FONDUE PARTY!

I am hosting a Fondue Party tonight with some close friends... it won't be as swanky as the one in this pic - check out those beads! But hopefully just as fun!



What are your swinging plans for New Years?

Moving right along...

Now that Christmas is over, or rather pushed aside by retailers. It's on to spring! I am always a little disappointed in stores that move onto the next "selling season" so quickly; for instance I was in the grocery store last night and they already had a monumental Valentine's day set up. I felt like, wait a minute, what about New Years and the Super Bowl... and the Christmas clearance!?!? But then I bought some yummy gummy cinnamon hearts and realized I had just answered my own question. If they put it in front of us, we will buy it. Which at the core is sad, but true.

The good news is that we start getting a sneak peak into what clothiers have planned for us for spring - and to me that lifts my spirits a bit seeing as it is pretty grey and cold where I live. Some of my favorites from Old Navy are classic cheery brights! Check them out:

$, I just love that the color of this bag is called "Zing" - rhymes with Spring - only $16.50! So cute!

Women: Women's Pleated Canvas Hobos - Zing!




$, These adorable flats will add great flair to any outfit and are a steal at only $19.50.

Women: Women's Sueded-Trim Canvas Ballet Flats - Radiant Red




$, These cords are a great transitional piece in a muted white and a fine gauge cord, they will get you from late winter to spring no problem. And the wide cut to the leg is great with flip flops, gladiator sandals or flats.

Women: Women's Low-Rise Bedford Cords - Salt




What keeps you going through the winter months?

Where do you blog from?

I just spruced up my desk/office/mud room with some new plants... the old ones were a little, ahem, crusty. Usually not a good characteristic of a plant. So I thought I would take a little picture to show you where I blog from. It's a little room off the living room, for us it serves as the office/mud room. Here's the office part...

The small stack on the right is my blog/inspiration/internet stuff pile. The stack on the left is my to do/to read/mail pile. In the New Year one of my dreams is to put a huge inspiration board behind the computer... like four feet by six feet (big!!) to post bits and pieces of inspiration I have laying around. I'll keep you updated on that!

Then there is this atrocious mess to the way left... life! And all the junk that comes with it! It really needs to be more organized than this... but this is it for now. More mail, bills, filing, knitting, books, cds, a big ol' shredder pile, etc.


So where do you blog from? Post some pics to your blog and leave a comment for me so I can check it out!

Were you naughty or nice this year?

I must have been super nice, because I really got some awesome gifts from friends and family this year! Some of the goodies I just have to share with you!

Ask and you shall receive, I guess... I posted these adorable slippers over at The Fashionable Housewife and lucky for me my mom was reading! These slippers are SO warm and SO comfortable, they have not left my feet since Christmas day! Except once when I almost did wear them to the store... I forgot I wasn't wearing shoes. Oops!


Women's shoes: Simple Layaway - Heather gray




I also got a pair of TOMS from my brother... who said he was planning to get me a pair and then I posted about it and he couldn't believe the coincidence! So lucky for me... and one shoe-less child overseas! I just LOVE this mission of TOMS and was lucky enough to pick out this cute style! I thought they would be so cute with some skinny jeans and a tank this summer.

For every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. TOMSshoes.com



And the footwear doesn't end their folks... my brother snagged these boots for my mom from my absolute fav... Marc Jacobs... and they were too small for her. Lucky for me, I am one size smaller than my mom. So while we are working on finding her a new pair... I'm sporting these bad boys. And boy are they bad. That is, bad in a good way.

My brother also picked out some adorable wood/resin bangles from lamb here in Grand Rapids. Which unfortunately doesn't have a website, but still deserves recognition for being a great local small business and uber-chic. They look like this... except mine are blue, green and red.


These sweet bangles also deserve some recognition, my mom had these on last time I was home and I loved them... she bought me two... the charm says "inspire" and is so sweet.

So those were some of my favorite gifts... what are yours?

Big Sale at Origins...

