Thanksgiving Updates

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! Ours was fabulous! As I said before, my parents came to Memphis and we had a great time.

I am truly obsessed with shopping because my internal clock woke me up at 4 AM on Friday morning because I knew that Saks and other stores would be sending out their black Friday sale emails. I promptly woke up, scanned, ordered, and went back to sleep.

Shopping on black Friday is a tradition that my Mom and I have taken part in for years! I know some people think people who shop on that day are crazy, but I really do enjoy it. Honestly, we really weren't planning on going shopping until I saw the Target ad that had a steam mop that was originally 100 dollars on sale for $49.99- the mission was set.

When bargains come around I become like a vulture on the hunt for the kill. We didn't even leave the house until around 8 am, but we made there just in time as I ran inside and snatched up the VERY LAST Bissell steam mop that someone had cleverly hidden behind another kind of mop (nice try). I also got a set of Christmas topiaries and garland on sale at Target and a hard drive for Rob for a mere 50 dollars!

Honestly, I am not that impressed with the steam mop. I was really expecting it to clean and shine my hardwood floors, make them smell good, dry them, and do my dishes as well, but really, it just made them look kind of streaky and worse than they looked before I steam mopped them. You definitely have to go back over them with orange glow to get them to shine.

We also put up the tree this weekend! I went a little overboard with our Christmas decorations this year. I think we're the only house on our street with our decorations up this early, but oh well!

Oh, and HOW DID I FORGET to talk about my ultimate Black Friday deal? Get on your snuugggiiiieeeee!! Snuggies were on sale at Bed, Bath, & Beyond for 9.99 with the free book light.

Not to change the subject, but today is my sweet husband's 25th Birthday! Happy Birthday!!!

Don't forget to check out my new yard sale listings!

Did you all score any good deals on Black Friday?

New Yard Sale Listings & Markdowns

I have listed some great items over on the yard sale blog including La Mer, a Burberry Purse, a pair of boots, and several clothing items.

Also, check the new markdowns for previous items.

As always, email me at PIPMblog@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing an item.

To view the Yardsale Blog- CLICK HERE

Conquest

I got the LAST Bissell Steam Vacuum for 49.99 at Target this morning. SUCCESS! Be back this weekend ... currently traversing black Friday sales with Mom.

Giving Thanks

I want to wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday! This year I have so much to be thankful for! My loving and supportive family is top of the list! Also, I am thankful for all of you that I have met from the blogger world- you all are great!

One of the perks of being an only child is that my parents can come to me since there are no other children!!! We are having a great visit and will be partaking in the Thanksgiving meal tonight and shopping it up tomorrow ;)

Just Throw It In The Bag ...

I decided I will do a little series called, "What's in the bag?"- detailing what I keep in my make-up bag, skincare bag, purse, etc. I would love for other bloggers to do this as well so we can all see what new or hot make-up that each of us is using!

Today, we will be exploring what is in my make-up bag. First of all, I got these lovely Tory Burch make-up bags shown above (with the exception of the blue metallic one) from my ATL blogger girls for my Birthday! They are the best!

Here are my items laid out- I am a pretty simple make-up girl. I don't do anything exciting with my make-up, I like to keep it natural. I splurge on make-up simply because I do not use much.

Here is my make-up routine:
1) YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch Stick- this is AMAZING concealer people! It is VERY light but has little bit of irredescence to give your eyes a glow.
2) YSL Multi-Action Concealer- I only use this if I am feelin' really rough.
3) Laura Mercier Pressed Mineral Powder- I apply this with a bronzer brush.
4) Laura Mercier Warm Bronzer Mineral Powder- Again, I apply this with a bronzer brush ONLY to my T-zone or the places the sun would hit my face naturally.
5) YSL Combo Blush- I love how it has 2 colors, but with the mix of the brush you get an overall blended effect.

6) YSL Ombre Solo Double effect eye shadow in (4) and (5)- I like neutral eyes, so these two colors are perfect for me. I do a base in the (5) which is the lighter pink and then I do my creases in the (4) which is smokey.

7) Laura Mercier pressed eye liner + Trish McEvoy Finish Line- this Trish finish line is a MUST HAVE for people that don't use a liner stick. I have always liked applying liner with a brush and liquid instead of with a pencil. The finish line is a liquid that you drop into your pressed liner powder that allows the liner to glid on easier and helps it stay on A LOT longer than if you just used water- trust me, i've tested it.

8) YSL Singulier Mascara- this needs no explanation. Go buy it today.

9) Rosebud Salve & YSL Pur Lipgloss- I can't live without Rosebud Salve- It's simply amazing for chapped lips. Also, the YSL gloss is great.

