Home Goods.....strong melamine game!

I am pretty sure I talked about this last year.  But Homegoods absolutely blows me away with their melamine dish collection.  I mean it is just incredible.  It takes all my self control and perhaps that of the two or three people with me to keep from buying it ALL.

I took a few pictures for you.  There are brights and florals

Beautiful neutrals......

And hello Easter.....

and these glasses.....ok it was here that I almost threw caution to the wind and completely started over like a new bride.  Honestly, Homegoods, you're killing me.

I am not sure why this gets me every year.  I think it is spring being just around the corner and the refreshing colors.  If you have a need or just a really strong want, it is worth the trip for sure.

I've also made a Spring Tablescape Pinterest board.  If you need some inspiration for creating some pretty tables this spring, check it out.  While I was on Pinterest I went ahead and got us a good Easter Board going too.  Easter is early this year, girls, so it really is time to get ready for it.

I bought a reversible Easter banner a few years ago.  I found this one that is very similar to mine.  Leading up to Easter we display it on the side that reads "I  am the Resurrection and the Life" and then reverse it to the side that reads "He is Risen" Easter morning.

Hope the week is going well for you.  Talk to you on Friday!

February - Christmas Prep

Deep breaths. Deep breaths.  Remember we talked about this.  I am just going to give a few little ideas throughout the year that can help us all get ready for Christmas early, with no pressure.....just ease into it.  These are all simple things that will feel like little baby steps to the finish line.

January's Christmas prep can be found here.

February's Christmas prep is just as simple too:

This month look at your list and what gift cards you know you will need.  Then simply make yourself a plan to buy a certain number each month.  Let's say you will need 10 gift cards.....well just go ahead and decide to buy 2 in March, 3 in April, 1 in June, etc. Whatever works with your budget.

Now here are a few gift card tips:

1) Both Sams and Costco offer gift cards in multi-packs at a bit of a discount.  For example,
I found all of these at Sam's

And these at Costco

2) You really pile on the fuel points at Kroger when you buy your gift cards there.  You always get 2x the fuel points but they will also occasionally run specials where you get 4x the fuel points.



Now let me warn you about the one thing you really have to be careful of when you buy gift cards early.....you can forget where you put them because they are so easy to tuck here and there.  So get yourself a fancy gift card storage system like this one:

Then just remember to always put them in there.  That way you won't have to hunt around when we get ready to wrap.

Now this is your final reminder about the Great Things in '18 Challenge for February.  You have 3 days to let a good friend know how much you appreciate her.  If nothing else just send her a sweet email, it will make her day.....or run to Sams and get a multi-pack of gift cards - one for you and one for her.😊

Make it a great week, girls.

Ready for Spring - Fashions

So we have had a cold winter and weeks of rain.....Anyone else ready for spring?

I spent some time looking for some things to get us motivated.

I wear more dresses in the summer and spring than in the fall and winter.  So dresses catch my eye.  Like this one....

Lanna Dress

At only $52 I feel like this one is a real winner.  It is not fitted so should be comfy and fairly forgiving size wise.  How easy would this be to throw on and go.....but still look super cute.

Cassady Dress

The Cassady dress is only $34.95 and do you see this with converse?....Yep me too.

Now for some cute tops

Cleo Top

Please tell me no one is counting how many black and white striped tops I post.....or own.  This one is under $30 and has some fun sleeve detail. So it is different from the other striped tops we have looked at.  I like it....and I am not ashamed to admit it.

Ok and this little top

Krystan Top

I feel like I had a top like this in 7th grade.....which makes me  love it even more.  I liked it in this natural color but I really liked it in this mint color

Mint Krystan Top

This top comes in sizes 0 thru 2X.....It also comes in black if that strikes your fancy

And leather earrings are trending

These are only $14.  You have to pre-order them but they are supposed to restock next week.

Leather Leaf ER

All the looks from this post are from Bungalow 123 .  They are a little online boutique and they offer FREE SHIPPING within the United States.

Remember, girls, this is the last weekend of February if you still need to meet this month's challenge and only 5 days left this month.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Talk to you Monday!

Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month I wanted to mention a couple of things.

First, it is a tradition in the African American community to have speech, poster and essay contests in the month especially around the works of Martin Luther King, Jr. But I wanted to highlight this particular student and his win in his local contest.

So I already know many of you will wonder why not feature one of the many impressive young African American students instead.  Well here is why - we as a community teach our kids about this important part of history, we talk about it, we make sure the kids understand it, we make sure they embrace it and respect it.  But you know when this "dream" can become a reality? When it is taught, talked, understood and respected by ALL races.

