Summer/Wedding Dress

As I was reading my Woman's Day magazine this evening, I spied a dress on their Good Looks, Best Dressed section that was very interesting. I have several weddings to attend this summer and would like to have something new and interesting. The dress is a red vintage toile dress from Chadwick's. Only $49! This month's issue had several other interesting articles: Diet Tricks that Really Works, Get Your House in Order, 25 ways to save $50, and chocolate desserts (too bad I gave up chocolate for lent). I read this magazine and Martha Stewart's Living. I really enjoy that one as well. I've been thinking about subscribing to a decor magazine. What are some that you enjoy?

Spring Anyone?

I have a few items that I keep out past Christmas and use as Winter decorations. I'm storing those away this weekend because I am ready for Spring, even if I'm not sure it is ready to be here. We are having snow flurries today. That is no good -- definitely not moving toward the Spring that I want. But maybe positive Spring thinking will help get it here sooner. We had some days this past week that the temperature was in the 50's and this really made me ready to move to Spring. I think part of it is that this has definitely been an icy, cold and snowy Winter. I've had enough of that!

Blurb

My daughter introduced me to Blurb! It is a site where you can make your own book from your own photos, blog, recipes, or whatever you want. Books up to 40 pages start at $12.95. I would love to make a book of some of our vacations. What a great way to save your favorite photos for the future and also a fantastic coffee table book. Check out blurb at: http://www.blurb.com/

President's Day

President's Day or shall we call it "Antiquing Day"! Girlfriends day out. We started our day by visiting Cockrell Mercantile Company http://www.cockerellmercantile.com/ which has kitchen gadgetry, dishes, bakeware, etc. etc. etc. Wonderful shop. One of my friends had not been there before and she loved it. After that, we visited several antique stores and was on visual overload. So much to see, so little time. I took home a mirror that I plan on using as a centerpiece for either my kitchen table or coffee table and a small basket that I haven't decided how to use it yet. I'm ready to go again soon!

Spa Me!

For Valentine's Day my hubby bought me a gift certificate to the local spa. He knows how much I enjoy this gift as he gave me this same gift for my birthday and I came back raving about my experience. For my birthday I had a facial and a massage. I enjoyed the facial the most although it was a close contest. I'm not sure what I will do this time. Facial, nails, massage, pedicure, waxing, hmmmm. Any of those sounds great. I'm thinking about inviting my daughter to go with me and we'll both get facials together. Thank you sweetie!

More Shopping Opportunities

I stumbled upon a catalog this evening from Signature Homestyle. I found great baskets, dishes and decor items in the catalog that I'm very excited about. Great styles. I may have to have a party at my home to get some of these great items at a discount! Or maybe I can just order online -- I need to look into it a little closer. Has anyone else had experience with their products? Check them out at: http://www.signaturehomestyles.com/

Good Find

Did a little shopping this afternoon and found some really cute black boots. I'm anxious to wear them -- just need to find the right outfit that they will go with. I was also looking for a nice casual jacket to wear with my jeans but with no success. I guess I'll just need to go shopping again -- oh the drudgery!

Another List

I have begun to prepare a list of 100 Things I Want To Do Before I Die. This is something I can do to help me focus on "the rest of my life". It is slow going so far on deciding what merits the list. Some items are service to others, some developing myself, some travel and some whimsy.

A few samples are: Volunteer at a hospital (started doing this after I put it on my list), read 3 classics a year, ride in a hot air balloon, become debt free, take a cruise to Alaska, and so forth and so on. This came up the other day with my hubby's family and now some of them are also making lists. I would like to do five things or more from my list every year. One thing I should add to my list is - complete the list!

Too Many?

We have four labs. Yes four. One white (Luke), one chocolate (Cocoa-I know pretty original) and two black (Belle and Scout). How did that happen? Not really sure! One was a birthday gift to my son at 12. Notice the dog didn't go with him to college -- not sure he will ever take possession! Luckily we have 10 acres that they can run on and they only visit from time to time inside the house. Here is a picture of Luke taking it easy. He does that quite often.

Home Made Simple

I receive the "Home Made Simple" newsletter. It has great information about organizing, decor, and recipes. Check it out at: http://www.homemadesimple.com/en_US/home.do I enjoy their articles and get fresh ideas. They also have coupons for home products. Can't get enough decorating ideas!