Saturday, December 5, 2009
Roll Tide!
For all those of who you don't know, JC and I went to the University of Alabama. While we were there, the football team was only so-so, but last year and this year (after Nick Saban become the head coach), things have really started to look up. We were fortunate enough to get tickets to the SEC championship game tonight, and it was a GREAT game! We stayed about an hour after it was over just to watch the trophy presentation and chat with other fans. It was even more important because the winner was going to the BCS National Championship in Pasadena. Obviously, that is us! Too exciting. So, even though I swore I never would spend that much on football tickets, we are now seriously considering taking a trip to Pasadena and purchasing tickets. Are they outrageously expensive? Of course. But with my Skymiles and Marriott points, the rest of the trip should be nearly free. So... be on the lookout for (hopefully an exciting) update about our championship travels. ROLL TIDE!
Fantabulously Frugal Giveaway
I want to let you in on an incredible giveaway! A giveaway worth $675! You really need to check this one out. It involves Gucci sunglasses and a Kate Spade passport case. Need I say more?
Check it out here!
Check it out here!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Macy's 25% Off Coupon
I just wanted to share another wonderful coupon I found! Macy's is having it's Friends and Family Event, where you get 25% off everything (only a few exclusions)! The hubs is getting something from Macy's for Christmas (he doesn't know it yet), and this will definitely take a chunk out of the price. It is valid today through the 7th, so if you have any gifts to buy (for others or for yourself) check out http://www.macys.com/; they already have a few good sales going on, and when you add the extra 25% off, it's nearly a steal (or as much of a steal as anything can be from Macy's). Plus, they are offering free shipping if you spend $99.
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy (and Coupon)
It seems like nearly every post of mine starts with some sort of confession. This one is no different. I have problems with relaxing. As in, I can't really do it. I am constantly thinking about what I should be doing next and what I haven't accomplished that day. So it comes as no surprise that it often takes me forever to fall asleep at night.
So when I came across the Warm Milk and Honey Sleep Aromatherapy at B&BW, I felt a strong urge to try it. I started out with the pillow mist (which I got on clearance at the B&BW outlet), and I loved it! The smell is absolutely incredible. It can't be beat. It's not too heavy, but it definitely lingers (I hate those scents that I only smell for about 4-5 minutes before they wear off).
That brings me to the coupon portion. Now through December 24, B&BW has a coupon for a free item (up to a $13 value) with any $10 purchase. What a great deal! And that gave me an excuse to try more of the Warm Milk and Honey! So I went yesterday and bought the body wash and the body lotion. Last night before bed, I took a nice hot shower and used the new products. It was so relaxing! And I went right to sleep when I got in bed. Of course I am under no such impression that it has any magical powers or anything like that, but I do think it helps relax me which definitely helps me sleep. And did I mention that it smells incredible? So if you have been itching to try it, print out the coupon and head to the nearest B&BW!
So when I came across the Warm Milk and Honey Sleep Aromatherapy at B&BW, I felt a strong urge to try it. I started out with the pillow mist (which I got on clearance at the B&BW outlet), and I loved it! The smell is absolutely incredible. It can't be beat. It's not too heavy, but it definitely lingers (I hate those scents that I only smell for about 4-5 minutes before they wear off).
That brings me to the coupon portion. Now through December 24, B&BW has a coupon for a free item (up to a $13 value) with any $10 purchase. What a great deal! And that gave me an excuse to try more of the Warm Milk and Honey! So I went yesterday and bought the body wash and the body lotion. Last night before bed, I took a nice hot shower and used the new products. It was so relaxing! And I went right to sleep when I got in bed. Of course I am under no such impression that it has any magical powers or anything like that, but I do think it helps relax me which definitely helps me sleep. And did I mention that it smells incredible? So if you have been itching to try it, print out the coupon and head to the nearest B&BW!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Pottery Barn Gift Card Winner
I finally won something! You have to realize that I never win anything. I really am the most unlucky person in the world (well, maybe not the most unlucky... I think the guy who operates the Spaceship 2000 at the county fair may be worse off...). And by "lucky", I mean winning contests and drawings. I can't tell you how many I have entered in my life, and this is the 2nd one I have won. In 24 years. Two. And the other one was just a month ago in Asheville. So maybe my luck is changing?
