Shopaholic in Alabama

Happy Friday, Shopaholics! I soooo wish I could say I am looking forward to the weekend, but at this point I'm filled with what can only be described as a growing sense of dread. It's no longer a question of "if" this oil spill makes it to our shores, but when. NOAA is now officially predicting Sunday for the Alabama Gulf Coast, and Saturday for Bumpkin on a Swing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Today we are heading to Dauphin Island, which is the barrier island you see on the above map (Alabama coast, west side of Mobile Bay).  I am also inserting a map below which Bumpkin put together a few days ago, with both of our locations marked. This will give you an idea about Gulf coast geography if you're not already familiar! I will likely be without internet access most of the weekend. Let's say this - Dauphin Island is a tad "remote". It's not "Gilligan's Island" (there are 2 gas stations and working telephones, even a few restaur

Happy Thursday to you! DH is on vaca the next two days, and we plan to split our time between here and my parents home on Dauphin Island.  As you probably remember from yesterday's post, I am more than a little concerned about the oil spill out in the Gulf of Mexico. It's stressing me out, so in true Shopaholic style, I spent a little time looking over the new Summer collection by Lilly Pulitzer.  A few of my favorites, some will certainly move from favorite status to "must have" status soon!  Worth Shift, Stuffed Shells, $178  Daphne Dress, Classic White Jacquard, $248 Cedar Knit Dress, Hotty Pink Lace By The Docks, $218 Claudie Dress, Aquamarine Catch of the Day, $368 Ashley Maxi Dress, Stuffed Shells, $298 There are so many styles and prints in this collection that I absolutely love! Two items of note: 1) I'm loving the blue and white or blue and coral colored items more than ever this season, and 2) there are no tunics! I love Lilly's tunic

Happy Wednesday, Shopaholics. When I started this blog, I made a promise to myself that a few topics were "off limits" and would not appear on my blog. The three topics are: politics, religion and sex. Naturally I have my opinions about these topics, but as my buddy over at Bumpkin on A Swing  says, "it ain't happening around here". However, I must share a huge concern with you all! You already know I'm a coastal girl - after all, I left the big cushy $$$ making job to return to my beloved Gulf Coast several years ago. I love everything about the coast - the beach, the boating, the tourism, the seafood industry, the wildlife. Last week, there was an "incident" in the Gulf of Mexico. I'm going to give you some information - and this comes directly from http://www.noaa.gov/ . This gives the background info, as well as what is currently being done to "control" the situation. Background:  The incident involves a deepwater drilling p

Happy Tuesday! I hope your week is off to a wonderful start. My BFF Priscilla is visiting today, we're starting out with a 4 mile walk and then rewarding ourselves with an afternoon at the beach! Fingers crossed the weather is beautiful for us!  If you haven't already, be sure to go over and join the fun on the Shopaholic Facebook fan page. I'm announcing all giveaway winners over there first, because it's so easy! However, for those who don't have a FB account, I will be announcing winners here on the blog every few days! Our updated group of winners: Day One - Tea Garden - winner is "Wacie's Way" Day Two - Jeremy Shockey photo - winner is "Vynuss" Day Three - Crocodile Kids Boutique - winner is "Charity" Day Four - Looking 4 Lilly headband set - winner is "The Canady Family" Day Five - Social Climbers Book - winner is "CT Cupcake" Day Six - At The Blue Barn - winner is "pinkriss"

Happy Monday! I'm thrilled to report this Shopaholic is back to her old self, after a few days of being "down and out" with unexpected dental stuff. The sun is shining again and it's onward and upward we go!  Welcome to DAY SIXTEEN, the final day of Shopaholic giveaway days to celebrate Mother's Day! Today I'm thrilled to feature one of my favorite jewelry designers, Caroline Grace Jewelry and her Etsy shop, Lulu Jewels .  I met Caroline Grace months ago when I started blogging, and in addition to admiring her beautiful jewelry, we share a love of all things fashion related. (She is also a Lilly Pulitzer addict, oops I mean Lilly girl!). Caroline's designs are gorgeous, and I have quickly amassed quite the collection. It's to the point where DH recognizes the goodies when they arrive - something like "Oh, I see you bought  another  cuff bracelet". Here are a few of my current "loves" from Caroline Grace.... Seahorse Cuff Br

