Such a wonderful four days spent in Oxford, MS with our entire family!
Bear flew in on Friday afternoon, a day after us, due to work, but he had such a great time .. his first visit to Ole Miss.
We rented the same house as last year and had a tent and food all ready for us in The Grove for game day. Of course, the game was - dare I say - pitiful! But, as the saying goes, Ole Miss never loses a party. SO much fun in The Grove!
Thursday lunch at Ajax Diner and shopping on The Square
Griff's lunch .. fried catfish (their specialty), fries, mac & cheese and corn bread
Connor's house .. so nice, just a block behind The Square and actually neat & clean!!
Love the dining room 'table'
And, um .. the next day after a party. The house not so neat and clean
We walked to the cemetery, for a little field trip to see Faulkner's grave where there is always a bottle of Jack Daniel's or two
Also took Griff to see Rowen Oak (Faulkner's Home). I have been on a previous trip, but since Griff was playing 'hooky' from school, another field trip was in order.
He was thrilled ;)
Dinner at The City Grocery .. Our Anniversary (27 years!) Cheers!
Griff and 2 of Connor's friends that joined us for dinner
On to Friday ... breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast. SO good - Oxford has the best restaurants.
One of Connor's roommates joined us.
A cool morning .. Connor in his ear warmers!
Dinner at The Ravine Friday evening.
May just be one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. So good and another fun evening!
With ALL my boys ...
Our friends from Nashville. Katie goes to Ole Miss and her dad went to UF with Dan
Katie, her boyfriend Michael, friend Allie and parents
Two of a kind!
At Boure on The Square after dinner
A new store opened on the Square, Pink & Proper .. a Lilly Store!
Connor was excited about it (well, not exaclty, but knew that I would be!)
And .. Christie Leigh Mueller was there on Saturday morning signing her new book, Gridiron Saturdays!
My lucky day .. I was planning on purchasing this book and how fabulous that I was able to meet the author - she is darling! - and get a signed copy.
I had to include all our teams
On to THE GROVE!
LSU fans .. all were so nice and quite 'colorful'!
Look who I found .. Col Reb is alive and well!
Griff with LSU fans .. such handsome, nice boys!
NO Bear sightings at all in The Grove .. The Colonel has risen again!
Dan & B with a former player, Marcus Allen, I think?
Someone else took this picture with Dan's phone - too bad it is so blurry
And we actually went to the game and had great seats , about 10 rows up on the 50 yard line. Of course the game was painful to watch .. we only stayed for the first half.
Such a fabulous weekend trip down to Palm Beach with my friend's Kerry and Lisa (3 other gals meet us there too).
Lisa was so gracious to invite us to stay at her beautiful Palm Beach home .. complete with bedrooms decorated in Lilly style! I just wanted to move in for good (not having any daughter's, I have no girly- girl bedrooms).
Love the monogram head board ..
Gorgeous hand painted dresser and lamps ..
We started our weekend with lunch at Cucina ..
And a little shopping ..
Bracelets galore!
All set for Friday evening happy hour before heading out to dinner and dancing (to Motown!!) at The Polo Club at The Colony Hotel ..
Desserts for later ..
My party 'favors' ..
Dinner at The Colony Polo Club ..
Dancing to Motown music ... love this picture of Lisa and Carol. We had SO much fun!!
My new boy friend .. and can he ever do the 'bump'!! He about knocked me off my feet. Ha .. thank goodness no pictures of that!
Saturday, we were off to the 80th Birthday Brunch at the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History for Miss Lillian Pulitzer Rousseau!!
I am honored to have already met Lilly (just this past January) and have photos taken, so I did not get a picture with her this time. (I graciously allowed others to talk and have photo ops with her) ;). She is just as lovely as ever and looked so pretty and stylish in her pink sweater, murfee scarf and beautiful earrings.
My sweet friend Natalie and Lilly. Natalie use to work at the WP Lilly, but moved down to Palm Beach to work at the new Lilly store about to open in The Breakers Hotel! Miss her lots, but am so happy and excited for her!!
