The Black Friday Madness!

It's funny.  I'm a major shopper, but I have NEVER been into the Black Friday madness.  I guess it because I really enjoy my shopping experience and I also enjoy sleeping late in the morning, and getting up way before the sun rises doesn't really sound like fun to me!  So, I've never partaken in the review of the sale flyers....checking out the deals and setting the alarm for the wee hours of the morning to get that TV for $ 50 less! 


When the stores decided that early morning hours weren't early enough and we had to get things going on Thanksgiving day, after the consumption of turkey and all the trimmings.....well I did hear a lot of people who hit the stores at midnight, Thanksgiving night (or really early Black Friday!).  Mike, Sarah and I decided to try it - to be spontaneous and adventurous, if not a little insane.  Not because we needed to get anything - or think that the deals would be great....just to say we've done it!

We finished our Thanksgiving meal - and all the dessert that comes with it....then waddled home.  We sat down to watch the Lady Gaga Thanksgiving special - Sarah and I did - and Mike tried to shut his eyes for a while, before we hit the Miromar Outlet shops at midnight!  We hit the road about 11:30pm - ready, comfy clothes on and ready to go.  We hit the Germaine Arena - the parking lot just north of the outlet mall and noticed lots of cars.  As we pulled closer to the mall - we noticed a lot of cars.  Panic hit us!  OMG!  Really?  We pulled in to a parking lot - full with parked cars.....and more parking lots across the street - down the street - all over the place......packed!  "Do you guys want to stay?", Mike asked.  "NO WAY!"  was the response by both me and Sarah. 

Sarah was afraid and frankly, so was I!  First of all, the bargains couldn't have been that great.  And secondly, there is nothing that I need that badly to go hiking down the street at midnight!  Insane. 

The only thing I wish I could have done - is people watch.  I'm sure I could have seen some interesting sights!!!

Happy Holidays!

It's been so long (almost 5 months??)

I haven't been blogging.  I have been doing some shopping. So, my year of "no shopping" has turned into a year of "some shopping".  Maybe that's why I haven't been blogging, because I couldn't really be honest with the whole "no shopping" thing. 

I have finished an (almost) six month fitness program, so I felt like rewarding myself with some new hip clothing.  Not that I didn't have new hip clothing in my closet, but I guess I like trying on new clothes and buying new things.  (that isn't anything new, which is the bulk of the problem!) 

I'm not "not shopping", but I'm not buying as much as I did before, you know?  I still like the occassional bargain - I did get some cool designer jeans, "Seven for Mankind" and "Red Engine"- a great find at my consignment shop/friend's alert message - buyouts from a store that went out of business.  So, I'm thinking my $ 180 jeans that I got for $ 37 was a great deal.  And I bought some for Sarah as well.  And my *** (that's 3 Dot for you non-shoppers) dress that I got for $ 35.  I do relish in getting great deals. 

I went to NYC went my hubby - who showered me with birthday celebrations - jewelry, surprise party - and I was totally surprised!!! - and a trip to NYC (a place he doesn't really like to go to.....).  We had a wonderful time - so much that I just might have to start travelling more with him!  (I think I might have commited to a bowling trip in May???).  Anyway, my sister Nina met us there - and that could only mean SHOPPING!!! 

We did the obligatory trip to Chinatown to scoop up some great "imitation" goodies.  I love my excursion to Chinatown - the crazy Chinese people, the ducks in the window with their heads on, the dim sum, even the fish market doesn't bother me.....well, maybe the eels kind of freak me out - oh and those GIANT frogs....ick.  I have to say, I like being whisked off into the alley ways and going into the little side places with the rows and rows of great fabulous fakes.  No more.  It ain't the same.  Little Asian (not sure it they are Chinese - maybe Taiwanese) men - hook you up with Asian chicks - who shove folded pictures of purses in rows and different colors.  Then they radio some other Asian person, while you wait on the street corner.  Then they bring you something in a black plastic bag.  This is no fun.  All the fun is gone I say!!!  Disappointed.

I did find a guy with some "imitation bags" on the street - actually some nice looking fakes - I think the guys was from South America or an Island (are they the new Chinatown???).  But, by this time, my husband was asking the age old question, "how many purses do you need?"  Like I could ever answer a silly question like that!!!  Need.....or want......or have to have??????  So many different anwers.

