Tag Archives: Shopping

February 15, 2011 · 5:00 am

She Is Still Anna Takle.

“I love the way I look,” she declared staring at her new clothes in the mirror before church on Sunday morning.

She insisted the scarf and purse were necessary “accessories” to complete her look.  I had obliged and made the shopping trip about her. 

“I want you to like the way you look.  I want you to feel good about how you look.  But, always be careful not to tell everyone how fabulous you think you look.  It’s not a good character trait,” I told her.

“Oh, right.  It’s kind of like being proud,” she agreed.

“Proud?”

“Yes.  It says in Corinthians that love is not proud.  It is patient, kind, it isn’t jealous, it isn’t proud, and a bunch of other stuff,” she told me.

She gets it!  She is learning to apply scripture to everyday life!  I couldn’t be more thrilled! 

After church was over, her teacher, Mrs. Layna, took a picture of a note Anna wrote to her that day and sent it to me.

So, she may not apply every scripture to her life.  Of course, neither does her momma.

She is still the determined, creative, and fun girl God created her to be.  She is still Anna Takle. 

And, I’m so glad she is.

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February 10, 2010 · 6:00 am

The Eagles Said Take It Easy. So Did My Doc.

My lack of writing yesterday was due to a rough night and morning with a contraction or ten.  No.  I was not in labor.  Just a tad uncomfortable.  I decided to ease the pain by taking a relaxing, warm bath.  When Anna walked in and saw me, she giggled and said, “Mom, you’re too big for the bathtub.” 

Yes, she is still alive and well.

I called my doctor at the persistence of my husband.  The nurse requested I go to the hospital just as a precautionary measure.  Something, I clearly did not want to do.  But, I did.  Baby is fine.  I am fine.  To quote my nurse, “You are 35 years old and pregnant with your third.  Things just don’t hold together like they used to.”

Yes, she is still alive and well.

Actually, she was a very sweet nurse and took great care of me.  She asked if I had been over-doing it at all.  I told her I had somewhat of a, ahem, busy weekend. 

What did you think I was going to tell her?  “Um, well, I did go to Dallas and shop all day, then caught a flight the next day to Atlanta then back to Oklahoma two days after that.”

No. Dadgum. Way. 

But, Kris completely uncovered me and was like, “Yeah, I thought she was going to a conference….”

Yes, he is still alive and well.

I was sent me home with orders to drink plenty o’ water and take it easy.  I interpreted that as “Shopping is permitted, just take frequent latte water breaks.”

In better news, my mom is here.  And, that, my friends, makes my world a better place.  Well, that and a box of Junior Mints. 

So, there ya go.  And, no worries.  My self-esteem is still intact thanks to a husband who told me I am beautiful.  He listened well to my dad’s message on Sunday.  That being said, go compliment your spouse today.  It might be exactly what he or she needs to hear.

Okay.  I’m taking a water break now.

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February 8, 2010 · 5:00 am

This Is Where Coherency & Good Writing Go Out the Window.

It was a crazy, busy, fun weekend, and quite frankly, I’m spent.  I’ll write something a little more coherent later.  I went to Dallas with ten of the best ladies on the planet.  They are my BSers, you see.  Ahem, my Bible Study gals.  We left early Friday morning and I shopped until I dropped….almost literally.  But, that’s another story.

We traveled to Dallas only for food, shopping, and fun together.  I’m not sure why Kris thought I might be going to see Beth Moore or someone like her.  I told him no such thing.  Promise.  But, when he called me Friday night, he asked me, “What time is your thing tomorrow?”

“What thing?” I asked him.

“Your conference,” he said.

“Conference?  We didn’t come to Dallas for a conference.”

“What did you go there for?”  He questioned. 

“To shop, eat, and be together.”

“Well, I missed that memo!” 

It’s kind of cute that he would automatically think that any girls’ trip I take would be to hear some fabulous preachin’ and all. 

But, come on.  Sometimes, there is just as much spiritual renewal in being with a bunch of women who love Jesus, a good deal, and chips and salsa. 

Okay.  I’m out.  Back later with something.  I’m not sure what.  But something.

Love y’all.  Mean it.

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December 11, 2009 · 6:00 am

I Like The Hustle & Bustle, But I Need This More.

Hustle.

Bustle.

This Christmas party.

That Christmas party.

Christmas lists.

