Red Lamp Rocks!

Name: Goodwill
Where do I get ? www.Goodwill.com
Cost: pretty cheap compared to new
Why I love it:
I dig Goodwill. Always have, always will. There are so many great items just waiting to be re-used and re-cycled. Whay pay for new when you can have the same thing for a fraction of the price? Get creative, buy a can a spray paint and see what you can make. This lamp cost me $4 and some red paint. And the bonus, it's a three way lamp. Take in your old stuff and come out with something new to you. I'm so happy this lamp has found a new home here!

Can Soap be Yummy?

Name: Dial Complete White Tea Scent
Where do I get ? Target
Cost: about $2.00
Why I love it:
There are lots of bugs floating around our community right now, and it was time to stock up on some good old fashioned hand soap. I was strolling through Target and I decided to try this new foaming hand wash. I love it! It smells so pretty, not overwhelming at all and I think the kids like it too. The pump is clear and the soap is clear, so it is sure to match any decor. Hopefully it will keep the nasties out of our home too.

Whack the Weeds

Name: Worx GT 18 Volt Grass Trimmer
Where do I get ? www.qvc.com
Cost: around $98.00

Why I love it:
I do the majority of the yard work around our home. I actually like mowing the lawn, but cleaning up the edges with my old gas trimmer was wearing on me. I took the plunge and ordered myself this shiny new Weed Whacker. It is electric, so it starts with the push of a button. It has enough gusto to get my whole yard finished in one round. It by no means is as powerful as my old gas hog, but it does the job brilliantly, is very easy to lift and adjusts on the fly. I'm digging it, and it's digging me.

I Want My Room To Look Like This

Name: Pottery Barn Josephine Organic
Bedding Ensemble
Where do I get ?
www.potterybarn.com
Cost: $239

Why I love it:
I am a self admitted lip gloss junkie, but I have another little addiction as well. Duvet covers. I can't ever get enough of them. Our bedroom is small and quaint and a lovely duvet cover can make or break the mood. I love everything about this room, the bed, the linens, the colors on the walls, everything. Unfortunately, I don't have the cash to drop on this duvet cover or the entire bedroom contents. I will just covet the picture and pretend that when I wake up every day, this is my view.

Mama's Special Bowl

Name: Pixelated Paradise Bowl
Where do I get ? www.anthropologie.com
Cost: $12

Why I love it:
We don't have fancy everyday dishes, just plain white functional simple plates. I saw this bowl online and knew I had to have it. I love the simple elegance of this bowl. It is perfect for oatmeal or soup. This is Mama's special bowl. I did buy two, just in case I need a back up. And if you have not yet visited an Anthropologie store, I highly recommend it. Beautiful!

Endless Stuff to Buy

Name: Amazon.com
Where do I get ? www.amazon.com
Cost: Free to Browse

Why I love it:
I love shopping online. And I love Amazon for it's tremendous selection and great deals. I completed most of my Holiday shopping on Amazon and saved at least 30% from in store prices. I love that most things ship free, and quick. I don't have to spend money driving around, I can shop from home in my pajamas and know that if I don't like it, I can ship it back. My life just got easier!

I'll Have a Crispy Grilled Cheese, Please!

Name: Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel Cookware
Cost: about $130
Where do I get ? www.amazon.com

Why I love it:
The last time I purchased new cookware was in Y2K. Our old Calphalon was looking tired and old and I was on the hunt for something shiny and new. I found it! This set cooks so evenly without the use of high heat. Yes, I really want a set of All Clad, but I'm trying to be fiscally responsible. This set will at least last me another 10 years if I play my cards right. I'm just so excited to cook AND see my reflection when I do dishes!

So Smart, and Cute

Name: Lenovo IdeaPad S10
Cost: about $400
Where do I get ? www.lenovo.com

Why I love it:
Hubby got a new laptop and I am having a little love affair with it. We are in the land of desktops and laptops at this house, as my hubby likes to say with "enough technical power to launch a shuttle". And I agree, we have many computers to choose from. He came home with this fantastic little laptop that is so light weight, so compact, yet quick that at first I didn't think twice about it, but now, I kind of lust for it. And the fact that it now comes in pink, well, let's just say Mama like!

