Filene's Basement

I have a new favorite store. On a recent visit to Chicago, I came across Filene's Basement. It is a discount store similar to TJ Maxx and Marshall's, but is much bigger and definitely more organized. They also have a bigger selection of designer clothing. I looked for at least an hour and felt like I barely scratched the surface. I settled for a Michael Kors top, black dress pants (didn't recognize the brand) and a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes. My total was around $100. What a steal! I heart Filene, whoever she is.

Dog Dish

I have been considering throwing out our dog's current food and water bowls and upgrading to a wall-mounted version like the one above. Not only will it help aid in digestion (I have no evidence to back this up), but it will also be stationary instead of moving all over the floor. And it's pleasing to look at. That is also important. I have two dogs so I can't decide if I should get two feeders, a food bowl and a water bowl for each of them, or if I should just get one for food only and have them share a separate water bowl. Decisions, decisions. Speaking of dog stuff, check out this yard sign. I'm not sure that it would be a deterrent, but it might get a few chuckles.

Trying new things

If you live in Louisville, KY then you probably have heard of bejeezus. But if you're like me you never really knew what it was about. I knew it was a magazine and that was the extent of my knowledge of bejeezus. I intended to check it out at some point so when I read on Consuming Louisville that bejeezus was having an Independence Day part at the Nachbar last night I decided now was the time to find out what the fuss was all about. I had never been to the Nachbar, I didn't even know how to pronounce it (it's pronounced "Knock"). It was a night to try new things so my hot date (aka The Colonel) and I headed out to the Nachbar to check out bejeezus and soak up the sounds of Relic with our friends and coworkers. Turns out bejeezus is "a guide to unpopular culture". The content covers topics including music, film, handmade crafts, and local eateries. The design is artistic and thoughtful and representative of the local culture. I picked up two copies (issue 9 & 10) of the local magazine and have been absorbing the awesomeness that is bejeezus all day today. I have enjoyed everything about the magazine, even the ads. That's saying something. I can't wait to pick it back up and see what is on the next page. Don't wait to check it out like I did. Go get Bejeezus!

CeFiore

There is this place on Bardstown Rd. in The Highlands called CeFiore that sells italian, low-fat frozen yogurt. I drive past it all the time and have been meaning to stop in. Last night my husband and I were out for a walk and decided to give it a try. They offered several different flavors of frozen yogurt, including original, acaiberry, green tea, and pomegranate-raspberry, with many topping options as well as smoothies and coffee. I gave a quick look at the menu and decided on the child size portion of the pomegranate-raspberry topped with blueberries. My husband went with the original topped with fruity pebbles (he loves fruity pebbles in a major way). The yogurt was refreshing and creamy and delicious...and low-fat. As the summer heats up, I will definitely be visiting again.

Clay and Cotton

I love the look of this robin's egg soap. It would look cute and charming in a guest bathroom. Clay and Cotton has all sorts of interesting things including stationery, bath and body products, home decor and candles.

Dresses

After looking around at several retail stores and trying on 143 dresses, I settled on the following two from Target:














The plum-colored, shift dress was in the "regular" sizes and the the black linen dress was in the plus sizes. I bought this really cute cropped sweater to wear with the linen dress.














The linen dress tends to stretch out and lose it's shape after a little wear, but I find that is the tendency of linen fabric. Because my weight has changed so much recently, I am teetering between being plus size and regular size. Being able to shop in both sections really gives me a lot of options and shopping for clothes has definitely been more enjoyable these days.

Springtime & hem lines

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it is time to start wearing more skirts and dresses. I recently lost 50 lbs. so all of the stuff I wore last summer does not fit anymore. I've been poking around the web looking for dresses and I found a few that I would like to try. I specifically need summer weight dresses and skirts that are work appropriate. Old Navy and Target both had many options. All of these dresses look flattering and appropriate for the office. I can't wait to try them on.