SmartyPants~Teen Resale

What's on your bucket list?

2009-03-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

I recently attended a small group study called "Live Like You Were Dying" by Gary Smalley. The study was written in part based on the country song with the same title by Tim Mc Graw.

The idea was to imagine that we only had 30 days to live...what would we do differently in our lives? The study encouraged us to figure out what is important in our lives. We talked about loving deeper, speaking sweeter, and giving forgiveness more freely.

We've also talked a lot about our "bucket lists" what would we do if we found out we were about to kick the bucket?

Go ahead, just write whatever pops into your head, what would you do if you found out you only had 30 days to live?

Now compare your bucket list with your to-do list for the day, I'd guess you will not find the same item on both lists.

Why is that? Why do we fret over the economy and fuss over all the millions of things we think we need to get done all at once on a daily basis. There really is no guarantee of a tomorrow for any of us, boy, are we wasting time living as if the future is all we have.

Tonight when I get home from work, I guarantee there will be a full sink of dirty dishes, at least 3 loads of laundry to do, and a stack of bills that need to be paid, but I'm going home and sitting outside. I plan to let the sunshine warm my heart. I will sit at the table with my family long after we've finished eating just laughing and listening to my crazy children's stories. I will hug my husband and make him sit next to me on the couch for a while.

The laundry the dishes and the bills will wait...I'm gonna make sure the people in my life that I love dearly know it today....

It's time for SmartyPants to say good bye!

2009-02-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

I won't beat around the bush...SmartyPants is closing it's doors on April 30, 2009.

April 4 will mark our 5th year in the business, and it has been a great 5 years! We've made new friends from all over the region, and YOU are the thing we will miss the most!

Pictured here are my mother in law and her son, my husband (taken MANY years ago!). This summer our family will be moving to Florida to spend more time with her. She is a dear lady, if you knew her, you would understand why we want to move closer to her. Oh, and did I mention that it is sunny and warm in Florida? Hasn't this been a loooooong winter?!

To Do List

Today: go through your spring/summer stuff and get it into SmartyPants quickly. We will be accepting clothing until April 1st business as usual.

Between April 1st and 13th: you will be welcome to pick up any unsold items during this time. Just give us a quick call the day you are coming to pick up your items, and we will have them ready for you.

April 13-18: 50% off all items in the shop
April 20-25: 75% off all items in the shop
April 27-30: bag sale begins with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the Women's Crisis Center of DeMotte.

Please stop by the shop to pick up any money that may be left on your account. It's your money, and we want you to have it!

Check your email regularly for updates and reminders. The last weeks have been crazy around here with the best spring and summer stuff we've ever seen being consigned every day, and new things will be hitting the floor every day until the clearance sales begin.

I'm not saying good bye just yet, so.....

See ya at the shop!
xoxoCathy

well, it's 0 degrees...

2009-02-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

but I want to share my very favorite summer fun recipe with you. When I'm going someplace where I want to impress people with the food I bring, I always bring this appetizer. It gets rave reviews, and sometimes I print out some copies of the recipe because I know everyone will ask me for the recipe once they taste it.

Annie's Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

INGREDIENTS
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor

10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.

Once at a girls only dinner party I served chicken and cheese quesadillas, spanish rice, chips and salsa, margaritas, and fruit salsa with cinnamon chips for dessert. It was a delightful summer meal and everyone raved over the food which was pretty easy to put together, my favorite menu....easy and tasty!

Enjoy!!

people think I'm crazy...

2009-02-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

and they are right, I can be a little nuts at times! Ever since I opened SmartyPants 5 years ago I hear the comments, "shorts in January?" and "bathing suits already?!". Yep, that's right....not only do we start a "resort wear" rack in January, but stuff sells off of it every single day.

Indiana has suffered a LONG cold and snowy winter this year, the worst I can remember, and the groundhog saw his shadow this morning which means 6 more weeks of winter...why am I not surprised?! The fact that we've been weighed down by layers upon layers of clothing for months is making shoppers more anxious than ever to start getting that spring and summer wardrobe started. Hey we can dream that it might warm up soon, right?!