I promise to blog.  I can't say that I promise to not shop.  I am hunting down some holiday gifts, so that might kill my urge for myself.  I'm still working on my addicition.  I think I will always have my addiction - but try to sustain it a bit!

Been round the world and back again!!!

I have returned from the BIG whirlwind trip to Greece, France (Paris) and the UK (London), with my sisters Nina and Joanna, and my daughter Sarah.  We were gone for 2 weeks and had a fabulous time!  (more about that later!).

Prior to departure - I have to admit - I did falter a bit, but in my usual fashion - can justify everything!  I started spending some of my "monthly" allowance around spring break time and then started the big push to prepare for the trip.  Since I've started my "fitness challenge" at the OMNI gym and have trimmed 15 lbs. off the bod and firmed out some areas that have previously not seen the sun in years.....I sprung for some new swim suits!  I think that purchase was justified.....what do you think?

Then, I purchased some appropriate walking/touring shoes, since my otherwise non- fashionista sister Joanna sent me an email link to an article about not wearing tennis/gym shoes in Europe (a major fashion NO), and I needed to follow that rule.  My purchase of a new suitcase for Sarah was nixed by Mike.  I wanted to replace the worn out duffle she took to China and found (what I thought) was a good deal at the AAA office.  That purchase would have come in handy when the bag started to fall apart in Greece.  We decided to drag it around and will have a major party burning it later this summer!!!

And of course, my exemption of "shopping while out the country" - well, I utilized that all over Europe!  I did buy the obligatory souvenirs - trying not to take up precious cargo space.  I bought a lovely leather bag in Greece and a pair of leather sandals (from the same leather maker).  Beautiful.  And in London, I wanted to buy a "funky" European outfit (more about that later!) - something that I'd actually wear in the States!  Believe me, the old Stacey would have gone nutso.....but the new, improved Stacey didn't!

So, I'm back.  On track.  No shopping.  Looking into my closet, I don't need to.  Even if I get to lose the extra 15 lbs. with my weight loss challenge....I'll wait.  Nothing I need right now....as far as clothing....shoes....purses.  So stores....see ya.....much later!!!

Whatcha been doing??

Hi - I'm back.  I've been working out like a fiend for the past eight weeks - some weeks not taking that coveted "day of rest/off" and doing a seven day workout week!  But tonight, it's my last night before the final weigh in the (yucky) bod pod - which measures your body fat/muscle ratio and is very persnickety from time to time.  Instead of cramming in that last workout - I'm at home on the computer because my body is rebelling against me and I've given in - to a stupid eye infection.  So, working out with my glasses is not my idea of fun and I feel icky since I didn't sleep last night - I kept scratching my eyes until I couldn't take anymore.  So, I will toast to myself tomorrow and continue the work that I've started in the gym.  Besides buying new workout stuff - I'm buying a gym membership for me and my husband!

My blog is going to be about that stupid "Battle Hymn of the Tiger mom".  As I mentioned a few blogs ago - I wouldn't make comment about the book until I actually read it.  Well, I received it from the library last week and ave been reading every night before I go to bed.  I really should have switched my reading routine, because after I would read, I wouldn't be relaxed.....but pissed off.

Amy Chau, the author, drives me insane.  Not only does she generalize the "Chinese way" in everything, she sounds like an uppity bitch, who doesn't have a warm,. compassionate bone in her body.

Now, I know plenty of Chinese parents and kids -I'm related to a lot of them!  My parents, for instance, had definite standards for what we did. And, we knew what was expected of us - and we either did it or didn't.  They mixed the Chinese way with the "western" way - because we live in the western world - not the Chinese world.

OK - enough of that.  Read the book - if you want to be angered.  I read it (most of it) but didn't finish it because it did anger me.  I figured she had her 15 minutes and I wasn't going to waste anymore of my time on her.

More later on!

Forgive me shoppers, I haven't been blogging!

It's been crazy.  Sarah was home for Spring break - kind of.....I mean she strolled in Sunday night (I think classes were done like Thursday??).  Headed to Orlando on Tuesday - back to Fort Myers on Weds., out to Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday; Fort Myers late Friday night - then, oh, back to Gainesville on Saturday.  So, I think we saw her like 36 hours?  And my only "real shopping" excursion was to Target!  Which believe me, can be quite costly, if you know what I mean! 

