Worthy Style

Tuna goodness!

2012-01-30T22:02:00.001-05:00

Anyone ever go to Whole Foods and think, "Hmm I want to make something different and tasty?" and just throw something together on a whim?

That happens to M and I everytime our friend K comes into town. He is a former chef (and fellow Army dude with M) and cooks up some great stuff. We consider it a private cooking lesson because we always learn something new.

Consider this tuna steak, with a steamed leek slaw, rice pilaf, all topped with a tomato buerre blanc. Parfait!
M got chicken because he is boring. Just kidding! He doesn't like seafood but I eat enough of it for the two of us!

Do you ever experiment with new foods? Or maybe even mix up some favorites?

Christmas faves

2012-01-06T20:19:00.002-05:00

This clock came with my family from Germany and has a written and typed note from Ernst Hamilton Brandt on the inside door where the parts are. All external pieces are original and has survived dozens of moves over the 150+ years it has been in my family. I cherish this clock more than many other things.To bring some added holiday spirit I took some wrapped wire and some magnolia leaves, which I wrapped around the back two corners. My Dad joined in on the creative fun and put Mom's favorite angel on top. Cute but not tacky, right?We had to do a lot of randoms around the house this year as right before Mom hosted the holiday Garden Club meeting she sprained her ankle and we feared it was another dancer's fracture! So decoration, lights and ornaments on the tree were mostly orchestrated by me. It was fun!

This Weihnachtspyramide (sure it isn't tiered but they all come from the Ore Mountains if they are legit) is one of several in my family and we love to use it throughout the holiday season.

A running joke in my family is LEON. This wooden toy train was something I can remember us getting when I was small, and it used to be up to me to choose where it was displayed in the old Maple Downs Farmhouse. One year, when I was still in college, maybe boarding school, my Dad unpacked and displayed this NOEL decoration. Neither he nor my mother realized in his post-work tiredness that he had laid it out as LEON. It wasn't until I came home that it was noticed! Simce then, my Dad displayed it prominently, mispelled, as a family joke :)

Our tree this year.

Lots of presents, such a blessing!

All is calm, all is bright.

Christmas Eve, everyone is home, all is wrapped and under the tree!

Downton Abbey, series two

2011-12-29T07:30:00.003-05:00

Downton Abbey series two is quickly approaching it's return to our PBS stations in the U.S. Friends in the U.K. have been bugging me as they have not just seen series two but they have also seen the Christmas Special thanks to ITV1. I am going crazy over here! Love this show so much and even M is super into the storyline.

Who else just aches over poor Mister Bates? And who else wishes Mary and Edith would stop screwing each other over? YOU ARE SISTERS, PEOPLE! Chill out.

Anyway, here are some videos from YouTube, some are official promos for the U.S. and others are from U.K. Enjoy and please support and donate to your local PBS stations - not just for Downton Abbey, but also for local programming, Sesame Street, music (Andrea Bocelli in Central Park, anyone?) among so many other wonderful programs!

Downton Abbey returns on January 8, 2012!
[Ed. Note: for those who don't know, in the U.K. it is 'series' NOT 'season'; the song on the ITV1 and PBS promo for series 2 is a cover of U2's "With or Without You" as performed by Scala & Kolacny Brothers]

Christmas decor

2011-12-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

Do you love the holidays?

I am a big fan, and I treasure pulling out the things that I have inherited from family, as well as new things that M and I have acquired together. Above is a beautiful bird from Caspari, which M gave me as an early gift this year - the tag said - "Enjoy your tree twitter."

My Mom has a ton of baskets and gave me one. To fill it, I found some pinecones in the woods on our property and lightly applied some glitter to the tips. The broom is a cinnamon-scented broom I got at a local country store. It makes the whole first floor smell of cinnamon, I love it!

M's aunt knit him this enormous stocking. It is endlessly hilarious to me so I call it the 'Club foot' stocking. It stretches as you put stocking loot in it. Very retro-chic.... ahem. Anyway, so we have it on our mantel, then when we go to my family's home we put it up on their mantel to be filled!

This is dim, but shows the craftsmanship. M was raised Lutheran, and his German family has attended this one church for years. When M was little, he and his grandfather made this church together. Stained glass and all. It actually is a music box. You can take off the top and look inside and the built-to-scale church. It is very sweet and one of few things that links M to his grandfather who died when he was in middle school. It is on a table in our hallway. The other lights are from a garland I wind up our stairs, and some figures that I have been given from my side of the family.

I will do another post of the 'really old stuff' later this week! Do you have any special Christmas artifacts from your family?

Oxfords and Oysters 2011

2011-12-01T01:26:00.001-05:00

Tonight is the second-annual Oxfords & Oysters event, hosted by Sky Blue Events at the newly-opened Four Seasons Baltimore! I am thrilled to be going this year as last year M and I had VIP tickets but had to miss the actual event at the last minute. Regardless, I am so happy that my friend Jennifer Grove was able to pull off such an event coup, scoring one of the best venues in town for a charitable event, before anyone else.

She has really done it this time and I am so excited for her- she hinted to me months ago that this year's O&O would be a big deal but she couldn't give me any deets until after it was all finalized. Plus, she was probably also waiting to make sure the hotel finished in enough time, as it just opened in October!

Again this year the O&O is fundraising for the Oyster Recovery Project, which helps bring oyster shells back to the Chesapeake Bay where they can keep doing their job, being reclaimed and also cleaning the Bays waters (not sitting in a dump). It is a massive operation with restauranteurs that participate and help the University of Maryland with this work. Clearly, this event means I get to eat oysters which I adore and cannot wait to imbibe in, so delicious...

There will also be an incredible DJ, who made it hard (impossible) to leave in a timely fashion at Sky Blue's last event, Pints & Pinstripes at Silo Point... As well as an open bar. It may be (Thirsty) Thursday but most of us likely are not going to work on Friday and are staying at the Four Seasons... Woohoo! One of my bridesmaids and best friend is joining me as my date so she and I really look forward to a fun night on the town after P&P closes up. I got a new cocktail dress for the occasion and am thrilled this event will be the kickoff of my Christmas party calendar!

Jennifer took the attached photos which include the heated infinity pool looking onto the Harbor, the infinity pool at night looking towards the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill, and from the balcony looking across to the Domino Sugar plant. It is such a beautiful location at Harbor East - Chiu's Sushi, Ra Sushi, Whole Foods, James Joyce, Little Italy and Fells Point all within easy walking distance of the Four Seasons hotel!!

Are you doing anything fun this weekend?

Silver polishing

2011-11-23T12:18:00.001-05:00

Is anyone else the designated polisher for their family? This duty has been mine since about 8 years old, when my parents and grandparents realized I pay attention to the most minute details (between tines, in the smallest crannies and engravings) on our silver pieces. So, to earn some extra $$ and to help out older eyes, I would polish polish polish!

Carroll's Jewelers has been a store my family has shopped at for years. Wedding registries, graduation, college, etc. Sadly, the Coral Gables Carroll's on the Miracle Mile closed in January 2010, where it had been for SIXTY THREE years. Mind you, Coral Gables has not been around but since about 1923 so that is almost the entire history of this storied suburb! But, their Ft. Lauderdale store is still open... however, we don't really go up there.

Anyway, polishing. I'm older now and enjoy cooking a great deal. However, I am still thhhhheeeeeeee silver girl-to-go. So I am lucky to only be designated with silver polishing, table-setting and the occasional hors d'ouvres (this year, like last year, a warm crab dip).

Many of my family pieces are verrrrry old. Tiered centerpieces of pure silver from who knows whose estate in Europe. Trays. Silver water goblets. Tiffany & Co. silverware. Ancient flatware inherited from someone who lived for filigree and got the most ornate piece they could find (you Southern girls know what I mean, esp!). So the Hagerty silver foam has been used on these pieces for decades. It's super mild, looks like softened milk chocolate and washes off well. I like the brown stuff from Hagerty as then I can see it in the nooks and crannies when buffing and rinsing. It does the job right! Anyone ever use a SOFT toothbrush on their more ornate pieces? Try it sometime, delicately, and you will see how it helps!

After I finish with our place settings for Thanksgiving dinner, I will do an inherited champagne bucket and some vases. That includes this antique, incredibly delicate crystal bud vase with engraving up the stem, which rests in silver. And it is NOT gleaming due to Mother's dislike of polishing. Don't worry Mum, Worthy has it under control, because I understand you looooooooove this piece but despise the elbow grease. Least I can do for you playing hostess and keeping me on your cell phone plan!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, are any of you avid silver polishers?

Wedding plans: jewelry

2011-11-21T23:02:00.001-05:00

M and I have continued to work on our wedding plans - you can never plan things too early, especially the fun stuff!

Yesterday we went to the Stony Point Fashion Park to the Tiffany & Co. which opened in September. M had not been, I had been with my Mom a few months ago. It is a great store for the Richmond-area market. Being as the next closest stores are Charlotte, NC and Tysons Corner, VA, I was really impressed by the high and low price points represented at this store. We are an old South town, but we have no major professional sports teams or a ton of locals who sport big bling, unless it is the inherited kind. I really enjoyed seeing what they offered for wedding bands.

Here are some various styles I have previously considered:

1. an antique, or antique-looking, scroll ring in platinum with no more than a carat of round diamonds in the band:

2. a pavé diamond platinum band of no more than one carat, with milgrain detail, which would go with my engagement ring:

3. a pavé and milgrain platinum band of round diamonds and sapphires:

[all of these photos are of rings from BrilliantEarth.com, taken for inspiration only]

Well, I think I may have found the ring - here it is taken from the Tiffany & Co. website:

This is the Tiffany Legacy Collection band ring, which sapphires and diamonds around the entire band. I love the milgrain detail and the subtle, Edwardian-period elegance of it! If you read my Pinterest you know I love that jewelry period!

Milgrain is a detail taken from my parents wedding bands; the platinum, sapphires and diamonds are all on my engagement ring. My Mother's Tiffany & Co. engagement ring is a yellow sapphire, which is her birthstone. So, now you can understand better how it all ties together!

M helped me figure out the band decision. He said he likes the sapphires and diamonds in the band together - which picks up the center stone sapphire in my engagement ring. We would like to get our bands at Tiffany & Co., as my parents did, but we are still on the fence as my engagement ring did not come from Tiffany, but rather a smaller local jewelry store which did a custom ring for M. So we shall see. At least stylistically we have decided what we want!

How did you do your wedding bands? Any tips?

Martha Stewart's Tortilla Soup

2011-11-17T14:13:00.002-05:00

When the weather turns cold, one of the first things I do is make a soup or stew. Virginia has been a bit bipolar lately, so I may make a great pot of something, and then I am surprised by the warm snap that comes a few days later. This soup is the exception to any rule - warm or cold weather - it is delicious. M does not like cabbage or avocado but when they are in this soup he does not mind them at all - he piles those condiments on like it is nobody's business! So consider this recipe sometime, you will enjoy it for most of your week.

This recipe is from Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook. I first heard about this book via Kappa Prep. This was a while ago when the book first came out, she may have even done a giveaway! Regardless, I was given the book as a gift a couple years later from my Grandparents. My Grandmama was almost jealous. Here is what they wrote inside:

Aren't they the best? They have written a note in every book they have ever given me, which I love as it is preserved for forever.

One of the things I have learned from doing this recipe a few times is that making your own stock does make this recipe that much better. So, first I will give you Martha Stewart's basic chicken stock from page 41 and then I will follow with her tortilla soup from page 47.

Basic Chicken Stock
For flavor base
5 pounds assorted chicken parts (backs, necks, wings or a whole chicken)

For aromatics
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-to-2-inch lengths
2 celery stalks, chopped into 1-to-2-inch lengths
2 medium onions, peeled and cut into eighths
1 dried bay leaf
1 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns

Bring water with chicken to a boil. Place chicken parts in a stockpot just large enough to hold them with about 3 inches of room above (8-quarts or larger) and add enough water to cover by 1 inch (about 3 quarts). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, using a ladle to skim impurities and fat that rise to the top. [Note by Whit: I use organic chicken and I really do not get that many impurities or fat with that kind of meat!]

Add aromatics and simmer. Add vegetables, bay leaf, and peppercorns and reduce heat to a bare simmer (bubbles should just gently break the surface). Cook, skimming frequently, for 1.5-2.5 hours (depending on taste preference). [Note by Whit: Honestly, I cook the chicken in the pot until it is done. Then I take out the pieces I will strip for meat like the thighs, breasts, legs while keeping other parts, bones and difficult-to-pick pieces in the pot. I let it simmer most of the day like that so the flavor is deep and rich. I then use my skimmer to lift out the vegetables, bay leaf and any bones, meat or fat remaining in the pot. If I am just making the stock, I let it cool and place them in various containers to freeze, noting the date as I try to use them within 3 months. However, if I am making the tortilla soup, please continue to follow below!]

[Note by Whit: If continuing from the above stock recipe, be sure to watch your chicken meat so it is not overcooked! It is easier to clean the chicken while it is still warm, you can easily slip the fat off and shred the meat with forks or your hands into bite-size pieces.]

Tortilla Soup
For chile puree
2 dried pasilla chiles
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons sunflower oil, plus more for tomatoes
3 tomatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds), halved
1 large onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

For finishing soup
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

For garnishes
Fried tortilla strips [Note by Whit: I use crumbled up tortilla chips, way easier]
1/4 white or green cabbage, halved lengthwise, cored, and thinly sliced (1 cup)
1/2 red onion, finly diced
3/4 cup cilantro leaves
1 ripe, firm avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
Lime wedges

Meanwhile, prepare chiles Toast the chiles in a dry medium skillet over high heat until fragrant and charred, about 1 minute on each side. [Note by Whit: if this gets too hot you will accidentally inhale the smokey 'fragrant' goodness of a burning pepper. Don't let this happen!] Let cool a bit, then split chiles lengthwise and scrape out seeds; discard seeds. Put chiles in a bowl and cover with warm water to soften, about 20 minutes (do not drain!!!). If necessary, weight chiles with another bowl to keep them submerged.

Make puree Heat broiler with rack about 5 inches below heat source. Lightly oil tomatoes and broil until charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool briefly, then coarsely chop. Using the same skillet as above, heat oil over medium-high heat and saute onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring to prevent to prevent sticking. Add the tomatoes and cook 2 minutes more. Stir in chiles and soaking liquid. Allow mixture to cool slightly before pureeing in a blender until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve, pressing with a flexible spatula to extract as much liquid as possible (discard solids).

Finish soup Add puree to fortified stock and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, to allow the flavors to blend. Add shredded chicken and cook just to heat through, then stir in lime juice.

Serve Ladle soup into serving bowls and serve garnishes in individual bowls alongside.

If you are looking for a great gift for a pair of newlyweds, a friend who has recently gotten into cooking and may need some inspiration, or someone who wants to have a great resource on the basics that they can improve upon, this book would be a wonderful gift for the holiday season. Otherwise, ENJOY!!!

Gossip Girl spoiler: B's wedding dress

2011-11-16T18:23:00.002-05:00

Spoilers came off the Gossip Girl set this week as pictures popped up all over the internet of one of the most highly anticipated TV events of the season - Blair Waldorf's wedding to her Prince Louis. Will she get married? Will she leave him for Chuck? Who cares when you look this fabulous!

The dress is by Vera Wang. A lovely chantilly lace confection with a horsehair bow/sash and frothy train.

B, where the hell are you going? Who knows... although I am disappointed you are wearing WHITE wedding shoes. Sorry, I just cannot get on that train, I've never liked a pure white shoe!

GF does not look so happy here. Does that mean Louis abandoned her at the altar? I am still sketched out by his latest behavior on the show. Or maybe Chuck said thanks but no thanks? [WTH is his problem? Is he this generation's Mr. Big perhaps?]

The dress first appeared with Vera Wang's Fall 2010 collection. There was an organza jacket that went with the dress but I'm sure after Catherine Middleton's wedding they decided against this look to avoid a lot of comparing or copy-cat looks. However, the tiara pictured above on Blair IS very similar to the Duchess of Cambridge, so who knows what will be said in dialogue from upcoming episodes...