With Kerry .. it was so hard to get a good picture since I had to work my way through the crowd of Lilly-clad ladies waiting to meet Lilly!
Of course, I changed my mind (about 10 times over) as to what to wear, and ended up wearing a solid, navy lace Lilly (which I love), but now wish I would have worn a print. Kerry and I have many of the same designs, so there was lots of talk prior as to what to wear.
DCal needs this outfit for the golf links! ...
I donated a gift certificate to the silent auction ..
The Museum and event is in the Boynton Mall and right next to Sears! Ha, ..
On to Saturday night dinner at Echo. Another fun evening, but no dancing included .. we were all a bit danced out (although, I can not wait to return to PB and my Motown men)!
Beautiful Lisa (our Palm Beach hostess)!
And her sweet pup, Cory. Stylin' in Lilly ..
I forgot to post the family pictures at my niece's wedding.
Fun times for sure!
My handsome men .. missing Connor :(
My little brother, Marc - Dcal - nephew Jordan - Barret & Griff
SIL Terri, Pat & Doris (my mother's dear friends), sister Deb, me and niece Alli
fun with the photo booth props
Allie
Cousins
Game day decorations for The Grove!
Ole Miss may have trouble winning this season .. but they never loss a party!
My niece was married this past weekend.
A few sneak peek photos from her fabulous photographer ..
This one takes my breath away ..
To be continues with my photos of the FUN reception!
I bit behind here .. just not sure how I can be so busy with just one son at home these days, but busy I am!
Pumpkin Shootout Lacrosse Tournament a few weekends ago ..
One more fall, club lacrosse tournament and then HS soccer season - Griff is playing on the JV team!
Even though it is still 'summer' here in Fl, we have had a bit of change in weather. Cooler mornings and evening (as well as 2 days straight now of non-stop rain).
While I still wear plenty of Lilly during the fall and winter months, I do add in some of my other favorite designs .. namely Tory Burch, J.Crew.
Growing up in the north, I LOVE winter clothes .. sweaters, boots, jackets, jeans, tights! So ... as soon as the temps drop under, oh say 85 degrees I get out my winter wear!
A few new buys ..
Tory Burch Selma Boots
I took advantage of the TB 'friends & family' sale this past weekend. Can not wait to wear these .. but most likely another month or so
Tory Burch black snake skin belt
TB Waverly blouse
TB Simone Cardigan in RED! I never wear red (I'm a pink girl) .. this will be the first piece of red clothing in many years. Griff's school colors are red & black, so instead of always wearing black, I am going all out this year for his games, wearing red. A good investment .. to wear during the next 4 years of high school lax games.
J Crew navy plaid wool pants
Pin It
J Crew school boy navy blazer
Pin It
J Crew matchstick jeans
Of course .. I must include a bit of Lilly!
Elsa Tops .. love these silk tops. A staple in my closet.
Resort Wedges .. love these wedges (also a staple).
Lilly bracelets
Giorgio Armani Silk Foundation ... I recently switched from Laura Mercier to this. It really does feel like liquid silk. Along with the loose powder .. they give my skin a luminous finish.
Ole Miss had a bye this past Saturday which worked out perfect for Connor. He traveled to New Orleans for the weekend .. meeting up with lots of friends. I begged (always have to text him asking pleeease!) to take and send me some pictures .. sweet boy delivered!
Connor and Ben
(not sure about those wacky glasses?)
Ben, Connor, Kurt .. and I'm not sure who the last boy is
The first of 4 or 5 weekend club lacrosse tournaments.
This was just a 1 day tournament played in Wellington, FL and Griff's team (Braveheart) won 3 out of 4 games.
So sorry .. I completely forgot to post this. Random org was used to chose the winner, #6 .. who is Kaitlyn McNally! Please contact me to let me know your team .. although I am pretty sure it will be the GATORS!
