EXACTLY Two years Ago (11:02pm and all!)!

Oh my goodness! How quickly TWO years have come and gone! It amazes me how much I have learned in the past two years and how much has come from blogging. I hate to sound sappy, but when I say blogging has changed my life I whole heatedly mean it. I have met so many amazing people and many whom I now consider very dear friends, even best friends! I never dreamed people would read Monograms and Manicures. In fact, when I went back and read my first post (which I remember took me a good 45+ minutes to write) I remembered thinking that having a blog would be a great way to share all my favorite things (most specifically my finds!) with my family and friends. As I have mentioned before I used to literally have to beg my mother and best friends to read my blog- I never dreamed anyone else would want to read it. However, I was wrong and each day am SO glad to be surrounded by such amazing people...even if only through a computer screen. I am SO grateful to be part of such an amazing community and I look forward to more fun in the years to come.

I just had to take a trip down memory lane and re-post my first post!

Well I sort of decided to try this out on a whim! I have never been into blogging, but having read so many interesting ones over the past few weeks I figured I have nothing to lose!

I will start off telling you a little bit about myself. I live and work in Dallas, Texas. I moved here in December of 2006 and adore it! I graduated from the University of Minnesota (where I was a Kappa!) a semester early to take an amazing job I was offered that fall. I am not your typical northern girl and in fact only lived in Minnesota for 2.5 years when I was in college. I was born and raised in the South and Central America. I went to boarding school in CT and spent my freshman year of college in VA. I transferred to Minnesota my sophomore year after an interesting, but fun year at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. I was an art history and Spanish major in college, but also spent several months studying abroad in France (I did both a French immersion program as well as a Gothic art course). I am now working and believe I have the most amazing job in the world. I get to do something different everyday and could not work with kinder people. Everyday I learn something new; amazing is the only way to describe it! This is the VERY short version of my life, but a good start! I am so excited to be out there and having fun!!

PS- Happy blog anniversary to dearest JGIWC too!

Chixie is Here!

Today is a VERY busy day (no emailing for me!) and a VERY BIG day! Today Cassie and I debut our little line... Chixie! We have worked SO hard and are so excited to introduce all our preppy products to Dallas at the UPPA Spring Market! Since most of you do not live in Dallas I wanted to share some of our set-up photos Please note this is NOT what the booth looks like during the show. I took photos while we were setting up so stuff is NOT in the proper place NOR is it all set up (we are missing our easels!)...but you can at least get the idea!!

A VERY preliminary look!

Put on your pearls ladies!

We LOVE our preppy grosgrain!

Aprons!

I have also been BUSY making aprons (amongst MANY other things) with dearest Cassie! We were accepted into a FABULOUS Spring Market here in Dallas and are making our debut on Wednesday. Of all our handmade products, I have to say that the aprons (and pearl necklaces!) top my list. They are fun to wear, come in darling prints and just make being in the kitchen FUN! I mean they can make me look like I enjoy modeling so need I say more?!

I become easily obsessed with things I like, so I am having trouble picking a favorite!

If this blue and white floral apron does not sell it is being sent straight to mother as it would match our entire home. You know we LOVE our blue and white! Of course there is enough pink and green to satisfy any preppy soul!
If you live in Dallas you simply must come out to the UPPA Spring Market on Wednesday, March 31st, 2010. Cassie and I would love to see you!!

BUSY BEE!

UPDATE: Having trouble with Blogger and am unsure why the last two images are not working. Stand by!!

I have been BUSY making lots of these:and these!
All the hard work has paid off though-
I think they are pretty cute!

Let the Celebrations Begin!

It is hard to believe that it was just two years ago that I sat in bed reading blogs. I stumbled upon my first via Google and immediately got sucked in to this wonderful world! After about a month of reading I started contemplating starting my own. So, on March 31st, 2008 I took the plunge and Monograms and Manicures was born.... I will continue reminiscing on my actual anniversary so that we can CELEBRATE now!

I thought long and hard about the perfect giveaway prize and after reviewing some posts, consulting friends and knowing that Spring was indeed in the air I decided a Lilly Pulitzer Roslyn skirt was the perfect fit!

