Snow and Swimsuits

I was so delighted to look out the window this morning and see the beautiful snow! I thought I heard Tim in the garage getting ready to leave so I quickly made it out there so we could share the magical moment. I threw open the door.

Me: Look at the snow!
Tim: It's like a winter wonderland!
Me: I know!
Tim: (chuckling)
Me: Are you mocking me?
Tim: Uh-huh.

Whatever. I quickly grabbed my camera and shuffled outside to take some pictures. I absolutely love how quiet it is when everything is blanketed with snow. Everything is bright and still. It takes me back to Colorado. Sigh.

Even though outside it looks like Summer is far, far away, I know that my afternoons by the pool are only about three months away. I have a few new things for fabulous and classy poolside lounging.

I bought a new cover up.


While it might look a little boring, I really like it. It has a cute keyhole opening with a little bow adorned with wooden beads.


The price was right, too. Not $40, but ...


99 cents at NBC's 99 cent sale!

I went to Goodwill the other night and found a tote for the pool that I absolutely love! You know how I need a tote bag for every occasion.


It was only $4.00! And it has a great lining that can handle sunscreen squirts and snow cone drips.


I love the faux woven look.


It's very Bottega Veneta-ish.


Yeah, yeah, I know that's quite a stretch, but I'd say my Goodwill tote is as close to Bottega Veneta one can get for $4.00. Have you ever felt Bottega Veneta leather? Put it on your To Do List. It's UNbelievable.

As I was photographing the tote in my backyard (Yes! That's the magical snow from today!) I rememberd a cute little envelope I bought at Ann Taylor Loft.


I was just drawn to these. Maybe because they're so shiny. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, but I knew I could use it for pictures, receipts, To Do Lists, coupons, etc. The price made it too good to pass up.


And it was an extra 50% off so $2.44!

This will be great to hold my pool card, driver's license and snow cone money and it matches the tote perfectly.

I even have some new sandals. I got these muted gold sandals at the Gap Outlet.


I was kind of disappointed when I saw that they weren't real leather, but that is actually better for summer. I won't worry about them getting wet. How much?


So I'm set with pool accessories, but what is the main thing you need for the pool? A good swimsuit. Luckily, I've snagged a few over the last year. ALL under $5.oo and all from NBC.

This is a good family or mixed company swimsuit.


At $3.00 it's almost disposable.

I usually don't wear swimsuits quite this busy, but for $1.00 I thought I'd give this next one a try (with my own black bikini bottom, of course).


This one is my least favorite, but it was only $3.00 and it's really well made.


This is going to be one of my guest swimsuits. So if Sister forgets her suit she's taken care of. :)

This one's my favorite.


If you've seen these in department stores you know they're well over $100, but I got this one for $3.00. Score!

The snow continues to fall and I love it! Look at the bushes lining our sidewalk!


While I wait for Summer I'm certainly going to enjoy this!

Valentine's Day!

I love Valentine's Day, don't you? For me, Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic love. It's about the real, true love one has for family and friends. And Valentine's Day comes at just the perfect time of the year. It's always kind of a let down to take down the Christmas decorations, say good-bye to visiting friends and family, and go back to work. I usually get in the mood to clean out and declutter in January and then before I know it it's time for another holiday!

Wouldn't you know that I would marry someone who couldn't care less about Valentine's Day? In fact, he actually kind of dislikes Valentine's Day. I've tried my best in the ten plus years I've known and loved him and I've pretty much ... almost given up on him. Isn't that the way it goes?

But I've decided to not let it get me down. I just direct my Valentine's Day affection elsewhere.

The house was looking so bare after putting away all the Christmas stuff. I don't have much in the way of Valentine's decor and I'm not going to buy the adorable decorations out right now at full price (maybe in March at 80 or 90% off). I decided to give myself an hour to quickly add some free Valentine's love to a few areas of my home.

I Valentine-ized the dining room table with some red and white that I already owned.



My mother-in-law gave me the candles one year and my mom gave me the napkins, heart frame and Waterford violet vase.

I love these little vases. They are perfect for a real flower or two or, in only select instances, a bunch of fake ones.

I love these votive holders I got at Big Lots several years ago. I bought several for myself and gave them as gifts, too.

Candy is an inexpensive way to decorate. I got some Hot Tamales in my stocking and they work perfectly in my little candy tower. (And this way I don't eat a whole box in one evening since they're part of my decor.)
I bought two amaryllis at Marshalls after Christmas and they work well on the buffet.
They were only $7.00!
Pottery Barn sells just the flower for $12. I thought these looked pretty realistic but the bulb seemed a little odd. My mom (the horticulturalist) informed me that the yellow bulb is a "dead giveaway" that these are fake. So I will be painting these brown in the near future.

Next year when I pack up the Christmas decorations I'm going to try to look at things through rose-colored Valentine's glasses. I know I have other red, white, or sparkly things that could be mixed together in a new way for Valentine's Day.

In the bathroom (yes, Valentine's Day is honored in the bathroom, too) I just grouped together some pink and red bath products along with some cute washcloths from my mom.

Gels and bubbles are near the bathtub (makes sense, right?).

And lotions are on my vanity.
I just like walking in and seeing little displays. It makes me happy.

Another thing that makes me happy is this quick and cute DIY project that doesn't even need instructions once you see it.

I made this in college with a picture from the February Formal and it still makes me all warm and fuzzy when I see it. He does, too. :)

What do you to decorate for Valentine's Day?