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New Years Res...
- 12/30/2008
I know, I know, everyone is doing either New Years Resolution posts or anti-New Years Resolution posts. But it does make me feel better to put my list out there. This way I'll have a record of it to check back on next year...
1. Instead of trying to lose weight, my new goal is to get healthier. And... instead of just having that vague goal though, I am going to pick small changeable specific steps I can take to approach that goal. Thing 1 is to get to the gym or otherwise get moving at least 3 times per week. I'm also keeping a food diary again. Other specifics that I will work on over time is - get 5 fruits/veggies per day, cut down on meat eating &/or add more lean protein, quit eating at a certain time of night, drink more water, add weight training or load bearing exercise, grow (& eat!) more of my own vegetables.
The list goes on but I am starting small with 3 times per week exercise & keeping a food journal for now. Once they become second nature I will add another change to make a habit.
2. I am going to focus on frugal fashion posts. I will be including the prices of what I find & where I things more often. I will be doing a lot of re-con & DIY. I have tons of reference for ideas for the coming year - stay tuned! I will also try to take more pics & have in general better photos of outfits & details.
3. I intend to migrate my blog to WordPress - I think that will be a big pain in the ass to do but I also think it will make blogging easier & more rewarding. There are so many things you can do in WordPress that Blogger just doesn't seem capable of. But anyway, that's a whole new ballgame - different server, more CSS to learn and so much more...
So, I think that's it for now. Health needs to become a priority & I want to continue to make this blog better & more useful to everyone out there who reads it!Labels: Life
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Fashion Coma
- 12/29/2008
 I'm just now beginning to come out of the fashion coma I've been in, pretty much since my company got here for the holidays.
I have been so brain-dead & focused on hanging out with the fam, that I managed to wear the same t-shirt & jeans about 4 days in a row. Then, when I took my dad to lunch yesterday, I changed my shirt (see right). Today I changed into an entirely new outfit - new jeans, new black tee, new flats. Yes, I've just been bursting with creativity - not!
So, I think I can finally drum up some enthusiasm for the wardrobe & the new things I've gotten over the break. Expect big things! OK, don't, then you won't be let down LOL.
P.S. I've been just as bad about housekeeping-up and other things :)Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Post-Christmas Shopping!
- 12/26/2008
OK, this is the last post re: Christmas, I swear!
We went to the after-Christmas sales this morning - it's a tradition we don't miss.
So, here is a photo-heavy, content-light post:
Wearables
DKNY Pure scarf tube
Unisa heels, purple scarf, 2 pins
Christmas decor:
The newest is the tallest green tree. It's gigantic!
Black ornaments, giant pewter disco ornament, gift bags & colorful wrapping paper. Black Christmas here I come (next year)!
 Housewares:
Hand towels & lots'o mugs. I always stock up after Christmas for the rest of the year.
I hope you had lots of luck at the sales if you dared to venture out. It wasn't as scary this year crowd-wise, I'm assuming due to the economy. I know I watched what I spent, for sure. Here's to a happy (and hopefully recovering) New Year! Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Merry Christmas to All!
- 12/24/2008
I just want to take this opportunity to say that I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!
I am on overload (always happens this time of year) and am glad Christmas Eve is finally here. I hope you enjoy yours!
Me & mine are planning to make a sampling of appetizers for our Christmas Eve feast - easy & yummy. Then tomorrow starts the real festivities with the present opening & the traditional Christmas dinner. Yay! I even made a french chocolate cake I've not made before - can't wait to crack into that.
Anyway, I hope you all have wonderful plans & if not, enjoy your alone time. I know I don't get nearly enough of that myself :)
Again, have a wonderful holiday & as always, thanks for reading my lowly blog :)Labels: Life
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Quickie Product Reviews
- 12/22/2008
Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow
I found these by spotting the "Last Chance" tag underneath their cubby. I had no idea Wet n Wild made such a product. There is a pencil on one end and a mascara-like substance on the other end. I've asked at Walgreens before if they sold anything like a mascara but for eyebrows and the answer was always 'no'. Well, temporarily they do, until they dissappear. Which they have because I bought them all out - of that store anyway. They also have a darker brown, which I bought one of to try. It works on me but not as well as the lighter so there is a lone dark brown left at the Walgreens on Pine Ridge Road.
