The Entertainment Book

I have to brag about something. It's sort of silly. But it's also sort of awesome. I went on a $10 date with one of my friends on Monday night. Do you want to know how?

The Entertainment Book!

I am pretty psyched about all of the ways that I can save using the coupons in this book. The other night, we had burritos for dinner at a burrito joint downtown, and then each had an ice cream cone at Ben and Jerry's. And we each spent only $10!

Honestly, it doesn't get much better than that, especially when you're on a super tight budget, like me! But, even if you're not on a tight budget, you can save some serious bucks while trying out new placing and enjoying old favorites. James and I use the movie ticket coupons--we save $4 on two adult tickets! There are coupons for retail stores, services (like car wash, mechanics, dry cleaning), museums, entertainment...the list goes on!

I don't usually go on and on about this sort of thing, but this bad boy has already paid for itself and them some! And it's only January! I can't leave you without also mentioning the following. These books are often sold as a fundraiser--I bought mine from our local AIDS Foundation. So, not only am I saving money now, but my initial investment went to a worthy cause. And I believe even if you buy the book online from their website, you can donate some of the proceeds toward a local cause--don't quote me on that, but look into it if you decide to buy!

Pretty excited about ice cream, Ben and Jerry's cows, and all our savings!!!

Day 4: favorite color

James and I had lunch at Giffy's Bar-B-Q today, and their name on the placemat just happens to be my favorite color! Good, old-fashioned green. Since green isn't the most exciting thing to talk about, how about we talk about the BBQ!!!! Amazing!!!!!! I had ribs, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw and cornbread with delicious honey butter. Wow. James had chicken with a mashed potato and corn.

We said we'd share, but we didn't. We sort of sat there in silence and inhaled our food. And then we sat in more silence because we were too stuffed to talk. Then, we ordered a piece of chocolate cake (which we did share) and inhaled that as well. Needless to say, I came home and slept for about two hours. It was a beautiful Sunday!

Addicted to Parenthood

Yesterday, I finished watching the final episode of the second season of "Parenthood." I started watching the show during it's first season and wasn't sold on it right away, but a few weeks ago I was perusing hulu.com and came across it again. Maybe season 2 was just better than season 1, or maybe I just need a little reinforcement that I am not the only one dealing with tough kids (even though they are not my own!) this summer. Regardless, I really, really, really enjoy watching this show--so much so that I got a little addicted to it and was watching two episodes a day. Unfortunately, that meant that the season was over very quickly.

Here's what I like about the show:
1. The characters are real. Of course they are a bit exaggerated--they have to be for entertainment purposes (the same way you wear extra dark makeup in a play)--but their characteristics and personalities are those of real people.
2. There isn't always a happy ending. These characters, all of them parents, deal with real issues in raising their children. From managing playdates, parenting a child with Autism, talking about sex with a teenage daughter...the process and the outcomes are not always tied up in a pretty bow. The emotions are raw and life does not go according to plan.
3. They demonstrate unconditional love. In a media world where the definition of "love" is often defined as a more fleeting emotion, "Parenthood" is about a family where love is sometimes the only thing that holds them together. In their individual nuclear families and within the extend family, problems arise, people make mistakes, and tragedy strikes. But they always love each other through it and come out on the other side.
4. It's just plain funny. While I've teared up plenty of times watching it, I have also laughed out loud. The characters are unique and interesting, and they have great amusing interactions with each other.

I am becoming more and more intrigued by parenthood in general...probably all this time that I'm spending with four kids of varying ages...and  it's nice to see it being portrayed in such a genuine way on television.

Ryan's Farmers Market

I have a new favorite place to shop--Ryan's Farmers Market. I have driven past it a million times and I finally stopped in last Thursday after work. So glad I did! The owner, Mike Ryan, personally introduced himself to me and showed me around the store. It is the largest indoor farmers market in the Capital District, and they have been around for 93 years! I love that they are open every day (except Sunday, bless their souls), that they have produce and meats from as many local farmers as possible, and that (from what I can tell so far) they are some of the sweetest people I've met. Last week I picked up a pint of cherry tomatoes, a bag of red roasting potatoes, and a pint of strawberries for just over $5. Today I stopped in and got a head of leafy green lettuce, 2 tomatoes, 2 peaches, a red pepper, a bag of snap peas, a grapefruit, 3 apples, 4 slices of dried papaya, 2 pounds of organic chicken, and 2 bricks of local cheese for....$16.34! Honestly, that's insane. I feel like going to Hannaford tomorrow and trying to buy the exact same food--wonder what my price would be! Even if it does cost more to shop at Ryan's (which I doubt), I feel so good about shopping somewhere that supports local/small farms, strives to provide fresh organic produce, and does it all while a genuine smile. I can only say great things about this place, and I am psyched to make it one of my regular places to shop!

Sunday Thanks: Dress Barn

Whoops, I'm a little late on this week's edition of Sunday Thanks. This wonderful three-day weekend has me all confused, as I am so used to winding down my weekend with these posts.

