Big Joz has been wanting new dishes for a while now, but I was perfectly content with what I had. Yes, the Pfaltzgraff Heritage we eat from dailiy is over 19 years old and some pieces are definitely showing their age. But I like my dishes. They are my wedding dishes. And food looks good on them. They are simple and traditional...you know, like me. Besides, if he'll get rid of our dishes, what's next? ME?? I digress....
For the last few months, anytime we'd go someplace that carried dishes, we'd look. But of course, nothing came to close to making us love them the way Heritage did.
Wednesday afternoon we were at Belk and Big Joz caved...he found some he liked...A LOT! They are called Oneida Lava or Oneida Effects Lava, depending on where you're looking. The original price on these little jewels is $100 for four 4-pc. place settings. That's 25 bucks a place setting, which if you broke it down by four pieces, maybe it doesn't sound too bad at $6.25 per piece, but that's another story. Luckily, they were on sale for the low, low price of $69.99. Geeshhh--still way too much for me to pay for dishes when I have a cabinet full of white aged dinnerware at home.
Yesterday's mail brought 15% off coupons on sale items in the Home department at Belk. Last night (ok, really it was more like 1:00 this morning!) on the Belk website, they had Big Joz's new favorite, modern Lava dishes 75% off--that's right--$25 for the $100 set (that's $1.56 per piece, you math nerds!)
The "Completer Set" (platter & vegetable bowl) was also 75% off (down to $17.50 from $70).
So, today I head off to Belk with coupon in hand and proudly announce that I wanted four of those $25 bargains. The clerk politely told me that I must be mistaken on the price. Uh oh. Please don't tell me I'm wrong. That just doesn't happen you know. I insisted that I was going to pay the online advertised price of $25. In all her smug certainty, she took the box to the register to scan it to "verify" the $69.99 price for me. Lo and behold, it was she, not I, who was incorrect!!
So tonight, I've been unwrapping our new dishes. I ended up buying four sets (16 place settings) plus a completer set for $106.86. But wait...there's more! When I got home, I realized I had a credit on my Belk card (because I had paid if off earlier this year and overpaid by $100). So, in essence, today I purchased $502.90 worth of dishes for SIX DOLLARS AND EIGHTY-SIX CENTS!!!!
Merry Christmas Big Joz!
Love,
Your favorite Bargain Hunter
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tammy The Trainer
This morning was a little different than my other mornings have been.
In an effort to not look like I do right now on my 40th birthday (which is January 29, 2010--mark your calendars now so you won't forget!), I have taken the personal trainer plunge. Seeing as how I'm unemployed and broke, I thought this was a smart move on my part.
Got to bed late last night and was up early this morning...little drizzling rain action going on, so of course, after the kids are off to school, what do I want to do? Go back to bed!!
However, I reluctantly go to my first scheduled visit with "Tammy the Trainer". She seemed nice enough...until she started abusing my body. Here's how it went down:
I started on the treadmill, going really fast and really steep...you know, like I almost have to run...uphill...for a whole FIVE minutes!
Then I have to go do some stuff on the "Smith Machine". The Smith Machine is not my friend. I do push ups, pull ups and all kinds of stuff on it.
After that comes squat lunge things. I look really ignorant, I'm quite certain, but Tammy the Trainer says I have great form. After my legs feel like jello, I do the elliptical for another five minutes.
Then back to more things that make me look stupid, only now with a big bouncy ball. I would prefer to just sit and bounce on it, but Tammy the Trainer says crunches would work my abs a little more, so I do some of those, then each side, then back to the middle.
At some point, I go do the bicycle...thank God--it's easy! Oh no, Tammy the Trainer jacks that thing up too! At the end of the 45 minute cruel and unusual punishment mission, I use some weights and squat, then reach to the side, squat, then reach to the other side. At this point, I collapse in the floor, then it's over.
