Wonderful Weekend

What a fabulous weekend I had! I kicked things off at Winter Jam with two friends on Friday evening. Tenth Avenue North, the Newsboys, Third Day and Tony Nolan were all present along with five other bands. It was a truly fabulous evening that got me even more excited for the Rock and Worship Road Show in April- David Crowder and MercyMe will be there!!

Saturday I got up and prepped for another busy day. I LOVE the La Duni Fashion teas (if you live in Dallas and have not been to one you are missing out!) and was especially looking forward to Saturday's as it was the Lilly show! I got a group of girls from Junior League and work together and we had the best afternoon. It was so much fun to see some of the Summer 2010 collection as well as current styles.

We enjoyed a FABULOUS spread of pastries and also sipped on two different teas. Every guest received a darling cookie from La Duni as well as playing cards, a mirror or card case and a coupon from Lilly.One of the most exciting parts of the afternoon was meeting a blog reader. Janie has emailed me several times and also won my London-India giveaway. She is a long time Lilly lover- isn't her outfit just darling?!
After tea we popped into the Lilly Pulitzer store where I bought mother a skirt and also treated myself. It was then time to rush home and get ready for the Slipper Club gala! Before the event several of us enjoyed a DIVINE dinner at CRAFT. Saturday was certainly a fabulous day spent with dear friends!
This week I am going to try and get all caught up on blogging and work on emails to (I am slowly, but surely catching up on those). Have a wonderful kick off to you week!!

Tour de Target

It is time for another pink and green tour of Target!!

How fun, practical and wallet friendly (they are only $2.50) are these trays?! You could even get some monogram decals to stick on them, package these in cellophane with a fun ribbon and you result would be a FABULOUS gift!

Not pictured, but a bright turquoise is also available!
Look at all those fun items in the $1 bin!!

Target is carrying pink and green Easter baskets again this year!

These would look great with a plant arrangement or could be used for a gift basket as well. Rush on in before they are cleared out!

Ohhhh lala- look at all the fun paper products! I adore the plaid napkins and the pink egg shaped plates (not pictured).

Last, but certainly not least, one darling invites you can print up at home. These would be a great fit for a Derby Party or a Spring luncheon!

BACK!

Phew, after a short blogging vacation I am back! The end of last week and beginning of this week were BEYOND busy, but I am thrilled to report I had an AMAZING birthday. I was showered with gifts (I promise to do a post on these as I obsessed with EVERY.SINGLE.ONE!)and all your beautiful comments. I could not have had a better day, thank you!

I extended my weekend by a day and took Monday off to fly down to Austin. I met M through our blogs over a year ago and we have become fast friends. When I found out she was going to be in Austin I knew I had to fly down and meet her! We had the BEST time and I feel as if we were long lost friends.

We enjoyed lunch at Bess's Bistro, which Sandra Bullock owns (sadly, we did not see her) then walked around downtown Austin before heading out to The Domain. We did some shopping and then headed back to The Four Seasons for a FABULOUS tea!

It was just delicious and the perfect way to end an AMAZING day and weekend!

I feel SO blessed to have met so many AMAZING ladies through this blogging world. I consider SO many of you dear friends and look forward meeting many more of you in years to come!

25!!

Today, I turn 25 years old! I was born at tea time, 3:58pm to be exact. Perhaps that explains my love for a good scone with clotted cream and strong cup of English Breakfast. I am SO thankful today as I look back on all the past 25 years. I am beyond blessed!!! It is amazing how quickly time goes by, yet how much can be packed into a day. I have the BEST family and the most AMAZING friends (both in real life and through the Internet) that make each day better than the last! Thank you to all those who have made this charming life so worth living! Here is to 25 more AMAZING years!!!

25 Facts for 25 Years

1. I have lived in nine states and three countries.

2. I rarely drink tap water. I typically only drink bottled water (bad for my teeth, I know!).

3. I only wash my hair twice a week. I lucked out with EXTRA thick hair. However, on the downside it does take me an hour to dry it.

4. I am a paper addict! I LOVE all types of paper products, but I think Caspari plates and napkins might rank at the very top of my list.

5. I speak English, Spanish and a little French.

6. I am really bothered when people do not RSVP to an event or when they RSVP and do not show up.

7. I never had a TV in my room until I went to college.

8. I met JFK Jr. at the Peabody in Memphis. What a charming man!

9. I LOVE themed parties!

10. I have never been to Mexico (but I have been all over Central America).

11. Getting my mail is always such an exciting part of my day. I am always hopeful there will be loads of fun new magazines!

