Rantings of a Creole Princess

Thong Sandals

Up until recently, I've only owned one pair of thong sandals and I keep them in my truck for when I go get pedicures because I hate wearing those paper ones the nail salon provides.  I have never liked the feeling of things between my toes and it's extremely uncomfortable to me.

I was shopping recently and saw a pair of Birkenstock thong sandals.  On a whim, I decided to try them on.  They were sooooooooooooooo comfortable!  I didn't even feel the thong part at all once I tightened the buckle.  And...I loved the way they looked on my feet.

Birkenstock Women's Gizeh Cork Footbed Thong Sandal Mocha

GO ME!  I pick things out and bring them home. (In voice of muscle man who picks things up and puts them down.)

Have you ever owned Birkenstocks?  Do you have a problem with thong sandals?

Question...

When you have workers coming to your home early in the morning, would you be comfortable in lounge wear?  You know...soft pants and a matching shirt?

Homework for Grownups

Homework for Grown-ups: Everything You Learned at School and Promptly Forgot

Cool.  Found the gifts I'm giving for Christmas this year.  Go me!

#BringBackOurGirls - Who is Boko Haram?

"Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and now abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.

Its followers are said to be influenced by the Koranic phrase which says: "Anyone who is not governed by what Allah has revealed is among the transgressors".

Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.

This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.

Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, even when the country had a Muslim president."

Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists?

In other words they are Nigeria's honey badgers.  

What's your take on this?  Are you in favor of our government assisting in rescuing the kidnapped girls?  

Honeycrisp Gone Rogue

Yall noticed the price of apples due to the drought out west?

Dogeared

If you could get a free one of these...which would you pick?  Dogeared

Would you keep it or would you give it away?

Sonia Kashuk Yellow Alluriana Shower Gel

I was in Target recently and stopped at the new Sonia Kashuk body products.  I loved the smell of the Yellow Alluriana Shower Gel so I put it in my basket.  I thought it was $5.99 and it smelled REALLY good and I LOVE grapefruit and verbena.  The container size wasn't that big so $5.99 was okay I guess.

When I checked out...I looked at my receipt and it was $8.99.  I questioned the cashier and I was told that I had to go to customer service.  UGH!  

But for $3...I headed that way.  

When the customer service agent scanned it...it was $8.99.  She then asked me how much I thought it cost and I said $5.99.  She said she'd adjust the price.

Me:  Huh?

Her:  If it's within $10...we can adjust the price to what you thought you were paying.

Me:  But that's not how much it costs.

Her:  It's okay.  

And she returned $3.00 to me.

*BLINK*

Because I THOUGHT it cost $3 less.

*BLINK*

I walked out of there still confucious and every.single.time I use the body wash it makes me happy.  Happy because it really does smell wonderful and kinda sneaky grin-ey happy because I got away with $3.

STILL BLINKING.

Have you ever received a price adjustment to what you THOUGHT something cost at Target?  Isn't it odd?

OH MY WORD! Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

F-Type R Coupe

Belkin Grip Power Battery Case for iPhone

Belkin Grip Power Battery Case for iPhone 5 (White)

A girlfriend is over currently and she has this on her phone.  This might be a game changer for me.  It is seriously the BEST.THING.EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You put it on your phone and you get an additional two full charges from it charging your phone once you engage it.  

 

 

 

 

Battery Powered Heated Gloves and Vest

SERIOUSLY?????  WHY DIDN'T I KNOW OF THESE?????

Grabber Warmers Grabber Heat Gloves- Battery Powered Heated Gloves

 Venture Women's Battery Powered Heated Nylon Vest

These would totally be good gifts for people who live where it gets cold and use public transportation.

Nordic Ware Molds at TJ Maxx!

I found this at TJ Maxx last week for only $19.99!  I used it to make brownie bites.  All I did was mix up some brownies and baked them for like half the time in this pan.   Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Cast-Aluminum Nonstick Tea-Cake and Candy Mold

GO ME!  

 

 

 

 

Buy Black Santa!

I might have to get this dude:

18" Santa Claus Christmas Figure with Leopard Trim Suit & Tree

 

Here are some other things which look cool!  

Black Santa Sweater

Santa with List

 

Santa Sitting Figurine

 

Santa Kneeling with Girl Figurine

Gifts for the Person Hard to Shop For!

