Antique Market Find

Occasionally I troll antique markets looking for something I "need" that some old person owns. I realize I'm stereotyping the average antique market seller as old - but have you ever been to an antique market? If not, they are 90% of the time old/retired folks selling items. Now, I have no issues with them, personally I find antique markets entertaining and could care less who is selling their goods. Honestly at least someone out there is willing to keep me entertained by unique, sometimes moldy smelling goods.

Last week during one of my many weekends spent in St. Joe I went to check out Antiques on The Bluff. First, I'm glad it's a dog-friendly market otherwise I would be unable to support it. Lake Orion has a non-dog-friendly farmers market, of which I do not support. Overall, I thought Antiques on The Bluff was impressive. I'm sure it was one it's biggest weekends, being Labor Day Weekend and all. My one lovely purchase was the great fleur de lis pitcher above. I love anything with French ties so of course, I love anything with the French royal symbol of fleur de lis.

As an experienced market shopper I first look through the whole market to make sure there isn't anything more worth my money. After trolling the entire market I realize the only thing I "need" is the pitcher and return back to purchase it. After negotiating the price with the seller he asks why the Boy Scouts pitcher is appealing. I inform him the pitcher isn't a Boy Scouts pitcher, simply fleur de lis are on the pitcher. Yes, the boy scouts use this symbol but I'm pretty sure French royalty were around before Billy and his Boy Scouts. Clearly his knowledge of his goods was lacking. Anywho, the pitcher is clearly now is a better home where it's symbolism is more appreciated.

TJ Maxx Adventures

The older I get the more deal-focused I become. Recently (by recent I mean within the past year) I've become addicted to the clearance sections of Nordstrom's Rack and TJ Maxx. Overall, I enjoy these stores no matter what, and Ryan can attest I'll spend hours trolling the racks looking for deals. Sometimes when I'm bored I'll just troll around looking for deals. Today I went to TJ Maxx searching for a reusable wine tote, similar to the Built totes, to no avail, only lunch pails to be had.

But I wasn't disappointed instead I scored a pencil holder for my desk on clearance for $3 and it's cute. I strongly considered purchasing a Gaiam yoga mat tote bag on clearance for $3, but then realized I already have a tote that can also carry my yoga block thus the mat-only bag is useless. Other products in consideration from the TJ's clearance rack: 2 red doggie dishes with dog prints for $3/piece. My willpower won here as Jillie's current dish works fine and I couldn't tell if they were dog prints or cat prints. Whenever I need party gifts or prize gifts my first stop is the TJ's clearance area, for a recent party I scored a candle, a bath/body set, and a stationary set all for $3-$4/each. Considering they were all cute and/or smelled nice that was a win in my book. My key to gift giving is to always make my money so as far as possible and get the most for my money. How appropriate that the Rue La La Final Sale is today & tomorrow.......

Ma Vie Dans La D

Translation: My Life in The D. I feel like that sounds so much cooler than it really is.....ah, life.

In the past 2+ years I've lived in many cities. 2 major ones at that. From Kalamazoo to Chicago to Portage to Lake Orion. I like to think I'm a classy nomad. In each city I live in I try to find cool things to do (easy in Chicago - difficult in Portage). For example, if there is a farmer's market nearby you can bet I know about it, and these days if it's dog-friendly you can bet I visit.

In Chicago, my favorite market was the Randolph Street Market - if you haven't been I highly reccomend it. I scored a gorgeous antique clutch - that later became my wedding day bag. I missed out on an adorable popcorn bowl set that I still look for today (damn it!). In Portage, I was a weekly patron of the Chesteron Farmer's Market (still the best farmer's market to-date, there is a cheese shop that I still order from via online) and the Portage Farmer's Market (in Portage I rode my bike with basket & all to stock-up). Which brings me to Lake Orion and The D, my two best events so far: The Eastern Market and the Pontiac Silverdome Drive-in. Eastern Market was great - I scored 2 hanging baskets for $5 and some great deals on produce. No vegetarian can pass that up. The Drive-in was great because a. it's dog-friendly! b. what's not to love about a Drive-in. However, my biggest mistake with the drive-in was not bringing my own food....rookie mistake! Next time, I'm bringing lots of my own snacks and a cooler for my bevs.

