The Posh Shopper

How To Make Tortilla Soup

Noel Thrasher — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:10:00 GMT

How To Make Tortilla Soup! This blog is a frugal and fabulous way to feed a family of 5 for about $20!!! Get your family together and enjoy this easy crowd pleasing soup that is easy to make and will have everyone thinking you spent all day in the kitchen. Check out the How-To Video below! Be sure to comment how you jazz up tortilla soup mixes!!!

New Christmas Tradition Awaits! Special offer for Posh Shopper Readers!

Noel Thrasher — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:41:00 GMT

As the holidays approach it is time to get out the tree, hang the lights, and reflect on treasured family memories. Some of the best memories many of us have are those of Christmas with loved ones. Those times are to be cherished and passed on to the next generation through photos, videos, and most intimately through stories. I was lucky enough to meet an inspiring author, Sharon Davis, today at my show and see her new book, The Legend of the Reindeer Shoes. This is a children's book worth sharing with any young believers in your life.

"The Legend of the Reindeer Shoes is a tribute to the tradition of Christmas magic. This delightful story chronicles the preparation and journey of Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve and introduces Jingle, the North Pole's blacksmith. According to the legend, the reindeer need shoes on their hooves before they can leave on their famous flight. During the trip their shoes are in frequent need of repair and replacing if lost. Jingle is there to attend to their needs and assure that the reindeer have a full set of shoes on their hooves for the job ahead. The story reveals that the reindeer shoe itself is a magical source and if you are lucky enough to find one and hang it from your Christmas tree, you too will experience a little bit of good old fashioned Christmas magic!" -Sharon Davis, Author.

This precious book is so unique and beautifully illustrated by Yoko Y. Loftis. The melodic rhymes and creative visuals make this book a joy to share with little ones. The book can be accompanied by a pair of reindeer shoes that you use with your child to bring the legend to life. One is hung from the tree to receive the "extra" gift from the reindeer and the other is laid outside for your child to find Christmas morning as evidence of the reindeer's trip to your house.

Sharon Davis wants to share the Christmas spirit with you and has offered my readers a special gift this season. If you purchase the book for only $20 plus shipping online, you receive the $8 Reindeer Shoes FREE!!! At checkout only buy the book and enter "Free Shoe Offer" then you detail how the book is to be personalized for your child. The concept is brilliant and the story is one that embodies the true spirit of Christmas. Order this book and your family will have a personalized treasure for your little one. The Legend of the Reindeer Shoes is one Christmas tradition worth sharing for many generations to come. Visit the title link or www.reindeershoes.com to order your copy today!

Happy Holidays from The Posh Shopper!

Be sure to send a picture of your little one hanging their shoe so I can post it to the website!

New Listing in Blanchard

Noel Thrasher — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:22:00 GMT

Check out this week's featured listing from Lindsey Bunch.

Don't Skip The Preventatives

Noel Thrasher — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:39:00 GMT

In today's economy it is easy to scale back on spending, unfortunately most people cut back spending in the wrong areas. We cut back in areas where we don't feel the sting of sacrifice. Many of us like to take vitamins, buy the expensive warranty for the very expensive flat screen, wear sun screen or take other measures to try to prevent something from happening that will really break the bank. We do this with the use of preventatives. The definition of a preventative is something that in intended to stop or impede something from happening, to be used as a measure of precaution.

Preventatives are useful only if they are used. The only problem with them is that they can really be expensive. Tough economic times make people cautious about how they spend their money. It is no wonder that people cut back on preventatives because they become more of a luxury than a necessity. Unfortunately by skipping the preventative you end up with a very costly problem in the long run.

I’ve learned the hard way about scrimping on the preventatives and regret holding on to my cash tighter than a pair of Lindsey Lohan’s leggings. I justified blowing off my preventatives by saying to myself, “Some things just have to wait, I can’t sacrifice my house payment for all these preventatives.” Bust somehow I still found money to go out to eat and to the movies. It is simple, I wasn’t really saving money. I was simply avoiding sacrifice. I didn’t want to sacrifice my social activities that cost money for the preventatives that save money. Oh what a lesson I have learned.

Now as fall comes upon us, I am stuck with bills that are a result of a summer of spending versus a summer savings and a little sacrifice. Preventatives could have saved me some serious cash.

First I blew off renewing my anti-virus for my PC laptop. At $50 for a year subscription, I figured if I stayed off the internet I’d be okay. Well HELLO....that is the only reason I power up my PC. The internet is my porthole to all things I need and love. My email, my blog, my tmz.com (guilty pleasure), my online banking. Everything is online, so there I went unprotected into the world wide web of trojan viruses and spyware. I was defenseless angainst those sneaky viruses. Surfing Yahoo without an antivirus was like strolling down a dark New York City alley alone and wearing a mini-skirt- NOT SMART.

After a few days of unprotected adventures online my PC criiiiiiizzzzzaaaaashed! I mean caput, nothing, nada. I was so worried I had lost all my pictures and documents I had been foolishly storing without backup. So I wrapped up my trusty laptop in a towel (such a sophisticated laptop case) and headed to the “local guy” for help. I was trying to save money by avoiding the Geek Squad at Best Buy and hoped this local outfit could fix my baby. I was already kicking myself for not renewing my Trend Micro Antivirus.