Looking for a gift for a difficult person to buy for?  Check to see if they have an Amazon Wish List!  

AWESOME.SAUCE!  

Find a Wish List or Registry 

Do YOU have an Amazon Wish List?

Dear Runners:

If someone was looking for a gift for a runner, of that products that are available, which of them do you REALLY use?

Munki Munki Pajamas at Marshall's!!!!!

I'm kinda weird about pajamas.  I love, love, LOVE them!  But I ONLY buy my favorite kind, Munki Munki, at Nordstrom when I have a gift card.  I just feel weird paying $70 for pajamas on my own.  LOL!

But if I have a Nordstrom gift card?  Baaaaaaaaby...I'm getting a new pair of Munki Munki pjs!

I was in Marshall's recently being all casually random and saw a Munki Munki tag.  I stopped in my tracks and darted over in a frantic fashion flipping through the racks.  A woman noticed me moving so fast and came over.

Her:  What did you find?

Me:  (looking up squinting) Um...give me a minute.

Her:  I saw how quick you got over here so I knew it was something good.

Once I'd made my choices...I told her the pajamas were usually like $70 at Nordstrom and they were super soft and awesome.  She picked up a pair and felt them up.  Then...she agreed that they felt good.

I left her there happy and excited with my find.  GO ME!  Munki Munki pajamas for $24.99.  

Lemme hit my tap dance slide again right quick.  HAPPY DANCE!  

Of course I get the ones with the sock monkeys on them.  Hey...what can I say...I like actual monkeys on pajamas.  LOL!  I know it's weird but hey...you know I'm weird.

Google Chromecast Review!

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Ideas!

Hostess gifts make me smile because they truly are usually the most USABLE of all the gifts you receive.  Folks don't understand how hard it is to find gifts that people will actually use but hostess gifts pretty much keep you covered.

And they are normally VERY inexpensive!

Someone asked me recently if I considered a bottle of wine a hostess gift or a contribution to the dinner.  Um...huh?  You said wine.  Wine is a GOOD gift at 13700 and thank you very much in advance of all advances.

MOVING ON!

I thought about that some and thought about how some of the Usual Suspects generally bring a bottle of wine and something extra a lot so I guess maybe some people agree that wine is lagniappe.

Plants make excellent hostess gifts.  I think I did one around here somewhere...lemme check...hold on...I'll be back.  Here it is.  Used a grocery store plant and made it nice:  Simple Hostess Gift

Spreaders make great hostess gifts:  Classic Spreaders, Set of 4

The trick with spreaders is to keep it simple.  Don't get the colorful, jeweled bead ones because the hostess will get more use out of ones they can use with many different tablescapes.  And really...some of those jeweled ones are simply just...no.  You can't wash them in the dishwasher.  The beads can fall out.  (Totally speaking from experience here okay!)

 

 

Bookends are always a hit.  I mean...who doesn't have books right?  And...certain styles of bookends can be used as decor on a end table, window sill, etc.  Cast Iron Fleur de Lis Bookends

Bottle stoppers:  Here are some cheap ones:  Set of Bottle Stoppers  

Pottery Barn has some super cute ones!  Pottery Barn Bottle Stoppers

Plain white kitchen towels:  All-Purpose Kitchen Towels, Set of 4

Guest soaps - I always find the best prices at TJMaxx or Marshall's.  If you're lucky you'll find some initial ones!  

Kitchen hand soap/lotion combination:  Caldrea 3 Piece Green Tea Verbena Kitchen Set

I have so many that I love giving to include bath products, cutting boards, cheese trays, etc.  What are some of YOUR favorite hostess gifts to give? 

Shopping While Black

Over a decade ago, I was shopping at Filene's Basement on Connecticut avenue.  I'd gone to the men's department and purchased something for Robby and was leaving.  As I was leaving, something caught my eye and I picked it up and decided I wanted to purchase it.  I walked to the counter and saw a cashier I'd become friendly with, started talking to him as I put my item on the counter for him to ring up.

He chatted comfortably with me and then asked what I had in my bag.  I told him it was something for my guy.  He asked if I'd already paid for it.  Confused I said...um...yeah...that's why it's in the bag.

Him:  Can I see your receipt?

Me:  Is that necessary?

Him:  I just want to make sure you paid for it.

I showed him my receipt, paid for my other purchase and left.

