A Fun Third Birthday

The last few weeks of summer were a whirlwind of preparations for preschool (which began today), having portraits taken of the twins, and party planning, as well as catching up with friends I haven’t seen in a while.  It's been fun, but I'm happy to finally have a moment to update you on everything that's been happening.  In the time that I've been absent, I've come across a lot of fabulous items that I can't wait to share!

Today I thought you might enjoy seeing some photos of the setup at my tot’s third birthday party, which we held just over a week ago. Like many boys his age, he is more than a little obsessed with Thomas the Train, so naturally we celebrated with a Thomas the Train party. (Although I personally don’t adore character-driven themes, I would do anything for my little boy!)

I wish I could claim that the door sign in the top photo was an original idea, but admittedly I “borrowed” more than a little inspiration from this party that was featured on the Hostess with the Mostess Blog.  I saw this less than two days before our celebration, so I created my own version in Adobe Photoshop. If I had more lead time, I could have ordered the exact sign she used, and other adorable items directly from WH Hostess.

All of our young guests had a wonderful time, although I’m sure their parents will be paying me back for the whistles I included in the goody bags!

Sources:
Cake and Balloons: HEB
Clear Goody Bags and Curling Ribbon: Michaels
Red Table Cover: Hobby Lobby
Thomas the Train Plates, Napkins and Stickers, Birthday Penant Banner, Whistles: Target
Door Sign: Made in Adobe Photoshop, but a similar one is available from WH Hostess

More Prep for Your Step

Recently there has been a lot of buzz about the upcoming release of True Prep, the update to The Official Preppy Handbook which was originally published in 1980. After reading the witty excerpt on the Vanity Fair website, I can say that I’m officially excited. True Prep will be released on September 7th, and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.

Trend Alert: Mini Saddle Bags

Vintage-inspired saddle bags worn across the body continue to be a big trend for fall. Personally, I love these bags paired with all of the prep school looks we are seeing. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Bonnie from Mulberry

The Hutchinson Medium Across Body Bag from Radley London

The Aspley Extra-Small Crossbody Bag from Burberry

The Totally Turnlock Bell Saddle Bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs

Kitchen Savvy

Over the years I’ve become a bit of a foodie. (Living in the D.C. area for a while with access to fabulous restaurants tends to have that effect on a person.) I understand the importance of slicing and dicing foods into equal pieces so they will cook evenly, not to mention look gorgeous on the plate. But I often have trouble accomplishing that task easily at home without spending a ton of time. To put it bluntly, my knife skills could use a little work.

A few days ago, I discovered a wonderful series of free how-to videos available at http://www.kitchendaily.com/how-to/. Many of the tutorials were created by the Culinary Institute of America. Do you want to know the best way to slice an onion, peel and cut a mango, or de-shell a lobster? It’s all there.

Enjoy!

Still shot from the tutorial, “How to Cut Watermelon.”

Friday Favorites: Lilly Pulitzer Fall Line

When many bloggers stared posting listings of their favorite items from Lilly Pulitzer’s fall line a few weeks ago, I decided to hold my vote until I’d had a chance to see some of the pieces in person.

Viewing the clothing online, my initial impression was that it looked like the line contained a lot of gorgeous party dresses. Now I adore party dresses as much as any other girly-girl, but the reality of my life and my closet is that I only need a few each season. What I need most for fall are beautiful items that translate to my day-to-day life: play dates, preschool pick-up, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) meetings, church, charitable activities, and dinners out. One of the reasons I love Lilly for spring and summer wear is that there are a lot of cotton dresses, skirts, and cardigans that work for my lifestyle (which means they’re cute, but also easy to move in and machine washable), and I really wondered if this year’s fall line would hold the same appeal.

Now that I’ve had a chance to see the initial fall offerings at my local Lilly store, I am happy to report that it does. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Lulu in True Navy Skindalous

If you are a Lilly lover who has not tried this style, get yourself to a Lilly Pulitzer store right now! I find this dress to be an extremely flattering hourglass fit, and this style is polished enough to be appropriate for church, charity meetings or dinners at the club. This fall it’s available in several adorable prints.


The Adalie Wrap Dress in Shorely Blue Serenity

In addition to being a great overall day dress, this would be perfect for our fall trip to the Texas coast. (I'm really in love with this print!)

The Worth Shift in Cameo White Flowey Wowey

"Wow" is right!  This is another great day dress in a to-die-for print. If the straight cut of the Worth Shift is not to your liking, the print also comes in this fabulous Roslyn Skirt, of which I am a fan.

Last, but not least, I wanted to share one find that I have not had the pleasure of seeing in person.

The Conrad Sweater in Multi Lotus

This adorable creation makes my must-have list because it looks like the perfect piece to pair with my jeans and boots when the weather here in San Antonio finally turns cool. I can’t wait to see this one for myself.

And of course, Lilly makes fantastic coordinating cardigans and sweaters which are perfect to layer over any of the sleeveless dresses when the temperature drops.  This makes these dresses a perfect fall investment because you can wear them now and continue to wear them as the season progresses!

What about you? What Lilly items and and prints are you excited about for fall?

I Want, I Need… Turquoise

I adore statement jewelry and all summer I have been longing for accessories in turquoise. Remember this post? Here are some of my current obsessions.

Amrita Singh Greenport Earrings in Turquoise

(Confession time: I have a pair of these on order. They should arrive today!)

Meg Carter Audrey Drops in Turquoise and Lemon

(Oh, how I need these to wear with my Lilly Pulitzer!)

Amrita Singh Maylen Necklace

Stella and Dot Turquoise Sea Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane Marble Bead Necklace

(I actually spotted this at Saks Off Fifth for $60, which is quite a discount from its retail price of $200. They had one. I stepped away for a few moments to think about it, and when I went back it was gone. Can you say, "regret"?)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Before I sign off today, I'd like to say a quick "thank you" to all of you who expressed concern for my husband last Thursday.  His LASIK procedure went exceptionally well.  (I even got to watch.)  He is thrilled with his result and is looking forward to next summer when he can swim with our sons without worrying about contacts.  Happy Monday!

Celebrating Four Wonderful Years

Photos by Jennifer Domenick

Four years ago today, I married my sweetheart. The time has come and gone in the blink of an eye, yet I can hardly believe how much has happened. In these four short years we have moved across the country, bought our first house, and become the parents to three wonderful boys. We have experienced birth and death, difficult pregnancies and losses, as well as many, many blessings. Through it all he has been my best friend and the one who reminds me never to lose faith. He is strong when I am weak and he loves me even when I don't deserve it. I know without a shadow of a doubt that he is the one who was intended for me. Mr. Julep, I love you more than you can ever know.

Dear readers, if you are inclined to pray, I ask that you please say a little prayer for us today. Mr. Julep is having LASIK this afternoon. While he keeps telling me that it is a “routine procedure,” I can’t help but worry. Thank you!