To Market

Remember how awestruck I was last year at the discovery of antique show Farm Chicks? Well this year I had the privilege of experiencing the shab chic-ness for myself. Standing in as my second consecutive trip to Spokane (at least I was able to fly over this time) I spent the weekend treasure hunting at the Spokane Fairgrounds.

Check out the long line of ladies (mostly) waiting to get in. INSANE! .... (sidenote how cool do the clouds look in these pics?)

A milk truck was set up at the entrance to greet all shoppers, and this was a wedding cake topper collection for sale that was just too cute not to capture.

The display and merchandising at each booth was just AHH-ma-zing!

The main thing I picked up from the show were books. Etiquette, sewing, and decorating books galore! I really fell for some old ice boxes that were surprisingly reasonably priced. Unfortunately we have ZERO room for any other furniture. It will have to wait until next year.

Nick's brother Eric scored by far the best find all weekend. He found a stack of old WANTED posters, one of which named a Byrd from Oklahoma (whether this is indeed an actual family member is yet to be determined).

Frugal Files: Temptations

Oh, what to do when an item is literally calling my name...




Of all the names and all the spellings, Patricia Field had to choose mine.

Summer Sale

Skip the mall and shop online. (I may not be allowed to shop, but that doesn't mean I can't live vicariously through the rest of you ;)

With back surgery scheduled for Friday and a baby on the way, my good friend Lindsay is closing her jewelry shop for a bit this summer. She has discounted all merch 40% off original prices (something she has never done before!) The sale will go through Wednesday, before her break begins.

She is great at mixing chunky with dainty, bright shades and organic hues. Her pieces are natural stones, with accents of gold and silver. All jewelry is handmade.

Shop Here

The Frugal Files: Beauty Products

Save or Splurge: Lotions and Potions

As a self proclaimed product junkie, this has been a difficult area for me to skim back on my spending. I've taken the time to evaluate which items are worth the splurge, and which ones I'll just have to live without. I have begun to make some progress... Here is my first beauty post on skin care investments:

Face and Skin:

I've tried everything under the sun... literally. From products created by the left over tannins of vineyard grapes to Estee Lauder's secret private collection of moisturizers made just for her from diamond dust... I have yet to use a topical product that gives me wow factor results and is worth the big price tag. I'd rather save my moola for Botox and Juvederm every six months. They give me results I can really see.

On a daily basis I've given up on my beloved MAC wipes because of the disposable waste and their cost. Instead I use a foaming cleanser and knock off Oil of Olay lotion I found at Target. Intermittently, I use Jojoba oil as a make up remover, cleanser, and moisturizer... all in one (I also love this because it's completely natural and free of chemicals). For exfoliation, the tried and true St. Ives Apricot Scrub does the trick.

Body Lotions:

I use the cheapest I can find, usually a store brand. I hit up the Bath and Body Works semi annual sale last weekend to stock up on some scents, but even then, will save them for hand lotions. Most scented products I've bought (Philosophy is another favorite) fade very quickly. My dollar stretches more with perfumes, as they are more concentrated.

Sunscreen:

Many dermatologist have recommended Neutrogena. My goal has always been SPF 30 for the face, 15 for the body, all oil free. Lately, I have been reading more and more about the negative ingredients in traditional sunscreen. Zinc oxide sunscreen is more expensive (about $18/ bottle v. $4 for the regular stuff), but with all the tests coming in, it looks like the cost is worth it.

Make Up:

I have been a devoted MAC girl from the day I first discovered their eyelash curler.

Here are the products I have yet to find adequate replacements for and still can't live without:

• Strobe cream: A lightly iridescent oil free lotion, the perfect makeup primer. It's also great for makeup free weekend days when you need just a little "pick me up"




• Eye shadows: They have the best pigments which means their colors are more vibrant and last longer


• Paint Pots: A shadow primer which pulls even more color out of the eye shadows. With a paint pot, eye makeup will easily last 12 - 16 hours (work to evening)




• Lip Glasses: Thick, sticky, and addictive. I use neutral colors that can easily be applied without a mirror. They provide gloss and color all in one.

