Sweet Southern Prep

Weekend Inspiration: Colossians 3:15

2012-02-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful."

Colossians 3:15

Peace River Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Spring Lilly Favorites

2012-02-24T08:36:00.005-05:00

Good Friday morning, y'all! After much anticipation, here are my favorites from Lilly Pulitzer's Spring line. Hope you love them as much as I do!

Adeline Eyelet Dress

I love how unique, but still classic this dress is. While I don't wear white dresses, I'm hoping it comes out in another color later. Perfect for a bride at a shower, sorority girls for initiation and a great graduation dress.

Adelia Dress

I love the colors of this dress. Such bright spring colors. The fabric is great. No static to worry about.

And what better than a Mini Adelson Dress for your minnie to match you.

Alima Top

Love this top. Reminds me a lot of the Elsa, always a plus in my book.

Love this fun combination! The Via Tunic in navy goes so well with the Main Line Jeans. Hope they come out with this color online soon. Right now, they're only available in white.

Julianna Dress

How simple and lovely is this dress? It's also available in black, but I must say I do love the Azalea Pink! Pair it with a cardigan, and it's perfect for spring.

Cassie Top

Throw on a great bauble necklace with any color Cassie top...

or Rebecca Sweater and you're good to go anywhere this season.

Allison Top

I tried this one on at the new South Park store, and need it in my closet asap!

There's always room for another Murfee Scarf in your closet, and this is a great print!

At only $10, the Market Tote is perfect to use anywhere, but I especially enjoy them at the beach and pool. No need to worry about getting your favorite bag sandy, wet or dirty from the elements, just use a market tote instead.

Cherry Pop Necklace

For me, it's the perfect spring accessory.

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Lilly Pulitzer has a book coming out in July - Lilly: Palm Beach, Tropical Exuberance, and a Birth of a Fashion Legend. It looks like it'll be a great read...

"The real story behind a very private American fashion icon—Lilly Pulitzer. Today, Lilly Pulitzer's iconic brand of clean-cut, vibrantly printed clothes called "Lillys" can be spotted everywhere. What began decades ago as a snob uniform in Palm Beach became a general fashion craze and, later, an American classic. In contrast to the high visibility of her brand, Lilly Pulitzer has largely kept her tumultuous personal story to herself. Bursting forth into glossy fame from a protected low-key world of great wealth and high society, through heartbreaks, treacheries, scandals, and losses, her life, told in detail here for the first time, is every bit as colorful and exciting as her designs."

You can pre-order it here for only $16.95, retails for $25.95.

Are y'all enjoying the Lilly Spring line? What are your favorites this season?

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: The Lady Sybil (Crawley)

2012-02-23T06:23:00.006-05:00

Alright, so I've obviously been on a Downton Abbey kick this week. I apologize for those of you not viewing the series, I'll be back to regular preppy posting tomorrow, with my Spring Lilly favorites!
My friend Amanda emailed this yummy cocktail to me, and I knew I had to use it for my Thirsty Thursday post this week. Enjoy!

The Lady Sybil

From The Kitchn: "Now that Downton Abbey season 2 is over, we're all waiting with bated (pun intended) breath to see what will happen in season 3. Until then, enjoy a little break from the action...and enjoy a cocktail inspired by your favorite British drama.

Sybil, the youngest, and my (and maybe your) personal favorite. Sybil is so easy to like...she's sweet without being saccharine, headstrong, and a bit stubborn. For her, I created a cocktail with delicate, rarefied flavors (St. Germain and champagne) that's grounded with something a bit more everyman (London dry gin). The end product is sweet, lovely, and stronger than you'd expect."

Makes 1 cocktail
1 oz gin
3/4 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Brut champagne, chilled

Combine the gin and St. Germain over ice. Shake and strain into a flute. Top with champagne.

Be prepared, I've heard it's strong!

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Has anyone else received their Elizabeth McKay items from her Rue La La sale? I got mine in yesterday, and was very pleased with all of my items. The trench cape is so unique - and very Downton Abbey if I do say so myself...wish I would have picked it up in the camel color, as well.

Elizabeth McKay Ireland Cape

How did your items work out?

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I found these Downton Abbey trading cards online, and thought they were too funny. If you want to see all of them, click here.

