GDA: Sephora free shipping!

Through Feb 2, Sephora is offering free shipping right now with NO MINIMUM PURCHASE!

I'm always making sure I'm at $50 before I order so I can get the free shipping. This typically results in me over-buying (surprise!).

But now, if there is one little lippie you've always wanted.... go for it!

The code is PLAYPRETTY.

I'll be back later, maybe tomorrow, with some of my favorite Sephora purchases.

For now, I'll leave you with my newest fave: the new Too Faced Mood Swing Emotionally Activated Lip Gloss from the Smurfette collection. Love love love this and will be ordering back-ups for sure since it's limited edition.

Getcha some!

Target Find: Rain Boots!

There is a girl here at my office who has the cutest Coach rain boots, and every time it rains or snows and she wears them, I die inside just a little bit inside because I'm not as cool as her.

Everywhere I go, I see Coach boots! The Sashas were at Chick-Fil-A on Wednesday night, and there were three college girls in front of us in line. All three had Coach rain boots- and each girl had a different pair. So cute!

But last night I was at Target and I found the cutest substitute boots for only $25! They are absolutely precious and when I went online to find them to show you, it turns out they have a ton of different styles! Seriously, all girls need a pair of kicky rain boots.

When I showed them to Mr. Sasha when I got home, he was really proud of me that I made a good decision to get the budget-friendly boots rather than the luxury boots.

Getcha some. Target has free shipping on $50 right now. (But don't forget to go through ebates! Referral link on the left.)

OPI Nail Polish

I'm getting ready to do an OPI nail polish order from 8ty8 Beauty, and I wondered if you guys would share your favorite shades with me.

I wore Los Angeles Latte to my wedding in 99 and it's been years since I've had a bottle of that. (Yes, I was going through a "brown" phase!)

I love I'm Not Really a Waitress.

My HG polish is Chile O Caliente, but it is out of stock.

What are your must-have OPIs?

Edited to add: And here's another good site to order from per Katee- Trans Design. Sorry Mr. Smoochiefrog!

New Beer Find

Wittekerke Rosé blik

The other day I was at the liquor store getting Mr. Sasha some Sailor Jerry, and I went down the beer aisle to pick up some Lindemans Framboise (of course!). I glanced around and saw a six pack of the cutest little drinks I had ever seen- they were a party waiting to happen!

And you know me, I of course picked them up. I have no clue how to pronounce it, and the website it all in Belgium, but they are damn tasty. It's described on the can as Belgian White Beer with Raspberries. I love all things raspberry you know!

Getcha some.

Best Bra Ever- I Swear

Ok- let's talk bras. Once I discovered Maidenform's Smooth Bra T-Back, this is absolutely all I wear. Since there are no seams across the back, it's downright completely smooth and totally takes care of the problematic skin-roll we always seem to have.

These bras are $15 right now (regular $32), and Maidenform is offering free shipping on $25.

I really can't tell you enough how much I love this bra, and no, I'm not getting compensated for this. I just really love it that much. In fact, I think I will be ordering more myself.

And don't forget to go through ebates- link on the left!

Giveaway

Sherrie at Boogers, Scream, Headaches & Dreams is having a fabulous giveaway!

Check her out!

3rd Grade Class Photo

Mamalicious and Sasha in the 3rd grade

Holly has the Tennille and I am rocking the Dorothy Hamil.

We were quite stylish.

Do You Love Nail Polish Like Me?

If so, head over to Manicure Mommas, my other blog, and check out the cool giveaway we are having!

Lookie! Lookie!

I'm the featured NOTD (Nail of the Day) at my very favorite nail blog, e-polishblog!

Go check out my beautiful mani!

My Parents

don't know about this blog.

Can we keep it that way? If you know them, please please please don't mention it.

No sense in worrying them. They don't need to know how crazy I am or how I'm "Barely Keeping It All Together."

Thanks.

Look

what jumped in my cart at Wal-Mart yesterday.

100 Calorie Oreo Mini Cakesters

(and yes, both the chocolate and golden varieties were purchased)

Don't those look fabulous? I'll report back later as to their yuminess.

Coupon here.