Now, I do not know about you, but I sure LOVE great fitting and well made clothing. The Lilly Pulitzer Roslyn is my new go-to skirt. It is the perfect length AND the perfect fit (a hard combination to come by). I simply ADORE the prints and the weight of the fabric too. I have worn several of mine with long sleeve white tops in India and have also tucked in a polo and thrown a Tory Burch Simone over for a more tailored look. You cannot go wrong with a Roslyn and they are certainly a staple in my wardrobe!

Don't you want to get your hand on one of these beauties!?

The winner of this celebration giveaway will get to choose their favorite Roslyn as a prize (let me tell you, it is HARD to choose just one!)!! Here are the rules:

To enter you MUST leave a comment on THIS post. The giveaway begins NOW and will end 10pm EST on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010. Your comment MUST include a suggestion for a future post- what would you LOVE to see and read about on Monograms and Manicures- to be eligible to win (all other comments will be removed). All Facebook fans can receive a second entry. If you are a Monograms and Manicures Facebook be sure to leave a SEPARATE comment stating this.

Good luck to all!!

Some May Say I'm

an addict....but I'm not the only one (to be sung to the tune of I'm a Dreamer)!

My closet is ready for Spring and I am ready to put things to good use!

WASP Wednesday: Boxwood

With the arrival of Spring everyone seems to be getting their gardens and yards spruced up! The WASP of course loves fresh cut flowers and is always sure to have some in the house at all times. While floral arranging can be relaxing and a creative outlet, heavy yard work can leave the WASP exhausted...too tired to even pop in to the club in the evening! The WASP therefor opts for more perennial plants in their yard (OK, and maybe the occasional garden service). Hydrangeas are wonderful when they are in full bloom, but the plant that is a staple in any WASP household is the Boxwood.
It is wonderful when used in decor around the holidays (we all love boxwood garland and wreaths) and it keeps is lush, green color all year long. However, the best thing about the boxwood in a WASPs opinion is that is requires very little attention and pruning. With the exception of needing a shield from the harsh winter it just always looks good. The boxwood is the Coco Chanel of plants!
Of course another reason the WASP loves the boxwood is because it too came from Europe (remember, WASPs love their heritage!). "Boxwood, "Man's Oldest Garden Ornament," was introduced to North America from Europe in the mid-1600s and reached its peak popularity in the United States during the early 19th century and again during the Colonial Revival era. Horticultural interest in the genus Buxus is maintained today by many nurserymen, landscapers and homeowners."
The American Boxwood Society

Boxwoods look wonderful in pots around the terrace and door, but they also make a wonderful hedge. They can be shaped to to the WASPs liking and hobbies to.

Boxwoods can be purchased at the local garden store, but perhaps the best come from White Flower Farm. WFF is located in the heart of WASP country, in Litchfield, CT, but thankfully they ship all over the country! No matter where the boxwoods come from, they are sure to be found throughout the WASP home all the year round!

Fabulous Find!

As mentioned, the March 2010 month's issue of House Beautiful was wonderful! I earmarked a number of pages and was going to scan in the ginger jar decor when I again stumbled upon a darling tray table.

Now, when I read where it was from (Kmart) I have to admit I was a tad surprised. I have not been to a Kmart in almost a decade and I had a very negative experience when I was last there. However, I do have to say I LOVED their Martha Stewart line so I suppose I should not be too shocked that they now have a Country Living line.

This darling accent piece is part of the Country Living Line and the table is a mere $70! If I had a place to put this I would snatch it right up. I am thinking it would look wonderful in a lime green or navy blue lacquer. Thoughts?!

Eat, Pray, Love

I was SO excited to be reading kp's blog on Friday and see she had posted the Eat, Pray, Love trailer. I am SO excited for this movie for a number of reasons. First, I am reading the book so of course that makes me want to see it. Second, it was filmed in India. In fact, lots in New Delhi!! Finally, mother tried out for this movie!!! While she did not in fact get a speaking role she was sent a script and she did go in for an audition. She was later called about being in a wedding scene and she turned it down (GASP, right!?) as she was already quite busy the day they were filming. However, she said it was not meant to be as the air conditioning ended up not working where they were filming said wedding scene. In the end she was most excited to help one of the Marines at the Embassy try out for the role of DJ. Several of mother's friends and many expats acquaintances are in the movie so I can hardly wait for this to hit theaters!!