The after Christmas sales just keep pouring in! I just adore Origins... so yummy and indulgent! Check out their rockin' sale now! Quick!



Limited Time Only – Save up to 50% with nature's super-sized skin care at Origins.com while supplies last.

Meal Planning Monday!

I'm back! We just got back in town last night, so it's been a little harried planning meals for the week along with some New Year's festivities we are hosting at our place this year!

Here's the meals this week! I am SO excited for New Year's - I have great food planned with great friends!

Monday: Pizza with "fancy" cheese... I picked up goat, fresh mozz and a big block of parm from Trader Joes and plan to make yummy pizzas with veggies tonight.

Tuesday: Greek Salad with baked artichokes

New Years EVE!!!:
Appetizers: Antipasto Tray & Shrimp Cocktail
Fondue: Cheddar/Beer, Creamy Swiss, Chocolate plus all the fixins' for those three dips
Drinks: CHAMPAGNE!!!

New Years Day Brunch: this yummy bread pudding, cheesy potatoes, fruit salad with fresh ginger (my own concoction) and cinnamon rolls (frozen). Then of course some mimosas!!

Friday: Tortellini, Garlic Bread, Green Beans

Saturday: White Chicken Chili... I'd like to make a big pot to last all weekend! This recipe is SO good. I use canned instead of dried beans and it freezes well, which is usually difficult with a milk-y soup.

PIPERLIME - 2 Days only!!

This is a fantastic deal... click on link to take advantage of this promotion!

For two days only, 20% off already discounted handbags at Piperlime. Just enter the code WOW at checkout. Ends Dec 29.* Shop Now


* Offer valid on Piperlime sale handbag merchandise only from December 28, 2008 at 12:01 am PT through December 29, 2008 at 11:59 pm PT online in the US (including Puerto Rico) only. Discount applies to merchandise only, not value of gift cards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes or shipping & handling charges. Online code limited to one time use only. No adjustments on previous purchases. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts including Gap Inc. employee discount.

100 Things...

I am SO in vacation mode - and loving it! I'm missing blogging, but this is about all I can come up with for today! I found this list at this and this blog.

It is fun enough and easy... so here are a couple little things about me! You can copy the list from the links above (or here) and play along - if you do, leave me a comment so I can check it out. The BOLD ones are ones that I HAVE done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept in an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse (solar)
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten cavier.
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

This is so fun, especially as the year comes to a close. I love to think back on my accomplishments and what things are still out there that I want to accomplish! Stay tuned on New Year's day for more about me... and some of my readers!

BIG SALE @ Piperlime!!

Be the first to shop Piperlime’s sale for women

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

I am finishing up the last of the Christmas details... then traveling to Chicago to be with family. So mostly I am signing off for now... check back for some rockin' scoop on DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS sales! Which there will be plenty to be had for any gift cards or extra cash you get this season... or just to get a great deal!

Much love and wishes for happiness to you.

After Christmas Sales!!!

Take an Extra 25% off all Gap Sale Merchandise December 26th through December 29. Simply enter “SALE” at checkout. Shop Now!


Shop the Winter Sale today and Save up to 50% off purchases at Bodenusa.com for a limited time! Expires 8-Jan-2009. Start Shopping!

Giggle:
Baby, it's cold outside! So we're warming things up with our giggle winter sale. Shop now and save up to 50% on select gear, apparel and furniture.

Save 25% for the entire month on December at ShopManhattanite.com. Not valid on Pre-Orders. Enter code: Holiday08 at checkout.

After Holiday Sale, Save 50% or more on thousands of books and calendars.


Winter Clearance Sale at Shoes.com

Meal Planning Monday!

Christmas Week!

I'm way late in posting this... but I refuse to grocery shop this week - one because it is so stinking busy everywhere I go, two because we have about two feet of snow on the ground with more to come and three because really we are here only through Wednesday. So it is SLIM pickings around here, but of course I plan to still eat well!