Christmas shopping.

Christmas travel.

So easy to get lost in it all.

So easy to lose its meaning.

Yesterday, I had one thought in my hustle and bustle:

I just want to put it all aside and throw myself down at the altar of Jesus Christ.
Experience His peace.
Delight in His joy.
Bathe in His love.

Just for a moment.

Maybe longer.

You?

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”  – Author Unknown

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August 3, 2009 · 10:20 am

Tooth Mishaps & Other Stuff.

Made it back to Oklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, or something like that.  The wind, it sweeps alright.  John Henry decided to lose pull his tooth just as we were boarding our flight home.  “I’m just trying to make money,” he explained.  Tooth Fairy was so completely exhausted by night time, she almost failed to pay up.  John Henry is so resolute about making money on his teeth, we fear he won’t have any teeth left very soon.  Perhaps, it makes sense to go ahead and introduce him to the workforce.  You know, to save him from pulling his permanent teeth, too.

Of course, I am not one to pass judgment on timely tooth matters.  I noticed on my flight home that my front tooth felt a bit odd.  And sharp in an area.  What?  I chipped my tooth?  How?  I had no idea how in the world I could have done this.  It’s not like I bite into foods with my front teeth.  It wasn’t until I was lying in bed that I remembered.

In an effort to reset my watch back to the central time zone, I used my front teeth to loosen up the little winder thingy.  Blast.  What was I thinking?  I’d make money from the Tooth Fairy?  Grrrr.

I have no dentist in Oklahoma.  So, I sent out a message on Twitter and Facebook asking for suggestions on a local dentist.  And, boy do people love their dentist!  How to choose between 50 of THE BEST dentists in the state? 

When we finally got home, it was pretty clear that there was nothing we were going to be eating in the Takle house, unless potatoes that turned into a massive tree branch sounded appetizing.  This disgusting adventure motivated me to clean out both refrigerator and pantry.  How, oh how, we do keep salad dressings from 2005?  I, embarrassingly, threw away 4 trash bags full of food.  Not the wisest of things to do for a woman still enduring her first trimester. 

For.The.Love.

I dismantled our entire refrigerator, scrubbing every nook and cranny.  Today, I am proud to say it is beautiful, friends.  Just beautiful.  Nothing feels quite as therapeutic as opening up your refrigerator door knowing you can eat ANYTHING inside. 

Anna decided to change clothes, again, before we trekked to the grocery store to restock our kitchen.  This is what she changed into to:

Anna - outfit wp

Nothing says you’re ready to take on Oklahoma’s sweltering temps like jeans and a sweater.  And, NOTHING says fashion like ripped floral jeans and dress shoes. 

Nothing.

She insisted on keeping her size sticker on her shirt.

Anna - size sticker wp

This way, it would “stay new.”

Makes perfect sense.  No chance you’ll see me sporting my size sticker.  Just sayin’.

It’s good to be home.  But, I do miss those Georgia Peaches.

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December 8, 2008 · 6:00 am

Upsets, Victories & Campfires.

Friday evening I went out ALONE, Praise Him, to acquire emergency food items such as milk and Sour Patch Kids.  When I returned home, this is what I found. 

 

jh-anna-campfire-wp

Kris built them this “campfire” and served them up some hot chocolate – which was basically cold milk with Hersey’s Syrup poured in.  I later joined the fun and added a few marshmallows to roast.  “Gross,” sums up John Henry’s response to the toasted treats.  Oh well.  More for Anna and me. 

Kris flew to the Big 12 Championship on Saturday.  “It’s work,” He always defends.  Bless his heart.  I did a little Christmas shopping and somehow ended up spending more money on those stupid sausages and cheeses at a mall kiosk.  They get me every year.  The holiday shopping completely took my mind off of Anna’s decision to wear four shirts that day, causing her to resemble an Alabama line backer. 

I soon learned of the Crimson Tide’s upset.  {Sorry, Mikey Bo Bo.}  Then, I geared up to watch my own team.  The Oklahoma Sooners.  Yes.  That’s right.  They’ve kind of grown on me this year.  I figure if you can’t beat ‘em.  Well, you know.

Kris came back home Sunday evening.  But, not before I nearly lost my sanity with two children who apparently care more about their own exploits than my peace of mind.  After Anna knocked over a huge bin of dog food, I knew it was time to get out of the house.  Then, I remembered it’s against the law to leave two young kids at home by themselves, so I went back and got them.

