Category Archives: shopping

Nov29

Cyber Monday

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I started shopping way early in the morning and was pleased with making a few purchases this early. Found things for both fellows that they will be surprised to receive. I got some things off of Sean’s wishlist (most of it, he doesn’t have a big one) later in the morning. I still like to hit stores like Marshalls, Home Goods and TJ Maxx. Scored a few things for mom the other night at Tuesday Morning.
Speaking of mom, she bought or got me the bookmark at the Absecon lighthouse in NJ a few summers ago. I thought it would work on the 4″ x 4″ Collage and it almost fit! I used some ‘beautiful’ scrapbook paper (you can see the actual word here) and die-cuts. The neat part is the bottom which was handmade by a lady in one of my Flickr groups. We send each other things like this, which inspired me to do the cards. I’ve only been stuck a few times-this is about card #95!
I haven’t made too many Artist Trading Cards (the ones I show are bigger of course). I need to do a matchbox next for an exchange.
My brother who lives with my mom got a brand new vehicle. I wish I could be happy for him as he just turned 50 a few days ago. He never picks up the phone or speaks to me when he sees me or my guys. If he drives my mom around a lot I’ll be happy for her. He is holding a grudge and saying I didn’t help him and mom a few weeks ago. I was having issues and my van can’t be driven that far. Cross that bridge already!
Thinking about seeing the Longwood Garden Christmas display, but I have to see how cloudy it is tomorrow as heavy rain is coming later.
Oh! And the ABS and brake light issue-the poor van needed brake fluid!

Nov20

Home messy home

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It took Brian several hours to install our new microwave. When we opened the box, I realized why it was a good price-the one we picked up was another Samsung model. I was a bit peeved. There’s also a dent on one side that we didn’t make. When Bri went to put in the vent cover, the vents are on the top, not pointed to the front like illustrated in the installation booklet. I do plan to call for the above problems (plus the fan is really loud). I paid for a special warranty, so maybe they will take a look at it. I also took photos of the dent and incorrect vent. My kitchen needs a good tidying up too.
While Bri was struggling with the blasted machine, I made my collage cards. I went through my scrap box and came up with these. The mansion behind the lady with the guitar stated under photo that it was the Mississippi Governor’s mansion-not sure if it’s the current one or not, but it’s so pretty.
I started with the Chinese paper for this one and went from there.
No one can hear you 4" x 4 " collage card
Earlier Brian and I stopped at the church bazaar and bought a big box of mushrooms and a lovely quilted piece from a young lady-Cate, who is actually our neighbor. I told her I’d give her some publicity as she’s made many beautiful pieces and isn’t charging that much for them. I bought an octangular Thanksgiving piece for the middle of my round table for only $10. I will add the photo soon.
I am kicking around with knitting. I bought some pom-pom yarn for $2.50 at Michael’s and got one of their free direction leaflets. Well I couldn’t get it at all and decided to look at the wrapper on the yarn and it said to knit twice between the pom-poms. That worked! Earlier I picked up the needle the wrong way and off went the stitches. I had to undo about 5″ or more! What a pain.
And last but not least, Brian went earlier to pick up the nice firm sofa cushions-it’s like a new sofa! I plan to stuff the back cushions myself in the corners where they are a bit unstuffed-the Michael’s was out of stuffing! I’m glad I had this done-saving our backs. When my mom complained how flat the cushions were, I listened as she is such a thin little thing.

Nov17

New stuff

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We had the microwave repair guy here and he said the magnetron went and it would be $300 to replace it. Like really? People ‘let’ them fix that when a new microwave is about the same price-crazy! I looked up the price of magnetrons and they run about $50-just think of the profit repair people make! I had to hand out $67 for him to tell me that. Bri tried the GE on ‘heat beverage’ and it gota little hot, but it won’t heat any other way. Sean and I hightailed it to a Sears store in Delaware where there is no sales tax. Good thing we live so close. I had a gift card from when we bought the washing machine in the summer. The washer was almost paid off too. Before we went, I checked the new issue of Consumer Reports and Samsung rated first. When we saw it we liked it. I haven’t seen many microwaves with a ‘melt/soften’ feature. And the price was right too. Marked down to $218 from about $270.