It takes us all.  Women and men needed to stand up for women's rights.  All races fought hard for civil rights.  To keep things moving forward, children of all races are needed to embrace and make true the dream of equality. So I love this young boy delivering this passionate speech.

Secondly, I wrote last February about my personal black history.  If you are interested, you can read that post here.  It is about my dad and is one of my favorite things I have written.

Lastly, I wanted to offer up to you some of my favorite movies about black history.  These are super entertaining, inspiring and educational.  Worth carving out some time and watching:

Selma - The soundtrack from this movie is phenomenal.

This documentary, Slavery by Another Name, originally aired on PBS in 2012 and is certainly worth the watch

It is only about an hour and a half.  You can watch it here.

Lastly, Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen

This one is amazing, emotional, and very emotional. Through the whole movie you have to keep reminding yourself that this happened.  People actually did these things.  Men made these choices and bravely walked this path.  Amazing!

These are just a few of my favorites.  Let me know if you have other suggestions.

Enjoy, my friends!

What are you doing - Monday

I hope you are off today and doing something enjoyable....If you are looking for something to do, might I recommend seeing

Just in case you are unaware....it's a musical....they sing a lot.  I failed to mention that to some of my family members when I planned this outing and when those first notes began and the singing started I heard some serious sighs.........but don't worry by the end of the movie they were all in.   There is a lot of dialogue and a really interesting story line AND the songs they sing are fantabulous.

If  you need a sneak peek check out the videos below.  If  you have already seen it, the videos are still worth the watch.  They videotaped some of the songs being recorded.  This is by far my favorite from the whole movie

and this one gives you some real insight into Hugh Jackman

I love the guy on piano.  I don't play the piano but if I did, this is exactly the kind of piano player I think I would be.

Of course I don't play basketball either but in my mind, if I did play I feel like I could do this

Okay I am not that delusional but just thought those were fun to watch!

After your movie check out some of the holiday sales.....

Old Navy has 35% off and free shipping

Gap has 50% off lots of things plus an extra 20% off with code PRESDAY

Chicos has an additional 40% clearance

                                                   Hautelook is having a blowout sale

                                                          J. Crew Factory has 50% off

                                        Nordstrom is having their winter sale with up to 40%

Have a great day!  I will talk to you on Wednesday.

Friday Finds

Here are a few things that jumped out at me online

First, I gifted this jacket at Christmas.  It really is the perfect weight and will be a great transitional piece.   At Christmas I bought the olive but I am loving this pink color.  It also comes in 7 other colors

Field Jacket

The price varies depending on the color you choose.  The pink is only $34

And because you need $50 to get free shipping.....you may as well check out the grey striped top that is only $19

Striped French Terry Top

Loft is having 40% off with code HAPPY.  This grey and yellow floral top is so pretty

Peony Pleated Cuff Blouse

and Loft is really winning at the blouse game......

Wildflower Bell Cuff Blouse

If you have a trip coming up this summer, wouldn't this be cute to have

Resort Clutch

Lord and Taylor is having a humdinger of a clearance BUT several of the items are limited in sizes so I didn't want to post anything in particular. If you have time, it is worth checking out.

If you are joining us for the Great Things in '18 challenge, we have 12 days to complete the February challenge. Goodness I have been working on mine all month.  I hope to have it ready to present next week....can't wait.

I hope you have a great weekend!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well I am honored to be able to wish each of you an absolutely wonderful Valentine's Day!!!!  I hope it is a day where you not only feel loved and appreciated, but also have the opportunity to help someone else feel that way too.  Of course, that is one of my favorite parts of the day......sharing a few fun surprises here and there will be so much fun.

If you are looking for a few fun things to treat yourself or family with today.....

Papa Murphy's will be offering their heart shaped pizzas starting at $8 each.

And if you are not into baking your own pizza at home Papa John's is also making and offering heart shaped pies


And Pizza Hut will not be outdone.....


You have a lot of heart shaped pizza choices. Apparently pizza is the love language of lots of people.

Speaking of Pizza......that brings me to my Lent goal for this year.  Yes, as I mentioned on Monday this year Lent begins on Valentine's Day.  I always try to give something up and add something during Lent.

This year this is what I am adding

Yep, that is me at the gym.  I know.  Who am I?  I have to tell you I do not like exercising and probably the only thing I don't like more is going to the gym to exercise.  

Anyway, I hear people say "oh I have so much more energy"

Nope. Not me.

