Category: Retail Therapy

Brighten up your summer patio!

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It’s not a secret– I love candles!  I have an abundance of tea-lights in my cupboard and was looking for a creative way to use them on my patio.  And, much to my surprise I found the black candle holder pictured on the right– in Target of all places. (I’ve really been trying to shop in small locally owned stores lately…)  But I must say spending $4.99 on this cute candle holder to use on my patio table was a pretty good deal.  The small heart-shaped candle holder on the left was purchased at the La Jolla Festival of the Arts many many years ago from a local artist– it also fits a tea light perfectly.  As far as the glass & black wire candle holder– I’ve had that so many years I can’t remember where it came from.  All together, this group is what will be out on my patio table.

Happy summer and may your patio table be bright!

Eco Land and Sea — locally made spa goods

Feeling tired and stressed? Want to soak in a steamy tub with eco-friendly soap? Herbal ingredients calling your name?

Eco Land and Sea is made from an eco-heritage that spans the land and sea.

Get clean with botanical, no palm oil or animal-body fats type herbal soap bars.  No detergents added, just pure, natural soap.

You can also stock up on bath salts, bath powder and bath bombs. (oh yesss!)  The best part about all of this– the stuff is locally made and eco-friendly.  Everything was really pretty.   Word on the street– they suds up well.  I should know–  I met Chris who told me he is the person who makes the soap.  Sounds like he is working on some new formulations and made a special order for a customer last week.

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I met up with Chris last week at the farmer’s market in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood.  He was working the booth and singing the praises of eco-friendly soaps.  I just loved these tiny heart soaps priced at a budget friendly 50 cents each.

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Lots of lovely choices on the table! And wrapped in delish looking ribbons– by the way they smell just as delish.

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Thrift Shopping… at the farmers market

One of my favorite summer activities is browsing thru the local farmers market. What could be better than listening to some fun music and shopping at sunset? I live in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood and have recently “discovered” we have a farmers market on Thursday nights.

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Last week I met Sandi and Hugh at the Terra Verde Foods booth.  Terra Verde Foods is a small family owned and operated specialty foods business started in 1996 as an organic farm in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Their interest in food and cooking led to the development of Terra Verde Farms’ artisan foods. Terra Verde Foods specialty foods are hand-made in small batches from recipes that have been in the family for generations or new recipes developed from scratch.  Minimal sugar is added to the products… and no artificial flavorings, preservatives or colors. You’ll remember what fresh fruits and veggies taste like!

I sampled the Tomato Basil Garlic pasta sauce with a sprinkle of Lavender Pepper. What a wonderful combination.  Pictured below you can see my purchase of the evening– pasta sauce. It was $8.75 well spent. Since I’m a one-person household right now, I asked about the best way to save leftovers.  Guess what– I’m told freezing is the way to go.

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Like I said, this Lavender Pepper was a delight. Something about eating lavender flavor seemed odd– but after a taste– ooo la la.  I can easily see myself using this sprinkled on cheese as an appetizer or as a seasoning on steak or salmon. I do tend to like a more subtle flavor which explains why I liked this so much.  (I’m already pre-planning this will be my next purchase!)

Cheers- and happy food shopping at the local farmers market.

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Thrift Shopping for Men?!

Polo shirts for $10 and nice looking suits. Wow, I was shocked when I browsed thru the men’s section at My Sister’s Closet. Typically the selection for men is meager at best when I’m out and about at the thrift stores. The back section of My Sister’s Closet is totally devoted to all things menswear. I found a wall of shoes– yes, a wall of shoes!

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And the shoes were barely worn at a fraction of the cost of a new pair.  Check out these two suits. Both are great looks for the new grad interviewing or maybe someone who needs an economical style punch.  I really like the blue shirt and the patterned tie pictured on the right, below.

As far as accessories, I found a really good quality day bag and several beautiful watches. By far, the shoes were the biggest surprise “find.”  Anyone into colorful and beautiful ties will be excited to check out the selection here.

