Confessions on Nosiness

One of my favorite websites is PostSecret.com. I look forward to reading all the new secrets every Sunday afternoon. Maybe it's just my female tendency towards nosiness, but I love reading other people's secrets - relating to some, being flummoxed by others, and praying for the really sad ones. I've also gotten some really awesome ideas for paying it forward, like the one above, which is probably my favorite secret ever.

So imagine my delight to find out that the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting an exhibit of Frank Warren's PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God! The exhibit opens tonight and runs through September 18. The opening reception is tonight and I've somehow convinced Nate and some friends to join me.

I can't wait to read dozens of new secrets tonight! It's like Christmas morning for nosy people!

Warning: Females only beyond this point

Boys, don't say I didn't warn you.

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Still here, men? Well, suit yourself...

One of my favorite Sunday activities is checking out the latest PostSecrets. There's just something about reading other people's secrets that makes me feel not quite so bad about my own.

My favorite PostSecret ever was this one until this one totally cracked me up two weeks ago:


Seriously, this thought has never ever occurred to me. Perhaps because I have been a card carrying member of the Itty Bitty T*tty Committee since age 13, I've never had to worry about such a thing. These 34A's barely stick out enough to get caught in a bra, much less metal pinchers that should be nowhere near chest level anyway.

So I'm curious, you blessedly endowed readers, has this thought ever occurred to you? Or, God forbid, have you actually gotten your lovely lady lumps caught in something? I must admit, I am tres curious how the 'other' half lives.

And, boys (if you are still reading), I bet you'll heed my warning next time, won'tcha?

So 'Sue' me

One of the major bummers about losing my job is that I might have to go back to an office. While a tiny part of me is excited at the thought of pulling my fabulous business attire out of retirement, a much bigger part of me hates the idea of going back to the cubicle farm drama of office life.

But then I take a little scroll through Overheard at the Office and remember just how interesting life at the office can be....

___________________________

4PM Like That Scene in Real Genius.
Frustrated coworker: Every time I get mad at Sue, I keep telling myself "what would Jesus do?" but one of these days, Jesus is going to yell at her!

Washington, DC
via Overheard in the Office, Mar 27, 2009

Here I am to save the day!

Just in case you are a slacker and haven't finished your Christmas shopping, here's a little extra online savings. You can still order now and receive it in time for Christmas (or go the easy route and send it straight to Mom and Dad's, like I did!).

Start Your Engines

Search engines, that is. In preparation for the Most Important Shopping Day of the Year, here are a few websites to help you plot world domination your shopping course. Many of the Black Friday sale fliers can already be found online at one of these websites. Don't forget that many online retailers will start their Black Friday sales online on Thursday!

Black Friday 2008
Black Friday at Gottadeal.com
Black Friday Info

And just in case you suddenly fall deathly ill from a turkey overdose (or possibly food poisoning at my house) and can't make it on Black Friday (HORROR!), never fear! Check out the deals for Cyber Monday here.

CyberMonday.com
CyberMondaySales.com

If you just can't wait until Friday, check out this 30% off online offer at NY and Company.

Wish I Had Thought of That

Seen on Post Secret

You Call THAT a Sale?

So I just checked my email and was jazzed to see an announcement that Baker's Shoes is having a boot sale this weekend. Immediately, my mind was dancing with visions of wearing these babies for my Black Friday shopping adventures next week as I bopped over the Baker's website to check the sale price. Imagine my dismay to discover that Baker's idea of a rip-off sale is $5 off! What the heck? You call that a sale?

Fortunately, my favorite store was feeling a little more generous over on their website. Enjoy!

Christmas is a Time of Sharing

And you can't argue with Christmas, so here I am sharing...(You see this Santa? Make sure I'm on the 'Good' list.)


Also, through Wednesday, save 20% at Container Store (best wrapping paper selection ever!). Coupon code: CLUTTERCREW

Got any bright ideas?

I have decided to outsource buy our Christmas cards this year. I know, I know, it's impersonal. But writing Christmas cards is right up there on my list of top 5 things I hate to do:

1. Cook
2. Dust
3. Vacuum
4. Christmas Cards
5. Shop (Wait, how did that get on there?)

Anyway, who really wants to spend Black Friday writing 'We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!' one hundred times? Not me.