My first clue that this repair shop might not be the best option was the overwhelming smell of pot circling the young pup that slowly strolled to the front to ask me, “Whaaaaat’s Uuuuup Maaaaaaaan?” But my cheap streak once again justified this budget bet by telling myself, “Who better to fix a computer than a stoner who does nothing but mess with PC issues all day?” Well two days and $50 later I picked up my baby and it was worse than when I dropped it off. Oh, and of course I signed a waiver that said they didn’t guarantee any work involving viruses. Nice.

I clearly should have sprung for the preventative of anti-virus software. I had to spend $118 for the Geek Squad to work their magic and I was lured into the world of Mac. Yes, I walked out with a $2500 Mac Book Pro (computer+warranty) all because the salesman won me over with the promise that Macs don’t get PC viruses, ever! He must have been listening in as I rehashed my issues to the Geeks because he said all the right things and now I’m a Mac. That 18 months no interest will get you every time. Although I LOVE my Mac and I’m glad my PC was saved by the Geeks, I wish I would’ve just clicked that “Renew Now” button and spent the $50. I would have saved in the long run.

The second area I scrimped on and I’m paying for heavily was the idea that I could skip the dogs’ frontline flea preventative. Note to self.....NEVER SKIP FRONTLINE IN THE SUMMER, NO MATTER THE COST. That business is worth it’s weight in GOLD. I do have a small petting zoo of pets (LOL) and it gets pricey to dose them all every month. The vet did say that frontline will help keep fleas at bay for atleast 3 months per dose so I work that to the max. The package should say “up to 3 months and not a day longer.”

Because I put off purchasing the flea fighter for a couple of weeks after the 3 month mark and POOF-game on. The fleas were all over my dogs. Not crazy infestation but I could see a few crawling around. One flea=Too many. They are gross and carry diseases. Don’t forget how hard it is for the dogs, all the itching and scratching.

If I would have just stayed on the routine of getting the frontline every three months I wouldn’t have had to really break the bank. But because I was cheap I was out $15 for flea shampoo and spray, $10 carpet flea killing dust, $24 yard spray, $10 flea comb, and new pet bedding for all the kids costing $50. Yikes I felt like a was an official government de-contamination specialist. Needless to say weeks later I am still seeing a flea now and then. I never saw one flea when I was faithful to the preventatives. I am a forever frontliner after this summer.

This preventative is for the home owners out there. Be sure to change your air filters on your heat & air systems. I didn’t even know there were filters to be changed when I bought my house. I am embarrassed but the bank doesn’t hand out owner manuals to single women when they purchase a home. My AC unit ended up going out the first year because I hadn’t changed the filters. Man, expensive lesson learned.

Here are two preventatives I want to remind the young people to remember; birth control and regular teeth cleanings. These are two preventatives that if skipped can cause expensive and painful situations; having a baby or getting cavities. Stay true to the birth control and get your grill to the dentist.

Think about the preventatives in your life that you have skipped (oil change, tires, yearly gyno visits) and think how much money and peace of mind you will save by just doing it already!!! Preventatives are the necessary evils in this world but many times they end up becoming a guardian angel in the time of need. They save you money in the long run. I know we live in a world of instant gratification but it is our responsibility to forsee the costs that will creep up if we forgo the preventatives. A little sacrifice is hard to swallow but we have to grow up and give up the wants for the needs.

The Art of Schmoozing

Noel Thrasher — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:49:00 GMT

Today is Monday. Mondays are the kick-off to a long workweek for most people. Some of you drove to work with your motivation music pumping just thinking about all the great things you will accomplish this week at your career. The other 99% of us reluctantly poured our lifeless bodies into our four-door fuel efficient G-rides and dreaded the drive to our jobs. Comedian Chris Rock even says, when you have a career you love it, there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done you want to do. When you have a job, all you got is time, time to think about how much time is left until you go home. So if you want to kick your current job to the curb and find a new career, here are some tips on how to get yourself noticed (for the right reasons) at the next networking event you attend.

I read The Art of Schmoozing article by Gloria Auth and it has some wonderful tips for those who want to get ahead. She reminds us that management is looking for those who posses excellent people skills and who can adapt to a variety of social settings and situations. Some of the following information is from her book Seven Seconds to Success. I’ll underline her points. The commentary and other info is from yours truly.

Entering a room full of strangers is not a favorite past time of most people. According to statistics, 40% of adults have social anxiety and 75% of all adults experience anxiety at a party with strangers (this obviously is softened at the holiday parties where many people get drunk and make an ass of themselves). So if you feel anxious when invited to an event, you’re not alone.

It is said a person has 7 seconds to make a first impression. Think of the last time you had to introduce yourself to someone. How do you think they took you? How do think they saw you and your potential as a friend, leader, or new employee. Look at yourself right now. Are you in the shape (sharply dressed, mentally and physically healthy) you want to be in when you meet influential people who can get you where you want to have a career?

7 seconds isn’t long so make those seconds count. Here are ten tips to help you make a good first impression while “working a room” without working up a sweat.

