Saturday, February 28, 2009

Savvy has been grounded. Boo Hoo!!!!

That's right y'all...I've been grounded...by my Husband. This is what I get for complaining about how much I do and how little he does. So, he offers to take over the family finances to help take some stress off of me. I have been managing our finances since before we got married. I mean, I'm an accountant. Being anal with money is what I'm all about. I have everything set up and automated on my computer and I've been doing it this way for about 6 or 7 years. You have no idea how hard it is for me to give over control like that! But, I recently joined an all girls money club and this "control" issue is one of the things that we discussed and I know it's something that I have to work on because our finances really should be a joint effort. Anyway, I reluctantly handed everything over to him after a quick session on Quicken (P.S. - QuickBooks is much better but Quicken does a better job downloading and automating transactions for personal use in my experience).

So, after I handed over all of the passwords, etc. I was feeling a little less stressed. One less thing for me to worry about right? I was even so proud of DH b/c he was up early the next morning making sure that everything was updated and reconciled. A couple of days go by and then I realize, "Oh, crapola! I have a hair appt. on Saturday and DH is going to flip when he finds out how much I actually spend on my hair!" See, like any good wife, I've been sheltering him from all of the costs that we women have to go through b/c really, men just don't get it. I'm not that high maitenance and I honestly buy most of my beauty products at Target. But, I learned a long time ago that some things I just need to leave to the professionals and that includes coloring my hair and bikini waxes.

So, I come back from the salon this afternoon, and before he even turned around to look at my hair he wanted to know how much I spent, so he could update his numbers. Now who's anal? LOL! So, my dirty secret is out and I'm in trouble! He likes my hair but said it isn't worth the price. He thinks that I need to let him color it next time and get it cut at Great Clips for $15 like he does. Are you freakin' kidding me? What's a girl to do?

Oh, well. I'm going to let him simmer down and hope he forgets about it by the time my next appt. comes around in 8 weeks (cut only, no color!). Then I'll deal it. he, he.

It's Saturday Y'all!

I'm so happy to have a day off! AND - the babysitter will be here at 11am. DH and I still aren't exactly sure what we'll do with ourselves for 4 whole hours but we'll figure it out. For starters, we're going down to the local marina to eat lunch. When I say marina don't think bait and tackle, rather think posh! This is one of those places where you roll up in your yacht to eat, drink, and shop in one of the cute boutiques which is exactly what I'll be doing except I'll be rolling up in my Saturn Vue. LOL I'll be sure to take a few pictures to share with everyone. I could easily stay at this marina for the entire afternoon sipping on mojitos but maybe we'll come up with something else to do as well. Perfect day for mojitos outside at the cabana bar - sunny and high of 81. Sending warm FL vibes to all of my bloggy friends who are still chilly! Have a fabulous day with the ones you love. I'll post later on this evening about my crazy week.


Saturday, February 21, 2009

Beauty Rest? Who has time for that?

Not me! That's why I've been desperate for a little help for these new dark puffy circles that have decided to plague my face since I became a Mommy. Then when I went back to work, they decided to get bigger! Ugh - no rest for the weary, I guess.



So, a girl needs some help! I've been using Garnier Nutritioniste Anti-Puff Eye Roller for the last couple of weeks. Though I won't claim it to be a miracle worker, I have definitely noticed an improvement! The puffiness has been reduced and the dark circles are less noticeable. I don't even need concealer when I put on my foundation. Now if I can just get a good night's sleep on a more regular basis, I'll probably be cured! Actually, some good sleep would probably cure a lot of my woes!

Moving on...this week I've also been testing out the Estee Lauder Equalizer Foundation. Belle of the Ball mentioned this product a while ago and now that I need to purchase some more foundation, I decided to get a sample and give it a try. I have combination skin, a fair complexion and some redness in my cheeks. I apply the makeup with a foundation brush (you can buy one at Target or the Estee Lauder counter) and it gives nice semi-sheer coverage that helps cover my redness and give me a more even complexion. I like using the brush because you can really control the amount of foundation being applied and it just gives a smooth, porcelain finish. Or, if you're looking for more coverage, you can easily build up the amount you're applying without wasting so much product like you do with a make-up sponge. I really like it and I think that I'm going back this weekend to pick up a full size bottle. I have wasted so much money on cheaper brands trying to find something that works well for my skin and makes me happy. But, sometimes paying more is just worth it and this is one of those times ladies!

Speaking of spending more money...let's talk about hair. Prior to the recession I never really thought too much about how much I spend on my hair at the salon. Just about every salon around here charges around the same amount. Basically with a tip, I'm spending around $60 for a haircut and style. When we add color (every other haircut) I'm paying around $160 with a tip. I go about every 8-10 weeks so I basically get my highlights about 4 times a year. Now, that we're in a recession I'm actually stopping to think more about what I spend. I didn't look up the exact amount, but I've been spending somewhere around $800-$1,000/yr. on my hair at the salon. Do I have $1,000 hair? Heck, no! I'm never happy with my hair. I have to color b/c I'm way too young for all of this gray hair that I have and every time I've tried store bought color, my brown hair turns brassy. Right now, I'm asking around trying to get advice on a new stylist who is more affordable but still gives a great cut. I'm considering coloring my own but I just don't know about that. So, do you girls have any advice? Do you color/highlight your own and what kind of color do you use?