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Interesting fact (someone left this comment on a blog, about the dog on Downton Abbey):

"Apparently the dog from Season 1 didn't get on with the dogs that live at Highclere (the estate which poses as Downton), so they got a new dog in and instead of pretending it was the same dog they created 'Isis'. I think the names of the dogs may be in honor of the fact that Lord Carnarvon, the Earl who lived at Highclere funded the excavation of Tutenkhamun's tomb (King Tut) and subsequently died in Egypt (his death fuelled the idea that there was a curse on the tomb, but was more likely due to blood poisoning)."

Hope y'all have a fabulous Thursday!

We have a second showing on our house tomorrow, by an interested client. Wish us luck!

Cocktail Photo and Recipe Credit: 1

Photo Credit: 1

Wednesday Whereabouts

2012-02-22T07:15:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, we went down to Georgia, to visit my husband's grandmothers. We had the best time visiting them, and even managed to take a little excursion by ourselves, while the children enjoyed playing with their grandparents, and great grandmothers.

Can y'all believe she will be 98 in April??

Reading a book on my father-in-law's bed, from when he was a child.

I forgot to pack the girls' pajamas, so the hubs picked these up at Walmart while we were there.

Visiting my husband's other grandmother.

A little worn out from the trip.

Our excursion, on my husband's land. Amazing how fun a 410 and beer cans can be.

Hit all the stationary targets...didn't do as well with the moving ones.

I need to brush up on my skills.

The remains of the day.

Then we went exploring. Here's an old well on the farm. Reminded me of The Ring.

Happy Wednesday, Y'all!

Tuesday Trends: Downton Abbey Dolls and Spoof

2012-02-21T08:03:00.001-05:00

Saw these and couldn't resist showing them to you...

Downton Abbey Paper Dolls

And while you know I love Downton Abbey, I had to show you this spoof from Saturday Night Live, from a couple of weeks ago...

Hope y'all have a great Tuesday!

VV Free Shipping!

2012-02-20T12:36:00.000-05:00

We just got back from visiting my husband's grandmothers in Georgia yesterday afternoon (photos to come on Wednesday). Needless to say I'm getting everything back to normal before school starts this week. Hope y'all are enjoying the day off, if you have it! The hubs had to work some today, but we got to hang out this morning (peach pancakes!) and he'll be home soon.

In case y'all are taking advantage of any of the President's Day Weekend Sales out there, here's a fun one.

Can't go wrong with another Vineyard Vines Coozie to add to your collection (only $5)....

Or another pair of Vineyard Vines Croakies ($8.50). They carry PINK now!

The best part? Free shipping with code: FREESHIP!

Happy Monday, Y'all!

Weekend Inspiration: Phillippians 1:7

2012-02-18T07:15:00.000-05:00

"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart;

for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel,

all of you share in God's grace with me."

Phillippians 1:7

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Lilly Pulitzer Opening in the QC!

2012-02-17T07:02:00.000-05:00

Lilly Pulitzer has finally arrived in the Queen City, at South Park! It was such a treat last night, to view the new store and see all the impressive paintings and decorating that really captured our city. It really makes our Lilly boutique extra special with everything they incorporated into the store. Kudos to the team! I know shopping here will be such a treat! I'm planning on bringing the girls soon - as they supply the minnies with wands and sparkly crowns upon their visits! Even something that simple, and special, will keep the girls (and myself) coming back for more. Seriously though, do you know how much the girls love shopping at Nordstrom, just to get a free balloon? Cheap thrills.

Alright, after much anticipation, here are the photos of the newest Lilly Pulitzer boutique. Enjoy!

iPads are embedded into the walls for easy access to all of Lilly's line.

First stop, the dressing rooms! More than impressed.

Crowns can be found throughout the store...hence, the Queen City.

These ribbons were created especially for Lilly's Charlotte store.

Do some of these colors sound familiar?

Vicki (left) will be working part-time, Kristin (in the middle) will be the official monogrammer for the store. Her company, It's a Girl Thing, created some pillows for the girls last year. You may remember that I had a giveaway for one of her personalized pillows, appliquéd in Lilly fabric...

One of her company's best-selling products is the personalized monogrammed necklace.
I may need to add the script one to my wish list!

Katie (Kristin's daughter, second from left) will be the associate manager at the store.

Here she is with all her friends supporting her during the event!

