Changes...

I am so happy to report that after months of searching, my husband and I are both employed! Adam got a job working for a marketing company called Austin Lloyd Marking in beautiful downtown Fort Worth. He is doing web design and e-commerce site building... needless to say he is very happy. His office culture is very laid back so he can wear his Rainbows to work which makes him very happy! I can't remember if I mentioned that I am back working for the company that I worked for last year, Vantium Capital and am really happy with my position. I am so thankful that we finally are in the position to start the process of saving and looking for a house. We hope to purchase sometime in the next year and take advantage of the market. We are really interested in an area called North Richland Hills and after checking it out the other night, I am pretty much obsessed with living there one day. So... there are big changes in our lives and I am welcoming them with open arms! We shall see where we are in a year! I know a lot has changed for me this past year. I am extremely optimistic and thankful for the opportunities we have been given! P.S. Since Halloween is coming up I thought it appropriate to include a funny picture of Adam and I from a couple Halloween's back. Haha... Batman and Batgirl... dorks!

I Love My C-R-V.....

So last Friday I traded in my old car that was broken almost every month for a 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L! I am so happy to have the extra space! The back seats fold over, recline the whole bit. I have navi so I can find my way around Dallas and even leather inside! I got a great deal and had a very pleasant buying experience at McNapp Honda in Denton (unlike my experience the week before at David McDavid in Irving). I am so thankful and excited for my new car. Adam and Fancy both LOVE it. Later on this week Adam is going to take it in and get the ugly pin stripe removed along with the dealer advertisement on the back. Here are some pics! 

Back in the Saddle!

Man, it has been a busy week! I started work at the Strategic Resource Group consulting full time and so far it is going really well! I forgot how hard the adjustment to getting into a new routine can be. I have done some really fun stuff these past couple of weekends. Oktoberfest, the State Fair, and getting a new car (my goal is to have a new post with pictures on each but we shall see how far I get this week). Anywho, all is well in Dallas and I am so excited for the holiday season!  

Finally, Our Wedding Album is Done!

It took forever to finalize the design of our wedding album, but it is finished and on order. Our photographer William Innes was so amazing that we had over 1200 beautiful photos to chose from! It was so hard! Here's the link to view the album for all of you that I never see in person. Hope you like it! 

Ode to Summer...

As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start to change, I can't help but be grateful for the beginning of fall to a summer that seemed to never end! However, I had a great time this summer and wanted to take this opportunity to post pictures from the houseboat trip to Lake Powell my family took in July. This summer was great, but I am so ready for comfy sweaters! 

Captain Adam  

Me wakeboarding

Adam wakeboarding

Alissa spying

Mom and Sissy

Kayaking

Emily's fiance went spear fishing!

Beauty

Congratulations Austin and Jojo!

I am very pleased to announce that two of my dearest friends (and family) Austin Satterfield and Joanna Fuerte got married last weekend! Unfortunately we couldn't go (flights from Texas aren't cheap) but we heard it was beautiful! Joanna (the bride) sent me a couple pictures of the big day and she looked amazing. I miss them all so much, especially their son, Jayden Roo! I love that baby! He looks so cute in his suit! I just wanted to say that we love you guys and miss you! Come visit, and congrats again to the cutest family I know! 

A job's a job...

I thought I would give a little update on what's going on in me and Adam's lives. Well, we have both been tooling for jobs since we moved here and haven't had much luck. Adam got a contract job working for a graphic design company (basically doing projects as needed) and I have not heard back from ANY of the companies that I sent resumes to. But not all is bad. We have finally figured out a "plan" of what we both hope to accomplish. Adam is going to apply for the FBI so if he gets accepted he will have to go to training near Washington DC for like 3 months after which we could be sent anywhere in the country. Thus, I am applying for a job at Coach and am seriously considering getting my masters in family studies in hopes of becoming a family counselor. There is an online program that I want to apply for at Texas Woman's College that seems pretty good. So in the meantime, wish me luck with the Coach job and wish Adam luck with the FBI! Love and miss you all! 

Clinique, Que Magnifique!

