You've Got Mail Mondays

There might be a law that says you can't post You've Got Mail Monday so close to the start of Tuesday, but alas, I couldn't help it today.

Last week was catalog week. I guess all those vendors want me to spend some money. Oriental Trading's Fun & Faith catalog arrived early on. I usually order craft type items from them for church and home. We also use this catalog as inspiration to create some of our own crafts for Vacation Bible School.

An L.L. Bean catalog also came in. I loved the cover on this one. It was set outdoors (as is typical). A fisherman carrying a string of trout (?) made it back to camp carrying two fishing poles and a sleeping child. He has a smile on his face. The angry wife in her flannel shirt and jeans is standing there with raised eyebrows and hands firmly planted on her hips. Based upon the stars we can assume he's late bringing supper home. L.L. Bean is celebrating its centennial with a sweepstakes. In addition, if you place an order for $50 or more, you get a FREE $10 gift card.

Land's End loved me so much they sent two catalogs: one women's, one men's. I love the look of their new Parker Knotted Espadrille, but I would be hard pressed to spend $60 on them.  These Chino Shorts are nice, and I really liked their Slim Stretch Crop Pants. Inside was a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more. It's good through April 15th, so I might take advantage of that.

One Hanes Place also sent me a catalog.  They are a good place to buy undergarments and hosiery. In addition to those items, I've bought a limited amount of clothing from them, but I find their sizes run a bit big on me.

The most exciting catalog came from Proven Winners. Not sure how I ended up receiving this one, but I love the gardening ideas inside. This issue talked about discovering your style and offered ideas--with beautiful color pictures--for each type of style. Gardener P. Allen Smith shares his recommendations for annuals, perennials and shrubs. This issue also talked about one of favorite shade loving plants--the hosta--and how to create a successful container garden.

The one book that arrived last week was Blue Eyes by Jerome Charyn. It's an older paperback edition. Charyn is touring with it in May with Tribute Books.

My last interesting piece of mail came from Somers Academy: The Grammar School. The Head of School is Cynthia Flynn. She used to be owner and director at my girls' preschool. I was sad to see it close, but it certainly looks like Cindy has done well. I'm so excited for her. I can't think of a more dedicated educator of young minds. I've been considering Somers Academy for the Lil Princess (8) since I discovered Cindy is there. Cost is a factor. The drive is also a challenge. It's half an hour away. Not a big deal, but the bus doesn't come here until 8 AM right now, so I'm not sure I could swing it.

That's it from here. Hope you have a blessed week.

You've Got Mail Mondays

I guess the mailman felt he needed to make up for last week, because I got a slew of stuff.

Two catalogs from Land's End arrived--women's and men's. They are currently running a Family & Friends Event that includes 25% off on regularly-priced items and free shipping. But hurry, it ends tomorrow.

Macy's sent me a 16-page catalog for women. It included a VIP Pass for an extra 20% off regular, sale and clearance apparel for her, him and kids, fine and fashion jewelry and select home items. The VIP sale runs from March 7th - 11th so I might see if I can find some pants I desperately need. I love their clothes, but I don't shop there often because I can't afford to. If it's not on sale, I don't buy it.

The hubby and I actually went there this weekend to exchange an overcoat I had bought him for Valentine's Day. Macy's has marked down their winter items, plus we had a coupon for an additional 25% off, so we ended up paying $120 for a Calvin Klein Coleman overcoat (pictured above) that was originally priced $350. Cha-ching!

I hid the Justice® catalog when it arrived on Tuesday. This is another store with products I love at prices I don't feel comfortable paying all the time. What I love most about Justice is that their clothes are fashionable, but modest. I think the Lil Diva (10) will love the multi-color gem sandals below.

Oriental Trading® sent their Fun and Faith catalog last week too. We use them at church for craft and Vacation Bible School supplies.

When I received my gardening packet a few weeks ago, I requested a catalog from Fancy Leaf Caladiums. I was a bit surprised when a folding brochure arrived. I was expecting something larger. We have partial shade to shade on one side of the house and I want to add a bit more color on that side. These caladiums look like they might do the trick. I had tried Bleeding Hearts once, but they expanded too quickly. I'm thinking the Fannie Munson or Rosalie would be a nice addition to the garden.

Has anyone grown these? Do you have any tips?

For books, I received Project Jackalope by Emily Ecton and Tua and the Elephant by R.P. Harris. These came to me unsolicited from Chronicle Books. I don't usually read books that come to me without a formal request placed, but I like Chronicle Books, so I might give them a whirl. Also in the mail came Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard, which I am reading for her VBT.

On the local front, The Wilbraham-Hampden Times that comes on Thursdays, had an article about the new Head of School at Somers Academy in Somersville, CT. Cynthia Flynn used to run the preschool our daughters' attended. I was heartbroken when it closed (though my girls were in grammar school at the time). I am so thrilled for Miss Cindy. She's a dedicated educator and I'm sure she'll do a fabulous job there. We're considering private school for the Lil Princess (8) because she is farther advanced than her classmates and is finding school a bit boring. Her current school has offered her enrichment opportunities, but I think private schooling is the way to ensure she remains challenged.

That's it for now. I already had a neat book arrive today that I am eager to share with you next week.