Sunday, July 19, 2009

Confessions of a Shopaholic(s)

Yes. Yes. I am a shopaholic. At least I must confess to being one this past week. When my mom, my daughter and I get together and an enormous outlet mall is thrown into the mix disaster can strike...well, if you describe a drastic downturn in the available credit limit of my charge card a disaster. I'm sure none of you have ever fallen prey to the fan-tab-u-lous sales at an outlet mall, now have you? My most favoritest store EVER, Banana Republic, was having a great sale on Thursday. And wouldn't you know, we just happened to stumble across their threshold on this most wonderful of days. Three and a half hours of dressing room mayhem and 5 shopping bags of loot later and we felt like we had hit the fashion lottery! The dressing room staff became our new best friends. (We will be exchanging Christmas card this year. LOL!) Of course every item we each tried on had to pass the scrutiny of the other two. Color, fit, price and where it would work wonders in our current wardrobe were all points of discussion. We actually even offered our not-so-humble opinions to other shoppers who were unlucky enough to fall victim to the three of us. We were out of control!!!

You would think that would be enough to satisfy any shopaholic. But it got even better. Our new dressing room staff friends informed us that on Friday additional mark-downs would occur. Every single item in the store would be on sale. Every. Single. Item. We kept trying to figure out the best way to stash our selections until Friday and again one of our new-found friends offered up a wonderful bit of information. All we had to do would be return to the store on Friday with our receipts and they would do a price adjustment. So Friday became another shopping day. After they told me I saved an additional triple-digit sum, I was more than glad we went back. Several of the items I had purchased were original price but had been marked down 40% on Friday! Woo and double hoo!

In addition to our shopping marathon, we spent our time laughing until our sides ached, eating somewhat healthy food, getting our exercise in by walking around the campground and resting from said exercise by taking naps throughout the day. One of my most memorable moments was the 30-minute drive back to the camper after our shopping trips. Keri cranked up her i-pod and we sang our hearts out. Something about music leaves my heart feeling all warm and fuzzy. Sharing it with 2 of my most favorite people....ahhhhh! Good times. Good times.

I must also share one other memorable, scare-the-socks-off-of-me moment. It was rather late Thursday night when we returned from shopping but we were determined to get in a good walk that day so we headed out with a flashlight with not a care in the world. As we passed the pool area, Keri slowed down and walked toward a stick on the ground. She rather excitedly informed us it was a snake to which we said "No Way!" and she quickly responded "Yes Way!!!" With all the children that run around the park, I didn't want to take any chances by leaving the snake but I had nothing with which to kill it. The fact that I was a total chicken and wouldn't get close enough to kill it anyway is beside the point. Leaving Mom and Keri to stand guard from a safe distance I ran down to the pool where there were 2 families still hanging out. This is where I have to jump on my soap box and ask the question, "Is chivalry dead?" Neither of the 2 men was willing to help despite my very convincing argument that we needed to kill the snake to protect the children. I secretly hoped they couldn't sleep well that night but something tells me they slept like logs. (stepping off my soap box now)

Knowing several copperheads had been killed in the park in the past, I wasn't eager to frighten Mom or Keri any more than they already were. Still not sure of what to do, I spotted a few more people in the laundromat. Here is where the white knight steps in to save the damsel in distress. I approached these guys and asked who wanted to be a hero. We had a snake to kill. A young, rather muscular young man jumped at the chance. Grabbing a rock as his weapon he became our rescuer. Several attempts to kill the snake with the rock and all we had was a very threatened and ready to strike serpent. To the young man's credit, it is terribly difficult to strike a moving target with a rock. Not to be defeated, he replaced his rock with a boulder...one he could barely lift above his head. Nervously watching him get too-close-for-comfort, he hefted the boulder above his head and dropped it, totally obliterating the slimy poisonous varmint. It was in fact a copperhead. The security guard arrived on the scene as the slaying occurred and confirmed the type of snake. She (we have female security guards) had seen it earlier and avoided it for fear of getting struck???? Not sure I understand the logic in leaving an angry snake unattended but that's what she had done. No worries, Mr. White Knight stepped up to the plate and proved that chivalry isn't a total thing of the past.

