Musings by Jacquelyn

Crazy About Cookies (and Other Baked Goods)

2012-02-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

I collect cookbooks like you would not believe. I am especially susceptible to the $5 book area by Kohl's registers. True, this area mostly has children's books but every now an then there are some cookbooks. This was the case at my last trip to Kohl's, where I spotted this book, Crazy About Cookies: 300 Scrumptious Recipes for Every Occasion & Craving. I already have Crazy About Cupcakes, from

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T07:29:00.032-07:00

Siena has weekly homework and the homework for last week was not the usual spelling, writing, or math. Instead, she was given a class list and tasked with making Valentines for each classmate. Thankfully we were up to the challenge. I had seen a post on The Chilly Dog blog on Valentine Love Bugs. (Side note: this is a fun blog with a lot of neat crafty ideas and a cute Etsy shop, too.) Off to

Free is the (My Favorite) Word

2012-02-13T08:41:00.002-07:00

Since this is my birthday month I have been inundated with coupons, certificates, etc. Among the stack was a $5 coupon from DSW. I don't really live too close to DSW, but on Super Bowl Sunday I found myself at the chi-chi Wal-Mart up in Oro Valley manning a Girl Scout cookie booth (we sold a lot of cookies, by the way). When Jake came to relieve me I cruised over to the DSW located in the

Jibberish: Cuter than it Sounds

2012-02-12T05:52:00.001-07:00

While perusing the March edition of People Style Watch I happened upon some crazy pants, bright neon colors, and leather miniskirts. While none of these items appeal to me as I continued to flip through the magazine I spotted these, the Nine West Women's Jibberish Flat, which do very much appeal: Cute, eh? Somehow the name suits the shoe. Anyway, the magazine showed them in green but they must

Birthday Dreaming, Part Six

2012-02-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

With just one week to go until I turn 37 (wow! 37!) I'm still adding and subtracting things from my birthday wish list. This cute little number showed up online a couple days ago. The shape and style of the Inked Flora Skirt are right up my alley. I don't plan on using my birthday discount at Anthro until the end of the month, and this is definitely a contender for the final purchase.

Tucson Eats: Zivaz Mexican Bistro

2012-02-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

I love Mexican food, the sloppier the better, known as Sonoran style. I also like "fresh" Mexican food, which my brother defines as "food with garnish." Whatever. I like the blending of different tastes and textures. That is why I love Zivaz Mexican Bistro. It tastes fresh, is reasonably priced, and yes, at times has garnish, since most plates come with a small salad. I especially love that

Wacky About Dots

2012-02-05T05:24:00.002-07:00

I love polka dot printed items. Love, love, love. I guess you could ay I am wacky about dots, which is why I am strangely drawn to these Polka Dot Skimmers from Madewell. I've never tried anything from J.Crew's little sister. I have no idea how the shoes fit as compared to the 'Crew. I'm reticent to order because I hate to return anything by mail, almost as much as i hate to pay shipping.

Tucson Eats: La Baguette Morning Bun

2012-02-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite breakfast reads is a morning bun. And lucky for me, I live within walking distance of La Baguette French Bakery. This small space turns out some seriously fine pastries. On Fridays and Saturdays one can get their delectable morning bun for $2.25. Light and flaky yet a bit ooey-gooey inside due to the use of orange zest, it is absolutely divine.

Overheard at the MBJ Household

2012-02-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Statements made in the last day or so: Siena, yelling from the bath: "Daddy, have you ever been fired?" Jake, perusing the February Anthro catalogue, "What the hell is this? This is terrible. This skirt looks like a high school sewing project." Siena, looking at my face, "Mama, what are all those dots on your face?" (I have a lot of moles, much to my chagrin.) Me, muttering to myself, "Must not

Birthday Dreaming, Part Five

2012-01-31T18:45:00.001-07:00

I collect knick knacks. It's a bit insane of me to do so since my house is small and really, there is only so much surface space one has. Yet, I have a variety of vases, vessels, and random items (here's some examples: this, this, this, this, this, and oh yes, this). I'd like to add one more item to my collection: this Curvy Chrysanthemum Vase. It's on my list of Anthro items on which I'd like

Tucson Eats: Food Truck Roundup

2012-01-29T18:43:00.001-07:00

I've lived in Tucson, AZ my whole life and I'm often asked where good food is here in the Old Pueblo. While Tucson does have an a high amount of chain restaurants there are some mighty, mighty fine food establishments. I love good food, food that tastes fresh and flavorful. I figure if I am going to eat I am going to eat well. So I decided to start a new series called Tucson Eats, where I will

Spotted in the Wild: An A-Line Skirt

2012-01-27T19:37:00.001-07:00

Regular readers know I love a good a-line skirt. Sadly such items are few and far between. The last few years it seems pencil skirts have saturated the market. Still, I keep soldiering on, brave woman that I am, looking for acceptable a-line skirts (by "acceptable" I mean not too full, and not too short, but just right). This week I spotted such a skirt in the wild and brought it home with me:

