Daily Candy - Kids!

Oh how fun! Daily Candy has come out with a kids' edition. Mommas, hop on and sign up for your city - or you can get the "everywhere" edition if your city isn't listed. I've discovered some really cool local places via Daily Candy, so I can't wait to see what the kid version is all about. Even though we don't have kids yet, I still eat this stuff up. Delicious!

:: One year ago today ::

I love: Juicy Charms

I just got an email from Juicy with some of the new charms out... I SO need that football one for this football season, don't you think?!


I know a lot of y'all aren't big fans of Juicy Couture - perhaps the idea of "JUICY" spelled across your ass is unappealing? Certainly age-inappropriate for me, if nothing else. (Maybe they should start a "JIGGLY" line for the over-30 crowd.) But seriously, don't think Juicy is nothing but terry track suits. Yes, a lot of their stuff is a bit on the obnoxious side, but I love the brand. I love that it's all about having fun and being fabulous. It's "prep" on diamond-encrusted steroids. It's Ralph Lauren and Betsey Johnson's love child. It's just plain fun.

As far as their clothing goes, one of my must-have pieces is the terry tube dress. I LOVE these and I wear them all the time - over jeans, over capris, as a swimsuit cover-up... I even bought their maternity version (on clearance, of course) in hopes of wearing it someday. Some of my favorite little spring blazers are Juicy - and you'd never know they were Juicy because they're not at all flashy. They actually have a lot of pieces that are sweet, simple, and uber feminine. Their jeans are fabulous. And while I'll pass on the furry snow boots, they do have some killer shoes as well. Most of their handbags are a little over-the-top for me, but I've seen some that I'd gladly carry. Today, however, let's just talk about how fun their jewelry is.

One of my favorite gifts ever, ever received was this yummalicious Juicy charm bracelet that the hub gave me for Christmas last year. (He may have had some coaching. Maybe.) He got me the bracelet and several charms that he picked out to go along with it. I love charm bracelets anyway, but this one is just crazy fun! Now it's definitely not for a wallflower. Nothing dainty about this bracelet - that's for sure. But I love big, fun, chunky jewelry - so this is right up my alley. I love big statement pieces like this. You won't often see me in a teeny little silver chain with a tiny pendant dangling off the end. Perfectly lovely - just not my usual style. When you throw on the charms, this bracelet is so delicious. And no other piece of jewelry has ever gotten me more compliments. Even GUYS notice it and want to look at it. People seriously can't get enough of it - it's hilarious. One of my co-workers stops to fiddle with it every time I wear it to the office. "Oh, let me see that bracelet! I just LOVE it!" Every. Time.

And the best part is, Juicy comes out with fun new charms all the time. They're often seasonal, so you can tailor your bracelet to whatever' s going on! And the charms themselves are really affordable. Here are some fun ones (the last shoe charm is on my bracelet currently)...

A little much for some, I'm sure. I call it my fabulously tacky bracelet. But you know Buford Betty can pull it off! ;-)

:: One year ago today ::

A few random things for Monday morning...

1. Behold, the finished product for my giveaway winner, LSU Melanie! These turned out so cute (don't let my lousy pic fool you) - be jealous, ladies! Mellie, I hope you and your pregalicious belly enjoy! These will be en route to you tomorrow...


2. I started putting together the favors for this couples' shower we're throwing next month. Being that we're in massive budget mode, this shower has been quite a challenge - as I don't enjoy being limited in my party planning. It's one of those situations where I jumped up and said "me, me, me!" to hosting a shower as soon as our friends got engaged. And then now I'm like, oh damn... what did I get myself into? But, as with our other money-saving tactics, I've totally turned this shower planning on a budget into a game. As in, for how little money can I throw a fabulous shower? I usually don't keep tally on party expenses, but I'm drilling this one down to every last penny. And so far, I'm kicking some SERIOUS ass. You should see my Excel spreadsheet for this one - it's so awesome.

