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Our 2014 Christmas Cards
10 years ago
Celebrate the Last Daze of Summer....
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Though I whole- heartedly refuse to acknowledge the lazy days of summer may be nearing a bittersweet end, the world of retail is reminding me at an increasingly rapid pace. That wonderful stretch of Summer Sales where a store's summer collection is at least 50% off is over. Sweaters and coats now fill the shelves. Just yesterday I strolled through Hobby Lobby only to be bombarded by an assortment of Christmas decorations. Luckily, Mother Nature is fighting the tug-of-war against red leaves and apple cyder . The Temperature, averaging the high 80's with humidity that has girls reaching for their Frizz-ease , has reminded me that summer, indeed isn't gone yet.
My friend Katie, the ever-admired social entertainer had a gathering this past weekend themed around the comedy Dazed and Confused. What I loved most was the fact that there were all ages present at Katie's and at some point in the movie every one could relate to the flick.
Dazed and Confused follows teenagers on their last day of school in 1976 
approaching their senior year. I've seen this movie a dozen times, though don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did with a larger group watching this with me; not to mention the one liners of Mathew McConaughey and Ben Affleck's are priceless! My favorite part of the night was the movie brought back memories of the care-free days of summer when we didn't have bills and careers to worry about, but instead, what excuse we were going to give our parents for coming in two hours late. This is an easy party idea for all ages! Heck I think this is even a great gathering idea for people my parent's age! What a way to take them "back in the day...."
approaching their senior year. I've seen this movie a dozen times, though don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did with a larger group watching this with me; not to mention the one liners of Mathew McConaughey and Ben Affleck's are priceless! My favorite part of the night was the movie brought back memories of the care-free days of summer when we didn't have bills and careers to worry about, but instead, what excuse we were going to give our parents for coming in two hours late. This is an easy party idea for all ages! Heck I think this is even a great gathering idea for people my parent's age! What a way to take them "back in the day...." Invite 8-10 of your favorite friends. For party beverages I'd definitely suggest beer. It's very fitting for the flick. I'd skip the keg (you'll see enough of those in the movie) and opt for an ice chest or one of those large metal buckets 
and fill with cold beverages; maybe even craft beers. (Above pictured ice chest from Potterybarn.com) Serve easy refreshing appetizers. (You don't want to make a fuss out of food at this laid back get-together.) Katie served Tomato Caprese (Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Balls, Fresh Basil) on Skewers with oil and vinegar on the side for dipping. She also did baked cheese quesadillas with all of the fixings on the side for guests to dress themselves. Baked pita chips and hummus with Fresh sliced watermelon will surely feed your friends appetite for summer.
and fill with cold beverages; maybe even craft beers. (Above pictured ice chest from Potterybarn.com) Serve easy refreshing appetizers. (You don't want to make a fuss out of food at this laid back get-together.) Katie served Tomato Caprese (Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Balls, Fresh Basil) on Skewers with oil and vinegar on the side for dipping. She also did baked cheese quesadillas with all of the fixings on the side for guests to dress themselves. Baked pita chips and hummus with Fresh sliced watermelon will surely feed your friends appetite for summer.Before and after the movie put on your favorite classic rock 70's play list or satellite station. It brings the complete mood together. Summer may be nearing an end, but memories from our youth are still around, and often very fun to revisit.
It's Fella Friday in the South
Well Ladies, (and my well appreciated Gentlemen readers), I’m dedicating Friday to the Guys. It’s simple; A little something for the Fella’s and the Girls who love them. This Fella Friday I’d like to chat about the beach. Do you notice when you go way down South, or to the East Coast there is a different way about the way many guys look and dress? I have a handful of guy friends who would label these types of men as preppy frat boys who need to man up and ditch the pastel shirts and Sperry Boat Shoes. Well, I have my own label for them. Confident. We all know it takes a real man to wear pink and it takes the shear attitude of “I’ve got it completely together and don’t care what you think of me” to wear starfish on his bow tie. I think th
ere’s potential for a guy to overdo this look, but in moderation it can be incredibly appealing.Charleston and Sea Side don’t have to be the only cities with Men walking down cobblestone streets in Sear Sucker Suits and Shorts embroidered with Little Red Lobsters. Fortunately a very impressive company, Southern Proper, is making it possible for men all over the South to get the “Just walked off a Boat in Nantucket” look! Check them out at http://www.southernproper.com/ or visit their site on Facebook. The two women who created this company consider it to be a tradition of Southern Men, in particular, to possess sophisticated and influential attire leading to their status of Southern Gentlemen. Southern Proper is a “southern-inspired line of clothing, neckties, bow ties and accessories for men who have a deep appreciation for style and heritage.”
While there are well thought out designs and color combinations in these collections, There are items that I’d steer clear from. While I’m not crazy about all the prints, I do think it’s a good idea for guys to go out on a limb and have fun with clothing. My advice….You don’t have to take on the lifestyle of a “Southern Proper male” completely, but why not splurge on one tie that is different from what everyone else is wearing? As I mentioned in my post to the ladies a few days ago…Uniqueness and confidence, if attained together is a set of qualities to be heavily admired…..No matter what print is on your tie.
