My latest Etsy purchase

Every now and then my Internet window shopping will turn into an actual purchase. I bought a few Christmas gifts (for my mom and my sister, who could post some pics here if they want!) from Etsy, but had yet to buy anything for myself. Well, armed with a 10 percent off coupon, which was burning a hole in my pocket I bought these bad boys, which cost me a grand total of nine bucks including shipping. 

I think the bows are super cute and these are a thrifty find, especially compared with some higher end options out there, which I also happened to adore, but just can't afford. See here.

-- Uncommon Goods forget me knot silver earrings $100

-- Kate Spade double bow studs $45

-- Marc Jacobs Bianca bows $48

Pretend Internet shopping -- the Etsy addition

You asked, so I'll answer. OK, so maybe you didn't ask but I said I would explain "pretend Internet shopping" and I will. So here it goes. Basically it's window shopping on the web. I do a lot of looking and very little buying. Awesome?! Right? Right. OK, so it's a little boring but being dull never killed anyone, at least not that I'm aware of.

So anyway, pretend Internet shopping. It's a nice way to unwind after a long day or kill some time surfing the web. Sure, I'll shop J. Crew or Nordstrom -- the old standbys, but lately my obsession is Etsy. But be careful. It's easy to get carried away with this one and soon you'll find yourself wondering where the afternoon went and coveting several dozen items. Handbags? Jewelry? Stationary? Baking supplies? Etsy has got it. For those not in the know, Etsy is an online market place where folks sell homemade and vintage items.

Here's a look at what Etsy items I'm eying. Look for a post coming soon about my successful Etsy purchases and pretend Internet shopping -- the Etsy wedding addition.

-- monogrammed pilsner glasses, cheers! $20 

-- bow pillow $24

-- monogrammed iPod case $55

-- six chord dip dye necklace $72

-- personalized necklace $46.98

-- wooden love letters $40

-- gold bow earrings $9

-- believe it print $18

-- Richmond, Va. skyline print $35

The inaugural post

Get excited? Why? Because I'm starting a blog. Yep, that's right. I'm taking my love of baking, crafting, whining (and wine-ing, as in my made up word for drinking lots o' wine), bad TV and pretend Internet shopping (don't worry I'll explain) to the masses.

Here in this magical space I will chronicle my misadventures. It'll be fun -- no seriously, it will be. I'll cover everything from my latest kitchen triumph (this week peanut butter, white chocolate and pretzel cookies) to my latest Etsy obsession (um, awesome much?).

The happy couple.

But first let's start with a little about me. I've been living in Alabama (yes, Alabama. yes, as in Sweet Home Alabama) for a while now. I'm a Virginia native, Richmond to more specific. So what would bring me so far south you ask? To a land where football reigns supreme and the summers are consumed by 90 degree days with humidity so powerful it wreaks so much havoc on curly locks one might contemplate just going bald?! Love, my friends. Love brought me here.

Richmond, Va. -- home sweet home

Yes, in the summer of 2009 I left the fine state of Virginia to live along side my bestie a.k.a Andy Bitter (Yep, that's bitter as in bitter pill to swallow). I'm far away from my friends and family (and what sometimes feels like civilization) but I'm happy and I'm looking forward to our June wedding. Life is pretty good, even if I am somewhat bitter over the fact I live in the "Heart of Dixie." Google it, I'm serious.

That's all for now. Stay tuned. I'll have the deets on those tasty cookies and the best pizza dough recipe EVER coming up soon, plus map art. Maps are cool, trust me. The fun has only just begun!