"Whoever said orange is the new pink is totally disturbed!"

As I have been planning my trip to the city I have gotten super into the Legally Blonde soundtrack. Unlike many of you I actually did not watch the search for the new Elle Woods religiously. I was abroad for every episode with the exception of the finale. However, C just adored the show and so I could not pass up finding out who won. I loved Bailey right away and am so thrilled she won. Though Autumn did have an amazing voice I just do not think she had the Elle Woods attitude or feel. Bailey just fits the role and plus she is an adorable, southern girl! I adore her version of So Much Better and to think she had little training; wow! Laura Belle Bundy is wonderful too, Bailey is just so adorable. Which do you all prefer?

Finally, I happy to announce that Preppy Cupcake won my giveaway! I used a random number generator and she was comment 31- congrats! Thank you all so much for your comments. I had no idea there were so many wonderful readers out there. Please do continue to comment and email. You are all each so unique and wonderful and it has been such a treat to get to know you. Thank you again and keep on reading because I have another AMAZING giveaway coming up in the next few weeks. It is really just going to blow you all out of the water!

Derby Days

The picnic was beyond amazing... waiters serving filo pastry wrapped asparagus and stuffed mushroom caps, fancy champagne plastic cups with fancy punch served all night long, tenderloin beef, whole pacific salmon, goat cheese balls rolled in cracked pepper, heaping bowls of fruit and veggies, smoked meats, three kinds of desserts, 5 kinds of pasta, omelets cooked to order... all served on linen with silver trays and nice napkins and plates. And we did not run out of anything except dessert! We served the food until the play began at 7:30, and it was a wonderful event. In the real world, such a dinner served for 700 people would constitute a party to remember, and it certainly was that!

The above description is exactly why you need to put your daughters on the wait list for a summer at Camp Greystone. I mean what other summer camp has a derby? Need I say more?

PS I would like all my fellow Greystoner's to know that in honor of The Derby I wore my Derby Days Lilly print shift. Oh the memories!

GIVEAWAY!

Since I have recently won two blog contests (photos and information to follow) as well as so many wonderful, devote readers who I utterly adore I have decided to host a giveaway! You are all so wonderful. Each and every comment means so much to me (even it takes me far to long then is proper to get back to you) that I want to repay on of you in a small way. The giveaway I am hosting is for personalized paper products created by moi! It may not be as exciting as an adorable monogrammed apron or a pair of earrings, but it is still fun (if only we all had monogram machines)!

The winner gets to pick all their sayings. Here is exactly what the lucky winner will be awarded:

Ten Personalized Notecards

Thirty Return Address Labels

Eighteen Large Mailing Labels.

Three Sheets of Round Stickers- 45 stickers in total (Two white sheets and one pink!)

Calling Cards (I included my blog address on mine!)

Package of Caspari Napkins (Yes, I am parting with a pack. You are lucky indeed!)

Pink Leopard Caspari Tissues

To enter please leave a comment by 10pm EST on Wednesday July 30th, 2008. I will select the winner tomorrow evening and get working! Thank you all again and good luck!!

Bling, bling, bling!

I am reposting the following information as it has been requested. Plus, if you do not already own a pair of these beauties you need to place an order!!

I have been utterly obsessed with these adorable, glamorous earrings since I bought my first pair at Melly in the fall. I get compliments on them each and every time I wear them and they can add some spice to any outfit. However, even though they are as cute as can be I have NEVER once seen them anywhere but Minnesota of all places. I even kept the sticker that came on the bag of my second pair (I got the clear in my stocking) and still had no luck. What a surprise when I stumbled upon them tonight and what a deal they are too! Depending on the color you want and the seller you can expect to pay anywhere from $5.99 to $24.00 plus shipping. I think I am going to buy myself the clear with gold accents (I tend to wear a lot of gold jewelry so I cannot always wear my other plain pair) and the green. I might also need to invest in a new pair of pink. These are the earrings you can have in ever color and wear daily plus they will make all look like a star!

I found pairs at the following eBay stores:

Jewelry at Discount Prices- $7.99 to $14.99; This was the best store and selection in my opinion. They have the clip version as well as a smaller size if you just want a little bling!

SKC Beauties- $14.95 and they have about every color!

Bring on the Glitz- $12.47 and a decent color selection.

Rags to Rhinestones- $19.95- Currently only two colors are in stock, but this store often has pairs for a mere $5.99.

UPDATE: I have the 15mm size and they are great! They are bigger, but perfect... just ask C and SC as I gave them each a pair to enjoy.

Sunday, Sunday

What a weekend! I had the best Friday ever! Work was wonderful and then on Friday night I was at Social House and guess who else was there?

Yes, Owen Wilson! I mean I always new I had good taste, however a celebrity sighting simply reconfirms this. Also on Friday night C and I finalized our Lilly warehouse sale plans. Not only are we going to PA to be one with Lilly, but we are also going on to NYC afterwards! I just adore the city and this trip is going to be fabulous because we are going to Legally Blonde to see Bailey! Try to not be too jealous! You are more than welcome to join in on the fun. I mean what really could be better then a weekend filled with pink and a little green?! To top the weekend off SC and I watched the Father of the Bride marathon on ABC Family. These really are two of the best movies of all time. My favorite scenes in Part 1 are the flashbacks and of course the music is amazing too. In Part 2 I adore the baby suite, isn't it just beautiful? Franc is just so talented! For dinner we ordered Yumi to Go, yum! If you live in Dallas and have not tried Yumi place an order asap, it is too good!