Almost everyone watches the entrance to a room—use it to your advantage. Stand up straight, walk INTO the room, pause, scan the room with a slight smile and allow others to notice YOU.
Nom, nom, nom, nom, NO NO! Don’t rush for the buffet line immediately! Listen Snacky, no one wants to meet you if you are busy inhaling the cheese cubes and beanie weenies. Relax, the food will be there. Wait until you are settled in your area speaking with others and can sit while you eat.
Find the host of the event or the sponsor shortly after arriving to thank him or her and to make your presence known. Trust me, this goes a long way. All the other wallflowers aren’t doing this so strike and make an impression.
Approach someone standing alone or groups of 3 or more. Avoid two people since they may be deep in conversation and harder to approach. Small talk about the food, entertainment, or atmosphere at the event is always an easy ice-breaker.
Offer a firm handshake to say hello and good-bye. Women and men should stand for all introductions and when shaking hands. This shows respect for you and for the other person. Now ladies at a strictly social (NO work) event, I stick to the old school Ms. Manners style of staying seated if you are being introduced to someone who has approached the table. We are ladies and our fabulous dates are the ones who should stand up to make introductions. If you are not on a date you should still remain seated because the person will be approaching you. Same goes if you approach lady at a table, don’t expect her to stand.
If they make you wear a name tag (gag) wear it on the right hand shoulder so it is in the line of sight when shaking hands. If you are right handed this will be opposite what you want to naturally do. Remember when you have to “write” your name, use your “right” shoulder to show it off. Oops we have our nametag on wrong shoulder. LOL!

Don’t carry anything in your right hand. It should be free for handshaking. Holding your glass in your left hand also avoids a cold wet handshake. I suggest you lay off the alcoholic drinks. Even though you are at a business mixer doesn’t mean you need to tank up on mixed drinks.
Introduce yourself by saying, “Hello I’m John Wantsajob from McFunkie Bank.” The other person will then introduce themselves and their place of employment giving you an opening to move beyond just names.
This sounds elementary but so many adults don’t seem to remember these easy conversational tips of asking open-ended questions of “how,” “what,” or “why” rather than “do” or “are you” which may simply give you a “yes” or “no” response. Focus more on the other person than yourself. It really pays off in the long run because that person remembers you in a positive light. You don’t want to be a walking infomercial about yourself and your plight for better employment.
ACT AS IF!!!!! Socializing is supposed to be enjoyable. Act as if this is your event. You want to meet as many people as possible because you never know who may be in need of a jovial mover and shaker like yourself. Be positive! Don’t waste time at this event complaining about what’s wrong in your job. Use the time to work the room in an upbeat manner that will leave an impression on your contacts that will have you on their minds next time they have an opening.

I hope this fun facts help you at your next networking mixer. Remember that they are a great way to meet potential employers or people who know potential employers. Load up on business cards so you can easily give out your contact information. Another option is to create a “contact card” with your personal contact information instead of using your work business card. This helps avoid the unfortunate situation of someone calling your office and leaving a message that could raise eyebrows that you are on the job hunt. Enjoy your event and stay positive. We all want to find the right fit when it comes to our career. Acting in a positive and professional manner at a networking event is the first step to making the contacts you need to succeed.

Be sure to leave any suggestions you may have for other reading to put to work. Feel free to email noel@theposhshopper.com with any questions or blog suggestions. Have a fabulous week! Shoulders back, head up, chest out, and kick some butt at whatever it is you do! You might as well be the best at your job while you look for your career!

The Equate Lifestyle

Noel Thrasher — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:35:00 GMT

First let me say sorry about being off the blogosphere for a quick minute. I have been substitute teaching (gag) during the week to fill up the time when I am not at tradeshows. I am also finishing my alternative teaching certificate so if I want to mold the minds of the youth I can do so legally....lol. Time has been flying by but I’m here now and ready to blog away. I am going to continue to feature stories about all things frugal and fabulous. Today’s blog is exactly that, an ode to frugality. Enjoy.....

When I was younger (ala~college age) my dear friend Kali and I would joke about how nice it would be when we graduated college, got rich, and could graduate from living our “Equate Lifestyle.” Equate referring to the budget brand alternative we had to buy at Wal-Mart in lieu of name-brand anything and everything. Well eight years later I have definitely graduated college, not become rich, and now more than ever embracing my “Equate Lifestyle.

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The current economic issues are very real and most babes are feeling the pinch. I didn’t necessarily lose bags of cash in investments when everything came crashing down because hello....I didn’t have any invested, yikes. “If ya ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose.” But...most of my clients did lose and so inadvertently I was effected by this economic crunch. As many of you know I own a retail business that specializes in jewelry and accessories called The Posh Spot. (insert shameless plug for www.theposhspot.net here) The ladies quit spending as much and so I haven’t been selling as much. I began to see a real difference last December at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Sales and attendance were down 30% across the board and that was the first sign of trouble. When people aren’t even drunk and happy spending in Vegas then something is way wrong. Many business owners agree that 2009 continues to showcase a consumer who is cautious and holding on to their cash. I know I am. So in the spirit of frugality, I want to dedicate this blog to the “Equate Lifestyle” and compare some products to show you we frugalistas do get a good bang for the buck.

Today I’m going to focus on beauty and personal care products because that is what I have bought the past few trips to Wally World. I’ll break it down into the savings per ounce on the liquids since that really is what showed me how much I was saving. Now remember peeps- I’m not a scientist, mathematician, or a certified guru on personal care products (not yet anyway) so this is all my opinion and statistics that my math abilities allow.