I walked back to my office on L street feeling some kinda way.  Filene's Basement had become my go to spot when I went for a walk while at work.  I'd look around to see if there was something I needed to have and then buy it or not if my money was funny.  I knew the guy from shopping there ONLY.  I'd never seen him any other place other than there.  He often complimented my suits or my hair or whatever.  Just seemed to be a nice, good dude.

But that day...he decided that I'd probably stolen something.

By the time I got back to my office I was full on feeling some kinda way.  I called Filene's and asked to speak with a manager.  I told the manager what happened and the manager apologized.  

I didn't feel better.

I called corporate and got the email for the head dude and I sent an email expressing how awful the experience made me feel.  I felt some kinda way...big time but honestly...I think I felt that way MOSTLY...because the dude second guessing me was Black.

In his eye, I probably was only nice to him so I can get away with stealing shit and using him as an accomplish by getting him to ring up my other purchase.  I was hurt about that and dammit...I was mad as shit.  He should have known better.

But honestly...I guess the culture of the retail establishment was such that it was taught to be suspicious of Black people.  

Wait...scratch that.  

Of FRIENDLY Black people.

I received an email back from the person at corporate with a coupon or gift certificate or something or the other.  They apologized, blah, blah, blah.  I'd named names so I'm sure it was brought to old boy's attention.

Not that I'd ever know about it because I never set foot in that store again.

Shopping while Black doesn't happen to me often because I generally go to the same places and deal with the same sales associates so they know me but I know it's never too far behind for some.  I know that I'm probably suspect since, normally when I'm shopping, I'm uber casual wearing good undies, until I walk up to the trusted associate I have a relationship with and I'm deemed "safe."  The last time it DIRECTLY affected me was at New Balance in Chevy Chase a few years ago:  Dear New Balance

I haven't purchased a New Balance shoe since then and wear the ones I already owned sporadically.  

What about you?  Have you been unfairly targeted recently for blatantly obvious reasons?  How did you handle?

Glasslock Glass Shaker

I found this a while ago at HomeGoods.  It's a pretty awesome shaker.  The lid seals tightly and you can shake whatcha mama gave ya to mix whatever is inside.  I love it and drink my hot water and lemon juice out of it every morning.  Kinetic Go Green GlassLock Series Beverage Shaker

Fall Outdoor Decor Time!

I saw this on Pinterest and I wanted it:

I have two wreaths for fall and one of them was kinda similar.  Larger berries.  I didn't have brown ribbon nor a random 'M' hanging around so I had to roll out to Michael's and make that happen.  Not before going to their website and sending a 40% off coupon via text to my phone though.  GO ME!

The 'M' was $2.99.  The roll of ribbon was $8 something.  I got 40% off the ribbon, came home, and got out my crafty box:

Now...yall don't know this about me...but ya girl is a sharp shooter when it comes to wielding a glue gun.  YEAH I SAID IT!  POP, POP!  

So I tied some stuff and glued some stuff and twisted some stuff and yup...jazzed my old wreath up something ferocious for around $5 if you factor in how much ribbon I actually used.

I'm pretty pleased with it.  Sure...I could have purchased another wreath EXACTLY like the one pictured but honestly...I was pretty proud of myself that I didn't and simply used what I already had.  Check me out saving and ish.  LOL!  

Me makey wreath.  Your turn!  What kind of wreath do you have on YOUR front door?  Have you changed it for the season yet?  Do you?  Where did you get it?  Did you make it?  Did you ENHANCE it?  

New Robe

I need a new everyday robe after a tragic bleaching incident.

I've been wearing The Robinator's robe cuz he doesn't really wear his robe until it gets cold.

He told me the other day that it's bout time I stop using his robe cuz he doesn't want any trouble.

Humph.

I've been thinking about how much I LOVE his robe.

It's big and the pockets are AWESOME.  The weight of it is really heavy and it just feels all velour-ey good and it's LONG on me!

I think I'm going to buy me a man's robe.

What do you think?  Odd?

Wegmans

I have no food in my house currently so we are eating cabinet and freezer food as I am DETERMINED to not shop for groceries until Sunday, September 15th when the new Wegmans down the street opens.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Do you have a Wegmans in your area?  I've been told I'm going to weep when I walk into the gluten-free aisle.  TOTALLY looking forward to that!!!!!

Gabifresh would NEVER wear that!