So, do you love B's dress? Or do you think she could have done better?

Fall food: an amazing chili

2011-11-09T18:44:00.004-05:00

To preface: I love this recipe, which M and I first tried in 2009 around Thanksgiving. We make it throughout the cold months, and one batch for us lasts about a week, even though the recipe states 4-6 servings! We love to use Mexican cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips and sliced jalapenos as our toppings. I am a big lime person, so I add some fresh-squeezed lime wedges to my bowl, too! This chili does freeze well, too!

Do you all love the Memphis Neelys from Food Network? Gina and Pat are so cute! We love their meat recipes - and here is one of our favorites.

Pat's Famous Beef and Pork Chili

Ingredients
6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup beer ....Pat Neely recommended: Budweiser ....M and I used Sam Adams Bonfire Rauchbier which adds a GREAT smoky taste
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (24-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (24-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice

Directions
In large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven (I use a stock pot so it isn't too crowded though...), cook the bacon over medium heat until lightly crisp, stirring occasionally. Once the bacon is browned, add the garlic, onions, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until the vegetables are tender and seasonings are aromatic. Add the beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Once beef is broken up and beginning to brown, add the pork. Break up with wooden spoon like the beef, and brown, until no longer pink, roughly 4 minutes. Stir in the beer and beans. Toss together, then add the crushed and diced tomatoes. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper, if necessary. Transfer the chili to serving bowls and garnish with lime wedges, sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced scallions.

Here is the link to the FoodNetwork YouTube page with the recipe!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXLE6rOqD20

Royal Oud from House of Creed

2011-11-08T22:02:00.004-05:00

The latest scent from the House of Creed is now available - most likely through pre-order as they don't send a ton of the stuff over here - Royal Oud. An incredibly sexy unisex scent that some will love and some will hate. The oriental and spicy scents are hit or miss for so many people.

Here are the scent notes broken down by Creed: Top Notes: Lemon, Pink Pepper, Bergamot; Heart Notes: Angelica, Bitter Green Galbanum, Lebanese Cedar; Base Notes: Oud, Sandalwood, Musk.

You cannot miss the Lemon, pepper, angelica, cedar and Persian oud. At least that is how I felt!

The history of the House of Creed is incredible - established in 1760 - still run by the same family. My favorite scents are Original Vetiver, which was a favorite of Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna (I'm a Russian history scholar) and Fleurissimo, which was created on the occasion of Grace Kelly's marriage to Prince Ranier III of Monaco. Fleurissimo is one of the first scents I ever wore. Looking back, having Creed Fleurissimo and Chanel No. 5 as a middle-schooler probably was weird... eh, whatever.

So, this is my shoutout to one of the oldest fragrance houses in the world, respected and supported by most houses of royalty that have existed in modern history. And if you do not have your own local Saks Fifth Avenue, consider calling my girl Fatima Smith at the Stony Point Saks at 804-320-6960 Ext 5370. She is the Beauty Specialist for Creed at the Richmond Saks and would love to help you out!

[no compensation other than the advanced sample I recieved from Saks]

Wedding Plans

2011-11-08T09:24:00.002-05:00

Well, it is nice to not seem crazy as it is now less than 365 days until M and I are married. Pushing the wedding back a year was so smart as now all of these plans are coming together without a rush!

We have sent out our Save the Dates to almost all, and while some people who are also readers have not received theirs yet, it is okay seeing as it looks different with all of our details filled in!

We used Wedding Paper Divas for our wedding stationary after being disappointed with many other people. It was not a huge thing but proofs, turnaround time, discounts for bulk orders and the ability to customize made a huge difference! We are so happy with the result!

As you all are well-aware, I am not Meredith! Sorry, you get the generic website demo of this piece! But isn't it lovely? This style is called Draped Elegance. Gold thermography on white (but with the yellow hues of the gold thermography it is a lovely Ecru). This style has the thermography done by William Arthur and arrives in their gorgeous blue boxes! The #1 best thing is that these cards are flat, your address can be printed on the back envelope in matching thermography (which we did, why calligraph 125 save the dates with your address when this is a nominal fee?), and they used normal postage even though they were quite heavy (110 lb). Just perfect!

What do you think? Are you planning your wedding and have ordered your save the dates?

Blog Hop: Favorite Cookbooks

2011-11-06T12:30:00.004-05:00

My dear BFF Muffy Martinidecided late this past week to do a Blog Hop. Well, she wanted to do an entry like this for a while - but that is when she posted it! Isn't she creative? I love this idea as it is a great way to show how blogging peers can share something in common and then do a different dish.

I considered doing one of the several Junior League cookbooks I own (like Charlotte's Junior League... maybe I will save that for another entry) but I wanted to go more direct and family-oriented. I know I am supposed to do one that people can get a hold but this is too special to not share!!

My Dad's college roommate was a fifth-generation Texan attending W&L, and his wife and her GF's put together this cookbook. It is called "Favorites:" Childhood Friends Still Cooking Up Fun! It is so sweet that they put this together for their circle of friends - almost 200 pages, spiral bound and hard cover. Anyway, when his roommate's youngest decided to attend W&L three years ago, they brought this cookbook with them to present to my parents. Inside were a few of the recipes which Dad and Sam used in their farmhouse.

One of the recipes is "Sam and Jim's Eggs Benedict a la W&L". My Dad makes some of the best hollondaise sauce you have ever had - even Lady Bird Johnson thought so! She came to Sam and Dad's in the late 70s to have brunch with them while in Rockbridge County. Her Secret Service agents played with my Dad's dog, Lord Canterbury of Lexington ("Bear") while they sat inside and visited.
[I cannot make this stuff up!!!!]

One of the recipes is my ultimate favorite - simple, unhealthy and perfect for a couple guys, a young couple or a group of people gathered together (tailgates, Super Bowl Sunday, casual dinner party... etc etc!). I used to request this for birthday parties as my birthday is in August - too hot to do a lot of anything and this dish is super easy. The recipe I want to share is below, which the Pace family shared with Dad and Sam - the Steves used to send Sam a case of Pace picante (not the salsa!)...

Sam & Jim's Washington & Lee "Chicken in the Chips"

2 cups of cooked chicken, in bite-size pieces
1 (10 ounce) bag of original Fritos
16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (or 8 ounces of mozz and 8 oz of pepper jack)
16 ounces sour cream (light is OK)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/3 cup Pace Picante sauce (medium)

Combine sour cream, soup and Paces to make sauce. In large casserole dish layer 1/2 chicken, 1/2 Fritos, 1/2 cheese, cover with 1/2 sauce and repeat. Bake at 350* for 30 minutes until bubbly.

Serve extra Pace on the sideboard, this goes great with a big salad or green beans!

Fall 2011 trend: the bow blouse

2011-09-24T01:47:00.002-04:00

(Marc by Marc Jacobs/Nordstrom)

Who else is on the fence with the bow blouse trend? I really feel like you have to be right on for this look or it just comes off horribly.

(Juicy Couture/Bloomingdales)

I am busty, not big persay (32DD), but pretty full. Since I have a lingerie background, I have done my gathering of well-fitting undergarments. For some people, this sizing issue can completely make a trend piece look horrible on them. It just does not work. For me, it is having something around my neck for several hours. I just do not like it. Its like a silky scarf, getting fearfully close to the beverage at my desk or draping over my keyboard keys. As if my hair was down.

(Diane von Furstenberg/Nordstrom)

Unless I am wearing a work outfit, heels, hose (of whatever sort), pencil skirt, ballet bun - the bow blouse just does not work. I feel a bit contrived pairing it with a pair of skinny jeans and stilettos. I think I look like a joke. Probably just a proportion thing.

(Alice + Olivia/Neiman-Marcus)

This all being said, maybe my impression will change since now it is a trend. This whole time, I have been wearing vintage bow blouses and these new bold colors may do just the trick. I would love one in a subtle pattern and another in maybe a deep rich jewel tone like a teal... Or both (see below).

(Gucci/Net-a-porter)

I currently own some vintage silk ones from Doncaster, Carlisle, Worth and Juliana Collezione. They have not been worn in a while, and it was fun wearing them in a law office as they were a fun pick-me-up to the regularity of suits and oxfords. Who knows when I will pull them out!

(Robert Rodriguez/Neiman-Marcus)

What do you think of this trend? Did you wear these in their various revivals in the 70s, 80s and hold on to them? Are you hoping to purchase a few pieces for this season?

Fall 2011 trend: animal-print shoes

2011-09-21T12:47:00.003-04:00

One of the things I enjoy most is to put on a fun outfit, drive to my local Nordstrom and with a lemonade in hand (I do not drink coffee. This includes lattes!), peruse the regularly-changing displays of merchandise.

One of the best departments in our small, but pretty well-balanced Nordstrom is the shoe department. The selection is laughable compared to the Tysons Corner store, natch, but it is good enough to keep on trend throughout the seasons.

One display caught my eye, and it was animal prints for fall. This one display had a trend I am shyly toeing the line over. I like the look a lot, but can I really wear something enough to make it worth being in my wardrobe? And which style of shoe should I invest in, anyway? A woman cannot go wrong with an animal-print flat done right in pony hair, but some heels - as you shall see, really can be horrid. BUT, to each their own!

"Iris" by Via Spiga. Pony hair in animal-print with black patent leather trim and heel. If I was a dainty size 7.5 or less, I would get this shoe. Really cute but only if you never danced pointe. At least that is how I feel about it.

"Allie" by Halogen (Nordstrom brand). Suede black wedge with animal-print. If you want to go budget and trend, this shoe may work for you. But I honestly think it looks too cheap. The suede heel is a dramatic contrast from the rest of the shoe and not necessarily in a good way.

"Odessa" by Via Spiga. Animal-print in pony hair with black leather buckle, with silver hardware, over the toe. Barely a heel at all. You'd probably want to slip something in to support your arches with this one!

"Lyla" by Sam Edleman. Animal-print in pony hair. Wood heel. Ankle strap is brown leather with silver hardware. Anyone else feel like this one is ruined by the strap??

"Stringtie" by Stuart Weitzman. A classic ballet flat. Black leather trim and at toe, on a animal-print pony hair flat. This one is on my wishlist.

"Pipespy" by Stuart Weitzman. A very understated (other than pattern) peep-toe stiletto. Animal-print pony hair, wrapped leather heel. The heel is about four inches, otherwise I would be considering this one. Maybe I'll stick with a flat.

"Briar" by Dolce Vita. Black bow at back by ankle. Dark cheetah animal-print. Black leather-wrapped heel. I feel like this shoe has too much going on, but know I will be seeing it around Richmond because, hey, this look fits with a certain niche market of trying-too-hards that live around here.

Which of these shoes is your favorite?
What animal print trend are you embracing for fall?

Wedding Inspiration: Getaway Cars

2011-09-20T01:01:00.001-04:00

Did you use a special car for your getaway? Would you love to have one for your special day?

I think it would be nice to have a fun getaway car. Heck, have a chauffeur take you to your hotel, then the airport the next day as you depart for your honeymoon! Then you can just relax relax and, relax!

It's the Little Things...

2011-09-19T01:15:00.001-04:00

Beautiful roses from M... "just because".

Aren't those the best kind of flowers? These are so fragrant and lush, like garden roses.

LOVE

"Stand by Me"

2011-09-17T14:30:00.002-04:00

Another awesome wedding video by Josh Gooden, wedding photographer and videographer. Such a sweet, understated video - the epitome of Chesapeake, VA culture!

Tac & Katie // Wedding | Deltaville, Virginia from Josh Gooden on Vimeo.

I wish all of my family was able to travel. There is no doubt in my mind that M & I would have had a OBX or Chesapeake Bay wedding! So sweet.

After all these years...

2011-09-12T23:21:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I still think J.T.T. is totally adorable/handsome/etc. I really did cover my wall with him. Maybe two walls.... In a 13 year-old infatuated sort of way. However, I NEVER joined the fan club. Bummer.

Does that make me a weirdo?

Fabergé love

2011-08-30T12:28:00.001-04:00

A few weekends ago, M and I went to the special Fabergé exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.

We saw a lot of incredible stuff, really special things I had never seen before... Not just the pieces from the large collection that already exists at the VMFA and I have seen throughout my life. M had never seen any of them, so it was special for me to share a major passion of mine with him (I am a Russian history buff).

Imperial Lillies of the Valley basket: Yellow and green gold, silver, nephrite, pearl, rose-cut diamonds, 1896. This sat on Empress Alexandra Feodorovna's desk, in likely her mauve boudoir. She was the wife of the famous 'last tsar' Nicholas II.

The Imperial Napoleonic egg: Green and yellow gold, emerald panels, rubies and diamonds, 1912. Interior is satin and velvet.

The egg still has its "surprise", six-panel miniature screen depicting in watercolor six regiments of which Maria Fyodorovna was an honorary colonel. Each panel has on its reverse side the royal monogram of the Dowager Empress. The screen itself is made from translucent green emeralds, rose-cut diamonds and white enamel.

Coiled Serpent Paperweight: Persian turquoise, sterling silver, 1908. This piece is massive, about a foot wide and several inches tall.

The Nobel Ice Egg: rock crystal, platinum and diamonds, 1914. For a nephew of Nobel prize creator. Exterior of shell appears simple, it is a silver-pearl matte ground shell covered with alternating layers of transparent and opaque white enamel, each layer separately painted and engraved to resemble frost. The result is an icy lustre. Inside is a watch pendant, of enamel, rock crystal and diamonds.

The Empress Josephine tiara is the last special piece, created in 1890. No idea on carats, which is annoying. Lets just say a ton! Those briolettes are the size of my big thumbnail! The diamonds were a gift from Tsar Alexander I to the Empress Josephine after her divorce from Napoleon Bonaparte. This piece is one of only a few tiaras ever made by Fabergé.

You can get a book from the VMFA on the exhibition for $60, published exclusively for the VMFA by Rizzoli. Don't you love everything that Rizzoli publishes? I do!

Or you could be like me, and add another pendant egg to your growing collection, the big one with lapis lazuli in the bottom! Pretty, no?

The American flag one I got in NYC after 9/11 in the summer of 2002. My first one was the paisley one in the top left with the malachite on the bottom. My grandparents gave it to me in 1997. The cross one I recieved for Christmas in 1999. So it was fun to get another one. They dress up any outfit and are not as kitchy as other reproductions.

Happy Birthday, Babar!

2011-08-25T11:36:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday was the 80th birthday of my beloved French elephant Babar!

They mentioned this news in the Sunday NYTimes! A great little write-up. I was read Babar's stories in both French and English, as my family wanted me to know basic French at an early age. We also would watch the TV show on PBS and in the early days, HBO too.

The Brunhoffs told, then wrote and animated the stories for their two young children.

Thank you so much, Cécile et Jean de Brunhoff (shown below with their sons, including Laurent who took over the role of writer/animator/new story creator after his father's early death). I cannot imagine my childhood without Babar, avec "un costume d’une agreable couleur verte"!

Did you read him when you were younger?

Shake, Rattle and Roll!

2011-08-24T13:05:00.001-04:00

So... I am OK, the house is OK as of now, M and Lily are ok. Some neighbors were not as lucky!

Photo of my neighbors, the Pendleton's, home, circa 1819 this Weds AM after two stronger aftershocks caused further damage to the residence.

The Louisa County schools suffered severe enough damage, causing them to be closed for at least the next two weeks.

This AM DC's National Cathedral admitted damage was much worse than they had realized:

The below story comes from the Charlottesville Daily Progress, by Ted Strong:

MINERAL — Tuesday’s earthquake collapsed two houses and forced at least 20 people from their homes, Louisa County officials said. No fatalities or serious injuries had been reported as of 6 p.m., but officials feared the number without homes would grow as more residents returned home from work and assessed damage.

Gary and Cindy Vayo were worried their home might have to be condemned after Tuesday’s earthquake, but there was no question where they’d be spending Tuesday night.

“Right here,” Gary Vayo said with an air of certainty. “This is home.”

They were working Tuesday afternoon to clean up the debris strewn around the house, about 10 miles south of Mineral and closer still to the epicenter of the earthquake.

