Retail Therapy: Coupon Round-Up

 

Want to stretch your dollar a little further this weekend? If you're headed to the stores to finish (or start) your Christmas shopping, be sure to print these coupons off before you go!

• Aeropostale - $10 off $50 Exp 12/24
• Banana Republic Factory Store - 15% off purchase Exp 12/16
• Barnes & Noble - 25% off one item Exp 12/16
• Bath & Body Works - $10 off $30 Exp 12/16
• Bath & Body Works - Free product w/$10 purchase Exp 12/24
• bebe - $20 off $125 Exp 12/19
• Carter’s – Facebook Exclusive 15% – 25% off purchase Exp 12/19
• Children’s Place - 30% off purchase Exp 12/16
• Dressbarn - 15% off regular priced purchase Exp 12/24
• Express - $25 off $75 Exp 12/13
• Famous Footwear - 20% off purchase Valid 12/15 – 12/24
• Gap Outlet - 15% off $75+ purchase Exp 12/24
• Goody’s - Various Coupons
• Hallmark Gold Crown Store – Facebook Exclusive $5 off $10 Exp 12/20
• Hobby Lobby - 40% off regular priced item Exp 12/15
• Kirkland’s - $25 off $75 Exp 12/14
• Kohl’s - 15% – 20% off purchase Exp 12/24
• Lord & Taylor - 15% – 20% off purchase Exp 12/18
• Macy’s - 15% – 20% off purchase Exp 12/17
• Michael’s - 40% off regular priced item Exp 12/15
• New York & Co - $15 off $30 Exp 12/13
• Office Max - 20% back in Maxperks Bonus Rewards Exp 12/15
• Old Navy – Facebook Exclusive - $15 off $75 Exp 12/19
• P.S. from Aeropostale - $10 off $50 Exp 12/24
• Payless Shoesource - 20% off purchase Exp 12/16
• Target - Various Coupons
• Ulta - $3.50 off $10 Exp 12/24
• Walgreens – Various Coupons in the December Coupon Books (found in-store)
• Yankee Candle - $20 off $45 Exp 12/24

Gift Guide: Stress-free Shopping

When you need a last minute present or just simply don't have time to package and ship, the "Treater" app can't be beat! This free app (for both iPhone & Android) lets you instantly give any friend gift certificates from everything from movie tickets and massages to gourmet dinners. Simply pick and purchase a "treat" and send it via Facebook, text or email.

Great for the holidays but a useful app all year round for those life events that sneak up on you!

2012 Fall Fashion Inspiration

 

Happy Friday! I was thrilled this morning when I came across this fashion board with 21fabulous outfits for fall 2012. Lord knows that New York fashion week isn't on my radar so I'm thankful Beth over at Home Stories A to Z was able to help a sista' out. Some you'll love, some you might hate. Take bits and pieces and make it your own.

What I loved about her post is that she made it super convenient by allowing you to “shop the outfit." You can click on the items to be taken directly to the store carrying that item. She tried using the exact items when possible and sometimes deliberately highlighted some cheaper alternatives. But her focus wasn't to make them affordable. Just inspiring.

Here are a few looks I love from the list. Maybe not the whole look but an item that I will be sure to find. At an affordable price.

Love this simple look sans those flower sunglasses & earrings. Boots are lovely but probably won't be around next fall. 

I'm a sucker for stripes so I'm LOVING that top especially the ruffle shoulder detail. Jeans color is great too!

Love that brown hooded jacket. Looks comfy.

Love the yellow, white & navy combo. The girly detail on the trench coat collar is fabulous. Those boots are hot but as a mom, I wouldn't waste my money.

Love that orange caridan. Perfect for those "feeling fat" days.

Love the yellow top. Not sure I'd put the yellow trench over the top though. Love that the bootcut jean is still in!

Love the belt & scarf but I'm especially excited about the grey boot. I will have grey boots this fall.

To see the full collection and where to buy certain items,

click HERE. 

Fancy Friday: Sweet Pea Apple Wine

It never fails that if I stand long enough in line, I will be suckered into buying something within reach. This week: Sweet Pea Apple Wine from Cost Plus World Market.

