It's almost time for Mosaic Monday hosted by the very talented Mary @ the little red house, please do go over and say "bonjour"to Mary and see all the great mosaics gathered there.
I created my top mosaic today using Picasa and the end mosaic using Photoscape which I think I prefer.
They are a tribute to Jackie @ "Jackie's Life in Surrey" who seems to have temporarily (I hope) left the blogger world due to a computer gremlin. Recently Jackie blogged about some things she had found at the U.K. equivalent of TJ Maxx - TK Maxx.
Those of us who live in mainland Europe don't even have TJ Maxx.
But! When I visit SC I always head to TJ's and other stores to buy the products that are either not available over here (you have such a great choice of "stuff" in the US) or which are available here but are a little pricey.
Call it my annual fix of "retail therapy"
Last month I bought so much "stuff", not just at TJ's (handbags, Christmas handtowels, Claire Burke candles, Portmeiron votives, Fall & Christmas items) but also Michaels, (Fall decorating items, scrapbooks & supplies) World Market, (napkins & napkin rings) Belk's, (Estee Lauder & clothing) Fresh Market (coffee) & Piggly Wiggly (Zatarans, Hefty bags, etc) and at the first yard sale I ever went to, (tablecloth, Easter decor s&p & more napkin rings) that Mr B insisted on shipping a large box of it home before we left.
Well, dear readers as you can see the box has landed!
O.K. so what if it cost $75 to ship it to France? It was still worth it!
Maggie
What an excellent shopping spree, Maggie!! I took note of some of the name brands you like that I have never tried. I suppose the shipping would even out to the cost of purchasing an extra suitcase, although I do know some who bring an extra empty suitcae on trips for thse shopping excursions!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had fun!
xoxo
Jane
T J Maxx is my favorite store, one never knows what treasure awaits and at a good price. It's rather like a rummage sale and I am so happy you have experienced it here, and like it as well. I can find the delicious preserves from France, occasionally. To me they are unsurpassed. I buy all my olive oil there and most anything else.
ReplyDeleteA bientot,
Doris
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a black belt in shopping! Good stuff.
Carol
Maggie, you are girl after my own heart. Of course I'm doing the shipping thing in reverse when I visit France. Though I have to say it is a lot easier to ship from the US than it is from france. I wish France would adopt the Mail Center idea. It would make traveling in France so much easier for those of us who like to shop. LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat finds. Hope to talk to you this week. Hugs ~ Sarah
What fun to shop once, then wait a bit and get the parcel in the mail at home later. It's double the fun!
ReplyDelete'
No TJ MAX in Canada, either
Lorrie
Isn't it unbelievable what it costs to ship something? I just sent something small to Italy and it cost $30 Canadian. Whew.
ReplyDeleteWe always think that the best shopping is in the US too.
Oh, I am a T J Maxx fan too! I try not to go until I am ready to bring home a big stash! Pillows, goodies, decorative items, towels..as they say, "Good stuff!"
ReplyDeleteGlad you got it all home, Maggie.
I love your blog..so beautiful, so artistic, so everything that I do not know how to do! I am impressed.
Morning Maggie
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tribute!!I have been back to TK Maxx and bought a few more things!! I want to visit a larger one a few miles from here to see if they have a better selection, although storage space is limited in the bungalow.
Jackie (ex- life in Surrey)
As soon as you mentioned shopping, I knew I was going to like this one...lol.. I think I might try the photoscape next time. I use picasa, but not to thrilled...I just want to do more than it will allow! Have a Great Week!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Maggie. When I was reading I thought did she get all that in her suitcases??. LOL When I read on I saw you shipped it. Good idea. I did masterclass in shopping so I know how far a suitcase goes."))
ReplyDeleteHi Maggie, I am Margaret, Peggy, Queenmothermamaw. Is your name Margaret? I might try that other place for a mosaic. I have had trouble with the one I used and sometimes couldn't even get up to come up. Thanks for your visit. I love the home you have renovated and would love to have done that. Too old to try now. We don't need anything that takes too much work.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my giveaway if you might like some of my primitive art.
QMM
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
I am like you and love TJ MAx-- BUT it really depends on the city or particular store you visit.
ReplyDeleteIn Montana -- their store is wonderfully set up and merchandised very well. Here in Utah.. the two i have been to have wonderful items BUT are just hodge podge on shelves and very hard to see the great finds.
Thanks for the heads up on the photoscape... I am going to check it out.
Stop by and say hi if you have a moment.
TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥
Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI love your mosaics...full of the Christmas spirit. You were quite a shopper when you were in HH!! I don't know what I would do without my TJ Maxx and Michaels! I'm glad everything arrived safely.
Have a great week.
Jane
Shopping is always such fun! I like both of the mosaics. You are talented with the photoscape.
ReplyDeleteI shop at TJ Maxx a lot. I buy most of my dresses at TJ Maxx. It looks like you had quite a shopping spree and made some excellent choices. It looks really good in your mosaic.
ReplyDeleteI use picasa also because it's easy and that's where all my pictures are. I would like to try other programs and get more creative.
That's so funny Maggie! I totally get it, though. When I went to Paris a couple of years ago, we had two friends there. I asked them what they wanted me to bring to them. One wanted a box of cereal and some chic flicks, the other one wanted regular plastic sandwich bags without the zipper. Funny! My suitcase was alot lighter going home. Although, I did substitute some wonderful France finds. I'm glad you recognize the town on my Bus Route sign. Isn't it great? I love it. Thanks for giving me an idea of where it's from!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Karen @ Elderberry Street
Our local TJMaxx is not that grand but judging from your commnts I guess I need to be more thankful! A fair trade for living in beautiful France!
ReplyDeleteBonjour Maggie...well, it looks like I am out numbered BUT, I have never been able to find much at TJ Maxx...go figure!! Guess it was the particular things I happened to be shopping for at the time! I am so happy that you scored!! What would a trip to the US be without some great shopping buys!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Glad you're enjoying the book Maggie - I think it's probably for Brits familiar with the school system there - let me know your thoughts on the ending!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, "let's meet at TJ's" is a favorite girlfriends shopping get together place. We have 2 stores close by - tidyness is hit or miss, but there's always good merchandise. I roam the imported food aisle, housewares, bags, accesories and clothes.....my DH likes it too!
Enjoy all your finds - shipping is probably cheaper than paying for extra baggage these days, plus it's so much easier. Have to admit I was shocked at the the French postage rates when I mailed my two boxes back from there last year - BUT I had to have my treasures from the brocantes and vide greniers!
I love your "stuff", but I think you've got some pretty great "stuff" in France. I haven't been to TJ Maxx in a long time. I'll have to give it a try. I do love my stuff.
ReplyDeleteBonne journee,
Sam