Aww, Look At The Baby! Pt. 3

And we shall call this post in the series "the shopping trip that changed my life."

In case you missed them, you should absolutely and most definitely check out the prior posts in this money-saving series:

Part 1 - The Beginning
Part 2 - This One's For The Haters

Anyways, to follow up on Part 2, I told you that there were people who were questioning the trip that changed my life, so I wanted to clear up that little situation.  The trip did in fact happen.  How can I prove it?  Check out the pictures, below, and let your mind be blown.  (Please excuse the cell phone quality - I had no idea I'd be so awed at the conclusion of this trip or I would have taken my camera!)

My business partner, L, being taught about the binder by the artist formerly known as the Coupon Queeny, Tanya - Divine Deal Diva!

Cart 1 in progress

Cart 2 in progress

Nervously waiting in line at my local Kroger - how will we do?!?!

Before coupons (but after Kroger Plus Card savings - we scanned it before we started! BOO!)

After coupons!  WOW!  $210.48 in coupon savings alone!!!

With our fabulous cashier and our hella long receipt! WHAT A RUSH!

So, as you can see, the shopping trip with the DIVINE DEAL DIVA, Tanya, actually went down - and it went down in MY city!  I was there. I pushed Cart #2, thank you very much!  And this was the shopping trip that changed my life - because it put into action what Grandma Chicken Wing had been telling me for years.  Coupons are money and when times are hard financially, which they are for me right now, I have to do what I can to help my money go further.  As I said in the post prior to this one in the series - my couponing isn't about you.  It isn't my goal to make your life harder - it's to make mine better, and sometimes, I think it's okay to put yourself first if you are constantly courteous to others.

So, I hope that each of you who wants to try to start saving money enjoyed this trip through my local Kroger, and I hope that you found motivation - it CAN be done.  I'm not saying it's easy, but I am saying that, for me, it's worth it.

Next post in the series?  I shall call it - the method to my madness!

Until next time,

Chicken Wing Went Shopping!

Well, I have to admit something, Peeps.  I haven't actually been shopping in a long time.  Well, that is until recently.  I love, love, love to window shop and I do that often.  But, due to being economically cautious, it's actually been awhile since I went shopping for myself, and I think I'd forgotten how important it is to do that sometimes.

I had an amazing girls' day with one of my best girlfriends recently, and we shopped until we dropped!  It was an awesome day!  So, I decided to share my pretties with you all, and sum up my day with this timeless, classic expression:

Are you, Charlie?  Are you?

You may have been wondering, "Were there ruffles involved?"  "Heck to the yes, there were ruffles involved," I exclaim!

Take, for example, this unbelievable purse that my lover, TJ Maxx, had waiting for me!  The best part?  I got this $60 bag for $25!

Personal cell phone picture of my precious!!!

TJ also helped me with a major need I had.  Imagine this:  you have a wedding to shoot where you will be on your feet for nine hours straight.  You go to put on your trusty, not-attractive-but-uber-comfortable, black shoes only to discover that the ankle strap is......wait for it........BROKEN!  THE HORROR!

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So, lucky for me, I actually found a cute pair of BOC black ballet flats that are actually very comfortable!  BIG WIN for the Chicken Wing!  Check 'em out!


HOORAY!

Also from TJ Maxx, I hit the jackpot!  Comanche and I went on a mini-trip for his birthday last year, and while in one of the shops there, we saw this section of glazed pottery-type items and we had no clue what they could be.  All I could tell was that they were gorgeous!  The saleslady explained to us that they were a new phenomenon called firepots!

Basically, they're your own little fireplace when you don't have one. Whether you use them on your patio for crisp evenings or in a cooler area of your home, they are a great option for instant warmth.  I will say, they won't heat your entire house or even an entire room, but they're great for folks like me who tend to stay cold all the time.  They also have a citronella version of the fuel gel so you can use that outdoors to keep the bugs at bay!  Double win!  The only reason Comanche and I didn't purchase one of those bad boys right on the spot was because one of the cheapest ones they had was $135.  Yes, you read that correctly - we didn't buy one.

At TJ Maxx, however, there was a GORGEOUS firepot on sale for THIRTY DOLLARS!!!!  After a quick call to Comanche to confirm that I wasn't just buying things to buy things, he reminded me that 1) I'm always cold, 2) I'd definitely use it, and 3) I'd been using an extremely ghetto "fireplace" which consisted of a medley of jar candles to help heat my living room.  Okay, so fail on the last one.  According to him, it only made sense for me to snatch one up since I was clearly desperate in the winter.  Done and done, and she's a beaut.  (You know, short for beautiful).  See?