The other great thing about MAC products is their "Back to MAC" program. For every 6 empty used-up containers I bring back, I get a new eyeshadow, lip gloss, or lip stick free. Recycling and free stuff :)

My foundation, concealer, bronzer, eye brow liner, blush and face powder are all over the counter products. These are things I go through the fastest and can't rationalize a high end product for performance value.

I have had great results with Maybelline mascara (I like Lash Discovery with the mini brush), Benefits Benetint (a lip and cheek stain), and the uber cheap NYC bronzer. Keep an eye out for designers and makeup artists creating lines for discount retailers. Neimans and Target both carry Jemma Kidd. I've purchased both versions, and there isn't much difference between the two.

86

Just thought I'd share with y'all, that it was 86F today in good ol' Austin.

Also, look who came to a very loving home tonight? My new Mannys!

You May Have a Shopping Problem When...

Now that my Neimans discount will disappear in a matter of days, I seem to have gained this dreadful anxiety and fear of loss. I'm panicking that I will miss out on making purchases with my amazing discount. My entire day spent at work has become a series of internal debates.

Manolos presented themselves as the first subject of this issue. I have my eye on the black patent Mary Janes, which, because they are a classic style, will never go on sale. I keep my shoes for a very long time, especially those that are investment pieces. Theoretically, I could still be wearing them in twenty years (after all, I still have my Sacha's from 8th grade graduation). Plus, I would be getting a little over 50% off with the NM discount... (in my mind they are pleading "buy me~ buy me!")

Ironically, clothing is not a huge temptation this time around. I have acquired a pretty decent wardrobe, and am more excited just to be dressing outside of a strict dress code (tights required, jackets must be worn with pants, etc... I never have dealt well with uniforms).

The big wake-up call happened when I wandered into the Gift Gallery/ Home department. There is a china set I've had my eye on. It never occurred to me to purchase one or two pieces until the other day. I was pricing out a platter and going back and forth on whether a set of plates which would actually see some use was a better buy than something that would be hung for decor. I started getting carried away (as I have a tendency to do), thinking that at 26 it would be nice to have my own set of china.

Nevermind that the smallest items are around $100/ PER PLATE. I thought out loud to myself how nice it would be to register for this china, and what a bummer it was that pretty place settings and registries are only associated with getting married (such a Sex and the City: A Woman's Right to Shoes moment). The sales associate rationed that I could always register myself. "Hmm" I thought, "Not an entirely bad idea." Then she told me under "bride" I would place my name and under "groom" I would type in "gift registry."

This is when the concept came to a screeching halt. It was one thing to consider buying a couple nice pieces of china for myself, but quite another to sign myself up for a pretend wedding registry. Talk about a shopping hangover! I quickly left the department and headed back to my own. It's definitely a good thing that I am getting out of the retail environment. I need a break from shopping everyday!

Check it out!

I have a hair piece named after me :) Thanks Lindsay!

Want to purchase it? do so here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19795583

At $6.97, I'm a steal of a deal ;)

Men Like You Are the Reason I Left Finland

I CANNOT wait for this movie to come out.

As most movies based on books go, I will probably prefer the novel. And I'm not sure if I will be able to transition from Rebecca Bloomwood being British to an American. However, the mass amount of eye candy couture makes me think this will be my chick flick choice of 2009.

And although I've never fought anyone for a pair of boots, I can't say I haven't hidden certain merchandise in the back rooms of the store from customers, or "loosely" threatened to wrestle one down when a $500 Dolce and Gabanna mini-skirt was mistakenly tagged at $64 ;)

Occupational Hazard

Now I remember why I don't like working retail... I never make any money! The entire paycheck goes to the clothes I'm surrounded by all day.

I recently signed on to work the holiday season for Anthropologie. This helps supplement some cash while I'm working on writing and waiting for a certain marketing firm to get their schedules together. Plus at a 40 - 60% discount, you can bet that everyone will be gifted by Anthro this Christmas!