“I can’t believe this,” said Cindy Vayo as she surveyed the destruction, pointing out a wrecked kitchen, heirloom dishes thrown from a cabinet to shatter on the floor and a sea of other wreckage.

It was an awful thing to come home and find, she said.

“And then … you call to your insurance agent, and you find out you don’t have any [coverage],” Vayo said.

The quake emanated from a spot south of and between Mineral and Louisa, and both towns suffered damage to items such as plate glass windows, shelves, chimneys and drop ceilings. The county’s middle and high schools were casualties, suffering what officials termed “obvious” damage. Damage to other county schools was possible as well, officials said. Officials received many calls about collapsed buildings, said Louisa County Fire Chief Scott Keim.

The exact location of the collapsed homes was not immediately available. Officials opened a shelter at Moss-Nuckols Elementary School for those forced out of their residences.

Both Louisa and Mineral are small and rural, and many of the structures in the area are one-story. In much of the countryside, damage wasn’t apparent at first glance. Officials called in a helicopter from the Virginia State Police to search for collapsed houses, since many aren’t visible from the road.

In Mineral, town council member Brooks Besley was working in a big straw hat with a broken crown, boarding up a shattered window in his tool dealership, when Willie Harper, the town manager, dropped in to talk with him.

Harper gestured to the hole where the plate glass had been.

“That’s a nice clean window you got right there,” he deadpanned.

The two started discussing possibilities for a temporary home for the town government. The town hall had suffered a rather severe ceiling collapse.

“I don’t think we’re going back in it until we have some substantial support in it,” Harper said. The town hall in Louisa was also put out of commission.

Randall Robinett was in the warehouse section of his shop, Main Street Computers and Music, in Louisa when the quake hit.

“I mean, this place started shaking,” he said. “I bolted out that door as fast as I could. This is an 1890s building.”

Do you Durkee?

2011-08-22T14:48:00.001-04:00

Ever tried Durkee? This brand has been around for decades. It is difficult to find in many grocery stores but members of my Southern family say it is the only thing they will eat on a sandwich. It is often in the foreign and specialty condiments aisle... It is a mixture of mayo, mustard and egg yolks. Sounds disgusting but this spread is a secret in a lot of old southern recipes!

Durkee is now distributed by a company based in Memphis, but the original company was founded in 1851 by Eugene R. Durkee im Buffalo but moved his HQ to NYC. Durkee had a New York residence along the Hudson - down the street from the Astor's Waldorf estate. He also had a major factory along the LIRR and it has since been refurbished as a high school. He was one of the first industrialists to trademark and patent items.

So, how do I eat my Durkee? I like my Durkee with turkey, as my Grandpapa does. It is also excellent with a toasted ham and swiss, cooked panini style. Durkee is really tasty on a BLT and on a post-Thanksgiving sandwich with turkey and cranberry. Great add in or substitute for egg salad, potato salad and as a condiment for crab cakes. Oh! And Morton's of Chicago used it: Morton's Blue Cheese Dressing (Makes 5 cups)

2 cups of real mayonnaise like Duke's or Hellman's
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspooon Durkee's Famous Sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
salt and freshly ground black papper
7 ounces blue cheese, crumbled (1 1/2 cups)

In a large bowl, whisk together mayo and sour cream. Add buttermilk, Durkee's and seasoned salt and whisk until well mixed. Season to taste with salt and pepper and whisk again. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in blue cheese. Transfer to storage container with tight lid and refrigerate for at least one day and up to 4.

From Morton's of Chicago Steak Bible

Here is some more industrial history, for much of the 20th century, Glidden (the paint people) owned the Durkee name via Wikipedia:

The Glidden Food Products Company was formed in 1920. This subsidiary refined vegetable oils and produced oleomargarine. By the onset of the Great Depression, Glidden had formed a conglomerate that was able to purchase smaller companies disadvantaged by the economic turmoil of the time. The purchase of Durkee & Co., a leading manufacturer of salad dressings, meat sauces, pickles, spices, and condiments, for $1.8 million in mid-1929 precipitated a name change for Glidden's food subsidiary to Durkee Famous Foods, Inc. Durkee was widely known as the maker of Durkee Famous Sauce, reportedly a favorite of President Abraham Lincoln. Glidden and Durkee would enjoy a half-century of cooperation. Late in 1929, the operations of the Portland Vegetable Oil Mills Company were incorporated into Durkee's business, and in 1933 the Van Camp Oil Co. was rescued from bankruptcy and added to Durkee's long list of operating companies. All of Durkee's assets were later acquired by Glidden in 1936, when the subsidiary became a division. The construction of a hydrogen plant in New Jersey enhanced Durkee's vertical integration for the production of hydrogenated oils.
By the end of World War II, Glidden was a leading manufacturer of margarine. Its spreads were sold under the Durkee, Troco, and Dinner Bell tradenames. Margarine sales made up a substantial portion of the Durkee division's total revenue. The acquisitions of the 1930s and 1940s tripled Glidden's sales from $50.17 million in 1940 to over $170 million in 1945. Glidden sold Durkee in 1980. Durkee is now owned by ACH Foods under Associated British Foods.

How do you eat your Durkee? Do you have any family memories of it?

Summer Reads: The American Heiress

2011-08-21T09:53:00.001-04:00

Seeing as I work in a library, I took the liberty of trying to find some books to suggest to our Library Director - who then disperses the options and then people may or may not choose to pick them up depending on the budget we have at that time. One of those books came in a couple weeks ago, I guess right after I returned from vacation, and I loved it!

It is called "The American Heiress," a historical novel by Daisy Goodwin. It is lush and descriptive on all of the things I care about - fashion and interior design. And thankfully, unlike many historical novels, it is not ALL a smoozy overly graphic romance novel. Because I am not into that at all, ew. Full disclosure, there are maybe two scenes that are of romance level graphicness, but they are not pages worth of descriptions, so you are safe. Ha!

"The American Heiress" starts off at a Gilded Age ball in Newport, Rhode Island, held by a new money family - the Cash's - who are leaving the season to go overseas to find their daughter, Cora, a titled husband. She has no trouble finding someone after she injures herself during a hunting outing... the Ninth Duke of Wareham, Ivo aka Maltravers. (the names in this book are a bit ridiculous)

In Wharton-esque fashion, everything is described. The buildup to the wedding, the food being served (all of the weird ones of the period including several kinds of aspec which my grandmother still serves at Thanksgiving... ew.), the wedding gifts, wedding dress, jewelry, homes and mannerisms of people. One guy spanks his wife with a hairbrush because she was acting inappropriate. HA! Okay, probably not funny but I was amused. A hairbrush. Ouch.

What is fun is that due to Cora's injury, there is a bit of a mystery element that as a reader you can see through but poor ignorant Cora is completely blind to. Apparently her injury is bad enough that she suffers from a slight case of short-term memory loss from the day she went riding. She gradually becomes less naive as the book nears its end, but it is fun to see how a side story adds a couple subplots to the book and develops into something more dramatic by the climax.

I also loved the subplot about Cora's South Carolinian maid Bertha, who is from a mother who is a slave and a father who is white. She has been given all of Cora's hand-me-downs (which means they were worn once, obviously) and she is light-skinned enough to pass as a lady in certain portions of the book. She strikes up a romance with a white English butler and I enjoyed reading her observations of their relationship - how the dynamic is different in New York City versus England, how he does not totally understand the stigma when he wants to marry her, and how socially it is not totally acceptable that they be together but she loves him too much to really care what other people think as long as neither loses their job.

Poor Cora thought married life would be more warm and light-hearted than it is for her in England - but it is fun to watch dynamics shift for her over the course of the text! I mean, duh GF you are in England. Things are a bit stiff sometimes even if you are loaded with $$ and gorgeous. Let it go. She thankfully tries to modernize her home since he father gave her a huge trust that only she has access to - winning!! Of course, the hubby kind-of resents that but it is fun to read about her missions - indoor plumbing, for example, was a big deal to him. Also her swimming in cold water while pregnant.

I would definitely recommend it for a beach read or any sort of vacation, really. Fun and something mindless - but I did not necessarily feel like I lost any time reading it as it was a fun, short-term amusement.

Bruce Hornsby in Concert

2011-08-20T19:58:00.001-04:00

A concert which literally made my life and strengthened my relationship with M.

Last weekend we drove through the fog of the Great Dismal Swamp fire (6,000 acres burned and what is left now is smoldering peat) along Route 10 on the southern banks of the James River down to Portsmouth, Virginia.

We stayed across the Elizabeth River at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Norfolk and were able to enjoy the company of dozens of U.S. military members who had just come home from overseas. It was a joyful occasion and really made us appreciate everything we have - including each other.

The concert started not long after the rain had tapered off, and we settled into our seats. Many people were surprisingly not in attendance but I think that had more to do with the weather chasing them off - not Bruce Hornsby, the Noisemakers or Bela Fleck and the original Flecktones who were their openers. But they were not truely an opening act, particularly when you think about how both bands played a full set - we arrived at 6:30 they started just prior to 7:30 and we did not leave until after 11 ....and both bands made cameos during the other's performances.

For a girl who grew up listening to her Dad sing along to "End of the Innocence" and "Mandolin Rain" - and knowing the ORIGINAL tune of "Changes" before Puff Daddy did his cover... and for a girl who is a Virginia native who has listened to Williamsburg native Bruce her entire life... this concert was incredible.

Seeing the enthusiastic hometown crowd toss their paper balls of song requests at his feet, hearing him share stories of his basketball days and childhood in Williamsburg and hearing him tell us how happy he was to be on his home turf was just... there are no words.

This concert made tears stream down my cheeks as I thanked M for giving me such a meaningful birthday present, and made me remind myself of how good I have it, particularly in a time when so many people have nothing or have loved ones overseas/sick/ill. I am blessed. And music always reminds me of that point. When I have nothing else, I have music.

Here I Am!

2011-08-16T22:02:00.001-04:00

So I know it has been a long time. I am sorry for disappearing on you guys. Here has been my mission as of late - get a permanent job with benefits. Not as simple as you would think when I have a five-year plan I want, and need, to stick to!

...Obviously, due to the economy this mission has taken a good bit longer than I had planned. BUT, I get new leads every week and I never fail to send out at least 20 applications a week when I am at my very best. There is only so much I can do when I am still working at my alma mater part-time during normal business hours. That has been my main priority.

That being said, it has been quite a summer for me. My 26th birthday, a couple concerts, the 4th of July (my Parents Anniversary; see them below on the QE2 returning from their European honeymoon in 1979!), visiting one of my GFs in DC for a long weekend (see me at too), a couple beach vacays, and this Sunday the Fabergé exhibit at the VMFA.

I have been going through my magazine backlog and have prepared a lot of fun Fall 2011 stories. Lots of great trends I hope to point out to you all.

I think every now and then a GOOD solid blog break is helpful. Otherwise an uninspired person just sounds so redundant! I am happy that I am inspired once again!

In the meantime, lets all act like our favorite Duchess:

XOXO

Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2011

2011-07-28T12:17:00.008-04:00

The Combed-cotton Cody Cardigan sweater in Pink Tomato Matinee argyle for $148

Well, it is the coming to the close of another summer season for fashionistas, and yet again the Gmail Inbox is starting to fill up with announcements of new arrivals!

Vintage cotton pique, Marisa dress in Hotty Pink Cherry Begonias for $198

One example of these is Lilly P, and they have some cute stuff (seen all over the page, I do like to space things out!).

Vintage slub, Worth Shift in Skye Blue Dark N Stormy for $178

Vintage cotton seersucker, Esmeralda dress in Beach Club Blue Take Me Away at $164

Basketweave stretch cotton texture, Bowen dress in Bright Navy Dress Rehearsal at $168

Silk/cotton blend, Cody cardigan sweater in Green Bean Bow Colorblock in $148

Some details are VERY Tory Burch-esque, but I am happy to see they did not raise prices on a lot of quality items.

If you are planning to go to the Del Mar races this year, like my BFF Muffy Martini, will you please comment on her blog and give your feedback?

Tiffany & Company

2011-07-22T11:30:00.005-04:00

There are so many things that have been bought and worn to death by women our age. I never jumped on the Return to Tiffany heart or round disc on the charm bracelet. It is over and done with. So big and showy. Generic. Copied by thousands. Yuck.

When I graduated from Randy-Mac in May, one of my gifts was a T&Co gift card that I wanted to go ahead and use. Of course I wanted to make it a 'thing' - a full day affair. Why not?!

Last Friday, Mom and I went up to Tysons Corner for the day and I came home with a lot of ideas for future gifts and one very special bracelet:

I tried on all three of these pieces, among many other things, but I ended up getting the lapis lazuli bead bracelet. Thankfully, the Return to Tiffany tag is smaller than my pinky nail! I can wear it with a nautical-stripe dress, a linen skirt and top, and jeans. It goes with everything.

The silver bead bracelet that is the same size really sets off the blue in the lapis, so I may get that piece next. The anchor necklace in lapis - which I really wanted - they had sold out of. However, the gentleman assisting us gave me his card so when I am ready to get it I will call him...

All photos are ©Tiffany & Company

Jeff Buckley was talented

2011-07-21T11:30:00.001-04:00

Looking out the door I see the rain fall upon the funeral mourners
Parading in a wake of sad relations as their shoes fill up with water
And maybe I'm too young to keep good love from going wrong
But tonight you're on my mind so you never know

When I'm broken down and hungry for your love with no way to feed it
Where are you tonight? Child, you know how much I need it
Too young to hold on and too old to just break free and run

Sometimes a man gets carried away, when he feels like he should be having his fun
And much too blind to see the damage he's done
Sometimes a man must awake to find that really, he has no-one

So I'll wait for you... and I'll burn
Will I ever see your sweet return?
Oh will I ever learn?

Oh lover, you should've come over, 'cause it's not too late

Lonely is the room, the bed is made, the open window lets the rain in
Burning in the corner is the only one who dreams he had you with him
My body turns and yearns for a sleep that will never come

It's never over, my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder
It's never over, all my riches for her smiles when I slept so soft against her
It's never over, all my blood for the sweetness of her laughter
It's never over, she's the tear that hangs inside my soul forever

Well maybe I'm just too young to keep good love from going wrong.

Oh... lover, you should've come over, 'cause it's not too late.

Well, I feel too young to hold on
And I'm much too old to break free and run
Too deaf, dumb, and blind to see the damage I've done
Sweet lover, you should've come over
Oh, love, well I'm waiting for you

Lover, you should've come over, 'cause its not too late.

Lee Smith describing Baltimore

2011-07-20T11:05:00.001-04:00

"Even though our visits to Baltimore were a part of Mama’s grand design, I enjoyed them. I loved Baltimore itself, with its clanging streetcars, funny-looking people, lamplights, pigeons, and ice cream cones. I loved to sit out on the marble stoop after dinner and watch the teeming parade of street life; I always had a nickel in my pocket just in case the organ-grinder came by with his monkey, who wore a little green coat with brass buttons. I loved my sweet, refined grandmother in her dim, high-ceilinged row house with lace at the windows and doilies on the tables. She always referred to my late grandfather with great respect, often making such statements as, "Mr. Marshall raised trotters, you know," or, "Mr. Marshall loved oysters in any form." This deference enchanted me."

-Lee Smith, for Garden & Gun magazine

Monday Craving...

2011-06-27T12:17:00.005-04:00

Is this shoe not delicious?

The 'Lavalliere' Bow Pumps - as found at Saks...

To me, this pair of shoes are incredibly work and date-night friendly...

I think the camel leather feels like butter and the black grosgrain ribbon trim and bow add just enough detail. I am not one to buy a shoe covered in metal studs after all...

I think Muffy would agree that if she doesn't already have this shoe (I'm sure she has it though), Dita Von Teese would work these to perfection!
Plus, unlike other Louboutins, this shoe is ONLY (!!) 4" tall! I can handle that!

So... Birthday present idea #1 ;)

XOXO

Things I enjoy

2011-06-21T22:16:00.004-04:00

There are many things I enjoy.