Notes From School

The Politician ate his sack lunch very well, but we switched out the recalled peanut butter crackers you sent with some of ours.

Yeah, we sent recalled PB crackers. P said "Mom, you sent me with poison crackers."

In my defense, I did check the list of recalled products, but I admit I was mostly making sure Reese's Peanut Butter Cups weren't on there.

On another note, WC and I had a nice evening that involved Chic-Fil-A and Dora. Although I did end up falling asleep on the floor next to her bed, she went to bed pretty easily and didn't seem too upset that Dad wasn't there. Maybe that was the turning point.....

Finally

I can replace the Fireman Sam DVDs I have. They are in Mandarin. I think.

Don't ask- I S-to-G the auction said "English" but it took me 2 hours to figure out which Mandarin options to choose to change it to English. Totally freaked my parents out when The Politician asked to watch it once while we were out of town. It takes so long so select English I actually lied to P and said the DVDs didn't work anymore.

And there's another longer part of the story that involved a Paypal claim asking for 2/5 of my money back. But that ended OK, except the DVDs are still in Mandarin.

Big Fat Nothing

That's what I have planning for this weekend!

And I'm so excited!

Tonight Mr. Sasha is taking The Politician to see a dinosaur show, and so The Wild Child and I will have a nice evening at home and hopefully have some good quality time together.

I haven't said a lot about this on the blog, but WC has been having major issues with bedtime for the last 3 months due to her Sensory Processing Disorder. She has also being going through a "Daddy Only" phase at the same time, and those two things together have made for a stressful time at the Sasha house.

Our OT thought maybe WC was picking up on my anxiety about the situation, but although I feel a lot better since I went up on my anxiety meds, it hasn't changed WC's feelings about letting me comfort her.

So we'll see how tonight goes and maybe tonight will break the cycle and I can help her get to sleep without Mr. Sasha being there.

Fireproof Your Marriage

My Sunday school class is going to be starting the Fireproof Your Marriage study late next month and I am so excited! I have read so many good things about it.

And yes, you do remember right. I do have The Love Dare, which of course I haven't managed to keep up with. I still plan to do that later, you know!

But this, I will do now. I'll be accountable since this will be our weekly Sunday school class.

Local folk, we plan to start the study by showing the movie on which the study is based (Kirk Cameron stars, ladies!) at our church's parent's night out on Feb 20. The church offers childcare and we'll be showing the movie upstairs.

We'll then begin the study that Sunday in our 9:40 class. The study goes for six weeks, and we hope that some new people join our class for this study!

Let me know if I can answer any questions about our class!

My Newest Award: Bad Mommy 2009

Oh hell.

Yesterday, Mr. Sasha had to do the Walk of Shame. The one that tells the world "We forgot to have extra clothes for WC at school. We are sucky parents who can't get organized enough to bring spare clothes to put in her cubby."

Poor WC spilled her milk in her lap at breakfast, and had to wear these for the rest of the day.

Oh, and it says the same thing down the front of the left leg.

I totally get that they want you to bring these pants back, but shit, you can't even go to the grocery store on the way home!

And today, oh today. Thursday is Show and Tell in the Hoppin' Pre-K, and for the second week in a row the Sashas forgot. The Politician's face fell when he walked in to class and realized it.

So we headed to the van to see what we could come up with. Part of the fun is that the kids take the item in a non-see-through bag and the rest of the class asks 20 questions to see if they can guess what it is in the bag.

It remains to be seen if he'll even remember what it is when S&T time rolls around, but he's the proud owner of an ice scraper. That's really old and ratty looking. And probably at least 15 years old.

Poor guy.

We suck.

Head to Dillard's ASAP

From my good friend Carrie - just heard about a deal that you have to post on your blog....there is a class action lawsuit with Dillards (not sure of the details but you could google it) and if you purchased cosmetics between 1994 and i think 1999, you are entitled to a free cosmetic starting yesterday. I went this afternoon to our good ol' Sooner Fashion Mall and got my free Ralph Lauren Romance body gel--yay!!! tell, tell!!

Bible Study

A friend of mine let us know a few weeks ago that she was going to start a 10 week bible study using Beth Moore's study on Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman.

