Oh, the Horror....Have I Become A Mall Shopper

Cute thrift sweater $8, Silence & Noise jeans $17 Buffalo Exchange

Tiny Ferragamo bag- BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE $2 Thrift

Christopher Kane dress- FREE Topshop

Ok, ok....I know it has been months and long months since my last post. I could come up with all sorts of plausible excuses....but in fact....I haven't felt inspired to write about any bargains! That is not to say that I have not gotten any bargains....I just haven't felt like expounding about their virtues! Anyway....I hope my dry spell is over, and I can once again, let you all in on my treasure hunting! With months having passed, I hardly know where to begin....should it be with the Black Friday sales (I only went to one thrift store), or Xmas goodies, or perhaps I should tell you about my fabulous NYC shopping? Hmmmm......I think I will start with the mall, and jump around from there!

My kids, it seems... are much more wealthy than me! it makes me wonder sometimes, why it is that I am buying things for them....when I look at their wallets, and they are stacked with cash from Xmas, and mine looks anorexic! Anyway....my youngest daughter has picked up an insatiable addiction for Juicy Couture. I am not sure how this happened! While I may own the odd Juicy sweatsuit....I am in no way contributing to the pink and frilly addiction that has overcome my child! All she wanted for Xmas was Juicy, so that is what she got! After Xmas, armed with the $$$ that came pouring in from various relatives, all of my kids were ready to hit the mall. I NEVER mall shop. Seriously...I cannot even remember the last time I went to the mall for the purpose of shopping for myself. What happens at the mall is this....there are a bazillion shops which house a gazillion things that you never knew that you needed until you saw them at the mall. This will prompt a return trip to quickly pick up something seen on the previous trip, which turns into a vicious cycle of shopping! Anyway....my kids were completely enamored with.....Justice, Juicy, and Gamestop. Seriously....could not get enough! My oldest daughter who absolutely despises shopping...couldn't get out of the car fast enough. When I asked her about this, she said, "Mom....you know I don't hate shopping for me....just for you!" I am sure that others with kids have heard this before. Really, this means....I hate shopping where you want to shop, but don't mind spending 2 hours in Justice!!!!! Luckily, all of the cash has been squandered, and I made it out virtually unscathed....and with a few bargains to boot! I managed to get a gorgeous necklace at Free People, and some fabulous and fun costume jewelry at F21. That place is unreal.....there are all sorts of wonderful things to be found there!

A few weeks ago, I was invited to spend 2 days in NYC with my family! It is the first time that my Dad has had all of his kids in the same spot in about 20 years, I think! I knew the trip was gong to go well when I found $20 at the airport. I tried to find its rightful owner....but no one wanted to claim the cash, so therefore it was mine by default! I was invited to celebrate my Dad's 65th birthday with a trip to the MOMA to see the Bauhaus exhibit. The exhibit was amazing, as well as the opportunity to spend time with my family...they are all super cool! Speaking of super cool....my big brother was in NYC also, finishing off his newest album (check out the Apples in Stereo) and filming his video. I got to see the recording studio and also meet some of his extremely cool and artsy band types. My awesome sister-in-law offered to take me shopping after I spotted a Christopher Kane for Topshop alligator dress in her duffel bag. For those of you who are not in the CK know....when the line debuted at Topshop last fall, all of the coolest pieces were snapped up in no time at all, and many were sold on Ebay for ridiculous sums. But moving on....she offered to take me to Topshop as she had recently purchased the dress on sale for $20 (originally $125). I could barely sleep with anticipation that night and was thrilled when we finally made it to the store in Soho. My excitement soon turned to awe, as we realized that one whole floor of the store was on SALE....buy one get one FREE. After getting myself acclimated to the madness and finding my alligator dress (top priority)....I delved in to find my next item. I ended up getting a gorgeous pair of shoes (originally $145) for $40, and the Kane dress for FREE. Now THAT is a deal!!

Holy smokes....I think I have written a book here! I am going to have to post some pics and make another entry.....I need to not wait so long between musings!