Today, I was busy getting items together for my paper swap partner. I also made some super adorable stickers. I am going to make more later and send them out to all my favorites. I might also send some to fellow bloggers...stay tuned for a give away! Sorry this post is somewhat short, but I have had the worst allergies today and need to go rest up for my busy week. I never, ever have allergies so it must be something in the air or else it is a cold. Time will tell I suppose. Stay tuned for a fun little treat in my blog posts this week. I think you all are going to enjoy what I have in store!

He Ventured forth to bring light to the world

While I hate to get political on my blog, this was too good to pass up.

The anointed one's pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a miracle in action - and a blessing to all his faithful followers

Gerald Baker

The Times (London)

July 25th, 2008

And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.
The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.
When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: “Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?”
In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites.

And so it was, in the fullness of time, before the harvest month of the appointed year, the Child ventured forth - for the first time - to bring the light unto all the world.
He travelled fleet of foot and light of camel, with a small retinue that consisted only of his loyal disciples from the tribe of the Media. He ventured first to the land of the Hindu Kush, where the
Taleban had harboured the viper of al-Qaeda in their bosom, raining terror on all the world.
And the Child spake and the tribes of Nato immediately loosed the Caveats that had previously bound them. And in the great battle that ensued the forces of the light were triumphant. For as long as the Child stood with his arms raised aloft, the enemy suffered great blows and the threat of terror was no more.
From there he went forth to Mesopotamia where he was received by the great ruler al-Maliki, and al-Maliki spake unto him and blessed his Sixteen Month Troop Withdrawal Plan even as the imperial warrior Petraeus tried to destroy it.
And lo, in Mesopotamia, a miracle occurred. Even though the Great Surge of Armour that the evil Bush had ordered had been a terrible mistake, a waste of vital military resources and doomed to end in disaster, the Child's very presence suddenly brought forth a great victory for the forces of the light.
And the Persians, who saw all this and were greatly fearful, longed to speak with the Child and saw that the Child was the bringer of peace. At the mention of his name they quickly laid aside their intrigues and beat their uranium swords into civil nuclear energy ploughshares.
From there the Child went up to the city of Jerusalem, and entered through the gate seated on an ass. The crowds of network anchors who had followed him from afar cheered “Hosanna” and waved great palm fronds and strewed them at his feet.
In Jerusalem and in surrounding Palestine, the Child spake to the Hebrews and the Arabs, as the Scripture had foretold. And in an instant, the lion lay down with the lamb, and the Israelites and Ishmaelites ended their long enmity and lived for ever after in peace.
As word spread throughout the land about the Child's wondrous works, peoples from all over flocked to hear him; Hittites and Abbasids; Obamacons and McCainiacs; Cameroonians and Blairites.
And they told of strange and wondrous things that greeted the news of the Child's journey. Around the world, global temperatures began to decline, and the ocean levels fell and the great warming was over.
The Great Prophet Algore of Nobel and Oscar, who many had believed was the anointed one, smiled and told his followers that the Child was the one generations had been waiting for.
And there were other wonderful signs. In the city of the Street at the Wall, spreads on interbank interest rates dropped like manna from Heaven and rates on credit default swaps fell to the ground as dead birds from the almond tree, and the people who had lived in foreclosure were able to borrow again.
Black gold gushed from the ground at prices well below $140 per barrel. In hospitals across the land the sick were cured even though they were uninsured. And all because the Child had pronounced it.
And this is the testimony of one who speaks the truth and bears witness to the truth so that you might believe. And he knows it is the truth for he saw it all on CNN and the BBC and in the pages of The New York Times.
Then the Child ventured forth from Israel and Palestine and stepped onto the shores of the Old Continent. In the land of Queen Angela of Merkel, vast multitudes gathered to hear his voice, and he preached to them at length.
But when he had finished speaking his disciples told him the crowd was hungry, for they had had nothing to eat all the hours they had waited for him.
And so the Child told his disciples to fetch some food but all they had was five loaves and a couple of frankfurters. So he took the bread and the frankfurters and blessed them and told his disciples to feed the multitudes. And when all had eaten their fill, the scraps filled twelve baskets.
Thence he travelled west to Mount Sarkozy. Even the beauteous Princess Carla of the tribe of the Bruni was struck by awe and she was great in love with the Child, but he was tempted not.
On the Seventh Day he walked across the Channel of the Angles to the ancient land of the hooligans. There he was welcomed with open arms by the once great prophet Blair and his successor, Gordon the Leper, and his successor, David the Golden One.
And suddenly, with the men appeared the archangel Gabriel and the whole host of the heavenly choir, ranks of cherubim and seraphim, all praising God and singing: “Yes, We Can.”

The only thing better than Hairspray...

a sequel!!!

Get ready for another shot of "Hairspray."
New Line Cinema has made a deal with "Hairspray" creator John Waters to write a treatment for a sequel to summer 2007's hit musical feature.
Planning to return are director-choreographer Adam Shankman, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron and Tony-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who will write new songs for the film.
No cast has been engaged yet, and none of the stars of "Hairspray" had sequel options. But the studio hopes to reunite the original cast in a film that will be ready for release by Warner Bros. in mid-July 2010.

I adored this on stage and the big screen. I hope they do end up doing a sequel, but only if they can engage Britney Snow!

What is your favorite musical???

Tag and Award!

