She Hath Done What She Could in the Home

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Turning 40 is fine!!!!

Well, my big 4-0 is shaping up to be mighty fine! Today was Phase I of the birthday celebration! Today my kids took me out for so much fun! My youngest son took me for a DQ Blizzard (Recee Cup, my fav) and then he bought me Purple Ninja Girl from IchiBanKan that I have wanted for like forever! She is a purse charm and I put her on my bag immediately!

PURPLE NINJA-She reminds me that in my 40's I need to work on my Ninja like qualities of stealth, true patience, self-control, dedication & loyalty!

My oldest son took me to my absolute fav, Starbucks for my Grande Americano and Lucy's Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies! Love it! Then he totally surprised me with this Owl Coin Purse from IchiBan! I love owls - so into them right now!


MRS. OWL - reminds me to embrace my 40's and continue to gain wisdom during my next decade!

And from my little girl - a gift from Anthropologie! She remembered that the very first time I set foot in an Anthro, I loved this little vintage-y sugar bowl! We put our organic, raw sugar in it!


BIRDIE SUGAR BOWL - This reminds me to be sweet to others, and to allow myself little "sugary" treats now and then! I'm 40 after all - I've earned it!
And I got these clothing gifts with money I received from various family members! I got THE best deals today! I was floored when I entered Jcrew to do a return and saw all their awesome sales of items that were just in the spring catalog! What up? I don't know but I'll take them!

Old Navy Flower Applique Cardigan
After seeing this on Anthroholic yesterday - I went by to see if they had one in my size as it is sold out online -they had one left! It was meant to be!

The first of my Jcrew gems! Chain Flower Tee -This baby was $14.99 - marked down from $49.99! Hello bargain!


Ripstop Cargo Pants - OK, these were $79.99 like two seconds ago......today they were $19.99! I was sooo excited - they were on the cover of the March catalog and I so longed for them. At $20 and my birthday - they are now mine! I got the Safari color.
Loved. This. Cardi. I loved the vest that Ginger Girl was sporting HERE and wanted get either the vest or the cardigan. Today I got this in a rosy pink color! It was still on the main display when I was at the store today, but it was marked down. The color looks great with the new cargos and tee!



Tunic from the Garden Collection at H&M $9.99 - I can't wait to wear this one with just some jeans and the pretty new sandals I got at Payless shown below!


I saw these in a magazine- can't remember which one now but thought I would check them out when I happened upon a Payless. I guess they were their most popular shoe of the season - they were sold out everywhere! I finally tracked down a pair and they gave me 10% off, plus a $3 coupon - and they were already on sale - so I got them for $15!! I will wear these ALL spring and summer. IRL they have a chambray look.

Monday, March 29, 2010

SUNSHINE AWARD!

I'm so excited! I received a blog award from Pamela at Ginger Girl! It is a real honor, as I am a big fan of her blog! Thank you Pamela - I love seeing your Anthro & Jcrew outfits. And I love your Keep Calm, Carry On picture!


Simply enough, all I need to do to forward this goodness along is:

1. Put the logo on your blog within a post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link to the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

There are so many wonderful blogs out there, I could spend the whole day reading and being inspired in many ways. My picks for the Sunshine Award go to the following blogs:

1. Sweet Tea in Seattle -a fellow mom to three, I feel we have a lot in common!
2. Fabulous Florida Mommy- a Master with the Polyvore and great looks for moms!
3. The Fashion Maverick - a young fashionista who just happens to be my daughter! More important than her fashion sense is her beautiful heart!
4. Respect the Shoes - I'm a new follower of Lisa's blog and it's great!
5. Kendi Everyday - I've just found Kendi's blog recently as well, and her photos of her OOTD'sAnthro/Jcrewish looks for less.
are just awesome! I also love how she recreates
6. The Girliest Boy Mom - another mom connection here and I love Jan's style!
7. My Superfluities- I found Dina's blog during my Liberty of London obsession and I feel as if I've known her a long time!
8. Modestly Styled, Modestly Me - The name of this blog says it all! I appreciate Debye for showing you can be fashionable AND modest at the same time. So important as I try to teach this to my little girl.
9. Small Notebook -I strive to live a simple life and work to that end daily. I appreciate Rachel's blog for helping me get a few steps closer to my goal! I especially enjoyed her No Spend Month feature last year!
10. Simple Mom - for the same reasons I love Rachel's blog - I love Tsh's! I need all the simple living tips I can get!
11. Head to Toe with Heidi - I appreciate Heidi's reviews, tips and Polyvores!
12. Patina's Confessions of a Shopaholic- I'm new to Patina's blog and I think the way she puts things together is fabulous!

I've got a lot on my plate this week........

So I probably won't be blogging much! Hope everyone has a fabulous week!


Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sunday go to Meetin'!

I love Sundays! I love to be with the brethren, sing songs, study the Scriptures and reflect on all it means to be a Christian. I couldn't make it through the week without the shot in the arm being with the church on Sunday gives me! We are so blessed!

