Back To the Grind

It's been a few days since I returned from 'The Shopping Extravaganza from the South". Here's the rest of the run down as requested by my SIL Sheri;

After a great workout in the hotel gym, quick shower and another yummy breakfast at the Hampton, we headed out for the last day of shopping. We were pretty pooped from the day before but we had a mission and we persevered. After hitting the deal centers of Fred Meyer's and Target the day before, we still had the great Walmart SuperCentre to encounter. We found some nice deals but nothing could compare to the Super Saturday Steals of Kohl's. We then found our way back to the Chelsea Outlet Mall to finish off the stores we did not get a chance to explore on Friday. Some great shoe deals at Naturalizer and trendy name brands we have wanted to check out; Lucky Brand Jeans and Cole Haan. I am so glad that Joy went onto the website before our trip to print off extra savings coupons. Extra savings on already good deals.

Then it was back into the car for one last purchase at the border at the duty free before heading home. We all had such a great time together and hope we can make it an annual event. Keep you posted on any future excursions.

Deals Galore In The Early Am

So our shopping day began with a 6am wake up call with Mom, of course she had been waking us up all night with her night symphony but that's another story. It was showers then down for a yummy breakfast in the hotel, all included with the room. Now you might be saying, 6am while on vacation, but this is a bargain hunter's vacation so as the saying goes the early bird finds the best deals first thing in the morning while the sleepyheads pay full price.
You could find my flock of early birds at the Kohl's store for their Saturday Super Sale. The best deal of the day was an extra 50% off all the clearance in the store, which was already marked down 80-90% off the original price. For example; Joy found Nine West handbags regular priced $50+ for $7.80 or how about her sterling silver pendant and necklace regular priced over $90 for $8.50. Wow! And they just keep coming. We have almost dropped from all the shopping today, but we must refresh and rest for tomorrow's last day of bargain hunting. And of course, let our credit cards cool down from all their swiping...

And So The Shopping Extravaganza Has Begun...

We have arrived in Lynnwood at our great little hotel. We have already stopped at the Seattle Premium Outlet in Tulalip. A few bags have made it into the trunk but still lots of room left for more packages. We are onto the Alderwood Mall tomorrow and then back to the Outlet in Tulalip Sunday. There is an evening reception of snacks and drinks at our hotel. It was great for a little power up before we hit the shops across the street; Old Navy, Best Buy, Nordstrom Rack..we will see how much we get in tonight before we turn in for the night. A hot breakfast, included at the hotel, before we head to the mall for the day. Happy Shopping!

Shopping with the Girls!

I am very excited about my upcoming excursion to the Seattle area for a time of shopping with my Mom, sister Joy and a great 'auntie' Carol. All very good shopping buddies and bargain hunters. We are heading to the Premium Outlet Mall in Tulalip and the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood. Can't wait to update you on the great deals we find....

Sunday Caching

While we were out doing some geocaching with our friend, Ace Terrific (that's his caching handle), I snapped a few pictures that I felt inspired to take while out enjoying the fresh almost-spring air.

If you are unsure of what geocaching is...check out this fun new way to get yourself out into the great outdoors.

St. Paddy's Supper

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To celebrate the day of the green, we invited our good friend, Spencer, to a supper of BBQ & beer. And of course, the beer had to be Guinness. So I researched some holiday recipes on my favourite recipe website and found a great dessert recipe. Chocolate Guinness Cake. Yum!

As I started mixing the ingredients I found that it was would make more than just one little cake for our dinner party. It actually ended up making...2 8" rounds, 1 small bundt, and 12 cupcakes. It's a good thing Spencer likes chocolate and Guinness. He got a big dessert doggy bag to-go.

Erin Go Bragh!

Visiting...

My good friend, Sharon, was over on Tuesday afternoon with her little one, Simon for lunch and a visit. It was a great afternoon to catch up on life with a very good friend that I have known since junior high school. Sharon and I have a great friendship that started when we were in grade 8. That seems like a million years ago sometimes. But at others, it just seems like yesterday that we were sitting in the same attendance line in gym class listening the boys try to impress us with their witty remarks. Ah, yes...memories of high school.
Sharon & I had lost touch after graduating but found each other again a few years ago. And it was great that we picked up just like in high school, where we could talk about anything and everything. It's great to have a friendship that you know lasts through time. We love to reminisce about times past but we love to share the details of our lives as we have grown over the years.
Thanks for your very special friendship, Sharon.

Soup for Supper

I still had some wonton wrappers left over so I thought I should try to use the wrappers for the purpose for which they were created.


So I found a recipe from my favourite recipe website and forged ahead on my first attempt at Wonton Soup.


And here's what the results looked like...and pretty tasty too.

Celebrating Joy

It was my sister's 30th birthday this past week. So off to the coast to join in the celebrations we went...






The festivities took place at a great little place called 'Federico's Supper Club'. Check out the link as it is best described by the owner. Music, food and dancing. What a great way to celebrate just about anything!

Fun was had by all and the cake made by Joy's friend, Jill, was amazing.

A good weekend to celebrate Joy!