Last spring, these moss covered letters (larger size) were being sold in the Pottery Barn catalog for almost $80! I have wanted to make my own version ever since seeing them in the catalog, bought the supplies way back then .. and finally got around to making my own.
This 'G' was a gift to my friend Ginny to put in her shop, Ginny's Orchids ..
I also plan on doing the word 'Joy' for Christmas!
In honor of the football season, how about a giveaway??
A set of football themed cupcake toppers ..
The following are samples I have done for clients (and my family .. Go Gators, Go 'Noles, Go Rebels!!), but I am happy to design toppers for other teams. These are great for game day parties/tailgating and are not limited to just cupcakes. You can place them in other dishes, flower arrangements, or even in a pocket for team wear!
Just comment here .. and visit my etsy shop please
ETA: I will draw the winner on Wed, September 28
and just throwing in a picture of my sweet college boy ..
From the new Lilly Pulitzer Home Collection
I was in Ireland!
Not so fortunate this year .. although my husband is currently in Scotland on another golf trip - the wives were not invited this time around!
And .. remembering that this happened last year while I was away :(
~ Lilly Caroline Cable Cardigans ~
Very easy and delish ... I LOVE these
Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray
Mix eggs in a bowl - I use all eggs whites (liquid) with just 1 egg yoke, but using all regular eggs is just fine too. I just happen to love egg whites. You can also add in a bit of milk or half & half, but I omit this.
(Basically, you are mixing as you do to make omelets)
I add some Krazy Jane's Mix Up Salt , then poor into the muffin tin.
Add diced green, red, yellow peppers, broccoli, onions or whatever veggies you like.
Bake at 350 dregrees until done (about 15 min).
Save the extras in a zip lock bag and re-heat in microwave.
So good, high protein, low fat, low carb
Another version here and here .. these are the 'not so' low fat versions, with meat & cheese. I make these for Griff.
~
Also .. thank you all for the kind remarks regarding my scrapbooking. Much appreciated and I hope I can find some time to get back to it soon.
It's been years now that I have done a single scrapbook page and I miss it so. For many years - I started this hobby when my youngest, Griff was one year old - I scrapped almost every day. My little hobby turned into being published in a few different scrap booking magazines, being a 'Garden Girl' at Two Peas in a Bucket for many years, becoming a Creating Keepsakes Hall of Famer, participating on a few design teams, and even traveling to various shows/conventions/crops. (Please know that I am not bragging here .. seriously, it is no big deal.. it's only scrap booking!)
Then .. I added card making to my scrap booking and somehow this turned into a little business. This 'little' business has kept me very busy over the past few years and now, instead of scrapping every day, I work almost every day. Don't get me wrong .. I really do love it and it is a way to still be creative and make a little money to help support my Lilly addiction ;) .
I do miss my scrap booking days though and hope to some day (I keep telling myself this), be able to find the time to get back to it again. I still have a closet filled with supplies and still like to buy them. Maybe if I just set a goal of 1 layout per week .. although, I am the slowest scrapper on earth.
I spent well over an hour this morning going through a big, rubbermaid bin full of completed layouts, all in page protectors but not yet in albums (need to do this, I even have the albums). Shed a few tears too .. just looking back a few years to the different stages of my boy's lives. Time passes way tooo fast.
A few of my oldest son, Bear ..
This just cracks me up. He was in the 8th grade play, Wizard of Oz and played one of those weird monkeys! One of my very favorite memories, being that this was such a departure from my usual life of boy sports and I loved seeing a different side of him. Bear did confess that he only tried out for the play so that he could miss classes ;)
He is just a little older than Griff here ... my first to drive and her I am all these years later doing it again.
Again .. Griff's age!
On the weight lifting team too! He played 3 sports his freshman year.
~ This post reminiscing about days past has encouraged me .. I just re-subscribed to Creating Keepsakes Magazine ~ :)
"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night. And God bless America."
