realtalknic

Saving is sexy…. going broke isn’t! Spending my entire career in retail I have seen more than a few Black Friday's! It is the unofficial start to holiday shopping and for so many....a family ritual. (I know some folks don't like the early openings or the excessive commercialism....but for many...it's in the blood!) What deal, what line, what mall......so many questions so little time. Contrary to some social media memes it is a day most retail folks enjoy......so much prep for the big show and then ....showtime! Whatever deal you may seek or approach you may take.....here are 10 tips to keep it focused, fun, and most importantly....safe!  Happy shopping! Saving is sexy! Make a list! What do you have to have? What brand? Stick to the list. I know this seems obvious but getting something that won’t be used because it is a good deal is really a bad deal! Grrr SAFETY 1 st ! Some store open in the middle of the night or while it’s dark. Watch where you park. Put your...

Ok so this is short and sweet.....and it's SUSHI BABY!!! Well, really, sushi for baby! OMG! I had to share this cute and easy gift idea. It's one of those things where you see it and you can't believe you have gone so long without thinking of this yourself! This genius in a box is brought to you by Courtney Breuel!   She is such a cutie! Actually, her whole family is just a bundle of fun and great ideas! You can find her clever Pinterest boards here:   http://www.pinterest.com/courtb246/ She has no idea I am sharing this, but really....how can I keep this cuteness to myself? Her sister and I work together and when I saw the pic I had to share on the blog. Because it is so stinkin cute! Ready? OK, seriously! Step away from the diaper cakes and up to the sushi bar! You can use wash cloths or onesies and wrap with receiving blankets. Boy or girl, choose your colors and wrap up tight. A small ziti pan with lid from the $1 store and some chopsticks from ...

realtalknic: Meet Kate the Kitchen Table! and Why I love to pai... : Before I show you the newest addition to the family.............I wanted to take a minute and share why I love to paint furniture. I come f...

Before I show you the newest addition to the family.............I wanted to take a minute and share why I love to paint furniture. I come from a pretty basic decorating background (all of which I promptly relinquished upon my moving out of my mother's house!) We had what we could afford, bought from the local chain retailer, possibly with a tax return......did I just write that? Yep! And tons of knickknacks. China mostly. And if you had a green thumb there may be a plant tacked to the wall somewhere near a window. Dusting was a bitch and well, it wasn't embarrassing when we had guests but I wouldn't call it inspiring either. Frankly, just thinking of something inspiring was reaching too far. All of my friends had very similar things bought in very similar places and that's just how it was. Years, and a bit more disposable income later, I go for quality pieces and I use my furniture. If there is something you shouldn't sit on it shouldn't be in my house. I lov...