However, as I’ve shared in past blogs I actually came back to reality, lost 50 lbs, decided there was life after pregnancy and started living a much fuller, happier life! Fashion crept back into my world, while elastic became extinct.

Below is a link to some very helpful, long-lasting, fashion advice. I saw it on MSN today and read carefully, as you should too. Don’t skip a beat, as every tip is helpful, right down to the leopard print belt!

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-look/bold-new-you/staticslideshowinstyle.aspx?cp-documentid=30365128&gt1=32117

I put her to bed a few minutes ago and she says,(referring to her having milk before bed), “Mommy, just don’t worry about it!” I have never baby talked to my children, but I’m starting to think I need to tone it down a notch with the grown up talk! Pretty soon she’ll be requesting a glass of red wine accompanied with an R-rated movie… I think she’s 4 going on 40.

(This picture was taken at her 4th b-day party. She requested a tea party – and no, that’s not red wine in her cup!)

It’s consignment sale season – one of the best times of the year to save and bargain hunt for the perfect Christmas dress, winter coat and whatever else is on your list.

From Your Closet is Joplin’s original and largest children’s and maternity consignment sale in the area. You’ll find “gently used” children’s, teens and maternity clothing, baby equipment, great toys, bedding, books, movies, games and more! (Last year I found a talking Toy Story Woody doll for $3!)

The sale is open to the public:
7 am to 6 pm Friday, September 16
7 am to 3 pm Saturday, September 17 (1/2 off day!)
Located at Mt. Hope Church of Christ Family Life Center (big building right behind the church)
2830 Mt. Hope Road, Webb City, Mo.

If you have any questions about the sale call Cassie Welch (owner) 417.825.4720.

My mom, best friend and I have been taking trips to Arkansas, antiquing through the million antique shops and flea markets they have on what seems like every corner. We come home with jewelry, frames, quilts and other things we “need.” This past weekend we visited a “cottage sale” and managed to snag a light up halloween witch, antique rocker (in which we will turn into a masterpiece), an old (but good) kitchen apron and bottles, and a coffee table currently sitting in my living room. Yes, we love the things we come with, but the most fun is the drive and company we keep. Not to mention searching for these items can work up quite an appetite! We usually manage to slurp down some type of ice cream treat on the way home.

My husband says we are sister picker wanna-bes. I’ll take that as a compliment.

WHAT YOU NEED

2 pkg. (10 oz. each) mixed baby salad greens
2 pkg. (6 oz. each) OSCAR MAYER Deli Fresh Southwestern Seasoned Chicken Breast Strips
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed
1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese
12 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled
2 small avocados, sliced
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2/3 cup KRAFT Ranch Dressing
1/3 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick ‘N Chunky Salsa

MAKE IT

COVER large platter with greens.
ARRANGE next 7 ingredients in rows over greens.
MIX dressing and salsa; drizzle over salad just before serving.
TACO BELL® and HOME ORIGINALS® are trademarks owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp. kraft kitchens

My mother is at teacher at his school – so on the way in the building I told him, “Now remember, if you need anything Gram is there to help you.” He promptly says back to me, “Well, I will need her at lunch. Just to take the coat off my corn dog.” (A little inside info… We never buy corn dogs, only hot dogs. So of course when he eats them he thinks the breading on them is ridiculous! Which is why Gram would need to take the coat off his corn dog.) The things kids worry about?!

All of that came to a screeching halt yesterday afternoon. Drew received his welcome letter from his kindergarten teacher Mrs. Metcalf. He opened it as fast as his little fingers would allow, then asked me to read it to him. I started in, reading with tons of extra enthusiasm. Then about half way through I found I couldn’t read anymore. I was all choked up! I was one of “those mothers”! Drew looked at me and said, “Mommy, what else does it say?!” Thank heavens my husband stepped in and finished the letter as I was a total sobbing mess.

So please, say an extra prayer for myself and the other mothers sending their babies off to school for the first time. As it’s much tougher than it seems!

I’ve raved about the Just Between Friends sale in the past and will continue to until my arms are no longer able to rummage through thousands of square feet of clothing & toys.

Tulsa’s Fall Sale is set for August 21st-27th at the Exchange Center Building on Expo Square at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. (21st and Yale)

Sunday, 1:00-7:00pm
Monday-Sat., 9:00am-7:00pm (Monday new merchandise)
Thur-Fri. (25% off)
Saturday, 9:00-7:00pm (50% off)

Admission is $5 for Sunday only. All other days are free… However, because the owners of JBF are so kind, they’ve sent me a link to FREE ADMISSION just for you all.

JBF is the largest & most unique place to bargain shop! Some of you are probably thinking you can’t possibly drive that far for a consignment sale. However, I assure you it’s well worth the gas. Vendors and consignors from all over the four state area participate. Tons of name brand and boutique clothing will be on hand for dirt cheap prices. It’s a for sure “can’t miss” sale!

Download and print the FREE ADMISSION pass below – and best of luck!
JBF FREE ADMISSION

No one wants to go to Walmart on a Saturday. However, this weekend we had just returned from a week in Branson and there was really no other time to go – as we needed just about everything in the house. This morning I asked (jokingly) if anyone would volunteer to go to the store. Immediately, my husband jumped at the opportunity. (I think being cooped up in a condo with us all week had him a bit on edge.) So, I agreed that would be good and he took off. That was about 2 hours ago… Yes, he’s still gone. He’s only called me from every aisle, asking where the pudding, cereal, yogurt, and sunscreen could be found. Those are only the calls I can remember.

Am I complaining? Nope. Just hoping he makes it back before dinner…

My 4-year-old daughter is just getting into Barbies and playing houses, dressing up her dolls. And yes, she’s dressing them up in the ever famous handmade doll outfits! How my mother managed to raise 4 of us, work full-time, sew, cook, clean, and keep her sanity is beyond me.

Just the other day I was in the attic and realized it’s time to get down my vintage Barbie collection and pass it on to my sweet Brooke. Can’t wait to see her little face when she realizes her mommy had quite the assortment of dolls. Oh, the fun we’re going to have!