Because...I don't!

Recently, I have learned that men like women who cook, or at least women who have a fridge with the basic staples. You can play it off like you just don’t have time to cook and that is why you don’t keep salt and pepper in your pantry, or just act as if you can cook anything, or that you just haven’t had anyone to cook for!  Rule number 1, don’t ever let them know you really cannot cook! It is a mistake, trust me.

Rule number 2, never leave them alone in the kitchen if you use your oven for extra storage and struggle to keep anything other than string cheese and milk in the fridge! Trust me- I have made that mistake. Create a diversion- anything to keep your secret from being revealed! Also, random side note, but if you feel you need to work out, get off of your rear-end and go work out already. Do not fish for your new man’s opinion and then be disappointed when he gives you the nicest honest answer possible. Regardless, it doesn’t really matter at the end of the day if you can cook or put on a few extra pounds as long as you are happy with who you are and feel good.

Just my thoughts for today! So, for now I am off to the grocery store to buy a few essentials including: Parmesan cheese, Goat cheese, bottled water, eggs, spinach, and pepper (with a grinder on the top). Those are essentials right? Wish me luck!

Happy shopping,

Abby Fender- Your Bargain Buddy and Personal Shopping Material Girl

The Wilshire Spa

This place is amazing. I decided I needed to treat myself last night around 8:30 PM after a long exhausting day at work, and it dawned on me that The Wilshire Spa was open 24 hours. I called them and asked if they could schedule a massage for me at 9:00PM and they were happy to accommodate  me for the service and any other services I requested.

I rushed over to Korea town and thought, “am I nuts going to a Korean spa at 9:00PM on a Saturday night?” Well, maybe I am, but my craziness paid off! I arrived and was given a plastic basket, my wrist band with the electronic key, a robe, and two towels.  I like to go a little bit early to enjoy the sauna or steam room prior to my massage.  Here is a little disclaimer- if you are bashful in any way shape or form, The Wilshire Spa might not be the place for you as bathing suits are not allowed and nudity is pretty much a requirement.

For $20.00 unlimited access to all of the facilities amenities, and $55.00 for an hour massage that is out of this world- I will take it all off!  I figure, “When in Rome…”.  Also, the men’s and women’s spas are in two separate facilities, and the staff is very professional.  Plus, you have the robe and towels to keep you covered.

My massage was amazing.  Granted the women do not really speak English, but they will let you know when to roll over, sit up, or stay- not like a dog obviously.  Anyhow, you start out face-down and she covers you with a towel. Then removes the towel and covers your entire body with loads of hot oil.  I had not remembered her climbing on top of the table the last time I visited, but that was two years ago.  She uses her body weight to massage your back and shoulders. What I cannot figure out is how she balances as the tables are covered in plastic and the hot oil is very slippery.  I guess they have their ways.  So, for a good 30 minutes she works on your legs, feet, hands, arms, back, buttocks…well you get the picture.  Then it is time to roll over.  She covers your “secret” with a towel and then massages your entire front including your chest- another disclaimer.  Just pretend you are French and that it is totally normal, and you will be fine.  My favorite part is the cucumber face mask.  She massages your face first with cooled lotion and wraps your hair in a towel. Then, proceeds to cover every inch of your face with actual mashed up cucumbers that feel amazing on your face as they are ice cold and very refreshing.  She wraps a towel over the mask while she then massages your scalp and then washes your hair.  The last step is the milk bath.  She removes the mask, ties your hair, and then covers you in warmed milk. She has you sit-up and pours some in your hands to apply to your face.  It was at this point I had to ask what the white stuff was, and she responded “milk.” Well, whatever, it does a body good I guess.  At this point she tells you to go shower and your skin feels amazingly soft and your body completely refreshed.

For more information, visit their website and enjoy The Wilshire Spa!

-Abby Fender

Your Bargain Buddy

My little baby boy! The Smiley one.

My darling-but stubborn one!

If you are like me, I am sure your little furry friends are more than just your dogs, rather your babies. Well, everyone knows that spoiling your dog/child will only result in BAD behavior and no one wants that! So, I have found several “healthy” ways to spoil your pampered pooch, while setting boundaries and keeping you in control at all times.

TRAINING: Make it a game! Get them really excited anytime you are about to work on tricks, commands, and new behaviors. I have two Yorkshire Terriers, who have a few bad behaviors we are working on, but they both have basic obedience training and LOVE to do tricks for their treats!!

WATCH AND LEARN: I have taken the time to watch “It’s Me or The Dog,” as well as “The Dog Whisperer.” Both of these shows teach YOU great new TRICKS, and help you realize that the dog’s behavior is a direct result of your behaviors. Give your doggy a break and focus on the progress, rather than the old, problematic behaviors.  This will keep you both excited and motivated!

DOG BED HEAVEN: I always let my dogs sleep with me, but as of late, I have decided that I need to rethink this decision. Not only are my dogs NOT housebroken after 4 years, but they have started waking me up every morning, so that I get on their schedule! No more!

HOUSE BREAKING: One of the most difficult feats for myself and I would suspect about a million of other dog owners. So, I have decided to crate train both of my dogs. Here is the good news, while I absolutely hate the thought of stashing my little “love bugs” in an iron crate, I realize it will not only give me freedom to take my dogs over to visit friends, but I will also save hundreds of dollars not buying pee pads, fabric, carpet, wood, and tile cleaners, and no more replacing the carpet, slipcovers, BED SHEETS, because my little ones just don’t understand the concept of “holding it.”