So how about you? What has everyone been up to? I am so very behind in my blog reading but I plan to work on making some major head way in getting caught up this week. Internet service was very sporadic this time at the campground. I made it to 3 or 4 blogs, getting kicked off repeatedly with each visit. Now I'm home and I'm ready to log some blog hours! Can't wait to see what has been going on.

Before I go, I thought I would share one of my layouts I did for the design team call.


This is the layout I submitted about me. I know I had promised to share which team I am trying out for so here goes...Serendipity Scrapbooks!!! Several of my blog friends are members there and by following their blogs I have come to realize many of the wonderful benefits of this site. Lots of challenges and contests, the gallery is teeming with inspiration and I am extremely impressed with the products offered in the store. And the kits are amazing. I mentioned in my last post that making the team is my ultimate goal, but taking that first step and just trying for the team was my greatest accomplishment. Make the team or not, I know that I've found a wonderful place to hang out and play.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week and remember I will be stopping by to say hello. And if you feel the urge, please leave me a little comment letting me know what you've been up to in my absence. I love hearing from you all!

Hugs & Love,
L.

37 comments:

  1. Wowwwwwwwwwwww U have QUITE the weekend!!!! I was home all weekend...I know...BORING right??? LOL!!! Thank goodness U found a white knight!!! LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE the LO too....GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Good Luck with the call! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

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  2. I LOVE sales and I LOVE shopping even more! I haven't been shopping in a good while...That's good for my back account:) As always I love your lo you always do such a fabulous job!!!

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  3. Sounds like you had a fabulous trip to the Howard Hilton. Despite your snake adventure!!!!
    I have been helping out at our church all month...Painted 2 murals on canvas for back drops { one is 10x10 and one is 6x9}, baked a couple cakes, made some petit fours, had an all night scrap event, painted 9 huge washer/dryer size cardboard boxes to look like a wood dock, designed and painted our set for a a series at church, decorated the stage at church for Vacation bible school, Made 5 costumes {a crocodile, possum, flamingo, turtle and firefly} and taught 2 scrapbook classes at a store in Baton Rouge. I see a light at the end of this madness... Oh and the only night we had to spend home together as a family....We had to call the fire department because a little mouse decided to climb into the motor of my air conditioner and walk onto the capacitor...He got fried and I am glad I have been trying to catch that little critter. Well it caught on fire and thank God we were home cause the whole house would have burnt down. So I feel like I have been very productive.... Oh and in the middle of all this I was asked to be on Julies team and since the grand opening was the 15th... I had to find some creative mojo for scrapbooking.....I am so excited you will be on the team and I hope you make the team you tried out for...fingers crossed. Love the layout!!!!! Hugs friend.

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  4. What a fun filled trip!! I LOVE outlet malls!! they are the best! And Snakes, I HATE them. We have rattle snakes here BAD!! Well I am happy no one got hurt and that you finally found a Real Man to take care of the situation :) And Good Luck on the DT entry. You LO is stunning and I really like the pic. Thank You always for your generous comments. :) <3 Jamie

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  5. Wow!!! That's really scary. I'm afraid I would have been like the security guard and turned around hoping he wouldn't follow me!!! But, I think the security guard's job IS to do something about it.

    Your shopping trip sounds like a lot of fun. My girlfriend and I hit Dillard's one time when everything was way marked down. She and I (her idea) picked out just about everything that might fit (ugly or not) and went into a corner dressing room and started trying things on. I've never giggled so much in my life. The poor sales women just kept asking, are you OK in there? We did buy a few things though and some we would have never tried on! It's too bad we did have camera phones back then.

    Have a good week!!!

    Blessings,
    Christine

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  6. Okay, after reading that story I'm so glad to be living in Belgium. No snakes here, no wild animals, no hurricanes ... a bit boring you think, not at all, just ... safe LOL.
    As usual I enjoyed your stories Lisa, I'm sorry to say I have nothing to share with you in return! We've been stuck in the house here this last week, with bad weather and not much to do. But, the peace and quiet was very welcome after the hectic first two weeks of our summer vacation.

    I haven't had any shopping done either, though I'm planning to go to a scrapstore on Thursday, I'm so looking forward to that. Last time my friend and I went, they had to close the door behind us, we spent an entire day there LOL.

