create the life you love

iphone 'dump'

a load of photos taken on my iphone ...

instagram throw back thursday .. griff

 

preppy paper designs order for a nautical baby boy shower

new spring lilly prints

new spring lilly dresses .. i am in love with the didi dress that i am wearing

more spring lilly

monogram love

new book order .. 'real' books!

gift giving .. makes me so happy to do so

 

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i realized that i forgot to post these christmas pictures .. 

my goddaughter with lots of gifts for me!

we had lunch together at hillstone 

 

and i bought b 'just like me' american girl doll .. and matching lilly!

(custom made ag doll dress - made from a baby lilly shift)

her mom took this photo for me

 

happy new year from murph! baxter too, but he refusses to dress up for me

A Few Beauty Favorites ..

Once again .. I have been absent from blogging. Just so little time to do so.

I also love instagram (I am not sure how to link it here, melissa caligiuri) .. and have been 'hanging out' more there then visiting blogs.

Easier and quicker for me on my phone or ipad!

Some of my favorite beauty finds ...

flower bomb

I received this as a Christmas gift and do love it .. even so, I can't give up my jo malone lovin'!

clarins instant smooth perfecting touch

This works wonders on my face .. I use it on my forehead and around my mouth

and chin before I apply my makeup.

Smooths lines and pores.

 

 

fresh sugar lip treatment

 

chanel glossimer

I have been using glossimer for a few years now .. still my favorite lip gloss

 

obagi nu-derm

 

I used this program a few years ago, with the recommendation and care from my dermatologist

and it honestly transformed my skin.

So much so, that others commented on my 'glow'!

It faded away sun & age spots, smoothed fines lines and gave me a new complexion.

I recently started up again for a 'freshen-up'.

A warning though .. this is not an 'easy' program nd takes patience.

Your skin becomes very dry, lots of flaking, peeling and redness for a good 6-8 weeks.

 

butter of london teddy girl

Love this pink .. but still a second behind my beloved essie marshmallow

bobbie brown shimmer brick

bobbie brown bronzer

georgio armani fluid sheer

I have a wonderful makeup gal at Neiman's that introduced me to armani makeup ..

it is like silk on my skin! I also use the loose power with this.

Picked up a few new eye shadows too on my last visit, since she made up my eyes so pretty with them :)

georgio armani eyes to kill

I absolutely love this mascara, but also use much les expensive drug store mascaras that I like too ..

both this and this 

 

conair infinity spin

I recently started curling my hair (after 2 demos and practicing at my hair salon - i'm a slow learner).

This curling iron is fabulous, it spins!

I saw a gal using it in the locker room at The Bar Method and was sold.

 

and last ..

Has anyone tried the new 'bb' creams? If so, please share what brands you like!

I have yet to use them, but have heard such great reviews. 

For the Love of Lilly!

Lilly Resort!

I am way behind in post this .. the first shipment of spring will be out in just 2 weeks!

Some of my favorites and currently in my closet..

I absolutely LOVE the Wilda Dress and have it in these two prints

 

The Sloan maxi ..

The Charlene dress .. love the fit and material on these dresses ..

 

With a very cute little puppy that visited me at Lilly ..

The Aailyah dress. I wore this on Christmas eve ..

 

 

Courtin dress ..

Harvery skirt - I wore mine with a hot pink Elsa blouse ..

Cee-Cee dress ..

Joanna sweater dress ..

Pandora dress ..

Boston top ..

Leighton striped blazer (I am pairing mine with white jeans) ..

 

Lauren puffer vests ..

Mine, monogrammed ..

Starfish cuff ..

I also am loving that some of the more traditional Lilly prints are being brought back ..

There you have it .. Let me know if you have any questions of fit or style, I am more than happy to help! 

Happy New Year!

 

 

Wishing you all much love, happiness and blessings in the new year!

Since I am so very behind here on my blog, I am once again going to post my iphone and instagram photos.

I met my sister in law and niece for lunch and christmas shopping. Always so good to see them, but don't get to often enought.

A letter from Santa to my goddaughter

Connor's first night home .. dinner at Prato

It took me 3 weeks to get the tree and house all decorated this year!

Working much more over the holidays.

Christmas eve

Christmas morning

A very happy boy .. santa brought him a new Toyota 4 runner!

