Black Friday finds

Did you Black Friday shop?

I did, kinda, in my own unique way!

On Thanksgiving night I had to work and due to traffic out at the time I go home, I didn't get home until 11.  Hubby and I thought it would be fun to go see how crazy people would get, especially since we weren't out to shop, we just weren't tired and ready for bed.  So we went to Kohls (they had sent a free $10 out to us in the mail) and stood in line with the people who were ready to run and got a good laugh as people ran through the store to get their items.  I still don't know what Kohls best item that night was.

We then walked over to Walmart to see how trashed the store was.  We found people in line out the store waiting for a TV.  It was cold and funny to see them waiting esp when hubby searched for the TV on his phone and found it available online.

I did get 2 items on Black Friday:

(the top DVD for the year, the newest Disney princess and all for a mere $10)

and this from Kohls when I went at a normal time on that Friday (with a free $10 off and coupons it came to a mere $5):

I do owe my sister a big thank you for the DVD as it was she who charged stores to find things starting on that Thanksgiving night.  I hear she did pretty good.

What was your best deal?

31 while 31 update

So my list that I compiled on my birthday is getting checked off as the months quickly go away.  Its kinda fun to see how many goals I'm meeting :)

31 things while 31

1)  Go to the Lake of the Ozarks - completed October 7

2)  Apply for my first passport

3)  Travel out of the country

4)  Read half of the books on my goodreads list

5)  Scrapbook our Memphis and Disney trips

6)  Go camping

7)  Try something new or do something I haven't done in a long time

8)  Take hubby skiing for the first time - booked October 2012 for January 2013

9)  Buy a new car

10)  Lose some pounds and maintain

11)  See a show at the Fox

12)  Run/walk in some run that will be in St. Louis this year

13)  Go to a Rams game

14)  Clean the house once a month

15)  Get my own classroom again

16)  Clean out my friends list on facebook

17)  Visit Hermann, MO

18)  Go to an adults only Halloween party - completed Oct 2012

19)  Ring in 2013 in style!

20)  Buy something just because

21)  Own a designer purse - completed Oct 2012

22)  Repaint a room in my condo

23)  Visit a new home community just to see the show house

24)  Buy a pair of heels

25)  Combine all accounts

26)  Attend a cooking class

27)  Have a spa day

28)  Make homemade bread...from scratch

29)  Attend my workout classes but in the morning

30)  Eat a cupcake from Jilly's Cupcake bar or The Cup

31)  Make myself happy before everyone else.

Book Club Friday

This week I'm reviewing:

Goodreads says:

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.  Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.  Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

My review:

I am actually kinda bummed that the series is over.

People gave me issues for wanting to read the series.  But then others wanted to know how the books really were.  All I can say is that you really do need to read them.  They really evolve from the 1st to the 3rd book and it does show you that change can happen.  I'm not happy that it ends abruptly.  I do hope that the author continues their story with more books because as she wrote, "this is the end...for now."

I can also maybe see them making a movie out of it.  And I can also see my favorite

playing the lead role of Mr. Christian Grey.  However I haven't thought of the perfect leading lady for the role of Ana.  Any ideas??

I gave this book 4 stars on my Goodreads list.

What are you reading this week?

This weekend I...

...went to Cabellas for a few Christmas presents and got excited to see them preparing their winter scene.  I'm getting quite excited for January!

...had a modified GNI on Friday night.  Since many girls decided not to come for various reasons, we included significant others this time and it was a great time.  A little mexican night goes a long way!  3 little ladies also made an appearance with the adults and one found herself in my arms almost the entire night:

...went to karaoke for the first time in a long time!  When I met my hubby that was his thing to do and I think we got burnt out and we backed away for awhile.  Went on Friday night for my sister in law's birthday and it was quite fun with the group we had.  Sang a little Journey and a little Katy Perry for the first time"

 

...went to see the Arch Rival Roller Girls to cheer on one of hubby's coworkers, better known as Lady MacDeath.  Quite interesting, nothing like the movie Whip It.

...went to a Send Off party for a friend's kid who is leaving for the Army on Tuesday.  He will do great in it and he is pretty excited to go.  Not sure when he's going to return back to St. Louis but we wish you all the best John!

...found out that this cutie went to our property for the first time.  I tell ya, he just keeps getting cuter and cuter:

How was your weekend?

Sunday Social

Perfect topic for the season: Thanksgiving!