All outfits, bow tie and neck tie: See Southernproper.com for vendor locations .
Your naked clothes are begging to be accessorized
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What is it about flowers that makes a girl happy? For me, it's the feeling of spring, of getting a surprise on a whim, the feeling of a summer breeze gliding across my face...Okay, I'll cut the romantic dramatic crap. I like flowers because: A. they smell good, and B. They can take a boring black outfit to absolute fashion fabulousness. I know girls who swear by their preppy cardigans. They love the classic look of a sharp, clean button down J Crew knit in a great solid color like Fresh Green Grass; something you'd also find on a Gap mannequin; An 
individual piece I personally think should be reserved for second grade teachers. (Hold on teachers, I respect you and I'm going somewhere with this). I'll be honest, if it weren't for the whole librarian feeling I get when I wear these things I would've been sporting these little get-ups for years. They're comfortable and easy. Luckily I just got a wake up call; a re-found reason to walk into the office wearing one.....The secret? A bloomin' flower, ladies. I prefer silk but I'll settle for casual cotton with a great print. You can get these flowers at many local retail chains and boutiques. Many come with pins, some are clip-ons. Put them on your sweaters, tees, bags, shoes. I'd suggest even going to Hobby Lobby where they have beautiful flowers. Cut the stem off and stick a safety pin through the base. The best colors to pick through the end of summer are bright ones! Put a fushia flower on a yellow sweater. Put a combination of purple and yellow flowers on your Grass Green Cardigan. If I could scream anything from the roof enough relating to the world of clothing and interiors it would be "Don't be Afraid of Color!" You'll hear me say this a lot more.
individual piece I personally think should be reserved for second grade teachers. (Hold on teachers, I respect you and I'm going somewhere with this). I'll be honest, if it weren't for the whole librarian feeling I get when I wear these things I would've been sporting these little get-ups for years. They're comfortable and easy. Luckily I just got a wake up call; a re-found reason to walk into the office wearing one.....The secret? A bloomin' flower, ladies. I prefer silk but I'll settle for casual cotton with a great print. You can get these flowers at many local retail chains and boutiques. Many come with pins, some are clip-ons. Put them on your sweaters, tees, bags, shoes. I'd suggest even going to Hobby Lobby where they have beautiful flowers. Cut the stem off and stick a safety pin through the base. The best colors to pick through the end of summer are bright ones! Put a fushia flower on a yellow sweater. Put a combination of purple and yellow flowers on your Grass Green Cardigan. If I could scream anything from the roof enough relating to the world of clothing and interiors it would be "Don't be Afraid of Color!" You'll hear me say this a lot more.Whatever you do, please don't overload flowers in your hair. I 
went to college with a girl who thought she lived on the island of Fiji. She placed clipped tropical flowers every night in her long blonde mane of curly hair. To the restaurant...to the bar she went....I always felt like someone should buy her a Pina Colada or one of those little pretty drinks with an umbrella in it to complete her look. Summer or not, the look didn't work 4 years ago and it wouldn't now (at least if you're miles from the beach like this landlocked soul).
I can't stress enough, with the end of summer nearing and the fall too quickly approaching...don't be afraid of flowers on your garments. Take it down a notch on your shoes once Labor Day rolls around, but sport your flowers now, and throw in some plaid or tweed flowers to wardrobe this fall. There is nothing better than the feeling of uniqueness and confidence at the same time when you walk in the room. Add a flower to your outfit and I promise you the phrase "flower power" will have a whole new meaning.
went to college with a girl who thought she lived on the island of Fiji. She placed clipped tropical flowers every night in her long blonde mane of curly hair. To the restaurant...to the bar she went....I always felt like someone should buy her a Pina Colada or one of those little pretty drinks with an umbrella in it to complete her look. Summer or not, the look didn't work 4 years ago and it wouldn't now (at least if you're miles from the beach like this landlocked soul).I can't stress enough, with the end of summer nearing and the fall too quickly approaching...don't be afraid of flowers on your garments. Take it down a notch on your shoes once Labor Day rolls around, but sport your flowers now, and throw in some plaid or tweed flowers to wardrobe this fall. There is nothing better than the feeling of uniqueness and confidence at the same time when you walk in the room. Add a flower to your outfit and I promise you the phrase "flower power" will have a whole new meaning.
Above outfits: Sweater with multiple flowers (can be purchased surprisingly at my not so favorite New York and Co.) Mustard yellow clutch and Must have Pink heels both from Jcrew.com
"Let them eat CUPcakes"
Marie Antoinettes' alarmed French commoners may not have found her infamous line so insulting if they lived in.jpg)
today's society where cupcakes are no longer a little blob of flour, sugar and egg in a pink paper wrapper; instead an art form; an over-the-top gourmet sought after treat.
