Pinkest of Fridays

I LOVE all things PINK!

In
Annechovie Ikat Chair
any

way,

shape,

or

Lilly Pulitzer Adelson Shift

form!!
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Movie Homes: FOTB, The Nursery

Well, I think we all agree that they Father of the Bride movies are at the top of our lists. They have a great cast, fill a room with laughter and the set is just stunning. I love the Banks' home (Diane Keaton seems to get lucky and ALWAYS live in a gorgeous set house), but perhaps one of my favorite rooms is the nursery, or Babyland as Franck refers to it.

The room is so classic and filled with so many sweet childhood items- the rocking horse, a child size table and chairs and the large Steiff animals. The crib is dainty and does not overwhelm. The entire room just seems sweet!
I love the windows throughout the room as well as the fireplace and bookshelf nooks. The colors are just right, not harsh, and they work with the sunlight to create the ultimate suite. The room is nothing short of splendid, even George Banks agrees!

I must say if a queen bed was moved in I would happily push the toys aside and move right on in myself!

WASP Wednesday: Dogs

Muffy and I are back this week to celebrate the WASP's faithful friend: the dog!

Dogs are an integral part of the lives of many, but especially the WASP. They make several appearances in home decor (old lithographs, figurines, paintings, china), they are on clothing (think Stubb and Wooten) and are also mascots of the WASP's alma mater.Dogs can always be found anywhere and everywhere in the WASP home and life! They ride in the front seat of the wagon to the country house, they are begging at the tailgate, the run around during the hunt and they lay at their master's feet while he reads the WSJ.
Spaniels and Terriers take on names like Blenheim and Windsor while bulldogs are named after the very best generals the world ever saw (Winston or Churchill, MacArthur). Labs take after US Presidents (Washington, Lincoln, Eisenhower) and great Danes stand tall as Dukes or Barons. There is of course often the children's little dog (that becomes mother's lap dog as soon as everyone is sent off to school) which tends to have a more dainty name like Pearl or Gingham.

The breeds the WASP adores are many, but the verdict is always the same: dog's are the WASP's best friend (even though they may not always be the most well behaved)! They are part of every aspect of a WASP family and will forever be a faithful companion!

"If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around."
Will Rogers

Spring Has Sprung....

....at least in Lilly land!

If you have been on the sites of any of your favorite Lilly stores (C Orrico, In the Pink, etc.) you are sure to have caught a glimpse of all the AMAZING items that are coming with the warmer weather! I am always SO excited about Spring clothes and the Lilly Spring line is simply AMAZING!!

Elliot Shirt Dress

This would be SO cute with leggings (perhaps the new pink ones I just purchased) in the early Spring or alone once the Dallas heat sets in!
Another set of the famed Murfy Scarves are hitting stores.
Stock on up, these are perfect for travel as well as everyday (even evening too!)!

I love this Boating Sweater. The cable detailing on the arms is what did me in. This would be perfect with my beloved Roslyn skirts or one of my many shift dresses!

Pink and green and alligators?!

This Critter Polo is calling my name! Not only will it be perfect with a white denim skirt for running errands, but I might just have to pair it with something in my alligator print and make a BIG statement!

I bought the Samantha dress the other night and CANNOT wait to wear it. I never thought I would be one to buy a maxi dress, but the then this came along. I adore the ruffle detailing and the jersey material makes it the perfect travel dress too!

Well, I sure know you can NEVER have TOO MANY shifts... the Worth is again calling my name (and in multiple prints)!

I ADORE the print of the Gianna Caftan. It is so whimsical and the style is different from anything else I own.

Topping on the Cake!

Tonight I had a bit of free time (okay, it was actually closer to upwards of an hour, but free time none-the-less) and decided to put it to good use. I thought I would take a stab at creating a header and I must admit I am actually quite pleased! I used all the basics- no Photoshop for me. I drew out a Greek Key in pink and green and paint, then did lots of flipping, pasting and finally some typing and voila:

It may not last forever, but I love it for now (even if it does look oddly pixelly) and am proud to have created all by my non-professional self!

