Shopaholic in Alabama

Happy Hump Day everyone! It's one day closer to the July 4th long holiday weekend. Although I'm not sure why I'm excited, the oil is so bad we can't exactly go to the beach. :-( Welcome to my first edition of Wish List Wednesday! I plan to highlight some of my "must haves" every week, leading up to my milestone birthday in August. I'm trying to convince myself that the big 4-0 won't be that bad... What do you think of my first three selections? Obviously they won't be worn together, HAHA! Enjoy! Bernardo, Moolah Sandals, Gold, $109 Lilly Pulitzer Raquel Dress, Shimmy Shell, $258 Kenneth Jay Lane, Pink Raj Elephant Bangle Bracelet, $89.50

Happy Tuesday, Shopaholics! Hope you're having a great start to the week. It's soooo hot here I just want to stay inside, in the AC. Today I want to introduce you to one of the cutest - and useful! - products I have seen in a long time! Shopaholics - meet My Pair Tree ! My Pair Tree is a one-of-a-kind hanging shoe rack that holds six pairs of your favorie flip flops or sandals.  I met the creator of this product - Mary Ellen - through Facebook. When she offered to send My Pair Tree my way to try, I was thrilled. Let's face it - I have a lot of stuff, and I'm always looking for a way to organize that stuff. I am literally swimming in flip flops over here. :-) This is very easy to use - you can place it on a hanger in your closet or display from a hook on a wall or door. Personally I prefer the back of the door method, as it keeps everything in plain sight. I've found if I can't see my goodies, I don't really use them. One thing I figured out from te...

Happy Monday, Shopaholics! Hope you had a fantastic weekend and are enjoying your Monday! Deal Alert!  Tuesday is a huge Lilly Pulitzer shopping day on two of my favorite websites! I thought you all would want to know what is coming, so you can plan accordingly! Sales begin at 11AM EST. Me, I won't be leaving the house on Tuesday until I've seen what will be featured! :-) The Garnett Hill - Lilly Pulitzer collection will be on Rue La La . Isn't the Treasure Chest Collection to die for??? Based on the preview, it appears there will be lots of goodies! Are you a member of RLL? If not, click HERE for your invitation to Rue La La, as my guest. Also on Tuesday, Lilly Pulitzer will be appearing on One Kings Lane. When Lilly was on OKL back in February, the products were all part of the stationery line (which is produced by Lifeguard Press). I racked up and ordered all types of goodies then, and am ready for some more. :-) One Kings Lane is also "in...

Happy Sunday to my Shopaholic pals! Hope your day is wonderful so far! Mine is stacking up to be busy, working around the house. So much for a restful Sunday! Today I want to introduce you to my newest favorite Lilly Pulitzer dress. Everyone, meet Janet. Earlier this week, I was shopping in Belk (dept. store in my area) and saw this dress from the Summer collection. Once I tried it on, I knew she was coming home with me! There are two versions of the Janet dress, one is lurex and the other is cotton lawn. The lurex is lightweight and perfect for our hot and humid weather. The neckline is so pretty and detailed - and the way the shoulders are cut in just a little makes the dress extremely flattering. I wore my new Janet dress on Friday and got so many compliments (I purchased the one pictured above - print name is "Do The Wave"). Now I think I "need" her in the other lurex print, which is "Off The Hook". I must say I'm in love with so many pi...

Happy Saturday, Shopaholics! Hope you're having a wonderful day! Today I'm headed to see my favorite stylist Phillip Drummond, my hair needs some serious help! I'm at least a week (maybe two!) behind on my highlights. Oops. Then I plan to run a bunch of errands, and maybe spend some time in the sun. DH is working all day. What are your plans for the weekend? Be sure to tune in tomorrow, I'm going to show you my "new favorite" Lilly Pulitzer dress. *swoon* I'm in love! Have a great day!

TGIF, everyone! First I must apologize for my lack of posts, and being sooooo far behind reading all your blogs! Since DH started the new job, things have been absolutely nuts around here. The oil keeps coming - and it's getting very heavy now. I don't have Buffett tickets for next week (scalpers bought them all up - I can't find one local person that was lucky enough to get them!)Please someone give me a break.....I really need to see Jimmy, for my mental health if no other reason! Anyway, who loves Caroline Grace Jewelry like I do? Many of you! :-) You will be thrilled to hear they are ringing in summer with a huge sale! The details: Now through June 30th, we'll deduct 10% off any order over $100, 20% off any order over $200, and 25% off any order over $300. Just mention "Summer" in the notes at checkout, and your discount will be sent to you in the form of a paypal refund once payment is received. (If you prefer an adjusted invoice with the correct t...

