Recession Fashion

I decided to jump on Kelly's linky list and do a recession fashion post too!  I actually have always shopped as if we're in a recession :) We've never had a huge clothing budget and I love a great deal, so that's been just fine with me!  I tried to think of my favorite places for bargains and sales and where I get most of my clothes.  I am definitely a girl who errors on the side of being very basic, conservative, timeless with my clothes.  I do however have a wild side when it comes to shoes and accessories!!  Most of my wardrobe is black, white, brown, gray and denim.  I get lots of color from jewelry, purses and shoes.  I do have a few places that I buy trendy things, but for the most part, I like to stick to things that I know will last season after season, regardless of what's "in."  And I never, ever pay full price!!  Well, almost never :) I am a sale and clearance kind of girl.

So, here we go!!  

1.  My favorite place to go is always Target.  I "heart" them.  I love Target for basics like long/short sleeved t's; skirts; pants; swim wear; and shoes.  So many of my fun shoes are from Target, especially their summer flip-flops.  If I see something I like, I always wait because in just a couple of weeks, you can guarantee it will be on sale  Those little, red clearance stickers give me a natural high!  You can find the best deals when you shop at the end of a season (like now, 50-75% off) or on Tuesdays, when they mark stuff down.  I have also purchased stuff from them online, but since I live in Target headquarter land, there is a store on just about every corner!  I do not have a Target card however, simply because I am not mature enough for one.  It would be like giving crack to an addict :)  I fully appreciate every salesperson who tries to sell me one, but trust me, it would be my downfall.  

2. Also like Kelly, I love Forever 21 because they are so reasonable and they have great, great jewelry for next to nothing!  I am blessed to have a regular store and an accessories store at the Mall of America.  I have gotten so many cute scarves, necklaces, hats, and earrings there for under $10.  You have to love that.  I saw this adorable jacket on their website today, listed as one of their "21 deals of the day."  It was only $31.  Such a cute coat for spring and fall! 
3.  I also have discovered how much I love H&M!!  They have fantastic prices and fun accessories too.  I go here for trendy things.  Travis can hardly tolerate going in with me, because they attract such an odd crowd, but I'm telling you, they have fun stuff that is cheap!  I also recently discovered their baby/kids section, which is darling!  I got this cute little thing for Ava there, when we didn't know if we were having a girl or boy :) I think the whole outfit was $7.00!  It's very soft cotton.  Our only location is at the Mall of America, so again, I always hit this up at the same time as Forever 21.  

4.  When I'm looking for shoes that I need to last, in other words with great quality, I shop at DSW.  They have tons of shoes and really great prices too.  I am a rewards member, which is a free thing, and they send me so many coupons in the mail, I can hardly keep up!  I also love their clearance racks in the back.  You have to buy from those racks off season, but you can find some really good buys.  Here is a coupon I found on their website today.  Try it!

In addition to so many cute shoes for me, they also have a really great men's section.  Travis would never admit this, but he loves to go in there with me and look for shoes too!  He's really a closet shoe horse, but don't tell him I told you!!

 

5.  My latest place to find clothes at a great price is Kohl's.  You know, the store that always seems to have "the biggest sale of they year" every single week!  I really like their Apt. 9 line, which is pictured below.  I think that top and those jeans are darling and very "me."  I would add some bright colored shoes and big earrings with a chunky bracelet :)  Kind of makes me long for a "normal" body seeing this....

This is a place where I would highly recommend getting a charge card.  They send so many coupons that you can use in addition to their already marked down prices.  I never buy something at Kohl's without a coupon in hand.  And they are great about returns.  I don't buy too much else here, but I have been pleasantly surprised with how many cute outfits I've found at Kohl's.  
6.  Finally, the store that Travis and I get in the most trouble at is American Eagle Outfitters.  We get 90% of his clothes here and I have been really happy with the quality.  I LOVE their jeans.  They send coupons every now and then, but if you watch their store regularly, they do have pretty decent sales.  We love this store.  It's getting too young and too trendy for me, but they always have some great outerwear stuff and lounging clothes for me.  I also happen to love their aerie line, which has very comfortable underwear!  Sorry if that's TMI, but I'm just throwing it out there in case you are looking.  Lately, I have lived in their yoga pants.  They have been great through my pregnancy and I plan on stocking up postpartum.  I found this cute hoodie for $15 on the website and the fold-over pants for $20.  Remember, we live in a student ministry world, so we're trying our best to stay "hip"!!  This store has been our greatest help :)

