No Shopping Challenge Update

Well, I have had a couple of slip ups, but I have done very well.  I have been looking for things to buy and I haven't found anything.  This morning, I thought about buying shorts for the summer.  *raised brow*  I haven't purchased anything.

I wonder if I can hold off for another two months?

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel...

Finally...I'm almost done with the pantry.  In all honesty, I kinda wish I had paid the Container Store to install it *thinking* ...Nah, not really.
I am about 90% completed with the pantry.  I still need to hang the door thing-a-ma-jig.  I also want to purchase another shelf.  Also, I want to finish adding the canned goods and putting dry goods in my nifty airtight containers. 
As promised...Here is the before.  Notice the "Fanny Lifter" at the bottom...

Here is the after...

This isn't my first time installing shelving units, so I knew what to expect.  I will admit that I am a low frills kinda girl.  I was surprised at the number of additional items that were not needed.  I'm talking bracket covers, top shelf covers, wood screws, plaster screws, etc.

I knew that I wanted a top shelf to store things that I rarely use - my food processor and cookbooks.  I should have insisted that the design includes that additional shelf.  Now I gotta go back to the store and buy it.  I hate going to that store.  It brings out my shopping addiction.  I can always find something!

I really like the two white bins at that bottom.  They hold Rooney's snacks and dog food.  I may move those at a higher level and use those to store Reynold's Wrap, Saran Wrap, Trashbags, etc.

I also would like to find a few bins to store items like tuna and salmon pouches, yellow sweetners, and a recipe card box.

One more thing...The aqua blue brings me joy.  Just like a box from Tiffany & Co!

The Pantry Project

I am almost done. The walls are painted. I am about to touch up the trim and door. On Thursday, I will install the shelves. :)

Contain yourself!

I am very excited about it.  Tommorrow is picture day!

The Closet Update...

I went to The Container Store today.

Here are the results...

The Kitchen Pantry

The Pantry Door

The Linen Closet

Yep. Your eyes are not deceiving you. My pantry and linen closets are tiny. Miniscule. Not complaining about it. It is what it is.

I also priced out a storage solution for the under-the-stairs utility closet (which is slightly larger). I am thinking about purchasing. I have a Lowe's gift card, maybe I can find what I need there.

I took "before" photos. I am ashamed to show y'all. I'll share with the "after".

Next Project - Closets

So, the Container Store has the Elfa closet system on sale for 30% off.

My kitchen pantry and the linen closet are two hot mess areas.  First, both are not making efficient use of space.  My linen closet is weird.  There is about 2 feet of unused wall space.  Second, they are both loaded to the gills.  I will admit that I throw stuff in and close the linen closet door really fast.  As a matter of fact, there is everything BUT linens in my linen closet.  

I will definitely show before photos.

Well, where is the money going to come from?  Bartering.  Someone is paying ME for my handy, dandy drill and level skills.  

They haven't fallen!

I will redo their closets.  By redo, I mean taking down the shelves, fixing the holes, painting the closet, hanging the shelving units, and organizing the clothes.  In return, I will receive (1) cold hard cash, (2) leftover paint to paint my  pantry and linen closets, (3) assistance with my closets.

Wow....I have more skillz than I thought.

I should post photos of my updated closets.  I purchased Huggable hangers and it looks sooooo nice.

Strike! Strike!

You know how I like to jump on bandwagons and "go on strike" *umph*.  Well, tomorrow is the strike against SOPA.

No Google?  No Wikipedia?

0_0

*praying that TheYBF.com and Bossip.com aren't participating*

;)

Just jokes.

If I Could Buy One Thing....

There is one thing that I really, really want, but I am feeling some sort of way about it.

 

A Louis Vuitton handbag?  Nope.

 

A pair of lovely Christian Louboutins?  Nope.  However, if you see a pair of those bad boys in a 42 for less than $200...Call a sister.  Make sure that the platform is serious because anything over 2.5 inches will be a struggle.

 

Where was I?

 

Oh yeah.  If I could buy on thing, I would purchase a new home. 

 

I am not sure if I would build or buy.

 

I am not sure if I would continue to live in St. Louis or move someplace where the homes are lovely...Like this one.

 

But you know...Sometimes, you don't have to travel far find what you want.

 

I really need to start thinking ahead about the next stage of my life and start developing an action plan to achieve my goals.