So, here's what I've learned from Tammy the Trainer...I'm an Apple; she's a Pear. I have great calves. She has beautiful white teeth and beautiful red hair. And she's out to kill me.
In an effort to not look like I do right now on my 40th birthday (which is January 29, 2010--mark your calendars now so you won't forget!), I have taken the personal trainer plunge. Seeing as how I'm unemployed and broke, I thought this was a smart move on my part.
Got to bed late last night and was up early this morning...little drizzling rain action going on, so of course, after the kids are off to school, what do I want to do? Go back to bed!!
However, I reluctantly go to my first scheduled visit with "Tammy the Trainer". She seemed nice enough...until she started abusing my body. Here's how it went down:
I started on the treadmill, going really fast and really steep...you know, like I almost have to run...uphill...for a whole FIVE minutes!
Then I have to go do some stuff on the "Smith Machine". The Smith Machine is not my friend. I do push ups, pull ups and all kinds of stuff on it.
After that comes squat lunge things. I look really ignorant, I'm quite certain, but Tammy the Trainer says I have great form. After my legs feel like jello, I do the elliptical for another five minutes.
Then back to more things that make me look stupid, only now with a big bouncy ball. I would prefer to just sit and bounce on it, but Tammy the Trainer says crunches would work my abs a little more, so I do some of those, then each side, then back to the middle.
At some point, I go do the bicycle...thank God--it's easy! Oh no, Tammy the Trainer jacks that thing up too! At the end of the 45 minute cruel and unusual punishment mission, I use some weights and squat, then reach to the side, squat, then reach to the other side. At this point, I collapse in the floor, then it's over.
So, here's what I've learned from Tammy the Trainer...I'm an Apple; she's a Pear. I have great calves. She has beautiful white teeth and beautiful red hair. And she's out to kill me.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wax On, Wax Off
I went for my first bikini wax today. Left my dignity at the door.
Pud & I are leaving for the beach with friends of ours Friday. I'm SOOO excited!! However, given my larger mid-section, I knew that my bikini area had not had the proper attention paid to it as of late, so I scheduled a wax. The day I scheduled my appointment, I read online about a woman dying following a bikini wax because she developed cellulitis. That's comforting. I could die because I'm fat.
My friend told me to take some Advil before I went. I would rather have had a glass (bottle) of wine. But, since I had to come back to work, I didn't think the alcohol would be my best option. Besides, that may add to the risk factor of cellulitis, I don't know.
I was scared to death and nervous as a whore in church before my appointment. Thought about canceling, but remembered that I can't see the Bic down there. And I remembered how Big Joz's mother looked on her first day at the beach...like she was "trying to smuggle Chewbacca in her underpants," said my sympathetic husband. I didn't want that.
I walked in to the day spa and this very nice girl led me back to a quiet room (with rather bright lights for a day spa!). Now, I had already given the lighting situation some thought. I am typically not really a modest person, but the idea of having my nether regions on display for a stranger to do something really hurtful to me freaked me out a little. Then I realized that the stranger would have hot wax around my nether regions...maybe it'd be best if she could actually SEE what she was doing!
She asked me "how much" I wanted her to do. I explained to her that I didn't want to embarrass myself or others by the sight of me in a swimsuit (refer to above comment about Big Joz's mom). I wanted to get my money's worth, but there was no need of exposing the full monty.
She then handed me a piece of dental floss with a small triangle-shaped one-ply napkin. I could wear this if I felt more "comfortable". Really?? At this point, it's like childbirth...I was on display for a stranger to have her hands touching parts of my body that are for my husband's pleasure, not hers.
And so, the torture began.
Actually, it wasn't as bad as I had expected (must have been the Advil!). I just wish it could have been as simple as one big rip off rather than several smaller ones. After a while in the same area, I got a little sore. Then she pulled out the tweezers. And keep in mind, we were just talking and laughing the entire time. That seemed to put me at ease a little, though.