I have been tagged by the lovely Miss Lili NC and Mallory.
Here are the rules:
1.Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2.Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
3.Tag 5 random people at the end of post and include links to their blogs.
4.Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


1: The Jonas Brothers: Hold On (I pretty much LOVE all Disney bands)
I mean I am 23 and still love all this music. At least I sort of have a reason since they just bought a house outside of Dallas and my chances of meeting them have increased...


2. Josh Groban: You Raise Me Up
As cheesy as a lot of people think this song is, I find it incredibly inspirational.


3. Toy Box: everything (link is to Best Friend)
I think the name of the group says it all. Plus the music videos have some very odd connotations. However, if you liked Barbie Girl you NEED to go listen to Toy Box now!!


4. Sara Evans/Warren Brothers: Beat of the Heart
Again, very cheesy, but so sweet. Plus I love the movie Where the Heart Is.


5. ONLY Christmas, Britney Spears: My Only Wish This Year
I mean it's Britney, need I say more?


Okay, I tag the following people and also award them (given to me by Muffy)
BFF N (leave your songs under comments!), Muffy Martini (returning your love and because we were separated at birth), Mommy Talk and More (since our paths crossed yesterday), Granny Smith Apple (she is a new blogger so check her out; we share a love for Art History and pretty handbags), From Politics to Peaches (you are a faithful reader and I have never tagged you) and Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing (you are a KAPPA!).

Perfect day!

I am thrilled to report that today is by far my best day back in Dallas and actually one of the best days of 2008. Last night I forgot to set my alarm an hour earlier (I was going into work an hour earlier then usual), but luckily I just happened to wake up EXACTLY an hour before. I had settled on wearing the Lilly Tinsley which ended up being perfect for this hot day. For work I always pair my Tinley's with the J Crew Jackie cardigan to keep it more conservative, I am just not one that can go backless in the office. Anyway, I had several errands to run this morning so I hit up North Park. When at NP I am in the zone and on a serious mission. So I was speed walking tyring to be as efficient as possible and suddenly hear a sweet voice: "Excuse me". Well, I turn around and this darling lady and her sweet son are rushing up to me and she proceeds to ask if I have a blog. I immediately knew I am in the presence of Mrs. Mommy Talk and More! Her blog is one of my favorites so I was so excited. I feel as if I have really gotten to know people through their blogs so you can only imagine my excitement when I really, truly got to meet someone! MTaM was so sweet and her son J was in the most adorable, summer smocked outfit. It was just too fun of a morning! Also, while at NP I noticed that Paper Source has opened! I did not think they were opening until the fall so this was quite thrilling (I know Lucy will be excited too)! Finally, I did catch a brief glimpse into the world of pink and green and our fashion goddess. Lilly is all ready for fall and jam packed with the new line. I will have to try and run in and get a better feel for everything sometime over the next few weeks.

My just just continued to be as fabulous as ever. I was given some lovely books at work, three Martha Stewart books and a Dior book. I cannot wait to sit down and go through each and get some lovely new tips and ideas. Then, this evening C and I celebrated her birthday. I picked this up to start off the festivities:

I had gotten the idea from Barefoot in the Park and could not resist duplicating it. I had actually never tried a cookie cake until tonight and I am hooked. They are delicious, the perfect combination of chocolate and frosting...yum! After each having a slice we were off to see Jersey Boys. As you all know I am a HUGE Franki Valli fan so of course I just adored the show. All the music was fabulous and it was so fun to finally know the history of the group. Uh, I just adore 60's music and pretty much everything about that decade. My favorite Four Seasons songs are Who Loves You, Working My Way Back to You, Let's Hang on, Rag Doll and Big Girls Don't Cry. Everything about this show was just fabulous, I know why all of you loved it too!

That was my perfect day in a nutshell. I hope everyone else is just loving life and enjoying summertime as well! For those of you that inquired about the adorable pink and green squash racquet (that I am convinced will help my game) it is made by Harrow. It is appropriately names 'The Prep' and through a bit pricey for a non-professionals racquet at $205 it can be found here.

Who Loves You Pretty Baby?

This is going to be short and sweet personal post ( I will do something more fun later or tomorrow morning); so much to do and very little time it seems! We had yet another 100+ weather day in Dallas. You will be happy to know I drank loads of bottled water and did not come anywhere close to reliving Saturday afternoon! I also wore one of my favorite Lilly shifts (the modern shift in Shorewinds) and was just perfect all day long. Tonight, after stopping by Sprinkles I mailed about a million packed to all my loves in Tuxedo, NC this evening. I hope they arrive asap as there is only a little more then a week left of camp. Goodness, where has summer gone? I also snuck a little trip into TJ's to see if they had anything new. There were loads of Lilly belts on sale for $20 as well a Lilly pink and green tie headband for $16.99. I resisted since the last thing I need is more Lilly. I think 115 pieces will be good until the warehouse sale, don't you?

I am SO excited for tomorrow; it is just going to be a fabulous day! I am going into work an hour earlier then normal so that I can leave early because I am taking C to see

for her birthday. I have to celebrate a week early because I am busy as can be all next week and will be out of town for a day. I have ordered a little something special that I cannot yet share, but it is ultra preppy. In fact I got the idea from a fellow blogger, don't you just LOVE the blogging world!? I will be sure to post a photo tomorrow. I am beyond excited to see Jersey Boys as I grew up listening to this music. I just know it is going to be super fabulous! Okay, I am off to shower, pick out an outfit for my perfect day, finish my book and answer emails. Have a wonderful evening!!

