Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Chicago Stylist Mom: Made In America Challenge!
Chicago Stylist Mom: Made In America Challenge!: Diana Sawyer from ABC World News is doing a segment called, "Made In America". According to the stats, the average family spends $700 on h...
Made In America Challenge!
Diana Sawyer from ABC World News is doing a segment called, "Made In America". According to the stats, the average family spends $700 on holiday shopping. The economists state that if $64 of that average is spent on products made in the USA, that will create 200,000 new jobs. Check out the link below. It's very interesting!!
I am seriously going to reevaluate my shopping list and look at the labels and tags of the items I purchase to see where they are made.
Okay, I just went up to my room and checked out the labels of the items I purchased today. I was looking for an outfit to wear to my husband's company's holiday party. And of course, after eating so much over Thanksgiving weekend, I couldn't fit into anything that I already have. The four items I bought today were all made in China. Very disappointing!
From now on, I am going to try my best and buy some things that are made in the USA. At least the handbag I recently purchased from my friend, Tangee, is made in the USA. Actually, it's made in Chicago by her own hands!!!! She's an amazing designer! Check out her website:
http://www.tangeeinc.net/
So, I will let you know if I find anything made in America and will report back to you. Good luck searching yourself.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
http://www.tangeeinc.net/
So, I will let you know if I find anything made in America and will report back to you. Good luck searching yourself.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Happy Belated Thanksgiving!!!
Sorry it's been awhile since my last blog. My kids were out of school all last week, and we took advantage of the free time.
I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. I certainly did! My husband deep fried two turkeys and homemade french fries. And no, he didn't burn down the house!! It was so nice and relaxing hanging out with family.
Since the kids were out of school, we did a whole lot of nothing. I did take them to our old neighborhood in Chicago, which is always fun. One day we went bowling, then my son and I went to a movie while my husband took my daughter ice skating. Then we just hung out with neighbors and friends. A lot of fun was had!!
What I didn't do was take advantage of Black Friday. I never do. As you all know, I can get deals all year long. I did buy a few Christmas gifts before Thanksgiving. It was hard not to because the prices of those items were so good. They were hard to pass up. And Cyber Monday started early. I did buy some items today on Amazon.com. They were too good to be true so I couldn't pass them up. Make sure you check out all of the Cyber Monday deals. It's amazing.
And again, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I promise to "blog" more often.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving. I certainly did! My husband deep fried two turkeys and homemade french fries. And no, he didn't burn down the house!! It was so nice and relaxing hanging out with family.
Since the kids were out of school, we did a whole lot of nothing. I did take them to our old neighborhood in Chicago, which is always fun. One day we went bowling, then my son and I went to a movie while my husband took my daughter ice skating. Then we just hung out with neighbors and friends. A lot of fun was had!!
What I didn't do was take advantage of Black Friday. I never do. As you all know, I can get deals all year long. I did buy a few Christmas gifts before Thanksgiving. It was hard not to because the prices of those items were so good. They were hard to pass up. And Cyber Monday started early. I did buy some items today on Amazon.com. They were too good to be true so I couldn't pass them up. Make sure you check out all of the Cyber Monday deals. It's amazing.
And again, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I promise to "blog" more often.
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Black Friday
I just saw the news and they were talking about Black Friday. They stated that Black Friday is turning into Black Thursday. Walmart is starting their Holiday sales at 10pm Thanksgiving night, but they are open all day. Macy's, Target and some outlet malls are opening at midnight Thanksgiving night. It's like they are all trying to one up each other. What gives????
Honestly, you couldn't pay me enough to shop that day or go out Thanksgiving night to shop. I have heard all of the stories...angry shoppers, tired retail employees, pushy costumers, broken doors, items breaking, fights among shoppers, etc. Really? Do you want to deal with that? It's up to you!!
I have worked that day before, but that was long ago when stores opened at 8 or 9 am. Wow!! And I thought that was early!! And the only angry people were the fur protesters out on Michigan Ave in Chicago with their anti-fur signs.
