Garden State Horse Show

I will be at the Garden State Horse Show until Sunday. I am selling Scout bags like crazy, perfect for soft tack and horse blankets. I will take lots of pics of all the dogs and horses, people too. I will post the Arizona pics this weekend.

Separated at birth? Kind of.

Meet the Countess de Lesseps and her son. ( aka Kevin and my cousin Teresa)

Are there no "normal" pics for this kid?

I just wanted the traditional picture of Kevin by the cactus in Mum Mum and Pop Pop's backyard. This was the only "semi-normal" one of our photo shoot.

Why am I surprised?

This is for Ina and all the rockers out there!

Kevin spotted this one on the DJ's car, (how appropriate!) and said, "Mom, take a picture for Ina!"

I did.

My boy will be home...

In a month!

My girl will be home in...

two weeks!

Do You know this woman?

I think you do.

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/pf/0904/gallery.coupon_savings/index.html

I am almost back...

Kinda.
I have been having a great time reconnecting with aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, brothers-in-law and of course... my parents.
The party went off without a hitch and I think my parents loved it. We love them so much and wanted it to be perfect, but quickly realized that whatever we did... my parents would love.

I will be back home on Wed. and will post lots of pics, (only approved ones says the Frau.)

I have missed you all and have lots I want to talk about: swine flu, family, after party blues, spring fever, graduation, family and facebook... I could go on and on. I really am coming back refreshed and ready to write!

Also, just found out a cousin invented a site called elfster and it is genius! I really want to talk about that.

Plus, I can't wait to catch up and read all your blogs- I MISS YOU!

( INA, new respect for you, actually MORE respect for you. How did you blog while away from home and on your iphone no less?)

Talk to you on Wednesday :)

Almost ready...

I am. I'm almost packed and ready to go. Of course I am making sure I have all the important items, including a few changes of clothes, in my carry-on. 

Don't want Frau's experience!

There is so many details that are really overwhelming me. 

My daughter's schedule written out so Grandma doesn't have to go too crazy.

All my business stuff taken care of.

Bills paid.

House clean, so Grandma doesn't think we are messy.

Money from the bank in the morning.

Car rental stuff.

Obviously it is so worth it, but I almost need a vacation from preparing for my vacation!

Happy Earth Day!

 Here are some random Earth Day thoughts,

Being a child of the 60's/70's,  Earth Day was a big thing for me growing up. 

I was ten in 1970 on the first Earth day. 

We lived in Seattle. I remember that before there became a public consciousness of our earth and pollution, it used to be  perfectly acceptable to throw garbage out the window of a car or if you were walking down the street. It was normal to see garbage on the side of the road or on the highway. 

Isn't that so hard to believe now? 

 I love that another word used for our Earth is Gaia, named after the Greek supreme goddess of earth. 

Or that we refer to earth as "Mother Earth."

And I LOVE that Google, as usual reminded me to think about this today.

Happy Earth Day!

Rain makes it that much sweeter.

Don't you think that the dry, arid weather of Arizona, the hot temperature...

 is going to be so appreciated by someone like me?

Someone who has had torrential rain tonight and possibly tomorrow?

Someone who has experienced one of the chilliest,

 ( is that a word? It passes spell check, shrug.)

coldest Springs in recent memory?

I do.

Spring Daydreams of New Orleans

I am a little sad.

It's because of New Orleans.

I need to let you know that I have been having a love affair with that crazy city for about five years now. 

Probably since My son Ryan began college at Loyola.

There are so many reasons why I love to visit.

The food.

The people.

The Music.

The art.

The architecture.

The gardens.

The shopping

The partying.

The holidays celebrated like no other place I have ever been.

Did I mention... the food?

Well, Ryan is leaving in May. 

And, this is the first year that we haven't visited. 

Way too busy.

Our last visit was last year, the first week of May... for what was Ryan's graduation. 

( another post about the Jesuit's loving and forgiving, some would say... enabling nature.)

A fabulous, amazing graduation weekend culminated at The Columns Hotel. We held a cocktail reception/dinner for our boys. 

It was so special. 

The Columns Hotel is, to me, the epitome of the Garden District. 

It was the perfect place to get that true New Orlean's flavor.

I was daydreaming about it today...

I love this illustration. 

And the image below? Picture a bunch of preppy college boys with their nantucket reds and madras shorts with jackets, of course, and pretty girls in sundresses all over that front porch.

Cuz that is how it is the first week of May.

We will be together again...

in three days.

Guess which is the Frau and which is moi!

50th anniversary party...

It's coming up!

 Some of you that know the frau, my sister, know that we are giving my parents a party for their golden anniversary next weekend. We are all excited for many reasons.

1. Five sisters together for the first time in almost three years, maybe more.
2. Arizona,  we are all looking forward to some warm/hot weather.
3. Doing something nice for our parents who have done so much for all of us.
4. VACATION
5. Seeing friends and extended family that we don't see often.
6. RELAXATION

I'm sure I could come up with more, but I'll stop for now.