1)  Favorite Thanksgiving memory

Any of the Thanksgivings where my entire family is together celebrating.

2)  Favorite Thanksgiving food

I think its a toss up between green bean casserole and apple pie for dessert!

  

3)  What is a Thanksgiving tradition you and your family have?

We wake up and quickly turn on the Macy's parade

Then after the day's celebrations, we set up the Christmas tree to finish out the weekend.  Not a moment before!

4)  Show us a favorite Thanksgiving picture from years past:

My niece was born 5 days before Turkey day of 2008 and we went down Turkey weekend to meet her for the first time.  She is the highlight of every Thanksgiving holiday and kicks off the season :)

5)  What are you most looking forward to this Thanksgiving?

Food and family and setting up my Christmas tree that weekend as well.  Its just a feel-good weekend all around.

Lemp Halloween Bash

Trick or Treat

Smell my feet

Give me something good to eat

at the Lemp Mansion!

This year we decided to finally join a few friends at the Lemp Mansion Halloween Bash.  The Lemp is one of the most haunted places in Missouri and with my hubby loving every type of aspect of that, he was eager to check it out.

We went as Tinkerbell and the Pirate:

The party was both inside the mansion and outside with at least 3 bands, unlimited alcohol, witch's brew special drink and food scattered around the various rooms.  Someone who has been going to this party neglected to tell us that we'd be outside majority of the time and I literally froze until my pirate hiked to our car and got me my coat.

Jeff went as a zombie confederate soldier, and Ryan, well I have no clue exactly what he was:

It was fun for something to do for Halloween and something new.  I would have planned my outfit to fit the weather more if I knew we were going to be outside but I did my best.  But if we go again, I know better for next time.

But I do have to say I was a pretty cute Tinkerbell::

Book Club Friday

This week I'm reviewing:

Goodreads says:

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My review:

I was eager to read the 2nd book after finishing the 1st and now I'm eager to read the 3rd book.  I was very curious how they were going to take the storyline and I love how the author relaxed from the first.  Ana becomes a constant in Christian's life which starts to ease his pain from the past and open up their future.

I gave it 4 stars on my Goodreads list.

The 3rd one is ready for me to pick up at the library - I can't wait to finish out the series.

What are you reading this week?

Caine's Arcade

Have you gone to Caine's Arcade?

If I lived closer, I would visit.  He is such a creative child and so positive that I wish everyone had his inspiration.

Way to go Caine!

Thanks to Heather @ From here to there for her blog post about this imaginative kid.

Goes to show that you don't need a lot to make someone happy!

Drumroll please...

By far the best decision made last night was...

WE ARE GETTING A NEW PATIO!

The decision was last night (how convenient to hold it on a big decision day) at the condo association meeting.  After 7 years of the iron being broken and the patio really not as stable as it should be, they are finally putting our condo fees to good use and we get a new patio in 2013.  Hubby also made some other valid points in regards to our condo that they are going to look into so we'll see what happens.

Funny how old man below didn't attend the mtg.  He's going to be very upset when they have to use his patio to get to my patio.  Oh well!  He will just have to get over it!!

When they start the work I'll do a before and after picture but yay I'm sooo excited!

PS - I bet you thought I was going to post about the election.  Sorry, not turning this blog into a political one.  We all have our own opinions and respects as to what happened and I don't really want to get into all that.

Election Day 2012

Today is the day your voice can be heard.

Please go and be pro-active and get one of these:

Republican, Democrat, Green Party, Independent - doesn't matter, just go vote.  You will have your reasons for who you voted for as I will have mine and I will respect yours if you respect mine.

Because if you don't, then honestly you have no place to complain the next 4 years.

Good luck to Romney and Obama.  May the best candidate win.

Tuesday Topics

I'm very excited that Lauren & Tiffany are continuing their awesome link ups on Tuesday with a new series aptly entitled:

This week's topic is:

10 Things You Would Do with a Million Dollars

1)  Sell my condo so I could buy a house

2) Upgrade my car

I would get this in the Polished Metal or Urban Titanium color

3)  Go crazy on a shopping spree

Just to be able to buy whatever, sure why not!

4)  Buy a vacation condo at the Lake

Who wouldn't want to escape to this?

5)  Donate to cancer research

Eventually there will be a cure!

6)  Travel out of the country

Never have been, hope to go one day!

