A little revenge...the best kind.

{via pinterest}

Cyber Monday at Blondie's Shop.

In honor of Cyber Monday I'm offering 30% on all orders at Blondie's Shop!

A gift. A stocking stuffer. Handmade note cards. Monogrammed note cards. Knitted scarves.

Do you need a fun and sassy gift for a girlfriend, a teacher, a sibling?  The gift recipients are endless. 

Hop on over to Blondie's Shop and enter CYBER2011 at checkout to receive your 30% off.

Happy shopping everyone and a fabulous start to the week!

Cyber Monday at Blondie's Shop.

In honor of Cyber Monday I'm offering 30% on all orders at Blondie's Shop! 

A gift.  A stocking stuffer.  Handmade note cards.  Monogrammed note cards.  Knitted scarves. 

Hop on over to Blondie's Shop and enter CYBER2011 at checkout to receive your 30% off.

Happy shopping everyone and a fabulous start to the week!

'Tis the Season.

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday of the year besides of course my birthday!  Who doesn't love a day all about themselves?!  Right?  Right.  Ok, enough about me - Christmas is my all time favorite holiday, period.  Hands down...I love it!  I'm not exactly sure "what" exactly I love about it but, I do.  I enjoy all of the holiday parties, the excitement, sharing with friends and family.  There are many reasons "why" I love it - I just can't pin-point it.  How do you feel about Christmas?

I love it.  So, my tree is up!  I'm a bit surprised that it's up so early but, I was inspired by my trip to Chicago and seeing all the lights downtown and then at my sister's house yesterday.  She has her house all decked out already and of course we bought a few more holiday items for her house yesterday during our shopping  trip.  Oh, we had lunch and get our picture taken with Santa.  Yes, we really did that!  However, we both feel a tad bit jipped.  Yes, we do!  Santa did not ask what we wanted for Christmas?  Hmmm...  Well, Mel and I both came up with a few things we would like for Christmas.  I said cash and a US Airways gift card.  Oh, and let's not forget an endless supply of airline miles for "free" tickets -- then I could travel anywhere with anyone.  Fun times, right?  Exactly.

Anyhow, I really like the Christmas is about giving and I love to give presents to others and see them open their presents.  It's fun.  However, at times the shopping part isn't all that great and it can be a bit crazy.  Oh, and I do very much like the decorations.  Hence, my tree and my holiday cheer.

Here's a few pictures from my weekend.  A visit with Santa and my tree.

Mel and I both had sweaters on outside and we roasted while waiting to see Santa. 
It was about 76+ degrees this past Saturday!

I am sooo laughing in this picture!

The red satin tree skirt is a new addition (from Target). 
And of course I always buy a new ornament (every year).

Have a wonderful Sunday evening! 

Also, I'd love to hear what you love about Christmas...  Do share!

Sassy Stylin' Sunday - Relaxation.

I'm relaxing today.  Well, sort of...  Decorating for the holidays!  And I need to clean my apartment - it's a tad bit dusty.  I'm missing my Chicago friends but, that's what happens when you see them for 2 weeks in a row.  I was a bit spoiled seeing them every day.  Anyhow, I hope to go back soon again!  Yes, again.  Chicago is a fun, fun, fun place and of course to share it with friends and family too!  I have family here in the Valley of the Sun but, family back home (Illinois) too!  Chicago is calling my name can't you tell...?  I'm funny - I know.

Today's outfit is very relaxing and pretty close to what I'm actually wearing.  Have a wonderful Sunday! 

A Relaxing Sunday... by hpranitis featuring a zip up hoodie

Black Friday {2011} & Sponsor Discounts.

First, a belated Happy Thanksgiving!  It's 4:47 a.m. and I just now headed to bed (from Thanksgiving day).  Yes, I ventured out last night at midnight for a little shopping.  Well, actually I helped my girlfriend, Brenna, complete 3/4 of her shopping list.  Normally she finishes shopping on Friday late afternoon/early evening.  I will blog more about the particulars this weekend.