National Pie Day- January 23rd, 2010

Dearest roomie BBMed me on Friday afternoon to remind me that Saturday was not only National Handwriting Day but also National Pie Day! Well, of course this called for a celebration...in the form of food! We LOVE chocolate and whipped cream so a French Silk Pie was the way to go. I have made one of these before with my aunt and grandmother, but did not have a recipe off the top of my head so over to Martha I ran. I found a recipe that is both easy and delicious: Jean Webster's French Silk Pie. I will admit we cheated and bought a crust you just pop in the oven, but it was just delicious and so pretty! French Silk Pie is the perfect easy (and super delicious) dessert. Bake away!!

FOR THE CRUST
8 tablespoons (1 stick) chilled salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan
1/3 cup pecan halves
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed light-brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
FOR THE FILLING
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
Whipped cream, for serving
Chocolate curls, for serving

DIRECTIONS
Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-inch pie plate; set aside. Grind pecans in a food processor, or chop very finely with a knife. In a medium bowl, combine flour, pecans, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press firmly into prepared pie plate. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Make the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. With machine running, gradually add melted chocolate and the vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating at medium speed for five minutes after each addition. Pour filling into cooled pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, and transfer to the refrigerator to cool for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
Just before serving, top pie with whipped cream, and decorate with chocolate curls.

HSN

Well, I honestly never thought I would be one to watch the Home Shopping Network (never, ever), but last summer that all changed. When I found out the famed Carleton Varney was introducing a line and hosting a number of shows my TiVo was set and I was hooked! Not only was Mr. Varney charming but so were the products in his specially designed line! Over the months I watched the line grow and saw fabulous new products be introduced (and sold out), but am thrilled to see that a few of my favorites are still available (and even on sale!).

Staffordshire Lamp ($160)

This would be a classic touch to any room in your home! I would love it on an entry table so it would greet each and every guest that walked in.

Scallop Reversible Coverlet Set ($80)

I have been eyeing this coverlet for months as it matches my bedroom. The pink and white reversible combination and scallops are so feminine and classic. It would be perfect all year round!

Laddington Pet Bed ($35)

Dainty dog beds are hard to come by, but even the pooch loves the classic Draper/Varney look!

Upholstered Vanity Chair ($250)

Fudge Apron is one of the most famed fabrics to ever be made. Sitting in this chair would make you feel as if you were always at the Greenbrier!

India Flashback

Next time you are annoyed your grocery is out of stock of a "necessity" think of this:

The Steakhouse, New Delhi's nicest and most well respected grocery store.
Yes, it is smaller than a convenience store, but they do carry all the basics! We can all learn to live without sometimes!

Heart Picot Ribbon!

NOTE: Since posting the ribbon has sold out!

The other day when I was browsing the archives of the amazing Carolyne Roehm (while researching Monday's post) I stumbled upon another Valentine's issues. Mrs. Roehm spotlighted the most amazing heart picot ribbon that I just fell head over heels for:

This is the PERFECT ribbon for wrapping a gift for a sweetheart and it would look DIVINE on favors and treats too!
Sadly, as we know Carolyne Roehm is no longer selling through her site (though there are still some FABULOUS things to be found in her Fin de Serie collection) so I thought my chance had come and gone to purchase said fabulous Valentine's day ribbon. Nothing is impossible in today's day and age!! While ribbon shopping today I was beyond thrilled to find the same ribbon at BB Crafts. I just adore this ribbon SO much that I had to share this find with you! Now, we can all give our gifts and treats "the effect of sprinkling tiny hearts all over"

WASP Wednesday: National Handwriting Day

Well, after a month long break from our WASP Wednesday posts Muffy and I are back in action!

This coming Saturday, January 23, is National Handwriting Day. National Handwriting Day is a day to reintroduce one's self handwritten correspondence. While an email thank you or hello may suffice for many in today's day and age, the WASP is all about hand written correspondence. Not only is it more traditional, but taking the time to hand write someone a note "demonstrates an uncommon level of social grace and consideration.""The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting." The day is celebrate on January 23 yearly. This date was chosen as it is John Hancock's birthday.
Below is an excerpt from the Crane website (a staple at any WASP's desk!)