7)  Hire a maid

Everyone needs work, why not hire a maid that way my work gets done and someone is still employed?

8)  Buy all the Disney movies

9)  Replace all my appliances with stainless steel ones

10)  Invest so I can retire with the one I love.

Easy Off

Within the past two weeks I have been trying to be more proactive in cleaning our condo.

Especially the areas that haven't been touched in eons, which would include above the cabinets that are decorated with wine bottles and vines and our not-self cleaning oven.  Hubby moved in the condo in 2005 and being your typical male, never touched anything in terms of cleaning things like that.  I moved in 2008/2009 and did my best to do it but really tackled it as of late.  I got the cabinets done with no problem (thank god I'm not allergic to dust) and then decided it was time to tackle this:

A friend recommended I use Easy Off on the mess:

as that's what she used on hers before she moved.  I figured why not, bought a can and sprayed it to let it sit all day.  I sprayed it again before I went to work to let it sit all night then made hubby do the dirty work the next night after it had sat awhile (hey its only fair as the build-up was half his!) and the end result:

It's like a whole new appliance!  I am soo happy with the end result, its amazing.

So if you're looking for something that works, try Easy Off.  You won't be disappointed!

All opinions are my own - I simply wanted to share a success in cleaning with a product and was not paid or anything by the Easy Off company.

Sunday Social

Who's ready for a little social??

1) What is currently on your wish list?
Hmm well now that I got this new Coach purse I have been thinking about getting me a matching wallet.  My wallet now is thick and I wonder if a slimmer one wouldn't make it as heavy.


2)  Share a new phone, android, ipad app you have recently discovered that we all need
Funny story - my new android (as in not even a year old) decide it didn't like its original battery and literally hit the fan the other day.  Hubby makes me switch to his other android while he replaces things on mine.  I get use to it and download Sudoku Free and Sudoku Color and now I'm addicted!


3)  What is a new fall show you have added to your DVR?
My DVR is a piece of s%^t.  No joke.  Hubby tried to fix it and well its not doing so hot.  So catching up on shows has been rough, however I am in love with Nashville


4)  Share your social media links for us to follow you on - tell us your favorite and why.
I am private on all my accounts because I am a teacher.  I am on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Yelp, Goodreads, MyFitnessPal, Sparkpeople and Blogger.  If you wish to follow me on any of those, leave me a comment and I'll send you the link to it.  Just to be safe!

5)  What is a tv series or movie or song you could listen to or watch over and over and over and never get tired of?
I heard this song today and realized that I love it everytime I hear it!

Happy November!

I cannot believe that its November already!

The start of the holidays is officially here.

For us, November is one of our busy months.  We always travel north of Kansas City for my niece's birthday party, which always kicks off the Christmas season as their town hosts a Christmas celebration that same weekend.  We have two Turkey celebrations and the weekend of Thanksgiving we put the Christmas tree up.

I can also honestly say I think all my Christmas shopping will be done early.  I've actually already started and I could get it all done now but I don't have anywhere to put anything until I put the tree up.

Happy November!!

Book Club Friday

This week I am reviewing:

Goodreads says:

Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless.  They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history.  She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia.  But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance.  Maybe everything happens for a reason.  And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back.  But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town.  On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone.  Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future

I say:

Go read this book...like now!  It was very good - I could not put it down.  Everyone knows of southern families and the way they were raised, especially if you are a southern family of money.  Take that, a love triangle, etc and you've got a great book that you won't want to let pass you by.  It will shock you in many ways.

I gave it 4 stars on my Goodreads list.

What are you reading this week?

It's OK Thursday

It's OK

...that while you are reading this, I'm back in the classroom - I finally got my first subbing job so let's hope this all turns into something big!

...that I wish Missouri had 4 seasons (summer, spring, winter, fall) instead of 2 (summer and winter).  I hate going from hot hot to freezing cold.

...to wonder exactly how I'm going to do back to back jobs again.  I did it years ago, we'll see if I can still do it now.

...to want to be lazy but know I can't be!

...to hope that I didn't get schedule for another night this week because I haven't had a break, not to mention I don't ever see my husband unless I'm off.

...to want a cook...and a maid.

...to need to catch up on blog posts big time.

...to just want to read all day but know that I can't (darn you library, you keep getting all my books faster than I can read them!)

...to not enjoy the morning workout classes as much as the night classes

What are you OK with today?