One of those is Mario Badescu's 'special mask for oily skin'. Apply it to my nose every two days. Then I don't have to look like an idiot with those pore strips on my nose. It's a winner.

Another thing I love is scarves. But I think I have literally read around five entries from fellow bloggers about scarves. So I'll just say - scarves are universally flattering. And fun.

Another thing I love is sangria in summertime. Legitimate sangria. Not some lame stuff that isn't fruity or boozy. That needs to happen soon. The best kind has sat for more than a couple hours.

I enjoy my new craft table from Martha Stewart's collection at Home Decorators. It is heavy, solid wood and holds all of my working stuff. The iPad station, Brother sewing machine, Cricut and some books. Lots of room to spare.

Lastly, I enjoy a conversation with a good friend. You cannot end the day without having one or you will feel unfulfilled. I really do love everyone that is important to me, they know who they are.

Pappy update

2011-06-14T11:23:00.004-04:00

Hey y'all, many of you have asked for an update on my Pappy, my Mom's Dad. If you have been following me on Twitter, you likely would have seen lots of posts about his declining condition on Thursday up to this point.

They found what appeared, after multiple 'dye milkshakes' and scans, to be a nub sticking into his GI tract. They then learned it was not the appendix poking into it from some freakish shift of innerds, but actually a growth on the appendix. Obviously they decided that the appendix should be taken out.

He had the surgury this AM, which included stopping his heart and him going 'way under', as in, in his 93 years on Earth this was his second time in two days and second time ever being under sedation. At this point they do not believe that it is cancerous. They think it is diverticulitis. They said he did beautifully, but he will need recovery time and may be in the hospital until this weekend, when a lot of family (who aren't already there) come into town.

I am just grateful they were able to do the procedure in Lex Vegas, as two aunts, my mother, Pappy's wife (my Gaga) are all 10-35 minutes away. Plus my Unc is in town, which means a great deal to Pap since that is his only son. It is such a relief.

I want to thank you all for your kind words, emails, Tweets, DMs, Facebook messages, prayers, etc etc etc. All of it means a great deal and I know it has helped. I will continue to keep you all posted!

Photo Credit: JMR, my uncle; taken at Pappy's birthday last Father's Day weekend (there are five children and 13+ grandchildren [not incl all significant others]).

Party Ideas

2011-06-08T18:39:00.003-04:00

Where do you go to get your party ideas?

When you are entertaining, what is your go-to resource?

No... not the Communist Party (this t-shirt design is from Threadless. Hilarious)

For many (particularly WASPs, but not exclusively) it is Martha Stewart, or one of her several publications:

For others it is the generic quick dash to Party City:

And then you have me, the person who will do anything to make things unique and does a bit of this stuff and a dash of the other (can't you tell from this hysterical picture that I love COLOR and WHIMSY!):

However, one thing is certain, I have loved getting inspirations from the blog, The Party Dress, who does beautiful parties of every category. I can always find ways to use my Cricut - but I cannot do anything that looks as good as her invites and paper goods. CUTE!!! She (they?) is (are?) a great resource for inspiration.

I love this entry on a Pink & Green Summer Celebration, too too pretty and I adore the entire look. To me, it appears this collage would be ideal for any of my friends or girlfriends or cousins or anybody! The image featured used silver julip cups to hold pink clusters of peonies for the centerpiece. I love it when a softer green is used rather than a lime green, which I think detracts from any shade of pink.

I would love to do a party like this one for a bridal shower, a baby shower, or even a gathering of girlfriends. It just has enough pink to be feminine without making it too over the top. Really lovely. Plus, these two colors, along with grey, are my favorite color combination!

What colors do you enjoy using when entertaining?

Queen Elizabeth II has a sense of humor

2011-06-03T16:29:00.004-04:00

So I was perusing around on YouTube today and came across these winners.

I love me some QE2 news clips and these did not leave me disappointed! It is so nice to see her looking less stiff, no? (NO MUMMY!!!)

Lastly, Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting on her life:

I have no big plans for the weekend, just writing some new articles for my Examiner page. Please feel free to subscribe to it, as I will likely not bring it up very much on here, I hate when people are all pushing on their agenda! I follow the 60-40 rule, 60% work, 40% play, on Twitter, Blogger, etc.

Do you have any big plans? I hope to make my back deck my sunbathing/reading/etc haven, with my most recent purchase from Plow & Hearth:

XO

Bridesmaids Review

2011-06-02T18:28:00.002-04:00

So I went to see Bridesmaids two nights ago, and it was absolutely incredible. I laughed so hard I thought I might tinkle a bit in my pants. I left the theater feeling drunk from laughter. I am not kidding. I have to see it again. I hopefully will see it with someone other than a GUY, but that fellow was a good sport and said he enjoyed it as well.

Maybe I should see it with my own girlfriends and we can have cocktails prior and post-show.

Kristen Wiig has done a great job on this movie, and as my BFF Alex has said time and time again, this movie is not just another "Judd Apatow movie". Judd Apatow was just one of several collaborators on this movie.

As per imdb.com here are some stats:
Budget: $32,500,000 (estimated)
Opening Weekend: $26,247,410 (USA) (15 May 2011) (2918 Screens)
Gross: $59,341,310 (USA) (22 May 2011)

Produced by
Judd Apatow .... producer
Paul Feig .... executive producer
Barry Mendel .... producer
Annie Mumolo .... co-producer
Clayton Townsend.... producer
Kristen Wiig .... co-producer

Directed by Paul Feig

Writing credits: Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo

So, as you can see, this film was pretty female-friendly as the co-writers both worked as co-producers. I am a huge fan of films that include women on the crew, and this film really hit at female humor. At times I felt so uncomfortable... awkward, even... about things happening that I had to wince over and over again. Why did I feel uncomfortable? Because there were moments in that film that I had experienced and could relate to. Who writes those scripts best? FELLOW FEMALES.

Good job Hollywood, lets try to crank out something similar. Although show less fake vomit next time, maybe?

Graduation

2011-06-01T14:42:00.003-04:00

What an exciting time.

I graduated this past Saturday and the weather held out! It was funny as the clouds moved around us, we could see them roll in to campus and then passed around. We were luckily having an early graduation (10AM) which ended just before noon, so we stayed in the shade the entire time!

I sincerely appreciate all of the kind words that you all shared with me over my last entry. It took a lot of guts for me to put that story out there on the table and your support meant (means) a great deal to me.

I hope now to continue to move forward with my life, and on here that means things are a little bit less secretive for me.

Now, on to bigger and brighter things!

XOXO

Speak

2011-05-26T18:16:00.000-04:00

My last week of undergraduate classes ever was two weeks ago. Then exams started and ended last week. Moderately stressful and intense. But at least I am done. Two weeks ago, I had a bit of a breakdown in front of a professor, and then later on that day I lost it in front of my advisor. I have known both for almost eight years.

Yes, I have been working towards my Bachelor's for a very long, tiring and intense eight years. I will be 26 in August, so that is long enough to develop some incredible relationships but long enough to also get over the entire undergraduate experience.

I don't think I have ever bothered to share the entire story of my undergraduate education, and there are not enough hours in the day to do it justice. But I am kind-of over being vague all of the time on this blog, and I think sharing a bit of information will help.

When the book (and subsequent movie) Speak came out, my psychotherapist recommended that I go see it. He knew I could relate to the emotions and the character in the movie. I had been on anti-depressants since 1999, and basically a mess as that did not contrast well with the developing hormones of an American teenager with major self-esteem issues. I was unable to control how I felt, what I did, or anything whatsoever. I was just a lost cause prior to diagnosis. However, I learned over time to watch for triggers and keep an eye on myself - which is easier as an adult. It is incredible to me that I have been off of antidepressants for almost six years now, an accomplishment I am proud of.

In the spring of 2004, I was assaulted. That was my original freshman year of college at Macon. The guy who assaulted me had been a peer and we ran in the same social circles. He made it his goal in life to humiliate, disturb and frighten me. It was a ridiculous cat-and-mouse game for him - catcalling me on the way to the laundry room, cornering me to harass me in the dining hall, intimidating me even through emails and instant message. Occasional nightmares still occur. If someone touches my neck in a specific way I will completely lose it.

I actually have PTSD and didn't even realize it until a couple years ago when someone spoke to me about what the symptoms are - but it makes sense due to triggers which occur.

The assault happened at a specific frat house. Pretty much all of my guy friends were members of this fraternity. I basically lived here part-time as I was seeing someone who lived there. I was with some friends at the house and it was completely full. Maybe even too full if you ask people about it. My friends and I all got shoved into an upstairs bathroom and the guy flipped out and punched me in the stomach to 'get me out of the way'. That screwed me up pretty well for the night. Instead of going to my room, I ended up drinking my feelings. My guy friends thought I was partying, but I really was going into a manic depressive state. Not good. Later on that night, the same guy saw me on the lower level of the house. He was angry and yelled about how I didn't deserve his roommate who I had broken up with during the previous semester. He kept yelling at me and blocked me into a corner. Some friends walked by and shrugged me off like I was being handsy and drunk and stupid - when I actually was grabbing them so they could help me out. This guy ended up laying his forearm into my throat, across my neck, cutting off my breathing. Still yelling at me. I guess you could say he went into a blind rage and had an anger blackout of some sort. He was pointing his fingers into my face cursing me and not one person. Not. One. Single. Person. Helped me. Just as I was about to completely pass out from having my air cut off, some mystery person (to this day in fact) pulled this guy off of me.

I immediately staggered away, looking for a friendly face. I told a girl whose boyfriend was in the fraternity what happened. Everything. She told me to go home. I did not. I wanted to tell the guy's roommate (my ex-boyfriend). I told him, and he was pissed off, and I still do not know what happened between them that night.

All I can definitively remember from that night is that I was upset. I remember that I wore a scarf for the next ten days because of massive bruising on my neck. I remember that the guy who assaulted me had an away message up on AIM saying that he needed to get away and had a crazy night and needed to go home until things died down. I remember that a few days later that same guy returned to campus. That guy wrote a letter admitting his guilt and apologizing. And signing it in longhand. That guy threatened me. The fraternity tried to shut me up by blacklisting me from the fraternity, not throwing the guy out. I remember trying to get him suspended, going to the Judicial Board for a trial. And the members interviewed during the J-Board trial denied everything. I didn't have enough of a mental state going to consider bringing in the letter which admitted guilt. I just couldn't handle it. I was alone except for a fellow student. My advisor had a familial obligation. My parents did not come. It was a really bad time in my life. I probably wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the five people who did care about me at that time. The entire school campus was split between this guy and me. Who they supported. It was a really tense experience just to find a place to sit in the dining hall. I stopped going to meals. My roommate would bring me chocolate chip muffins from the Macon Coffee kitchen. I stopped going to classes. I stopped doing assignments. I stopped everything except drinking and taking meds (not a good mix, at all, btw). I started drinking more.

I ended my Freshman year of college at Randolph-Macon with a 1.6 GPA. For 24 credit hours. I lost my scholarship, my federal financial aid. If I wanted to return I would have to pay the entire thing out of pocket. My parents hated Macon. They hated everything it stood for. They never sued but I know they considered it. They didn't help me appeal my J-Board decision. I was floating, barely even functioning. Even though I was 18 I did not have the sense to understand that I could apply for a private loan and if I got a cosigner I could maybe get money together to go back. I was in limbo.

I worked that summer at Camp Seafarer. And tried to function. I couldn't function well. I was well in a manic depressive state and that helped me with a schedule and obligations but I really wanted to sleep all day everyday. I ended up resigning from my cabin counselor position and remaining in charge of my activity and living in a staff cabin. While there, my parents met with me one day and told me I was not going back to Macon. I was moving home and taking time off for the next year, maybe I could reapply for another Fall or January Term.

That never happened. Until I reapplied by myself in the summer of 2009. At that point, I had gained life experience, perspective, tried to move forward. But always incredibly unfulfilled academically. I knew that I had to graduate from Macon to really recover. To really fill the void over everything I missed out on, friendships lost, relationships that never could progress because of what happened between me and the guy who assaulted me.

This Saturday, May 28, 2011, I graduate from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor of Arts in both Environmental Studies and Political Science. You know I will be a blubbering mess.

1989 Porsche 911 Carrera - A Love Affair

2011-05-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

When I was growing up in Lex Vegas, my family would often take me to The Palms restaurant. For my parents it was the social home of their courtship, and for my brother and I it served as our introduction into W&L social life. We often sat in a booth in the back, and the poster above would stare down at us. While my brother and I would marvel at this primo example of early 90s success, my Dad would say - This! This is why you will love finishing college. Great motivator, right? Thanks, Dad.

Today while driving in to school, I was reflective. My last day of undergraduate classes. What a long, strange and intensely emotional trip it has been for me. I graduated from Chatham Hall in 2003, and I had no idea what my mind, soul and body was in for. Sometimes you just don't know. But that's for another blog post...

...back to my drive in today. I was thinking about that poster my family loves and I suddenly saw a 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera drive past me. It was beautiful. Everything about it to me means quality luxury success. Something I strive for, something to motivate me, as my Dad said.

It rolled past me with its deeply romantic, throaty growl and I could not help but just stop and gape. Poetry in motion, if you will. The road we were on is considered backroads. And I knew the owner had chosen this way for the commute to stretch the car's legs, something you cannot easily do in Virginia on the highway. The next thing I thought was - if I do move to Florida and graduate from law school... I will buy this vehicle.
Here's to you, Dad, cheers and love.

Sidebar: check out Alice's post on beautiful cars at her blog, too!

[it looked just like the ones I've shared here]

Met Gala 2011

2011-05-04T18:05:00.010-04:00

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci

This Monday, the annual Met Gala occurred and this year the theme was asking for incredible fashion. The theme was "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" named after the exhibition of the same name. The exhibition opened to the public today, and you can see many of his most lauded fashions now until July 31, this summer.Hamish Bowles, always dapper

I have been a huge fan of the eccentric A McQ for years and years. I loved pawing through W and Harper's Bazaar, who always seemed much more enthusiastic to feature him as opposed to the occasional spread in Vogue (not to say that they cared less, but they did cater to him less it seems... IMHO).Karen Elson in Alexander McQueen

Celebrities always turn out for the Met Gala, but this year's exhibition really lit the place on fire with flashbulbs. Some people wore vintage McQ of their own and others wore McQ from his archives. It was certainly a special night.Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen

The likely-exhausted Sarah Burton, who now runs the House of Alexander McQueen, crossed the pond to listen to the most droll of questions, "How does it feel to have dressed Catherine Middleton?" etc etc etc. What a good sport!Sarah Burton in House of McQueen, her own design

Video montage courtesy of Alexander McQueen™.

Taylor Swift in J.Mendel

Doesn't Taylor Swift look elegant? I love how she banished her generic cutesy-princessy dresses for something more couture!Christina Ricci in Zac Posen, with Zac Posen.

It really blows my mind when I think how far Christina Ricci has come with fashion. Growing up on camera, she seems to have kept her %$#! together for the most part! She really has embraced fashion in the past 15 years and I have loved watching her develop her tastes.

Ashley Greene wore Donna Karen custom

Ms. Greene looked fabulous in this frothy tulle confection, using 50 yards of tulle. A generic tulle dress uses about 10 yards, imagine how light this dress must have been? Very delicate, and I hope it didn't get stabbed by any Louboutins!
One of my most favorite shoots involving Alexander McQueen fashions - Demi Moore for Harper's Bazaar.

To learn more about this exhibition, click here for the Met website.

Royal Wedding Recap

2011-04-29T16:16:00.007-04:00

Well, I do not need to give you all a lot of details, as The Preppy Princess did a fantastic job. However, here is one fact she did not expand on - the story of the Duchess of Cambridge's borrowed tiara!

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton Mountbatten-Windsor, Duchess of Cambridge, wore the Cartier 'halo' tiara (which some have called the Cartier 'scroll' tiara as well), which was made in 1936. It was purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI) for his wife, The Queen Mother. Then-Princess Elizabeth received it as an 18th-birthday present. As is the trend for all special royal jewels, Queen Elizabeth II's sister Princess Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon, as well as her daughter, Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, The Princess Royal, borrow it on occasion.