And, can you BELIEVE that my sister's luggage is lost AGAIN!!!!?

I keep picturing her in my mother's clothes... I WILL take pictures!

If you had three wishes...

Let's just say...

That a genie in a bottle- granted you three wishes, three selfish wishes.

And, let's just say that I granted you three unselfish wishes...

What would they be?

Here are mine:

SELFISH

1. Lose 20lbs.
2. Magical facelift without surgery.
3. Win lottery (of course I'd have to buy a ticket, never do.)

UNSELFISH

1. Health and happiness to all.
2. No more world hunger.
3. No more war.

Book club selection...

I am not always excited about what our book club chooses to read. But this month I am.

According to the New York Times and Newsweek , When Skateboards Will Be Free by Said Sayrafiezadeh is the book to read this Spring.  

It's my type of book.

Nonfiction.

Said tells the story of his life as the son of an Iranian father and an American, Jewish mother. Both his parents were fervent Socialists waiting for the revolution, raising their son in America to be a revolutionary. He tells of his unique experience in a most riveting way and the book has received rave reviews.

And, his father-in-law was my 8th grade science teacher!

Susan Boyle- Britains Got Talent

I've watched it four times and each time I've cried. Here is the link if you haven't seen the YouTube video of the first 2009 episode of Britains Got Talent and the amazing Susan Boyle.

Tell me what you think!

youtube video

My spring/summer uniform

I am a creature of habit.

 As much as I would like to think of myself as spontaneous, wild and creative...

It just ain't so.

I tend to wear the same uniform, depending on the season.

 ( winter- turtleneck, jeans, boots-remember?)

As soon as the weather becomes warmer you will find me in tennis clothes or clothes that might as well be tennis clothes. Luckily I have a business where I work from home and even if I am vending or visiting customers it is usually at sporting events or at sports stores.

So, my "sporty" uniform is fine.

I have to say that I am always comfortable and feel put together- just not too stylish or trendy.

Sporty and preppy though, but that's me :)

I usually have a hat to protect from the sun and to tame my wild, curly hair on hot, humid days. I try to wear the Lax Lab hats I sell. You know, walking advertisement!
Any type polo works for me when I am visiting customers. I am really loving the Joules polos right now. I think it is because I am getting ready for the horse shows and they are practically a uniform for the horsey set.
For tournaments and around town during the heat of the summer I love the tanks from Athleta. They are long enough so that if I raise my arm no one will see a white tummy and the straps are wide enough that my bra straps don't show. ( I do not like my bra straps to show, although I know the young girls don't mind- why do I? It's another post!) I also love all the colors offered.
Ok, this skort from Athleta  rocks! It's long enough that my big butt isn't hanging out and  there is a little Lycra to hold my tummy in. It fits so well and is very flattering,

 (read-makes me look thin)
Merrells. I will buy stock in this company. The MOST comfortable sandal. Like a sneaker and sandal in one. 

Do you have a uniform or go-to outfit?

Photo Saboteur, alive and well!

Some of you may have been wondering where the guy who sabotages MOST pictures I take has been...

He is still here.

Yes, he is.

Best day to...

... buy airline tickets?

Wednesdays, as early in the day as possible.

Before Vera Bradley? Pierre Deux of course!

I am an unabashed francophile.

 It's true.

I love anything and everything french, well maybe not their politics...

Anyway, before Vera Bradley there was and is,  Pierre Deux.  

A  brief history of Pierre Deux:

"In 1967, a shop opened in Greenwich Village in New York City that would soon bring the beauty of French Country decor to America. The shop was opened by two men: Pierre Le Vec, an American of French background, and Pierre Moulin, a native Frenchman. Their passion for French art de vivre and the French country way of life drove them to establish Pierre Deux as a name synonymous with French Country décor in America."

"Their antique furniture imported from the provinces sold well, but the curtains, pillows and fabrics they used to accent the furniture sold spectacularly."

I have loved their handbags for years and actually owned many. Unfortunately they couldn't compete ( in my mind) with the many, many different designs offered by Vera Bradley. But now that Vera Bradley is a bit overdone, ( I think) I find myself coming full circle back to Pierre Deux. Especially since I'm thinking that my new kitchen (fingers crossed) will be a bit french country!

I think this pocketbook would be perfect as a neutral bag this summer.
J'adore toile!
I love patterned shades, where to start?
My ideal settee on a perfect rug, with THE best cushion and pillows...

Ahhhhhhh.

Game strategies... not what you think!

So Easter is over and Spring sports are in full swing. 

( baseball pun alert!)

I will now be an official passive observer, staring at my children's bodies in motion for hours on end.

 I'm not complaining. I have my tennis,

(not that anyone would ever come watch)

 and that is my "during the week" pleasure. The weekends are devoted to my offspring's sports and that is fine with moi.

