Flying Eagle

My friend asked me to design an eagle to put on some stationery for her Dad.  I have to say, I'm really proud of the result and so, they are now available online at English Tea Paperie!

They even inspired a whole new category: Patriotic.

Oooh, I feel my creative juices flowing again.  A hammock is next, for my friends Mom.  Yippie yippie.

Old Navy: Purchase Mistake

Really cute:

Really NOT cute.

This is probably the worst thing I've purchased in months.  If I wanted to look 3 times my size, it would have been perfect.  This is going back today.  Blurgh.

Sorry Old Navy.

Looking at the item in real life, I can now see that the top picture has been pinned to near death.  It looks like it has some sort of shape...yeah, IRL it's more like a blanket.  Plus, it's really thin and stretchy....you can see my J.Crew dog tee underneath.  I may have to stop buying things online and actually get my butt into some stores.  Ohhh goody.

On a different note, doesn't it look like I have a yellow bob wig on?!!

I MUST FIND THIS TEE:

I remember this when it was in the store (J.Crew) and I never picked one up (stupid, stupid, stupid).  Then it went on sale, but they never had my size.  I need this tee.  Can't find one on ebay, so I am asking you guys. (I know, a tad annoying of me).

Do any of you know where I can get one, or have one I can buy?  I'll need a large. 

I'm desperate.  About a stupid tee that has a shoe on it.  But that's me and I'll happily do naughty and illegal things for one (ok, maybe not).  Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Like Mother, Like Daughter:

A New 'Do: Misery Included

Emma went to get her hair cut last night.  Not sure she was very pleased about the whole thing...

Headhunted: J.Crew

I popped into J.Crew this weekend to make a few returns and of course, pick up a few more things (surprised?!)  I stood in line for a while, as only one cash register could do direct returns.  When I made it to the sales associate, I had a good old chit chat with her, while waiting as she made all 3 of my returns.  She was nice - as was the guy next to her, who chit chatted a little with us too.

When I made my returns, I hitted up the sale section and picked up a couple of items.  Went back to the cash register and the guy mentioned above served me.  Somehow we got into the conversation of working there and he told me I should totally fill out an application and to make sure I hand it back into him or another manager.

I have the application sitting on my desk and I'm not sure if I should fill it out or not.  I don't need the seasonal job, but I wouldn't mind it!


Reasons I probably wouldn't get the job:

• If they google my name, they'll find my blog.  Which will mean they'll read my bitchy posts about them (which were only made because I didn't get an item I wanted!!)
  

• I'm not very flexible.  The only day I can really work is Saturday and I head out of town over Christmas.  Not exactly a retailers dream!

Reasons I probably would get the job:

• I know the brand like the back of my hand.  I can tell you the difference between a Victoria, Francis, Annalise, Elizabeth etc.  Even the difference between the store and outlet versions.  I can tell you the correct color of something with just a glance.  Their discount, return and sizing guide is pretty much ingrained into my brain.
  

• My closet is 90% J.Crew

• I have retail experience from Reiss in London.  I had a daily sales goal to aim for, which I always hit or higher. 
  

• I don't need the job, I just want the job.

Hmmm....

What do you think, shall I fill the application out?

(My friend Kayrn was with me and found this hilarious.  She said the manager seemed interested because I was khakied and ruffled up like a complete cult member!!)

Wreathing Around!

I looove the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, just love it.  Seeing as the malls have started their decorating....

Yes, that's me down the bottom!

...I decided to also!  Last night I put up the tree and then made my own wreath.  My first ever handmade wreath - hell, my first wreath EVER.

I didn't have a plan, I just started wrapping the pearly berries around green stuff and shoving hand tied bows on top.

My Martha moment!

 

LOVE it!

I guess it's now time to start thinking about designing my family Christmas card...

Highlights a Go Go!

I decided to highlight my hair this weekend - felt the need for some sparkle.  My friend Karyn did the grueling 3 hour pulling process (cap baby, cap is the way to go!) and I'm pretty pleased with the result. Sparkle sparkle sparkle!

I now need a good trim and a conditioning mask.  Oh and a tan.  Man it's good to be blond again.  New to my blog?  Just see the post below for my hair before. OK, enough about me....

Hello Elmo!

Friday evening, I went to a cake decorating class at Michaels with my friend Jacqueline.  Jacqueline baked an Elmo cake and it was our job in class to decorate him.  I know nothing about tips and icing.  I don't even like icing, but I had fun. Here are some pics!