Jenny came up from Lilly Pulitzer - Winter Park, Florida to help finish setting up the store this week.

And what an amazing job they did!

The dogwood is our state flower. Sparkly dogwoods are all over the store!

Framed prints galore!

Some of my new favorites for spring!

Such a fun fixture!

Talk about a stocked Minnies section. I need to get the girls here ASAP!

For you sorority girls, they sure have an extensive collection of sorority prints.

I'm guessing these will fly out of the store!

Catching up with Whitley from The Queen City Style.

Our children attend the same preschool.

My new favorites that need to make their home in my wardrobe for spring!

And finally, the fun locations painted on the wall in one of the dressing rooms,
that make the store extra special for us locals...

Of all the areas - they included my high school, well, more the area of Myers Park, but still...

One of my sisters' rehearsal dinners will be held at the Duke Mansion this summer.

The only other location I forgot to photograph was the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Definitely a favorite here.
And can the locals spot Queen Charlotte in Charlotte-Douglas pic? So neat.

Isn't it gorgeous? Even on a dreary, rainy evening, visiting the new Lilly store sure brightened everyone's moods! In case you're wondering about my Lilly Spring favorites...I'll be posting those next Friday!

And don't forget to mark you calendars for next weekend. Lilly at South Park will be having their grand opening on Saturday and Sunday, with gifts with purchase and lots of other fun treats!

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P. S. Regarding yesterday's post, thank you so much for your feedback on the iPhone cases. I ended up choosing the Dani Notes monogrammed iPhone case in chevron. Still deciding on what color combo to go with. I'm hoping this one holds up, but if not, the next step will be the Otter Box. Thanks again for all the advice!

Hope y'all have a lovely weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: The Blushing Lady

2012-02-16T07:15:00.002-05:00

I'm a little late on a fun Valentine's cocktail, but this pink drink surely won't disappoint! It's a simple recipe, that's the perfect blend of sweet and sour deliciousness. Enjoy!

"The Blushing Lady looks stunning when served in a sugar-rimmed glass. It's a great cocktail for almost any occasion, any time of year. The flavor of a Blushing Lady is a medley of sweet, sour and tart."

Ingredients:

1oz PAMA Pomegranate Liquer
2oz Vodka
1oz Pink Grapefruit Juice
Lemon Wedge
Coarse Sugar for rimming

Preparation:

Rub a wedge of lemon around the rim of a martini glass and dip the glass into a plate of coarse sugar. Set it aside. Pour the remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into the garnish martini glass.

Recipe Credit: 1

Photo Credit: 1

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On another note, if I haven't told you yet, I'm getting an iPhone in early March!! I can't tell you how excited I am. I've been counting down the days until my plan needs to be renewed, which means...a new phone! I finally get to throw out my crapberry. Hallelujah! Until then...I've been searching everywhere, looking for a cute cover. I know, such big decisions here. I mean, shopping for a house? Shopping for an iPhone case? Same category, right?

Here are some of my favorites...

Kate Spade iPhone Case

Iomoi iPhone Case

Tory Burch iPhone Case

Personalized DaniNotes iPhone Case

Rebecca Minkoff iPhone Case

Do you have a favorite I haven't listed here?
Can you guess which one of the above options I chose?

We have a showing this afternoon. Wish us luck!!

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P.S. From an inside source, I found out that Tory Burch is having a 25% off sale this weekend. Even with temperatures near freezing, get yourself some spring items. Once the spring weather arrives, you'll be thanking yourself and your wardrobe! Happy Shopping!

Wednesday Whereabouts: A Tea Party and Valentine's

2012-02-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Well, our house went on the market yesterday afternoon! We're thrilled, but of course, around 6:00, we got an email requesting a showing from 7:00-8:00 (yes, last night!). Well, we're changing the showing hours today, so that the last one must be at 7:00pm. But last night, all the kids were still awake at 6:00, and usually go down around 6:30-7, but we thought, since this was the first showing, that we should accept it. So, for our Valentine's dinner, we all headed over to McDonald's. Trust me, in doing this, we made the girls' day! We rarely go, but when we do, it's a special treat. W got a McDonald's cash register and all the McD's food, headset and walkie talkie for Christmas, so she always loves watching them take her order. Don't worry, when she grows up, she still says she wants to be a....fireman. ;) Here she is (taken with my phone camera) carrying the tray with their happy meals to the table.

