These are a few of my favorite things...

My New Jacket

Ok, I'm so proud of myself I just had to share! We have a Gap Visa and get kickback money to Gap for the $ we occasionally spend on it. So every couple of months I get to treat myself to an *almost* free new something. This time around it was a charcoal-grey corduroy jacket.

It. Goes. With. Everything. 

I debated quite awhile on this particular purchase. I like the idea of denim jackets but find the associated restriction of movement nightmarish. And I don't like wearing them with jeans... which is all I wear. This alternative looks awesome with light or dark denim, any shirt I've tried under it so far, and is sooo stretchy and comfortable I seriously feel like I'm wearing a zip-front sweatshirt. And it's on sale for less than half it's normal price. And it runs about a size smaller than Gap normally does. And you can find it here http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65180&vid=1&pid=768469. 

Just in case you wanted to check it out ;)

ReRuns for Kids

I don't know why I've been so snobbish about visiting this store. It could have something to do with some hazy, but unpleasant memories of shopping there with my mother as a child. And when I say "shopping" I, of course, mean driving her up the wall by whining/ begging to leave. Hmmm, why could those memories have turned out unpleasant?

Today, though, was the day. My beautiful 7 month old daughter is now wearing 12-18 month clothing, all of which caters toward summer. When she will BE 12-18 months (did you hear that Briella?).

I decided she needed a denim jacket to go with all her summer dresses, and that I didn't feel like paying $20 for one. Enter: ReRuns for Kids- consignment shop extraordinaire.  We came, we shopped, we conquered.

Children's Place Jersey-Lined Denim Jacket

Originally: $20, Tagged at: $5, I paid: $4

Children's Place Tutu Skirt

Originally: $15, Tagged at: $4, I paid: $2.50

Both were brand new (still had their original tags and stickers), and for some reason were even cheaper than they were tagged at! I'm not sure if this is a normal thing, but I'm really ok with it if it is!

Valentine's Day (Re: My Husband)

I totally feel for those of us who currently hate this holiday, I've been there, but I'm also very pleased that my hubby changed that.

We had our Valentine's date this last Saturday. Five hours of childless bliss :) Paul took me to Belgique, a charming Belgian waffle cafe in the basement of the Reed Opera House. They offer a gluten-free menu, I believe are run by Christians, and just opened a cart in the mall. This place also ranks among my new favorite things. Go there, eat amazing Belgian waffles for $5. Buy their mixes. Don't let them go out of business!!!

Back to our date: we then wandered around the opera house, enjoying the unique shops, and purchased some amazing hand-crafted soap at S.L.A.B. We both wanted to check out Plato's Closet, a consignment shop located near Target off Lancaster, so we did and found some good stuff. Proceeded together to Red Robin, where we consumed two pounds of gluten-free steak fries, and ended our date with coffee at French Press which we drank while walking around the outside of a home we dream of buying. Stalkerish, yes, but it is vacant so I don't feel too bad :)

On Valentine's Day I helped West pick out a balloon and candy for Paul, and then he and I made Daddy a card while Sissy was sleeping. 

Please note: my little Da Vinci matched his color choice to the color of the word "Happy"! I'm so proud :)

And yes, that balloon has seen better days.

Paul returned from work with a bouquet of bright tulips and a chai frosty for me (gone long before the camera was ever thought of), and we all shared homemade Valentine's pizza for dinner. I've said it before, and I'll say it again- love is never more sincerely expressed than when written in chicken and barbecue sauce.

Feeling very thankful today for all that God has blessed me with :)