currently craving "summer comfort"

Throughout the school year, I am the fashionable teacher, but during the summer, I add comfort to the mix, and this summer is going to be no different. I snagged these items from Old Navy, and every piece offers the kind of comfort that summers are made for. I plan to spend my early summer evenings in these wearing these tops, these soft pants, and chambray bomber (my favorite), made especially for those movies at the park!

A night on the town... what's that?

When was the last time you got all dolled/ dressed up to enjoy a night on the town? If you are like me moments like these have to be in perfect alignment with the universe, which for me means two things: 1. my husband can take off from work and 2. we have a babysitter. So I am happy to report that universe agreed that I needed some joie de vivre (vocab. word) because I had a fabulous weekend. So here's how it went down! A big S/O to my SIL for babysitting the little one!

My Look!

Shop My Look for the Night!
Collarless Blazer Target (similar)| Jumpsuit #Lillyfortarget (similar)| Clutch Charming Charlie|
Antonio Melani Dress Sandal Dillards
Jewelry was added for effect.
Shop the look.

The Event

Friday night, my husband and I went to see the Seriously Funny Kevin Hart, and he really is funny. I laughed so much that my side and my stomach hurt. Kevin really is talented, and his passion for making people is apparent. From the time Kevin "jumped" on stage until he left, he gave the audience a show. The show was so good, I found myself thinking I hope this show isn't going to be short (no pun intended, ha), but Kevin took his time and gave every one there what they paid for- a night full of laughter. I must say that if you ever get the chance to see Kevin, go! He is well worth it!

The After Party

After the show was the after party, but not just any party. It was an AKA party at 1705 Prime, a wonderful venue, and it was just what we needed. I love to dance (hubby- not so much), but because we never get the chance to go out and have a good time (appropriate fun) with other people our age, the timing was perfect, and plus it was for a good cause- supporting the communities of Eastern Wake. Needless to say, we had a ball, and yes, I did dance (hubby too). We went there intending to just "check it out", but what ended up happening was us staying long enough to "shut the place down"! It was a good night. By the way, if you are looking for a place to have an event, try 1705 Prime, it's perfect!

The Matinee

On Saturday, we were up and at it again, but this time it was to see our favorite group of people, The Avengers. I have to tell you that waiting for a new Marvel movie: The Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man, or Thor is torture. I love these heroes separately, but when they are together, it is all I can do to contain my excitement, The Avengers: The Age of Ultron was worth the wait. Plus, I got to see it in 3-D (my 1st 3-D experience), which is the only way I plan to see any of these super heroes in action in the future. So if you haven't seen The Age of Ultron yet, get off your caboose and go check it out. You will not be disappointed! 

We had an amazing weekend. I hope the next one is not going to be a long time coming 'cause I could get used to actually enjoying life!

The Couple

Mr+Mrs

My Kinda Motivational Monday- Target Deals

Accessories

Save 20% on Scarves & Handbags

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5 on Friday

What I Loved Most About This Week...

1. My Favorite Look: I went out to celebrate one of my favorite ladies for her birthday, and this was my outfit for the night. I love the white blazer (Target), my Steve Madden pumps (NordstromRack), and my pink clutch (Charming Charlie). 

2. My Favorite Find/Link www.shoes.com

Shoes.com has every style of shoe and 100's of brands you're looking for. Not only do they have free shipping and free returns, they have the PayMyWay option. So what that means for you is that you can pay for your shoes over the course of 3-12 months with your credit card. So my advice to you is to stock up on those sandals you've been eyeing in every color, and spread the payment.

Splendid Crete Sandal

3. Favorite Transformation Photos: 

Tamia got her hair done by a professional for the first time this week and WOW, what a difference. Thanks a million Toria of Hair Essentials for beautifying my princess!

Before: Wash and Go Hair

After: Shampoo and Blowout

4. Favorite Thought: I got this from my Oprah and Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience, and it has really stuck with me. Got to love to be okay with being imperfect! Namaste.

5. Favorite Laugh:

I have loved  Sean Hayes since Will and Grace, and years later, he's still making me laugh. Get Ready for Trouble!

Well, I'm headed to Charlotte 49er Nation to visit my Big Girl! Can't wait to see her; we are so excited! What are your plans for the weekend?

wishful wednesday

What every woman needs this Spring

Shop these items

wishful wednesday by whileiwasbusythinking featuring slip on shoes

monday+snow=madness

I couldn't resist a post about the impending snow madness that is about to take place in NC. Schools are closing early, the roads have been treated, and without a doubt the stores have been emptied of their supply of milk, eggs, and bread (can't have snow without 'em). Hopefully, we all learned from last year that winter actually does exist and that every now and then, it stops by for a visit. So grab your favorite snacks and prepare to marathon that show you've been meaning to catch. Just pray that the electricity does not forsake us. What's your snow-day plan? 

