United Way

Today could have been any of the crazy things that I spend my paycheck on - that I don't think about.  That's because they are "automatically" deducted.

Instead of choosing the obvious taxes, though - or even perhaps the somewhat less obvious 401k - I am choosing United Way.

Since I grew up in Girl Scouts, I'm a firm believer in financially supporting United Way. Not only is it a way to give back to my community (wherever I happen to be living), it's also a way I can give back to my hometown.  Half of my (really, our) united way contributions go to the Kansas area.

I've been fortunate in my life, but I know of others (family included) who have not been so fortunate.  I'm proud to support United Way - and therefore, indirectly, help the community.

I'm not the type of person who - in good faith - could give money to a specific person (even though I often joke about having a "fund" set aside for that reason).

So... Hopefully, if you need it, you'll use a United Way service.  Or perhaps, if you don't, you'll volunteer and/or give to the United Way to help those in the community that do need it!

Dillons

I'm "reaching" as the month comes to a close. Today's post relates to my grocery store... from when I was a kid! Dillons is the go-to Kansas grocery store. Recently (or maybe not so recently, I'm not sure) they've started looking a bit more like the run-of-the-mill Kroger stores. I do think it seems a little odd that grocery stores don't seem to have the same type of "dominant" chains that, for example, fast food restaurants have. Although we do have a Kroger here (and I even have a card for them), I tend to go to Dillons mostly around the holidays- either buying holiday food, or something to have while we're in town for the holiday.

Cornerstone Pediatrics

Both the kids go to this particular doctor's office. I like it, too. They have "emergency" visits that you can get on Saturday and Sunday. One of my favorite things, however, is the "walk in" sick clinic during the week. If you get there around 7:30am, and are the first in line, you can have your kid to the doctor - and back to school/work/routine by 9am! For something that happens overnight (like a kid up with a bad fever, a rash, etc) - it's awesome to be able to just go! The other nice thing about this particular office? It's very close to our home. Walkable, if necessary - - which typically, in my world, is anything less than two miles away. My favorite pediatrician - and the doctor I schedule most of my visits with, when possible - is Dr. Todd. We've seen most of the doctors in the office, though!

The Flying Biscuit

Although this is another place we've only been to twice, in total, it's a place I like. Why? They serve this apple butter for their biscuits (which is more like a spicy rasberry sauce) that is very yummy! And on a recent visit, as I was nursing at the table, a mom walked by and, while doing a major fist-pump in the air, shouted, "Nursing Mom's Unite!" Maybe a little embarassing, but she was likely only one of a handful of people that saw me nursing. It seems that no matter whether I'm covered or not, there is something that seems unnatural about nursing in public. Now, I know I shouldn't feel this way - and clearly, I'm not one of those nursing moms who brings a bottle with me in public even though I'm nursing- but I still feel just a little odd about it.

Ice Cream!

In a switch-up from what I've been posting most of this month, I thought today's post would be about ICE CREAM!

What makes it a switch-up? I'm posting about a whole topic - and many places - rather than one specific place. It seems that every community has some kind of "special" place that is local. Here's a few that come to mind:

Amy's - in Austin

Ted Drewe's - in St Louis

Goodberry's - in Raleigh/Cary

Braums - this is my go-to place in Wichita; it helps that my SIL works there so our icecream is (almost) always free (actually, complements of my brother and his wife.. since she gets a discount there!) This was also a great place to visit on the drive between kansas and texas! DH is much more of an ice-cream guy than I am. His favorite? Blue Bell. Before we moved from Austin, we visited/toured the Blue Bell Creamery. Recently, on our way home from a trip to the beach, we passed by a sign that said it was coming to this area. Within 3 hours of seeing the sign, we were enjoying blue bell at home! And by Ice Cream, I mean anything frozen. So for anyone who wants to point out that some of these are custard places, or frozen yogurt, and not ice cream.. it's all the same to me. Again, I'm not as much of a frozen treat/ice-cream person as the hubs!

Arby's

I like thin-sliced roast beef.