PS: tonight I decided I am almost positive about picking squash back up. I looked up all the Dallas squash courts and several are way too close to my apartment. There are also numerous pros from whom I can take lessons so that I can start playing in the preppy tournaments! Father will be so proud! Even though I already have three racquet's I am not strong enough to resist this beauty: pink and lime all over! Perfect for the preppiest of sports and it will look darling with my fun skirts!

Personalize your cup!

The quest for the adorable cup cozy has come to a VERY successful end. You may remember the photo of the other cozy I posted last week; it was from Abbydid's Etsy store. I decided to email the store 'owner' and she offered to make me a custom cozy. She sent me emails with fabric options and we came up with the pictured combo. I love that there is enough pink and green to satisfy Hopsy's love, but I also do love the touch of brown. How perfect is this for fall!? I think it will perfectly match the new Lilly collection, don't you!? If you are in the market for a coffee cozy to adorn your Starbucks cup contact Abbydid! She is so helpful and has a great selection of fabrics; for $7.75 (this price includes shipping) you CANNOT go wrong. We all need a few custom items in our lives, don't we??

Also, I want to also thank Pink Preppy Crocodile. She also makes coffee cozies and has offered to send me one. PPC is so talented when it comes to sewing, I will admit I am just a tad jealous. I cannot wait to feature her cozie when it arrives. I will make sure to wear a darling outfit the first day I use and do a special, little feature. Finally, thank you to Cricket who sent me the Cup Couture site. This was the company that had 'inspired' me to initially buy a cozy. I had forgotten the name of the website and Miss Cricket really helped me out! Thank you to everyone who sent an email of left a comment. All of you need to hope on the coffee train, let's start a new trend!

Another shift...

Look at this fabulous shift my mother picked up for me!! She found it at TJ Maxx/Homegoods for $30! I cannot wait to add it to my shift collection, now I have eleven!

Oh what a weekend!

What an eventful weekend it has been! Saturday started off wonderfully with a trip to Homegoods out in Las Colinas with C. You know how I LOVE paper products and it was Casprai heaven. I did not even know where to start, but here is what ended up in my shopping cart (please note I was horrible and got multiple packs of each item):

While C and I were on the TJ Maxx side of the store she spotted these fabulous Lilly poppers which I could not live without. Aren't they just adorable? I had considered buying them last December, but $60 seemed a tad pricey. However, for $24.99 the price was right and I could not resist making these mine!

After Homegoods we headed to North Park to catch the 1pm showing of Kitt Kittredge. If you have not seen this movie you must! I am a fan of all the American Girl movies and love have they incorporate so much history. The Kitt movie was my new favorite in this collection. It was funny, historical, well cast and an all-American, family movie. I liked it so much I would even consider buying the flick on DVD, it is just a must see!

After North Park we returned home and decided the Katy Trail was calling our names. It was 100 degrees out yesterday and for some reason I thought going for a walk was a really fabulous idea. I put on my Lilly visor and pink tennis shoes and off we went. It was miserably hot, but I kept telling myself I was just not used to this Texas heat after five weeks in Europe. Well, C and I kept walking towards Knox/Henderson and before I knew it I could barely see and thought I was going to faint! Luckily I had brought a bottle of water along so I chugged away. After a brief rest I thought I was just fine and we headed home. However, after another five minutes I was again on my death bed. This exact scenario continued three or four more times until C and I finally reached Blackburn. C then decided it was best to go home and get a car and pick me up, I was just that miserable. I am so grateful to have such a fabulous roommate as there was just no possible way I would have made it home in my state! Goodness,gracious I am thankful to be alive, ha! I now also understand why NO ONE else was out on the KT yesterday. I am saving my outdoor workouts for the Fall and Winter from here on out.

Last night I spent the evening recovering, but did hit up Blockbuster. I can never resist there 3 for $20 deal and last night I picked up No Reservations, The Other Boleyn Girl and the Great Debaters. I went to Jamba Juice after and tried Sour Patch, another of their 'secret flavors'. I tried the Pink Starburst last week and was a fan and the next flavor on my list is Skittles, yum yum yum! Upon returning home I spent the evening organizing my room and cleaning out all my files and wicker baskets. I now have a huge pile of magazines ready to pass on to co-workers.

Today, C and I tried a new church: Watermark. I have heard such fabulous things about Watermark and am so glad to finally have gone. I really enjoyed the music as well as the message which came from the book of Ruth. After church we went to Bistro N and then spent the afternoon running errands at Central Market and Target. What a weekend filled with lots of fun! Have a wonderful week and if you are feeling up to it please do vote for me in the Baby Shower Inspiration Board Contest on Sippycups are for Chardonnay's blog!

Oh, and one more photo for your viewing pleasure:

These are all the Vera items I found at TJ Maxx last weekend. I adore the pink and green leopard invites, but my favorite purchase has to be the paisley photo album I snagged for $7.99!!

Monogram fun!!

July 21st through July 30th the fabulous Monogram Me is offering free shipping!

You should all hurry over and check out her adorable selection of monogrammed goodies. I adore everything, but the umbrellas and the slippers are two of my favorites. I also adore the vinyl stickers. How adorable do they look on a cooler (that Cynthia Rowley cooler we all ran to Target to scoop up) or your laptop?! As mentioned, hurry on over and get shopping. I think her banner will give you reason enough to shop until you heart is content!

Lilly Pulitzer Fall Warehouse Sale

I have gotten several emails and comments regarding the Lilly Pulitzer Fall Warehouse Sale. Instead of sending you all each and email with the following information I thought it best to share the preppy facts with all the world! After all, we are all die hard fans and all about the deals in this economy!