Spring Cleaning!

With Spring on the way I have been busy cleaning and organizing. I have several bags of items to take the JLD Trinkets and Treasures sale as well a few items I thought needed an extra special home. Below are a number of items it is time for me to part with. I did not include every single measurement as some of the items are rather generic, however please do email me should you have any questions. If you are interested in an item or if you have another offer please email me. Shipping is $5 per item, but as always I am of course willing to combine that. I will send all invoices via Paypal plan on shipping items Saturday! Shop away!!

NWT Talbot's Yellow Spring Swing Coat, Size 4- $49 (suggested price is $149)

Lot of two Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2009 Cotton, Jersey Turtlenecks, Size Small- ($20) SOLD

Lilly Pulitzer Embroidered White Top, Size 8- SOLD

This does NOT fit like a size eight, but rather a 4/6. It is darling on and perfect with jeans or patterned capris. I have worn it once (in Abu Dhabi of all places) so it is good as new!

Fall 2007 Lilly Pulitzer Sasha knit dress, Size 4- SOLD
NWT Harrold's Gold Jacquard Dress, size 4- SOLD
This dress is a VERY lightweight Jacquard and is just darling on. I would however not recommend it for someone with a smaller chest (that is why it does not work for me) unless you are willing to make alterations. Very Betty Draper!!
Lilly Pulitzer Jubilee dress, Size 4- SOLD
Lilly Pulitzer Bandanna Print Skirt, Size 2- SOLD
Lilly Pulitzer Skirt, Size 4- SOLD
This skirt has never been worn and I actually thought it still had tags on it until I took it out of the closet. It hits at the knee, just like the bandanna skirt, and would look cute with a tee or a blouse!

Lilly Pulitzer Reversible Skirt circa 2001, Size 2- SOLD

NWT Harrold's Sundress, Size 2- SOLD
NWT Lilly Pulitzer Kimber Polo, Size Small- SOLD

Delicious, Easy Dinner

The March 2010 issue of House Beautiful was full of wonderful articles and photos (I still have yet to share the ginger jar page I fell in love with!). The Barefoot Contessa recipe really stood out to be as it was not only easy, but delicious too! Mother in fact just made it in India and agrees that it was just divine!

CAPELLINI WITH TOMATOES AND BASIL
Serves 6
½ cup good olive oil, plus extra for the pasta pot
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
4 pints small cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
18 large basil leaves, julienned
2 tablespoons chopped fresh curly parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¾ pound dried capellini or angel hair pasta
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan for serving

1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add two tablespoons of salt and a splash of oil to the pot.
2 Meanwhile, heat the ½ cup of olive oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan. Add the garlic to the oil and cook over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, two teaspoons salt, the pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for five to seven minutes, tossing occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften but don't break up.
3 While the tomatoes are cooking, add the capellini to the pot of boiling water and cook for two minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
4 Place the pasta in a large serving bowl, add the tomatoes and Parmesan, and toss well. Add some of the pasta water if the pasta seems too dry. Serve large bowls of pasta with extra basil sprinkled on top and a big bowl of extra Parmesan on the side.

WASP Wednesday: Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Muffy and I wish you a VERY happy St. Patrick's day!!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A very happy birthday to my dear grandfather too (who is ever so appropriately named Pat!)!!

The Crispery

Last week while making my usual visit to Central Market I stumbles upon a delicious sweet treat! Now, anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE sugar! I have to have a small treat everyday and sweets are the one thing I am not sure I could ever give up. So, when I saw a display full of cutely packaged and HUGE rice crispy treats from afar I made a bee line right on over.