 

As for now, the "sell low/buy low" theory is beginning to sound very appealing.

Confessions....

I have a little bit of a confession.  What had happened was...

I purchased a lamp for my bedroom

Found pictures...

Found miscellaneous items for my bathrooms

Homegoods is the devil. There is nothing good there.  It was a momentary setback, but I wouldn't say that it was an impulse buy.  These are things that I has been on my list for a little while, so I have no regrets about it.  I mean...look at those lovely red tags.  PLUS I got a replica of the embroidered bee hand towels that I have been coveting for the last six months.

:)

The No Shopping Update

Today we got ONE INCH of snow and it damn near shut down the whole city.  I'm talking about gridlock.  *scratching head*

Well, I *tried* to get out there and go to work, but ALL of the major interstates and roads were packed.  So, I worked from home.

Confession...I spent the entire day trying to find something to buy.  I looked at Target.com.  I looked at towels at Pottery Barn and compared them to Restoration Hardware and Overstock.  I looked at Robert Abbey lighting o_O.

I didn't buy a thing.

I told you that I didn't need anything.

Hair Update

So, my goal is to grow my hair this year.  I would like to have shoulder length when straighted and between my ear and neck when coiled.  My hair shrinks around 50% when it dries, so I figure that is about right.    I will say that my hair has an average growth rate.  I did my second big chop around a year ago.  Now I have about five to six inches of hair.  If I retain my length, then I should be at my goal in about a year.

 

I am going to the hair salon on Friday.  I am going to get my ends dusted and a flat iron.  I am very excited about this trim because the single-strand knots have completely taken over.  I clip when I find them, but there are so many.  It is frustrating to say the least.   I did some research and decided that it is best that I go back some sort of -cone based product (silicone, dimethicone).  In addition, I can no longer do wash and go styles.  I have to do more stretched hair styles.  During the last four weeks, I have experimented with a variety of stretched hair styles:

• Twist outs - No go...unless I want to look like D.L. Hughley.  Seriously.
• Twist and curl outs - Very cute!
• Magnetic roller set...Um.  No.  My ends were curled, but my roots were puffy.  I wouldn't mind so much if my hair is longer, but not when it is short.
• Flexi-rod sets - NO WAY!  OMG!  My hair was very Morris Day-esque when I did this.  No way am I leaving the house like that!
• Perm Rod sets - this is my favorite.  I love this style.  Plus the style lasts for a week or so.  I make sure that my ends are partially dry for (1) a shorter dry time, (2) a smoother finish, and (3) easier manipulation of the hair on the rods

 

Bottom line my biggest enemy isn't the single-strand knots.  It is me and my constant need to "do something different."  If I can hold off on cutting and big chops, then I will achieve my goal!

The "Cons" of Electronic Music

The lack of lyric sheets.

 

I like Lady Gaga.  I am not an uber-fan or anything.

I own all of her albums...in MP3 format.

I even watched the HBO special of her concert.

 

I just realized that the song is called "Paparazzi".  I also realized that she is singing "Pa-pa-ra-zzi" and not "Papa loves me."

 

o_O

 

My co-worker saw me nodding my head (unconsciously, of course).  Asked what I was listening to.  I looked down and came to the realizations that the song is Paparazzi.

 

Then it clicked.  Duh!

 

In all honesty, I don't never paid attention to the name of the song.  I thought the words were "something something something...I'm your biggest fan.  Pa-pa-loves-me!"

 

*Kanye Shrug*

Giving Myself The Side Eye....

I have been straight tripping on the "No shopping" thing.

First, I had a coupon for Talbots.  I love the merino wool cardigans.  So, I bought three pf them.  Along with a sweater dress.  My justification?  Well, I need something to wear to work.  I can't be "bummy."

Second, I purchased hair products.  I mean, I have to do my hair?  Right?  Well, one stop to Target turned into a $50 free-for-all.  I purchased clearance priced sheets, an ornament tree o_0 and hair products

Then I went to the grocery store.  No list.  Just me and a cart.  I bought all kinds of foolishness.

At that point, I realize that grocery shopping gives me the same high as shopping for clothing.

*sigh*

Stay out of the stores.

My Number Two Priority...

In the next three months, I am going to focus on my hair.  My ultimate goal is shoulder-length hair.