Today I am channeling style Icon, Audrey Hepburn! Love that classic look. Once again, Target is my friend!

Dress: Merona Collection Penelope Polka Dot Dress on 75% off at my Target $9.99
Cardi: Mossimo Crop Cardigan $14.99
Shoes: Sofft Cally (these rock for comfort)

POP of color!

My Cakies Polaroid Giveaway!

Check out RubyEllen's latest Giveaway- it's great! I think my kids would have a lot of fun with the Polaroid Instant Camera!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Saturday...in the Park.......Soccer Park that is!

I did not like my OOTD today. I thought it would look great! But all it did was make me look rather rotund like the Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese Guy seen below (remember him from Saturday cartoons?)




Here is my Shoe of the Day with which I am rather pleased. It mimics the Jcrew Reese for only $22 at Target! Maybe tomorrow I'll wear them with a Toga - I'm feeling rather Roman.


Here is what the kids did today - silly kids! First sight of sun and warmth they go all out! Hello Spring Break!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Take a Pass! My method to bargain shopping!

I have a motto I live by that has helped me build a wardrobe by following the principals of "Take A Pass". Try these simple steps and see how they work for you!


1. "Take a Pass" by your own closet.
Once in a while I will buy something, come home excited, go to hang it in my closet, only to find I ALREADY own something very similar to the item I just bought! How many basic items do you have and how many do you need? How many cardigans? Jeans? Accessories? I even find it helpful to make lists each season of the key pieces I am looking for, keep it in my purse and refer to it when I'm shopping to help me remember what the essential pieces are that I want to acquire while still sticking to my budget.

2. "Take a Pass" by your favorite stores frequently.
In order to use the "Take a Pass" method, you have to be willing to go by your favorite stores often to take advantage of the markdowns or even returns people make. For example, we have a ROSS right beside our grocery store, so once a week, when I head to the grocery, I run in and take a look. It only takes me a minute, because I know what I am looking for and because I frequent the store, I am familiar with the stock. Do you have a mall near your work? Stop by on your lunch hour. Some stores like Target and Kohl's open early at 8am and you can pass by after dropping the kids at school or before heading into work.

3. Take a Pass on the item!
This is the hardest one by far because it takes patience and discipline! When I really like a new item I don't buy it at full price. I try it on and figure out what size I like the best and then wait......... I wait for it to get marked down. Many times I watch items go through several markdowns before I finally feel I can buy it while sticking to my budget. A great example is the recent Jcrew Black Blossoms Blazer I got for $29. It started at $118, I saw it go to $79, then $49, then $35, then $29 before I bought it!
Let's face it - I'm not going to die if I don't get a certain item of clothing. This isn't a matter of life or death. (It may feel like it to me at the time, but in the grand scheme of things, really it's very insignificant.) If the item is still there when it comes time for markdowns, great for me! If it isn't, I know there is always another gem waiting in the wings. I have employed this method very successfully at Target on their Merona line of dresses - they start at $39.99 and almost every one I own I purchased between $9.99 and $12.99. I try to buy classic pieces that don't go out of style and are made of quality materials.

Using the "Take a Pass" method takes a little more time and effort, but the rewards are worth it and the process is fun!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Spinach is $1 at Safeway starting tomorrow!

I used to do a Safeway post each week about the great buys I got there. Back at that time, I was into healthy eating, but after watching Food Inc. and Fresh the Movie, it's harder to find good deals in the Safeway flyer! But occasionally, there are blog-worthy deals and this week it's the main ingredient for Green Smoothies! Fresh Express Spinach is $1 a bag! Green Smoothies are such an easy way to get more greens and nutrients into our bodies. I try to buy organic spinach when I can, but when this sale comes along, I stock up on the regular. Making a GS for a family of 5 uses one entire bag, so I welcome a deal!
Another great buy in this week's flyer is a 5 pound box of Cuties for $3.97! Two Cuties have only 80 calories but are full of Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium and 4 grams of Fiber! This week's Safeway price reprents a $6.02 savings per box! My kids love these for on the go snacks!
Celestial Seasonings Teas are $2 per box this week. With my Adrenal Fatigue and Perimenopause, I try to avoid caffeine, so this Roobios Tea has saved me! The Madagascar Vanilla is my favorite with a spot of creme! It's hard to find though, but I'm going to go searching to stock up at this price!


What good sales did you notice in this week's flyer?

Monday, March 22, 2010

State Testing Prep + 71 degrees= Recess at the Beach!

This is really from last week, but I just realized I never published the post! Loving spring weather!




Giveaway at Respect the Shoes!

Check out Lisa's great giveaway HERE- it's awesome!!

Early to bed, early to rise??

It's funny how you can get addicted to reading people's blogs and how you feel like you know them and you are friends and how you miss it when they don't post one day! Strange like that. A big world online where people with common interests can connect. It would be great to meet so many of you!



