Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas Decor

There is so much great stuff at the Dollar Store to deck the halls with, it is hard to choose one, or even a few . . .

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Vintage Slide Whistle from the Dollar Tree


As I mentioned earlier there are so many wonderful stocking stuffers at the Dollar Store, and this one is a dandy . . . a Vintage Slide Whistle from the Dollar Tree.

It has handy instructions with pictures on the back for the intuitively impaired, or if you hate to read instructions, you can always just watch the Lauren Bacall video below:




And if you really get good, and are in a funky mood on Christmas, you can even jam a little in the break like Vernon Burch . . .


Dollar Store Stocking Stuffers



There are so many wonderful things to buy for a buck and stuff someone's stocking with . . .

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Best Dollar Store Christmas Card EVER !!!

Okay, I admit it . . . I save Christmas cards. I'm not a hoarder really - well, maybe a borderline hoarder (if there is such a thing) . . . actually, I like to think of myself more as a collector. Call me sentimental, but like Jim Reeves, I have boxes full of stuff people have given me, and cards fall into that category.



And then you see, sometimes I buy stuff that is meant to share (like Christmas cards), and end of keeping them for myself - because they are so lovely, or kitschy, or whatever, I just can't bear to part with them. I'm greedy that way, or I just think that no one will appreciate them the way I do. My intentions are honorable, I always buy them thinking of this person or that person, but in the end, it is really me who ends up staring at them, dazzled by their beauty.

So that is why this amazing card is from the 99 Cent Plus Super Store is gracing my abode this Holiday Season.


It is pink, it is sparkly, it is die cut and 3-dimensional, and it features Santa playing a pink fiddle - and if there are two things I'm crazy about it is pink, and fiddles. Okay I like Santa, and sparkly and die cut dimensions too . . . but if that wasn't enough, when you open of the card a red heart lights up, says "Merry Christmas" and plays "Jingle Bells" and "I Wish You a Merry Christmas" in that retro "beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep" mechanical musical cadence that used to delight us before everything became so . . . technological and sophisticated, and stuff.


Naturally, something this unabashedly Christmas-y is made in China. I try to buy American, really I do, but sometimes, I just can't resist the Eastern approach (or encroach) on Western culture.

I did go back today, to see if they had any of these cards left, but to no avail. For some odd reason, I only bought one, I can't remember if it was the only one, or subconsciously I knew that this wouldn't leave my collection.

So for all my fiddle playing friends, I'm sorry, you won't be seeing this awesome card in your mail box, but then, it is the thought that counts, right?

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

More Great Nail Polish for a Buck! Road Tested, Driver Approved!


Today I painted my nails the color of the first new car I ever bought - a 1989 Ford Escort.

I'm not sure of the official name of this factory color, a sort of dark gunmetal, but I definitely did give it the once over in the showroom, and I remember admiring the "somewhere between silver and black" with a metallic sheen paint job. . . the same way I admired LA Colors, Color Craze "Tropical Storm" nail polish at my local Dollar Tree.


I drove my Ford Escort for about six years before trading it in for a Black Dodge Ram Truck. In fact every car I have ever owned has been silver, black, silver and black, or "Tropical Storm" -- Go RAIDERS!!!

This nail polish is pretty good -- dries fast, covers well, and the assortment of colors is amazing. On my next trip I will pick up some silver, and some black, and maybe some baby blue in honor of my dad's 1969 Ford Pick Up that I learned to drive in.

Monday, July 4, 2011

A Patriotic Paint Job

Since today is the 4th of July, and I have quite a collection of nail polish from the Dollar Store, I decided to paint them red, white and blue with some sparkles.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Mainstream Media Shows Their Claws & Paints Their Nails

Yesterday the New York Times asked "When Did Wild Nail Polish Go Mainstream?"

My answer is when Reba McEntire wore black nail polish to host the Academy of Country Music awards. As someone who went through her "Goth" phase well over 20 years ago, I just laughed.

The ACMs were around the time I went to a job interview at a law firm, and the attorney I interviewed with was wearing a deep sapphire shade.