I was shopping recently and walking up to a dressing room.  Outside of the dressing room was a woman looking at a teenager dressed in some tights with leather on the sides and a tunic-y kinda top which didn't really cover her behind.

The outfit didn't flatter her AT.ALL.  It only emphasized negative things.  The woman (I don't know if it was her mother) kept saying things like, "You like the way it fits?"  and "Are you sure that's the way it's supposed to look?" and "Well...if you like it..."

I stepped past them and went inside.  The debate continued.  The woman was being kind but not saying what I'm assuming she was thinking since I thought that the outfit wasn't cute AT.ALL on the young lady.  If she wanted to wear leggings...cool...but she needed to wear a tunic with an empire waist and long enough to cover her behind.  She looked "squoze up" around the boobage area so, instead of sleeveless...I'd suggest a flowy cap sleeve. In other words I'd say..."Gabifresh would NEVER wear that." and keep it moving hoping she gets it cuz yall know Gabi be DOING-T IT!

They bought the outfit and I'm assuming the young lady was happy.  The woman was pretty much resigned to being...well...okay I guess.

Here is my question for you...how would YOU have handled and really...can you even do and or say anything other than, okay without giving her a complex about her weight and body image?  How do you handle body image issues with a teenager you love and support?  I would think it would be a VERY blurry area to tread.  

What say you?

Mingo 44 Field Day! Free Printables!

So...my birthday party this year was an old school Field Day like when you were in elementary or middle school.  I reserved a park for the whopping permit fee of $20, bought some balls and whatnot, served hotdogs and grilled veggies with cupcakes, sunchips, etc. and GOT.IT.IN!

It was truly a blast.  Cheapest party I've ever thrown.  EVER!

I made the banner with cut out paper using this awesome blog post:   Free Printable – WHOLE Alphabet Banner!!  I used clothes pins ($1) from the dollar store to put them on the Jute Twine.

Since we were outside playing I wanted to make sure I had lots of water and I did some personalized water bottle labels using the same paper and my printer at home.  I bought the water at the dollar store (6 for $1), removed the labels and glued on my labels.  I tried finding a free label template online but folks were all about making money off it so yeah...I simply measured the circumference of the bottle and found I'd need an 8.5 inch long by 1.75 inch tall piece of paper per bottle.  Um...a regular sheet of paper is 8.5 inches long so yeah...EASY!!!!!!!!!!!  I centered 5 "logos" (made them in word) per page using 3 cell chart, blanking out the lines around all the cells except the center one and then made those lines thicker.  Personally...I think they look elegant.  GO ME!  You can download it here FOR FREE if you'd like to personalize it for your own something or the other.  Download Mingo44 WATER

Next up was something to decorate the gluten-free cupcakes I made.  Let's talk about the cupcakes first.

Cupcakes all over the world ain't cheap these days.  Ask for gluten-free and hell...you walking out of there with a box of cupcakes hitting you up for car insurance payment kinda cash.  Last weekend I made a friend a cake using this: King Arthur Flour Chocolate Cake Mix, Gluten Free (Pack of 3) and this:  Pamela's Products Dark Chocolate Frosting Mix, (Pack of 6).  

It was delicious.  

Seriously.  So yeah...I made cupcakes out of it and yeah...they were delicious too.  GO ME!  I put them on my AWESOME cupcake holder (I've since forgotten where I bought it but did so because when I saw it I was totally thinking it wasn't an icky cheesy looking one like I always see) and then...made paper lollipops using Word shapes (circle) and different fill colors and patterns.  I hot glued them to these (I found mine on clearance at Michael's for .99 cent a pack both circles and flowers): Little Yellow Bicycle - Naturals Collection - Burlap Shapes - Flowers  and then hot glued popsicle sticks on the back.  

Here is my template for the paper lollipops and you can personalize it your way for your use:   Download MINGO FLAGS

Cute huh?

The rest of the stuff I used was stuff I already had down in the basement.  I've collected some nice things over the years by simply keeping an eye out for things.  The best time to get good deals on stuff is when you don't need it.  LOL!  So yeah...I see something nice on a random Tuesday in March and buy it and store it down in the basement until I'm ready to use it.  GO ME!  

