Monkey See, Monkey Do

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then my friend Tracey should feel pretty darn good about herself right about now. For those of you that have been keeping up with our blog since its inception, it will come as no surprise that I have once again "borrowed" an idea from her blog. After first learning the name Leelou from---you guessed it, Tracey---I have now stumbled across a great giveaway on Leelou's site. Over the next several days, Leelou will giveaway some of her favorite items. To become eligible to win her first favorite, a Joovy Caboose stroller, participants are asked to make a list of their favorite things and post them to their blogs. Now, I know what you might be thinking---another stroller seriously? Well, the Joovy Caboose isn't just any stroller, it's a lightweight collapsible stroller very similar to the umbrella strollers moms have sworn by for years. And, since I'm always looking for ways to make life easier, entering Leelou's Swag Giveaway for a chance to win this stroller seemed like a no-brainer. So without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things.

HomeGoods
Although I've never claimed to be a diehard frugalista, who doesn't enjoy finding name brand merchandise at drastically reduced prices? There's a certain satisifaction that I get from finding an inspiration room and then making it come to life for less with items from HomeGoods. In fact, I 'm such a fan I once made hubs stop at every store between here and West Virginia. If you're lucky enough to have a HomeGoods in your area, you definitely owe it to yourself and your wallet to check it out.




Target
Love, Love, Love, Target! I could spend hours in this store. With everything under the sun at affordable prices, who isn't a fan?

Cars

Ever since I was a young girl, I've had an automotive love affair. The blame for my expensive obsession rests squarely at the feet of my Dad, for whom car shopping is a sport. Dad and I still enjoy browsing the car lots on Sundays of course, when the sharks are not circling. With our growing family, we're currently in the market for a new car. Finally, after years of saving we're finally ready to buy! Our only problem, and it's a good problem to have, my dream car is getting redesigned. Never one to settle when something better may be lurking on the horizon, we've opted to postpone our purchase until Lexus unveils it's newly revamped GX 460 this winter. After months of wanting, I know this purchase will be worth the wait!


Hoodies
If you see me, you can be sure that I've brought along one of my favorite accessories---a hoodie. I've always got one zipped up over a tee, tied around my waist, slung over my purse, or in the backseat of my car. With enough hoodies to spare, I can be sure that I've always got one when I need it even if it is laundry day!

Girly Girl Shoes
What woman doesn't covet a good pair of heels? Especially expensive ones like these Christian Louboutins. After years of being teased relentlessly by my father, I have now traded in my flip flops for more sophisticated footwear.

Flip Flops
Okay, so I'm not a totally reformed flip flop junkie. Besides after wearing a pair of five inch heals my tootsies need a reprieve.









Mexican Food
One word---Yum!







Hot and Spicy Pickles
Something my mom introduced me to while I was pregnant (you know pregnant women and their pickle cravings), these pickles have become a staple in our house. A woman out of Destin, Florida makes these pickles and sells them at a local store in Pensacola. Between Mom and I, we like to think we keep her in business. Just last week we spent nearly $50 on pickles alone as we cleaned out the store's entire stock! Gotta have 'em!


Octane Q37 Elliptical
Isn't it obvious? I love food and with hopes of regaining my pre-baby figure, I need to exercise. It hasn't even arrived yet, but this elliptical has already become one of my favorite things. My uber generous parents, purchased this elliptical for me. Now, I have no excuses when it comes to exercise.



Bon Jovi
The 80s may have been their heyday, but this band still rocks my world nearly thirty years later. Having been a fan for many years, my infatuation with front man- Jon Bon Jovi was taken to a whole new level after seeing the band in concert last year in Fort Lauderdale. Even a bomb threat at the Bank Atlantic Center couldn't dampen the mood as the New Jersey native and his band rocked until the wee hours. With a new tour this spring, I can only hope another show lies in my future.


Gator Football
There's nothing quite as enjoyable as spending a Fall afternoon watching college football, especially if your team happens to be the 9 and 0 reigning National Champion, Florida Gators! As a proud graduate of UF, it doesn't get much better than Gator football!




Christmas
There's no big surprise here. I love holidays and birthdays. Any excuse to decorate or shop is aces in my book. Besides the obvious and very important religious implications of the holiday, there is just something extra special about Christmas. It's a magical time of year that can make a 90 year old Granny feel like a kid again, turn a Scrooge into a Salvation Army bell ringer, and melt the frostiest of hearts with a Carole of peace and joy. Aren't we lucky that the season is upon us?


With most of my favorites being "things" I wanted to mention that there are just some favorites that money cannot buy. Family and friends trump anything I could find on a store shelf and, to quote the Mastercard commercial, are simply priceless.