Hand Soap:

All of us probably have a pump bottle of liquid soap by our sinks throughout the house. Liquid soap is really the norm in hand cleaner now. Bar soaps are not usually seen unless you are in prison, a Motel 6, or a mechanic’s garage....hello scratchy Lava bar. In our homes we love the convenience and scent of easy cheesy liquid soap. Even in public all we have to do is just put our hands out and the automatic dispenser will shoot some out. I like easy. Everyone does. But suds at home can get expensive.

My indulgent side would love to scamper over to Bath and Body Works every month and buy all the hot new scents to have by my sink but the reality is that I have to watch every penny and the mall is not where I need to buy my soap! The best place to buy my liquid soap is Wal-Mart and money is saved by opting for bulk. You probably already have a near empty bottle waiting to be replaced so try refilling it instead. I’m not suggesting a Sam’s Wholesale bulk fall-out shelter amount purchase but Wal-Mart sells Equate Liquid Handsoap in a 64oz jug of fun and you can refill your kitchen and bathroom bottles for a fraction of the cost.

Here is the break down: If you buy even the small individual 7.5oz bottles of Equate brand soap for $.98. I’ve been buying those lately because I thought it was the cheapest way to secure suds. Today I saw the big refill jug and decided to do the math. The small 7.5oz bottles cost you $.13 per ounce. An Equate 64oz bottle is $3.68 so that breaks down to only $.06 per ounce. So you basically get alteast 50% off by buying in bulk.

That is a great deal considering when you go to Bath and Body Works and purchase a normal bottle of their 8 oz anti-bacterial hand soap it will cost you $4.50 and that my friend breaks down to $.56 per ounce!!!!! Yikes, goodbye Sweat Pea and Exotic Coconut, hello Equate Refill Jugs! It’s hand soap people, who cares the brand or scent. With all the H1N1 scare we need to be diligent about clean hands at home so as long as it kills germs I’m fine with economic Equate.

Beauty products can seriously break the bank so I was relieved to see all the Equate options when it came to skin and hair care. Here are some of the comparisons of cost.

Hair Care:

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Shampoo 13oz bottle $3.99= $.31 per oz.

We all love Sarah Jessica’s favorite brand but that can add up so I opted for:

Equate Fortifying Shampoo 13oz bottle $1.97= only $.15 per oz.

You are saving atleast 50% this way!!!! The bottles look almost identical but it’s the similarities in the ingredients that make me confident in this choice. Heck for under two bucks if I don’t like it and my hair is less than Sex in the City quality, I will spring for SJP’s Garnier next time. Today my hair feels great and has plenty of volume, so far so good.

Pantene ProV Daily Moisture Conditioner 25.4oz for $7.99= $.31 per oz

I don’t use a lot of conditioner each time so this is a no-brainer. I’m going to try to save money on something that doesn’t effect my “do” all that much. I have been using this for months and it really is just as good as Pantene. The ingredients are almost the exact same. I highly recommend trying this product or rotate it in with your pricier brand of choice. At this price I don’t fret over slathering conditioner on my legs after I shave then rinse off for extra softness. Try that trick, you’ll love it.

Equate Pro Vitamin Conditioner 25.4oz bottle $3.12= only $.12 per oz. That is freaking saving over 65% on conditioner.....Sold!

Skin Care:

Although I am now a tender 31 years of age (haha) God seems to keep me in check with the fun of adult acne. I’m not always broken out but every few weeks I get a flash of hormonal-13-year-old-school-boy-skin and have some issues. Although Jessica Simpson and Vivica Fox would both love for me to continue my monthly purchases of Pro-Activ that expensive habit has been gone since my last corporate job (3 years ago).

I need to blast blemishes but I can’t even afford the the Pro-Activ knock-off version at Wal-Mart so I explored my Equate options. At night I like to take the easy way out and use those towelettes that are pre-moistened to take my make-up off.

Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Cloths 25 count $7.99= $.32 each wipe....Daaauuuumn.

I’ve used every brand of these wipes and honestly I’ve never really been able to tell a difference between any of them. The first time you buy wipes be sure you get a snap top box that keeps them moist so you can keep it and just buy the refills.

Equate Facial Cleansing Towelettes 60 count $3.94= $.07 each wipe. Now that is the way to wipe off the dirt of the day. Look how much you are saving by going the Equate route.

You can’t always use the easy wipes. You need to wash your face with cleanser atleast once a day to get your scrub on. For an actual face-wash I feel like I have tried them all. I have a beautiful friend named Skyler who has the most perfect skin ever. I always asked her in college what her secret was and she would just glow and say “Dove Bar Soap.” If I busted out a bar soap on my oily face I would not only break out in a fiery rash but the aftermath would include a peel-fest as if I wash freshly sunburned from partying Spring-break style ’99 in Daytona, Florida.

Some things just work for some, not for others. Since a bar soap is not an option, I use liquid cleanser. Whether the cleanser is $2 or $20 the usual acne fighting ingredient is 2% Salicylic Acid. I’ve had pretty good luck with any cleansers with that magic additive. Beware, although it may say to use it 2x a day, I only suggest using it once a day or even every other day because the acne fighter can also dry you out big time. It will help with the break outs though. You may see some zits surface before they fade and I hate to repeat the line my dermatologist said but here it goes, “It will get worse before it gets better.”

