Christmas blogging.

Hey guys. A bunch of normal stuff happened over the holidays this year. Mostly, like, hung out with family, my mom got a sweet radio flyer wagon to pull our kids in, Someone decided that they liked it, so they put a ring on it and everyone had cocktails.

Really, it was kinda boring. Just cool to hang out with all the fam. I'm kind of distracted right now because I'm watching Jane Velez-Mitchell right now about the decline of the polar bear population. I mean... they'd eat you without a second thought.... and apparently they love coca-cola... but dang it- they are part of the circle of life!!! JVM just informed the TV audience that she's a vegan- and if I didn't love the crap out of cheese.... I'd be vegan too. If you can't understand why people are vegan... go ahead and watch this documentary. Netflix. If it doesn't make you feel guilty, then you don't have a soul. No, really.

Also, just wondering if anyone was able to keep up with Jelena?? I feel like I'm on-line a lot and I can't even keep up with it.... Justin's hanging out with Victoria Secret models... they break up.... Selena goes to his hotel.... then they break up again. Then Justin Instagrams a hot pic of her........ I'm exhausted. I'm not even really sure what Instagram is..... so.... good job.

I also did my first spin class with my entire family and expletive that expletive. That was so hard and I spent most of the class 'in the saddle' and it was still too freaking hard. I'm kinda happy enough to be skinny fat instead of doing impossible spin class for an HOUR. Within the first 5 minutes my throat had a softball in it.... over it. I can bust out some miles.... but it sucks. #boring.com

Okay. I'm done. But- I'll leave you with a fabulous video from the Christmas weekend with sisters- ME, Lindsey, and Ericka:

Happy Birthday Jesus ya'll.

Rehoboth Beach Marathon Weekend (I stood in one spot and yelled at everyone)

Well, my blog is not consistant.... but I'm working on it!!! I guess I will fill you all (is anyone reading this?) in on the DC/Delaware trip last week though. Delaware. Not Denver. Right.

REHOBOTH BEACH MARATHON

So- my sisters, Lindsey & Ericka wanted to do a marathon together. I do not 'do' marathons because I'm lazy and it seems to require a lot of work. I'm not even motivated to do the necessary things in life.... like clean my house- so marathons are automatically out. I will put my claim to fame out there and say that I ONCE ran a half marathon in May 2011. I didn't train at all (genius) and it was hard and terrible. But- I ran the entire thing in an alarmingly fast time of 2 hours and 38 minutes.... for all you non-marathoners (aka normal people)- the fast part was a joke because that is super slow.

Here I am in the blue shirt (BOMF represent!) with my friend Chelsea in the yellow mid-half marathon. Yes, my hair was pink.

Anyways- Lindsey is afraid to fly so I went with her so if the plane crashed she wouldn't have to die alone (what a sacrifice- I'm an amazing sister) But- it turns out- I am the best dang marathon spectator known to man. Like, I deserve to be sponsored. Holla at me Under Armour!! (Or any running gear company) I'm pretty much a champ at cheering for people.... EVERYONE!! I am actually kind of shy- so it doesn't really come naturally for me. But- in my race career history (my famous mini & I will include my two Back on My Feet 42k Relays) encouragement from random people can be super helpful. People appreciate it.... I got a lot of thank yous and smiles. So- what I did was- I drove out to mile 10. Stopped at a Wawa on the way and loitered around because I had time & Wawa is gas station heaven (no really). Johnny Knoxville has a Wawa tattoo and I'm not even mad about it. Kinda jealous. #worthit

Also here are some of my Back on My Feet 42K Relay pics... I know you want to see them:

My mid-race fake 'I'm enjoying this face' 

My bomb.com team Dustin, Nan, me & Damon. 

  The course did a loop so they ran back by the mile 10 spot again at mile 20. So, I saw a lot of the freakishly fast people twice. This actually wasn't a very big marathon... so seeing both of my sisters still finish before most people made me feel suuuper lazy. Oh, and also proud of them. But, thanks for making me look bad guys!!!

