Tonight I shed a tear...

Tonight was tres, tres sad. Brooke is off American Idol. Luckily, having downloaded all her songs on iTunes I think I have enough to make a tribute CD. I will miss her positive attitude, cute clothes and pretty face. Tear, tear, tear! Even after the sadness that was American Idol, my night was made fabulous as I got to talk to K! It had been ages so it was SO wonderful to catch up and hear all about her plans for next year. I cannot wait to pay a visit to Phoenix or for K to Visit L and I in Dallas. I told my mother tonight I am now going to have no friends left to see in MPLS since L, K and Paige will all be gone. Time to travel the US I guess! Tonight I also took it upon myself to make every Lilly lover's day and upload a picture to the LLD gallery. Maybe I will win a trip to NYC and get a dress named after me! How thrilling that would be! I did include some of my Lilly facts that I had posted on my blog (thanks for encouraging my E, I hope this all pays off) so I will keep my fingers crossed. Tomorrow I have a SUPER busy day so I need to go prep. I did get a chance to run by Bliss today and picked up new conditioner and shampoo as well their High Thighs Thinner Scrub to get me ready for my pool time; I will let you all know if it is worth buying. I also got my nails done this evening. However, Taffi was ill so I had another girl who was very pleasant. I decided to do a bright baby pink this week instead of my usual hot pink and am gal I did. It is always nice to switch things up a little bit. OK, off to pick an outfit for tomorrow. Much love to all my readers! Thank you all for reading for the past month and please, please do leave comments; they brighten my day!

xoxo
H

Eye Candy

Happy Tuesday! I am short on time as beauty sleep is calling so I thought I would share several items I have been eyeing on the Internet. What do you all think?

Tory Burch Venus (Brooke wore this on American Idol so I love it just a tad bit more)!

Tory Burch Shift

New J Crew white top; how adorable would this be with my Lilly shorts and capri pants? I also think it could be perfect with black capri pants in Europe.
Pottery Barn Kids Olivia dresser in pink. I think this would look adorable with all my pink and white PBK toile!

OK, I am off as I have a busy Wednesday ahead of me. After work I have a nail appointment and I am also going and try to swing by Bliss. On Wednesdays HWD employees get 40% all purchases, how exciting is that?

Finally, an update!

Well, as promised I am back with a weekend update! I had a VERY busy and eventful past few days. Sadly, the weather in Dallas was a bit chilly and overcast both Saturday and Sunday so no pool time was enjoyed. Friday evening I worked late and then came home and chatted with C and R I went to bed early in preparation for my big Saturday! C and I got up and took the first of many road trips. We wanted to go to Red Robin (sad I know, but their onion ring tower is to die for!) and unfortunately the closet location was in Grapevine! Lucky for us Grapevine is right next to Southlake so we made a trip out of it and spent some quality time at the Southlake Town Center. We hit up Lilly and made a new best friend. Regina liked us so much she even offered us the Friends and Family discount at Lilly. The store also had an adorable spread of cookies and cupcakes which were super delicious! We also stopped in Swoozies where I bought the CUTEST doormat I have ever seen:

Isn't this one of the most adorable outdoor, home adornments you have ever come about? Now I am on a mission to find one of those fun, feather wreaths in pink. I think that will really complete our door and make us the prettiest apartment in all of the building! I was afraid someone might steal the doormat, but C and I have faith that no on in our building would stoop that low.

Saturday evening I worked again. M and I went to Patrizio's and then watched Sydney White! Then on Sunday morning C and I went to the 10:50am traditional service at PCBC. It was one of the best sermons I have ever heard. They emphasized being a fisher of men and 'fishing' for those who do not believe. The pastor stated the fact that 140,000 people within a three mile radius of PCBC do not attend church; isn't that interesting? Afterwards, C and took yet another road trip (much shorter however we still ventured out of the Park Cities bubble) to Hattie's. It is this adorable, Southern, restaurant in the Bishop Arts district. We had a very enjoyable meal, but skipped out on dessert as we had M's birthday! The party of loads of fun and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream Sunday bar and cake, yum! Last night I was so tired that I did my hair which still takes me ages and then watched My First Place before heading to bed. I also finished my book: The Lady of Milkweed Manor. If anyone is in need of a wonderful read you need to get your hands on a copy! It was one of the best books I have ever read! The story is set in 19th century England and is all about 'lying in wards.' It is full of historical facts and is an easy read. I wish the author had more books out, but this is her first so I will have to wait. OK, time to watch Gossip Girl, Jon and Kate then the Hills! Have a wonderful evening, oh and before I sign off here is a photo of the new coffee table:

Short and sweet!