The point was well taken -- what does a gal have to do these days to set herself apart from the dreaded MAINSTREAM???!!!

Coincidently, yesterday I picked up a Quick Dry Nail Pen from Sally Hansen at the 99 Cent Only Store. I chose "Turquoise Chrome" as my non traditional color choice -- to be honest, there wasn't much to chose from, and this seemed the pick of the picked over litter.

Of course weird nail polish is nothing new. . . one of the few things I ever shoplifted, (or attempted to) was baby blue nail polish from the TG&Y store when I was in Junior High. My dad had a Ford Pick-Up Truck the same color. It was ages ago, literally decades . . . umm, let's just say "midis" where in style, there were crazy, long lines to buy gas, "American Pie" was on the radio, and Richard Nixon was in office.

Through these many years, the cosmetic companies have enjoyed ridiculous profits from the cheap thrill crazy lacquers give the young (or those longing for their younger days), and brash. Of course, being the cheap ass and do it yourselfer that I am, I've always opted for the Dollar or Dime Store version of these frosts, metallics, glitter, and creme hues, or better yet (honestly, it was only once!) -- the five finger discount.

While I'm confessing, I might as well come clean . . . I have never once had a professional mani or pedi. The thing is, I work with my hands a lot -- back in the day, I used to play guitar, and my nails were basically nonexistant (I don't know how Dolly Parton does it!). Add caring for farm animals, leatherwork, working in a Sign Shop, and well . . . I just never saw the point in wasting money on something that wouldn't last, or would actually prohibit my productivity.

But, I digress . . . I couldn't resist the Sally Hansen Quick Dry Nail Pen for a buck, and it is indeed very easy, and VERY fast drying. . . like INSTANT! Today, I added a second coat (though I didn't really need it), and it went on fairly well, not as smooth as coat one, but not bad. A turquoise ring or two, and I was stylish and good to go.

In fact, I felt a little like Liza Minnelli in "Cabaret" who shows off her "Divine Decadence" shade of frosted forest green.

It made me feel (pick one) 10, 20, 30, even 40 years younger . . . and (maybe not) just another hand in the crowd.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was born June 1, 1926 and would have been 85 years old today. It is interesting but difficult to imagine what she would do with her life if she had more of it to live.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

A Corsage for Mother's Day

My pal Charles Phoenix mused on his facebook page today if corsages were still a tradition for Mother's Day.

As my Derby Fascinator sort of veered into that territory with wearable flowers, I decided to whip one together with some silk orchids from the Dollar Tree. I wouldn't dream of giving my mom a silk corsage, she's not the corsage type anyways, but I would love to festoon myself with blooms.

A Mother's Style, and a Grandmother's Gift

The NYTimes ran an article today for Mother's Day entitled For These Designers, Mom Knew Best , which includes interviews with fashion designers about the legacy of style and design, that they inherited from their mothers.

It got me thinking about my Mom, and my Grandmothers especially, who influenced my taste and creativity. You may have noticed that I am rather fond of butterflies. I don't buy all butterflies that I see, but when I see a good one, I just have to have it. I try not to repeat myself too much, but one butterfly in particular does crop up in my photos more than once. It may be the single most favorite thing I've ever bought in a Dollar Store, and it is the big pink sparkly one in the lower right hand side of this photo.

It adorned my Tribute to Patsy Cline, and my Easter Bonnet, and it took the utmost restraint not to add it to my Derby Fascinator.

The reason I love it so much, is that it goes so well with my most cherished inheritance from my Grandmother, Idris Holcomb - the pink, blue, and clear rhinestone butterfly pin in the upper right corner.

She was a wonderful person, who encouraged all her grandchildren to follow their hopes and dreams.  My older sister and cousin benefitted from educations from prestigious law schools. Another cousin inherited the beach house. There where other things like stocks that got divvied up when she passed, but of all the momentos and things of monetary value, I think I may have made out the best.

Certainly, more than once my hopes and dreams have been dashed, but I still hang tight to her acknowledgment of my little whims and flights of fancy . . . and that rhinestone butterfly pin.