Here are the items I'm currently restraining myself from purchasing:

The details of this dress are somewhat lost in the photo. It has an exquisite tulle flower atop the asymmetrical shoulder

Hmmm, where to start... The belt! The boots! It makes me want to buy a country home and ride horses all day

The red cords are fitted without being a "skinny fit", which, if you aren't 5'10" always feels unflattering. The camel heels with the small leather ruffle are a dream.

Long gloves... I'll be wearing them all season! And it doesn't even get cold in Austin.

These just scream Carrie Bradshaw to me.

The magic of these lace up heels is they blend perfectly with so many skin tones, making it seem like there is no shoe at all. They are also a great way to add a bit of edge to a fancy flirty dress.

This Little Piggy Went to Market

Tonight I saw something truly shocking. Nick and I were at the store shopping for dinner. While heading to grab some produce we passed the meat section. There, staring me square in the face was a plastic wrapped pig head. A WHOLE PIG HEAD!! Completely intact! I was so shocked it stopped another lady just so she could tell me my reaction was the funniest thing she's seen all day. She left with a "welcome to Texas dear".

Even now, hours later, I'm beside myself. I've been to this store before! I've shopped in very small grocers who cater to certain cuisines, and even been to a butcher in France who sold entire cow tongues with taste buds still on it. Never have I seen anything so outrageous.


Babe, we're not in Kansas anymore

Love at First Sight

Meet Lola.

Found on Mulberry Street at BAG walking home from dinner in little Italy. She's cherry red, shiny, supple, and has the prettiest satin lining. I see a beautiful future for us together.

Fashion Forward: Spotlight on My Favorite Designers

Earlier this year, I spotlighted Langston Bouquin, a couture milliner I met during the Tucson jewelry shows. My intention was to do a monthly designer feature on collections I'd come across and just HAD to share with the world.

Here is my attempt #2 to launch my Fashion Forward monthly highlight:

LF Jewelry Designs is the the brain child of my good friend Lindsay Fitchett. Always the creative one, Lindsay has the kind of knack for design I could only dream of. She is my very own Martha Stewart. Aside from her fabulous jewelry, Lindsay has also been know to refurbish furniture, decorate interiors, create floral arrangements, and dabble with photography, all while being a wife and mother to three young boys.

Her jewelry pieces feature handmade silver charms, faceted stones, and soldered metals. you can check out her shop at LF Jewelry Designs or visit her Myspace page

Here are some of my favorite pieces

Swimsuit Season

As an appropriate follow up to yesterday's post, I happen to do my initial round of swimsuit shopping today. I'm not in the market for another two piece as I have dozens of those. So I made the decision that if I was to purchase swimwear this year, it needed to be something a bit different. The result was an unpleasant shopping experience of a different sort.

My focus was on the one piece. I've been intrigued by the mono-kini, the style of suit with deep cuts through the sides. I had an inclination that it wouldn't be the most flattering style, but I hoped that since there was more fabric than most of my bikinis it was bound to look magically amazing.

It did not however look like this. I seem to have a long torso and when there is only so much fabric included, there's not a lot of "stretch" room available. The result was similar to when women wear bras that are too small = the quad boob syndrome

My next choice seemed safer... a little too safe as it turned out. Juicy Couture has some very cute prints out right now. In addition to these cute little hearts, my other favorites are the gingham and a brushed muted gold (not to be confused with the metallic "highlight every place you'd like to hide" variety http://cvanson.blogspot.com/2008/04/dear-old-navy.html)

I can honestly say the suits looked good on my body. That may be because the bodice has full ruching, secret spanx-like lining, and a skirt. Although I appreciate the effort to suck and tuck, I may just hold off on this style for 10 years and a pregnancy, whichever comes last. I've already cut down on my alcohol, Starbucks, and stiletto use, a granny suit (however darling) is where I
MUST draw the line.

If You Can't Eat It, Wear It!

It's no secret that swimsuit season is upon us. With warmer weather in sight, fuzzy sweaters are harder to hide in after a few too many calorie-ridden pina coladas poolside.