Then, my great friend Cate arrived from Canada - ready to shop like we were so used to doing when we can get together!  (It has been a long time, since she took three very long years to go to law school.)  So, with my "monthly stipen" on $100 in hand, I hit to the malls.  After careful consideration - combing the internet for what was out there and geez, what do I need.....I settled on some great comfy Clarks shoes - from the awesome people at Clarks Shoes in Coconut Point- to take on my upcoming trip to Greece!  That and a blue and white striped shirt - because hey, that's what is cool with white pants this year, don't you know.  And, my shopping excursion is done!

I haven't missed a whole lot shopping.  Seems like those styles from high school are creeping back again.  And, not really being too fond of them back then, I'm not jumping on them now - since I'm not really the high school clothes kind of girl right now!!  (not even the mother of a high school girl anymore!)

I have been working out.  A lot.  This Fit Challenge is....well, challenging!  In that I'm trying to get my butt our of bed early (which it doesn't really like) and I have been depriving myself of all those yummies (which I don't really like!)  But, I do like working out - discovering Boot Camp, Fight Club, Zumba and other forms of physical torture that are getting this body in some sort of shape.  My core is getting stronger - even if that number on the scale isn't what I want it to be.  I'm working on it.  Like everything in my life....it's a process.  I'm learning to be accountable - in all sorts of ways - and having control.  Control of portions - money (i.e. spending) - oh, what else!  But that morning thing....oh, that's hard. 

My most important purchase has been a new sports bra.  After all, support is good from all areas, right?  I'm there for you!!

It's All About the Clothes!!

Mike and I have been working deligently over the past two weeks -hitting the OMNI Club in Fort Myers doing the "Fit Challenge".  While Mike only works out in the "Boot Camp" - I've been adventureous in the other classes other than Boot Camp - like Fight Club, Zumba and working out with my great personal trainer Wendy. (who picked me because of my grey pumps - remember??)  I have been loving it. 

And of course, you remember that the scale needle (or the digital numbers) haven't moved much of anywhere.  And that's pissed me off tremendously!  But today I have on my skinniest of jeans that I could not zip up three weeks ago - when I decided to throw myself into this challenge!  I bought these (last year!!!) after I lost my weight and before I got lazy and stopped doing anything.  My size 8 skinny CAbi jeans.  And they fit. 

So there.  Even though the scale didn't move.  The prove is always in the clothes!!!  I'm determined to continue and try another pair of jeans that were a bit snug a few weeks ago - ok - very snug.  (so much I put them in the other room for future try ons!)  I'll try those next week!!  (or the week after.....)

As I was working out the other night - doing Fight Club and working my legs, I took a look at those lovely things my sisters and I call - CHEN thighs.  Something we inherited from our dad's side of the family - and something that has always driven me crazy.  Now mind you - I can always hide my CHEN thighs in the right clothing - there are always forgiving things you can do with clothes that make even the ugliest of features look ok.  And I've perfected that to an art - a shopping art!!  But standing there doing my squats in my spandex tight workout clothes - those lovely features stick out like a sore thumb.  A very big elephant in the room, so to speak.  Well, at least to me!  You can can't hide in the workout room - or in spandex workout clothes - that's for sure.  Ugh.  So far to go.

And someday, after numerous Zumba lessons, I hope to find the "inner Latino" in me - and get those moves that my Zumba teacher Rebecca does.  The Chinese genes did not supply me with the ability to move like she does!  I really think Latinos come out of the womb moving like that - to everyone else it's a learned trait.  A few more classes and I hope to move somewhat like her.  The simple fact that when she moves up on the stage with the wind from the fan blowing through her long black hair and when she's done with class she doesn't look like a drowned rat like me.....well....I'm not sure how much hope there is for that!   But I will keep trying.

So, hopefully, I will discover more clothes that were a bit tight and aren't so much anymore.  Because, it is all about the clothes, you know.

Fit Challenge - week two

I've been obsessed by the Fit Challenge and on Monday we had our first weigh-in.  I went in before Monday night's Boot Camp - pumped and ready!  Hopped on the scale - how much did I lose?  Nothing.....Nada.....zip.  Three days of Boot Camp, one night of Fight Club and two nights of Zumba.....nothing.  Watching what I've been eating and not drinking (ok, two light beers - that I recorded in my diet).  Really????