Personal cell phone pic of my firepot in action!

Then, there was the highlight of my shopping trip. My friend and I ended up at the mall in Belk, when out of nowhere, I saw her.  Our eyes locked across the room.  She was so gorgeous, I couldn't look away - I was mesmerized.  She had exotic coloring and curves for days.  She even shared my love for damask. And ruffles.  Who is she?



LOVE HER!

I've been stalking this class-for-days, Kristen Stewart style dress for.ev.er.  Seriously, for years!  I've tried on so many dresses like this, and they have never fit me.  My fiercly intelligent friend suggested for me to try it on in Petite sizes, even though I argued that I thought those dresses were only shorter in length for smaller people.  Who was wrong?  {Raises hand with guilty face on display}

What I love about this dress is that I can wear it to a variety of functions and it will be appropriate and class-a-frass at each and every one!  And, I also got this on sale 30% off!  Sorry, Charlie, but I think your phrase has a new owner in town.  Move along, and go fix your life.  Mmmkay, thanks for playing.

Until next time,

Something Every Man Should Know

*We interrupt the Reverb 10 series to bring you this important Public Service Announcement.*

In life, there are certain lessons that must be learned in order to be successful. 

In school, you have to study before a big test and then apply what you learned if you want to guarantee success.  In the romantic world, you have to practice being honest and faithful and open to sharing in order to make a relationship last.  In social settings, it's pretty important to learn lessons in etiquette.  When you get ready to start working, you have to practice your interview skills and then if you get the job, you have to continue to practice good habits if you want to keep the job you got!

Now, there are also certain things that you have to know that are gender specific.  This post is about something every man should know.

Whether you're dressing for a job interview, going to your first prom, or maybe even walking down the aisle, every man needs to know how to tie a tie.  If you've ever attempted this, you know this is a difficult task.



Perfect Paisley!  Yes, please!  Click here to buy!


Well, stress no more, Peeps!  There is a fabulous website in the interwebs that teaches you not only how to tie a tie, but also how to tie FIFTEEN different knots or styles!  WOWEE, that's impressive!  I'm so serious - it's even chock full of videos that walk you, step by step, through the process, so you can practice on your own.

Click here to head over to the site!

I personally believe that there should be more websites like this out there - you know, ones with absolutely relevant information!  I plan to practice some of these tie-tying techniques so that I can be of service to any males in need!

Another cool thing about this site is that it's brought to you by ABCNeckties.  If you like one of the ties featured in their how-to videos, you can hop on over to ABCNeckties to purchase it!  Amazing!

I hope you find this useful, and please send this on to your friends - especially to that special man in your life who rocks the clip-on regularly!  Trust me, they're counting on you to teach them the ways of the necktie!

Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing

The Holidays Are Coming!

Wowee, where has 2010 gone?  Thanksgiving is next week, Peeps!  I mean, seriously!  I can't believe that less than seven days from today, we will be gorging ourselves with turkey, watching football, playing football (if the weather's decent), and taking my beloved turkey naps!  I love it!

With Thanksgiving comes Black Friday, and let's face it - you either love the day or hate the day.  Some people have that thirst-for-blood type of adrenaline rush when this day rolls around.  You know the type - they camp outside of their favorite store, and they are the first in line for when the doors open at 3:00am.  Then, there are the folks who make up the other side - we'll call them the haters.  The haters would rather chew off their own arms than deal with overly agressive mothers who would actually endanger the life of their toddler by trying to take you out with their stroller.  "Don't touch that Tickle Me Elmo or you're going to wake up with stroller tracks all over you!"

I, myself, have been on both sides of the shopping madness.  I love the deals that you can score, but I have to be honest and say that I loathe getting up that early.  I mean, I'm not even myself at that hour.  And, I have had a woman try to maim me with her child-in-stroller, and I honestly believed that one of us was going to jail that morning.  (By one of us, I mean her.  It would be easier for me to get away since she did bring her child, and what do they do if they're not slowing you down?)

The reason this topic came about is because Comanche and I were sharing our stances on this special day, and I learned that he actually likes the thrill of the hunt, and he likes to go early.  That conversation got me to thinking about cute holiday things that you get while Christmas shopping.  Those thoughts got me to thinking about using said things while decorating my home for Christmas.  Then, I started to get excited.

Every year about this time, I try to find some of the cutest holiday gifts and decor around, and I love to share them with all of you.  I mean, as long as y'all don't go crazy and buy them all so I cannot attain one, I'm cool with sharing.