"I sleep so much better"

Uh, no not feeling that at all.

"I have a better day when I exercise"

Really?.....that's just weird.

It is just not my thing.  The only thing I like about it is the clothing.  I do like a cute pair of high waisted leggings and a fun top.  Now that I do like.

Regardless, I am trying to add some routine exercise in through Lent.  Wish me luck.  I am going to need it.

Now for what I am going to give up......hmmmm.....well this year I think I am going to give up French Fries......there I said it.  I am well aware that I am a grown woman who still eats enough french fries that they can actually be something I give up.  I am not ashamed.  It is who I am.  But I struggled with what to give up and last night I had McDonald's fries.  They were warm and perfectly salted.  I enjoyed them way too much......yes, it is a good item for me to give up.

Exercising AND giving up french fries......I may actually lose a pound.

So first have a great day and then think about how you might challenge yourself this season of Lent to make the great you even better.

Here is hoping you are living in the greatest love of all....

 "We love because He first loved us." ~ 1 John 4:19

Talk to you on Friday!

January Book Review Plus More

Happy Monday, ladies!  Hope the weekend was good to you.

Let's start with the plus more of this post because I know some of you are not into reading and don't care about my book review.  So first and foremost......we have quite a phenomena this year - Valentine's Day and Lent are on the SAME day!!!! For those of you who give up chocolate for Lent.....well consume all you can today and tomorrow. I know it's a tough gig but I feel like you are up to it.

For those of you who are not plagued by chocolate, you can take the next couple of days to think about what you want to give up OR what you might want to add.

Here are some ideas:
- donate/throw away 40 things in 40 days
- no eating after dinner
-no soda, sweets, coffee or whatever your vice is (if you can't completely give up, you could reduce)
- Pay 3 compliments each day
- go meatless for a couple of meals per week
- pray for enemies
- limit social media
- establish a phone free time
- don't compare yourself to others
- no snooze buttons
- incorporate a nap on Saturday or Sunday
- don't salt your dinner plate
- take the stairs
-turn off car radio and pray instead
-collect all your change and donate at the end of forty days

I will talk later about my focus this Lent.  But now let's get to the book review.....you know you could also commit to reading say 30 minutes a day......that would be  great Lent goal.

This was a good book month for me.  I liked them all and LOVED two of them. Here are the books I read in January and what I thought of them



The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown is a sweet, easy little read.  Basically, a young girl loves a boy her family disapproves of and his family disapproves of her.  The reason for both families not buying in is a 60 year old secret.  The process of working through all of this is a bit predictable but it is a sweet little story all the same.





America's First Daughter is the story of Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter.  Well if you like history you will love this from page one.  Honestly, history makes me a little sleepy so it took me until about chapter 3 to really get into it.  I had to get the characters down, understand who I was dealing with and adjust to the dialogue and cadence of the writing.  But once I got into it I couldn't wait to read what was next.  I wasn't sleepy at all.  The majority of the book is told from the daughter's perspective so it is a lot about the relationships, the ups and downs of life and the hardships.....oh the hardships.  Listen, I have often wondered about being born at a different time.  I mean there are several things about this era that I don't feel I would have done well with.....slavery, outhouses, smallpox......those are kind of obvious and a given.  But one of the most enlightening things was the lack of rights for women.....shew nelly that was a doozie for sure.  And I laughed at the things we say about politics and how bad and cut throat it all feels right now.  Well turns out things may not be that different now than they were then.  This is a long read.  A really long read.  But it was worth it and I recommend it.



Necessary Lies was great.  I was into it from page one.  It is another book set in the south about 55 years ago.  So, yes there's a lot of racial stuff but there is so much more.  This book tells the story of a couple of families who live and work on a tobacco farm, the social workers who serve them and a very controversial program that really happened called eugenics where various groups of people were sterilized often without their consent or knowledge.  It is very interesting....disturbing and interesting.  There are twists and turns and unseen and unpredictable in this book.  I hated some of the characters and then found out I loved them.  I loved some of the characters and then ended up hating them.  That, my friends, is some good writing.  If someone asked you what group you would never want to be a part of in America some of you may answer a particular race, some a particular gender, some a particular age group.  After reading this book your answer may very well change to the simple category of poor. Poor of every race, gender and age group suffer in this story.....you can judge for yourself how much that still applies in our day and time.

Hope you are enjoying some good reads too.  By the way, the new Madison Library is open.  It is just down the street from the old one.  They have a quiet reading room with a fireplace and a couple of nice study rooms.  I love the new design and honestly just walking around among the stacks of books was great.  I got myself a new physical card.  They were just looking me up in the computer every time.  But now I have my new card in my wallet and can't wait to use it.

