Found Best Name Brand Deal

I can honestly say that I'm not a big name brand person. I like to find things that are different, things that most people don't have. This can be a little challenging at times, but vintage shops usually help.

Yesterday my son had to go see an LA agency...YAY...that meant I got to stop by Crossroads Trading Co. on Melrose. He wasn't too happy, but if I'm going all the way down there, I'm going to get some fun out of it too.

It was a perfect sunny day, we ate outside, then shopping time.

Jullien sat at the front of the store & I knew he wasn't too happy so I didn't really look as long as I normally would. But I did find an AMAZING deal, and yes, I gave in to the name brand. I found a pair of True Religion jeans for $27.00, yes I said $27.00.

They fit perfect except they're a little shorter than I like. I decided at that price, I'll deal with the length, besides they're perfect for tucking into boots.

Then we headed down to Urban Outfitters for Jullien. They had an everything 50% off sale, we actually stood in a line 30 people back. I've NEVer stood in a line that long!

the line went on forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

He didn't mind it so much because while I stood there he continued to shop. Guess that was a payback for making him wait for me. So I made the most of it...I helped the guy behind me and in front of me decide on some of their purchases. I can tell ya, California is a very friendly, laid back place to live.

SO...yes, I broke down, I gave in, I'm now officially a name brand girl.

BUT...

I'm a bargain shopper first and foremost!

Strollin' Melrose & Venice Style

Yesterday we took my niece & nephew on the L.A. tour.

FIRST STOP...

Tried on stuff, took pics & ate. It was so ridiculously hot!

niece whitley & my sons gf charmaine

whitley & my sister stacy...who picked out your hat?LOL!

me & my sis were obviously having an ugliest hat contest, who wins?

nice look joshy!

nephew johnny & joshy


you can never have enough shoes!



My son had to leave early to make it back to Orange County in time for work. He called my sister & let her know that there was a nice little present on her car.

They had posted this 2 hr. parking along a street that I always used to park on for hours at a time.

Well NONE of us noticed it. The ticket was hand written & the $55.00 amount was crossed out & they put $60.00. She was so upset. I already had to force her to come with us because she has major family drama going on with one of her sons.

Next we headed to Santa Monica pier. Walked around, sat at the end of the pier, kicked back and listened to this guy.

He had an absolutely incredible voice...who would've thought by looking at him? Goes to show ya...don't judge a man by his appearance.






nothing like a stroll on the santa monica pier...

The final stop ummmm yeah...idk...

What can I say...it's obviously Venice Beach, no questions needed, right? Check out the ladies faces!

My sister has been wanting a jacket that one of her friends got there. We found it right away, but decided to walk down a little further to see if we could find another store selling it to bargain the price. We didn't realize how far we had walked when all of a sudden everyone started closing up their shops.



My niece & I started running back to get to the store before it closed. We ran & ran & ran...but by the time we got there, it was closed! When my sister reached us, I think she wanted to cry. She said, "Wow...I get to pay a $60.00 ticket & I get to go home without my jacket!"

I couldn't help but laugh. I tried not to because I knew she was really upset. She went & sat on the bench away from me.

What a mean sister I am.

But in my defense, I was just shocked at how bad her luck is...& the whole thing was comical. I told her that she'll feel like laughing about it later.

The whole ride home she kept asking, "How do you like my $60.00 jacket?" As she held up her bright yellow parking ticket for us all to see...sending me into a laughing fit again.

On a positive note, my son & nephew went back there today & got the jacket for her...AND, she called on the ticket & they told her it had been voided. I told her, "SEE...everything worked out!"

I Won

So I have to admit, I have a guilty little pleasure that I still indulge in...not financially of course but via the internet...

Back in the day I used to be sooo into fashion, buying the latest cool things. Going to Melrose Ave. every weekend to find a cool outfit to wear out to the hottest L.A. clubs. Even my work clothes were high fashion.

Unfortunately, as you get older you have to tone down the style or you look like an old lady trying to be young (yuck). Okay, I'm not that old...isn't 40's the new 30's?

But another issue is, Beach Living. When you live by the beach it's all about casual, layed back fashion. Even on those nights out...jeans & maybe a dressy shirt & strappy shoes or boots. You show up somewhere too dressed up & people look at you like, "What is she doing? Who is she trying to impress? Doesn't she get it? IT'S THE BEACH! Put on your flip flops and relax!"

I guess it's nice when you're on a budget...you never have to invest in high $ fashion.

But I can't help getting a little envious of places like New York, Paris, Milan...the clothes are to die for!

When I need to curb my cravings...I often indulge in Fashion Blogs.

I LOVE Fashion Blogs.

Recently I began following Bravegrrl's Blog. Stop by & check out her fashion...she is so adorable & edgy. I love people who are "their own person"...they do their thing & it looks cool.

She had a contest for a vintage purse. I loved it!

And I actually WON!!


I can just picture this purse going to New York with me to visit my son. It's versatile & will look perfect even with jeans & a dressy top for those nights here too.

So once I get it, I'll post some beach fashion pics...with my new vintage purse of course!

THANKS BRAVEGRRL!

Don't ya love it?!

Nickelodeon's-BrainSurge Audition Recap

WATCH ELIJAH'S EPISODE ON WED. DECEMBER 2nd, 2009!

I have to say that the whole audition process wasn't too bad. We went there fully prepared, I had my notepad to write some more pages for my book. My hubby had a book and notepad to do some homework he had from a class he's taking. We had our candy bars and soda...what else could we possibly need?

I couldn't believe how many kids were there from out of state. I guess they all come down here with a parent for "pilot season" (new show audition period), rent a house and then go back home if they don't book a gig. Some of these actor kids were VERY animated...can I say to the point of being annoying without sounding too mean? It's a very different lifestyle that's for sure.

Adam (my step-son) came too and tried out with Elijah. I thought he would light up the stage because he is such a clown. We couldn't believe how different he was in front of the camera...he froze up. That was really unexpected!

I don't know if they'll get it or not, but if we don't hear anything by the end of March (they didn't get it.) Actually, it's no big deal to them...it was just a new and interesting experience. I like adventure...so I drive my family crazy with all my spur of the moment ideas. You have to have some kind of excitement as you get older, right?!?

My sheltered little Orange County boys didn't care for Melrose Ave. too much. It was late and dark when we got down there. Most of the stores were closed, but there were some freaky people walking around. The kids kept looking over their shoulder a little nervous. Adam had to go to the bathroom and couldn't find a restroom. Anthony decides to take him to this back alley. He starts to pee and then Anthony takes off running...Adam is freaked out and starts running after him, with his pants down still peeing. He ended up getting it all over his pants. We were laughing so hard (mean parents)! That would have been a great funny story to use...if only it had happened before the audition.