I Came, I Saw, I Shopped....

Well another week has come and gone and my shopping addiction lives on.  I figured maybe if I blog about how much I shop and posting what I bought these posts will some how curve my shopping addiction.  To my credit, I did go through my closet the other day and decided to get rid of all the pants I don't wear and decided to donate them to someone who could get more use out of them.  I'm also starting to transition my closet from summer clothing to fall clothing, which is depressing.  I'm not quite ready to take all of my neon items out of my closet at this time so you may catch me wearing my neon hot pink pants sometime soon.  I'm thinking come October, I might need to put the neon pink broken in khakis away until spring...

Ok so on to the good stuff, the things I bought in the past couple of weeks:

Infinity scarves are my favorite fall/winter accessory.  I don't normally wear them casually but I'm hoping to use these two to help dress up a plain outfit.

Silver scarf from Express (Left) and sea foam green one from Nordstrom BP

 Chevron, Chevron, and more chevron.  I have a slight obsession where I buy everything that has a chevron print on it.  As you can kind of see I bought 3 chevron pieces all in the black/grey family.  The first dress is a Nine West dress that I got from Marshalls for $29.   It has 3/4 sleeves and is so cute on.  The next dress is a black sleeveless dress with a chevron print going down the middle of the front of the dress.  My favorite piece is the chevron shirt I got from Nordstrom (not entirely sure of the brand but it was included in the Anniversary sale!)

 Polka dots.... not just for little children and Dalmatians.  The polka dot shirt on the left is from the same designer as the chevron shirt from Nordstrom.  It has little white and sea foam green polka dots all over it.  The next sweater is from Old Navy and I can't wait to pair it with some colorful jeans.  It'a an off white color with black polka dots all over.  I love it because it's 3/4 sleeves which is my personal favorite because I have a weird phobia of long sleeves.

Polka dot shirt from Nordstom (left) polka dot sweater from Old Navy.

 As I mentioned before I can't wait to wear some fun colored jeans.  I have a slight obsession with neons so I can't wait to carry over some of the fun colors into the Fall.  The turquoise pair is a jean material but the other two are corduroy chords wich are not my normal style but these fun colors make them a little more me!

Indigo and Magenta chords from the Gap Outlet and Turquoise jeans from Old Navy

 Sweaters, my fall staple.  I love really comfy sweaters for the fall.  The one on the right is an oatmeal and navy stripped wrap sweater which I picked up from Marshalls for a great price.  It has a super cute hood which I can't wait to rock once it gets a little cooler here.  I'm thinking of pairing it with some dark denim and a pair of chestnut riding boots!  The sweater on the right is from the Gap and I think I got it for like $6 (it was more expensive but there sale was an additional 50% off.)  I love the color blocking of this sweater so I can't wait to wear this too with some chestnut boots!

 I'm a firm believer that if something looks nice on, buy it in every color.  Case in point the next two photos.  The first shirt is a cute oxford type shirt from Old Navy.  I originally got it in the pink and navy combo but I loved how it looked so I decided to get it in the rusty yellow color.  These shirts are very versatile because you can dress it up or dress it down.

These shirts are from Marshalls and I bought the blue one first because I don't really have any blue in my wardrobe but when my mom saw this shirt she was generous enough to buy me the grey version too.  These are a cute animal print style shirt with a neck tie bow thing  They are from Michael Kors and I think were $39 but they are made beautifully and I know I will get a lot of use out of these shirts.

Shirts from The Loft, guilted into buying because it was 40% off

My two purchases from today.  I originally saw these magenta broken in khakis from the Gap a few weeks ago but they were full price.  Today, I stopped by the Gap and they were on sale for $25 and an additional 30% off.  I have about 4 other pairs of these broken in khakis and I love the fit of them.  I seriously have to hold back from buying them in every single color but these are nice because they are a little less neon and perfectly acceptable to be worn in the fall.  The next shirt is a white and blue polka dot oxford shirt from the Gap.  I've been looking for things to pair with my new navy pencil skirt and this shirt is perfect.  I don't like dress shirts because I have a hard time finding ones that fit my chest but this one was a perfect fit and I'm considering buying it in every color, which is probably overkill.