Merry Christmas!

Hope you all had a wondeful Christmas day. We certainly did here at our home. I am hoping to catch up here on my blog soon .. working retail over the holidays has kept me very busy!!

 

 

Another Lax Trip

This time up to Washington & Lee University in Virginia. Such a beautiful campus.

The boys all on their ipads at the airport

My sweet friend (and travel buddy) Michelle and Reid

Once again, all the photos were taken with my iphone. I realy need to bring out my SLR again!

Philly

Just returned home after a 4 day trip to Philadelphia with Griff .. lacrosse with a bit of shopping & sight seeing.

The only photos I took were with my iphone (this seems to be happening more & more).

These 2 braving the cold in shorts ..

It was so cold .. especially on Saturday. We had to be at the lacrosse field at 7:30 am for the day and it was 27 degrees! 

So happy that we were only 10 minutes away from the King of Prussia Mall.

We actually got in 2 trips to KOP :)

Griff was sweet and posed with me outside the Lilly store ..

But .. he would not sit on Santa's lap for me :( .. 

Made a visit to Independence Square ..

Reid and Griff on the tour. Thrilled .. well maybe Reid is!

At Jim's Philly Steaks ..

And they found their dream car ..

Fun trip! .. love spending time with Griff and can not believe it is only 2 more years and he will be off to college!

iphone photo 'dump'

Once again .. long time, no post. Trying to catch up here with lots of instagram and iphone photos.

 

Halloween gift for my goddaughter.

I am actually gift wrapping for many locals now and already have Christmas gifts. Wish I was so organized. I haven't bought a single gift yet.

Lax tournament 

This boy keeps us busy! He just finish running jv cross country, then right on to jv soccer and plays many weekend lacrosse tournaments .. with lots of traveling. Charlotte, NC last weekend and up to Philadephia next weekend.

Bear was in the WP fashion week.. This is a huge event with Park Ave. stores participating (Lilly included).

Most of the models are professionals, but not my son (nor will he ever be!) He really, really did not want to participate, but I begged ;). I mean, it was an honor to be asked and what's so bad about being with many (100's) of beautiful women .. free cocktails too! 

He literally raced down the run way .. so quickly we could not get pictures. Lots of hootin' and hollering from us girls though! ;)

The women in the blue, big hat is philanthropist Harriet Lake, who is the creator of wp fashion week. Love how she is 'eying my boy!

I did order a professional print which is much better!

The WP Lilly girls!

Baxter Boy

Big Murph

Baxter Boy again .. who hates to dress up. Murph doesn't mind at all, but most of our outfits don't fit him. He's a husky boy!

1st cold day here in florida (last week) and I dressed accordingly, complete with boots :) 

Love wearing 'winter' clothes!

Cutest couple award ;) .. 

Love that Steph takes lots of pictures for me to see!

Work pose!

and another .. guess I am the cocktail picture girl - cheers!

New Lilly book arrived

Lilly Lauren Puffer Vests .. monogrammed of course!

Happy Birthday to the queen of pink & green, Lilly!

Our store party

Champagne bar!

2 of my favorite dress from the resort collection .. the Wilda dress.

I have many more faves .. planning on doing a separate post on resort soon!

Women for Mitt!

I was so pleased when I heard (only the day before since it was not highly publicized) that Ann Romney was visiting Winter Park for a rally, 'Women for Mitt'.

She was accompanied by one of her daughter in laws and two grandsons. The fact that she is the mother of FIVE BOYS  .. wow!

 

I wore my Lilly elephant (tusk in the sun) murfette scarf for the occasion!

(all the pictures were taken with my iphone and instagrammed - thus poor quality)

Plenty of men attended also

Such a beautiful, gracious women.

What an honor it was to hear her speak, as well as a few other women, including Cindy Mccain.

Red Solo Cups!

I completely forgot to post about my little 'hotty toddy' craft that I made for the Ole Miss game a few weeks ago. They were such a huge hit in The Grove. So many stopped and asked about them. I think I could have sold lots!

The middle cup ... red solo wine glass

 

Book Club

My book club recently read Gone Girl and it was crazy, but good. A real page turner and hard to put down. The ending was a disappointment to me .. maybe a sequel is in the making?

