A Soldier Comes Home

Mother sent me this letter/article that from the Washington Post this past Wednesday, July 15th. Always remember: freedom is NOT free!

A Solider Comes Home
On July 5, The Post published a letter from Martha Gillis of Springfield, whose nephew, Lt. Brian Bradshaw, was killed in Afghanistan on June 25, the day that Michael Jackson died. The letter criticized the extensive media coverage of Jackson's death compared with the brief coverage of Lt. Bradshaw's death. Among the responses was the following letter, written July 9 by an Air National Guard pilot and a fellow member of the crew that flew Lt. Bradshaw's body from a forward base in Afghanistan to Bagram Air Base. Capt. James Adair, one of the plane's pilots, asked the editorial page staff to forward the letter to the Bradshaw family. He and Brian Bradshaw's parents then agreed to publication of these excerpts.


Dear Bradshaw Family,
We were crew members on the C-130 that flew in to pick up Lt. Brian Bradshaw after he was killed. We are Georgia Air National Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. We support the front-line troops by flying them food, water, fuel, ammunition and just about anything they need to fight. On occasion we have the privilege to begin the final journey home for our fallen troops. Below are the details to the best of our memory about what happened after Brian's death.

We landed using night-vision goggles. Because of the blackout conditions, it seemed as if it was the darkest part of the night. As we turned off the runway to position our plane, we saw what appeared to be hundreds of soldiers from Brian's company standing in formation in the darkness. Once we were parked, members of his unit asked us to shut down our engines. This is not normal operating procedure for that location. We are to keep the aircraft's power on in case of maintenance or concerns about the hostile environment. The plane has an extremely loud self-contained power unit. Again, we were asked whether there was any way to turn that off for the ceremony that was going to take place. We readily complied after one of our crew members was able to find a power cart nearby. Another aircraft that landed after us was asked to do the same. We were able to shut down and keep lighting in the back of the aircraft, which was the only light in the surrounding area. We configured the back of the plane to receive Brian and hurried off to stand in the formation as he was carried aboard.
Brian's whole company had marched to the site with their colors flying prior to our arrival. His platoon lined both sides of our aircraft's ramp while the rest were standing behind them. As the ambulance approached, the formation was called to attention. As Brian passed the formation, members shouted "Present arms" and everyone saluted. The salute was held until he was placed inside the aircraft and then the senior commanders, the sergeant major and the chaplain spoke a few words.

Afterward, we prepared to take off and head back to our base. His death was so sudden that there was no time to complete the paperwork needed to transfer him. We were only given his name, Lt. Brian Bradshaw. With that we accepted the transfer. Members of Brian's unit approached us and thanked us for coming to get him and helping with the ceremony. They explained what happened and how much his loss was felt. Everyone we talked to spoke well of him -- his character, his accomplishments and how well they liked him. Before closing up the back of the aircraft, one of Brian's men, with tears running down his face, said, "That's my platoon leader, please take care of him."

We taxied back on the runway, and, as we began rolling for takeoff, I looked to my right. Brian's platoon had not moved from where they were standing in the darkness. As we rolled past, his men saluted him one more time; their way to honor him one last time as best they could. We will never forget this.

We completed the short flight back to Bagram Air Base. After landing, we began to gather our things. As they carried Brian to the waiting vehicle, the people in the area, unaware of our mission, stopped what they were doing and snapped to attention. Those of us on the aircraft did the same. Four soldiers who had flown back with us lined the ramp once again and saluted as he passed by. We went back to post-flight duties only after he was driven out of sight.

Later that day, there was another ceremony. It was Bagram's way to pay tribute. Senior leadership and other personnel from all branches lined the path that Brian was to take to be placed on the airplane flying him out of Afghanistan. A detail of soldiers, with their weapons, lined either side of the ramp just as his platoon did hours before. A band played as he was carried past the formation and onto the waiting aircraft. Again, men and women stood at attention and saluted as Brian passed by. Another service was performed after he was placed on the aircraft.

For one brief moment, the war stopped to honor Lt. Brian Bradshaw. This is the case for all of the fallen in Afghanistan. It is our way of recognizing the sacrifice and loss of our brothers and sisters in arms. Though there may not have been any media coverage, Brian's death did not go unnoticed. You are not alone with your grief. We mourn Brian's loss and celebrate his life with you. Brian is a true hero, and he will not be forgotten by those who served with him.