So I have shopped a couple of stationary websites for card options but so far I am coming up empty. I can't believe that it is this hard to find a decent Christmas card! I don't want anything with photos, nothing kitschy or folksy, and I am not inviting people to a Christmas party or announcing the birth of my child via Christmas card. Do only old people and people with kids send out pre-printed holiday cards?

So far this one from tinyprints is the only half-decent option that I have found and I am not super thrilled about it. I was hoping for something bright and merry (perhaps red and green to stick with my theme?) and while this is bright, I'm not feeling very merry about it.


And so, dear blog readers who happen to be really amazing online shoppers, anyone know of a good website I can search or a good stationary store in the Indy area that I can visit?

I need to order in the next week or so in order to have them in decent time to address (I will at least do that myself. Good enough, right?) and send out before anyone else sends us cards. Why the hurry you ask? Because I somehow never got around to doing change of address cards. Did I mention how I really hate to do change of address cards, too...

Santa Baby....

Please hurry down my chimney with these ruffled beauties from Baker's Shoes. Love, love, love!


(In black, though. Size 7.5)

love,
Sara

Genius

As if one great sale posting today wasn't enough, here is another that you won't want to miss. Thanks to the stylish Kimberly over at Fab Finds under $50, I scored a bunch of great Christmas gifts at the Vera Bradley clearance sale.

I am not a big fan of VB myself but I am totally excited about this curling iron case I ordered for when I travel. It's lined inside so you can stick a hot curling or straightening iron in it without worrying about singeing your clothes or melting your suitcase. I can't count the number of times I have checked out of a hotel, hot curling iron in hand.


Word of warning to ladies in my family - you may want to check with me before you order. I won't admit to exactly how much I spent today, but some of you are going to be pretty happy this Christmas!

Endless love

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl this year.

Please put these babies under my Christmas tree this year. Size 7.5, please.



love, Sara

Honesty is the best policy

I have been tagged by Leah for the Honest Weblog award. I must share ten honest things about myself.

1. I am the oldest of four girls and I am pretty sure that I am everyone’s favorite sister. (Love you, guys!)


2. I am totally going to copy Leah on this one – I am a military brat and moved every four or so years with my family. I get anxious to move or change things every few years. We just bought our first house and it will be interesting to see how I am feeling about it four or five years from now!

3. I am kind of a nerd. I do the daily crossword puzzle at msnbc.com on the Master Level. My personal best time is 8 minutes, 31 seconds.

4. I laugh every single time I see a Sonic commercial. I know these commercials are really stupid, but they make me giggle anyway.


5. If I hear someone gagging or throwing up, there is a 90% chance that I am going to follow suit.

6. I am completely terrified of needles. I avoid the doctor at all costs because I am afraid they will want to take blood or give me a shot. My fear is so bad, I don’t like to be touched in the crook of my arm because it reminds me of having blood drawn. Even thinking about it now makes me want to cross my arms and protect my crooks!

7. I own over 70 pairs of shoes and I am not ashamed to admit it.


8. I regret that I quit piano lessons when I was a kid. I wish I had some cool musical talent like the piano or guitar. Should have listened to my mother!

9. I am a self-soother. I bounce my leg or wiggle my foot when I am tired, bored or anxious. I used to rock myself to sleep by wiggling my foot but Nate made me stop once he had to share a bed with me. (Complete truth be told – sometimes I just wait for him to fall asleep and then I do it anyway!)

10. My ultimate dream in life would be to attend New York Fashion week.


I would like to tag the following blogs: Cookie Crums and The Hine Family (yes, that means you too, John!).

Tag, I'm it!

I've been tagged by the lovely Leah over at Make it Fabulous.

Eleven of my Favorite Things:

1. Clothes Shop:
I am obsessed with The Limited for many reasons:
- I am a small girl up top (if you know what I mean) and their x-small really is extra small.
- Their slacks and jeans fit me like a glove.
- Their jewelry is amazing.
- Their handbags are oversized and FABULOUS.
- They have great sales and coupons.

2. Furniture Shop:
Do I have to pick just one? With a brand new house to fill up, I have hit practically every furniture and home goods store in Indianapolis. If I had to shop at just one, I would go with Crate and Barrel.