I find myself looking to brighter colors too when shopping. By this time in the winter season, I am always soooo sick of my black sweaters, practical as they may be, it's time for a little color in life. The displays at SP are bright, tank tops, capri pants, and summer bags, come on in and start building your summer closet, and quick before everyone finds out we've got the cutest stuff!

Teens do amazing things!

2009-01-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking I'm smarter than my kids. Yes, I do know more about some things than they do, mostly from life experiences, but overall, I admit it, they are smarter than me.

When we computerized SmartyPants I nearly pulled my hair out trying to get everything to work together. I should have thought of it sooner, ask a kid. My 16 year old came in, talked to tech support, and had the whole thing up and running in an hour. Amazing.

Kids know how build websites, and how to work those pesky ipods way better than I ever will. Oh I can learn how to do things, but I love the way teens work at things with no fear. Me, I'm scared to death that I will wipe out all my information and my computer will burst into flames if I try to do anything to "techy".

And don't ever sit and watch an episode of "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" with my kids...Yes, they are smarter than a fifth grader, me? not so much! And boggle...those little stinkers seem to find every single word all the grown ups do, and then a few more. They beat us every single time!

My daughter Ashley made a music video to a country song as her film literature class final. When I watched it, I was just blown away. She is my kid so I am biased, but I'm amazed that they learn so quickly about camera angles, and such!

I really enjoyed watching it, maybe you will to. Keep in mind that this same kid is moving away to college this summer, so maybe I'm just feeling emotional! Ashley is the girl at the end leaving for college....there goes my life....

Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkH3N6O5FaU&feature=channel_page

Something Surprised me this week!

2008-12-31T09:11:00.001-08:00

I'll just admit it, no one brought stuff in for the few weeks before Christmas. It was maddening, and it scared me to death thinking you all forgot about us!

So, I ran an ad in the paper, did you see it?
It said:

"Clean your closet and let SmartyPants
turn the clothes you no longer wear
into COLD HARD CASH!"

Yipee, the day after Christmas alone 16 new consignors brought clothes, shoes and purses in. We even got 2 authentic coach purses which sold the first day we put them out!

What surprised me was the comments the girls who were bringing clothes in made:
"Wow, this is easy!"
"I thought I would need an appointment"
"You mean everything doesn't need to be on hangers?!"
"This is so awesome!"

I guess I just assumed everyone knew how easy we make it for you at SmartyPants, in case you didn't know...

No appointment needed
Bring in your stuff anytime that we are open
We can donate the items we do not accept
You can just drop it off and walk out, no need to sit and wait while we look thru everything
Just fold your stuff neatly and put it in a tote or laundry basket, we'll transfer it into our tote, give yours back, and you'll be on your merry way.

My daughter cleaned out her closet right before Christmas and has over $1o0 on her account, just enough to buy that new phone she's been wanting. Consigning at SmartyPants is by far the easiest money you'll make.

So, get in your closet today and start making a big pile of stuff you don't wear anymore then bring it to SP. We are accepting spring clothing starting right now; sandals, capri pants, tank tops etc., and we always need jeans, hoodies, & t-shirts.

See ya at the shop!!

Guess what I found at Wal Mart?!

2008-12-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Let's just say Wal Mart is not my favorite shopping destination. Low prices, yes. Relaxing, inviting shopping experience, ummm no. Sam Walton's heirs get way too many of my hard earned dollars as it is, but Christmas baking season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing...a Wal Mart run.

So, I cruised the parking lot looking for an empty space, found one, pulled in, stepped my foot into an ankle deep ice and slush puddle, soaking my shoe, sock, and the bottom of my jeans. The shopping trip was off to a great start.

Crummy attitude in place, I headed to the entrance, and was greeted by a grown woman in a full Santa suit, ringing the Salvation Army bell, dancing around, and singing, laughing, and yelling Merry Christmas to each shopper as they passed by. You can not pass by this woman without a smile spreading across your face! I laughed out loud and she threw her arm around me and said "Merry Christmas Honey" in my ear. Tears sprung to my eyes...where does this volunteer bell ringer, in the freezing cold, get such joy?!As I pushed my cart thru the produce section, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I'd guess her life isn't all that great, but she's just decided to make the best of it. God Bless her!