Save the Date...Mark those calendars ladies!

Lilly Pulitzer Fall Warehouse Sale

November 20th-22nd 2008

Valley Forge Convention Center

I simply typed in Lilly Fall Warehouse Sale this past January and found the following information on the Convention Center website. Also, for those of you will little ones the fabulous Hartstrings Warehouse Sale is at the same convention center ten days before. As far as the sale goes I know your used to have to receive an invite. We had these darling summer friends at Sea Island when I was in high school and they were from PA. The wife shared my family's love for Lilly and would tell us fabulous tales about the warehouse sale. She said they had to present their invites upon entrance. However, she also mentioned you could just call headquarters during the year and get your name on the invite list. I have done a bit of research and it appears you not longer need the invite to get in, you simply just fill out an information sheet and can enter. I guess this is the result of a company getting super big and popular over a few years. I am not going to complain though! The sample sizes for Lilly tend to be a ladies 4 and 6 for clothing and a 7 and 8 for shoes. My roomie, C and I have been planning our big trip for months now and are SO excited! When first planning we were going to go the night before and wait in line, but having red numerous write-ups I have found that is no longer necessary. They restock the sale daily and therefore there is no sense in waiting in line overnight. Yes, the $10 pajamas might be gone, but I do not paying $20 if it means getting a good night of sleep and getting to enjoy Philadelphia! I will update you all on the warehouse sale as I receive more emails. If anyone else is planning on attending on the 21st in the early afternoon do let me know! We can meet up and take some fabulous photos!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday! Also, to those of you who have left comments and sent emails prepare to receive a response this weekend. I really do apologize for not getting back to you within twenty four hours, but I am still working out my sleep schedule and have had to get back into the swing of Dallas work life. Every email and comment I recieve from my readers really does make me smile. You have not been forgotten and every single one of you is on my to-do list!

PS Happy Mamma Mia day! You all will have to let me know what you think about the movie. I am anxious to see if you all share my opinion of some of the odd acting (the extras/back-up singers) and the somewhat unentertaining initial thirty minutes. It is definitely worth seeing though and a perfect evening out with the girls!

Monograms inspire

The above photo is the Inspiration Board I entered in Sippy Cups are for Chardonnay's Baby Shower contest. This was the very first time I ever attempted an inspiration board so I do apologize that it is not as beautiful as most, however I am quite happy with it. The title for my board is Monogram Mommy. No mother or baby is complete without monograms in their life!

Below are two additional boards I find time to create, but did not submit. The first is for the European loving Mommy and the second is Toile Mommy! Enjoy!

I'm it!

I have been tagged by Pink is My Signature Color. Here it goes!
A. Attached or Single? Single
B. Best Friend? Bff N and Pookie!
C. Cake or pie? Cake, vanilla with butter cream frosting.
D. Day of choice? Friday.
E. Essential item? Cell phone and my Amex.
F. Favorite color? Pink
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy worms.
H. Home town? I have too many to name.
I. Favorite indulgence? Purses.
J. January or July? July, since I can wear Lilly, lay by the pool and it used to be the month I spent at camp!
K. Kids? Zero
L. Life isn’t complete without? Family, friends and faith.
M. Marriage date? Considering I am not dating anyone, the date does not yet exist.
N. Number of brothers and sisters? Zero, I am only child and I love it!
O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges.
P. Phobias? I cannot stand roaches, I am sort of scared of heights.
Q. Quotes? Philippians 4:13 and "It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true."
R. Reasons to smile? Family, friends and faith!
S. Season of choice? Spring.
T. Tag 5 people: I have tagged far too many people in the past week so I am going to have to pass on this one.
U. Unknown fact about me? I am an AMAZING Veruca Salt impression. "Daddy I want a goose that lays a golden egg and want it now." Honestly, it is just amazing.
V. Vegetable? Corn.
W. Worst habit? Biting my nails, hence why they are always manicured.
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? I hope to have an ultrasound one day-this is a very interesting question...
Y. Your favorite food? Cheese and risotto.
Z. Zodiac sign? Pisces.
(Another) Z. Which zoo animal is your favorite? Elephants and I love watching the baboon plays!

Help!

This image is from seller Abbydid on Etsy...if only it were pink and green and monogrammed! It is fun that it's reversible. Two in one's are always winners in my book!

A few months ago I came across an adorable website (which I stupidly forgot to add to my favorites) that sold coffee or latte wraps. For those of you all not familiar with these wraps they are a mix between a cozy and the basic cardboard, Starbucks heat holder. I am dying to order one or two coffee wraps, but have been unable to find anything cute and preppy. I was hoping to track something pink and green or at least an adorable wrap that can be monogrammed, but continue to come up empty handed. All I can keep finding are knitted wraps. However, I do not pink and green cozies exist since the adorable website which by the way was featured in the April In Style carried them. While scouring the internet it dawned on me that my blogger friends have so many wonderful ideas and connections (not to mention some of you are preppy store owners) so I am enlisting you to help me. Do any of you know where I can pick up a fun, preppy wrap? My lattes are sad and yearn to be personalized by Hopsy! Help!

Lilly on my mind...yet again!

Autumn is near and the clothing is dear!

The preppy, classic looks are going to be everywhere this fall. I was very excited to see the full Lilly Autumn 2008 collection today and cannot wait to get myself to the nearest store. However, I am planning to only buy one or two items as C and I are attending the November warehouse sale. I want to apologize for not including pictures, but the LP website no longer allows you to save them to your computer. The links will just have to do. Here are my favorites from a Dallas fall day:

How cute are these fall items?!