My hair is ok, but it could be better.  I have a few single strand knots from wearing "wash and go" styles.  Now, I am wearing more stretched styles - two strand twists, flexi rod sets, and flat ironing.  Also, I gave up the whole "no cones" thing.  I find that the use of cones helps with the single strand knots.

This week I am going to get my ends dusted and a color job ;).

After that, I am back to the moisturizing conditioners with steam.  Monthly protein treatments.  Silk scarves around the house. Not sextsky at all, but at least I'll have my hair! :)

Join Me.....

New Year....

New Workout Plans....

An actual goal....

Find My Abs!

Note to Self: Rid Thyself of Paypal...

*sigh*

I am supposed to be on this non-shopping thing.  Right?  RIGHT?

Have I mentioned that I have a little bit of a "thing" for Nike Cross Trainers?  I know that Nike doesn't make the best tennis, but they are soooo cute. 

I saw these a few weeks ago and I had to have them...

Matches one of my gym bags.

Grrr...I guess it could be worse.

Unsubscribed...

I have spent the better part of the morning unsubscribing from email marketing lists  I don't need anything to tempt me to do all sorts of e-damage.

I unsubscribed to clothing/department stores - The Limited, Anne Klein,Nordstrom,  Saks, Neimans, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Gap, J. Crew., Sephora and MAC.

I unsubscribed to housewares stores - Sur la Table, Amazon, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, Z Gallerie and Target *sigh*

I unsubscribed to daily deals - Groupon Atlanta, Groupon St. Louis, Groupon Chicago, Groupon D.C., Amazon, LivingSocial, Red Plum District, Urban Dealights, etc...

I unsubscribed to "gift certificate" site - Restaurant.com.

Next stop - deleting my credit card information from my favorite sites.

My Number One Priority...

Today I started a sixty day no-shopping challenge. 

What does that mean?  No clothes.  No jewelry.  No makeup.  No shoes.  No handbags.  No housewares.  No. books.

I also have to watch the eating out.  I am taking lunch at least three days a week.

I can only buy food and that is hella budgeted.

Why?

Well, I don't need anything.  I have enough.

Also, I am planning a spring vacation that is more expensive than anticipated.   I gotta save for that.  I will want a few new outfits, to eat at fancy restaurants, and maybe pick up something special while I am there.

Oh yeah.  I am pretty sure that I will have to pay taxes.  Actually, I know I will.

So, no miscellaneous bull.

Da Piano....

My first recital...Look at those hands!

I started in the fourth grade and stopped when I graduated from high school.  Every week during the school year...This was my mother's way of ensuring that I wouldn't become a teen mom (lol).  The truth.

My teacher liked Bach.  I wanted to play Computer Blue.  Each recital was a hot mess - forgot the song, last minute "special practice sessions", tears and frustrations, and competitions and duets with my biggest rival.

I haven't stopped thinking about it.  This is the year.  I'm taking piano lessons.  Again.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Wrap Up...

How was your Christmas?

Mine was cool.  I didn't do A THING.  I ate too much.  Drank a lot of wine...Whew!  The wine was wonderful!  I picked up a bottle of Barefoot Riesling.  OK.  I bought two bottles and they were perfect.  Wonderful!  Mmm-mmm!  I also had a bottle of red in the fridge.  I am not a red fan, so I wasn't very excited.

Where was I?

We didn't go to bed until like 2:30 am on Christmas morning.  I stayed up watching all sorts of non-Holiday movies and....drinking wine...and eating cookies and truffles.

We slept in.  I made belgian waffles, bacon, and eggs.  We opened gifts.  We skyped with my sisters.  Then we watched a whole slew of Christmas movies and listened to music and drank more wine.   Dinner was excellent.  I made a lemon buttercreme cake which turned out really nice.

The next morning, I was a bit hung over.  My toes were huge...Too much wine and cookies.  Probably the ham.  I planned to go out and do a little bit of shopping.  Didn't happen.  It rained cats and dogs, so I had to partake in the bottle of red.

I had a great time.  Low-key and great.  I swear the holidays are better now that I don't have a bunch of obligations.

Ego...She Gotta Big Ego...

I probably haven't talked much about it, but I have accomplished quite a bit this year...I am slowly but surely chipping away at this facade and getting to the root of what really makes me happy.  I am really getting to the root of what is important to me and doing away with the stuff that isn't.  It kinda started last year when I cut off the relaxer.  At that point, I started thinking about who I really am as a person.