We hope knowing the events that happened after Brian's death can provide you some comfort.

Sincerely,

Capt. James Adair
Master Sgt. Paul Riley
GA ANG 774 EAS Deployed

Roma Flats

While browsing the Nordstrom sight in preparation for tomorrow's BIG sale I came across these DARLING Tory Burch Roma flats. I love tan and pink together, I love Tory Burch, I love flats, I love bows and I love croc so these might just be made for me! They actually even sort of remind me of the Ferragamo Varinas which mother lives in and swears by and it might be time I start following in those footsteps. You could wear these in the Spring and the Fall so they are totally justifiable. Here is to keeping my fingers crossed that they are included in the sale tomorrow!

Fall is Near

Even though it is over 100 degree today in Dallas I am excited about fall clothes...particularly the fall Lilly line of course!
I am OBSESSED with this print! I also plan on buying this skirt (which apparently retails for just $98) in the pink and green print!

I am not sure how this dress will look on me, but it could be cute for a Friday night dinner or a KKG meeting!

I am loving the navy with the hot pink buttons! This dress will be perfect for work this fall.

I adore patterned cardigans. I have a great cream dress I could pair this with as well as some darling ivory pants. It is a must for when the chills comes.

Such a flattering style skirt this is! I love the subdued print too. Again, another perfect piece for work!

Same skirt, different pattern. Navy is my black, and navy with a little flair is simply perfection!

See, I really am a sucker for a good cardigan? I love the look of this with the delicate ruffles too.

There are so many other dresses I love, but I could not find photos today. So many choices to make, must pop in to the store tomorrow!

Steal of a Deal!

If you are not already a subscriber or if you your subscription is about to expire of Real Simple get to Amazon ASAP! This week they are having a one year subscriptions sale for FIVE (yes just $5) DOLLARS! That is almost the same price as a venti latte at Starbucks, you cannot afford not to take advantage! The offer is available for a limited time and apparently only a limited number of $5 subscriptions are available. Run, run, run!

Gourds

It is certainly no decorating secret that the smallest pieces can make a room. Old family photos in beautiful silver frames or a collection of antique dishes always give a room life. While sofas and chairs may appear to be what a room is centered around I believe wonderful lamps can also be focus pieces.

Though I simply ADORE ginger jar lamps I am also all about gourd lamps! In recent years gourd lamps seem to popping up all over. You find them in just about every color imaginable, they look fantastic is so many settings and best of all they are available at great price points. The world renowned Albert Hadley used a pair in a living room above. Even though this photo shows the entire room (which appears to be huge) the lamps appear to pull everything together. The size of the gourds just works and again a smaller detail that could easily have gotten lost catches your eye.
Victoria Neale used a darling pink gourd lamp in her bedroom in the Washington, DC show house. If the photo look familiar it is because I have featured it before, I just cannot get enough, gourd lamps really can work in any setting!

For instance, wouldn't this Apple Green Gourd Lamp look fantastic on an entry chest? Add a pop of color anywhere in your home and get everyone talking! At $178 I say buy a pair, what a steal! This particular lamp is available in SIX fabulous colors so you are sure to find one that works (I love the yellow and salmon too)!

How could you resist a touch of pink in any room? This Pink Gourd Lamp would be divine in a daughter's room (just like the featured photo), your dressing room or my future blue and pink sitting room!

Now of course I could not neglect my love for all things blue and white. I adore this Blue and White Gourd Lamp and would even put it in my first living room (bye bye ginger jars, hello gourds!). You could even have the smaller size on a kitchen desk or linen chest! The options for gourd lamps are endless!

Tablescapes!

Today has been a very busy day back in Dallas. It is SO hard to believe that exactly a month ago I had just landed in India was reunited with the parentals, how time flies! Anyway, it was a hot, but exciting and fun day in Dallas. This morning I learned the Silent Auction chair for Kappa Tablescapes (the HUGE Dallas KKG aumni fundraiser) had to resign. With the event just months away Kappa was in dire need of a replacement chair and guess who is filling the shoes? Yours truly! I have a 'southern fling' dinner with the other chairs tomorrow evening and am SO excited! I LOVE this event and am just thrilled I can put my skills to use and contribute in a big way.