We can go pick it up Friday, but will wait until Saturday. And my guys will install it which I hope goes smoothly.
We went downstairs in Sears and I’ve been itching to get a good pair of walking shoes and saw Dr. Scholls were on sale, so I got them! I wanted Skechers, but they are pricier, but after reading a few reviews, I think they may be worth it. I’m not hard on sneaks, but I read where a few women said they had issues with the eyelet holes or them coming apart. Maybe they got a few bad pairs-people who write the reviews are usually the ones who have something to complain about. I put them on in the car and they are so comfy!
Hope to get the sofa cushions dropped off for new foam as we can’t stand them anymore as they are so flat. The loose back cushions need help too.
There are so many good sales in the mall! Wow, the stores are really marking down merchandise. I saw nice flannel shirts for Bri for about $15. I did get a couple more pairs of leggings as they were so cheap. I guess if you have the moola, you could really go to town!
Flashback-I recognized a woman in Boscov’s that I went to community college with-yeah I’m good that way. She was in the same major. I didn’t say anything to her, but how funny is it when you see people you haven’t seen in years? I saw her at a fair one time with her husband and kids. She looks like a bigger Amy Roloff from the TLC show.

Nov2

Man in the Moon

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This was a candy wrapper! I did buy the milk chocolate bar at a store in Peddler’s Village (from Razzle Dazzle) for this vintage illustration of the “Game of the Man of the Moon”. I added the dragonfly and red hearts. The ribbon had been wrapped around the bar which only lasted until tonight as it was so chocolaty and creamy.
The next card is from a baby book my mom found at a book sale. The photographer is Lisa Jane who does a great job with babies. I have her holding a rose to go with the Buddha verse. I think it looks sweet.
Single Flower 4"x 4" Collage

Busy yesterday and today. I borrowed Sean’s car to go to my hometown to get my hair fixed and to also visit a bit with my mom and her dogs. The poochies are good-the little guy is a bit skinny from his ordeal. They were both so glad to see me and Kelsey acted like a circus dog standing on his back feet begging to be loved. I gave him lots of attention.
I got my hair done with more blond highlights and a little side bang. Then I took mom to Carrabba’s and I think she enjoyed the blackberry Sangria the most. We went into Macy’s and they have some decent sales and a few 70% off rack. I bought mom three very nicely made tops for a total of $23. I dropped by Kohl’s on the way home looking for some slacks that fit me well and they didn’t carry them at that store. Of course they had 80% off racks-really loaded down. I got a cute blue and gray Vera Wang 3/4 length sleeve top that I wore today and a few other tops and a cute cotton dress. I had gotten rid of three bags of clothes, and will probably do another closet too!
Brian and I took Cosmo to the vet today. He cries going and coming home. I noticed my van is really hot under the second seat-not good. Anyway, my little furball weighs 15 pds. I let him out of the carrier in the van and held him a bit, but he then went under the second seat and then back into the carrier. He’s been really sleepy tonight.
Tomorrow I am going with Sean to a Walmart so he can get new tires. Maybe there will be a Kohl’s I can look for the slacks in!
And my Uncle Don is still in the hospital and I can’t seem to get through to him as the phone just rings and rings. He’s in a private room now for a few days. I’m wondering what will be next for him.

Oct25

Mushroomland

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Mushroomland 4" x 4" Collage, originally uploaded by DianthusMoon.

Having fun with some new papers I got yesterday in Peddler’s Village at a wonderful store called ‘Creative Inklings’. I thought about that store all year! The ‘main’ paper is the mushrooms and the back of that is the orangey red and beige circles.
Here’s the paper goodness I chose and some ink and crackle finish. The ‘Man in the Moon’ is a big chocolate bar and that is the design is the wrapper.
Paper Goodness plus a few other things
And we enjoyed the wine we got from the Renaissance Faire (though the cork was brittle and we had to push it in and strain it) we bought winde from Chadds Ford Winery. They have a store up in Peddler’s Village too. Funny, because it’s down the road from us. : )
Chadds Ford Winery Goodness
We bought the Apple Spice and Sangria. We let you try the different wines so that was nice.
We went to a mall up there (about 12 miles from Philly) called the Willow Grove mall and brought these home:
Gertrude Hawk Goodness
Gotta love those chocolate caramel apples.