My final recession shopping tip is this: If you ever feel a hint of doubt about whether or not you need something, don't buy it!! Travis has been really good at helping me sleep on something for 24 hours when I'm questioning it. Usually, just removing myself from the store helps take away any feelings that I "need" something, but when I've slept on it and still can't get it out of my mind, then I know it's a good deal and I go back for it. If it's still there, great, and if it's not, life goes on!! I am not a lover of clothes, I would rather shop for my house, but I do like knowing that I've made an effort to save us money.  However, I would be foolish to not say that in the grand scheme of life, clothes do not make the person!!  It just doesn't matter where you get your stuff because it's all stuff and it won't make you happy.  In addition to these fun stores, I am also a consignment store and garage sale shopper!  And I have no shame in saying that :) It is important to live within your means and to never make fashion some kind of idol.  So although this is a fun post to write, please don't let it become a stumbling block!  I'm no fashionista and no expert.  I just love a good deal.  Happy shopping!!

Upgrade/ Downgrade

***Just to clarify, because I'm getting emails about it, we did not have dial-up internet previously!  We weren't that archaic :) We had wireless internet from our city, it just wasn't reliable or always available.  That's why we switched to broadband internet through our cable company.  Everyone take a collective sigh of relief....***

I am oh so happy tonight.  "Why" you ask?  Because I am blogging with my new, upgraded "lightening fast" internet connection!!!  And I am loving it.  After months and months of struggling with internet issues and trying to keep my sanity/morality in check, I am finally able to surf the web without complaint.  Oh the joy in my heart :)

Obviously this new found ease represents the upgrade portion of today.  The downgrade portion is just a little bit sadder.   D-day has officially come and gone and we are now basic dish network subscribers, as opposed to premium subscribers.  Who feels sorry for me now?  Exactly.  In an attempt to be wise with our budget, we are making cuts here and there, knowing my income is going away for awhile.  First our cell phones took a hit, no more internet package on my phone :)  Next we went after the 200 TV channels.  Now in reality, I know this is a good thing for many reasons.  We have been really examining some of the stuff we are so "used to" and whether or not we "need" it.  TV is not a need by any stretch of the imagination.  Now I'm not going to lie, I did try to talk Travis out of this several times.  I'm in a little bit of shock with no Fox News, but I will survive.  It's probably better anyway.  It's hard to watch any news coverage and not become severely depressed from the grim economy.  But, I am a little worried about how we will cope without ESPN.  Especially since March Madness is just beginning... Oh well.  I have plenty to keep me occupied with and once Ava gets here, even more so!!  Thankfully our favorite shows (American Idol, The Office, 24, Lie to Me, etc.) are all still part of the package :) 

Now to my favorite news, I get to introduce you to another family member of mine who has joined the blogging world!!  

My brother-in-law, Dave, is back from his blog vacation and up and running again.  I know you will love his blog, he is very sweet, insightful, and possesses a twisted sense of humor that I totally get!  So, hop over there and say hi.  Now that both of my sisters are represented in blog land, I'm working on my Mom...

Miscellaneous Monday, March Edition

Happy Monday friends! I am sitting at Caribou Coffee, drinking my decaf/non-fat/no-topping/1 pump white chocolate mocha, bringing you this Monday edition of the blog :) Doesn't that sound good? I'm trying so hard to eliminate those hidden calories where I can...

I have been home so much lately, off my feet, trying to rest but I desperately needed a change of scenery today. I am so thankful that we live only 2 minutes from a Caribou and my beloved Target. They are the only stops I plan to make today :)  Anyway, without further delay...

1. The first item on my misc. list, is to ask you to please pray for my sister Stacie. She called me on Saturday to tell me that she broke out into hives when she woke up. We had a good laugh about that, since we've both fallen prey to hives before and know the joy they bring, but we didn't think much of it. On Sunday, she ended up in urgent care because they were 10 times worse, covering every square inch of her body. As it turns out, they think she had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic she was on for a sinus infection she's had. She's never had this problem before, but often these things get very bad and even a little scary, in order to know something is wrong. Anyway, they were pretty concerned about her and gave her a shot and 3 antibiotics to try yesterday. Well she woke up today and wasn't any better, so as far as I know this minute, she's back at Urgent Care again today. Will you please pray for her? She and her husband Jesse live in North Carolina, which is killing all of us who can't be there to help. I will update you with the latest info I get, but I would love it if you would hop over to her blog and leave her a comment. She is pretty rattled by this.  It's frustrating/uncomfortable/scary to feel fine one day and then have your world shaken up the next.  I would love for her to know she's being covered in prayer today. Your comment will go straight to her email. Thank you....

