Pretty - But None Of Them Work!

Happy Hump Day, Shopaholics! 


This summer, I have been wearing my pink Toywatch and round face gold Gucci watches almost exclusively. And I never thought I would say it - but I'm getting a little tired of looking at those two. Yesterday, it was time to show a different style a little love.


I was excited to find the above watches in my jewelry box (I actually forgot about the ESQ and Gucci bangle). Imagine my surprise when none of the four watches worked. Dead batteries, I presume. I set them all to 9:00 and waited. Still nothing. So today I'm off to the jewelry repair, and hoping that once batteries are replaced, they will be good as new! 


Does this happen to you? Several things not working at the same time? So frustrating, huh? Maybe I should just forget about the time today! :-) 


Have a Wonderful Wednesday! 


p.s. Does anyone else think that Gucci bangle might be close to vintage status? I'm no Gucci watch expert...

Why I Coupon...

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Hope your week is off to an amazing start! :-) 


Long time readers will recall that I have previously blogged about my love of couponing (see January post HERE). I will admit that I consider myself a "Coupon Queen". Think about it...you already know you're a Shopaholic, what better way to channel your shopping skills and save money at the same time?


Most of my shopping and couponing is done in national drug stores CVS and Walgreen's, as well as my local Publix supermarket. Most of the cashiers in the stores know me - and are amazed at what I can save in a trip. I always save at least 50% on my grocery total - but many times I will save 70%, 80% and 90% if I'm really on my game. 


In addition to saving hard earned $$$ that I would much rather spend on "fun stuff" like Lilly Pulitzer dresses and Tory Burch tunics, couponing affords me another opportunity. I am always able to make donations to my favorite charities, or when I hear of someone locally that is in need. I have a stockpile that is ready to go and I can always afford to share my goodies. 


I should tell you guys - unlike those crazy folks featured on TLC's "Extreme Couponing" shows, I do not buy tens of dozens of an item. I have learned that sales cycle around, typically every 6-8 weeks. Therefore I generally buy enough of an item to last until the next sales cycle. Additionally, I never "clear the shelf". Even if I want to purchase 6 of a particular item, and only 8 are on the shelf, I will just buy 2-4 of that item. I think shelf cleaning is just rude and there are enough deals to go around for everyone - there is no need to be greedy. My couponing stash is stored in normal areas - the pantry, the laundry closet, the extra closet for toiletries and paper goods. I would never allow my stash of goodies to take over our living space. Once I saw people on the "Extreme Couponing" show that were storing toilet paper under their children's beds, and had built in shelving in their bedrooms to store canned goods. To that madness I say: "Out Of Control". 


These are photos from one of my recent donations, notice the assortment of products.

Recently, I have began to focus on adding the whole "mail in rebate" component to my savings plan. During the month of July, I submitted $100 in MIR's and have submitted almost $200 so far in August. My current plan is to save all those rebate checks and let them pay for a wonderful vacation. Wouldn't the DH be surprised if I earned enough $$ through rebates to pay for a vaca without touching our bank account?


Of course, this plan is contingent upon me not getting sidetracked by a new Gucci Sukey Shoulder Bag. I am newly obsessed, after all! :-) 


Do you like to coupon? What tips do you have? Are there any websites you like to use for coupon match ups, etc? (I am listing some of my favorites below). Please share, I am constantly looking for new tips! 


Feel free to ask any questions too - I will try to answer them all! The $$ you can save with couponing is real - and once you start, you never want to pay full price at the grocery again! 


Have a Terrific Tuesday! 


I Heart Publix (link HERE)
I Heart Saving Money (link HERE)
Totally Target (link HERE)
Eastern Shore Mom (link HERE)
Frugal Fairhope (link HERE)
Bargain Briana (link HERE)
Southern Savers (link HERE)

Shrimp Boil, Shopaholic Style

Happy Monday! Warning: This post might make you hungry! :-) 


One of my favorite things about living on the Alabama Gulf Coast is the accessibility of fresh seafood. Sometimes we catch it ourselves - other times we buy it. Regardless of how we acquire the seafood, it's a staple in our diet. 