So, I'm no longer a bikini wax virgin...Laura took that from me. All in all, it's not something I will look forward to doing again, but when the time comes, maybe I won't be quite so freaked out.
Pud & I are leaving for the beach with friends of ours Friday. I'm SOOO excited!! However, given my larger mid-section, I knew that my bikini area had not had the proper attention paid to it as of late, so I scheduled a wax. The day I scheduled my appointment, I read online about a woman dying following a bikini wax because she developed cellulitis. That's comforting. I could die because I'm fat.
My friend told me to take some Advil before I went. I would rather have had a glass (bottle) of wine. But, since I had to come back to work, I didn't think the alcohol would be my best option. Besides, that may add to the risk factor of cellulitis, I don't know.
I was scared to death and nervous as a whore in church before my appointment. Thought about canceling, but remembered that I can't see the Bic down there. And I remembered how Big Joz's mother looked on her first day at the beach...like she was "trying to smuggle Chewbacca in her underpants," said my sympathetic husband. I didn't want that.
I walked in to the day spa and this very nice girl led me back to a quiet room (with rather bright lights for a day spa!). Now, I had already given the lighting situation some thought. I am typically not really a modest person, but the idea of having my nether regions on display for a stranger to do something really hurtful to me freaked me out a little. Then I realized that the stranger would have hot wax around my nether regions...maybe it'd be best if she could actually SEE what she was doing!
She asked me "how much" I wanted her to do. I explained to her that I didn't want to embarrass myself or others by the sight of me in a swimsuit (refer to above comment about Big Joz's mom). I wanted to get my money's worth, but there was no need of exposing the full monty.
She then handed me a piece of dental floss with a small triangle-shaped one-ply napkin. I could wear this if I felt more "comfortable". Really?? At this point, it's like childbirth...I was on display for a stranger to have her hands touching parts of my body that are for my husband's pleasure, not hers.
And so, the torture began.
Actually, it wasn't as bad as I had expected (must have been the Advil!). I just wish it could have been as simple as one big rip off rather than several smaller ones. After a while in the same area, I got a little sore. Then she pulled out the tweezers. And keep in mind, we were just talking and laughing the entire time. That seemed to put me at ease a little, though.
So, I'm no longer a bikini wax virgin...Laura took that from me. All in all, it's not something I will look forward to doing again, but when the time comes, maybe I won't be quite so freaked out.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New Bed
I've got a little day trip planned today. I'm going to Selmer (isn't that a funny name for a town) this afternoon. My dad is meeting me there to pick up my niece and nephew who have been visiting since Saturday. I'm glad they got to come. Really.
On the way back, Bud, Pud & I are going to stop in Tupelo and run a few errands. We're going out in the middle of nowhere to buy a new bed from some nut case. Big Joz found the ad in the paper last week. The seller is rude as hell, but he has a brand new queen-size Tempurpedic mattress, box springs & platform for $400 (retail price--$2K+). Seems as if he went to a furniture store auction and ended up with several. Lucky us.
We love our king-size Tempurpedic that's in our bedroom downstairs. Mimi & Grandpa will be getting that bed when they come. The guest room will become Big Joz's & my new little love haven once they get here. We're going to be replacing the full-size bed that's in there now with the new queen. The full bed is OK for a night or two, but for something longer-term, it would be very uncomfortable (that's how we've tried to keep guests at bay--having a yukky bed). Just kidding. Really.
Anyway, since we're getting a new bed, we also need new...bedding! Big Joz and I talked it over during last night's anniversary dinner. Since we're buying new, let's just go all out and buy something absolutely fabulous, luxurious and delicious (translate--very expensive). However, being the practical person that I am and all (don't laugh), I thought we should be a little more reasonable. Besides, I don't think the oak furniture would give the lush, grandiose & extravagant fabric justice!