The buzz of my "santa" encounter was quickly fading as I manuevered thru the masses of people doing their shopping. Then I saw a little old lady pushing her husband in a wheel chair. I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and wondered how that little woman came up with the strength to push that chair around big ole Wal Mart.

I smiled at her, and as she passed me she asked, "hey do you like my shoes?!" I looked down and she was wearing crocs-those rubber shoes everyone says are so comfortable...one green one and one red one. I laughed again, and told her I loved them. Another human, despite her hardship, passing joy onto a complete stranger. Hmmm

What I did not find at Wal Mart was Chex cereal for the Chex mix I needed to make, what I did find, most unexpectedly, was Christmas Joy, right there in Wal Mart.Yes, the economy is in the toilet, Chicago politics are corrupt, and there is another big snow storm on it's way to the area, but in a week we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

I'm gonna try my best to spread some Christmas joy. I don't plan to dance aound the entrance at Wal Mart, or wear 2 different colored crocs, but I will be thankful, I will smile, I will whistle a merry tune, and I will go out of my way to spread joy. Wanna join me?

By the way I did find Chex cereal at Tysen's for only $1 more per box than Wal Mart, you gotta try the recipe on the back of the chocolate chex cereal box, it's delicious and easy:
Click here for the recipe and more yummy snack recipes: http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=44440&CategoryId=342

P.S. Aldi in Crown Point has milk on sale for $1.99 and wheat bread for $.25. Saving money gives me joy!

Make $25 look like $100!

2008-12-17T07:22:00.001-08:00

AE Sweater

Retail Price:$44.50

SP Price:$12.50

Hollister Hoodie

Retail Price: $59.50

SP Price: $15.00

At SP we always save you around 75% off retail prices but this weekend only save an ADDITIONAL 25% on your entire purchase!

Thursday 12/18- Saturday 12/20

We'll be accepting clothing and putting it out all weekend, so don't worry if you can't make it on Thursday, there will still be good stuff for you to snatch up at amazing savings!

Spring Fashion Report from SmartyPants

2008-12-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been scouring websites and fashion magazines to give you the fashion forecast for spring...yeah yeah, I know it's freezing out and it's not even technically winter yet, but maybe if we think spring it will warm our spirits a bit!

What I have discovered is this; we are free to wear whatever we like. Skinny jeans and a long top, a pencil skit with a fitted blouse, a fluffy skirt with a tank top...capri pants are still in (thank God!) bermuda shorts, short skirts and boots, if it tickles your fancy and flatters your body, then wear it!

Gone are the days when certain styles are OUT and a very narrow selection of fashions are IN. Don't you love it? I'd like to say that I am so happy to see the return of the dress. Two years ago I couldn't find a dress to save my life, and now the stores are carrying them again! We sell 'em like crazy at SmartyPants!

Nothing says "I'm cool" like a fluffy dress and a pair of Ugg boots.

Speaking of boots, we have a few really cute pairs right now, short and long, they won't be around long at the low prices we've set!

The SmartyPants motto for spring is, if you love it WEAR IT!

What the Evans family is doing for Christmas this year!

2008-12-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

I've given up trying to get my family to go Christmas caroling with me....they're just not into it, but those are the kinds of things I associate with Christmas because of my religious upbringing. December meant Christmas programs at Church and school (I attended a private school) band concerts, choir concerts, candlelight services, and my favorite... caroling to the shut ins of our communtity, oh how they smiled as we belted out Joy To the World.

All I remember doing for the month of December is singing about Jesus. I couldn't tell you what any of my gifts were over the years, I have no memory of them, although I know we gathered around the tree and exchanged them, it just wasn't the focus of Christmas.

These days it seems we are too busy to spend much time even celebrating Christmas much less singing Christmas carols to the shut ins! So I run around like a fool, spend a ton of money, buy a bunch of presents for everyone else and then sit there feeling just a tiny bit taken advantage of as every opens their gifts while I sit giftless and watch them.