3. Sweet:
Dark chocolate anything. I can lie to myself and pretend it’s good for me while I eat it!

4. City:
Prague, Czech Republic – Nate and I visited in 2002 on our European Tour. It was the place we were least looking forward to and is the first place we want to re-visit some day! The history is amazing, the architecture is breathtaking, the shopping is to die for and on top of all that, it’s dirt cheap to stay there.

5. Drink:
Venti non-fat extra-hot caramel macchiato – I got a Starbucks Visa card just so I can earn free coffee.


6. Music:
Although she hasn’t put anything new out recently, I love Kelly Clarkson; the girl is super talented. I also love girl anthems from PCD, Danity Kane and Carrie Underwood.

7. TV Series:
I am almost embarrassed to admit this publicly, but I am addicted to Gossip Girl. Seriously, the dialogue is so catty and the clothes are so fabulous, I am hopelessly hooked.


8. Film:
Sweet Home Alabama, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and Mean Girls

9. Workout:
Ugh. I was totally rocking the gym for about a year but lately I have been a lazy bum. I love a good cardio or kick-boxing class when I am motivated to actually get to a gym.

10. Pastries:
I love a good cheese danish. Or anything from Baker’s Sweets in Sumter, SC (they can do no wrong in my book!)


11. Coffee:
Yes, please! Seriously, I would take this stuff intravenously if I could, and I am deathly afraid of needles!


And I'm going to tag Pink Polka-Dotted Dreams and Maria (this will give you something to do while waiting for Baby Hine!).

It's a small world after all....

A few months ago I posted about this great recycling website called FreeCycle. Over the last two weeks I have been using FreeCycle to collect boxes for our upcoming move. On Wednesday there was an offer of 30+ boxes available in Noblesville off of 191st, which just happens to be the same street our new neighborhood is on. Being that 191st is not a super developed street, I thought, 'Wouldn't it be funny if these people lived in our new neighborhood?'.

Turns out the world is even smaller than I thought - the people actually live on our street! Kriste and Matt are five houses up from us on the right and they just moved in a month ago. We had to make two trips to get all 30+ boxes so we got to chat with them quite a bit yesterday. They seem really nice and their little boy Jack is really cute.

It's exciting to think we might finally get to make friends with our neighbors. We had such great neighbors in Knoxville but not so much in Boston or Indy. Working from home has a lot of perks, but it severely limits my opportunities to make friends. Sadly, the baristas at Starbucks are about the closest friends I've made in nearly 10 months here!

The Little Wife

43 As a 1930s wife, I am Average Take the test!

My friend Becca posted this funny test yesterday. Surprisingly, I scored pretty decently as a 1930's housewife. I think my cheerful morning disposition must have scored me some extra points because I definitely do not dust or clean or do anything remotely housewifely on a regular basis!

Sound off!

Ever had a particularly bad day at work? Happens to me more often than I would like lately, but this website always gives me a good laugh. Look up your employer to see what people are complaining about at your company. Some of the comments for my company were laugh-out-loud funny. (Of course, I don't suggest you do this on company time!)

www.jobvent.com

Express yourself

Express just launched their first ever online shopping website at www.express.com. I am always excited when my favorite stores have online shopping because it's hard to find good sale stuff in my size.

Natalie, in case you didn't already know, THE LIMITED is launching an online store later in the summer. Pretty soon you won't have to miss out on all THE LIMITED fun.

For those of you are big fans of THE LIMITED:

Get your recycle on

What's better than getting something on sale? Getting it FREE!!

A few weeks ago I read about a website called freecycle.org. Their mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling members to benefit from the strength of a larger community. Basically it's a bunch of people in your area that are giving stuff away for FREE (and helping the environment too!). Go to the website, search for city and join! You can sign up for daily emails or just check the blog regularly to see what people are giving away.

The really good stuff goes fast so you have to be patient. I've seen weight benches, bikes, computers, furniture, etc listed on my local site. When an item you want is posted, you reply back to the poster that you would like it and when you are available to pick it up. The 'winner' is up to the poster (some people take first response, others do first available to pick up). I've replied on a couple of things, and today I finally 'won' something! I went to pick up my new, gently used Christmas tree a little while ago. I've always wanted to have a second tree that I could decorate with white lights and matching ornaments and now I have it. For FREE!!