Check out more doggy products in the Fun Links tab!

Good luck and have fun,

Abby Fender- Your Bargain Buddy and Personal Shopping Material Girl

My Favorite Vintage Clothing Sources Online and Los Angeles!

1. Shareen Vintage Downtown

Shareen Mitchell, owner of Shareen Vintage Downtown, has become a pretty well-known secret among local stylists, celebs, and L.A. local fashionistas, but beyond that- not too many people know about her amazing vintage finds.  Shareen is more than vintage- she follows fashion and trends, and will slightly modify the clothing to mirror the runway trends while still keeping the vintage integrity.  What I absolutely love about this place is that you will never see two of any piece.  Every item I have purchased at Shareen’s has been a unique amazing piece I never want to get rid of and I always get compliments when I wear Shareen! The absolute best part about it- I have never seen a dress priced over $100.00.  She keeps it affordable and fun.  It’s not fun to shop and then feel guilty about the money you spent on clothes you cannot afford. Wear a slip or leotard if you are shy, because there are no dressing rooms, and get there early! Girls are usually lined up at the door by 9:30 AM Saturday morning.  Most importantly, have fun!!! Say hi to Shareen and let her style you as she has an amazing eye and worked at Vogue Magazine for years. She is one of the most talented stylists in the city, so take advantage if you get the opportunity.

1721 North Spring Street  Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 276-6226

For more info check out my Resource Rolodex

2. Sydney Curtis – Aireheart Jewelry

Sydney Curtis has been in fashion forever! She is the epitome of the glamourous old Hollywood used to be, and grew up in a very Hollywood household.  What does that mean to those of us who, well, grew up in a place like Tyler, TX? Think of those old black and white movies MGM used to produce, where the women’s clothing was gorgeous at all times and the men were always tall, dark, and handsome! Sydney’s collections seem to always directly reflect her childhood growing up in glitz and glam of the Hollywood days.  I like to think of her pieces as Coco Chanel Vintage. I own several Sydney pieces and I wear them with jeans and a blazer as well as black tie gowns.  She is so incredibly talented and her jewelry is like no other.  She designs them and has them assembled and before you know it, they are on display in her pied de terre ready to take home in the vintage Cartier leather boxes.  Ugh! I wish I could go shopping right now!

Schedule your appointment with Sydney by contacting her via facebook

3. Decades

Office Organization-Make It Simple-Realsimple!

Tonight I realized with the help of a friend that I am a total “Elle Woods” when it comes to office organization and supplies. I think there is something very classy and beautiful about great notebooks, pens, stationary, and creating a beautiful, interesting, and functional work space. Here are some of my favorite finds at some amazing prices!!!

Portable File Tote in Turquoise!

Portable File Tote

Bring your file cabinet with you. This tote has a durable exterior, file folders, and an easy-to-carry handle.

To buy: $30, Target, target.com for store locations.

Portable Planning Calendar with Stickers!!

Portable Planning Calendar With Stickers

Create your own calendar organizing system with 18 customizable labels and month-at-a-glance grids. Comes with 560 repositionable, color-coded labels and 18 monthly, dated grids.

To buy: $15, Target, target.com for store locations.

Flexible Planning Calendar with Stickers! My Fav!!!

Flexible Planning Calendar With Stickers

Available in a pre-dated and an undated version, this calendar comes with 560 reusable labels in four colors.

To buy: $11, Target, target.com for store locations, and Mead, mead.com.

Flexible Card Wheel

Card Wheel

Clear pockets in this portable organizer make it easy to browse and locate contacts.

To buy: $7, Target, target.com for store locations, and Mead, mead.com.

When You’re Done at Target, Hop on Over To The Container Store and Enjoy The Sale!!!

Safari Letter-Sized File Folders $4.99 reg. $5.99

Safari Letter-Size Interior File Folders

File with style! These colorful, patterned Letter-Size Interior File Folders make organizing more fun! Made from premium, heavyweight coated card stock, they feature 1/3 cut tabs and coordinate beautifully with our Letter-Size Hanging File Folders and Letter-Size Interior File Folders.

• Premium, heavyweight 0.5 mm coated card stock
• 1/3 cut tabs
• Each package of six folders includes two of each pattern

Made in the USA

Mini- 3-ring Binder

Mini Three-Ring Binder Black & White Floral

7″ x 9″ h

Price: $15.99 Each

The Container Store

Mini Paper Pockets

6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″

$11.99 Each

Sarah Pinto Notebook $12.00 eachSemikolon Organizing Box $42.00 each

Bella Leather Expandable Tote $96.00 each

Bella Document Envelope $55.00 each

Gloss Business Card Holder $3.00 each

Marvel Carry-All Bag $72.00

Moonsus Gallery Laptop Case $318.00 each

Mesh Zipper Bag Set $10.00 each

See Jane Work Basics Magazine Holder $14.00 each

Dot Calculator $12.00 each

Folle 26 Stapler $78.00 each

Minor Emergency Kits $6.00 each

Sew Chic Emergency Kit $10.00 each

Sew Chic Emergency Kit $10.00 each

Staple Free Stapler

Clip-On Label Holder Set $10.00

See Jane Work Basic Notebook Paper $8.00 each

Semikolon Slim 1.75" 3-Ring Binder $15.00

See Jane Work Basics Financial Organizer $10.00 each

See Jane Work Basics Financial Organizer $10.00 each

Punctuated Page Markers $10.00