Funny story .. part of the book's plot involved a 'treasure hunt'. As we were discussing it, one of the gals shouted out, "Wait, we were suppose to read 2 books this time, Treasure Hunt also?" You kind of had to be there, but we laughed so hard over this! Fun times, love my book club 'babes'! And, obviously we drink more than talk about the books! ;)

* photos taken with my iphone. I rarely pull out my SLR camera anymore  :(                       

Hotty Toddy!!

We had the best weekend in Oxford. Even though Connor has graduated, we planned our usual fall trip to Ole Miss for the Ole Miss / Auburn game. Connor traveled from Atlanta to meet us (with his girl friend).

Beautiful day in The Grove ..

 

I completely forgot ...

We have a new driver in the house!

 

 

American Doll Party

Our country club hosted an American Doll brunch (a few weeks back) and I was delighted to take my goddaughter.

Such a fun time  .. I love AG dolls and have loved giving Bridget the dolls and accessories over the years. 

Bridget, Molly & McKenna

Bridget styled her hair just like McKennas!

(the back drop, carpet and chair - yikes!)

A few chicken tenders ;)

 

Bridget's 8th birthday was the following day and I gave her the new doll of the year, Caroline. Love her hair!

(iphone photos)

Atlanta!

Once again I am behind in updating .. I'm a working girl! (and still loving my job at Lilly)

Dan and I flew up to Atlanta a few weekends ago to visit Connor in his hew home town. He just moved into a home (rented) in Buckhead with 2 friends (one who has been his friend since childhood days). His house is a darling older home and the location can't be beat.

 

We took Connor shopping for new clothes for work (he loathes shopping .. can you image?). Went to both Phipps and Lenox Mall. I was alabe to visit the new Lilly store at Phipps (so beautiful!!)  and the new C Wonder store at Lenox.

We also made a trip to Ikea for new bedroom furniture  .. thank the Lord above for delivery and especially assembly service. We would still be there if my husband was putting it all together. He has many fine talents, but a handyman is most certainly not one of them.

 

Connor's new room ..

At the Buckhead Ritz .. notice someone new?! :)

These are about all the pictures I took .. always wishing I took more.

Such a fun weekend, but way too short! Can not believe I now have 2 sons gainfully employeed (such a blessing) and for the most part, on their own! 

Winner!

Only 6 entries for the toppers .. and the winner was RUTH!

Congratulations and Hotty Toddy!

email me with your address please

It's Football Season ..

So .. how about a giveaway?

 

A set of 12 toppers, as seen in my etsy shop  .. the team of your choice!

 

(sorry, my Ole Miss picture is so bad!)

Just comment here with your favorite team. The drawing wil be a week from today  .. 8/10/12

Thanks!!

A few of my larger game day decorations ..

 

The Florida Murfee Party

 

The new Lilly Florida Murfee scarf .. party!

 

 

The murfee is also available is these other states: N Carlolina, S Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia

Weekend Getaway

Last weekend we went when down to the Ritz Carlton for a little getaway. A nice dinner on Friday evening and spa day on Saturday.

Griff (being goofy) and friends spent the day Saturday .. lunch and swimming

Spam!

Jeez .. over the past few days, I received a zillion span comments. Mostly from Nike and the others written in chinese, so I have no idea who there are from, not do I care. Not sure what to do about it, besides reporting them to typepad.

Working at Lilly has been keeping me very busy, but I hope to update here soon! I am sure all may spamming readers can't wait! ;)

The Florida Murfee!

 

Father/Son Trip

A few weeks ago, DCal and Griff went down to Islamorada in the Florida Keys with another father & son (they also brought another friend). A fishing trip. I have to admit, I was a bit jealous. The Cheeca Lodge is very nice!

 

Griff caught a shark!

Ha .. of course when he texted me this picture, I really thought he caught this fish :0

Bubbles!

These necklaces have really been popular this summer. I bought my first one from J. Crew (white) .. but since have found them on ebay and etsy at a fraction of the cost! I could kick myself for paying $150!!

I now have a black, turquoise and pink, purchased here.

 

And a new summer nail polish ..

 

 

NYC!

Way behind here, but wanted to post about our weekend getaway to NYC.