But my favorite thing to get at Arby's? A Jamocha shake. Yum-O!

I must admit, however, while dieting - it is sometimes hard to justify all those calories.

But while I was pregnant? I definitely indulged. OVERindulged.

Harris Teeter

Here's a hint: When "scheduling" posts, don't Publish or complete one that is empty. Yep, this was nearly an "empty" post... but I saved it at the last minute! Harris Teeter is one of our local grocery stops. We tend to rotate between here and Lowe's, the subject a previous post. What's notable about "Teeter", as I refer to it? They have cookies (regular and low-fat!) for everyone to take just in front of the bakery. Otherwise? I'm not sure it's much different than any other grocery store.

More pictures...

Playing together - and with toys!

Planting Sunflowers for Earth Day

Vising with friends...

Catching up... in Pictures!

So...What have we been up to lately, with the family?

Kiddo still loves boxes...

Laura has been all smiles and giggles!

Two months already?!

Pickin' Strawberries...

Taco Bell

I haven't posted all that much about Fast Food. I'm trying to "wean" myself from the "Bad" habits that I got into while pregnant. One of those habits was too much fast food! Taco Bell has crunchy cinnamon things - and crunchy cinnamon anything is good in my book! I also like their Cherry Limeade. Both of those things are not on the "trying to lose weight" plan - but I still devour their tacos and burritos every once in a while! I would guess that I stop by a taco bell around once a month - usually over lunch - and usually to the one across the street from my office building. In August (or so), my office is moving to a new location. I may have less taco bell in my future.

Walgreens

My pharmacy of choice? I'll give you three guesses! Of course - if you've already read the title of this post - you cheated! I'm not quite sure why Walgreens has always been my go-to place. After all, I don't get the benefits of mail-in through them with my current job, and it means more visits, generally. But it is convenient. And I've known several Walgreens pharmacists - my father in law comes to mind! I like walgreens for more than just their drugs, though. I like their OTC (over the counter) stuff, also! And their seasonal items (I highly recommend them to the Easter Bunny and Santa for last minute items!) I also like that every Walgreens has a slight "flair" toward the area it is located in. Some Walgreens make great tourist stops for local shirts and magnets, in a pinch!

The Vintage Pearl

This is one of few places on this month's schedule where I haven't (yet) made multiple purchases.

After Baby G was born, however, I did "treat" myself (among other things) to a new necklace with both kid's names on it.

Although this is mostly an online store (at least for me), they do have two locations - - and one of those locations is in Oklahoma, and just opened this month! It's quite possible they are both in Oklahoma, but I'm too lazy to do that must research.

Jay Andrews

Especially when I move somewhere new, it takes me a long time to find "usual" places.

My salon of choice is Jay Andrews. There are two locations, and I haven't yet found a great hair dresser. However.. My go-to nail girl is Miss Annette.

She talks about "hooving" people, as she does mostly pedicures.

Why do I like her? She doesn't "nag" like some pedicurist do. She does a decent massage, a really good exfoliation, and a pretty decent color.

I probably should get a pedicure more often... but at least one every few months, I get my toes done.

My hair gets done a little less frequently, and I've recently noticed that it's getting fairly long!

Groupon

I haven't made a ton of purchases with Groupon, but I do subscribe to their deal-a-day items.

What have we gotten through here?

A coupon for The Flying Biscuit, and a gift certificate for my hubby's birthday for a rock climbing gym. Once in a while, we also get gift certificates to our "local" ice cream shop!

Tin Roof Teas

For the last several months, I've been hooked on Tea Tastings!

My favorite little local tea shop (which also sells CHOCOLATE) is Tin Roof Teas.

This month, the tasting was tea cocktails! Mixing tea (with an alochol shaker) along with sugar and milk and sparkling water and whatever else they had on hand to come up with concotions like "Peach Champagne", "Oolong Creamsicle", and "Bird of Paradise"! We got to vote on a 1-10 scale, and a handful of these will soon be going on the menu!

They were pretty yum! Next month? The topic is Herbal tea!

They pair a chocolate with at least one of the samples.