Hopefully more fun events in the D to come, those are just my 2 favorite thus far.

The Bachelorette

This season I've gone again started watching crap TV.....hey, there isn't much on during the summer months! The Bachelorette has reeled me in as their precious viewing bait. Sad, but true. Every Monday night I sit in front of my TV wondering just who Ali will choose....Frank, Roberto or Chris (because lets be real those are the top 3). I'll tell you what's going to happen because I am an excellent facial expression reviewer. Ali LOVES Frank, but Frank like many American men has commitment issues. It's an age old issue Ali, just deal with it. And Frank, did you really think going on a reality dating show would help you get over your commitment issues? Next, Roberto let's be honest here Ali just wants to hook-up with Roberto, one & done. Classic. Chris has the true husband potential, however he's from the Northeast and she's from the West Coast, done & done, not gonna happen. Overall, great casting Chris Harrison & ABC. Looks like Trista & Ryan are still your only fairy tale story.

Last night was probably the most entertaining, Justin's voicemails....priceless. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Shouldn't have screwed your girlfriend over TWICE!

Ah, it's the small things in life that entertain me....like reality TV...life at it's classiest.

Am I Invisible?

Last night I was getting dinner at the local Panera Bread (let's be honest I'm no cook). I place my order and patiently wait at the pick-up area for my dinner. No one else is around at the time and the two "Panera Professionals" were supposed to be making my sandwich and instead they were slightly screwing around. Not that I truly cared honestly I was in no rush, it was a Wednesday night after all. However, after about 5 minutes a couple walks up to the waiting are and are told by the "Panera Professionals" there food will be ready in just a minute. Wait what about me, I've already been waiting?! This was the first sign I was invisible. Then after 2 minutes more the "Panera Professional" tries to hand my food to the female half of this couple!! This was a turning point for me where I learned that I truly am invisible.

Blog Blackout

I know I've been MIA in the blogging world for 2 months! That's craziness....how are all my old friends and co-workers supposed to keep up-to-date on my life without my blog. Well have no fear wedding season is here. And boy, will I have lots to blog about. I'm in 3 weddings this summer and last weekend was the start of a long wedding season to come. My dear friend Angie had her bridal shower last weekend or I should say I hosted it! That's right the hostess with the mostest...c'est moi!

During my 2-month blogging hiatus Jillie graduated from intermediate dog class and is now a dogcamp regular boss. She was also attacked by a bitchy Shiba Inu at the park. Jillie is sort of a wimp or princess, as I like to think. Basically she's not guard dog hence my desire for a second canine companion with guard dog qualities. I'm voting for a doberman. Better than Brinks, because it will kill a burglar.

Prius Test Drive #3

I consider myself a bargain-hunter/shopper and I am no different when it comes to buying a car. If I could go to an auto auction I would but I know nothing about cars so that wouldn't be of any use to me. I've been closely watching Autotrader to scope out the stock and today I found a decently priced Prius from some import dealer. After a bit of searching I became slightly worried it was a place run by the Russian mafia. Trying to not be judgmental I figured I would give the place a fair shot.

Well I show up and go into the front door (which was unlocked) and no one is around. After a few "hellos" and thinking to myself this is how all horror movies start (dark, rainy, shady looking building, with no one around) I return to my car. I figure I should at least drive around back and scope things out, I pull up and it appears this is where some cars go to die or maybe be revived as many were new but wrecked. Again with the Hitchcock music playing in my head I continue my auto adventure. I walk into the garage again with the "hellos" and the first Russian greets me (doesn't speak English) I attempt to explain I'm there to look at a Prius I saw online. He leaves and out comes the boss, who speaks English. I explain why I am there again and he then disappears to get the keys and comes back with the keys and a battery starter....wait, so you're telling me the car doesn't start? This is the first thing that comes to mind. Well no, the car parked behind it wouldn't start. Anyways the car looked nice but I'm not confident it would be the smartest place to purchase a vehicle....

