G-MA's Surprise Baby Shower

My mother is so excited about Baby I and all of her friends know it! I've finally gotten her under control about asking me "what is going on" because it drives me a little nuts (more than I already am). When people ask me "so, what's going on with your daughter?" I know they mean well, but does anyone not think that they would not know (especially my family) when I receive (and accept) a referral. It will be pretty clear that Baby I is in the house. Oh, yes it will...Baby I will be in the house. And she may even have a name. ;-)

Oh, I digress, this post wasn't supposed to be about me...back to my mother. She is so excited! This past weekend her girlfriends told her they were getting together for drinks and they gave her a grandmother's shower. Awwww. Baby I's first shower! Ok, Tami's friends...you all need to get on it...dang it back to me again. tee hee.

Check the goods out below, nice huh?

Baby I in Wonderland

I'm working on the nursery! If you didn't remember (how could you since it was years ago) I am a part time interior decorator, so I am somewhat particular when it comes to my design. Translation very slow! I have been thinking about this nursery for a year! LOL It is going to be a combination of the following three rooms -- if you have any imagination but there won't be any big pictures of panties I promise! I started to block that out but it made me laugh so I left it alone, I figured you would scratch your head a little and say what the heck is that Tami up to now? In my house we are calling it Baby I in Wonderland. ;-)

Thursday Thrift...It's a party (dress) for Baby I!

I'm at 4 1/2 months of waiting for Baby I and I'm chillin'. Not going stir crazy. Not really doing anything. Really. I've actually just started shopping again. Remember, in the beginning I was shopping like a mad woman? Yes, I had to put that on hold for the last year, but it's back ON...ok slightly. For only the good stuff because I'm really expecting some good hand-me downs...hmmm somebody??? LOL

Today, I went to the thrift store and started looking through the kids clothes. Now, when I look I'm not just looking for cute stuff I'm looking for extraordinarily cute and expensive stuff. I mean if it isn't expensive to begin with then what's the point? It helps that in my past life (when I had lots of money...before this crazy economy) I had lots of loot and I was a label whore. It also has something to do with my design background because I can pick a diamond out of a pile of horse manure (ewwww). Well, sometimes that is what it is like at a thrift store. Just keepin' it real...but when you find that DIAMOND...BAAAABBBBYYYYYY!

So, I went through a few items and went straight to this beautiful dress (really it's much cuter in person. It's silk and really cute!).

I looked at the label (Calypso) and JACKPOT! Not to mention, the dress had not even been worn. I came home and looked online for the dress (here) and it was on FINAL SALE for $75 (originally $125). SERIOUSLY?

Tami paid......

DRUMROLL PLEASEEEEE

$2.96

THAT'S RIGHT. DON'T HATE ME BECAUSE I GET FABULOUS BARGAINS AND YOU DON'T. teee heeeeee heee hee.

xoxoxoxox

ThriftME!

Day after Christmas shopping...gotta love it. I went out to get buttons for a coat but felt my car going in the direction of the thrift store and Anthropologie. It wasn't me I tell you. My first stop was the thrift store where I found a balance bike. So what did I pay? Check it out:

Balance bike normally $90. ThriftME price $4.84 (5% of the original) I am too lazy to take a picture b/c it is 5am but it looks exactly like this but the stain is a little faded from sitting in the sun. When I get on my paint run this summer, I plan to throw this little cutie in the mix also. A nice orange and yellow or turquoise and yellow will be fabulous I think!

Then my car keep on going to Anthropologie where I was very lucky because this store is moving and is the only Anthropologie in the area having a 40% of clearance items! SCORE. I found a dress, pair of pants, shirt and belt. The original price of all items was $292. ThriftME price was $31.68 (10% of the original).

Ahhh....a great day in ThriftME land not to be confused with ThriftME island (that was for you Robbin).

Word for Today: Bargain

Along with my "shopping" I have found a few sites that will help you save a few dollars so I thought I would share.  It's kinda fun to get free things in the mail even if it is only for 1-2 loads of laundry or a few cups of coffee.  I get to try new things out and I get a chance to open something besides bills.  I hope you enjoy some of the resources (I have more but I thought I would just post a few):

• "Deal"licious Mom
• Baby Cheapskate
• Deal Seeking Mom
• Dime Saving Diva
• It's Hip to Save
• Penny Pinching Diva
• Baby Steals
• Kid Steals
• Mamma Bargains

If I missed any good sites let me know.  I'm always up for a bargain!

Deal of the Day

You know by now that I am a thrift store loving, bargain finding, vintage wearing, trendy yet couture, bohemian mama (soon to be).  So, since I have time to kill I'm starting a new posting called Deal of the Day.  Robbin knows I like to call it Thrift Store Thursdays, but you never know where I'll find a deal and some I'll share with you so stay tuned.  

This past week I got a jogging stroller, vintage school desk and hangers.  I wasn't looking for any of the items but... Rule #1 of bargain shopper - be open to a bargain at any time! 

