My Amazing Deal

There is a tradition on Ryan's side of the family that during the Priesthood Session of General Conference, the women in the family go shopping. Last time they were here, I hauled Kallie around in the stroller--and she was tired and miserable for about the last hour that we were shopping. So, this time, I took the girls to Grandma's house and headed off to the mall with my mother-in-law and my neice.

I knew I was looking for something to wear to church. I've had the same church clothes for about a year now--and it's always nice to switch it up a little, instead of alternating the same 2 skirts and a few more shirts on any given Sunday. So, with that in mind, we searched through a couple of stores. While we were in JCPenney's, we were looking in the prom dress area, (for my niece), and I wandered by the clearance rack. A black fabric with white polka dots caught my eye and I had to take a look. It was a darling dress and in a size I thought I might fit into--so I took it into the dressing room.

The first surprise was that it fit! It's 2 sizes smaller than what I wore last summer--and it fit! I considered that a reward for all of the hard work I've put in to lose 17 lbs. in the last 2 1/2 mos., (for a total of 27 since last summer!). The next surprise was that it was 60% off. There was no way I was leaving that store without that dress.

From there, we went to an accessories store where I found, (actually, my mother-in-law found), the perfect necklace and earrings to go with the dress. And, I found a set of bangles for half-price in the exact same shade of green as the bolero sweater that came with the dress. I left the mall that night feeling completely successful and anxious to wear the dress.

I had to wait a week--but the day I wore it, I received SO many compliments! I felt amazing and felt great about myself all day that day. Here I am after church that day, (it's not the best picture, but you get the idea...):