Giant Happy Mother's Day Card from the Dollar Store

Why wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day when you can wish her A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! This card from the 99 Cent Only Store is REALLY Big. Off to the side is a gift bag, about the size of huge greeting card. The Giant card is completely blank on the inside, perfect for all sorts of heartfelt sentiments, inscriptions, signatures - heck, why not turn it into a scrapbook, or a crafts project. Or if your Mom has a really good sense of humor, write Love, and your name really, really small inside.

Whatever you do, it is sure to make an impact, at at just a buck, you can't go wrong.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

A Fascinating Hat for the Derby

A certain kind of ladies' hat has become popular again, and thanks to the recent Royal Wedding, every fashionista now knows what a Fascinator is.

For those who don't follow the rags, the hat is a small (well, that's debatable) cocktail type chapeau, that seemingly balances daintily on the top and/or slightly off to the side of the head.

They can take all forms, from the elegant to the whimsical to the absolute outrageous, but surprisingly they are easy to wear and to make.

Start with a simple headband, and then start adding stuff. I choose a large silk tropical leaf for impact, then added roses, a butterfly and a rose printed bow off to the side.

For somewhere between $5 and $10 I had a perfectly respectful Kentucky Derby themed millinery piece to wear to the races.

Someday my dream of being at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day may come true, until then, I'll wear my Dollar Store dowry and dream.

Do I feel like Carmen Miranda? -- yes. Is it fascinating, that these flights of fancy are fashionable? Absolutely.

Now here is a gallery of today's Derby hats straight from the Twin Spires.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Classic KITSCH - Pink Flamingos!


What is as classically kitsch as a plastic pink flamingo? For only a buck and a trip to the Dollar Tree you can add this splash of (awful) Americana to your landscape.

Of course, I can't resist.

And if your new foray into fabulousness and questionable taste finds you watching Divine in this John Waters' classic film, aptly named "Pink Flamingos" that is entirely up to you -- who am I to judge?

Warning, viewer discretion and a good washing your mouth out with soap advised!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Bumpits -- Tammy Wynette Edition


Now that I have my Bumpits, I can properly celebrate today, May 5th, Tammy Wynette's birthday by jacking my hair to Jesus! Good bless you Wynette Pugh, for sharing your immense talent and bittersweet life with us.

You wrote "Stand by Your Man" in fifteen minutes, you kicked those no good louses to the curb, and you always renewed your beauticians' license. Put another candle on that birthday cake, but keep the Aquanet at a safe distance.

Monday, May 2, 2011

A Baptism Bonnet for the Party After!

There are three occasions in a woman's life where she must wear white -- her Baptism, her First Holy Communion, and her Wedding.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May Day Daisies from the Dollar Store

When I was a kid, my mom had a very charming tradition for May Day. She would have us make construction paper cones with handles, and we would fill them with hard candies like wrapped butterscotches, and top them off with flowers from our garden, mostly daisies and we would then hang these on our neighbor's door handles.

This blogger "skiptomylou" made lovely baskets, with a beautiful photo and instructions here .

It was such a sweet gesture to welcome the Merry (and Mary -- as it is the Virgin Mary's month, celebrated in Catholicism) month of May!

I didn't make the cones, but I did get some Chrysanthemums that look like daisies from the 99 Cent Store. You'll notice I buy a lot of flowers there, and the Easter Mums are already fading a bit. I always try to keep them alive and blooming as long as possible, and sometimes I actually plant them, but here in Vegas by the end of May it is too hot for much of anything other than cactus to survive outside, so mostly I just enjoy them while I can and buy new ones when they are spent.

Happy May Day!

Hallelujah and Pass the Hairspray -- Bumpits for a Buck!


How much would you pay to look like Snooki from Jersey Shore? I know that's a loaded question, but you might want to look like any number of fabulous babes like Barbara Eden, Dionne Warwick, Tammy Wynette, Aretha Franklin, or Lu Lu from the swingin' sixties.

One thing they all have in common is their elevated follicles, and modern technology and marketing has brought us the "Bumpit" to bring us hairstyle salvation  . . . because every respectable Southern gal knows "The higher the hair, the closer to Jesus."