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash 6oz bottle $6.49=$1.00 per oz. No thanks Neutrogena.

Instead of paying that try the alternative:

Equate Acne Wash 6oz bottle $3.25= $.54 per oz. Now that is more my style. I like saving 50% on face wash. Especially face wash I use sparingly for fear of a major dry-out. But hey, gotta keep the zits at bay.

These are just some of the items that I have enjoyed trying and hope you will give them a shot. Money is something you want to hold on to not blow on brand names. Think next time you roll into Wal-Mart and make some changes.

You won’t be disappointed and you won’t be sacrificing quality when you chose Equate. Almost anything you need comes in an Equate version and saves you at least 50% when you break it down by ounce, serving, or piece.

It has been a few years since college. I remember all to well counting change for lunch at Bueno and scrapping together enough gas money (gas was $.76 a gallon one semester) to go out to the Wolftrap. And now even though times are better in the earning department (no more cocktail waitressing at the Ramada) they are still tough and in this economy (gas is far from $.76) we can all benefit from saving some dough.

So even though I could spring for name-brand goodies, I have learned that there is no shame in the Equate game. I’m getting what I need with the same ingredients that are in the name-brand products for 50% off. It makes perfect CENTS for me to keep living the “Equate Lifestyle.”

If you love any great generic versions of a must-have product, email me at noel@theposhshopper.com or leave a comment so everyone can see! I love knowing about new items and ways to save money. I’ll post your ideas with credit to you on my website. Thank you for visiting The Posh Shopper. Remeber today’s motto, “Go Ahead, Be Frugal and Fabulous!”

Going to Denton? Stop at The Chestnut Tree Tearoom

Noel Thrasher — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:42:00 GMT

Here is our first stop on The Posh Shopper's Tearoom Tour! Be sure to stop if you are ever in Denton, TX. It is only about 2.5 hours south from Norman. Ladies, if you need a fun day trip, Denton offers a historic town square full of shopping, history, and The Chestnut Tree! Check them out on urbanspoon by following the link below the movie to add your vote if you have been!

Go-Go to GOGO Sushi in Moore

Noel Thrasher — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Lisa Nguyen must be as sweet in her personal life as she is to her customers at GOGO Sushi in Moore if the GIANT bouquet of fabulously huge tiger lillies that had been given to her displayed on the bar says anything about her personality. She is the friendly and inviting general manager of GOGO Sushi in Moore, OK. An outgoing and engaged GM is a good sign of good food to come. I had been to GOGO before but it had been after a dentist appointment and no one is in their best state after that so I decided to go back fresh and ready to review!

GOGO in located in the new Rivermoore strip center right by The Warren Theater in Moore, OK. They will soon have new neighbors when Loui's and Loui's Too Opens Soon replacing the ill-fated JR's BBQ that was gone in a flash. GOGO is a small sushi restaurant in the center of the center and the outside is very inviting. Lisa has fresh plants and flowers out front with a couple of tables in case you want to enjoy your sushi outside. The daily specials are listed on an easel by the front door so you can start plotting your sushi attack before you even get inside. It's about that time your mouth starts watering. When you enter GOGO the first thing I noticed and appreciated is the inviting staff that greets you with big smiles and a menu. You order right at the bar and can either sit there or take a table out in the general seating area. We opted for the bar so we could see the action. I like to see my sushi being rolled and how the behind the scenes work.

We went for the order a variety and share plan since everything was looking good. A special that I love at GOGO is their Bento Box Special. All Bento Boxes come with 4pcs. of California Roll (Crab Stick, Cucumber, Avocado, and Sesame Seeds), steamed rice, house salad (dressing is some sort of ginger yumminess), tempura veggies (including a fab onion ring, sweet potato, and zuchini). That's not all...then you choose the main dish. You can choose from Teriyaki flavored chicken, beef, salmon, or shrimp, Tonkatsu (fried pork), Grilled Salmon, Shrimp Tempura (YUM), Korean Short Ribs, or Calamari Sea Salt (no idea). The Bento Boxes range between $7.95 to $10.95 a very frugal price for a fabulous amount of food.

We went for the Teriyaki Beef & Shrimp Bento Box $10.95, A #79 Tempura Roll $5.00(tempura shrimp, cucumber, avocado, masago), and #80 Spicy Cajun Roll $4.50(crawfish, spicy sauce). Now we sat at the bar so after I heard the next five customers order a #100 Sugar Mama Roll(tempura shrimp,crab stick,cream cheese, avocado/masago, and eel sauce), I wanted to try it but we were already full! What we had ordered was plenty of food for two for $21. On the beverage tip, Lisa said they currently serve just Bud and Bud Light but soon they will offer a wider variety of beer and wine. The ABLE commission just has to give them the green light.

I got a great pic of their Sushi Boat Combo. It has 34 pieces for just $29!!! The boat it comes in is really cute too!

The atmosphere is light and easy, the service was snappy, and the sushi was superb! When you get the chance swing through Moore and give GOGO a go! Tell Lisa that The Posh Shopper sent ya!