Yesterday we had a hankering for a shrimp boil. So, I went to the store and got everything we needed to prepare a coastal feast! When putting together a "traditional" shrimp boil on the gulf coast, most folks include shrimp, new potatoes, corn and occasionally sausage. However, I am trying to limit my carbs this week (must look cute in halter top at Kid Rock concert in a week) so I decided to modify our ingredients.


We started with 4 pounds of fresh shrimp, one pound of Andouille sausage, and whole, fresh mushrooms. 

This is the part where people ask "don't you just use the package of crab boil in the box?". Ummm, yes and no...the boxed crab boil - when used according to package instructions, will supposedly season up to four pounds of shrimp or other seafood. However, based on my cooking experience and our taste, when used alone it just doesn't provide enough seasonings for the seafood. I think using just the one box of seasoning makes the shrimp taste very bland. Think "boiled shrimp on the seafood buffet" style bland. 


These are the ingredients I use to season the water prior to boiling: box of seafood boil, several heaping tablespoons of Old Bay, 2-3 large lemons (quartered and then halved), 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic, salt to taste, and a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil. I'm sure you are asking now: Why olive oil? In my experience, it makes the shrimp very easy to peel, and provides a little extra flavor too! Bring all the ingredients to a boil, then add the mushrooms and sausage, letting everything boil for 5-10 minutes. 

Next, add the shrimp and bring all ingredients back to a hard boil. Do NOT let this boil long - maybe 2 minutes at most and then remove from the heat. Most chefs will tell you, the shrimp are actually "done" once they come to a boil. (It's very easy to overcook shrimp - which makes them difficult to peel and then you are super frustrated because you ruined $25-40 worth of seafood.) When all the ingredients are boiling, I like the water to have an almost orange colored tint. This is how I know I got the seasonings just right. 

Next, I make homemade cocktail sauce for dipping. This is actually very easy, and I use the following ingredients: Ketchup (Heinz or Publix Greenwise organic only), Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco hot sauce, fresh Horseradish (available at your seafood counter), and a few lemon wedges. Mix everything to taste in a cute bowl and you're ready to eat! (for those who aren't a fan of cocktail sauce or ketchup, you can melt better in the microwave and dip your shrimp into hot butter...yummy!)

Finished product - yummy cocktail sauce! 

Bon Appetit! 

Do you like to cook seafood? What are your favorite dishes? Let me know if you have a different "spin" on boiled shrimp - I'd love to hear from you! 


Have a Marvelous Monday! 

p.s. It goes without saying - I'll be using shrimp in recipes for days. Think shrimp pasta (whole wheat only), boiled shrimp on green salad, etc. 

Salt Water Saturday: Be Safe, East Coast Peeps

Happy Saturday! 


This Shopaholic has seen more than her fair share of hurricanes. Living on the Alabama Gulf Coast, it's something you always take seriously and hate to see that "cone of uncertainty" with your town in the center of the map. Worse than that, you begin shaking in your flip flops and stocking the supplies when Jim Cantore and The Weather Channel arrive at your beach - a potential sign of impending doom. 


Today I would like to say "good luck and better times ahead" for all my east coast friends and family who are either already experiencing, or will experience, Hurricane Irene this weekend. Please make certain you have everything you need to weather the storm, and heed any evacuation warnings. While a hurricane (even a "small" Category 1 storm) may seem like a good reason to whip up a Dark 'N Stormy and wear your Lilly, I promise you it's not! 


Hope you are all looking at beautiful images like this out your windows again very soon. Godspeed...  XOXO

Ocean City, Maryland

Avalon, New Jersey

Long Island, New York 

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Cape Hatteras, North Carolina 

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Fearless Fitness Friday: 23 Pounds Lost, Yet The Journey Continues

TGIF! Welcome to the newest edition of Fearless Fitness Friday! 