For those of you in the Dallas area I HIGHLY encourage you to come to the event in October at Brook Hollow. Stores and designers in the area decorate tables (examples are pictured) that are true works of art. It is so fun to see each table (many from your favorite stores!) and even get ideas for your upcoming events!

"Tables range from Elvis kitsch to the First Lady of Texas, Laura Bush’s table, which highlighted Texas authors’ books and antique silver wine goblets from the Texas Governor’s Mansion. We have delighted in tables celebrating Halloween, children’s parties, anniversaries, Girls Night Out and every theme imaginable!
One table was enclosed with netting that kept the live Monarch butterflies floating above its diners! There have been humorous themes like the “Free Martha Stewart” table that showed tongue-in-cheek jailhouse table décor and a Kappas’ husbands table with outdoor sportsman gear and turkey plates.
Designers have begun to bring their own tables and chairs. One year the outline of the Titanic was brought on which the fated liner’s last meal was poignantly depicted. The sky truly is the limit when imagination is given free reign! "

Tablescapes has given over 1.7 million dollars to various area charities and we will continue to contribute this year. In the past William Yeoward has spoken and this year we are lucky enough to have secured Martha Hall Foose, a fabulous Southern cook!

The year's theme is "Celebrating the South" so it is sure to be right up many of our alleys! There will be southern food, southern ladies and southern fun to be had by all! I am SO excited to have the opportunity to be so involved! Again, for all you Dallas ladies mark you calendars for October 12th and 13th and go here to find out more information about how to get in on this fun event! As for everyone else, I will try and keep you updated and of course if post photos once all is said and done!

Oh, and before I sign off in other news I am SO excited to announce I got my first choice JLD Provisional Project! Hooray for another G-R-E-A-T day!

Austin!

This weekend I headed down South for my very first trip to Austin, TX! I cannot believe I have lived in Texas for almost two and a half years and this was my first Texas adventure. I absolutely loved the city and had a divine time. While I of course loved the city itself we actually went down to Austin to "float" the river with Cotillion Club. It was perfect to do the city this way for the first time because most of our meals were planned, there were evening activities, loads of friends and of course a wonderful three hours outside! Friday evening we had dinner downtown and then club activities on 6th Street. Yesterday morning we got up early so that we could have breakfast at Austin Java (YUM!) before heading to the river. Now, I am not the most outdoorsy girl, but I had fun inter tubing and catching some rays yesterday afternoon. After our river trip we headed back downtown to our hotel pool and then out to the lake for dinner at Hula Hut. It was beautiful to be able to watch the sun set over the lake while enjoying Mexican food (my favorite)!
This morning we got up and headed to San Marcos. I have been wanting to go to San Marcos for almost two years and these outlets did not let down. I was sad Tory Burch was not yet open, but that only means a return trip is in order sometime this fall! All of us stocked up at J Crew and wandered Williams Sonoma/Pottery Barn for almost an hour. I ended up with a blue and white (I am sure you are all shocked!) salad serving set and a waffle maker (I FINALLY bought one!). Afterwards we hit up an old pharmacy that serves delicious hamburgers and shakes then it was back to Dallas. It was s splendid weekend and I am already excited to head back down to Austin for a UT game this fall!!

Foreign Fun Winner!

I finally found the time to sit down and fill you all in on as to who won my most recent giveaway!! I do apologize for the delay, but without further ado the Harrods Mango tea and Some tablecloth go to...comment 132, Janie K. Peterson!

Please send your mailing information my way and I will get your prize in the mail! Also, if anyone would be kind enough to share how I can post the random number generator selection on my future giveaway posts it would be much appreciated. I can only seem to work the generator, but not copy and paste its' information.

I'll Be Seeing You

This is one of my favorite songs. I could listen to it on repeat for days I think! It would be a lovely song to play at a wedding. Maybe you could even get Michael Buble or Steve Tyrell (his version is my favorite) to come and sing it! Speaking of 'seeing you,' I will be seeing you all on Sunday as I am taking an out-of-town adventure this weekend! Have a wonderful next few days all and if you have not already done so, enter my foreign fun giveaway!

Shift Day

I am finally getting around to wearing one of the steals I picked up at the Lilly fall warehouse sale!