I definitely spend more than my share here.

Town and Country

Today's post is for my doggies.

Our vet - and coincidentally, our current kennel of choice - are called Town and Country.

Not to be confused with the restaurant that my cousin works for...

We've been going here since we moved. I believe two of the vets are from Texas!

When Kobe had his "accident"... a cyst on his spinal cord... we spent some time at the NC Vet School (which, luckily, is less than 10 miles away). Before that event was over, it was pretty pricey - and involved both an MRI as well as a back surgery!

Since then, he's been doing fairly well (knock on wood), particularly for a 12 year old 65 pound dog!

Kohls

I've only got a handful of credit cards.

One of those is for Kohls!

I like their selection in clothing, and they typically have pretty decent prices on Kid's clothes!

I don't make it to Kohls all that often.. but I do like the store!

One of my favorite items to shop for at Kohls? Picture frames! I have a "my monster" frame for Kiddo, and a big multi-print frame with tons of family.

American Airlines

We like to travel.

With family several hundred miles away, travel often involves airline tickets.

Naturally, since American Airlines is based in Dallas (one of our most frequent visited cities), we are all (except the baby) frequent fliers with American.

It sucks that gas prices affect airline ticket prices!

One day - eventually - we'll bring baby to meet her cousins and aunts and uncles in Texas!

Our next trip, though, will be driving... to Atlanta!

KFC

Across the street from my work is a KFC.

What do I like about them?

Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans! The chicken - both original and extra crispy - is also my preferred fast-food style of chicken. Once in a while, I get the "bowl" - but mostly, just a two piece meal please!

Now, I must admit that I come from a family of strong KFC supporters. Not only did 3 of my aunts work for the Colonel, but family picnics always involved a bucket or two!

Once a year, all the cousins met at the park - at the end (or maybe the beginning) of the school year. Lots of pictures from those picnics. In fact, when I took my first stab at an autobiography (when I was in 7th grade or so), I wrote a story about those family picnics. Maybe one day, I'll repost!

Lowe's

Our go-to grocery store is Lowe's.

I believe they are owned by the more common Lowe's (the yard store).

I'm not sure what I like about the Lowe's store by us, other than the fact that it is walking distance!

And a grocery store, for the most part, is just a grocery store.

Boring post, boring store. But one we definitely spend a fair amount of money at!

Wordless... but not Wednesday!

Sams Club

What do we buy from Sam's?

This is one store where we have a fairly regular shopping list for every time we go. Here's our shopping list!

EVERY TRIP purchases from Sam's Club:
Water (aquafina - my favorite, and the brand does matter to me!)
Chocolate Milk
Diapers
Fruit (blueberries or grapes or apples or clementines or bananas)

Our sometimes buys:
Trash Bags
Toilet Paper
Dishwasher detergent
Laundry Soap
Kleenex
Chicken Fried Steaks
Meatballs
Frozen chicken breasts
Guacamole in individual serving size packages


Our splurge buys:
Books
Clothes
Lunch (cheap pizza or hot dogs)
Wine


I would say that our "larger" bills come from here (our last trip was an unusually high $250). I realize that they are owned by the same people that own walmart - so perhaps I should be a Costco or BJ's girl instead. However... I'm a Sam's Club shopper. I guess it's one of those things from my dad!

mamabargains

Another deal-a-day site I love? mamabargains!

Their deals are taylored to mom's!!

They also have a "mystery" package every once in a while, that can be tailored to a boy child, girl child, or mom. Those are also fun, and I've gotten one of each in the last several years.

I think several of my mamabargains purchases have been shoes and jewlery - although some of my favorites were the cute flowers and bows that Baby G is still to young to wear! Although I've made her put it on once or twice for a picture...

Love

The concept of "love" has been on my head a lot lately, so I thought if I interrupted the monthly store/shopping postings with a "love" post, that maybe I could move on and stop obsessing on the topic.

Why the topic of love?

Well - truth be told- it started with our most recent book club. One of the women said something to the effect that she just couldn't believe that someone could experience life without "that kind" of love (the romantic, over the top type of love that was in the book).