So Hallelujah and pass the Hairspray, because I found Bumpits for a buck in the 99 Cent Only Store.

Okay, so they only came in light brown, and my color is considerably darker, but I couldn't resist the bargain. I didn't need to pay $19.95 for three useless pieces of plastic, I got mine for only a dollar.


Will I use them? Hell yeah!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Hot Pink Sequined Cowboy Hat - Yeee HAWWW!!!

I'm still mourning the demise of the 98 Cent Super Dollar Store, but I just found the 99 Center Dollar Store and More.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Pink Elephant Watering Can

I've been buying a lot of spring flowers from the Dollar Store lately, and here is how I water them. With the pink plastic elephant watering can I got there too.

Too cute!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter Egg Tissues!

I previously lauded the wonderful graphics on Hankeez tissues from the 99 Cent Only Store, and they do not miss a beat, or a holiday.

Check out this box with a great Easter Egg theme.

Now if your seasonal allergies kick in on Easter Sunday, or you decide to watch "The King and I" (it always makes me cry like a baby) you'll be all set.

Flowers for Easter


Over on my Dollar Store Diet blog I have Chick and Bunny cupcakes, Dyed Easter Eggs, and Easter Baskets, but I do enjoy lovely flowers for Easter, and the 99 Cent Only Store had these Chrysathemums in colors of the season. They also had these great stackable containers that create a neat effect.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

RIP 98 Cent Dollar Super Store


The website remains, but sadly the 98 Cent Dollar Super Store at Spring Mountain and Durango in Las Vegas is no more. I drove in the parking lot to see that the signage was being taken down and the store was empty, except for a shambles of shelving.

It was big by independent Dollar Store standards, housed in a converted Longs Drug Store. Most of the merchandise was 98 Cents true to its name, but it also veared into an odd assortment of clothing and other things that were over a dollar.

An Easter Bonnet with All the Frills Upon It


There are so many wonderful things about Easter, but getting a new outfit and new hat is as thrilling for me today, as it was when I was four years old. Actually, it is more fun now because I get to pick out my own finery -- or even make it, but in all these years a couple of things hasn't changed -- most likely it will be pretty and pink.

I got the basic pink hat at the 99 Cent Only Store today, and went to town with other items I had bought there (and at other Dollar Stores) in the past. My favorite butterfly tops off the creation, and when I was finished it reminded me of one of Minnie Pearl's hats. In honor of her I added a price tag, adjusted for inflation. The cost of one Easter Bonnet from the Dollar Store - $12.98, the feeling you get when you stroll down the boulevard in the Easter Parade - priceless.


Friday, April 22, 2011

Family Dollar -- Dollar Store or Not?

The Las Vegas Valley is a hotbed of Dollar Stores. A quick search will unveil a map with at least

We have 5 99 Cent Only Stores, 8 Dollar Trees, 7 Family Dollar Stores, and quite a few independents like the 98 Cent Super Dollar Store, Nic's Dollar Store, Dollar Discount, and quite a few small, scary, ethnic looking places tucked into tired Strip Malls in questionable neighborhoods.

I've been to most of them with the exception of Family Dollar. I guess I put it in the category of "not really a Dollar Store" along with Dollar General, which I frequented in Nashville, TN and had fallen into the "once you go buck, you never go back" mindset of a Dollar Store purist.

My fears were confirmed when I asked a co-worker and fellow Dollar Store enthusiast about Family Dollar, and she remarked "Well, there is hardly anything in there for a dollar."

Thursday, April 21, 2011

GRILLZ!!!

Bring the bling with jewelry for your mouth from the Family Dollar Store. Grillz are sour lollipops that add brilliance to your bite while you enjoy the mouth puckering candy. My friend refused to let me photograph her wearing/eating this awesome delight -- which is a shame because her eyes are as blue as the dude on the package. She would not even allow me to show her face next to the unopened package, but hey, I'm respectful if nothing else.

I actually balked at sending $1.50 for my own Grillz, but that's 'cuz I'm a cheapskate, and thought because we were in Family DOLLAR, one buck was a more appropriate price.