Initially drawn to the adorable packaging (I mean c'mon, LOOK at it) and the name, it didn't help that it was on sale for $5.99. Intrigued by the whole "apple wine" novelty factor, into the cart it went.

As I got to the front of the line, the cashier acknowledges that wine and says, "Oh this is sooo good. Not too sweet. Such a nice summer wine. It's been flying off the shelf."

Well if that's the case - I grabbed the remaining five off the display. Nothing worse than wanting something you can't have, right?

That night I took one bottle to a girl's gathering. Literally gone in four minutes.

Hence why this made the Fancy Friday list. If you're looking for a new summer drink, give this a try. Even if you're a traditionalist who likes bold red wine, you might like this refreshing change up on a warm summer night.

Pleasing as peach cobbler and refreshing as a cool glass of cider, Sweet Pea is ripe with 100% real Washington (shout-out to my home state!) grown golden delicious apple flavors, hints of peachy sweetness and a crisp, clean finish. An excellent and affordable substitute to high caloric fruity cocktails.

Who says housewives have to be desperate?

Available at Cost Plus World Market & Total Wine.

Fancy Friday: a MUST have

Alright all you heelaholics - you might just have found a new best friend. This week's fancy friday is all about Fab Feet's Blisstick - the invisible, protable, easy to use, no mess, heel protector!!

What does this lifesaver do?

1) Forms invisible barrier between skin and shoes to help eliminate rubbing and chaffing
2) Helps prevent blisters and calluses from forming

Say goodbye to those annoying, hurtful first-time wearing blisters that ruin your night and have you hobbling for days after.

Or what about those first few days of wearing flip flops? Especially the rubbery kind. Talk about chaffage on the upper foot. Wipe out the blisstick for this too!
To use it all you have to do is apply it wherever irritation occurs, you can use it anytime to soothe and moisturize skin, and reapply when needed.

Available at Target for $7.99. It's on an end cap in the shoe section.

Fancy Friday

Curious what tickled my fancy this week?

The OTTERBOX Defender Series iPhone 4/4S Case. The case you need if you want to be careless, work in harsh conditions, are tough on technology, anticipate heavy use or are just plain clumsy.

This case is a  must have for someone like me - a mom on my 4th iPhone due to carelessness. My husband keeps threatening that if something happens to my current phone, I'm done. Cellphone less. I call bull but I'm doing everything in my power to avoid that conversation. I'm hoping the Otterbox will be my saving grace.

Yes this case is a little beefier and bulkier than most but it's design is made to protect. All those trendy, cute plastic one sided cases are crap. It has a robust 3-layer protection, built-in screen protector and port covers to keep out dust and debris.

One flaw I see in the design is that you have to undo the bottom flap to plug the charger in. Granted it's a soft silicone so it's easy to undo but with it not being exposed, it does take a few more seconds to plug in. And you mom's know, sometimes we don't have those few extra seconds when we're on the run.

They do also make an Otterbox case for the iPhone 3S and the iPad 1/2/3 which is a must if your kid's are the main users of the iPad.

Invest in the Otterbox and you can enjoy your adventures, whatever they may be without worry of damaging your device along the way. This case is practically indestructible.

The Otterbox Defender retails for around $49.99 but is currently on sale on Amazon. There are all different colors to chose from.  

Fancy Friday: Hanging with one of my favorite {Peeps}

My college roommate, best friend, and teammate (yes I played collegiate golf) was in town this past week and I thought it was only fitting that I give her a shout out in the blog being that my time with her is what tickled my fancy. There's nothing better than catching up with an old, dear friend. One that knows the best and worst of you. One that has loved you through the good and bad. One that has seen you in your highs and lows. One that you could spend days, if not weeks, laughing about all the memories you share. That is Kelli to me. Although we live completely different lives now, we will forever remain "Kailey." Get it - Kelli & Hailey combined?!? I know, cheesy but it was a name given to us in college since we were never seen without eachother. We were inseparable. We even had dreams to start a women's golf clothing line together named Kailey. Unfortunately that never happened.