DCal and I spent a nice 4 days in Manhattan. Griff was away at a lacrosse camp (in Delaware) and Connor starting his new job in Atlanta. Bear was able to take a few days off and join us. Since he lived in NYC for a few months (interning), he still has some friends living there and he loves the city.

We had delightfully, cool weather (70's during the day) and spent most days shopping with a bit of sight seeing.

Although, we had hoped (especially Barret) to see the musical "The Book of Morman" .. tickets were almost sold out and the only ones I could get were almost $600 each! We settled for "Wicked", which had been on my list to see. We had fabulous seats and all enjoyed it. (Dan didn't quite get it though!). 

Of course, I visited the Lilly store on Madison Ave.

Lauduree on Madison Ave ..

American Girl .. it is just down from The University Club, where we stay .. I went back a few times. BOught a few items for my goddaughter. She is currently crazy over McKenna (seems like most little girls are, I could hardly get close to her area in the store)

I LOVE Julie's bettle!!!

 

Fabulous dining.. including BLT Prime, NuBo and Tao

 

The University Club

Father & Son

Mother & son

Very few photos taken this trip!

Son Update

I haven't mentioned my boys much lately (with the exception of Griff, but much less of him too) .. Lord knows they would die if they knew I was 'talking' about them!

 

I lasted posted about #2 graduating from Ole Miss. He really had a hard time with his college years ending and just did not want to come home! Not that he doesn't love us and all (his words), but he was adamant about staying in the south (true south, not Florida). Although he did have a few offers here locally, he pursued jobs up south and I am happy to say he got 'the' job! He started just last week and moved directly from Oxford to Atlanta. So proud of him, as well as #1 .. two boys out of college .. both gainfully & happily employed!!! Such a blessing! Such happy parents!!

Just a few days ago, I saw this quote posted on the Ole Miss FB page. It sums up my Hotty Toddy, Rebel boy to a t!!

"The University gives a diploma and regretfully terminates tenure, but one never graduates from Ole Miss." - Frank E. Everett, Jr.

(iphone photo he sent me .. had to crop out a certain someone :), not sure if he would be happy about me posting the full pic here)

 

****

 

As for Griff, he has been traveling lots this summer for lacrosse. He is currently on his 3rd trip up north - this time at The University of Delaware for the Battle of the Hotbeads. This was a Florida elite team that he tried out for and made during the spring. All about college coaches and recruiting now! So, so proud of him .. he made the top all star team for this tournament. Of course, being a teen, his parent communication skills are lacking!! He never even bothered to mention it. I had to go to the website to check. Picking him up this evening at the airport. I sure have missed him!! We have had a bit of a preview this summer of being 'empty nesters' .. I do not like it at all and don't know how I will cope when my last goes away to college!

Preppy Store!

Have you all heard of the new store, C Wonder? J. Christopher Burch, the ex-husband of Tory Burch has opened this new store. I had been shopping (looking) at the website with anticipation of visiting the store while in NYC.

The store (in Soho) was marvelous!! So much to see, such beautiful bright, preppiness! Such great prices too. I had such a hard time deciding what to get - had to limit myself ;).

I love the charm bracelets and bought a few charms (also a little westie dog)!

Monogram belt buckles and reversible belts (I bought the blue/navy & gold/silver)

 

 

 

 

 

More on my NYC trip soon!

 

Lilly .. and meeting blog readers!

I have so much to catch up on here, but just wanted to post this quickly while I remember!

Since working at WP Lilly, I have meet a few blog readers. I honestly had no idea anyone (but the very few of you that comment) ever read this blog ... but a few Lilly shoppers have introduced themselves to me and mentioned my blog. One sweet gal has been reading for years and wanted an update on Connor (will get to that soon - big news!). 

So a big thank you to all that visit me here!

Oh, and one of my blogging friends, Glenna comes to WP often .. always so good to see you, Glenna! We need to have lunch ne lunch next time!

Long Time No Post!

Just checking in .. I've had a busy summer so far. Working part time at Lilly and loving it, still working my little stationery business and of course, keeping up with family life. I am currently in NYC for a weekend getaway! Enjoying shopping and dining .. need to catch up here and hope to do so next week!!

Happy 4th of July!