But, the proof is in the clothes (of course.)  My clothes that fit tightly here and there - don't so much today.  And that food baby growing in my belly - not there anymore - it's starting to go away.  The need for those control top undies, not so much these days. 

It really pissed me off that the scale numbers didn't move.  Really.  So, I pushed myself hard in Monday's Boot Camp.  Determination!!

I worked out with Wendi, the personal trainer tonight, who said she requested me to work out because on the day we came in to meet the trainers, I had some great pumps on.  Yes!  A fashion diva - she recognized me!!   I told her I loved extenuating my height by wearing pumps - and starring people down or in the eyes.  We had a great workout - aiming at twice a week.

Now that winter is gone from Southwest Florida - I'd love to buy some new spring items.  I'll be packing away those few warm items I have - won't be needing them for a while!  But, as I pull out the "summer wardrobe" - I will probably feel like "oh, that's new!" for now - so that will probably hold me for a while.  Hopefully.

And my friend, Cate, is coming from Canada in the next week.  We haven't seen each other in years and we always shop together - since we have the same taste in clothes!  We are planning a day at Coconut Point - just wondering how that will go.  (I do have my "reserve" to use - from January and February and March!!!
Keep you posted!

In the meantime, I think the only thing I really need are some good sports bras.......for the "girls"!

See you in the gym!!! 

My new obsession is working out!

I haven't had the urge to shop - staying away from the temptation does help a lot!  I have been very busy at my new commitment of "The Fit Challenge" at the OMNI Club in Fort Myers.  Mike and are on the "celebrity team" - they couldn't find any celebrities, so they asked us!!  Ha!  We are into day three - the first two days I did the "Boot Camp" - which used to scare the heck out of me - but I love it!  It's an intense 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of specific target areas (shoulders, arms, legs.....you get it).  The trainer tells you what levels to be in and counts you down in intervals.  It was a great workout - fast, intense, effective.  Loved it. 

Tonight I did the Zumba class - it was also great.  I've taken Zumba elsewhere - and it was also a great fast, intense workout.  The electricity went out twice and we kept moving until it came back on!  Another great workout (and I burned more calories than I took in!)

Tomorrow - I'm hitting the bag!  Going to try the Fight Club - like the training for the UFC fighters.  I'm excited to "picture someone's face on the bag" - who should that be???  Haven't figured that out yet!  (but I have an idea!!!)

So, other than really needing some new workout things - I'm not obsessing about buying anything.  If I don't see it - I don't need it.  Or I don't want it?  Hmmmm.......

Carry on......

  

Each day we learn something new!

I met with some awesome people the other night – we were gathering to celebrate the birthday of a dear friend who turned 48 (it’s her year – the Rabbit!).  She just found out that she has breast cancer and is facing a battle ahead of her.  In a whirlwind week, she discovered that she went too long between checkups – she’s been so busy at work in her PR firm here in Fort Myers.  So, her 6-month follow up checkup turned into 18 months – and now she’s rearranging her schedule for trips to see her team of doctors at Moffit and her upcoming surgery schedule.  I truly love this woman – we have been friends and PR colleagues for over 20 years – through new jobs, new husbands, pregnancies, births, toddlers, children, teenagers, deaths of friends and family – the whole gamut.  Through it all, we try and get together every few months for lunch, drinks and of course, coordinating our jobs together via sponsorships, participating in all events that we are working on! 

When we all gathered to celebrate her birthday and tell her how much we support her – I looked at all the people in the restaurant – people that I’ve known and worked with for so many years – people who I’ve shared so much with over the years.  We talked about things we were working towards – a cruise to Alaska with our spouses, weekends with our friends, just enjoying life here and there.  We talked about how we work and save to someday enjoy the fruits of our labor.  While we sip our wine and eat our fabulous Norman Love chocolate cake, we resolve to “not worry about the crazy things” and focus on what’s really important.  Our family, our health and being happy.  Funny, my father always said, "As long as I have my health, my family and (of course) food - I'm happy."  IAgain I say - my father was such a wise man. 

