PREPPY PLAYER

Before we know it...

2012-01-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

This girl will be graduating!
And it has begun.
Grad portraits came in. Ordered enough for all the important people in our life- grandparents, aunts uncles, cousins, friends, her friends. Should have ordered more- almost out!

Yearbook is paid for. Checks due for Senior trip, project graduation, cap and gown. we have begun discussing date for grad party...
It is January!
Hard to believe that in 5 months She will be done with high school AND that I will only have one left in high school is also VERY hard to believe.

It's paddle Tourney time! NJWPTL Tournament 2012

2012-01-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

We played in the NJWPTL tournament last week and it was a blast! Great paddle and wonderful to catch up with folks we play with and against all season. My partner Marcia and I played well and had fun. You can get a glimpse of us in a few of the pics on the video.

Last Year Gigi and I played in the Women's Shore "B" tourney down in Rumson, NJ. That was a nice tournament and I hope to play in it again.
As our regular paddle season winds down and before our ladder challenges, I love playing in tournaments. As long as I remain quasi -injury free, I hope to!

Bungalow Scout Bags 2012 Spring Preview- The Weekender!

2012-01-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

Think Longchamp- but with a huge zippered, inside pocket.
$45

Sh*t Football Fans Say

2012-01-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this? Gotta share! -A Thousand Miles For Our Mom, Nicole Miller

2012-01-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Uploaded by GMJR11 on Jan 9, 2012

"My brother Ryan and I rewrote the words to A Thousand Miles and dedicated it to our mom, Nicole Miller who passed away 8 years ago when a ford explorer she was riding in got a flat tire and rolled over. We want to spread the word to people driving these old Explorers, to please Google "Ford Explorer rollover", and then get rid of it before you or someone you love gets hurt. #OurNicoleMiller

We are also asking everyone to send this to people you know in our government or in the press that can help open up a real investigation about these cars because a lot of people think it was the Firestone tires but the car Mom was in didn't have those kind of tires on it.

Lyrics we wrote:
A Thousand Miles for Mom
Makin our way through life, growin fast, faces pass and I'm home bound.
Thinkin about you mom, while makin our way, everyday without you.
And I need you. And I miss you. And now I wonder.

If I could fall, into the sky, do you think you, would be by my side?
'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just see you tonight.

It's always times like this when I think of you but I know somehow you're watching over me.
Cause everything's so wrong, you belong, in my world, sitting next to me.
And I still need you. I'll always miss you, and now I wonder.

And I, I just want to let you know I, I dream of you all the time I, I, don't want to let you go, I, I don't.

'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just see you...tonight."

Dysfunctional family trying to parallel park ( this isn't our family, but we do know and love them!!)

2012-01-18T13:46:00.000-08:00

A 16 year old boy who just got his permit drove his family to Philadelphia and has trouble parallel parking, especially with his family yelling at him.

In the dead of winter.

2012-01-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

I really appreciate anything that brings light into my world.
I am not being philosophical.
I mean... literally, light!

So, I am loving this star votive hanger from Cox & Cox
http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/categories/decorative-home

or these,

from West Vintage Trading Co.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WestVintageTradingCo?ref=top_trail

Add this to my bald guy post...

2012-01-06T10:40:00.001-08:00

Awesome, right?
Found on Pinterest

Who needs hair?

2012-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Seriously, isn't he so handsome?

And although I know that some men who are blessed with the tresses are so handsome too...
I think that guys, especially young ones, who are stressed about their loss of hair should know that most women don't care.
We look at the eyes, or the smile or the muscles.
Hair?
Last on the list.
So shave the remaining few hairs close, keep it groomed and rock that balding head!
Like these guys:

Platform tennis? Lululemon rules!

2012-01-03T11:31:00.000-08:00

Lululemon manufactures and sells yoga inspired athletic wear.
I am a huge fan!
I live in these pants when I play platform tennis.
They are warm, fit like a glove, and last forever. ( I even put them in the dryer)

Now, I am crazed about their leggings as are my daughters.