Toasty!

Name: Martex Raschel Electric Blanket
Cost: $125
Where do I get ? www.kohls.com

Why I love it:
When the weather gets chilly, I am always cold. My fingers and toes are usually chilled and blue. This year I vowed it will be different. I saved my pennies and just purchased this blanket. I set it on "Boost"which warms the bed perfectly before I climb in. Then I turn it off and fall into a warm cozy sleep. This blanket has dual controls so hubby can turn his off (he is a hot box) while I keep mine on high until I'm warm. I highly recommend it.

I Guess My Clothes Smell Nice

Name: Downy Fabric Softener and Downy Ball
Cost: around $10 for both
Where do I get ? www.downy.com

Why I love it:
A number of people have commented on the scent of my family's clothing. The funny thing is, I can't smell anything, and that is the way I like it. I am giving up my secret. I use April Fresh Downy and a Downy Ball. Both are available at Target or Walmart. I must be immune to the smell now, as I think our clothes just smell like us.

This Really Sucks

Name: Dyson DC 07 Vacuum
Cost: free
Where do I get ? www.amazon.com

Why I love it:
I couldn't resist. I found this re-manufactured Dyson on Amazon for $150. I bought it and I love it. I ran through my house, amazed at the amount of dirt and dust that it picked up. It came right to my door in 2 days, with free shipping. It was in like new condition. I am kissing my old vacuum goodbye, this new purple machine is perfect for me. If you are in the market for a new vacuum, check this out. You can't beat the price and the suction on this thing is incredible.

A Great Invention

Name: Hoover Floormate Spin Scrub
Cost: about $140
Where do I get it?
www.bestbuy.com

Why I love it:
Every once in awhile, I am pleasantly suprised when I buy a gadget or gizmo and it actually works like the box stated. This floor scrubber is awesome! It cleans tile and wood with ease. I don't like to scrub my floors on my hands and knees (who does?). And thanks to this thing, I won't ever have to again. This was the best money spent on a cleaning item ever!

Smells Like Fall

Name: Yankee Candle Autumn Wreath
Cost: about $25
Where do I get it?
www.yankeecandle.com

Why I love it:
The leaves are starting to turn colors, the air is getting crisp. This candle has the warm fuzzy smell of apple pie in the oven with a hint of spiced cider mulling on the stove. I like the season change, it feels right to me. And this candle makes my house smell like it is ready for fall.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Name: Uttermost Mirror
Cost: about $280
Where do I get it?
www.arcadianlighting.com

Why I love it:
Sometimes the stars and heavens align just so in my life. I was waltzing through Goodwill last week when I stumbled upon this mirror. I immediately grabbed it, gave it a thorough inspection and placed it in my cart. It was coming home with me. I love the way it shines, the little mirrors captivate me. I came home, looked it up on Google and found out this is a very pricey mirror. I was able to score it for about 1/10 of it's retail price. Woohoo!

This is Just Dreamy to Me

Name: Huge Clothesline
Cost: around $35 to make it yourself
Where do I get it? directions at www.groovygreen.com
Why I love it:
In my mind, I have always thought of myself as being kind of green. To my dismay, our energy bills keep going higher and higher every year. I have always line dried my sheets, and I love the crisp clean smell. I asked my hubby to help me build this and it turned out great. We made it 4 lines deep and I can now hang 4 full loads of laundry out to dry in the warm sunshine. This is my favorite gift to myself (and the Earth) this year. Thank you hubby for your mad sawing skills!

Clean Everything

Name: Mr Clean Magic Eraser
Cost: $7.49 8 per pack
Where do I get it? Drugstore.com

Why I love it:
This little sponge can clean just about anything. It works on sinks, tubs, wall, floors and even takes off permanent marker from plastic. Try on, you will see. I bet you will be walking around the house looking for what you can clean next. This thing is appropriately named, it is MAGIC!