Like many woman I had been on the constant hunt for the best skin care line. I have gone from Proactiv to Chanel and back, and spent hundreds of dollars, all in the pursuit of "face stuff" that worked. At first I believed the more expensive the product, the better. In my experience, this did not turn out to be the case. Getting to my point I have finally found the answer: the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System. I randomly decided to pick up some new face wash and I had a gift card to Macy's so I went looking and Clinique was having some crazy sale and free gift thing, so I picked some up. Wow. This stuff works. There are several different formulas depending on your skin type, and it only takes a few minutes to get that super clean fresh feeling after washing, toning, and moisturizing with some great products. I wanted to share this with you all and highly recommend the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. It is AMAZING! If you go to the Clinique website (here) you can order a 3-Step introductory set to try it out for only $25! This includes cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. You can also get free shipping with this online coupon code: GLOW2008G. Try it out! I love it and can actually afford to keep buying it! 

Fancy the Wonder Dog!

So I had been stressing out about getting Fancy (my mini Pomeranian and precious angel) spayed because I have an unhealthy obsession with this dog and was worried she would die during surgery because she is so small (I'm a freak, I realize). I finally took the plunge and took her on Monday. I was a wreck the entire time she was gone and got little sleep Monday when she spent the night at the vet. Anywho, we go to pick her up on Tuesday and the little pickle acts as if nothing happened! She jumped off the couch even! I was expecting a very pitiful little puppy that needed 24 hour care. I was literally prepared to sleep next to her crate (again, I realize I'm a freak). I am so amazed that she was her normal self after getting her uterus cut out! Many thanks to the staff at Southlake Animal Hospital, you did a superb job. Anyways, she is doing wonderfully and doesn't even have to wear a cone. I am so thankful that her surgery went so well that I though I would post a pic of me and my little bug.  

Slick Deals on the Net

Dear Reader, if you have not yet discovered www.slickdeals.net you must become savvy. I love this website because it features deals, coupon codes, sales, specials, price mistakes, etc. for lots of different retailers from Amazon to Sephora. Any time I have something that I would like to pick up (new... digital camera for example) I ask Adam is he has seen anything on slickdeals. Chances are he has (since he checks every day and I don't). There are some pretty unbelievable deals on this site and they usually include the codes for free shipping with online purchases. Go check it out! 

Well Gosh, It's Been a While...

Ok so here is the Reader's Digest "condensed version" of what the last month of my life has been like: As some of you may know, Adam and I were considering a move to Florida. Alas, that didn't work out so we decided to move to Dallas. We had about a week to pack and prepare before we had to leave for a houseboat trip with the family to Lake Powell. After all the packing we drove to the river house, and then all the way to Page, Arizona to get on the houseboat. This trip could not have come at a better time. It was really great to spend time with everyone before the big move, not to mention we had a blast! When the trip came to an end we drove to Phoenix and spent some time with Adam's family and our friends before taking the plunge... driving all the way to Southlake, Texas... our new home. To answer your questions: Yes, it took almost 18 hours of straight driving and YES, we are crazy! Anywho, we are here now living with my sister and her husband for now in their beautiful home until we find a place of our own (not to mention jobs!) So... there is my explanation for my absence as of late. Pictures of houseboat trip and new surroundings to follow! 

Swanky Slumber-Wear... on Sale!

So the other day I was in the mood for some swanky pjj's and found some fabulous Ralph Lauren pajamas at Macy's for about $60. I had a gift card so I wasn't too stressed about spending that for something that I would essentially spend the majority of the time wearing in the dark (they were cute and I wanted them... sue me). They are striped, have adorable

RLP initials embroidered over the left side, are light weight and great for summer. Needless to say I was happy about my purchase until I saw very similar Ralph Lauren pj's at T.J. Maxx for half of the price! Here they are at Macy's. The ones at T.J. are very similar, not the same... which is why I bought those too! Go pick them up. I love them (but don't be retarded and buy them at T.J. Maxx, come on no one will know!) 

Taking the Plunge: What Designer Bags to Invest in and Why

There comes a day when every girl just needs a genuine designer handbag. Whether you saved up or irresponsibly just put it on the credit card you swore off, there are some things you should take into account to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

When I get a designer handbag there are 5 qualifications I take into account before making my purchase.