Becoming a Nun....With Nothing But a Sheet!

This is the time of year which I love in some ways, and dread in others. Halloween is quickly approaching, and of course if you want to score big in the candy department....you better have a costume! If that isn't enough stress...starting last year..my kids also have to have a "Saint" costume for All Saints Day at school. The dilemma of the Halloween costume can generally be solved by a quick trip to my local thrift store, but a "Saint" costume is very hard to come by....I guess they are not in hot demand. Last year one of my daughters chose to dress as the nun with the "flying hat". I looked EVERYWHERE for a hat, but all that were for sale were ridiculously expensive. There was no way that I would spend $29.99 on a hat which would only grace her head once. In quiet desperation....I decided out to make my own nun's hat. Armed with a hot glue gun, a Tupperware container, and some foam board.....I set out to conquer what no other Mom that I know has achieved! It only took but an hour...and my daughter was thrilled with the results (please see picture for reference). Alas...that was last year, and of course my other daughter does not want to wear the same hat which was so proudly paraded around the school once before. She has decided to be a Saint who is attired in all white, flowing robes! Easy, right???!!!! That is what I thought....now I am looking at a white sheet and trying to decide how to make it into a rocking Saints costume by Friday! Is my daughter going to look like a Saint, or like her Mother threw a white sheet onto her and called it a costume??? Pics will surely follow.....

What is not cheap....pets!!! My dear cat Mr. Mao came down with a bladder infection last week. How could I diagnose this, you might wonder??? Well....he peed pretty much everywhere he could squat....including on my foot!!! I could feel his pain, as my bladder and I have been in the same position before. I made a call to our vet and was able to rush him in right away. A few hours and $300 later, I was informed that our cat had a bladder infection. Hmmmm.....I knew he had a bladder infection when I still had not spent a dime! He was prescribed amoxicillin and sent home with instructions that he may need further testing, blah, blah, blah next week!!! Of course I am glad he was taken care of and he is worth far more than the cost of that vets appointment, but really.....it cost $300 to have him pee on some litter and test is for infection???? I am thinking that I I had been so inclined....a vet would have been a good calling. You don't have to mess with insurance, bitchy patients, and the people paying the bill will generally spare any expense for their beloved pets!

And tonight after a quick trip to the dog park (my kids love this), I will be stopping at Boston Market for their $1 meal. Actually... I won't!!! I just went to attach the link, and realized that my coupon expired yesterday! What a bummer!!!! I was looking forward to their cornbread! Oh well....I guess I will have to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by Moi!!!!

And....last but not least! To address the above photos. I still have not figured out how to blog correctly. I am going to get the hang of photo placement one of these days!!! But I will tell a little tale about each of the above! The first photo is of a drop-dead gorgeous pair of Sergio Rossi shoes. Original price in the $550 range. Somehow, there was a secret sale going on at NM Last Call when I was there, and with all the discounts applied...they cost $74. I think this is the most that I have paid for shoes in a long time....but they are well worth it!! The color is amazing!!! Next in the photo lineup is a pair of Hermes sandals which I was lucky enough to get at Salvation Army for $12.99. I spotted these from across the room...and didn't know what brand they were, but could tell the quality was good. I was so excited when I picked them up and they were my size!!! On to the fur coat....this one is a true shocker!! It is a vintage sheared mink. And drumroll....I paid $2.99. I was at one of my thrift stores that has all of their clothes marked at $2.99, when I spied a piece of clothing on the floor under a rack. I picked it up in order to hang it up when I realized what I was holding onto. I wold not buy new fur....but this one sure does deserve to be loved....and for $2.99, who wouldn't love it!!! When I got it home, I proudly showed it off to my husband who in a typical male fashion said, "What do you need that for?" EXCUSE ME....this is a mink coat in impeccable condition for less than a Happy Meal...how could I say no??? And last but not least.....the "flying nun's" hat!!! That is some serious crafting talent sitting atop my daughter's head!! Please try not to be jealous!!!!

A Very Puzzling Pumpkin Problem....