One interesting fact about Kelli - she loooooves Peeps, those sugarly marshmallow candies in the shape of a bunny. I've never met another person that can eat enormous amounts of Peeps without wanting to throw up like Kelli can. Talk about cavities in the making. And sugar OVERload. No wonder the girl could go days without sleep.

Although I don't care for Peeps in that same way, I do think using Peeps for Easter decor is a must. So much of a must, I'm going to blog about them again. They come in the perfect Easter colors and are super inexpensive. Think beyond the tops of cupcakes. Although those are pretty stinkin' adorable...

Think centerpieces. Wreaths. Place cards.

Need inspiration? Thanks to Pinterest (nope still don't have a page), here are a few I personally love in addition to my Peep for Thought post from last Easter:



Tutorial found HERE.

Tutorial found HERE.

Love the simplicity and pops of color

Peeps Topper {free download} ~ And at the end of the day, give your favorite “peeps” a special treat with these free printable toppers. One row of your favorite colored peeps chicks fit perfectly in a snack-size ziploc bag.

Fancy Friday: Springy Sandals

You know you're a mom when you get to Target right when the doors open at 8:00. This morning I went in for two things; 1) to return an item and 2) to get Cranberry juice. That's it. But nooooo, $66.59 later (mind you that was my 4th trip to Target this week. Eeek.) I walked out with almond milk, coconut water and two pairs of shoes. Oh and the Cranberry juice.

Damn Target.

While I wasn't successful in sneaking out of there with only the $3.09 bottle of Cran, I did think I scored big with my two sandal purchases for a total of $49.99.

Wondering which ones tickled my fancy?

Item #1: Merona "Eireen" Wedge Sandal ($24.99). I bought the blue/white stripe but the coral is super cute too! Fashion alert: Stripes are HUGE for spring/summer. As is the Nautical theme. And corals and tangerines are showing up everywhere.Tangerine is actually the Home & Fashion Pantone color of the year! Such a vibrant, feel good color. Can't go wrong with either.

Item #2: Mossimo "Peace" Gladiator T-Strap Flat Sandal ($24.99) - I bought the Animal Print (they look wayyyy better on) but they have a slew of other colors. Unfortunately Target has a glitch in their website for this particular sandal. They have the same sandal listed as two different names with different colors so click HERE for black and animal and HERE for brown, black glitter and gold glitter. Fashion alert: Bold, wild parades of patterns and prints are big for spring/summer - floral, leopard, tropical, tribal. Pretty much anything goes.

FYI; I blogged last spring about a pair of cute braided flats that I noticed they still are selling online. Only $14.99 and available in a handful of colors. I personally love the pewter.

Fancy Friday

What tickled my fancy this week you're wondering? Hands down, without question the book, Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist. Like her first book, Cold Tangerines - that I raved about awhile back - this is equally inspiring if not more. Cold Tangerines left you wanting to find celebration in all things. Bittersweet, however, wants the reader to recognize that in life we need the bitter and the sweet, that there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a moment of lightness on even the darkest of nights.

It's raw. It's real. It's relatable. It's a book that will make you ravenous - turning page after page, highlighting, underlining, nodding your head in agreement, possibly even applauding at the end of some chapters. For me I found myself with tears running down my face on the airplane last weekend.

I don't want to give too much away but just know that combination of its honesty and hope in the presence of hard circumstances is something that you'll find encouraging and inspiring, regardless of the season you find yourself in. Her writing style is captivating, witty and so easy to connect with. Bittersweet is a must read.

Fancy Friday

Wondering what tickled my fancy (aka; something I enjoyed, adored or was satisfied by) this week?

Hands down the Chicken Taco Chili I made in the crock pot. Similar to last week's "Meal in a Can" recipe but with a little more kick and ingredients. This is so freakin' easy. Beyond delicious on a chilly evening. High in protein and fiber and of course low in fat. Would I make it if it was any other way?!? Nada. And if you're a Weight Watchers guru, it's low in points too! Bonus.