On another note, DD has her 6 month old photo shoot today and I'm really excited about it. We're doing one scene with a white background and a clothes line with her tiny newborn outfits (now wearing 18 month size!) hanging from it. She'll be sitting in a laundry basket. Trust me, it's going to be soooo cute and I'm going to hang one of those pics in my own laundry room! The second setup is going to be black and white close-ups of her different facial expressions. We're doing a collage. I've seen one of those in her studio and I love it. Not sure what else we'll do but my photographer is very creative!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Please be patient...Under Construction!

Hey Y'all - Southern Accent helped me design a fabulous new header that is soooo Savvy! Notice that she even put little pearls around my name!

I'm playing around with my design and sidebars. Stay tuned!

If you're interested in your own header contact asuthernaccent@aol.com.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Hey Y'all - Pay Attention!!! Great Giveaway @ My Flip Flopz!


My bloggy friend My Flop Flopz makes the cutest signs and she's giving one away! So, hop on over and leave her a sweet comment to get yourself entered. While you're at it, check out her Etsy shop to see all of her fun creations. Wow - I wish I was crafty but lil' sis got all of that talent. I've got mad spreadsheet skills though - does that count for anything?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Another Game!

Girls, it's been a week from H-E- Double hockey sticks and Savvy is wiped! Last Monday I worked until 2am! Tuesday 11am! and the rest of the week hasn't been much better. Now the weekend is almost over and I don't want to go back to work. Oh, well.

I'll try to be better about blogging this week. I have some product reviews coming up for some new things I've been trying out.

In the meantime, here's a fun game thanks to Stylish Suburban.

If you want to play, leave a comment on this post letting me know, and I'll assign you a letter. You post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter. When people comment on your list, you give them a letter, and the chain continues on and on. I got the letter T, here are my ten things:

1. T______ = Mr. Savvy aka DH (Darling Husband)


2. Tervis Tumblers



3. Tea - Duh!



4. TIME OFF - this is our view eating lunch at South Seas Resort Captiva Island, FL - last anniversary getaway before DD.


5. Twilight series - Yes, I'm in my 30s, married, a mother, and I love Edward Cullen. Do not tell Mr. Savvy b/c the teasing would never end! LOL


6. T-shirts - love to be comfy. I think I was born to be a beach bum but it hasn't worked out that way for me - yet!


7. Technology - how could we live without it?

8. The Real Housewives of Orange County - seriously it's just embarrassing but I love this show!


9. Traveling - this one hasn't happened since I got prego w/ DD but hopefully sometime this year we'll start traveling again!

10. Thanksgiving - who doesn't like a holiday that's all about family and food???

Have a fabulous week and hopefully I will as well! :)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

My First Tag!

1. Go to your pics, choose the 6th folder and the 6th picture
2. Tell who and what
3. Pick 6 people to do the same.


Flamingos walking around freely at Sea World in Orlando, FL. This trip was from the Fall of 2007.

Let's see...I tag

1. Wacie's Way
2. Sweet Tea in a Pink Glass
3. The Preppy Principal
4. My Flip Flopz
5. Angela Darling
6. Peppermint Bee

Have fun!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Love is in the air at Southern Savvy's house!

DH and I have been having a hard time lately with all of the demands of work and just life in general. We both are in demanding high stress suck your soul out professions. Right now, I'm not loving mine AT ALL but that's a post for another time. Anyway, because we've all been sick around Savvy's house and freaking out b/c of our jobs (btw thank God we have jobs - for now!), DH and I haven't had much time together in the last few months and it's taking its toll. We're at each other's throats even though we know that we don't mean to be.

So, yes I was working again today (yesterday too - ugh!) and DH decided to take the initiative to deep clean our poor neglected house. We've been talking about getting a cleaning lady for a while but right now I'm too embarrassed to have a cleaning lady come in here! LOL DH cleaned and I mean cleaned the entire fridge and cleaned out and re-organized the pantry on top of the normal household chores and laundry. How awesome is he? Nothing says L-O-V-E for Savvy like a man on his knees scrubbing out the mystery stickiness at the bottom of the fridge! I just ran out for some Chinese which we are about to enjoy in front of the TV with a nice bottle of wine. Tonight's NetFlix choice - Can't Buy Me Love - and 80's classic with the young Mr. McDreamy himself.