I head back to Phoenix this evening.  It would have been nice to stay through Sunday however, there weren't any miles available for Sunday flights.  The plan is to head back in a few weeks - maybe New Year's.  I'm looking for a little something different this year (aside from what I usually do).  Yes, I'll blog about this later today.  It's pretty amazing that I am getting my 5th wind for the evening - morning whatever it is.  I'm overtired at this point. 

Anyhow, it was an interesting late evening and glad I experienced it.  I'm also thinking this might be a recurring thing for Brenna and I every year!  Time will tell.  Anyhow, I wanted to pass on a few Black Friday discounts...

I'm offering a 30% discount through the weekend (Friday - Sunday) for Blondie's Shop.  So, that means any and all orders 30% off!  At checkout use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY11.

My Sponsor Julie the Fish Designs is offering free shipping:  use coupon code 2011FREESHIP to receive free shipping in the US!  Christmas order deadline for US orders is November 28th.  So, head on over and see the wonderful jewelry Julie has created.

Happy shopping!

A Sisterly Shout Out!

I'm the oldest.  I'm the the "big" sister.  I have a younger sister and four younger step-sisters (2 to my step-mom and 2 to my step-dad).  Mel and I are 6 years apart.  I wasn't very nice to her when she was little.  Well...at times I was...and others I was not.  My friends can attest to that now - we weren't nice sometimes.  I mean when in high school who wants their grade school little sister sticking there head in the room when your talking about boys and such...not me and my friends.  Anyhow, I like to think I've got a better relationship with her now.  For example, we recently had a Twilight-a-thon sleepover before we saw Breaking Dawn Part 1 and yes, we did include my brother-in-law in this.  We watched all 3 movies this past Friday evening and headed to Breaking Dawn Part 1 before I headed back to the airport for my "return" to Chicago (yes, I was just there the week before).  I needed a little more of the Windy City in my life...plus I already had the vacation time scheduled (and couldn't change it) and used miles again to head for another week of fun (well, just shy of a week of fun).

Anyhow, I'm so excited about my sister's exciting news: she's going to be an assistant principal!  Woo-hoo and double-fist pump action is going on here.  Ummm, not when she initially told me but, "mentally" I was doing this in my head (yes, seriously I was).  And she's probably going to read this blog post and think "my sister the dork".  But, I'm so in her corner!  I absolutely love her to pieces and yes we do argue and disagree at times but, that IS what sister's do.  We want the absolute best for each other and that's what we do. 

Mel has been a teacher for several years and loves what she does.  I really like what she has to say about the belief she has in her kids and what she helps them achieve.  She also helps them to see in themselves what they can be and will become AND I love this about Mel!  Sometimes, it's still hard for me to imagine Melly as a high school English teacher but, I actually see it now.  You see, I had the pleasure of visiting the school during the Open House and parent-teacher conference evening a few months back.  Yes, I know a few months ago and I'm just now posting about it.  Yes, I'm seriously behind in blog posts.  So, anyway...I thought what a better to show you my smashing little sister...the teacher Mrs. K!  And "yes" I did ask her permission to post the pics.  Here goes...

Mel and her desk.  See the big bulletin board to the right full of pictures...see more below...

The 2 dogs on the screensaver are her "kids".

Mrs. K's classroom rules!

Mrs. K in the cafeteria...my Mom and I were sitting with her at the table discussing her school.

I made the "wall"!  I was so shocked and thought this was very cool (that I made the wall) and that she "created" this wall for her kids.  Mel and I are on the upper left corner of the wall together and you'll notice I have this very same picture here on my blog.  My sister has this picture wall of various point and memories of her life next her desk so that her kids can see "who" she is and who is in her life.  Very cool!  She has a great relationship with her kids and I love this.  There are a lot of very cool pictures on this wall...take and a look and scroll down.  This wall is very cool indeed!

Our Great Grandpa (who has passed away (is measuring Mel on the wall).  Pictures of our Dad.  A baby Dakota (here dog) - he's a horse now.  Mel's first time fishing.  Junior Prom.  Our Mom's wedding.  Our Dad.  And a very cool picture is in teh middle...Mel is looking out the World Trade Centers on our way to the Statue of Liberty - what a picture - it took my breath away to see it again.  It's a very, very special picture.