Ok, after seeing all of these items I realize I do have a shopping problem however these were what I purchased over the last couple of weeks.  I'm trying to buy things that I can help build a professional wardrobe while still having fun clothing that I can wear for fun.  To my credit I did get rid of a lot of things and donated them and I'm in the process of losing weight so I can justify buying new clothing!

Until my next shopping spree.....

Never Forget... 9-11-2001

Today marks the 11th anniversary of 9/11.  With traumatic experiences we tend to remember exactly where we were on the day in question.  For me, I was in 6th grade.  I can remember kids being called to the main office and asked to gather their stuff because their parents were there to take them home.  It was alarming because by the end of the day there were only a few people left in school by the end of the day.  I went to a very small school but the hallways were never quiet except for this day.  I remember walking down the hallways to go to the bathroom and seeing a bunch of teachers huddled together crying.  I had no idea what was going on.  I was finally in my math class with Mrs. Stig.  She was called out into the hallway and when she returned she mentioned that if any of our parents worked in the city and we couldn't reach them that we needed to call the school right away and someone would pick us up.  Looking back at that I'm shocked that the school didn't feel that we should know what was going on.  We later found out that the elementary school actually found out what happened but how could they comprehend what was happening.  I remember getting home and seeing the planes hit the building over and over on every single channel.  I remember calling my mom and just crying because I didn't understand what was happening.  My mom told me to turn the TV off and put a movie on because I shouldn't be watching this.  My poor mother did not know what to do in this situation. I remember being mad at her because she didn't come pick me up from school but my moms a nurse and she couldn't leave because some of the injured people were being boated over to her hospital for care.  While watching the replay of what was happening it was the first time I can remember realizing that there were evil people out there that were capable of killing innocent people.

Later when I was a junior in high school I had a student teacher who told me that while she was teaching in St. Louis the children didn't even know what happened on September 11.  They watched the news cast from the day and thought it was a movie.  I was shocked, maybe it affected me a little more because where I live is directly across the water from lower Manhattan but this was a major event in our countries history.  As I'm writing this I'm watching the news coverage from the memorial and can't help but feel sympathy for all the families that lost someone that day.  Although, I did not know someone that perished on 9/11, I remember the sense of community the country felt after these events.  We need to band together as a nation and support each other and NEVER FORGET those who have lost their lives on 9/11 or fighting for our country.

Surfing for Autism Awareness

Hello all!!!

I just got back from an amazing day of volunteering with the Autism Family Services of New Jersey (AFSNJ) at their 8th annual Beach Bash.  The Beach Bash partners with Surfers Healing, a non-profit organization that seeks to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.  Founded by Izzie and Danielle Paskowitz, Surfer's Healing provides children with Autism the opportunity to enjoy something that maybe they wouldn't normally get to do.   

Now, AFSNJ's Beach Bash is a day for the whole family to enjoy.  Vendors from various organizations setup tents and share with the families the many great services they provide for the Autism community.  I had never volunteered for the Beach Bash before but I had heard so many wonderful things about the event that I just had to work it this year!  I am so glad I was given the opportunity to watch this fantastic event.  I was amazed at how patient and caring the surfers from Surfers Healing were.  Many of these guys come from California and are professional surfers who volunteer their time to work with these children.  Not only are they surfers but they are activist who believe that Autistic children have the same right to do what every other kid is doing.  Many of these children are a little hesitant at first but with the coaxing of the surfers each one of kids leaves the water with a huge smile on their faces.   What truly shocked me is these surfers are able to balance on the boards and lift children up and have them stand on the board as well (which I don't think I'd be able to do).  
Here's a video from a different Surfers Healing event from California that truly captures what an amazing event this is!    

I don't want to tell you what to do but I think everyone should please consider donating to this OUTSTANDING cause.  The Surfers Healing events are completely FREE for the children and with 
contributions from generous donors Surfers Healing can provide more surf camps each year. Here's the link to the organization if you want to get a little more information or if you would like to donate to them! http://www.surfershealing.org/index.html

Check out this link for a great clip on Izzy and his family: http://paskowitz.com/

Now here are a few of the pictures that I took from my phone... I was busy volunteering so I didn't get to take as many photos as I would have liked though.  