This past weekend the girls attended a birthday tea party, it was the cutest thing! We also had a Valentine's Party to attend on Monday at a friend's house, and E's Valentine's Party yesterday was a success!

Such a sweet pic. She was saying the blessing. :)

Hope y'all have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tuesday Trends: Lilly Love in the Queen City!

2012-02-14T07:18:00.001-05:00

Let me know if y'all make it this weekend! Should be a fun time! Unfortunately, I'll be out of town, so I'll miss the grand opening, but I'm attending the soft opening on Thursday evening. I'll be sure and give you a sneak peek of the new store (which I've heard is AMAZING!), and some fun photos from Thursday night. If you know South Park Mall, the new Lilly store will be one of the easiest places to get to. Just ride the parking deck escalator up, and you're there! Stay tuned for Friday's post. I'm revealing my Spring Lilly favorites!

Pictures to come tomorrow, but this is what the girls will be wearing today...

Lilly Pulitzer Little Lilly Dress in Hotty Pink Love Bug

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, Y'ALL!

Monday Manners: Famous Love Quotes

2012-02-13T06:44:00.006-05:00

It's the day before Valentine's Day! Have you picked out the perfect something for your significant other yet? What did you get? Are y'all doing something special to celebrate? I'd love to hear! I'm in charge of E's Valentine's party at school, so I've been trying to get things together for it.
The girls finished their Valentine's last night. I always do it two days before, in case there are any meltdowns and we have to stop. That way there's still one more day to finish them. W was also the Super Star last week, so she got to bring home their class pet, Chester (the stuffed raccoon) for the weekend. He's been doing everything with our family, including making Valentine's. Sadly, he'll have to return to school on Tuesday.

Chester and W, helping Mama get dressed for a girl's night out.

The hubs and I were laughing at how into it, W was. We usually have to really coax her to smile,

and she sure was all super cheesy smiles, when we were taking these photos.
Dina asked me where I got my top. I ordered it a couple of weeks ago from Banana Republic.
I just checked the site, and unfortunately it seems to be sold out, but here's a similar version.

Banana Republic Sleeveless Pintuck Blouse

Boozer, chilling out with Baa Baa (W's everything) and Chester

Chester, eating breakfast with E.

Notice Boozer in the background, about to pounce on E's eggs.

My sister (#2 of the 6) was in town this past weekend. We hadn't seen her since Christmas, so this was a treat! All the kids had the best time hanging out! Her daughter (E, in the pink blanket) is two months younger than L. Don't her son, W, and my W look so much alike?? And to think both of their mamas have brown hair and brown eyes!

L and E

Making Valentine's for her friends.

In case you need that extra something to add to your Valentine's card, here are some great quotes about love...

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love. Albert Einstein

One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life. That word is love. Sophocles

Love is a game that two can play and both win. Eva Gabor

Love conquers all things. Virgil

Love is the flower you've got to let grow. John Lennon

Love is the greatest refreshment in life. Pablo Picasso

Brief is life but love is long. Alfred Lord Tennyson

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Aristotle

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! Lucy Van Pelt

In Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz

All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Leo Tolstoy

Who, being loved, is poor? Oscar Wilde

I claim there ain't - Another Saint - As great as Valentine. Ogden Nash

Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you?
Oscar Hammerstein II Prince to Cinderella

Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. Robert Browning

At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. Plato

For, you see, each day I love you more,

Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

Rosemonde Gerard

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height.

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day,
so I never have to live without you. Winnie the Pooh

I hope y'all have a wonderful start to your week!

Quotes Credit: 1

Enamel Bow Bracelets - Only $26 for 2!

2012-02-11T14:30:00.003-05:00

While I have enough Rachel Leigh bracelets than I know what to do with, see a previous post here, I found out that Target is carrying a knock-off one for only $16.99. And considering I don't have a black or fuchsia one by Rachel Leigh yet, I thought I'd try these, in both colors. Why both, you ask? Well, right now, you can buy one, and get the second one half off!

Target Enamel Bow Bracelet in Black

Target Enamel Bow Bracelet in Fuchsia

Hurry though, they're still in stock, but my guess is they're going to sell fast! I'm hoping that telling y'all about these on my usual semi-day off from blogging will redeem myself a little from not letting you in on Elizabeth McKay's Rue La La sale last week, before it started. Tsk. Tsk.

