At the Outlet Mall...

Just a quick post tonight...mostly to let people know I haven't died or anything from the virus I had. I do, however, feel like I lost a whole week there, and used this weekend to make up for it. I pretty much did nothing in the way of decorating or putting things away in the apartment last week, but am now putting my "touch" on things and did a little shopping this weekend.

Speaking of shopping, my relocation has landed me exactly one mile from the largest outlet mall in Texas...which could be a very bad thing. This outlet is HUGE. In fact, it is actually two outlet malls...Tanger Outlet and Prime Outlet. I can't even venture a guess as to how much acreage this place takes up. And next weekend is "tax-free" weekend. Everyone can buy all clothing articles with no tax included. OMG, you have no idea what a frenzy this little event creates. Five years ago, I drove up from New Braunfels to take advantage of the deal. I kid you not, I drove around for a half hour before I could find a parking place. Then stood in line for at least another 30 minutes in each store. I swore to myself, "never again." I would gladly pay state tax not to have to go through that horrendous experience. In addition to Texas shoppers, I think about a million Mexico residents drive up for this pleasurable event which is evident from all the Mexico license plates in the parking lot.

Since I have been seriously lacking in taking pictures with my new camera, I decided to take it along just to experiment with different lightings a the outlet mall. Here's a view of the mall from one way...

And another...

Sidebar: About four years ago, they had a major hail storm that hit this place really hard...the hail was about the size of softballs. I wish I would have had a camera back then, because I drove by afterwards and the damage it did was incredible. All the clay tile roofs were ripped apart and thrown on the ground. It was a huge mess with damage in the millions.

Here's a little waterway they have in the new addition (they keep on adding stores). It used to have little gondolas that ran through it, but I think they must have done away with those.

My favorite store there is...

But I got there at 10:45 this morning and they don't open until 11:00, so I went a few stores up to Dooney & Bourke to pass some time. I'm not a big purse-buyer and usually keep one for a few years before I buy another. I liked this one because I thought it would make a good Isla purse with the umbrellas and flip-flops. If you click on the picture for a close-up, you'll see that the "sale" price is $124.00. I think I'll pass. I like the little homemade ones I've picked up on Isla better...for a LOT less.

See those tall beer glasses on the right? I was checking some dishes out, and saw this guy pick one up and say to his wife, "Hey, honey...I could just have ONE beer with this one! Hahaha!" Ten minutes later, I roamed back to the same area and a different guy picked one up and said the same exact thing to his wife. I'm not kidding. Must be a guy thing. Sidebar: You guys need to get together and come up with some more original jokes...ha!

Some pretty blue glasses...

Some pretty striped bowls...

Then I went to the Pottery Barn. You know, I would really like to like the Pottery Barn, but I honestly think it's WAY overpriced. Since I'm still looking for a few furniture pieces, I checked them out, but their original price for anything is like a million dollars, and their sales price is $3,000. Give me a break. Most of it is dirty and/or scratched. I really don't know how they sell anything. But the place was packed, so who knows?

On my way home, I stopped at a furniture place I had never visited before. This was definitely a Texas-oriented furniture store. I was really sorry I missed this when I was looking for a couch...(NOT)...

I'm looking for an easy chair next to my sofa...something small, but comfortable. What do you think of these??

What's with the fringe, for cryin' out loud?? But when I look at these, I can see myself sitting there in a huge dress made out of old drapes, swallowing some perfume and saying, "Rhett, oh, Rhett...there's always tomorrow!"

On a final note, here's a hint of what my new digs look like. I still need a few items, so I'm not going to post more yet. If I had a show on HGTV, I would suggest that you plan your decorating scheme around your pets...

Look how Nutter coordinates so well with the surrounding furnishings. The black and cream colorings in her fur mesh very well with the couch, carpet and decorative rug. And the greenish hue of her eyes make a good contrast with the coordinating pillows on the couch. Hahahaha! I'm kidding, of course. Actually, it's not a good thing, because there have been a few times when I couldn't find her and just couldn't see her on the rug...she blends right in and have almost stepped on her.

As for the camera, I am VERY impressed with the incredible clarity of the pictures. I'm looking forward to taking some "serious" pictures other than the outlet mall!