Why, Hello Dolly!

Who knew seven basic ingredients could be mixed together to create a treat no one can pass up?! I have been making Hello Dolly bars for at least a decade (we used to even make them in the TINY dorm kitchen at Taft!) and have posted the easy recipe on Monograms and Manicures before. These are always a hit and they are SO easy too. I figured a step-by-step demo would be the best way to show you just how easy these delights really are... just in time for weekend BBQs!

You will need:

Unsalted butter ( 3/4 of a stick)
Graham cracker crumbs (about a cup)
Semisweet chocolate chips (one bag)
Butterscotch chips (one bag)
Shredded coconut (around a cup)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (around half a cup)
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Melt your butter and mix in your crushed graham crackers to form your crust. You do not want your crust to be too buttery so add more crumbs if needed.
Now pour your bag of chocolate chips over the crust and spread them around evenly.
I add a tiny bit of coconut before adding the bag of butterscotch chips and then top things off with the rest of the coconut.

Now, open your can of condensed milk and drizzle it over the rest of your ingredients. Finally, top off your sugar heaven with the nuts...you are almost done! Bake your bars at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Let the bars cool and then cut into them and enjoy!!!

Minnesota Girls

I have been left speechless...

Monday, Monday

This afternoon Emily and I went to visit out dear friend Eloise at the hospital. It just dawned on me today that I have known Eloise for exactly two years and Emily for almost just as long. I am always amazed by how our little blogs bring so many of us together and connect people all over the world!
Emily and I had such a wonderful time chatting with Eloise as well as Vivian's teacher. Hospital waiting rooms can get very lonely and somewhat depressing in my opinion so I think it is always nice to have people pop in at various times during the day to change things up a bit. This afternoon quickly changed into the evening and before we all knew it it was time for the nurses to change shifts so we said goodbye to Eloise and headed out to a cool evening and some much needed rain.
Emily and I had coordinated yesterday afternoon and worked on putting together a basket of goodies for Eloise and her family. Again, when you are in the hospital I think it is nice to have some treats to brighten your day. We loaded up with snacks and baked goods (I know if I am ever in the hospital I will want lots of treats!) as well as Crystal Light (a perfect way to add punch to regular waiting room water!), magazines, books, note cards, a tumbler and a few other little items.

I also wrote out some of my favorite Bible verses on color coordinating note cards (we choose a pink and orange theme so everything coordinated) and attached these to various items in the basket. We thought a handful of inspirational verses were the perfect touch to a hospital waiting room basket.

Our prayers continue to be with Vivian and her family. We hope the road to recovery will be a quick one!

"The Lord you 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

Winners and Discount

Start beating your pink and green drums; I have the winners of the darling The Pink Pelican Lilly Pulitzer animal cracker giveaway:

Comment 11- Cole

Comment 17- 2PreppyGirls.com

Comment 25- The Wife

Ladies, please email your mailing address and we will get things sorted out!

Remember, I still have a little SHOPPING incentive for everyone! The Pink Pelican is offering 10% to all Monograms and Manicures readers through Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. There is no minimum purchase for this discount AND it CAN be used on sale- The Preppy Outlet is full of amazing deals at 50% off!!! Use code: kappaprep at checkout to save 10% on your entire order!!

Weekend and Prayers

Please take time to pray for my dear friend Eloise, her family and especially her daughter, Vivian today. I received a heartbreaking email from Eloise yesterday that Vivian was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after spiking a fever of 107. Vivian was already in the hospital numerous times last week (including on her 16th birthday). She is such a sweet and special girl and sadly she will be in the hospital for at least two weeks while the wonderful doctors here in Dallas work to figure out what has gone wrong. She is currently resting peacefully on a ventilator. Please remember this wonderful family in your prayers during their time of need!

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On Saturday evening I had the pleasure of going to the zoo with a dear group of friends. This was actually my first time at the Dallas zoo (gasp! However, when you live in a heat box you do not frequent outdoor areas) and I was so glad to be in such good company!

The highlight of our zoo visit was the new African area (and chatting with the mayor too of course!). The area is brand new and it is home to ostriches, elephants, leopards and giraffes.
Last night we were able to feed the giraffes- sadly, I do not have a picture of myself up close feeding any. I was surprised as to how friendly these elegant creatures were; they come right up to you and gently take the lettuce from you. You can literally pet them!

I could not resist a photo of the pink flamingos. They were so pretty too!