We're doing an "entertainment" themed shower. Bestest laughs at us all down south and our themed showers. So I guess this is not a normal thing around the whole country? Anyway, this entertainment theme seems to be all the rage now in the world of bridal showers. Gifts being things to entertain with... anything from serveware to board games. So I came up with this whole elaborate setup for the shower initially, and then I dumbed it down a couple of notches to something manageable. (That's usually my normal party planning process - dream big, then bring it down to reality.) The end result is a movie-themed shower. Now our take on "entertainment" covers everything from chic cocktail parties all the way to a movie night for two... so I decided to take the movie theme and run with it.

We're borrowing a friend's old fashioned popcorn machine (like the kind they used to give away on The Price is Right and I always wondered what the hell people were gonna do with it). Also, the hub has a "talent" for editing photos - so we're going to find some classic movie covers and edit them a bit to fit the bride and groom. I'll print those out and hang them somehow around the house. And I plan to display movie quotes all around the house on love and marriage... And here are those favors I started on. Movie theatre candy! Too darn cute...



3. I went to my J. Crew this weekend in an attempt to find a birthday prezzie for my dad with my super fun giftcard that I won at Jillian, Inc. (woo hoo!). But much to my surprise, MY store has ditched the men's section altogether and now is a women's "concept" store. Of course. Of course this happens the ONE time I'm in there looking for boy stuff. Completely baffled, I asked one of the sales girls where the hell the men's section went and she explained how they're doing this at 12 stores around the nation. But all the other Atlanta stores will still be selling men's and women's. Whatever. But I must say - if any of you locals are in the market, the clearance section at the Mall of Georgia location is freaking ginormous. And it was all marked an additional 40% off (for how long I don't know).

Saturday I had to run by our townhouse, so I hopped on over to the Perimeter location to check out the men's stuff. Nothing really caught my eye, so I also left that crew empty-handed. But I did notice the clearance section for women was like maybe a third of the size of the MOG store. Anyway, I decided to try my luck online - I usually have much more luck there anyway. So I ordered my dad a super cute pair of madras shorts and I also snagged these pretties for me.


A little give and take, you know. And I only went $4 over my giftcard once shipping and tax was figured in - woo hoo!

4. Lastly, I was very disappointed to learn that Warner Brothers is pushing back the release of the new Harry Potter film to NEXT summer. Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to tease us with the trailer and then yank it away from us! Cruel, I'll tell you!

5. NO wait, one more... the Kate Spade boutique is open now at Rue La La. Go buy stuff and I'll pretend I'm you!

Random Laughs: Ugly Betty

Yeah this is totally random, but I was watching this old episode of Ugly Betty on Tivo and I was just cracking up. I adore this show, and the Slater-Bradford wedding episode is one of my favorites. If you're not watching this show, you are SO missing out. I can't wait for it to come back this fall! Here are a couple of my favorite scenes from this particular episode...

The first showcases Posh Spice's scenes - she had a guest appearance (as herself) as Wilhemina's last minute MOH. My favorite scene is Wilhemina's final gown fitting with Vera Wang (playing herself). This is mayjah! And who wouldn't want a booty bop from Vera Wang?!




And then later at the wedding... when the ceremony is interrupted, Wilhemina probes her assistant to stall. So he shoves Amanda up there to entertain the guests with her vocal stylings.



Just a couple of good laughs for Thursday. Enjoy! :-)


Oh and on a completely random note - how the hell do those volley ball chicks keep from getting wedgies?! There's got to be some seriously powerful product they're using to keep those suits in place. And the hub and I also discussed how all these athletes must have waxers on staff. There's some serious hair removal going on here.

Reader Poll: What Olympic sport would you add?

While driving to work this morning, my local radio show was talking about starting a new sport as a way to get into the Olympics - jokingly, of course. Sort of. And that got me thinking about what sport I'd add to the Olympics if anyone asked for my input. Which they should! But they usually don't.