Having a Super Bowl gathering at your house? Whip up a big batch of this with some corn bread and you've got yourself a crowd pleaser. Great for the kids too!

~Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili~
Recipe courtesy of skinnytaste.com

Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
10 oz package frozen corn kernels or 1 16 oz. can of corn
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies (mild or spicy depending on your tolerance)
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin (optional)
1 tbsp chili powder (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions:
1) Combine both beans with their juices, onion, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker.
2) Place chicken (can be frozen or thawed) on top and cover.
3) Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours.
4) Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred.
5) Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in.
6) Top with fresh cilantro if you wish.

We particularly enjoyed it as a true chili with a dollop of sour cream and low fat shredded Mexican cheese mixed in. But you can also beef it up and serve it over rice. Enjoy!

Fancy Friday

Hello readers and happy Friday. It's that time; where I tell you about something that tickled my fancy during my week - aka; something I enjoyed, adored or was satisfied by.

This week it was Costco. I love me some Costco. I'm that bi-weekly repeat shopper whose list always consists of the same few items; frozen chicken breasts, broccoli, lettuce, strawberries, apples, grapes, bananas, oatmeal, raisins, tuna, diaper wipes, paper towels, SprayWay glass cleaner, toilet paper, gum, garbage bags. Ok, clearly more than a few but hey, the price is right.

I usually don't veer away from my list but Tuesday was an exception. The Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips just sounded oh so tasty. Note to self; don't go shopping while you're hungry.

Besides the delicious taste, what I love about these particular apple chips is:

1) 100% Organic
2) Baked and dried
3) No preservatives
4) Gluten Free
5) Low calories, no fat
6) Made with only two ingredients - apples and cinnamon
7) No added sugar
8) Big bag is only $4.99
The frustrating part about blogging about Costco is that every Costco stocks different items. Argg. So the next time you are at your local Costco, ask a sales associate to look up if they carry them. If so, snag yourself a bag. They make for a healthy, grab and go snack for you and the kids.

If your Costco doesn't stock them, you can always put in a request (I do it all the time!) or you can buy them off Amazon. Unfortunately for double the price. :(

Fancy Friday

I hosted a "Favorite's Party" this week for my girlfriends. Such a fun and different way to hang with the girlies. I actually blogged about this idea awhile back in an "I LOVE" post that gave fun girlfriend get-together ideas. (Read it here.)

Essentially a Favorites Party is this: Invite an intimate group of your favorite girls over and have each one of them bring their favorite thing that is under $5.00. It can be a favorite candle. Favorite cleaning product. Favorite candy bar. Simple gifts that you particularly love. At the end of the night, each girl will go home with a handful of new favorite things!

What made this especially fun this time of year is that we each went home with something new and fabulous for ourselves. Since when do mom's get out of the blue gifts all for themselves? Um. Never.

Although each and every one of my gifts was divine, I particularly fell in love with the 'Candy Cane Green Tea' from Trader Joe's. Holy yummers. I had to tell you about this now because it is seasonal so you best hurry on over to TJ's and pick yourself up some tea that will keep you feeling festive and warm this holiday season!

FANCY FRIDAY

It probably no longer shocks most of us to see Christmas decorations in stores before Halloween is over. And in my book - the Christmas creep is just wrong. So the one thing that tickled my fancy this week is Nordstrom's policy to hold off in "decking the halls" until after Thanksgiving.

You will find signs throughout Nordstrom stating this;

"Happiness is celebrating one holiday at a time.

That’s why you won’t find any holiday trim in our stores until after Thanksgiving day. So relax. Reminisce. Enjoy the day as we will — with family and friends. Then when Friday, November 25 rolls around feel free to stop by for a bit of good cheer. It’s then we’ll be decked in our holiday finery — and eager to welcome the season with you.

From our family to yours, happy Thanksgiving. We will be closed on Thanksgiving day."

Love.You.Nordstrom.