This year I want something different. So I've been after my family to help me decide what to do in lieu of our traditional-mom-does-everything Christmas season.

Finally this morning, my college daughter had a great idea, Christmas giving secret santa style. Each family member will put some gift ideas on a paper and we will draw names, and then the whole family will go together and buy gifts for the name we picked. Since my kids are kinda poor, I assume I'll be paying for the whole thing, but this sure sounds like a lot more fun than Christmas' of past to me! So we'll do it and I'll let you know how it works out.

I want to share with you guys a few ideas from my friend Kathy who shares my sentiment that Christmas has become too commercial, and kids are getting too spoiled:

1. One year she and her sister decided that instead of buying new gifts for eachother's kids, they would have each kid pick out one of their own toys to give to a cousin. The kids got into it and put some real thought into the gift they chose, remembering what their cousins enjoyed playing with while they were visiting.

2. Another time with her brothers, sisters, and in-laws, they drew names, and the rule was that the gift had to be second hand, no new gifts! This is a great idea, and the whole family was shocked at the useful things that were found at resale and thrift shops; electric knife, cordless drill, a big stainless steel coffee urn and more, and all at huge savings! How fun is that?!

Check out this website for a clickable map of resale shops in your area, and post up if you decide to try out the h"Second Hand Christmas" idea!
http://www.howtoconsign.com/find.htm

However you decide to enjoy the Christmas season I wish you all joy and hapiness!

Christmas Parties Galore!!

2008-12-05T08:11:00.000-08:00

It's always a blast this time of year when customers flock to the shop to try on dresses in preperation for their Christmas parties. Dresses that hang without so much as a glance for weeks are suddenly a hot commodity this time of year!

As I write this a woman is trying on her 10th dress. Her comment, "there are more dresses for me to try on in here, than there were in the whole mall!" I believe it! I counted them, 46 dresses in size small.

My new friend in the dressing room is heading to her work Christmas party. She shared with me that she is sick and has been taking chemotherapy which makes her feel like a bus hit her. I am so amazed that she is still working through it all.

Her favorite dress is a big poofy light pink cinderella dress. Her mom is trying to talk her out of it because it's pink and not a winter color, but I'm thinking....wear what you want sister!!

Time for me to go find the perfect crystal necklace set to tuck into her bag as a surprise! I love my job!

Mimosa Yellow!

2008-12-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

Apparently the color gods at Pantone have named Mimosa Yellow the color of the year for 2009. How would one go about getting the job of naming color of the year....I must find that out!

I guess as a color in general it's fine, but what about us girls with dishwater blonde hair and pale skin?! I haven't met a yellow yet that looked good on me, and I'm kinda sad that I won't be wearing the color of the year. Can't we just keep the plum and chocolate shades of winter around...everyone looks good in them!

Taken from the Pantone website: "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute(R). "Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

As for me, I'll stick to drinking Mimosa instead of wearing it.

Check out this recipe for a Mock Mimosa: http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/mock-mimosa-62441.aspx

Or make them the way I like 'em 2 parts champagne to 1 part oj, pour over ice in your prettiest wine glass!

Either way, enjoy the color of the year!

recipes for the busy cookie goddess

2008-12-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

My Grandfather was a salerno cookie delivery man. With 6 kids in the family, money was a little scarce at times, but my mom recalls that one thing they always had as a treat was.....COOKIES! And the tradition continued in our family growing up. My mom was always baking something and sweets seemed to be the answer to every situation....had a bad day...let's have a cookie to make ourselves feel better.....had a great day....let's have a cookie to celebrate! Okay, not great phsychology there, but let's face it celery is hardly a comfort food!

The cookie torch has been passed on to me, and I have become known for bringing big plates overflowing with delightful Christmas treats to every party and gathering. I used to spend a whole weekend baking and decorating cut out Christmas cookies but now that I'm a working woman, I don't have the luxury of time, so I thought I would share 2 Christmas cookie recipes that get rave reviews but are very simple and super quick to make:

Polar Stars

12 oz white chocolate

3 Tbsp crunchy peanut butter

My directions say to melt in double boiler, but I do them in the microwave, start with just the chocolate, and put in microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds, stir. Return to microwave in 30 second intervals until mixture is completely melted.