12. I want to go on a Safari someday.

13. I used to be very in to riding. I was even the champion of the beginner category for the country of Honduras when I was nine.

14. I think horseback riding is (or was) my only athletic talent. I am terrible at all other sports!

15. I LOVE food but am somewhat of a picky eater. I really do not care for fish and never crave meats.

16. I am extremely afraid of roaches. Of all the insects they are the one I just cannot deal with (spiders are a close second).

17. I am not a fan of amusement parks, but I do love the fair.

18. I have never been on a cruise, but want to do a Cunard getaway sometime soon.

19. I love to watch sports on TV and also love attending sporting events.

20. I had LOADS of obsessions when I was little (Lisa Frank, trolls, American Girl, Beanie Babies).

21. I got out of the Beanie Baby phase at the right time. I sold around 60 of mine for $7 to $10 each when we lived in Panama and then donated the rest to a local children's hospital.

22. I love to wrap gifts and arrange flowers! It is a creative outlet for me.

23. I once road my bike in to our pool. I used to ride around the pool when we lived in Honduras as I could not ride on the street and one day came too close to the corner...in I went...back wheels first.

24. I LOVE to stay incredibly BUSY!

25. I do not have a good voice, but I LOVE to sing in the car and at church.

Tory Burch Preview!

I have never really been the type to be super into my birthday, but I still have somehow lucked out with having FABULOUS parties (thanks to a wonderful mother and great friends!). When I was working on coordinating the Tablescapes auction this past Fall I knew I had to bid, bid, bid on the Tory Burch party as it would be the perfect way to celebrate my 25th. As you know, I did bid and won so next it came time to plan. I secured a date. made invites, ordered amazing cookies and got baking. I was looking forward to a MARVELOUS evening with all my dear friends!

I set the cake balls and the favors out for all to see (and eat...I did not want to bring any home!!). The colors all worked so well! Each favor bag was tied with embroidered, elephant ribbon from India and contained a TB cookie and two cake balls.

I must admit that tonight might have topped every past birthday party I have ever had. it was simply amazing! The Tory Burch associates were SO welcoming and FUN and all my friends were SO generous and kind.

I so wish my parents could have been there this evening, but they were there in spirit. Mother even arranged to have flowers sent to match the cookies and favors!

It was a night to remember!!! I have been beyond blessed and am SO thankful to have such AMAZING women surrounding and encouraging me- now, if only you all could have attended!

Part of the group!

My actual birthday is not until Saturday, but I feel as if I am on top of the world. What a special evening with dear friends! Thank you to everyone that came out to help be celebrate the big 2-5!!!

Cake Balls!

Monday evening I put my kitchen to good use and made 90 cake balls! I made both Funfetti and red velvet to serve at my Tory Burch party. I am thrilled with how they turned out and think I am well on my way to finally figuring out how to properly coat the cake balls!

Pink and Green Gifts!

I have been meaning to post more of the LOVELY pink and green Christmas gifts. I really was beyond spoiled this year!!

I ADORE my Porthault tray!! It is almost too perfect to use and it matches my room PERFECTLY!
Look at all the amazing pink and green Graphic Image items I racked up on! I need to take these in and have them embossed with my initials to complete the package!

You can never have too many pearls! For my 18th birthday and graduation I was given a set of Mikimotos from my parents. This Christmas they spoiled with a full set of Indian pink pearls- such a treat!!!

One Year later

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will
quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing!" Zephaniah 3:17

One year ago I posted about the horrible ski accident my dear cousin Henry was in. So many of you lifted Henry up in prayer and have since prayed for his recovery. After several months in the hospital and continuous therapy Henry is able to walk on his own- what a feat!

While he has still not 100% recovered today our entire family is thankful he is alive and well! God is good and He has blessed our family in SO many ways! I am thankful for His grace and love everyday, especially today!

I hope you have a blessed and VERY pink Valentine's day with you and yours!!!

Last Minute Valentine's Day

Are you going to someone's house for dinner or meeting a bff for coffee this weekend? Well, you CANNOT go empty handed! Even if someone does not celebrate Valentine's day (please note you do NOT have to be dating someone, engaged or married to celebrate this holiday!!!) you can brighten their day just by thinking about them! Plus, how can you resist adding a little pink in to anyone's life?!

Potted pink hydrangeas seem to be everywhere right now! They are a perfect gift for your host or hostess or anyone with a green thumb and they can conveniently be found at most grocery stores!
Pink M&Ms are everywhere right now. Buy a bag of plain and a bag of peanut and mix them up. Pour a good amount in large cellophane bags and tie it with lovely pink or red ribbon and attach a calling card or sweet note. This is an easy gift anyone is sure to love!

