Conversations with a Conservative

If you have read my blog for a really LONG time (like way back on my other blog) then you know I love Fall and Winter - the holiday season just can't do anything but make me happy!  I get to see family and friends and watch cheesy Christmas movies while drinking cider and hot chocolate.  What could be better?  (It also mean no yard work for a few months, minus the leaves that I should probably rake, but we'll just pray for a good strong breeze to blow those on their way). Anyway, I have been busily preparing my application to take the P.E. (Professional Engineer) exam, and it is all due on December 16th so we are getting close!  I don't have much left to finish, but it has definitely been a time suck for a while.  I also took some time off to enjoy family and friends over the holidays, and it was one of the best trips back home we have had.  It was just fun and good times all around.  I miss everyone already. So due to the fact that I'm not sleep...

phot from: http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/agoraphobia-discussions/lounge/2586944-frustration  I'm sorry, but I have to get it all out.  This last week was one for the record books for me, folks.  (oh speaking of a pet peeve/rant, one of my coworkers loves to use the word "folks" but he pronounces the "L" in it too.  Think of the word "bulk" but add "fo" instead of "bu").  Anyway, let the venting commence. First off, this is a prayer request and just was a source of sadness for me: one of my good friends was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I thought it was so ironic that they got the diagnosis during Breast Cancer Awareness month, but it freaks me out.  First of all, she is almost exactly a year older than me, and I'm only 26.  She also just celebrated her only daughter's first birthday in August and they were hoping to start trying for more babies soon.  Due to the type of cancer and treatment, she may not be able to ha...

I'm not sure why, but the other day I decided I really wanted some dark green nail polish.  So I bought the only dark green shade at the grocery store I could find (the makeup selection is usually pretty good, and I'm too lazy to make an extra trip somewhere else for nail polish).  Anyway it is Revlon Matte Suede finish in Emerald City, and I sort of love it.  I had no idea what "matte suede" meant, but without a clear polish on it, it does definitely have a matte finish that I guess is sort of suedesque (I like making up words).  It dries much faster than any other polish I have used, but I can't decide if I want to put a clear coat on top to see what it looks like or not.  It might be too glittery then, but maybe I'll try it in a few days and let you know how I like it.  Until then, I'll try out the matte look.  It is a nice darker green and sort of a fun alternative to a really dark, almost black nail (which I still like too!)

(Photo from: http://mamasonadime.com/2011/04/retail-coupons/shopping-bags/ ) The lovely Stori from It's a Wannderful Life  (over in Russia right now!) asked me to share some tips I have for getting good deals while clothes shopping.  Sadly, I probably spend way too much time looking for good deals, but since I don't have kids yet I figure I have the time.  Hopefully my wardrobe will be fairly well stocked and fool proof when I start having children and become busier with family and work.  That way I'll be able to love my clothes and feel comfortable getting dressed, but I won't have to think about it! 1.   Online shopping - This is my number one tip.  I do probably 90% of my shopping online.  I have usually found better prices online and I usually only shop at online places when they offer free shipping (which is fairly often at some retailers).  This is the biggest way I find good deals.  I will scour online sales and I also tend to...

Okay, I have lost count of what week I'm supposed to be on, and since I failed a bit I should really probably start fresh.  Baby steps - that is what I'm working with here.  I got my fail packages in the mail this weekend, and unfortunately I love it all.  Right now they are sitting in a pile.  I'm trying to really decide if any of it really fulfills a need and then go from there.  Of course, I want to say it all does, but I know if I let it sit for a bit I'll realize if any of it was worth breaking the detox.  In the meantime, to help me get back on track I'm going to start sharing my closet inventory with y'all using the Real Simple list I posted a link to a couple of posts ago. Here is a cut of the first part of the list: pants. Okay, so this list is again the "essentials" - a wardrobe foundation and so I know there will be some additions of fun, trendy items.  However, I also started realizing when I went through this that I might have a few o...