Today I'm thrilled to report - I have lost 23 pounds on my weight loss journey. Believe me, I am planning to lose more and need to lose more (at least another 23 pounds); but for a brief moment I would like to celebrate losing the 23! 


I have been discouraged along the way. Even at 23 pounds lost, I feel like it has taken way too long and I should have lost more weight already. However - it's important to take a step back and realize this is quite an accomplishment. Imagine my surprise when I googled to see what 5 pounds of fat would look like and found the image above. Take a good look at what an extra 5, 10, 15 or 20 pounds of fat looks like. It's quite disgusting actually - to think how much extra weight I have been carrying around for the past eight or so years. Gross! 


Over the last two - three weeks I haven't been on my game as much as I need to be. Oh I have a boatload of excuses, like these: "It was my birthday week" or "I was in Charlotte and wanted to have a good time" or "I don't feel like exercising today". It's actually a wonder that I've lost a few more pounds, when I think about it. 


Please wish me luck as I work on losing the next 23. I'm going to need it, as my 41-year old metabolism is quite stubborn. And did I mention that I do enjoy food, and don't really love to exercise? Yeah, there's that too! :-) 


Have a Wonderful Weekend! 

Shopaholic Book Club: "Star Island" by Carl Hiaasen

Hello Shopaholics! 


Earlier this year, I made myself a promise that I would read one or two books each month - just for fun! And then I promised you guys that I would share my finds and review them for you here. The good news? I've been reading my two books a month, and most of them were checked out at the library. The bad news? I've been doing an awful job of blogging about this! Must do better, starting today! :-) 


A few weeks ago, I finished reading "Star Island" by Carl Hiaasen. This is my fourth or fifth Carl Hiaasen book, and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. (I am currently reading an older Hiaasen that I picked up at the library). I love his sense of humor, the entertaining tales set in Florida, and his way of weaving together a plot with an interesting group of characters. 


I almost didn't purchase this book, based on the Amazon reviews, but I'm glad I did. Don't get me wrong, this is not literary genius - it is pure guilty pleasure, mindless entertainment. The main character (Cherry Pye) is a hot mess - her story was quite possibly ripped directly from the headlines. She could be Lindsey Lohan or Britney Spears; although I believe Britney is a fantastic musical talent and Cherry's character doesn't appear to have much talent! The antics, the paparazzi, the tangled web that is woven - it all makes a fun read. 


Below is the review from Publisher's Weekly:


The career of singer Cheryl Bunterman (aka Cherry Pye), who debuted with Jailbait Records at age 15, is foundering due to her lack of talent and indiscriminate appetite for drugs, booze, and sex in this outrageous, offbeat novel from Hiaasen (Nature Girl). Among those struggling to keep Cherry's career afloat are her mother, Janet Bunterman; producer Maury Lykes; and "undercover stunt double" Ann DeLusia, who will, say, mislead the press into thinking Cherry is out and about when she's really in rehab. Hiaasen has easy targets in misbehaving celebrity sightings, tabloid stalkings, and spin control experts, and he makes the most of them. Crooked real estate developer Jackie Sebago and paparazzo Bang Abbott, who plans to hitch his wagon to Cherry's star, add to the madcap fun. Mayhem follows after Bang kidnaps Ann instead of Cherry by mistake, and ex-Florida governor and eco-vigilante Clinton "Skink" Tyree, who was smitten with Ann after a chance encounter, rushes to her rescue. The torrent of pop culture barbs are bound to please Hiaasen's ardent fans. 500,000 first printing; 12-city author tour.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


Good news, readers! I am giving way my copy of this book - I'm finished with it and would love to pay it forward by passing along to another Carl Hiassen fan! :-) 


How do you qualify? Easy! You must be a blog follower, and comment on this post. Just tell me if you've read Hiassen, or about your favorite Hiassen book. Or - give me recommendations for another book you think I'd like - it could be from any author! Be sure to include your email address in the comment so I can reach you! 