Yes the deals are good on Black Friday, but there have already been great deals. I actually bought some holiday gifts because the prices were too good to be true. I had to buy them. They were hot deals. So check out all the ads, shop around and take your time. There are many deals out there to be had!!! And not just on Black Friday!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Honestly, you couldn't pay me enough to shop that day or go out Thanksgiving night to shop. I have heard all of the stories...angry shoppers, tired retail employees, pushy costumers, broken doors, items breaking, fights among shoppers, etc. Really? Do you want to deal with that? It's up to you!!
I have worked that day before, but that was long ago when stores opened at 8 or 9 am. Wow!! And I thought that was early!! And the only angry people were the fur protesters out on Michigan Ave in Chicago with their anti-fur signs.
Yes the deals are good on Black Friday, but there have already been great deals. I actually bought some holiday gifts because the prices were too good to be true. I had to buy them. They were hot deals. So check out all the ads, shop around and take your time. There are many deals out there to be had!!! And not just on Black Friday!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Great Jewelry at Low Prices!
I love finding great costume jewelry! Adding some costume pieces can really make an outfit. And lately, I have been finding some great jewelry at amazingly low prices.
Believe it or not, Target has been my go to place to find inexpensive costume jewelry. But I don't look on their walls of displays, I go straight to their jewelry clearance area. What I have found is absolutely unbelievable!! Beautiful stone necklaces for $5-$7, beaded bracelets for only $3-$4, and gold/pearl drop hoop earrings for only $4. I bought a brown leather braided bracelet for my daughter that had a small silver plaque on it that said "Courage". That was only $3.48. You really should check it out!!
My other go to place for costume jewelry is Banana Republic. As I told you in my last blog, I found some fabulous pieces all for less than $10. You have to check out their sale jewelry items. They are truly stunning!
On a side note, I still haven't found a pair of jeans. Supposedly, Joe's jeans and Hudson's do make short lengths and petites. We shall see. I will keep you posted.
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Believe it or not, Target has been my go to place to find inexpensive costume jewelry. But I don't look on their walls of displays, I go straight to their jewelry clearance area. What I have found is absolutely unbelievable!! Beautiful stone necklaces for $5-$7, beaded bracelets for only $3-$4, and gold/pearl drop hoop earrings for only $4. I bought a brown leather braided bracelet for my daughter that had a small silver plaque on it that said "Courage". That was only $3.48. You really should check it out!!
My other go to place for costume jewelry is Banana Republic. As I told you in my last blog, I found some fabulous pieces all for less than $10. You have to check out their sale jewelry items. They are truly stunning!
On a side note, I still haven't found a pair of jeans. Supposedly, Joe's jeans and Hudson's do make short lengths and petites. We shall see. I will keep you posted.
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Shoppers Out Like Crazy!!
Over the weekend, I went to the outdoor outlet mall by the mother's lake house. It was extremely windy but a beautiful day. Then today I went shopping with my mom at an outdoor mall to help her find some clothes that she claims she desperately needs. Please...you should see her closest!! Anyway, it was another beautiful day in the 60's again. Both days shoppers were out in force!!
Was it the nice weather? Was it the sales? Were people ready to spend their money? Were people actually starting their holiday shopping?
Now, let me tell you this. The stores were crowded. There were lines at the cash registers. People were carrying a lot of shopping bags.
I only bought a few things at the outlet mall. Two very cute long sleeve tops for my daughter at J Crew. They are now carrying their Crewcut kids line at their outlet stores. Then I found a pair of skinny jeans at the Gap outlet along with two sweater. **I am still looking for my bootcut, not too flare not too skinny dark denim jeans. So far, I have tried on 35 pair of jeans. I will let you know when I have found them.**
Today, my mom did get a great pair of animal print low heel shoes that had a black patent wedge heel. Very cute. She must have read my animal print blog! Then she got two long cardigan type sweaters in berry and charcoal. Perfect to wear instead of a blazer! She did well shopping!