I've kind of for a long time secretly desired for a yellow bedroom...BUTTER yellow, of course! So I was thinking of a butter yellow, sage & white room. I had the perfect yellow quilt in mind. But, I don't think that'd look real good with the gray paint that's on the walls right now, though. And, since Big Joz is being such a good guy today, repainting a bedroom is just not something I'm going to put on his honey-do list right now. Too bad, though, because he also agreed that yellow would have been an option for him.
So, we decided to stick with our current color palette of gray, garnet & navy. Hopefully I'll find the perfect garnet down comforter today.
On the way back, Bud, Pud & I are going to stop in Tupelo and run a few errands. We're going out in the middle of nowhere to buy a new bed from some nut case. Big Joz found the ad in the paper last week. The seller is rude as hell, but he has a brand new queen-size Tempurpedic mattress, box springs & platform for $400 (retail price--$2K+). Seems as if he went to a furniture store auction and ended up with several. Lucky us.
We love our king-size Tempurpedic that's in our bedroom downstairs. Mimi & Grandpa will be getting that bed when they come. The guest room will become Big Joz's & my new little love haven once they get here. We're going to be replacing the full-size bed that's in there now with the new queen. The full bed is OK for a night or two, but for something longer-term, it would be very uncomfortable (that's how we've tried to keep guests at bay--having a yukky bed). Just kidding. Really.
Anyway, since we're getting a new bed, we also need new...bedding! Big Joz and I talked it over during last night's anniversary dinner. Since we're buying new, let's just go all out and buy something absolutely fabulous, luxurious and delicious (translate--very expensive). However, being the practical person that I am and all (don't laugh), I thought we should be a little more reasonable. Besides, I don't think the oak furniture would give the lush, grandiose & extravagant fabric justice!
I've kind of for a long time secretly desired for a yellow bedroom...BUTTER yellow, of course! So I was thinking of a butter yellow, sage & white room. I had the perfect yellow quilt in mind. But, I don't think that'd look real good with the gray paint that's on the walls right now, though. And, since Big Joz is being such a good guy today, repainting a bedroom is just not something I'm going to put on his honey-do list right now. Too bad, though, because he also agreed that yellow would have been an option for him.
So, we decided to stick with our current color palette of gray, garnet & navy. Hopefully I'll find the perfect garnet down comforter today.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Have you missed me??
I'm not sure anyone reads this anymore. Well, except for maybe my PECA friends. But now that I know there's at least somewhat of an interest, I'll try to do better at keeping y'all in the loop with the lives of Mama Joz, Big Joz, Bud & Pud.
For now, though, I'm going to go back to bed. Was there for a while, but couldn't sleep. Since Big Joz was tired and all, I thought it best that I get up and try doing something to make me sleepy. So I balanced my checkbook. That just made my stomach upset. Then I opted for a glass of wine. That just gave me the heartburn.
Big changes are in store for all of us in the not-so-distant future. Stay tuned.
Completely off the subject, but is anyone else sick and tired of the Michael Jackson news?? I'm sorry if this offends any of you (you know, the ONE person who reads it!), but dang--he's a freak of nature who molested children...Beat It, Michael...good riddance!
By the way, Big Joz got called "Papa Joz" tonight...I kinda liked it. So, if you hear me talk about Papa Joz, don't think I'm referring to Big Joz's dad or anything.
For now, though, I'm going to go back to bed. Was there for a while, but couldn't sleep. Since Big Joz was tired and all, I thought it best that I get up and try doing something to make me sleepy. So I balanced my checkbook. That just made my stomach upset. Then I opted for a glass of wine. That just gave me the heartburn.
Big changes are in store for all of us in the not-so-distant future. Stay tuned.
Completely off the subject, but is anyone else sick and tired of the Michael Jackson news?? I'm sorry if this offends any of you (you know, the ONE person who reads it!), but dang--he's a freak of nature who molested children...Beat It, Michael...good riddance!
