Thriftanista in the City

Bring food and Lamb Paci. (Plus my 2 bags of essentials Mama is carrying.)

This was to be a scheduled post but time got away from me on Wednesday. Thanksgiving morning we hit the road headed to Toledo, OH. Now this is a post-holiday recap Sunday post. Violet was a very good road trip companion. She happily sat in her new car seat. Ate lots of mum-mums and took long naps. She slept most of the way back as she only had 7 hours of sleep overnight. Our Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful. Our family took a road trip to visit with friends. We were suppose to leave on Saturday but we were having such a good time we stayed 1 more day. Violet played with all the other children and stayed up late every night. The schedule and rules went out the window. We spent our time lounging around, eating, eating, and eating some more. Our host prepared an amazing feast. Gahhh! I know I've gained a few pounds. Portion control was not in my vocabulary. He proudly out danced a youth in a rousing game of Just Dance for Wii. Violet and another baby spoke in their language. We beli...

I have to go find an ensemble to match my tiara. Halloween was so last month. Much better. Do you like it? It's purple and it's haute! Now I'm ready to go. Mom, a little assistance, please.

I haven't cracked open an actual book in a while. Instead of reading books I've been listening to audiobooks. I can fold laundry, prepare dinner, and listen while I'm in the car. I especially love to listen to chicklit and light beach-friendly girly novels. I don't think I could multitask as much if listened to something that required brain power. photo credit My current "read" is Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant's "Better than I Know Myself". Have you read it?  I love it when I just "discover" a book without any previous knowledge like reviews or recommendations. I was just looking to find a "book" quickly as I was taking a long car trip. This was one of the few interesting titles available for digital download with my public library. The good ones always require holds so I was happy to stumble upon it and then I realized it's from 2005. That would explain the easy access. It tells the story of three women from di...

A Thrift Adventure Story I spotted a very nice pair of classic tan leather boots. I could tell they were of good quality. They reminded me of Frye boots. I prayed that they would fit even though they were a whole size smaller than my feet. A thrift poacher spotted me. Asked me what size I wear? What size the boots were? She WAITED while I struggled with them. I couldn't get them on *sad face*. I handed the boots over to her defeated and walked away. The end. What I Wore I got all dressed up "Momfitted" up and went nowhere. I was ready to take V to a meetup at Kookaburra Play Cafe but nap time was approaching and I also had diapers to wash, clothes to fold, straitening up to do so that I stay on my schedule. When I'm in the house I wear a lot of sweatpants, scrubs, and thrifted 80s velour robes. I was pleased with my looks so I kept this on. At least I was ready just in case I had an unexpected visitor. :) The thrifted items are the sweater and multi colored...

My tongue My bellybutton My old teeth My new teeth!

I'm excited to attend the  Passion Test with Janet Bray Attwood  this Saturday -- a workshop on leading a passionate and purposeful life. I received a complimentary ticket via Inspiring Social Media. Hey!! I just "discovered" these pictures in this post. They make me giggle. They were taken when Violet was 2 months old. I want to get my hands on a bottle of Jam Jar's new moscato. The Sweet Shiraz was my cheap wine of choice all winter. I have pulled my sewing machine out of the box again. I have so many projects rolling around in my head. I'm going to start slow and work on changing the pant shape and length of my newly thrifted velvet pants. After an extensive google search, I have found a thrift by the pound spot that isn't too far away! Yay! Who's excited? Just me? I have been consistently working out 3 times a week for over 3 months now. I need to get a good in home workout established. Winter is sure to send me backsliding. Anyone...

I wish I were putting these on more often. It's a slower process getting them nice and neat but when it's done, it's done! No drying time. I do find it relaxing to polish my nails. The strips last longer though and hold up well with all my day to day goings on. I didn't even get a chip trying to get Violet in her carseat which happens most of the time. Even though the strips have real nail polish, this super glittery gold was easy to remove.  I must buy more. Speaking of polish strips, I ordered a few strips from FabulousNails.com. I got them free using a deal site. It's been over a month and they still haven't arrived. Beware if you're considering a purchase from them. Sally Hansen - Salon Effects - Real Nail Polish Strips - Glitz Blitz Are you a convert? Do you wear strips exclusively? 