Oct17

A bit behind-will be playing catch up

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On Friday Sean took me to get my driver’s license photo done about 18 miles away. After that, we headed down a road and before you knew it, we were in Lancaster! Such gorgeous countryside and the leaves are just starting to change. We passed a narrow, but long field on the stretch of Rt. 30 we were on and the Amish were harvesting pumpkins. Sean said the sign said they were only $1. : )
We mainly went to a few stores in a new shopping center. A Christmas Tree Shoppe had just opened and it was jam packed. Then we went to a Kohl’s next door where I found some slacks that fit so well I bought them in gray and black! When we were checking out, a pregnant Amish lady was there with her two little girls, a sight you don’t see too often. I guess as long as they aren’t using the electric, it’s ok to do a little shopping. It looked like the mom was buying those polar fleece blankets. The children were just staring, so they weren’t use to being in a modern store like that. I admire their spirit and duty, but I am sure it would make more sense to just get with the times. Those buggies can’t be safe to travel in on the busy roads in that area. The children were a bit odd looking, I hate to say that, but I am sure cousins are marrying cousins. Anyway, we went across the street and had a nice Fuddruckers burger and then went to the Gap store where Sean picked out a couple of things for his birthday on the 24th when he will be 24! Can’t believe that.
So I didn’t do my collage yet for Friday or Saturday or as a matter of fact for today either but the day is still young!
Saturday night we met up with some of my former classmates a few towns over. We had some cancel out because of the Phillies play-offs which was on at the bar/restaurant we went anyway. There was a young crowd, Sean likes to go here and we ran into him and his friend when we leaving. When I saw my two pals both named John D., I got a double bear hugs. : ) I hadn’t seen the one John for about 23 yrs. We went out to an outdoor area which wasn’t that cold and it was pleasant to chat until they turned on the surround sound and we couldn’t hear each other. We even asked if the speaker could be turned down which they didn’t do. Our lady pals showed up a bit later and we only stayed another hour which was torture on our ears. It was nice to see those who showed up.
I got up this morning and made breakfast and then felt a piece come out of my tooth that was just repaired. It is feeling a bit rough, so I need to get it checked out. Probably the dentist fooling with it caused it to become weak in other areas. I hope it’s a freebie repair.
Off to the grocery store soon-lucky me. It gets harder to go the older I get!

May12

What I’ve been stitching on

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Not many stitchers work on Aida anymore. I had this pretty mossy green piece and decided it was definitely fine for samplers. I want to alter this a bit-after the numbers there they have the wording-‘to grow them is to love them’. Ugh. I think I will put the Latin word for them ‘Santapaula’ there instead. I’m losing the little hearts it calls for in the corners too. The violets themselves are really detailed and pretty.
Everyone is home today-Bri went to the doctor (he continues to not feel well) and Sean had off. Sean is itchy to go get some Trader*Joes goodies. I had a little nap as the kitty got me up at the crack of dawn as he heard Bri get a drink and I was pretty much awake after that.

May1

Welcoming May

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Today it almost hit 80 degrees, so I took my ‘flower’ money and headed to one of my favorite nurseries. Big 6 packs (sometimes more included) are only $2.99 which I think is great. I cashed in coins we save in a can and got over $70, but used some, so had about $55 which I had no problem spending. Beautiful flowers. Here’s my annual photo of me with the annuals! (I thought that was pretty funny).

I just got the bandana t-shirt at Tar*get Thursday night. Sean was off, so we went to visit my mom and went to BJs* Wholesale Club for a few goodies. We had shrimp pizza at Ber*tucci’s afterwards. I had some Cha*Cha money on my debit card (remember I answer questions as a  human search engine), so I got some things at Home*Goods-a pretty box for my paper stuff, a small seashell mirror that sits on the table and a neat hat. It’s basically pocket money and it’s a treat to have it to buy goodies once in a while.

I started to plant the pink polka plants and snapdragons last night, but it was a bit muggy and I gave up after planting a few. I didn’t buy any white flowers, so I need a few. They look neat at night.

Hoping to go to a  community yard sale later, another warm day expected.

Have a great weekend!

Mar4

Mugglies need to take a hike

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Over the last few weeks, the three of us have been suffering from a wicked virus going around. First you just feel blah and maybe your appetite isn’t that great (me). Then your sinuses open up like a faucet (Sean and me). Then if you are really into it, you get secondary issues-Sean-annoying cough and me-tummy issues and another tongue ulcer (had one on October-checked my blog). Brian’s had a lesser cold/virus but he is stuffed up,  coughing a little and feels crummy.