I thought I would be driving all over trying to get the rest in my color. They work really well & give me a more casual, not as 'done' look. But the truth is that it takes just as long to apply as my powder. I always thought it would be like, slick and it's on. But it still takes a steady hand because it is easy to make a mess with.
Overall rating - 4/5. I do wish it were quicker/easier to apply since I thought it would be a real time save. However, I think it gives me a less 'done' look & I don't want to look like I tried too hard EVERY day.
 Cover Girl Smoothers - IlluminatorNice but not quite what I was hoping. However, anything that is supposed to cover my undereye circles is never quite what I was hoping. It covers a little, does that illuminator thing do distract (I guess) from the purple undereye issue. It is rather thin & light colored though - even for me who is a step darker than an albino. So it kind of gives me raccoon eyes for a bit in the morning and then disappears when I touch it.
Overall - 3/5, just because I like that it goes on quickly. I don't have to smudge it much, just tap with my finger to blend a tiny bit.
 Revlon ColorStay Mineral Eye Shadow
Nice & stays on for a long time. Very sparkly, good colors for us pale girls.
4/5 but not because it's mineral - I don't even notice that. I like the color palette a lot & that it stays on well.
Labels: Beauty and Makeup
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Did You Get Your Tickets?
- 12/19/2008
To the gun show? (Exposing biceps here...) We did. My family is in town & my dad has always been a hard core outdoorsman - hunting, fishing & trapping have been or are huge hobbies. Not just for the sport, mind you, also as a practical measure - he uses every little bit of the meat from the animal. At least he's not wasteful. And you have no idea how healthy venison is for you - it's totally free range! Side note: Strangely enough, even though I grew up around that & never batted an eye, I'm still a little grossed out about wearing fur - but lately I've been lusting on the goods over on The Glamorai's blog - she really does it up fabulously! So, we heard there was a gun show & we decided to go. Not my usual cup of tea of course but I love to spend time with my dad when I get the chance. Here is my adorable nephew before we left. Isn't he the cutest? FYI, he also might be the sassiest as well... Below is the only photo I got to take at the show. There was a sign up that said "No Photos" so I didn't chance it even though there were a few things that delighted me. Overall, just the different types of people that were there was interesting. There were also a few things I would have liked to pick up & work into outfits - some interesting netted jackets, wool sweaters, etc... So, outside the venue this biker was on his cell phone. I had to take a pic - I really like the simple lines & subtle colors of his outfit. The chain and the mohawked skull were cool touches too - not too overboard. I really think you can take inspiration from anywhere. And of course - I don't believe there is any occasion that I will not turn into an opportunity to shop. We came to this table manned by an old lady. A little sign on her table read "Old lady needs money & AK-47". And my nephew announced, "This is Aunt Amy's section!" She had quite a bit of jewelry spread out & I found this gem:
It's just a pewter colored box chain with a giant gold bauble as a pendant. I can't wait to work it in some new outfits layered with other statement necklaces. Well, that's the wrap up. It was a fun day out & afterwards we did another of Dad's favorite things - we went to an all-you-can-eat buffet. I'm already craving exercise and vegetables :) Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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It's in the Details
- 12/18/2008
When I photographed this outfit - chosen for comfiness on a Friday - I thought it ended up looking kind of boring. But I realized that there were lots of cool details that made me smile & weren't as apparent at first glance so I thought I'd share. Here's the outfit:
And here are the details:
 These are crazy socks from Betsey Johnson. Bright pink & with nutty fishnet action in the back.
 This is the whole mess - Walmart necklace (my new favorite) & rings courtesy of Grandma and Target.
So there it is - the happy is in the details sometimes....Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Four Dollar Fun
- 12/17/2008
I went on a total binge at Joanns Fabric Store in the jewelry section. I went for 3 things & came out with way more than that. I chose to return everything that was surplus with the exception of this jewelry chain. It ended up being really fun & versatile & only cost $4. I can always make something "real" with it later but for now it's been really fun trying it out different ways. Check it out below:
You can barely see but in this photo I have it on as a tightly layered necklace.
   And this is the package in case anyone wants to follow suit. It really is the simple things, isn't it? Labels: Crafting and Creating
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New 'Do
- 12/16/2008
So, I let my hair guy get a little out of hand with the layers. Note to self... Not quite so many layers next time.
So, right now I think I resemble a celebrity. Here's my current style:
And here's who it reminds me of...