The shift is PERFECT for today's Dallas weather (minus the rain I suppose) and it matches my Kate Spade shoes and purse too. I paired the ensemble with a pink, green, white and yellow necklace I picked up in India. I must say, I am pretty proud of all my matching skills today!

Bidding is Open!

Oh my, boy does it take ages and ages to list just a handful of items on eBay. After some quality time with my favorite online auction "house" I am done. I have listed a number of Lilly items (yes, I am parting with one dress, my count will be reduced to a mere forty- ha!) and a few from J Crew too. Several items are new with tags so head on over and bid away!!

Tunic Love

As many of you know I LOVE tunics! They can almost be worn year round in Dallas and there are just so many wonderful styles available. I have great sleeveless tunics I wear throughout the summer, then I have a a terry clothe one for the pool and of course there are also the classics I wear with jeans. I knew before I headed to India that tunics were everywhere and that they produced some beautiful styles. However, I never dreamed I would come home with such a handful!

I fell in love with the pink and green frog print at Soma the first time I walked in. The New Delhi store only had coin purses in the fabric my first visit and the Jaipur store had nothing but baby items and a trash can. The day before I left we popped back in to pick out my giveaway tablecloth in New Delhi and they had just gotten a pink and green frog tunic in! They only received ONE and it was MY size- it was meant to be! I am going to wear this as a cover-up and maybe even a night gown.
This tunic is the same style as the first and it is also from Soma. Mother spotted the blue and white (she has an eye!) and I just knew I had to add it to my collection. I wore this as a cover-up on the 4th and was tres patriotic!
Another pink and green Soma find. This will be cute with white jeans or pink shorts on a super hot Dallas day this next month. I will try to get a photo while wearing it just for you!

Mother knows all about my love for tunics and took me to the 'high' end tunic maker in New Delhi one afternoon. The boutique was pure eye candy! I saw SO many tunics I simply adored. The store was just wonderful because if you saw something you liked, but wanted it in different colors they could make it for you in just days! I picked out this darling and very Tory looking white tunic with gold detailing (I wore it to my going away party). I simply adore it! The linen is such high quality and the type you can only find in the very high end US stores. The tunic was actually much longer, but I decided to have it shortened so I could wear it with a number of different bottoms. The alterations only took hours and they delivered it to us. I just think it turned out wonderfully and it is crisp and fresh.

Mother also treated me to a tunic at the same store. She had gone in before I visited and saw this hot pink tunic and thought of me. I love the longer style and cannot wait to wear it with a pair of black capris. Notice the arms also have detailing as does the back. We both agreed that this is a truly stunning piece that I know I will have for years and years to come.

I think I have enough tunics to last me for a while...until my next trip to India at least. I am hoping to get the white tunic in black and/or navy for Christmas. Here is to hoping!

Foreign Fun for You!

Well, now that I have returned and am completely unpacked it is time to get generous! You did not think I would come back empty handed did you? If so you thought wrong, I was keeping my eyes peeled for a fabulous giveaway much of my trip!

When I saw the new tea packaging at Harrods I knew I had to buy a box for you all! I looked at all the flavors and finally settled on the mango, YUM! I think it will make the perfect summer iced tea and you could even mix up a mango iced tea spritzer with Perrier! Everything about India is fabulous so boy did I have a HARD time picking something for you! I fell in love with so many items, but wanted to find something that would appeal to many and not just me. I knew Soma was the place to go (this is the Lilly meets Vera store) and after much debate mother helped me select the fabulous tabletop/tablecloth. It is smaller in size (39 inches by 39 inches) so it can be used as on overlay on a large table or also work on a side table. I love the colors, but the hand blocked pattern is what I find most stunning. It truly is one of a kind!

The winner will receive BOTH foreign and fabulous items. To enter simply read a comment letting me know you are a regular reader. All comments must be left by 1pm EST on Friday, July 10th, 2009. So get typing, tell your friends and cross those fingers in hopes of winning these summer delights from afar!

Short Recap

I hope everyone had a fabulous day celebrating America on Saturday! I spent my day at the lake (photos to come) which was nothing short of wonderful. We were in the water, on the banana, on the porch eating, in the boat and on the dock watching fireworks- it was the perfect Independence day!