George W. Bush
9.11 Address to the Nation
My thoughts and prayers go out to all who lost loved ones on 9.11.01 and to all those who are fighting to protect this great nation.
~ May We Never Forget ~
My new, almost daily routine. I have been going 5-6 mornings a week for almost 4 weeks now and absolutely love this workout .. yes, workout, as in exercise .. not a drinking bar ;) .. lots of comments (ha, ha) from my family about going to the bar .. at 8am every morning!
I have purposely stopped my regular weight training, cardio, and pilates and am doing only bar classes to see what type of results I achieve .. which have been fabulous! All that 'tucking' is making a huge difference in my body and muscle tone.
Love, love this body sculpting workout!
The Lilly on-line summer sale was a huge success for me!
I managed to purchase quite a load of fabulous items at a steal.
Not-so-patiently awaiting the delivery of my order - hopefully tomorrow.
Shayna Lace Dress in both black & white
Raya Metallic Jacquard Dress
Caroline Cardigans in green, turquoise and white
Callahan Short in bright navy bloomers
Lotus Top and Vinyassa Pant
(perfect for my Bar classes - more on this in another post!)
Palmer Polo in navy
Murfee Scarf in Catch of the Day
Saemus Dress in Multi Dripping in Jewels
Table Cloth!
Connor is back in Oxford ... I took him to the airport (making sure he was ON TIME, unlike his flight home) on Friday afternoon. His 3 weeks home went by way too quickly.
Dinner at ICC
Earlier in the week .. dinner at Wazzabi
{ Once again, these photos are awful quality. Taken with my Canon point and shoot, which takes terrible indoor photos. So unhappy with this little camera, but I don't dare lung my srl with me. Hard enough trying to get a single photo with these boys. }
How this this happen so quickly .. my little pre-schooler is a high schooler!
Happy to pose for his momma!
9th grader ..
not at all happy to pose for photos
I've read some wonderful books this summer!
One of the best books I have ever read ..
I highly recommend it
This was my book club pick.
The story of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley.
This trilogy was not at all my normal type of reading ..
but I was drawn in and hooked. I will admit though, that by the third book
I was ready for it to end!
I absolutely loved this book!
And, the sequel. Not quite as good as it's predecessor (in my opinion).
but still loved the story
An amazing story of survival
Another summer book club pick.
Suspenseful!
I have yet to see the movie, but really enjoyed the book.
Again, not my usual type of read, but this is what is so great about book clubs ..
takes you out of your 'normal'
So enthralling .. and hard to put down!
I am currently reading this book.
Just started last night and am loving this story
So after waiting 7 months for Connor to finally get home from Ole Miss for a few weeks break ... he ended up missing his flight Friday evening! We had a nice family dinner planned, but since he wasn't getting in until 11:00pm (instead of 5:30pm) ... he missed that too. His favorite - sea food buffet at the cc and all the lobster you can eat too. Crazy boy thinks that getting to the airport (well over an hour drive from Oxford) a half hour before the plane departs is plenty of time - guess not ;).
Can not believe it is the 1st of August already!
Griff goes back to school next week (as a high schooler)!!!
For one week, today through August 8th all items in my shop are 20% off
Use code: school days when checking out (I will refund your discount through paypal)
Special requests are welcome!
Just a few of my favorites for fall
The July 25 collection, 'Set the Stage" ..
evie dress
cassie slub dress
cassie slub top
chic wedge, navy ostrich patent
(I have these in the gold and they are my very favorite shoe!)
chic wedge, metalic leopard
*LOVE*
christy shirtdress
stephanie shift
tandie top
cody cardigan
critter belt
ms. bo-bangle
show stopper cuff
tusk tusk cuff
and of course the agenda ..
~ Much more to come with the August 25th collection .. 'There's No Place Like Lilly" ~
My sister and I hosted a bridal shower last weekend for our niece who is getting married in October. I was able to make it to Tampa, despite Griff's schedule (yet another lacrosse tournament)
It was very dark in the room at Grillsmith, thus the poor photos.