It has a rolling affect with the scrolls that move across the two-layer diamond base to converge in a central ornament surmounted by a larger, more round-brilliant diamond, similar to a miniature crown shape (IMHO). To me, the scrolls almost look like paisley, and I think it was a fabulous choice for her to wear this tiara as her hair is dark enough to show off its features without it looking TOO showy. Certainly when compared to her other options, which you can see here. I was thinking it was a bit understated for the Prince of Wales' wife, but maybe this tiara is her warm-up piece as she gets used to wearing larger ones.

Please read The Preppy Princess's post!

Sidebar - it has been a long time since there has been a Duchess of Cambridge! I had no idea it has been so long, but the history behind this title is pretty interesting.

The last Duchess of Cambridge was Princess and Landgravine Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (Hesse-Kassel was a former German Grand-Duchy). She married one of the many sons of George III. She died at the age of 91! She was the mother of three children, including Queen Mary, the Duchess of Teck. She was the beautiful and popular wife of King George V.

The first Duchess of Cambridge was Queen Consort of King George II, Wilhelmina Charlotte Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach. She was of the House of Hohenzollern, married into the House of Hanover. She was incredibly popular as well as influential and gave birth to eight children.

Last sidebar - Catherine did her own makeup, allegedly, chin chin!

Photo credit: REUTERS, Aestheticus Rex for the collage pics - please read her post as well!

Home, home, where I wanted to go...

2011-04-26T05:27:00.014-04:00

When I was in middle school, a "miracle" occurred.

I was taken off of a 3 year waitlist and was able to finally attend Camp Seafarer.

Camp Seafarer, on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina!

It was a beautiful place, still is very special to me.

It became a haven for me, a home where I had friends who had more things in common with me than my friends at home. And so I began a change in my life. I changed from the W&L alum kid/Country Club crowd at home, into the Camp Seafarer/worldly kid. It was a huge shift, but my parents know 100% that if I didn't have my "camp family" I likely wouldn't be here today...I mean that with every ounce of my being... but that is a whole other story.

Here is a picture of my camp family (I'm the one in the middle with the huge hat and sunglasses):

...And Three of these women are either my bridesmaids or my MOH...

We had Johnny Seagull's who we'd write love letters to all summer, if not after that...
And we would listen and slow dance to Christopher Cross's "Sailing" at the end of our weekly dances...
Aren't all of the Flying Scots tied down at sunset beautiful?

Photos by: A. Creswick, R. Ney or moi!

Fashion Fave: Lauren Conrad

2011-04-25T03:50:00.008-04:00

Does anyone else love the fashion of Lauren "L.C." Conrad?

I think she dresses always in such good taste, and is so healthy-looking!

I know we all first got to know her on Laguna Beach, and then The Hills, but she has been consistent with her growing maturity and taste for fashion. From the brands to how she wears them 'her own way,' I'm always both surprised and impressed by what she puts together.

I think she is my U.S. version of Princess Shinylocks aka Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. Great hair (so much better now compared to when she was still trying to be blonde), great attitude, young but classic fashion, business-savvy as well as well-educated!

And look, even when she cries, she is pretty. JEEZ LOUISE!

Do you have a go-to celebrity or icon, similarly aged, that you enjoy for her taste in clothing? Maybe you even think, 'hmm, we're the same size, I'm going to try that look myself!'

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T00:21:00.005-04:00

Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die."

Christ is risen! We have seen the glory of God.

{John 11:25-26, 40}

If you are with family, or friends, I hope you have a wonderful day! I will be with family and that makes me grateful, as it does every year.

What will Catherine Middleton wear?

2011-04-21T12:23:00.004-04:00

What will Catherine Middleton wear on April 29? Harper's Bazaar, who I love for many things, including their feature Fashion for Every Age segments, weighs in...

Sidebar:
"The Queen's formal consent to the marriage was unveiled Thursday, which happens to be her 85th birthday. Under the Great Seal of the Realm, she signed an elaborate notice of approval that proclaimed, in transcribed calligraphy, consent to the union of "Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G., and Our Trusty and Well-Beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton." " (via People.com)

"Our Trusty and Well-Beloved Catherine" --- I do not remember Diana's being this personal when she and Charles were married... does anyone else? Did that one even become public back in 1981?

Temperature Drop

2011-04-21T10:56:00.005-04:00

Today is literally 20 degrees cooler than yesterday, and you can feel it. VA is continuing to be bipolar, great. The dew is no longer refreshing, it is frigid. Particularly when you are like me, needing/feeling obligated to wear Rainbows when it is 60* outside. The smooth legs now have those annoying prickling goosebumps which I know I despise, does anyone else?Here is my outfit for today. I'm fighting the temps but retreated into the library to lock myself in. I hope to complete some assignments before the Easter holiday weekend! Who wants to go home and spend the entire time in bed like I have for almost two straight weeks??:

4-21-2011 by worthystyle

Classic, but shows my age, don't you think? I don't see many 18-21 year-olds wearing fishermen sweaters, striped oxfords like this with nothing fancy going on makeup-wise and no ribbons or Greek paraphernalia around. All I have is me with my daily bling. Classic bling, natch. A simple and elegant tank watch that is treasured, a beloved cuff bracelet and the left-hand ring finger masterpiece!

What are you wearing today? Anything weird going on with your weather?

Wedding Wednesday: Beach Wedding

2011-04-20T13:51:00.005-04:00

Alyssa + Chris // Destination Wedding | Outer Banks, NC from Josh Gooden on Vimeo.

Is this video not incredible?

I just love everything about it.

The music for the video, the genuine expressions on everyone's faces that are being filmed, the scenery which I grew up spending so much time at (the big orange sunrise on the beach, the mid-day on the gritty sand of OBX, NC, and the orange-pink sunsets of the Sound), every element and moment is captured with this video.

Some people make things really formal, which is fine. I like how this ceremony was a good middle ground. Super sweet. Apparently the minister is a huge hit up and down the Banks, for all kinds of ceremonies.

And yes, I did sniffle a bit watching this video!

Credits:
Music: Hoppípolla by Sigur Rós
Officiant: Reverend Jay Bowman
Blog: joshgooden.com/blog/2010/10/alyssa-chris-destination-wedding-outer-banks/

West Wing Wednesday

2011-04-13T12:44:00.000-04:00

It's the Francis Scott Key... key.

TWW

2011-03-30T14:22:00.006-04:00

I'm thinking that when I am 30 I will do the Amy Gardner hair, circa season 3 of The West Wing. Loved her character, such a badass.

Here is how we first got to get to know her:

"Something important" being her latest project of balloon animals... yup, that's awesome.

If any couple could make witty banter look good, it's Josh Lyman and Amy Garner on The West Wing. Love love love.

As a blogger wrote, "She likes dancing to Van Morrison, and doesn’t see why balloon-animals could be considered unprofessional. Amy Gardner is good at her job, and doesn’t worry that other people might not like her. She’s an adult, albeit with a personality that is uniquely suited to annoy the hell out of everyone she dislikes."
Hmmm sounds like something an ex said about me one time, "with a personality that is uniquely suited to annoy the hell out of everyone she dislikes." Me likey as that ex, S, was incredibly accurate in his assessment!

"Because I can't make decisions based on the fact that I like your smooth skin."
{loved. them. together.}

So, did any of my readers watch The West Wing when it was on TV? How about now, as it has rerun marathons occasionally on Bravo (although much less often now that they are the reality TV network).

Prayers for Taylor Anderson

2011-03-16T17:06:00.003-04:00

Taylor Anderson is a Virginia native. She attended St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from our college, Randolph-Macon College, in 2008. She was a member of Macon's Alpha Gamma Delta chapter and was an Asian Studies minor. I cannot remember her major. She joined the Jet program the summer she graduated and this summer will be the end of her third year. She lives in Ishinomaki which is one of several cities that had 10,000 people disappear after the earthquake and the 30-foot tsunami. She is petite in height. She was last seen leaving the elementary school [likely on her bicycle], prior to the tsunami hitting but after the earthquake had occurred.

Prayers would be so helpful right now, as this disaster now has a face for me. To clarify, I am not saying I didn't care before, but now I am feeling more intense emotions over this situation. I really am trying to be positive while still being a realist. I hope you all feel the same way. Prayers and donations to the Red Cross are likely the most effective, so please join me in caring and giving.

YouTube, CBS coverage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCiqrtuamOo

Forever Prep

2011-03-11T15:05:00.010-05:00

Hello ladies! Well this adorable young man was staring up at me when I got home yesterday. Virginia Living is an incredible magazine that my Mom and I have subscribed to since it was first published several years ago. It reminds me of "W" with its oversize format but the pages are heavy and glossy, like national magazines... used... to be. So every month I look forward to getting this magazine at home. This issue is the April 2011 issue and the cover feature is called "Forever Prep."

The story inside (starting on page 102) is fantastic, as it discusses the movement behind the Official Preppy Handbook and how it had a surge that re-occurred last year with True Prep (both of which I own, and enjoy for a good chuckle). More specifically, "Forever Prep" mentions how Virginia really has always been a good bit 'preppy,' but that we have really always referred to it as a 'traditional' lifestyle/fashion statement/etc. instead.

As the article states, summer is a verb (Alice!), and yes, we do go by the Old Dominion moniker. Most of us own at least one Jefferson cup, had cotillion and ballet classes, rode in fox hunts, attended steeplechase and went to a single-sex Episcopalian boarding school. Oh, and by the way, even though some silly young women at Randolph-Macon College wear socks with their boat shoes, if you are a real 'Vuh-gin-ian,' you know that is not acceptable and just looks ridiculous. Do you wear socks with your Rainbows? No. So these are your closed-toe equivalent! I am so happy that they chose Hampden-Sydney College and Sweet Briar as the models for this shoot, seeing as the campus is lovely and these men and women do often wear the garb shown (I would know, I attended SBC... natch it was for one semester... but still I did grow up around here)! Here are some more points from Virginia Living about the fashion of women and men in the Commonwealth of Virginia:
Following up on this article, I was very excited to pick up today a booklet on the 78th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia. To say that this event is an event, darlin, it is THE event! It is where women compete to have the best gardens, the most beautiful homes and the event, natch, has the Garden Club of Virginia involved. Okay maybe not all people compete, but a lot of them do as getting on the tour is difficult! As a Virginian with both a mother and two grandmothers as current (and former!) officers of their Garden Club chapters in VA, you know I am socially obligated to attend and I love every minute of it!

As you can see, Virgina Living's "Forever Prep" included a list of Virginia's Preppiest Events, which I have kindly included below:

And yes, you can see that #1 event listed is the thing I speak of above. Coincidence? I think not! ha!

"Forever Prep" really is a flattering look at what life is like in Virginia. For me, a native, it is one of the most realistic reflections into this world that is not necessarily about money anymore. It is about culture, tradition and embracing the values that you hold to a highest standard.

Photo Credits go to Virginia Living magazine and photographer Cade Martin. Text in the images provided was written by Caroline Kettlewell.

Tumblr

2011-03-09T17:00:00.002-05:00

Okay guys, some people may love me for this maneuver while others may tease me for it. I have signed up for Tumblr. I do not have any clue as to what I am doing, but I hope to be using it as an inspiration point for blog posts.

What do you use Tumblr for?

Muted Monday

2011-03-07T19:16:00.005-05:00

My Gaga is a lovely lady - she is on the far right here (with my Mom and her sister N on Easter in 1979).

A great lady in my life is my Grandmama. She is a lovely person, too. (you know I had to throw in the picture of me as a bebe! ha!) <3

Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.

-Margaret Thatcher

Another great lady is my Mother.

All are ladies as well as people who come from "good, hearty stock." They take pride in education, critical thinking and all the good things in life. They are powerful female figures in my life, while still being ladies, too! Love love love them all.

[thank you to Issue One of Matchbook Magazine for that quote]

Honeymoon Locations in the South: Part 5

2011-03-04T09:32:00.007-05:00

Just down the road a bit from yesterday's feature, the Grove Park Inn, is the lovely Inn at Biltmore Estate.
No, you do not get to stay at THE Biltmore Estate, seen below...

...but you can always tour it if you would like. Especially if you stay in the Cottage on the grounds - yes, a 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate is available for you to vacation, or honeymoon, at. It is definitely the man-made highlight of the Asheville area.

This lovely Inn comes a close second and, as you can tell, it was designed to mirror the Estate it was named for:

How could you not love the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from this dining room?

Don't you just love the stone details?

Would you like to take afternoon tea from this lobby?

Maybe you would rather take a nap in your room, with its own view of the lovely landscape?

Maybe once you check in to the Inn, you decide to go to the Spa for some treatment. A mani-pedi or massage, perhaps? While you decide, sit in the relaxation room:

I normally go for a massage, so this room is where you would find me!

On a side note: The Biltmore Estate is still family owned. I would like to point out that yes, that huge monstrosity that is based off of various features of Italian palazzi and French chateaux is STILL family owned. What the Biltmore family, today primarily the Cecil family, has done is diversify the massive amount of lands that they inherited (8,000+ acres, yup). Frederick Law Olmstead designed the landscapes. These diversifications are what has led to a very successful winery, spa, the Inn, Land Rover driving school, horseback riding, etc. - most of them made public in my lifetime. They have come a long way and I wish them the best as they continue to be successful!

Honeymoon Locations in the South: Part 4

2011-03-03T09:12:00.002-05:00

For my special series, Honeymoon Locations in the South, we move from Virginia down further to the South...

Welcome to North Carolina!

More specifically, welcome to the Grove Park Inn, located just outside of Asheville.

I have fond memories of this beautiful resort from family vacations as well as from conferences during my Mom's former career in the fashion industry. We had an English woman on the Housekeeping Staff who would babysit us when my Mom was at fashion shows and meetings. My Dad would try his best at golf and/or tennis. We would sit on the big, broad back "deck" (massive balcony) which overlooked the Blue Ridge Mountains and just gaze out towards the horizon.

This resort is a beautiful place to travel to as a family or as a newly married couple. It is both historic (opened in 1913) and respected throughout the hospitality industry. It was added to the National Historic Registry in 1973. Both families and couples would enjoy sitting next to the fireplace... just don't actually walk into it (yes, it is that big)! When it is cold you can get hot chocolate and it is delicious.

As per the Grove Park Inn website:

This lobby is known as The Great Hall — and for good reason. Measuring 120 feet across, the hall features 24-foot ceilings and two gigantic 14-foot stone fireplaces. It’s famous for the elevators cleverly hidden in the chimneys of the stone fireplaces (put there to conceal the noise of the machinery), which continue to transport guests to their rooms today.

The architecture, the views, and the landscape in general of the Grove Park Inn... they are ideal for someone who has diverse tastes. An outdoorsmen would love it, as would a traditionalist who likes the idea of a rich, luxe lodge out in the country.

Natch, I have to give a shoutout to my talented 'uncle' (really second cousin) Scott, who built the spa at the Grove Park Inn...

...which won numerous accolades for the features and architectural design. He was inspired by the elements which is why there is fire, water, earth and air so perfectly represented in every room of the spa.

They have themed weekends to cater to different tastes and interests - so be sure to check those opportunities out! Whether you want to go mountain biking or to tour the Biltmore Estate... you will not be disappointed by the beautiful lodge, regardless of the season!

Honeymoon Locations in the South: Part 3

2011-02-25T09:30:00.003-05:00

In Part 3 of my series, I will now take you Richmond, Virginia to stay at The Jefferson Hotel for your honeymoon!

The Jefferson Hotel is a beautiful old hotel in downtown Richmond, Virginia.

There are many elements in the Richmond area to take in, from the Cary Street shopping district, called Carytown,

to the Museum of the Confederacy,

to the Poe House,

to the world-reknown Virginia Museum of Fine Arts,

who has just started a huge exhibition of Picasso (the only East Coast locale on this tour) that will go from now until mid-May. If you go, you MUST check out their Faberge collection - it rivals the Forbes collection in terms of eggs and photographs & frames of the Romanovs!

The Jefferson itself is a sight to behold.