My outfit for today: Hache shirt $7, LaRok vest FREE, J&Company jeans $10, Boots...old!


Harem pants....much dwelled upon...finally mine! $32.50



Leater Jacket- FREE (I traded at Buffalo Exchange)



I have to be honest....three weeks ago when Starbucks started touting their Fall pumpkin flavor....I was so happy to be uninterested. As we all know...Starbucks is not the way to go if trying to be thrifty. I do have to mention though, that I can buy their tall cup of regular coffee in a grande cup (room for the milk), and it is the same price as 7-eleven. So....this is what I was doing on the fateful day that they had samples of their pumpkin frappuccino on the counter to be tasted. I looked at it disdainfully....but am always open to anything free....so decided to give it a shot. I am now having to question this decision, as I am sure they have added crack to their pumpkin goods to get people hooked. I have now made my way through their pumpkin selection, and have enjoyed every second of it! Pumpkin latte, frappuccino, muffin, scone, bread....you name it, Starbucks sells it, I have tried it! I am hoping now that I have over-indulged and gotten this insatiable need for pumpkin out of my system. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend the muffin and latte....actually worth the $$$ to try. On to another Starbucks matter....their instant coffee! I don't know about you, but if I am paying $1.00 for a cup of coffee...I would rather spring for a little bit more, and get the cup, as well. If I am drinking coffee at home it is Folgers "Colombian" for me EVERY TIME!!! The best coffee I have ever tasted....and only $3.00 for a container....now that IS A DEAL!




I recently was the recipient of FREE tickets to see "Blink 182" in concert. Despite popular opinion....Travis Barker (the drummer) is attractive in a mildly repulsive kind of way! But that is not why I wanted to attend. As it turns out...."Blink 182" is my sons 2nd favorite band! I surprised him after school last week with the free tickets. He was unbelievably excited!! Better yet....the concert was only a mile away from our house....so easy to get there and back. This was my sons first real concert. We arrived a bit early, and I realized they were charging $10 for parking. Most people would pay the $$$ and feel happy still, as the tickets were free....but not me!! $10 for parking!!! I did not even have to pay for the tickets! We ended up scoring FREE parking across the street (although there was a distinct possibility of my car being stolen).....Once inside, it was a bit overwhelming for Ryan. Tons of people....so much to see....and of course he gravitated straight towards the t-shirt sales booth!!! I think it could be left unsaid that there was going to be no t-shirt purchased at the concert, although I did promise to keep my eye out at the thrift stores that I frequent! We did end up buying a large sticker sheet for $2, which I thought was an amazing deal!! Unfortunately, we only stayed for a bit of the concert. I was shocked and dismayed when he said he was ready to go because of all the cursing. HUH!!!???? Is this my child????!!!! I was proud of the moral stand he had taken, and glad to be out of there before darkness fell.....and felt quite lucky to find my car unmolested! Price of "Blink 182" concert- $2, Getting to spend a cool evening with my kid- PRICELESS!!!! ( I always think it is a bit cheesy when people do that...but in this instance it was quite fitting)!!!!




And last but not least.....the story of my harem pants!! It was a few weeks ago, and I was at Buffalo Exchange, trading clothes with the hopes of selling enough to purchase my DREAM motorcycle jacket! I reached my goal, and was ready to leave when I spied out of the corner of my eye....a gorgeous pair of pants. They were peeping out nonchalantly at me from in between a mass of jeans. As I pulled them out, I admired the gorgeous color and details. I then looked at the price....$32.50!! Well....I had come in to sell things...not spend new $$$, so I kindly handed them to a girl shopping nearby, and told her that the pants were gorgeous and she should try them on! HUGE MISTAKE!!!! When I arrived home, I could not get these pants out of my mind. I started imagining all of the outfits that I couldn't wear now that I didn't have them. Finally, in a fit of regret...I turned to the Internet to see if I could track them down. Well....track them down I did. Retail price=$558. HOLY SHITE!!!!! Now I really had to have the pants. I was kicking myself for my generosity, and hoping beyond hope that the pants did not fit the Amazon woman (in my mind) that I had given them too!!! First thing the next morning, I was on the phone with Buffalo Exchange, and was thrilled to find out that the pants would be mine! Thank you Kristin (my oldest friend) for the bday $$$ that made their purchase possible!!