I think my idea is totally awesome though. Bestest and I always joke that if people would just listen to us, the world would be a better place. Humility at its finest! Anyway, so if *I* were to add a sport, it would be partner stunting - as in cheerleading. Now I'm not about to get into the controversial topic of whether cheering is a sport or not... but y'all, if people can win gold medals for jumping on a freaking trampoline, surely this is worth consideration.

Now I'm not talking about full squads competing here. There are lots of elements to cheerleading. I cheered for many years, so yeah I have my opinions on it, sure. The gymnasts have got the tumbling covered, so no need to have more of that. I don't really care about seeing actual chanting or dance numbers... but stunting? Yes, that could work. And I think the best bet - at least initially - would be partner stunting. Teams of two - a guy and a gal - that perform a routine throwing trick after trick after trick. The routines are about a minute long - I found one on You Tube so you could see what I'm talking about.

Totally medal worthy, don't you think? I guess the question is... do any other countries do partner stunting? Well I bet you they'd start!

So today's question, readers... what Olympic sport would YOU add?

I like Fridays. Fridays are my favorite.

Happy Friday, y'all! I am so ready for a weekend since I was robbed of one last week. And our house looks like shiz since we got rid of our maid. Yeah that was one of "those" items that got quickly nixed once we started on this penny-pinching plan. I can pick up and organize stuff all day, but I detest cleaning. Though we do have quite the supply of cleaning products. The hub has a bizarre obsession with cleaning stuff. I wish I could say he was equally obsessed with using those products. Anyway, so I'm hoping to get some of that fun stuff knocked off the list this afternoon. We get to leave early (from work) today, so I've got my to-do list and I'm ready to go!


Anyway, here's a little Friday treat for you... I'm finally getting around to posting after being tagged by both Pink Lemonade & Peonies and Pinot & Pacifiers. Thanks, girls!

The rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
3. Tag 5 random people at the end of post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here goes...

Pressure - David Bowie f. Queen (and yes that is David Bowie featuring Queen, not Queen featuring David Bowie). I don't guess this is really embarrassing other than the fact that I think David Bowie is freakishly HOT! And I jam to this one. Vanilla Ice can stick it. You stole it and you know it!

Tammy's in Love - Debbie Reynolds, et al. OK yes, this one's embarrassing. I love all the Tammy movies... Tammy and the Bachelor, Tammy and the Doctor... do y'all know these? Well I occassionally break out into song with this one.

Area Codes - Ludacris. I'm sure many think he's rather foul, but I love Ludacris. I saw him on an airplane once and our eyes met. We had a moment. He was thinking I should be in his next video, I'm sure. This one is totally in my running mix on my ipod.

Love in this Club - Usher. I LOVE this song right now - and that's not embarrassing, but I would be terribly embarrassed if two people really started going to town next to me in a club. Usher may not care who's watching, but *I* do! Does this really happen? Guess I should stop worrying since I don't go to clubs.

I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry. Yeah this one is just too catchy and I can't help it. I think it's funny and I totally crank it up when it comes on.

I also could've named like 30 songs from Britney Spears, but well, no embarrassment there. She takes up half my ipod.

Well, not to be a rule breaker, but I think most everyone has done this one... so tag, you're IT if you haven't!!! Hope y'all have a great weekend! :-)

:: One year ago today ::

And the winner is...

Finally, finally - it's time to draw the big weeeeener!

Thanks to all of you that entered my first lil giveaway. I am super excited! So today when I got home, I printed out all your names and sliced 'em up...

I folded them all and threw them in a big pitcher. Charlie stood by to make sure I didn't cut any corners...

Belly decided she would draw the name (she's the boss, you know)...

And the winner is...

LSU Melanie!!! Congrats, momma! These will come in handy for those upcoming baby shower gifts, I'm sure! Let me know what initial you'd like on your cards and they'll be on their way soon.