Happy Socialite Saturday! Trying to work through pain and general feeling like poo around here, rainy day to top it all off. As always, a little bit of retail therapy makes a Shopaholic feel better. Welcome home to my Lilly collection, new Roslyn skirt!  Lilly Pulitzer has outdone themselves with the Summer collection, and the Stuffed Shells print is one of my favorites! Roslyn, when I receive you next week, I promise to wear you within a few days.....but I'm not going with the white tank look as pictured below (from Lilly Pulitzer website). I need to decide on a top - any suggestions, fellow Shopaholics? Hope you're all having a great weekend!

Happy Friday! Sorry this post is so late, you might have noticed yesterday I had a dental emergency. I'm now at home, recovering from an absessed (probably the wrong spelling, sorry!) tooth, and yet another root canal. I'm honestly sooooo sick of spending all my free time (not to mention $$$) at the dentist. Now I'm on 10 days of antibiotics and have a very sore mouth, throat and jaw. I feel like a Chipmunk, which isn't very attractive. Ugh. Anyway, back to FUN stuff! If you haven't already, be sure to go over and join the fun on the Shopaholic Facebook fan page. I'm announcing all giveaway winners over there first, because it's so easy! However, for those who don't have a FB account, I will be announcing winners here on the blog every few days! Our updated group of winners: Day One - Tea Garden - winner is "Wacie's Way" Day Two - Jeremy Shockey photo - winner is "Vynuss" Day Three - Crocodile Kids Boutique - winner

Happy Thursday Shopaholics! I had originally intended to have our last giveaway today (can't tell you what though, it's a surprise!). However, I've had a dental emergency and the giveaway will now be posted on Friday instead. No telling how long I'll be in the chair tomorrow, so please wish me luck and send good thoughts my way. I'm going to need them. FYI - More giveaway winners have been announced on the Facebook fan page, please join us over there. Blog will be updated with a current winner list soon! Hope you have a nice Thursday!

Happy Wednesday "Hump Day", and welcome to DAY FIFTEEN of Shopaholic Giveaway Days to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Today I'm happy to tell you about my favorite Lilly Pulitzer Corporate Store, Lilly Pulitzer in Southlake, TX. Everyone who works at Lilly  - the manager Sh'Lika, assistant manager Amy, and others like my buddy Sarah - are willing to assist me when I "need" a special item. They also do a wonderful job of keeping me informed of any special deals - sale, GWP's, etc. Remember, I don't have a Lilly corporate store I can just walk into, so most of my shopping is done over the phone with Southlake. They are fantastic to work with, and rest assured I wouldn't have near the Lilly Pulitzer collection if it weren't for their help! :-) The store currently have a huge selection of Spring merchandise, as well as the first Summer delivery. Additionally, the Southlake store has sale transfers from other Lilly corporate stores. Having a

Happy Tuesday, and w elcome to DAY FOURTEEN of Shopaholic Giveaway Days to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Today I'm excited to introduce you to a skin care line named Votre Vu. This line is French made and natural skin care products. Votre Vu was previously available only in select European salons and spas, however now it's available for delivery directly to your door! Recently I met one of their star directors, Michelle, through blogging and Facebook. Michelle is a fellow "Bama Girl" although she lives in the Northeast these days, so we formed an instant friendship! Hello, she had me at "Bama"! Anyway, Michelle mailed some samples to me to try. I just received them and can't yet speak to my experiences - but I know several other bloggers use a variety of their products and am more than willing to give it a try. I am especially interested in trying the "Portait Collar" product, a lush creme for the neck and decollete. Some of you may re