Hmm.

I guess I'm not romantic. Or perhaps - as a second wife - I've become somewhat jaded about love. Maybe it has something to do with my analytical side. I'm not quite sure.

What I do know is that my view of love isn't very romantic.

I love my husband dearly - and he knows it (trust me, he is a confident man!).

My idea of love, though, isn't something over the top - - like other aspects of my life, I feel like I'm pretty practical and down-to-earth about the whole topic.

For example... he asked what I wanted for Valentine's day. I told him I really wanted a card. What did I get? A card. He also probably got me flowers... but I asked for (and received) exactly what I wanted.

Just about every week, for as long as I can remember, we've done some type of outdoor adventure at least once a week. (Lately, it seems like it's every day with Kiddo's constant, "I want to ride bikes.") For me, there is love in the simple act of spending that time together (which now is as a family). Even though he may run off in one direction while I push the kids in a stroller another direction, or vice versa - - we make that journey together. When we're not doing something outdoors, we're always planning our next adventure. To me? That's definitely love.

Other places I find and see love? When he mows the grass or cooks a "fancy" dinner. When I let him sleep in on a Sunday morning, since he gets the kids ready most mornings. When we are sitting on the floor, playing trains with the two year old. Or even during nap times, when we're both reading a book and sitting on the same couch.

Perhaps I'm practical to a point, but my view of love is definitely not the type of relationship you'll find in an average romance novel. But... it works for me. for us. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Starbucks

Surely you didn't think I'd make it a whole month without talking a moment about Starbucks?

The thing is, I've probably posted 4 times or more over the last several years about Starbucks, so I don't know that this post will be much different from the prior posts.

I always buy my Starbucks with gift certificates (most often, gift certificates obtained through my credit card rewards.)

I am a gold member. When I checked earlier this week, I had 9 (of 15) drinks left to purchase before I get one free. Since I typically only go once a week, it will likely be a couple of months before I get there!!

And, of course, my usual drink? Tall Soy Chai Latte.

I'm often fairly anal, also, that the cup label and slip-cover and lid all line up perfectly. I've been known to make everything just perfect before I can truly enjoy my favorite once-a-week splurge beverage!

Zulily

My mother in law has GREAT taste in online shopping.

After we received a package for the baby from Zulily, I thought I'd sign up and give it a try.

Since then, I think I've made a few purchases!

They rotate through "vendors"- and sell stuff cheap! The focus is kids (and nursing/maternity), so it's a perfect store for moms (and grandparents)!

I can see purchasing lots of dresses, hair bows, games and toys in my future... and I'm sure at least a handful of those items will be from Zulily!

Trader Joe's

The Grocery Store isn't what comes to mind when I think of the word "Shop".

But Trader Joe's is definitely my favorite store for many items!

They have great brands, and they sell wine. For me, it's splurge purchases but fairly reasonable prices. They operate on a "volume" scheme, which means only 2 trader joes service the entire Raleigh/Cary area! I do like their store.

Where else can you get a bottle of wine for $3 or less? And samples of real food?

Today's lunch was panko covered tilapia from trader joes, and I think I'm going to have an apple purse that I got from there. Maybe tomorrow, we'll have their blueberry scones!

Lots of my candy (chocolate and tofee covered almonds, for example) comes from there.

It's not the place I run when I need the "staples" - - I'm not sure they even sell regular flour or sugar, and if they do I'm not sure where to find it (and it might be more expensive and organic, or some such thing) - - but I do love the occasional "splurge" trip to TJ's. It's the first store I went to within the week after having both my kiddos!

Shutterfly

Lately, my go-to picture place has been Shutterfly.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that you can upload pictures for free.

The 50 free pictures, free photo book from when we got a camera, and the $20 from destination maternity certainly didn't hurt either.

Even our Birth Announcements were done on shutterfly this time around!

Now, I'm not sure that this is a vendor that I'll be a consistent user of in the future. After all, I think I went on a spell using them in the past, and then switched.