 Funny? Yes. Attractive? Mer...* *I'm actually just having a bit of fun with myself. I'm not one of those girls that cry when they're hair gets a tiny bit butchered. It'll grow back & in the meantime I'll learn new & interesting ways to style it. So there. Labels: Beauty and Makeup
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DIY Pearl & Velvet Ribbon Necklace
- 12/15/2008
I saw this necklace in the Spiegel catalogue and really liked how sculptural & rich it looked. My next thought was "heh, I think I can make that." The end result is pictured below:
Below are the supplies: darning needle, thread (I used a slightly thicker thread than I use on my sewing machine), really big faux pearls and black velvet ribbon about the same width as the pearls.
 You'll want to make sure that the darning needle is small enough to go through your beads:
 I started by knotting my thread to itself so I was sewing with a big loop with a knot on the end. I picked where to start adding the pearls & sewed through the velvet - obviously the knot anchored the thread to the ribbon. Then I sewed through the first pearl and out the other side through the velvet. I made sure to line up the velvet the way I wanted it to wrap around the bead.
 Here's a tip - you can buy these little rubber pads at the craft store in case you're having a problem pulling the needle through, like if you're hands are sliding on the needle:
 Then you really just continue threading through the velvet, the bead, the velvet, the bead, etc... Just try to keep it consistent by constantly tightening the thread to check your work. You don't have to do it as tightly as I did - I saw some other cool renditions of this at Target where they used a satin ribbon & a looser weave. It was another interesting look. They had done it with a bracelet as well & the pearls went all the way around. This could be accomplished by using stretchy thread so it can slide over the hand without a closure. Labels: Crafting and Creating, Tutorials
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The Perfect Dress!
- 12/12/2008
 I think this might be the ultimate dress! Even though I'm totally anti-social & am relieved that we don't have too many holiday gatherings this year, I am at the same time almost regretful. (Almost - I am after all very, very anti-social. Here's how anti-social: If I weren't married I'd probably live in an apartment with 72 cats.)
If we had more dinners & parties, I could wear this dress a multitude of ways. I can see it classic (as shown but with pearls), slightly casual with a black turtleneck underneath & boots, glammed up with a cropped fur, worn as a skirt with a cashmere grey sweater over top. The options are really endless.
I found it on the clearance rack at Marshalls. I've actually come across this same dress in a rather bold geometric print in purple, green and yellow. I wanted it then but decided it was too much to pay since it was too loud to be worn over & over again. When I saw this one I didn't hesitate. It's my favorite color scheme. The print is classic & fairly subtle (for animal print anyway). I didn't even try it on - what luck it fit so well!
It's a Tahari & the original price was $358 but I only spent $49! Eeeeek. Now, just for the record, that is a huge splurge for me. I try not to spend over $20 on a dress and even then I must love it. So, I do love this one & it is extremely versatile. Now, if I weren't afraid of snagging the shiny jersey, I could wear it every day.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Review: Milani Eyebrow Kit
- 12/11/2008
 I am in lust with this little kit! As you may know from reading this blog - I use powder to define my brows, or else you just don't see them. So, while I was in the K to the Mart shopping for double coupon deals I came across this & did a happy dance. No, there was no coupon but I bought it anyway - I'm a sucker for trying new cosmetics, especially all-in-ones as cute as this one.
I am so loving how it has the mini tweezers as well as the sponge tip applicator (for the highlighter) & the slanted brush (of course). And... they're all tucked in a little holder that swings out to show a tiny mirror behind.
I'm also really liking that they threw in a highlighter. Great idea! It's a wonderful way to brighten the eyes & look younger.
I do wish I could replace their 2 powder colors with the one I use that is perfect for me. But, the darker color defines crisply and the two mixed are pretty close to my usual. I haven't tried the lighter color on its own yet, but it something to consider. I think this is a great kit to keep in your purse or for travel. The one thing I am missing is a diminutive eyebrow grooming brush but I guess you just can't have it all. Sigh... 
Sorry, I couldn't find it on Amazon so I could provde link, but like I said, you can get it at Kmart if you're digging it too.Labels: Beauty and Makeup
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A Hat Moment
- 12/10/2008
I seem to be having a bit of a hat moment. Explanation follows.