Finally, after about an hour and a half in the heat and humidity we called it a night. However, before departing I had to ride an elephant...the second time was almost as fun as the first!

Weekend Giveaway

Remember all the hype about the Lilly animal crackers? Were you lucky enough to spot these and stockpile them (if so, do you even have any left)?

Well, thanks to the wonderful ladies at The Pink Pelican (they are so dear and offer impeccable customer service!) you have a chance to win a box...and just in time to match your summer, Lilly wardrobe too!

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You can gain up to four entries in this giveaway.

1 entry: Leave a comment on this post.

2nd entry: Subscribe to The Pink Pelican Blog

3rd entry: Become a fan of The Pink Pelican on Facebook

4th entry: Follow The Pink Pelican on Twitter
You must leave a separate comment for each entry- ie. if you are eligible for three entries you should leave three comments. Please include what you did for each additional entry in your comment.

Finally, I have a little incentive for everyone! The Pink Pelican is offering 10% to all Monograms and Manicures readers through Wednesday, June 30th, 2010. There is no minimum purchase for this discount AND it CAN be used on sale- The Preppy Outlet is full of amazing deals at 50% off!!! Use code: kappaprep at checkout to save 10% on your entire order!!

Have a wonderful weekend and enter for your chance to win the HARD to find Lilly animal crackers! No collection will be entirely complete without them!!!

Friday Find

Pink and Green Pagodas by Whitney English

These chic yet preppy designs are too cute to pass up. I love the chinoiserie look, but when it comes in pink and green J'ADORE it and cannot get enough!

Dimples

Recently I popped into the newest cupcake establishment, Dimples Cupcakes, in my "bubble." I had walked by numerous times, but it was not until a friend brought me a Red Velvet cupcake that I became HOOKED!

Unlike Sprinkles (that was so 2008 now!) or Society Bakery, Dimples cupcakes are more dense and have a much more homemade taste. While I LOVE frosting I think some bakeries put way too much on and you end up feeling ill...well not Dimples! They put on the perfect amount and you end up feeling the right amount of full, not sick!
I also have to say the decor at Dimples Cupcakes is fabulous. I mean how can you resist the pink and green surrounding all the sweet treats?! The staff is so welcoming and they perfectly package your cupcakes so that you can travel about town.

YUM! My Dimples staples are Wedding cake and Red Velvet. The Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter are divine as well! I tend to be super picky when it comes to RV as we have the very BEST family recipe, but Dimples has gotten my staple approval!

If you are ever in Dallas and looking for a sweet (but not too sweet) treat be sure to hit up the preppiest cupcakey around!

Meryl Streep

Today it is time to celebrate one of my VERY favorite actresses. I simply adore Meryl Streep and do consider her to be one of the greatest actresses of this generation and today is her birthday! Mrs. Streep can play just about any role and do nothing short of an AMAZING job. She is in many of my favorite movies:

The Devil Wears Prada

This is one of my favorite movie scenes and hands down one of the top three in the movie.

Out of Africa

Evening
Her daughter acts alongside her in this wonderful movie!

Julie and Julia

The sets in this movie were wonderful (Paris was DIVINE) and the energy between the cast worked so well. I loved this darling scene, the big hearts are just too fun!

Lilly Blog Sale!

It is time to give a new home to things I have not worn in over a year...or more! Do you want to give them a new home?! All items are listed below and sizing and rather generic. I did not include measurements for this reason 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 and $7 for two or more items. I will send all invoices via Paypal (payment MUST be made within 24 hours) and plan on shipping items as soon as tomorrow!

Shop away!!

Lilly Pulitzer Patch Halter, 4- SOLD

Looking for the perfect summer dress? Look no farther! This dress is flattering, fun and perfect for days in the sun!

Lilly Pulitzer Strapless Dress, 10 (I used to wear a size eight and I this fit as it can be adjusted)- SOLD
This style is so fun and playful for Spring and Summer. The dress ties in the back to the size can almost be adjusted. The dress hits me right at the knee. Darling dress that is great for summer soirees!
Lilly Pulitzer Floral Halter, 10- SOLD
Again, this dress fits more like an 8 I would say. The style is very flattering and great for summer dinners and running errands!
Summer 2009 Lilly Pulitzer Skirt, 6- SOLD
Lilly Pulitzer Mosaic Halter, 4- SOLD

Navy and White Stephen Bonannos, 8.5- SOLD

I grabbed these thinking there were a 9.5, but sadly that are a whole size too small. They are brand new.
Pink Patent Cochni Pearl Shoes, 40 (8.5/9)- SOLD
These are a darling addition to ANY closet. I LOVE my black Cochni pearls shoes and get compliments whenever I wear them. These were marked as a size ten, but they fit more like a size 8.5/9.
Pink Moc Croc Jack Rogers, 9- SOLD
These Jack Rogers have only been worn a handful of times and are as good as new. They match all my Lilly and are perfect for summer.

