perfect remedy:

I haven't been feeling super great the last couple of days...and by that, I mean I've been feeling HORRIBLE!

* Sunday - I spent all day in my pajamas, mostly curled up on the couch.
* Monday - I taught my classes in the morning and then came home, put on comfy sweats and slept until Brett got home at 4:30.
* Today - I felt as though I might be coming down with the flu. Headaches, chills, nausea, the works.

However, I took my temperature and all was normal. I took another nap (along with some Tylenol) and woke up feeling much better. Maybe it was just a little bit of morning sickness I experienced - at least that's what I'm hoping. I keep freaking myself out that I'm going to come down with the stupid swine flu.

Even though I was feeling crummy this morning, I had a lunch date planned with my good friend, Katie (who's visiting from Southern California this week) and I didn't want to miss out on seeing her. So, I freshened myself up and ventured out.

Getting out of the house was the start to my perfect remedy. It gave me a much needed energy boost and after a great lunch & catch up time with Katie, I decided to continue my outing and made a few stops at TJ Maxx, Ross and Borders. I don't know if it was the simple act of shopping, or the great deals I found, but by the time I got home, I was feeling MUCH better! :)

Here is the list of items I found and the wonderful prices I paid for them:

Ross:
3' x 5' area rug (to be used in our kitchen) - $7.99

TJ Maxx:
4 bath towels - $10 total
2 bath mats - $8.99 total
6 kitchen hand towels - $4.99 total
1 cutting board - $5
&
1 of these:


$3.99





I just love a good deal...

i L-O-V-E a good deal

I was - and still am - SO excited to have found this beauty yesterday afternoon:

I think I'll use it in my living room to put blankets in...and I may even paint it a different color.

Take a look at the original price...do you see that?

Does that seriously say $99.99? I would NEVER pay that much for this little thing.

But I would pay $16.50, and I did. What a steal of a deal, huh? Craft Warehouse was having a sidewalk sale and everything was 50% off it's last ticketed price. There were several pieces of small furniture including a a B-E-A-UTIFUL cream sideboard/table thing that unfortunately, I happened to lay my eyes on just seconds after someone else did. I was totally hovering, hoping she would decide against it, deciding whether or not I should try and arm wrestle her for it. But I gave up when she took a pen and paper out of her purse and wrote "SOLD" on it (I think she knew I was hovering). BUMMER.

Also, I purchased this on sale for only $5. I don't know where I'm going to put it yet, but for $5...I'll find a place. :)

pretty :)

In other (and way more important) news - I'm heading down to San Francisco this weekend to be with my sister and parents for her next dose of chemo. Please pray for her strength and peace of mind and for my parents as well. It's going to be a long 3 weeks for them. Sara's hair began falling out early this week and it got to the point where she needed it shaved off. She just had it done yesterday and that was pretty traumatic for her. I think the reality of everything hit her pretty hard and it opened her eyes to how sick she really is. She still is the most beautiful woman ever - even with no hair. And I think both my dad and brother had their heads shaved too - but they're definitely not as pretty as she is. Check out her CaringBridge website throughout the next few weeks for updates. The link is at the top right corner of the page.

We thank you so much for your continued love, support and prayers.

Lazy days

Oh how I love lazy days. You know - the ones where there is absolutely nothing on the schedule - you get to relax and do whatever your little heart desires. Well, if I'm lucky, I get one every couple weeks, which isn't too bad. That one day is something I look forward to more than a lot of other things. Don't get me wrong, my personality is one that requires the go-go-go lifestyle, and I enjoy those things that keep us ever so busy. However, I can't deny how nice it is and very much needed to have a day here and there when you can just "aaahhhhh" - breathe! So what do I do on days such as these? Like I said - whatever I want.

Here is what a perfect lazy day for me might look like - minus the hubby. (It's a snapshot of a day when Brett is busy with work, baseball or golf. If he's around, this day looks completely different, and even more wonderful, because not only would it be a lazy day, but a lazy day with my husband. It couldn't be much better than that).

* When I wake up, it's not to my alarm, but rather because I've gotten all the sleep I need and I'm simply not tired any more. Preferrably, the clock would read somewhere between 8:30 and 9:30am. (oh and the sun is out - not a cloud in the sky).

* Time to curl up on the couch (still in my pajamas) with a nice hot cup of coffee, a blanket, and a good book. Here's what I'm currently reading

* An extra long shower, no rush to get my hair and make-up done, and plenty of time to pick out a comfy, but super cute outfit.

* A little outing that might include stops at Craft Warehouse, Tuesday Morning, Goodwill (maybe I'll find a treasure or two), Ross and of course Target - don't worry, I won't go crazy. I just get a few things that are super on sale and are a great addition to my home or wardrobe. Some of my previous finds include a $7 mirror, $2 candle and $4 candlestick all from Ross, and $4 frames from Tuesday Morning, all pictured below.

* Back home for some lunch and maybe even a little cat nap while watching HGTV - something that isn't really "allowed" when Brett is home.

* Blog surfing (particularly on blogs that have to do with crafting or decorating) so I can get some good inspiration - and satisfy my guilty pleasure of blog stalking. While surfing, I found this adorable idea. We don't have a family yet, so therefore no "Family Rules," but this little gem of an idea is something I will definitely keep in mind for the future. Such a fun and creative idea for a kids play room or even a family room.

and last, but not least - because it's just a part of who I am,

*straightening and cleaning up the house until Brett gets home. Mainly using this bad boy of a dustbuster. I love this thing and Brett will confirm that it was by far my favorite wedding gift. I know, I know - I'm SO cool.

lazy day . . . I await you!

COSTCO for life!

I drive over 400 miles per week with my commute -I know....LAME! I fill my tank up at least once a week and as I'm sure you've all noticed, gas is expensive! Even though we are Costco members, the gas line is always so long and because patience isn't one of my strengths, I choose to go with the quicker, but more expensive option. I normally choose the closest Chevron. Today, however, I decided to brave the Costco lines. Even though it took me about 25 minutes to get through the line, it was so totally worth it. I spent just over $25 to fill my tank. $2.22 per gallon, people! I can't remember the last time gas was that cheap. I am so excited about this that I will be dealing with my impatient ways to ensure lower gas prices for life!