Competitive Nature Rekindled

2012-01-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

There used to be a time when I was highly competitive. In school I wanted to be the best, at the top of the class, be a star. Then, after finishing graduate school my competitive nature waned. I relaxed into adulthood, gained contentment from my current state of being, and felt amazed that I ever wanted to actually run for public office (yep, that was one of my goals, though it may be rekindled

Things I Love: Kitchen Gadget Edition

2012-01-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

I bake cookies quite a bit (more than I should admit, I guess). In the past I always are my dough and then rolled it into little balls between my hands. This resulted in messy hands. While I knew of cookie dough scoops I was reluctant to purchase one because I already have a ton of kitchen gadgets and very little storage space. Then a couple months ago I found myself at Kohl's with a coupon

Swoon {Anthro Spring Shoes Sneak Peek}

2012-01-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I received an email from Anthro with a link to preview new February shoes. I'm guessing these won't show up on the website until the February catalogue is released but I can add them to my cart, but I can only access the products from the "special" link. I thought I'd share my favorite pair: Miss Albright Black-Tie Kitten Heels Yes, these will be mine. Anyone want to

Birthday Dreaming, Part Four

2012-01-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

And the list of items I covet continues, and the track record of most being from Anthropologie continues as well. I'll take both color ways of these Sweetbriar Skimmers, since I can't decide which I like better. I think the best course of action is form to just get a weekend job at Anthro so I can take advantage of the discount.

Things I Love: Food Edition

2012-01-13T12:06:00.004-07:00

I'm not a big yogurt person; I just don't reach for it. That said, I just love Pineapple Chobani. Love! I stock up when it is on sale for $1 each. I like the contrast of the Greek yogurt with the tangy pineapple, which is one of my favorite fruits. It's like a dessert and is super filling. If you haven't tried it you should. The other food item I am really enjoying right now is a definite

Review: Anthropologie Bike Lane Dress

2012-01-11T19:32:00.001-07:00

While doing a return at J.Crew I went into Anthro to inquire if the Bike Lane Dress had come in, and lo and behold, it was my lucky day, as the dress had just come in and not even made it to the sales floor. It was my double lucky day because my store had for once gotten a size 14. Yay! I tried it on post haste. I am in love. After getting not just Jake's but also the SAs help to get it all

Finally, Something to Like at Banana Republic

2012-01-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Regular readers know I keep trying to fall back in love with Banana Republic. I'm pretty sure Gap and I are permanently broken-up (well, except for their lounge and exercise clothes) but Banana, I want to like the brand again. Over the past year I have been disappointed, but I keep trying. And this most recent time I think I finally hit a vein of gold. Let me introduce you to the Large Polka

Birthday Dreaming, Part Three

2012-01-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have a Nirve Hello Kitty Cruiser that I received on my 32nd birthday, which I outfitted with a wicker basket. the rim of which is adorned with a strand of sunflowers. I ride the heck out of this bike; I've even done the Tour de Cookie road race (check out the pics!). I take my bike toTrader Joe's, on family bike rides, to the grocery store...wherever I can. I love to ride my bike. Thus, I'd

Review: Anthropologie Draped Snail Tank

2012-01-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

On a whim I tried on the Draped Snail Tank. I guess I'm not overly observant because I had no idea it was open in the back. This leads to a lot of volume in this top; however, it also makes it exceedingly easy to pull over one's head. The silk material has a subtle sheen. In person the pink is quite bright. I like the subdued navy version better. I found the fit of this to run large; or, perhaps

Anthropologie Fluttering Flora Dress vs. Brushed Terra Dress

2012-01-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

In a previous review I noted I think the Fluttering Flora Dress is a version of the Brushed Terra Dress. After trying both on I'm ready to explain the similarities and differences. I'm sorry I don't have a picture review for this. I couldn't get a good shot in the store. Similarities: Same cut. Same length. Differences: The Fluttering Flora is much lighter in weight; it seriously feels like

Birthday Dreaming, Part Two

2012-01-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

I first blogged about my love of Anthropologie's Leather Ribbon Satchel December 15. Since then I have only coveted it more. I have watched each day as the stock goes down by up to five bags (sob!). As the amount of stock dwindles I tell myself to stay strong, that it will go on sale, but I know I am only fooling myself. So before I cave rightnowtisveryminute and purchase it I'd like to hold on

Birthday Dreaming, Part One

2012-01-05T13:53:00.029-07:00

I will be 37 next month. Yikes! time flies. I don't mind the getting older per se. I find the whole thing ironic at best because as each year goes by I don't feel my "inner age is the same as my real age. So while I may be 37 in February I feel (and probably act, much to my chagrin at times) about ten years younger. I like to dream that somehow I will get the perfect birthday present. This is

Spotted at Target: Cute Bird Knick-Knack

2012-01-04T09:56:00.004-07:00

A few days ago I was at Target, scoring some major gongs on the Christmas trim. It was 70% off and I cleaned up. I got wrap, ribbons, boxes, bags...you name it. I also picked up some cute felt ornaments in the heart and tree shape that came three to a package. At $.30 for each three pack I got one in every color. I plan to make a garland with them next year. Look at me, already planning ahead for