 

It started with the hair.   Then I started looking at my car.  I thought that driving luxury brand cars would make me happy.  They don't.  I am just as happy driving my Accord as I am the BMW.  Also, my savings account thanks me for a car with affordable service and higher fuel efficiency.

 

Then I looked in my closet.  At the very top was a collection of handbags.  I didn't carry them.  I didn't respect them.  They meant nothing to me.  I sold them to pay for my bed.  Now I carry whatever.  It doesn't matter.  But guess what?  I really enjoy sleeping in my bed. :-)

 

Today I completed the most significant act of this year.  For the last 10 years, I have carried an American Express Gold Card.  The annual fee is $150 and it is due in January.  I don't like it, but I pay it because there is perceived value in the card.  Perceived value?

• I like not holding balances
• I find it convenient
• Um.  The points
• The purchase protection
• Karl Malden.

Every year I say, "I am not going to go down to a Green card.  At least, I will save some money on the annual fees and still receive my points."  I never do.

 

Well, today I saw that now there is a Zync card o_O.  It's white.  I read over the benefits.  Not much difference between that and the gold card.  I decided that the fees are manageable ($25 a year) and reasonable.  So, I made the decision that TODAY is the day that I cancel my gold card.

 

Why was that hard?  Why did my heart palpitate? I'm talking about moments of self-doubt.

 

I know...I know...It isn't the black card.  Hell, it ain't even platinum.  Now you know that I am complaining about the gold card fees...You KNOW that I am not going to pay $450 in annual fees. LOL

 

I doubt that anyone really cares what type of card I am presenting.  I sincerely doubt that anyone is making any judgment on my credit purchases and what not.  This conflict is clearly me.  Why am I attaching so much value on this?  It means nothing to me, but why do I keep holding on to it?

 

I canceled the Gold card.  I got the Zync o_O card.  I am still alive.

Seven Year Anniversary

Today marks the seventh year anniversary of this blog. *blinking*

My. goodness. I always question my commitment to "things".

I guess I am able to commit.

For the record, I still freestyle. I spit hot fire especially after having a few cocktails.

Here's to another seven years?

Merry KISSmas!

Rooney told me to tell y'all "Merry KISSmas."

Last night he was two seconds from getting his first spanking.  Whew lawd!  He was in the way.  I was stressed out and tired.  I almost tripped over him.  So, I put him in his crate.  He whined and barked.  I took him out and told him to "go to bed".  He wouldn't sit on it.  He was underfoot trying to snarf up cookie crumbs.  I almost fell on him.  It was a mess!

Nevertheless, he is anxious for Santa.  Last night, he slept UNDER the Christmas tree.  He doesn't know this, but Santa is bringing him a blanket, a string thing, and a brand new Kong!  Whoo-hoo!

My Mother Is Cleaning Four Buckets of Chittlins

Someone mentioned that their mother is preparing four buckets (vats?  troughs?) of chittlins.  I do believe that was supposed to entice me to break down the doors of the house with a bib around my neck and a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce.

My response? 

*crickets*

lol

Don't get me wrong...I have had had the rooter to the tooter of a pig.  But um.  I haven't had the chitterlings in years.  By choice.

I don't want to hear no mess about me being "too good for the chittlins."  I respect the history.  I just don't like the smel.  The potatoes, onion and such...none of that really cuts the smell.  Just sayin'.

Also, adding green pepper to the chitterlings really ain't making it fancy.

:)

All I Want For Christmas...

I believe that Mariah Carey gets a bad rap...Nevertheless I love the song...  

So, what do I want for Christmas? Well, I got the iPad 2 and the pink cover that I asked for. :)

 I would also like:

- iTunes gift cards....I will admit it. I'm addicted!

 - Ugg Slippers!  I don't know why, but I really want a pair of these in the greenish blue.  Pwetty!

- A really slouchy, fly hat

- A Faux Fur Vest...I don't know why, but I love a faux fur anything.  I would never buy real fur because...it just feels weird.  LOL

- I also lurves me a Shih Tzu ornament

Shih Tzu #2

Cocktail Rings...

Quilted Echo Touch Gloves

Beats By Dr. Dre - The Lady Gaga ear buds. ;)

Peace on Earth!  Goodwill to men!