First up, some great ornaments for your tree! 

The girly girl in me dies for these Pier 1 beauties!

Purses + Heels + Glitter = Love

Oh Em Gee these penguins are adorable! They're called "Wrapped In Love" and you can put you & your honey's names on them!  Hallmark strikes again with impeccable cuteness!

Cute for the sister God gave you, or for one you chose yourself!

If I wasn't a novice camper, I would totally rock this cutie!





Preppy Chic - yes, Lilly Pulitzer makes ornaments!

Maybe you have a grillmaster in your life.  How cute!  It even opens to show some delicious hamburgers!

Stay tuned for the next installment of 'The Holidays Are Coming!'

Until next time,

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...Fall Edition

Peeps, I have a confession to make -

I woke up fairly early several times this past week and it actually made me smile.

Trust me, I just heard the screeching of your minds and the falling of your jaws when you read that line.  It was almost just as hard for me to write, and there was a momentary thought of whether or not I had used any illegal substances that would cause me to say such a blasphemous thing.

(I am happy to report that I have never, nor will I ever, use illegal substances.)  Back to the reason for this post.  Let me set the scene.

I woke up at 4:00am on Saturday morning as I had a HUGE event to work and needed to be there by 5:30am.  This is normally IMPOSSIBLE for me, so it was a major accomplishment in its own right that I was even awake.  But, I was awake.  I threw on my adorable rain boots to protect my tootsies from the early morning dew and took the furry monsters outside.  While standing on the concrete slab patio, a crisp breeze - so light that it was almost immediately a memory - blew by and I got a shiver all the way down my back.  I smiled.  This was a tell-tale sign that fall is almost upon us!

So, that little breeze started my wheels turning about the things I always get excited about that only come with fall, and I decided that this was a post worthy of being written.  Could it be that this little post of mine could start a fall revolution, where everyone who reads it starts to anticipate this fantastic season?  That could be a touch dramatic, but what am I if not dramatic, so I knew I had to try!  Here goes...

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Fall Things -
A Chicken Wing Remix
Light, crisp fall breezes and puppies and kittens,
Tell-tale cool temperatures that make you want mittens,
Pumpkin-spice lattes that coffee shops bring,
These are a few of my favorite fall things!

Big, comfy sweatshirts and warm apple pies,
Watching the leaves change with anticipating eyes,
Feeling childlike joy only a pumpkin patch can bring,
These are a few of my favorite fall things!

When the summer's heat burns,
When the winter's cold stings,
When I'm feeling sad...
I simply remember my favorite fall things,
And then I don't feel so bad!

Watching my Redskins and those UNC Tar Heels,
Being reminded of how a bonfire with friends feels,
Cuddling up to someone on your front-porch swing,
These are a few of my favorite fall things.

Fall-scented Yankee Candles and fall home decor,
Preparing for fall sales at your favorite stores,
Making fall memories that don't cost a thing,
These are a few of my favorite fall things.

When the summer's heat burns,
When the winter's cold stings,
When I'm feeling sad...
I simply remember my favorite fall things,
And then I don't feel so bad!

I hope that each of you have given some thought to your favorite fall things, and I would love to hear what makes you look forward to this fabulous time of year!  Leave me a comment, pretty please!

Until next time,

Do The People At Shoebox Know Me?

I mean seriously...

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I am pretty sure that I need to buy this, and I felt the need to share.  This is also available at Hallmark stores, which is where I first saw it, loved it, and collapsed into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.  Momma Chicken Wing and Little Sister Chicken Wing lost it and said, "I can't believe I haven't heard you say that before."

I love it when you find little bits of goodness in unexpected places!

Until next time,

Decorawesome - Thank You, TJ Maxx!

I consider myself to be a Maxxinista, and I absolutely love perusing that store! With their fairly quick turnover of inventory, it's always a new adventure when you walk into TJ Maxx, and it easily enables the thrill of the hunt for me!

When you can find items that are normally too rich for your blood at a killer deal, there's nothing quite like it!

This segment of how yours truly, Miss Chicken Wing, is slowly making her little home decorawesome is brought to you by TJ Maxx!

Have you seen the photos that have been circulating fairly recently? They are letters that are actually not letters at all - they're architectural details that happen to look like letters!

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See what I mean? I fell head over heels for this form of art because I found it so interesting. In fact, since I happened upon this type of decor, I've even been looking out for any examples in real day-to-day life! I haven't found many, but the hunt is still fun!

The problem I found with this particular type of art is that it was pretty....pretty overpriced, that is. Enter my secret boyfriend, TJ Maxx.