Lindsey apparently ran her second fastest marathon time- 3 hours & 29 minutes. Good job- but I'm going to go ahead and steal your thunder Out for a Run and say that I busted out a 3.7 mile run at a 10 minute pace today at LA Fitness on the treadmill... Out. Of. Nowhere. Unstoppable. Off the couch and hittin' the pavement aka whatever treadmill conveyer belt stuff is made of for 3.7 y'all!! Turns out the only reason I went to the gym is because Lindsey talked me into it this morning.... I was into hittin' the gym for like 2 months. Then I went to Mexico and then Giovanna was sick and then she shared her illness with me and then I was just lazy after all those legit excuses. Dang it. However, ran into Terry today at the gym... found out he got a promotion to the Southport gym.... but he still works out Monday-Thursday morning at my gym so we can still chat about Nas concerts and stuff.

Oh, hey Lindsey.

Ericka was running her third marathon in three weeks. Calm down Sweet Life. She had some running blog friends to meet up with..... One which was on her 81st marathon..... If I knew how to work internet meme's there would be a, 'Seriously, what the crap is wrong with you + you are awesome & I'm jealous face' meme right here. Use your imagination.

Look it's Ericka from The Sweet Life!

Another thing I did tonight was get really obsessive and creeptastic on Twitter. So, this happened:

It's mustard.

So, what else.... I was sure to carb load with Micky D's the day before the marathon. Plus- I stayed in alone at the hotel that night and ordered Dominos (under rated if you ask me) Plus, it served as a great leftover 6:30 am breakfast the next day + a Coke Zero (I know you guys, #healthnut) 

Another not interesting thing at all during the weekend was all the blog talk during our 2 1/2 drive from Alexandria to Rehoboth. I like recognized 5 people in this race while cheering because the running blog weirdos I was with. Thank goodness I had my headphones to high school it up and block out all that with Matisyahu & Flo Rida in the car. I'll leave it at that....... 

Soooo.... I guess I'm done here... except I'll add some sweet pics to complete the weekend. Here ya go:

Ericka & Lindsey pre-marathon. Cool pants Lindsey. Popular.

Lindsey at mile 10 looking way too happy. She looked like this at mile 20, too. Rude.

Ericka 50 feet from the finish of 26.2!

And here is just a collage of me being awesome that Ericka made. 

Okay. I'm done. Maybe I'll shoot out a vlog next week. Vlogs. So hot right now. Vlogs.   Tweet me.

Shelby

Surprise thrift & BONUS: What I've been up to!

I stopped by a Goodwill near my new house today. I've never been to it because I usually go to the stores up north in the super nice areas. But- I was not disappointed!! They were setting out a Target load of kids shoes. Jackpot!! So I got all of Giovanna's 2013 summer sandals for a whooping $1.99 each. (She's going to be SO last season in the toddler world.) They are around $15 a pair new at Target... So, it's a great deal!! :)

I was really looking for silly Halloween clothes for my teammates in the Back On My Feet 42k relay tomorrow. I didn't find any clothes- but they had brand new Halloween wigs. So, I got one for myself and my teammate Nan. Should be a fun race... It was last year! I haven't been training really... I've been working out at LA Fitness. But, not running. I've always been able to bust out some running when I need too, though. Race adrenaline helps!

The husband has been here the past couple weeks. It's been awesome! We went to Florida last week to visit my brother in law, George and his family.... met our new niece, Adrianna. Giovanna LOVED playing with her cousin Alex and vice versa. I also got to spend some time with the Rivera's- who let us crash at their place! It was a fun week! Now, we are off to Mexico Monday!! It's going to be hard to leave Giovanna for a whole week!! I know she's in the best hands with my parents and grandma- but it's still going to give me some serious anxiety. I'm dying for some alone time... but I hate it when I get it for too long... Irony. :)

I also got a new car in Florida!!! :D I LOVE my Honda Pilot. Love it. Alas, it's a full size SUV and gets pretty sucky gas mileage. And, well- gas sure isn't $1.50 a gallon anymore. (I miss you 2002 gas prices!!) So, I went from an '03 Honda Pilot to an '07 Lexus ES350. The car was more expensive than my Honda, but it made since considering it's 4 years newer and a ridiculous improvement in MPG. Plus, I could write a whole different post about all the fancy stuff it does.... blows my mind. Lol.

Anyhow... I never blog because I'm boring as heck. But I'll work on it. Maybe, I'll hit the lotto and then will have all kinds of fun things to talk about!! #redneckretirementplan

Pictures below!!

Adios!!

Shelby

Mindless chatter....