I bought a long sleeve Nike top for my son. Nothing exciting. Then at Banana Republic, I found beautiful jewelry. Whoever is designing and/or buying their jewelry is doing a fantastic job. They had so much to choose from. I found two pieces in their clearance bin that I had to have...a bracelet that looked antique and a necklace. The bracelet was originally $39.50. I paid only $9.97. The necklace was $29.50, and I got it for $7.97. Not bad. I good place to go for great jewelry for all occasions.
So after all of that, I am guessing that it was all of the above...the nice weather, the sales, and we were ready to spend money. Oops! Forgot about people starting to holiday shop. We definitely weren't doing that!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Was it the nice weather? Was it the sales? Were people ready to spend their money? Were people actually starting their holiday shopping?
Now, let me tell you this. The stores were crowded. There were lines at the cash registers. People were carrying a lot of shopping bags.
I only bought a few things at the outlet mall. Two very cute long sleeve tops for my daughter at J Crew. They are now carrying their Crewcut kids line at their outlet stores. Then I found a pair of skinny jeans at the Gap outlet along with two sweater. **I am still looking for my bootcut, not too flare not too skinny dark denim jeans. So far, I have tried on 35 pair of jeans. I will let you know when I have found them.**
Today, my mom did get a great pair of animal print low heel shoes that had a black patent wedge heel. Very cute. She must have read my animal print blog! Then she got two long cardigan type sweaters in berry and charcoal. Perfect to wear instead of a blazer! She did well shopping!
I bought a long sleeve Nike top for my son. Nothing exciting. Then at Banana Republic, I found beautiful jewelry. Whoever is designing and/or buying their jewelry is doing a fantastic job. They had so much to choose from. I found two pieces in their clearance bin that I had to have...a bracelet that looked antique and a necklace. The bracelet was originally $39.50. I paid only $9.97. The necklace was $29.50, and I got it for $7.97. Not bad. I good place to go for great jewelry for all occasions.
So after all of that, I am guessing that it was all of the above...the nice weather, the sales, and we were ready to spend money. Oops! Forgot about people starting to holiday shop. We definitely weren't doing that!
Enjoy your day!
Lynn
Friday, November 11, 2011
11-11-11!!!
11-11-11
This unbelievable numerical symmetrical date happens once a century.
And today it is happening on Veterans Day.
People think it will be the end of greed.
People think it symbolizes the opening of doors (just look at the number 11, it looks like a door).
People think it represents human awareness.
People think it means angels.
People think it will be a lucky day (my husband is in Vegas and he says it's hopping).
Some people are getting married.
Some people are having babies.
Some people got engaged.
Some people bought lottery tickets.
What do you think of the date? What are you going to do today?
What did I do today. Well, at 11:11am, I called my nephew, Christopher, for his birthday. Yes, what a great day to have a birthday! He probably thought I was crazy calling at that time. It was special!!
I also said a quick little prayer after that phone call. Just wanted to pray for family and friends and health. It couldn't hurt on a day like today!!
So I hope you had a great 11-11-11. And since it's Veteran Day, if you see a veteran...just tell them thanks!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
This unbelievable numerical symmetrical date happens once a century.
And today it is happening on Veterans Day.
People think it will be the end of greed.
People think it symbolizes the opening of doors (just look at the number 11, it looks like a door).
People think it represents human awareness.
People think it means angels.
People think it will be a lucky day (my husband is in Vegas and he says it's hopping).
Some people are getting married.
Some people are having babies.
Some people got engaged.
Some people bought lottery tickets.
What do you think of the date? What are you going to do today?
What did I do today. Well, at 11:11am, I called my nephew, Christopher, for his birthday. Yes, what a great day to have a birthday! He probably thought I was crazy calling at that time. It was special!!
I also said a quick little prayer after that phone call. Just wanted to pray for family and friends and health. It couldn't hurt on a day like today!!
So I hope you had a great 11-11-11. And since it's Veteran Day, if you see a veteran...just tell them thanks!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Sales!!!
