Panic Attack...Followed By Relief!

Have you ever done something dumb, I mean REALLY dumb? Well, today was my turn for a few moments of sheer panic. I left the gym this afternoon and headed off to my favorite thrift store to see if I could find any new goodies. No big deal. What happened next was kind of a big deal, at least in my small world. (*_*)

Now, when I go to the gym I don't carry a purse. I put my wallet into my gym bag and then when I go into a store I just take my wallet with me. When I go into the thrift store I always put my wallet in the cart and it is within my sight all the time. Today I found a few things including a two drawer filing cabinet that I wanted to buy for my Mom-in-law as she has been looking for one a little while ago. I got up to the front of the store and asked them if they would hang on to the cart so I could go out to my car to get my phone to call my Mom-in-law to see if she did indeed want the cabinet. So...out I went completely oblivious to the fact that my WALLET was still in the cart hidden under the treasures I found...you know...in the little kiddie space by the handle. I went out and called, not home. I then called hubby and he didn't know if she had purchasd one yet or not so I decided not to buy it and just forget the stuff (I usually never do that ~ bad girl!) and head on over to Target to see if I could find a little treat for myself and spend my Christmas gift card. I drove to Target, which, thank goodness, is only a few minutes down the road, turned off the car, went to reach for my wallet and.....WHAT? Where was my wallet? Oh no!

Now, as I continue, I will openly apologize to the dear man that I almost ran over in the Target parking lot as I was careening through it like a mad woman at about 40 miles an hour to get back to the thrift store! I pulled right up to the front door, jumped out and ran inside the store. This is a really busy and quite big thrift store with a lot of people coming and going so I was in complete panic mode. I looked inside by the checkouts and no cart! Eeek! More panic! After doing a quick scan around the front area, I noticed a cart sticking out from behind a clothing rack (and this place has a LOT of clothes!). I raced over and there was "my" cart. The filing cabinet was still there...I picked up a piece of linen and another item and there was my trusty pink wallet on the bottom! I looked inside...no credit cards were taken, my identification was there...nothing was missing.

What is the moral of this story? I don't know, (perhaps don't be so dumb!) all I know is that I thank anyone if they saw my wallet and were tempted to take it and didn't. So nice of you...thank you! And after a small breather, it was off to Target to find a "new" treasure or two and thanks to my "lucky pink wallet", the gift card that was inside is now history! (*_*) Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

A Very Ordinary, But Wonderful Day...

Today was a very ordinary, but wonderful day. The temperature actually "soared" to the mid 40's so it was a perfect time to get outside and take down the Christmas decorations. What a treat it was to be outdoors with blue sky overhead and ice melting into large puddles on the sidewalk. I am very much an outdoor person and I love to be outside no matter what the weather. It was so refreshing to see the Christmas decor come down and I'm looking forward to spring even though the first signs of it will be months away! Today a friend of mine from South Carolina told me that the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom! (*_*)

A few weeks back I mentioned that I happened across a gorgeous box of vintage hobnail pieces at an antique auction all in a gorgeous, perfect aqua color. I kept some for myself and am offering some of the prettiest pieces to you on the web site. Have a peek if you desire! Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

The January Blues...Not This Year!

Happy New Year to you all! Can you believe that it's a new year already and that the holidays are over? Every day I continue to watch the snow fall whether it be softly coming down or rattling against the windows. We are having a "real" winter here in Utah this year. The snowfall has been incredible, but I welcome it and am comforted by the fact that it will be spring yet again within two or three months. That is something to look forward to!

Every year I have such a hard time with January and February. They seem to strech on forever and I long for the days of the first signs of spring. One thing that I find keeps me feeling optimistic and upbeat is exercise. Yes, I know, alot of you are groaning about this, but to me one of the best feelings is walking out of those gym doors after a great workout. Everything seems brighter and fresher and I feel more energetic and ready to go. I have been going to the same gym for 10 years and this year I decided it was time for a change. The new facility I'm going to is amazing and I think I'm really going to love it. Sometimes a change of scenery is all one needs to get motivated again! Above are a few photos of the cardio area and running track on the upper level...fun fun!