I'll select a winner on Monday, August 29 and notify them via email as well as announce here on the blog. 


Happy Reading, and enjoy your Thursday! 


p.s. I fell off the Lilly sale wagon yesterday and placed another sale order, I'm sure no one is surprised to hear it.  Hangs head in shame...

Lilly Pulitzer Giveaway Winner & Wish List Wednesday

Thanks so much to everyone who entered the giveaway sponsored by one of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer Via stores, The Pink Pelican (birthday giveaway originally posted HERE). 

After a random drawing, I am thrilled to announce the giveaway winner. Congratulations to "how i met your father blog" with the comment below - you are the winner of the beautiful Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf! Please contact me (lori.driver@hotmail.com) with your shipping information and I'll forward to the Pelican for shipping! Again, thanks to everyone who entered, shared, tweeted, etc - The Pink Pelican was absolutely thrilled with the response!

how i met your father blog said...

i follow both shopaholic and pink pelican on twitter (@himyf)

August 12, 2011 11:04 AM 

Moving right along to Wish List Wednesday...IF I were going to shop the Lilly sale again (which I have no intention of doing, but stranger things have happened), these are a few of the items that might "complete" my resort, spring and summer Lilly Pulitzer collections. :-) 

Lilly Pulitzer, Murfee Scarf, Off The Hook, Sale Price $39, Retail Price $118

Lilly Pulitzer, McKim Sandal Braided Leather, Daiquiri Pink, Sale Price $99, Retail Price $148

Lilly Pulitzer, Shayna Dress, Black Lace, Sale Price $99, Retail Price $368

I should publicly state that I promised myself last night, I am finished shopping this sale. Now - if more merchandise is added by Lillypulitzer.com or my favorite Via shops such as The Pink Pelican or Village Palm - all bets are off! :-) 

Are you done shopping the sale, or still looking for great deals? Enjoy your Hump Day! 

Lilly Pulitzer's Endless Summer Sale

 Eliana Dress in Turquoise Moheatoh, Sale Price $99, Retail Price $298

Hello my friends! This morning I had a little extra spring in my step, knowing it was the "Big Day" as the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale would begin. I hopped right out of bed and immediately turned on the laptop - even before having my caffeine fix. :-) 


Although a lot of the Lilly Pulitzer summer 2011 was included in this sale, I opted for a few of the older pieces from previous Resort and Spring collections. Some of these I have been trying to find for quite a while, and was thrilled to see them available at great prices! 


My heart skipped a beat when I found the Eliana dress (see above photo) on Lilly's website. I have wanted this ever since I saw LP's Fashion Director, Janie Schoenborn, photographed in the dress. Side note: if you ever get a chance to meet Janie, take advantage of it. She is a doll and a design genius! Now I'm happy to report the dress is on it's way to my house! 

 Jillie Dress Chiffon, Sea Blue, Sale Price $39, Retail Price $328 (that's almost 90% off, y'all)

The Jillie Dress is beautiful in person and perfect for a variety of occasions. While I don't normally purchase many strapless Lilly dresses, I thought "what the heck, for $39 I will try this one"! Now I'm just hoping it will work for me in the chest and I won't look pregnant. *Fingers crossed*

 Worth Shift Lace, Limeade Floater, Sale Price $59, Retail Price $178

During the last online sale, I actually ordered this Worth Shift Dress and was so disappointed to find it was out of stock. I've been keeping eyes peeled for it since and clicked "Add To Tote" with blazing speed today. 

Naava Wrap Skirt, Worth Blue Pressed, Sale Price $34, Retail Price $98

Several months ago I purchased this same skirt in the "Stay In Your Lane" embroidery print (which is also included on today's sale) and I finally wore it last week while in Charlotte. (pictures HERE). I received so many compliments on the skirt that I knew I had to purchase the other print. And what a bargain! 