Anyway, I posted recently about a Pottery Barn gift card giveaway at "Get Your Martha On". And I won! I am so excited! Now the only issue is what to spend it on...
You should really check out her blog. She has some incredible projects, like this Dollar Tree candle holder.
And this silver leaf lamp.
Anyway, I posted recently about a Pottery Barn gift card giveaway at "Get Your Martha On". And I won! I am so excited! Now the only issue is what to spend it on...
You should really check out her blog. She has some incredible projects, like this Dollar Tree candle holder.
And this silver leaf lamp.
So, thanks "Martha"! And everyone be sure to check out her blog!
Do Less, Enjoy More
I have a secret talent that very few people know about. I have the ability to take something that is supposed to be fun, turn it into a "should" activity, and ruin it altogether. Surely you know what I mean--something you normally enjoy becomes something you "should" do, and therefore all the joy and fun is stripped from it. This year, Christmas has become one of those times for me. I'm sure I'm not alone--right? Right??
For instance, I stayed up until nearly midnight on Thanksgiving trying to rush to put up the rest of my Christmas decor, even though I was heading out at 3:30 AM for Black Friday. Why? Because I thought I was supposed to. It was only logical that I put up every single Christmas item I own before November 27th. Otherwise, I could not be happy. It actually turned into me not being happy anyway, because I was forcing myself to do something I didn't want to do. I was tired, and I just wanted to go to bed. Even before Thanksgiving, I spent hours stressing over how I was going to decorate every area of the house, because I wanted my house to be perfect for Christmas. Why? Because, of course, it should look as good as all of the other houses in bloggy land. Or else my entire life would be a complete failure. Okay, so not that bad. But I would be disappointed in myself.
Then I realized that I work about 10 hours a day, for crying out loud. Eleven if you include my commute. I wake up at 4:30 AM. I am tired when I get home. Maybe I just don't have time to make my house look like all the others. Maybe I am not as crafty. And so what? Many of the houses I envy are owned by people who stay at home with their children and can do crafty things while their children take naps or are at school, or women who are retired. While part of me would like to do that, I don't have children and I kind of like my job. Actually, I really like my job. And I shouldn't make myself feel like I am a failure just because my house doesn't look like a Southern Living magazine. The important thing is that I enjoy the items I do put up, and that I enjoy actually putting them up.
The Nester agrees with me. No, really--just check out her blog and see! In fact, that's where the title of this post came from. She challenges us to "do less and enjoy more". And that's what I intend to do. No more "shoulds" for me(or at least I'm going to try). I am just going to do what I enjoy.
So, per her challenge, here is what I am not going to do:
--send out Christmas cards (which I have never done anyway, but I was thinking about it this year. No more.)
--sew the stockings I wanted to copy from Lemonade Makin' Mama (unless of course, I decide I want to make them and that I have time to do so)
--stress out over what to get each person on my list or overspend
--buy anymore Christmas decorations; I have plenty
And here's what I am going to do:
--think of something meaningful to put in our Advent calendar, whether it be Bible verses or a worthwhile task or activity for each day (I'd better hurry! Not much time left for that one...)
--bake until I can't bake anymore. I love baking, and I love giving baked goods to other people. Our neighbors and co-workers may be receiving some tasty treats this year!
--remember every single day why I really celebrate Christmas, and thank my Savior for sacrificing so much for me
--look at as many Christmas lights as I can (we are in Atlanta, so I think we'll be able to find plenty--Pettit Creek Farm, anyone?)