There's me again...smack dab in the middle in my cap and gown holding my diploma case - I graduated from ASU at the age of 33.  Mel has also included friends who have graduated and former students of hers as well.  A very cool wall indeed.

Just another view close up of the cool pictures.  It is very cool to see someone's life outside of "your" view of their life and what IS truly important to them.  It's very cool that my sister shared all of this with her students and I'm honored to be apart of the wall.

As you can probably tell I am very proud of my sister.  She has put a tremendous amount of hardwork into her career and she truly believes in what she does and her "kiddos" as she calls them.  Way to go little sister!  You rock!  And keep giving those "kiddos" inspiration!  Love you.

Have a wonderful day everyone!  Does anyone in your family stand out and make you this proud?  Do share, I'd love to hear about your fabulous loved ones...

Weekend Recap for 11/9-11/13, Part 3 {Chicago}

What I did in the 'burbs...

Ms. Lily's smiley face french fries.

I woke early Saturday morning to Ms. Lily getting ready for her day and playing.  We all ate breakfast together while watching cartoons and playing with Playdoh.  I think the adults were a "tad" bit more interested in the Playdoh than Lily however, she did like telling each of us what she wanted us to make for her.  It was a lot of fun as usual!  We decided to head to historic Long Grove for some shopping and of course go to the Apple Haus...pumpkin and apple donuts, apple cider for Bill.  The pumpkin donuts were delicious and I would know because I ate 2!  Yes, I really did.  We stopped for  lunch for Brenna, Bill and Lily however I just had a snack because I was meeting yet another friend.  And let's just say that kids get to eat the cutest foot.  I left Long Grove to meet another high school pal and very good friend, Dana for lunch.  I can't forget to share with you the funny book that I found about texting acronyms.  No, I didn't buy it but I did page through it.  Sometimes we all just need to pick up the phone and dial rather than texting away.  Yes, we really do.  At times I feel like texting takes longer than the actual phone call itself.  Hmmm...  I'm right you know. 

We met at one my favorite places....Portillo's.  Who doesn't go to there favorite eatery when they come home for a visit?  We all do it.  I had a fun visit with Dana and got caught up.  However, I do see what's going on in her life on Facebook and have the occasional "chit-chat" via the internet.  But, there is nothing like the up close and personal girlfriend chat's that you can have in-person, right?  Right.  Anyhow, I gave her the skinny on what's new and exciting in my life and gave her all of the details.  It's too bad Dana and Brenna (friend who I am staying with) live so far away! 

After lunch I headed to Starbucks for a treat for Brenna and I.  This was Round #2 of Starbucks for the day - her hubby and my good friend, Bill, brought us Starbucks in the morning.  We hung out and visited until it was time to eat dinner and get ready for the concert.  We were heading to Vyper Alley in Lincolnshire to see Rusted Root.  It was a first time for me...to the venue and to hear the band.  It was a great evening!  My lasagna from Vince's tasted absolutely fabulous however, it aggervated the stomach problem from Friday (slightly) and I should have known better with the acidity in the sauce.  Oh well, you live and learn.  The concert of course started late but it a lot of fun!

There were so many people on the floor in front of the stage that it was actually bowing from the bouncing/dancing of all the people.  This was not a place where I was standing however, I noticed at the end of the night for the last song -- there most popular from the Ice Age cartoon/movie.  In my opinion Rusted Root has an edgy vibe with a lot of rythum and I loved it.  Thanks to Brenna and Bill for introducing me to more music!  Oh, and I musn't forget the Brenna spilled a full glass of red wine on my brown leather boot...no biggie because it blended in quite nicely with the boot...I was a tad bit tempted to allow her to do the other one as well.  We had a bit of humor in our evening as well.  And you can actually bowl at Vyper Alley - pretty cool, huh?  Normally you just can't randomly go bowling at a bar.  But, here you can.  This give us an idea for tomorrow morning...

