Mad Improv Skills

What does a girl do when the Expedit bookcase is at the nearest Swedish big box store over 150 miles away?



A girl improvises her own Expedit bookcase.



And no, my iron does not wear a purple hat. My pink flamingo does. Doesn't everyone's?

Happiness Is....

a paid off car! Which is why this



is going straight into the shredder.

Junior Crewlade

Last weekend, I introduced my little niece J to the awesomeness that is the J Crew. Is J Crew overpriced? Yes! Do I love them anyway? But, of course.

Little J is so sweet. I wish she lived closer so I could spoil her more. Last weekend, we took the obligatory trip downtown. While the family walked the battery, I went to the Crew to return some things I'd ordered. (For once, I overestimated my sizing!) While I was in there, I wandered over to the Crewcuts section. Oh, my gosh! Everything was so adorable - much of it in the same patterns of the grown-up clothes.

I was able to bring J back to the store and here's what we got:



Because J has no hips to speak of yet (she's 10) this was precious on her.

Also, this cute little ruffled top.



And "the last one in my size!!". She was so excited!




How precious is this? I would want one in every color!

Loved this little dress, but J wasn't as keen on it (but it looked so good on her):




Of course, I had to take advantage of the additional 20% off sale prices. I've always said shopping for women is like hunting to men. And boy, did I bag a big one last weekend.

I got:


The vintage matchstick jean. One pair destroyed, one pair not. Originally $98, each pair for $16.

The fringed tunic:


Buy of the Day. Originally $88, got it for $8! Very cute with cut-offs.

Plain white button down. These never go on sale so a great buy. $58 down to $16.


A cute t-shirt that I can't find on-line, but seen here on Audreybella.

The seaside madras shirt:



I'm such a sucker for madras or anything patchworky. Pardon me, my '80s is showing! Originally $79.50; mine for $23. Looks cute worn with dark cut-offs - minus bowtie.

All in all, my stuff was $450 (retail) but just the original cost of one pair of jeans by the time it was all discounted. Score!

And if that little yellow tulle skirt ever is available in adult sizes, I will so rock it out with my white button down.

Options.....

Old Ugly got a little rehab today. His arm was repaired and that ugly upholstery and 1000 staples were removed.

Already better...



Here are a few options for the seat.



I have always loved me some paisley.

Here is a close-up:

Love!

Next up, the royal print. British crests on a creamy background.


Another close-up of Her Highness:


(Forgive the shadow!)

The Dewberry is looking a little blah in comparison:


Myeah....definitely more drama is needed for Old Ugly.

And look who I ran into today!



It's Old Ugly's sister! God willing, she will be there when I go back. Please, please let her be there..... Because I've got big plans for her.

Feast or Famine

Do you hear that, my lovelies?? Listen hard.....do you hear it? That is the sound of silence here in the Manse. For the last 4 1/2 days, it has been filled with family - including one 2 1/2 year old that I may have told I was going to break his finger if he rang the doorbell one more time. His mom said I could discipline him. Heh.

Then Tuesday morning, Lovey left for San Antonio for the week. Wow....quite a difference to go from a houseful to just me and the beasties. The week's been filled with laundry (sheets take a long time to wash and dry) and girlie things like deep-conditioning the hair and doing my nails.

And now I can hardly wait for Lovey to get home tomorrow! 'Cuz seriously? It's kind of too quiet here now.