Weekend Inspiration: Psalm 63:3

2012-02-11T07:15:00.001-05:00

This photo of a little girl singing was taken on Grandfather Mountain (Linville, NC), circa 1945.

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."

Psalm 63:3

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Elizabeth McKay on RLL

2012-02-10T09:35:00.002-05:00

Hope y'all are having a great Friday morning so far. We signed all our listing papers yesterday, and they'll be here on Monday to take photos, and after that, we're hoping it sells fast! While I'm not looking forward to showing the house, having three little ones to pack in the car whenever someone wants to come and see it, I'm VERY excited that we finally get to look for a larger house in town, that will fit our family better! We've lived in our current home for a little over five years. Little did we know we'd have a child, let along THREE, in this house. We bought it back in 2006, thinking we'd live in it for about two years. Obviously, with the housing market going to the pits, we stayed longer, but now it's finally time we moved!

On another note, did anyone take advantage of the Elizabeth McKay sale on Rue La La, on Wednesday? I'm so sorry I didn't give everyone a heads up, but to be honest, I didn't hear about it until Tuesday evening, and didn't get the chance to blog about it before Wednesday. I also had a bible study on Wednesday that ran until 11:30, so by the time I checked out the sale, many items were already sold out, even 45 minutes after the sale had begun. I wasn't surprised though. Her dresses and blouses were steals!! I did grab up a couple of items, and used the "Sold Out. Still Want It?" option on some also. Has anyone ever had any luck using this? I haven't been too lucky with it. If you haven't joined Rue La La yet, click here for your free invitation. There's never an obligation to buy.

Elizabeth McKay "Ireland" Navy Wool Cape

I got this, thinking it was black, but it turns out it's actually navy.

Either way, at $225 off, I can't complain too much.

Elizabeth McKay "Lindsay" Black Bows Silk Dress

Can't go wrong with a simple, little black dress.

Elizabeth McKay "Elizabeth" Ruffle Blouse

Like the Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top, I could have an Elizabeth Ruffle Blouse in every print!

And the ones that got away...

Elizabeth McKay "Scotland" Red Dancing Elephants Silk Wrap Dress

Thought this would be a great Christmas dress.

Elizabeth McKay "Elizabeth" Homegame Navy Silk Blouse

Do tell, did any of you grab anything, before items sold out?

Also, if you're ready for spring in your area of the world,

check out Elizabeth McKay's Spring line, here.

Couldn't resist showing you some photos of the kids...

E is in a jealous stage right now, and wants to be the baby all the time.
Can you tell how excited she is to hold L?
After this shot, she pushed him off of her.

If there are any of you who haven't seen Downton Abbey yet, I'm selling my Season 1 DVD. It's the un-cut UK version (all seven episodes), nothing is left out. I think there was some talk that the PBS version supposedly "dumbed it down" for us Americans, but this is the real thing. SOLD

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

Oh, and my sister (#4 of the 6 found out yesterday, she's having a little GIRL in July!)

Wednesday Whereabouts

2012-02-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

Obviously, with all the work we've been getting done to our house, we've been sticking around town. Thankfully though, we had the hubs' cousin, his wife and their two kids in town to visit the other weekend, and had the best time! And yes, we all managed to squeeze into our teeny house. Blow-up mattresses, crib mattresses and pack and plays were all involved. But it worked! And even with workers there, showing up UNEXPECTEDLY on Saturday morning. Of course you know how that goes...AND they said they'd be done for the day by 3:00pm. Well...7:30pm rolls around...and they were still there. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and the children were in good spirits, even after skipping nap time, so we were able to spend a lot of time outside!

Cheering on W's daddy's basketball team, that he coaches.

Practicing their corn hole skills.

Matching sunglasses.

Our newly pressure washed deck, before we re-stained it.

The hubs, showing off his latest kills.

All the kiddos, after their baths. Doesn't E look thrilled?

W, with the boys.

Preparing to make waffles. E is such a spaz - look at that goober grin!

The BIG rivalry is tonight. So excited for my Tarheels! They're going to whip up on those Dookies!

Little L says, "I'm ready to play, Coach Roy!"