The Rotunda lobby is gorgeous (which used to be a Japanese palm garden),

[note the Tiffany glass atrium]

the restaurants are the top rankings of the entire Commonwealth

and the rooms are heavenly.

What more could you ask for?

Photo sources: The Jefferson Hotel, Carytown Association, Museum of the Confederacy, VMFA and the Poe House.

Honeymoon Locations in the South: Part 2

2011-02-24T09:05:00.008-05:00

Welcome to Part 2 of my series - Honeymoon Locations in the South!

Next stop is a town to the north of my hometown: Staunton, Virginia (pronounced STAN-tuhn).

Staunton has only one decent full-service hotel, the Stonewall Jackson Hotel!

It underwent major renovations in 2005 to update its interior to a higher standard. It had originally opened in 1924, and is on the National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Hotels of America list. It has 124 guest rooms. Part of this project was due to a new parking garage that was built adjacent to the hotel on New Street. The other reason is because of the addition of the renowned American Shakespeare Center ("ASC") at Blackfriar's Playhouse.

As written by Frommer's: "This stunning re-creation of the first indoor theater in the English-speaking world, which William Shakespeare and his colleagues built on part of London's Blackfriars Monastery...is, in itself, a reason to visit Staunton." The theater has 300 seats and is to scale and detail exactly what a serious theater buff would enjoy!

The hotel has a lovely dining room called the Colonnade, which does a very nice breakfast. Another dining option is the bar that is open at night. Often, there is live music at the bar and they have food as well. Both come highly recommended by friends and family. M and I have discussed doing a one-night stay there at some point, so we shall see! As you can see below, their king bedrooms look super-comfy:

So, if you are a couple looking for a southern town with some of the most talented Shakespearean actors in the country, this theater and music town is for you! If you love an old town steeped in unique architecture and history, then this location may be ideal for you as well!

Photo sources: Stonewall Jackson Hotel, Staunton Visitors Center

Honeymoon Locations in the South: Part 1

2011-02-22T17:45:00.015-05:00

I'm starting a new series this week - honeymoon locations in the south! [yes, I love the Disney movie Robin Hood. Sue me.]

Today is Part 1, so we will start at a place near my hometown - the Homestead.

The Homestead was founded in 1766 by Capt. Bullett and Andrew Lewis of the Virginia Militia. They built a wood lodge near the famous Hot Springs of Virginia on a tract of 300 acres. Visited by the newly-formed United States Presidents while they were in office (or not), the Homestead grows in popularity. By the early 1800s, Bath County and the Town of Bath, named for the English city are founded. At this point an average of 6,000 people come to "take in the baths" every year.

As early as 1832, the Homestead starts to form itself into the resort that stands today. However, the Homestead has had to resurrect itself many times due to major fires that occurred in previous centuries (literally).

In 1888, J. Pierpont Morgan (of J.P. Morgan fame) purchased the Homestead, as it had gone down in popularity during the Reconstruction era. In 1892, Morgan and additional financiers started renovating the resort and added a new wing. Thomas Edison, a frequent seasonal guest, provided a state of the art power plant. The Virginia Building, West Wing, ladies indoor badminton courts as well as the golf locker room, were completed by 1893.

The Ballroom is added after a major fire in 1901. From 1892-1913, the Old Course at The Homestead is completed by Donald Ross. Almost every single President that has ever been in office has golfed and/or stayed at the Homestead.

Here is a photo of a family taking a carriage ride with a view of the Homestead as it is today:

The Front Porch has tons of rocking chairs to encourage conversation between guests. The entire resort is heavily influenced by the Victorian era.

Be sure to book a suite at the Homestead! Most suites are immaculate in the details of the decor and they are so comfortable. The suites really give you the best deal for your money, and if you are able to drive to your honeymoon, spend that money that would have gone to a plane ticket on a room upgrade! The smallest rooms are almost 200 square feet, with suites going up to 630 sq ft (not including the President Suite). I believe the room pictured below is a Preferred Homestead Suite - which has both a living room and a bedroom and goes up to 500 square feet.

I would recommend honeymooners to stay at the Homestead if they are people who enjoy the outdoors. They offer horseback riding, carriage rides, skiing, ice-skating, canoeing, fly-fishing, archery, paintball, sporting clays, skeet, falconry, riflery, mountain biking and hay rides.

Traditional people would enjoy the Homestead for its classic Southern features that occur indoors as well. Every afternoon Tea is served in the Great Hall. You can enjoy reading by the fireplace or playing games in the Sun Room. You can also go bowling. There is also a spa, too!

Isn't this scene beautiful? Families enjoying the outdoors together. A big band would often play in the Pavilion or out on the lawn. As a child, I enjoyed watching my parents dance cheek to cheek here. I grew up attending Easter brunch, Mother's Day brunch, Memorial Day/Fourth of July/Labor Day parties here on the back lawn by the Pavilion - I even had a few birthday parties here myself!

And if you have kiddies, you should know that in 2010, Travel & Leisure ranked The Homestead #12 of 52 of "The World's Best Hotels for Families." (including my own, below, on my brother's birthday/New Year's Eve... yes I am that kid in the red dress)

Thanks to Disney for the Robin Hood screenshot. Most photos of The Homestead are public domain, Library of Congress or the Virginia Historical Society. If they are not, then they are my own or The Homestead's property.

Pints and Pinstripes

2011-02-16T20:15:00.016-05:00

UPDATE: please see more dress ideas below!

P & P, as it were, is happening in March (click on the image above to read the details).

It is going to be quite the event at Silo Point, in Baltimore, MD (in the Penthouse no less):

I love attending charity events - especially ones in places near and dear to my heart. reWIRED for Change was started by Sonja Sohn after her difficult childhood in Newport News, VA. One of my Great-Uncles ran the Newport News shipyard for years so I know how things there have changed over time (obviously I cannot relate but I hope you all know what I mean).

As Sky Blue Events writes: today reWIRED for Change is a "Baltimore-based 501c(3) non-profit organization empowering at-risk youth living in underserved city communities through a program combining education, media and social advocacy, and street-based intervention." Please try to attend if you can, 15% of each ticket + 100% of silent auction proceeds will be donated to reWIRED For Change!

I have been poking around for the ideal cocktail dress before buying my ticket for the event --- Neimans, Saks, Nordies, etc... trying to find something Spring-y but elegant. I honestly have a hard time wearing most of my Lilly P dresses to an evening event and I am trying to build up a wardrobe of quality pieces I can wear for the next ten-plus years. I already have a deep purple dress in chiffon and satin, a green silk dress, several wool dresses in varying shades for mourning/office, a green cotton embroidered dress, and one proper cocktail-style Lilly P dress. I have others but those are the ones which stick in my mind.

I now want a pink dress.

Here are some of my options:

A Shoshanna pink and white tulip dress - which is cotton. I love the shape and it is flouncy enough to wear to more fun, relaxed events. It has a fitted waist as well, which is good as I am very long-waisted.

This Jay Godfrey dress is the "Jennings" dress. It actually is not this short on me, more like an inch or two above the knee. I love the satin bow on the one shoulder - and the texture of this silk dress is so comfortable.

Here is the back of the "Jennings" dress:

This is my #1 favorite:

A Phoebe Couture dress in pink satin. It is a one-shoulder dress but I feel as though it is elegant. I love the fun details as I like to show off my shoulders and back (without looking skankyyy). The back of the dress is pleated in a way that almost looks like a bow but isn't a bow.

Here is the back of the dress:

Yeah, I love to look confidant. I think this dress would do that. Too bad M isn't attending. BWAHAHA.

I really loved what Claire Danes wore to the Golden Globes this year, a chic salmon-colored frock. It photographed differently from TV show to TV show, camera flash to camera flash. Here it is:

Along in that vein, I give you two new options, both by Kay Unger New York.

The first is a coral silk cocktail dress with a pencil skirt. There is pleating around the waist to make it more fitted. Beading details finish the dress off:

In the back there is a cut-out shoulder, to really emphasize an hourglass figure:

Here is another option, a faux-wrap salmon taffeta dress. This dress has a sensual asymmetric shape and a flattering one-shoulder neckline. The bodice is tiered in the style of a Herve Leger without cutting off circulation:

The back shows off the vent in the straight, yet shortened style of a pencil skirt - as well as the shimmering shade of coral/salmon in the taffeta fabric:

What are you thinking of wearing to this Sky Blue Event? What would you wear if you could go (if you aren't) (but you SHOULD be!)?

Special Thanks to Sky Blue Events for letting me steal some pictures for reference! Thanks to Neiman Marcus for the pictures of dresses.

Ask Sydney

2011-02-12T09:44:00.005-05:00

Students walking for Relay for Life

A classmate of mine is not graduating this year. I would like to share you her story, which she included in a student-wide email. The next email after her story is about what Randolph-Macon College plans to do to help Sydney and people like her.

Here is Sydney!

"My name is Sydney, and you may have been wondering what exactly you were supposed to "Ask" me. Well, here is my story, so you can form the right questions.

In June of 2008 I had a simple surgery performed in order to remove a mysterious bump in my hand. All 3 of the medical professionals I had consulted thought it was a harmless ganglion cyst. After the surgery, the surgeon told me that he didn't know what “it” was. Not only had the surgeon never seen anything like it, but neither had any of the pathologists in Austin, TX (my hometown). The "cyst", that was later learned was actually a tumor, was sent to Massachusetts General, where it was diagnosed as a Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhadomyosarcoma is a rare pediatric cancer of the muscle cells most commonly found in the lungs. Sarcomas make up 1% of all cancers diagnosed, and there are fewer than 400 cases of rhadomysarcoma around the world a year. So instead of planning a fantastic junior year of college with my best friends at Randolph-Macon, I was trying to figure out how to save my life. Unfortunately, these plans included dropping out of school, and moving to Houston, Tx. for two years. I no longer had to worry about when my next test was or when my next paper was due, but rather trying to have a life to get to live.

Luckily my story has a happy ending. After 2 impromptu surgeries, 3 emergency stays in the ER, losing my hair twice, 15 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 radiation treatments I have won my battle against cancer. Sadly not everyone who fights this battle has the same outcome.

Foundations such as the American Cancer Society have donated and supported cancer patients like myself. Without all of the time and effort the professionals as well as people who participate in events, like Relay for Life, have given, you may never had the opportunity to ask me... Please support Relay for Life and raise money to help find a cure for cancer.

We are not victims, we are survivors.

We will not die from cancer, we will live with it.

Thank you in advance,

Sydney"

Here is Sydney at the 2010 Relay for Life

========================================================

The Kappa Alpha Order [Zeta Chapter] provided refreshments at the 2010 Relay for Life

Good Morning Randolph-Macon College,

I know you have all had your various questions throughout the week: "Who is Sydney?" "Is that OUR Sydney?" "What are we supposed to 'Ask' her?" And that was exactly the point... to make you ask questions. The bright neon signs caught your attention, and the lack of detail kept it. Now we are filling in the blanks. We can answer your questions, so PLEASE ask them. We are Relay for Life of Randolph-Macon.

Today the Relay for Life Committee members are wearing World Hope shirts and/or buttons encouraging you to "ASK SYDNEY" or "Ask me about Relay". We know Sydney. We know her story. BUT we also know Relay; something Sydney was a active participant in long before her diagnosis. We each Relay for many different reasons. Some of us have lost parents to cancer, others have watched our friends fight this horrible disease. And so we Relay.

On April 30th, 2011, Randolph Macon will host its 3rd Annual Relay for Life event. There will be food, entertainment, friends, and fun to be had by everyone. It is all in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Money that will go towards providing care for patients, and towards research for, what any cancer survivor or fighter will tell you they want most in the world, a cure.

Join a Team today! Or create your own team! http://www.relayforlife.org/randolphmacon

Be a part of something that has changed so may lives. Sydney was one of us. She was a student at Randolph-Macon who would have been graduating along side of many of us in May. And now she is a survivor, before that, a fighter. She beat the odds and is living and breathing today because of the medical advances made possible because of volunteers and donations to ACS.

Find your own reason to Relay and let's make cancer a thing of the past.

2010 Luminaria at the Relay for Life. Highly emotional for all of the student body with Sydney present. Around the Fountain on campus.

Friendship and Blogs

2011-02-11T09:03:00.005-05:00

I've recently called into question many people I am friends with. I realized that many people I am friends with on Facebook are not people that I'd tell I was getting married on a specific date... or eventually... if I got pregnant. So I deleted a lot of them. I don't need them in my life, at least not until we reconnect at some point. Why become a statistic when you don't need to have _ _ _ _ # of friends? Facebook is for real, true friends. People I'd run up to in a bar elated to see, people who would CALL me on the phone, reply to my texts and email me back. True friends say hey back. Even if they are busy. Say "hey I am busy, can we talk later?" End of story! Simple!

I have also called into question many of the people I follow on Twitter, the people whose blogs I comment on. If you don't comment on my blog (when I comment on yours regularly), or you never bother to reply to something I said to you on Twitter - I delete you.

There are many people who blog who are not who they say they are. I get privacy and not showing pictures of their face - those people I respect. The people I do not respect are the people who blatantly lie about facets of their life. Lie about jobs, social opportunities and friends. Lying to advance your followers and build yourself up is fake. Acting like a show pony.... sad. Those who do not even understand that their social climbing methods are just ridiculous need to figure that out. I bet those people that, not even kidding, their life is still much better and more interesting than Jane Doe up the street. People should be themselves and not care! Privacy, again, doesn't count. Lying... it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. You can be yourself and gain a following. You see people like that all the time in the real world. But some people think they can make up their own world and no one will notice.

I hope people are happy with what I put on here. I am a person with varying tastes. I do not stick to one subject or write about things I do not find interesting or valid. I write for me. But I chose to make this blog public and share my thoughts with you. Thoughts. Not lies. I frequently tell you about my life, because my life has been public for years.

I had a blog in 2000. That is how long I haven't been afraid to write about myself. I challenge anyone to find issue with that. My boarding school did at one point, and made me delete that blog. I did. Some stupid reason like you could vaguely interpret where the school was. Right. It was stupid of me to let them control my life like that. Then a week or two later I formed another one and gave the school the finger, because I lost four years of deep thoughts and shared interests with friends and all of those interesting melancholic moments you have as a teenager by deleting that first blog. I have continued to maintain that second blog. I love it because it is incredibly raw and intense because points of my life have been that way.

Another way I have had a public life? I've been in the press. My family has been in the press. It isn't like you know my address or SSN. So, my life has been public and that isn't something I really care to hide about. I am not a billionaire or a celebrity. But I have interesting stories and have had an above-average upbringing with good moments.

I really plan on making this blog special in the coming months. I graduate in May and more time will be available to do things like my blog and other plans I have for myself. I really hope people continue to follow me on my journey --- because I want you to see where things take me.

Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2011

2011-02-10T18:36:00.010-05:00

Thanks to my BFF Muffy Martini for sharing with me the .pdf version of the latest Lilly Pulitzer catalog (Spring 2011)!

As I sit inside at work on a cold, but cheery-sunny day, the bright pops of color on the models made me feel excited about Spring (and a lil' out of shape, too). Here are a few of my favorite styles, I hope you all do not mind YET ANOTHER blogger writing about her favorite styles of Lilly P.

The "Eryn" is a gorgeous, fluffy dress of the retro variety - clearly something you would see on Mad Men on any given episode. I am a fan of the textured look - this dress has an organza ribbon stripe and a full skirt.

The "Jacqueline" dress has a cheerful green color and a classic shift shape. I am in love with the novelty lace in the Lilly Pulitzer signature lace mini jacquard. Again, I love texture! Isn't it just a fun Spring-y color? I am sure I will see this at Easter and at horse races this Spring.

Lastly, I love the "Shauna" tunic dress. Every season I try to get a new white dress. For one, it is the epitome of summer. Two, I find that it inspires me to really tone up and get some healthy coloring. And it looks flattering with the natural auburn highlights in my hair that happen in the summer months. All good things!

As you can see, I am a fan of boatnecks. I have pretty toned arms so I love that look! Flattering and clean-cut while not looking prude-ish!

What are your favorite Lilly Pulitzer dresses for this year? What about for all time?