Glitter, Sparkles, Sequins Everywhere!

Trend radar is back and is buzzing away at the trend of all things that SPARKLE! Sparkles are very in style right now, and people are wearing them ANY WAY that they can- shoes, dresses, skirts, headbands, belts ... you name it!

We shall start with the beginning of my sequin obsession, the lovely Kate Spade and her sequin variation of three different styles. Jessica at The Love List is lucky enough to own these amazing shoes in the flat version!



Can we just talk about how beautimous these sequin shoes are? They are perfect in every way!

Next, look at all of these beautiful sequin dresses! I literally swoon every time I browse sequin dresses. I NEED New Year's Eve plans just to be able to wear one of these hot little numbers!





And I can't leave out this TDF dress that Kate over at Elefantitas Alegras mentioned on her outfit of the day blog.

The good thing about these sequin dresses is that they just so happen to come in all shapes, sizes, and prices! I have seen some adorable ones from Forever 21, Saks, Neimans, & other stores alike! They are everywhere!

Santa Claus came early at our residence, and you better believe glitter flats were on my list! Thanks to the lovely hubs, I got my Christmas present a little early :)

Questionable

Would I be a complete freak if I got all 3 of my dogs snuggies? If you've followed my blog for a while you will recall that I got a snuggie for myself last year. I think it's time for my pups to follow suit, what do you think? BWAHAHAH.

Powder it Up!

I am about to share a little secret product with you all that I have been using for years. It adds volume to your hair, conceals roots, keeps your hair fresh, and can prolong the life of a blow-out ... do I have you wondering what it is yet?

HAIR POWDER!!! Aka- dry shampoo. I swear by this stuff. It is absolutely amazing. I am currently using the Oscar Blandi powder kind. I also love the Oscar Blandi spray powder as well as the Bumble and Bumble. In my research, I have found that I like the actual powder application better than the spray application.

Hair powder is great for blondes because it gives us the ability to conceal our roots (so my hair isn't really this color naturally ... sooo?). Do not fret dark blondes, brunettes, and red heads- hair powder comes in colors as well for you gals!

Hair powder saves me on so many days that I do not feel like re-styling my hair. For me, I have an intense blow-out process with a round brush when I get out of the shower. The process takes around 30 minutes and makes my arm feel like it wants to fall off. Some days I love to just get in the shower with a shower cap and apply hair powder for a freshly washed look.

For example, here is me sans hair powder:

And here is me with hair powder:

See the difference?

Now, go check out hair powder options HERE.

Resort/Pre-Spring in November- Yay or Nay?

Just like every fashion season, I begin to get a little stressed out when websites start promoting and selling items for Resort and Spring during November and December. Yes, I am sure there might be some who are going island hopping this time of year, but it still irks me to see spring lines this early! I am just now trying to build up my sweater dress collection- I am not interested in looking at the latest Tibi bathing suits and sarongs or the up and coming YSL sandal.

Am I the only one that gets fashion anxiety when websites and stores start carrying upcoming fashion season duds waaaay early? Trust me, I love the fashion world and you would think I would be used to this by now, but this theory and tactic is one that I have never understood. If you ask me spring clothes should start coming out in March, not December and January. Can I get an amen?

With that being said, it doesn't hurt to just peek at some Resort/Pre-Spring items, right?

2009 Holiday Cards

First of all, thank you all SO MUCH for the Birthday wishes yesterday. I am so fortunate to have such great friends that I have met through the blogging world.

This is the first year that I am sending a Holiday card and I am so excited! Now that I am married I feel it is acceptable to send a Holiday card!

Of course, I enlisted the talent of the lovely Jessica of Front Porch Studio to design our Holiday cards.

I wanted something a little non-traditional, yet still with a classy feel.

We decided to use my "signature" print since I love it so much -- we just switched the colors around to be more "Holiday".

What do you all think? I know the "woof" part is a little corny, but come on, we are a little corny at times, no?

Happy Birthday to Me + Giveaway Winner

Well, it's official- I am 25 years old TODAY!

To take a little trip down memory lane, here is me blowing out my 1st Birthday candles in 1985:

I was in a southern city for work Thursday-Saturday morning, where I met up with the always fun Caroline of Through Rose Colored Glasses. We ate Mexican and shopped it up ... we even picked out the exact same dress at Anthropologie without knowing!

Saturday I drove back to Memphis and had my Birthday dinner with Rob and our couple friends.


I wore my dress from Leona Collection, an up and coming designer who graduated from the University of Alabama! Her designs are adorable and I was so excited to finally get a piece from her new line. Check out her website HERE.

