Shopaholic in Alabama

Happy Monday, Shopaholics! Sorry I've been a loser and haven't updated in a week. It's been a crazy ten days around these parts! You might remember a few days ago, I told you guys that Mother was at the hospital and we didn't really know what was going on. Thankfully all tests on her heart turned out ok (whew!) and the Crohn's disease is not active at this time (whew!). However......her gallbladder was another story. Based on results of a CT scan, the doctors decided it best be removed and soon - it was removed a week ago Saturday. Mother spent three nights in the hospital and was soooo ready to get home! I camped out over there for a while to monitor her condition. And I have to admit, it was good to take care of someone else for a change! I ironed for my Father, cooked dinners, did laundry, made beds, went grocery shopping. You name it; I did it! Last Wednesday I took Mother to an appointment for her bi-weekly Remicade infusion. This was scheduled prior to t...

Happy Monday, Shopaholics! Last week the DH was out of town for several days, and it was a perfect opportunity to take care of a little "closet business" around these parts. As many of you already know, I have bought quite a few pieces of new Lilly over the past 2-3 weeks. I had been stacking them up in a spare bedroom and they needed to be hung and the closet purged once again. I could not believe the full extent of my "damage" once it was all arranged and in my face. The recent rash of sales have killed me! I managed to buy not one, not two, not even ten new dresses.....Twelve new dresses! Two new Elsa tops, one Reenie top and one Vivi top... Also a new embroidered denim skirt with labs (I literally live in these denim skirts in the spring and summer), Vivien top in toile, Katia knit wrap in white, Hannah tie top and the cutest argyle sweater just for fun. Believe it or not, I even bought a few dresses that I ALREADY OWN. Ugh, I hate it when that happens...

Happy Friday, Y'all! Wish I had something better to report around these parts, but I don't. Today I'm going off "plan" to tell you how much I LOATHE Crohn's Disease. My Mother has Crohn's. She's had it for quite some time; we actually suspect she's had the disease since her mid-late 20's but was "officially" diagnosed with it about ten years ago. Mother has been sick, off and on again, for the past two weeks. She had an injection of Remicade last week which really seemed to wear her down. Last night she was rushed to the urgent care, and then the emergency room. As I write this at 1:15AM - I wait to hear from my Father who is with her. Of course I am worried sick. Can I just say that I hate you, Crohn's disease! You are robbing my Mother of the best years of her life - retirement, grandchildren, enjoying time with her adult children, good times at the island, and so much more. Mother is only 63 but you are trying to wear h...

Happy Thursday! The weather here is glorious, nothing but 70+ degree days in the forecast for the next seven days. I do believe the beach is calling! Yesterday I received an email from an old friend. I hadn't heard from him directly in forever, although we are Facebook friends. Ron and I worked together at ****k for years. He was always a top producer in our DC office (Alexandria, VA to be exact). Ron sent me this photo, which we believe was taken in 2003. Enjoy. It's ok. You can stop laughing now, seriously. A Few Observations: *I have actually experimented with "bangs" twice during the past ten years. Phillip, I hope you see this. Remember - no bangs. Ever. Even if I kick, scream, cry and insist. Remind me of this photo. *Longer hair looks much better on me. Length weighs my hair down and flattens it out. This look is wayyyyy too "poofy". *Kiehl's hair straightener is a lifesaver. See....I've been telling you guys! *Are you laughing at...

Happy Tuesday, Shopaholics! Sorry I don't have anything fun for you today - I had big plans. Sadly my migraine had other plans. I'm home lounging and trying to get over it - and will be back tomorrow. Until then, may the drugs work quickly! Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening! XOXO

Happy Valentine's Day to all my Shopaholic friends and family! Most of us put a lot of importance on Valentine's Day; just as Hallmark, Godiva, FTD and Tiffany would like! As you already know, I'm 40 years young and have been married for 16 years. Today I'd like to share two reminders about February 14.  1) If your spouse, loved one or significant other isn't as "into" Valentine's Day as you would like, it doesn't mean that he or she isn't "into" you. Some people just don't get it - despite hints, crying fits, threats, etc. It does not mean they care for you any less. Frankly, I want the DH to bring me flowers when he wants to - not when the date on the calendar says "he should". In a good, healthy relationship you should feel confident about someone's feelings all the time - not just on Valentine's Day. 2) Please take a moment today to think of those around you without anyone "special" in their ...