Sorry for the recent lack of updates, but I have been SO busy! I just wanted to say hello tonight and share several weekend photos. I am so, so tired that I will have to wait and recap the past few days tomorrow evening. Hope everyone is fabulous!!

C and I in Southlake!

Brunch at Hattie's!

More to come tomorrow evening, get excited!

April showers bring May flowers!

Happy Wednesday evening! Oh my goodness did we ever get rain here in Dallas tonight! I am not exaggerating when I say a torrential downpour started on my way home from work tonight. I have never in my life driven in such awful weather. I mean I have only been driving for a year and a half, but the rain was coming down in sheets! I had my windshield workers working double time and it was still raining so hard I could not see. I considered pulling over, but seeing as I was on Turtle Creek there were really not many options. Luckily, when I hit a red light at Lemmon the rain started to die down a tad bit the last few blocks to my apartment were not near as bad. I mean I am here to tell the tale and have a freshly washed car now too!

Anyway, I wanted to share a brilliant idea I had this weekend. I purchased the first dress from Target last weekend (it is actually ALOT cuter in person) and adore the style! It is perfect for work and running around, is a great length and most importantly it is super comfortable. The second dress, the Harbour dress by J McLaughlin, is the one I have been eyeing for over a year now, but am hesitant to buy it without trying it on. Both dresses are wonderfully practical and will be in style for years to come so I have been busy selecting fabrics and am going to have some made for spring/summer! I have found numerous adorable prints and have also included several below. I also already own yards of fabric which I plan to use. Let me know which ones you like and if anyone knows any good black and white prints please do pass them along. Now I am just in need of finding a dressmaker.

What is pink and green and read all over??

I just got home from work, so tonight is going to be quick! I got up early and caught Laura, Jenna and Barbara on the today show. They were quite fun to watch and listen to and were wonderful, republican examples on liberal TV! Nothing else amazingly thrilling occurred today besides it being another marvelous day so onto some fun shares!

As I enjoy reading, I thought I would share the ultimate, must-read, preppiest books:

The one and only Preppy Handbook. Though a tad bit outdated (the part about Hollins needs to be changed...) this book is still the ultimate 'how-to' guide for anyone who loves pink and green! I was re-reading the other night and am convinced my mother got many ideas for my life from this book: boarding school, Hollins (sad, but true), my hunting scene china and on the list could go.

Now out of print and almost impossible to get your hands on for less then $50 this little cookbook is more then just a darling coffee table accent. Think recipes for the a boarding school send off, the Havard vs. Yale game and a racquetball/squash luncheon. Every WASP should get their hands on a copy; the book provides one with a culinary glimpse into the prep world.

Pictures galore of essential prep icons: CZ Guest, Babe Paley and Jackie O. The story of how WASP style involved and its' place in our culture. A great coffee table book.

Not the most amazing book ever written, but how could you pass up this cover? Geared more towards the youthful set, but even with the somewhat arrogant view of the boarding school set this is a great summer read.

Since every true prep holds a special place for England in her heart, the British version of The Preppy Handbook. Make Princess Di and Kate Middleton proud by obtaining your personal copy today!

Also, any of the Slim Aarons, Bunny Williams and Charlotte Moss books are wonderful. One also cannot forget the true prep novel: A Catcher in the Rye. Finally, the Lilly cookbooks provide some magnificently, preppy party ideas! For those of you that do not have the time to read an entire book simply pick up a copy of Town and Country or Quintessential (Q) magazine to get your fill! OK dearest blog readers, time to get some beauty rest. Until tomorrow!

xoxo

Just another Manic Monday!