    Love xxx Peggy

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  7. ooooh forgot to say, good luck with the DT call!!!!! I love your entry, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you my sweet friend!
    xxx Peggy

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  8. Now that's my kind of shopping spree!!

    Glad to hear that chivalry is not dead & well done you for your perseverance! I'm just so glad we have only one, tiny type of snake in the UK that is poisenous!!

    Keeping fingers & toes crossed for you in the DT call - I love that LO!! I'm off to check out 'Serendipity Scrapbooks' for myself now!!

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  9. Goddl uck withthe Dt call Missy L. Love the page here. Enjoy all those shopping goodies.

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  10. Well I've been keeping busy trimming bushs and some flowers. Speeking of flowers, with all the rain we had, the flower were flat to the ground, so I decided to give them a trim. To my suppris, as I was picking up the remains, there was something lying underneath, as I grab the remains I felt something like rubbery. I let it go and started jumping around and Oh, Oh! It was a huge frog. How discusting. I left the remains with the frog there. It's a good thing I had gloves on. Always were gloves. I went to see the next day, it was gone. Good! I've been also riding my bicycle, hanging out with the neighbors kids. And bought 2 pairs of running shoes.
    You had a good time too! Love you LO! Have fun with the DT!

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  11. That's awesome about the sale, congrats! Good luck with the DT call, they'd be crazy not to pick you!

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  12. Sounds like you are havin the time of your life. Banana is one of my favorites and I would have died for an outlet store. I am so jealous of your purchases, you must look more fab now than ever!! Good luck with the DT, you LOs are fab and my fingers are crossed for you!!
    Have a wonderful week! Hugs xOxO, Nerina :)

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  13. Wow...sounds you had quite a weekend...good times on the shopping!!!Way to go!
    Only that snake story...ugh...glad we haven't got that scary animals over here..
    Love the layout you made..hope yo will make it to the DT!So happy to work with you on Julie's blog! Hugs,Jeanet

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  14. Sounds FANTASTIC! I'm jealous. I did have a bit of a shop marathon on Friday evening...but didn't come home with quite that much loot.

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  15. Outlet malls, very dangerous for my wallet! Lovely LO, and I'm sending lots of good vibes your way for getting on that SS team!!!Just echoing Maggi, they'd be crazy NOT to pick you! xoxo

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  16. Your shopping weekend sounded fun & it sounds like you found some bargains, too! YAY!

    As for that snake... you are more a woman than I. I, personally, would've screamed so loud someone may have had cardiac arrest (just ask my family) & I would've run to the car & drove far, far away never to return again. I just can't deal with snakes. Have nightmares about them often. :-(

    ♥ the LO! Best of luck with the DT call. Have never heard of that site.... it looks FUN! :-)

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  17. What a beautiful layout...I love the picture of you...beautiful. I love the layout before this as well...looking out at the sunset. I didnt get a chance to read through yet...just checked out some of your awesome pictures and layouts...looks like your having a great summer! :)

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  18. Sounds like a fun time with your family. We too had a "snake" incident here. Very best of luck with the DT call, they would be lucky to have you!

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  19. LOVE that layout lisa!!! good luck on your submission -- you'd be a great addition to their team!

    oh, and i'm a shopaholic too. sounds like you found some great buys. :) that's always fun.

    have a great day.

    hugs,
    sarah.

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  20. LOVE your shopping story...I haven't been clothes shopping in quite a while :o( So I will live vicariously thru you!!! Whatever that means??? LOL! Have a great day! P.S. Great layout! Good luck too!

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  21. Love the snake story, I'd be running in the other direction. Thank goodness for brave young men!

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  22. Scary snake story!! I just love hearing scary camping stories....we went camping once with some CITY friends, and after being cautioned about bears and what not, our over zealous friend had a run in with a "bear"....we were all asleep when we hear a light rapping on our tent...our friends were freaking out that there was something next to their tent and they were certain it was a bear. Of course my hubby tried to reassure them it was probably the wind or a squirrel or something, but they weren't buying it. So we both get up and try using a flashlight to see but it just wasn't enough light...so my hubby told the other wife to turn the headlights on of the car....just then I hear a loud sound...a very angry MOO! I started laughing so hard. The supposed BEAR was a COW! and she was not impressed with the headlights shining in her face!!
    Anyhow...good luck with the DT thing!