Elmo with a little pan stickage!

 

Icing his eyes

 Starting the stars that make up his face...

Jacqueline and I proud of our work!

The finished product (Jacqueline so finished him at home...there was no way we could do that many stars in the time we had in class!)

Isn't he cute?!  Not bad for our first try!

LOVING EBAY!

I just won a NWT J.Crew Goldwyn dress on ebay for $20.49.       

Yes, $20.49.  It originally sold on J.Crew for $185, but went on sale for $99.         

$20.49.  I am so freaking over the moon right now, you wouldn't believe. I never score that big on ebay...  

Well, I did get a pair of the Holden boots (seen on me here) for X amount (husband reads blog!!) which was way better than the $325 they were at retail!

Now, how do I make this dress work for fall/winter?!

I'll Miss You Nan.

A brain tumor finally took my Grandmothers life this morning.
      

She held on for so long but no matter what she or the doctors did, they couldn't win and now she's in a far better place, strutting her stuff with her first husband (who sadly died when my Mom was young) with her ankle bracelets on, smelling of Cerutti 1881, driving her double exhaust Super Gran machine.  I know she's probably very happy up there.
     

Bye Nan, I really will miss you. x

Shoes and Kitchens: me wanna play.

My best bud B cracks me up - even when she's exhausted from being a brand new Mom (she's just had a bubba boy). Yesterday we were having a chit chat on the phone and as always, we ended up talking about J.Crew. I told her about my fab new shoes (yes, I got another pair, with my reward card and a 20% discount - I ended up paying a total of 30 something $) and this is what she said:

"Ah, well, don't go posting them on your blog as you know that pisses some people off!"

Love her! Well, for those that don't get peeved at me blogging my cheapo scores, here they are:

 
J.Crew Cossette Mary Jane peep toes in Whisper Pink. Size 9 - true to size. Suede and patent leather together? A fall dream. Peep toes? A kinky dream. Pink? mine oh mine oh mine dream!

Yummy yummy yummy. So comfy, so cute! My only complaint (if I had to have one) is that they could be either a little shorter or a little higher, as far as the heel goes. I'm in love with them though, totally in love.

Oh, I've made $166 on eBay so far (on 9 items) - pretty darn happy about that.  Go me.

I found Emma's Christmas present and midnight Thanksgiving, I'm ordering it with my fingers crossed for a big black friday discount! Which reminds me: Miss Emma is finally back to normal. I no longer want to cry. Yippie.

I'm sorry, but I totally wish my own kitchen looked like this, it's flipping awesome. Hmmm, who will be playing with this thing more, Emma or myself?!

I'll get my coffee somehow!

I woke up to this this morning:

Kinda sweet don't you think? I don't expect my coffee to be made in the morning, but it's always nice and a sign of Joe's love when it is made. That or offering to go to Panera. As I said, gotta get my coffee somehow and I totally know my husband loves me...

...or he's worried that I'll snap him in half the same way I did the Disney playhouse CD yesterday! Oops.

To shot, or not to shot?

My daughter is driving me crazy. Is that an awful thing to say?

I took her to get an N1H1 vaccination the other day (waited in line for 2 1/2 hours) and ever since, she's been cranky and not sleeping well. I feel like I have a newborn again, getting up several times at night to comfort her. My 2 hour nap breaks in the day have become 30 minute nap breaks. She's having the worst tantrums I've ever seen a child have (maybe they seem worse because she's my daughter and not some kid I can walk away from) and the girl just doesn't like the word "No" or "Stop". Oh and getting her to eat is a nightmare.

Her whole attitude is getting pretty darn annoying.

The same thing happened when she had the measles shot and it all lasted about a week. Well, a week is a seriously looooong time when you don't have another job to run off too, or Grandparents to lend a helping hand. Makes me want to scream at parents who complain about their "other" job or get annoyed at their own parents for butting in too much. (wait, aren't I complaining about my job?!) Be thankful you have a sanity support system.

I'm giving this parenting thing 110% and my daughter is giving fuck all back. I'll remind her of that when she's asking for more allowance or to borrow the car.

I love my kid, just not loving the N1H1 shot so much. The picture above is about as happy as I've seen her this past week. Not exactly jumping for joy, is she?! What the bloody hell do I do with her right now? She's obviously not happy. Did I make the wrong decision in getting the flu shot?

For your reading pleasure...