Did you shop the Lilly sale today? It's still going on HERE on the corporate website, as well as on some of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer Via shop websites. Be sure to check out the deals at Pink Pelican (HERE) and Village Palm (HERE). Most of the other stores are also participating, check your favorites! 


What did you score from the Endless Summer Sale? Summer days might be ticking down on the calendar, but summer is a state of mind on the Alabama Gulf Coast. :-) I can't wait to sport all my new goodies! 


Have a Terrific Tuesday!  

"They're Real" By Benefit - A New Shopaholic Favorite

Happy Monday! 


It's been a while since I blogged about trying a new cosmetic or skin care item, but this one is worth it's own post. A few weeks ago, my BFF Ashleigh was at the beach and had a new mascara she used before we went out to dinner. Of course Ashleigh knows I'm a total product junkie, and offered to let me try her tube. The mascara was "They're Real" by Benefit, which is sold at Sephora, Ulta, and department stores that carry Benefit. 


The difference in my lashes with this mascara was ah-maze-ing. I couldn't believe it, and believe me when I say, I have tried all the supposedly "amazing" mascaras on the market. For years, I thought Definicils by Lancome and Diorshow by Dior were the best mascaras. Then I thought Magnascopic by Estee Lauder was the best. Several months ago, I bought MultiplEYE by Tarte and was so impressed I recommended it to all my family and friends. Guess what? "They're Real" by Benefit kicks all of them to the curb. 


My eyes are slightly sensitive and I wear contact lenses for the majority of my waking hours every single day. This mascara created dramatic length and volume for my eyes, lasts twelve plus hours in our heat, and didn't "dot" under my eyes. The dotting under eyes is a common problem among contact lens wearers, and I am no exception. When used in conjunction with my Shu Uemura eyelash curler, the results are dramatic. 


If you're looking for a new mascara, do not hesitate to try this one! Then you can tell your friends, of course "They're Real"! :-) 


Have you also tried a zillion different brands of mascara? What is your favorite?


Here's to a perfect start to the week! 


p.s. Now, if I could just get my hands on that Latisse prescription, I'd be in good shape! 

Hi Honey, I'm Home!

Happy Sunday, Shopaholics! Are you having a nice weekend? I sure hope so! 


There are one thousand, two hundred and eighty miles on my bum this week; I am thrilled to be home from my road trip! Thank goodness the DH is home for the weekend and we are able to spend it together. It seems like I haven't seen him in forever (we were apart for thirteen days, to be exact). We plan to enjoy the beach today, have a home cooked meal tonight (my homemade pot roast and veggies), and get ready for that 5:30AM Monday morning alarm! Already dreading it...


On my way home, I saw gas as "cheap" as $3.27 in Gaffney, South Carolina. I sure hope the prices are going down where you live - we're still paying anywhere from $3.55 - $3.60 here at the beach. It's official - I've turned into my Father. He is absolutely fascinated by gas prices and always asks me how much the gas was - no matter where I go. I guess he's rubbed off on me.  :-)  


Have a Super Sunday and enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

Road Trippin', Day Four: Two Buck Chuck and Old Friends

TGIF, Shopaholics! Are you ready for the weekend? Any big plans? Other than traveling home, I plan to take it easy this weekend. The DH is supposed to come home so I'm pretty excited about that! :-) 


Yesterday I took advantage of my last full day in Charlotte. I was so excited when BFF Lisa told me there was a Trader Joe's right down the road from her house. Shopping list in hand, I took off. 

To sum up my Trader Joe's experience, you could say "it's a good thing she is driving instead of flying". I purchased twelve bottles of wine (eight of which were Two Buck Chuck), several bags of snacks (including my favorite Veggie Sticks Potato Snacks, in my opinion they taste like McDonald's french fries) and a few new relishes and salsas to try. Already, I wish I'd purchased more of those darn Veggie Stick Potato Snacks...I hope they make it back home with me. Maybe I should hide them (from myself) in the car as I fear that combined with a Diet Coke on the road, they might disappear. 