Some of my Favorite Things

I can not tell you how much a LOVE these hair ties by Emi-Jay.

I first found them while shopping in Oxford (Ole Miss) at a boutique and now order them on line.

I wear my hair back a lot .. every day while exercising and many days, especially during these hot, florida summers, I keep it pulled back all day long.

They are perfect for fine hair like mine - no pulling and they do not leave a dent.

So many fun colors to chose from too.

I also LOVE these new bow ties .. currently all sold out.

 

** Free shipping on all Orders **  Ends 6/24 at midnight!

 More favorite things later .. just wanted to be sure to pass on thise free shipping offer since it is only for 24 hours!

National Wear Your LILLY Day!

I completely forgot to post this yesterday .. but I hope you all wore your Lilly?!

I was actually off work, but of course I was dressed in Lilly, head to toe as I am almost every day during the spring & summer months.

Excuse the awkward photo taking ( I am terrible at these) .. 

Cleo top, Buttercup shorts, Sullivan belt, rick-rac bracelets and white, patent McKims

baxter & Murphy in their monogrammed Lilly  ..

And a text from a certain son .. that's my boy, love it!!!

Father's Day Weekend

I am so behind here on my blog and have a few posts that I really want to do (reader requests) .. hope to get to them this weekend!

We had an out of town lacrosse tournament this past weekend, but I managed to make DCal's favorite cake (although, there are not many cakes he does not like) and a steak & potato dinner Sunday evening. This combined with watching the final round of the US Open was the perfect ending to his day! It's the littel things!!

 

More Monogram Lovin'

Lilly monogrammed bags all packed for a lacrosse weekend 

And my new Lilly 'stuffed shells' monogrammed beach towel

 

I also just had to add this photo I took last weekend at The Hampton Inn in Wellington, FL. We travel often for lacrosse tournaments and most often stay with other team parents all at the same 'team' hotel. These sticky notes were placed on the head boards ...

.. um well, I should hope so!

I thought that was a given!!

 

Instagram

My new favorite iphone app!

Throw Back Thursday Posts the past few weeks ..

 

{ DCal and Barret }

Love this photo and Bear seriously still has a love for plaid after all these years! ;)

{ jean jackets and big hair - for me at least! }

{ wedding attire: velvet knickers, ribbon ties, knee socks and saddle shoes }

Instagram Photo .. dinner on the Ave with my guys, minus CCal :(

Oh Lilly ... Summer!

I am a bit behind with my favorites from the summer collection .. the 2nd summer collection just hit the stores this past weekend with one more collection to come.

Now that I am working for Lilly, I get a whole new perspective with the opening of the many boxes as the new collections arrive .. with lots of ooohing and aaahing!

 On to the favorites. I have a lot .. and I just may own a 'few' ;) of these items.

* Treena Dress

Colby Dress

* Mariekate Dress

Krista Dress

* Jessy Dress

* Dawn Dress

Mayfield Dress

Tylar Dress

Minta Dress

Kaylen Dress

* You Gotta Regatta Callahan

* Resort White High Tide Callahan

Pippa pant

* Wiley Top

* Poppy Top

* Sunday Top

* Thandie Tunic

* Cleo Top

* Marigold Skort

* Resort White High Tide 

@Touch Feely 

Summer Tote

Getaway Garden Resort Wedge

* Neon Shinny Mini Jeans ..

as seen on me and Hillary

'Stopping traffic in our Neon Skinny Minis!'

The Graduate!

Two down ... one to go!

Connor graduated from Ole Miss this past Saturday.

Proud, proud moment as a parent!

We flew up to Nashville to visit friends (golf, as usual was part of the trip) for 2 days and then drove to Oxford, where we spent the next 4 days.

As always, such a fun, fabulous time. I am certainly going to miss our trips to Oxford and Ole Miss, but we are hoping to continue going to a football game each fall.

I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked of our evenings / dinners out and other happenings, but me pulling out the camera is never a hit with my gang.

Our first evening (Connor had just finished up his finals late that afternoon) .. drinks on the balcony of The City Grocery and dinner downstairs.

Just pretending ;) ..

Connor & his room mate .. I love this boy!!

(bad photo-taker ... which would be my husband)

Another bad photo-taker (the room mate), but I love him!

