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.