My favorite item from the entire collection...you can NEVER have too many cute dresses!

If you loved Sasha then this is for you:

This is VERY Tory and I want it in either the orange lion or the navy horse shoes:

This Chanel style sweater is to die for! I think I would do either the camel or the pearl...suggestions??

This coat it okay too...I might hold off until the warehouse sale.

Such a darling khaki skirt. Perfect, classic, basic.

These pants are perfect for a warm Fall day in Dallas.

This top (in the black) would go perfectly with a number of Lilly, formal skirts.

The Nancy is now available in black and brown, hooray!

Finally, these shoes are SO me and just an absolute must!

Also, speaking of the upcoming warehouse sale does anyone have ANY tips or knowledge they are willing to share. I know several of you bloggers have been and I would love for you to email me and let me in on the 411. As we will be traveling up from Dallas I have no idea what to expect and would love absolutely any help at all.

Lilly Pulitzer, oh my my my!

After cruising the aisles of my local TJ Maxx yesterday and finding the above dress for a mere $59 I thought it was indeed time for yet another fabulous Lilly Pulitzer post! As you all know I own well over 100 pieces of Lilly and utterly adore the brand. In fact it is one reason I am excited to be back in Dallas: with 100 degree weather daily what better to wear?! As most of you already know 2009 in the 50th anniversary for Lilly Pulitzer. After doing a tad bit of research I was beyond excited to find out that the company has way too much fun in store for all of us devoted fans. If you have not already taken a seat ladies, I recommend doing so now as what I am about to report is big, big, BIG!

It may just be me, but I will admit I have not been on top of my LP news this spring/summer and just found out about all the fabulousness a little over a week ago (however, after doing a little blog research I do not think I am alone). At the most recent buyer 'party' (held at the Breakers of course) Lilly revealed the upcoming golden anniversary. They are finally jumping on board the paper train and releasing a line of paper products. Hip, hip hooray for that! I have loved the Lilly agendas and desk calendars as well as all the illustrations in her books so the line is bound to be fabulous and of course preppy! Also, even if you are not a game lover clear off the Family Room table because Lilly-opoly is soon to be the board game of choice. You may think I am crazy, but my mother is pre-ordering the game for me next time to pops into Melly. I mean my heart would break in half if I was unable to secure one! Now, I now longer have to worry about trying to buy up all the pink and green properties, everything will be darling! Our pink and green hearts will also be able to dance to a softer beat with this luxurious Steinway piano:
If I were somewhat musically talented and owned a house somewhere close to the equator I would totally consider making this mine. I would also be heading to my nearest Signature store and put my name on a list for this fun ride: However, as cute as this is I must say I might prefer a green or pink jeep with Lilly interior. Don't you agree? I guess I will just have to save that idea for a golf cart! Lilly fans will also be in for a treat whenever visiting the grocery store as Florida Orange Juice is preppifying their cartons just for us. Come January, I might have a new love for orange smoothies... Finally, last but not least, starting in November not only will you be able to wear Lilly but you can smell like Palm Beach too! A signature line of fragrances will make its' debut to the public this fall! Okay, since my summary skills are not always the best (and I am starting to run short on time) I am handing it over to the pros to let you in on the rest:

But that's only a small piece of what the company has developed. Starting with the resort collection, which is traditionally the brand's strongest season, the product has been completely revamped. To help with this, Bradbeer has brought in several seasoned designers to consult with the Lilly team. Gordon Thompson, former corporate vice president of design and global creative director at Nike Inc. and former executive vice president and creative director at Cole Haan, has joined Pulitzer as a creative consultant, and Jeffrey Chow has signed on as a women's wear design consultant. Besides designing his own ready-to-wear line, Chow was previously designer at Pucci and Perry Ellis.
The result is a collection segmented into three categories — Jubilee, Day Lilly and resort collections. Jubilee consists of high-end product for women, men and children, such as beaded and embroidered silk gowns and dresses, cashmere sweaters and tunics. The collection, wholesaling between $24 and $425, will be offered in limited edition runs, and while there are some signature Lilly Pulitzer prints throughout, the Jubilee line will influence the less-expensive and more everyday Day Lilly products.
Day Lilly represents the most change for the brand. There are many prints seen throughout, but overall, they are not as busy as the traditional Lilly designs — there's a tan and brown giraffe-print safari dress, an elephant-print top, a blue and coral medallion-print silk dress and cotton tops in solid navy, white and pink. This collection, Bradbeer noted, was made to become the "modern Lilly collection."
The resort line, which will be sold year-round, consists of traditional Lilly prints — mostly done in pink and green, but there are several blue-and-yellow printed pieces as well. The resort line — which focuses on the more iconic Pulitzer prints — includes sportswear, swimwear and dresses.
In addition, the brand will set off a nationwide traveling retrospective that will showcase pieces from the Lilly Pulitzer archives, as well as educate Lilly-loving communities on the brand's influence. And, in stores, between resort 2008 and summer 2009, consumers will be given a Jubilee "passport" and receive stamps for all purchases throughout the Jubilee season. Consumers collecting the most stamps will be eligible to win limited edition Lilly Pulitzer prizes. Also, to create a "Wonka-like frenzy," the company is placing 50 golden Jubilee tickets on merchandise. The tickets will lead to further prizes and the number of unsold tickets remaining will be tracked on the Lilly Pulitzer Web site.

