The Royal Treatment..Thanksgiving Day..

This was the only pic, my photographer wonderful husband snapped of me on Thanksgiving.

I was thrilled to have found my *royal* purple blouse, with keyhole and ruffle details for $5 (at the Dillard's outlet) I also displayed a pair of perfectly matching royal purple/ suede platform pumps as well that presented an adorable and intricate ruffle detail on the toe $7 (at my specialty store) I will be sure to post these in a later post, with better light. The day was wonderful and I was so happy to spend the day with my family and my in-laws. I am truly blessed..

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

A little LALynn and a GREAT giveaway go a long way, see what I was able to snag...

Black Friday was so much fun fantastic. I headed out with my little collegiate prodigy and her BFF from home,we hit the stores at the crack of dawn.. I just couldn't wait to dive into Bath & Body Works and spend the $25 gift card I was lucky  blessed enough to win from LALynn's giveaway seen on this post HERE. I'm a regular customer of B & B since forever, so I receive all of the swag-like coupons in the mail. I definitely make good use out of them.

I had one of these:Thank you LAlynn *my new friend*

One of These:Buy three get three free, including the Signature Collections.

And one of These: A free item up to $13 with a $10 purchase.

I took advantage of the buy three get three free, and ended up with: Paris Amour lotion/ Be Enchanted lotion/body spray/Winter Candy Apply lotion/body spray/Jingle Bellini lotion. All the scents are simply wonderful and I can't wait to use every last drop!

 And of course these!The Mistle-toes Shea infused Lounge Socks. They were my free item. They're so soft and plush, and perfect for these frigid winter nights.

 BTW I ended up having a balance of $11.27 after my purchase but...  Remember my $10 mall gift card from Beachwood Place's Compassion from Fashion event seen HERE ? (Remember Mr. Parks getting his Gap jeans for *free*) with his card? Well $1.27 later I was out the door! All of that product for $1.27? Be still my heart!

**Once again, a special Thank You to LALynn! She Rocks!



A SIC*k* pair of shoes....

I've been searching high and low for a dynamic pair of running shoes as of late. Mr. Parks and I have been training for almost a year now, and my tried and true Nike shoes are shot. We plan to run a few half marathons, maybe even a marathon this year, and yes BLACK GIRLS RUN (check out the site)and so do guys!  Mr. Crazy Parks wants to work up to a Triathlon, but I'm not quite there yet.. So... back to the shoes.. While perusing through my Oprah mag today I spotted these fantabulous kicks!

They are the Asic Gel -Noosa Tri 6 and I actually prefer the men's version on the left and up above, I am loving the vibrant colors! Are you kidding me? Look at these babies!

These shoes are actually designed for triathletes and are expected to be worn barefoot, with an open-mesh upper and a perforated sock liner to keep your feet cool as cucumbers. I'm in running shoe heaven, I'm so in love.

The price tag sits at $120 but that is normally the average for a decent pair of running shoes.

Mr. Parks has been running in the Asic Nimbus for about six months, and absolutely swears by them. He also was forever devoted to Nike.

I am just picturing how fun these shoes are, and I've heard nothing but excellent reviews on the Asic brand on all the running sites and in the running mags. I am absolutely sold, can't wait to order them if I can't find them in the stores :)

So glad the weekend  is just beginning, hope you all had a tremendous holiday!

Black Friday........I'm always up for a challenge..

We will be headed out *early* tomorrow morning due to the urging of the oldest, adult college child that has returned home for the holiday. She has a plan, which I expected, so it's not going to be horrific like I think, right? First stop will be Victoria's Secret because we have coupons that come in the mail that we *love* and then to B & B Works to spend <THIS (Thanks LALynn)  We also have additional coupons that grant us with *free*stuff. Oh the joys..

We will then head to Beachwood Place to hit their stores at 8a.m. We are not lucky enough to have H & M and Forever21 at Great Lakes Mall..So it's a two shop stop, type of expedition.

Wish us luck, I will of course try to get a few great shots of our 1st Black Friday Journey, stay tuned..

Compassion From Fashion Exclusive Event..come inside..

Attending the Compassion From Fashion exclusive benefit and fashion event at Beachwood Place last night was amazing. 1000 people were in attendance and 100% of the proceeds were donated to The Gathering Place (A caring community involved in supporting, educating, and empowering individuals and families touched by cancer.)

Maggiano's Italian restaurant provided fantastic pasta dishes, make your own pasta stations, carving stations, an antipasto bar, and delectable desserts.

McCormick & Schmicks provided the first 750 attendees with $10 gift cards. I can't wait to head to dinner with Mr. Parks and use our $20 on an exquisite seafood meal!

Beachwood Place also provided the first 750 attendees with $10 mall gift cards to use during their discounted shopping at select stores for the evening. Mr. Parks used his at The Gap on a pair of great fitting dark jeans. The Compassion from Fashion added discount(50% off of the sales price) made these jeans*FREE*

J.Crew had an excellent discount in participation of the night's events, two 50% off coupons on any full priced item, up to two items per coupon. Mr. Parks bought some tantalizing cologne, but after three trips back in, we could not decide on what else to buy. Shopping overload? Perhaps..

We enjoyed a glass of Seven Daughters Moscato before the event. I have been noticing the buzz on this brand as of late, and was pleasantly surprised by the light, sweet taste and tickling fizz of this wine. I  also won and received a Seven Daughters wine opener in the mail on Wednesday from People.com, my curiosity was satisfied. So good!