Happy Wednesday everyone! Busy times around these parts - and I have good news to report! #1 - Jimmy Buffett is coming to town for a concert next week! #2 - The DH is working as a boat captain, at least for now! Even better, it appears he will be working so many hours he'll miss the UPS deliveries! :-) #3 - It's possible that Caroline Grace - of Caroline Grace Jewelry fame - is finally coming to visit next week! (nothing like Jimmy Buffett to finally get her to town!) BUT I'm happy she didn't leave town before mailing these gorgeous earrings out to me...(also available in the Etsy shop). #4 - The Eliot shirtdress in Toile is also headed my way... Don't forget - today is the last day to enter the Lilly Pulitzer giveaway - check out the original post HERE . Have a wonderful Wednesday! p.s. Fair warning - next week starts "Wish List Wednesday" in honor of my upcoming milestone birthday. Best start saving that $$$...

Happy Monday, Shopaholics! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Are you participating in national "Wear Your Lilly" day today? This annual event celebrates the "official" start of summer - although we've been experiencing summer temperatures for several months here on the Alabama gulf coast! Today I'm running errands around town, in and out of the car and the heat, so I plan to be cool and comfortable in my new Lilly Resort shorts in Aquamarine Fresh Catch Toile. Paired with my new Wynne top in White. What Lilly are you sporting today? Have a great Monday! p.s. Ask me how bad I'm wishing I had those white leather McKims to match my ensemble...

Happy Sunday - and Happy Father's Day! I'm more than happy to admit that I'm a "Daddy's Girl". I love my Father to death, he and DH are the most important men in my life. Hands down. Today I'm starting the day with an early breakfast with my parents, Grandfather and his wife. Then off to visit the in-laws, and a cookout at my parents house this evening! It's going to be busy, but these are the days we treasure!  Hope you have a great day - the picture was taken in New Orleans at the Superdome - don't my parents look young??? :-)

TGIF , my Shopaholic friends! Can you even believe it's Friday? I'm wondering exactly where the week went - seems like it flew by! Are you familiar with Lifeguard Press? I know my fellow Lilly lovers are, as they produce the Lilly Pulitzer stationery and gifts lines. Additionally, Lifeguard Press also produces lines for Jonathan Adler and Susan Branch. As many of you will remember from last week's post, they contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products for my readers. I was so excited (and honored!) to create a partnership with this wonderful brand. Did you know the Lilly Pulitzer drink umbrellas from Lifeguard Press were featured on the TODAY show this week? You can see the link on the Lifeguard Press Facebook fan page HERE . It's awesome to see a favorite like Lifeguard Press/Lilly featured in the national media, whether it's TV or print. It proves one thing - someone else has good taste! :-)   Today ...

Happy Thursday, my friends! Hope you're having a wonderful day and an easy week! So far, so good around here. Quite "boring" compared to last week, that's for sure! Many have asked me how I feel about BP, since I live in coastal Alabama, on the front lines of this oil spill disaster. I am truly experiencing this firsthand, for me this is REAL LIFE - not just an image you see on the news every evening. I smell the oil. I go over to the beach daily, sometimes twice a day, to see how it looks. I have to scrub small amounts of oil off my feet before I come inside again. Sure I try not to get in oil, but those pictures you see on Facebook that were taken at the water's edge? You have to get a little oil on you to have those shots. This is what I call "My New Reality". An oil forecast daily, a "smell test" daily, and changing emotions. When this catastrophe first happened, I was filled with nothing but anger. Angry that it happened. Angry that w...

Happy Wednesday everyone! I cannot believe it's already "hump day" - honestly where is the time going? It's well documented that I enjoy laying in the sun. YES, I know. The sun is supposed to be bad for me. YES, I know. Tanning causes skin cancer. YES, I know. I'm supposed to wear high SPF. I do. Especially on my face. As a result, I always end up with another problem...my face is lighter than my body. Significantly lighter. Do you use a bronzing powder? I have found that using one is the best solution to my "problem" with the white face and tan body. :-) Lucky for you, I have tried many bronzers in my day - meet "The Best Bronzers Around". Stila Sun Highlighter Retail price is around $26 and you can purchase at Sephora, Ulta, or directly from Stila.com. This powder does NOT have any gold flecks, but allows me to gradually build up the color on my face to match the color on my neck/chest. Use a large powder brush for application, and app...

Happy Tuesday, my Shopaholic friends! Hope you are having a wonderful start to a new week! It's still super hot around these parts. Apparently the dog days of summer arrived very early this year! Today I have a fun surprise for you - a Lilly Pulitzer GIVEAWAY! :-) This one is sponsored by - ME! As you guys know, I shop often (ssshhh don't tell anyone) and wanted to share some of my goodies with a lucky winner! Items included in this giveaway: (1) Lilly playing cards with pink case (1) Lilly green notebook (1) Lilly Bees Knees Patch Mix & Match Stationery set (3) Lilly Perfume Samples - Beachy, Squeeze & Wink (1) Lilly Shifting Gears small keychain (1) Lilly pink mirror with case - lizard type fabric Now, all the ways you can enter to win this fantastic set of goodies: (1) Sign up to follow this blog and comment. If you're already a follower, please comment to enter!  This is good for one entry. (2) "Like" Shopaholic In Alabama on Facebook...