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Maybe the man in your life is more casual and maybe looking for bargains? I found an entire rack of cool clothing at 40% off.  Some of the shirts were under $9 and all were good quality and barely worn.  The light pink dress shirt pictured below would look great with a nice pair of khaki pants, jeans for a night out or even black dress pants.

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Guys– thrift shopping isn’t just for the girls!  This place rocks.

  • Well Suited – men’s clothing & accessories
  • 8610 Genesee Avenue #210
  • Costa Verde Center (across from UTC mall)
  • San Diego, CA 92122
  • Phone: (858) 455-0045
  • Web: www.shopwellsuited.com

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A Potpourri of Hats!

Who doesn’t love a cute hat? I literally bumped into a fantastic hat kiosk tonite in Westfield’s UTC Shopping Center.  Personally, I wear a lot of hats on the advice of my dermatologist.  (you can never be too careful with your skin and sun protection in the summer!)  Check out this small but mighty kiosk…

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  • Chapeaux – jour au nuit apropos
  • Email: ChapeauxHats@yahoo.com
  • Westfield UTC
  • 4545 La Jolla Village Drive
  • San Diego, CA  92122
  • Phone: (619) 944-0381

So, fellow San Diego residents– if you are getting ready for opening day at the Del Mar Racetrack this might be a good place to shop for that necessary new hat.  Prices range from $20 to $45 for basic hats.  If you want something more on the fancy side prices go from $45 to $110.

I found a fantastic selection of floral headbands for $10 to $14.  These are perfect for younger girls.

That sign below w/ the visors being “buy 1/get 1 at 50% off”— nice! That visor would be easy to roll up and pack into a travel bag for a weekend getaway or vacation, right?

I had a nice conversation with the owner, Jenifer C.  She told me trunk shows are available upon request. A percentage of sales can either go to the host or benefit a charity.

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I’m thinking one of these visors might be good to wear either at the beach or maybe when I’m out and about on weekends. After all, I am in sunny San Diego!

Of course, check out the photo below with the amazing floral headbands.  What a great way to add a little color into your world.

Cheers!

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Pandora Beads: Can You Ever Have Enough Memories??

My answer to this question is No! I love love love my Pandora bracelets and beautiful beads. Lucky for me most of mine were gifts with a story to tell.

Typically this blog is about thrift shopping however tonite I couldn’t contain myself when I passed by the Ben Bridge jewelry store in Westfield’s UTC Mall.  (Due to major mall construction it was a bit of a struggle.)

There were lots of sparkly things in the window (which I managed to avoid).  I did cave in and purchase an additional Pandora bracelet for my excess beads.  I had a near death experience in Iowa over the holidays when a clerk in a jewelry store unclasped my bracelet full of memories and the beads went spilling/flying all over the floor of the shop (I screamed… and then quickly gathered them…)

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My orphan beads were in need of a new home and this double wrap leather bracelet was exactly what I had in mind.  I grouped together all my red and black colored beads for this newest bracelet creation. How cute is that little lady bug?! (It has special meaning because of my nickname “Bugs”)  I’m not a big fan of bugs/spiders or creepy-crawlies of any kind and I guess this bead reminds me to chill out and let the bugs go free. (or smash them depending on the situation… or the size of the bug in question)

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Here is the finished creation– looks perfect. Except now I find myself wanting a few more beads…. It’s true, you really never can have enough Pandora beads…. or memories.  Cheers!

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Ben Bridge Jeweler – Westfield Shoppingtown UTC – Phone: (858) 453-9996

Pandora – Unforgettable Moments

Marc Jacobs bag at “My Sister’s Closet” in San Diego… 2nd Time is a Charm!