A little of my damage is in the photo below, they were bagging me up so quickly I couldn't get a picture of everything! 

The fun continued with dinner and drinks at Cantina 1511 with my friends Colleen, Page and Glenda.  We all used to work together (yep, that again, haha) and I have missed them. It had been several years since we'd all been together socially, and the years have been kind to everyone. All the girls looked wonderful and are at great places in their lives. 

Don't laugh at this picture, but for some reason I was cracking up! Colleen is pretty hilarious and will have you in stitches very quickly. Since I'd seen her last, she had her first child and he is now three years old. Talk about wow! Colleen has also lost a ton of weight and said even the "skinny girls" in her boot camp class say that her story motivates them. Pretty cool, huh? I'll tell you this - she has motivated me - soon as I get back home, I'm back on the wagon with the diet and exercise myself! :-) 

Meet my buddies Page and Glenda! At different times during my career at the big M, I reported directly to both of these wonderful women. Since we'd last spent any quality time together, Page has become a triathlete. Her children are almost grown (think college junior and high school junior) and I remember them being elementary and middle school age. Where did the time go? And Glenda, I'm so proud of her. After smoking for more than twenty years, she put the cigarettes down three years ago and hasn't looked back. Can you imagine? I can't seem to quit drinking Diet Coke, and Glenda gave up smoking. This proves one thing - we can accomplish anything we want bad enough. It's all a mindset, isn't it? 


It was so much fun to see the girls again, have Mexican food and a few libations -this was always one of our "after work" traditions. I'm happy that life has been kind to everyone, and am proud of what we have accomplished. Life is good. :-) 


Have a Fantastic Friday! 

Road Trippin', Day Three: Blogger Meet & Greet

Wow - is it really already Thursday? Hope you're having a great week and are planning a nice weekend. School started at home this week (and is starting next week in Charlotte) so it seems like everyone is taking advantage of the last days of their freedom summer. 


Yesterday was day three of my visit to the Queen City, and I was lucky enough to meet several bloggers that live in the Charlotte area. We had a marvelous lunch at Cafe Monte, which is located in Phillips Place near Southpark Mall. Please see the photo above and "meet" my new blog friends, from Left to Right:
Annie from "Classic Annie" (link to Annie's blog HERE), Lauren from "Adventures of a Southern Newlywed" (link to Lauren's blog HERE), Amanda from "Pink Cashmere Cardigan" (link to Amanda's blog HERE) and of course, yours truly on the far right. All the girls were so warm and friendly, and we had plenty to discuss. You can imagine I'm sure, but no topic was safe. Husbands, jobs, shopping, the Charlotte area and lifestyle, Annie's recent engagement and wedding planning, our dilemmas regarding closet space, the preppy lifestyle and our favorite brands. 


When I lived in Charlotte, we used to always joke that you very rarely met anyone who was actually "from Charlotte". True to form, not one person in our group was from Charlotte. Annie hails from Maryland, Lauren from a smaller town in North Carolina, Amanda from Indiana, and of course you guys know I was born in Alabama. I always believed it was because of the phenomenal growth of the area in the last 15-20 years, jobs bring people to town and then you have an interesting mix of residents. 


If you visit Charlotte (or live here), be sure to put Cafe Monte on your list of restaurants to visit. I had the Quiche Lorraine and side Caesar Salad, and they were absolutely delicious. There was so much cheese in that quiche, it was yummy! 

After lunch, I went over to Southpark Mall where I managed to spend the next five hours of my day. All I can say is this: thank goodness I don't use (or have!) credit cards anymore. I hit all the stores: Belk to shop for Lilly Pulitzer, Nordstrom and Neiman's to shop for everything, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, Burberry, Tommy Bahama. There were a few of my favorite stores that I didn't quite make it to, such as Sur La Table and Sephora. (Yeah, I probably have to go back, isn't that a shame?). 


