Shop 'Til You Drop

Normally the few weeks before Christmas are the extreme shopping days for me, but this year my school didn't let out until 4 days before Christmas.  That means I extreme shopped on Amazon (thank you Prime membership!) which just isn't the same.  Today Ellie and I ventured out to the mall and a few other stores to get some things returned and do some "us" shopping.  New year, new me right? 

My WONDERFUL husband got me a new Coach bag for Christmas and I LOVE it....  (you're waiting for a but aren't you?)  BUT, it doesn't have a compartment big enough to hold my gun.  Yes I said it, MY gun.  The world is scary and as of right now I own 2 of my own guns and am about to get my CHL (concealed handgun license) so that I will be able to "carry" at all times.  In order to be able to carry, I need a purse that can accomodate my super cute (and deadly) .38 special.



Ellie and I went to Coach to see what they had and found this beauty.  I'm still debating between Papaya and Cognac, but I "tried it on" and it was SO comfy.  LOVE.


After Coach and making some returns to Macy's, Ellie and I had lunch at good ole Chick Fil A.  Okay, I have to go on a rant really quick and and profess my love for CFA.  First and foremost - everyone is always SO friendly there and they absolutely have the best customer service of any restaurant I've ever been to.  Yeah, yeah I know they are required to say "My pleasure!" after everything, but at least that company knows how to ensure that everyone feels taken care of.  The food always tastes fresh and you can't beat the kid's meals.  Grilled chicken nuggets with applesauce (in the awesome slurpy packets, no less) and milk? WIN! 

While eating our CFA, we ran in to Val & Will too!  They were coming back from Baby Bootcamp (something I hope to start doing again in June) and it was great to chat for a minute.  Love me some Byers family! 

After lunch we ventured over to Toys 'R Us, Academy, Marshall's, and Target.  I love that all of these stores are right next to each other.  So convenient!  Ellie fell asleep in the car between the mall and the strip mall and I was dreading waking her up.  I parked and got Ellie out of her carseat and gently placed her into her stroller and VOILA!  She didn't wake up!  It was a Christmas miracle!  THEN - she stayed asleep for like 45 minutes!  While it wasn't a perfect nap, she woke up smiling and happy.  I'll take it!

We found some good stuff in Toys 'R Us and most importantly - picked up some AA batteries.  Who knew that EVERY toy she got for her birthday and Christmas would be "batteries not included".  Oops.  We also got this cool scoop/toy holder for the bathtub and some more Little People animals for her Noah's Ark.

Target was magical as usual and they had some great deals.  We also ran in to my mother in law in the baby section - imagine that!

I also picked up some running gear at Marshall's for super cheap since I'm not that accustomed to running in the cold.  Gotta be ready for Running Club at school next week!

So far this year (all 3 days of it) have been wonderful and I am hoping that the rest of the year is that way as well.