Tuesday Trends: Kate Spade and Hunger Games

2012-02-07T15:04:00.001-05:00

Today only, Kate Spade is having a surprise sale. Items are flying off the site. I checked back recently for a ring I was thinking about getting, and it was already gone. I managed to get some pearl earrings and socks last night, $34 total. I'm telling you, go check it out, it's a great sale...especially if you're looking for something in particular, for Valentine's Day!

Kate Spade Pearl Earrings

I got these for only $19. Unfortunately, they're sold out now.

Martini Cocktail Ring

I like this one, mostly for its name. Only $25.

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Speaking of pearls, Miss Sarah Vickers has her own fashion blog now. I'm in love with almost everything she wears. Check her out! While most of her outfits don't exactly fit my budget (in my dream world), they're great when thinking of outfit ideas.

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I had a couple of people ask me which Tory Burch loafers I ended up going with, pink or gold. Well, I ended up going with neither. The 8s were too small, and the 9s were too large. Wish they had half sizes, like they do in almost all their other shoes. I'm a true 8.5 in Tory Burch.

Also, I received some emails pertaining to our move. We're staying in town, just looking for a larger house, to fit all the kiddos. They each have their own room to sleep, but not enough room to play. Honestly, I need a laundry room and playroom. MUSTS in our next house!

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Alright, back to The Hunger Games trilogy...another reason for my blogging absence last week. These books are great!! I'm in the last one, Mockingjay, and will be sad when it's over, but cannot wait for the movie to come out. They're filming it right here in town. So neat! Have you read them yet?

Happy Tuesday!

I'm Here!

2012-02-06T19:20:00.000-05:00

We're in the process of prepping our house, to put it on the market soon. Needless to say, we've been pretty busy. As soon as we get it organized, I'll be back...hopefully tomorrow!

Hope y'all have a lovely rest of your Monday!

Loving their party favors from a recent birthday party.

Weekend Inspiration: 1 John 4:19

2012-01-28T07:15:00.001-05:00

"We love because he first loved us."

1 John 4:19

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: This or That?

2012-01-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

Pink or Gold?

Tory Burch Dee Dee Slippers

They're both marked down from $128, to $84.90, and nearly all sizes are still available.

We're getting some work done to our house, so it's been a little crazy around here lately. Basically, we've had to be out of the house all day, everyday, since Wednesday. Thankfully, we're still able to sleep here, but the workers made it clear that they don't want little kiddos running around their work space. Well, they were supposed to be finished today, but you know how that goes...now they're hoping for next Wednesday! Ugh. At least they'll be gone tomorrow and Sunday.

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: Kiwi Melon Sangria

2012-01-26T07:15:00.004-05:00

Talk about a yummy drink! We bought a ton of kiwi last week, and I've been searching for recipes that contain kiwi, and thought, why not look for a fun cocktail involving kiwi, as well. I found this recipe at Cocktail Times. It does involve some "wait time," but it sure sounds like it's worth the wait!

Kiwi Melon Sangria

Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine such as dry Riesling
- 4 peeled and sliced Zespri green kiwifruit
- 1 cup (237 ml) fresh watermelon, peeled, seeded and cubed
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, stirring to crush some of the fruit. Cover and refrigerate overnight for at least 12 hours to let the flavors marry before serving. Serve over ice, including some fruit. Use within 4 days.

Happy Sipping!

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P.S. Yesterday's Wednesday Whereabouts was the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Congrats to all who guessed it correctly! The best time to go is at Christmas. They have the best gingerbread house displays, and the Christmas decorations there are beautiful!
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If interested, Vineyard Vines is offering an extra 50% off all sale items. Just use the code: FIFTY. I found some great items, but think I'm going to check out the store today, so I can save on shipping.
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Couldn't resist showing you E's latest "CHEESE!" face.

Such concentration.

Hope y'all have a lovely Thursday!

The Heels play tonight - beat that Wolfpack!

Wednesday Whereabouts: Tory Burch Cause

2012-01-25T07:15:00.003-05:00

Can you guess the location? My family and I visited here a couple of years ago...

Four of the six of us.

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Looking for a cute Valentine's gift, that goes to a great cause...

