may become addictive! I've purchased my bread machine for $60 (originally over $200) and my Cuisinart Food Processor at a steal of a price! 

PS. I don't really recommend buying the mattresses, rugs or clothe things you can't wash. You don't really know where they came from.....that erks me!  Also all of the electronics are usually refurbished. I haven't personally bought any electronics from Essex, but then again if I'm gonna spend a lot on a TV or computer, I want it to right! haha. Don't be discourage about all of the electronics because some are returns/or exchanges.  If it has been refurbished or "fixed" it is labeled on the box!

Show Us Your Life:

Family!

Here is a little glimpse into my Family.

First of all I have a wonderful immediate and extended family! And cousins that are like sisters!

But for this post I will focus on my immediate family!

My Good looking Husband:
Michael
Michael is a great Husband and best friend!
I could write a book about him! :) Just last night we laughed for 5 minutes straight about
where the toothpaste was on the bathroom counter. I'm positive there is nobody else who would have laughed with me for so long! :)

My Great Parents: Granddaddy and MeMe

My Beautiful Moma:
MeMe

Alot of people say, "Aren't you B. J.'s daughter?"

I say," Yes, and Yes that is where my creativeness is from!" : )
My Mother is seriously a Jack of ALL trades! From sewing, crocheting, cooking, decorating, designing, painting. You name it, she can do it! :)
And I hope to look that good when I'm a MeMe!

My Wonderful Dad:
Grandaddy

Also a lot of people in the construction industry say "Are you by any chance kin to ...?"

I say, "Yes!, He's my dad!"

Although, I don't get that as much now that I'm married.
My Dad was great growing up, he taught me to catch a ball, ride a bike, swing a club,
dribble a basketball (in gravel!) and all sorts of things about construction!
Sorry about the Bike riding Dad, I know IT took me ALONG time! haha
And he was always there with a cold wash rag when my teeth fell out! :)

Oh and he's the great one I got my Math skills from :)!

My Beautiful sister:
Laura

Growing up with a sister is great! You've always got someone to play with, bounce outfit ideas off of, share clothes, makeup, and shoes! But there is that thing about sharing a bathroom! haha.

My lovely sister is a great Dr., no seriously she's so smart she has a Doctorate!

:) Why didn't those brain waves travel to me....but instead I chose Architecture...silly me!

Don't mind me.... back to Laura!

She's another one everyone knows me by, example:

"Hey aren't you Laura's little sister?"

"Yes, why yes I am!"

Then I usually get....and I'm not kidding, I love it!

"She is Gorgeous!, but you guys don't look alike at all!" haha I love it!

That brings me to a second characteristic:

She's Gorgeous! : D

Here's Proof!

:) I'll stop at two...all of these posts could go on for days!

My Great Bro-in-Law:
Matt

He is always there to help me and answer questions about the latest in technology!

And we all know how crazy and complicated new gadgets are :).

He takes care of my favorite people (aka my sister and niece)!

Need I say More! :)

My Intelligent and Gorgeous Niece:
Gracie

She's only 2 and has blown all of us away with her brains!
She didn't fall far from her families' tree! :)
She has been the joy of our family since she made her appearance into this world!

Uncle Michael and Aunt Allison love her to pieces!





That's my little VOL! : )

2010 Christmas Monogramming

I forgot to post about some monogramming I did during Christmas. 

Here is a picture of some kitchen towels I monogrammed for someone I work with. 

This picture is of a blanket I monogrammed for a family friend.

The next pictures just goes to show you can monogram almost anything...

My friend has some really cute kitties and I decided to send them a present for Christmas.

I found a play cube with holes and strings for them to play in. The kitties names are Pepper and Mango, so I thought they needed their play cube personalized! :)