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  23. I love outlet malls! Im lucky enough to have 3 great ones all within an hour of me, usually they are best after Christmas, but 2 of them have Coach stores, so its fun to go there anytime! Glad you found someone to finally kill the snake! And your DT Submission LO was beautiful! Love the berries on it!! Have a great week!

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  24. Love your LO!! You have been busy!! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your latest fave saying! I think I am going to make it my new motto for a while till things calm down! Have a great day!

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  25. Hey sweet friend....so glad to hear that you girls had such a great time.....we too spent some loot at the outlets...best of all no taxes.....Thanks for the support.....call me whenever....if you can get through on the hardline. I will email you my cell....something has now gone wonky with the hardline phones!!!! Congrats on the DT with Julie.....you are going to have such fun and I am so very HAPPY for you!!!! I will be keeping you in my thoughts and sending positive vibes for your other call......I know you will do well!!!!!! I have killed a snake one time...but it scared the beejeezers out of me!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!!! :)

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  26. I'm right there with you with the checking acocunt. We had a plumbing issue arise, a huge leaning tree cut, and last our lovely insurance policy renewal all hit this month. Now my chekcing account is missing about $3000. Ahhhgggg. We were to close to having to dip into the savings which I will avoid at nearly any cost. WHere is my stinking state refund already?

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  27. Now that I had the chance to actually read your blog post...Im glad I did! Very great details of shopping and snake killing! Sounds like a wonderful shopping trip with your mom and daughter...reminds me of when I took my stepdaughters to be out...we were singing to the radio with the windows open and having a great time! We love shopping together too! I recently took them to a cute little 50s like diner and they got to wear paper waitress hats that they could write on and take home! Girls just want to have fun right?!

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  28. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Kristen and her wonderful team add your amazing talent and wonderful charm to their team!!!

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  29. wow what a weekend! I am so far behind in my blog reading as well.

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  30. Wow, sounds like you had a really super exciting weekend... which camp ground were you camping in? I might want to avoid it! ;) Good luck with the DT.

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  31. Wow, what an experience! Shopping and snakes. I can handle the first one, but I would NEVER have been as brave as you with the snake. The layout is absolutely gorgeous as are you!! Hope you had a wonderful week!!

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  32. Oh my goodness! Last summer our dog found a rattler in our yard..I took the garden hose and hosed it into the street so my hubby could run it over with the car and darn if he didn't MISS IT! It went slithering off into a neighbors yard and I had to tell them it was there! It disappeared after that, though, lol..no chivalry here!

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  33. Hehe I just did a post titled Confessions of a Back to school shopper. Too funny! LOVE your LO and Serendipity is a wonderful place to DT and hang. Good luck with the call. Kristen is wonderful!

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  34. hey shop-a-holic!! that is an absolutely beautiful layout and gorgeous pic of you!
    And you should totally watch So YOu Think You Can Dance. That clip I had on my blog was actually from last season.
    Last night, they had an awesome hip hop/zombie dance. It was sooo cool and entertaining. And then they had a beautiful, contemporary dance about breast cancer that had everyone crying!!
    It is just a neat show. I like to watch it while I scrap.
    I hope you are having a great week!
    B

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  35. Once again, you leave me in stitches... Ugh, I would've been a wreck with the snake! Scary scary things they are! But your white knight proved chivalry lives on! :)

    (Love the webster's pages layout too!!) :)

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  36. Lisa, you are a mighty wonderful writer and I just love coming here and reading what you have been up to! Your shopping spree sounds like you three were in Banana Republic heaven, I loved you on your soapbox, and I am right there with you on those snakes! Good for you for saving the day (with a little muscle and a friendly boulder to help! :>)! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend! (Oh yea....cracks me up..you sign off on your blog posts the same way I sign my emails. I know its not like its that out there, but I've never seen it. :>:>:>)

    Hugsnlove,
    K

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  37. ACK! How could I forget to comment on your layout?! Silly me! I love all your details! Your 'photo corner' is so unique and your journaling resonates.....my Mom was on her own for the first time in her forties as well, when I was a teen. You seem to be finding your voice and I'm glad I get to hear some of what you have to say! Good luck again and keep on! :>:>

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