And my search continues tomorrow with some Toyota dealership in Clinton Township..

Need: New Whip

Last week I took my Alleycat aka Oldsmobile Alero (2001 edition - classic) to the shop for a "routine" check-up. Only to find out she needs $990 worth of repairs and soon. She is leaking coolant into the oil pan....grrrrreat. Well as you can imagine my current whip is worth about about the same amount as those repairs so that's a no-go. As of last Thursday I am currently in the car market. Some whips in contention (please stop reading now if you are an American car only kinda person)

• Toyota Prius (duh, what car matches my personality better than a Prius). Potential concerns: does it drive well in the snow? I've heard repairs are expensive and batteries need to be replaced often. Has the whole recall issue, has it been fixed?
• Hyundai Sonata. Went to drive a Mazada 6 and saw this car and decided to drive it. Solid whip, solid price, Ryan loves it. Gas mileage is mediocre as this is a full-size sedan.
• All compact cars and SUV's are ruled out
• The only potential GM car in contention is the Malibu which isn't that appealing

Today I went to test drive a Prius and the salesman was horrible. Knew nothing about the car - I was basically selling the car to myself....horrible and disappointing. My search continues but who knew car shopping sucked so bad.

Dog Daycamp Week 3!

Jillie will be starting week 3 at Petsmart Doggie Daycamp this week! She goes once a week and spends the entire day at camp. The first week I was really nervous, maybe she wouldn't make friends, what if the other dogs didn't like here. Well no worries here, Jillie made lots of friends, as usual. Her first 2 weeks have gone well and all the employees at Daycamp know Jillie and I well now. (Probably know Jillie well and I am probably just Jillie's Mom.)

Week 1 her "pawgress report" said she made 3 new friends and week 2 she had made 5 new friends....she has to be the most popular dog in camp by now. I'm going to attribute this to her being maniac. Jillie is rarely worn-out...not after daycamp, dog parks, runs, walks, etc. Last Monday, while completing our taxes (and evidently neglecting my dog) she ate a pair of my work pants. Yes, literally ate a hole through them. Awesome. Ah, the joys of being a dog owner. At the moment, she is quitely sitting in my lap (clearly, she loves this blog post) but at a moments notice that cuteness changes into her being a maniac.

Taxes Are Done!!

Woop woop!! I just completed our taxes for 2009. It was no small feat either, I completed our federal and 3 states (Michigan, Indiana and Illinois). Unfortunately, my least favorite state is also the state we owe money to! Damn you Hoosiers and that would happen. Now that my taxes are done I can update my followers on my most recent life adventures....



My first ticket...thank you Auburn Hills Police for solving the world's toughest crimes and making a grown woman cry on her way to work. Last week after taking my dog to her first day of daycamp I was pulled over for speeding en route to the office. All the usual attempts to get out of my ticket were epic failures....balling my eyes out, the fact that I still had an out-of-state license and was new to the area....this guy meant business. To make matters even worst my license was confiscated!! What am I a convict?! Well no, it's because I was technically from out-of-state and evidently they don't want me skipping town and not paying my ticket. Later that day I had to go post bond of $20 and get my license back....BEST.DAY.EVER. Don't worry friends more to come here in the next 1-2 months I'll be receiving my court date so I can make my plea in court. Power suit please....

Anywho life lesson learned....don't speed in Auburn Hills and don't speed when you are out of your homestate!

We Are Famous!!

Well no not really, my blog isn't that popular...yet. However, our cake did make it on Dee's website! We also just found out our wedding pictures will be put into a local Southwest Michigan magazine to advertise our florist. And who says I have bad taste.