We obviously stayed out late for that and slept in "slightly" the next morning.  When there is a 2-year old in the house you need to up and ready when they are ready.  And of course Ms. Lily is all smiles and giggles and that makes it fun!  It really seriously does.  Oh, and let's not forget more Playdoh!  Breakfast and Playdoh play time is absolutely perfect.  The adults had a discussion about a Playdoh play center for Christmas...hmmm, for us or Lily?  Too funny,  right?  For Lily of course but, we would have to show her "how" to use it, right...?!  Exactly.  It's a "win-win" for all parties involved!  Yay!  I'll be looking forward to my next trip "after" Christmas.  I bet your laughing right now reading this...as adults we all need to have a bit of fun too!  Since we were up early everyone got up and got ready and we went bowling!  This was Lily's very first experience bowling.  And it was quite fun for all of us.  And guess who won?  Yep, Ms. Lily.  She kicked of all our butts.  Well, I actually would have won if Lily wouldn't have stepped on the foul line when she was helping me during my turn...yes, I was quite bummed!  But, it's all in good fun and she didn't really know.  But the adults and the child had fun!  Oh, and they had super cute little shoes just for Lily too.  I couldn't resist the picture of all of our feet in bowling shoes!  A fun experience as always.  There is nothing like seeing life through the eyes of a 2 year old.

After bowling Brenna and I spent a few hours of girlie time before she took me to the airport.  W ran a few errands.  We went to an uber fabulous yarn store.  I was in heaven!  Bought two beautiful types of yarn...and I need to knit my two items and then go buy more on my next return to the Windy City (do you notice a trend here...?)  I do.  Coming back home is sooo much fun!  Anyhow, we made a stop at Joanne's for mustard colored yarn and a big huge basket...no luck on either.  For whatever reason the mustard yarn is really hard to come by...well, I am looking for a specific shade and thickness/texture.  I'll find it one day.  I hope.
My time in the Windy City was sadly coming to an end and Brenna drove me to the airport.  I always have so much fun with my friends and the family that I see.  But, it's a real treat coming back and spending time with all the wonderful people that are in my life.  All of you are wonderful and truly amazing people!  And of course I'll be back soon...  I waited in a huge security line at the airport...45 minutes to be exact, thank goodness I was in the Preferred line!  Fun times at ORD.  See you soon Chicago!  Oh, and I did manage to see the last few remaining color changes...so beautiful!  Soon all the leaves will be dead and on the ground - and you know what's coming next...SNOW!!!!  Oh yes!  So much fun!  Snow angels.  Snowmen.  Sledding.  Snow ball fights.  Fort building.  Can you tell I miss the snow?  Oh boy, I seriously do.

If you need to catch up click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2. 



Weekend Recap for 11/9-11/13, Part 2 {Chicago}

After a fun-filled early morning in Michigan I boarded my flight to Chicago Midway Airport.  Needless to say after all the activity I had this morning I still managed to shower, dress, and look presentable for a 10:50 a.m. flight!  Yes, I did.  My makeup was done in the car during the 1-hour drive to the airport and I looked and felt half-way decent.  I was a bit concerned about stomach but, all was well.  You can catch-up and read Part 1 here first.  Oh, and I tried to forget about how tired I was.

Alright, so I headed to Chicago with virtually no sleep from the upset stomach the night before and slept dozed the entire 45 minute flight to Chicago.  I flew into Midway Airport on Southwest Airlines.  Yes, I deviated from my usual US Airways path due to price - you can't bit a one-way ticket of $60.  I landed and figured out how to catch the train into the city.  And let's just say you can't beat that price of $2.25 either.  So, I'm definitely finding out how to "get-around" on a budget.  I headed to downtown Chicago for my fun-filled afternoon and early evening.  And "yes" with absolutely no sleep - my little catnap on the flight doesn't count.  And I was thinking about food...I was getting hungary. 