I've been looking for a storage bench for the living room for Giovanna's toys all day. My head hurts. I want something like this:

....Which is like $350. No thanks. I'm willing to spend some moolah. But, not that much. I have this corner of toys in my living room and it is terrrible. I hate it. I need it hidden. That's all I really have to say about that....

In other news... Matisyahu released his extended tour dates. Aaandd he's COMIIINNGGG hereeee!!! I am so so so so excited. I've been obsessed with him lately after seeing his performance on Jimmy Kimmel. I'd heard of him- but never his music. Turns out, it's amazing.

Okay... this was a pointless post.... Nancy Grace is on. Bye bye!!

Redneckognize ya'll!!

I haven't blogged in a while. I just think I'm unable to get out enough to do a full time thrifty blog. I'm essentially a stay at home, single mom to a toddler for the moment.... so getting to the grocery store even can sometimes be a task! (This is aside for financially, as my husband is overseas working most of the time) So anyways. I do have something to blog about though. Nothing to do with thrifting......

I've been hearing a lot about this, 'Honey Boo Boo' show... the majority thinks it's great and funny. But, that's the problem. That's how these people really are. Yikes!! I'm sure they think you are laughing with them................. And they are breeding- as you can see with little cutie, Honey Boo Boo. I've actually never seen the show, but the previews speak for themselves. These people are rednecks and proud of it- you better 'redneckonize' as they say themselves. I will classify that there are rednecks (my dad etc)- normal people aside from being 'country' really.... and then there are extra special rreeedednecks. It's not pretty. (I don't know how to put it.... But, you probably catch my drift.)

Now, I often hear people say survival of the fittest. Natural selection will weed out the weak links.... etc. Well, nature wasn't designed around modern technology. So, in the event of something major happening (i.e. the movie The Road or the ever popular zombie apocalypse) It can absolutely change into survival of the people with the most guns and ammunition. Guess who that is you guys??? You better redneckognize because the rednecks pack more heat than anyone. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

I leave you with my best redneck moment. A picture taken while I was pregnant:

(Disclaimer: I am 100% not drinking a beer or smoking a cigarette..... but those dogs are definitely humping.)

Bad blogger.

So, clearly I suck at updating my blog so far. I am taking on-line classes and am a stay at home mom.... sounds easy, right? I always thought so. The classes are fine- they are pretty easy for the most part. But, I definitely underestimated how challenging being a mom would be. Getting the things that I want to do done.... well, most of the time just doesn't happen. Partly, because my husband is gone 9 months out of the year, so no after work relief. (Although, housework doubles when he is home, lol. I'll gladly accept that for a break!) So, I'm sorry guys!! (I say that like anyone actually reads my blog, ha)

That being said.... this is my update post about what I've started doing lately. My husband is home this month so I should be able to get more of my stuff done! Hallelujah! So, this all started because of a Facebook page in my town- it's an on-line garage sale page. Similar to Craigslist, but there is a lot more clothing, household etc things on this page. I put a few of my shirts on and made a couple bucks. Then, it hit me. I can be making much more money by selling things on-line. Mainly clothes, shoes and accessories. I just sold my first thing on Ebay, and it's like the coolest thing ever for me.

I don't want to reveal to much of my secrets.... but it feels great to finally be bringing some cash flow into our household after not working for so long. Raising a child is definitely a job if you are a stay at home mom- but it's not the same a bringing in a paycheck. I don't feel like I'm pulling my weight. So, I've slowly started to get into this the past few weeks. I actually got pretty motived this morning. My husband, Cef and I were up at like 4:30 this morning for the day. He's been sick and I had just been up with Miss G for a while trying to get her to go back to sleep. So, we were up. And you know the awesome informercials that play at that time of night: Slap Chop, Magic Bullet, Baby Bullet, Snuggie.... etc etc etc. Well, there was something different thing morning.