Thank You Gilt Groupe

It's been awhile since I've trolled the wonderful sample site that is Gilt Groupe. Lord knows I don't need to be on there anyways. The only sale I can never pass up if the Cole Haan shoe sale, which was today!

Now, this summer I am in 3 weddings!! (Don't worry I'm not that popular, it just so happens nearly all my girlfriends are getting married this summer.) Now I was hoping I can wear silver shoes for at least 2 out of 3. Hence the need for shoes and these Cole Haan's are perfect! Plus, so comfy because they have the Nike Air technology, great for standing all day!! Double bonus I had a $25 Gilt Groupe credit (Thanks Jess!).

Dear Michael Buble....I Love You

Sorry Ryan :)

It's true is concert is now less than 1 month away!! Hooray because I am in the 15th row! When I bought the tickets the concert seemed so far away and now it's almost here. After I bought the tickets I get some concert updates now and the most recent was informing me that the tour is sponsored by Nordstrom's. How appropriate my favorite chain (Nordstorm Rack is my favorite store) and my favorite singer.

When Allergies Attack!

This weekend was quite eventful in the land of dogs. Jillie had an allergy attack. Yes, my poor baby got very sick and had to go the puppy ER. We don't know what caused the attack, and most likely never will. For the next time we are armed with meds, in case of a puppy emergency.

I had never seen an allergic reaction in a dog before, but right away I knew that's what was happening. How can an 11-pound dog get so sick and swollen so fast, only one thing, a severe allergic reaction. Since we were out-of-town it was doubly difficult, as we couldn't contact Jillie's regular vet. We called literally every vet office in Southwest Michigan to find someone who would treat our dog on a Saturday night. Finally we got ahold of Dr. Ed in St. Joe, who paused spending time with his kids to come and rescue my kid. First, we gave Jillie a 25 mg Benadyrl for the ride to the vet. This helped stop the swelling increase (at this point Jillie looked like a Basset Hound). At the vet Jillie was given a shot to reduce the swelling, itching and vomiting. We were given pills in case this ever happened again. Like an ever-ready mom they now get prominent positioning my purse, which is always with me.

Why do I share this story with my 5-10 followers. To let you know all know what a puppy allergic reaction looks like and how to treat it....immediately give your dog a Benadyrl and call the ER vet.

Turbo Tax Adventures

It is looming on the loved/hated tax season. Some people love it because they get large returns, some people hate it because they owe the taxman money. I'm indifferent, but I hope for a big tax return....new shoes, jeans, sweaters or that new parka I've been dreaming of...well a girl can dream. Most likely my tax return would buy my dear dog Jillie for new toys & treats.

Ryan and I are advocates of Turbo Tax and this year we upgraded to Turbo Tax Deluxe (I'm hoping for a bigger return as a result). Retail value of Turbo Tax Deluxe was $59.99, but being the bargain shopper I scored it at $39.99. Thank you Office Depot, for price matching the lowest found price. Saving money is like getting something for free, it's a win-win, win for the company because I bought their stuff, and a win for me because I saved money.

There is an indoor outlet mall near my house, yes it is problematic. Last time I was shopping there at the Off Saks Fifth Ave (yes, as great as it sounds) I signed up for their loyalty card. (Yes, I own many loyalty cards.) In my email last week I received a 25% off entire purchase. Now, I definitely need to hurry back before the coupon expires. I just can't pass up a good sale, never have been able to and never will.

Palazzo Di Bocce

Down the street from my house there is this massive Italian-inspired building with an LED sign outside always advertising their current dining specials. I kept wondering what is in that building because it's too big to just be food. The the title says it all it's a Bocce Ball Palace. Amazing....seriously, amazing. Oh the things you'll find in Lake Orion. We have yet to visit but obviously it's high on my priority list now.