#MyHarrisTeeter has all of these items on sale for just $7.99; I'm sure yours does too! 

finding the right handbag

Buying the next "it" handbag is a serious matter.  It is a purchase that cannot be made on a whim; it must be well considered and well researched.  It is a big deal. Why? Because the handbag makes a statement about the woman carrying it.  It is an extension of her. She and the bag are one.

With that said, deciding which handbag to buy is not a task for the faint of heart. Why so arduous a task? Why such frustration? Well, it all stems from the many factors that are to be considered when committing to a new handbag.  Let's see, first there is the color, the size, and the material type.  Then there is the brand, the type of bag, and let's not forget, the desired purpose for the bag.  Basically, when it comes right down to it, purchasing a new handbag is just as important as purchasing a car.  Women want to know how many miles they can get out of their handbag, and if their handbag will turn heads and leave mouths agape.  For me the many factors and numerous options have caused me great strife. So much strife that I found myself looking for someone, anyone, to end my suffering, or at least to provide me with some guidance on where I should begin because really, all I want is a quality handbag that is functional, stylish, and affordable (is that unreasonable?).  I'm sure you all can understand my dilemma. 

A plethora of choices that make the search just a bit overwhelming

Online searches were very helpful, but after much searching, I still was unable to fully decide on my new "arm candy"; however, the hunt for my new handbag was not in vain. Fortunately, I learned quite a bit about my handbag preference: 1. I am a minimalist (less is more), 2. I have a mental spending limit not to exceed no matter how "it" the bag actually is, 3. I care more about quality than trendy (big surprise), 4. I am a lover of a tote-satchel combo handbag and shoppers, and 5. I love cognac and gray.  These are the bags that have caught my eye (or at least styles I like).       

So what do you think?

Isabelle

I love this bag.  It's got everything: style, affordability, and functionality.
So for right now, it's #1.



The Bedford Tote

I like both of these bags as well, but I'm still trying to locate the gray MK.  I'm afraid this one is no longer available.  If that's the case, the cognac MK  is runner up.

The Downing

This bag is a long-time  favorite of mine.  It's classic.  It's beautiful.  It's J. Crew. 

Even though I feel a decision is near, your feedback is welcome.  So tell me, which one do you like?

Besides don't leave me hanging too long because... 

I love to save money just as much as the next person.  Saving money feels good, and it makes me happy.  Unfortunately for me, saving money is one of those occasions that I tend to celebrate by spending more money (no discipline).  But I mean, if I find a good deal, I should buy more, right?  Amazingly, some people are actually able to buy more and spend less. What's the secret?  Let me in on it!  

Whatever the secret, be it clipping coupons, great budgeting, or white magic, I haven't quite found a system that works for me.  Why not?  Well for one, with my addictive personality, couponing, while helpful, would overwhelm me and become my next obsession (not good). Budgeting is tough for me because, as I stated above, I have no discipline. And therefore, with no real chance of gaining magical powers, I stand alone trying to figure out how to save money, buy what my family needs (not stockpile), and maintain my sanity (somehow).  

Here's where I'll start...

Shopping goal for 2015:  Buy what I need and save where I can.  

My Strategy (work in progress):
1. Download these apps: Target (Cartwheel), Harris Teeter (e-Vic), Wal-Mart (Savings         
    Catcher).  Are there more?
2. Use WRAL Smart Shopper to find deals and for printable coupons.
3. Clip coupons and separate into categories.  
3. Preview all weekly sales ads online to generate a list per store (Harris Teeter, Food Lion,     etc.)
4. Create a weekly/bi-weekly meal plan (Slow Cooker Saturdays)
5. Make a shopping list based on items needed for the weekly meal plan (sale items) and 
     place a star* beside items on list for which I have a coupon.  Don't deviate from list.
6. Use coupons for items on list.
7. Shop at Aldi for some items: fruit, veggies, and staple items (flour, cooking oil, sugar).

How am I doing?  So far, I have been successful.  How?  Two words: Harris Teeter (HT).  I love HT, and so does Tamia.  She thinks it's a restaurant, especially on Sundays when they offer lunch all the samples.  Most people think "the teeter" is too expensive, but I don't. Since I only shop there for sale items and Meal Deals, I feel like I am always saving.  For instance, this week, HT has great deals all around.  I was able to stock my freezer with meats for the next 3 weeks for under $45 (meat budget).  I bought 5 packs of chicken breasts, a chuck roast, and a pack of stew beef for $43.67 (before taxes).  I'm super excited about this!  I just have to stay the course and refine my system.  I am always looking for ways to become a savvier shopper.  Your tips are welcome here, so share them!