I do have some rituals and strategies that I use to prevent bleacher butt and to prevent myself from embarrassing the family with crazy outbursts during the game and here they are:

1. Come with a blanket to sit on ( bleachers are hard cold, or wet) or an extra chair ( the chair is for when you MUST get away from the other fans so that you can swear and mutter)
2. Bring coffee, gum and candy. (candy is for bribing the other fans so that they will like you  even if they heard you swearing and muttering.)
3. Come with the roster so that you can swear and mutter about the correct player who is taking your child's position leaving your child to wallow on the bench.
4. Wear your school colors so that at least the other team will not think you are swearing and muttering about their  child.
5. Take a walk to stretch and get some exercise through out the game, deep breathing and thinking calm thoughts.
6. DO NOT jump in air or give family members high fives when child is suddenly put in game- other fans will not like you and trust me, you did NOT bring enough candy to bribe them.
7. Make sure that now that you are a cheering maniac, cheer for the other players as well and the other fans might forgive that tiny high five when your darling scored.

Scout bags, the largest selection, the best price- www.preppyplayer.com

http://www.preppyplayer.com
Scout bags, including  the four boys bag, the scout baguette, and the scout cooler bags are here!

Shipping is only $5! And, unlike other sites... tax is included in my price. For example, the scout 4Boys bag is only $45-includes shipping AND tax!!!!

These are not on my web sites as the designs change weekly.

Please email me if interested, I take master card and visa and can ship right away!

I have a secure credit card shopping cart that I use via my web site.

So, I am  posting many of the designs and items that I sell with brief descriptions. 

Any questions, email me :)

A.

B.
C.
D.

  1.

These are the  Scout cooler bags, they are so pretty and unique, practical too. Perfect for tournaments, the park, beach, or work. The smaller one is a lunch box and the larger is a small cooler. They are  lightweight and leak proof. They sell for $35, nested.

                                                   2.
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I sell a lot of the cooler bags, they make great hostess gifts.

                                                          4.
The  Scout baguette bag, (only $20) is the best grocery bag I have! They are flat bottomed, weight nothing, and are indestructible. They come with sturdy straps long and short. They are just right for farmer's markets as you can wash and wipe down after using. I am constantly stopped and asked where I have bought this bag. .

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The  Scout Big Boys Bag, (think- Chinese flea market bag, but high end.) The dimensions are 24"(W) x 19" (H) x 12" (D)  They have reinforced bottom and handles. They fold flat for easy storage, perfect for college dorms as they fit under the bed, flat. They are water resistant too!

I sell these to a lot of horse people for soft tack and blankets. I also sell to people that use them to haul towels and linens to beach houses and for their boats. They sell for $40.

                                                6.
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                                              8.
                                                9.
This is the Scout weekender bag. It's a new item for scout. It weighs little and easily folds up to stow inside another bag until needed. It has a zip top and sells for $35

                                                          10.
      More baguettes!!                                             

                                                         11.
                                                             12.
                                              13.
These are the  Scout mini Deano, an open tote.  13" (W) x 12" (H) x6" (D)  This is perfect for the "extras", water bottle, magazines or newspaper, an extra sweater. I like to stuff it in my suitcase as an extra bag when traveling This tote sells for $25.

                                                    14.

Well, I hope that wasn't too boring for those of you not interested in the scout bags and I also hope that I gave enough info for those of you that were!

Scout Bags? I have them!

The Scout bags, especially the Four Boy bag above, are my hottest items at this time of the year. These are the type of bags that people stop you on the street or beach and ask, 

"Where did you get that bag?!"

If you are interested in ordering, ( I have all the designs available) please email me at:

patty@backyardartllc.com

shipping is $5.00, that's it! So $45 for this big boy beauty!

to see more designs, click here.

The  Scout Four Boys bag, named because the designer said he could fit all four of his little boys in the bag, is immensely popular as a beach bag, sleepover bag, college duffel, bag to transport linens and bedding to beach and country homes.

It comes in many designs, is water resistant and indestructible. It weighs very little and because of that is very inexpensive to ship.

I do not carry these on my websites, for now, but I am fully stocked and can easily ship to any destination. If you are interested in these bags, please email me and I can send you images of all designs available. 

I take Master card and visa :)

Always be prepared!

It is the scout motto.

And I do feel so much better when I am prepared.

At this time of the year, April, I like to be ready for any type of weather. I try to keep a bin in the back of my car with:

blankets, 

umbrellas,

gloves,

 sweaters,

sweatshirts,

extra waters,

sunscreen,

bug spray,

chairs

Because we are on fields watching games every weekend we are exposed to the elements.

And, the elements are constantly changing!

Now, ask me if I am prepared for Easter.

Well, I'm not.

Got to get on that, fast.

What a nice day!

This is the teeny, tiny picture of Ina and I "down the shore" for our meet up.

It was so much fun to meet Ina, although I felt like I had known her forever.  There were no surprises, she was exactly as I know her from her blog and I was not disappointed. 

It was such a nice day, browsing through shops in Spring Lake, going to lunch (thanks Ina)  great conversation.

I look forward to our next meet up!