I jest.  I would never do such a thing on the Lord’s day.

We all headed to the nearest Sonic and self-medicated with Sonic Blasts and Cream Slushes. 

Later in the evening John Henry informed me that Noah was powerful like God.  A bible story that we apparently need to work on.  And, Anna told me that God was more powerful than Santa.  Perhaps, she should start telling God what she wants for Christmas.  Because, only He can afford her wish list which is pretty much every single commercial you see on the tube. 

That’s it.  That’s my weekend.  How was yours?

 

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December 5, 2008 · 6:00 am

Treasure Hunting

I had quite the response after this post on saving money on my big, fat turkey.  Judy, my loyal commenter, requested that Kitty {treasure-hunter extraordinaire} share some of her treasure hunting secrets.  Judy isn’t playin’ when she comments.  Buh-lieve me. 

 

We can all learn a thing or two from Kitty on being frugal with our money.  Her intent on acquiring a bargain isn’t so she can hoard her money.  Quite the contrary.  It’s so she has more money to give.  But, that’s an entirely different post.  So, without further ado, I give you Kitty Grubbs.

kitty-wp

As most of the local friends know….Joey and I lovvvvvvvvvvve a good bargain!  We shop high and low (sometimes very low) to find the best buys on food, restaurants, home decor and clothes!  Joey has recently accused me of making ridiculous offers (much to Kristen’s embarrassment.)  But, I usually get the item I want for the price I want.  One of my proudest moments lately was over hearing Bobbi Jo [a family friend] make a half price offer at a yard sale!  And she got the prize!  My sister recently acquired a great coverlet set and beautiful pillows ($5) from my yard sale stash.  My recliner in my living room ($40) was one of our great finds recently, along with my new water feature ($5) for my porch. 

 

Aside from yard sales, we hop over to RiteAid for FREEBATES (items you purchase and are reimbursed the full price for!!) We also use RiteAid’s free cards that give you discounts on the first Tuesday of the month and a 15% discount on their brands every day.  They are also having a special right now where you get a free $30 gift card for every prescription you transfer to their pharmacy.  I got $150 in free gift cards!  Check out RiteAid online for all of these great deals.  CVS and Walgreens also offer free items to get you in their stores.  

I shop all of the grocery ads online.  I buy ALL of my meat on sale and put it in the freezer.  I recently found 80% lean ground chuck on sale at Ingle’s for around $1 per pound.  I called all the locals and we stocked up on ground chuck. I browned 15 pounds of ground chuck, put it in 1 pound bags then straight into the freezer.  This way, I just pull them out for chili, spaghetti, tacos, soup, etc.

 

I also shop CouponMom.com for coupons.  I love their restaurant coupons they put on sale.  I recently acquired a $25 coupon for DAILEY’S for two.  Joey and I had a great evening out!  (Thanks, Sharon for telling me about this website.)  I am also big on bartering for services, and I LOVE to shop for others.  People always let us know what they need, and we often find it.  Speaking of which:  I ALWAYS send out an email when I need something for around the house.  Somebody probably has what you need and would be glad for you to use it!  I recently needed to make some big purchases at Lowe’s and I sent out a “HELP” for a coupon!!  My friend, Jeff Williams, had one and he let me have it!  Saved me $25!!

 

Anyway, I obviously could go on and on and on.  Hope you learned something!

 

I sure did.  Thanks, Kitty!  I’m actually treasure hunting this weekend myself.  I am hoping to find a nightstand for John Henry’s room.  I figure if I stare at Kristen’s blog photos long enough, her talent will jump on me, and I’ll have that sucker looking fantastic in no time.

 

For more deals, hop on over to Christi’s 2 Cents.

 

Happy Hunting!

 

 

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November 21, 2008 · 6:00 am

I saw the light!


Most of you know by now that I am a loyal SuperTarget shopper.  Just hearing their new holiday commercial sing “Simply having a wonderful Christmas time” makes me feel all warm inside.  And, right at home.  I buy most everything there – from groceries to Rachael Ray’s cutsie mixing bowls – it’s all there.  Underneath the bullseye.

When my Georgia gals were out celebrating the wonders of the MAC counter with me, Sharon informed me that I was spending way too much on groceries shopping at my home away from home.  Apparently, I listeneth not.