The best thing I've ever purchased has got to be the 54 x 108-Inch White Tablecloth $3.50 each.  I use them so much and, at only $3.50...you don't worry if something is spilled on them like red wine.  Oh...and my silverware I bought in bulk, Stainless Dinner Fork - 24 / BX - $4.68.  I started out with about 48 each of them at those prices and bought forks, spoons and knives.  You're totally not mad if someone accidentally tosses one in the trash at those prices.  I keep them in ziploc bags between parties and put them in a buffet silverware caddy for parties.  I've had it forever and forgot where I found it.  Works perfectly.

Since we were at a park...I used paper plates because paper plates are for parks and barbecues.  And that's all Imma say about that. Humph.  LOL!  Bought the paper plates at the dollar store too.

I did buy dodge balls and a flag football set but I can use them again.  If you're in the area and want to throw a field day party...you're welcome to borrow them because they will simply be in the ball bag in the basement.  LOL!

For the three legged races I used an old sheet cut up in strips.  Worked perfectly and completely throw-way-able.

Food was easy.  Gluten-free all beef hotdogs, grilled veggies and corn on the cob.  I put the corn on wooden skewers so folks didn't have to use their hands while outside.  I had a gallon of hand sanitizer on hand to disinfect before eating.  LOL!

Water and gatorade were the drink choices (G-Baby brought some drink packs for the kiddies) as we couldn't bring alcohol to the park.  I was going to make some awesome adult beverages to put into these Ball Jar Heritage Collection Pint Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 6 :

Yall know I'm anti-drinking-out-of-mason-jars because I always dribble on myself so I drilled a hole in the top of the lid and then put Nickel-Plated Brass Eyelets - 3/8" - 8 Ct. in the hole.  I didn't put the back of the eyelet on because I did the hole exact and it was a really nice and snug fit.  Then...a straw just pops in nicely!  WHEEEEEEEEEEE!  Well...I'd already made 6 when I found out I couldn't bring alcohol so I didn't make anymore.  LOL!

We had fun.  It's always cool to do something completely different and well...we get together all the time for drinks and or drinks and dinner so it's fun to switch it up to something we never get to do.  

Before we left the park yesterday someone asked what we're doing next year.  

SIP: *HARD.STARE*

LOL!

1-800-FLOWERS SUCKS!

Years ago I sent my sister a floral arrangement ahead of my arrival using 1-800-FLOWERS.  When I got there and saw the flowers...I was STUNNED at how horrible the arrangement was.  STUNNED!

I acted a donkey's behind of course and ever since...I have been TOTALLY anti-1-800-FLOWERS and go out of my way to find a LOCAL store front flower shop in areas I'm sending flowers.

See...1-800-FLOWERS is not a florist.  They are a website.  They spend a lot of money to advertise and get their name out there and then they take orders for flowers.  Then...they get local florists to make the arrangements.  They take a cut of the money from the arrangement and the local florist only has a portion of the amount paid to actually MAKE the arrangement.

So the arrangements generally suck.

Someone sent me an arrangement today from 1-800-FLOWERS.  There wasn't a name on it so I didn't know who to thank so I called them to find out.  They couldn't tell me who without the person's permission so they asked would I hold while they called and asked.  While on hold...I tipped on over to the website to see what the arrangement was SUPPOSED to look like:

Isn't that lovely?  Happy and cheerful.  Simply DEEEEEELIGHTFUL!  Looks like something I'd put on my nightstand and wake up smiling to all cherub-facey.

Mmmmhmmmmm...

This is what I received:

Check out the funky bonus on a leaf:

Awesome they are NOT!

I called the friend who wanted to send me a lovely surprise and thanked them profusely.  I then told them they need to call and get their money back because 1-800-FLOWERS didn't send me what they paid them to send me.  NOT.AT.ALL!  I sent them these pictures and they are MAD.ABOUT.IT!  My friend asked what florist I use in my area and I told them Kentlands Flowers and Bows as I've never have a bad experience with them and their arrangements are fresh, lovely and down right magical with the longevity of their flowers.

I then told them there was no need to re-send me flowers as the thought was more than enough because that's how we roll.  I'm not about to let someone I adore be taken advantage of by 1-800-FLOWERS.  They get away with this crap because people hardly ever see the arrangement sent.  Oh...and when they send a dozen roses in a box?  UGH!  GIFTS OF FLOWERS SHOULDN'T COME IN BOXES!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

My rant is over for the day.  It's been pretty perfect so far even with this blip.  I shall continue on my merry, fancy way.