Recently I have stumbled upon many sales. And when I say stumbled, I mean I have accidentally come across great sales while looking for items for my kids, not me.
First I went into Old Navy to look for jeans for my kids. 8 slim for my daughter and 10 husky for my son. They had a rack of clothes for only $0.99. Yes, that was 99 cents!! I ended up buying only two items. One was a green top because my sister-in-law teases me every St. Patrick's Day because I wear olive green instead of wearing a true green. They other item I purchased was a great metallic olivey dress with a cinched waist. I actually bought that same dress in black so I could wear it to work (remember my blog on dresses...the ease of them...no thinking about what to mix and match, etc). So why not buy another one in a different color. Then I had a 30% off coupon. The two items totaled $1.36. Can't beat that!!! By the way, the jeans fit daughter not my son. His were too big.
Then I was went to TJ Maxx to return some clothes that I had bought my daughter that didn't fit. Well, they marked down a ton of their "Runway to the Maxx" apparel. Catherine Maladrino, Vince, Versace, Missoni (and I'm not talking Target), Elizabeth and James, Theory, J Brand jeans, Joe's jeans, Ralph Lauren Collection, Nanette Lepore, etc. There were some really great deals going on there, and I am not talking summer items either.
Then, of course, I had to go to Target...again. Guess what they marked down already? Yes, Missoni for Target. And some Target stores have more than a few pieces left on their clearance racks. I did buy a pair of great long knit multi-colored brown gloves for only $13.98!!! What a deal!!!
And just a FYI!!! Some stores on doing good sales before Black Friday, so don't forget to check them out. And don't forget about Small Business Saturday. Supported your local stores!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
First I went into Old Navy to look for jeans for my kids. 8 slim for my daughter and 10 husky for my son. They had a rack of clothes for only $0.99. Yes, that was 99 cents!! I ended up buying only two items. One was a green top because my sister-in-law teases me every St. Patrick's Day because I wear olive green instead of wearing a true green. They other item I purchased was a great metallic olivey dress with a cinched waist. I actually bought that same dress in black so I could wear it to work (remember my blog on dresses...the ease of them...no thinking about what to mix and match, etc). So why not buy another one in a different color. Then I had a 30% off coupon. The two items totaled $1.36. Can't beat that!!! By the way, the jeans fit daughter not my son. His were too big.
Then I was went to TJ Maxx to return some clothes that I had bought my daughter that didn't fit. Well, they marked down a ton of their "Runway to the Maxx" apparel. Catherine Maladrino, Vince, Versace, Missoni (and I'm not talking Target), Elizabeth and James, Theory, J Brand jeans, Joe's jeans, Ralph Lauren Collection, Nanette Lepore, etc. There were some really great deals going on there, and I am not talking summer items either.
Then, of course, I had to go to Target...again. Guess what they marked down already? Yes, Missoni for Target. And some Target stores have more than a few pieces left on their clearance racks. I did buy a pair of great long knit multi-colored brown gloves for only $13.98!!! What a deal!!!
And just a FYI!!! Some stores on doing good sales before Black Friday, so don't forget to check them out. And don't forget about Small Business Saturday. Supported your local stores!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Sunday, November 6, 2011
The Ease of Dresses!
I was reading an article on Salma Hayak the other day, and she was talking about fashion. She said, "It's a lot easier to grab a fabulous little dress than to put together a whole casual outfit with jeans, a top, the right jacket, and great shoes. You slip on a dress and you can't go wrong."
I couldn't agree with her more. Not only is it easier to just through on a dress, it also takes a lot less time. Think of the time you would save! All you would have to do is pick out a pair of shoes to match. So much time is wasted trying to match your jeans, pants or skirt with a cute top, or a belt, or jacket, or sweater, or cardigan. And what if they aren't cleaned? What if nothing looks good? What if those items are looking old and worn out? Time is wasting away.