I have to be honest and say that at first I didn't even consider joining in. Honestly, life is pretty stressful and crazy right now as we continue down this path helping WC with her SPD issues. I just couldn't imagine committing myself to anything else.

But a few weeks ago, my pastor said something that spoke to me. I can't remember exactly, but it was something like "Make time for God and you'll find you have more time to give."

So I signed up. It's time to make more time for God.

Last night was our first meeting and I'm pretty excited about it. I've never done a Beth Moore study but she's pretty dynamic and I couldn't look away from the screen while she was talking.

I think this study will be just what I need right now.

Has anyone else done this study, or another Beth Moore study? What was your experience?

Another Fabulous Book About Sensory Processing Disorder

Sensational Kids by Lucy Jane Miller

Absolutely a fabulous book. She works daily with children with these issues and really understands. Definitely needed if you child has SPD/SID.

New Lip Balm Find!

If you've been a Sasha Says reader for a while, then you might know that my favorite lip balm is Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, which retails for $22.50 from Sephora. I've used this for years and love love love the smell and how good it feels on my lips.
Last week my fabulous friend Elaine emailed me about a new product she got in her stocking that she loves that is pretty much a low cost alternative to the Fresh Sugar. C.O. Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream which retails for $7.50 at Bath & Body Works. What a better price! And right now they have a Buy 2 Get 1 Free special going on, so you can get 3 for $15!

Thanks Elaine for such a great recommendation! I picked some up yesterday and absolutely love it! When I put it on I feel like I am enjoying a decadent dessert!

Notes From School

"The Politician got jiggy when the pre-K had a dance party with the four-year-old class."

When You Say Your Prayers Tonight

please include this family who is dealing with a scary time after the birth of their new baby.

The picture is a link to their blog.

Tennies for the Kiddies

I always buy tennis shoes for the kids from Joe's New Balance Outlet. I usually watch for a free shipping weekend and stop up on shoes that are less than $20- I've gotten some as low as $9 and I usually try to pay around $18. I've found New Balance shoes to be high quality- the kids outgrow them before they are worn out.

So..... this is a free shipping weekend! Hope you can find some good deals in sizes for you family!

The Great Jeans Problem

Oh, holiday weight. You're pissing me off.

For a few months I've been acting like I haven't gained any weight and have been squeezing myself into the same pair of jeans that just barely fit. Quite a few pair have been scooted to the back of the closet and are getting dusty. Sadness.

And then a few weeks I did it- I opened The Rubbermaid Tote of Too Big Clothes. And I took out a few pair of jeans. And they fit. Shit. But they weren't very stylish since they are a few years old.

So I finally admitted to myself that it's time to buy some jeans in the size I actually need right now. And since I don't plan on being at this weight for very long, I don't want to spend a lot.

So I went to Wally World and tried on the famous jeans I blogged about in the past. Only I don't like them on me right now. Don't like them at all anymore- even in the correct size.

So I kept looking and found some even better jeans. I can't find a picture online, but girls, these jeans are fabulous.

Riders Boot Cut Mid-Rise in Dark Vintage. Style # 130706S for $16.92.

Now, I got the medium length and for some reason this is fine with flats, so you may want to go the tall route if you are taller than 5'2".

Hopefully I'll be back in the dusty jeans soon. And hopefully they'll still be in style.

Remember NLP:RD?

Remember when Ashley was on her NLP:RD kick? One of the days was Work it Out Wednesday: Solving big problems like organizational dilemmas and annoying shit like taxes and important phone calls.

Well, I'd swear today is Wednesday. I've had lots of annoying shit like taxes and important phone calls to take care of today.

1. Quarterly estimated IRS taxes are due today
2. Quarterly payroll taxes for Mr. Sasha's biz are due today
3. WC broke her super-special super-expensive headphones ($140) we use for OT yesterday, so that was about 4 phone calls in itself to figure out what to do about that (borrow a set from our OT while we send ours off to be repaired for the bargain price of $60)
4. Call to make a hair appt
5. Call to schedule my yearly dr appt
6. Call to let Wags know not to restock my script, promise I'll be in today
7. Get financial stuff ready for PTO meeting tonight

Why do I hate making phone calls so much? I tried to start each conversation very upbeat and friendly, so as to hopefully set the tone for a successful phone call. I have taken care of all but #4 with good results.