2. We hit 35 weeks this weekend! I officially feel overwhelmed.  Only 5 weeks until my due date.  5!!  I am nervous/excited/ready/anxious/ and READY TO BE DONE all wrapped up in one bundle of emotion.  I broke out another dress yesterday, thinking it would be so comfortable, as opposed to my pants that continue to squeeze the life out of my thighs, but once I got all the "gear" on underneath, and my knee high boots (that wouldn't totally zip up anymore??) I think comfort was officially out the window.  Yes, I sat on the edge of our bed yesterday, pulling and tugging at the zipper on my boots, trying to get it to zip up that last 1/4 inch, but apparently my calves had other plans.  Beautiful.  Even my footwear is refusing to cooperate now.  

Anyway, I made it, although I was completely breathless when I finally reached my seat in the service.  We attend a large church, with a massive parking lot, that is always crowded when I'm habitually running late!  Because my darling husband is a Pastor there, I have no help or hope of being dropped off.  He gets there at 6 am and is busy with people until we leave.  I usually fight the urge to cry/yell at someone (that seems to be a bad idea as I'm about to attend Church) when I realize week after week how far away I have to park.  The leadership of our Church had a gracious idea to create a tot lot for expectant mothers and families with children under 3, but those spaces are like the promised land on a Sunday morning.  Visible, but impossible to cross into.  Anyway, I eventually made it and I'll stop complaining about it now, until next Sunday, at 10:20am, when I'm doing the same thing all over again.  In the cold.  With howling winds.  And my arms full of stuff.  Oh and with the lung capacity of a small animal.  Good thing I love the Lord and our Church, because after writing that, I hardly see a reason to go anymore!!

3.  I have TONS of Ava updates for you, the first of which is pictured below:

We got our changing table delivered on Saturday!!  We love it.  It looks great in there and has tons of storage for the mountains of clothes we are accumulating.  The family I work for gave this to us.  They used it for all three of their boys and no longer need it.  What a blessing!!  We love it and I consider it a gift from God to my own heart.  It's so nice and it matches all of our other furniture...Does He not delight in giving His children good things???  Seriously.  He never ceases to thrill me with the ways that He loves me, down to the last detail.  We've been trying to get it from their house to ours for a couple of weeks, but they even surprised us by offering to have it delivered!!  That was a gift for Travis' heart!  Now we just need the changing pad/cover we registered for and some time to fill and organize those drawers :)  

4. I heard from the gal who is recovering my cushions on our glider last week and they are almost done!!  I can't wait.  In the mean time I have been stacking all the sweet, soft blankets Ava has been given on the chair.  It is killing me not to rock in that chair, holding those blankets and dreaming about my baby :) But, the countdown is on and I know my day is coming.

 

4.  My sweet friend Sarah gave us the best gift this week.  I have been looking for a little Bible story book for Ava lately, but I haven't been able to find one that I liked.  Until now.  Sarah gave us this sweet Bible storybook that is just perfect.  It is well written and just what we were looking for.  I believe they also make a boy version, that Sarah and Jed used for their son.  I've been thinking so much lately about my responsibility to teach Ava about the Lord and instill a love for His Word in her heart.  It's never too early or too late to start... Travis looked at it this weekend and loved it too.  His Pastor heart can't wait to pour into his little girl either :) 

5.  I thought I'd show you some of my recent finds/gifts.  I showed you this lamp a few weeks ago, but now I've found some great frames for that table and we received a darling little photo album for it too.  I plan on putting pictures of Travis and I, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles in there, so we can start showing Ava who her family is :) I'm sure I'll fill the frames with pictures of my baby girl...I just need her to get here for that part!

Isn't this the best/cutest diaper bag you have ever seen???  My cousins bought this for me.  Well actually, they picked out another pattern (that was equally as cute) but Travis thought it looked too feminine to carry :)  He thought it looked like flowers were all over it.  Granted, a paisley pattern  can't be a step in the other direction, but when he saw how excited I got over this one ( I may have giggled) he couldn't say no.  I LOVE it and can't wait to use it.  The little compartments and accessories inside make my heart happy!  It doesn't take much these days...