Most everyone likes to throw a tray of cookies in the oven or whip up a batch of cake balls so why not give them something to make them more festive? While a pack is quite darling, consider even buying just one container and packing it in a bag with a heart cookie cutter. Instant and easy gift for anyone!

If you ever pop in to Starbucks you are sure to have fallen in love with more than just their LOVE project cups. I am a sucker for cupcakes and their red velvet are delicious! Pick up a four pack when grabbing your latte and surprise your snowed in neighbor this Saturday!

While a pink Vespa, pink sapphire earrings or a new pink Chanel tote are all at the top of many wish lists, it is the small thoughtful gifts that will make a difference this Valentine's day. Surprise a friend with one this weekend, you are sure to spread the love!

Favors!

Well, I am about to spoil an AMAZING surprise for anyone coming to my birthday party at Tory Burch next week (if this includes you STOP reading!), but I feel like I just won the lottery and CANNOT resist!
When I won the party at Tory Burch this past Fall I just knew I wanted to use it to celebrate my 25th birthday. I thought LONG and HARD about the invites and favors; I wanted them to be amazing and coordinate with the overall theme. In the end I ended up making my own invites. I used magenta and orange paper, monkey stickers and stuffed these in silver addressed, navy envelopes. I must say I was quite pleased with the end result. Then came time to order favors. I have been planning on making cake balls (of course- no birthday is now complete without them!) and coordinating their decoration colors with the invites, but I wanted a little something else as well. That is where A Dozen Eggs comes in.

I won a giveway from A Dozen Eggs way back when (when I still only had two blog readers, mother and bff N) and fell in love with Laura's darling cookies. Not only did they taste amazing (they use all natural ingredients), they are affordable and each cookie is a work of art!

I had a vision of EXACTLY what I wanted my cookies to look like: pink bags with the orange TB logo. I emailed ADE (just this past Friday) and also spoke to the wonderful Dave on the phone (on Monday). He jotted my idea down and sent me a photo of what he and Laura had in mind and then got to work. Today, I got a call that my cookies were being shipped out, but if I needed to see a photo before they arrived I could head over to the blog.

Of course I could NOT wait...

When I saw the cookies I almost fell out of my chair. They EXCEEDED my EVERY expectation, they literally are too perfect for words! AMAZING!

Look at the details! As I told the manager of the local Tory store, the cookies match the quality of the store's products!

These are just stunning. Everything I hoped for and more. The colors are dead on and the bag looks like I could pick it up and pack it full just like my purse!

If you are ever in the market for cookies you MUST contact the fabulous Laura and Dave at A Dozen Eggs. They really can do ANYTHING!

WASP Wednesday: WASP Music

This WASP Wednesday Muffy and I are busting out the moves and old records. It's music, WASP style!

Everyone loves some good tunes, including the WASP. Instead of covering all types of WASP music, I am just going to cover a beloved category: oldies. WASPs love a good old classic and party music often includes songs by the Shirelles, The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys. As we know WASPs also love a great party and one with a theme is also appreciated too. So not only do WASPs listen to 98.7 and 92.1 at home or on long drives through the Adirondacks or the coast, but they play them at the club and on the shore. Beach parties and bonfires are a favorite WASP pastime (try to channel SHAG, the 1989 movie)! Think a delicious meal (this is often done by a caterer as it is far more work than an at home Mardi Gras gathering) with s'mores to keep the littlest WASP entertained, families decked out in their beach club best and of course a LIVE Beach Boys cover band. The WASP clan will dance the night away to "Let's Go Surfin Now," "God Only Knows" (...where Bitsy would be without Tripp) and "Little Duece Coupe." Good Vibrations will be had by every WASP when the good music is playing!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It has been raining ALL day in Dallas so I have been putting my raincoats to good use. I actually wear jackets year round, rain or no rain, so adding more to my wardrobe would be money well spent. I have also spotted a few new ones I might need to add to my collection...

Vineyard Vines Nor'Easter ($245)

When I saw this darling PINK thing at St. Bernard Sports this past Fall I hurried over and immediately fell in love. This is perfect for the cool rainy days and the color will brighten even the gloomiest of gloom!

Ann Taylor Loft Drawstring Anorak ($128)

I tried this on at Ann Taylor Loft recently and might just need it! It is the PERFECT coat for travel- great length, waterproof, not too raincoat looking, can even be dressed up. I am still debating what color would be best though...

Land's End SunShower Coat ($70)

You know I LOVE orange! I love a good Mac coat, they are wonderful for travel as well. This color is another way to add a bit of fun to any outfit. When traveling, especially overseas, it is best to pack loads of basics and just a few punches of color (scarves, comfortable shoes and a jacket).

