Grocery Shopping and the Recession

As we all know groceries have gotten really expensive these days and because of that I try to do some shopping at the discount bulk stores like Sam's to save some $$$.
Today was one of my Sam's run days - so I headed in and grabbed the basic stuff I always buy - a bag of chicken breasts, salmon, some veggies, some laundry detergent and a few other items. When I got to the check-out my bill was $86.
At first I thought -- WOW! that sure adds up quick! Then, I started thinking about if had gone to a regular grocery store - such as Harris Teeter. Maybe the total isn't that bad?
What do you all think? How are you saving on groceries?

New Favorite thing for Buddy

I'm not one of those people who dresses my dog in clothes - for goodness sake - he's not only a boy dog but he's a beagle! Beagles are normally used for hunting - I wouldn't embarass myself and dress him up! LOL!
Onto one of my new favorite things for my beloved Buddy - his Bella Bean harness. My groomer introduced me to this very cute line of collars, harnesses and leashes. Based out of San Fran - the company uses all types of cute ribbon and fabrics to make their line of dog fashions.
As you can see Buddy is wearing a 'chasing squirrels' harness - I did that because he's totally obsessed with the little creatures.
You won't find these collars at Wal-Mart though - they are a little on the pricey side. I added a link to their site in case you are interested.http://www.bellabeancouture.com/index.html

Buddy digging with his Bella Bean harness on.

A few of their leashes - so cute!

Bridesmaid

It's always fun to receive things snail mail - and today was one of those days. I was welcomed home to a package on the door from my friend Beth in San Francisco.
Beth is orginally from Seattle and we've known each other since I was 15-years old. We met in the most unlikely of places - a beauty pageant - Miss Teen of America. Anyway - we've remained friends all these years and she has asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding this June in Lake Tahoe.
Being the creative person she is - she sent me and the rest of her attendants a package today with the details on the wedding complete with this bottle of champagne! How fun! Thanks Beth! As you can see below - Beth and I have both changed a bit since the time we met.

Miss Teen of America 1991 - gotta love the floral print and check out the bow!


In San Francisco for my 30th birthday - 2005

Lake Tahoe Trip

Well, this is my first post, in what I'm sure will be many. The latest adventure was a couple of weeks ago to S. Lake Tahoe. Brad and I had been planning this trip literally since we started dating some 8 months ago. As many of you know I used to live in that area in the late 90's after college so I was very excited to show him the area.
After racing to the airport that morning, flying across the country - we rented a car and headed up the mountain from Reno to go snowmobiling! I had never been before and LOVED it! The other 2 days we skiied and had a GREAT time!
If you ever decide to take a trip to the Lake Tahoe area - the South Lake area is nice because you have a mixture of outdoor activities and the casinos. In my opinion though - North Lake Tahoe is better for actual skiing - resorts include Squaw Valley - site of the Olympics in the 1960's.


Brad wishing he would have brought his own boots from home to ski.

Our first day of skiing - just gorgeous views from the skyline trail.

Snowmobiling - great view - but blowing snow!

A little less windy down below on our snowmobile trip.