GOGO Sushi is located in Rivermoore Plaza behind Super Wal-Mart near Warren Theatre and Lowes

Coyote Ugly in Oklahoma City

Noel Thrasher — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:41:00 GMT

When I first saw the movie Coyote Ugly back in 2000 I thought how much fun would it be to rock a huge flashy buckle and shake my money maker on the original rowdy saloon bar in New York. I evened blinged out a pair of leather pants with a Bedazzler in the design of flames before bedazzling was cool! I had the whole look down but after a dress rehearsal in the privacy of my apartment, I realized the leather pants heated me up as if I was wrapped in sweaty saran wrap and doing squats while in tight clothing was harder than it looked. I gave up my coyote dream years ago but.....now that Coyote Ugly sold out, I mean- franchised, I can jump on the bar anytime I want right here in Bricktown. Although at thirty-one and in my current aerobic state I might be more equipped to view it as a spectator sport. I had my go-go boot hey days back when Studio 54 opened so I can say I've done the dancing cocktail waitress-on-the bar thing. I think I'll leave it to the young professionals now.

I've been to the Coyote Ugly bars in Nashville and Vegas. Nashville's was just kind of a commercialized version of a dirty biker bar and Vegas was a disappointment! The talent was compiled of wanna be strippers or show girls who lacked the talent and hotness I would think would be required to at least rock the Vegas location!! My goodness, didn't this stupid franchise even have a reality show not too long ago????

Anyway despite my past experience at C.U. I was determined to take some time out to see what the OKC branch was going to offer. Well....the slide show pretty much tells the story. Dancing chicks.....check. Ogling men......check. Impromptu water gun fight......check. Grown Men Getting Spanked with Studded Belt........check, double check. All the elements were in play for a low rent cabaret show.

The girls working, bless their hearts (remember if you preface anything with that it's ok to say anything) were really trying but there was only 3 of them there. That isn't there fault! The owner/manager team better recognize that men come for a show and when is the last time Broadway headlined a show with just three chicks! Now I know Coyote Ugly isn't in the same league as The Great White Way but come on' people we are all depressed in this economic downturn! If you are going to show me some booty.....show me lots of it. I need a good 6 to 8 asses up there to impress this former go-go girl! People want a show, an escape from the ordinary bar experience. 3 girls, 2 bar backs, and 1 water gun is NOT a must-see. There wasn't a man-auction like in the clip above which would have been a bust anyway considering the caliber of men that were up for grabs, there wasn't really any crowd enthusiasm, and there just wasn't enough liquor slingin' honeys to fill the dead space on the bar. The girls were sweet and when they did perform their routine they rocked it out and really got the wet hair flying. For a Wednesday (their busiest day according to Yosemite Sam the bar back) it was packed and they were even selling merchandise. Notice my costume change into a Coyote Tee didn't take long. Hopefully this attempt at big city nightlife in Bricktown will take a lesson from the good ol' movie, get more chicks on the bar and turn the music up! Overall this place is worth trying while it is still in business but unless they oil up some more hot girls in short shorts and bangin' boots....I'm worried this is one "show" that won't go on.

Visit www.coyoteuglysaloon.com

FCCLA Float Trip 2009

Noel Thrasher — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:26:00 GMT

The ladies of Alex High School FCCLA and their fearless leader, Lindsey Bunch and her friend Noel Thrasher attempt to float twelve miles of the River.....we made it six.

Be sure to click HOME to see the rest of the site for The Posh Shopper!

Revised video from YouTube

Noel Thrasher — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:57:00 GMT

Posting this one to test my YouTube abilities...sorry for the double dose!

Learning to Use Video

Noel Thrasher — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:11:00 GMT

Today I tried my hand at editing video and this is what my esteemed collegues and I came up with. Hey I have to learn how somehow! The gracious girls in the booth down from me took time out from their taxing schedule of playing Brickbreaker and texting to let me interview them.

It was fun to learn about editing and will soon be bringing you videos of "How To" and "Frugal and Fabulous Finds" so be looking for those! Here is my very first video attempt....Enjoy! 27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000">

Get Your Sweet Tooth Fix in Bricktown!

Noel Thrasher — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:46:00 GMT

Bricktown is going on over 16 years of an entertainment revival. I vividly remember one of my first jobs at the Varsity Sports Bar & Grill where America's Pub now sits. Bricktown has come a long way! We used to have to run into work for fear we would be accosted on the way in to punch the clock. It isn't scary anymore. Restaurants and bars have been coming and going for years but with the addition of family friendly entertainment that is there year round, the red bricks are always a rosy trail to travel. Harkins Movie Theater, The Bricktown Ballpark, and the Riverboat Tours are just a few of the activities that a family can enjoy on a day trip to Big B. Now there is a new destination to mark on your "must-see" list. The new Bricktown Candy Co. is exactly that, a fabulous nod to the candy stores of yesteryear. Located at 100 E. California on the bottom floor, the BCC houses hundreds of selections of sweets. They offer the self-serve pick and mix candy bar along with a huge selection of Jelly Belly jellybeans. In the adjoining room get ready to wet your whistle. BCC offers tons of bottle tops to pop. With a selection that will soon rival Pops 66 in Edmond, BCC is setting the stage to be the OKC destination for connoisseurs of colas. If you are more of an ice-cream fan then prepare for a lotta gelato! The owners proud papa, Vance, enticed me with a sample of the newest flavor Bubble Gum. It tasted like true bubble gum! Too much for me since I don't like to eat gum so I opted for the yummy Mint. It was great. For only $3.50 you get a small and can have two flavors in it. That is a tasty treat that won't break the bank. It is completely enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Vance was the best host ever. He is so proud and excited for his son's success! As a business owner myself, I can completely appreciate how much the support of family means to one's dream.