Talbot's Belted Anorak ($129)

I now some people consider Talbots t be only for grandmothers, but I have found SO many darling items there I KNOW that is not the case! This it another fab Talbots find! This looks cute unzipped for everyday wear and zipped up when the sky opens up. Plus, the color can again NOT be beat!

Burberry Hooded Rain Jacket ($695)

This is one of my current rain jackets and I simply adore it! The hood is detachable so it is more versatile. For this reason it is also another fabulous travel jacket.

Movie Homes: The Parent Trap, London

Another amazing movie house is the London flat in the 1998 film The Parent Trap. Like the Father of the Bride house this is also beautiful on both the inside and the out and again, I would gladly pack up and move right on in!

Talk about curb appeal!

In my mind this is such a classic London home. The clean lines and divine plants (take note of the greens throughout the house- fresh flowers everywhere- always a MUST!) all take me back to the streets of one of my favorite cities! As you know I love walls filled with things and color so this entry is nothing short of fabulous in my opinion! Everything just works together and compliments everything else. It is truley fabulous.

What elegant stairs- I think these are the best part of the entire home! They are not too close to the door and the curve is just, well, luxurious! I also love the pseudo Mud Room to the right of the stairs and the tiny glimpse of the outside makes this elegant home seem oh so quaint.

Another favorite room of mine is the Dining Room. The walls appear to be covered in fabric which I adore. Like the entire home, this room with it's antiques, art and elegance (and butler!) is just so English to me.

What a DIVINE, London home. Nancy Meyers just does it every single time; what a talent she has!

Colorful Decor

I LOVE magazines! I have more subscriptions than I should, but I love flipping through the pages and getting cooking, entertaining and decorating ideas each month. Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda and Traditional Home are some of my favorites. Their pages are all colorful, the articles are full of information and their websites are great sources too!

Traditional Home has a feature on their website which really caught my eye tonight: Family Friendly and Colorful. The rooms are irresistible and have just the right amount of color!

What a fun breakfast room!

I love the giant stripes on the walls and the chairs would just make me smile every time I walked by. The portraits are a lovely, personal touch. You would never have a down breakfast in here!
Built-ins are such a plus in any home. The pale pink on the inside of these is just the right amount of feminine for me. Ohhh, and look at that molding....simply DIVINE!!

Well, you know I LOVE toile and I LOVE pink and green so this room was a match made in heaven. I do have to say I am not the biggest fan of paneling, but this office just makes it work. It is bright and chic- I can sure imagine blogging from here!

Color makes all the difference when decorating. You can personalize a room to your liking and make it come alive. Make your home SPEAK!

OKL and LP!!!

Well, if you are not already a member of One King's Lane (you know how OBSESSED I am) you better leave me a comment or send me an email (kappaprep@gmail.com) so I can invite you ASAP. Next Friday is going to be BIG, no, actually it will be HUGE....they are having LILLY PAPER PRODUCTS!!

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop because this is going to be good!

Way Back in Texas

For years and years I have wanted a pair of pink cowboy boots. I searched and searched for the perfect pair before Kappa Kountry in college, but came up empty handed. I have looked every now and again since, but continue to come up empty handed. All the pink boots were children's boots....up until now! I think all things pink is a growing trend, because suddenly a number of cowboy boot options have popped up. With the Pat Green concert on my mind this Texas transplant is again thinking about the perfect pair of boots to wear. After scouring the web here are a few of my current favorite finds:

Durango Boots ($85.95)

This is a nice option if you like lighter pink. However, the more I think about it, the more I want to make a statement (they are pink boots after all), plus these would get a bit too dirty for me.

Sheplers Old West ($49.99)

I LOVE this shade of pink and the price is sure right for a first pair of pink boots. I just cannot decide if the black heel is for me....decisions, decisions!

Lucchese Boots ($349)

How can you pass up a pair of Lucchese boots?! These are a fun combination and quite fashionable too!

Rod Patrick Pink Boots ($329)

I like the vintage look of the dusty road, I could revert back to the days of Little House on the Prairie with these.

Lucchese Classic Calfskin ($365)

I have to say this is my favorite pair. Another pair of Lucchese in the perfect shade of a pink. These are most certainly a statement boot!

Laredo Boots ($122)

While pink and brown boots are not my ideal pair, these were a bit too fun to pass up!
The Wild Cowboy ($99)

I love, love the pattern on this pair. I prefer that the pink and brown are a bit more intertwined (unlike the Laredo pair). They would look darling with many dresses and skirts!