Shopaholic in Alabama

We all have those stores that are "Danger Zones". Perhaps yours is clothing, shoes, accessories, crafting, home decor, furniture, or electronics? Most of us have several of those type stores (I have more than I'd like to admit) - but one of my all time favorite "Danger Zones" is Bed Bath and Beyond.  The reason for my visit to BB&B is usually pretty simple. Last week, I needed a new pair of sheets for our master bedroom. Easy, right? Perhaps if you can go in, get the one item you're looking for and then leave - yes. Easy peasy. Thank goodness I have a stockpile of those "20% off one single item" coupons! (Did you know - you can use multiples of those at one time? My store will allow me to use 5 coupons per transaction.) I picked up these sheets, and if you need new ones too, I highly recommend these. A dreamy night's sleep awaits!   Naturally, while I was in the store I found other things we "needed". I fell in love with ...

Last night, we went to dinner with my sister and brother in law. Both of their birthdays are in the month of January, and my parents kept their two little boys (my nephews). So it was a great opportunity for the adults to have a fun night out!  Of course we headed over to one of our favorite restaurants here at the beach, Louisiana Lagniappe. They have an amazing menu - the drinks are fantastic and the food is to die for. My sister and I started out with a King Cake Martini, which is one of their specialty drinks.  And how does this sound - pan sauteed grouper topped with hollandaise sauce and grilled shrimp, served with a side of lump crabmeat and a twice baked potato? I will have to atone for this meal all week. We finished the night by having one of my sister BFF's and her boyfriend over for drinks and conversation. They have been friends for over 20 years, and hadn't spent any time together in years. There were lots of laughs and it was fun to see Angie again,...

You guys know me - I love, love, love my tunics! However - most of my favorite designer tunics are only appropriate for spring and summer wear. It's as if once the weather turns cool, tunics are out of sight and out of mind.  Enter Jules Reid to the rescue! Jules Reid is one of my favorite designers, you might remember one of my previous posts about her beachy-chic collection (see it HERE ). Jules' designs are absolutely gorgeous and oh so chic. I am in love with her Virginia Tunic , and am wearing one in the photo above.  The Virginia tunic is a great option for work. In the picture, I paired my newest Virginia with a black pencil skirt and black wedges - and it was a perfect "wear to work" look. You have to remember that I work in the mortgage business, so I'm constantly trying to find ways to work my favorite designers into my Monday-Friday wardrobe without looking like a tourist on vacation at the office. :-)  Another thing I like about the Jules...

Happy New Year, only 9 days late! HA! I hope your 2013 began with a bang and you're having a great start to the new year!  To write this post, I wanted to look back on my 2012 resolutions post. (It's HERE for the record.) There is one thing I notice, and quite frankly it's a little sad.  Every year, my #1 New Years Resolution is to lose weight. Last year I totally *FAILED* at this resolution. Believe me, I have plenty of excuses  reasons. I suppose the biggest reason is because I went back to work, and between the long hours in mortgage and a two hour commute every day, I simply don't have the time to exercise regularly.  Then again, don't we ALL have 24 hours in our day? And isn't this simply a matter of priorities? You know - how we manage our time. That's what the DH and my Father would tell me. I'm not sure how I will ever get this weight off. I don't want to give up, but life is gradually beating me into submission.  On the good news ...

Happy New Year, I'm back! After a long break from my blog, I will be posting several times a week. I'm so excited to return and I hope that you guys will still read!  Tonight is the big BCS National Championship game between Alabama and Notre Dame. Are you planning to watch? Of course, it's kind of big news here...(That is a serious understatement)! Me and the DH will be watching from home. We would have loved to be there in person but with work schedules it wasn't possible. I'm working on our game menu right now, and getting the house all clean and ready. Also plan to hit the pavement for four miles in a bit, then I won't feel guilty about what I eat and drink tonight. :-)  Who do you want to win? History hasn't been kind to Alabama when playing Notre Dame, but I believe our team is ready for tonight and I am planning to celebrate a victory!  Roll Tide Roll!  p.s. Tomorrow's post is all about New Years Resolutions!