My Fave Super Bowl Ads

2011-02-07T17:25:00.003-05:00

Here are my favorite Super Bowls ads from last night:

Eminem's Keep Detroit Beautiful ad for Chrysler:

Volkswagon's Darth Vader ad:

BMW's Spartanburg, SC plant for the X3 is "Defying Logic":

I normally do not have all three of my fave spots end up as car manufacturers! However, this year I did and I found them all to be great.

What were your favorite three Super Bowl ads?

Kluge's Magnificent Jewels

2011-02-03T17:41:00.011-05:00

Patricia Kluge, probably before her $15 billion divorce settlement from John in the early 1990s.

Formerly fabulous Patricia Kluge didn't just lose her home and real estate this past year, she also lost a lot of beautiful jewels. Prior to her foreclosure issues, she claimed the sale was to "clean closet" of her home in Albemarle ('unloading', you could say to 'concentrate' on her wine business). We know the true reason for this sale now. Regardless, the Sotheby's auction of her jewels was just like the sale of her furniture - fantastic stuff sold at super-inflated prices!

Again, as it was written in Luxist: "Ms. Kluge, who is remarried, is now pursuing a life as a winemaker and decided it was time to change her lifestyle. As such, she felt it was time to part with both Albemarle, the enormous estate in Virginia she called home and the incredible collection of world-class jewels given to her by her ex-husband."

Change her lifestyle indeed! ha!!!

Enjoy the following images of her auctioned property:

Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire “Panthère” Wristwatch, Cartier, French, circa 1985.
EST $100,000-150,000
SOLD at $686,500 (including buyer's premium)

Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
A rectangular mixed-cut diamond of fancy intense yellow color weighing 27.80 carats, flanked by triangular-shaped diamonds weighing 3.50 carats, mounted in platinum and gold, size 7.
EST $400,000-600,000
SOLD at $602,500 (including buyer's premium)

(seen in the top photo)
Platinum and Diamond Pendant Ear clips
Pear-shaped diamonds weighing 13.16, 11.83, 9.33 and 8.74 carats, set in the center with a cluster of smaller pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 20.85 carats.
EST $600,000 to $800,000
SOLD at $1,058,500 (including buyers premium)

18k white gold, diamond and sapphire necklace; platinum, diamond and sapphire ear clips (NOT the ring, however)

Necklace: cushion-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 52.00 carats, round and marquise-shaped diamonds weighing a total of approximately 60.50 carats, length 16½ inches.
EST $100,000 to $150,000
Sold at $158,500 (including buyer's premium)

Ear clips: pear-shaped sapphires weighing approximately 21.75 carats, round sapphires weighing approximately 8.35 carats, and round and oval diamonds weighing approximately 12.00 carats, pendants detachable.
EST $75,000 to $100,000
Sold at $116,500 (including buyer's premium)

Patricia Kluge in a more recent photo:

Read more at the Palm Beach Daily News. And at New York Social Diary.
Photos are property of Sotheby's except where noted.

An Auction, not Bonfire, of Vanities

2011-02-01T18:44:00.019-05:00

I promised my readers last week that I would tell y’all the tragic tale of the former ‘Queen of Albemarle’ wineries. Ms. Patricia Kluge, ex-wife of the late philanthropist John Kluge (died Sept 2010 at age 95 and most famous for founding Metromedia), has been in financial hot water for the past year+ (at least publicly)...

It all got questionable - to me - in July 2007 when she abruptly closed Fuel, Co. a gas station/bistro mix after being open for barely four years. It has all gone downhill since that first closing. Clearly Kluge and her latest husband have run her massive divorce settlement from John Kluge into the ground. This past summer, Kluge held an auction with Sotheby’s at her expansive home Albemarle House.

That sale grossed $15.2 million dollars. Since that time, Kluge has lost the expansive Albemarle House as well, expansive as it is 25,000+ square feet. Originally, Albemarle House was listed for sale at $100 million but has continually dropped in this economy. This does not include her Vineyard, the real estate development Vineyard Estates and additional assets in the area.

Kluge has creditors up in arms here, owing money to Farm Credit, Sonabank and Bank of America. Local businesses are owed tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars - can you imagine having those massive amounts owed on your books during tax season? What a nightmare - this includes construction companies for renovations as well as almost $3,000 owed to a local pool maintenance company. Such a sad thing. What is even worse is that while they haven't missed a single payment of the $1.2 million gift to the local community college Piedmont Virginia Community College --- they have only made five payments while five still remain on the Kluge-Moses Science Building (which has already been completed, opened even, for over a year now).

As you marvel at this large estate, understand that it isn't a real estate. The Kluge's built it in 1985.

Please enjoy a photo tour....

"King George III Serpentine Walnut Cabinet"

"King George III Serpentine Dressing Comode"

"the average wall lights"

"Living Room (in the English style)"

"Drawing/Music Room"

"the average wall clock at Albemarle House (Qing dynasty Guangzhou Imperial Clock)"

"Dining Room table"

"Dining Room"

"The Hallway"

"Back porch"

"The Rose Terrace"

Most information I knew first-hand, but some statistics may have come from The Hook story called “Reversal of Fortune” by Lisa Provence. She clearly did her job of covering all of the bases on this story – you go, shug! Most photos are of public domain, but some are from The Hook and Sotheby's.

Top Gear Series 16

2011-01-30T12:14:00.003-05:00

This BBC show is my favorite. My family has been watching it on BBC America since it first came on the air. Here is a trailer for the new season, Series 16:

Series 16 starts on BBC America on February 7 here in the States. It will air at 9 pm EST. Afterwards, Top Gear will be showing a new special "Top Gear: USA Road Trip Special". This special included filming in Asheville, NC up the Blue Ridge Parkway. It includes them racing at Virginia International Raceway ("VIR") near my boarding school Chatham Hall - and continuing to race up to New York City. I cannot wait!

If you cannot wait to see the special that includes places in my neck of the woods, please check out this YouTube that magically has not been pulled in over a month since the special originally aired:

Anne Taintor love

2011-01-25T19:16:00.007-05:00

I really love Anne Taintor's humorous vintage products. She cracks me up to no end. And while I am a Yale fan, she IS a Harvard grad. Props to her! Here are some of my most recent finds on Google Image:

"I dreamed my whole house was clean..."

"Why do dishes when you can do daiquiris?"

"Make your own damn dinner."

"Honey, you couldn't handle half of me."

"I'm so happy it's happy hour."

And the funniest one I found - not for the faint of heart:

"...and best of all is the matching thong."

Aren't they hilarious? Looooooove them! Meanwhile, I am working on a great entry on a very well-known fallen woman in the C'ville area... woohoo!

All images property of Anne Taintor

Brands

2011-01-24T14:27:00.005-05:00

Do you have a go-to inexpensive brand?

How did you discover this brand?

Relatively-speaking, is your go-to brand inexpensive to the person next to you?

I often think about how I could save money if I bought less-expensive things, however, I cannot count on two hands the number of times a friend has gone to hell and back for buying something at Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters and it literally fell apart after three wear-and-washes.

For me, my go-to inexpensive brands are pretty classic, and I hope most of you agree that their sales are really fantastic when it comes to stocking up on basics:

When I have a fashion emergency, these three stores: GAP, Talbots and J.Crew, are the ones I rush into to remedy my problem. What do I go to these stores for, you may ask? I go to each for very specific things, and if I have any luck maybe I can find something unexpected there as well.

At GAP, I find myself picking out everyday basics - tanks & t-shirts for layering, a basic pair of jeans that don't necessarily need to fit well but work if I left town without a pair and accessories. The tanks & t-shirts there have a good thickness and are great when in-between seasons. I normally go for fun, classic colors by Jockey that I get at my local Belk - but GAP is often the next best thing and occasionally cheaper or easier to get to.

At Talbots, I find myself picking out that last-minute emergency dress, the skirt for a job interview because mine had something spilled on it (and I don't have time to wash out the one I am wearing) or a simple jacket for a date when I hadn't planned on a date (or hadn't planned on the temperature dropping).

At J.Crew, I pick out a quick cardigan, a dress or hair accessories. I normally am able to use my student discount (don't get rid of your ID cards for a reason, ladies!!) and get an extra 15% off of what is already on sale. I don't think I have ever bought ballet flats from J.Crew at full price, ever, because for the same amount I could get a higher-tier brand new at Nordies. Just something I learned from shopping and working in retail over the years.

So ladies, where do you get your basics at? Do you have a go-to emergency store you stop in when you need a quick outfit alteration?

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-01-23T09:18:00.002-05:00

Here are the rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Thank you so much to Pink Tulips for giving me the Stylish Blogger Award!
I will now try to come up with some schnazzy things to say.

1. I wear the same size shoe and same size in clothing as my Mom, so we frequently trade things off which is always a blast... especially with some of her vintage items!

2. I have not had my hair cut, in a legitimate way, since 2004. It is VERY long now.

3. I live in Goochland County, Virginia and longingly drive past a lovely, old plantation home everyday. I squint my eyes and try to think of how it would look if M and I lived there.

4. I grew up in Lexington, Virginia, and this upbringing has made me a bit of a snot when it comes to good food, wine and a high appreciation for fine things.

5. I look more like my Grandmama than anyone else in my family.

6. I daily struggle with being a 25-year-old college senior in an undergrad-only college of 1200 students. Everyone knows I am "old" (can't they just say "older" and be nice about it?!)!

7. I have taken over M and my DVR. Shows currently being recorded: Extra Virgin, Southland, The Martha Stewart Show, Grey's Anatomy, the 12am showing up Sportscenter, Conan, The Dish, Soup, How I Met Your Mother, Damages, Greek. No, he doesn't mind. No, I am not totally positive on that last comment.

Fifteen Recently Discovered Bloggers (wow, that is a LOT of bloggers... I couldn't list that many!!!) I have lots of friends, but I have not discovered THAT many recently, here are a handful of recent additions, however!

1. 2frugalfoodies - Boarding school classmate and her hubby making amazingly good food

2. Jamie's J.D. - A Twitter friend whose blog provides me with regular laughs

3. Natalie at Tripping in Heels

4. My cousin's GF, Xiaolu at 6 Bittersweets, makes me drool on a daily basis with her delish-looking meals.

5. A very awesome family friend, Dixie Gypsy, on her adventures in Australia!

6. Amanda and Nick. I always like to get ideas from other people's weddings!

7. Sara in Le Petit Village. Sometimes she does a French word of the day with j'adore!

8. You may follow her on Twitter as SBCVandy, her blog is now titled "My Crooked Life." but I really enjoy her keeping me in the loop about her health! So important!

Feel free to spread the LOVE around, y'all!

XO

My Golden Globes 2011 Faves

2011-01-22T17:08:00.010-05:00

Hey y'all! Did anyone watch the Golden Globes last weekend? I did briefly, but mostly on mute. I just looked up every now and then to check out what the celebs were wearing. That's all I really care about anyway! The fashion!

Here are my outfit faves:

She always can wear whatever she wants. And look amazing. I wish this wasn't SO covered up, but she made it work anyway. The back was nice, too. Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

As usual, looking sweet and beautiful! Carrie Underwood in Badgley Mischka

She is like a liquid Oscar statue with this dress. The shoulders were fabulous and I thought the sequins were great! Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Armani Prive

Claire Danes was in Calvin Klein, and as usual, it draped beautifully on her. While on my TV at home it looked almost orange, in print you can tell it was a gorgeous pinky-peach color!

Loved the princess look of Olivia Wilde's gown, except WTF with gold shoes? BIG mistake, glad she only showed them off once on the red carpet because it looked horrid with the dress! Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Piper Perabo looked glamorous and classic for a black tie event in her black gown from Oscar de la Renta. Love love love it!

My #1 favorite of the night was Catherine Zeta-Jones in Monique L'Huillier. The color has always looked stunning on her, and with her much-healthier in recovery husband by her side, she was beaming!

OMG

2011-01-19T20:56:00.001-05:00

So I am totally swamped at my internship, and with work, so I will hope to do a DECENT, quality, not lame post soon! I love you all for being such amazing commenters lately. It has been a blast for me to read some of the funny stuff you guys say!

XOXO
W

Brands I Love: Lilly Pulitzer

2011-01-16T17:39:00.006-05:00

Greetings from another edition of Brands I Love! Previously I have talked to you guys about my love of Vera Bradley and Kate Spade. Now, the classic love of Lilly Pulitzer.

The love affair started very early in my family. My Grandmama and my aunt Mellie wore Lilly's shifts when they first came out on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. My family lived in Coral Gables, Florida then, so of course they understood the function of the dresses!

Here are some of my favorite pieces by her over the years...:

This long shift with a butterfly print was something I found on a vintage site. Love the two slits for legs - very Chinois in style so likely a late 60s cut. Cute!

The Sherman linen dress in Turquoise Alligator Alley is so fresh and clean-looking!

The Starfruit Climbing Up the Ladder shift is too presh!

The Worth Shift in this pattern, cannot remember the name, so someone please help me remember it! ha!

Brands I Love: Kate Spade

2011-01-15T17:20:00.009-05:00

Last week I told you all about my love affair with the function and comfort of Vera Bradley.

Another brand I have worn for years and always loved is Kate Spade. My first piece came from my aunt and was from the Kate Spade Texas collection at Neiman Marcus (natch, it is denim). I occasionally still use it but only if I am looking for a urban-ish small purse when going out.

Other pieces I have found in the recent past that I love...:

The Stevie Nyack in orange. Yes, it is a baby bag... no, I don't totally care as the color is very cheerful and Hermes-esque!

The Eliza (short) in Atlantic Blue. I fell in love with this bag one day while at the Towson Nordstrom. Le sigh...

The Isabeli in Goldenrod. Isn't that a great bag? I love textures like ostrich. Perfect for going out, and I have a lot of Lilly P that would go with it!

Another thing of Kate Spade's that I reliably love are her shoes - check these babies out!

The Gillian in purple satin. What a gorgeous, sexy evening shoe, right? I would put this with something really plain and simple just to kick it up a notch!

I have a lot of simple work clothes in greys. They look great with my skin tone and I like them for court and generic office work. However, they are perfect to wear out to dinner as well. These shoes, the Chase in grey flannel, would be ideal for the cooler seasons!

I often get my KS items from Nordstrom, as there is no Neiman's nearby. However, the Zappos couture is a very nicely done website, so that is worth looking at as well!

Do you have any favorite Kate Spade pieces?

XO

Vera Bradley

2011-01-10T01:34:00.007-05:00

I love the overly patterned, cotton washing-machine-friendly goodness that is Vera Bradley.

While my passion has certainly waned a bit since my Freshman year of college in 2003, or even when I was in boarding school before that... I still like the comfy goodness that is Vera Bradley when I go grocery shopping or am bumming around Charlottesville. The purses are great when you don't want to be handed yet another plastic bag, just stick something in a Vera Bradley!

Here are some of my current favorites:

The Frannie, in Very Berry Paisley:

The Side-By-Side Tote in Make Me Blush:

The Weekender in Symphony in Hue: (I have the laptop case in this pattern)

The Gabby in Imperial Toile:

The Metropolitan in Blue Rhapsody:

Now, I am not one of those Vera Bradley people who collects things in a certain pattern, but I'd love to know what products you all have by this brand! Or do you think it is too juvenile for you?

Do I want to be a Litigator?

2011-01-09T01:59:00.002-05:00

Do I want to be a litigator? I was asked this question on Friday by my boss at my internship. She is a fantastic attorney, with a family life and is from a similar background as me (same congressional district, grew up on a farm in rural VA). She went to a small liberal arts college, and went to a great law school. Not a top 15, not a major player with BigLaw, but a great law school nonetheless. I honestly didn't know how to answer her question. I have not had a lot of opportunities to really figure it all out. I know where I don't want to work. I don't want to work in BigLaw, and I don't want to work for the Federal Government. I do want to work in Environmental Law, and I don't want to do Policy and having to be an ass-kisser and push policy in DC. I want to work where I am currently interning, or someplace similar to it. And I do ideally want to stay in Virginia, at least for the next five years. I don't really have a choice in that matter, anyway.