Now it's time for the Clarisonic Mia giveaway winner! Drumroll plllleaaassse!

The winner is:

Mommy, ESQ. Please send me an email with your address and I will get the Clarisonic out to you ASAP!

I hope you all have a great Monday- it's not the best day for a Birthday, but at least I had a fun weekend to boot!

Celebrate Shopping with Charity Shopping Pass

For my Memphians out there- the Junior League of Memphis, of which I am a member, is starting their 2nd annual JLM Charity Shopping Pass today. The pass lasts from November 13-23. The pass is $40.00 and gets you 20% off at several local retailers, including my favorite store, Joseph. I used this pass last year to get my YSL Muse and will be using it again this year for a new handbag!!!

The passes are being sold at the JLM House on the corner of Central Ave. and Highland, or you can purchase one from a table at Laurelwood, Saddlecreek, and other shopping centers.

To read more about the pass and see the participating retailers, click HERE.

All proceeds of the pass go to charities supported by the JLM.

Capes, Ponchos, & Wraps, OH MY!

The trend radar has picked up on another fun and exciting trend for fall/winter '09- capes & ponchos! I have always loved the look of the classic poncho (think Burberry), but this year fashionistas are taking a leap with fun and creative ponchos, wraps, & capes. If this trend is a little too much for you, you might want to try the oversized sweater trend that is similar, but still very in style!

Let's examine-

I just adore this Vince Caplet ... so much that I bought one for myself! I love that it has slit sleeves which make moving around easy, because let's be honest, sometimes moving your arms around under a cape can be difficult:

This is taking the trend a little far (as in this poncho is as big as a semi-truck), but I do think it's cute for the right event (maybe a football game in the winter). Okay, or maybe it just looks reminiscent of a snuggie, but I would totally rock it:

If that is too much, try this oversized sweater that still gives you the look of the "cape", yet it has sleeves:

I do love this Theory Caplet sleeved jacket, very sleek:

Also, I am a fan of this oversized sweater jacket by Theory:

And we can't forget the classic poncho, the Burberry poncho/cape:


Will you all be partaking in the poncho/cape trend? Do tell!

Birthday Excitement!

Well friends, my Birthday is Monday, November 16th and I will be the big 2-5!

In celebration of my Birthday week, I am having an appreciation giveaway for my loyal readers!

This little puppy is up for grabs:

The Clarisonic Mia- a must have for clear complexion!

I was going to giveaway Latisse, but I'd rather not get sued if any of you were to have a bad reaction! Better play it safe :)

All you have to do is leave a comment by midnight November 15th, Central time. Please do not enter if you do not regularly read my blog. Comments will be deleted if I think they are just people "trolling" for a giveaway.

The winner will be announced on my Birthday, November 16th!

Sales Galore-brought to you by your favorite enabler!

I am "that girl" that wakes up every morning with 35 new emails- no joke. Not from people I know or facebook, no no. They are all from Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Pier 1, Pottery Barn, Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, etc. etc. etc.

It has become kind of fun to wake up and immediately reach for my iPhone ... I scan through all of the emails checking for any that might say, "HUGE SALE 50% OFF-EVERYTHING FREE"(wishful thinking) and immediately delete them all if none catch my eye.

I thought it would make a fun and festive post today to share some current online sales with you that you may want to take advantage of ...

First and foremost, if you haven't joined Rue La La yet, do it NOW! Now until December 24th you will get a TEN DOLLAR CREDIT for joining Rue La La ... HINT HINT- if you already joined, join again with another name and get another 10 dollar credit ... shhhhhhhh! Click HERE to join.


Second, Bloomingdales.com is offering 20% off all purchases (even sale!!!!!) for their Friends & Family promotion! Since you all are my FRIENDS head on over and use the code HOLIDAY for 20% off your entire purchase.


Third, this is the time of the year to hold off for online sales! I wanted several Milly, Theory, and Loeffler Randall dresses a few weeks ago, but held off and VOILA- they were all on sale last week on Saks.com. Black Friday always has some great online sales through Saks.com as well as NeimanMarcus.com. Also, these website almost always offer free shipping this time of the year because they know that Holiday shopping is right around the corner!


Fourth, Jcrew is offering FREE SHIPPING with NO MINIMUM (which they never offer) when you sign in to your jcrew.com account.

Image and Offer brought to you by http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/

Lastly, Neiman Marcus is reducing several things tomorrow through Thursday ... be sure to check it out:


Oh, and don't forget to check out According to Nina's blogsale for some great deals by clicking HERE.

What are you all currently lusting over? Will you be taking advantage of all of the Holiday sales online?