The Stroller - $21.96

This Bell jogging stroller looks like it was never used more than a few times.  It's in perfect condition not evan a fingerprint on the foam handle bar.  If you know anything about jogging strollers you know they are pricey; I got this baby for a song...hmmm....Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah (remember that from church?)!

The Vintage School Desk - $4.54

In my family room I have a ginormous vintage chalkboard that I got on Freecycle (note...free).  It's like 8-10 feet long.  Baby I is going to have her own corner so when I am washing, in my office or watching the tube she can play.  Her playroom is on the second loft level, but I won't feel comfortable with her all the way up there until she is much older.  Plus, I followed my mother from room to room...I think I still do when she is around.  I recall last month when she left the room I said "Mommy where are you going?"  She said "the bathroom."  Me..."can I go?"  Just joking...but I did ask.  

I think the desk will go nicely and look Fab once repainted and cleaned up!  It looks like a big girl/boy desk but it is made for toddlers.  

The hangers - $6.48 for 95

And just as I was trying to escape from the store I saw these colorful hangers.  It looks like someones grandmother (definitely not mine) carefully knitted coverings for all of them.  They are so cute and will look fabulous in Baby I's closet.  NO MORE WIRE HANGERS!  Right now the closet is full of baby hangers so I'll just pack them away for a few years until her clothes can fit them.  I had to get them.  You know the rule...Be prepared for a bargain at any time!  And Rule #2- You snooze you loose or think long, think wrong.  A thrift store doesn't keep items long.  If you like it/love it...get it because it will NOT (I repeat WILL NOT) be there when you turn the corner to come back and get it.  I've had many a bargain woe is me stories.  :-)

Tell me about your bargains and where you got them from.  I'm always open to new place where I can get a bargain.  

See you soon for Deal of the Day!

Sew What?

While I'm waiting for my final documents to come in the mail and to pass the time until Baby I comes home, maybe I'll start sewing again.  Yes, I can sew, but I don't like difficult projects.  Lazy.  

While surfing the web I found this cute pattern (on Etsy) for a little bubble skirt. 


Maybe I'll make this hat also for next fall/winter.


Sew what do you think?

Free Carseat

I forgot to mention I took a class last week where I got a free carseat and fire extinguisher.  I'm appreciative of my free seat but I don't love it.  It just doesn't look very comfy.  No, I didn't sit my big butt in it however it just looks hard and it isn't cute!  Yes, I know that is NOT important.  LOL  I did some checking and the carseat is okay for the value...we got shortchanged on the cushioning though so I would have to buy more if this were it.  I'm going to use this carseat as the back-up for her padrinos (godparents) who live 5 five minutes away and grandmother when she comes to town.  Other than that, I'm still getting a Britax!  

Win a Designer Chair for Your Baby

I normally don't post about contests, but this is my favorite chair.  I haven't gotten one yet, but I would love to have a big one and little one for Mommy and Baby I. 

Over at A Brooklyn Limestone she is giving away a mini Ghost chair by Kartell.  Check it out! Maybe the winner will be you.  

Love These!

How cute are these coats and hat by Lemon Loves Lime? Kinda pricey, but heck I have another season or two before Baby I can wear them so I'm looking forward to SALE time!

Mama and Baby will Sparkle Together

I'm not very subtle.  Shocker.  I like to get my point across.  In my talk, walk, dress or writing (lol).  I'm bohemian, couture, vintage, glittery and love sparkles!  

A few weeks ago, on one of my thrift store haunts, I found a silver metallic vintage baby dress that will match a top I have.  Sold.  I couldn't hold my excitement.  Baby I will be a little vintage couture fly baby.  LOL   Now, all I need is my baby.  Help me!  

FYI...my top used to be a fabulous dress that I wore with pride, 10 years ago, when I was a size 4-6.  AWWW...dem was the days.  If I could figure out how to get my printer (I've only had my Mac over a year now) working with my Mac I would scan a lovely picture for you.  Youth.

I'm Not Going To Be Selfish...Today.

Sometimes I have these really great finds and I don't share.  Don't act like you are shocked, come on you don't always share either.  Remember the time there was that Britax carseat at Target for a steal at $42?  Only 1 person emailed and told me about it, yet I read about it on a dozen blogs...plus those who didn't post about it.  I get it, we like to keep our great finds to ourselves and want to be the only ones with something.  But, this time I came across something that was really, really, really cute (that I'm getting Baby I) and I was in a sharing mood like when I told you about MamaBargains ...ok, so here it is:

A personalized wire hanger for kids.  Oooppsss...forget the "no more wire hangers" thing that Joan Crawford had; I mean how many of these have you seen before?  Wouldn't this make a great baby shower gift for friends?  Yup!  For only $10 your gift, from lilafrances shop on Etsy, will be the most original and cutest!  

My civic duty is done for the day!