My mom always told me I smell like a salad, having a preference for fruity scents over floral ones. It occurred to me this morning that perhaps beauty products should be my solution for cutting back on fresh baked treats.

Since I continue to be on my Bath and Body Works sabbatical, I've had to do a little digging to discover new brands and scents. Here are a few of my favorite tasty products:

Hair:

Healthy Sexy Hair Pumpkin line. Although more seasonally appropriate for the fall, this smells just like fresh baked pie. Even better, the scent lasts all day!

Shower:

Philosophy is always the brand to turn to for some yummy scents. I love their summertime line of margarita, lemonade, mimosa, and raspberry sorbet. These bottles are also great for travel as they multi-task as shampoo and cleanser. One note of advice, if you are planning an alcohol friendly getaway, choose a scent that won't remind you of last night's drinks. Strawberry milkshake is a good pick, sweet and mild.

Trish McEvoy's Number 9 perfume and body products are a soft blend of Blackberry and Vanilla. It smells strikingly close to Philosophy's Falling in Love but lasts MUCH longer. This is a great scent for those more apt to choose feminine florals over a citrus scent. My mom, the queen of the rose products, even likes it! I especially love the body scrub which can either be purchased separately or together with the perfume and lotion in a travel or "starter" pack.

I am a big advocate for the smaller travel sizes when trying out a new product. Although more expensive for the amount of product you get, it's a great way to test things out. If you decide you're not a big fan, there isn't a 6 month supply left to go through.

After Shower:

I have heard a lot of great things about the Fresh brand. This Sugar deodorant is the only product I use of theirs, however, I'm a big believer in it! It has a nice very subtle (no teen spirit here) fresh lemon scent. What is so great about this deodorant is that it is alcohol-free. Most other anti-persperants contain this ingredient which ultimately counteracts the intended purpose (ever wonder why your Secret stick stops working after about a year?) I've been happy with this deodorant since living in Seattle... 3 years ago. I even convinced Nick to start using Fresh Sugar.
The only downside to this product is as a roll on it will take a bit of time to dry. Plan your dressing schedule accordingly.

Lotion:

The A lister for all things edible is the Jacqua brand. My favorite is their chocolate scent (butter cream is a close second). If I can't have sugary sweets, this is the best consolation on the market!

Perfume:

In addition to the perfumes mentioned above which coinside with other products, Aqualina's Pink Sugar is another great choice. It is a gentle cotton candy scent is long lasting. Even better is the affordable price tag it sports. This perfume can be found about $20 - 50 less than most department store perfumes.

The Hip Sling

Perhaps my actions today came out of grief for missing my favorite San Francisco holiday (hey, who doesn't want to throw tortillas in the air at 7:30 am quickly followed by a seven mile walk amoungst middle age naked people?), I claim temporary insanity. This afternoon I purchased a hip sling.

The hip sling (or fashion pouch) is actually just a nice way to sugar coat the fact that I've jumped back into the 80s and will now be sporting a fanny pack. I have to apologize to my friend Jamie, as she purchased a lovely "hip sling" from our friends at Louis Vuitton a couple years ago. I did nothing but make fun of her purchase despite her insistance that it was not only fashionable but functional too!

Although my new hip accessory is far removed from the neon nylon cousin of years past (although neon is now back too! who would have figured) it still remains a pouch to rest on my behind. I did find proof that it's made an appearance on the runways recently, which makes me feel slightly more secure in my fashion risk. I'm also claiming the philosophy Jamie preached, it will be practical! In addition to having two hands free, being without a ginormous purse makes Nick carry his own cell phone, keys, and wallet... they were getting heavy.

If Carrie Bradshaw could wear it, I guess I will too (and I am secretly obsessed with this purchase!) Next up, overalls!

Playing House

I've been working on a new online marketing "campaign" of sorts to attract a younger generation to my company's events. Since this company was managed by my grandparents before I came on board, the internet was not a frequently used tool. One aspect of the marketing project is networking via good ol' Myspace. In addition to jewelry and clothing designers, I have come upon a new target sector to befriend: Luxury children's companies.