I also feel that dresses are so comfortable to wear. I am always worrying if my jeans will fit or not. Will they be tight on me? Will my muffin top hang out? I absolutely feel more comfortable in a dress when I am working, too. And for the last couple of years, I have purchased a lot of dresses. Also, purchasing dresses are a lot less expensive than purchasing whole outfits. Hmmmm.....one piece of clothing verses 3-4 pieces....you do the math!!!
Trouve has a great berry pleated dress that you can dress up or down. Donna Morgan has a neutral dress with a tie belt that can be worn alone or with a great jacket or leather motorcycle jacket. Ella Moss has a great black and white silk dress that's so much fun!! And depending on the time of year, you can wear them with cute sandals or flip-flops or tights and boots.
So make your life easier, be more comfortable, save some time and buy a dress!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
I couldn't agree with her more. Not only is it easier to just through on a dress, it also takes a lot less time. Think of the time you would save! All you would have to do is pick out a pair of shoes to match. So much time is wasted trying to match your jeans, pants or skirt with a cute top, or a belt, or jacket, or sweater, or cardigan. And what if they aren't cleaned? What if nothing looks good? What if those items are looking old and worn out? Time is wasting away.
I also feel that dresses are so comfortable to wear. I am always worrying if my jeans will fit or not. Will they be tight on me? Will my muffin top hang out? I absolutely feel more comfortable in a dress when I am working, too. And for the last couple of years, I have purchased a lot of dresses. Also, purchasing dresses are a lot less expensive than purchasing whole outfits. Hmmmm.....one piece of clothing verses 3-4 pieces....you do the math!!!
Trouve has a great berry pleated dress that you can dress up or down. Donna Morgan has a neutral dress with a tie belt that can be worn alone or with a great jacket or leather motorcycle jacket. Ella Moss has a great black and white silk dress that's so much fun!! And depending on the time of year, you can wear them with cute sandals or flip-flops or tights and boots.
So make your life easier, be more comfortable, save some time and buy a dress!!
Enjoy your day!!
Lynn
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Happy Belated Halloween!!
Happy Halloween (two days late)!!!!
Halloween is always festive in our neighborhood. A good percentage of the houses are decorated, there's a Halloween costume parade at the grade school, and every family is out trick-or-treating.
There were a lot of creative Halloween costumes this year, and I'm not just talking about the kids. A lot of parents dressed up too. There were witches, ghosts, princesses, football players, crayons, rock stars, pop stars, cheerleaders, fortune tellers, skeletons, Angry Birds, Mario and Luigi, and villains.
Here's a photos of my kids in their costumes. My son is addicted to football and the Chicago Bears, so he decided to go as Coach Ditka from the 1985 Super Bowl Bears. And yes, that's his real hair! And the sweater he is wearing was my dad's from the 1980's. It's now my brother's.
My daughter borrowed this beautiful costume from my neighbor (the best place to go for girl costumes) and went as the Evil Queen. I know...she doesn't really look that evil! She has black and red hair extensions on and a scar on her face, but you can't see it. They were both very excited about their costumes this year.
Halloween is always festive in our neighborhood. A good percentage of the houses are decorated, there's a Halloween costume parade at the grade school, and every family is out trick-or-treating.
There were a lot of creative Halloween costumes this year, and I'm not just talking about the kids. A lot of parents dressed up too. There were witches, ghosts, princesses, football players, crayons, rock stars, pop stars, cheerleaders, fortune tellers, skeletons, Angry Birds, Mario and Luigi, and villains.
Here's a photos of my kids in their costumes. My son is addicted to football and the Chicago Bears, so he decided to go as Coach Ditka from the 1985 Super Bowl Bears. And yes, that's his real hair! And the sweater he is wearing was my dad's from the 1980's. It's now my brother's.
My daughter borrowed this beautiful costume from my neighbor (the best place to go for girl costumes) and went as the Evil Queen. I know...she doesn't really look that evil! She has black and red hair extensions on and a scar on her face, but you can't see it. They were both very excited about their costumes this year.
I hope all of you had a fun Halloween!! My kids sure did!!
Enjoy your day!!!
Lynn
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