So, at my completely envious Bible Study, this gal and this gal, told me the same dang thing. 

“CREST!”  They exclaimed, as though they were sharing the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.  Cindy even went as far as to tell me that there was deliverance for me.  And, Robin has raised like 29 children, okay 7, so she knows all about saving money.  Thank you, Sisters.  I have seen the light.

Yesterday, I walked into Crest Foods [Oklahoma owned & operated with self-proclaimed “Rock Bottom Prices.”]  The entire experience was nothing less than perfect.  Anna was angelic.  ANGELIC.  The food variety was plentiful.  And those prices – oh, those prices – were rock bottom.

I came across the turkeys.  Then, just like most days, I called my mom.

“Mom, when do I buy my turkey?”

After she laughed at me, she answered, “Well, if you buy it today, buy it frozen.”

“Mom, I’m shopping at this really great grocery store with really great prices.  Turkeys are only 99 cents per pound!”

“Glo-ree!” She shouted.

Not really.  She didn’t shout glo-ree.  She didn’t even shout.  But, I could tell she was proud.  Oh, she was so very proud of her money-saving daughter. 

I loaded up people.  LOADED UP people.  Can I get a whoop whoop?

No.  Don’t give me that.  That is so tacky.

Sean Fields helped me load my groceries in the car.  No, no.  I don’t know Sean.  I just didn’t have any cash to tip him, so I wrote him a check.  Classic.

Later in the day, I was talking to Sharon.  I told her about my rock bottom prices and how Cindy Beall had told me I was spending way too much money on food at SuperTarget. 

“I TOLD YOU THAT ALREADY!  BUT, OH, WHEN CINDY BEALL TELLS YOU SOMETHING, YOU’LL BELIEVE HER.”  She said, but not in all caps.  That’s just me exaggerating to make the story seem bigger than it really is. 

Can you imagine me exaggerating to make a story seem grander? 

Me either.

I can’t promise I still won’t grab my cute red eco-friendly shopping bags and trek back to my homeland known as SuperTarget.  I will.  Just like Starbuck’s seasonal Peppermint Hot Chocolate, I gotta have it.  But, I will make a better effort in saving the pennies.  My grandfather always said (and yours probably did, too):  “Take care of those pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves.”

For even MORE fabulous deals, my other Bible Study gal, Christi, has a blog ALL ABOUT GREAT DEALS.  The girl knows her stuff.  And, she can help you save BIG.  Get Christi’s 2 cents here.

Have you found any great deals lately?
In what areas do you save money?

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July 21, 2008 · 7:00 am

Nintendo DS isn’t just for kids.

This guy was on my flight back from Atlanta last week.  We have met once before, but not since I entered the blogging world.  You know it’s bad when you introduce yourself and almost say “dot com” after your name  – because, that’s how some people identify you.  Anyhoo.  He was accompanied by his beautiful wife and “totally cool” boys, to quote my son.  What made his boys totally cool?  Three things:  1) Nintendo DS, 2) Gameboy Advance, and 3) the fact that they shared these hot gadgets.

Since John Henry’s exposure to a world beyond the handheld Leapster, he has been appealing for the Nintendo DS.  I’m not going to lie to you.  I would get more use out of this one since it would allow me to play round after round of Tetris.  But, it’s not as though I need another distraction.  The world wide web is enough.  Amen?

His birthday is two months away, and I considered letting him put it on his b-day list which is growing by the minute.  I decided, instead, to let him enjoy his Leapster one more year and pick out a new game for the family Wii. 

Why are we so insatiable when it comes to the latest and greatest ______________ (you fill in the blank)?  Gotta have that wall-mounted plasma, the iphone 3G (I resisted), Blu-ray what? 

It’s not a wonder why more and more Americans are getting themselves into some serious debt.  While we pay our credit cards off each month, I still can fall prey to the marketing geniuses of the world.  Steve Jobs ain’t no dummy. 

So, what to do?

Realize that you have everything you need.  You really do.  And, when the timing is right, the money is saved, and priorities are met, enjoy life’s latest luxuries.

As for me, I’m trying to decide whether to get my own Nintendo DS and conceal it or just wait right along with my boy.  ‘Cause if Carrie Underwood has one, it must be fantastic.

What are you itching to buy?

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