Hello Shopaholics! Hope your Sunday is wonderful! Yesterday we attended our first Mardi Gras parade of the Carnival season! It was a small parade on Dauphin Island, but lots of fun! A few "Fun Facts" about Mardi Gras that you might not know: Mardi Gras originated in Mobile, AL. I know, I know. You thought it was New Orleans. It wasn't. NOLA doesn't really like to admit that, but it's true. Support from our friends at Wikipedia: Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama is the oldest annual Carnival celebration in America, having begun in 1703, over 15 years before New Orleans was founded (1718). From Mobile being the first capital of French Louisiana (1702), the festival began as a French Catholic tradition, celebrating until the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, until midnight on Mardi Gras day (French for "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove Tuesday). However, Mardi Gras in Mobile now has evolved into a mainstream multi-week celebration across the spectrum of cultures...

Happy Saturday, Shopaholics! Today I wanted to share a fabulous deal with you! My friend over at Caroline Grace Jewelry (see her Etsy shop HERE ) has marked down a bunch of items to make room for new designs. You might remember that I blogged about a discount of either 15% or 25% off her items a week or so ago. The extra 25% off applies on all the items I'm highlighting today (code "Shopaholic25" during checkout on Etsy).  There are some unbelievable deals, Shopaholics! Black Jeweled Wide Leather Cuff, $76 ($57 after 25% discount - link to Etsy HERE ) Julia Necklace, Sterling Silver with Baroque Pearls & Rock Crystal, $138 ($103.50 after 25% discount - link to Etsy HERE ) Paisley Jeweled Leather Cuff Bracelet, $72 ($54 after 25% discount - link to Etsy HERE ) Masha Necklace, $98 ($73.50 after 25% discount - link to Etsy HERE ) Tropical Fish Jeweled Leather Cuff Bracelet, $78 ($58.50 after 25% discount - link to Etsy HERE ) I love them all - as well as ...

TGIF, Shopaholics! As you guys know from yesterday's post, it was spa day! I spent the entire afternoon with my hair colorist/stylist/resident expert, Phillip Drummond. Believe me, if you make it down here on vacation or live within the sound of my voice, you need to go see him. Your locks will never be the same - in a good way! (Please let me know if you'd like to be put in touch!) Anyway, we were talking about various life stresses for both our families over the past few weeks. These "words of wisdom" are framed and in Phillip's office. He gave me a copy and suggested that maybe my readers might enjoy seeing them too. We're not sure where it originated, so I can't give credit, but enjoy. "Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for...

Happy Thursday, Shopaholics! Go ahead and file this one under "Not My Fault". As you all know, I typically rock along in my little "Lilly world" and very rarely purchase other designer collections. Yes, I occasionally buy a Tory Burch tunic, J Crew, Vineyard Vines "this or that" but it isn't very often! Yesterday my sweet friend Wendy over at "A Twist Of Lime" posted about the new Spring line from Vineyard Vines. (If you're not following Wendy yet, please go HERE to check out her fun blog!) Of course Wendy and I have similar taste, and I loved the two items Wendy highlighted on her blog. Naturally, I "had" to go look at the entire Vineyard Vines collection. :-) Have you heard that I have a tunic obsession? Tunics are a staple piece in my wardrobe and I wear them all year. Several of my darker, fall "ish" Lilly tunics get me through colder months here on the Gulf Coast. As luck would have it, Vineyard Vines has a...

