Now that's class, people!

I've been looking for a print to hang over the sofa table behind my couch for a while now.  Shortly after the first of this year, I found a print at Ballard Designs that I liked, but it was at the very top end of what I wanted to spend plus I would have to pay shipping on it.  So, the search began and ended very quickly.

I found the same print at I.O. Metro, which has two stores in my area.  It was the same price as the Ballard print but at least I wouldn't have to pay shipping.  I shop at I.O. Metro pretty frequently, so I knew they did sales from time to time.  Usually those sales only apply to one type of product, though, so I had to wait until the art sale came along.

Finally, a few weeks ago, art went on sale for 20% off for the weekend.  I called my store.  They had the print and said they would put it on hold for me.  Here it is in our living room.  It's propped for now; I'll probably hang it this weekend.

I'm so excited that the wall is finally filled!

But, the funny part is that the print is 54" x 54".  I was talking to the sales girl at the counter before I paid. 

Me: Now this will go in the back of our SUV won't it?

Sales Girl: Sure.  Unless it's a 4Runner.  I have a 4Runner, and I've tried.  It won't fit.

Me: Shit.  We have a 4Runner.

Sales Girl:  Well, we can Saran-Wrap it to the top.

Next thing I knew...

We're so classy!

If you aren't familiar with I.O. Metro check out one of their stores or their website.  They carry lots of great, modern products at great prices!  They also have a great blog!  The company was founded in my home state, Arkansas, and has slowly expanded across the southeast part of the country.  They recent brought on Vern Yip as their celebrity endorser!  Check them out!  And, they have art and mirrors on sale for 20% off right now!

Rachel Berry

I'm a complete Gleek.  Well, really maybe I'm just a Blaine-iac.  No, I love all of Glee.  Two weeks ago the show centered on the lead character, Rachel Berry--played by the beautiful Lea Michelle, contemplating a nose job.  Rachel was obsessed with getting her nose fixed until the New Directions (name of the Glee club) rallied around her to convince her that it's great to be who you are naturally. 

I've never contemplated having a nose job.  I've never really contemplated plastic surgery period.  I'm far from perfect, but as you can probably tell from my blog, I love buying things for my house far more than I would love to buy perfect features.

Then last night that changed.  As I was working out at the gym doing chest flys, I dropped a dumbbell on my face.  It hit my nose and my forehead.  Ouch!  I went to the emergency room (for the first time ever!) and was relieved that I did not have a concussion.

But then the doctor said those words:

"You're nose is broken.  Give it a week or two for the swelling to go away, then you'll probably want to consult a plastic surgeon." 

Of course I made him show me the xrays.  It definitely now has a lump.  It's still swollen enough that you can't really see it yet other than on the xray, though. 

I'm anxious to learn my fate.

The damage could have been far worse.  I was only using a 15-lb weight at the time; I often use much heavier weights.  And, I was using one with rubber end caps as opposed to a solid metal dumbbell.  I'm very relieved that it is no worse than it is. 

It's just funny how quickly things can change...when life throws a dumbbell your way!

The Bees Knees

Warning:  This is a very petty product post!

I don't consider myself a product junkie.  I have a few favorites that I stick to religiously, but otherwise I'm not really loyal.  If it's new and cool and I've got some extra change in my pocket, I'll may try it.  But I don't certainly don't try every new thing that hits the shelves. 

I also don't try to pretend like I'm a real blonde.  I like to look like one, but let's face it, we all know I'm not.  My biggest indulgence is my hair color.  I've tried to stray, but I just keep coming back.  Blonde hair requires products, though!

If you're anything like me and your have to negotiate with your stylist to let you be as blonde as you want while making infinite promises that you will use good products so your hair doesn't get dry and brittle and that you won't fry your hair and shame your stylists name, you've probably gone through as many different shampoos, conditioners and leave-in conditioners as I have. 

And, if you are fortunate enough to have silky black hair that shines for miles which may or  may not make me hate you, I'm sure you still like a great product.

As I laid in the shampoo bowl on Saturday, this fabulous scent wafted over my face.  What was it?  It was the new Bumble & Bumble Shine Shampoo and Conditioner.  It was the kind of "good" that would make me try the product based on smell alone.  I picked up the trial size bottles to bring home.  I may be jumping the gun because I'm only 3 days in, but this stuff is fabulous!!! 

It contains sunflower oil and does a great job cleaning and polishing hair.  I've noticed a difference in how smooth my hair is after using the Shine collection!  I don't brag about too many products, but this stuff is really impressive!  Even after the rain and humidity we had here today, my hair is still smooth! 

My salon had samples to hand out.  Since it's a new product, I bet most other Bumble & Bumble salons do as well.  Check it out!