I arrived in the city and got off the closest stop to Water Tower Place as directed by my Gail, my step-mom for lunch date and I decided to "hop" in a cab for the remainder of my ride to my location.  I met up with Brad a former highschool classmate that lives and works in the downtown.  We had lunch on the 6th floor of the Bloomingdale's building at a nice restaurant with a gret view.  It was fun to catch-up with Brad and find out what fun things are going on in his life.  And he is newly engaged and planning his wedding so that was really fun to hear all about.  Plus, I am super excited for him and Amy.  I wish great things for those two.  Plus, hearing about a friend's excitement and the love in his life is very cool too!  After my long lunch with Brad I headed to my next stop.  And I forgot to mention that Brad insisted I have soup after my fun experience early this morning.  So we both had soup and split a sandwich.  It was really great to see him and catchup.

My next stop with the Art Institute of Chicago.  I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and had (to my knowledge) never been to the Art Institute so, that's where I decided to go.  Oh, and on the recommendation of my sister.  I had a few hours to kill and I decided that was the best bet.  I do not remember ever visiting their before but, I'm sure I probably did at least once.  Anyhow, it was pretty impressive.  Oh,and I checked my coat and 2 pieces of luggage for $2.00, pretty impressive right?  I thought so.  However, my admission price was $18 but, that's ok.  There were a few rooms that didn't interest me that I didn't go in but, overall it was pretty impressive.  I'm obsessed with  Camille Pissarro's works.  I am not quite sure what exactly I love about his paintings but, I do feel as if I am "inside" of them when I look at them.  They are so detailed and the brush strokes...I love looking at them.  I had a pretty good look at them last year (just about this time) while in Rome at a few museums and let's just say I fell in love. 

Just about the time I was done at the Art Institute my other friend, Eric (another former highschool classmate) sent me a text that he was home from work.  So, I got back in the coat check line and waited for my coat and luggage.  Needless to say that the line was not a 30 minute wait like it was earlier in the day and thank goodness for that.  The museum was sooo crowded - probably because it was Veteran's Day and everyone had the day off (and the same idea as me).  Anyhow, grabbed my stuff and headed outside and hailed a cab and headed to Eric's place.  So, I got to Eric's dropped off my bags and we headed to a close local bar that was absolutely packed!  The Blackhawks game was due to start shortly and everyone was ready.  After Eric heard about my morning he insisted I have some soup again as Brad did.  Kind of funny and ironic don't you think?  I chuckled and obliged and head the soup.  Plus, to be frank I was a bit nervous about eating any seafood or anything spicy at all.  I really didn't know (and still don't) whether it's an ulcer and acid reflux (which it probably is) or just a plain ordinary upset stomach.  However, that didn't stop me from having a glass of wine...and no problems from that.  Oh, and I did have a potato skin as well.  So, yes, I decided to push the envelope with my stomach and test the waters...and I survived and did ok.  Anyhow, Eric and I got caught up.  It's a bit different when you see ocassional status updates on Facebook and see people in-person.  So, Eric had a lot to fill me in on and I listened and interjected (with my two-sense of course).  And I filled him in on my life too.  It's definitely fun to see people that you go waaaay back with and see how we've all "evolved".  We are the same people as we were then we just are all grown up now.  And it's funny too because Brad and Eric were friends way back to!  Next time I'm in town we are all going to meet up -- a reunion happy hour of sorts in the city...sounds like fun, right?  I have such great ideas!  Yay me! 

Anyhow, I learned a valuable lesson on traveling in the city you need to know how to read the train schedule and pay attention to the time.  Yep, you seriously do.  Let's just say I'm a newbie in training when it comes to this.  There was absolutely no way I was going to miss the "initial" train I planned to take so, I took the next one and it actually gave me a bit of time to catch the train.  I basically ran to the train station and hopped on the train!  I had a bit more time than that but, it seemed like we ran and let's just say it was convenient that Eric lives right by the train station.  So, it was all good and I made the train and had a fun-filled day and evening in the city and friends too!  And I headed to my next destination...

I headed to the 'burbs...to see this wonderful little girl, Ms. Lily and her parents.  You see Lily's parents are two very dear old (not literally) friends of mine that I have known for what seems like forever.  And we've had many trials and tribulations and it's fabulous to know you have some wonderful people in your corner cheering for you and that are their for "extra" love and support that you may need at any given time.  And I even receive all of this over the miles.  I love you both very much and am thankful for your friendship (well, "familyship")!  I consider these and their beautiful daughter family!  And I am Aunite Heather Feather.  Yep, this trip Lily decided it was funnier to call me that.  Too funny and cute, right?  Right.

