A few weekends ago I went with my mom to this organization she volunteers for. They were having a sale, which is how they raise money to provide services to woman looking for a job. Because I was feeling quite under the weather, I went along to help out where I could but with no intention of finding anything. Well, boy, was I wrong! I ended up getting a bunch of great pieces that fit great and I couldn’t pass up—all for a couple of dollars a piece. Sweaters are $3 and the suit was $8. Saying I got a bargain doesn’t even seem to capture the truth!

J. Jill White Short-Sleeve Sweater

J. Jill Black Sweater

J. Jill Gray Cardigan

Gap Brown Short-Sleeve Cowl-Neck Sweater

Tahari Black Suit

When in Vegas, I also wanted to take some little memories home. I typically have about five minutes in between events to actually go shopping so I took some time Friday morning before my flight to take a gander in the gift shops at the Hilton. I came across this wee little scooter. Adorable! I had to have it. It evens out the VW bug on the chotchke shelf.

Another adorable keepsake is this Kimmidoll. Say hello to Sachi! Sachi, representing joy, delivers this message: “My spirit enriches and uplifts. By embracing my spirit and approaching everything in life with passion and enthusiasm, you can make even the simple and ordinary, memorable and enjoyable.” I have to admit, after looking at the website and how many different choices there are in the line, I’m glad that the store only had a handful. I would NOT have been able to choose just one!

If the theme of this blog didn’t make it obvious, I love cherry blossom designs. When I saw this business card holder not only in the cherry blossom design but with dragonflies to boot, I had to have it. It comes with a leather carrying case as well, to prevent the metal from scratching (which is what happened to my first business card holder).

Next stop? The airport at a little shop called Wild Gekko. Featuring a variety of Native American gifts, I came across this pair of dreamcatcher earrings. I had a pair before that got tinged when I tried to clean it—I most likely used the wrong cleaner. I couldn’t pass this pair up. They’re actually smaller than my original pair and will match a necklace and bracelet to match.

Wild Gekko also had smudging sage! Recently I tried to smudge with lavender, which worked OK, but wasn’t quite right. So I was especially excited to come across the smudging sage already ready. Sage is said to be the most purifying and traditional of smudging herbs to cast away bad omens and spirits from the home and yourself. I look forward to smudging my apartment this weekend.

For my last stop, I passed by a store with the signs “Everything is $10.” Why, yes, I’d like to look. I came across these pashmina scarves that look pretty decent AND don’t smell—sometimes they smell. I bought a white one for myself and a burgundy one for a friend. And did I mention it was $10! Score!

Some cool new buys on sale at Lord & Taylor: Jones New York Pink Gradient Sweater, $24

Burgundy shell, $14

Nine West Guffaw in Grey/Dark Blue Fabric from Macy’s for $26!

I bought some new shoes this weekend. I needed to go shopping for bridesmaids shoes, however luck also was on my side. These Not Rated Chunk of Change pumps were a pair I couldn’t pass up. I love them so much and they were the very last pair. I thought I was getting a deal when they were on sale for $39, but when the cashier rang them up, they were $14! That’s right, $14. Nordstrom currently sells these for $59.95.

These Caparros Elisa shoes in silver are really comfortable heels. I like the simplicity of the straps and the rhinestone clasp on the side. I wanted to buy a pair that would last for a long time and that I could wear with formal wear. I have another wedding this year that I intend to wear these at as well.

A pair of Merona sandals also made it home with me after I went to a swap party. They look barely worn and are really comfortable.

In preparing for my NYE party this year, I draped two strands of mirrored garland around my fan like a chandelier. It’s now my new favorite decoration and I’m toying with the idea of leaving it up for awhile—at least until I have to turn the fan on!

I got some really cool stuff this year for my birthday. I got a Knit Picks lace sampler (not pictured), two skeins of Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Sox, a knitting mug and woolwash, Pints & Purls, knitterly notecards and some mix CDs.

Melissa got me this awesome project bag with owls donning knitwear!

I got a few books: The Pioneer Woman Cooks, The $7 a Meal Slow Cooker Cookbook and Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. I also got a bike rack. Hot Pinkness can now travel farther than I can bike! It was a fabulous gathering of awesomeness!