Remember when I told you that Ava had more shoes that Travis and I?  Well here is her little bin, stacked 3 pairs high of shoes and slippers!  I have to tell you, we think they are all so stinkin cute.  She is going to have those little toes covered in style!  Sometimes I sit and look through them because I can't stand it!  

Here is an updated look at all the clothes Ava has racked up.  You can't even see the rest because they are farther down that shelf and stacked just as high.  My Mom is coming next week to help me sort/wash/organize all of them.  We have been very blessed to have been given so many things for her to wear.  I will be doing triple the laundry though to keep up with her.  
6.  Because I feel that our house needed to be "girlified" (I just made up that word), I decided that our guest bathroom needed some pink added to it.  I previously had a brown/blue thing going on in here, but I found this darling shabby chic shower curtain and pink glass accessories to go with it.  So now, we have a girly bathroom for Ava to use :)  I am hoping to find a little white lamp for that cute lampshade I found, but this is one of those projects that isn't a priority in the next 5 weeks.  Because let's face it, I'd also love new rugs, some cute artwork, pink towels, etc., etc. but we NEED an infant seat/stroller/pack n' play/swing, etc.  Priorites stink sometimes...

It is sweet looking though, isn't it?  Poor Travis, he doesn't have much hope with a little girl on the way!  
7.  Finally, this is about as stressed as Ryley has been during these weeks of preparation.  He still has no idea what's in store :)  We're letting him soak up his last days on the guest bed and I'm giving him pep talks constantly about how much I love him and how he won't be forgotten.  He usually stares at me, appreciating the treat I throw his way, and then passes out on the floor.  Apparently I'm the only one stressed out about his world changing :) 

Hope you have a happy, stress free Monday today!  Take a cue from Ryley and chill out a little...

Worth a Saturday Morning Laugh

So I've seen this music video surface a few places and thought I would share it with you this morning if you're looking for a good laugh!!  Again, you have to love youth ministry and the leaders who dream up these crazy parodies to entertain students!  However, it is sort of how I'm feeling at the moment, when I want to consume everything in sight, yet knowing  every pound I gain now has to come off later!  It's really just not fair...

Silent, But Not Absent...

Have you wondered what happened to me this week?  I am still here, but I've kind of been in a blogging funk lately, like some of you have mentioned!  I can really feel my body needing to slow down and I am trying like crazy to be good about listening.  That means I've had to really prioritize my time over the last few days.  It's so hard to be still and rest when I feel like time is slipping from my grasp.  But, it's quite clear that I need to be off my feet as much as I can be right now, so often that means I work and then come home and park myself in our bed or our chaise lounge until bedtime.  

We've also been having terrible internet problems for about 2 weeks, but I'm very happy to say that on Tuesday , the comcast people are coming to our house to "upgrade" me and I couldn't be more grateful!  It's so frustrating to fight with blogger constantly, so many posts that have been started have never made it to completion.  I almost had a complete mental breakdown this week over a bill I was trying to pay and that was the moment Travis looked at me and told me I could upgrade.  I don't think he wanted to see me burst into tears over paying bills!  So, all that to say that I am still here and will be posting more faithfully in the future.  I put up some pictures from my first baby shower for you to see and I will be adding some more things this weekend.  I know this is nothing compared to what my time will look like after Ava, so I'm trying to figure out how to keep up without spending too much time blogging!  Have a great night tonight....check back with me this weekend for some progress on Ava's nursery!!

My First Baby Shower

****Updated**** Because I love my Mother, I was forced to remove the only picture of my sister and I with her :) Apparently she was horrified at her hair in the picture I posted previously.  Mom, now you can sleep knowing that it's been taken down.  And by the way, it wasn't that bad!!

Last weekend, I got to experience my first baby shower for Ava and I.  I have to tell you, after attending and hosting so many showers over the years, it was very sweet to be attending my own :)  It did feel a little odd to pull up to my cousin Rhonda's house and think, Wow, all these people are here for me!"  I had a great time, it was very fun to receive some fun and much needed baby stuff.  What made the weekend even better, was having my Mom and sister Jennie drive up from Iowa to attend with me.  Travis was gone on his winter retreat, so we had a girls weekend.  We did some shopping, some eating, some relaxing and lots of chatting :) It was right up our alley!  We did miss my other sister Stacie however, but she is coming to see us for 10 days in April and we cannot wait!!  North Carolina was a little too far to come for a shower!

Here is my official 34 week shot.  My Mom and sister helped me find a few more maternity outfits to get me through these last few weeks.  It is kind of defeating when nothing, and I mean nothing, fits you!  I desperately needed some church clothes and we were able to find some cute (if you can call huge and tent-like, cute) things.  