Tory Burch Thailand Relief Shirt

We ♥ Thailand. 100% of the net proceeds of every Thailand Flood Relief T-shirt will go to the Chaipattana Foundation to support the flood relief efforts. The elephant-print heart graphic was created exclusively to help benefit this urgent cause.

Receive free Standard Shipping on any purchase of the Thailand Relief T-shirt.

No promotion code necessary.

This item is available for pre-order. Orders will be shipped out by 2/23.

Tuesday Trends: C. Wonder

2012-01-24T08:16:00.002-05:00

Have you tried C. Wonder yet?

From their site: "Created to deliver brightness to every corner of life, C. Wonder offers an entirely new retail experience: clothing, accessories and home decor products of outstanding quality and astonishing value in a setting that excites and inspires.

C. Wonder offers a diverse assortment of beautiful, versatile and spirited products that pair timeless design elements with fresh twists, such as unexpected colors and patterned linings. We edit our collection to offer solely must-haves — key items to enhance a room, refresh a wardrobe or inspire a memorable experience.

Our retail stores immerse visitors into the world of C. Wonder, a jubilant celebration of design and discovery and an inviting destination for shoppers. With breathtaking, always-changing window and floor displays, gorgeous decorative schemes inspired by fine homes, and intriguing surprises to uncover (visit our fitting room!), C. Wonder is an absolute delight to visit."

P.S. Their prices are very affordable, for the quality of product you receive. It's also Tory Burch's ex-husband's company.

I was very impressed with the quality of these C. Wonder porcelain balls I purchased.

And the sale price was pretty great, too - only $12.99 for FIVE!

If you've tried C. Wonder, what did you get, that you loved?

Monday Manners: Table Manners Basics, Downtown Abbey

2012-01-23T10:14:00.001-05:00

I hope all of you had a great weekend! We finally got rain, which was good for little L's cough, but other than that, it kept us all inside, trying to find any activity to do, rather than watch TV all weekend long. Lots of markers and art, Play-doh, pretend play and reading! I also caught up on all of my laundry, thanks to my special little helper. Can't believe he's already four months old! And yes, he's in a PINK Bumbo...

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If you're in need of some basic table manners, I found these tips pretty comprehensive on eHow. Not only are they good to refresh our memories on the rules, but they're great to share with your children, too. I did Teen Cotillion in junior high and high school, and was also a debutante, but I still need a refresher every once in awhile. Like #5, I completely forgot about that one! Are there any you can add? For the full details on each rule, click here for the complete article.

Tip #1: For all questions involving etiquette, just use your brains.
Tip #2: Never do anything until the host does it first.
Tip #3: Use your utensils from the outside in.
Tip #4: If you're not sure what to do, wait and see what your neighbor does. If that offers no clue, just fake it.
Tip #5: Never let any utensils, once used, ever touch the table again. (That includes leaning a fork onto the plate.)
Tip #6: Do not put the entire soup spoon in your mouth.
Tip #7: If you spill something, don't make a big deal of it.
Tip #8: If you're not sure whether or not you can eat something with your fingers, just use a utensil.

Mom-isms: Just think of this as the potpourri of things you've heard all your life about table manners. Most of them were 100 percent correct:

* Don't grab food.

* Don't talk with your mouth full.

* Chew with your mouth closed and no noise.

* Excuse yourself if you get up to go somewhere (the bathroom or to make a call).

* Don't pick something out of your teeth (just excuse yourself to the bathroom).

* Don't leave lipstick smears on anything.

* Don't put items on the table (meaning a purse, papers, keys).

* Don't smoke.

* Don't tilt or squirm in your chair.

How do you end with a good impression? Place your knife and fork on the plate so that they are parallel to each other, at the 11 o'clock position (a diagonal from bottom right to top left) with the points facing away from you. And never put your napkin on the table, signaling to others you are finished, until all others have finished their meal, as well.

Pinkies up!

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If you've been watching Downton Abbey, I thought you'd think this was fun! Click here to take the quiz, and find out which Downton Abbey you are. Come back and comment, and let me know who you are!

I'm Mr Bates, Lord Grantham’s valet (Brendan Coyle). You are a patient, kind, salt-of-the-earth type. But sometimes your self-righteousness can threaten to engulf you.

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Weekend Inspiration: Job 37:14

2012-01-21T07:15:00.002-05:00

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders."

Job 37:14

Photo Credit: 1