Lilly Pulitzer Sale Starts at Midnight

Yesterday's rumors have been confirmed.  Lilly Pulitzer is hosting a 2-day sale event at some of our favorite Signature Stores starting at midnight, and going through Friday, June 24.  My sources say that retailers are allowed to include the  first couple of deliveries from the Spring Collection in this sale, but summer merchandise will not be discounted.

For a list of participating stores, visit the Lilly Pulitzer Blog.

Note: The Pink Pelican is advertising items discounted up to 80%, and a special freebie for early bird shoppers. (Visit their blog for more details.)

Rumor Has It….

How often do you believe rumors? Do you repeat them?

Lilly Pulitzer Maxine Dress in Painter's Block

I try not to spread gossip, but I heard a rumor today that’s so juicy I just had to let you all in on it. The word in “Lillyland” is that the pink and green, preppy label is about to announce one of their rare publicized sales, with many Via stores participating and items as low as 70% off. Supposedly, the sale will start tomorrow night at Midnight. (Or more accurately, Thursday morning.) Is it true? Only time will tell… but I’m working on my wish list just in case!

Try a Free Father’s Day Card from Tiny Prints

If you missed Tiny Prints’ previous promotion on their customizable Father’s Day cards, here’s another chance. I just got word that they are offering each household one FREE Father’s Day card from now through 06/13/11 with the code FREEFD. What could be better than that?

For more great sale information, be sure to "Like" Juleps and Jons on Facebook. (Psst..Visit now for information about a "Secret" Sale over at Lesley Evers!)

Create A Custom Card for Father’s Day

This year for Father's Day, Tiny Prints is offering a great selection of customized Father's Day Cards. You can personalize your Father’s Day greetings with family photos, custom text and even embedded gift cards from retailers such as Starbucks and Amazon. In addition, your cards can be mailed directly to you or your recipient.

From now until June 6th, Tiny Prints is offering their customized Father's Day Cards as low as $0.99. Just use the code GC99 at checkout to receive the promotional discount.

Upside Down

Today is a day of contradictions.

I pride myself on being (reasonably) organized. I believe that life is easier if everything has a place and things are returned to their places when you’re done with them. (Of course, there are four other people in my house who don’t always share my philosophy, so I do a lot of picking up, as well as a great deal of coaxing.) However, sometimes I clean things up so well that I can’t remember where I put them. And that’s where I find myself today.

This morning I decided to let my 16-month-old twins try crayons for the first time. And then I realized that I have no idea where I stored our set of Crayola Tadoodles Crayon Buddies when my oldest son was finished with them. My mother gifted them to us several years ago, and we quickly learned how easy they make it for a little one to hold a crayon. (I tend to think they also discourage chewing on the crayon, which seems to be a temptation for my boys.) They’re inexpensive, so I could easily buy another set, but that’s beside the point right now. I know our original set is in this house somewhere, and I’m determined to find them.

While sorting through drawers and cabinets, I needed a little entertainment. I decided to watch Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.

If you're suddenly confused because you thought I only had sons – not daughters – you’re not wrong. I don’t have any little girls. Given that I’m a child at heart, though, sometimes I still like to privately indulge in a girly movie. (I must confess, The Princess Diaries is one of my favorites.) I found Kit Kittredge to be quite entertaining, as well as educational, and after watching it I believe it would be equally appealing to a boy or a girl. This will likely be one that gets added to our list of acceptable DVDs once my boys are a little older.

What about you? What are you doing today? Is anything in your world “upside down” at the moment?

Memorial Day 2011

Thank you to all who serve, or have served in the U.S. armed forces in order to protect the freedom we all enjoy in this wonderful nation. You and your families sacrifice so much for us, and for that you have my deepest gratitude.

Photo by Haraz N.Ghanbari/ Associated Press

I hope all my readers will join me in taking a quiet moment today to remember those who have so bravely given their lives in order to protect ours.