Say Mama

Exactly one week later, more Baby Boy dreams last night:

I was in my family room in the basement (where I spend most of my time) and I turned my office into his nursery.  My mother put him down to sleep, but I wanted to see him and went in.  He was in his crib just rolling around smiling.  I laughed and couldn't resist picking him up and then I had to change his diaper.  He started with the kiddie chatter saying "ba ba."  I replied say "ma ma."  He laughed and we went back and forth until I woke up. 

Am I going to have these dreams of babies, until Baby I or Baby Boy come home, for the next year or so?  Nesting or heart-rending?  

No Baby but Baby's Table

As I've said before, I'm addicted to vintage/thrift stores...and freecycle and craigslist and ebay and outlet malls and...  This morning I met a friend at our local Value Village Thrift Store where we find some great deals and one of a kind items.  Today, I found a great vintage table for Baby I.  Love.  I decided the table would look great in the "new" sunroom that I have been working on since I got rid of the hot tub.  

Ohhh...ahhh...and it is orange!  Look at those mushroom tops and lovely lines.  Brady Bunch eat your heart out!  Love at first sight.  It fits perfectly with my decor.  Did I mention it was $24.82 less my 25% discount card.  LOL  Yes, I have a discount card to Value Village.

Mommy's Table...Baby I's Table  

Day Late Dollar Short

I hate to loose out on a bargain!  Man, oh man.  Yesterday, all of you lucky ducks who won the Britax carseat I'm a little salty over here!  I wanted one.  When I found out about it last night around 10pm Target caught on and it was G-O-N-E!  So, so, sad!  If anyone bought an extra one let me know.  If you didn't buy an extra one boo on you!  LOL  I'm glad you got a bargain though.  I still have plenty of time to hopefully find another great bargain.  Lip stuck out and pouty face I have!

Anyone Want to Quilt Memories With Me?

I'm going to make (okay have made...dang, how do you do strikethrough on blogger again?) an African 100 Good Wishes Quilt for Baby I.  Come on!  Join me!  This will give you something to do during your wait!  And if your baby is home, what a great gift to pass down generations.  Just do it!  So, even if you stink at being a mother everyone will have forgotten and think you were great simply because you were so thoughtful and got a quilt made! Hey, maybe I should sign up for two then!  ;-) 

We currently have 9-12 participants and would love to have more. Here is how it works:

In China, where this tradition began (but I promise you will want one for each one of your kids, regardless of origin, once you get started), it is a custom to invite 100 people to contribute a single square patch of cloth. The 100 patches are sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the families and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.  

Here is what participants would need to do:

1. Choose ANY 100% cotton fabric that you like of African origin. There are lots of rich, gorgeous African fabrics in fabric stores and on the Internet. It just needs to be a design and color that you like.

2. Pre-wash and press the fabric. Then cut one (1) 7" squares from the fabric.

3. Include your "good wish note" on a 3 x 5 card, being sure to sign it.  We will place all your wishes in a scrapbook that we will give to the baby someday.

4. Send a square to each participant. They will each send you a square. Everyone ends up with a beautiful assortment.  Then you can assemble or have some one else do it...I'm all for the later.

Ideas for good wishes note: Well... what would you wish for a child to have in his/her life? Some ideas that come to mind are good health, perseverance, compassion, and sense of humor...you know stuff like that.

If you want to see examples of what these quilts can look like, go to http://www.originalquilts.com/100_good_wishes_quilts.htm.

So, if you want to participate in the group, leave me a message ASAP with your email and I will forward to the person in charge of organizing this.  I'm only the messenger.  Happy Quilting!  

Picture Perfect

Since I have so many blog buddies getting ready to travel to pick up their babes, I thought I would give you all a way to spend your money.  Oh, I mean provide stimulation for your baby and a way for them to see your lovely face until you have them in your arms.  Check out Manhattan Toy Whoozit Photo Album. I'll probably get one, but who am I fooling I'm months away from a referral, but NEWSFLASH: Shawn and I have committed to finishing our dossiers by Nov. 7!  Oh, Shawn, I have assigned a date to November...I just thought you should know.  LOL  

I Have A Secret

If I didn't tell you this, I AM the queen of bargain shopping.  I can make it look like you have a lot of money when, ummmm...you don't.  I have tons of secrets that I usually don't share, but this one is just too good to pass up, so I'm going to hook you all up!  Oh, for this secret, Baby I wants very good baby shower gifts!  :-)  

Check out MamaBargains.com.  A mompreneur started the site and new bargains are posted almost daily, if it's a good day the manna comes twice.  Discounts are up to 70-80% on some items.   The Mama bargain of the day is a cute diaper bag by Timi & Leslie.  Suggested retail price is $150, MamaBargains.com price $19.  I found the same bag for $139 at BabyBungalow.com. FYI, last month Mamabargains.com had a $500 stroller for $199!  

I know, I know...you love me and I'm the greatest!  

XOXOXOXO,

Tami