Happy Birthday to a Dear Friend!

Today is a very special day for my friend Janie. And special days deserve special gifts. The ladies and I came up with the idea of giving her a piece of jewelry. "What kind of jewelry?" we thought.

Since it's her big birthday, it must be something memorable. That's when the idea struck! Something in a blue box. Who doesn't LOVE getting a gift in a blue box?

Here's the beautiful birthday girl wearing her gift.

Since the moment I met Janie, I knew we'd be good friends. We met in junior high and have been friends since. She was insanely popular and everyone loved her. She had a casual, fun way about her that made people want to be around her. She still has that today. One of the things that I love most about Janie is her laugh. It is the most infectious laugh I have ever heard. It can still make me laugh until I cry, without even knowing what she's laughing about in the first place! We've come a long way since junior high and high school . She's now a married mom of three living an hour away. I can't say enough about how much she means to me. Her friendship has been invaluable over the years.

So, Janie, here's to a great 40 years. Looking forward to the next 40!!

I love you!

Little Known Shopping Tips

Did you know...

-that stores like J. Crew and Banana Republic will hem any full priced item for free. If you purchase an item that's on sale, they will charge you a small fee to hem it (usually around $8).

-that some stores will give you a discount with a AAA card. Gap Outlet in Wrentham offers 10% off your purchase with your AAA card.

-if you forget to print your coupon for Coach Outlet, don't worry, they hand them out when you walk in.

-that stores like The Children's Place will give you the coupon discount if you forget yours at home.

-if you want to place an online order for something that the actual store doesn't carry, you can often get free shipping, directly to your home