Black Friday Haul

We didn't really plan on doing much damage this year, but a bunch of stuff ended up being on sale on Friday that we needed and/or errr...wanted...eventually, so we decided why not!

I was a little bummed out that I missed out on the Silhouette Cameo (check out this video for what it does) deal last month. Originally $299 for the Cameo and a free kit. The machines sold out while we were camping and I had read online that it wouldn't be available on the website for while, however I didn't want to buy at Paper Source at full price plus tax.  But from various craft blogs, I found out that the Cameo would be on sale during Black Friday for only $250, AND, everything else would be 40% off! I probably won't be able to fully use it until we come back.  I can't wait to embark on so many projects!

Picked up a Samsung wireless B&W printer.  I think Jerry got tired of hearing me complain about going upstairs to print.  I just hate having to plug the USB cord into the laptop every time!

We also picked up this handy dandy Brother label maker.  I love labeling anything and everything!

Anthro had a 50% sale before 11am and since I live pretty close to one, I decided to stop by.  Picked up this very comfy top.  I can also easily wear it when I get pregnant since it's very forgiving and stretchy.

I picked up yet another pencil skirt, this time in black.  Only $30 at Nordstrom Rack after a 25% coupon.  Very flattering and comfy, a must for those long and late night meetings!  

Finally, our biggest purchase- an iPad 2!  This is perfect for our trip as it is very lightweight and compact.  Our Macbook Pros are great, but such bricks to lug around.  I'm learning to find ways around the fact that Google and Apple aren't best friends.  I'm so used to Google friendly Android apps!

Crowds weren't bad at all and we didn't have to line up or anything.  Overall, a very easy experience this year!  What did you pick up this year?

Thankful

image via 

Thankful for:

Family- supports decisions that we make, even when it's out of their comfort zone.
Jerry- warms up my side of the bed when I stay up later.
Camping- allows me to digitally and electronically check out.
Oregon Chai Tea Concentrate- saves me time and money because now I can make it anytime I want at home instead of ordering out.
This recipe for Maple Bacon Biscuits- my no-fail contribution to potlucks- I've made them 3 times this month!
Random acts of kindness- when a stranger offers me a seat on the bus just because.  Does wonders for one's mental state!

I'm thankful for a lot of other things, but it'd take me forever to list them.  The above are just random ones that popped into my head. :)

How about you?

11 for 2011: Go to a Sporting Event

Headed to the LA Velodrome to catch the USA vs Canada cycling race.  Unfortunately the power was out on the track so they cancelled the event.  It was not the end of the world since tix/parking was free, we live in the region, and had to run an errand in the area anyway.  Next time...


Edit:  Oops I realized I posted about sports twice already.
6 down, 5 to go!

Chicago 2011

Jerry and I jumped at the chance to go to Chicago, esp since I stacked a couple deals together and got us RT tix for under $140 pp!  Our friend T was able to join us.  Not so fun fact, his flight was cancelled so he jumped in his car and drove 8 hours to Chicago!  Whew, I'm glad he finally made it!



Highlights:
Alinea, of course!  The food was so amazing.  Once in a lifetime.
The museums- we loved the Museum of Science and Industry and wanted to spend all day there!
Visiting the Bean at night.  Less tourists!
Renting a bike and cycling around Northerly Island- loved, loved it.
The tortas and churros from Xoco (a Rick Bayless restaurant) were probably the best I've had so far.
The amount of public green space in Chicago was awesome.

Tips: 
Definitely use the CTA- it's so easy to get around Chicago using public transpo!
The Citypass saved us so much time and money!  We skipped so many lines, it was awesome.
Was not impressed by the boba in the Midwest. Or by Giordanos.  Deep dish pizza = overhyped.
The Bean/Buckingham Fountain closes at 11pm.
Avoid Navy Pier at all costs unless you like fighting through touristy massive crowds, loud blaring music, and lots of overstimulation.  Ugh, never again.
Garrett's Popcorn- don't bother waiting in any of those long lines.  There's no line at the location at O'Hare.
You can try to sweet talk the ticket guy to give you in and out privileges for the sunset and night views at the Sears Tower.  We ordered a deep dish pizza from Giordanos (down the street) and was told the wait would be around hour.  So we watched the sunset, then walked out, ate our pizza, and the same ticket guy let us in again for the night time city views.