Bride-to-be and mother of the bride-to be (my sister in law)
Two of my mother's dearest friends .. they were always so good to her! Loved that they both dressed to match the theme.
My two nieces .. Meghann and Allie
This was my mother's (Meg's grandmother's) original Betty Crocker cook book. A special gift for sure.
We had a little, surprise baby shower for Katie who is having her first baby (a boy!) in just a few weeks. Our gifts were all baby books to start baby Will's library. Suzi was our fabulous hostess!
*cute shoes *
Gorgeous momma-to-be
*Our book this month was "Bossypants" by Tina Fey .. just a fun, light read for the summer.
I was fortunate to see much of the fall line while visiting the Pink Palace.
I also also have the catalog in which just about every item is on my wish list!
Can not wait (even though we have months of summer left here in Florida).
First collection out next week, July 25!
evie dress
YIKES ...
Son #3 is behind the wheel!
We traveled to Gettysburg, PA last weekend for a lacrosse tournament.
Griff's U15 team won the championship!
Such a beautiful campus ..
dorm room ..
The champs ...
We did a car tour of the Gettysburg Battlefields ..
Griff fell asleep about half way through ;) ..
And .. it just so happened to be bikers weekend in Gettysburg!
Harleys galore!!!
Connor .. with his friend Connor!
Can you believe that I haven't seen him since Christmas? Miss him so much .. he will be home for a few weeks soon. Can not wait.
Such a fun time at the Pink Palace .. certainly a dream come true for this Lilly lover!
My new lovely, Lilly friends
The Juice Stand
Peel & Eat Gals .. I should have worn mine to match!
Our day included a tour of the facility
Lunch!
With the very talented, Rebecca and our prints she created for us.
Mine has honey bees ... honey bee is the meaning of my name .. love it
Lilly Designers
We also were able to preview the fall collection, comment and make suggestions .. as well as see some of the designs for next year's collections (no photos allowed) ... so excited for what is to come!
After our day at the Pink Palace, we all visited the King of Prussia store
I also was able to visit the Ardmore Lilly the following day
An amazingly, fabulous experience!
Thank you all for your suggestions on what to wear for my day at The Pink Palace .. I am still deciding and may likely not know until getting dressed Tuesday morning. I am just like that .. and always pack way to much since I just never know what exactly I may feel like wearing. Um .. I will only be away for 2 nights .. and then there are the shoes too, trying to limit it to 6 pairs ;)
My big Lilly trip to the Pink Palace is quickly approaching .. this Monday!
i am in a bit of a dilema as to what to wear for my day at Lilly headquarters.
I know it will be a dress, but need help in deciding.
Some choices:
son #1 .. all grown up
(and I 'stole' this of his FB page)
Our summer is filed with lacrosse once again. Last weekend we were down south in Wellington for the first of 3 weekends in a row.
It was so hot and steamy, with and occasional, slight breeze that carried a whiff of horsey-ness (the games were played on the polo club fields).
.. or you could call it a slight addiction
We traveled to Baltimore this past weekend for our annual trip to the Men's NCAA Lacrosse Championships.
While my older boys do not attend anymore, Griff brought 2 friends .. some things never change .. me and 3 boys!
A great time. 3 days of lacrosse games and a quick trip to Annapolis. SO hot in Baltimore - hotter temps than here in Florida, but were fortunate to have a suite at the stadium.
As usual with boys as unwilling subjects, not the best photos.
Griff, Kyle, Reid ..
Crazy Griff passed out .. or actually not wanting his picture taken ...
And yet again another day ..
Working on his whistle ..
And, here is a great picture of my unwilling son ...
A trip to the Naval Academy ..
Look what I found ..
A few of my summer favorites and recent purchases ..
*****
And ..speaking of Lilly, I believe I have failed to mention here on my blog that I WON the 'Lunch with Lilly' trip at my local Winter Park Lilly store!!