Early morning surf session for some of the surfers

Some of the Surfers Healing Surfers

Some children out surfing

Am I Insane... Insanity Day 1 and 2

Well I've decided to jump on the crazy workout bandwagon and "try" Insanity (keyword:TRY).  Umm... holy hell these workouts are hard but you immediately feel the results.  I instantly felt my core muscles tightening and my leg muscles strengthening.  For someone who doesn't have a lot of time to go to the gym or needs a set of guided workouts these are perfect.  What I love about these workouts is that there is a 2 month schedule that tells you exactly which workout you need to do that day.  I'm someone who will workout more if I don't have to guess what to do.  By all means this workout is not something that is easy... in fact the people in the workouts need to take breaks because it is that intense.  Don't feel guilty if you can't do the workout in it's entirety.  What Shaun T tells you is to take a break if you feel like you are sacrificing form.  

I'm hoping that after the 60 days of insanity I'll walk away with a slightly better body and an appreciation for this boot camp style workout.  I know these workouts won't be completely beneficial if I don't change my eating habits.

Wish me luck because I'm going to need it!!!!

Labor Day Shopping

Hello Everyone...

I hope everyone is enjoying your final week of summer, I certainly can't wait for school to start (not for me obviously) but for everyone else.  Work has been ridiculously busy with back to school shoppers.  Today I decided to run to the mall to visit Old Navy for their Friends and Family event.  I didn't do so well there but I did do AMAZING at the Gap.  The Gap's clearance was an addition 50% the lowest ticketed price.  I think I got 7 things for under $50 (not too shabby).  I wanted to get this pair of pants but my mother didn't think they were too practical.

Gap's Slim Fit Crop

These pants are absolutely gorgeous but again not exactly Fall weather friendly or practical.  Keeping up with the Gap brands, Banana Republic had amazing clearance finds as well.  Banana has a promotion going on where you either get 30% or 40% your entire purchase.  I got an adorable lace peplum blouse for $9.75 (umm are you kidding me???).  I also FINALLY found the navy pencil skirt I was looking for $23.09.  I was willing to splurge on a navy pencil skirt but this one is absolutely stunning and perfect!!! For $9 I got the same pencil skirt in a nice tan color.

Lace Peplum from Banana

Even Express had a pretty good sale going on with 30% off everything for women.  I only bought an infinity scarf but they had some cute things if you're looking for a good sale.

I love everything I got and didn't really spend a lot of money.  Overall, I'd say it was a successful shopping trip!

A (Late) Week in Review... Cars, Books and Work

Hello all,

Sorry for posting so late but I've been busy working my butt off.

This week has been a week of me spending money that I don't have.  My lovely Honda Accord Coupe has been making this unpleasant sound that sounds like metal cans being run over by an 18-wheeler.  Through some clever research I discovered that a lot of people have had this same issue when they reach 35,000 miles (which is exactly where I am).  Once I took my car to the service department at my local Honda dealership (which is one of my LEAST favorite places on Earth).  I've had my issues with them in the past and this appointment followed the previous ones.  To spare you the frustrating details my rear breaks were worn out and that was why they were squeaking.  Now I'm now down $300 but my breaks are working fabulously and they are not making that terrible sound, so I think it was money well spent.  

Well I've finally finished the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy and am sad that I'm done with them.  Although, being the crazy person I am I'm rereading them because I feel like I missed some things.  Last night at work, my one manager who insisted I read the books and I were casting the movie.  We could easily cast most of the characters but we struggled with who would play Mr. Christian Grey.  I think there are tons of actresses who could play Anastasia and I hope that Kristen Stewart is not one of those people who is in the race.  Now I think Alexander Skarsgard would make the perfect Christian!  
If anyone needs and convincing I recommend watching him in True Blood seasons 2-4!

Now my manager believed that Ian Somerhalder would make the perfect Grey. I'll admit he's not terrible looking but I don't know I don't like him as much as I love Alexander Skarsgard.

Who do you think is the perfect Christian Grey? I know like many of you I hope and pray that Mr. Christian T. Grey is real and I'm just waiting for him and Charlie Tango to come rescue me!

On a positive note, I finally booked my plane ticket for Boston (which was money well spent!!!!!)

A Week in Review... Fifty Shades of Grey and Horror Stories from Working in Retail

Hello all!!!