Anyways, I'll probably indulge on my next trip and fork over the extra cash . . . these are really fun, and a lot more affordable than a trip to Eddie's .

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Panda Bra - My favorite Dollar Store Undergarment


How cute is this? Luckily, I thought to buy two, as the first one I've completely worn out. Well, I didn't wear it out! I wore it under . . . oh, you know what I mean.

So I have this one now to wear, but I like it so much, I just want to look at it on the hanger. Silly me.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

PowerHouse Cold Water Wool Wash


I do a lot of handwashing, and I stopped using Woolite years ago. This PowerHouse Cold Water Wool Wash from the Dollar Tree, worked great in the sink, or in the washer. In fact, it is pretty much the only detergent I use.

Like the Monet Vegetable Crackers, you can buy this by the case at the Dollar Tree website website, or pick it up in the stores.

Here is their description -

"Take care of your fine washables while preventing shrinking, fading, and stretching! Use to soak, hand wash, or machine wash your delicates and fine washables made of wool, nylon, and other synthetics. Ideal for sweaters, blouses, lingerie, baby clothes, and blankets. Case includes 12 – 32-oz. bottles of Power House® Cold-Water Wool Wash."

It definitely gets the Dollar Store Diva Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval!

P.S. -- I've been throwing the empty bottles away for years, but each time I do I'm tempted to make a soap bottle doll like this .

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Officially Spring!

It's now officially Spring, and the Dollar Store is bursting with all sorts of ways to celebrate! Check out the Dollar Tree's selection of Spring Florals, i.e. fake flowers.

Many places around the country are still suffering from a long, cold winter, but a trip to the Dollar Store can bring some much needed Springtime color into the house. A week or so ago I put together this beautiful bouquet with flowers from both the Dollar Tree and the 99 Cent Only Store (the vase came from here, the rocks from the Dollar Tree).

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Beer Goggles for St. Patty's Day!

You can't get Das Boot at the Dollar Store, but you can get Beer Goggles, and green shot glasses! I know, it is not the same but what do want for a buck?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Wearin' of the GREEN!!!

For St. Patty's day I wore my green T-shirt that I got at the 99 Cent Only Store. They usually have a large selection of T-shirts in a wide variety of colors, so I pick up one or two when they look like they will fit and come in handy, like keeping me from getting pinched on St. Patrick's day!

I matched it up with a scarf, a sweater and a four leaf clover pin and I was good to go.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Cootchie Wipes -- to keep your kitty pretty and smelling sweet!

Let's face it girls . . . sometimes we just have that "not so fresh feeling". These "Intimate" Cootchie Wipes will do the trick. They just might work for the man in your life too!

Spring Flowers -- Real Ones -- from the Dollar Store!



Where flowers bloom so does hope. - Lady Bird Johnson

I got these perky primroses from the 99 Cent Only Store. Welcome Spring!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Dryer Balls and Wow Towels As Seen on TV from the Dollar Store!


A couple of days ago I went to "Dollar Discount 99 Cent +" store on Sahara and Decatur near the giant Savers thrift store. This is one funky Dollar Store with a vast array of imported (i.e. Made in China) merchandise, with many items well over a dollar, but a good value none the less.

Many items that are 99 cents in other stores are a $1.29 here, but it is worth the experience for the oddities, and the amazing line of sparkly hair accessories. Near the counter there is a vast array of cosmetics, jewelry, and even tinted eye contacts!

I'll get to the shiny stuff later, but I wanted to highlight my pink dryer balls. You may have seen these on TV, and the package does in fact say "TV Brands." They are however called "Washing Balls" but the directions do say to put them in the dryer.

The package also says I will "Save Hundreds $$$*" On Fabric Softeners, Dryer Sheets, and Energy.

This reminds me of the hilarious Sham Wow commercial that claims "You're gonna spend $20 on paper towels every month anyways!" Really, Sham Wow guy? $20??? I shop at the Dollar Store -- I might spend $2 on paper towels every month . . . but I digress . . .