What could be better than scoring a dream handbag at a bargain price? (World peace, maybe. But the handbag is pretty awesome too)

My friend LD was at the right place at the right time- My Sister’s Closet in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood– when she scored this luscious Marc by Marc Jacobs designer handbag at the fabulous price of $295.  For sure, the second time is a charm!  Here’s the story… LD was strolling through My Sister’s Closet, near closing time and in search of a pair of jeans. Like any smart shopper, she cruised by the handbags to check out the scene.  She spotted the lovely Marc by Marc Jacobs dream handbag at the counter not even out on the floor yet. (right place, right time– bravo!)  Being the smart shopper, LD knew a good deal when she saw it– and in turn scored a fabulous bag!

  • My Sister’s Closet
  • 8610 Genesee Avenue #200
  • San Diego, CA 92122
  • Phone: (858) 455-0045
  • Web: www.mysisterscloset.com

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This goes to show that by consistently “shopping” consignment shops and thrift stores you can score amazing deals.  This same handbag retails for about $428 at the local Mall.  (Wouldn’t you rather have an extra $133 in your pocket??)

Like New… previously loved and new clothes

Earlier this week after a quick round of errands I stopped by my fave consignment shop on Genesee Avenue in San Diego. I’m seriously in search of spring and summer dresses and figured I’d see if it was my lucky day.

  • Like New – a tres chic consignment boutique
  • 4425 Genesee Avenue
  • San Diego, CA 92117
  • Phone: (858) 278-1960
  • Web: www.LikeNewSanDiego.com

The racks were overflowing with cute dresses in a variety of sizes and colors. I found a flirty Jason Wu for Target dress $14.95 that I really liked– unfortunately it was a shade too small. There’s always next time, right? I also found some super amazing high heel sandals Size 8 that would be perfect with jeans $22.95. The shoes were a size too big for me. (I’m sounding like the Three Bears of Shopping– this one’s too small, this one’s too big….) Sometimes it’s the thrill of the hunt and just shopping and trying things on is one step closer to finding what I want.

I always stop by Like New when I’m in the area. The stock rotates frequently and there’s always a rack or two of sale items out front.

Right now– all I can think about is those black heels in Size 8. (I’m probably the only woman alive who wishes she wore a larger shoe size!)

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What $33 Gets You at Old Navy

I’m supposed to be on a “shopping fast” right now. Yeah… about that… didn’t really go so well this weekend. Friday was the day of the flip-flops and yesterday was the day of $33 at Old Navy. Yes, you read that correctly– I spent approximately $33 at Old Navy and got 4 super cute items– a flirty summer dress, 2 basic t-shirts and a fabulous yellow recycling bag. And because I used my store credit card I saved 30% on my purchases which made the t-shirts ring up at the ridiculous price of $4 roughly. Of course, I went online right away and paid off the balance (wow, that took discipline!).

  • Old Navy
  • Fashion Valley Mall – San Diego
  • Phone: (619) 299-4329
  • Web: www.oldnavygap.com

I hadn’t been in an Old Navy store in a long time so just happened to browse thru for nothing more than a quick peek. I gravitated to the dresses where I was lucky enough to nab the last one in the particular style in my photo below– and it fit better yet! And, who doesn’t need a few cheap summer t-shirts?? In fact, I might go back for a few more. That chipper yellow recycling bag was just a wonderful “gift” and something I can use this summer. So much for the “shopping fast”– I’m hopeful this will be a better week… Cheers!

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Look at my new flip flops!!

Today I spent the afternoon with co-workers volunteering & picking up trash on the beach. Getting a head start on celebrating Earth Day I guess. We were at La Jolla Shores– fortunately it is now one of the cleaner beaches. After the beach cleaning I was in the mood for some retail therapy so me and KC (a fellow beach cleaner) strolled over to a few shops by the beach in search of inexpensive and fashionable flip flops.


We scored! I found some cute and cushiony– and highly colorful Reef flip flops for the bargain price of $24. My shopping cohort came in at just $26 for her cushiony dark brown flip flops. Who needs shoes when you can just wear flip flops all summer?? ( maybe if I hide at my desk all day I can wear them to the office???)

Cheers & Happy (early) Earth Day! A beach clean up and new flip flops make a great start to a fabulous weekend!

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