I resolve to not to be “reckless” – with money, my health, my family and friends!  There's just too much as stake and so much to lose!  Hugs for everyone.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Gung Hay Fat Choi…….(well that’s the way I always say it…..) and I know it does sound different when those real Chinese speakers speak.  It’s the Year of the Rabbit…..the year 4709!  Celebrate!

Getting ready for the New Year celebration – I’ve cleaned, cleaned, cleaned.  I’m sprucing up the fengshui a bit – taking a look at the bagua map and seeing where I need to move things in the condo.  I’ve scheduled my annual new year’s luncheon date with Jan, my Ox friend, for our dim sum meal.  I have my haircut appointment set for that day so I’m clean and neat for the New Year!  As I look through the checklist I’m stuck on the following –

“Buy new clothes for the new year”

Yea?  Really?  Are the Chinese gods and ancestors trying to torment me???  I’m not supposed to “Buy new clothes for the new year!!!”  Oh no!  And my subtle (Oh, not so subtle hint) of getting giftcards and having people buy me things just isn’t working out.  Oh well.  I have plenty of clothes for the New Year, even if they aren’t “new” and I’m not “buying” them!

The Chinese New Year celebration is a time of celebration; of eating, of course, thanking the gods for the past year and moving forward to good luck in the year to come.  I am thankful for the past year and look forward to a glorious new year.

So, Happy New Year – Gung Hay Fat Choi!!!

What makes YOU happy???

I had a fabulous dinner with a mall marketing friend of mine last night.  She is not very happy that I’m “no shopping in 2011” as the retail numbers from her mall are going to take a direct hit!  But, we did talk a lot about the reasoning behind my efforts for this year.

I told her about how I was shopping one day and said, “I need a new pair of black pants” and purchased a new pair at the Gap.  (It doesn’t hurt that I had to go DOWN a size!!!  Always a great reason to purchase new pants!)   I brought my new purchase home and looked at the other two/three pairs of great black pants that I had in closet and said, “why did I think this pair is any different than the other pairs?”  And the I looked at the black shoes…..and the purses….and the white shirts….and said the same thing.  Why did I think that that new purse would make me happy or feel better?  Because, as we know, things can’t make you feel better about yourself.  Only you can make you feel better about yourself.

So, that’s how I started it.  And why I continue it.  I’m finding that having dinner with my friend makes me feel happy.  Reading that great book I have by my bed makes me happy.  Writing this blog makes me happy.  Working out on the elliptical makes me happy.  Running outside with Buddy (my devoted Golden Retriever) makes me (and him) happy.  Not fighting about money issues with my husband makes me happy. 

So, I’m “redirecting”.  My happiness and yes, purchases.  I’ll still shop (although I didn’t touch January’s allowance money, so it rolls over to February….then March, when my friend Catherine is here escaping from the chilly Canadian weather!!!  We will be shopping at Coconut Point Diane….don’t worry!

How many years of therapy did it take???

I talk (on a somewhat non-regular basis) to an absolute wonderful marriage and family therapist who has helped me through some very difficult times.  I’d call her whenever I needed to talk things over – get some feedback on the things that are going on in my life.  I always say “I get it – I know what I have to do”…..and I go on with life!  My main directive was to “start doing things for myself or put myself first”.  I would always say, “I know…..I know!  And, I would start the vicious cycle of doing for others…..putting someone else’s wishes before my own. 

A few months ago – I spent a long weekend having a huge blowup “discussion” with my sisters on a three-way phone call.  A lot of things came to a head, including the underlying fact that I need to “put myself first – and do things for myself,” even at their expense of their first hand treatment.  “Yea, yea…..I know.” 

But something really clicked that time.  Not only was a doing a lot of soul searching in my personal life, but I was also doing some soul searching in my professional life.  I had been really happy doing sales and marketing…..but I was losing my drive.  I didn’t want to work for people who didn’t “appreciate” what I did for them.  And, frankly, I wasn’t interested in doing anything that didn’t excite me or interest me. 

So, I thought long and hard about my various positions in life – and thought about what I put into those jobs, what I got out of those jobs and how much I liked the job.  I did the old fashion pro/con list and just went down the line.  I realized that I got all my enjoyment when I “took care of people” – “nurtured them”.  Yep, I’m one of “those people” – and I think I’m pretty good at it!  I needed to work with someone who appreciates what I do – and how I do it.  And understand what I need to get back from the “relationship”- acknowledgment and (every now and then) some additional rewards.  I hope I’ve found it.