They are great for athletics, this is true.
BUT, we wear them tucked in our boots as regular leggings.
They don't bag and sag.
They keep their color.
They are VERY flattering.
They come in long which my taller daughter loves...
And did I mention?
That I throw them in the dryer and they still look great?
You heard it here.

Sunrise at Mineral Basin

2012-01-03T10:57:00.001-08:00

12_30_11-Mineral Basin Express-John Collins, a photo by snowbirdphoto on Flickr.

Love Mineral Basin and this image from their web site photo stream has me jonesing for a morning run...
West family and Adamson Family, what do you say?

Clean Slate

2012-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

2012
Don't you just love it?
I do.
If you are Catholic I would compare it to how you feel after confession or if you are Jewish how you feel after Yom Kipper.
Another comparison?
How it feels on the first day of school. We have all experienced that.
There are so many possibilities, so many opportunities, all ready to be taken advantage of.
It is a fresh, new, squeaky clean year.
Let's enjoy it and take advantage!

Today's adventure!

2011-12-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

So today.

We tried to go to The View.

We ( my best neighborhood friends, EVER- and I) had tickets.

However, we were not willing to get to the studio and wait on line at the crack of dawn. We did leave at 7:30 am though.

Unfortunately the Lincoln tunnel was closed all morning due to a tractor trailer accident and that made for tons of traffic at the bridge, which caused us to be delayed.

We rushed to get on line only to find, after 45 minutes of waiting in the cold that we were the cut-off and we would not be getting in. :(

The good news was that we now have VIP tickets. :)

Next time? No line. Good seats. We get to pick the show.

And then?

We had a day to spend in NYC.

Where to go first? So many possibilities...

We heard from the coffee guy parked in front of The View that the MARTHA STEWART show had a second taping in the afternoon and that we could probably go standby...

We were off!

We jumped in a cab and headed downtown.

We were especially excited because we saw folks from the first taping leaving the studio with bags of swag. Martha was giving gifts today!

Except after much time on another line... we didn't get in. :(

But that was OK...

Because we did a lot of fun things before and in between!

Before our wait at MARTHA STEWART, Coffee and sweets at :

Then after we headed over here for lunch:

Then after lunch we walked over to Union Square to the Holiday Market:

It was great! I have plans to go back and I think it will be at dusk. Isn't it beautiful then?

Sorry I haven't any pictures of our group. We were having too much fun :)

Your ski stuff? 4 boys scout bag!

2011-12-08T09:27:00.001-08:00

This is the bag you need! $45

It is jumbo and perfect for all the ancillary items, helmets, gaiters, gloves, socks- all the extras!

We call this bag our "car luggage."

And when we get to where we are going? It folds flat and fits under the bed. No tripping over suitcases and bins.
Did I mention that they are water resistant and that you can throw all the muddy, dirty gear in the bag for the trip home?
Why?/How?
Because they can be hosed out or wiped down-easily cleaned :)

The scout pocket rocket-perfect for platform tennis/paddle

2011-12-07T11:53:00.001-08:00

With multi pockets and zippered closure on top, this bag is the right one to tote all your paddle "stuff!"

$38

The bag is water resistant so if it starts snowing or raining while you are on the court?

No worries!

$38

And the inside zippered pocket- perfect for cell phone, cash, and sunglasses?
Keeps you from digging thru all that paddle"stuff" to find what you need!

EVERYDAY IM SHUFFILIN

2011-12-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

How come I cannot get this song out of my head?

BECAUSE during my busy season, now?

EVERYDAY IM SHUFFILIN!

New pillows, in this week!

2011-11-25T10:31:00.001-08:00

Love these and the dozens more I have coming in!

All hand hooked wool, amazing quality-out of Manchester, Vt.

kung fu fighting - it seems I am the last one to see this...

2011-11-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

The commercial filmed in our kitchen is on!

2011-11-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween?