I'm ready for Suds it Up Saturday and some beer.

Imagination Movers Tour

Guess who emailed me last week?

Nevermind, you'll never guess.

A publicist for Playhouse Disney! They saw my blog post about the Imagination Movers, and wanted to make sure I knew about their upcoming tour.

I did not, and know that I know, Mr. Sasha and I are planning on taking the kids to see them in March. Fun stuff!

Here's their schedule:

Sat 2/7: Birmingham , Alabama (Alabama Theatre)
Sat 2/14: Red Bank, New Jersey (Count Basie Theatre)
Sun 2/15: Morristown , New Jersey (Community Theatre)
Mon 2/16: Englewood , New Jersey ( Bergen PAC)
Sat 3/7: Fort Worth , Texas (Bass Performance Hall)

Most tickets are $20 - $30, and can be bought online at each theater’s website.

If you don't know who they are, check them out. Both my 3 and 5 year old are obsessed with them, and I actually like their show too.

Our CD came in and I finally hid that damn Suzy Boggus CD and they haven't asked for her again. Phew.

Dear Hershey's,

Have you learned nothing from reading Sasha Says? I know you were reading, and I also know I got some results. I kind of imagined a new phrase being used at the Hershey corporate office- "Don't forget to put the new product on our web page before it arrives in stores- or we'll get Sasha-ed!".

So when I saw your new offering at Target on Sunday, I was sure I could come home and find reference to them on your website. There was no doubt in my mind. There was no way you'd do it again.

Reese's Snacksters Sweet & Salty

But unbelievably, (or not), they aren't included on your Snacksters page!

I was planning this fabulous review to tell all 450 or so of my readers about this new snack find that perfectly combines sweet and salty into one cute little 100 calorie pack of heaven. I was going to tell them how this includes milk chocolate chips, caramel bits, mini pretzel balls, and Reese's peanut butter chips- what a perfect combination!

But it's hard to do that if you can't find the product on the corporate web page, and if you have to take your own picture!

For shame, Hershey's. For shame.

New Year, New You Sale at Amazon

I have figured out that I really need to work some strength training into my workouts. Running is a fabulous cardio workout, but your body gets used to it and it looks like it time for me to shake things up so I can lose that pesky 10 pounds I've gained.

Right now lots of Fitness DVDs are on sale at Amazon- up to 57% off- and of course, shipping is always free if you spend over $25. My friend Amanda and I both placed an order this week and were shocked at how fast our packages came- she ordered late Wednesday afternoon, and got her package Friday!

Here's a few of my favorite workout DVDs:

Jillian Michaels- 30 Day Shred

This is a 20 minute workout that works about every muscle group you've got and adds in some cardio. Effective short workout. If I'm going to do a DVD, right now this is the one I am going to do.

I really like Kathy Smith. She's good at what she does, and her workouts are effective.

Remember good ole Tamilee Webb? She did all the "Buns of Steel" and "Abs of Steel" tapes we used to do in the sorority lounge back in college! A few years ago she came out with this workout and this is my go-to arm workout. She is really fabulous and explains a lot of the scientific stuff during this DVD.

Minna Lessig is another one of my favorite instructors. I haven't tried this workout but the reviews look good. I have several of her DVDs, but it looks like Amazon doesn't have them available right now.

But please, please, please, whatever you do, stay away from Denise Austin. God love her, she has a fabulous body and a great personality, but she has absolutely no rhythm and is always off-beat and it drives me batty! I have quite a few of her workouts because she was so popular back in the late 80s and early 90s, but I just can't bring myself to do them.

So those are some of my recommendations. Are there some DVDs you recommend?

Fabulous Giveaway!

Check out this fun giveaway!

Again, An Age Reference

Yesterday at our music fest meeting, one of the young staffers said to me, "I told my mom there was this lady on the committee that ran in the marathon relay last year....."

So now I'm a "lady".

I felt like I was at CVS.

My Eyes! My Eyes!

Mr. Sasha and I made a big mistake last night.