On the balcony at Boure

Friday golf ..

Rebel baseball game .. in the student section!

Lunch with friends at Boure ..

Shopping ...

I need to get these boots! ;)

For my future grand children ..

Big Bad Breakfast ..


Graduation ..

Way to go CCal!

 

 

 

 

Dream Job!

I still need to post about our trip to Nashville, Oxford and CCal's graduation from Ole Miss, but I just wanted to share my big news.

I just started working part time at my dream job ....

 

 

So excited and thrilled!!

 

 

MVP

So proud of Griff .. he recieved the LHP JV Boy's Lacrosse Most Valuable Defence Player award!

 

With his coach ..

 

and his proud dad ..

 

 

This was a few weeks ago, but I am behind here on my blog.

Photos of CCal's graduation next!

We have another College Graduate!

 

This Saturday!

Happy Birthday CCC!

My little Connor Sweetie is 23 years old!!

With Col Reb at a recent Ole Miss baseball game .. in the lime green tank!

Dinner Secrets

Ha .. Griff LOVES these sausages (and is sharing on instagram) .. it just so happens that the creator's son goes to school with Griff and plays lax with him.

I certainly 'score big' at our table when I grill these up ;)

More Lax

#10 The 'stickman' .. as he is called!

The boy can jump!

and fly ..

 

 

Spring Favs!

I have so many favorites that I have been saving to post about for months now .. all non-Lilly favorites too (of course, I have posted many of those already and always have more!).

 

J Crew 

 

 

J Crew .. I think they are sold out already :( ..

 

 Kate Spade

{Paige .. I still haven't bought these wedges.. perhaps when they go on sale!} ;)

devon baer designs 

I love so many of her designs

 

 Tory Burch

 I have these sandals in gold & red (LHP game days!) and love

 Elizabeth McKay 

I bought this at a great deal - 1/2 off!

 

Silvia Benson 

Lots of lovely pieces!

 

voneshna jewelry

 

Moon & Lola 

I just received mine. Love it.

 

The silk Hot Sake dresses from Viereck. A local boutique carries this line and I just love this style dress. I have the pink and I am wanting the orange too! ...

viereck hot sake dress in pink

viereck hot sake dress in orange

And the vierreck cayenne dress in black (just ordered this - I love a one-shoulder dress)

Please note that these dresses are not as short on me, being that I am not model-like at 6 ft tall ;)

 

elephant side table from zhush

Love!

 

 

Coming up next .. favorite new beauty products!

 

Easter Sunday

 

A lovely day with church and brunch with my boys

Just missing the middle boy. He did send a picture with friends at the Sunday service in The Grove .. pink shorts and all! ;)

 

.. just a month away until graduation!

 

And, I had to add these pictures of us many years ago on Easter Sunday

{no laughing at my flipity hair-do!} .. and I just noticed, it looks like I am sporting a farmer's tan!

Happy Easter!

 

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
 John 11:25-26.

Lilly State Prints ...

 

Yay for

F L O R I D A

'Drum roll please... 35,000+ votes later, the State Print winners are... Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia & Maryland!! That's right, 6 prints!! We can't help ourselves :) Right now the prints are planned for Murfee scarves & will be rolled out as they're ready!'

Monogrammed Buttercup Callahans

For those asking .. a small script monogram down on the left corner

 

{sorry about the bad photos - taken quickly with my iphone}

Oh Lilly ... Spring!

 

A little late here with this post .. which seems to be the theme with me these past few months. Late! 

I was invited to attend a trunk show (back a month or so ago) and be one of the first to get a peek at the Lilly spring fashions.

Although .. It is actually summer here in Florida this past week - temps in the 90's already!

Some favs ... and purchases

pink & green twinkle elsa

hotty pink elsa (love my elsas .. want it in white too)

set in stone sandals 

coral cuff

 

resort white capris

white bee in your bonnet callahans

hotty pink seersucker callahans which I had monogrammed (and in white too)

white mini spring fever toile callahans (I had these monogrammed too!)

state of mind callahans

 

rosalee top

kade top (want this in white too)

As always ... LOTS more on my wish list!!

Such an Honor ..

 

Miss Janice has featured me on her 'Friday Style File'.

What a fabulous surprise and such an honor. Thank you!!!