Thanks again to all who entered! I'll post the finished product soon so y'all can be all jealous of Melanie! ;-)

Fruitcake & Ice Cream

I've been asking myself whether or not I should share this with y'all, but then I thought, why wouldn't I?! It's my blog afterall - ha! I don't bring up God stuff too terribly often on here (and I think this video nails the reason why), but I wanted to give y'all an opportunity to see our sermon from yesterday. It was absolutely amazing - a great message for anyone, Christian or not. That's the great thing about our church - anyone can pick up something from these messages (not just us fruitcake Christians).

This one is by Louis Giglio. He is not our head pastor, but he speaks fairly often and the dude makes me cry like a baby every time. He travels all over the world and is a big, big influence in youth ministry - especially college students (7:22 programs, Passion conferences, etc). He's extremely passionate and fun to watch. But this particular message is just one I couldn't keep to myself. He shares the story of a student from the University of Florida. It's a story he's told all over the world. I invite you to take a half hour or so sometime soon to watch this video online. And bring your tissues!

To view the video, go to this page (www.northpoint.org/messages) and you'll see an icon pop up that looks like a CD cover entitled "Home Free - Even Me." Click on that and it'll expand a box that looks like this:



Click on the icon to view the video that I have circled above (choose the second sermon listed, entitled "Fruitcake & Ice Cream") and a new window will pop up and the video will immediately start.

Hope y'all enjoy and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I'll be back later tonight with my big weeeeeeeener! Woot woot!

Update (3.15.09): I'm still getting lots of hits on this particular post and the links I mentioned are no longer up since my church only keeps its more recent messages available online. For $1, you can download this message here.

:: One year ago yesterday ::

Someone stole my weekend.

I was literally home for maybe 3 waking hours over the past two days. That wasn't really the original plan, but it somehow turned out that way. This was partially due to a rafting trip from hell on Saturday that I shall entertain y'all with in a bit. Y'all know I am not outdoorsy whatsoever. And everytime I partake in these sort of activities, I remind myself why.

Anyway, I obviously didn't get around to drawing a name for the stationery giveaway yet. Apologies! Blogger was giving me hell Friday afternoon and Saturday. I couldn't view any blogs without getting some stupid error message saying we had to abort! I'm just trying to view a blog, not execute some kind of classified military mission. How stupid. And I know it wasn't just me because bestest was having the same issues. So I couldn't even view my comments from that giveaway post to get a list of names to draw from... Needless to say, that's on the to-do list for today. I will draw a winner tonight. I hope none of you were holding your breath all weekend!

The US girls have landed...

Don't you just want to pinch Shawn's little cheeks? And by cheeks I mean her face or her bum. Both are equally cute and pinch-worthy.

Go Team USA! Woot woot!

Ballard Designs - Tent Sale!

I know a lot of you are fans of Ballard Designs... This weekend Ballard's Backroom is having a big tent sale. Items are marked an additional 50-75% off the lowest ticketed price. Definitely worth a look, Atlanta gals. This is only at the Holcomb Bridge location - not the DeFoor Ave location. If you haven't been, you are missing out. Everytime I go there I see something I've been eying in the catalog - or worse, something I bought online and paid full price for... damn. I won't be able to get over there, but you should. Go spend some money for me!

New Harry Potter trailer!

Sooooo exciting! I can't wait! And did y'all hear they're making the 7th book into two films? I'm so glad - there's just too much to cover to be able to squeeze it all into one last movie.



OMG how awesomely creepy is little Tom Riddle?! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens here November 21st... and you can bet your knickers the hub and I will be at the 12:01am showing at our IMAX theatre! I totally nerd out when it comes to Harry. Am I alone here?!

:: One year ago today ::

Three things for Thursday...

1. I added some measurements to my maternity denim detail below up for grabs, as inquiring minds wanted to know!

2. My $4.95 jeans arrived yesterday. They're gorgeous, but tragically, are one size too big. :-( I'm SO totally bummed... Guess I'll be returning those puppies. I do think my next designer denim purchase will definitely be Rich & Skinny's though - love them.