This sparks my interest creatively as well as keeping a shopping eye out for my dear friends who have caught the pregnancy epidemic and should be showered with such gifts as feather door wreaths, custom car seat covers, and imported vintage prams from England.

Today, however, I saw something that truly took me aback... which is hard to do, I've shopped the baby boutiques on Rodeo!

There is a luxury toy company that makes play houses and castles unlike anything I have ever seen.

This home looks like it's come straight from Wisteria Lane.

Can I just note that this entry way is even nicer than MY own grown up house?

And although Kim just finished her very lovely kitchen (see "other blog" links) I'd have to say this one is just as nice.

Please note the window seat in the back room here, and the hardwood throughout

For those who are not ready to make the mortgage commitment for their little tikes, perhaps a custom castle bed would be a better option? It's not too clear in this photo, but the entire bed is covered in glitter.

Lastly, since most friends still have the bun in the oven, the luxury cribs may be more fitting to look into. Designs range from merry-go-round to a Memoirs of a Geisha inspired crib (is that weird to anyone else???). My guess is this is the Moulin Rouge edition.

Even as I looked at these again, they still seem too over the top to be real. There are plenty more toys and furniture to be seen at http://www.bundlesofblossoms.com/ and http://www.kidsuniquebeds.com/

Don't worry, there are boy's mini airplanes and manly castles too ;)

Even Martha can be a green hippie

Leave it to Martha Stewart to find a craft even for the Greenies. Published in her Living magazine was an idea of how to turn old (or cute but large) t shirts into reusable grocery and errand bags. Simple steps involving a few sewn stitches, cutting the sleeves and collar and ta da! shopping bags!

Ok, maybe more specific instructions would be nice. Here is the link and instructions below:

(weekend project anyone?)

http://tinyurl.com/3dmn3j

Tools and Materials

Heavy-weight cotton T-shirt

Pins

Sewing machine

Medium-size bowl

Water-erasable marking pen

Scissors

T-Shirt Bag How-To

1. Turn T-shirt inside out and pin bottom of the T-shirt along the hem. Using a sewing machine, sew bottom of T-shirt closed. Flip shirt right side out and lay flat on table, making sure all seams are lined up.

2. Place medium-size bowl about half-way over the neck hole. Using a water-erasable marking pen, trace along the edge of the bowl. Cut along the outline, making sure to go through the front and back sides of the shirt, in order to create an opening for the bag that's larger than what the neck hole allows.

3. Line up the hems on the front and back side of the sleeve and cut, making sure to go through both sides of the shirt. Repeat on the other sleeve.

Tip: A jersey shirt would also work well for this craft, as it is already sleeveless, and it's made of a great mesh material.

All things baby

This is a momentous year for Family Trailer as we are expecting our first little one, Baby P. I for one can't wait to be a Trailer Aunt and just wish I could still offer a place to stay when Melissa and little P make the trek to LA and visit Disneyland (then again, by the time I move back it'll be about the same time "P" number two will be old enough to actually enjoy the happiest place on earth... and I'm not referring to west Hollywood ;)

I had a good catch up session with Melissa tonight and we covered some good ground when it comes to her baby shower. I'm glad we both agreed that un-fun mom semifriends of ours should not be invited, mostly because there is high potential for them to deter attention away from Melissa and at this time there is really only room for one baby in the double wide. And although she didn't want to honor my Luna coconut cake request, I think the compromise of alcohol at the shower is more than agreeable. Bellinis and mimosas please!

I also warned Mel P not to expect practical gifts from this end. I don't do Baby genies, Baby Bjorns, or Baby breast pumps... Instead I will most likely show up with a beautiful head scarf for her to wear post delivery with matching muu muu, and a handmade baby's first novel (Because all aspiring writers have to start somewhere. Hopefully Baby P won't be a very tough critic).

Even Nicole Richie agrees, nothing says hot mom like a Pucci scarf and designer muu muu