To say I am excited is an understatement!!
Can not wait to visit the PINK PALACE
Just 3 weeks away!!
I was honored to be invited to Katie's high school graduation.
(Just 4 short years and we will be there with Griff)
Such a beautiful ceremony and luncheon following at Seasons 52.
Katie and her sweet grandma
Little brother, Reid (you made my blog again, Reid!)
Gorgeous mom and my dear friend, Michelle
Beautiful sister, Heidi
Friends
griff and reid
happy boys ... with their older, high school friend :)
Cheers!
We bought Katie a gift certificate for cow girl boots. A must for a southern college girl .. Roll Tide!
***
Katie and a friend had a party on Sunday too that Griff and I crashed were invited to (gosh, I love this family!)
Heidi!
cutest couple
So proud of Griff ... he was chosen for the Team Florida Elite Lacrosse Team!
The Central Florida Ole Miss alumni association party - fun evening!
{ Dan and Chris Warren .. a former Rebel basketball star }
{ oink! }
{ Debbie - raffle winner! }
Way down south in Mississippi
There's a spot that ever calls
Where amongst the hills enfolded
Stand old Alma Mater's Halls
Where the trees lift high their branches
To the whispering Southern breeze
There Ole Miss is calling, calling
To our hearts fond memories.
***
Are you ready?
Hell yeah! Damn Right!
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty
Who the hell are we, Hey!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
OLE MISS BY DAMN!
John Green: The Fault in Our Stars
Such a wonderful book .. but very sad. I cried buckets. (*****)
Anne Tyler: Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
I always enjoy Anne Tyler's books (****)
Alice Hoffman: The Dovekeepers: A Novel
Book Club pick .. (***)
Colleen McCullough: The Thorn Birds: A Novel
One of my all time favorite books - read it way back in college and re-reading now .. so thrilled that we are reading this for my book club! (****)
Christie Leigh Mueller: Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie
I was able to meet the darling author and get a signed copy of this book. Love it! (*****)
Jeffrey Banks: Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style
A Christmas gift .. love this book! (*****)
Heather Vogel Frederick: Home for the Holidays (Mother Daughter Book Club)
Reading this for my book club .. but just can't get into it. I think this is written for pre-teens??
Margaret Leroy: The Soldier's Wife
WWII Love story .. such an absorbing historical fiction read (****)
Darcie Chan: The Mill River Recluse
A little predictable, but I enjoyed the story (****)
Chevy Stevens: Still Missing
Such a page turner!! (****)
Becky Hunter: Why Her?: You, Your Mother-in-Law / Daughter-in-Law and the Big Picture
Alice LaPlante: Turn of Mind
(****)
Heather Gudenkauf: The Weight of Silence
Suspense! (****)
Melanie Benjamin: The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb: A Novel
(****)
Michael Connelly: The Lincoln Lawyer
Book Club pick - really enjoyed this book .. now I need to see the movie (****)
Jaycee Dugard: A Stolen Life: A Memoir
An incredible testimony of survival and a very difficult book to read .. I could not put it down! (*****)
Dorothea Benton Frank: Folly Beach: A Lowcountry Tale (Lowcountry Tales)
Enjoyable read .. but DBF's last 2 books just haven't been my favorites .. not as good as her first books. (***)
Elizabeth Musser: The Dwelling Place (The Swan House Series #2)
Not quite as good as it's predecessor, but still a wonderful story. (****)
Elizabeth Musser: The Swan House (The Swan House Series #1)
LOVED this story and am currently reading the sequel (*****)
Suzanne Collins: Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
(****)
Suzanne Collins: The Hunger Games
So surprised that I really liked this book .. not my usual genre (****)
Paula McLain: The Paris Wife: A Novel
Book Club Pick (****)
Laura Hillenbrand: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
An amazing story and one of the best books I have read (*****)
Helen Simonson: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel (Random House Reader's Circle)
Art of Racing in the Rain
(****)