I had every intention of posting several posts this week but I've been busy working.  When I wan't working I've been reading Fifty Shades of Grey (I know I'm late on this bandwagon, but I never actually wanted to read it).  I've had every friend and coworker recommend this book to me and I hesitated but I can honestly say I'm glad that I finally did read it (better late than never).  Funny story about the book, yesterday I was reading the book and realized I was about 95% done with it so I quickly downloaded the second book on my Kindle just so I could start it while on my break (thank you wireless).  Can you say obsessed!!!!! I'm excited to see which actors they are going to get to play Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele for the movie, although I have no idea how they are going to be able to make it into a movie without having an NC-17 rating?

Enough about that book.  This week I've had a taste of full-time employment because I worked 40 hours at my "lovely" retail job.  I've always wanted a reality tv show crew to come to where I work because some of the people I work with are real characters and some of the customers we get are questionable at best.  Without saying where I work, I'll give you a two clues.  1. It's an American company that is made up of 5 stores (2 are online stores) and  2. It was found in 1969.  At times I L-O-V-E where I work while other times I hate it.  This past week has been pure torture.  I think as the summer goes on and the heat gets more intense customers just start to loose their minds.  Here are the top moments I've had while working in retail:

1. Shoplifters... like most stores we get people that want to come in for the "five finger discount" and leave with merchandise that they haven't paid for.  How someone can do this is beyond my grasp but that person has to live with that on their conscience.  Maybe about 2 years ago we had a customer who came into the store with a huge empty purse.  We watched her and realized she was there to shoplift.  My manager went to ask her if she needed help and she brushed her off.  Next I went over to my manager to ask her a question when the lady looks at me and shouts "I'm tired of you following me through the store... do you think I'm shoplifting?" I was completely caught off guard... I had no idea we were following this lady and I didn't even say anything to her, in fact that was the first time I saw her.  Next thing I know the lady throws the clothes she has in her hands (not the ones she put in her purse) at me.  My manager quickly calls security and the lady leaves with a final threat of "remember you have to leave the store sooner or later!" Umm, the clothes we sell aren't that expensive, just pay for them like everyone else does!

2. This past week has been a week of ups and downs for me.  I had an elderly lady threaten to kill me.  Yeah I kid you not, she said "I'm going to kill you" because I unfolded a reusable tote that she bought to use.  Now your probably thinking she said it jokingly, nope she was fuming when she said this.  I've also been called "un-American" by a customer.  Where I work we get a lot of tourists.  Now some of the tourist don't understand that you have to wait in line and you can't just walk up to the register and pay.  I had just returned from my break and another employee told the next customer to come down to my register.  I hadn't looked at the line to know who was next.  These three tourists came up to my register and I began to ring them up because I assumed they were next in line.  After they left, I made the mistake of looking to my left to call the next customer in line.  The lady at the register next to me looks at me and says "Why did you help them, they weren't next in line." I looked at her like she was crazy (and frankly she was) and told her I was sorry.  Clearly my answer wasn't good enough for her because she continued to berate me by saying that  I don't care about American customers and why should they get special treatment.  I was shocked, I pretty much did the only thing I could think of that would tick this lady off and I smirked and walked away.  I was not going to give her the satisfaction of apologizing or even responding.

3. By far the most interesting events I've ever had come with returns.  Our return policy is pretty liberal in the sense that you have 90 days (yes, 3 months to return something for a full refund).   This past week this lady came in and told me she bought a pair of pj's in Florida and brought them home and realized they smelled funny.  She washed them in the wash with the rest of her laundry and realized they still smelled.  Instead of drying them in her washer or even laying them out to dry she put them in a plastic bag and left them there to get moldy.  I didn't know what to do so I called my manager who in turn called customer service and asked them what we should do.  After a long phone call, customer service told the lady we weren't going to return them because she was negligent with washing them and leaving them wet for 3 days before bringing them to the store.  About an hour later the lady comes storming in and grabs another package of the same pj's a rips them open and shoves them in my managers face and says "smell them, they stink too!"  This lady was clearly pissed and frankly the pj's did not smell that bad.
Similar to this situation I've had people try to return things that they've worn or have had for years.  I hate returns because people just assume we have to take everything back and people always come up with the most ridiculous stories as to why they are returning things.  News flash, as long as the tags are still on it and it wasn't worn, I don't really care why you're returning it.


Well I've rambled on long enough.  Maybe in the future I'll write a post all about my crazy experiences in retail because I have plenty more crazy customer encounters.

Until next time....