--watch a shameful amount of cheesy Hallmark and ABC Family Christmas movies... shamelessly
--eat Mayfield Peppermint Stick ice cream or a Chick-fil-A peppermint shake weekly (come on--don't pretend like you don't love them)
--start a new tradition of purchasing a new Christmas book each year (an idea I snagged from "The Idea Room")
--remember that everything doesn't have to be perfect! I'm going to enjoy each moment with JC and our families.
What about you guys? Do you feel the need to "do less and enjoy more" or "take back Christmas"? What do you want to leave out (and add) to your Christmas this year?
For instance, I stayed up until nearly midnight on Thanksgiving trying to rush to put up the rest of my Christmas decor, even though I was heading out at 3:30 AM for Black Friday. Why? Because I thought I was supposed to. It was only logical that I put up every single Christmas item I own before November 27th. Otherwise, I could not be happy. It actually turned into me not being happy anyway, because I was forcing myself to do something I didn't want to do. I was tired, and I just wanted to go to bed. Even before Thanksgiving, I spent hours stressing over how I was going to decorate every area of the house, because I wanted my house to be perfect for Christmas. Why? Because, of course, it should look as good as all of the other houses in bloggy land. Or else my entire life would be a complete failure. Okay, so not that bad. But I would be disappointed in myself.
Then I realized that I work about 10 hours a day, for crying out loud. Eleven if you include my commute. I wake up at 4:30 AM. I am tired when I get home. Maybe I just don't have time to make my house look like all the others. Maybe I am not as crafty. And so what? Many of the houses I envy are owned by people who stay at home with their children and can do crafty things while their children take naps or are at school, or women who are retired. While part of me would like to do that, I don't have children and I kind of like my job. Actually, I really like my job. And I shouldn't make myself feel like I am a failure just because my house doesn't look like a Southern Living magazine. The important thing is that I enjoy the items I do put up, and that I enjoy actually putting them up.
The Nester agrees with me. No, really--just check out her blog and see! In fact, that's where the title of this post came from. She challenges us to "do less and enjoy more". And that's what I intend to do. No more "shoulds" for me(or at least I'm going to try). I am just going to do what I enjoy.
So, per her challenge, here is what I am not going to do:
--send out Christmas cards (which I have never done anyway, but I was thinking about it this year. No more.)
--sew the stockings I wanted to copy from Lemonade Makin' Mama (unless of course, I decide I want to make them and that I have time to do so)
--stress out over what to get each person on my list or overspend
--buy anymore Christmas decorations; I have plenty
And here's what I am going to do:
--think of something meaningful to put in our Advent calendar, whether it be Bible verses or a worthwhile task or activity for each day (I'd better hurry! Not much time left for that one...)
--bake until I can't bake anymore. I love baking, and I love giving baked goods to other people. Our neighbors and co-workers may be receiving some tasty treats this year!
--remember every single day why I really celebrate Christmas, and thank my Savior for sacrificing so much for me
--look at as many Christmas lights as I can (we are in Atlanta, so I think we'll be able to find plenty--Pettit Creek Farm, anyone?)
--watch a shameful amount of cheesy Hallmark and ABC Family Christmas movies... shamelessly
--eat Mayfield Peppermint Stick ice cream or a Chick-fil-A peppermint shake weekly (come on--don't pretend like you don't love them)
--start a new tradition of purchasing a new Christmas book each year (an idea I snagged from "The Idea Room")
--remember that everything doesn't have to be perfect! I'm going to enjoy each moment with JC and our families.
What about you guys? Do you feel the need to "do less and enjoy more" or "take back Christmas"? What do you want to leave out (and add) to your Christmas this year?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
12 Days of Junkie Giveaway Alert
"Tip Junkie" is one of my favorite giveaway sites. And she isn't disappointing now that it's coming close to Christmas! She is having 12 days of giveaways--and it's only on day 8 right now. So scoot on over to her blog and join in!
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