FABULOUS Weekend
Mike and I had one incredible weekend this past weekend! We packed so much in and visited with so many people, it'll be tough to beat.

We started out Saturday morning for Lancaster around 10:30 - I was in desperate need of an eyebrow wax and he needed to hit the gym before heading out. We stopped for lunch in Gap, PA but later regretted it. We were just going to do something quick and simple since we knew we had some great meals coming up the rest of the weekend. However, once we got down towards the outlets, we realized there was a new Sonic. I've heard people rave about this fast-food establishment before. And, Mike and I get frustrated when we see them advertised on some of the cable channels since there aren't any near us. The food looks good. So, we know where we'll eat on our next trip.

We first hit the Rockvale Square outlets. Of course our first stop was Lenox China! I found some real bargains there while trying to stick to some kind of budget. We then hit the Eagles Outlet. It was interesting, not too many bargains unless you wanted a player's jersey who no longer played for the team! Otherwise, most things were only 10% off.

We then walked over to Pfaltzgraff where Mike proceeded to strongly encourage me not to start a whole new pattern of dishes, but to add-on to the sets that I already owned. I walked out buying nothing. But, as we exited the store I spotted a brand new Restoration Hardware outlet. My favorite window candle lights are from the store. My bathroom window doesn't have a light because I'd have to string the wire all around the room. However, they had one remaining battery-operated light left - and it was mine!

We then drove over to Bass Shoes. I needed new black shoes and Mike was shopping for boots. I found a comfy pair of shoes - Bass always comes through for my big feet. He then insisted on walking over to Pottery Barn. It was a nice day and we had time and it wasn't that far. But, in the back of my head a little voice told me that we wouldn't be able to carry whatever I bought back across the parking lot. Unfortunately, only about 10 minutes later, I was right!

Everything in Pottery Barn was 25% off. Furniture (which I tried to avoid) was 50% off. I saw one couple buy an entire dining room set. I just don't have any room left. Well, I struck gold. Everything I bought was something I'd been wanting (sort of). I picked up another couple of place settings for some dishes I already have. I picked up a domed cake server (I didn't have one) for $12!!! And, all of the Bedford Accessories in my Craft Room must be soon to be discontinued, because they had my magazine racks, scrap bin, and accessories spinner-thing in there discounted, then 25% off. So, I picked up "backups" of the ones I have - plus, I'm sure I'll be able to use them!!!

Mike and I were both pooped. Even though, we were invited to stay over at Melissa and Jonathans, we opted to stay at a hotel so I could earn another night and try to desperately hold onto my hotel status for at least one more year. So, we crashed for about an hour then headed up to Lebanon.

I love Melissa and Jonathan's house. It sits back in the woods and is so spacious and beautiful. They've made some improvements since the last time I'd been there so I enjoyed seeing the changes. Melissa cooked a fabulous dinner of stuffed shells. They hit the spot. They shared their photos from Kenya. They put together a book using Shutterfly. It was REALLY cool and looked SO professional. I may have to have one made of Australia. I hate to say this, but it's much faster than traditional scrapbooking. After dinner, they brought out a game they have fallen in love with - I had never heard of it. But, we gave it a try and it's now at the top of my shopping list. It was called "Settlers of Catan". The manufacturer describes the game like this: "One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads."

Yesterday morning we woke up early and decided we needed to do more shopping. We stopped at Target first because I needed to restock my non-existant supply of allergy medicine. Mike came prepared with just about every remedy under the sun. Every ailment I had, he had a fix for. With my travel-planning abilities and his packing abilities, we're a good pair! I was doing really well at only buying what I needed - four things from the travel items aisle. That's when Mike called to tell me he was in the Christmas section and everything was 75% off. Now, I should have had enough smarts to realize we would need a cart, but we tried to carry it all - and failed. We did good. In the end, we had a cart full of stuff. He spent $20 and I spent $30. Not too shabby!!! Then it was on to the outlets.

Mike was still searching for boots so I left him off at Timberland while I explored Coach, Bath and Body Works, and Eddie Bauer. I got a little nervous at first because the Coach store has moved. I didn't really find anything in any of the stores then jumped in the car and drove down to the very front of the outlets to go jewelry shopping. I didn't find any jewelry, but I did find a new Burberry Watch. I love it, but forgot to put it on. Poor Mike couldn't find me. He was calling my cell phone, but I didn't hear either of them ringing!!! So, I raced back up to Timberland to provide my opinion of his new black boots. Overall, it was a very successful shopping trip and we got everything that we wanted. I found the dishes I wanted, shoes, and even some things that were on my wish list. He found his boots and picked up a book he'd been wanting.

We next drove up to Stevens, PA and spent the afternoon with Mike's friends. We had a really nice time and they have some very affectionate cats! I enjoyed listening to Mike talk with his friend Dan. They love to discuss and analyze tv shows and movies. You have to listen to appreciate it. We also watched the last half of the Eagles game then set off for our final destination - dinner with Kelly and Matt at Border Cafe!!!

Mike and I are both trying to get back on diets after New Years. Since we both love Border Cafe (who doesn't), we figured stopping there would be a good idea as a last treat to ourselves. We had a great visit with Kelly and Matt then headed over to Borders for some coffee and shopping.

We really couldn't have planned a better weekend. I hope we can do it again - with maybe a little less food!!!

Now it's on to New Years Eve. We're heading to three different parties/dinners over the next two days. We're certainly making the rounds! I hope I can stay awake!!!

I hope you all have a safe and happy new year!!! Blog to ya next year!