A Sip of Summer

‘Tis the season for backyard barbeques and pool parties. Wouldn’t it be fun to jazz up your next get together with some adorably preppy drinkware? I think these Madras Sea Island Tumblers from Just Madras are just the thing for sipping a G&T while lounging on the porch and catching up with friends.

They're available online at PURSELADYTOO. The best news of all? This weekend, PURSELADYTOO is offering free shipping, as well as a 20% discount on purchases over $24.99 with the code memorial20 and a 25% discount on purchases over $100.00 with the code memorial100. What better time to indulge?

Fit for a Princess (Or Her Sister)

That was quick! It's been only two weeks since the royal wedding, and already there are knock-off gowns to be had. These three regally-inspired designs from A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz will be available at Lord & Taylor in July, but can be pre-ordered now. Be forewarned: Limited quantities are being produced.



A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Lace Wedding Gown









A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Strapless Wedding Gown





A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Draped Neck Gown



A Print Obsession

What would spring and summer be without some fun Lilly Pulitzer prints to kick things up a notch? When the summer collection recently debuted, one print in particular made me sit up and take notice: Hotty Pink Cherry Begonias. Ooh la la!

Obviously Lilly had a hunch that this print would be popular, because it’s available in an incredible array of pieces, including:

Bloom Dress

Callahan Shorts

Sonia Skirt

Wynne Top

And the nearly sold-out Thandie Tunic

Now if I can only decide which lovely item to order...

(I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that the Thandie Tunic is a hot seller. If you want one, I recommend you start looking ASAP because my sources tell me it’s flying out the door!)


One final note: If you can’t get enough of this blog, be sure to “Like” Juleps & Jon Jons' new Facebook page!

Derby-Pie… Or Not

When many people think of traditional, nostalgic fare to enjoy at a Kentucky Derby celebration, two things come to mind: Mint Juleps and Derby-Pie®.

The original Derby-Pie® was created by the Kerns family as the specialty dessert for the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, in the early 1950’s. Famous for its sumptuous combination of chocolate chips, walnut pieces, and secret filling inside a delicate pastry crust, Derby-Pie® soon garnered so much attention that its makers registered the name with the U.S. Patent Office and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Melrose Inn closed in 2000, but you can still buy authentic Derby-Pie® at more than 100 restaurants and retail establishments located in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, or you can have one delivered to your door.

Of course, imitations abound. One clever variation, which is known as Not Derby Pie, was developed by blogger Rivka Friedman’s mother. The name Not Derby Pie refers to the fact that the original confection’s name is registered, so Friedman’s mother wanted to make sure the distinction was clear. You can find the recipe on Friedman’s blog, which is also named Not Derby Pie in honor of her mother’s special creation.

Royal Inspiration

It’s official: Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales married Catherine Elizabeth Middleton this morning in a ceremony that was watched around the globe. The stunning bridal gown, which was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, was reminiscent of one worn by another famous royal: Princess Grace of Monaco. Given the bride's classically elegant sense of style, I suppose this should have come as no surprise.




Photo Courtesy of CNN







Photo Courtesy of CNN



Princess Grace of Monaco



As for the new royal couple, I wish them much happiness.

The Perfect Tank

Every summer, I renew my search for the ideal tank top. For me that means a tank that is substantial enough not to be sheer, that holds up well through many washes, and hugs my curves. And in the interest of total honesty, let me also say that I prefer one that has a scoop neck and can be worn with a normal bra. Tall order, isn’t it?

Well, my search has finally come to an end with the discovery of the L.L.Bean Double L® Rib-Knit Tee, Tank. It's everything I’ve been looking for and then some. At a mere $14.50 each, you can buy one in every color.

(And let us not forget, L.L.Bean now offers free shipping on all orders, regardless of price. Who doesn’t love that?)

Guilty Pleasures

Sunday is a day to relax, rejuvenate, and partake in some guilty pleasures. For me, that includes indulging in the latest fashion and beauty books (particularly those that feature celebrity tricks and tips).