2011-10-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Just last week I was working at Rice's market, the leaves were just turning, and it was 70 degrees out...

Today. October 29th.

The leaves are turning, turning white. Crazy weather.

So, the fire is on...

No creatures stirring, not even my mouse!

Yes, it looks like afternoon naps and and an early evening movie- popcorn and cocoa are on our agenda today.

Happy Halloween!

beach flash mob fun

2011-10-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

blogger? am I here?

2011-10-26T11:02:00.001-07:00

***

Thanks kids! signed up for a you tube account and accidently put my birth year as 2011.
Blogger/google shut everything down, including my BLOG as I was now considered a minor! Cost me .30 on my credit card and a few hours to undo it!
xoxo

Privacy? Shhh...

2011-10-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Do you have someone in your life that just has to "share?"
That tends to over "share?"
That doesn't have the word discretion in his or her vocabulary?

I do.
Everyone knows this person's business. They let folks know when the daughter got her period, what the son's grades are, what is wrong or right about their sex life, about the family's finances, the trials and tribulations of their extended family, their troubles, and their successes.
And that's their choice. If they want their family's life to be an open book that is their business.

But here is my problem and you tell me what you think.

This person also talks about my family even though I do not share anything with her. I have mutual friends expressing their concern that my daughter doesn't have a job yet and asking why she wouldn't take the job that offered $25,000 "because you have to start somewhere!"

I had to listen to another person sympathise with me about the "horrible childhood" our family had and other unsavory things about my parents. News to me.

There are tons of other stories with a similar theme. Recently I bumped into a friendly acquaintance at dinner out with friends, as we stood there catching up she mentioned that she heard that the "over-sharer " and I aren't getting along.

I didn't want to bad mouth this person or tell the gazillion reasons I am keeping my distance from my "over-sharer."
Yet, I almost felt obligated to defend myself or say something derogatory to explain the distance between us. Or to explain the why a lot of people, not just me have issues with the "over-sharer."
So, I just smiled and said, " you know how it is..."

And that is the hard part for me. I am loyal. I am private. I don't want to bad mouth or gossip about someone close to me, especially someone in my family! And I really don't want to talk to people outside my family about private family matters.
And even though the" over-sharer" doesn't have that same discretion?
I wish she would when it concerned me and my family.

And by the way, your comments are not public. Feel free to share. No one else can read them but me.
In fact, I recently found out that the over-sharer reads my blog and I definitely do not post anything personal these days as I cannot trust that it wont be a topic of conversation with a different spin.
Thought of making this blog private so that I could write the way I want...
Might still.

They are rolling in!

2011-10-24T05:35:00.000-07:00

My merchandise for all my holiday sales is starting to come in and now that the air is crisp and colder-

it doesn't seem so silly to sell holiday pillows...

gloves

or scarves!

I may have the blues...

2011-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

This color blue may be the solution I am looking for...

these walls.

Ultimate monogram!

2011-10-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

I gotta have these!

My first thought was...

2011-10-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Does she have teenagers?

The headline was " Woman Ages 50 Years in Just a Few Days"

But no. Apparently the 26 year-old woman was having problems with allergies and took medication to ease her symptoms for a month.
According to the article,
"Many doctors believe that Phuong has lipodystrophy, which is a rare condition that causes a layer of fatty tissue beneath the surface of the skin to disintegrate while the skin itself continues to grow at an accelerated pace."
This could have happened from the medication and specialists are now studying her and her condition to work on restoring her appearance.

I hope they are able to help her AND I hope they can use their findings to help those of us that have "middle age allergies!"

Paint panic!

2011-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

HATE the color of this room.
My fault. I chose it.
The new carpeting came in, love it. But now hate the paint color even more!
If that is even possible.

This is what it was. Loved it with the other carpeting.
Now, I don't think it would work as well.

This blue might be a contender as the new color or perhaps...
A chocolate brown?
What do you recommend?

This will do.