Alright, check back later this evening for Part 3 of my trip for the wrap-up of the weekend.

Have a wonderful day! 

PS - the reason for lack up posts and the monster-huge delay is due to the internet outage at home.  My internet/cable line will be replaced when I return (you see I headed back to Chicago again a week later for Thanksgiving - check back soon for more posts and details).

Weekend Recap for 11/9-11/13, Part 1 {Michigan}

I had a fabulous time last week on vacation. It was great to getaway and have some fun. My trip was in two parts: Michigan and Illinois. To be more specific I spent a couple days with my Dad in Brighton (and a few hours with my Step-mom - she returned from a business trip the night before I left) and Chicago and suburbs with friends. Mind you I have a good number of family in Chicagoland and I went in "stealth". Well, not really but, I didn't see any family. Plus, I couldn't fit everyone in.

First, let me just say that I haven't seen my Dad in awhile (couple of years) and it was great to see him and spend some quality time with him. Thanks Dad for a fun visit! I arrived Wednesday evening (last week) and we headed to a great Italian restaurant for dinner and some vino. We talked and got caught up. And of course the talk continued when got home. The house is on top of a big hill and most notable was the red front door! Obviously, you can tell that it was my first visit to his new house in Michigan. Dad and I had fun catching up and talking about everything and anything.

Oh, I can't forget that I was upgraded to First Class! Can I get a "woo-hoo"! It made for a great flight. Great! There was no Internet service and that meant no writing and no blogging. However, I watched The Expendables (yes, again) and read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and let me just say this is a fabulous book! It's a definite must read and it is a bit intense. Loved it.

On Thursday Dad and I headed to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. I did a lot of pictures, check out the highlights here.  Then we headed back to the airport to pick-up Gail, my step-mom, from her very long business trip.  We had a great (or at least I thought) dinner at a fun restaurant they frequent when she returns from a trip.  It was really neat to see my Dad and Gail interact and go through their routine.  It's not every day that I get to see both of them in their "element" if you will.  You see I live in Phoenix and they live in Michigan.  So, it's pretty cool.  Anyhow, I stayed up way to late.  Selected my clothes for Friday travel to Chicago and my fun day downtown.  However, my 1 a.m. bedtime was never came.  You see someone (me) got a terrible upset stomach and I didn't sleep.  Needless to say I never got to sleep and I had to wake my Dad up for him to take me to the hospital.  Not fun at all.  NO it really wasn't.  It's not real fun to have to wake up your Dad at 6 a.m. to tell him that he needs to take you to the hospital.  Well, we were within 10 minutes, Gail too.  And wouldn't you know on the way to the hospital my pain started to subside...how embarrassing.  We still went and I got all checked out and I was good to go about an hour later.  I was a bit de-hydrated and I got some wonderful anti-nausea medicine and a discussion with the doctor about going to a G.I. specialist when I go home.  Hmmm...  And to think I still made my flight in time for Chicago. 

First, let me say that I've been being with some stress and that with the combination of "possible" bad sea scallops might have been the problem.  You see I knew there was a problem when my symptoms were very similar to those that experienced many years ago when I had a case of food poisoning.  Let's just say I had to give my Dad and Step-Mom an event-filled few days so that my "visit" was quite memorable!  I'm trying to be a funny, just a bit.  I am still so embarrassed that I had to wake my Dad up at 6 a.m. for this but, oh well, I did!  Moving on.  Overall, it was a fun visit with my Dad minus the hospital visit of course.

Check back for Part 2.

Sassy Stylin' Sunday.

Today's my last day in Chicago - the burbs actually.  I fly out around late afternoon and it's back to work tomorrow.  Today I thought I'd pick a fun, comfy, sassy outfit for my last day.  I'm not actually wearing  it, I might just have to add a few pieces.  Have a wonderful day!  And don't worry I'll add a recap tonight or tomorrow.

10.30.11 by carrie2 featuring fleece hats