FANCY FRIDAY

Friday already?!?! Thank goodness. My week was filled with nothing but medical crap. From my 6 month old pulling all-nighters because of Croup and countless tests to diagnose a stomach infection that hit me hard last Sunday. Despite the not-so-fun stuff, my fancy was still tickled - aka; to enjoy, adore or be satisfied by.

This week it's LANTERNS.

I was so inspired by the above picture I found on Pinterest. How fabulously simple is that front porch decor using lanterns and candles? Keep the pumpkins through Thanksgiving then swap them out for glittery ball ornaments or pine cones for Christmas and change the candles to red. I'm sold.

Side-note: No, I do not have a personal Pinterest page. I think I might be the only girl on the face of this planet that doesn't. Why you ask? To be honest, I've deliberately stayed away from the monster. Now I know all you Pinners are thinking I'm totally missing out but for my addictive personality, it screams "Stay the hell away!" I'm not saying it won't happen in the future but for now, I'll stick to browsing when I have a free minute.

Ok back to Lanterns...

Having a party? Lanterns are an easy decoration for table centerpieces and add a whimsical, glowing effect when you hang them from tree branches.

To add lanterns to your holiday decor repertoire, you can find the classic set of three at Pottery Barn. The initial purchase will set you back a little money but they are timeless accents that you'll be able to use for years to come.

If you're looking for smaller lanterns and don't want to spend a ton, I noticed on Tuesday that Ikea has out their small tea-light lanterns (available in white, chrome, black and red) for $3.99 in their holiday section.

FANCY FRIDAY

I was emailed this poem on Wednesday and I've read it over several times since then. It's funny how things fall into your lap when you're not looking but need them most. I am constantly struggling with "waiting" ie; being still and patiently allowing things to work in my life the way God has planned. I want to solve everything. Now. I want things to happen. Yesterday. I want to be in control. Of everything. But if I'm a true believer, I need to wait. I need to wait for the Lord to work miracles in life at the time He sees fit. Of course I still ask why - Why aren't you taking away the pain? Why are you watching me suffer? Why is this happening in my life? It is in those times, I lean on my faith for guidance, perspective and strength. And I wait. And He always provides.

WAIT

by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried; Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate...And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait? I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign, 
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe, we need but to ask, and we shall receive. And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate, as my Master replied again, "Wait." So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut, and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine...and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens and darken the sun. I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be. 
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me. You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint. You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
you'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me, when darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love, when the peace of my spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
but you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night, the faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
from an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
what it means that my grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
that the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And thought of my answers seem terribly late,
my most precious answer of all is still..."Wait."

FANCY FRIDAY

Gosh it feels like forever ago that I did a Fancy Friday post. Sorry. I know it's one of your favorite posts but I've been really trying to focus more on my family and being "present" with my kids. This entails not being glued to my computer. The result; less blogs but less stress. To refresh your memory; this post is about something that tickled my fancy (aka; to enjoy, adore or be satisfied by ) during the week.

Something this week that tickled my decor senses was Urban Outfitters online home catalog. Most of you know Urban Outfitters as a funky, trendy clothing store. What you might not know is they carry an extensive line of home decor products ranging from kitchen and bath accessories to bedding and furniture. Just like their clothing, Urban Outfitters offers a home line that is a collaboration of vintage, bohemian, retro, and hipster. Curious what that all means? Check out their website under 'Apartment' and the items will speak for themselves. You will be pleasantly surprised at all the eclectic pieces. They offer free returns and free shipping on orders over $50 everyday.

Some of my particular favorites:


Zig Zag Printed Rug $39-69 depending on size


Vintage Wood Calendar Chalkboard $49.00


Industrial Stencil Letter $8.00


Big Garden Printed Rug $34.00


Ziggy Chair $279 (comes in 6 different colors)

FANCY FRIDAY

Walking through Nordstrom, I laid eyes on a fall makeup palette that I will be splurging on. Did I really just say fall? Sadly yes. The makeup and fashion world already have their sights set on the season of autumn leaves and pumpkin pie.