Seattle 2011

We went to visit our friends in Seattle last May.  Lots of yummy food and fun times with old friends.  :)



You can click on the slideshow above to open a new tab/window!

Highlights:
The coconut cream pie from Lola's.  To DIE for.
Gas Works Park- we loved the whole environment.
Seattle Library- gorgeous.  Must visit.
Dog-friendly city!  Many restaurants and shops had water dishes!
Molly Moon's Ice Cream
Saw a 130lb malamute PUPPY (yes only one year old!!)

Tips: 
If you do the Underground Tour, you can use your stub to go up the Smith Tower Observation Deck for an additional $5, much cheaper than the Space Needle.
Underground Tour books a few hours ahead of time, don't be like us and feed the meter downtown prior to getting tickets.
There are some free buses in downtown Seattle to help you get around.
Avoid Pike's Place Chowder- overrated.
The perfect cupcake- take the cake from Cupcake Royale and the icing from Trophy Cupcake.

11 for 2011: Find a Place to Play Badminton

I'm partial to racket sports and badminton is no exception.  It's one of the sports that I'd say I'm pretty good at (or rather...was, I'm quite rusty now)!  It doesn't require as much muscle power or strength, instead strategy is used in conjunction.  And since I train and consult on strategy for a living, badminton is right up my alley!

I found a couple of great places to play badminton during this year.  First off, I joined a class at my local community college and played for 3 hours every Monday night for a semester.  It was so much fun!  The class was a mix of mostly beginners and a few people like me who previously played (I played all 4 years in HS and throughout college).  During my class, I found out about a middle school gym near my house that had open nights twice a week for free!  Free is awesome because most badminton clubs cost money to join and play.

And yep, that's Jerry's playing, I actually got him to try it out!  I just found out my BIL/SIL plays as well, can't wait to play with them someday!

6 down, 5 to go!

Random Reads part 3

How 10 Popular Brands Got Started

How Well Do You Know your States?
This is pretty fun!

10 Most Amazing People with No Legs

Coconut Layer Cake with Chocolate Glaze
Mmm coconut/chocolate- a combo that can't lose

When Was Your Loaf of Bread Baked?
I freeze my bread so this doesn't matter to me much...but if you're freezer adverse then you might find this useful!

Dream Closet
Can't wait to go back to having a bigger closet someday!

Pedestrian Guide

Gorgeous Flower Frame

Homemade Almond Joys
One of my favorites growing up!  And again...the coconut chocolate combo, mmm!

Animal Alphabet
I want one of these for future nursery!

Cracking the Credit Card Code

Top Ten Famous People Who Never Existed

Football TV Lines
For all those football wives.

Funny Halloween Costumes

How To Survive Long Flights
I suck at sleeping on long flights!  Esp red-eyes...they totally throw me off :(

Top 20 Real Pictures Made Famous by the Internet

Outlet Haul

My recent outlet haul:

I finally splurged and pick up a pair of Tory Burch flats that I've been wanting for a long time now!  I got the style above, except my shoe is tan with the patent black toe.  I can't seem to find a picture online.  They are so comfy, like butter on my feet!

I've been wanting a similar set but since the pieces aren't interchangeable, I wasn't sure if I wanted to commit yet.  After a period of indecision in the store, I settled on the crock, slotted spoon, and whisk in blue (since all 3 of our LC pots are blue), and the 3 larger spatulas in white.  I like the white and wood colors against all the blue.  And even though I scratched the 25% coupon twice, the nice saleslady gave me 35% off anyway! :)

Remember when I blogged about the Kate Spade bangles?  I picked up a couple in purple, one for me and one for a friend.

Other finds- brown cords from LOFT (perfect color for fall!) and a black cardigan from Gap that rang up half the price marked, and with 15% off, and a rewards card, FREE! :)