Happy Tuesday! Hope you're not cold (it was 29 degrees here last night, brrr) and see a little sunshine today. If you could leave tomorrow (or even better, today ) - on a trip to anywhere you wanted - where would it be? With the recent rash of cold weather, most of us are dreaming about tropical getaways. My pick for today's dream vacation is a well known locale - DH and I have been there before, but sad to say "it's been toooo long" - we'd love to go again soon.  Where In The World?  With an average February high of 74 degrees, who else wants to escape to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico? One thing I know for sure - I have the wardrobe ready! :-) What is your dream vacation? Are you also ready to enjoy a little sunshine on your skin, a cool drink in your hand, and the sand between your toes? Sign me up! Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Happy Monday! I can't believe the weekend is gone already! Did you enjoy the Super Bowl on Sunday? We did, lots of great food and Green Bay won, so DH and I were happy! And the commercials! Fun, as always! My Careerbuilder.com monkeys did not disappoint! Christina Aguilera and the national anthem though, whew.....that's another story! They say confession is "good for the soul". I'm not sure who "they" are but you know what I'm saying here. Wanted to show you guys some goodies that are headed my way, as I was a bad, bad , bad Shopaholic last week! I pinky promise that I will be much better this week! Fun stuff due to arrive today include my Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top in Great Escape: Lilly Pulitzer Anders Dress in Booty Caw: Lilly Pulitzer Twlya Dress in This Blooms For You: Lilly Pulitzer Vivi Top in Ginky: Obviously, I ran into some deals that were almost too good to be true! I'll be running up to the post office early today and plan t...

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Tonight, most of us will be captive to the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers vs. The Pittsburgh Steelers. The game is being played in my Dallas Cowboys' new stadium. Are you watching the game? Who are you pulling for? Here in our household, it would be unthinkable to pull for the Steelers. Have I mentioned before, we are Cowboys fans? :-) Obviously our team had a horrible year and isn't in the "big game". So we are pulling for the Green Bay Packers tonight! If you're not into the game, do you enjoy watching the commercials? Sometimes they are much more entertaining than the actual game! There have been so many cool commercials over the past several years. One of my favorites was the monkeys on the CareerBuilder.com commercial - does anyone else remember this one? Hilarious... How about food? Do you make a big spread? Attend a party where they go "all out"? This year we are staying home, just me and the DH. I do have a l...

TGIF, Shopaholics! Are you ready for the weekend? Any big plans? We are expecting a high of 61 degrees on Sunday and I am soooooo ready! :-) What would you like from your sweetheart for Valentine's Day? Of course the obvious gifts are nice - chocolate covered Godiva strawberries, a new diamond from Cartier, one, two or three dozen roses, etc - but how about a special piece of handmade jewelry from a girl we all know and love? One of my favorite jewelry designers (and besties, of course) Caroline Grace Jewelry has introduced several new pieces into her line. They are perfect for a "gift to self" or a Valentine's Day gift. My readers know I have blogged about CGJ many times, and it's because her jewelry simply does not disappoint. It's always more beautiful in person than in the photographs. The detail to quality and workmanship in evident, and nothing but the best materials are used in the design process. Each piece is truly a small piece of art. Meet som...

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe it's already the middle of the week, have been so busy I'm wondering where it has gone already! I hope this post finds you all with power, warm and without too much snow; as I know many of you are experiencing extreme blizzard conditions. Makes me thankful for my zip code... Speaking of zip codes - one of THE most famous ones - 90210, Beverly Hills. Did you watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? The reunion show was last night. I have to admit, I started watching the show from the very first episode (after years of fighting the magnetic pull of the RH series) and really enjoyed it. Even the DH liked too, so we started watching it weekly. Somewhere along the line, we feel behind. I think we were out of town once or twice and never did get caught up. Now I'm sooooo sad that I missed the rest of the season. Boo! I did not attempt to watch the reunion show last night, as I wouldn't have known what was going on. Do you watch th...