Another tres wonderful day in the big D! I skipped my usual Starbucks trip this morning as I got caught up watching The Today Show interview with members of the Eldorado, Texas sect. It was quite interesting. Tomorrow on The Today Show Laura Bush is co-hosting the 9am (my 8am) hour. The Today Show is not my favorite of the morning talk shows as the hosts are ultra liberal and enjoy expressing their political views during many of their stories, but tomorrow should be interesting!

Tonight I ran to the Nail Bar after work. I was lucky enough to get a 6:30pm appointment when I called on Saturday and adored my lady. Taffi is definitely my new weekly manicurist! I could actually understand her when she spoke, she was so pleasant to converse with and most importantly she did a fabulous job. If anyone is in need of a new manicurist I will gladly pass along her information. However, nails in need of polish beware she is constantly booked. I returned home after my manicure just in time for my favorite TV shows: Gossip Girl and Jon and Kate Plus 8. After watching a good hour of TV I showered and did my hair which is always a huge task. After two weeks of not looking amazing, I am happy to report I am back with a good do! I had read an article about using the cooling feature on my hairdryer to add a tad more volume (the last thing I usually need) and that it worked! What a night of pampering it has been. I am off to read and then get some beauty sleep now, but wanted to share my recent Stein Mart finds with you first. As many of you know, especially Nan and my family, I am a HUGE SM fan. They have the best gift items and at unbeatable prices. Stein Mart also has fantastic costume jewelry and home items. If you are lucky enough to live by a store you need to go in. I would also suggest joining their preferred customers list. It is free to join and they notify you of all the sales, but better yet send you coupons in the mail! Here are two of my recent Lilly-like finds, aren't they adorable??

PS Congrats to K, my Kappa sister, who was accepted into Teach for America! L, I still cannot wait for you to arrive in August! Also, I hope you all like my new 'logo'. It took me over an hour to create and still is not perfect. I will become an image expert soon hopefully!

For the love of Lilly

I cannot believe it is already Friday night, this week has flown by! It is hard to believe we are already half way through able and 1/3 done with 2008 for that matter. Today was beautiful here in Dallas! Though the high was only in the 70's we are going to be spoiled with 80 degree days all weekend so I am for sure going to try and get some poolside time in tomorrow or Sunday. I need to even out my odd arm tan. When in Florida visiting Nan I only put sunscreen on my face and shoulders so my upper arms have messy tan lines now. Next time I am just going to apply SPF everyone to avoid this problem!

Tonight after work I stopped my Super Target and could not believe how much organic food they have! I am trying to only buy organic food after reading all these articles condemning high fructose corn syrup and other preservatives. It is just so much better for you and organic goes hand-in-hand with my new, healthy lifestyle! I also picked up the May issue of Real Simple which has a number of recipes I am going to try out. When I returned home I watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants on ABC Family then an episode of House Hunters. After I finish this up I am going to go pick out something fun to wear tomorrow, perhaps a Lilly, sundress will be perfect with tomorrow's high of 85 and then watch Nancy Drew before bed. Tomorrow I am also thinking of purchasing a new coffee table. The one we currently have seems to quickly be biting the dust and I have been eyeing this iron and glass top table for a while now. The only downside is that I do not much care for the area where the store that sells the new table is located. It is a ways out from my apartment, but the table is such a good deal it may very well be worth it. We shall see. OK, as promised here are two fun websites to checkout for all the Lilly lovers out there!

Govango:

This is a company started by a couple who has ties to Lilly Pulitzer. The prints are much more whimsical and the brand is a bit more reasonable and harder to come by then Lilly. C. Orrico in Palm Beach carries some on their website I know. Also, if you have never been to their website it too is a must. In my opinion they carry all the best brands and if you hit them up on the right day you can catch an amazing sale! Here are samples of two Govango prints I adore:

Another Lilly like brand that is also much more moderately priced is Key West Fashions. Some of there items are not at all me (the Hawaiian printed tops and ties for example), but for $30 and $40 an adorable skirt, pair of shorts or top can be yours! Check their sale room for some of their most adorable prints. Here is a sample of what I found tonight, don't they remind you of Lilly a few years back?:

Have a delightful weekend and I will be sure to keep you posted on the coffee table decision. Also, since I did not get around to it last weekend I fully intend to hang my new plates and rehang my painting, I will try and post for you on Sunday!

