Sk8Leigh- How often do you have Chicagoland meets??? I joined Tops Nov 05. Did great starting Jan 06 and lost 36 lbs but from Sept to my weigh in on Thurs I had gained back 17 of it. OUCH! Goodluck with WW!!! Have you checked out IKEA for furniture??? My parents just purchased some nice couches from there and all of there bedroom furniture. I have been eyeballing somethings in the catalog. Good quality and doesn't break the bank!
For Meets, it seems to be every couple of months, but really it's just whenever anyone feels like planning one.

There's been some talk of a bowling Meet, so that might be our next one.

And yes, OUCH with the gaining weight back. I had bought all these smaller pairs of pants, and now I can't wear any of them. I have about 5 pairs of "bigger pants" that I can wear, so it's the same ones each week. And one of the pairs of jeans is literally about to fall apart, and I'm wearing it to work!
You said you have four kids. How old are they? (I myself am single and childless.)
Leigh-definately check out IKEA. Especially with your new place. You could really find a lot of things there. Check out their online site. We bought DS bed there before Christmas and for the money it is really great.
Thanks for the Ikea suggestions from everyone, but I've looked at their web page (never been there), and I don't really think it's my style. However, I might end up buying some smaller pieces from there.
LEIGH I bought my entertainment center from Harlem I think it made well. We never bought anything else though.
Ok, I went to Harlem. Get this--I walk in and there are about ten salespeople hovering near the door. I had read someone's online review that the salespeople were stalkers since they must be on commision, and boy is that true!!! So I walk in and while the one whose "turn" it apparently is is distracted with someone else, I turn right. And then I hear her calling after me and practically running up to me. She gives me a flyer and does her pitch, and I say that I'm not buying today, just looking. So she says to look around and if I have a question then she'll be close by. No, that can't mean what I think it does. But sure enough, I start walking, and she starts following me!!! She's following about 20 paces behind me! That's no way to browse!!!

So when I saw her turn another way for a second after she caught me looking at her, I made a run for it and doubled back and went the other way!!!

Shopping should not be that difficult! I finally found the bedroom collection that had looked the best to me, but I didn't really like it in person. I did find one that was pretty good, but it's not on the web site, which makes me think that it's been discontinued. If so, I might have problems getting it since I can't take delivery for a few months.
There were a few sofas that I might like. I have a feeling I'm going to end up buying everything at different stores. If I go back there and want to buy something, I'm going to look for someone who looks nice and non-stalkerish to buy from.
I also went over to the Carsons furniture store. Their beds seemed to be about double the price of Harlem.

But probably better quality. I did find one that wasn't quite as expensive, and on sale now, but it probably won't be for long.
Leigh - we have looked at IKEA a few times too. They have a nice looking furniture. I have looked at Harlem but never bought anything there... we ned to get a living room set. Ours is 20+ years old ( it was DH's from way before we got married and it is UGLY) and it is finally getting worn looking.. but I don't know... if we will replace it... every financial decision is now weighed against college costs.. YIKES!!
I'm lucky that I'll be able to take a lot of stuff from our house, either permanently or just until I can get something new that I like. If I can't find a dining room set by then, I'll take our kitchen table and chairs and use that. (None of us want to keep it permanently. I'd probably take our dining room set except my parents want that.) But I'll have a guest bedroom set, and at least one recliner. And probably lots of random tables and chairs.
I got a new phone today. So I'm trying to replace some of my ringtones and screensavers. I've gotten a good Main Street Electrical Parade ringtone! I think that's what my friend's DD was asking me if I had on my phone before, although she didn't know what it was called. So now that's their song.

It's so hard to learn how to use a new phone! And this one has bluetooth, which I've never had before, so I got a cordless headset. I charged it tonight (yes, you have to charge the headset

), and I'll tackle that tomorrow. And the best of the phone is, after a rebate it's free!
My favorite game that I play on the train isn't available for this phone yet, though.