Pamela tagged me in a little quizzie, so here are my answers. I love these things - you find out so much about a person!

1. Where is your cell phone:
On top of the loveseat, where Miss Emma and Miss A cannot get it. Although each time it beeps or vibrates, Emma runs to try get it for me. So sweet!

2. Your hair:
Is LONG and I love it.

3. Your mother:
Is about as kooky as I am.

4. Your father:
Is a jackass

5. Your favorite food:
Oatmeal and Raisin cookies

6. Your dream from last night:
Don't remember. I do remember waking up at least 5 times though.

7. Your favorite drink:
Sweet Tea - ahhhh

8. Your dream/goal:
To lose 10lbs, to make my ETP website slammin, to raise the most polite and beautiful girl ever, to be debt free (this dream is almost complete!)

9. What room are you in:
My office. My gorgeous pink and green office.

10. What are your hobbies:
Eating oatmeal and raisin cookies

11. What is your fear:
That my fear of not being good enough is true

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years:
Right where I am now, just with a smaller waist and more ETP customers and accounts.

13. Where were you last night:
The gym

14. Something you are not:
A pushover, despite what some people think.

15. Muffins:
Need to kiss my ass and give me my stomach back.

16. Wish list items:
A new coffee table, J.Crew terra paisley shift dress (CANNOT spend $225 on a dress) and a good education for Miss Emma.

17. Where did you grow up:
London, England.

18. Last thing you did:
Sweeped the kitchen floor. Yeah, so interesting.

19. What are you wearing:
J.Crew khaki cafe capris and a J.Crew lilac v-neck tee.

20. Your pets:
My husband.

21. Your friends:
Make life so much more bearable.

22. Your life:
Pretty darn sweet.

24. Your mood:
I'm tired, but I'm good.

25. Missing someone:
Pick up the phone, write an email.

26. Vehicle:
A beat up Honda Civic. We need a new car bad.

27. Something you’re not wearing:
Make-up, perfume, shoes and pride.

28. Your favorite store:
J.Crew (duh), Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft.

29. Your favorite color(s):
Most pastels but pink and lilac are faves

30. When’s the last time you laughed:
Last night. Husband tells the most stupid and childish jokes ever, you have to laugh out of pitty!!

31. When’s the last time you cried:
Probably the other day and most likely over stress. I'm way too hard on myself.

32. Your best friend:
B, who just had the most adorable baby boy ever.

33. One place you go over and over:
The gym, the damn f**king gym.

34. One person who emails me regularly:
Myself (how sad). ETP orders from the site are sent to me from my own email address and I always email reminders from my blackberry. B emails me regularly too.

35. Favorite place to eat:
McAlisters for tea and soup, Cafe Caturra for cookies, Olive Garden for dessert, the Indian buffet on Parham and Broad for curry and this thai place in Carytown. Oh and Outback for Mac 'n' Cheese!

See, don't you know me so much better now?!

Lay me bang smack in the middle of this photo!

A sneak peek of the resort we are staying on/at in Florida over Spring Break! If I've not said it before, I am one lucky little ducky and my life is so bloody blessed (Florida resort or not!)

My bikini countdown has begun!

Oh and I finally cleaned out my closet and put a few things up on eBay. 3 up, what feels like 100 more to go! Ahhhhhh.

Woo Hoo - Disney here we come!

Spring Break is probably the WORST time to go to Disney world, but with Joe being a teacher and my Mother being banned from visiting America in the summer (too darn hot for her), we are booked for vacation with Grandma Easter week!!

Miss Emma is gonna freaking love it!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Miss Emma: best fairy ever!

Love me some shoesies (no no, make that bagsies!)

Pick yourself up some new shoesies today with this fabulous coupon:

I love me some shoes - cheap shoes, colorful shoes, way too expensive shoes. This coupon will satisfy my craving, even when I'm saving for Emma's Christmas presents!

Also, Old Navy is offering free shipping on any order (just like English Tea Paperie!!) with the coupon code ONSHIPFREE (expires 11/2). No code needed for English Tea Paperie.

OK, so I thought I'd get me some shoes, but when I went online, I saw this:

Thinking he may be coming home with me, if they have one in my local store. For $12.50, how can I not give him a good home?!

Ooh, this one too (on the left):

Doesn't he look a little like the Lexi from J.Crew (on the right)? Just a HECK of a lot cheaper. $7.50 in fact (with the 50% off)

Ahhhhhhhhhhh (sound of new handbags in my closet).