Have YOU ever checked up on a floral delivery from 1-800-FLOWERS or FTD.com?  Were you aware of this?

Question...

What's the last thing you bought for yourself?

Workout Clothing

Where do you normally purchase your workout clothes?

HotNESS or HotMESS? (SM)

BCBGeneration 'Gerrie' Sandal

CONFESSION:  Since I unsubscribed from Nordstrom's daily emails I've shopped much less.  I re-upped today cuz really...what was I thinking?  LOL!

 

New Appliances

Who makes your appliances?  Did you buy them yourself or were they in your home when you moved in?  What are your TRUSTED brands for appliances?

Tasting Room Wine Club

I'm about to start shipping wine to Gladys' or Becca's house.  Humph!  I SO want to try this!  Tasting Room

Are you a member of a wine club?  

Dear Wal-mart:

Wal-Mart says it will pull out of D.C. plans should city mandate ‘living wage’

This is why more people are choosing to shop elsewhere.  Saving a couple of dollars makes it hard to look the cashiers in the eye knowing they don't make a living wage while the Walton family continue to rake in generational wealth.  Folks are getting tired of greedy people.

Summer Clearance Sales!

This is the week the summer clearance sales start so if there is anything you wanted to buy for your patio you can get some really good deals!  

World Market

Pier 1

Ballard Designs

Hayneedle

Them other folks like Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Grandin Road only start with around 20% off this time of year.  Wait a couple of weeks if you're looking to get something from them.

AWESOME for Halloween! LOL!

Cabbage Patch Kid Inspired Crochet Wig/Hat, 13-24 MONTHS Size, Custom made $35.00

 

I think I NEED this fit however!

Yall KNOW this looks like 100% me!  Please don't tell me not to buy it.  PLEASE!

New Dress

I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS  I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS I DON'T NEED A NEW DRESS.

When's the last time YOU bought a new dress?

Arcadia Mobile Market - Things that make me HAPPY!!!!!!!!!

I had a meeting in DC last week at the Dean Wood Community Center & Library.  While in wait mode, I took a walk around the facility.  To say I was impressed with it is the least I could say because the place truly blew me away.  

I kept asking questions because I couldn't believe it was free to the public with minimal fees for use of services like the fitness center and the pool.  There was a full blown senior center with a VERY active senior population, meeting rooms, quiet rooms, computer room, etc.

And it was all free.  

I walked outside and walked around a bit stopping in my tracks when I saw this:

Vino2Go Wine Tumblers

All outdoor summer plans should involve these:  Vino2Go Set of 2 Double Wall Insulated Acrylic Wine Tumblers: with Merlot & Verde Slide Tops Open/Close Drink Through Lid 10 oz.

Target Wedding Dresses!

Target Wedding Dresses

What say YOU?

Fashionable Plus Sized Clothing

JUNE" GRECIAN DRAPED DRESS - WHITE

Those of you who STAY ready and have a few extra pounds on you...where do you shop?  What stores cater to your sense of uncompromising fashion?  In department stores...which designers are the ones you go-to?

Square iPad Credit Card Register

If I owned a store, booth, kiosk, etc.  I would SO buy this!  This is seriously the hottest thing EVER!!!!!!!!!!

Square Debuts Its Latest Hardware, Stand, A $299 Card Swiper For iPad Registers

 

Abercrombie & Fitch Bruhaha

Earlier today, one of my Facebook friends said something along the lines of starting a boycott against Lane Bryant because they don't sell clothes under a size 14.

Interesting.  

I mean...we all know that stores like Lane Bryant exist because there was a need for fashionable clothing for plus sized women seeing as though other stores tried to make it seem like plus sized women weren't interested in being fashionable.  Just covered up.

So I guess I call foul on that.

David Therriault - #INSPIRATIONAL

I met the most fascinating man yesterday in the simplest way possible.  See...I have a neighbor who is really into her landscaping and I was checking out her new perennials.  I asked her where she purchased them and she told me that someone told her about this super cute little nursery that a man owns behind his house.  I was looking for some different shade perennials so I figured I'd give it a try.

It was only about 12 miles away from my home and it was a stunningly beautiful and yet cool day so a drive was just the thing.  I put the country ribs I had marinating the fridge in the oven on 225 degrees and set the oven timer for 3 hours leaving The Robinator with instructions to simply take them out when the timer went off.