In 9x9 inch pan put 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1 cup peanuts, 1 cup rice Krispies

Pour melted ingredients over top and stir.

Let cool, then cut into bars.

I always double the recipe and put it in a 9x13 inch pan.

Chocolate Haystacks

6 oz chocolate chips

6 oz butterschotch chips

1 can chow mein noodles

1 cup cashew pieces

Melt chips in microwave 1 min 30 seconds, stir, continue cooking for 30 second intervals until completely melted. Add remaining ingredients, stir. Drop on wax paper, let cool.

I use recipes like this where you don't spend hours baking a dozen at a time in the oven to preserve my "cookie goddess" status, even with my busy schedule.

ENJOY!!

Christmas stories

2008-11-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on the Christmas seasons of the past, there are so many fond memories that make my heart swell, I thought I would share a few over the next few weeks.

One Christmas we were pretty broke. I had quit all my jobs to be a stay-at-home mom (hardest job ever!!) and supporting a family of 5 on one income proved to be a challenge at first.

Christmas was fast approaching and we hadn't bought a tree yet. The kids were pretty little and they didn't seem to mind too much, and quite frankly, I was in a funk and wasn't really in the mood.

On Christmas Eve my husband came home with an unexpected bonus check in his hand....praise the Lord! On his way home he had stopped and bought the charlie brown Christmas tree, one of the few trees left on the lot. And what a bargain at $8, if you wait long enough they practically give them to you!

We waited until the kids fell asleep and put up the straggly tree, lights, and ornaments....and then quietly put the gifts under the tree.

Around 6 am we heard little footsteps come down the hallway, a big gasp, and then more little footsteps as the first kid went to awaken the others. We could hear them whispering and giggling saying "Santa DID come, and he even brought us a tree!!!"

There wasn't too much under the tree that year, but the room was filled with excitement and JOY and to this day that Christmas with the Charlie Brown tree is one of our kids' favorites memories.

The kids are home from college woo hoo!

2008-11-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

While all the other resale shops in town are closed today, the SmartyPants girls have been busy since the minute we opened at 10 AM.

The college kids are home for the Thanksgiving holiday and they are bringing in their totes full of great jeans, hoodies, tops and some great shoes.

It's like a whole new shop today, get in here soon for the best selection!

Holiday Hours:

Closed Thanksgiving
Friday 10-6
Saturday 10-3

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OUR FRIENDS!!!

I must admit...

2008-11-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

I am a summer girl, give me a pair of plaid bermuda shorts, a t-shirt and some flip flops to wear, and I'm a happy girl!

But yesterday at SmartyPants I started changing displays and dressing mannequins and you know what, layering is kinda fun.

Turtleneck sweater, with tan jacket, jeans and blue floral print ballet flats...adorable! Pink long sleeved top with a black pin striped velvet blazer, faded jeans, and black spike-heel mules...perfect for going out this weekend.

I wish I could post some pictures but I'm having a camera problem again...hopefully Santa will just bring me a new one, anyway, so you'll have to come into the shop and check out what I've been up to around here.

In the meantime, check out a few of these layered fashions:

I'm loving the jacket over the dress and leggings underneath...still cute and fashionable but warm enough to brave the chill.

Using jackets and cardigan sweaters is a great way to extend the life of your tanks, t-shirts, and 3/4 sleeve tops. This doubles my wardrobe, I can still pull out my favorite green henley and pair it with my brown tweed jacket, jeans and brown boots.

More on this family I married into...

2008-11-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still feeling the love for the Evans family I married into. In a bit it will be 16 years since I met my sweet husband. We met a few weeks before Christmas, are you ready for the story?

I was a single mom. Working a day job as a bank teller, I made $240/ week. I paid my babysitter $125 of those dollars for day care each week, so there just wasn't enough money to survive. Driving down the road one day I passed a small bowling alley, and the sign out front said "Help wanted". It was close to home and open late, so I stopped in to inquire about the job.