2011-10-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

I am thinking all green for next year

And the galvanized, grey metal pot the ferns are in?
saw one at Rice's market in New Hope, Pa last week!

This fountain may join us in the near future.

I am obsessed...

2011-10-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Inside

and
out.

I want this!

2011-10-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yes. I want this look.
My question?
How long does boxwood last in a pot?
Because this image is from an inn in France, I'm sure the shrubs in those pots are something cool like Lavender...

We were ready for our close-up! (* NHRHS alert!)

2011-10-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Remember a few months back when I decided I needed bank to finish off my kitchen project?
That we signed with a film location scout and hoped to rent out our house for film shoots or commercials?
See HERE
*see bottom for NHRHS alert!
Well,
WE GOT A JOB!!!!
Last Friday they filmed a Cuisinart commercial at our house for this product:

Here are some images of what went on,

The white van was craft services, also known as the food truck! It was awesome going out to my curb anytime I wanted a cup of coffee or for something to eat all day. In fact, my fourteen-year-old would have liked that truck to be permanent.

The crew was very organized. There were signs everywhere. Every surface was covered with cardboard or plastic to protect our home from any damage as there were over 60 people in and out of our house all day!

Our bedroom was transformed into the hair and make-up room.

This is looking thru the living room into the dining room and onto the kitchen.

Our den was the editing room.

Our driveway appeared to be mission control...

This is the same shot from far away.

*NHRHS
Northern Highlands alumni, recognize this girl?
She was the stylist/set designer on this job.
I walked into my kitchen I couldn't believe she was there as I hadn't seen her in about 35 years!!!
It was Ann Armstrong!!!
It was so good to see her. She looked as pretty as ever with the same great personality.

Needless to say, the whole experience was awesome. The crew left my house better than they found it, we made a nice sum of money, the client gave us a beautiful, new, Cuisinart coffee maker
AND
I was able to reconnect with an old friend.
Cant beat that!

Adele - Someone Like You

2011-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am a busy blogger today!
Love this.
Love Adele.
Love Paris.
Love.
This video?
This morning?
You're welcome.

Swedish House Mafia -apparently, I am the last to know...

2011-09-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

That techno/electro is here to stay.
That this is what college kids and twenty-somethings are listening to, dancing to, and partying to.
Now you know too, although you probably already did.

This Kid...

2011-09-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

...went on a Confirmation retreat this past weekend.
He didn't go kicking and screaming like a couple of my older kids. But I could tell he was nervous and didn't know what to expect.

Although we go to church every week and he has gone to CCD every year, we wouldn't be considered holy rollers. We have a quiet, private faith. So, I wasn't sure how he would react to being imersed in a more intense, religious environment. I know how my other kids did, but each child is different.

One of the components of the retreat is that loved ones write letters to the confirmation candidates telling them how much they love them, why they love them and what they hope the retreat should accomplish.
This is usually everyone's favorite part of the retreat.

Let's face it, even though we know that our children know we love them- We probably don't say it as much as we should AND there is something wonderful about seeing it in writing. The letters are affirmations and confirmations of our love and hopes for them.

And what teenager doesn't need to hear that?

The impact of letters are incredible. Amongst the kids at the retreat there is usually a lot of tears (happiness) and hugs during the letter session. Some kids get a couple of letters, some get a lot.
A few of my kids have kept their letters from way back when...

My son, coming from a large family, had MANY letters. I loved what his siblings wrote to him! It gave me insight into their faith and their love for their brother and I know it meant so much to him.
I asked some of his aunts and a cousin to write to him and he loved their letters too.

My advice?

You don't have to have a kid making his or her confirmation to write letters of faith and love. I think that most people would appreciate it, but I think teenagers NEED it.

Let's tie one on!

2011-09-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

I am loving these hair ties! Selling a lot of them too.

Why?

Because they don't dent your hair.

Unlike a ratty, old hair tie, they look cute on your wrist, like a bracelet.

They look sleek and sophisticated on a pony tail.

They are something new AND different!