Side note: my obsession with Burberry bags has been largely shelved over the past few years. Why? I remembered today how much I love my Burberrys - that might not be a good thing...


A special thank you to Annie, Lauren and Amanda for taking the time out of their busy day to meet up for lunch. It was such a pleasure to meet you all and I hope we can make this a new tradition! Double thanks to Amanda for planning the location and getting us all together. You girls are wonderful and I'm thrilled to call you friends. :-) 


My lovely readers, you should all go over and check out their blogs. I know you will love these girls as much as I do! 


Enjoy your Thursday! 

Road Trippin', Day Two

Happy Hump Day, Shopaholics! Hope your week has been wonderful so far, I am having a great time in Charlotte. 


Yesterday I met one of my BFF's for lunch. Lis and I worked together for years (are you seeing the common theme here yet?) and I have missed her soooo much, I can't even begin to tell you guys. Long time followers might remember my blog post about cleaning out my closet and the friend that helped me "get it together" by giving me a healthy dose of tough love (you can read it HERE). Lis is THAT friend. :-) She now has a new job and is no longer with our former employer. My BFF looks great, is thrilled with her new position, has lost a bunch of weight, and is absolutely glowing. 

We had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte, Firebirds at Stonecrest, which is near Ballantyne. I used to frequent Firebirds as often as possible. They have a great lunch and dinner menu, but I always get the same exact thing. A smokehouse Burger (BBQ sauce, applewood-smoked bacon, shredded cheddar and diced red onion) and BLT salad (Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, applewood-smoked bacon, roasted garlic ranch dressing) at lunch, Filet Mignon and BLT salad at dinner. Dinner always includes one (two...) Double Black Diamond Martinis. True to form, I enjoyed my burger yesterday and asked them to hold the red onions. 

If you're planning to visit the Charlotte area or have a Firebirds in your town, you simply must try this restaurant. Prices are very affordable and it seems to always appeal to a crowd - there is something for everyone. The closest location to me is in Hoover, AL; which is a suburb of Birmingham. For that reason, I visit Firebirds at least once every time I make it to Charlotte. 


Sadly, Lis had to return to work after our lunch so I was on my own for several hours. What's a Shopaholic to do? Hmmm...go shopping, of course. I high tailed it over to Nordstrom Rack. 

Nordstrom Rack, how I have missed you. We spent a lovely summer in Seattle together (another post on another day), and I haven't visited a Rack since. This one has only been open for a few months in Charlotte, and they had a wonderful assortment of all kinds of things a shopaholic "needs". Like these cocktail rings by Kate Spade...

I'm sad to say, the turtle ring didn't fit my fat finger. Ugh. The pineapple ring fit perfectly - but I didn't buy it. Why, you ask? Now that I'm writing this, I can honestly say "I have no idea". I wish I would have. I might make it back over there before I leave town. There were so many thing I could have taken home - DVF flips, Bliss spa products (guilty - got a bunch of those), Joe's Jeans capris,  and a Milly blouse that I am also thinking I "need". Quite frankly, it was all a little overwhelming and I had a difficult time making up my mind what to buy, since I wanted it all! 

Do you Auto Bell? I did yesterday! The car was soooo filthy from the drive up - and the sea spray from the beach - I was actually embarrassed to drive it around town. After Nordstrom Rack, I went for a wash at my favorite Auto Bell location off Rea Rd.  As always, they didn't disappoint. Now the car looks great! At least for a while, right?

Next up: manicure and pedicure at My Bella Spa. In my opinion, this is the best pedicure in the area for the price. Although they have several locations, I went to the newest one at Blakeney. Now my fingers and toes are presentable again, and are sporting OPI's "Party In My Cabana". 

What a great day! I forgot to mention that I slept until 9AM - which was pure heaven! There is more fun planned for today - I get to meet several other bloggers from the Charlotte area. I'm so excited, and can't wait to tell you all about that adventure. Coming soon...


Have a Wonderful Wednesday!