Cute Baby Alert

June 12, 2008August 3, 2013Leave a comment

The number of cute babies popping out/up around me is growing every week. This weekend I am going to see little Katriana Elyse. I am sure she will be a doll. Here are some of the cutest things I have seen in a while. My friends and future family are so lucky.
1. Prestyn is the son of my friend Marty. He is a total flirt.
2. Jada Violet can be kept happy for hours in her Baby Einstein activity spinning seat.
3. Baby Kennedy and big bro Conner are my future cousins. He is going to be a great big brother.
4. Paul was only 4 weeks old when this photo was taken. His parents live in Texas and I am so happy I get to see him again next month.

Ugghh my ovaries hurt!!

Thrifting Away

June 12, 2008Leave a comment

I think I will spend today’s lunch hour at the Atlanta Junior League Thrift Store. I was in desperate need of a thrilling thrift experience last Saturday only to be crushed by the fact that the Marietta Last Chance Thrift Stores has closed its doors. It was such a blow because that is the store where I found a vintage Lily Pulitzer dress that fit me perfectly for $7.00. Now I know you will call me an ITP(Inside The Perimeter) snob but the other locations are wayyyyyyy out in Lawrenceville, Lithia Springs and some other places I will need a GPS to find. All I wanted was some cute. inexpensive dress action. I am addicted to them and was hoping to score some more.

My thrifting days began years ago when me and my classmates would venture down Moreland Ave to the Value Village. Our mission was to wardrobe the latest school play, but what I found instead was a treasure trove of broken in men’s jeans and suit vests. My greatest find was a red satin vest with white braided cording on the side pockets that was obviously part of a band uniform. It was worshipped by all. At that point I was hooked and was able to find “corporate attire” for my first “real” job at Arthur Andersen and a cute peach and cream stiped skirt that still had the Urban Outfitter tags on it.

The pride and joy of my thrift collection came to me from another country. My friend, Kat Bang, was teaching English in Japan through the Jet Program. She scored me a beautiful kimono at a fleamarket in front of a Buddist Temple. I am sure it lead an amazing life before coming to me.

The hardest thing about thrifting is finding a store that sells good, clean, unstained stuff. You have no idea what some folks will put on the racks! I’m not looking for Cavalli but come on people. Ditch the pit stained blouses! My Saturday of sad thrift news wasn’t all bad though as I found two beautiful dresses on the TJ Maxx clearance racks for $19.00 each. One a mod black shift with pockets, and the other a very Donna Reed sleeveless floral with full skirt and pockets (note the pattern?) Below are some links to local thrift stores you may want to scout. I won’t ask you to send in your favorites because who wants others bogarting their fishing hole??!!!

http://www.alexissuitcase.com/
http://www.jlatlanta.org/nearlynew/
http://www.valuevillageatlanta.com/
http://www.lastchancethriftstore.com/about_LCTS.htm
http://www.ging.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.stores

Inspiration Boards

June 11, 2008August 3, 2013Leave a comment

Inspiration boards are a great way to showcase a few of your favorite things while serving as a muse of sorts. Not to mention they brighten your workspace/office. To the left you will see my very own board that hangs over my desk in my office. It includes everything from an origami geisha to mini Rothko reprints to a photo of my friends Wendy and Saul with their new baby. I constantly come across photos in magazines and on the net that inspire me in my daily designs and this is the perfect home for them. It gives a quick boost to my mental rolodex in remembering color combinations and graphic concepts I like. Also, I think it works wonderfully above my snazzy CMYK color chart.

Thank You Millionaire Mommy

June 10, 2008August 3, 2013Leave a comment

There is a great blog by a woman who calls herself the Millionaire Mommy Next Door. She spouts wisdom on saving money, getting out of debt and investing. She has taught me quite a lot… and not in that crazy Suzy Ormond way. Although Suzy does make several valid points sometimes she can be annoying. The millionaire mommy talks to you like she is a smart and wise older sister. Why am I telling you this? First of all I am successfully getting rid of some debt while building my savings. Secondly, my need to be a successful saver has cut a fabulous purse find right out of my fashion future.

I found an awesome Spring 2008 season Tracy Reese handbag at MARSHALLS. I know hard to believe right! The price…$79.99. When you vist the TR site the bag is listed at $199.99. Quite a bargain I know. I have posted a photo to the left. Why did I return said bargain to the strore? Not buyers remorse but my new found savers-greed. It was a great bag, but do you that with tax that is nearly $100. I could put that towards my VISA or in my ING savings account for my fabulous winter trip to St.Thomas. My vision has officially become tunnel. Now while I do not restrict myself to no shopping I am sticking to my budget and only buying things I need that don’t scream, “That is how much! That would sooo boost my savings account”.

I encourage you all to visit their sites by clicking on the links above and learning a few tips from two really smart women. And if you are good on savings go to the Marshalls in Buckhead. Maybe the bag is still there.