My eyes were just as pleased as my taste buds. The interior is neat, clean, and tidy. They need a bit more shelving and coolers to keep all those sodas ready for intake but overall the classic signs hanging on the wall and expansive candy choices keep the eyes moving. Vance and the entire staff at Bricktown Candy Co. offer a smile and a sugar high...what more could you want from a day in Bricktown!

Hungry? In Norman? In The Raw!!!!

Noel Thrasher — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:18:00 GMT

In the Raw Sushi on Campus Corner was nothing shy of an experience. For all you men that remember and loved Roller Girl from Boogie Nights, I have 2 new "Roller Girls" for you to love. Stacy and Jessi are true roller girls! Stacy was our main roller but I had a great view of Jessi working her magic too. It was fun and different to visit a sushi restaurant where two white girls are responsible for delivering delectable rolls. I asked Stacy how she got started rolling and she said "I was a bad waitress so they put me behind the counter!" They being the brilliant cats over at Gaijin Sushi in Norman. Jessi also got her start at Gaijin. She never had to deal with any mishaps of being a waitress, she jumped right into rolling. So the real heroes we need to thank are the guys at Gaijin for giving us two of the best Roller Girls Norman has seen.

In The Raw has a laid back hip atmosphere and a great sushi bar. As you will see in the pictures it is a very fashionable interior and elements like a mirrored ceiling, vibrant wall paintings, lighted liquor bar grid wall, and pumping music give all your senses a vacation from the ordinary. We were greeted by a gorgeous hostess (always a plus) and we opted to sit at the glassed in sushi bar so we could see the action. When you sit at the sushi bar you get the benefit of a kitchen waitress who gets your beverages and anything that the kitchen prepares and the services of your own Roller Girl. Stacy answered all our questions and made some great suggestions. We started with the Miso soup ($2.50) and Pork Gyoza Steamed Dumplings ($5.50). I get these at every sushi restaurant, I'm addicted!! Everything came out in a timely manner and I also noticed how streamlined the sushi bar was working. The Roller Girls were cranking out the rolls. I saw that the behind the scenes key to this smooth operation was a "Prep" chef named Lindsey. She kept all the Roller Girls stations full and even did some sautéing of hot toppings (volcano roll) that the rollers may need. The management must know how to keep the sushi station smoothly moving because everything was fresh and fast. So fresh that I could have done without the slicing and dicing of a little octopus. He never stood a chance against Stacy's mega knife. Stacy surprised us with a Chef's choice roll called, well..."The Stacy" and it did not disappoint. It was our favorite! It was a medley of who knows what but it was topped with panko crusted Salmon. It was the best roll I've ever had! Be sure to ask for that when you go! We also had a California Roll ($5.25), a Candy Roll ($7.95), and a Volcano Roll ($14.95). They were all wonderful! The rolls are huge and you get such a bang for your buck. Stacy mentioned their Happy Hour and I will be stopping by for $3 regular rolls and coming soon they are going to add half price specialty rolls.

In The Raw has been open on Campus Corner since last September and I hate that I have missed out on such a fun sushi joint for the past year. Well it is on my radar now and I plan on many more sushi smack downs with my Roller Girls! Visit In The Raw on Campus Corner or in Bricktown by Harkins theater. Check out my Urban Spoon reviews with the link below, and be sure to vote!

American Quarter Horse Youth World Show

Noel Thrasher — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:28:54 GMT

Howdy Friends,

Well today I am posted up in my 10x10 booth at the AQHYA World Show in OKC. I am at the Fair Grounds in the Cox Building on the North Wall. I love this show and although I do a small booth here it is packed with tons of new jewelry and accessories. I will be listing them today online at www.theposhspot.net so be sure to check them out.

The western world is always fun to be apart of and doing the shows you meet all kinds. Sometimes it feels like a modern day version of Urban Cowboy playing out in real life with all the drama and romance and scandal of a big screen hit. I often laugh and say I am a gypsy but many of the vendors on the western circuit are for real cross-country, rig pulling, ain't been home in months gypsies. They all know one another, they all hang out with one another, they all manage to date or marry one another, and all take care of one another. After only two years I am still a visitor into this world and I don't really know many people that well. I have developed a few relationships with other vendors who are kind and we talk shop. The horse industry is a completely different world and never having been exposed to it before two years ago, I didn't know the inner workings of it all. I am learning that like with any industry there are the O.G.'s (original gangstas) that are not to be messed with. Their word is the law. You can get black listed from selling at a show if you piss the right O.G. off. There is non stop gossip. I stay clear of that mess. Because I have learned someone is "kin" to who you are talking about. Dogs are commonplace everywhere at a horse show. The tradeshow, the barns, no where is off limits for the horseman's four-legged friends. People sell dogs all the damn time too. You can't go forty feet without coming across a makeshift kennel hawking newborn Corgies (not sure on the spelling of this coveted short legged pup) for hundreds of dollars. Many of you know I am against paying top dollar for a pup when so many are needing our love and rescue at a shelter. Horseshow people usually pay cash. Other vendors are always trying to barter or trade. That never turns out good if it is their idea because you probably don't want or need what they want to trade for. I am chock full of blinged out dog collars. LOL. No telling how much I have lost in my first year when I thought you had to trade with someone if they offered. I have learned my lesson. There are cliques amongst the vendors. I am pretty sure I am not in one considering there hasn't been any beat down or hazing which I am sure would come with. I am often invited to eat with the cool kids but once last year when I was invited by clique "x" to go eat I mistakingly asked clique "y" to join. Damn, I almost got a beat down for that, hahaha. I guess clique "x" wanted On The Border to themselves. Note to self...don't invite others to a party that isn't yours. Other vendors also love to come visit with you when all they are doing is scoping out your goodies and your prices. Many of them will straight ask where you order something from. I have learned to play dumb on that issue. I have also learned that of all the shows I do, the western ones are where I never get a hot check, I never have to worry about theft (for the most part), and everyone is willing to help one another. The western world seems to truly be made up of the nicest people, the biggest flirts, the strongest willed, and the most interesting stories of any other group I have encountered. Maybe YA'LL can come on down and sneak a peek into this wonderful wild west show.