Exhibit A: I've been cleaning out my closets looking for things to get rid of, thus discovering things I've forgotten. Below, the rust colored velvet hat from DKNY (I used to work there.) I wore that outfit to have dinner & drinks with friends, plus of course my still favorite jacket. Also, note the perfectly matching shoes - another pre-christmas find - Sofft maryjane suede flats for $15!  Exhibit B: It's all wintery out. Alright, not all that bad since I live in Florida, but truthfully, the air has bite to it lately & hats make me think: cozy, comfy, warm. The one below is a simple black linen one from the Gap. (I worked there too LOL.)  Exhibit C: The Glamorai. Can she BE any cuter? Now I want her furs & her knit hat! Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Weight View
- 12/09/2008
 I discovered this way interesting website in some magazine I was reading. Probably Self or Shape - those are the fitness/health mags I read, other than Weight Watchers.
So, the site is WeightView & you can submit a photo of yourself - within 24-48 hours they send you a link back so you can see what you would look like at your ideal weight. The photo at left is the one I submitted - admittedly one of my least flattering lately. And here is the link to my results! I have to admit the results are totally inspiring to me. I am going to try really hard to maintain my weight over the holidays. (Easier said than done I'm afraid. My dad & his girlfriend are coming to stay for a while & they always make all my favorites & I always get to try new recipes on them as well.) So, anyway, back to the plan - I will try to maintain over the holidays and then come the new year implement a three day minimum at the gym plus make healthy eating choices. Wish my luck! Labels: Weight Loss and Fitness
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Kmart Double Coupon Finds
- 12/08/2008
 So, Kmart had double coupons this past week. And I figured I'd show off what I ended up with for myself.
The things in this pic totalled $18.13 and the coupons added up to a discount of just over $30.
Next time this is happening I'll give you a heads up so you can cash in too! I'm amazed this worked so well.
P.S. I'll be doing reviews on the mineral eye shadow in a later post, as well as some non-sale things I picked up.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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New Items in the Store - Perfect for Gifties!
- 12/07/2008
I just added 3 new bags to my listings. I was going to wait & do a cool "holiday" post, since 2 of these bags are in very festive colors plus I've got another Dooney in green & a Franco Sarto in red that came out of my own closet that will be going up. But... the truth is that this is it. I am running out of time today & this is all you get. Which isn't too say you're not getting a lot. These bags are top of the line & really are good deals according to their MSRPs.
Here's an awesome Dooney & Bourke that I tried putting all my stuff in. I really liked it but I think it's better to share the handbag love. I am truly not handbag needy. Someone else out there might be & maybe their wonderful husband/boytoy will get this for them. One can only hope to spread it around! Anyway it is listing #270314524961 - these are so fresh that the links aren't even really up yet on my "other listings" page.
 A Cole Haan satchel in green leather (cheerful!) and natural canvas. Love the woven panel on the front. Listing #270314511884. Jolly color scheme so far, huh?
 This one is a really cool slouchy boho type tonal suede bag from Lucky Brand. Ni-ice! Auction #270314518326.
  Well, I hope you see something you like. If not, thanks for visiting anyway. I will be posting for the next week or so but my family will be in town, so I will most likely be a little scarce. Please have a wonderful holiday. Enjoy & stay safe! Labels: MissAmy's Shop
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New Squidoo Lens - Helpful Internet Resources
- 12/06/2008
 Hi all! Just want to let you know that I've started a new lens packed full of money saving & helpful hint goodness. I will be adding new goodies to it occasionally, so stay tuned! As of now there are two sections - one for grocery shopping, coupons, rebates, etc... and one for going green & helpful stuff for that. There are more to come - teaser alert: frugal fashion shopping and more!
I also added a tiny update to my Clothing Cleaning and Upkeep lens - a wine stain remover available at Amazon. So swing by there too if you think you could use the info.Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Pre-Christmas Tips
- 12/05/2008
I noted a few things while I was doing the whole Christmas thing this weekend - the wrapping, the decorating, etc... And I thought I would share, in case my ideas might help someone else.
1. While wrapping presents, make a list of how many & what kind of batteries you will need come Christmas morning. This way you can purchase them ahead in an orderly manner.
2. Once a wrapping paper roll is empty, re-use it by making a cut up one side & then clamping it around an open roll so it holds the paper on the roll. See photo:
 3. Include your appliances in the holiday fun. Can you spot the DirtDevil in this photo?
 Labels: Interior Design and Organization
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Christmas Shopping Plunder!
