Poppin’ Tags, Thrift Shop Deals and Other Temptations…

A DEAL TO REMEMBER
A couple weeks ago, my friend Tamara and I had an afternoon to remember. Whenever I scheme to go bargain-shopping, I joke that it’s like “poppin’ tags.” Yes, poppin’ tags, according to the urban dictionary is the act of taking tags off of your purchases, but no I'm not referring to committing any illegal activity! Some deals are just so good, it’s almost like you are, right?

I have simple confession: shopping is my favorite activity. Shocking, right? Not just bargain browsing, but mall-hopping as well. Shopping is like WD-40 to my joints, it's like adrenaline pumping in my veins… my sanity.  By now, some of you are thinking, “she must be exaggerating,” but I think this is important context for the journey I'm about to take you on. I'm not sure that my friend Tamara’s experience was quite as intense on our day around the city, but I know that she saw another side of me.

Our day began by stopping at the local thrift shop. This allows for me to give into my urge of large amounts of consumption – especially on half-price days – which lucky for us, it was. Tamara and I stood in the entrance for a moment to observe the droves of busy shoppers looking for their own prize. It was overwhelming for a meticulous shopper like myself! I gazed at the rows of color-coordinated
clothing, low price tags and full shopping bags, and began to sweat… I mean, “glisten.”

I saw racks with the labels Banana Republic, Lacoste, BCBG and Express and my eyes were immediately drawn like a laser. But, I saw nothing fabulous. Stink! I proceeded on.

The spring coat aisle was next. I found my first doozy... Now, having done my research in many fashion mags ahead of time I knew this coral jacket was on the top style list for the season. And at $2.50, this was beyond "good." This was a ridiculous steal! So excited, I ran past the rickety walkers and incontinence pads to show Tamara my deal. She told me to try it on, and she agreed, it looked stellar. For $2.50. I began to have visions of all of the outings this coral dream was going to accompany me on.

Some other things I found: a bumble bee costume for my mini pup, a Taylor Swift karaoke CD for the girls next door... Seriously, this was too awesome. While Tamara and I were admiring our cartful of goodness, my heart stopped. I spotted the LV (Louis Vuitton) purse in the locked glass showcase by the register. My mind started racing. Was this really the purse I've been looking for?! I know they’re all eyein' it up... But I'll get it first!!!

I finished my $9.50 purchase and hustled over to that case and saw the tag – 50 BUCKS! I sneered... I was tense, but Tamara helped me examine the hardware. IT WAS FAKE! My heart sank. Although I missed out on my LV bag, I was impressed with how frugal I had been able to be on my shopping trip.

COOKIE SCIENCE
I ended my day at O&H Bakery, a habit I confess indulging in at least 3-4 times a week. I had to give into my craving for a frosted cookie! Extreme perfection!

When looking for the “perfect cookie,” I search for the ones with the tallest layer of frosting. Secondly, I pick the ones with the greatest coverage across the cookie. Lastly, I of course choose the ones with the cutest faces. You gotta have priorities… I buy several because you just have to give some to friends and family. My day was almost complete.

Finally, I drove my car to the lake and watched the waves to digest my day and devour my sunshine cookie. It was incredible!

***SPECIAL PATCH READER DEAL!***

All O&H bakery locations have agreed to a special promotion for the readers of this column! You are free to spread the word to your family and friends. PLEASE stop by! For this entire weekend, Friday through Sunday, O&H is offering a BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE special to all who say “Cookie Patch” to the cashier at any of their four locations:

Hwy. 11 - 4006 Durand, Racine
Hwy 20/I-94 - 717 South Sylvania, Sturtevant
North Racine - 1841 Douglas, Racine
Oak Creek - 9540 South 27th, Oak Creek

THIS WEEK’S TOP PICKS:

In each blog post I will give mention to my current choices that I have tried and tested and offer some advice on each. This week I will begin with my favorite cosmetics, a fun and flirty eyeshadow.

Naked Palette by Urban Decay. This may be purchased at Sephora stores (Mayfair Mall is my spot), or on their website. It includes an eye primer, 12 eyeshadows, (versatile for most skin tones) and a brush. My favorite is “Sidecar.” Simply perfection costs $50.

Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow. It comes in 9 vibrant shades – “Edgy Emerald” is my choice – and may be purchased at any drugstore or Target. Average cost: $5.94. No supplies needed, just the use tip of your finger to apply.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Metallic cream eyeshadow. 9 metallic shades that are long-lasting and are perfect for any summer date. I get the individual “Ballet Pink” shade for $21. One can find Bobbi at Sephora as well, and also at some Boston Stores or online.

MAC Eyeshadow. There are a total of 140 shades to choose from! My preferred shade at the moment is “Shroom.” This eyeshadow is PERFECT for any occasion, special or otherwise! MAC can be found at most local malls and costs $15 per shade.

For one of my favorite cosmetic tip channels, check out the YouTube clip here, or posted above!

Please stop by my Facebook author page for more tips and news about other projects I’m working on!