At the top of my wish list is The Makeup Wakeup: Revitalizing Your Look at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson and Sandy Linter. Don’t these celebrity packed pages look intriguing? I love any chance to learn new makeup techniques.

If my Easter Bunny is paying attention, I would love to find a copy of this book in my basket… hint, hint.

What's on your wish list today?

Lilly Mania

Most of you know by now that I have a bit of a love affair with Lilly Pulitzer clothing and accessories. So when my friend Liza, who I met through Re-Lilly, invited me to join her for the Lunch at Lilly event in Austin last weekend, I couldn’t refuse.

Believe it or not, this was my first Lunch at Lilly event. The amazing staff at Lilly Pulitzer at The Domain offered friendly advice as I tried on practically everything in the store before selecting a few lovelies to take home (along with the Lunch at Lilly gift with purchase goodies, naturally). And the fun isn’t over, because Lilly has yet to announce the lucky winner of the drawing for a trip to the Pink Palace… Fingers crossed!




Meeting my friend from Re-Lilly, Liza, in person for the first time





Two of the lovely ladies from Lilly Pulitzer at the Domain, Caitlin and Erin, with Liza.


I had barely caught my breath from Saturday’s shopping extravaganza when Lilly announced a three-day March Madness sale in which many of their Via shops were participating. Of course, this Lilly girl can’t resist a great sale (and some of the stores had merchandise discounted as much as 70%), so I did a teensy bit more shopping, ordering from several of my favorite Via stores, including The Village Palm, Under the Palm Tree, The Pink Door and In the Pink. (I also called my friends at Pink Bee, which I mentioned in my last post, but they didn’t have the sizes I needed. Oh well! There’s always next time!)

Of course, some of the stores were absolutely mobbed, and I’ve already been told that a few of the items I ordered online from In the Pink won’t actually make it to my house. I certainly can’t complain, though, because all in all, my Lilly stash has grown considerably in the last week.

In fact, with all of the new additions to my wardrobe, my next task should probably be a bit of closet cleaning....

Friday Favorites: WHITLEY Designs

I can’t resist a little sparkle and shine. When my friends at Pink Bee in Greenville, SC, announced that they had added a new jewelry line to their wonderful shop, I had to investigate. The line is WHITLEY Designs, which offers crave-worthy pieces at reasonable prices.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Alex Earrings

Ali Necklace

Leah Bracelet

Can you say, “Fabulous”?

Paint By Number

As I mentioned in my last post, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law came for a visit last weekend. (This was in the middle of the stomach flu mania that had overtaken my house. Miraculously, my children perked up for the time our visitors were here, although my smaller twin came down with the bug mere hours after they left. Luckily, neither of our guests caught the virus.)

It was quite a productive trip.

My brother-in-law got to meet our twins for the first time, and he even installed two new light fixtures for us while he was here. (Have I told you how wonderful it is to have a brother-in-law who’s a contractor? Gotta love that!)

And my mother-in-law brought us two bags of yummy cheese straws made by a lady in Georgia. Now I can make cheese straws – I made two big batches at Christmas – but it’s A LOT of work. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to have two bags hand-delivered to us in the midst of all the craziness we’ve experienced of late!

My mother-in-law also mentioned her plan to take a group photo of all eleven grandchildren during our extended family beach trip this summer, and her quest to find matching outfits. She had found the perfect Lilly Pulitzer dress for the little girls at a store in her hometown, but she needed two in size seven – and they only had one. So now she was looking for another idea.

Wait – did she say Lilly? (If you’ve been reading long, you know I consider this an area of expertise!)

I had her describe the dress to me. It turns out that the dress she was considering is the Little Lilly Shift in the Shorely Blue Paint By Numbers print, which is brand new for spring. It has to be the cutest Lilly dress for little girls I’ve ever seen.