- 12/04/2008
So, as I was shopping for everyone else, I ended up way more than splurging on myself. Painful, but true. I spent way, way, way more on myself than I should have. I should really be banned from stores for my own good.
Anyway, here is some of the goodness that I pounced on. Here are the skinny jeans I got to remove from my fall wishlist. I'll probably end up hemming them but they were kind of perfect with these tall heels. The bag is Franco Sarto & a gorgeous lipstick red color & super supple leather. Smashing!
Snagged this beautiful bright orange jacket. There was a similar one in grey that I almost got as well but I chose this one since the color makes such a statement.
This is a cool bag from Liz Claiborne that may be up on ebay soon. I love it but I totally forgot that deep purses don't do it for me & I already have soooo many totes that I rarely get to use. I'm not sure yet of course... It's such a gorgeous saturated color of rasberry. Maybe I'll give a couple old ones away so I can justify keeping it.
On top of all this I scored the Betsy Johnson studded belt I posted about the other day. And the tights I wore with it - another wish of the list.
The super bonus was that all this was a total steal since all on clearance was 25% off the day I was there. wheeee!!!Labels: Shopping and Fashion
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Christmas 2008 Decor
- 12/03/2008
 I got out the tree & the wrapping paper this weekend. Actually, I'll fess up - I couldn't even wait till Thanksgiving weekend! I got it all out a few nights before & started in to it.
Anyway, here are photos of my dark Christmas decor. Disclaimer: I really didn't find enough black/dark ornaments last year & even though I filled in with black & silver bows, it still looks pretty slim. Plus I forgot to photograph the tree with the awesome tree skirt - black velvet with a black beaded tree. So, these actually look pretty skimpy to my eye. Thus, I'll have even more fun during after Christmas shopping - I'll be looking for more black and probably a tree with white lights!
So, here is some eye candy:
 
Labels: Interior Design and Organization, Life
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Sequin Bracelet Tutorial
- 12/02/2008
 Over the extended weekend I had so much time to actually do some things I've been planning forever. I got a couple pairs of pants hemmed, some buttons/clasps sewn on. I pestered my husband into putting up the new drapes I got for our bedroom. I put up the tree, wrapped the presents, got the holiday cards done. I'm also planning on making my own clothing detergent. (I'll let you know how it goes!)
Anyway, one of the DIY things I've been wanting to try this quick bracelet idea I had which was inspired by a couple shirts with sequin trim that I haven't been wearing.
While I was out shopping for Christmas presents I kept an eye out for cheap plastic bangle bracelets. I scored at the Target dollar area. I found blue leopard print and red glittery.
So, I gathered my supplies: sequin trimmed shirt, glue, plastic bangle bracelets, scissors.
 Then, I cut the sequin trim as close to the edge as I could without snipping any of the treading that holds them to the material.  Once the trim was off, I cut carefully at the seam so the sequin trim is in a long strip. Then, I used the glue to adhere it to the bracelet, pressing down as I went. Once the sequin strip is around the bracelet one whole time I carefully lined it up & cut it so that the ends met perfectly. I reinforced the seam where they met with extra glue underneath. Also, I ran more glue around each edge so the sequin strip wasn't loose at all - no floppy edges!
 And then, ta-da! Behold, super cute bangle bracelet with a do-it-yourself bent:
Depending on how wide your sequin strips and bangles are you will get either a solid look (like the one above) or a cool tone on tone or contrasting look (like the blue & coral bracelet in the photo at the top of this post). So, that's it. DIY doesn't have to be complicated to be fun & sassy!Labels: Crafting and Creating, Tutorials
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Stud Crazy!
- 12/01/2008
 While shopping for Christmas presents I came across this belt by Betsey Johnson. I've thought about getting it before when I had seen the purple version but I wasn't so hot on it. But... this time it was in bright aqua! Yeah! I so dig it - it's reversible with a black belt on the other side. And I totally love the buckle - mm-mm studs.
Then, while continuing the shopfest at Target, I found the pink studded ring along with these super cute chunky bangles that coordinate. I haven't been much of a costume jewelry fan since high school but I am coming around!
I worked them with a monotone outfit so they wouldn't overwhelm. Anyway, that part one of the Christmas shopping plunder. More to come, stay tuned...
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