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Thursday, December 9, 2010

My Online Shopping Advice

-Always have a ruler or tape measure handy. Even though you think you know what 28.5 inches looks like it is always best to measure while on the computer to get a visual. I always do this and it saves me from overestimating sizes.

-Understand that colors on your computer may be different in person. I often have been looking for the perfect item in a perfect shade of yellow, and online you really risk colors. All screens alter the color, along with how the item was photographed.

-Don’t forget to check return policy. Not that the amount of time you have to return the item, check how it needs to be repackaged. A lot of times it needs to be returned in the same box it was shipped in. Some companies also mail to you return address labels, keep these handy if you do change your mind about your purchase. Also, check if you pay shipping and restocking fee or if it’s free. Zappos.com has the best return policy of any store I’ve seen online.

-Check online coupons. Before checking out, open up another window and go to www.retailmenot.com and type in where you are shopping. It will then generate all online coupons associated with that website. It’s great!

-Shop with a protected payment option. Paypal and Amex protect most of your online shopping for greater security against fraudulent stores and sellers.

-Subscribe to online shop e-mails. I get tons of daily e-mails of coupons and limited sales to those who are subscribed; it’s very helpful but also probably makes me buy more than I should.
-Join 1-day shopping sites. The new thing is one day sales up to 80% of retail prices of designer brands like BCBG, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc. Sites are: www.hautelook.com, www.ruelala.com, www.beyondtherack.com, and www.ideeli.com are my favorite although there are plenty more.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Tis the Season


When moving to Knoxville I was a bit disappointed at the lack of homes that decorate with Christmas lights. I think it is also a new trend to do less, greener yes, but I still enjoy a house with 100,000,000 strands of lights on it. One of my favorite traditions is driving around listening to Christmas music, in pajamas, drinking hot cocoa and looking at the lights. I do have to stay that in Knoxville you can see awesome cars like the truck pictured here, one point Knoxville. Looks likes this topic is a tie.


Cheers!



Friday, November 12, 2010

Design Inspiration from INDIGO HOTEL in Asheville, NC

I spent Halloween weekend in Asheville, NC for Moogfest, an awesome new music festival. We stayed at the Hotel Indigo and were able to get a private peak at the penthouse condos for sale, which I totally wanted to buy. If you picture my before pictures, insert in the beutiful colors and furniture from the hotel and this is what my vision is for our home. I would never leave home.













The House BEFORE shots

Bryan and I have our work cut out for us. We are moving in 11 days! WOW! We are packing like crazy. I wanted to post the BEFORE pictures because after we get in there will be many AFTERS. For those who saw our downtown loft, we love color and we love to decorate. We need to start off with the front steps, a new roof, painting, and a new garage/party deck. Kicthen and bathrooms are on the list but may take a little longer to do. I will be posting lots of decor idea pictures for many opinions.


























New Restaurant- Night Owl

Last night, Bryan and I went to Night Owl restaurant for the first time. I hated to admit that there is a restaurant 1 block away from my door that we hadn’t tried. We went in with a blank slate because we had heard mixed reviews. I really enjoyed it, we had excellent customer service and I value good customer service. The chef came out several times to check on guests. The food was delicious! I ordered the veggie burger and Bryan the burger. My veggie burger had sweet potatoes and walnuts in the patty which I had never tried before. I will never make another veggie burger with walnuts now, it gave it great texture. The waffle fries were also delicious. My two cons were the prices were a bit high, I’m cheap and also they don’t serve beer or wine. You can however, go across the street to Aisle Nine and bring in a six pack which we did. Overall, I want to go back and try another item. I hope the menu changes with the seasons.








Sunday, November 7, 2010

90 Day Health and Fitness Challenge

I am so into my work's 90 day staff incentive health and fitness challenge! It's a point challenge with raffle tickets given at every 100 points you earn and a grand prize dinner if you get 200 points per month for 3 months. We have become pretty competitive at work. We can get points if we walk 10,000 steps per day (recommended for beginning health benefits from walking) attending classes, tracking our calories and bringing in a vegetable tray (without dip). I am only doing the pedometer challenge right now but I also plan to attend some classes. I really want to win the raffle prizes. We have over twenty staff members participating and I think I'm trailing in 4th place. 

I never knew it would be so hard to get in my 10,000 steps a day. On days that I walk to work, walk home for lunch and talk the dog out for leisurely walks 10,000 steps is easy. Days that I drive to work and have a lot of meetings 10,000 it a large stretch, I have done 10,000+ each day but sometimes I'm walking around the house before going to bed. 



Does your job do any health challenge? Have you ever tracked your daily steps?

Stop Motion

I love this blogger/photographer and overall creative diva http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/. This is one of many creative projects of hers.

Monday, October 25, 2010

I got caught!

Yes Julia, I have slacked on my blog. I needed your push to get me back into the swing of things. Things have certainly changed from this time last year when I was over my head in wedding blogs. Now, I am soaked into all things home design, being a new vegetarian and trying to figure out what 'wife' means. I think my blog may be going a new direction, I don't feel comfortable enough to talk weddings, I feel so removed. Hope that's okay with everyone :)

So, this morning my hubby and I made an offer on this cute house. Fingers crossed that we can make this deal work. I'm trying to not get too attached. I know you are laughing, I get attached easily. 




Sunday, August 29, 2010

$7 Wedding Dress?!?!

Talk about DIY and budgeting! This bride spent $7 on her wedding dress. I LOVE the chairs, it's so fun! More photos:http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/08/angie-and-tysons-diy-wedding.html


Sunday, August 8, 2010

Engagication Photos

Bryan and I spent some time reflecting upon our great trip to London and Greece in 2008 when we got engaged. He's truly the best travel partner and will forever be my carry on.



















































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