This past weekend I went to Raleigh to visit Stephie, meet Ben and do lots and lots of shopping! Ben was such a good lil shopper on the days he came with us (He is the sweetest! And I am not just saying that because I am his favorite Auntie Bethie – I think you would all agree I had lots of fun and snagged some great steals that I would like to share with you.

First, my Betsey Johnson sandals. I am wearing them now and absolutely in love with them – glittery pink bottom, wooden platform, skinny heal and a bow! Found them at the Saks outlet on clearance with an additional 40% off which made them only $35! I checked my luggage just so that I could bring them home in their bright pink box. Also at Saks, I got a pair of Sevens for a little over $60 which was such a great surprise because I did not find them on the clearance rack and was expecting to pay full price. They are getting hemmed now and should be ready to wear on Saturday anytime after 5. If you have a Saks outlet near you, I highly suggest going. And if the sales lady asks you if you want to sign up for a More card, do it! It is not a credit card, just a rewards card. You save 20% immediately and receive more discounts in the future without having to search for coupons.

Next, a review of my Ulta goods. Japonesque Precision Lash Curler – a must have for straight, sparse yet stubborn Asian eyelashes and a treat from Stephie. Honestly, the best eyelash curler I have every met. And yes, I have met plenty of eyelash curlers that I have not liked. These freshly curled lashes are topped with a coat of Prestige Lash Matrix mascara and my eyes just look and feel a whole lot brighter. This mascara is much better than the overpriced Too Faced Lash Injection mascara that was recommended to me and just as good the Fresh Supernova mascara that I enjoy but about a third of the cost!

After I came home, I was still on my shopping high and decided it was time to treat my hair to some chemical dyes and sharp snippers. So, as usual, I did my last minute search and call around to find someone who could take me immediately on short notice. And, as always, my only option ended up being a salon in the mall. At home, it was the Aveda salon – Euphoria. Down here in Austin, it is Toni & Guy – best known for their Bed Head and Catwalk haircare products. I spent most of my afternoon there but had a very pleasant experience. Everyone was very friendly  from the moment I called to make an appointment, to when I walked in, while I was waiting until I was leaving. And as an added bonus, the S-factor haircare line is also part of TIGI and all sulfate-free! Oh, and btw, I am a brunette now!

The best part of coming home was seeing my tooker AND this:

Rich had roses to greet me p.s. check out our new website – T Shirt Galleries! Where you can buy art that you can wear! Also, a great place to get gift ideas (ahem, birthday – ahem, t-h-i-r…TEE) – Rich picked out all of the tee shirts himself!

And now for an update on a couple of missed purchases that I mentioned in previous blogs. I am happy to report that while shopping the Streets at Southpoint (one of the many great shopping malls in Raleigh) we popped into a store called Light Years and while I was purusing all the fun items, on a shelf on the back wall of the store I found…my Matyroshkas measuring cups by Fred! And today, I went to Target (the one where I found that tablecloth dress, put it back and it was gone the next day when I went to buy it) and as I was walking by the clothes to the checkout, I looked over and there it was! Just one, in my size, totally meant to be – I held on to it this time and now it is hanging in my closet just waiting for the proper occasion. I will see what Richie says when he gets home but I sent him a picture of it from the store with a big smile on my face and he text me back telling me to get it with an exclamation point (he never uses those unless he really means it so, who am I to argue

Yesterday, I put out my Halloween decorations (mini KitKats and Twix and peanut butter M&Ms in pumpkin dishes) and it made me so excited for…CHRISTMAS! I even have my Austin-ite appropriate Christmas cards ready to be signed, sealed and delivered! But Rich said that I can not send them yet…I wonder if he will let me put up a tree if I decorate it with pumpkins and turkeys…