Etiquette dictates that a thank you note should be written to the giver of every gift you receive. Handwritten notes are a simple, elegant and thoughtful way to express your appreciation for gifts of any size.
The steps to writing a proper thank you note are as follows:
Greet the giver.
Express your thanks.
Say something nice about the gift or its intended use.
Mention the past, allude to the future.
Repeat your thanks.
While thank you notes tend to be the most common form of a hand written notes, they are not the only reason to write someone! Consider writing more congratulatory notes to friends when they accept a new position or try something new or simply write a letter on your best stationary to say hello!

Even though the art of a hand written note is dying in the eyes of many, the WASP has diligently been keeping the tradition alive!

PINK SWAP Partners!

Below are the 2nd Annual Pink Swap Partners!!
Please look over the list BUT ALSO read the comment section to double check your partner's email (it is very late and there may be typos on my list). If your name is not on the list you did not leave an email when you signed up for the swap (as was required) and your comment was not published. Due to there being such a large number of participants and a number of people not following through in the past all rules had to be followed. You are welcome to leave a comment on this post and look for a partner, but I will not be pairing anyone else together. Below is a rules refresher. If you do not hear from your partner by the end of the day on Wednesday you can be paired with someone else. Please contact me with questions about this!

*Your package must include AT LEAST FOUR items, however four is NOT the limit. Your items must follow the theme of the swap, think ANYTHING PINK!
*The budget for the PINK SWAP is $30, but this does not include shipping costs.
*Packages must be shipped by Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010. Please follow through with your commitment and of course only send items you would also like to receive. The items can range from paper products to small trinkets to kitchen supplies to homemade items (if you have a talent in this area!). Stock up on cute, pink things (and if you feel so inclined even throw a little green in there)!!
** You need to email your partner by Wednesday, January 20th, 2010. If you do not follow through by this date your partner can be paired with someone new.

HAPPY SWAP and THINK ANYTHING PINK!!!

Nautical by Nature - pinkgrace

peeptoespumpsandpearls (Jill) - kate@katydiddesign.com

mccaligiuri@aol.com - ecmabon@gmail.com

ELH - Prep-E Girl

Recession is the New Blonde - GP Cupcake

paintedpreppy - JMK

Vineyard Jenna - ms07123@gmail.com

cutiepie - BLC:o

Frugal Diva - Mrs. Fabulous

maggiefitxpatrick@verizon.net - Pleasant as Punch

The Caretaker - The Pink Tutu

emcr1229 - Mama24Monkeys

red30067@gmail.com - Samanthahub

The Hayden Family - 3 Peanuts

beesandfluerdelis@yahoo.com - pennythequeen

txsun14@hotmail.com - sweetvirginia@gmail.com

pink champagne - princess M

kp - Falchas

Little Pink Magnolia - KMW

Pink Maple - kcpeachykeen@gmail.com

Kiss My Tiara - Landlocked Mermaid

rebekah.dunham@gmail.com - MKP

tintarose - acalderio@gmail.com

Worthington - KatyandClay@gmail.com

Ruby's Fairy Godmother - Whitney and the Preppy Puppy

Guardian of Gimcrack/Oyster Girl - MMS (Southern Vogue)

Susan and the City - Katie S Perk

Take Your Sweet Time - cdiaz

Hillcrest Acres - abbeach bum

fivegreatkiddos@yahoo.com - Mrs. Jones

Anne E. - The Redhead and Her Pooch

pammycakes - iwannabeadomesticgoddess@gmail.com

bevysblog - Wila (aka Ali)