And not to be ignored...I met the owner of Dickey's whilst out the other night enjoying a few cocktails. Turns out at the Frisco Dickey's location, they have FREE BEER every night from 5-8. Or...it could have been 6-8. I am not driving that far....even for free beer, but it is a superb opportunity for those living in North Dallas.

Dumpster Diving....Does It Equal Free Tea????

The offending dumpster....sorry....no shot of me inside!


And me today: black top $.90 thrifted Anna Paul silk skirt $4.00 Clothes Circuit


Yesterday was a normal day....like most of my others. I started my day off by driving through McDonald's to get my everyday sweet iced tea (.99). I have become a bit obsessed with sweet tea since I stopped smoking. I would say that quitting smoking is a great way to save money, but as I have replaced it with a sweet iced tea everyday from McDonald's....I am just breaking even!!! Anyway....I exchanged my morning pleasantries with Ms. Joyce, who is perpetually friendly and whose attitude makes it almost a pleasure to drink iced tea that I know is going to give me a gut! Little did I know that later that day I would be seeing her in completely different circumstances!!



As I was making my way into work, I did a quick detour to our dumpster to toss in a handful of the junk that accumulates in your car when you have kids! As my life would go...I also threw in my phone. I did stare at it for a minute or so, but as it became apparent that it would not rise to meet my by some type of mystical powers....I made a backup plan to hop in the dumpster. I have to mention that this prospect was not enticing AT ALL!!! I hopped in with the ease of a person at least half my age, and bent down to retrieve my phone. When I popped back up....who was there??? None other than Ms. Joyce from the drive-thru!!! She was on her way to the bus stop when she happened upon me in the dumpster. She asked, "Hey...what are you doing in there??" To which I replied, "Oh...I live here!". After realizing my mistake, I quickly corrected myself and explained that I actually lived there, and continued with the tale that ended with me in the dumpster. In retrospect...maybe I should have allowed her to believe that I was actually dumpster diving, as there might have been FREE sweet tea in my future!!!



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DMA....do something nice for your kids!

Chanel Motorcycle Boots $65 Secondhand

I have to say that my kids are a HUGE bummer! I cannot even mention the name of a thrift store without my oldest daughter behaving as if I am trying to make her do a few hours worth of chores!!!! Actually...I think she may prefer chores! It isn't as if I go EVERYDAY, and they need to start being more appreciative, because I can assure you that they wouldn't have 1/2 of the things they deem necessary if it wasn't for Salvation Army!!! My son insisted that he needed Under Armour. I thought it was a type of deodorant, but much to my surprise....it is a type of athletic shirt! Champion wouldn't do....nor would any other kind of off-brand shirt....it turns out that wearing Under Armour is akin to wearing neon Reebok hightops back in the 80's!! Under Armour is EXPENSIVE.....but not when bought secondhand! My son has since asked that I stop purchasing it as he has every color in every style, I think. And all together, I don't think I have paid more than $10. Case in point....that the kids should be appreciative for my bargain hunting prowess!


Sometimes though....I do something all for the kids! On every Thursday evening of every month, the Dallas Museum of Art is FREE to enter. Yes....you read it right....not a dime is charged! They also have FREE art projects on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, and it is a wonderful way to spend great time with your family....without spending any $$$ at all. I took the kids last Thursday for my birthday, and it turned out that the make-n-take art project was actually a make-n-leave! They all thought they got the shaft as they had constructed these supercool concrete art pieces and were dying to take them home (I have to admit that I wanted them too!)but instead they were made to donate them to an artist who is working on a piece of installation art which will be on display at the DMA in the spring. Sounds like a good way to get free labor on your next art project, but who am I to say (I may be a little bitter)???!!! Anyway....it is a great time for parents and kids alike, as their is also live music and wine for the purchasing. If you park in a metered spot, and it is after 5 o'clock, the parking is also FREE!