My loot!!!

As mentioned yesterday in the past I have been a huge fan of the Clothes Circuit. I have never been one for resale shops with the exception of the ultra chic one in NYC and LA where they have Birkin bags and Chanel galore, but then I discovered my own hidden treasure here in Dallas: Clothes Circuit. They have more St. Johns then some department stores, Gucci and Fendi bags, Manolos and Pradas, Tory Burch and loads of Lilly. Of course there are some not so great finds in the mix, but if you look you are guaranteed to find your pot of gold. All the clothes are in tip top shape and many are still new with tags. Basically it is more upscale then eBay and much more reliable as well, plus you do not have to pay shipping and can try everything on. Another huge plus is every two weeks from the day an item was brought in its' price drops until it eventually is half off (it takes six weeks). The good items are in and out quickly so it is best to grab them when you see them. If you are only willing to buy one sale, go on a Tuesday when everything is an additional 10% off. OK, enough info, time to see my loot!

The CK Bradley dress I purchased this morning and plan to wear to my cousins wedding. It retails for over $300 and I paid only $33!!

A pair of Kate Spade shoes and J Crew flats, each a mere $30!

The classic, Brooks Brothers, seersucker shift I could not resist at $39.

PS Hooray for over 400 views! Please, please, please do comment! Have a happy Wednesday!

Life, Lilly and the Pursuit of Happiness

Bingley and I on my recent trip to Jacksonville!

What a big day, I have had over 50 visitors(I hope no one is running up the counter....)! I would love, love, love it if you all commented and voted in my poll! I realized that yesterday i did not congratulate SC on her big wine yesterday. So, CONGRATS SC!!

Today was a wonderful Wednesday! I awoke and watched the Today Show while getting ready and then stopped by Starbucks on my way to work. E was busy as could be making 700 truffles when I arrived. They are delicious and thanks to her I now now that they are not impossible to make. I will try them for our next event! This afternoon I decided I would really like to go to a Nascar event in my lifetime and what better place to enjoy it then the Texas Motor Speedway? Some of you are probably wondering why someone whose favorite color is pink would want to go and more importantly fit in, but I think it would be an experience! Since the big weekend of 2008 has already passed I am going to look forward to tyring for 2009. This evening to stopped by Whole Foods and picked up dinner on way home and then watched American idol Gives Back. C came in while I was watching and brought the mail. I received the adorable Lilly Pulitzer Mommy and Me shopper skirt I won on eBay last week. The arrival of my new skirt was my inspiration for the rest of my post, enjoy!

Well, those of you that personally know me you know I have an intense love for Lilly and pretty much anything pink and green for that matter. However, I feel as if there are really only two or three people that really understand my intense obsession for the bright and flirtatious prints from Palm Beach. I thought it would be fun to present you all with just a few of my Lilly, life facts:

*I have over 120 pieces of Lilly in my closet. I know this is a lot, so I have taken it upon myself to sell several items on eBay, so I guess I am now closer to owning just 115 items (I will do a recount this weekend and post an update in the near future). Also, I want you to know that does include a number of solid colored polo shirts and several Nancy sweaters.

*In 2006 when I was applying for Teach for America my first choice site was Miami, Florida. I had never been into Southern Florida until one day I had this revelation that if I taught in Miami I could wear Lilly everyday...

*When I worked at Greystone I got dressed and ready for the day one morning. As I was finishing up at the sink one of my nine year old campers, Lydia, came up to me and asked if something was wrong. I looked at them with confusion and said no and asked why they thought that. They replied: well you are not wearing Lilly today; needless to say Lydia will always hold a dear place in my heart.
Some of the adorable campers I inspired to love pink and green! They are wearing some of my shifts!

*Also while at Greystone N and I came up with a brilliant way to spread Lilly love: Country Club Night. It and the Derby were Lilly fashion nights and the BEST nights of the summer.

*My mother, my father and I used to all have matching Lilly. I had a shift, my mother a skirt and my father shorts.