Remember my cupcake obsession as of late?  My cousin Rhonda remembered that and a sweet friend Stacey, made these adorable monogrammed cupcakes!  Aren't they darling??  

This is my sister Jennie, holding my friend Greta's daughter, Julia.  She was getting some good "aunt" practice :) 

My Mom and I.  This was her official debut as Ava's Grandma :) Kind of surreal for all of us!

One of my favorite things was hearing my Mom give me some advice about being a Mom.  She came up with a list of sweet things to remember and added her signature humor to share it :) I loved it and sat there thinking how special it was to know that Ava is being born into a Godly heritage.  Her Grandma will be a wonderful example with lots of love to give!  

How much fun did I have opening all those fun gifts and reading so many precious cards?  Once again, Ava came home with a haul!  

My cousins threw this shower for me, along with my friend Greta.  This is my cousin Amy and I.

My cousin Robyn and I.

My cousin Rhonda and I.

My cousin Jenny and I.

My friend Greta and I, with a very full and content little Julia :)  Greta is a precious friend.  Her husband Jason works with Travis.  He is the high school pastor.  When they came to our church a year and a half ago, Greta and I became fast friends.  We were both praying and trusting the Lord for babies and now here we are, about to both have a daughter.  It's been sweet to share this road with her and to have a listening ear as I discover all the ups and downs of pregnancy!  I'm sure she will be on speed dial after Ava is born :) The Lord has been so faithful to both of us and we are very, very blessed to be friends.  

I loved having this day to share in our joy over Ava with so many people who have prayed for us and loved us so well through this journey.  I told them that Travis and I feel so grateful for the many groups of people in our life who went to the Lord on our behalf and prayed that we would get pregnant.  Ava is a gift to us, but we really feel like she belongs to the Lord and to so many people who asked for her.  We are thrilled that we get to take her home, but I can't wait for the days when I can teach her about the faithfulness of the Lord and about the blessings of being in God's family.  She will always be a reminder to us about the power of prayer.  

A Quick Post

It's been a few days since I've been active in the blog world :) I have been juggling several things and trying to rest in between!  I promise I will update soon with some pictures and something more than a list, but for now, here are some highlights from the last few days...

-I am much better after wiping out last week :)  Thank you for all of your sweet emails and comments....I appreciate your concern!  Still sore, but not so bad anymore.  And Ava is great, more active than ever in fact!

-Travis was gone this weekend on his junior high winter retreat.  They had a great time, our good friend Mike flew up from Texas to speak for Trav.  I stayed home this time, which was a good decision.  It was FREEZING this weekend and they had tons of snow up north at the camp.  Travis was exhausted when he got home, but totally energized from a weekend with Mike!  Thanks for coming Mike and thanks for letting him Holly :) 

-I had my first baby shower on Sunday!  It was so fun, and yes I took pictures...I got lots of cute things for Ava.  My Mom and sister Jennie came up from Iowa for it, which meant that we got to hang out a little bit too.  It was a fast weekend, but lots of fun! 

-I am now officially 34 weeks into this fleeting pregnancy and starting to really feel the drain of that!  I have been so tired for the last couple of days.  Ava is waking me up now, keeping me up and letting me know she is ready for action!  I swear she's having a dance party right this minute :)  I went to the doctor yesterday, which was great-somehow I LOST 3 pounds!!!  That was the highlight of my day!  Travis took me out for dinner to celebrate :) I probably gained it right back...

-I am in full nesting mode now.  I cleaned out Ava's closet and started really getting her room in shape yesterday.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you, the girl has more clothes than Travis and I and at least 20 pairs of shoes/slippers!!  She is going to be set with a different outfit everyday :)  And my laundry load is going to triple.  

-I have one giant confession to make...I watched the Bachelor last night and thought I might pass out from the drama and the stress of it!!  What in the world was that???  My sister Stacie and I were texting throughout the whole show, we could not handle what was going down and how seriously dramatic it really was.  Did you watch??  For once, all those promos declaring it the "Most Shocking Rose Ceremony Yet" were absolutely true!!  I think this show needs to call it quits, they are seriously creating problems for years to come...

-It is cold here today, although it was supposed to be "warm."  Good thing I'm too tired to care.  

Have a great Tuesday!  I imagine I will be putting my feet up and resting tonight.  Now if I could only get out of making dinner...