The Crispery is makes homemade crisp rice treats with LOTS and LOTS of marshmallow. The founder, Vicki Mate, had a love for the marshmallow so I knew we were on the same page when I scanned the darling packaging. I grabbed two treats to take home and try, but had barely made it to the car before I opened mine and took a bite (thank goodness I am back on my gym kick and can justify eating an entire one in a day...). Let me just say that of all the sweets I have tried all over the world these are on my short list of favorites- right up their with caramel macroons at Laduree, flourless chocolate cookies from Payard and The Connaught's clotted cream. They are AMAZING! In fact, I just went back and bought another handful for friends yesterday. Every person I have given one to has become immediately obsessed.

Not only does The Crispery offer loads of different flavors (I LOVE the s'more and the M&M and roomie said the Oreo was to.die.for.), but you can also send sample boxes! How perfect would this be to send to friends/children in college or men and women that are deployed?
Nothing brightens your day like a box of cheerful and delicious sweets!
Even if you do not have a HUGE sweet tooth you are sure to fall in love with these giant treats from The Crispery. I encourage you to check your local market to see if they carry the brand (and if they do high tail it on over). I promise you, you will never look back!

Who is Clark Rockefeller?

Well, we have all heard of "Clark Rockefeller" at some point over the past few years, but did anyone else watch the Lifetime movie this weekend?

If not, you MUST try and catch it!! It is one of the BEST made-for-TV movies I have ever seen and of course a very interesting story!

Valentine's Decor!

A few weeks back (okay, over a month ago) I had some extra time and wrapping paper remnants lying around so I decided to make some festive decor. Luckily, hearts are one of the easiest shapes to cut so I was in luck!

I cut out all different sizes then punched two holes in each heart. I then strung extra ribbon through them and made my very own garland.
Of course it is far from fancy, but it is perfect for Valentine's day or even a birthday. I think it would be just was easy to cut out ovals and make Easter egg garland. All you need is some small pieces of your favorite wrapping paper, scissors, ribbon and hole punch...then go to town!

Friday Eye Candy

I love shoes! I especially love fun colored shoes so I about died when I saw the new Tory Burch Printed Croc Revas ($225). I am a HUGE fan of the patent Revas and I also love their croc! I always take mine on trips because they can be dressed up and down and can be worn rain or shine. They are my go-to pair... in fact I am wearing my orchid pink patent Revas as I type!

I must say that Tory's newest pink has me swooning. It is such a FANTASTIC shade and could be worn year round! It would look darling paired with Lilly, but just as marvelous with a black dress and a matching pashmina!
The green is also on my wish list. It reminds me of the classic Kate Spade green. This shade it just perfect as it can be worn with any other color too. I am thinking I would love pairing these with a navy ensemble and of course a little pink too!
Have a wonderful weekend, I hope you weather is as perfect as mine!

One Year Later

It is SO hard to believe how quickly the past year has gone by! The past few years have been filled with SO many wonderful opportunities and blessings. Each day I am thankful for my amazing family, a wonderful job, a lovely place to live, my health, my many friends across the globe and on my list goes. This past weekend I was looking at some photos and remembered that last March I attended the Martha Stewart show with many of you. I looked up the exact dates and it was exactly a year ago today (to those of that follow me on Twitter, I was a day off yesterday- whoops!). I CANNOT believe it has been an entire year since I was lucky enough to meet many of you and have the experience of a lifetime! That New York trip was also the last time I saw mother before she moved 9000 miles away to India. In honor of such an AMAZING trip I just had to post my evening recap of the special day!

Well, as you know yesterday was a HUGE day in the life of Hopsy. It was one of those days I will NEVER forget for as long as I live and I am just SO glad I go to share it with so many of you. As mother said to me yesterday, life if all about relationships and my love for Lilly has allowed me to form so many new relationships with so many wonderful people. I am so very blessed!

