Parties and finding balance

You all have some definite ideas about home parties! I was thoroughly entertained reading what every single one of you had to say, and I vacillated between laughing and agreeing with you.

So what did I do? Well, I went. My mom sort of saved the day when she told me she has been wanting a garlic press, and that she would buy one if I wanted to go. Win-win! So I drove there (by myself! but with an occasional glance in the rear view mirror to check on a non-existent Savannah before I remembered that I was...by myself - weird feeling. Um, yeah, maybe I need to get out more). My friend's new custom house is lovely, and I took the grand tour and admired everything profusely.

The Pampered Chef presentation was just like all the others I have been too. There are so many gadgets that look so cool and that I'd love to have, but there is always the question of, would I actually use them? More specifically, would I use them enough to justify the money that I would have to spend to get them? So I refrained from purchasing anything for myself, but got the garlic press for my mom, and figured that was good enough. We had a yummy little caprese sandwich appetizer made with fresh mozzarella and tomato and pesto - it tasted like summer, an explosion of freshly-picked garden vegetables. And in keeping with my low-carb weight-loss aspirations, I only had 6 chips with fresh salsa and guacamole. I was very proud of myself.

This morning, the same friend that hosted the party called and said she was giving me a 25% off coupon to the Gap, where she works part-time. Apparently it is friends and family week, in addition to being tax-free weekend. And (the best part) Darcie at Such the Spot just sent me a Gap gift card that I had won a few weeks back (thank you, Darcie!). The timing could not be more perfect. I see some shopping in my very near future...and I am hoping to get a few things for myself instead of being tempted to spend it all on adorable clothes for Savannah.

I think I'm going to be taking a little blogging break next week. My life is in need of some prioritizing. I love too many things...my family, friends, reading, blogging, cooking. And sleeping, which is kind of a necessity. And while I do not love cleaning and laundry and exercise, those things factor into my day as well. Somewhere along the way I have gotten turned around, and I just need to take a week and figure it all out. I plan to go to the library today and stock up on books, which I haven't done in such a long time, and the thought is making me giddy with excitement.

So, I won't be posting next week, but I am quite certain that it would be impossible to tear myself completely away...I still have to keep up with you! I can't imagine coming back after a week and finding 700 (literally)new posts in my reader. So I'll pop in to visit as much as I can. And hopefully you all will hang in there with me....don't leave! I'll be back.

Have a great week, ya'll.