Here it is:



Lilly Pulitzer Little Lilly Shift in Shorely Blue Paint By Numbers



























And here’s a close-up. Do you see the numbered spaces that aren't colored in, like a Paint By Number that’s not yet complete? How adorable is that?



A close-up of the print


























I became a woman on a mission. I had to help her find that dress. I told her to call the store in her hometown and ask them to hold the three dresses they had while I tracked down the final size seven. After calling a few of my favorite Via stores, to no avail, I called Lilly Pulitzer at The Domain in Austin, Texas (where the service is always phenomenal). Jackpot! And the best news is that they don’t charge shipping on full-priced items, so this lovely little dress was shipped to my mother-in-law for free! She was thrilled. (I hope I earned some brownie points!)

She’s thinking about having the little boys wear khaki shorts and turquoise polo shirts to match the dresses for the group photo. Personally, I love these cute turquoise and white checked shorts from Orient Expressed, paired with white polos. (Although I realize that sizes might be an issue again. We have seven boys to outfit!)

Tuquoise and White Checked Shorts from Orient Expressed

Either way, I think this is going to be a darling photo. What do you think?

Saving Face

I’m sorry I disappeared for a while. Unfortunately we have been SICK. The worst kind of sick. My husband and I initially thought we had consumed some wine that was bad. And then the kids started getting sick…. And now we have just been passing it around and around. I have had little sleep in the last week, and am definitely not looking my best. To top it all off, my mother-in-law and brother-in-law are arriving tonight for a much-awaited visit.

I need to pull it together fast. What’s a girl to do?

I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite products for those dreaded gray face days.


Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat.

This wonder product is perfect for camouflaging dark circles and overall brightening. (Use it as a highlighter on the corners of your eyes, around you nostrils, dotted on the center of your chin, etc.)

Smashbox Photo Finish Makeup Primer

It's every bit as good as you’ve heard. Smooth some on to create a perfect canvas for your foundation, so nobody has to know just how parched your skin is.

Nars Blush

Does this even need an explanation? It's so sheer and so intense at the same time, making it the perfect pick-me-up. My favorite colors are Orgasm and Deep Throat.

And if your skin reacts to stress the way mine does, you may need some acne treatments as well.  Right now my favorite over-the-counter products come from Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish Cream

Neutrogena On-the Spot Acne Treatment

What about you? What are your favorite items for “saving face”? I’d love some more suggestions!

A Treat, Dear Valentine

This year a combination of sick children and difficulty finding a babysitter have put an end to any thoughts we may have had about going out to dinner for Valentine’s Day. Of course, that doesn’t mean we can’t still have an intimate celebration at home. Maybe it’s actually better. Now we will be celebrating with our three little people, and after all, they’re a big part of our love story.

To cap off our dinner tonight, I made one of our favorite desserts.  After all, what better way to celebrate the joy of love than with a decadent treat?

Mrs. Salter’s Peanut Butter Pie (recipe from the Food Network, courtesy of Paula Deen)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 1 cup crunchy peanut butter (I substitute creamy peanut butter.)

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

• 1 graham cracker crust, store-bought or premade ( I make my own using the recipe on the box of graham cracker crumbs. Experience tells me that it makes a difference.)

Directions:

Whip cream with 1/4 cup sugar. Mix all other ingredients until smooth and fold in whipped cream until well blended. Pour mixture into a graham cracker crust and chill for several hours before serving.
I like to serve it with a little chocolate syrup drizzled over the top.

Photos Copyright Tara Saunders.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Friday Favorites: Lesley Evers

Favorite may actually be an understatement. Obsession is more accurate.

It started innocently enough. I decided to order a skirt from Lesley Evers during their recent Winter Sale. When the skirt arrived, it was love at first sight. I was hooked! One order turned into a second and a third…. In a matter of weeks, I have become the proud owner of a Laura, an Erin and two Kelseys – and I’m incredibly excited about the new Spring collection!