Amanda Auchter - Good Gals Inc

a.H.I.T - babsqt@aol.com

pipcarolina@gmail.com - Betty in NC

KAG - Miss A

Beantown Prepster -ritarandom@gmail.com

jewelrywithoutjewels@gmail.com - iheartboys

preppyinnewengland - elrwga@comcast.com

mollys_h@yahoo.com - jillski@hotmail.com

I am - Miss Muddy Paws

Anita K - cherry623@hotmail.com

Jarvis Noelle - LL Kays

Sessilia (Jean) - sarahdowning@gmail.com

Grove Gals - mFw

Prep in the Big Apple - kelleycooper@yahoo.com

Wallys Mama - erinfoley33@att.net

Short Southern Momma - Flamingos and Flip Flops

A Preppy Princess - trishtrahan@gmail.com

tpgutshall@gmail.com - Royaltygirl

blbrodger1@hotmail.com - tortor222@gmail.com

Southern Living: Preppy Style - lhansel610@yahoo.com

Beth Dunn - jenshuler@gmail.com

Southern BelleJM - Preppy in Pink

Seersucker Scraper - emilykathleenfarber@gmail.com

glitterista - Town and Country

howimetyourfather - cindyjiang123@gmail.com

Marlamyer@gmail.com - absolutelyfantastic@yahoo.com

amyc.obrien@gmail.com - seesarahlive@gmail.com

pemberly50701@yahoo.com - CZ (carriezapfe@yahoo.com)

uncoolmom17 - eleanorL.worthy@gmail.com

Sara Lang - Ashley B

stacyesq@gmail.com - sesarko@gmail.com

jenniferbrynndriscoll@gmail.com -Bama Girl

From the Archives of Carolyne Roehm

Sweetheart Burger For years, I celebrated Valentine’s Day with a flamboyant display of my culinary skills, attempting to impress my beau of the moment. Inevitably, I got carried away. After one such dinner which ended in exhaustion and not eating until nearly midnight, my tactful date told me he would rather have a cheeseburger and more of my company to go with it.
And I thought, you want it, you’ve got it, baby.
This Valentine’s Day, free yourself from the stress of cooking an over-the-top gourmet feast. No more chewy chicken and sunken soufflés as you attempt to change the CD, stoke the fire, or ooh and ahh over his token of love. Instead of performing culinary gymnastics, charm your Valentine by creating a simple meal made unforgettable with whimsical hearts.

Here I used cookie cutters to turn out heart-shaped crudités, cheeseburgers, cottage fries, and brownies—a simple dusting of powdered sugar makes them look as sweet as they taste.

What a FABULOUS idea from the one and only Carolyne Roehm! The possibilities for cookie cutters are endless. The above ideas could carry over to any theme party or birthday and they will certainly make you look like the hostess with the mostest any day of the year!!!

PINK SWAP UPDATE: Partners will be posted this evening. Sign up is now closed for the swap. Check back this evening to see who you are paired with!!

Tory Burch Artist Collaboration

Today I check my inbox and to my surprise not only had one email from Tory Burch, but TWO! Of course my shoe confirmation was there waiting (I scored the pomegranate Revas for $88!!!!) as well as news on exciting new venture the company is taking just in time for Valentine's Day!

Tory collaborated with NY-based illustrator, author, publisher Leanne Shapton for the first ever Artist Collaboration. Leanne's own work has appeared on the cover of Time and the NewYorker, in the titles of such films as "The Squid and the Whale," andon special edition covers for classic books, from Austen to Nabokov. She was most recently the art director for the NY Times op-ed pages,and formerly penned Elle's Jet-Setter column and she cofounded J&L Books, which publishes up-and-coming artists and authors. Leanne created two prints for Tory Burch: a whimsical lip print and a painterly take on Tory's logo, featured on small and large makeup bags, tote and pajamas.

Pajamas $125

" They're a cheerful touch on cozy pajamas-just in time for Valentine's Day."

Small makeup bags $45, Large makeup bag $55

Add a charming touch to your makeup bags, the perfect birthday, Valentine's or Easter present for you and your friends.

Tote $175

Us girls can NEVER have too many bags...especially when they are limited edition!

It is time to put our orders in, but what to choose might be the hardest part of all!!

Valentine's Day In the Form of FOOD!

Delicious eye candy!!

Williams Sonoma Sweetie Pies ($49)

Eleni's Love Bird Cookies ($65)

Hammond's Heart Twist Lollipops ($16)

Payard Bi-Color Macaroons ($28)

XO S'mores ($25)

Bissinger's Valentine Cookies ($28)

Gimbal's Pucker Up Lips