I wish you all a happy and very healthy new year and wish you success in your fitness goals this year. Summer is coming even though it feels a long way off. Now is the time to invest in yourself and gain a few cute new curves in the process! (*_*) Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

Merry Christmas To You!

My darling niece Shelby, who is a budding photographer, took this absolutely lovely picture. What a fitting scene for the holidays. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year in 2009! Thank you for all of your love, friendship and support during this past year! It has been a joy to get to know you all through the web site and emails. Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

Anastasia's Attic ~ Fit For A Russian Princess!

Stepping through the door of Anastasia's Attic sweeps you back to a time of yesteryear as the smell of heady perfumed air wafts over you. This is my favorite shop in the world, yes, the world, and I realize that this is a lofty statement unto itself, but this beautiful boutique is more than fitting enough for the Russian Princess it is named after. This is yet another incredible shop in beautiful Gardner Village in West Jordan, Utah, and I am fortunate enough to live only minutes away.

Anastasia's Attic will make you feel as though you have stumbled across the treasure trove of Anastasia Romanov. Jeweled frames, Victorian cloaks, hats with feathers and gauze, tiaras and crowns, jewelry from France..those are just some of the exquisite treasures that await you upon your arrival. The shop, which is an historic home, is filled with Christmas pieces now that include dazzling old world decorations, charming signs, stockings, candles and unique gifts galore...and that is in just one room. The shop opens up into an extravaganza of jewelry from France that includes gemstone necklace sets, feminine compacts, perfume bottles with jeweled tops, beautiful hair accessories and more. Another section treats you to tantilizing scents of essential oils, potpourri, soap from France, linen sprays, fairy dust, bath petals and a new line of beautiful candles, perfumes and lotions from Lollia.

As you step through into the back room you will enter into a mouthwatering array of shabby/cottage style accessories such as rose covered teasets, rose covered clocks, Victorian hats and modern Victorian clothes (I have several of their gorgeous skirts and tops!), glass domes, silver tongs and tea accessories, yummy jams and lemon curds from England and the sweetest baby clothes that you have ever seen!

Beautiful classical music soothes you as you walk through each special room with sparkling chandeliers overhead. They also believe in fairies at Anastasia's Attic and you probably won't leave without a sprinkling of fairy dust on your cheek in the shape of a heart. If you are ever in Utah, do let me know...we'll go together! Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

My New Friend

I love vintage statues so I thought I would give you a look at the charming girl I picked up a few weeks back at my favorite auction house. I actually went to pick up a tea set that I purchased online on a Proxibid auction and came away with a few more goodies. My friend JoAnn, who is one of the owners of the auction house, offered me several other treasures that did not sell online at bargain prices. I already have this exact statue in a lovely cream color, but I could not resist this lovely girl for $25! She now sits in our bedroom on an occasional table in the corner. I came away with my gorgeous Lefton tea set (I'll have to show it off to you soon!), a fabulous box of aqua hobnail glass and an incredible 11 light table chandelier that is absolutely gorgeous! Being so close to Christmas I thought I deserved a treat! (*_*) Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo

O Christmas Tree!

One of the many joys for me during the holidays is decorating the Christmas tree. I have had a large tabletop tree for several years, but decided to go out and purchase a new white tree this year and I just love it! It is all trimmed in pink and white with some chocolate brown balls thrown in and I'm thrilled with the way it turned out. My ornament collection is quite varied. I have a small collection of Marie Antoinette style furniture and figurines, glass reindeer, pretty pink balls that look like they are vintage, little dolls and fairies, Hello Kitty ornaments and many other little goodies that I have gathered from around my home and office. Anything that looks like it will "go" is thrown (okay, placed with care!) on the tree. I hope you enjoy these little snaps of Christmas! I will be posting a few more pics soon of other Christmas displays in our home so stay tuned. Until next time, ~Stacy~ xo