*I have been in a Lilly fashion show!

*My favorite Lilly pieces are tunics and of course shift dresses (yes I own ten).

*November 20th, 2008 will be one of the most exciting days of my life. C and I are traveling to PA to attend the 2008 Lilly Pulitzer Fall Warehouse Sale.

I think this is enough for tonight, I would really hate to overwhelm people by spreading to much Lilly joy! Have a good evening and fabulous Thursday!

Fruitiful pleasure

Today was a fabulous, 80 degree day in Dallas! I stayed very busy and was excited to start the day with a new Starbucks logo. This evening I tuned into American Idol and adored Brooke White even more as she wore a darling Tory Burch dress! I enjoyed the theme of inspirational songs, but was not too impressed by the majority of performances. Tonight was also exciting as I noticed my blog viewer count is now over 200! A week ago the count was at 10 so I have come a Long way in just a mere seven days! I am so glad a few of you had made several comments, but I would love for more people to share their thoughts and ideas!! Tonight, I am also happy to announce I got a formal invitation to join The Cotillion Club of Dallas. It is a female social club that I was nominated for; so thrilling! Since I did not think I had time to do Junior League until next January this is perfect and I could not be more excited! While my day does not lack in excitement I thought you all might find it more interesting to read about something you can actually enjoy (literally!).

I am a huge fan of Izze Sparkling juices. They are cute as can be and happen to be the perfect pick me up. The good thing about Izze is that it not only comes in a variety of flavors (pomegranate, grapefruit, clementine, apple, blackberry, blueberry and NOW peach), but they are not to sweet yet each bottle is made of 70% real juice. Also, though cans have always been available I just read that in 2008 Izze cans are now called Fortified Izze. I guess they cans are now fortified with vitamins; what a plus! Izze is easily found on your daily routine, think Starbucks, Target and numerous grocery stores. So next time you are in need of a pick-me-up and want to be caught holding something cute, pick up an Izze to give you a boost!

Boutique Bakeries!

While Magnolia Bakery has been a staple of New York City for years I have just recently discovered the many cute and delicious bakeries in Dallas! Boutique bakeries seem to be all the rage and cupcakes and petite fours the new 'it' party item. Celebrity has topped my list for lunch dates and I just adore their thumbprint cookies, what a great way to add a little touch of pink to your daily diet, and who can resist their salads and frozen lemonades?! However, their cupcakes pale in comparison to the newest bakeries on the Dallas scene. I was a huge fan of Sprinkles when they first opened, I even stood in line for forty five minutes their second day in business. I love, love, love their pumpkin cupcakes. Their vanilla and red velvet are also tasty, but I have definitely had my fill. I am a big, new fan of Society Bakery on Greenville. Their cupcakes are wonderful, the cookies are fabulous and the cinnamon rolls are to die for (some of the best I have EVER tasted, uh just amazing). Society uses the real, old fashioned frosting and donates 10% of their annual profit back to the community. Finally, my newest discovery is Tart Bakery on Lovers, right across from Inwood Village. I have never in my life since such an adorable store. Think lots of pink and green, sweets galore surrounded by darling accessories! Tart is a must hit and they have a large menu for a smaller store. So on your next free afternoon hit up the newest and sweetest sites on the Dallas scene!!

Cupcakes from Tart Bakery (look at the amount of frosting!):

Cupcakes with old fashioned frosting from Society Bakery:

For my non-Texan readers who want to get their cupcake fill Wuolett's in Minneapolis is a must. They just recently added numerous cupcake flavors to their daily menu. However, my personal favorite is their well known Lady Baltimore cupcake. Their tea cookies are also divine. They are only out at Christmas, but as I found out in March they are always available by special order one day in advance! Cupcake on University also offers a wide variety of pastries and has the boutique, bakery vibe feel.

Also, Eleni's NY has a wonderful selection of such cute, frosted, sugar cookies you can order online (they even did Lilly cookies last year!). They are miniature, edible works of art. If you had never been to their website a quick visit is a must, but visitor beware, it is almost impossible to leave without adding a few items to your cart!Lilly cookies from Eleni's!

