Cute Little Store By The Seashore

Last September, Andrew and I traveled to Santa Monica and San Diego for our anniversary. While we were visiting Coronado Island, we discovered the cutest gift shop...Seaside Papery. I loved everything about this store. The layout, the products, the look and feel of the store...you name it! One day when I retire, I would love to own a store like this in Tulsa. Since that's a long way off, here are some inspiration pictures.

Seaside Papery
1162 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA 92118

Source: Google Images

Isn't it adorable?! The white furniture gives the store a clean and fresh look.

Source: BlueFlair Photography

Dramatic window displays are a must.

...as well as cute table displays.

I LOVE this display. Look at all the pretty ribbons and wrapping papers. This is a gotta have.

Wow...This Is Really Happening.

Yesterday, I received my first training e-mail for the Chicago Marathon. I was excited to receive it, but it was definitely a reality check. I've been busy with StyleMark Designs the past couple of weeks, so I've really slacked off on my training. This e-mail made me realize that I really need to kick it into a higher gear after this weekend. The good news is that I've really missed running. So, as of May 31, 2010, my marathon training begins! Wish me luck.

Here are some pictures from my recent runs.

Remember the Ten - Stillwater, OK.
Distance: 10K

L to R: Andy, Ashley, Jessica and Me

Oklahoma Aquarium Run - Jenks, OK.
Distance: Half-Marathon (13.1 miles)

L to R: John (my Father-In-Law), Kim (my Mother-In-Law) and Me

Kudos to the Advertising Agencies

With my background in marketing and advertising, I really appreciate a clever advertisement. I just love an ad that breaks through the clutter and catches my eye. Recently, I came across these ads.

As a shoe lover, I was really drawn to this one.

Source: Tulsa People

The play on words in the copy is fantastic! I normally never read the copy, but I did on this ad. The copy reads...

"On the heels of phenomenal success, we proudly invite you to the 4th Annual YWCA Wine, Women and Shoes weekend, June 11-12. This year, we're taking things to new heights with more wine and fun than ever before! And our partnership with the Tulsa Ballet promises to be flat-out fun. So, save the dates, slip on your Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks, and get pumped. Reserve today! Call 587-2100."

I love how this ad puts a modern twist on a traditional product. Jewelry advertisements are known to be very boring and sometimes stuffy, but this one is fresh, modern and fun.

Source: NY Times

Also, for some additional clever advertisements, click here.

Enjoy!

Thrifty Tip Thursday - Save the Receipt!

Credit: Google Images

I'm always taking clothes back to the store. Sometimes I have buyers remorse and other times I just change my mind and take back the articles of clothing to save money. Andrew hates going shopping with me because he knows we'll be back at the mall in a few days returning items. Most of the time he's right.

Anyway, here's a tip I learned a couple years ago that helps when I change my mind on certain purchases.

Thrifty Tip #2: When you hang your new purchases in the closet, poke a hole in your receipt and slide it onto the hook of the hanger. If you ever change your mind, you never have to worry about finding the receipt because it's right there with the item.

I hope this is helpful!

I Have the Travel Bug

Ok. So, I have the travel bug right now. I normally get the itch every couple months. It's bad when I haven't been on vacation in a while. Even though Andrew and I just visited Orlando, FL. two months ago, I'm ready for my next adventure. You'll learn I LOVE to travel. Right now, I would love to visit either of these great cities:

Washington, D.C.

New York City
Credit: Nealrabogliatti

I'm just in a mood to get lost in the nooks and crannies of a city...to explore every gift shop, visit the food specialty stores and check out every market. Ah, bliss!

So, will I scratch this itch? Unfortunately, no. I'm not sure when our next vacation will be. For now, I'll just have to daydream and live vicariously through other people :).

Does anyone else have the travel bug? If so, where do you want to go?

Hump Day Dinner #109: Ron's Hamburgers and Chili

Ron's Hamburgers and Chili
505 W Main St
Jenks, OK
(918) 296-4328

With it being Andrew's birthday last Thursday, we all ate at his favorite restaurant, Ron's Hamburgers and Chili, for Hump Day Dinner. Ron's is a well-known burger joint in Oklahoma, especially in Tulsa. (It seems like there's one on every corner...each owned by a different owner and each a little different.) It's best known for its "Big Daddy," hand cut french fries and root beer in frosted mugs. Andrew and I are frequent visitors to the Ron's in Jenks, particularly on a Saturday. It's to the point where most waitresses know our order. Bad, I know.

If you're on a diet, don't eat at this restaurant because greasy hamburgers and fries are the norm at Ron's. Andrew always orders the hamburger with bacon cheese fries and I order the grilled chicken sandwich and french fries. Even though the service last Wednesday wasn't the greatest, the service is normally very quick. If you go on a Saturday, be prepared to wait for a table.

Ron's is a great addition to the city. If you haven't experienced this establishment, be sure to go this weekend and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Hunp Day Dinner #108: The Junkyard Dawg

The Junkyard Dawg
6011 South Mingo
Tulsa, OK 74146

If you love gourmet hot dogs, then you'll love The Junkyard Dawg. This newly opened restaurant is located at 61st Street and Mingo, right next to Bros Houligan. Junkyard and car memorabilia cover the walls and you can order everything from "The T-Town Pup" to "The Bruiser." Hot dog/sausage fans can devour every kind of sausage...everything from a coney to a polish sausage and even a bratwurst. If you don't see something on the menu, the staff, who are extremely nice and very accommodating, encourage you to make your own creation. Overall, the group liked their food (Since, I'm a chickaterian, I decided to forgo the sausages) and it was very inexpensive. If you're in the area and looking for a cheap place to eat lunch, check out this new addition to south Tulsa. It would definitely fit the bill.