And Vince, the jokes on you, because I actually picked up some Sham Wow type towels at -- the Dollar Store!!!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Dollar Store Gift Baskets -- Always a Hit!

So why spend $10 on one gift, when you can get 10 gifts for $10? Try a Dollar Store gift basket, and you can't go wrong.

The trick is to keep your ears and eyes open, and find out a few details about  your recipient. Mine has a cat, has been polishing her nails recently, her favorite color is purple, and when she accompanied me on a Dollar Store trip recently, was eyeing the storage containers.

With that information, It was easy to collect the following items (all purple):

Lavender bin,
Purple sparkly shoe laces,
Purple organizer,
Purple nail polish,
Purple manicure set,
Purple pedicure set,
Lavender soap,
Lavender candle
Lavender Q-tip, Cotton ball set,
and the coup de resistance,
a purple Cat Litter Box Pooper Scooper!

Okay, that's 11 things, plus a birthday card, but it was a big hit, and so much fun to put together.

Sure, she already had a Litter Box Pooper Scooper, but it isn't PURPLE!!!

Welcome Spring with a Gorgeous Bouquet!

I was gathering gifts and such for a co-worker's birthday, and hit the jackpot with this gorgeous spring bouquet I assembled with a vase, rocks, and silk flowers from the Dollar Store. She loves purple, and I love the complementary colors of my picks. Also perfect for Mardi Gras, wouldn't you say?

Stay tuned for the gifts, and the cake, okay . . . here's a preview!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

A Tribute to Patsy Cline

Today marks the Anniversary of Country and Western Music's version of "The Day the Music Died".


Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins were all killed in a plane crash outside of Camden, Tennessee.

Beyond her amazing talent, Patsy was a personality -- the tales of her sharp and witty tongue are as legendary as her songs -- and a glamorous Diva. When the folks at the Grand Ole Opry still liked their "girl singers" to wear gingham dresses, Patsy was dressing is form fitting sparkly numbers worthy of any fashionista of the day. But Patsy was also practical, and along with her mother, she made many of her own stage outfits before she had less time, and more money, and could direct Nudie the Rodeo Tailor to create them for her.



In Tribute to Patsy, I have placed her in my finest Dollar Store frame, along with one of the most splendiferous things I have ever found in a Dollar Store -- a beautiful, glittery butterfly, and a rhinestone heart pendant.

I'm still crazy for you Patsy, I fall to pieces when I hear your voice, and I'll always have sweet dreams of you.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Cowboy Hunks Calendar

Well, it is officially March, which means I had to turn the page on one of my favorite cowboy hunks on this officially licensed PBR -- Professional Bull Riders -- calendar purchased at the 99 Cent Only Store, Guilherme "Hollywood" Marchi .

Guilherme made the decision to keep his shirt one, which fits with his family guy image, but other bull riders let their freak flag fly and gave the cowgirls what they want.

It's going to be a good year!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Grab Your Hankeez in Style for the Oscars!!!

So today is the grand daddy of all awards shows -- the Oscars!!!

A good movie will make me cry -- I sobbed all through "the King and I" the other night, and a good Academy Awards will usually have the same effect. It usually takes a few beers, and an hour or two, before the water works are turned on in my place, but just as "the King's Speech" is an odds on favorite to win, chances are I will start blubbering before the show is through. I don't know whether it is the emotion of the winners, or the heartbreak of the losers, or the fact that yet another year has passed without ME being nominated that makes the tears flow, but it happens.

I say, if you are going to cry, try to wait until after sundown, and have some stylish tissues handy.

Luckily the 99 Cent Only Store has some wonderful boxes by Hankeez. I love pink, cowboy boots, rhinestones, jeans, and butterflies, so I couldn't resist these.

Hankeez are natural and sustainable, so they are the perfect choice for eco-friendly, Hollywood types.

So roll out the red carpet, and Gentlemen, start your Oscars! I'm ready.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Happy Bunny Cap and Bandana


Happy Bunny is like Hello Kitty's evil cousin Serena, if a cat could be related to a rabbit, oh well, never mind . . . but you remember Bewitched, right?