Bartending. I still can't explain to you why Patsy Moeller (who would later become my dear friend) hired me, it was a risk to say the least, y0ung single mom, no real experience, she must have been desperate.

So right around Thanksgiving I started bartending at the bowling alley. Saturdays at the bowling alley were fun because there was a kids league, it was a zoo! I made friends with a few of the kids, and one day one of them named Jennifer was spinning around on my bar stool and as she spun toward me she said, "hey that's my uncle out there, you are gonna marry him!"

Now let me tell you...at this point people had been trying to set me up with their nephews and friends' kids...well let's just say I was OVER the blind date/set up thing. So I laughed at her, and didn't think more of it.

A few days later her uncle was bowling and came into the bar for a pepsi, and he had a santa earring in. Hmmmm. I said "nice earring" and he said, "ho ho ho!" If you know Ted, you are smiling right now, he's so corny. Anyway, we talked a little and I'll admit it, I liked him right away.

The next day this uncle of Jennifer's showed up at the bowling alley again, and we started hanging out as often as possible, I was in love. I think the first time we hung out was around December 20, and on New Year's Eve the uncle proposed and I said yes.

Shortly after we were chilling at Ted's apartment, and he decided to call his mom. I almost fell off my chair when I heard him say " I met a girl"....."she's really nice"...."she's a bartender"....."she has two kids"...."we are getting married".....and then..."because I love her".

Oh my goodness!! Could he not have left it at I met a girl, and saved some of the details for a later phone call, or spread them out over a few months, but no...all in one phone call his parents learned of this divorced, single mom, bartender chick their 28 year old youngest son was planning to marry.

So why do I love this family? On Christmas Eve mere days after I met Ted, I spent the holiday at Ted's brother's house, with that same niece and her sweet sister, and they made me feel like family. There are a million fond memories from that home, and it's a place I still love to visit, even though the girls got big and have families of their own now.

Sometime after that I met the other brother and his wife, they were nice too! On Easter I met another sister who immediately made me feel a part of the family.

I didn't meet my future in-laws until days before my wedding because they lived in Florida. I was nervous to say the least, but for nothing. His parents accepted me and treated me like family from day one. Every one of Ted's siblings, their spouses and families came from all over the country to our wedding and each was genuinly happy for their little brother and so kind to me. If they were worried about him marrying me, it sure didn't show.

Each year around this time I get so mushy thinking of meeting my husband of 15 years. As we put up the Christmas tree, I remember back to sitting in my dinky apartment living room with him that first year we met with the Christmas lights flashing in the background.

As we plan celebrations, I look so forward to spending time with Ted's siblings and our nieces and nephews, because they have treated me like family since day one.

This Thanksgiving among lots of other things I am thankful for my husband and his fun and loving family. I miss those who live out of town, and can't wait to see the rest of them soon! xoxoxo to you all.

Pops

2008-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Evans Boys, Lee, Ron and Ted

Today would have been the birthday of my beloved Father in law Leonel Edward Evans. I think it's been three years since he passed away.

I just adored him, I can't even find the words to tell you.

He was a WW2 veteran, and I enjoyed many afternoons sitting at the dining room table long after lunchtime listening to all his cool war stories. Hanging out with Pops was a lesson in patience for me. Pops' stories took time to cultivate and well, I'm one of those annoying people who finishes other people's sentences and I'm known to interrupt too. So sitting listening to Pops recall lots and lots of details was very good for me, he taught me to be still!

Pops did the crossword puzzle every single day. I wonder how many years he did them, maybe since the time he retired so 30 years? Maybe before that even. He was SMART, I came to learn that my mother in law is really smart too, I think she did 1/2 of the puzzle each day as Pops often asked her for the ones he didn't know.

Anyway, one day he read one of the lines he couldn't get and I knew the answer. I love how the crossword gods put current, trivial, good- for -nothing info in there so people like me who can't remember history or grammar can feel smart once in a while! Anyway, I'm pretty sure he was asking Ted's mom or his sister for help, but I popped off with the answer and he merely looked at me over the top of his glasses (I got "that look" often, not a mean look just "a look" when there weren't words he wanted to say out loud....oh how I miss that look!).