This different infomercial was called Self Made Millionaires. The only one I got to see was a woman who started hand painting martini glasses for friends- and it just kind of took off from there. Well- Let. Me. Tell. You. I was soooo unimpressed by those martini glasses- which they informed us now sell for $25 a pop. I was floored. I thought they were mostly pretty cheesy and ugly. Plus, now that they are such a big company they send the glasses "overseas" ::cough:: China ::cough:: to have their designs hand painted on the glasses. I hate buying stuff made in China. Google it if you don't know what's up with that. Now that I think about it.... it kind of reminds me of the Hunger Games in a way (Team Peeta). The US being the Capitol... and everyone below us. Of course, we don't control other countries really.... but we take their cheap labor and supplies so we can live it up, and they have crappy lives. Maybe I just love the Hunger Games so much that I just made a random connection. But, whatever. So anyways- I'm not trying to be a hater, and I totally am being one.... I applaud this woman and her successful business. But, it made me see how easy it can be to make money. You can sell a crappy product and be ballin' out of control like this lady. By the way the company I am talking about is: http://www.lolitaglasses.com/ - I really only like the Halloween glasses- some of those are pretty cute- but I wouldn't pay more than $5 for one. So, I guess I'll never have one of their hand painted in China glasses.

So anyway, you guy. Sorry, I'm getting distracted. I'm watching Independence Day and it's getting totally instense. Alex from Saved By the Bell who is playing a stripper in this movie is about to get blown up. Also, I'm eating the Keebler knock off version of Carmel Delights which I discovered at the grocery store the other day by accident. WHHYYY, did I have to find these?! They taste exactly like Girl Scout Carmel Delights. Irresistible.

Okay, anyways. Today was Goodwill half off day. I only got to go to one Goodwill. I spent two hours there. When I left I called to check up on my husband and daughter.... he informed me that she cried the whole time for me and finally fell asleep. Fantastic. My sick husband and my crying for mommy daughter at home together. So, I skipped the other Goodwill in town. I got quite a bit at the one I went to, so I'm happy. I will definitely be posting pictures. Might not be until Monday since tomorrow is Easter PLUS I have a crap ton of homework to do that I put off until the last second. Story of my life. I also have a pie to bake tonight/early in the morning before church if I flake out tonight. Also, I have to go get my daughter an Easter basket tomorrow before church. #FAIL

Okay- gonna call it a night and finish watching Big Willy Style kick some alien butt!! Night!! :D

<3 Shelby

Giovanna and daddy when he just got home after 4 months away. I love Skype because even though he left when she was 15 months and now she's 19 months.... she hasn't forgotten him at all. We chat daily while he's gone. This time it was most interesting to see how she reacted to him since now she is talking so much and has learned so much since he left. I think it was initial surprise having not seen him in person for so long... but they were best buds within 2 minutes. She surprised me a couple of weeks ago when I asked her where Shelby was and she pointed to me and smiled.... when Cef got here I asked her who Cef was and she pointed right at him. It's funny how much they pick up on since we only refer to ourselves as mommy and daddy to her. Okay- I'm done. Just check out the cute picture from 2 days ago!

Neighborhood Sale May '11

There is an awesome neighborhood garage sale where I live that happens in May and then another at the end of the summer. I thought I'd share with you our biggest ONE day haul ever!! It took two carloads to get everything home. By we, I mean my mom too. I usually take my mom or my grandma with me so I have an extra hand with my daughter. They love thrifting as much as I do. But, Giovanna should be easier to manage this summer- so I'll probably be able to go it alone when I need to. Put on a video in the car.... and direct her to the toys at the sale we are at (90% of them have toys.) Last year she wasn't walking yet- so it was kind of difficult.

Anyways- We got so much stuff that we had to set it all out for a picture.... Let's just say Giovanna does not lack anything... :)

We only paid $110 for all of this. Or that's what we estimated when we added things up. I'll try to list whats here- some of it you can't see well.

-Rock and ride bike
-Baby gate
-Eddie Bauer high chair (behind the baby gate box, it's hiding kind of)
-Plastic chairs
-Dragon Halloween costume
-Veggie Tales DVDs
-Giant Legos
-Baby clothes
-Toy ambulance (My husband and I are both Paramedics)
-The two raccoon stuffed animals... Ricky and Rocky. (There is a good story to their names)
-Box toy play thing.... It's in the front.... no idea what it's really called, lol.
-Little Tykes car
-Potty chair
-Baby shoes
-Wooden puzzle
-Coffee maker
-Baby Bibs
-McLaren baby stroller
-More DVDs
-Play kitchen
-Swim suit
-Plastic animals
-Pink chair
-Hello Kitty pillow doll