Me, me, me!

I am not a meme bird, but here is something fun I came across on someone else's blog. I edited some of the questions (a few were just a little too odd), but thought you all might enjoy some fun (and perhaps new) facts! C and I went to one of the final AFI films this evening and had loads of fun. I will post a weekend update tomorrow with a picture too! Have a wonderful start to your week!!

1. What is your favorite color?
Pink
2. What's your favorite kind of cake?
My mother's red carpet (red velvet)
3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?
I usually buy my gifts.
4. What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas and Easter (you can wear Lilly afterwards!)
5. Are you going on vacation or traveling this year? If so, where?
I was recently in Florida and am traveling for work this summer.
6. How would you describe your decor?
Traditional with a touch of preppy
7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?
Very elegant and classy, perhaps at Sea Island, my bridesmaids will were pink.
8. What's your favourite romantic song?
Well I want the song Tammy played at my wedding.
9. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful?
Jackie O, Grace Kelly and Carrie Underwood
10. What is a weekly must for you?
Manicures and church
11. If you could be a fictional character from a book who would you choose?
Elizabeth Bennet
12. If you could be in a television show, which would you choose?
Gossip Girl
13. Which character would you like to be?
Blaire Waldorf
14. What's your favourite girl's name?
Ella and I like Muffy, Lulu and Bitsy for nicknames
15. What's your favourite boy's name?
William, George
16. What's your supermarket of choice?
Central Market and Eatzi's since everything is gourmet, pre-made
17. What is your worst habit?
Biting my nails

China Patterns!

I am debating on which new everyday china to choose. I currently have a the classic, white Pottery Barn china which has been wonderful and goes with anything. However, I feel as if I am ready to upgrade so the great debate has begun! I have looked online as well as at Neimans, The Ivy House and Ampersand and have come up with the following options thus far.

Mottahedeh Blue Canton (my favorite thus far I think)

Mottahedeh Virginia Blue (is this too formal for everyday?)Spode Blue Italian (always a classic and so easy to find!)

Hunting Scene by Crown Staffordshire (I already have six dinner and six salad in this fun, pattern noted in the 1980's Preppy Handbook) Mottahedeh Tabacco Leaf; though this is a bit too formal for everyday it is one of my favorites that I just had to include!

I would any and all input as well as suggestions. Have a wonderful weekend!! Oh, and if you have a chance and are in Dallas you HAVE to try Villa O, the new organic restaurant at Knox/Henderson. C and I went tonight (we bared the cold weather and even sat outside... we did not know how cold it really was) and had a wonderful dinner. We both had spinach pasta which they make in house and then I ordered the cappuccino ice cream cake which was divine! It is a must and is in a great location for people watching too!

A worthwhile challenge

Everyone MUST try this game! It has been noted that the US Air Force uses this in training their pilots (they have to last for at least two minutes). The object of the game is to move the red block around without being hit by the moving blue blocks or running into the black walls. You have to hold down the left clicker on your mouse to move the red block (keep holding it down to escape until you lose). My highest time is 20.214 seconds. Give it a try, it is tres, tres addicting!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html

Cute store, fun gifts!!

Good evening and HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY N! I hope my many readers (N and Di) enjoyed my first post! Just wait a few weeks until it gets going and you will be passing on this link to all your friends; it is going to be the new Internet hot spot!

Anyway, people are always commenting on how I have so many cute and preppy websites so I thought I would share one with you all. I found out about the Little Beane Boutique during one of my eBay crazes. It has the most adorable stickers and stationary and for a killer price! The items exceeded my expectations in quality and are worth about four times what you pay for them. In the past month I have frequented this shop for gifts in the past month and the owner is beyond helpful. You can choose your style and colors (I did everything in pink and green of course) for any of the items you purchase and a proof is emailed to you within two days for you to approve. Here are a few samples of items I have ordered and love! Enjoy!!

An example of the most adorable monogram stickers! I bought mine in pink and green to match all my ribbon, but you can do any color. You receive twenty stickers for just $5!!

Custom stationary. The envelopes have your address the coordinating color or your choice; twenty for $18.

More cute stickers to use on gifts!