Dogwalker Search

Yesterday was my first official dogwalker interview, and boy was it interesting. Through care.com I've had about 20 applicants to walk Jillie. My first interviewee had a nice profile, dog sitting experience and seemed legit. However, her profile went over much better than she did in-person....waa waa....so my dogwalker search continues.

This Friday I won't be able to let Jillie out during lunch so she is going to Doggie Daycare at PetSmart. I think she'll do well there, small dogs are separated from the big dogs, which is good because she is scared of big dogs. If doggie daycare goes well I might opt for that against a dogwalker unless my search improves. I emailed a few applicants back, we'll see how that goes.

Yesterday, we had a quick vet trip and Dr. Corey informed me that Jillie is probably part Italian Greyhound, which is far more interesting than a Rat Terrier (well, interesting sounding). After doing some research on Italian Greyhounds, I can definitely see that in my Jillie. Typically, they are very cat-like in nature and want to be lap dogs....Jillie covers all these....although she is a selective lap dog....she has LOTS of energy. They can also run up-to 25 miles/hour, and let me tell you...Jillie can run fast. I wouldn't clock her in at 25 miles/hour but she also isn't a purebred Italian Greyhound. They typically weigh 8 - 18 pounds whereas a Beagle weighs between 18 and 30 pounds. This could account for Jillie weighing in at 11 pounds.

Somewhere in her DNA is a mix of a few different doggies, but they all make one cute little doggie for me.

Doggie Weekend

Last weekend my sister and Kraig came to visit with Linus (their mini dachshund) and it was Jillie's first weekend with visitors in the house. Luckily, it was a success and Jillie made a new doggie BFF. The video is one of their many wrestle fests. I was really proud of Jillie for doing so well with a new dog. She was able to even wear Linus out because she has so much energy (borderline insane). This Friday she starts doggie classes with the beginner class at PetSmart. I think she'll be the best dog in the class because I've been working on training her myself. She has been able to pick up some commands pretty quickly. Some 10-year old girls at the dog park taught her how to sit. They were doing a class project and wanted to meet Jillie, who was happy to oblige.

My current task is working on Jillie's separation anxiety, which has steadily been improving. Instead of letting her go insane when I get home from work, I make her sit and wait till she calms down before I give her attention. I also leave the TV on while I'm gone, it's my classic conditioning sign that I'll be back. I'm sure her separation anxiety will get better as we continue the routine.

We have some solid dogwalker candidates finally, one even works at the Kennel Club down the road, she's my current top-runner.

Dogwalker

Last night I began my search for a dogwalker for my new best friend Jillie or Jillie Beans. She is a 10-pound beagle/rat terrier mix (we think), we got her last Wednesday from the Humane Society and I fell in love with her instantly (as did my entire family). She is a 10-pound ball of fury. The vet thinks she is at least a years old based on her teeth. Unfortunately, no one fixed my soulmate so Thursday is a big vet trip for Jill. Last week we took her in for her Rabies shot and this week it's mircochipping, fixing, and distemper shot. Big week for lil' Jill.

Still working on getting her adjusted to her new home. I'm pretty sure her former owners had a fenced-in yard because Jillie loves to run off the leash. Fortunately, Lake Orion has a 14-acre dog park! Despite the snow and cold weather, Jillie still loves being outside and seems to love the snow.

I joined Care.com to find some potential dogwalkers, although I think it's crap I had to pay to join. Hopefully we'll find some winners on the site.

Heartbreak

Last night, my dear Packers saw their season come to an abrupt ending - far too soon. The Pack started out looking like they left the entire team in Green Bay and some imposters showed up in their jerseys. During the second half the offense showed up but the defense remained in Green Bay for the entire game. After the usually clutch Rackers missed a field goal, sending the game into overtime, I thought this was our chance. Boy was I wrong. Despite starting with the ball and giving A-Rog a chance for us to win the game he throws a pic and its overrrrrr. It hurts....real bad.

Sounds like I better cancel my catering order for the Packers vs. Saints game I was counting on....