Quick photo-opp before the event, I was really excited for the runway show to start

Mr. Parks was equally excited, I promise, he's such a great sport!

 I styled Mr. Parks for the night: Perry Ellis Chambray button down $7.95 on clearance/Ralph Lauren dress pants with a linen/viscose blend (giving the appearance that the pants are a lightweight wool)$50 on clearance/Aldo Burnt chestnut Wingtips $65/Invicta silver watch. He looked fantastic, didn't even matter that his eyes were closed.

I used my V.S. free panty sweet nothing coupon, and found lucked up on a fabulous floral dress at H & M for $7. I'm a budget queen!

Almost time for the show to start. Red carpet all the way.

The models were fantastic, modeling clothing from The Gap, Chicos, Bebe etc.

This lovely model is currently battling cancer, I was so glad to participate in this event.

This handsome young man & model was Cosmo's most eligible 2010 bachelor- Ohio Native Ryan Mclean. Let me tell you, I am a sucker for dimples, this guy was adorable.

Here we have another very brave cancer survivor and model. The energy and applause for these heroes was amazing.

 Yet another one of Cosmo's most eligible bachelors, I didn't catch his name.

Here are some great shots of the runway, it was a LONG one!

Here's the upper deck view.

View from the floor!

I also had the pleasure of meeting fellow blogger Ms. Stacey Kay from Goodwill Huntingg. She is sweet and kind and actually my first chance meeting with a blogger from Ohio.

A wonderful night was had by all, Now let's have a tremendous start to this week! Judging by my IPhone photos, I am in such need of a fantastic camera! Adding this to my Christmas list NOW. Anyone have any affordable suggestions? I'll be doing my research.

xoxo

LocalCeleb~

Sneak Peek.. Compassion from Fashion exclusive event..

Mr. Parks & I came, we shopped, but most of all participated in this spectacular benefit and fashion event at Beachwood Place this evening. There were 1000 good folks in attendance benefiting The Gathering Place (A caring community for those touched by cancer.)100 % of the proceeds went to The Gathering Place as well. What an incredible and heartfelt event. More photos to come. 

Stuck in an elevator.. Fatal Attraction..

I was heading up to the office today and looked over. My eyes popped because a very elegant young lady was holding *this*

I hurriedly scoped out the gold name plate on the front *Kate Spade* I couldn't take my eyes off of the object of my fatal Spadel attraction. I was friendly and inquired about this gorgeous bag in all of it's Italian felt; patent cowhide trim, and 14k gold plated hardware glory! The elegant lady said it was *pricey* but she *just had to have it*, I could see why..The pictures don't do it justice. Please look here katespade.com

I went upstairs and of course logged on to katespade.com and then found this glorious winter bag in even more insatiable colors. It's called the Fox Chapel Renee, and I'm in love. The cost is currently $325 and would make a perfect Christmas gift..*ahem* Mr. Parks.

Also check out the shorter smaller version in red below the Fox Chapel Shari..$295. I adore this amazing bag!

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend and anticipate some amazing pictures from Mr. Parks & I at this Saturday's exclusive fashion event Compassion From Fashion at Beachwood Place ! 

Sparkle*Shimmer & Shine Black Tie Event for a great cause!!

Mr. Parks and I were lucky enough to attend the Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine Gala last evening. This was a special celebration and Tribute benefiting the Achievement Centers for Children. Christopher M. Connor,  Chairman and CEO of my company, was being honored at this event for his generous and significant support of the Achievement Centers, and for his meaningful involvement in and dedication to Northeast Ohio's non-profit community. Chris has been so active in this program and it was heart warming to see the slide show with him visiting Camp Cheerful, and having a wonderful time interacting with the disabled  children and adults that participate.

This tremendous event was held at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Intercontinental is a luxurious and posh hotel that is attached to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and is just miles away from:The Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Great Lakes Science Center, Playhouse Square, and University Circle.

Mr. Parks and I started the night off right and attended the Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres hour, inclusive of the Silent Auction, Big Board Auction and several fantastic raffles.

Here I am with my co-worker and friend Melody and her husband. We were enjoying a Cosmotini, they were delicious!

The dinner was excellent, I'm not sure why I missed getting a pic of the table. Our entree consisted of Pan Seared Filet of Beef w/Port Reduction Paired with Wild and Exotic Mushroom Ravioli, Mushroom Ragout, Autumn Mashed Sweet Potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Need I say more?

What a great night, I was thrilled to find my gorgeous dress (I.M.Studio Petite) for $15 (originally $75) and my amazing sequin clutch 2 for $5 (It came with a gold clutch as well). I felt like a million bucks!

Take a look at Mr. Parks! We attend several black tie events during the year, and the cost of one rental was actually more expensive than buying the tux and having it tailored He looked amazing.

The socialites, muah!

Smile Mr. Parks!

Open your eyes Mrs. Parks!

Oh! Much better. You can see the detail that I loved on this dress.

I almost went with a matte silver pump, but opted for black, instead.

The Dapper Mr. Parks.

Great night, great benefit, smiles all around.

Good Night!

Let's have a great start to the week. We will be attending the Compassion From Fashion Event this Saturday @  Beachwood Place. Can't wait!