OH SHIFT!

So, in honor of all the excitement today, NATIONAL LILLY DAY, I thought it was only appropriate to share my collection of Lilly Pulitzer shifts with you. This is a re post from two years ago so a few things have changed, but shifts are still my favorite Lilly pieces I own. They are so versatile and can be worn to the beach or dressed up for a dinner out. I am all about classic cuts and flattering fits and shifts provide me with just that plus the whimsical prints always brighten my day! Thought eleven (I now own 15...and if you put Delmars in the category make it 18- EEK!) shifts might seem like far more than enough to you, I just cannot get enough!

My collection would not be complete without a little shift flair: The Modern Shift!
and again...
Though not a signature shift, the Anna dress almost makes the cut, but not my count!
So, if you did not already understand my love for Lilly I am sure you do now.

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing every father (and every man that hopes to someday be a father!) a VERY HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Happy Father's day to my WONDERFUL father! Wishing I was in India with you again this year. I love you!

This was my FAVORITE song that my father and I have danced to at Sea Island for years and years.

National Lilly Day!

Well, I know I will be celebrating and wearing Lilly on Monday....but the question is WHAT TO WEAR?! Do you have your outfit picked out?!

Recent Bargains!

I had not been to TJ Maxx and Marshall's in almost two months until this past weekend and I must admit I think I was missing out! I either hit both stores right after they unpacked a shipment or else no one has my taste.

I got these darling cupcake trays to use for birthdays. I plan to put a bunch of gourmet cupcakes (tomorrow I will introduce you to my new, favorite cupcake institution) and give these to friends as a birthday treat. Tres cute and festive!
Obviously, I ran right over to the paper goods when I walked into the Maxx. I am addicted to all paper products as you know. Well, I was not let down last weekend. I scored loads of fun, preppy napkins (I LOVE the Caspari sea animal print!) and a Macbeth Collection extra large jot pad.
When I spotted these darling elephant pajamas I knew I had to find my size. After quite a bit of searching I found a set for myself; victory! I LOVE this fabric! These pajamas will always remind me of India and my elephant ride...which was almost exactly one year ago today!

If you follow me on Twitter you are sure to have already seen these amazing bird cages. I spotted these at Marshall's and the first thing that came to mind was how chinoiserie chic they are. While the color is perfectly fine I am planning to spray paint these (perhaps gold) and will actually use them for something only than outdoor, tree decor. I am thinking they might look wonderful with ivy growing up them in a kitchen on dining room. Only time will tell!

So there you have it, my amazing finds! Now, will you believe that I got everything pictures plus a box of Think Thin bites and more napkins for just $60? If you seek you shall find!

Gels: Day 15

Well, as promised here is an updated photo of my nails!

The gels are still looking fabulous! I am still loving Strawberry Margarita and am planning to wear this color all summer long. I will go in and have another get manicure next week, but who knows if I will even really need it (some people just go once a month I hear)!

God Save the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) taking the salute for the first time in 1951.

This past Saturday, June 12th, 2010, was Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday celebration. The Queen was actually born on April 21st, however it is tradition to publicly celebrate her birthday in June as the weather is much nicer in the United Kingdom.

The Royal Family gathers and along side the public the Trooping the Colour takes place.
The Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony that dates back about three centuries. The Queen is greeted with a Royal salute during the ceremony and the colours (also known as flags) of the battalion are trooped (or carried) down the ranks. The Queen inspects the troops then leads the Guards down The Mall and back to Buckingham Palace.
The events end with a Royal Air Force fly over that The Queen and the Royal Family watch from the balcony.
This past Sunday The Queen celebrated her 81st birthday with her 54th Trooping the Colour (she has reigned for 55 years, but one year the event was cancelled due to a strike). Queen Elizabeth II is one of the longest serving heads of state and a few years ago she became the oldest British monarch in history!

2010 Trooping the Colour