What does this have to do with no shopping?  A lot.  Getting the things you need from your relationship – be it work or personal, brings happiness.  So you don’t have look for it elsewhere – be it in the mall or that internet shopping site.  I’m trying to find it within.

Acknowledgement is the first step to rehabilitation

"Hi my name is Stacey, and I'm a shop-a-holic."  Don't laugh.  Because, I'm admitting it!  Out-loud and in print - for the world to see.

I'm not the glamorous "shopaholic" like in the series of books or in the same "shopaholic" category as the "housewives of _________ (fill in the name of the city)" tv reality series fame.  Just a working girl who loves to shop!  It's always been my "past-time of choice" - it was always fun and something to do when I was bored.  It was my hobby.  And, it brought me a lot of joy.

So now - now that my number one hobby is no longer an option for me.....I'm looking for something else to fill my time.  I'm still searching for that thing to do!  I've been reading ----I've read a lot of books in the past few weeks, probably more than I have in past few years!  And, I am trying to devote more time to working out - on a regular basis.  Get motivated and get fit!  And, I'm trying to do more writing, although the blog is the only thing I've written lately.  Maybe I'll do my own version of "raising kids the Chinese way!"

Back to shopping.  My massive spending habits started a long time ago.  When I first got the chance to “be away from home” and could spend whatever I wanted – when ever I wanted – where ever I wanted.  I never really got the lectures from my mother – and she knew it – they went in one ear and out the other.  She worried about me – the “daughter who would be like her – the one who would have to work like a dog all her life” – is what she always said.  And I listened to her like all children listen to what their parent’s say to them…..not really. 

And I continued my “evil ways” – buying and putting on credit cards.  Not “making a dollar and spending 50 cents” as mom would tell me.  And she warned my husband when we got married about the way I was.  I worked – hard all my life – not in high salary generating careers, but in things that I enjoyed doing - TV journalism, advertising/public relations, marketing and eventually sales.   I was happy – taking care of my family and my parents.  And of course….my hobby of shopping!

I got into the credit card habit…..and did have to get bailed out of my credit card bills – not by anyone – but myself.  I refinanced my house; paid off the cards – cut them up.  Then started all again.  And again.  Enough! 

Then the bottom fell out.  The years of 2008 – 2009 – 2010.  Difficult years.  My parents; my job; my house; my savings.  I think everyone reacts differently to loss and you really don’t know how it will affect you until it happens.    

For me, I've reflected inward.  Looking at myself and what makes me happy.  Although shopping always made me happy, the aftermath did (and does not).  I realize that I can't be happy with "stuff".  New stuff....better stuff....the "perfect" stuff.  Doesn't do it.  I've realized what job makes me happy.  What relationships make me happy.  I realized how to put "me first" and go into things looking for making me happy - not trying to make someone else happy.

It's been a journey.  Don't want to fall into the same trap, you know?   

I have had no urges to shop!

I've been very busy this weekend - I was expecting to be spending it with my sister Nina, who unexpectedly had to postpone her visit to sunny Florida so Eric could get some work done!  But also, she really needs to get over her sickness - especially before she comes down south!  (So many northerners come down sick and spread all your germs down here.)  So, instead, I cleaned and purged.  I decided to print out some more pictures and display them around the condo - and I'm motivated to re-do the back bedroom, so I'm surfing the web looking at elements to put together a design for the room.  Kind of a modern office/man cave.  Still a work in progress!

I have received some funny comments from my "retail" friends, who feel like I'm going to put certain stores on a sales slump and make their numbers look bad!!!  Oh well.....I never got anything for being the sales catalyst in the past.....so there!  You are on your own!  I am not going to cave into that economic pressure by the retailers. 

I have said to people that in my "cleaning up" and throwing out things, I am adamant about only keeping things in my closet that I feel "great" in.  If it tugs where it's not supposed to, or if just not comfortable or something like that.......it's out of here!  And shoes.....don't get me started!  I refuse to keep shoes that aren't comfortable.  Because why bother???