Hours later Pops shouted out "Hey Cathy, you were right?!!!!" in complete shock. I am still laughing about it.

Pops could fix ANYthing! How can I say this, I mean no disrespect but Pops had a method for everything he did, and his method was the preferred "right" method in his mind.

We used to live in an old farm house and in the fall all these lady bugs would come literally out of the woodwork. I had to carry a vacuum around and suck the lady bugs up all day long. Pops was visiting one lady bug season and he was trying to figure out a better method of lady bug removal. Suddenly it came to him....ALCOHOL! So off he shuffled to the room he was staying in, and before I knew what was happening he was squirting the little buggers with his cologne. It smelled like Pops for months after that, I miss that smell!

As I was vacuuming lady bugs, I could feel Pops watching me. I kinda figured he would have a better vacuuming method and sure enough he grabbed the vacuum hose from my hand. I went downstairs where his wife of a very long time asked, "did you get your vacuum taken away?" with a grin.

A minute later there was this loud sound of a motor running hard I ran upstairs and saw Pops balancing a small end table with one hand as he tried shutting off the vacuum and yanking free the tablecloth he'd sucked up with the other hand. It was so funny, as the vacuum smoked and that stinky burning rubber smell took over the room. I stood there a minute and asked, "need help?" "Yup" he answered. So funny!

I hope my Pops stories put a smile on your face. I've been thinking about him today and just wanted to share.

Do you know what a tween is?

2008-11-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

SmartyPants has been open for almost a year in our new location, and we LOVE serving the teen crowd with mall fashions at a fraction of the cost. A whole lot of our customers would fit into the TWEEN category.

Tweens are generally between the 8-12 year old range. They are no longer interested in the baby style clothing their mom's try and dress them in, they want the hottest fashions, and at SmartyPants we're dedicated to giving it to them.

Because of space issues, we will only be accepting items in perfect condition from shops such as abercrombie, limited too, justice, old navy, and the gap, in sizes 8-16.

We're so excited to offer a new category. That is what is so fun about owning a resale shop, we can re-invent and change to meet our customer's needs. Shoppers comment often that every time they come in it's a whole new shop, isn't that fun?!

So start spreading the word that SmartyPants is taking kids clothes, help us fill up the racks with great stuff for our tween shoppers!

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how it happened last year, but I found myself hostessing over 3o beloved relatives from my husband's side of the family for Thanksgiving. Until that very day I had never cooked a whole turkey before...what was I thinking agreeing to having the whole gang over?! (For those of you reading this who have never cooked a turkey be warned: IT TAKES ABOUT A MONTH TO THAW A TURKEY PROPERLY!!)

I created a menu plan, grocery shopped, cooked my head off, but it was lovely and the day was very busy yet quite enjoyable.

This year things are back to normal and my family will head off to Grandma's house where she will have done the majority of the cooking.

Every holiday it is my job, no matter which family we celebrate with, to bring the water chesnuts. They are easy and a very festive hors d'oeuvres:

Bacon Wrapped Water Chesnuts

2 cans whole water chesnuts

1 pkg bacon

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup ketchup

Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap chesnut with 1/2 bacon slice, secure with a toothpick.

Line wrapped chesnuts in a 9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake at 300 for 1 hour.

Remove chesnuts and put into a different 9x13 inch pan.

Mix ketchup and brown sugar, pour over water chesnuts.

Just before serving, return water chesnuts to 300 degree oven for 15 minutes or until the sauce bakes onto the chesnuts.

Make sure to post up if you make these for your holiday gathering. I guarantee you'll get several YUMS if you serve them to your guests.

Look what we have at SmartyPants!!

2008-11-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Tattoo Handbags!!!!

The latest trend just hitting our area is a brand called "Ed Hardy". T-shirts in this brand sell for $100-$200 dollars, and the handbags are often $300 or more! But the kids LOVE them!

Our Tattoo bags resemble the "Ed Hardy" look and are a great value at $40 each!

So far we have tan and black available, and we've sold a few already.

We are the only shop in the area to carry these bags, so if you've got a rocker in your life, and trust me, they will LOVE these bags, act quickly before they area all gone!