But getting back to what I am thankful for this week--yes, it's a store. I feel compelled to write about it, though, because Dress Barn is one of those stores that never lets me down. I remember as a kid thinking that Dress Barn was for old ladies. My mom shopped there occasionally, and she's not old, but at the time she seemed a lot older than me! So, I had this thing against Dress Barn and vowed I would never shop there. Fast forward about 10 years and I find myself in need of a dress for a college event. "Go to Dress Barn," says Mom. Dress Barn! Are you crazy! But, being a good daughter, I listen to my Momma. Needless to say, I walked out the next day with two dresses for less than $100. Beat that, Macy's! Since then I have purchased pretty much every "event dress" that I need from Dress Barn, and even some shirts and shoes.

Why am I so thankful for Dress Barn this weekend? Well, I found out yesterday that a wedding I am attending in July is a little more fancy than I thought it was going to be. I have a go-to dress (from Dress Barn) that I figured I would wear, but I recently wore it to an event that all of the same people from the wedding will be at. This normally wouldn't bother me, except I got a ton of compliments on my dress (which always happens when I wear a DB dress), so it could be remembered. Besides, who doesn't love an excuse to buy a new dress!? At any rate, my friend and I went shopping yesterday and I figured I would pop into Dress Barn to see if anything caught my eye. Thirty minutes later, I'm walking out with this dress:

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Bam! Like I said, Dress Barn never lets me down! I feel amazing in this dress! It is simple with a little fun. Classy, but still young and fresh. And, at originally $60 (which is not a bad price in my book), I got it for 30% off!

 This is the acclaimed "go-to dress"...I absolutely love how I feel in it.

 I got this dress a few months ago and will be wearing it to a wedding on Friday and a shower on Saturday--love multi-purpose dresses! (Ignore the wrinkles..my closet is a little stuffed)

Today I am thankful for great prices, great dresses, and the comfort of knowing that when I'm in a jam I can pretty much always count on Dress Barn.

I swear, I am NOT a cat lady!

I just ordered this adorable print from Etsy shop collageOrama. 

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They print original work onto old dictionary pages that would have been thrown away. Not only does that add such a cool flair to the art, but it is a great way to save something from our landfills! This print was only $6.99 (just under $10 with s/h), so once I buy a frame for it, it will be a $15-20 piece of art. Actually, speaking of frames, I might have one laying around already! At any rate, isn't this kitty so cute? He reminds me of Cuddles when she looks at me like, "Hello, I'm here. Pay attention to me!"

Can't you see the resemblance? Well, maybe not exactly, but close enough!!

Everyday Minerals

I want to talk to you about my new favorite thing: makeup. Yes, I'm going to go there. My makeup regimen is pretty basic--usually just a little blush, some translucent powder, and mascara (sometimes eye shadow too). I've never liked the idea of smearing foundation all over my face, so I've stayed away from it, and I'm blessed with pretty clear skin so it hasn't been an issue.

I'd never even thought about going natural with my makeup, but the other day I was came across Everyday Minerals on Katie's blog and decided to check out their website. All of their products are natural, so they are good for your skin, and they don't do any testing on animals. Well, impulsively, I decided to buy a few things to try them out. Thinking that they would be crazy expensive, I didn't plan on buying much, but between promotions, sets, trials, and overall really good prices I ended up with: 5 mini bases to try out, 2 lipsticks, 2 blush, 4 eye shadow and 2 makeup brushes. Grand total: $34 including shipping!

I've been using them for a few days, and I already love them. Here are some of my issues they've solved:
1. Obviously wearing blush. Don't you hate when you put on blush and it is obvious that you're wearing it? Well, I've been dealing with that for a while, and while I still prefer that over not wearing blush at all, it's not ideal. These new blushes are not shades I would have normally picked, but I decided to try them and they look very natural! You can probably still tell I'm wearing something but not in the same way as before.
2. A shiny forehead. James always teases me about my greasy forehead. No, he's not a bad boyfriend, he's just honest. It's true..by the end of the day (or sometimes the middle) my forehead is shiny and I hate it! I used a base yesterday that kept my entire face "grease" free all day! If anything, at the end of the day I had a little glow, which looked so much better than shine! I was really impressed.
3. Quest for the perfect peach lip. Found it! I don't wear lipstick at all, but again, decided I would give it a shot. Whenever I see peach lips, I covet them, so so go to CVS and buy (yet another) peach gloss or lipstick. Get it home and it is not at all what I was looking for. This is very frustrating. Well, my quest is now over with this lovely color. I put it on over a little chapstick and I am all set! Today I'm going to try it with gloss on top.
4. Creased eye shadow. I'm sorry, but every formula I have ever bought that claims to be crease-free has lied. My eye shadow ALWAYS creases. Enter Everyday Minerals. I had shadow on from lash line to brow yesterday, and NO CREASE! It looked good and stayed in place all day. I'm in love.

So, if you have similar makeup woes (or just need an update), I implore you to check out Everyday Minerals. I'm not one to talk up products like this, but I am incredibly impressed and wanted to pass it on!