Monday - Turkey Breast (found this in the back of the freezer, what a gem!) smeared with dijon mustard and crusted with Trader Joe's Onions Crispy thingy's, then broccoli and cheese on the side. I think I may make baked apples for dessert in an effort to continue to clear out the fridge. These ones sound especially good!

Tuesday - Paninis (to clear out the deli & veggie drawer in the fridge!) and a huge salad on the side!

Wednesday - I am going to make pizzas for after church and before PRESENTS!!!

Then that is it folks... we are off to families' for the rest of the week.

STAY TUNED next week for the menu for our New Year's Eve Fondue extravaganza and a brunch we are hosting with friends the next morning! I am really looking forward to that!

And also for 2009 I am going to be featuring my favorite "eat out" recipes made at home! It will include info on my favorite restaurants and then me trying to recreate them! I am no whiz in the kitchen, but I think it will be fun to give this one a go!

For more meals... check out Org Junkie!

OLD NAVY - up to 60% OFF - ONLINE ONLY!

This is almost too good to be true! Check out some of my top picks!


Women: Women's Jeweled Satin Ballet Flats - Purple Phantom
$10 (from $19.50)





Women: Women's Satin Tuxedo Jackets - Black
$25 (from $39.50)





Women: Women's Voile Roll-Up Shirts - Pink Geometric
$14.99 (was $24.50)




Hurry before availability is slim!

Santa? Are you there?

I just thought I would let you know, Santa, about a great sale at Vivre... you know, just in case any of us have been nice enough!

Snakeskin Envelope Clutch, $130 (from $260)


Women's Suede Softy Sneakers, $117.50 (from $235)


Lux Leather Coat, Michael Kors, $200 (from $400)


Wonderful Winter Sale going on now at Vivre.com - up to 50% off

Fashion Friday... Ruche Tunic!

It would be more than fair to say that this tunic has not left my thoughts since originally posting about it, and the delightful little online shop that it comes from, last week. So for sure it made the cut for Fashion Friday! I want to wear this every day! I am so in love with it!


Casual/Tunic by Jill GG

To me this outfit says... ahh, comfy!

20% OFF Sale at Starbucks.com EXTENDED!

This sale has been extended to December 23!!! Use the link for the discount!

20% Off Orders over $100 ~ Affiliate Exclusive ~ One Day Only

Sweet Mary-Janes.

I have always loved the "sweetness" that a Mary Jane shoes evokes. They are classic and simple.

This year a heeled Mary-Jane is all the rage... here are a couple for inspiration, then head over to shoes.com and use the link for 20% OFF your ENTIRE order, plus FREE SHIPPING! Now that is a "sweet" deal...

AK Anne Klein Shanty, $85 (Free Shipping!)


Steve Madden Imperial, $89 (Free Shipping!)

Marc Jacobs at GILT!

I am SERIOUSLY WANTING!!!




If only it weren't so close to Christmas... hurry on over using this link NOW! Items are selling out QUICK!

Final Gift Ideas!

As Christmas nears I will try to fill the next couple of days with more gift ideas for you!

Smith and Hawken is offering: 30% on Gifts that Grow! Holiday Bulb Gifts

I always love to have "forced" bulbs in the house this time of year. It is so nice to have a bit of fresh flowers and plants to offset the cloudy days and snow covered yard. Paperwhites by far are my favorite... they have the most delicate blossoms and a peculiar, yet addicting scent that I just love!

Narcissus "Inbal" in Angel Vine Basket, $29 (from $44)

Private Invitation to Sample Sale Prices!!

Have you checked out Gilt Group yet?

They offer daily online sample sales featuring designer clothing and accessories at up to 70% OFF! And it's good stuff too!

Use this link to access the Good Life for Less private invitation.

Here are a couple of my faves:

Lauren Merkin Clutch, $88 (from $180)


Hickey Men's Splatter Sweater, $88 (from $275)


Boy by Band of Outsiders Women's Smock Shirt, $84 (from $215)