Cheap Shit

Ok, so originally I was going to keep this blog nice and clean. But who can resist writing cheap shit when they actually find it???

Part of not having any money is going to discount stores. Another part of not having money is stealing the coupons from the paper at work.

And so that's exactly what I did.

Check out all this cheap shit before christmas has begun, or be like me and wait until christmas is OVER to buy gifts. And then go to the Mall of America. I can't wait to be able to browse the stores while people careen past headed for the biggest sales. No, not me. I walk and walk and walk and eat and go to Barnes & Noble. Then just when you think I'm done, I keep on window shopping until I find the perfect gift!!!

Yes, I do love shopping, but no, I do not love shopping this time of year.

PSH

In The Kitchen........

Does anybody really use one of these? Seriously? I just watched Michael Chiarello on the FoodNetwork roast his chilis right on the grills of his stove. Well, no more burnt chili sticking on to YOUR stove. This chili roaster above is on sale at Sur La Table. Funny thing is, I didn't know they were popular enough to be out of stock!



Eh, roasting chili's isn't quite my thing around the holidays, but it would make a great gift!



PSH

No Drawers in the Kitchen???

Try one of these on for size!!! Just attach to the wall with screws, and then drink away! Urban Outfitters is another of my favorite spots to shop here in Bloomington, Indiana. (B-town is definitely NOT the best place to shop for fun, trendy items)

Also, if you're entertaining during this holiday season, couches are the best to update for the holidays. This one would be especially fun for decorating for the holiday season! Image fluffy red pillows, a great cashmere throw... And the size is great if you're ready for a change too!

Warm, Fuzzy Things for Winter

I absolutely love slippers, fuzzy blankets, big sweaters, socks, etc... And of course, the heating pad, which I use to warm up the bed before I get in at night.

FinnStyle is one of my favorite stores in Minneapolis. Growing up Finnish, I've grown up around Marimekko, finnish vodka and more finnish swear words than I'll ever really care to remember.

The slippers shown above are only $22, they're comfy, sweet and come in a variety of colors that make you want to smile all winter long. I would personally go for either the orange ones or the dark green and light green ones. Either way, I know that they'd make me happy to be home after a long day of work. They also come with matching robes, if you're a matchy matchy type of person, but those are a little on the price side, $130...

Click here to see the slipper prices from FinnStyle in Minneapolis - you can order them online or of course, show up in the store to see other fun finnish styles.

And then there's the soft pillows for your teeny, tiny couch (or we call ours the Big Green Dream Machine). Just perfect for a nap, I definitely wouldn't mind showing either of these off in my living room or bedroom! I also wouldn't mind paying their price, $29 each is better than going to Marshall's for a cheap version of a Ralph Lauren (though, I do buy kitchen stuff there all the time).

PSH

Artwork for Your Small Walls

Picasso. One word. One picture that will look great in your office, the bathroom, a hallway. I want it. And I want it now. Picasso's rendition of the dog is on sale for a great price. Just remember, sometimes the simplest of artwork is the best for your space.

Going Green At Home

It's actually easier than people think. Take a look at Gaiam, the company that gives you yoga, pilates and more exercise equipment than ever.



You can also find some great items that make you feel better about your footprint on the earth! I've found my relaxation tool - a fabulous massage mat that's shown in the picture in the top left.

They also have a fab jewelry tree, that doesn't really look too granny-ish. I think I'm more excited about that! It's not as big as I would like it to be, but then again I only have about three necklaces and 7-8 bracelets. I have more earrings than I know what to do with, so I'm still looking for something that I can see ALL of my jewelry at once and that I can store in the bathroom!

I'm also trying to go more green by bringing my own bags to the grocery store. For $6 you can get a ChicoBag that comes in three colors and you can carry in your purse. At Kroger they don't exactly ask you if you want paper or plastic, they just assume you want plastic (and I don't have a pet, so I don't exactly have an everyday use for them). A few months ago, you could purchase these in sets of three, which is way economical. I'm hoping they offer that again soon so I can stock up!


PSH

Need Christmas Ideas?

Try out West Elm. They have a section for gifts and sale stuff too. I found the perfect reed diffuser for my mother-in-law (sorry, Diane, I didn't mean to ruin the surprise!), cute glass lanterns that you can hang from the ceiling and for the "green" person in your life, organic towels! They also have super cute ornaments that anyone can use to decorate with.

Two years ago I bought all of our Christmas ornaments at Ikea. They were a combo of red, white and blue ornaments. This year I only put the red and white ornaments on the tree. Just three days ago, I realized that I had decorated in Indiana University colors. Not my alma mater, but it will be my husband's soon.

I decided that next year, I'm decorating in maroon and gold.

Go Gophers!

But back to the Christmas gifts...

Also try looking at Red Envelope. I've always found my mother the perfect piece of jewelry. For Mother's Day it was green shamrock earrings and now for Christmas, I think I've found the perfect gift - she said she wanted gardening stuff...

PSH