Shopping with Sandi

Me: Are you hungry?

Sandi: No, but when ever you are ready, we can stop.

So we go into J. Jill. I never have luck there. I always think I can get similar things for half the price at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I leave with a $39.00 pair of jean capri's.

Me: Do you want to eat at Brio Tuscan Grille or PF Changs?

Sandi: Either is fine. Are you hungry now?

Me: No, I can wait.

As we walk past Coldwater Creek, I make the observation that store has "old lady" clothes in it. Sandi tells me she's bought things from there. Oops!

Me: I could eat some ice cream. (As we walk past Nestle's ice cream parlor)

Sandi: I'll wait to go to the Dairy Treat by your house.

We went into Urban Outfitters. We stop to look at the books. It's Sandi's turn to pick the book for her next book club read.

Me: Hey Sandi, look here, I think I found your next book.
(Yes, it was stacked next to Obama's book)



Flipping through the pages, we saw a fireman in need of a hose. A monkey holding the peel of a banana, a bun just waiting for a hot dog and a few other "unfinished" pictures.

Sandi: Look, this air freshener can double as a bookmark.

( You can tell how we laugh and crack loud jokes & everyone gives us funny looks shop together right?)


Me: It's time, Brio's it is, I'm hungry.

So what do we order? Mmmmm so good, here is the recipe.

Raspberry Bellini
1 bag frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed
2 tablespoons sugar
1 bottle (750-ml) chilled Champagne
Blend the raspberries and sugar in a food processor or blender until pureed. Strain the raspberry puree through a sieve; discard the seeds, if you wish. Set up 6 Champagne flutes and put about 1 tablespoon of raspberry puree in each glass. Add Champagne to each glass; stir gently and serve.


My shopping trip with my sister Sandi was really to spend time together, I don't need anything.

Like the capri's, the 3 tops from Eddie Bauer, the necklace, bracelet and earrings from Brighton, the top from H&M, or the shoes from DSW.

Leon & Lulu

Growing up in Royal Oak Michigan, the closest roller skating rink was in our neighboring city of Clawson. The Ambassador Roller Rink has been there over fifty years and was home to quite a few champion skaters. High-top lace 'em up, four wheel skates, yeah, that's what it's all about.

Anyway, it is now the home of Leon & Lulu. The floor is still the beautiful blond high gloss wood, with the red and blue painted circles and stripes marking the floor. All the rental skates are paired up and incorporated into the decor. They hang on walls around the ceiling, are stashed in cabinets and bookcases and can be found in unexpected places, but still with the look of belonging ... still in their home.


This transformation is now a shop of unique, quality furniture, gifts, and accessories. My sister Sandi and I found some very nice home decorating ideas and items. We also found some fun and interesting gift items.

Who is old enough to remember the bald headed man, with metal shavings gathered at the bottom of the plastic bubble over his face? With the "magic" magnetic pencil, you drag pieces up to create hair, mustaches, beards, nose hair, and ear hair.


Then we have the always welcomed "Punching Nun" puppet. Do they make a "Pope" puppet?


I love how they use the martini theme in this room ... indeed, if you have these stuffed critters, you must have kids, therefore, you need a martini or two!


But wait, what's this ... books!
Ahh, "Three Martini Playdate" and "Three Martini Family Vacation."



Sandi and my kids are all grown, so we were relating more to this book, "Porn for Women."


Hey, we are both over fifty...there is nothing wrong with a visual to go with our fantasy. As Sandi thumbed through the book, I took a photo of one page for your enjoyment.

::: Fanning Self :::

Yeah baby, stroke that floor!

This is Leon and Lulu ... ha! Bet you though that cute little kitty-cat is Lulu, nope, that's Leon! Lulu is the rottweiler

ICK-EA

June, 2006 Canton, Michigan ... another IKEA opens.

There was so much anticipation over this store, it was impossible to visit. Our local news showed video for the next few weeks of hundreds of people going to check out this new kid on the block. Parking in the lot was never an option. Most people parked 2-3 miles along Ford Road, in either direction, and hiked it in. It was all the buzz for the next few months. I never went.

Then, the 2006 holiday season started, again, definitely not a place I'd want to be. I don't do well when there is wall to wall people shopping, especially at Christmas time.

Yesterday morning, I recruited my sister Sandi to go there with me. Forty three miles from my house, and a 40 minute drive. I had high hopes of finding a picture for my bathroom, a small lamp for my dresser, and a couple throw rugs for my bedroom.

When we walked in, my first impression was to get through this crappy department and on to the good part. After following the signs, feeling like a rat in a maze or cattle being herded, I realized, there wasn't going to be a good part.

Where are the things that everyone raves about?
Where are the good buys?
Where is the damn EXIT?

I wasn't impressed.

They do have some good commercials, but most have been banned in the United States. I thought this banned one was funny ... selling the idea to organize the things in your room.