It looks like we have quite a bit to look forward to ladies! Also, word on the street is that since 80% of Lilly customers have jobs the brand plans to meet our needs. They are said to be creating dressier items that can be worn in the corporate world; oh so thrilling!

Hip, hip hooray to pink and green!!!

Paper Swap and Reader HELP!

Okay, I have a question for all you readers. Someone just left an anonymous comment about how my blog is super difficult to read. I had an issue with colors the first week of my blog, but lightened the letters and un-brightened the background and have no complaints since. I have terrible eyesight myself and have no issues, but thought it was best to get you input. I mean at the end of the day it is you all that are doing all the reading! I have thought about 're-doing' my blog, but never planned on really changing the colors just the banner and layout. If anyone else has issues with reading my blog please do let me know! I would love your opinions and your insight!

Well, you all know how I adore paper products and can NEVER seem to have enough Caspari plates and napkins so it was inevitable that I would enter the Preppy Paper Swap!

Flamingos and Flip Flops is my lovely partner. I just checked out her blog and cannot wait to read more later. Anyway, as everyone else is doing, I thought I should provide my favorites for her on here too!

Favorite color: PINK, green is a close second!

Anything I especially adore: Alligators, three letter monograms, pretty bamboo motifs, fleur de lis (I am true Kappa!) and elephants

Types of parties I host: I have a BBQ my roomie and I are doing in August, I want to have an election party, we do an annual Christmas party (but I already bought the most adorable pink and green invites) and when I have time I am all about dinner parties!

Monogram: HFG or HGF

Home at last!

Well, after a ten hour flight I made it home! I always forget how LONG the flights from Europe are especially when the movies are not so hot. However, even though they were not stellar I did end up watching a mystery/suspense The Oxford Murders which was quite interesting and also tuned in to 21. It was nice to finally get home, but I will admit I do miss England especially since it is 100 degrees here in Dallas!

Okay, on a bit of a different note I would like you all to know I have FINALLY picked my new, everyday china pattern. Some of you long time readers might recall I did a china post my first week as a blogger with several options, well I quickly narrowed it down and choose Mottahedeh Blue Canton:

The price is perfect, the pieces are all durable, they can be dressed up, there are loads of serving pieces and home items in the pattern and it is blue and white...it was the perfect option! I am so, so excited to finally have made my 'big' decision and start buying!

PS I am so sorry to all of you who have left comments and/or sent emails who have yet to receive a response. I have been busy packing and now unpacking and am finally starting to catch up emails so

Homeward Bound...

God save our gracious Queen

Long live our noble Queen,

God save the Queen

Send her victorious,

Happy and glorious,

Long to reign over us

God save the Queen.

Sadly, tomorrow morning my marvelous journey is coming to an end. I am so blessed to have spent the past five weeks in the country I have grown to love. I was raised by a mother who adored everything British and instilled this love for our 'mother' country in me at a young age. From a Silvercross pram to clothes from the White House to Peter Rabbit everything I had it all! I now more greatly appreciate all of these things, but have also truly come to love all England has to offer. The British know how to do it right: tea time, fabulous country houses, an untouched countryside, amazing music, a royal family...this country is fabulous! I am starting to think that I was born at tea time for a reason, England is and will always be my second home!

God Bless America Land that I love.

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with the light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies

To the oceans white with foam.

God Bless America, my home sweet home.

Pearls and Chocolate...

there has never been a better combination!

Are these chocolates not to DIE for?!

I have always had a weakness when it comes to sweets, but when I saw these beauties my heart literally melted. I was lucky enough to get to try a few of each, but my my favorite part was staring these lovelies! Couture (and PREPPY) chocolate has finally arrived!

L'Artisan du Chocolate is a store in London (on Lower Sloane) that has made chocolate an accessory! Not only do they do these scrumptious, South Sea Pearls, but check out their darling shoes! These are the Kelly bags of chocolate or if you prefer car lingo, the Bentleys. Not only do they taste delicious, but they look beautiful. I feel as if I could string these and wear them out (on a winter night of course). Think how adorable it would be do do bowls of the white a wedding or even just give a small box to each of your bridesmaids. Preppy perfection at it's finest. No lady in their right mind would turn down pearls and South Sea Pearls at that!

While Europafox is lucky enough to visit the store when she pleases the rest of us too can be fulfilled and order online. Hip, hip hooray! Thank you L'Artisan for shipping internationally, I have a feeling your pearls will soon be making many transatlantic journeys.

Dinner and dessert and a movie too!

I have been tagged by Europafox. She created the below tag, what fun!

If you could create an invite list of any ten dinner guests - contemporary or from history, famous or non-famous, who would they be, and what would your dinner theme be?

My theme would be A Night on the QE2. Think elegance (and even a little patriotism): black dresses, champagne, candles, soft background music...

Here is my invite list:

Jackie O next to Winston Churchill next to my mother next to Oscar de la Renta next to Dorothy Draper next to John D. Rockefeller next to Coco Chanel next to Michael Buble next to Charlotte Moss next to Albert Hadley

Other people I would want to come to dessert (since my dining room table only seats ten...):

BFF N

Lilly Pulitzer (I fully intend to work for her company in my second life.)

Brooke Astor

Audrey Hepburn

Frank Sinatra (imagine the amazing port dinner entertainment!)

Meg Pryor (I really am obsessed with American Dreams.)

Blaire Waldorf

Carolyn Roehm

Andrew Carnegie

Kate Middleton

Douglas MacArthur

I tag....