From Ms. Bobbi Brown, the mistress of muted makeup, comes the new eight-piece Fall 2011 Tortoise Shell Collection with colors that look like they’ll be perfect to wear with cozy sweaters, tweed blazers, corduroy pants and knee-highs. Yep, we’re talking fall.

Inspired by her own tortoise shell glasses frames, Bobbi Brown has created this new Tortoise Shell Collection to complement glasses, not compete with them. I personally only wear my glasses when I'm sitting in my jammies feeding my reality show addiction, but I can see my self wearing the shades of bronze, gold and espresso.

Brown's two palettes serve up a mix of can't-fail neutrals and metallics that keep the focus on your eyes while still complementing your frames. And with a classic tortoise-shell exterior, this collection really is the best of all possible beauty worlds; stunning packaging on the outside, irresistible colors on the inside.

Tortoise Shell Bronze Eye Palette (left; $60.00 - Limited Edition)
A flattering collection of warm neutral makeup for medium to darker skin tones, this palette lets you go from soft to smoky in no time flat. The eight shadows in the Bronze Tortoise Shell Eye Palette are designed to be layered—there’s no blending required. Start with the lightest shade, then layer the darker shades until you get the desired intensity. Tortoise-shell glasses inspire the special limited-edition compact—Bobbi’s muse for this collection. Includes Banana Eyeshadow, Gold Nugget Sparkle Eyeshadow, Amber Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow, Copper Cocoa Shimmer Wash Eyeshadow, Tiger’s Eye Metallic Eyeshadow, Bronze Metallic Eyeshadow, Olive Sparkle Eyeshadow, Espresso Eyeshadow.

Tortoise Shell Sand Eye Palette (right; $60.00 - Limited Edition)A palette for lighter skin tones, with light to dark shadows in flattering warm neutrals. This collection lets you go from soft to smoky in no time flat. The eight shadows in the Sand Tortoise Shell Eye Palette are designed to be layered—there’s no blending required. Start with the lightest shade, then layer the darker shades until you get the desired intensity. Tortoise-shell glasses inspire the special limited-edition compact—Bobbi’s muse for this collection. Includes Ivory Eyeshadow, Gold Bar Sparkle Eyeshadow, Desert Sand Metallic Eyeshadow, Terracotta Eyeshadow, Antique Rose Eyeshadow, Hot Stone Eyeshadow, Sandy Rose Metallic Eyeshadow, Black Chocolate Eyeshadow.

Bobbi's tips on wearing makeup and glasses:

Less is absolutely more -- Wearing glasses draws attention to your eyes, so keep your eye makeup simple. Stick to neutral shades like Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, and save bold colors for your lips. Don't forget corrector and concealer - a must for all women, but especially if you are wearing glasses.

Eyeliner is essential -- Adjusting liner thickness is important when you're wearing glasses - if your frames are thick, apply a thicker line to the upper lash line so that eyes stand out. If your frames are thinner, a softer line works great.

Make sure the brows are defined -- Eyeglass frames draw attention to the brows, so be sure to keep your arches well groomed. Pluck or trim any scraggly hairs, and fill in holes or sparse spots with a brow pencil or powder shadow.

FANCY FRIDAY

Amidst a dinner conversation with some girlfriends the other night, a book was recommended that was relevant to the topic we were discussing. With our whirlwind summer trip just days away and no good book on the check-list of items to pack, I hurried over to Barnes and Noble today to pick up Shauna Niequist's "Cold Tangerines." Although intrigued by the title itself, I am anxious to learn how cold tangerines ties into the subtitle; "celebrating the extraordinary nature of everyday life."

Found in the "Religion/Spiritual" section of Barnes and Noble, "Cold Tangerines" is a shameless appeal for celebration. The chapters are her stories or "love letters" to her own quotidian life that she hopes might possibly unmask the tiny glimmers of hope and redemption masquerading as normal life if your own personal life. As the back of the books states, Shauna gives us room to breathe, to break down and break through, calling us to our best possible lives.

