Guess who is now the proud owner of an Epiphanie Bag? That would be me! It was a birthday present to myself. I had a really hard time deciding which one to get, but finally settled on the Ginger in black.

That’s not stopped me from entering any of the Epiphanie Bag giveaways that other blogs have been having. I think the Clover in gray would be quite fetching. And while I probably will not be carrying around my fancy camera everywhere I go, it’s nice to know that if I want to, it will be nice and protected. Now I suppose I should figure out how to use the darn thing beyond the auto setting.

I’m gonna let you all in on a little secret…. I’m kind of impulsive. And impatient. When I decide I want something, I want it now. Of course this is really only a secret to those of you who have never met me in person. There’s a reason I’ve been saving the kitchen for last in my room by room makeover. Although technically I suppose I’m saving the den for last. The den will cost so much to properly repair and fix up that I’m not sure that will ever happen without one of those second mortgages people talk about.

So here we are at the kitchen. You know, the one with the brown appliances from the 70′s. Well, except for one appliance. The dishwasher.

We had to replace the one that came with the house about a year after we moved in. I don’t think we realized that it would end up being the only stainless steel appliance in our house for the next 8 years. I like to think I’m a practical girl. I know I like to shop and have nice things, but I also do my best to make sure that everything I buy is on sale. Or priced really well to begin with. I may own 5 really nice designer leather handbags, but I did not pay full price for any of them. And in fact, three of them were purchased used on ebay. I’m all for out with the old and in with the new so that my collection doesn’t turn into something you’d see on one of the less vomit inducing episodes of Hoarders.

So yes, I’m a very practical girl. This is why you won’t find me looking for Viking ranges or Kitchen Aid refrigerators. I know what I can afford and what I can’t. And as long as something is aesthetically pleasing, it doesn’t have to have all the bells and whistles. This is why I drove around a Ford Focus for seven years that didn’t even have power locks or windows. I still miss that car sometimes.

Shopping for appliances can be a bit overwhelming. One gets giddy and excited over things like side by side fridges and double ovens and gas ranges. Then I’m brought back down to earth by looking at the price tag. Do I need two ovens? No. I have two ovens now and only the tiny bottom one works and not as well as it should. And I’ve made do with that for three years now. My cooktop has four burners, but only the back two have worked for as long as I can remember. I mean, I suppose the front two work, but when the burners catch on fire, you just kind of learn not to use those. And the fridge I have now is plenty big enough. I mean there’s only two of us. And even though we really like to eat, it’s more than enough for us. Especially since we have a deep freeze in the garage should we need extra storage. So no, I don’t need a fancy double door fridge with the water and ice on the outside. I am, however, putting my foot down when it comes to an ice maker. I refuse to buy and brand new fridge that won’t at least make the ice for me.

Man I take a really long time to get to the point don’t I? The point is, I think I’ve picked out my new refrigerator and range. And now I’m experiencing that I WANT IT NOW feeling.

I mean, it is my birthday week after all. And Christmas is just a couple of months away.

Because I’m tired of that last post still being on top. And because I don’t want to sound whiny and pathetic.

• good books
• having dvr again
• being able to pay the bills
• lovely new friends
• fabulous existing friends
• presents in the mail
• a sister who makes me laugh
• even if she does steal the high harmonies all the time
• good music I can sing along with
• a supportive husband
• a faithful mother
• love

/cheese

The other day Kerri did a post on Style Lush all about coasters on etsy. And as someone who is in the market for some coasters, I got really excited and did my own search.

Are these not the cutest coasters you’ve ever seen?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s coasters by Meadow Tea

Keep Calm and Drink Coffee coasters by Meadow Tea

Ok so I just realized that all of the coasters in my favorites are from the Meadow Tea shop. So just go visit that shop. It’s pretty rad.

It’s my birthday month, so I decided to do a post of things I’m wanting/needing/loving lately. Of course I’m not begging my readers to buy me presents. It’s just that the occasional close friend or family member or HUSBAND might find themselves stopping by here for ideas. And I’d hate to disappoint.

My birthday present to myself is this Ginger bag from Epiphanie. (in black) It’s currently on backorder, but should ship at the end of the month. These bags are a bit pricey so it didn’t seem right to ask anyone to buy one for me.

Obviously I’m on a home renovation kick so Home Depot gift cards are always welcome. Today, Thom and I purchased this table from a guy on Craigslist.

I’m looking forward to refinishing it. It’s so nice, it’s a shame to paint it. But I really sought out a table like this so that I could paint it black. And distress it.

Another thing I could really use is a laptop cooling fan. I’ve owned a laptop for like 3+ years now. I should really have one of these already.

Oh and this one is probably going to sound crazy, but I am seriously digging the Starbucks Via instant coffee. I did a little taste test recently and it really is the best instant or single serve coffee I’ve found. I like a nice strong cup of coffee and it’s the only one I’ve found so far that delivers.

Since I don’t drink coffee every day, and when I do drink it it’s only one cup, it just doesn’t make sense for me to make a whole pot. And the coffee at work is just awful. So I just slide these little packets into my purse right next to my other other beverage of choice (Crystal Light packets in mango peach green tea) and I’m good to go.

And of course with a new Anthropologie store in town, a gift card is never a bad idea.

Another thing that’s not a bad idea? Manual labor hours spent at my house helping me paint cabinets, chairs, toenails. The gift of free labor is highly underrated.