Quick Thrift Adventure Story The only joy Violet finds in a thrift store is chewing on the hangers. I gave up on trying to keep them out of her mouth. I normally try to keep them out of sight but last week she got her hands on one. I let her have it just to maintain the peace. Two workers walk by and see this and one exclaims loudly, "she has a hanger in her mouth, they're very very dirty"! My reply, "I know". My baby has cootie mouth. The end. ...and now on to What I'm Wearing I love this skirt. I bought it during my 50% off day  haul  at Unique. I didn't think I would be wearing it until next year when the warm weather returned. I couldn't wait so I put it on surrounded by warm clothing including the $5 thrifted Gap sweater . The tribal print has a mix of orange, red, and purple. It's comfortable (partial elastic waist), washable, lined, and has pockets! I don't remember the exact cost but I'm sure it was under $3. *raises the r...

You can't catch meeeee! I am younger and my tiny legs are fast! Unless I want YOU to catch me. That was just a test. I haven't even begun. Mwahaha!!!

I know I've said I'm going to shut up about the sleep but it's a major factor in my life and the lives of all the sleep deprived. I must talk about it to keep from going all crazy and fetal. The end of daylight savings has set US back! V was starting to sleep until 5:30 consistently. Now she's waking between 4 and 4:30. This is some bull! I was just starting to wrap my brain around a 5:30 wake. It's still too early for me but not crazy ridiculous like 4 am. I've decided to nip it in the bud. I'm moving forward with getting her to sleep until 7 am which is approximately what time she wakes up and not in a crabby mood. This morning she woke up at 4:30. I gave her a few pats on the back and a pacifier and said "night,night". She whined until I went in for her normal 5:00 feeding. I picked her up, fed her and put her back in the crib. She did not go back asleep until 7 am and slept for about an hour. She woke up happy instead of disgruntled and half as...

I signed up to do a month of blogging in November. I've missed day 4. I had a long day of driving and exploration while hanging with my mommy yesterday. I was just too tired so I vegged and caught up on my Google Reader. They're a lot of bloggers participating in NaBloPoMo, I can tell by the fullness of GR. Even though I've missed a day, I'm going to keep going. Today I'm showing my shoes! Chunky heel, easy to slip on and off, soft leather. I love Born Shoes. I have some of the ugliest but most comfortable pairs. These are my "fancy" Borns. I call them that because they have a heel. I bought these last Autumn thinking I could wear them while toting V around. Wrong! They feel good for a heel but it doesn't compare to how my feet feel in the ugly ones. Sagging tights at the end of the day. Do you own a comfortable heel good for baby carrying, running errands, shopping, etc.? Tell me all about them and link up to SHOE STYLE SATURDAY. ...

Quick Thrift Adventure Story Stood in a really long line for about an hour to attend eDropoff's Charity Sale (buy a bag for $20 fill it with gently used designer merchandise). They sold out! I didn't get in at all. I didn't have an opportunity to fondle the merchandise. Super sad. The end. What I'm Wearing The blouse I'm wearing has a really ruffled collar that extends down the button front. Unfortunately, it's too tight for me to wear it buttoned. I know I don't have a fat neck. Fat arms? Yes. More than ample breast? Yes. Neck? No. It's petite sized so maybe that explains the neck tightness. It's a bit tight in the bust too so I can't button it all the way up without without the ruffle looking all wonky. I'll just have to love it for the cute purple design motif. The pumps are purple. Need I say more? I do? OK. They also have a low heel and soft italian leather. The pointy toe isn't uncomfortable at all. I can wear these t...

What should I make today? Ohhh, I know. Bracelet Smoothie! Use what you like and what you have on hand (or wrist). Word Of Advice: Never forget to put the lid on. You will regret it. Crank this. Voila! Do you blend up what you have on hand? What's in your smoothie?

My 2011 vision board asks the universe for a clean house. It hasn't been working out so well. I guess most of my focus has been on obtaining free stuff and having parties! I have received so much from the universe in those areas. Now my home is looking pretty messy and cluttered. I am in no way a clean or neat freak. However, I do find that my mind is clearer and my mood is better when I'm in a clean space. Sunday night while in bed waiting for sleep, I decided that on Monday I would start a new routine. I was going to do "a room a day". No matter how tired I was, no matter how cranky and clingy V got, no matter what other errands and duties I had to take care of. When He left for work in the morning, I told him today I am cleaning our kitchen/living room today. I think vocalizing it was really helpful. I started early even though I was tired and just wanted to sit and sip my coffee. I put on my rubber gloves and pulled out my cleaning supplies. I did more than the qu...