Although I am going to wait to start reading once I am lounging poolside without any kiddos or distractions around, I did skim through the Introduction. It was all I could do to put it down. I can already tell this book is going to speak to me in more ways than one. Amongst the busyness. The doom and gloom. The daily distractions of children. The internet. Our jobs. Everyday expectations, I am hopeful this book will remind me to slow down. To enjoy the people in my life. Stand in awe of God. Celebrate more. Be in the moment.

If you're looking for a good read this summer, I highly encourage you to read this book along with me. To give you a little taste before you rush out to buy, here is alittle snippet of the captivating Introduction that tickled my fancy this week:

"This book is a shameless appeal for celebration. I know that the world is several versions of mad right now. I know that pessimism and grimness sometimes seem like the only responsible choices. I wake up at night and think about pesticides and international politics and fundamentalism and disease and roadside bombs and the fact that one day my parents will die. I had a hard year this year, the hardest I've yet known. I worry about the world we're creating for my baby boy. I get the pessimism and the grimness.

And that's why I'm making a shameless appeal for celebration. Because I need to. I need optimism and celebration and hope in the face of violence and despair and anxiety. And because the other road is a dead end. Despair is a slow death, and a lifetime of anger is like a lifetime of hard drinking; it shows in your face and your eyes and your words even when you think it doesn't..."

Inspired already?? I am. Thanks Jodie and Marni for the recommendation!

Available at Barnes and Noble for $14.99 or Amazon has it on sale for $6.00. And if you like this book, I'm sure you'll love Shauna's most recent book, "Bittersweet; Thoughts on Change, Grace and Learning the Hard Way."

FANCY FRIDAY

Looking for cheap fun in the sun? My little sis mailed Chase this Beach Ball Sprinkler and he spent hours running through it this past week.

All you have to do is inflate the beach ball, hook it up to a hose, and then water flies out of four sprayers on the ball. Children can roll and chase the ball around on the grass or fill pouch in the bottom of the ball with water to keep it stationary.

For $10 at Walmart, this is a must-buy if you're looking for an activity to keep the kids cool and occupied on a hot summer day! Available at Amazon.com, Walmart and Target.

Have anything that tickled your fancy this week? We'd love to hear!!

FANCY FRIDAY

When it comes to finding the ultimate long-lasting, color building, eyeshadow that can work alone or as a base, it can be rather complex. Why? Because, there are so many eyeshadow products marketed to a standard, that simply make many promises they cannot keep nor they just cannot live up to. Christian Dior's Eye Show is different. I became hooked on this product after being stopped in my tracks by the sales women behind the Dior makeup counter at Nordstrom. Her eye makeup was A-mazing so I stopped to ask if she'd give me a makeup tutorial. She explained to me that the secret to long-lasting eye shadow is to apply a base. So before applying any shadow, she coated my lids with the Eye Show's "Undressed Beige/#622," a neutral peachy/beige that can be worn alone or as a base. Instantly, I saw a difference.

What sold me on this product is the soufflé texture that created a soft velvety powder effect on my lids. It acted as a color-building base as she applied it to my entire lid, making the shadow on top more vibrant. She also shared that to get an extra bright-eyed effect, to dot the color onto the inner corners of the eyes. Wow, my eyes came alive! So I bought it. Definitely 20 minutes and $32 well spent.

What I love about the Dior Eye Show is that it's long-lasting, blends effortlessly and is very wearable. Most of the time I steer away from all things shimmer but it's just the right amount. Plus I love that shimmer helps hide stray eyebrow hairs if I didn't have time to tweeze. This product's somewhat mousey,wet texture grips to the top shadow and prevents my shadow from ever creasing or fading and it has the ability to collaborate well with other shadow colors. My only beef with this product is that there are only a few colors available. But trust me, you can't go wrong with Undressed Beige.

If I didn't sell you hard enough on this, I did also read this last week on Glamour's website that a "super easy step to looking flawless fast" is to apply a shimmery eye base. They claim that to achieve pro-looking eye makeup in no time, you should apply a wash of sheer, shimmery cream shadow from lash lines to brow bones using your pointer finger. Tip: If your skin is fair, try a silvery white shade. For medium to dark skin tones, opt for a champagne color instead.