1. Is the price reasonable (enough)
Is the bag...
2. Classic
3. Versatile
4. Durable
5. Functional

If you keep these characteristics in mind you will not be let down by your purchase and will enjoy your bag for longer (than just one season). With that being said, I picked a few designer bags from some of my favorite designers that embody these 5 qualifications. They are reasonably priced (for the brand), are a nice classic design that will last throughout the years, can be used for many occasions, will hold up well, and will work well for your everyday life.

Marc Jacobs

Now this is not a typical handbag, it is a clutch/case which is absolutely essential for going out on the town. Thus, I recommend this fantastic little Marc Jacobs for only $260!
Coach

Coach is usually pretty reasonable and most of their bags are cute. I particularly like the the Madeline Medium Signature Tote is perfect for you "Charlotte" types. It is very prim and can be perfectly matched to any outfit with an adorable sash as shown. I might buy it for only $328!

Louis Vuitton

I have to admit that LV is one of my favorite designers. I think this is because my first designer bag was a LV. I recommend the Speedy bag. Its roomy, and a classic design that will never go out of style. Priced at $660 it is more than reasonable for a bag you will carry forever!
Gucci

I love Gucci. Every season the come out with the most fabulous bags and it is so tempting to buy the latest trendy bag. This will be a waste of money. I recommend the Hysteria Medium Shoulder Bag. It is priced well for Gucci at just $750 and would be a good investment for any Gucci lover.
Prada

A Prada bag is an understated display of posh sophistication. No geek off the street can recognize a Prada bag right away, which is how you know its good! I love the Medium Push Lock Bag at $930 its practically a steal.
Dior

Now, Dior can be a tricky one. Most of their bags are super trendy and are only good for a season. Not to mention they are stupidly expensive, However their Lady Dior Soft Tote is cute and is only $1350.
Man this makes me want to shop... damn. Hope you can.

Pure Opulence, a Real Estate MUST SEE!

I have never seen anything like this home. I really do not have the words do describe it. If you have $72,000,000 to spend on some choice real estate (since so many of us do), this is the place. Please see this ridiculous spread. Pay special attention to the "closet". I almost died. 

Shout Out to my Frugal Friend

As I mentioned in a previous post, my friend Kari writes a blog (sorta the ying to my yang) "The Art of Frugality" where she discusses the "Freegan" lifestyle and more practical things to save money on then the things I discuss here on Opulence. Anywho, from time to time we have complimentary ideas and I plan on sharing any ideas featured on her blog that you, dear reader might enjoy. So, here is the link. Please read and enjoy. The post that I would like to point out is entitled, "e.l.f., more than just a mythical creature". I will not spoil the surprise for you, suffice to say, its worth the read. 

Highway Robbery, what I like to call the Swarovski Crystal Flip Flops

Yeah, so the blinged out Swarovski Crystal flip flops are cute but this is what they are going for:
In case you can't read that below it says $145!!! I find this to be outrageous. I had been eying a similar pair at a local boutique for a similar price and almost took the plunge. Then I came to my senses and realized that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to make them yourself. I went to my local bead shop. picket up 2 grosses of crystals in my choice color, costing me around $14, and picked up some flip flops at Old Navy for around $3. I bought some heavy duty craft glue that ran me somewhere in the ballpark of $6 and went to town. You can see the similar results for a total cost of about $23 (top, beige). Bottom line, all you need is a steady hand and some time to achieve the same results. It took me about 3 hours to bling both flip flops with 3 rows of crystals on each strap. I always encourage bejeweling items yourself. Its cheaper and fun! So bling on. 

Inspiration for "Opulence"

So I never thought I would be one to blog, although I did always see the appeal. You can create your own little world where you actually feel like people really give a damn about what you have to say. I can dig it. However, my true inspiration came from my friend who started a blog (this must be a cliche' by now) called "The Art of Frugality". We have talked in depth about her ideas to save money by creative means (many of which I brutally rebuffed, sorry...) but turns out, it quite an interesting read. This got me thinking, perhaps I should start a blog honoring those primal desires of ours (despite her new found appreciation for frugality, she too is an Opoholic) while paying homage to all the things we wish we could have, but can't while offering some tips on how to mimic the fabulosity, or find it for less. So, thank you Kari, for inspiring me to be proactive and not just shit on other people's ideas. Link to her blog to follow.