That's everything I can see at least... worth $110? Absolutely- probably more than quadruple. People don't know what they are missing.  My husband likes that I save a lot of money this way, but he is NOT into it. Which is fine, but sometimes I like his opinion on stuff before I buy it.  I guess it's a catch 22 though.... because when he is back from Afghanistan for good I will have someone to babysit so I can go to sales/thrifting without dragging any kids with me. :)

My best advice for someone who wants to start hitting the sales in the summer? Planning. Sales start as early as Thursday in the summer. I usually check Craigslist and the newspaper on-line at the beginning of the week and usually once a night to see if anything is added. I will then choose which sales I think will be the best for me and map my route in town. Sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes you bomb. But the total end result will be a lot of money saved.

Well- Wheel of Fortune is on so I must leave you! Enjoy the weekend!

The March 2012 Goodwill 50% Sale

In an effort to get my blog rolling.... I'm going to try to post things FOR THE next several days. C`aps lock anD ALL WEIRD things in this text are Giovanna's contributions as `guest Co-blogger. Apparently. These are some of my faves from the 50% off sale this month at Goodwill. My favorite day of the month!!! Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of patience this Saturday- and I was juggling my own plans with my mom's plans, since she babysits for me. So I just went to the Westside Goodwill- I walked into the Eastside and walked right out. No carts left, long lines and tons of people. Seems like it keeps getting busier and busier on the sale day!

Vintage IU jacket for my nephew.... coming July 1st!

$15 for this brand new in the box Dinnerware set. Retails for $60. Our Goodwill get's Target's new old stock.... Goodwill calls it Greyware.

Princess tent for Miss G $10 (greyware=brand new)

And this is the saaaweet shirt I got for myself... Love it $1.99

$5 Swimming pool (greyware)

Shoes for my daughter & nephew - all greyware. $1 each

Good Morning you guys!!

And last but not least... Giovanna and her friend Zaylee at the park today.... it was 68 degrees!! PS I woke up to everything covered in snow just yesterday.... Indiana is so weird.

And finally- Snooki is pregnant. Wow. If you don't know who Snooki is- you're better off that way. (I've never watched Jersey Shore.......... errrr, lol. Guilty)

Goodnight!

PS- Seahorse was just an answer on Jeopardy.... something good is in store for me!!

Summer 2011: A Summer of Thriftyness.

I'm new to blogging.... So, let's see if I'm any good at it. What I KNOW I'm good at is saving money. I thrift, garage sale, coupon- you name it. I am as cheap as they come.... in regards to saving money at least. :) I don't get to do it as much as I'd like... I'm hoping in a few years Giovanna will start enjoying it as much as me- but now, as a 1 1/2 year old, well, she's not really fun to drag along to these usually fairly time consuming digs.

I'm going to start of here with the best finds of Summer 2011. Last summer was a great summer of garage saling and thrifting. I started really mapping out where I wanted to go and in what order. I'm sure I sound crazy. That's because I am. These are all kid related items... I find that being very thrifty with your kids is one of the best things you can do because they don't care!!! My daughter has no idea that almost all of her clothes and toys were worn and played with by someone before her. This give you a little bit more leg room in spending when you really want to splurge on something for yourself. It occurs to me that I'm giving away my secrets here.... which means less for me!!! But, that's okay. The truth is I would love for everyone to start saving and turning their financial situations around cough*Dave Ramsey*cough.

This is in my daughters room. Giraffe $3 & and lamp was a free curb pick up by my mom.

This is from the Habitat For Humanity ReStore $20 It's in my daughters room- the knobs have little animals on them and it's in perfect condition. STEAL.

This rocker was $5 at a garage sale. This was a good sale I remember well. One of my friends was over a couple weeks ago and informed me that these are over $100 new. Wow. I had no idea.

Garage Sale $10 This one vaguely sticks out in my mind because they were moving overseas to be with the husband of the family.

Same garage sale as the rocker $5

This chair is a HIT. It's adorable and pink.... $5

I love, love, love this picture $3

Kitchen w/food $8 & Shopping cart 75 cents.

$3... proceeds for this went to a missionary trip.

$3 for the tool set. I also got my Lucky brand purse at this same sale for $1

Okay, guys. I'm done for the day. I'll drag out some of my other favorites over the next few days, and add some more tips for you all!

xo