You want to smile? PS22 Chorus "ROLLING IN THE DEEP" Adele

2011-09-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

better late than never?

2011-09-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Never put up shots from our Summer diy photo shoot...

Remember?

The photo shoot at our Jersey shore family reunion where we decided not to hire a professional photographer like we have in years past?

Well here are some of my favorite pics :)

As promised, Our DIY photo shoot-

2011-08-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

First, the matriarch and patriarch. Also known as the super generous folks who footed the bill!

Or, as I call them- Mom and Dad

That's a lot of DNA they passed on!

With all the grandkids

or adorable ones...

Later? DIY photo returns with the progeny!

Home Design Porn

2011-08-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

I bet that got your attention!

So guess what kids?

My kitchen is featured on http://www.houzz.com this week...

OMG!!!!

let's not forget the girls...

2011-08-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

You remember her. First born daughter. Needs a job?

And, how about her? Youngest daughter. Senior year here we come!

I will post the entire photo shoot later.
Yes, I wasn't just tired- I ALWAYS have huge bags under my eyes!
Thank goodness my daughters did not inherit that :)

Beach boys, aka my boys at the beach!

2011-07-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

These are the men in my life!

She's back...

2011-07-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Although hopefully I'm not so scary...

Ok, so my hair is pretty scary here. But we were at the beach!

So anything goes, right?

It was awesome. Two weeks at LBI with our nearest and dearest.

Here is a little peek:

These are just some of the 27 folks we partied and played with at the beach! Tomorrow I will post the pics from our photo shoot. We decided not to hire a photographer this year and do our own. I think it turned out very well.

Here is one example,

Too cute!

Jude Connally Dresses 2011/2012 not so much....

2011-07-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

Remember when I recommended the Jude Connally dresses?
I was so excited to see if I could sell them at a huge lacrosse fundraiser, lax for the cure.
The fundraiser is so special, 4 thousand girls and their families!

I was sooo disappointed when I was told that they would not allow me sell them, that they wanted to save any of their merchandise for the high end boutiques that they are currently selling at.
Hey I understand that they have a business model that they would like to adhere to AND I realize that there is no way that they could comprehend how influential the demographic at Lax for the cure is for setting preppy trends...

However, you can only imagine how relieved I was when in speaking to my customers I found that...
they felt the Jude Connally dress line was:
1. Cut too short for older/middle age women
2. Too matronly for young women
3. too seasonal
4. pricey
5. didn't hold up over time.

Glad I found out as I was willing to place a 3,000 order!!!
Personally, I love my dresse. I like a shorter dress.

The good news was that I didn't waste my money.
Because I took the time to speak to my customers about the Jude Connally dresses I was able to get a lot of feedback, over and over again I heard about a new line that is very versatile, chic AND preppy.
And it was:
Judith March
Game Day dresses

I am in love! I plan on putting in an order at the end of the month.
keep you posted :)

false alarm

2011-07-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

The other morning I came out the front door and almost stepped on this behemoth, black, hairy SPIDER!
Needless to say I ran screaming into the house. Except no one was home.

I went outside with my camera so that I could document just how BIG the spider was.
First I used my zoom lens. No way was I getting close to that again.
Then... I noticed it wasn't moving, maybe it was dead?
I found a branch and started poking it...
And realized that it was an old rubber Halloween decoration that must have been dug up when we did our construction.

I called my husband to tell him what happened. It turns out he was the prankster who placed it on the sidewalk, visible only after an innocent victim (me) were to come down the steps.

Apparently I was one of many victims. He went on to tell me that my older son came down the stairs and proceeded to yell, " What the Hell!" then he ran by while he kept looking back pointing and shouting to my husband.

My daughter skipped right over it, then realized what she had just seen and ran screaming to the car.

Of course, my younger son was late to his camp because he had to investigate and then ended up stomping it repeatedly (before he realized it was fake!)

I am plotting a prank to rival this...
Any ideas?

My monogram?