I believe a personal forecast of the growing cupcake trend came a little over two years ago when it was ironically my father who informed me that wedding cakes are out of style. Apparently in South Florida cutting the cake was so five years ago and cupcakes for guests were all the rage. I don't believe that we Southerns have fully caught onto that trend, however, my friend Hannah had a lovely Winter Wedding last year and broke tradition with scrumptious Red Velvet Cupcakes. I certainly didn't hear any complaints.Across the country, Gourmet cupcake bakeries are popping up. Here, in Nashville, you can expect to pay
around $3.75 for a .jpg)
piece of the cake piled high with a frosting lover's dream of whipped sugar, butter and a bright burst of color. I've tried one gourmet brand in Franklin I really don't care to waste the calories on, but I'm dying to try The Cupcake Collection in German Town. The story alone, of a whole family making a dream job come true is worth the trip. Check out their story at http://www.nashvillescene.com/2009-02-26/news/the-sweet-spot (Scroll all the way down. The story is hidden.) I'm also a big fan of Whole Foods beautifully decorated creations. Anyone who knows me well knows.jpg)
that I crave cupcakes like Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt crave attention. I once had a Vanilla Cupcake scented Yankee Candle I had to shove into the bottom desk drawer. When burning, the aroma caused me 1 am trips to the 24-hour Kroger while studying for exams in college; resulting in a few unwanted pounds. The temptation of cupcakes is something I can't deny. Cupcakes over Cake at my wedding someday? Maybe. Until then, I can depend on fluffy cake piled high with rich frosting most anywhere, thanks to their ever growing popularity. And to all of those commoners that snubbed the French Queen's remark, I can say, "Yes, Marie, I will gladly eat cake."
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piece of the cake piled high with a frosting lover's dream of whipped sugar, butter and a bright burst of color. I've tried one gourmet brand in Franklin I really don't care to waste the calories on, but I'm dying to try The Cupcake Collection in German Town. The story alone, of a whole family making a dream job come true is worth the trip. Check out their story at http://www.nashvillescene.com/2009-02-26/news/the-sweet-spot (Scroll all the way down. The story is hidden.) I'm also a big fan of Whole Foods beautifully decorated creations. Anyone who knows me well knows
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that I crave cupcakes like Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt crave attention. I once had a Vanilla Cupcake scented Yankee Candle I had to shove into the bottom desk drawer. When burning, the aroma caused me 1 am trips to the 24-hour Kroger while studying for exams in college; resulting in a few unwanted pounds. The temptation of cupcakes is something I can't deny. Cupcakes over Cake at my wedding someday? Maybe. Until then, I can depend on fluffy cake piled high with rich frosting most anywhere, thanks to their ever growing popularity. And to all of those commoners that snubbed the French Queen's remark, I can say, "Yes, Marie, I will gladly eat cake."
Boarding the plane just to use one of these!
Something as small as a passport case may, to some.jpg)
,be an item that should stay simple; i.e. Navy or Black leather. You wouldn't carry a plain Navy wallet would you? In this world of options, there is no excuse for boring. However, No matter the color or print I choose, I still stick to the traditional front with the word "PASSPORT" headlining nicely across the top. It's classic. Mixing Classic and fun is the perfect combination. How intriguing when you see someone in the airport holding a passport case! I always find myself wondering whether they just returned from a romantic city in Europe or some exotic adventure in South America.
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Passport cases can be a little pricey, so look for a leather one that you know you'll still like in 5 or 10 years. Look at this purchase as an investment; Something that will be around when you take the vacations of a lifetime!
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Left, I have found my exception to the Traditional "Passport on the cover" rule. How cute for all you newly weds out there to carry these black and Tiffany blue cases!
Mr & Mrs. covers, Top Right corner Panama Plaid covers, and middle right multi color cases all available on http://www.thisnext.com/
My Love Affair with Sun Dresses
Call me a girly girl at heart...but when May rolls around every year I pull out my personal favorite collection. My summer Sun Dresses! On average I usually add to my collection at least once a week. I have dresses hanging in my closet that have had the tags on them for two years. If I see a dress I love, I buy it; whether I have a place to wear it or not. End of story. I may need it someday. As Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie, says in Sex in the City, "I like my money right where I can see it, Hanging in my closet". Agreed. This summer my favorite is the maxi dress. Especially Strapless. Where them to a cook out...where them out on the town. It is a must for your wardrobe. I'd pair them with some flat sandals. If you're 5'2'' or shorter, wedges will do the trick. This Yellow Maxi also available in Blue, Jcrew.com
Since I can remember, I've been engrossed by fashion and interior design. This is going to be my spot to rant about all the fabulous trends and tradition that engulf a stylish lifestyle. I'll get to write a little (an older passion of mine) and post pics of my ideal must haves. What I'm most excited about is getting feed back from people. Let me know what you think of my picks...even if you think they're totally off....
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