Markdowns!!

2008-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's happening right now as I type, staff is doing a round of markdowns. It's been a long time since we've done them, so stop in today or tomorrow for the best selection!

So while I have your attention, I'd like to say a few things about sales. If you are a regular shopper at SmartyPants you know that we don't have sales very often. If you are a regular shopper at SP then you also know that our prices start out very reasonable.

It seems every store is luring shoppers with promises of massive mark downs and huge percent off sales. Hey, I'm human I love to save money too.

At SmartyPants we could raise prices and announce sales left and right, instead, we price items to sell from the start. What that means for shoppers is that turn over is faster, every day customers comment that the shop is completely different everytime they shop. This is in part due to our great prices, no need to wait until a sale day or a markdown, in fact, chances are if you do wait, it will be gone.

Buy it today or live to regret it!

See ya at the shop

Cathy is back from sunny Florida

2008-10-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota Florida? No? The kind residents of Siesta Key would like to keep it that way! Siesta is a little slice of heaven if you love the beach like I do!

One morning as we walked on the white sand beach two fishermen flagged us over to watch as several dolphins jumped out of the water to snag the fish they were catching and releasing, it was awesome!

The sunset was picture perfect as big birds (pelicans maybe) flew across the magnificent sight. Wow

Eleven of my bestest pals in the resale industry met at this little resort called "the Beach Place" 5 adorable cottages painted Florida colors: turquoise, yellow and pink, complete with our own personal pool, and tikki bar!

Granted it was off season for Florida, but the value of these accomodations was awesome. Talk to Leslie, and tell her the resalers sent you if you want to enjoy this little gem yourself! http://www.siestakeybeachplace.com/

For a whole week we talked shop 24/7. Great ideas were shared and as always, I learned how to make the shop even better.

To all my best friends who listen to my issues, offer solutions, and share in my successes, I love you all dearly!

National Domestic Abuse Awareness month

2008-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

October is national Domestic Abuse Awareness month.

Statistics say that 1 in 3 girls who have been in a serious relationship have either been hurt physically or have been concerened about getting physically hurt by their boyfriend. Wow.

Check out this website, www.loveisrespect.com
this page: http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/are-you-being-abused.html answers the question, "are you being abused".

Did you know that when your boyfriend/girlfriend tries to control where you go and who you can hang out with, that is a sign of an abuser?

Abuse isn't just getting punched in the eye, it's when someone doesn't treat you right, yelling, controlling, putting you down, grabbing your arm, not letting you leave a room or even cheating on you continually.

If you are in a relationship and your boyfriend/girlfriend is abusive to you, and you are afraid to break up with them, talk to a trusted adult about your situation. Search some websites for information on how to deal with your situation. Don't try and go it alone.

Most importantly realize that none of this is your fault. No one should hit you, or treat you badly no matter what.

Love yourself, get help, get out.

Customer quote of the week:

2008-09-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

A loyal SmartyPants shoppers said of shopping at SmartyPants, "it's like shopping at a thousand stores at one time!" Thanks Carly, and it's so true when I straighten the racks I see lots of stuff from Hollister, Abercrombie, American Eagle, but I also see things from Banana Republic, White House Black Market, and other shops that we would have to drive at least 60 miles to shop. How fun is this place?!

Hey did you guys know SmartyPants offers lay away? We process at least 100 new items every day at SP. I always say those who shop most often get the best stuff! Have you ever looked at something, loved it, but didn't have the cash right then to buy it? You come back the next week looking for it, and of course, it's gone.

Consider lay away for those moments. And if I were you, even though it's 85 degrees (and amazing), I'd be buying up all the hoodies, sweaters, jeans and YES even winter coats that are coming in now. Don't wait until it gets cold. The shop is full of that stuff right now, so scoop it up, put it on lay away, just pay it off within a month and you'll have it for when the weather cools down.

We also have a wish list. You tell us what you are wanting, and if and when an item that matches your description comes in, we'll call ya! Hollister jeans size 3? American Eagle hoodie size large? We'll add you to the list and you'll get first dibs!

See ya at the shop!