2011-07-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, that would be with a sharpie.
Our family will be going to our favorite place this Summer with our extended family.

All 27 of us.

If you are familiar with rentals at the Jersey shore- you know that you must bring all your own bed linens and towels.
That's a lot of sheets and towels!
And how to keep track of which towels and sheets belong to whom?
I rely on little initials in the corners, made with my black sharpie!
Not too classy, but it does the job.

Trend alert!

2011-06-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

So first, I miss all of you! I have been on the road and haven't made it to blogging.
Visited the Frau in Buffalo. Will post pics soon.

Speaking of Buffalo, thanks to the Frau's daughter, my beloved niece Katelyn, I was alerted to the biggest trend EVER!!!!

Feather extensions. Kinda weird right? But they grow on you.
In fact, I am now selling clip on feather extensions... Like. Crazy.
So thanks to Katelyn I am on top of a Summer trend.
Love that girl.

Kinda cool...

2011-06-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

So, you know I'm in love with my kitchen, right? So happy.
But, we still have a way to go.
Butler's panty isn't done:

We want to put in cabinets, dishwasher, wine fridge and a ice maker in.
We also want to put in a patio:

But guess what kids?
That will have to wait while we play catch-up with all the money that went to construction and college tuition this past year.

So I put on my thinking cap and remembered that there was a girl in our town that rented out their kitchen for use in commercials, ads and movies. She felt there was little downside and that the money was big enough to put up with all the inconvenience.
I have heard some horror stories but decided to send the pictures shown above that my kitchen designer (Sharon Sherman, Thyme and Place Design, Wyckoff, NJ) had taken and generously gave to me.

Well, we were signed right away! Within a few days we received our first call and there I was running around crazy taking pictures of the french doors leading out of the kitchen, both inside and out. Apparently ABC wanted to shoot a promo with Mario Batali at... OUR HOUSE!!!!

However, it's show biz folks. They really needed a kitchen island that had a cook top on it!
Ours, thankfully does not. We were a contender unless they found one and... they did.

Aah, our brush with fame! Our location agent assured me that our house/kitchen is a star and that we can look forward to plenty more opportunities.

We're ready for our close-up Mr. De Mille!
Or at least some bucks to do the patio!!

Jude Connally dresses 2011 OR Analili dresses and tops?

2011-05-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

www.preppyplayer.com
Love Jude Connally dresses and believe I need to sell them. I don't think they are ready to allow folks to sell them online but hope they will allow me to sell them at special events. If not there are a few other lines that I like but they are more expensive and I feel as though these dresses have a good price point.

Such as Analili dresses and tops

Love my laundry room...

2011-05-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

But hate doing laundry. What has really helped has been the stainless steel table I got from a restaurant supply company. It is higher than a normal table so I don't have to bend while folding and there is a shelf at the bottom so that all my laundry baskets are off the floor.
Recommend it!

Hat's off!

2011-05-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

1. To all who have fought our wars.

2. To all who are graduating and to their parents who supported/paid.

3. To France! Yes, France. The French are allotted, (government mandated),
30 paid vacation days a year.
89% of them take it! How many days does our government mandate? 0

4. To all those who are volunteering at camps and programs for the under-privileged this Summer.

5. To all those working unpaid internships this Summer... reminiscent of indentured servants?

6. To all you Moms of young children, Summer means busier than ever!

7. To all my blog friends :)

So proud of our girl!

2011-05-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

"Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderfull
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love "

My favorite things, am I Oprah or what?

2011-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I had to look up how to spell Oprah! How could I not know that?

Anyway, just like supposed religious icon, Oprah (according to Yale professor, Kathryn Lofton)
I have some favorite things that I want to share.

1. battery operated candles

They flicker, they smell like a candle, they are made of wax, and they come with a timer.
No waxy mess, no fire hazard.
I will be selling these this Summer.