Sun with waves of sunlight radiating outward Happy Monday everyone! Oh my goodness -- it is so HOT here! Yesterday I took my nephew over to the beach - just so he could see it, as we couldn't have our normal "beach party". The sand was literally burning the bottoms of our feet! The wind is just barely blowing. It's 94 degrees with humidity in the 85-90% range, creating a heat index of 105-109. I'm showering two or three times a day. If you just walk outside, you feel like you need a shower! Crazy - considering it's still June - and technically not "summer" yet! At least according to the calendar... How is your weather? Stay cool today - and don't forget to use SPF! :-)

Happy Saturday, my friends! The oil spill situation got a little bit worse here in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL yesterday. The thick, nasty, chocolate pudding looking stuff has arrived.  I knew it was big trouble when we received the following email from the condo owners association: Special Edition - Bad News about the Oil Spill Friday, June 11, 2010 DAY 53 of the Oil Spill We are very disappointed to report that suddenly, today, the beach has become covered with dark oil. The oil looks like old motor oil and has the faint smell of oil. The consistency of the oil goes from a liquid to globs. We had hoped that we would only have globs of oil which would stay on the surface of the sand instead of liquid oil which penetrates the sand. There are no birds or other animals in the water or on the beach. The oil droplets seem to be mixed into the top layer of the Gulf water and the oil extends as a dark mass as far as you can see in all directions. No doubt th...

TGIF, Shopaholic friends! Did I get you there? No, my husband's name is NOT Eliot. haha Several weeks ago I ordered the new Lilly Pulitzer Eliot Shirtdress from one of my favorite Via Shoppes, Under The Palm Tree. Today I finally wore my new frock and honestly, I. am. in. love. The Eliot dress is cool, comfortable and perfect for sweltering Gulf Coast summers. The fit is forgiving (very important when you've been eating carbs like I have the past week!) and flattering! Trust me - if you've been considering this dress, take the plunge and order it. It will make a great addition to your summer wardrobe selections. Shopaholic Confession - I have another one headed this way! Sssshhhh don't tell anyone.... Have a Fantastic Friday and a lovely weekend!

Happy Thursday, my Shopaholic friends! Thanks for your kind comments here on the blog and the Facebook page, your emails and good wishes! They have been much appreciated the past few days! :-)  Are you familiar with Lifeguard Press ? I know my fellow Lilly lovers are, as they produce the Lilly Pulitzer stationery and gifts lines. Additionally, Lifeguard Press also produces lines for Jonathan Adler and Susan Branch. Anyway, they contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products for my readers. I was so excited (and honored!) to create a partnership with this wonderful brand. Of course I was thrilled when a box of goodies arrived! The first item I'm going to review is the Lilly Pulitzer Patchtastic Watch Set, which you can see on the Lifeguard Press website HERE . This watch set is so much fun! They are somewhat nostalgic as they remind me of my beloved Swatch watches from middle and high school. S...

Hello my lovely friends! Hope you are doing great today, I haven't had the motivation to blog the past few days. Before you think I'm lazy (haha), let me tell you what's going on around these parts. 1) The DH was laid off on Monday morning. Even though I'm soooooo tempted to make his (and my!) ex-employer a believer in the power of Social Media and talk more about it here, I'll refrain from that activity. I have confidence he will find something else quickly, he's a super smart dude and has lots of great experience. This will ultimately work out for the best! 2) I'm missing the Lilly Pulitzer warehouse sale, which started this morning in King of Prussia, PA. This is a SUCH a fun, semi-annual sale. I love attending the sale! It's so awesome to be able to visit and socialize with all my friends across the country while we get bargains, have dinner and wine, and give our best Bret Michaels impression in our hotel room. You know how the males have ...

Happy Monday everyone! Today I thought it would be fun to show you everything that we considered "essential" for yesterday's beach fun. Yes there was oil at the beach, but we stayed far away from it all. We didn't get in the water at all, as a "swimming advisory" was posted. What are your beach essentials? Do you use any of the same goodies? Am I the only one who puts an 85 on her face and an 8 on her body? HAHA. That new Hawaiian Tropic "Dry Oil" is fantastic! Additionally, the "Maui Babe" can be hard to find, but it's so worth it! Be sure to use sunscreen underneath on sensitive areas, or use alone in areas that are already VERY tan. (I like to use this on my feet). The Shiseido powder has been discontinued (booooooo) but you should be able to find everything else at Walgreens or CVS. Happy Sunning! p.s. My nose is still burnt - what's up with that!?!? Even the 85 Neutrogena or the 45 with zinc oxide doesn't work! An...