Happy Monday! Hope my fellow Shopaholics had a great weekend, I enjoyed my Sunday break and am back and ready for a fun week!  Welcome to DAY THIRTEEN of Shopaholic Giveaway Days to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Today I'm excited to introduce you to Patty's Collection. From her website : Patty's Collection is a customized on-line clothing and accessories boutique in Maryland. Patty is a mom of two beautiful children, Ben and Emma. She began making preppy belts for her son in 2005 as she couldn't find any cute ones in his size. Patty always had an eye for designing original gifts for family and friends who consistently encouraged her to turn her talent into a career. This led to the creation of her business Patty's Collection. Prior to starting her business, Patty worked as a Senior Account Manager for a top 10 Ad Agency in Maryland. This experience thought her the importance of knowing what clients want. Patty works hard to find products and vendor

Happy Sunday evening! If you're not already, be sure to go over and join the fun on the Shopaholic Facebook fan page. I'm announcing all giveaway winners over there first, because it's so easy! However, for those who don't have a FB account, I will be announcing winners here on the blog every few days! Our updated group of winners: Day One - Tea Garden - winner is "Wacie's Way" Day Two - Jeremy Shockey photo - winner is "Vynuss" Day Three - Crocodile Kids Boutique - winner is "Charity" Day Four - Looking 4 Lilly headband set - winner is "The Canady Family" Day Five - Social Climbers Book - winner is "CT Cupcake" Day Six - At The Blue Barn - winner is "pinkriss" Day Seven - Kiel James Patrick - winner is "aeb" Day Eight - Beach House Boutique - winner is "Fried Pink Tomato" If you're one of the lucky winners, please contact me at (lori.driver@hotmail.com) so w

Happy Sunday everyone! The Shopaholic is exhausted and will be taking a break today! Please don't forget to enter all the amazing giveaways that are still running! I'll be back on Monday with a new giveaway, there are more scheduled for next week. You're going to ♥ them! More winners will be announced on the Facebook fan page on Sunday evening and on Monday's blog post. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Happy Socialite Saturday, my fellow Shopaholics, and we lcome to DAY TWELVE of Shopaholic Giveaway Days to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Today I'm so excited to feature a Shopaholic favorite jewelry designer, Kate Puck. From her website: Kate Puck is a Charleston, SC jewelry designer who finds inspiration in the beauty of the Lowcountry barrier islands. Kate is a third generation jewelry artist with both her great uncle and her father the award winning designers. Kate’s medium of choice is sterling silver, semi-precious stones, sand dollar fossils and pearls. Her signature pieces are the Kiawah Starfish Collection, Isle of Pearls, Beachwalker Charms and Sand Dollar Fossil Necklaces. Kate’s designs are sold in galleries in downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Daniel Island and select Florida resorts. Personally, I own several pieces of Kate's jewelry. One of my absolute favorites is the Kiawah Starfish Necklace ($120), which I decided to "model&

TGIF, Shopaholic pals! This has been such a fun week, my family is down here at the beach for a visit. I've been having a great time with my nephews! :-)  Welcome to DAY ELEVEN of Shopaholic Giveaway Days to celebrate Mother's Day!!! Today I'm so excited to feature one of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer Via shoppes, Under The Palm Tree. I have been buying Lilly from UTPT for several years. The service is exceptional, shipping is always fast, and I love knowing that I'm supporting a small business. Sara, Martha Jane, Hadley, everyone at UTPT is a total pleasure to deal with!   They have so many wonderful goodies on the website right now! Some of the items I still "need" include the Adelson Shift Dress, the Del Mar Dress, and the Roslyn Skirt. Funny....I always "need" some new Lilly! Now for the FUN!!! Under The Palm Tree is sponsoring a marvelous giveaway, exclusively for Shopaholic readers! You will actually be able to SELECT your prize - how