Dryer Balls to the Rescue!

Noel Thrasher — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:57:42 GMT

Today I decided to try out my first FRUGAL AND FABULOUS idea to share with you guys! I bought some Dryer Max Dryer Balls for $12.99 plus tax this last weekend at the Allen Outlet Mall in Allen, TX. I have heard of these little guys but wasn't sure if they would work. So I decided I wouldn't know until I tried them. The box claims that you can simply toss them into your dryer and forget the fabric softeners, sheets, or any anti-static aid because these bad boys not only take care of the static, they also cut dryer time down by 25%!!! With how much I spend on anti-static sheets and the juice my dryer is pulling down, I figured these balls were worth a try! My first load was full of towels. Towels are always full of static and take forever to dry. I tossed in the wet towels and my balls and set the timer for only 50 minutes. I usually crank it up to the 70 min max dry for my towels so this will really test my balls. An hour later I had flung open the dryer to what appeared to be a dry load of towels. Sure enough, I took out the towels and they were all dry. I didn't feel any static keeping them together as I separated them to fold them so the anti-static must work. The label explains the balls lift and separate the items so the hot air can circulate around them and dry them faster. The towels dried faster so the balls must be doing the trick. My next load was full of delicates and even though the balls sound pretty rough, they didn't damage anything. Socks and underwear usually have static but all my delicates were fine. Those flying balls are in there working some serious magic. They are loud in the dryer but hey, I'd much rather have it sound like I am drying a boot if it is going to save me money on my utility bill. I am going to get additional dryer balls, it says you can use up to 4 or 6, the more the merrier. There isn't a website on the package but I am sure we can google the ol' "as seen on tv" website and find out how to order more. I was very impressed! Let me know if you have ever tried them!

Heading to Dallas Today

Noel Thrasher — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:08:00 GMT

Hi Friends, well today I am about to journey to Dallas with Lindsey and family. We are going down to Big D for a competition, aka beauty pageant that lil Braxton will be defending his title of Prince Charming Oklahoma. He is going to try to take the crown....I mean sash, septor, high five or whatever they give the lil boys to be the national winner. Have you seen his blue eyes...he will win. Check out his pic on my facebook and you will see why he is one stage saunter away from Ralph Lauren calling and booking him for the next childrens line shoot. I can't wait to soak up a little sun this afternoon at the hotel then we off to the over-priced Midevil Times. Nothing like D-list theatre majors that couldn't cut it at Disney World in full on midevil garb attempting to ride horses, joust, and entertain all the good midwestern folk who decided this is now entertainment. I am pretty sure there is no silver ware just our bare hands to dig into I am sure a platter of fun. I'll photograph it and show off our metal plate of carcass tomorrow. Then it's off to a fun filled weekend of child explotation, just kidding. I am the crazy stage god mother. Lindsey is laid back and let's me do the stressing. Love you all....Noel

Publishing my new site today

Noel Thrasher — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:10:00 GMT

Hello everyone! I am publishing my new site today! It is www.theposhshopper.com and it will have my blog, my store links, my consultant site, and all new news in the posh world together. I am excited. I hope the launch goes well so forgive any typos and errors you might find. Let me know about any you see or if you can't navigate the pages easily. Also let me know if the flash intro works when you go to the site!
Thank you so much and have a wild Wednesday!

New Blog Coming Soon!

Noel Thrasher — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:01:00 GMT

Hi Friends! I am blogging for the very first time! I have just set up my new website www.theposhshopper.com and look forward to blogging on all things frugal and fabulous!

I will be reviewing hot spots to shop and save, economical restaurants to try, the season's hottest buys on a budget, and where to go have some fun with reviews on entertainment venues, movies and more! As you all know, I always have something to say about something so I might as well be doing it in style! We will add photos and videos of my adventures and look forward to hearing feedback and story ideas from all of you!

Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get updates on all things OKC and surrounding areas. Of course I'll blog when I am on the road too!

Don't forget to shop online for all things bling at www.theposhspot.net!

I look forward to this new adventure....."The road goes on forever and the party never ends!"

Welcome

Noel Thrasher — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:21 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.