Alice In Wonderland

We went with some friends to see Alice In Wonderland opening weekend. It was fun going out with friends to dinner and a movie. The movie however was not my favorite. Number one problem, I don't care for 3D movies. I did not realize it was 3D until I was charged $12.25 for one ticket. I don't understand the whole 3D movement, it doesn't make the movie any better in my opinion.

The movie began with funny parts. Alice is at a fancy party where she discovers it is actually an engagement party, HER engagement party. Of course the man who asks for her hand is a bore, unattractive, and has an overbearing mother. What does a girl do??? She makes a quick excuse then falls into a hole.



The movie overall was too dark and weird. I was expecting Wonderland to turn beautiful at the end, it did not. We discover what Alice does after her adventure. She does not marry the mama's boy but goes into business with his father who funds explorers. Odd. I give this movie a C.

Our '80's Costumes

I had a hard time coming up with something at the thrift store that was offensive enough and was my size for the costume party. I did run across the most amazing shiny mauve jumpsuit with enormous shoulder pads but alas, it was very small. An '80's wedding gown could not be found! I did come home with a pair of black aviator glasses. Chuck tried them on and the likeness to George Michael was remarkable! I tried to convince him to let me wear his awesome Karate Kid costume and he go as George, but it was a no-go.
That got my mind going. I could go as a man, Mr. Miyagi, Rambo, Mr. T?
No, none of those was right but Axl Rose is! What an easy costume, jeans, ratty t-shirt, flannel shirt, boots, some tattoos, bandanna, aviator glasses. I already have the hair. The tattoos were tricky. The only place I could think of with large tattoos was a coin machine at our local Mexican restaurant. I bought three. I'm sure Axl's ink are not Marvel Comic's superheros but they'll do.

Here's a great photo of Axl back in the day. Sadly, he has messed with plastic surgery and lost his manliness.


Here we are ready to party! I had a full length photo but it made me look fat so-delete.

Thrifty Last Minute Birthday Gift

We had three birthday parties we wanted to attend this past weekend. One was for my daughter's best friend from school. I needed a quick thrifty gift. Here's what I came up with:


I think it turned out really cute. The necklace was from Hobby Lobby and the bird charm and bead I already had. I've done the Scrabble tile charm before by drilling a hole into the corner then twisting a head pin into a loop. I think this will be a go-to project for a lot more parties!

'80's Birthday Party!

I'm so excited to be invited to an '80's costume party! I was not a teenager during the 1980's but I was a pre-teen. Of course I had permed hair with a bang and it was tri-colored thanks to Sun-In. One of my favorite Christmas presents was a butane curling iron that I would use after P.E. to pump up those bangs to the max, good times.

This is my cousin and I (I'm on the right) in my aunt's wigs. My aunt worked at a hair salon during that time and managed to melt her hair off. She bought several wigs until it grew back. I was in love with these wigs. I appreciate whoever played along that day by taking us to the mall. We thought we were hot stuff but looking back I'm sure they had second thoughts about being seen with us.

I'm off to a thrift store in the morning for a costume!

Last Minute Dr. Suess Costume

I hate missing a memo from school. Somehow I managed to lose the sheet explaining Dr. Seuss week. I had one day to come up with a character costume for Friday's parade. We already own a lion costume so I glued and toothpicked fake apples to a head band to represent the book, "Ten Apples Up On Top". Of course my daughter pointed out that it's not a lion it's a tiger with 10 apples up on top. It's close enough and I think it turned out pretty good. Here's me seeing if the headband was able to hold up.

And here's the naughty child that was supposed to be asleep already.

Progress Report on Resolutions

Before Photos


I am proud to say I have made some progress towards organizing my home. I dropped off 130 items of clothing at one of my beloved consignment sales. Tonight I started on the toys. I HATE toys with multiple pieces. They are difficult to keep together and no one wants to play with a toy that's missing pieces. Three boxes of books, toys, and baby paraphernalia have made it to Goodwill. I haven't even begun on my 2nd child's room. Must.....be.....ruthless.
Chuck was feeling energized and organized those shameful kitchen cabinets for me. He did a wonderful job, I will never doubt his skills again!

Consignment Deals

I shopped 2 consignment sales this past week and am pleased with my bargains! I spent a total of $250. That sounds like a lot but I came home with a lot, including swimsuits, pj's, shoes, and church clothes for both kids. I just love these sales. I plan on spending a little more on the next upcoming sales.


I consign what we don't need and I'm super cheap throughout the year. I put my nose up at regular prices and usually haunt the Target clearance racks for 75% off items.
What did we do before these sales existed?!


Here's a tip for shopping consignment sales. Try to buy a complete outfit ( a top and a bottom). Usually I buy whatever I like and then get home to find that we have nothing to match. That means having to buy something at regular price or the item never gets worn. I had to go out of my way to find some stretch pants for Katherine to wear under two adorable skirts. Her school requires something to be worn under skirts and dresses, this is annoying but understandable. I think the pants add some interest in the total look, I did well!


Here's an itemized list of what $250 got me:
7 dresses
23 complete outfits
3 tops
3 swim suits
2 swim suit cover-ups
3 pairs of jeans
4 pairs of shorts
3 sets of overalls
2 pairs of stretch pants
1 pair of pajamas
3 pairs of sandals
1 pair of tennis shoes
1 pair of dress shoes