We arrived at Martha around 8am yesterday and were thrilled to see so many smiling faces all decked out in my favorite brand! We waited outside for about twenty minutes before entering the studio to receive our tickets. If I talk to you often you know I was quite worried about the ticket situation as we got an email last week that sort of left things up in the air. However, it all worked out perfectly and mother and I were handed ticket 3 and 4. We checked our coats and went into the Martha holding room with our new friends.
Here are Becca, Lilly and I waiting for what is to come. Becca and Lilly went to Babson together and met because they were both in Lilly! If you watched Martha yesterday you are sure to have seen them! Our mothers became quick friends and mother has already extended India invitations to them. Oh, and before I forget Becca is the founder of a very fun, preppy line! I am hoping to feature her on here so do stay tuned.
Emilie and I found the perfect time to take a photo as we waited! I met E this past fall and she is simply AMAZING! She has a HUGE love for Lilly as does her husband and I am just SO thrilled and lucky that I got to see them so many times while in the city. Aren't we festive in our pink and green!? Conveniently, we sat right in front of Kate and Landlocked Mermaid (and Erin who I MISSED meeting!) in the holding room. We had such fun chatting. It felt as if we had known each other for ages. I am not sure if I have already mentioned this, but Kate was the very first blogger (aka person with her own blog) that ever commented on my blog! Suburban Prep was the first non-family member and then Kate followed her!
Here is a view of the first holding room. There was another to the right of this photo. While we were in the holding room one of the shows producers came in and said they were looking for people to feature on this special Martha segment. So, if you had a fun Lilly story you should head her way and make yourself known. I was not so sure about this at first, but after chatting with mother and the other ladies I figured I had nothing to lose. I walked over to the producer and told her all about my love for Lilly and my blog. I mentioned my tour of headquarters, my part time job and the Lilly event I hosted the evening before and she took some notes and a photo and said we would be in touch. After about fifteen minutes they started asking the audience to line up so that we could enter the studio. Becca and Lilly were behind mother and I in line and as soon as we got to the studio entrance she took them aside and told them they would be featured on the show! I was thrilled for them and thought my chance had come and gone. However, she came right back over and put a star on my ticket and told me they had chosen to feature me too! I could hardly believe it, I was ELATED! I honestly never once thought my story would be one Martha would want to feature especially considering they only choose TWO people from the audience (the other two ladies had major Martha connections). However, this just goes to show you always need to make yourself known! You just NEVER know what will come out of something!

Not only was I going to be featured on the show, but I was in the VERY FRONT AND CENTER of the studio! It was so surreal! The producer came over and rearranged our question order (I was originally second, but was moved to the final seat) and then hair and make up came in to touch us up. Finally, I was taken to the side studio door to have my microphone put on. I was a bit nervous as I was the only lady that was not given my specific question. The producer went over everyone's questions and then right before we went on air she ran over to tell me to say I had a tour of headquarters, owned over 130 pieces of Lilly and now worked at a store part time. I said a quick prayer before Martha entered and stood right in front of me. I sat up straight and smiled and before I knew it Lilly and Becca were answering their questions and then Dawn was talking about her wedding and then Martha called out "Hopsy." Martha was SO nice and I had such fun being on camera! Before I spoke I thought about how I was representing each of you all. You all helped me get there today and you were on my mind and there in spirit! I did feel bad my shoes were not Lilly and of course I found out they zoomed in, but overall I thought things went very well. I guess it just goes to show you do not have to have a closet full of Lilly to wear Lilly. You can mix it with other items which is important. I did watch the segment this evening when I got home and hope I did not come off as over enthusiastic! During the first commercial break the producer came back out and said I was perfect and too cute so that was a reassuring. She mentioned that everyone in back simply adored me so that was great feedback I thought!

I loved taking in the rest of the show from the front row and now LOVE both Martha Stewart and Lilly Pulitzer more than ever. Martha was wonderful in person and she seemed to genuinely be excited about an all Lilly show. I mean really how could you not be!? The audience was so excited and everyone I spoke with was happy and had a great outlook and attitude. That is what Lilly does, it makes you happy and keeps you positive!

Yesterday was AMAZING and I am so thrilled mother and I were able to attend this once in a lifetime event. From the people we met to seeing and being interviewed by Martha to the amazing goody bags and the after party (check back tomorrow for an after party post!) we simply had the BEST time! Lilly is more than just a brand it is a way of life and I am glad to live the Lilly life!