For now, though, I've definitely spent a few dollars (more than a few, truth be told) at Shutterfly in the last month or two!

Amazon

Wedding registry? Check.
Baby registry? Check.
Christmas List? Check.
Dog food? Check.
Free shipping on all (most) orders over $25? Check.


Amazon is my go-to place for just about anything and everything that I buy online. It's like a super-super store. However, there are a few things that you just can't get from Amazon.

For example, if you are seeking out nursing clothes, you might want to try somewhere else.

However... you can put things in your shopping cart and leave them there. Or make a purchase and save some items for later.

Yep, amazon is awesome.

Moe's

When we first moved to North Carolina, I missed FREEBIRDS! They have a place here called firebirds - but it's nowhere near the same. It's more of a semi-fancy place.

So, I had to get "used" to a new make-your-own-burrito place. And alas, now I eat at Moe's about once a week. (Welcome to Moes!)

They don't have nearly the eclectic burrito makers, but they do have eclectic names for things on their menu. I (almost) always get an Art Vandalay Junior on whole wheat. (And some of you are thinking, what the heck is that?)

Art Vandalay = vegetarian burrito (with guacamole in place of meat) - and I get mine with:
whole wheat tortilla
rice
black beans
sour cream
guacamole
cheese
lettuce
tomato/salsa
extra cilantro
(sometimes) extra onions
corn salsa

One nice thing about Moe's (or not so nice, if you're trying to lose a couple pounds) is that all meals (burritos, quesadillas, tacos, kids meals, etc) come with free chips. They also have pretty good queso that I get on occasion.

They don't have the BBQ sauce that I like (at Freebirds), but they do have a salsa bar with 3-5 choices - and my favorite is the green stuff. I'm not sure what it contains (green tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and other stuff, probably) - but it's yummy.

Moe's is also where my hubby and I typically have our "date" lunch, once a week. Not that I really consider it a date, but it is sans kiddo and baby G. Well, it will be once we get back into a routine!

Wordless Wednesday

JC Penney

My last trip to JC Penney was when my mom is town.

What did I buy on my most recent trip? Brown shoes for Kiddo.

He was SO EXCITED about these Brown shoes. He quickly pointed out that mommy and daddy and mark all now have and wear brown shoes!

On the downside, they tie. Who buys tie shoes for a toddler?

Oh, I guess the answer is me!

Woot

One of my top 3 favorite online retailers is Woot!

There's something about one deal per day that makes me have this need to look.

I've bought a stroller and shirts on woot. We've purchased Christmas presents and a circus tent from Woot. I haven't yet (but know I will one day) made a wine.woot purchase. Even better, the woot headquarters is in Texas, so we are supporting their economy!

There's Wine.woot, home.woot, and kid.woot. Don't forget the "normal" woot, and kid.woot!

I'm a big fan of anything woot.

Target!

Did you catch the "Joke" part of yesterday? The part that said (or implied) that Walmart was my favorite store?

I very much dislike Walmart- - and I am a Target girl, through-and-through!

Target always seems much more "clean" to me. They typically have much better Black Friday sales after Thanksgiving. I'm also a total sucker for the dollar bin at the front of the store. Even better... the Starbucks at the front of the store!

Now, I wouldn't head to Target if I'm in need of groceries. However - for the household essentials (bins for Kiddo's toys and trains, for example) - Target is my first choice.

SHOPPING!

FYI...Most of this post will NOT be a joke for April Fool's Day. However... I'm going to add at least one "element" of an April Fool's Day Joke, just because...

So the "topic" for the month of April? SHOPPING!

This month I'm going to post about my FAVORITE places to shop and spend money. Yep, I'm talking about stores like Walmart! I'll probably throw in a few of my favorite places to eat, and I'll try to give a short explanation of what I like about each store. So there may not be as many photo opportunities for the month, but perhaps you'll learn something new - or find a new store to shop at!

And for those blog readers who are more interested in the kiddos, I'll try to make sure I add in a few wordless Wednesdays for good measure.

Happy April Fool's Day to all - don't get fooled!