We watched some of the first episode of Rock of Love Bus.

OMG! I feel so dirty! It was bad, y'all. Real bad.

And I'll probably watch the rest of it tonight.

Dear Little Debbie,

Can you make your 100 Calorie Snow Puffs sans coconut? That would be a healthier version of your Marshmallow Supremes, which I love dearly and I swear I would buy a million packages if you would just make them.

Here's my justification: I don't ever hear anyone saying, "Gee, do you know what I'm craving? Coconut!" Chocolate maybe, but never coconut. Coconut is yucky and gets stuck in your teeth.

Let's just leave it off....

Dear Lean Cuisine,

Got an idea for you guys.

Lean Cuisine, right now you've got your meals organized into neat little categories like Spa Cuisine, Casual Eating, and Dinnertime Selects- which I think was a fabulous idea.

But would it be possible for you to cater a little more to people like me? People who don't eat veggies, yet still want to try to eat within a healthy calories range?

How about a "Picky Eaters" line? Then I wouldn't have to pick off the red peppers and tomatoes from my Pesto Chicken Flatbread Melt, which is absolutely yummy once I've removed those little red offenders.

And my mom and I loved your Chicken a l'Orange until you added broccoli years back. And I absolutely crave the Sesame Chicken, but I hate picking those damn green beans out!

I also ran into a little issue with the Chicken Club Panini yesterday. I was trying to pick out the tomatoes, but kept accidentally picking off the bacon- unacceptable! I love bacon!

I know there are more people like me- I know this because a few of them work here in my office and we laugh (and cuss) about this as we are doctoring our meals in the breakroom at lunchtime.

So if you wouldn't mind creating a new line just for us, we'd be ever-thankful. And I'd do a blog post about it to get the word out!

Sasha, Sasha Everywhere

I am just all over the 'net these days! Does that mean I spend too much time on here?

On of my favorite bloggers, Another Online Mom, is doing a fun feature this month that is right up my cheap-ass alley. Her series "New Beautiful Frugal You" has been full of great drugstore finds and inexpensive products and beauty tips.

I emailed her about one of my favorite eye makeup remover, and she featured my tip today!

Go check it out and leave her a comment to tell her I sent you!

Caregivers Marketplace

You guys know about Caregivers Marketplace, right?

Surely you do.

They offer rebates on items your purchase to care for a loved one- and Huggies Diapers, GoodNights, Little Swimmers, Overnights, and Pull-Ups are included! The rebate is $1 per package purchased, but the giant boxes don't count.

Last year in January I spent about an hour and gathered up my 2007 receipts and got over $50 back. I plan on doing the same for 2008! Easy money- you can spend it at Sephora!

The deadline for submitting is Jan 31, 2009.

Small, But Yum

Although they are pretty small (2.5" by 1.5"), the new Little Debbie 100 Calorie Cakes are delicious. I've tried both the Chocolate with Chocolate Flavored Icing and the Yellow with Butter Creme Icing. Here's a 55 cent coupon!

I Am Famous!

I was recently interviewed by the fabulous Shannon over at Operation Skinny Bitch, and she posted my interview yesterday!

Go check it out!

Dear Disney Channel,

My kids absolutely love the Imagination Movers- in fact, it's their favorite show on your channel right now. Although Holly's fave is Scott, my personal favorite is Rich (since he goes rat-a-tat-tat and all).

I was having issues finding the show's page on your website, and I actually created quite a paragraph about it, which I have deleted since I was incorrect. A lovely reader pointed me in the right direction! (Seems Playhouse Disney shows are on a different website.) Thanks anonymous!

Meanwhile, I'll be ordering the new Imagination Heros CD from Amazon and my kiddos are going to love me for it! In fact, I can probably put away Suzy Boggus and they won't notice.

Don't Shoot Me -- Good Deal Alert

Amazon has all the seasons of Sex and the City for $8.99- no tax, no shipping if you spend $25.

These would make great birthday gifts for your girlfriends... or your mom if she's like mine and has a girl-crush on Kim Cattrell.

Sasha's New Year's Resolution: Accept the Truth

Yeah, if I keep indulging the way I've been lately, I'll never fit back in those jeans.....