The Dottie Dress in Black Lattice, Spring 2011

The Dottie Dress  in Yellow Blooms, Spring 2011



A shot from a Spring 2011 photo shoot featuring the Grace Dress in Rockridge Blue.  I believe it will be available later this month.



In all fairness, I have been secretly enamored of Lesley Evers’ beautiful clothing line since I first discovered the website last summer. However, none of the boutiques in my area carry the brand, so I couldn’t just run across town to try on some of the adorable pieces. To see them for myself, I was going to have to take a risk and blindly order online. Let me tell you, it was worth it!

The clothes are divine, from the wonderful fit, to the fabrics and trims. There are even hidden details, like the cute rick-rack trim that decorates the hem of the lining on my Laura skirt. And these dresses and skirts are perfect for my lifestyle. The company has dubbed their dresses “The All Day Dress,” and they really are, even for a mom with three children under the age of four. They are classic in design, but modern in fabrication. With a mere change of accessories, they are appropriate for any activity I can imagine. And everything I ordered can be machine washed.

Best of all, this is a company that really understands its customers and cares about them. When my second order arrived, I was dismayed to see that my Erin skirt (a final sale item) was damaged. I called and left a message, and believe it or not, my call was returned by Lesley Evers herself! She told me she was the first one to arrive in the office, heard my message and didn’t want to make me wait for someone else to show up and return my call. How amazing is that? She assured me she would send me a new skirt and even took my order for an additional dress ( although taking phone orders from online customers is clearly not part of her usual duties). My replacement order arrived yesterday. I couldn’t have asked for better service!

* I was not compensated for this post, although I certainly wouldn't turn down an offer from a company as wonderful as this one!

A Luxurious Giveaway

Who doesn’t love the supremely luxurious beauty products from L’Occitane? I know I do!

Marcie at Lemons and Laundry is graciously hosting a L’Occitane Giveaway. One lucky follower will win L'Occitane French Travel Treasures.

Hurry over to Lemons and Laundry to enter! The contest ends on Sunday, February 13th at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Craving the Classics

Today is the perfect day for some hot tea, a cozy blanket, and a classic film.

My latest arrival from Netflix is The Shop Around the Corner, the 1940’s classic that was the basis for You've Got Mail. I can’t wait to curl up and watch.

Overnight Success

Need a chic new overnight bag?  Look no further than this divine “Buckle Pocket” Leather and Calf Hair Weekend Bag from Ted Baker.  While I think calling it a “weekend bag” might be a bit of a stretch (unless you pack lighter than I do), I would love to tote this beauty for a brief overnight stay somewhere sans children.

In the Mood for Summer

With spring collections debuting in stores, I’m craving some warm weather. (Not that it gets that cold here, although we did actually have a freeze last week and a dusting of snow.) What better way to get rid of the wintertime blahs than reading a wonderful book?

A book that has been on my “to read” list for a while is One Special Summer by Jacqueline and Lee Bouvier. It details a European tour the famous sisters embarked on in 1951. Written in longhand, the pages are filled with delightful sketches. It’s truly a work of art.

While we are on the subject of the Bouvier sisters, did you see the photos of Lee Radziwell’s abodes in Paris and New York that appear on the Brunch at Saks blog today? Absolutely scrumptious!

CSN Stores

Hello friends! Kate from CSN stores recently contacted me and asked if I’d like to review one of their products. Of course I said, “Yes!” The CSN family of stores sells everything from cookware to furniture to wall art and decor, so choosing an item to review will be fun!

Here are a couple of things that have caught my eye:

Billie Wall Art

 

Wouldn’t this be wonderful in a fun, modern nursery?

Thomas Paul Tote

You know how much I adore Thomas Paul's designs.



Le Creuset 7.25 Qt. Round French Oven








I also love Le Creuset, and was thrilled to see that CSN Stores offer a full selection.

Stay tuned for my review of a special CSN Stores product!