3. I'll be drawing a winner for my stationery giveaway tomorrow afternoon! Don't forget to sign up here by 5 o'clock tomorrow! My stuff is rather delicious, if I do say so myself, so don't miss out! :-)

:: One year ago today ::

Up for grabs: Designer Maternity Denim

That's right, ladies con buddha bellies... I've got some maternity denim I'm getting rid of and wanted to see if any of you lovelies were interested. "But Buford Betty, why do you have maternity jeans?" Because dear readers, this girl has mental issues and likes to play scavenger on maternity clearance sites! Puhleez - y'all know this about me. But alas, while we're turning seat cushions looking for spare change these days, I've decided to sell some of my someday closet items. Honestly, I don't think these jeans will really end up fitting me in the future anyway. I did put them up on ebay but didn't have much of any luck. Really with these, it's like if somebody wants them, great - but if not, I'm cool with hanging on to them. I really just want to get back what I paid for them, so that's what my price points are here. OK so here's what's in my trunk...

Seven for all Mankind - for A Pea in the Pod - $110

Maternity Jeans, size Medium (30" inseam), retail was $210

Waist (belly band) measures 15" across at top when lying flat; hips measure 20"

I love Seven's and have several pair (non-maternity obviously), but these particular ones are the SOFTEST jeans ever. And the inseam is short enough for most to wear with flats or flops. Not the usual Amazon woman leg length of their normal jeans.

Paige Premium Denim Maternity Capris - $50

size 30, retail was approx. $168

Hips measure 19.5" across when lying flat.

I also love me some Paige denim... these are super cute too and damn, what a deal. I hate to part with them for loss of my bragging rights. But I've only really been able to brag to my dogs so far since they're just collecting dust in my closet.

Like I said, if any of you gals are interested, GREAT! If not, no bigs. I will let these go on a first-comment-first-serve basis... just specify which one you want (or you're welcome to both, of course) and leave me your email so I can contact you. I'll collect payment via paypal, just to keep it simple. If they arrive and you're not in love, I'll gladly take them back and refund your money provided you return them within 7 days and in their original condition. Geez, I am starting to sound like fine-print!

I'll certainly be glad to answer any questions on these before you buy - commenting does not obligate you to buy - it just means I'll go to you first. Both of these have the under belly band and both just pull up and on - no buttons or zippers, etc. And both are new with tags - never worn. (Though it's possible somebody may have tried them on once with a pillow stuck under their shirt - no idea who, but I'm just sayin'.)

Alright girls, have at it! And speaking of designer denim, guess what arrives today! I'm sooo pumped. Oh please fit, please fit! I'll give y'all the scoop tomorrow...

:: One year ago today ::

Stylin' courtside.

One of my girlfriends sent me an email this morning in a desperate search for a "cute" tennis bag. I know I've seen these everywhere... even Vera Bradley makes them now. But she needed more than just a cute racquet cover. She wanted a big ole bag to carry two racquets, balls, shoes and whatnot. She has recently gotten into tennis and she's got the cute skirts and all, but needs a bag with some style. And I agreed... afterall, looking cute on the court should be the #1 goal right? I mean it's just a game... win or lose, looking cute while doing it is key. ;-)

I did a little digging and also consulted Christmas bride, who is quite the tennis cutie herself. I knew she'd know just where to find one. And she did - these bags from Ame & Lulu are so darn cute, they make me want to throw on a skirt and grab a racquet myself...

Super cute, huh? Just thought I'd pass those along in case anyone else was looking for some stylish gear. They also have other "active" accessories... cute yoga bags and also golf stuff too for you preppy golfin' gals. I love all the fabrics... so dreamy! Do y'all have any other sites with fun athletic accessories?

Hope y'all had a good weekend... ours was pretty low-key. We had a 30th birthday party Friday night - for kuntry bride's hubby. I swear that's all we do lately - celebrate people's 30th birthdays. It's all my crew though - we've all been taking the plunge over the last year. Hub's crew is well past it. Shoot, I'm already starting to think about his 40th! Hahahahha....

:: One year ago today ::