Elizabeth Montgomery played both Samantha, and her saucy, raven haired cousin Serena. Here Serena rocks out in a very short mini skirt, and then asks "How did you love it?"

Darren is dismayed as always, but I love Serena, her style, and her song.

Today, I found a Happy Bunny cap and bandana at the 99 Cent Only Store.

Bunny must be Happy because he/she spends its life loving itself, ignoring others, and spewing witty putdowns and caustic observations on the human condition. Kinda like Serena.

I'm not sure if Happy Bunny merchandise has hit the Dollar Store because the ribald rabbit is hitting the end of its shelf life, or it has become a licensing juggernaut -- either way I'm sure it is not listening, and is too busy cashing checks.

Anyways, it doesn't hurt that Happy Bunny is cute, and a lot of the merchandise is pink and black, which I LOVE!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Share the Wealth - Dollar Store Style!!!

So today I was wearing my hematite turtle necklace that I got at the Super Big Dollar Store on Oakey and Rainbow last week.

I went to Red Rock Casino to walk the stairs, and play my free play, when I sauntered in to the ladies restroom off registeration in the convention area.

I really didn't need to go, but I felt kind of stupid walking up the stairs, then walking down the stairs with so many people milling around.

So I did just sort of go in with to wash my hands or something, but there was a sanitation engineer in there, so I felt kind of stupid again, and went into a stall to well, you know.

Now I had a reason to wash my hands, and the nice lady said hello, and a conversation ensued. We talked about all sorts of things -- where we lived, where we worked, where we were from, the weather . . . I like talking to complete strangers. It is easy and comfortable for me, even though I obviously have weird little issues with what they might think should my little quirks like walking up and down stairs and into bathrooms for no reason raise their suspicions.

Anyways, she commented on my necklace, so I told her where I bought it. She said she used to have one similar -- meaning those kind of deep grey, shiny, hematite-y beads, but her grandbaby broke it. Hers was brought back from a friend who had traveled to Mexico.

Well, I'm not really attached to the turtle, and I did buy two, so I gave the one I was wearing to her. She was so happy, and floored by my little act of kindness.

But I always say "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day, teach a man how to fish, feed him for a lifetime." So, before I left, I made sure she knew exactly how to get to the Super Dollar Store on Oakey and Rainbow, and advised her to buy two of every nice piece of jewelry she finds there.

That way, she too can make someone's day some day.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Crystal Hearts for Valentine's Day

I love this big crystal heart necklace from the 99 Cent Only Store. They also have crystal 3 bead necklaces, and this lovely pink crystal bracelet.

Celebrate Love, and celebrate yourself with a little extra sparkle.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ya ya, ya wa wa ya, la wa ya ???, ya ya ya!!!



One of my favorite novels and movies is "Lolita", so I just had to buy these pink heart shaped sunglasses in the 99 Cent Only Store.

I searched the web, and discovered that these are probably (they weren't marked when I bought them) a Hannah Montana licensed product.

Somehow, it all makes sense.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Pretty in Pink -- Your Heiress Diary (Confess it All to Me) by Paris Hilton

When I saw this book in the 98 Cent Super Dollar Store, I couldn't resist. Apparently, Paris' publisher went a little hog wild on the printing, and now I have the thrill of confessing it all to Ms. Hilton for the low, low price of 98 cents plus tax.

Truth be told, I haven't scribbled my dreams and desires in this pink pad as Paris designed . . . but I have enjoyed her amazing insights, advice, world views, and philosophies on life from her privileged perch!

They include:

"There's no such thing as being too pretty, or too successful. And anyone who says there is, is jealous!"

"If you have nothing good to say, better tell it to people you trust!"

"Telling the truth is a good idea. Telling people what they want to hear is a better one."

"If you think you're pretty, you actually get a lot prettier."

"The root of all evil is not money, it's boredom."

"God greatest invention -- the push up bra!"

"People who don't like pink aren't colorful."

I am so glad I now have Paris to guide my days, my nights, my fashion choices, and my social climbs.

Maybe I wasn't born with money, but what I do have I certainly know how to spend wisely. . . on something pink, natch.