Also....Restaurants.com is running a promotion for the next few days. All of their restaurant gift certificates are 90% off. This is a GREAT deal. You can get a $25 gift certificate for $1 by using the code "ninety". It is essentially 1/2 off by the time the tip and tax is added in at the restaurant, but makes it so much easier to enjoy going out to eat, when it so much more affordable. Unfortunately, I think I bought all of the certificates to my favorite Thai restaurant...so if you live in Dallas and want to buy from Bangkok City....sorry about that!!!!
And for a bit of fashion talk....Fall is in the air, and anything motorcycle oriented is HOT!!!! I was lucky enough to purchase these gorgeous Chanel motorcycle boots a few years ago(whilst living in Hong Kong) for $65. I am completely in love with them, but for the life of me cannot figure out how to wear them without feeling age (un)appropriate. Ideas are welcome please......I certainly do not want to be an embarrassment to my children!!!

It's My Birthday and I'll Buy if I Want Too!!!

Back of "Rich Hippie" jacket


I added the brooch...a bit of bling always makes me happy!



Catherine Courtney mesh coat




"Lucky" handbag





Chanel shoes......





Well....another year has passed! I am closer to 40 now than 30, and I guess that qualifies me to be called ma'am by the Cowboys cheerleaders! I am not sure where the time has gone....I swear I was 25 just the other day! My 20's dragged on and on, but my 30's are on warp speed!!! Hmmmm....I did finally stop smoking this year! I was supposed to stop at 25....then 30....then 35.....and this year it finally took! Good thing too, as the last thing I need is wrinkly smokers lips to match my sagging chest!






So....today I will show my birthday purchases! I am raking it in!!! I love when I get $$$ for a present because I am able to get exactly what I want and lots of it from my favorite secondhand shops! I managed to accumulate $150 to squander, and am having a fine time doing it! I did sell some things at Buffalo Exchange, so was able to have a bit of store credit, which I used to help with my purchases. I love them all....so thank you Randy, kids, and parents for enabling me to buy more stuff I didn't need, but really and truly adore!!!!

And my shopping tip for today....don't take your kids with you whilst trying to spend money on yourself! Somehow all $$$ in your wallet becomes free game for useless stuff they also don't need!!!!

For Lack of Something Better To Say......

My outfit for today:
Rebecca Taylor top- $12.99 consignment
Dylan George jeans- $FREE (gift)


Johnny Was top- $2.99 Salvation Army
Wrangler jeans- $17.00 Buffalo Exchange
Vintage Frye boots- $5.99 St. Vincent De Paul thrift



Gucci top- $5.99 Union Gospel Mission thrift
Skirt- $8.00 (I beleive) 2000 Roses
Chloe shoes- $250 Milan Station )Hong Kong)



DO you ever have those moments when you just don't have a lot to talk about??? Apparently, this is where I am right now!! Getting back into the swing of things with school has been difficult, although I have to say that not having to hear, "MOM....I'm bored" continuously sure is fabulous!!!





I hit my local CVS yesterday to check out their 90% of sale. I can't remember if I have mentioned this before, but every Sunday there is an endcap at CVS which had been discounted to 90% off. I can't tell you the wonderful unnecessary crap that I have picked up for next to nothing. It all depends on what they put out that day, but I have gotten makeup for $.50, face creams for $1.00-$2.00, medicine for under $1.00....and on and on and on.......Yesterday they also had all of their summer merchandise marked to 75% off. There were some amazing deals to be found. Fake crocs for $2.00, toys for $dirt cheap.00, and all sorts of stuff that you never knew you needed until it was 75% off! Apparently I am vying for the good deals at my local CVS with a lady named Nancy. My favorite cashier told me that she also comes in every Sunday morning to try to score great cheap stuff. It has me wondering if I should be there when they unlock the doors?? This is every CVS in Dallas (as far as I know)......and it is possible that it is nationwide, as well.









I am going to post photos of some good deals I have found as of recent....or just anything interesting that I have saved in my computer!!