By the way, Big Joz got called "Papa Joz" tonight...I kinda liked it. So, if you hear me talk about Papa Joz, don't think I'm referring to Big Joz's dad or anything.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Words on Women & Strength
As a daughter, mother, sister or friend, please watch and read:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Anniversaries
Yesterday...Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary to my grandparents!!
Today...Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary to my in-laws!!
My husband and I are so blessed to have such awesome examples of long-standing marriages so close to us.
My own parents would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in September, but they decided to get one of those heart-wrenching divorces after 35 years of marriage. Seems they each had been miserable long enough. However, that's another story for another day.
We've been through quite a lot together, my darlin' and me, after over twenty years of putting up with each other's sh..tuff! One thing's for sure, though, I sure don't want to imagine growing old without him! I want Bud & Pud to have to plan a fancy, dancy, schmancy, golden wedding anniversary party for us!
Merry Christmas Eve...hope Santa's good to all of you!
Today...Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary to my in-laws!!
My husband and I are so blessed to have such awesome examples of long-standing marriages so close to us.
My own parents would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in September, but they decided to get one of those heart-wrenching divorces after 35 years of marriage. Seems they each had been miserable long enough. However, that's another story for another day.
We've been through quite a lot together, my darlin' and me, after over twenty years of putting up with each other's sh..tuff! One thing's for sure, though, I sure don't want to imagine growing old without him! I want Bud & Pud to have to plan a fancy, dancy, schmancy, golden wedding anniversary party for us!
Merry Christmas Eve...hope Santa's good to all of you!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
I'm still around!
Just wanted all my friends (especially those at PECA...whatever the hell that is!) that I'm still around. Just busy. I'll be back in action soon I hope!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Disappointment
Today at noon I had an appointment to get naked and let some woman rub all over my body. Now before y'all go and think I've gone lesbian, let me clarify.... I had an appointment for a massage. I just love a massage!
I've had some soreness under my right shoulder blade and some uncomfortableness in my lower back that I knew she could work out for me.
Amidst the dust, noise and mess of getting a new ceiling, and paint fumes from the work room getting painted here at work, I was very much anticipating a break this morning. So, the time came. I pulled up to the curb and walked ever so excitedly to the door...that was locked. I waited a few minutes, thinking she just might be in with another client. I then called the number on the door where an impersonal machine took my call. It had no idea how disappointed I was.
Unfortunately, the woman with the hands of magic had forgotten to mark my name in her calendar. My hour of relaxation was whisked away.
I've had some soreness under my right shoulder blade and some uncomfortableness in my lower back that I knew she could work out for me.
Amidst the dust, noise and mess of getting a new ceiling, and paint fumes from the work room getting painted here at work, I was very much anticipating a break this morning. So, the time came. I pulled up to the curb and walked ever so excitedly to the door...that was locked. I waited a few minutes, thinking she just might be in with another client. I then called the number on the door where an impersonal machine took my call. It had no idea how disappointed I was.
Unfortunately, the woman with the hands of magic had forgotten to mark my name in her calendar. My hour of relaxation was whisked away.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Potatoes
I just love a potato!
Mashed, creamed, baked, fried, twice-baked, stewed, roasted, scattered, smothered & covered, with gravy, without gravy, in a soup....
Butter, salt and cheese are my favorite "go-withs" to a potato.
My Mimi makes the best mashed potatoes ever.
I don't particularly care for raw potato.
Or sweet potatoes. However, I make a sweet potato casserole for the holidays that's supposed to be really good...I usually eat just one bite to say I have.
I like instant potatoes, too.
I just love a potato!
Mashed, creamed, baked, fried, twice-baked, stewed, roasted, scattered, smothered & covered, with gravy, without gravy, in a soup....
Butter, salt and cheese are my favorite "go-withs" to a potato.
My Mimi makes the best mashed potatoes ever.
I don't particularly care for raw potato.
Or sweet potatoes. However, I make a sweet potato casserole for the holidays that's supposed to be really good...I usually eat just one bite to say I have.
I like instant potatoes, too.
I just love a potato!
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