Today, as I stood in the checkout line at TJMaxx, my eyes began wandering around to see if I had neglected to see something I may want. Sure enough, I did… and the item was books. Truly though, I never realized they carried books, never mind a fun and engaging variety! The area was small but covered many themes and age groups (like Dr. Seuss).

Don’t be quick to judge however on my oblivious shopping experiences prior to today. When I asked a handful of my friends if they had ever gone to TJMaxx looking for books, they responded with a “no” and then “why, what did they have?”

My answer was simple, “a book for everyone”. As I think back to other shopping trips, I believe I constantly am ignoring the front section as my hands are often filled with clothes (always my top priority). Thus, I leave, failing to notice other cool things like candles and another favorite of mine, chocolate! With Father’s Day quickly arriving, the subject on many individuals’ minds is, what to get their father on the special day.

I’ll pat myself on the back, thank you very much… I know, I know, it’s a wonderful idea to pick them up a book on whatever subject they may be interested in.

What are you planning to buy your dad for Father's Day? Anyone going to take me up on my book suggestion?

Recently I've decided to get back in shape... if only it were that easy. I’m assuming this goal of mine is probably something that at some point in your life, you shared in my idealistic ways. It is important for me to acknowledge the various degrees of fitness and motivation that one can engage in. For some people, they enjoy reading the occasional magazine or news article explaining what’s best for the body (researching celebrity weight-loss plans fall under this category). Then, there are those individuals who on an impulse join the most expensive gym around (they believe this will push them towards being a more frequent visitor with clean towels and colorful machines). In addition to these 2 categories you have many others who demonstrate their desires to get fit in a multitude of ways.

And then you have me. I am the type who goes shopping for athletic pants, cute tops and sneakers before I’ve even stepped for on the gym floor. I am that person who you dread seeing at the gym because I am, well, all too matchy matchy. I understand my foolish behavior but I can’t seem to quit the habit. That being said I took a trip to TJMaxx yesterday in hopes of curing my addiction. Yes, in case you are wondering, I actually thought doing a little damage would then inspire me to stop by the gym on my way home.

It happened right in the heart of Boston, at the Downtown Crossing TJMaxx. I rode the escalator down (for those of you who aren’t familiar, above the TJMaxx is a Marshalls – super convenient, my type of shopping exactly) and made a V-line for activewear. I found Nike jackets, Speedo sports bras and Adidas workout pants! The prices were great! My pile continued to grow as I made my way thru each aisle, stocking up for what I anticipate to be a very active spring considering my new wardrobe. Once finished, I picked up a yoga mat, medicine ball, and small weights and headed for the door.

Who knew that TJMaxx carried workout equipment in addition to its’ mass amounts of clothes! I think I hit a goldmine. I’m off now to go model my new clothes (I think I might just consider it my workout for the day)

What's your favorite style of clothes to wear to the gym? Do you prefer to match or sport a random combination of articles from your closet to make an outfit? How do you shop for workout gear?

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Edited by Lisa86 at 03/26/2008 7:54 AM PDT

Yesterday I attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade over in South Boston. Well, I actually was heading for the North End and took a wrong turn thus ending up on the streets of Southy. Stuck in traffic as my car could barely move, I felt the only logical thing to do would be to scan the crowds to see what everyone was wearing. There was the obvious handful of men and women who sported excessive layers of green and whatever they could get their hands on related to Ireland (okay, this was actually the majority of people). Then there were the rest, those who wore green hats, scarves and other basic accessories (showing their dedication) all while remaining somewhat subtle.

My reasoning for opening with this introduction is to build an image in your head of what this extremely drunk crown looked like. Now, picture this young girl… probably around 25 years old who had on her feet the absolute highest heels I’ve seen in quite some time. Why, just why, would anyone go to the St. Patrick’s Day parade wearing heels! Not just any heels, but the tiniest, thinnest, tallest pair of shoes! Gosh, I wish I had a picture!

This got me thinking… just what length people go to in order to look good, regardless of how much it hurts. There was no way this girl could have been comfortable, not in the least bit. Add in a few miles of walking and an entire day of standing, she had to be extraordinarily miserable yet she looked great.

When was the last time you threw out the window your ability to walk in order to gain a few extra inches in height?

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Edited by Lisa86 at 03/17/2008 6:31 PM PDT

I think guys in their 20's are more into shopping than ever before. Take my old roommate for instance.

Male.
23 years old.
Handsome.
LOVES to shop *Newbury Street*

Although he prides himself on only buying the most expensively ridiculous clothes, my recent persistence in trying to get him to visit a T.J. Maxx is wearing off. I can tell his evolving change of attitude in the attention he gives me when I begin telling him about my daily finds. No longer does he wave his hand as if to shut me out, or tell me to go chat with my girlfriends, but rather he asks questions. He pretends the questions are to benefit me, to make me feel better about my lack of girlfriends I could discuss clothes with, but I know the real truth. He wants to know what T.J. Maxx has got to offer him!

Then, it happened. He broke. It all started when I spotted him wearing an Ed Hardy tee shirt -- almost identical to one I had seen earlier in the week at TJ’s. That’s when I began what would be a series of compelling words from my mouth to his ears. By the end of the conversation, his mind was made up. The very next day he made his grandiose appearance into the nearest T.J’s, and came home with a few fabulous finds of his own(including an Ed Hardy shirt, of course).

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Edited by Lisa86 at 03/06/2008 8:40 AM PST

During my most recent trip to TJ Maxx, I encountered a young boy who provided me with a story to share with you all. I was checking out some new Tahari items in the front of the store when my eyes caught this boy, probably around 5 years old, desperately hoping his grandmother would help him purchase a $20.00 Red Sox jersey. I noticed as he approached the women that his expression was full of optimism as he began to explain how much this was item was going to cost.

He wanted so badly to be a proud Red Sox fan that he proposed, “I’ll give you my $5, if you give me your $20”.

Sounded like a homerun to me!

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Edited by Lisa86 at 03/04/2008 8:13 PM PST

1. The "Muffin" look - Nothing against women who don't have boyish figures (it's actually a good thing in my opinion) but please, I beg you, buy pants that fit. Unless you are wearing True Religions (a brand who seemingly likes labeling their pants with the sizes on the outside), no one is going to see how big your pants are. Muffin tops should be avoided at all costs.

2. I was recently in a store and noticed shorts connected to 2 straps to go over the shoulder... do you know what that means? Yup, shorts overalls! Sorry to be so blunt but I truly am not a fan of overalls in any shape, size or color unless you are painting a house (OR you are a male model and one strap is hanging off for a photo shoot -- and if you fall under this category, just about anything will work for you).

3. Flannel, the bane of my existence. Now I say flannel with good reason and the following paragraph will support my decision to mention it. I grew up in the late 80's early 90's (Ok, I'm young- get over it) and frequently dressed similar to my best friends -- the only problem was however, they were boys, so my clothing styles often resembled that of boys Gap rather than girls Limited Too. As I sit here recalling my old trends, I can't help but laugh at myself. My mom had this incredibly "vintage" flannel shirt that I absolutely adored so I wore it on average once a week. How could I possibly have thought it was cool? Never mind it being cool, it wasn’t even acceptable! Thanks mom, I appreciate the support.

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Edited by Lisa86 at 03/04/2008 8:23 PM PST