Black Friday Must Haves: Walmart

Disclaimer: I am not a Black Friday shopper!  Do I love a good deal? Absolutely.  But know what I love a little bit more? SLEEP!!  

I'll do a little B.F. shopping online or later in the weekend.  This works for me because I'm never rushing after the big-ticket electronic items.  

I know Walmart is getting a bad rap for how early they are starting their sale, but our family typically gets cabin fever late afternoon/early evening and goes for a drive.  I'm just thinking that this year our drive can lead to our local Walmart parking lot.  

Here's what I'll be making a bee line to: 
(all photos are hyperlinked- click for more details)

This chevron suitcase with green trim was obviously made for me.  Besides, my friend and I are going on a work trip in January, so I don't even have a choice. Must have!

The B.F. price tag: $25. (In store only)

I am totally crazy about scarves!  But my current weakness is for infinity scarves.  They are foolproof.  Just pop it on, wrap, twist, and you're perfectly styled.  So easy!  You can tell from the picture that these are lovely, but what you can't tell is that there are two of them in each package!

B.F. price tag: $4 for two infinity scarves!!

(I need to be sedated!)

I'm a teacher by day, so it should comes as no surprise that school supplies will make my list.  They would also make a great gift for any crafter.  This is a set of 28 multicolored Sharpie markers.  Typically, a good deal on Sharpies is about $.50 each.  This set is priced at $8.88!  That's less than $.32 a piece!  

I'm probably the only one, but I could use more storage, especially in the living room.  We have unsightly stacks of blankets and games littering the corners of our living room that could neatly be tucked into this storage ottoman.  For space, I would need to use this ottoman as a coffee table.  I've seen this done well before by putting a pretty tray on top with a couple of decorative items.  This ottoman has seriously been on my wish list for several years!

B.F. price tag: $29

What deal will you be losing sleep over this Black Friday?

Seeing Stripes

Do you every have to ration items in your closet because, if left to your own devices, you would wear it everyday?  Lately, I've had to throw on the brakes when it comes to this navy striped tee from Target ($12).  It is easy to accessorize and comfortable. What's not to love?!

Here are two quick and easy looks that center around this simple yet chic tee:

The Look: 

My favorite pants ($13.44)- I seriously own these pants in every color! They are skinny but are substantial enough to be real pants. No legging worries here!

Tan Open Weave Scarf (pretty sure I paid $6.97- in stores only)  Isn't it gorgeous!  I love how full it is!!

Bangles- Part of a set I got on clearance at Target.

Dusty Blue Earrings- I bought these in the store but here are similar ones online: Dangles ($4.99) and Tear-shaped ($5.50)

Brown Boots (old from Kohl's- I'm asking for this replacement pair ($49.99 on sale) for Christmas.)

The Look:

Mustard Cords ($17.88 on sale)  These are juniors, which scared me, but they were pretty close to ladies sizing because of the stretch.  

Stella & Dot Kimberly Necklace (Not very frugal, but it was a birthday present!)

What item in your closet are you tempted to wear everyday?

Soups, Steals, and Scarves

Last weekend, I invited some girls over for a soup supper and scarf exchange.  Fun was had by all!  

The Menu:
Tomato-Basil Soup (recipe below)
Pioneer Woman's Olive Bread (Oh great! Now my mouth's watering!)
Tossed Salad with Vinaigrette or Ranch
A Variety of Yummy Desserts

I have been waiting for the weather to cool off so I could make this soup since July. I found it thumbing through our church cookbook. You know church ladies know how to cook! Let me tell you, it was worth the wait!

The scarf swap cracked me up! We all went around and confessed how many scarves we bought in preparation for the exchange.  Me- 2.  The winner- 5.  

We played it like a white elephant exchange at Christmas.  I was lucky #1, so I got the last steal at the end.  Opening each gift was like strolling down the scarf aisle at Target. 

This lime number was the first one I opened.  

I told my guests that it was my birthstone color, and only people born in August were allowed to steal it from me.  Obviously, some people weren't listening to my rules. 

I'm a bit of a sore loser!

My next round brought me this cream and black lovely.  

I absolutely love this color combo, and it is an easy go-to for me. But I traded it in for...

My grand prize.

I love this red!  This will be perfect for many occasions, now through February. I also love the dots on the end.  It kind of looks like...dare I say it...animal print.  Be still my heart!

Before the holiday parties begin, round up your girlfriends and be the hostess with the mostess at your own scarf exchange!

My Favorite Things

I'm happy to be joining up for a Favorite Things Party!  Perfect timing since we are beginning to plan gifts for co-workers and stocking stuffers.

Around this time of year, I really miss Oprah.  Did he talk about hot topics? Sure.  What she always interviewing A-list celebs? Yeah.  But what I really miss is Oprah's Favorite Things!  Somehow her favorite things were also my favorite things.  It just didn't know it yet and still can't afford them.  

Coming down from my cloud of Oprah greatness, I do have some things that I really love that anyone can afford.  They are all less than $10!

1.  NYX Mascara

I heard about the wonders of this mascara from a friend, as many good recommendations do. Now I'm recommending it, and I'm your friend (right?!), so you should grab some as well.  Things I love: lasts all day, comes in waterproof, sold at Target.  What's not to love?!

2.  Faded Glory Open Weave Scarf

I snatched this scarf up several weeks ago when I first saw it at WalMart.  Everytime I wear it, I get so many compliments- "I saw one just like it at a boutique!", "It looks like Anthropologie!", "You got it at WalMart?!!!"  It is so warm and comes in many great colors.  You can only buy it in stores, but to check it out, click here.  

3.  Green Dangle Earrings

I have worn these earring with everything-sometimes stretching the word "coordinate" beyond reasonable means. They are the perfect addition to any holiday party ensemble.  They will also look so fresh and spring-like after the first of the year.  Want to know the best part? They're only $4.50 at Sam Moon!  

What are your favorite finds under $10?