Be back soon.......

The "shopper shares the wealth"!!

I spent an enjoyable (but very cold!!!) weekend in Baltimore/Washington DC this weekend - celebrating my cousin Lisa's 50th birthday!  (Way before me, I have to say......)  I left the beautiful 75+ degree weather of Southwest Florida for 30-ish degree weather in the Nation's capital!  Mike had a good suggestion (before he lost his voice....) that I should have sent Lisa a ticket to Fort Myers instead of me making the trek.  But, I got to see Anita, Cyra and Andy and stay in their wonderful (and warm) house in DC; see the birthday girl and say hi to mom and dad.  So I packed up my two cashmere sweaters (along with all the other cotton ones.....) and headed north.  It was a great trip and I escaped before more cold weather arrived on Tuesday!

I went shopping - (I know....bad!) - with Lisa, so she could buy something "youthful" for her birthday celebration.  We hit Macy's - where everything was on sale!  The old Stacey would have been tempted to buy something - since the sale was so great.  But, not only did I not need anything- and I can't buy anything - I have learned that as much as I'd like to buy something that is cold weather - cool shortie warm boots - or sweaters, scarves and coats.....I don't need them in Florida!  And my flat black boots (that are about 7 years old) are still looking great because I don't wear them that much and they never get "weathered!". 

But, my big thing was that when Lisa checked out - I whipped out my case of coupons and gave them to her.  And she saved money on her purchase!  Being the good shopper that I am - I always have all my coupons that I get from stores - tuck them in my special coupon pouch - so they are with me if I need them.  But, since I'm nt shopping - I don't need them!  But, I'm here to share the wealth.

After the big party - Lisa's daughter Amy wanted to go shopping for boots. Great "fashion boots" - although Lisa thought she should get some warm boots.  So, when we checked out what was available at DSW, I whipped out my coupons! As all faithful DSW shoppers know - their coupons have an expiration date on them - but they never expire!  So, I whipped out my big 30% off coupon (which had a Nov. 30, 10 expiration date on it) - and gave it to Amy!  Wow!  Then Lisa purchased some "shortie warm boots" and used the other (expired) coupon and saved more. 

So, I got my thrill by watching them save money on their purchases.  And, cousin Lisa gave me a shirt she didn't like - so I gained a new top - (which I can wear now, since the weather is awesome!!!) - and still have not purchased anything. 

I am trying.  Really.  Thanks for the support.

Setting Goals and keeping it in check

I went to a very interesting "Women in Business" meeting sponsored by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce tonight.  Not only because it was the first time in about 1 1/2 years that I've been in the Harley Davidson dealership since my husband had the "doors of opportunity opened for him" - you know what that means......but because the topic was setting goals for yourself.  The new year brings the opportunity for people to make goals - resolutions (are they the same???) about the new year.  Exercise, lose weight, eat right.....those are usually some of the resolutions people make each year.  (I think I did earlier in this blog!)

The panel of women talked about the past year - one woman thought 2010 was an awful year; another thought the year before was worse and 2010 was a bit better.  I thought 2008 was bad - too much lost for me, as you know.  But 2009 brought more losses, in a different way.  My daughter Sarah went off to college and we "downsized" from our (dream) house into the condo.  And for me - the loss of my purpose.  I found myself trying to find me - I needed to "reinvent" myself.  So, 2010 was an interesting year for me - a year of changes and 'self-discovery", which was good.  More interesting, I think.  One woman on the panel said she had to "re-define" her goals - because her business wouldn't survive in the changing economy.  And that's how her business survived. 

I too, think I changed my goals.  By changing my entire focus!  I spent so much time soul searching....trying to figure out who I am and where I fit in to the whole scheme of things.  What makes me happy.  Who really knows?

They say that when your nest becomes "empty" and you go back to being you and your spouse, people need to re-invent their relationship - or really, find out if you have one.  I re-invented myself - which, I don't know - is that harder, or not?  I guess it is both re-inventing me and re-inventing "us" - which, I think is harder. 

So when I think about the goals that I have for myself for 2011.....well some are resolutions and some are goals.  The "no shopping" is a goal; the "not be excessive" is a resolution.  The "be happy" is a resolution; the "find what makes you happy" is a goal.

Enough said.