Yesterday was another busy day . Did you all catch Wimbledon? What an intense match!! I watched a few minutes before heading off to Lilly for the afternoon. I had not been in the store for over a month since I was out of town- gasp! I practiced self restraint and only bought two items, one of which is featured below.

I never thought I would like this color on me or the style, but it is just darling so it could not be passed up! I am thinking I might wear it on my getaway this weekend. I have my Set in Stone sandal which look perfect with it (these are my summer shoes, I am obsessed, buy a pair and you will be too!) and perhaps I will carry my Mizner clutch. I will be all set for dinner! Not only did I enjoy Lilly and a spiced orange tea from NM while at NorthPark, but I also met a darling blog reader AND found out Henri Bendel is opening in NP this fall! I am beyond excited and am so thrilled it is just a few stores around the bend from Lilly. I love Bendels and always find the cutest items there. Last fall when in NYC I stocked up on the cutest gifts and swap items on 5th...I think I might see a swap in my near future, stay tuned!

Have a fabulous Monday and enjoy this beautiful summer weather!

It's Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!!

"Two-hundred-and-thirty years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a document that set the course of our nation. It changed the history of the world. Our Declaration of Independence was a bold statement of revolutionary principles. It laid down a creed of freedom and a quality that has lifted the lives of hundreds of millions here in America and around the world. Yet, without the courage of the soldiers of our Continental Army, the words of the Declaration would have been forgotten by history, dismissed as the radical musings of a failed revolution.
We celebrate Independence Day each year because that ragtag group of citizen soldiers challenged the world's most powerful military, secured our liberty and planted a standard of freedom to which the entire world has aspired."
President George W. Bush, July 4th 2006, Fort Bragg

I hope you all have a fabulous day off and enjoy the time with family and friends. I also hope you pause and remember that today is a day to think of all those who are serving our country. Today is a day to give thanks for our freedom and because of all our men and women in uniform we are lucky enough to live in the land of the free and home of the brave! They make freedom possible and we will forever be indebted to them. No matter where you may be in the world, as an American you owe it all to those courageous men and women. God Bless America!

KEP 4th of July Code!

It is that time again...time for another KEP Designs discount!

KEP Designs is one of my favorite online stores. They have such wonderfully, classic, preppy pieces that can make any outfit in your closet! If you need reminding of some of my all time favorites, check out this post!

Just in time for summer (and the 4th of July!) KEP Designs is launching their new bangles! The bangles are not yet online (you get the first look as a M&M reader!) and they are available in TWENTY colors and can be made with any of the KEP charms! Even though these are not yet available on the website you can call the store and place your order with the discount today or Monday! How fabulous is that?!

Today through Monday you can jump on the KEP Designs train with a 15% discount!

Simply enter the code HOPSY4th at check out and your discount will be granted!

Add one of my favorite classics to your jewelry box or be one of the first to own the new enamel cuff! Treat yourself to a piece of KEP as you celebrate this great country this weekend!!

Oh Martha!

The Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's has always been high on my list. I love all the fun outdoor items they currently have in stock, I have always been fond of the linen napkins they offer and of course I adore the beautiful pink china! You can imagine my excitement when I walked in last summer and saw pink. Wedgewood and Martha all in one! The above image really does not do the pattern justice. While I personally would never pick a totally pink pattern as my main china the Martha for Wedgewood Ribbon Stripe Rose china would be a lovely additional pattern to have. Since the china is very reasonably priced I would even consider just purchasing four or six place settings to use for a ladies luncheon or a Valentine's dinner party. You would be the talk of the town with your dainty yet elegant table! Once I settle down I might just have to add this to my list!

Knob Makeover

India has the BEST home items (rumor has it that John Rosselli even travel there to have things made!) and many are at bargain prices. Sadly, I could not bring any furniture home so I instead stocked up on linens and small accents.

At a store in Jaipur I came across these boards of knobs. Well, if you have been reading for a bit your know my pink armoire was in need of some new knobs. What better a place then to buy them in the country where they are made?!
After quite a bit of deliberation I was finally able to pick a knob I thought would work.
And work it did! The pink is dead on and matches perfectly. I love the shade of green too.
I do not think I could have found a better choice anywhere. The job are fun, yet not too loud. They look wonderful and will work for years to come!