See you at the library.....I'll be by the fireplace.

Make it a great week!

Friday Shopping

Congratulations, girls, we did it.  Another week in the books.  I think we should celebrate and buy ourselves a little something.  Here are some options in case the mood strikes......

Target has a new line called Universal Thread.  It is a cute collection of denim and casual accessories.

There is this good basic denim jacket

Freeborn Denim Jacket - medium wash



For plus sizes click here

There is this cute striped tee in regular or plus sizes.

This super cute crossbody

Canteen Crossbody

Or if you need a larger bag, this triple compartment tote looks wonderful

Tote

And finish it off with some great detailed jeans.  This split hem jean also comes in both regular and plus sizes.

If none of that looks good to you check out Loft.  They have a 40% off sale going on.

Gap has 40% off plus and extra 20% off and free shipping with code EXTRA.

And don't forget if you are going to do an Elfa over the door storage system, there are just a few more weeks on the sale at The Container Store.

And please remember to use Ebates.  Every store featured in today's post is available on Ebates.

Here is my latest check I got in the mail today

Yep, it is enough to get the denim jacket and the tee in this post.  Here is my referral link if you still need to sign up.  Remember it is free and worth it.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  

Talk to you on Monday.

Great Things in '18 - February

Today we continue our challenge for the year.  If you are just joining us or need a refresher see the original post here.



This month we will acknowledge a friend.  Our inspiration verse is

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

So not neccessarily your best friend, closest friend or any particular friend.  Just someone who is indeed a good friend to you.  Remember it is up to how you want to acknowledge her.  Send flowers, a dinner gift card, a manicure or just a nice card or note expressing your appreciation of her.  Also remember you have the whole month of February to complete this.  Oh and you could do something special for her on Valentine's Day that would be nice.  But it also fun to get a nice surprise or a random Tuesday.

Your call, girls.  Think of your friend and what would make her smile.  I will remind you again before the month is over.

I am loving the opportunity to do some fun stuff for some great people this year....hope you are too.

Talk to you on Friday!

New Restaurant - Metro Diner

Metro Diner has recently opened on Hwy 72 in Madison.  They are very close to Kohls and the new Sleep Number store.   Apparently they originated in Jacksonville, Florida.  Now they are here for us to enjoy.

As with all new restaurants, they are packed.  But the good news is you can do "call ahead seating" and get yourself on the list while in route.

We sat next to a couple who used to live in Jacksonville.  They raved about the chicken and waffles and recommended if you had a normal to small appetite a half-order would be plenty.  They also said the chicken pot-pie was delicious but we should pay the extra couple of dollars and get the large.  They said the meatloaf  and pot roast were really good.  We finally just asked them if anything was bad and they said no.......ok thanks for the insider tips, nice family, we appreciate it greatly.

We had breakfast which apparently they serve all day.

This was the fruit waffle with a side of bacon

On the far side of the table, that is a western omelette with grits.

And we also had the Bissell Breakfast

The Bissell had bacon, eggs, hash browns, toast and two giant pancakes.  Everyone ate a little something off of this plate.  No way I could finish this one alone.  It was $10 but two people could easily, very easily share it.  

Can't wait to go back and try some of the lunch and dinner options.  If you have something good there, let me know.

Make it a good Monday!  See you Wednesday to kick-off our February challenge.  

Groundhog Day....about a product

So today in honor of Groundhog Day I wanted to tell you about a product that I would buy AGAIN!!!

The Ring Doorbell

We bought this back in the summer and we love it.  A lot goes on around your house that you need to see.  It is very nice when we are not home to be able to see who is at the door, but also when we are home.  And hey the whole recording thing is a good deal too.

Here are a couple of reasons I really like it and would buy it again

1) I get to say hi to my mail lady.  She always gives the doorbell a sweet wave.
2) I can always see when a package is left so we can get it quickly.
3) My college daughter has the app on her phone so when she gets the alerts she tunes in....this way I get to talk to her when we go out for the mail, water the plants or sweep off the porch.
4) What is that Mr. Delivery man....you didn't throw my glassware....uuuhhhh I think you did....ok that has never happened but I am ready if it does.

So there you are a product that I would totally groundhog day - The Ring Doorbell.

I  love it and I think you might too.  I bought mine from QVC but they are available at Lowes, Home Depot and on Amazon.......and probably several other places.

Have a great weekend! Talk to you on Monday.