Signs Signs Everywhere are Signs

Burberry Quilted Jacket

I just love the timeless Burberry quilted jacket. Now that I live where the climate is warm, this sort of coat makes more sense than my three in one ski jacket. It's more uptown than my fabulous Patagonia fleece. However, I wonder if it will keep me warm? At what temperature do I need a warmer jacket? I'd love your input! Please do tell!

Tuesday's Tip

This week's tip is something we all already know. If you have a special someone in your life, whether it be a spouse or someone you are dating, it's important to take time for dates ALONE. Now Mama Henley loves family time. It is my favorite thing in the world because I know where all my little ducklings are and my man is with me. Nonetheless, as a married couple, DH and I need time alone. It doesn't have to be for a weekend or overnight, though both of those are great. However, couples will really thrive if they have at least one date night a month. I realize not everyone can afford sitters or can relax with one in their home, but it is so important to have couple time. This is a time where no one is wiping bottoms, or cutting someone else's meat, or talking on the phone. Uninterrupted time together is so important. It reminds us why we fell in love in the first place. We feel young and energetic and probably get to enjoy a good meal or at least a cup of coffee.
Make the time. We're all busy. I hate that word because it so overused. Yes, our days are long and full. I get it. I'm on my 6th load of laundry in one day and have emptied the dishwasher twice. I watch DH with his full work days that can spill into the evening. I just think it's important to guard that time with one another. Carve it out. Give up something else and make your special someone realize just how special they are. You'll be glad you did. Now back to you're regularly scheduled Tuesday's Tip.... (just be glad I didn't address S... E.... X on this one... I will one of these days! )

Fall Favorites

In the heart of fall, I love love love to go to a football game. There is nothing like a home game in Sanford Stadium unless it's the 2010 season! This year our Dawgs are having a hard time. Nonetheless, it is always fun to be between the hedges. It brings back memories of butterflies during a first date, a fight between 2 fraternities, band parties, great Guthrie's chicken fingers, TBone's grilled chicken salad after the game, and dressing up in dresses and hats for a football game. We'd wake up early to do our hair and put on dresses to go sit and watch football. I love it. Pledges wore coat and tie and looked all spiffy. As the crowd roared, "GOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!! Sic' em!! Woof Woof Woof!", the hair on your arms would stand at attention. There is no better place to be on a Saturday than at a football game in Sanford Stadium.

My favorite game was the Clemson/Ga. night game in 1991 on October 5th. What a fun night!

Today was planned MONTHS AGO. I had planned to board a plane and fly to a destination to which I had never been, to meet 4 women whom I have never met in person. Plans were put in place, emails were exchanged, and ferry schedules were secured. I could not WAIT to hug the cute necks of Bevy, Jess, KK, and Gabi!!! I could not wait to meet this FAB FOUR in person. After all, I know all about their struggles, their triumphs, their families, and their dreams. We have connected in the blog world and become fast friends.

Sometimes life does not go as planned. This weekend, reserved months ago, was suddenly filled with obligations. The obligations are all happy ones, but I realized a few weeks ago that I needed to be here. Tomorrow I will help with our school bake sale. Tonight I will help our littles as they work through their homework. I am happy to be here where I am needed. However, I am sad that my dream did not come to fruition. It's tough when that happens.

Nonetheless, I can always see God's hand in things. He knew my husband's schedule for this week. He knew how many things would break and need repair men at our house. He knew that a child would struggle with school and really need me. He knew it all.

This afternoon I called my sweet friends. They greeted me with loud yells and happy screams. Their meeting began with bloody mary's on the ferry. And I was not there. KK sent me a fabulous gift. She has no idea how perfect it because I had one just like it that recently broke! Thank you, KK. I sent virtual hugs to my virtual friends. I hung up the phone and cried. I cried because I was sad to miss it, not because I'm in the wrong place. I know I'm supposed to be here. But it is sad. And it hurts. And one day, I'm going to make this virtual friendship a reality.

You girls have so much FUN!!!!!!!! And get to blogging!!!!!

One Woman, One Oven...

One woman, one oven, 2 days, ELEVEN pound cakes! Let the baking marathon begin!!! We're having a great Bake Sale at our school on Friday! We sold so many cakes and pies!! Can you believe it?!

Tuesday's Tip

Good Morning, y'all!!! DH and I had the best dinner out last night to celebrate knowing each other for 20 years! With the bad economy, people are eating out less. People are also using coupons more. I have always been a coupon queen, though there are many who have mastered the art as well or better than I have. However, for those of you who are new to using coupons, you may like to know some tips. Even if you don't need to save, it's always nice to have extra money in your own pocket instead of in the grocery store's proverbial pocket!
When you walk around your local store, take note of blinkies, which come out of the small machines and are located near certain products. Resist the urge to use the coupon right away unless you need that item for something you are making that week. Most likely that item will go on sale in the new future and you can use your blinkie then and save an even higher percentage on that item.
You will also notice that some items carry coupons on them that you peel off of the package. Keep your eyes open for these. These are called peelies.
At the register sometimes a coupon will print. These are called "Catalinas". This is another coupon you can save for future purchases. If you shop at Publix, Target, CVS, Walmart, Harris Teeter and most other stores, you can use a STORE coupon with a MANUFACTURER'S coupon to further your savings. Sometimes this results in an item being free for you!
Be sure to read any local newspapers or catalogs that you receive. Often they will have coupons as well. A local paper has $5 off $50 of groceries. I used 3 yesterday to save $15 off of $150 of groceries! The groceries would have cost over $300, but I used coupons to get them down to $150 and then saved $15 more! That's a lot of savings!! Think of it as saving up for a new pair of Revas!
If your children like Chick Fil A, they are GREAT about coupons. Ours prints them in a local circular. The best part is that Chick Fil A will take expired coupons. They will also take coupons that are designated for another store. They will even allow you to use more than 1 coupon at a time!
I hope you have a great Tuesday and save some $$$$!!!!