I listened to music as Kadijah (the GPS lady) directed me to the address and oohed and aaahed over the simple, country style homes with porches and big, fenced in yards that I see in my future.

I found the house and followed the gravel around to the back as the signage directed me to do and I was presented with this:

#WiiU Lego City Undercover Review!

Yall know Nintendo knows I'm a big kid at heart and sends me free stuff to try out right?  Right.  Well...last week the FedEx guy dropped off a new game for me to play and it's been sitting here neglected while I do some real life stuff to keep everyone off my back.  

You know...responsibilities and whatnot.  The joys of being an adult.  UGH!

So...I called in an expert to help me and he got right down to it giving me an opportunity to continue working while he took it on a test drive for me.

When he finished playing, he allowed me to interview him so I could add his findings to a post about the game.

Did you enjoy playing the game?

Expert:  YES!

What's it basically about?

Expert:  It's about a policeman named Chase McCain who is solving a big crime.  He has to catch a lot of criminals and take them to jail.  He's involved in car crashes and he has to help people when they ask him to.

What kinds of things do you get to do?

Expert:  Jump flagpoles, chase people, drive cars among a lot of other things.

What was your favorite part so far?

Expert: Chasing the people because I enjoy chasing people at school.

Are there any parts which you found particularly difficult?

Expert:  Yes.  Jumping the flagpoles is pretty difficult.  

Would you recommend this game?

Expert:  Yes.  I'd recommend it to all my friends!

How do yall think he did?  It was his first interview as an 8 year old but I seriously predict big things in his future as he has quite a way with words!

Mattress Shopping

So...I've been looking at mattresses lately and I have to say I'm a bit annoyed at mattresses these days.  The top of the line ones can't be flipped twice as I'm used to doing (left to right, top to bottom) and that makes no sense to me at all.  I mean sure...it's better for the mattress makers because mattresses which can't be flipped twice will wear out sooner than I'm used to but it's a lose for the consumer.

Then I looked at the middle of the road ones and you know what?  They've done the same thing.  They've made it so that only one side of the mattress can be slept on and yall...that's a bother.  I flip our current mattresses pretty regularly and that's why they last and stay comfy.  It's time to start thinking about a new one and well...the options out there aren't conducive to how I like mattresses.

Did you notice this too the last time you went mattress shopping?

Have you purchased a good mattress recently which can be flipped twice?  If so...PLEASE share.  PLEASE!

Those of you with the pillowtop mattresses...how long have you had them?  Any issues yet with not being able to flip twice?

Those of you with boobs...

...keep moving right on past this post.  LOL!

Those of you who don't have boobies like me...this is the best t-shirt bra I've ever owned and now I own 5 of them!  GO ME!  Shimera Seamless Bra

Brand New Car?

How many BRAND NEW cars have you owned?  Not brand new to you...brand new period.  Not a demo.  BRAND.SPANKING.NEW.

 

Sonia Kashuk Completely Organized

Sonia Kashuk® Completely Organized

I bought one of these a while ago from Target and it's pretty darn awesome.  All of the essential things you keep in your purse fit in it and when you want to change bags you just pull it out and plop it into another bag.  I'd seen something like this before and considered buying it but couldn't wrap my brain around the price so finding this one for $14.99 made me feel all awesome-bargain-shoppery.  GO ME!

Shelly Bean liked it so much she got one too!  It has all kinds of compartments inside and it's really kept my bag pretty organized.  ESPECIALLY when traveling.

Do you have anything like this?

What say YOU?

'Fat letters' sent to parents of obese Massachusetts students

Read more: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/02/-fat-letters-sent-to-parents-of-obese-massachusetts-students-85776.html#ixzz2MDiHES7K

Mattress Caddy

I bought one of these and now my nightstand stays clean.  

GO ME! 6 Pocket Bedside Storage Mattress Book Remote Caddy

Do you have anything like this?  

My New Pajama Philosophy

Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's V-Neck Tee

Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Knit Sleep Pant

In my world...a new pair of lounging pajamas makes everything better.  :)

Shelly had these on last week and I had to have them.  The pants have pockets AND a drawstring.  Since it's cold...I'm wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under my shirt.

And I feel REALLY, REALLY awesome.  

When's the last time YOU bought new pajamas?  Do they make YOU feel good too?