But I do not have experience, or a lot of it anyway, of speaking in public. I used to perform in public, when I still sang, but that isn't the same thing. I used to act, but I really don't find that to be the same either. You are given a script then, and when you are practicing law you have to be quick with words or you lose the attention of the jury, judges, whomever you are speaking to. I think those qualities are important.

"There's very little difference in the way great men and great women lawyers conduct themselves in the courtroom, U.S. District Judge Norma L. Shapiro told a group of about 500 women at the ABA's Women in Law Leadership Academy in Philadelphia Thursday afternoon.

But there are some things women could do better, the three judges on the panel agreed.

"Women in general lack the confidence that men seem to have in the courtroom," said Shapiro, who sits on the federal court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

And that's a problem. If the attorney doesn't have confidence in herself, neither will the judge or jury, she said. The trick is to exude confidence -- something Shapiro and the other panelists agreed was difficult to do without first some successes under their belt.

So what to do if a lawyer is new to the courtroom and doesn't have the confidence in her skills?

"You pretend. You fake it," Shapiro said, adding that being prepared helps."

Taken from: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202457596418
Title: Judges Provide Tips for Female Litigators
Author: Gina Passarella
Publication: The Legal Intelligencer
Publisher: ALM Media, Inc.
Date: May 4, 2010
Copyright © 2010, ALM Properties, Inc

I've always been able to "fake it til I make it". I have always done that pretty well. But what we are talking about here is still faking some kind of confidance. I was born with a pretty decent attitude about myself, but not a great ability in hiding my fears. I have a circulatory issue that makes my voice shake and limbs tremble, a lot. I have a splotchy skin on my chest and neck problem that shows up pretty well when I have a problem with someone, whether when I am angry/upset/hurt. Obviously, in a court room I would be covered up pretty well, but it isn't like I can go to court in a turtleneck.

Over the next several months, a year, really, while I prepare for taking the LSAT after graduating... I will eventually need to figure out what I want to do. And maybe it will be me as a "litigatrix".

Kennedy's Miniseries Pull

2011-01-08T15:11:00.006-05:00

What a bummer!

The Kennedy's Miniseries on the History Channel has been pulled from their schedule. I know it caused some controversy on some things, but still, what hasn't in terms of perspective, interpretation and freedom of expression? Especially in film. Isn't that why it isn't just interviews and photos/old video clips... that kind of documentary?

What a stupid thing to blow up in terms of media coverage, magazine covers, etc. and then abruptly pull for "historical fiction." Um, half of the people portrayed are dead, so I am not sure how they check their sources on things like JFK's sex life outside of his marriage anyway! Besides, they have to figure out what happened the day JFK was shot in terms of Jackie's perspective in some way, so why not go for a well-cast dramatization mini-series? If the cast didn't approve of lines or find them unethical, they can request changes, and sometimes those requests are actually considered.

Shame. It seems well done. Maybe it will be like The Reagans and be picked up by Showtime, or possibly even HBO. It is dumb that the History Channel will show crap about ghosts and aliens, and not this show.

Favorite Women: Katharine Hepburn

2011-01-07T08:17:00.005-05:00

Growing up, one of my favorite women was Katharine Hepburn.

This is probably because my Grandmama looked a lot like her growing up.

And as I got older a beau compared me to her at one point, calling me "Hepburn-esque," likely one of the best compliments I will ever earn in my lifetime.

Some of my favorite quotes by Ms. Hepburn:

"Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything."

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."

"We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers - you can blame anyone but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault, because if you wanted to change, you're the one who has got to change. It's as simple as that, isn't it?"

"It would be a terrific innovation if you could get your mind to stretch a little further than the next wisecrack."

"Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don't do that by sitting around wondering about yourself."

Those of you who follow my Twitter or know me personally know that I have had a rough week. This quote by her has always made me feel better:

"Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens to you, you have to keep a slightly comic attitude. In the final analysis, you have got not to forget to laugh."

Wedding Day Jewelry

2011-01-06T19:10:00.006-05:00

Because my ring looks like this:

And side view:

And I love pearls...

M told me, in a perfect world, he would love to give me a set of jewelry that would incorporate my new sapphire engagement ring and my love of pearls. As my current set of pearls are mounted on gold, I would love to add a set with platinum or silver as it's mounting material to incorporate my platinum ring. He said maybe he will be able to surprise me with a piece, which I would be thrilled to add onto over the years.

The Elements of Life: Ocean Collection:

Mikimoto writes of their collection saying:

Mikimoto's Elements of Life collection illustrates the company's ongoing initiative to incorporate colour into their jewellery collections. Water, Fire, Earth and Air are the four key elements of life forming harmony in the universe and unity among all living things. The use of coloured gemstones is a natural progression for Mikimoto. The broad range of coloured sapphires contrasts beautifully with cultured pearls.

The first collection to be launched in the UK is Ocean from Elements of Life, which is inspired, by the element of Water. Water represents purity and is known as the sustainer of life. The ocean, the oyster's natural habitat and the birthplace of pearls reflects shades of blue which is interpreted by Mikimoto using graduated shades of blue sapphires adding sparkle to white cultured pearl jewellery designs. Ocean from Elements of Life features necklaces, earrings and rings set with Akoya or White South Sea pearls complemented by graduated shades of blue sapphires.

Has anyone seen this collection before? It is by Mikimoto and is sold in the Virginia area by both Fink's Jewelers and Schwarzchild.

There is a drop necklace:

A stud necklace:

Drop earrings:

And bracelet:

There are many other pieces, but these are my favorites! What do you think?

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T02:30:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!

Many jolly tidings and best wishes!

[my gorgeous parents headed to a New Years Eve party when I was little]

Do not forget to cook your greens and eat your black-eyed peas!

XOXO

WorthyStyle

New Years Resolutions

2010-12-30T12:04:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to all!

What are your New Years Resolutions?

Here are mine:

1. Graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in both Environmental Studies and Political Science in May.

2. Start grad school at University of Maryland, starting small, with my Master of Science in Environmental Management or Master of Science in Management (Non-Profit/Associations Management).

3. Study for the LSAT. I have a couple books, I need several more (especially those practice tests) so I can not waste my time the first time I take the exam. I do want to get my law degree, even if I don't become a practicing lawyer, it will certainly help with my long-term goals in non-profit environmental work.

4. Find a job that is just enough to pay what I need, let me put aside some extras, have a life and earn benefits no later than August (when my health insurance goes away). Continue my tutoring job with my current family of three boys. Which means getting a true office job and being done at 5 everyday so I can get to their house for productive work.

5. Really master jewelry-making so my business can really take off. I've been slowly working on it, but hope to increase it as a weekend occupation after graduation.

6. Set up an Etsy store for my jewelry and other small things.

7. Lose another ten pounds and really tighten everything up again... without hurting my heart like I did two years ago.

[hysterical, but so not P.C.]

Please leave a comment and share with me on what you plan on doing in the New Year!!!

XO

Conair infiniti i Series Hairdryer

2010-12-28T17:21:00.004-05:00

For Christmas I received a present from Mom and Dad that I have needed for years (literally), a new hairdryer. I had been using for ages the old traveling hairdryer my Grandmama had in the Owners closet at the Beach House, and I had grown up using it on vacation. It was probably one of several things I had been using as a coping mechanism over their selling the house in 2003/2004. It was a dinky hairdryer, with no attachments, and had a horrible habit of sucking my hair into it to burn. Not so good. So, I took matters into my own hands this year, especially with my hair now down to my belly button, and decided that I should have a new one. I did some research at ULTA and read reviews. I decided to go with this hairdryer. And yes, IT IS PINK!!

I cannot wait to use it on my super-thin, baby fine hair and see if it frizzes as much as it used to. Supposedly, it is supposed to not do that. I seriously am hair-dumb stylistically-speaking, so you guys can give me tips on it as you see fit!

XO

The Cricut Create

2010-12-27T00:27:00.008-05:00

Another big gift that I got this Christmas was the Cricut Create by Provo Craft. I originally had asked for the Expression, but seeing as I don't make big posters an awful lot, this similar tool certainly will come in handy while in my office at home. M really is trying to get me to do things I enjoy more often.

When you open it up, this keyboard appears to match the cartridge you placed within the Cricut, and this area is called the Dashboard.

The Cricut used to come with the cartridge called "George" but it now comes with the cartridge "DonJuan" instead. It includes both letters, numbers, short phrases as well as graphics.

As the Cricut serves many different purposes, they recommend that you purchase Replacement Blades and have a tool kit to really enjoy everything the Cricut offers.

So, M got me two replacement blades and a spatula, to lift graphics and letters from the paper!

Does anyone else have a Cricut Create or Cricut Expression? I would love to hear people's opinions on the Cricut and what cartridges they have gotten the most use from, as I hope to use mine to make cards, packages, decorated boxes for my jewelry, posters--- any sort of thing I think of, I guess!

XOXO

Bialetti Hot Chocolate Maker

2010-12-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

This gift, the Bialetti Hot Chocolate Maker, is one of the ones I received this Christmas. I have not taken it out of the box yet - snowed in at the parentals - but I cannot wait! M purchased it for me, and it is a very thoughtful gift so then I don't spend a ton of money at Starbucks buying Venti Peppermint Hot Chocolate, no Whip, Whole Milk.

One of the many reasons I love Williams-Sonoma, how-to videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbyxZP8jc8c

(W-S is lame, however, by disabling embedding videos!! BOO)

[photo by http://almostbourdain.blogspot.com/]

Places in Paris, like salons de thé "Angelina's", serve their hot chocolate with low-fat milk in it. I normally drink whole milk, but I may get a jar of 2% milk for this product as it is designed (I think) for the lower-fat content of other milks.

[photo by http://almostbourdain.blogspot.com/]

At Angelina's, you order a hot chocolat and they serve it to you in a pitcher with a tea cup. Next to that is a bowl of fresh whipped creme and a glass of ice water to cleanse your palate of the richness.

As an unexpected surprise, My Grandmama and Grandpapa gave me the Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Hot Chocolate shavings as well, so I am ready to go with setting this baby up when I get back to the house in a few days! They did not know M was purchasing this item for me, small world.

As Williams-Sonoma writes:
* Our peppermint version adds triple-distilled natural peppermint oil for the cool, clean taste of fresh mint.

* We've chosen an artisanal bittersweet chocolate by Guittard, San Francisco chocolate makers since the 19th century.

HEAVEN!!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T02:20:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to one and all!

Happy Holidays!

[little Worthington at her aunt's Christmastime wedding in the late 1980s]

XOXO

WorthyStyle

My Christmas Wishlist

2010-12-24T14:47:00.011-05:00

Me at Christmas around 1994. This photo was taken at my Grandmama/Grandpapa's house on Jackson Avenue in Lexington, VA. LOVE my skirt! ha!

In my family, as there are so many of us, we have to write a list every year. It gets given to the significant other and the parents are both CC:d on the email. Basically, this list is done so there is no possible duplication of gifts. I was surprised to learn as I grew up that I had many friends who never did a list! Imagine my surprise! Wow!

Anyway, I am one of those people who always asks for books. I think books are the one amendment to the rule on not re-gifting. You can re-gift a book, or give a used book, and it is just as good as a brand new one. You are being good to the Earth, and what if the book is something perfect for a friend or family member. Obviously, I normally own up to it being "used" or whatever, and give another gift to even things out a bit, but I never see why that is wrong, right? [Although if the book smells like cigarettes, or you are giving a book to a germaphobe, then things may want to be adjusted on a case-by-case basis! ha!]

The following items are some of the many things on my wish list this year. These are normally guidelines for family who just don't know what to get me, so these are normally a list of want/needs:

The Cricut Expression. It is an expensive item, but I know with my jewelry-making, scrap-booking and other heart-friendly activities that I would use the heck out of this item. It looks like something way more entertaining and time-saving in comparison to my current trace-and-cut methods for items! Plus, I see it as ideal for things like designing attractive boxes for presentation (i.e. a pair of earrings I designed, etc.).

The Conair I-series Ionic hair dryer. Yes, it is a pink hairdryer! However, it is an ionic hairdryer which is way more forgiving on my thin, baby-fine hair. It can take my hair 5 hours to air dry, literally. This hair dryer should help me figure out how to style my hair now that it is to my belly-button. I am running out of ideas and I really don't want to chop it off, yet!

One of the most controversial films of its time (the glove strip-tease scene), Gilda is an American film classic. I love this movie and the music, the dancing and Rita Hayworth! I have been compared to her (hello, super compliment) and I just love her as such a vivacious character in this film!

Trailer for Gilda, a Columbia Pictures film:

From Williams-Sonoma, I asked for the long stainless steel All-Clad ladle. I make lots of stocks from scratch in a big tall stock pot, as well as making lots of soups and stews in the winter, so I would get a lot of wear out of this kitchen piece.

I love a specific product from Origins, called Clear Improvement. It is a fantastic mask that I can rely on to completely resurface my face and neck to baby-soft cleanliness. It uses charcoal, white Chinese clay and other ingredients to completely clear my pores out. Love. Love. Love!

As I began my entry, I mentioned books. I asked for several this year for Christmas, but here are a few of my favorites:

The 1982 edition of Martha Stewart's Entertaining:

The Woman's Guide to Law School by Linda Hirshman:

and, the book Pinstripes and Pearls: The Women of the Harvard Law Class of 1964 by Judith Hope:

What did you ask for for Christmas?

Black Swan movie trailer

2010-12-02T18:00:00.004-05:00

I cannot wait to see the Black Swan once it hits theaters in my area. I danced ballet for about 12-13 years (starting at age 3, when I first began riding and gymnastics as well), and dance was a huge passion for my entire childhood. It was when things got very competitive among my friends (most of whom I don't speak to anymore) and expensive (the costumes, supplies, hours, and classes) that I could no longer handle the pressure, as all the joy of the 'sport' left me. It was at this time that I then started to play field hockey and lacrosse and devoted my time to those things instead. I felt as though ballet was one of few competitive fields where when you stopped "playing" the competition continued outside of the studio. Most field sports stopped when the game ended for me. Ballet was not the case.

It looks to be scary-mental, obviously, as it is a thriller, but thankfully it also looks to be incredible. I would say Oscar contender for sure! I really have to enjoy the plot of a thriller to get into it. I am not a person who goes out and sees all of the scary movies in theaters - I frankly detest most. It is movies like the Black Swan, mental thrillers, that really capture my attention. Are you planning on seeing it?

Wedding Shoe Update

2010-11-04T18:24:00.003-04:00

Hey y'all! I am just up in arms about wedding shoes! I am really still leaning towards a nude heel so I can wear it with formal wear post-wedding and Badgley Mischka has two shoes that are really beautiful that I think would be fabulous with my dress (trying not to go metallic as I feel like then I will be overly concerned with how my jewelry and hair go...):

Badgley Mischka 'Keeper' Pump:

I like the 'Keeper' pump because of its construction. I love the fact that it is whimsical and carefree. I am happy that it is satin with a grosgrain bow because the satin is more what I am looking at now, a "proper evening shoe" material! What do you think?

The second pair of shoes is also by Badgley Mischka. This sandal is called the 'Randi':

I like the 'Randi' sandal because it is a little sexy, to be honest. My feet are covered for the most part so they won't really be shown off by my dress in any way. This shoe brings the sexy without my feeling guilty over it during the church service, too. The shoe is fun and flirty which may be nice long-term wear wise, as I can wear it out with my skinny jeans and a cami-cardi set or with a fun summer dress and my pearls! It is satin as well and I would have to assume that the "petals" are organza with the way they fall (although of course Nordstrom doesn't tell us!!). What do you think?

Nothing major on the wedding front although M and I did make a 50% deposit on the luxury home we have rented for our honeymoon week in North Carolina. We are staying in the village of Duck. We had considered the Sanderling Resort, one of my family's mainstays, but we wanted to have our dog and be able to cook together at a sound front home, so we booked a house instead. We will just take the car service to the Sanderling for dinner and spa treatments when needed, instead! Just as good : ).

Photo Credits: both pairs of shoes - Nordstrom, beach house back photo - Southern Shores Realty