I found two prints that were framed canvas and I absolutely love them! The first I bought was "Love." The quote that's featured underneath the architectural lettered-word is the George Sands saying, "There is only one happiness in life - to love and be loved."

The second that I bought is "Family." This print features the Anthony Brandt quote, "Other things may change us, but we start and end with family."

Really, when you think about your home, what are the two most important components?

It's not the designer couch you stalked for months, comparison shopping at every furniture store in your geographical area. It's not the granite counter tops that scream, "Look at me! I've officially made it! I am somebody!" It's not the sassy and smooth hardwood floors that promise to make your life so much easier in regards to cleaning house.

It's not having a perfectly manicured lawn, a pool, a hot tub, both?, or a paved driveway.

The two most important components of your home are love and family. Otherwise, what's the point? If you have love and family in your home, it doesn't matter where that home is. Heck, you could live in a cardboard box (albeit a large cardboard box), but you would have what's most important in the world where you reside.

That's why I wanted these two pieces - not because of what they are as much as for what they represent to me. Every time I look at them, I get a gentle reminder of what's important, and that is an incredible bonus.

So, I left TJ Maxx, once again, a happy girl. Consider me a Maxxinista for life!

Until next time,

Miss Chicken Wing

BOO! And, No, It's Not Halloween!

You may be wondering why I would say "BOO!" on the last day of March, when Halloween is clearly seven months away.

During Dancing With The Stars last night, Tom Bergeron introduced a small segment about Macy's, and said that they had dressed several models. It was pretty much a live advertisement for Macy's and their spring dress line, and that's when I saw her.

Our eyes locked across the dance floor, and I knew she had to be mine.

Only, she could never be mine. She had been taken - stolen from my hot little hands!

Who was she who so captured my attention immediately during her 10 seconds on screen?

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Oh, Tahari by ASL Printed Brocade Dress, in all your lemony, vintage goodness. I was drooling over this dress. Alas, it was sold out of my size. Oh, the horror!


The dream of this newfound love was taken right out from under me as quickly as I'd discovered that I had to have it.


Tis a sad, sad day for Miss Chicken Wing. I will hope and pine for her, and hope she returns to me one day.


So yes. BOO! BOO, I say.


Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing

SO EXCITED!!!!

I've written in a previous post how much I love Tori Spelling (and her family, for that matter). If you missed it, you can check it out here. Either way, I've read her books (loved them) and I watch her show (love it) and I've got a pretty little package that will hopefully soon be on my doorstep, and it's all thanks to Tori Spelling!



I had a longer-length black necklace that I absolutely loved to wear until disaster struck - it got pulled when I was pulling on my coat and the black beads went EV.ERY.WHERE. It was a horrible mess, and needless to say, I was more than a little bit peeved since I'd only worn it maybe five times.



So, I've been on the hunt to replace said necklace, and I was wanting something with gold accents of some kind. Enter Tori Spelling.

My precious!!!

And, in black...see?!?!?!

I know you're drooling at this point, so I apologize for that, but this is the Tori Spelling Honeycomb Bead 18" Necklace. I saw a short video on the product and it looked positively lovely on the model. The selling point, however, was the price - they only had 18 left (18 is a lucky number for me) and it was on sale for $19.95 from $40! That's half price! So, I twisted my own arm, bit the bullet, and made the purchase! I should have it next week sometime, and I am very excited about this find!

Another reason for this purchase? Well, I am a member of a very popular online wedding community full of budget-savvy brides, DIY Goddesses, and all-around good people who live, breathe, and work in the wedding industry. Due to my love of all things wedding, I had to join! The inspiration there is outstanding and it comes in every category: wedding planning and execution, party planning ideas, color palettes, and cost effective plans for the everyday event. Even though I am not currently planning a wedding, I have helped several friends in the past, and event planning is something I'm passionate about. I really enjoy offering my ideas to brides-to-be from all over the world (you know, since they're gathered in one place!). It's become quite the hobby of mine, and who knows? Maybe I'll even get the chance to blog for them one day!

What is this community of goodness?

Yep, it's Weddingbee! (Check it out, here.)

So, the fact that Tori Spelling's necklace features a honeycomb (also known as the home for bees) just made this purchase even sweeter.

Sweet as honey, as a matter of fact. (Pun intended). :)

So, I will be sure to update you on my thoughts once I get my hot little hands on my precious, and if you want to snatch one up for yourself, just click the link under either picture of the necklace! We could be twins, and that would be awesome!

Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing