Stress Shopper Redux

As I mentioned a week or so ago, I am a stress shopper. When the chips are down, I go shopping...yadda, yadda, yadda.  You get the drift. 

I don't remember if I mentioned but R has lost his job.  He has been doing contract work for the past two years and the company, as the trend goes in these times, has cut their budget. IT is one of the places they made major cuts, and therefore, his contract.  Simple for them, not so simple for me/us.  I spent over three years supporting our family, one of the years was my Cold Turkey year, and it was Tough, with a capital T.  I don't know I am in the frame of mind to do it again.  I am having a very difficult time getting my head around the fact that it is all up to me, redux.

So, when times get tough, the tough go shopping.  I have been unreasonably drawn to Anthropologie lately.  I signed up for the dreaded Anthro Card and now receive emails with specials, free shippipng, extra 25% off, you name it, I get it.  I don't immediately delete those emails, either.  I right click and download the pictures and off I go, into the world of wish lists.  Unfortunately I don't always just wish...I have not been able to avoid the extra cute and seemingly one-of-a-kind tops they have. I have always loved their clothes, but right now, their ultra cute, sexy and unusual summer tops have me sweating bullets.  My shopping basket was suddenly filled with unique things I knew I should not buy.  I ended up with two from the on-line store, spending less than $100.  And then yesterday I found myself in the actual store, browsing through the sale racks with a host of other women.  I found two must have items and left spending another $100. 

The two new tops are hanging in the closet with tags attached. 

I will report if they stay in my closet with tags, back in the store for a return, or on my back.

Love,
s

Reese Top in Navy/White stripe
Both on sale.  How could I resist?
Passerine Top in white

The 4th of July

The 4th of July, one of my favorite holiday's.  Not only because it is a day off for everyone I know, but I love the celebrations in the neighborhoods, the community events, the red, white and blue splendor, and the flag waving, everywhere you go.  It is a tradition that makes me proud;  of my heritage and my country, no matter what state it is currently embroiled in.  The masses come out with pride in our achievements and glory.  I love it!

We have spent the past seven or eight years with friends that have an annual barbecue pot-luck.  Since the kids have flown the coop, we have been spending the day with the host family and their friends and neighbors and each year, it just gets better.  Perhaps the familiarity of spending the time with people we only see twice a year - 4th of July and Super Bowl Sunday - gives me a feeling that things are not changing as much as I think.  The same people come to these events, year after year.  I am always asked to bring a vegetable platter, or a fruit platter, which I never buy pre-made, but make myself.  I select the fruits or vegetables, cut them (blanche what needs blanching) and arrange them on a red platter for the holdiay.  I take pride in ensuring they are beautifully presented since that is my yearly contribution. 

We had a great time with these friends, as we always do.  We are lucky to live where we do, to have the friends we have, and to be able to celebrate a day like the 4th of July in complete freedom.  Long may Old Glory wave.

Love,

S