Baking with Bananas....a whole box full of 'em

Joe's parents were here visiting this weekend.  We have been missing out all summer on the city market downtown KC.  I'd gone a couple of years ago when I was here on an internship and not only had so much fun but also got some great deals.  So we all piled into the car and drove dowtown.  We found an awesome parking spot right by the enterance.  *Thank you Parking Gods*  I just love the market atmosphere.  I wish I could get back more often but it is definaetly a once-in-a-while thing from now on.  I'm gonna be eating banana muffins all winter!  Yummy!

To Coach or Not To Coach....

While at Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend for a wedding (see here) my friends, Liz, Kelly, and I went to the Coach Outlet Store at the Osage Beach Premium Outlets.  I love the idea of having a Coach purse.  I know they are good quality, have a great reputation, great style, and everyone "wants one".  Now, I'm not one for spending $200 on a purse. I mean let's be honest, I have plenty of other things that I would love to spend $200 on, for instance this camera.

I have really wanted a Coach handbag since I started earning a "real" income after college only a year and a half ago.  At least that's when I realized I had the money for it.  Most of my friends and family (especially my husband) know how indecisive I am when it comes to purchases: Do I??? Don't I???? So naturally, I just couldn't decided between the yellow one or the blue one.  In the end I left the store with 2 new handbags for a steal of a price. YAY OUTLETS!!!

After much deliberation in the days following the purchase I wondered what really makes these handbags so desired?  Is it the cost? Probably.  Is it the widely known logo?  Eh...yeah. Is it their uniqueness?  Well, the answer to that question requires some thought.  These so desired handbags are expensive, widely known and unique however after my shopping experience at the outlet I'm not so sure anymore.  There were women and men alike with arms full of handbags some leaving the store with more than I plan on owning in a lifetime.  It made me question two things (1) were these people made of $$? (2) if people are purchasing so many at such deep discounts, my handbag that I am purchasing cannot go so unique anymore, can it? 

I do not regret my purchases and I carry my handbag with my head held high because I worked really hard to make the money that allowed me the afford (yes, I know I got them from an outlet at more than 70% off) such a nice handbag that will hopefully last me for years to come.  I just wonder what other people think when they pick up their Coach Handbag in the morning when they head out the door.

Style: Pitchers

Recently I came up with the idea to have a lunch with some girlfriends at my house. Everyone is going to bring appetizers and I'm going to provide a bunch of fun cocktail type drinks. I have only one problem with that, I only have 1 pitcher!! I love the one I have and all, but I'm just not quite sure that one will suffice. The pitcher I have is the Ona Pitcher from Crate&Barrel.  I have the larger of the two pitchers pictured below.  Have I mentioned how obsessed I am with Crate&Barrel?

So anyways, after inviting everyone to this lunch, I decided I probably should buy more pitchers.  After doing some online shopping here's a few pitchers I immediately fell in love with.

Crate&Barrel's Calypso Citron Pitcher

Luigi Bormioli Michelangelo Masterpiece Pitcher from Macy's

sengWare Pitcher in Tangerina from Target

Impressions Pitcher from Bed Bath & Beyond

White Pitcher from Crate&Barrel

After much debate and weighing options I decided to purchase two new pitchers.  The green one and the white on from Crate&Barrel. I might even get the Luigi Bormioli pitcher if I decide I need another one before the party.

I can't wait to use them!  More on my Lunch with the Girls coming up soon!

Shopping Finds: Black Shoes

I saw these shoes and HAD TO HAVE THEM!  It's not very often that I go out and by adorable shoes, so when I saw these beauties I just had to get them.  I bought the black pair since they had them in my size.  I cannot wait to wear them for the first time!

Cake Decorating Supplies

The beginning of my collection of Wilton Cake Decorating items. This is only after week one of Wilton Course I.  Thanks to Michaels and JoAnn Fabric 40% off coupons, I saved a ton of money.  The scary thing is that I know this collection will multiply during the rest of Course 1 and during Course 2.

Reusable Coffee Mug

Finally getting around to using the re-usable travel coffee cup my Mom got me for Christmas.
I love it! It doesn't stain, doesn't leak, and is very fashionable!  Everyone at work asks me about it.  I really hope they come out with new colors though, they only had brown.  I'm hoping for a pink or teal one in the future.