It Runs in the Family

I learned everything that I know about bargain shopping, super sales, digging effectively and NEVER paying full price for anything from my Granny. The uber comfortable dress I'm wearing is from one of her many successful shopping trips at Lord & Taylor. The retail was $220. Since it was a gift I didn't ask how much she actually paid for it, but I can guarantee it was no more than $40 (I know her limits :)). Anyone that paid full price should be kicking themselves.





Printed Dress: A.B.S. Collection by Allen Schwartz - Gifted
Yellow Tank: Old Navy - $2
Yellow Flats: Predictions - $7

Total Estimated Cost: $9

Hey, Stranger

Hello Friends! I hope all of you are doing well. I'm excited about so many things right now, I don't know where to begin! First, I cut off all of my hair. I'm actually just starting to like it. I was almost in tears when I looked at it for the first time. It was waaaay shorter than I expected/wanted. I will admit, it's so much easier. Although, I do miss my ability to rock a ponytail :)

My birthday is coming up in a week, the big 3-0! To celebrate my Granny took me to see The Color Purple, with Fantasia Barrino, at the Kennedy Center. We had dinner before the show at the Kennedy Rooftop Restaurant. Talk about some fabulous crab cakes, and peach cobbler! The show was AMAZING! It was so upbeat and funny, and had great music. If the show tours near your city I definitely suggest you go. It will be in DC until August 9 (my birthday :)) and I think the next stop is New York. Here we are before the show!

Now, to today's outfit. These shoes are surprisingly comfortable. I thought for sure my feet would be killing me by lunch, but I made it until 5. Yay! My kind of shoe :) Here's a close up.
Black Dress: Atelier (Thrifted, Retail $320!): $5
Red Patent Belt: New York & Company - $9
Red & Cream Shoes w/Bow: Lela Rose (Payless) - $15
Pearls: Gifted

Total Estimated Cost: $28

My Mini Staycation

Today is my first day back to work :( I took off a few days for a staycation. I didn't have anything planned. I just wanted to sleep in and relax and do things when I felt like it :)

Thursday I stayed in my jammies most of the day. We took the kids to see Up in 3D and it was amazing. My daughter lost interest, I think the 3D freaked her out a little.

Friday was uneventful. I stayed inside all day in my jammies.

Saturday night was date night! My husband and I really look forward to them since we work opossite scheudles, and he works weekends. My mom agreed to take the kids for the night so we could enjoy our evening without having to rush home.

We decided to go to the Natioanl Harbor. If you live in the D.C. Area and have not gone, please do. They have fantastic food and entertainment! Our first stop was Rosa Mexicano. Rosa had a two hour wait, which meant we would not have had dinner until 10:30. Ouch. We ended up going to Sauciety which is inside the Westin. I'm a dipper. I put some type of sauce on everything I eat, and Sauciety had at least 20 flavorful sauces for me to choose from! It was fantastic!

My staycation was great, and now I'm looking forward to our next trip which will be to the Jersey Shore in August.

Blue Ruffle Dress: GO (via Target)- $8.50
Bronze Shoes: Guess - FREE
Purse: Vintage Authentic Coach (via eBay) - $40
Sunglasses: Coach Belle (via eBay) - $130 (I love these shades and I had to save up for them! We all have to have one item in the closet that we splurged on, right? :))
Pearls: Gifted
(the outfit featured is from Saturday's date night)
Total Estimated Cost: $178.50

Happy

Whenever I wear this dress it makes me so happy! The colors are awesome and the large flowers cover a lot of lumps and bumps :) My insomnia had me up at 2 a.m. and I knew today would be a grumpy day, so I had no choice but to put on the happy dress.

Tonight I will be seeing a personal trainer. I'm going to the Jersey Shore in August, and my mission is for this to be the first year that I do not have a break down in the fitting room while trying on swimsuits. Wish me luck :)



Dress - J.B.S. Limited: $20
Pink Tank - Express: $10
Pearls - Gifted
Patent Belt - New York & Company: $12
Shoes - Steve Madden, via eBay: $20

Total Estimated Cost: $62

Blur

Yesterday was all a blur. I had several meetings at work, it was the first day of Daddy Daycare (We pulled our kids out of daycare to be with my husband this summer. We work opposite schedules, so it's a perfect way for us to save some money!) and it was also Pilates night. I rushed around all day long! So much so that I forgot to take my picture. I got a little creative and just put everything back together on my bed, after the gym I had no energy to put it back on, get the tripod out, etc.

3/4 Sleeve Coral Jacket - Morona: $8
Floral Skirt - Notations, Thrifted: $6
Cream Tank - Tommy Hilfiger, Thrifted: $5
Patent Belt - New York & Company: $12
Peep Toe Heels - Ann Taylor, Thrifted: $9
Pearls - Gifted

Total Estimated Cost: $40