Hope that y'all are enjoying your Sunday evening with loved ones! Is there a new Desperate Housewives tonight? I hope so!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Yuck - the weather has finally warmed up a bit and where am I this morning? At the office! Over the past two weeks I've fallen behind on my work due to DD's fevers and then the stomach bug that we all kept passing around. Things are looking up and I think that everyone in my house is getting healthy again, thank Goodness! So, anyway, Yes I'm at the office trying to catch up. Oopsss...except that I can't seem to concentrate so I decided to take a coffee break and play on Polyvore. So, here's my outfit for the day - comfy to work in and ready to play after I leave this place! Have a blessed day Lovelies!

Going to the Office on a Saturday
Going to the Office on a Saturday - by southernFLbelle on Polyvore.com

Update:
I just realized that some of my fellow Belles might be aghast at the sight of me wearing linen pants before Easter. But, please keep in mind that I'm in South Florida and Summer wear is acceptable year round. I promise that I'm not tacky! Sending warm sunshine to all of my blog friends who are still in Winter weather! :)

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A Valentine's Treat



Blue-Eyed Bride is hosting a wonderful giveaway for Hanky Panky panties! These panties are the best! Check out her wonderful blog and get yourself entered just in time for Valentine's Day!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Need A Little Lilly In Your Life?



Mrs. Newlywed is hosting a fabulous giveaway for the new Lilly Pulitzer stationary! Check out her sassy, always stylish, and humorous blog today and get yourself entered. Any one's day would be brightened if they received one of these lovely note cards from you!

Tag!

I stole this from Belle of the Ball. If you haven't read her blog, check it out. She is always so positive and has great taste!

Q. Make a list of things you can see without getting up.
A. My computer, baby monitor, glass of sweet tea (of course!), my lamp, various desk accessories, phone.

Q. What are you wearing right now?
A. My Vineyard Vines lazy pants and matching t-shirt. I love working from home!

Q. What is your favorite TV show?
A. Gosh, I don't get to watch a whole lot of tv so mostly I only watch shows that DH and I can agree on - Desperate Housewives (he gives in on this one), NCIS (I give in on that one), Heroes, Lost, and Burn Notice. Oh, but Real Housewives of Orange County is definitely my fave guilty pleasure!

Q. Do you nap a lot?
A. I'm a new Mom - what's a nap???

Q. Who is the last person you hugged?
A. My poor little sick baby girl!

Q. What is your current obsession?
A. I don't have time to be obsessed about anything until my family gets healthy again. Then I will obsessed about de-cluttering my house. Anyone else a fan of FlyLady?


Q. What was the last thing you said aloud?
A. Watch your movie baby. (To DD about her Baby Einstein video while Mommy grabs a few minutes to blog and save her sanity!)


Q. What websites do you visit when you go online?
A. Blogger, Facebook, Work website


Q. What was the last thing you bought?
A. Groceries for Super Bowl that I couldn't eat because of the stomach flu!

Q. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
A. To not get sick ever again and to protect my family from all coodies as well!

Q. What is your favorite weather and why?
A. South Florida Fall and Winter weather (sunny and 75 every day except for the occasional cold front).

Q. What time do you usually get up?
A. Usually around 6am when DD tells me it's time to eat breakfast.

Q. What is your most challenging goal right now?
A. I wouldn't really call it a goal but my biggest challenge is just making it through the day. For right now, that's enough!

Q. Say something to the person who tagged you.
A. Thanks for letting me steal this!

Q. If you could have a house - fully furnished and anywhere in the world - where would it be?
A. I already have my house picked out in Charleston, SC. I claimed it years ago so you can't have it!


Front view. Love the story behind this house. Wife and Husband couldn't agree on style so they split it down the middle. Wife picked the style on the left, Husband picked the style on the right!


Front view from the street corner, house is facing the harbor. Don't you just love it?! When I move in, I'll invite you all over for tea!

Q. Favorite vacation spot?
A. So far, I've had the most relaxing time at South Seas Resort in Captiva Island, FL but I'm always up for some place new!

Q. What is your favorite item of clothing?
A. Probably my polo shirts b/c I wear those the most often.

Q. Name one thing you can't resist, no matter how bad it is for you.
A. Hmmm....caffeine - I need it!

Q. Favorite pair of shoes you keep going back to, over and over?
A. Flip flops!

Q. What is your favorite restaurant?
A. I'm at at point where I'm just tired of going out to eat so this isn't a good question for me right now.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A. Inconsiderate people!

Now I tag anyone who wants to play. Have a fabulous week!

Excuse me while I whine...

So today's my birthday. I got a call from daycare around lunch time today. Baby girl has stomach flu round 2! So, now I'm working from home and trying to take care of her. DH called me around 9am this morning to tell me he was headed back home from work because the stomach flu had hit him too. I had my turn on Saturday and it was aweful! I wouldn't wish that on anyone which makes me especially sad to have my poor little baby going through it. She doesn't seem to be as badly affected as I was though. Thank goodness!

Anyway, happy birthday to me! LOL On the bright side, I lost 8 lbs. Not the way I wanted it to happen, but I'm holding onto anything to keep my sanity at this point. Stay tuned. I promise that I'll have more interesting posts after the Southern house is healthy again!

Have a wonderful and Healthy week!