Shopaholic in Alabama

TGIF, Shopaholics! The past few days have been a whirlwind around here. I've been all over this coast, and have experienced a wide range of emotions. Thursday I drove over to Ocean Springs, MS for the memorial tribute to my dear friend Lisa, who many of you know as " Bumpkin On A Swing ". The setting was beautiful - a huge tent outside at the home she shared with her Captain. The place was packed, it was obvious Lisa was well loved by her family, friends, co-workers, and the local community. You'll be pleased to hear that the Captain was holding up very well. He managed to speak at the service, and it was clear from his words the special relationship they had. BFF Trish (of Pink Preppy Lilly Lover fame) and her DH were there also, and we sat for a while (in the swing, of course) and talked over Lisa's impact on our lives and what she meant to us. I truly felt blessed to have known Lisa, and to have been there for her life's celebration. Knowing that Trish...

Happy Thursday! Before you ask, no that isn't my birthday cake! I wish it was - isn't it just fabulous? Beach and Buffet style, I love it! :-) Today is my 40th birthday. Even I can't believe it's here. There are so many things I wanted to do - planned to do - before I turned 40. Some of these things I have accomplished, others I haven't. I am willing to admit it - I love my birthday. I'm a LEO, after all; and a total diva about the day. This year feels different, I guess because I'm 40. Wow. I look at young people and think, "I'm not much older than them.....am I"? But of course, I am! However, I plan to enjoy the day and not focus on "the number". It really doesn't matter anyway, does it? At the end of the day...it's just a number. The DH is home today to celebrate with me. I'm getting my hair done, and we're having a wonderful dinner out tonight. Let the fun begin!  p.s. Don't forget to tune in tomorro...

Today I take a break in the scheduled post, to pay tribute to my dear friend Lisa. Many of you knew Lisa as the blogger " Bumpkin On A Swing ". When I started blogging back last winter, Lisa and I immediately hit it off and became fast friends. Lisa's comments on my blog always lifted my spirits - and more than that - we just connected. Sometimes we do this with someone we don't "really know" in person, but we do know through this wonderful and mysterious blogging community. Lisa was REAL. She loved her Captain, she loved her animals, and she loved this coast. She was smart. She was passionate about her causes. I will forever recall that reading her blog, long before NBC, CNN or Fox was talking about the oil spill, I knew our Gulf Coast was in real trouble. Lisa and I emailed about that soooo many times, I cannot begin to tell you how we comforted one another through the stress and anxiety of the situation. Lisa and I shared a passion for so man...

Happy Tuesday, Shopaholic friends! I can't believe it - but in 2 days, I will be 40. Yikes! Welcome to Day Thirteen of Shopaholic Birthday Giveaway Days! I'm hosting these in honor of my 40th birthday coming on August 12...it's a fun way to stop thinking about getting older, and profile some of my favorite designers, websites, stores and brands! HA Thanks so much to a great friend of mine - Kalle of Lil & Kalle - for sponsoring our 13th giveaway! This Etsy shop specializies in personalized, one of a kind creations. (link HERE ). They offer accessories, bags and children's items. The attention to detail is amazing, with beautiful color and pattern combinations.  Once upon a time, in a land far, far away - Kalle and I worked together. I'm happy we have remained friends over the years, and was thrilled when Kalle welcomed her first child last year. A beautiful daughter named.....guess what?? Lillie! :-) Let's show Lil & Kal...

Happy Monday, my friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had a very quiet one, as DH was working the whole time. I wanted to sun, but the heat index of 118 kept me inside. Welcome to Day Twelve of Shopaholic Birthday Giveaway Days! I'm hosting these in honor of my 40th birthday coming on August 12...it's a fun way to stop thinking about getting older, and profile some of my favorite designers, websites, stores and brands! Thanks so much to one of my newest online store obsessions - The Pink Giraffe - for sponsoring our 12th giveaway! When I was introduced to this store, I literally spent an hour pouring over the website. Trust me - you will too! :-) According to their website, The Pink Giraffe is "Your One Stop Shop for Monogrammed and Personalized Items including Monogrammed Ball Caps, Stationary, Photo Albums, Burp Cloths, Personalized Onesies and Children's Clothing".  Search our site for all your monogrammed needs. We carry an assortment...

Happy Sunday Fun Day, my Shopaholic pals! Welcome to Day Eleven (can you believe it?) of Shopaholic Birthday Giveaway Days! I'm hosting these in honor of my 40th birthday coming on August 12...it's a fun way to stop thinking about getting older, and profile some of my favorite designers, websites, stores and brands! HA Thanks so much to fellow Bama Girl living up north now, Michelle Rapoza, for sponsoring our Day Eleven giveaway! Not only is Michelle my personal Votre Vu rep, she's also a wonderful lady and a great friend! (see Michelle's website HERE ) Have you experienced Votre Vu yet? Votre Vu is a botanically based, French skin care line. We all know the French are fabulous innovators in the skin care and beauty industries, and Votre Vu is no exception! Votre Vu has only been distributed in the US since 2009 and they're taking the industry by storm. Word on the street is they'll be on "Oprah" soon - perhaps one of Oprah's Favorite Thi...

Happy Saturday to my lovely readers! Hope your weekend is wonderful so far! Today I had planned to post a new giveaway, but I realized (too late at night!) that I needed a little more information from the sponsor. Sooo today we'll take a one day break from new giveaways, but will post a new one on Sunday! :-) In the meantime, congratulations to the following lucky winners! Caroline Grace Jewelry (Day One) - Laurie MCC Designs (Day Two) - AMStarkey Lotus and Lilly (Day Three) - Equinegirls Please contact me ( lori.driver@hotmail.com ) if you've won a giveaway, so I can coordinate your winnings! Thanks to everyone who entered, commented, tweeted, blogged, shared, etc. I really appreciate you ALL reading and being so excited about the giveaways! There are still some wonderful ones coming over the next week, so be sure to stay tuned! Enjoy your Saturday!