I'm feeling the love and support of all!

Hi - it's day 4 of the new year and I haven't had to fight the urge to shop.  Maybe because my body feels like a big lug and I'm trying to get back into the swing of things!  Last night's Zumba class was awesome and I successfully sweated like a pig!  (that's a good thing.)  I'm also feeling peppy and ready to maintain a continuous workout.  (Although Charlie did not like his new cat collar and leash - so I don't think I'll be walking the cat anytime soon.....just Buddy, who always loves his walks.)

The brisk Florida weather is helping me continue my wardrobe selection.  I can put together outfits for warm or even chilly weather, but throw in 40 degree temps and I'm out of my element.  (Layering cotton over cotton doesn't really warm you sometimes.)  And, I don't want to purchase wool - icky....itchy!  Or cashmere - although it feels good - when do I wear it?  So, my out of town friends who I visit in the wintertime will see me in my few warm items - that I've worn over the years and will keep around just in case.  Otherwise, my warm weather waredrobe is awesome.

I'm going to post some pics soon - I keep saying that, but having gone through any of them yet!  I'm going to throw together my first "swap" date - a good time after the holidays are over to get rid of things we are tired of!

Switching my email address is a good way of not getting all those email coupons that I used to- from Lord & Taylor's (do we even have one close???), Nordstrom's (the mother ship), JCrew - ugh!  Anyway, not letting those people know my new email address has stopped the influx of coupons and sale notifications in my in-box!!! 

Ok, as the queen mum says, "Stay calm and Carry on!"  (that's for you Rich.....)

Wow! I forgot I had these!

Yes, you will be hearing me say that a lot, I tell my husband. I look around to the various places that I can hide clothes - you know, those boxes, drawers and closets in other rooms where I stash things.  And I'm amazed at the things I have there!  I do have a lot of clothes.  And I do have a nack to putting things together (outfit wise that is....) so I should be able to put together so many different outfits in the next couple of months!  I am serious about the wearing only things that make me feel good.  Right now I have on a pair of fabulous CAbi pants - that are so comfortable and stylish - and am thinking of all the tops I can mix and match with these - and change the looks all the time.  I really need to do the "ten basic pieces of the wardrobe" and see what I can come up with.  I"ll start posting pics, I promise!!!

And today I am starting to eat right again - no more holiday baking anymore.  I made my brother-in-law's family nutbread recipe (which I haven't had since Mom Langenmayr stopped making it.....) and it was delish.  I am saving it in the freezer for Eric when he and Nina come to visit in two weekends!!!  We will be eating Sonny's and nutbread all weekend.

I'm headed out to Zumba tonight with Cathy and I'll hit the bike in the morning - or the roller blades tonight!  We will see.  Gotta get moving again.

I'm also focusing on fixing up the office/man cave.  I'm finally ready to part with mom and dad's desk - it is kind of big for condo, but I wasn't ready to let it go just yet, and I think I am now.  We will see.

So, it's new discovery time.  Finding long lost clothes in the back of the closet - and re-discovering my knack for putting together outfits (Nina's fashion advisor, again).  And discovering that I'm not going to put up with things that I just don't love to death.  Watch out!

Happy New Year! The game is on!

Hi all!  I hope everyone had a safe and festive Happy New Year 2011!  It's 1/1/11 - very exciting time for all of us - lots of new ventures to begin!  I'm excited about the No Shop 2011 and accomplishing this goal.  I did the feng shui thing and cleaned, cleaned, cleaned today - getting all of bad chi out and welcoming the new year with good chi.  I de-Christmased the place - so all the holiday things are put away until later on this year.

After cleaning out everything - I was pooped and ready for some relaxing fun.  So, what better than to go shopping!  Except I'm not shopping today -of all days!  So, I cleaned out some more - this time my car!  Why not feng shui the car as well for the new year?  OK - day one and good to go!!!  364 more to go......

I will continue to clean out - the closets and drawers of things I don't need anymore - are out of style or i just don't feel "great" in anymore.  Just like I have decided not to keep shoes that aren't comfortable anymore - I'm not keeping any clothes that I don't feel awesome in!  If you don't like it - or feel like a million bucks in -don't keep it!!!

Happy New Year all - hope 2011 brings wonderful things to all of us!!!