Black Friday Breakdowns

I don't do Black Friday (at least not the traditional way). Throughout the year, I get the majority of things I need/want at majorly discounted prices (thrift stores, flash designer sale sites, eBay, etc.). While I'm fully nocturnal and love to shop, the idea of losing my life in a Black Friday twilight stampede at the local mall is nightmare-inducing. While you won't catch me being interviewed for the 4 am news about how I just have to grab that last 60" television, I do partake in cyber shopping. All the sales and none of the crowds, you say? Yes, please. But one thing the crazed Black Friday brick and mortar shoppers have over the digital divas is that the mall can actually accommodate "heavy traffic" (if you don't mind a splitting headache and the risk of being smothered to death).

After I successfully ordered a few discounted candles from Bath and Body Works online, I electronically tiptoed over to Sephora but was greeted with the lovely little messages that I captured above and below. The site crashed. While others were probably having panic attacks as to whether or not they would be able to snatch that perfect shade of lipstick for the holiday season, I was cool with it. I already ordered a few packages this month from the beauty mecca (the early shopaholic gets the UPS man first). I needed absolutely nothing from Sephora but am always tempted to buy something new.

While the websites are crashing and you're thinking of putting the keys in the ignition and taking it back to the '90s to shop the old fashioned way- reconsider. Maybe the universe is doing you (and your wallet) a favor!

Now Playing: "Collect Call" by Metric

Guilt from Gilt?

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have accumulated a pretty nice collection of designer handbags. But like any addict, one more never sounds like a bad idea. Since joining Gilt Groupe a couple years ago, I have developed a habit of online shopping. The merchandise and sales are often too good to pass up. The result- lunches spent snatching up anything that looks luxe. My most recent purchase was a few hours ago. I purchased Botkier's Howard Street Satchel in iris. It should arrive sometime next week. I've been lusting after this particular shade of blue leather for the past couple of seasons. It was only a matter of time before I came across a design and price point that would satisfy me. This will be my first Botkier purchase and I hope it won't disappoint. I think it will be the perfect pop of color to pair with light denim cut-offs, neutral blouses or a solid black ensemble. Needless to say, I'm excited to get my bag but I do have a bit of guilt from all of my Gilt purchases. The sales are just too good to be true. It almost seems like I'm sinning. But as long as my wallet isn't empty, my heart is still full. The new addition:

If you have yet to experience the thrill of a flash designer sale, sign-up for Gilt today! My exclusive invitation: http://www.gilt.com/invite/kristaselene




Now Playing: "The Zephyr Song" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

NEW RULE: SURVEY SAYS

NEW RULE: Stop asking me to fill out your company's quality assurance survey when I'm online shopping during work hours. I'm not interested in the chance to win a $10 gift card off my next purchase of $100 or more. I'm paying you to send me what I'm too lazy to drive to the mall to get. Your job is to not ask any questions.

2011 Astrological Guide!

This afternoon, Sydney Omarr's 2011 Astrological Guide for Aquarius arrived in the mail! If you know me well, you know that I love astrology. I have always been drawn to it but over the past few years, I have studied it further. I had last year's edition and loved it so much that I had to get it again. It provides a daily horoscope along with a ton of valuable information on the planetary positions and moon phases. Fascinating!

I was excited to read that Jupiter is in Aries in 2011. This is great news for Aquarians. The book said that 2011 is the perfect time to write a book, blog or communicate with people in a tangible way. My goal for this year is to complete my book, blog regularly and start my YouTube channel. The stars are aligned!

Speaking of my book, I am really proud of my progress during this first week of writing! I have about 2,000 words completed and hope to finish my first chapter today or tomorrow! I have read what I have so far to my sister and cousin and both really responded to the material. This made me so happy! :)

I'm expecting a few more things in the mail this week. I'll be writing beauty blogs on those goodies, so be sure to keep a lookout for the new posts!

Love,
Krista

#Now Playing: "The Cave" by Mumford & Sons