Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Shopping Phenomenon

Every so often, you just have one of those days where the universe is on your side. Call it luck, call it fate, call it good fortune....but today, everything worked to my advantage and I am reaping the benefits.


As I mentioned yesterday, being Veteran's Day, and since Toly and I both have government funded jobs, we were fortunate to have a day off in the middle of the week. We decided that we would take the opportunity to hop in car, drive down to our favorite outlets, and try to set out on some much needed things that we have both been wanting.


But before shopping, breakfast!

We chose a great little diner that was on the way. Toly LOVES diner breakfasts and I am always reminded of how much fun diners can be once I actually find myself in one. A ton of good food and super cheap- what's not to like?





I was starving when we sat down and noticed that there was only one banana left in the bowl. I asked the waitress if I could have it when I ordered my coffee, just in case I would be too late.

(I knew I wanted to incorporate this guy into my breakfast in some fashion)


My dad mentioned that this particular diner had a great Baked Oatmeal. Since I am slightly obsessed (okay more like overly addicted) to baked oatmeal, it didn't take much contemplation. But sadly, I didn't see it on the menu. I asked the waitress and she checked with the cook. Thankfully, they had it!


Looks simple right?

Ha! When do I ever eat anything simple? And oatmeal for that matter?

I topped my oatmeal with the banana, pecans, raisins, a little brown sugar and a drizzle of Barney Butter from a sample packet that I happen to carry with me in my purse for emergencies.



After a yummy breakfast, we hopped in the car and drove an hour to Hagerstown, MD.


So, like I said, there have been a few things that I have wanted/needed for months. One of these is a nice Columbia Jacket for winter. I really wanted to buy a good quality winter coat, seeing as I am a naturally freezing person and warmth is my main concern in the cold months.


1st Stop: Columbia Outlet


Okay, not only did I find the BEST coat, it was also on sale. The price tag said originally $179 but marked down to $120 and then 30% off from that. Not bad right?


Wait, it gets better. When the lady rung it up, it came down to $63!!!!!


A fully insulated 3 layer Columbia Jacket for $63! I was so excited that I threw in this cute hat as well.




The other reason for my visit....NEW RUNNING SHOES!


Yes, I was desperately in need of new sneakers. My Nike Running Air's had treated me so well and got me through countless races and my 1st 1/2 marathon; however, it was time to put them to rest.

I know that most people rave about Acsis for running, but I have to admit, I've tried on quite a few pairs, and I just can't get a good feel for them. Nike has done so well for me, so I figured why fix it if its not broken.


The Nike Outlet was great and the sales girl spent awhile working with me to find the perfect shoe for my needs.


I found out that I need a lot of cushioning and something that will last through all of the ware and tear. She suggested the new Nike Zoom O3's which are their top of the line best running shoe. I tried them on and fell in love.


These were priced at $99 but on sale for $79.


And then, guess what happened......





Magically, these were marked down to $49 at the register! Seriously? Am I really that lucky today?

Toly and I both agreed that we had such a successful and wonderful trip. Toly found a great deal on a new Fossil watch and we even picked up a few early Christmas presents for our family.
Awesome day!






After a few hours of shopping, we were ready to call it a day and make the trip home.

The day still had some hours left to lay around and veg until dinner.

I had one thing and one thing only on my mind all day for dinner tonight....

BBQ Tofu!


This was succulent. The BBQ sauce is Bone Suckin' Sauce (which is probably the best I've had) with a few extra touches of honey, garlic, honey mustard and cinnamon.


Mashed Butternut Squash and Roasted Broccoli completed this home-cooked meal.

Couldn't have asked for a better day, although it kinda stinks that I have to go back to work tomorrow. It feels like it should be the weekend, but oh well. I actually have a rather exciting day tomorrow but I'll fill you all in later! ;)

Have a lovely night loves!

16 comments:

  1. Awww - what a FUN day!! I ADORE that coat too - so cute and what a steal!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SUCH a great day! Love the jacket and what a deal on the shoes. I love how you created a meal at the diner! I totally do that too. Enjoy the rest of your night.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love successful shopping days - fun!

    wwww.nutritionnut.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. You guys hit the jackpot today!! That jacket is really cute! Glad you had a great time on your road trip :)

    I LOVE your bloggers touch on that breakfast - everything is better with Barney Butter!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Score!! Don't you LOVE it when that happens!! :)

    You deserve it, I'm sure!

    ReplyDelete
  6. WOOHOOO!!!! Wow you really got some great deals on some essentials!! Outlet shopping is the very best! That baked oatmeal looks so good and 3920843 times better Laurenified :) So jealous you got a little hump day break. When I was little I always thought Saturday and Wednesdays should be the days off so there's a break in the middle of the week. Although now, I definitely see the value in having 2 days off in a row :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my gosh! Could my love for you get even bigger? I'm so glad you had a wonderful day and that luck was on your side. I think it was partly luck though ;) I'd like to think that good things happen to good people! So it helps that you're an incredible woman!

    And the BBQ sauce.. THAT IS MY FAVORTE BRAND!! Sitting proud in my fridge right now as a matter of fact :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. 1) Thank you SO MUCH for the most beautiful comment!! You seriously get an award for sweetest comments!! Can I just huge you please? ahh! Thank you, thank you, thank you Lauren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    2) AWESOME DEALS! Wow! You did so well!!!!!!!! Those shoes are so cute too!! Nike always fit me the best for running too! And yay for a nice coat!! Like you, I am ALWAYS COLD, so I know the need for a good coat!!

    3) the baked oatmeal looks so yummy!! I love how you added all of your own toppings! IT totally looks so much more tasty YOUR WAY.

    4) baked tofu!! yesssssssss! you should try my tofu rub sometime!! It is at the top of my blog page!!

    love you Lauren!!

    happy Thursday!!! so glad you had a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. what a great day! i've never seen baked oatmeal on a menu before....

    ReplyDelete
  10. glad you had such a great day & that baked oatmeal looks really good.. i've never heard of that!
    good deal on the shoes..lucky!

    xoxo
    shelley

    ReplyDelete
  11. That's awesome you both got the day off! I did too, but my day wasnt as exciting as yours. haha! I love how you spruced up that baked oatmeal. Yum! I'm glad you had such a successful shopping trip, too :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. You lucky duck!!! That's like 50% off! AND you got to have baked oatmeal! YAY! You totally deserve the good luck...It's karma! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like your jacket. I did some outlet shopping this weekend and got great deals at Ann Taylor and Nike!

    The baked oatmeal looks so good!

    ReplyDelete
  14. OMG -- too funny about "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Glad we've both found the brand of shoes for us. ;)

    And I LOVE your deals! You're my bargain hunting soul sister. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oooooh...I have never had baked oatmeal! It looks and sounds wonderful--like an oatmeal cookie!
    It made me smile to hear about your happy day :)
    I don't think I have said it lately, but THANK YOU for your sweet comments on my blog. They always make me happy!

    ReplyDelete
  16. ooh girl im just like you, and love a good deallll :)

    ReplyDelete