My office is a mess - sorta still looks like this post from a year ago when I was in Simple Mom's Spring Cleaning Party! From the looks of my office, I must have quit on Day #6 and never looked back! I have GOT to get a handle on this and I know the key is what Inspired to Action talks about constantly - it's the dreaded getting up EARLY!! I mean EARLY like 5:30 or 6:00 AM! !! I know it works because one of my BFF's from college uses her methods and has great success as a mom, full-time employee and successful R&F Skin Care business owner! (If you need a new skincare regimen, check it out HERE - awesome for reversal of sun damage!)

I have many roles (wife, mother, home school teacher, friend, consultant for a commercial real estate company part-time, daughter-in-law, Bible class teacher, preacher's wife) so I really need that morning time to get up, be alone with God in Bible study & prayer and make preparations for the day before everyone is up and running. So why I am posting this? Maybe subconsciously I want some accountability.

I will post if I get up tomorrow and how it worked out.


Disclaimer: I hate mornings and with adrenal fatigue it's soooo hard to get out of that bed!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Instead of this............try this.........

Instead of this..........
Waterfloral Pastiche Cardigan $88.00


Try this......
Notions Floral Cardigan from Sears $24.99


Instead of this Jcrew Chambray shirt $98.00


Try this Old Navy Chambray Shirt $26.50 (and less this weekend with the 30%)


Or this little number that my friend Naomi was rocking today - at H&M for $9.95!! I so need to go to H&M soon! Love the chambray!




Instead of this........
Sofft Redondo $107.95



Try this...........
I Love Comfort Vallie from Sears $29.99

Sofft shoes are TDF comfort! I bought some black heels last spring I will wear for a long time! So, I was drooling over the above red sandals. Tonight at Sears while getting the kids shoes, I came across these and they are super comfortable like the Sofft brand. The photo makes them look brown, but they are a great shade of wine patent.

Friday, March 19, 2010

You got style, kid!

Once again, The Fashion Maverick (i.e. my daughter) has come up with a great OOTD and a great photo spread! You can see her post
HERE!
I am amazed at how she has picked up blogging and writing and formatting and I love the creativity displayed. I am also proud of her brother, my oldest, for the great photos! Good job Fashion Maverick - you make a Mama proud!








And the winner is.............

Annie is lucky #6 and I hope will be using her apron in no time to whip up some delicious dishes! Congratulations Annie! Please check your inbox for the winning email and thanks so much everyone for making my First Giveaway a success! Stay tuned for another giveaway upcoming in April!


Blogger Annie said...

Thanks for the giveaway, this would be a great inspiration to start cooking some great meals! I just became a follower :)

anniequach25 at yahoo dot com

March 16, 2010 2:53 PM

Anthropologie Apron Giveaway!

This is the first giveaway on my blog! I am excited to be offering a giveaway after participating in some myself! I actually won a giveaway from Simple Mom! I won a Neat Desk last year! That is the biggest win I've ever had in my life!

I am giving away an apron from Anthropologie. I got the apron not long ago at my store and picked up one for my BFF and an extra one to give away to my readers! It's a beautiful embroidered apron with flowers and dragonflies. I love vintage aprons, but since getting this one, it's the only one I've been wearing. I am a BIG apron fan! I don't want to get stains on my Anthro clothes while working in the kitchen! Here is a photo of me wearing mine.


If you would like to enter the giveaway, please follow these rules below! Good luck!

To enter the giveaway you must:
1. Become a follower of my blog and leave a comment that you became a follower (if you are already a follower please leave a comment stating this). If you post anonymously, please include your email address so I can contact you if you win.

For two additional entries you can:
2. Mention this giveaway on your blog and then post a link to your blog in an additional comment.
3. Tweet or Facebook about the Anthropologie Apron giveaway and copy and paste your tweet/post in an additional comment (please be sure to include the giveaway link http://shehathdonewhatshecould.blogspot.com/2010/03/anthropologie-apron-giveaway.html in your tweet/post)
*Please leave additional comments for any of the two additional ways to enter. Combined comments will be only be counted as one entry. You can earn 3 entries total!

It's wrapped up all pretty waiting to go to it's new owner! Thanks for participating in my first giveaway!


A winner will be chosen using random.org on Friday, March 19th at 5pm.
Deadline to enter will be Friday, March 19th at 12 noon.

Downeast Basics Company!

My niece wrote to me about Downeast Basics, a company she found with affordable, cute clothes and I have to agree! There are many "Anthro" like items here and the price is right! Here are some of my favorites.

Tuxedo Top $16.99

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Jcrew catalog look - from the men's section!

While waiting for the verdict on my LoL tunic, I changed into this - mimicked from Spring Jcrew catalog- the men's section.

Shirt: Tilly's
Sweater: Merona Target
Jeans: Old Navy Diva Skinny
Flats: Banana Republic flats



Taken from this page of Jcrew Catalog!