Tickled Pink and Green

Vineyard Girl

Adventures in Argyle

Barefoot in the Park

PS: I saw Mamma Mia today; I know you are jealous! The first twenty minutes were very interesting... However, the movie really picked up after that as the music became more frequent then the acting. Something odd was up with the acting at the start of the movie, you all will have to let me know what you think. Colin and Pearce were adorable. Did I ever mention I met Pearce and actually attended the filming of Tailor of Panama??? Anyway, the songs were too fun especially at the end. It was just like the show!

Enter WRITE away!!

I have always been a huge fan of Boatman Gellar. In fact, my mother and I always went a little crazy over their products when I worked at Melly! I just adore their jot pads (I use them myself and has a stash I give as gifts), their gift tags are beyond adorable, their stationary is preppy and priced right and their Christmas cards add some flare to a the sea of red and green. I was so thrilled when I found the Boatman Gellar blog last week and some of you may have noticed that I added them to my Delicious Reads. However, I was even more thrilled when I found out the company is doing a blog giveaway!

Three Carrie and Tucks will be given away to readers! You even get to choose what colors you want. This nifty stationary set is perfect for summer travel, camp, in the car, you name it! While you are entering take a look around the website and get an early start on that Christmas shopping. You are bound to find more then one preppy item you cannot live without!

PS this is my 100th post! Hip, hip hooray! You now have all the more reason to celebrate and enter the give away!

Here I go again, how can I resist ya!?

Tomorrow is the BIG day, Mamma Mia hits British theaters! I have been looking forward to the release of this movie ever since I saw the preview back in February. Just as many of you did. I too grew up listening and dancing to ABBA (and the Beach Boys, Four Season and oldies galore) and it holds a dear place in my heart. Then, when Ateens appeared on the music scene in high school I was hooked right away too. The Mamma Mia soundtrack is always in my car and N and I even sang Slipping Through My Fingers to our little ones at camp one night- they thought the song was Sucking On Your Fingers... Oh tomorrow is just such a fabulous day to be in the UK! I just hope I can find time to get to the theater, my fingers are crossed!

PS can you all believe Karen from Mean Girls is Sophie!?

PPS I adore Christine Baranski! This is mostly due to the fact that her two daughters went to high school with me and I sat next to her at a play!

And the Oscar goes to....

I am so excited to report Muffy Martini and Pearls to Hide My Neck gave my the following awards:

There are so many blogs I adore reading daily so this is a tough choice as to who to pass the torch on to. However, since I have not yet given the following ladies an award (and as far as I know they have not received one), this is for you!

Pink Ladybug's Life

Pink Cupcakes and TAB

Preppy Haze

The Laceys

Mommy Talk and More

Prep in Pearls
If you have not checked out these blogs you must start reading right away. They are all amazing and are full of fun ideas!

Ride a horse to Banbury Cross

Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross

To see a fine lady upon a white horse

With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes

She shall have music wherever she goes.

As mentioned, this afternoon I traveled North to Banbury to visit my dear family friends the Hamiltons. My family met the Hamiltons while we were living in Panama. In fact, as both Mrs. Hamilton and my mother reminded me, they were looking at the other apartment on our floor and my mother happened to run into them. We went out to dinner with them a few nights later and the rest is history! As I went away to boarding school in the fall of 1999 and the Hamiltons moved to Brazil I had not seen them for almost eight years! I happened to email Mrs. on Sunday telling her I was in England and was free for the next few days and next thing you know I am one a train to see them. What fun we had catching up over tea (and Bendicks chocolates!) this afternoon! I just love reuniting with old friends especially when it seems like you were never apart. This was just the perfect way to end a wonderful five week stay in England!

The Hamilton's lovely home!

Quintessential, English village complete with thatched roofs. Even the duck's house has a thatched roof!

Me, Laura and Charles Laura, Mrs. Hamilton and Charles

Laura and I on my way back to the train station.

Mother, especially for you: Mrs. Hamilton with some of the fabric purchased in Panama! Just a little background: Panama had the most AMAZING fabrics. Think Waverly, Colefax and Fowler, Laura Ashley, Cyrus Clark, Scalamandre and many more all for $1.99 a yard! Of course just about every expat re-did their entire home!

Ride through the countryside!

Finally time for a real update with some fun photos! I want to start by saying I honestly cannot believe my time in England is almost over, so sad! I return to Dallas Saturday. I am very excited to go back, but will miss all England has to offer. I was not a true anglophile before this trip (just part one), but now I am full fledged! In fact, I would love to even live here one day. By the time I get that chance the dollar will hopefully be stronger against the pound!

Over the past week I have had a bit of free time which has in turn allowed me to really enjoy the English countryside. I am staying not far from a canal which has a lovely, very narrow path alongside it. When the weather has been nice I have taken several bike rides. Here are some glimpses of my adventures:

Such a quaint English cottage alongside the canal.
The three amigos!
My favorite part of my ride is biking under or through the tree covered parts of the paths. I feel like I am in a movie. Also, please note that this is the widest section of the path. The rest is literally a tenth as wide.
I think this would be the perfect setting for a lovely, impressionist painting!
In honor of my time in Panama: the canal's locks! Boats parked along the canal.

Sorry for the short post, but my finger in throbbing from all my recent typing! I am off to see some dear, family friends we met in Panama in just a few minutes. They live in Banbury, so just North of Oxford. I cannot wait! They live in an adorable English home complete with a thatched roof. I will be sure to take a plethora of photos to share. Have a perfect summer day everyone!