On Tuesday I took my first drive to my mom’s in about a month! I got my hair done first before I spent some time with mom. The snow is still around, but the grass is peeking out in a few select spots where the sun is hitting. The ice dams in the gutters are slowly melting off and draining.  Some of my ‘forgotten’ (meaning I forgot to store them for the winter) garden decorations are ruined-they were crushed by the weight of the snow. I’m wondering if my forsythia will need a drastic trimming back as they are almost bent in half by the snow. The hedges along the front of the house are trying to spring back to life.  I see a big yard clean up in my future.

So mom is doing pretty good. Wish she was a little heavier. We went to the Goodwill so I could drop off some things and we went in and hit ‘$2 Tuesday’.  I have to be really selective, which isn’t hard when there is a lot of junk to loo through. I did find a Dorothy of Oz paperdoll set, a framed hardinger heart piece with beads (only $1), a cute recipe book with Christmas goodies (lots that I make) a little tweety bird type Easter ceramic popping out of it’s shell, and a candle holder that goes with a collection that I have. I think I spent about $11.

Mom took me out to Charlie Brown’s restaurant. I was having tummy issues at her house, but did eat okay at the restaurant. They have an excellent salad bar with everything you can imagine! Mom got sirloin and I got shrimp and lobster tempura. With my mouth, I needed soft food though the salad was rough to eat. The shrimp was cooked fine, but the lobster’s tempura was a bit undercooked. Since it’s a steakhouse, I want to try that sometime.

Today Sean and I went to  a produce place, Trader Joe’s and Target for much needed food items-not much meat though. We basically needed a TJ fix. It was nice he used his day off to take me places. My van is getting it’s brakes checked out as they are grinding a bit. If it’s going to be a big job, my brother will do it. He knows the guy where we dropped it off.

So that’s what I’ve been up to. I need to be crafty again! So many things to think about lately-put me in a creative slump. Hope to get to the Philly Flower show either Saturday or Sunday, but I am going to lunch with some friends first, so they are more important to me. Mom and my brother went Wednesday, though she didn’t rave about it. For me, there is always the orchid show at Longwood Gardens in a few weeks. Much cheaper and closer-and free (well almost).

Jan21

Passed it by-finally ate here!

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This is right on Route one across the highway from the Brandywine River Museum-it’s called ‘Hank’s Place’. Sean and I were on our way to drop off his childhood bed at the Good*will and we decided to stop here for lunch on Wednesday. (Mom was having a plumber at her house, so I’m going on Monday now). I can’t tell you how many times we have passed it and never ate there. The prices are good. The clientele ranged from legendary artist ‘Andy’ Wyeth and movie stars when they were filming ‘The Village’ a few miles away. I believe William Hurt and maybe Joaquin Phoenix were two of the patrons back then.
When we walked in around 1:45 everyone looked up at us! That was strange. What was stranger that after we ate, I pulled out my debit card and the waitress said ‘cash only’! Ahhh. Thank goodness Sean had a $20 on him. We both ordered ‘triple’ clubs-me chicken salad and he ordered a turkey one. One of the best I’ve had for a while and I still have a quarter of it in the fridge. : ) I wish you could see the flowers someone plants there every year. I guess they must do their own composting from the restaurant leftovers as the banks are just loaded with marigolds, etc.
Here is the website where I found the photo.
After we dropped off the bed, we went to the mall as I had a gift card from Sean to use at Bos*covs. I picked out a honey colored leather purse and a quilted wallet (Zoey-quilted bags are so in!). I went to the register and the blasted card was denied. It was different from the ‘in house’ gift cards. Thank goodness another lady came along and she knew how to use my card! Whew!
We went to Trader*Joes too and got a few of their treats-some Orange Mandarin chicken and fried veggie rice for dinner. That’s our indulgent stop. The maple cookies are quite good too.
I’m getting the hang of Cha*Cha. I wish it paid more, as some questions really are hard to find and you may run out of time (3 minutes max.).
Off to the dentist today. It’s been almost a year. Crossing fingers I don’t use all my deductible up in one or two visits. Robbers. ; )