2.Scout Pleasure Chest, (cooler bag)

The best scout bag to keep sandwiches, drinks and adult beverages cold. that's right, wine bottles fit into these babies! There is a zipper pocket to stash keys, beach badges, cash. You can wear it over your shoulder at all those tournaments you'll be at this Summer. They do not leak :)
I will be selling them this Summer.

3.mini cooper

We just bought our daughter one and I am in love! It is so fun to drive and the gas mileage is amazing.

4. Mophie credit card reader and app

This has changed my life! I can now attach the Mophie reader and swiper onto my iphone and take credit cards anywhere and at anytime.

5.Jude Connally Dresses

I am obsessed! I have bought two already. So comfortable, so pretty and feminine.

Although this isnt the most flattering pic, this is my fav Jude Connally right now.

This one is next on my list!
I hope to be able to sell these in the near future.
So that's it

It is that time of year...

2011-05-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Prom!

And there was no "proma" aka drama.
First- it takes a village,

Big sister drove home from college to do her sister's make-up.

Cousins came and helped too. Thank goodness Kim keeps bras in her car!

Then it was on to the photo shoot. All the girls and their dates looked beautiful. Everyone was happy.

So funny, it never changes. The boys look sooo young and the girls look like they are twenty.

So glad that my daughter has such ties to such lovely girls, since kindergarten.

Same here. The girl on the right has been her friend since they were two years-old.

last but not least, her date was a nice boy, handsome too!

let us catch up!

2011-05-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

1. Happy belated Mother's day!
I worked at the horse show and then came home early to relax, see my family and then to have chardonnay and sushi. My children were generous and gifted me with a massage at the spa. I don't like working on Mother's day but have to every year, so I really appreciate the attention I get afterwards.
It makes me feel appreciated and loved. Even after a long day of baseball ( double header, an hour drive away) my youngest still made an effort to wait on me :)

2. Horse Show- Awesome! Made a lot of money, didn't have to battle the weather much, and met a lot of nice people. Plus, it was great to be around all the horses and dogs all week.

3. Getting ready for the boutique for the Little Silver, NJ kitchen tour.

4. Getting bids for a new patio, anyone have recommendations for patio stone?

5. That show, Hoarders? I am inspired and will be purging unused items all week.

6. Tennis will be played this week. Must.

7. when to have party for my college graduate and middle school graduate?
People have been sending invites since March! I guess I should ask the graduates!

8. Have a good week everyone and the folks in the Northeast? Enjoy the beautiful weather as who knows how long it will last.

French Preppies!

2011-05-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

I use to read a fun blog, "Stuff Parisians Like" as I was curious about the preppy culture in France.
It wasn't a preppy blog so I didn't learn much. (although being a francophile, I still love the blog!)

Lo and behold a lovely gentleman named Ryan left me a comment explaining everything I wanted to know and more. Thank you Ryan. I feel so informed and if you read below, you will too.

Ryan Hilliard said...

Hi. I just read your question from a couple of years ago about French preppies on the blog Stuff Parisians Like. You may have already gotten your answer, but in case you haven't, I'll answer it here.

French "preppies" are known as BCBG, an acronym for Bon Chic Bon Genre. (Has nothing to do with the store BCBG in the US). They are sometimes from old, aristocratic families, but usually they are haute bourgeois, working in finance, politics, etc...

In Paris, BCBG usually live in the 16th arrondissement, also known as A-N-P, an acronym for Auteuil-Neuilly-Passy. Neuilly sur Seine is a posh suburb just outside of the 16th and Auteuil and Passy are the two neighborhoods that make up the 16th.

http://manstouch.blogspot.com/2009/04/passy-charming-village-in-heart-of.html

BCBG can also be found in the 6th, 7th, 8th and in other posh suburbs and in the city of Versailles.

BCBG love the Dordogne region and often have weekend/country family estates there. Ile de Re is the French Nantucket and is the first choice for BCBG summer home/get away.

http://www.holidays-iledere.co.uk/

BCBG are usually more style/fashion conscious than American preppies, though their clothing choices are always restrained, conservative and classic.

This is the French equivalent of the Official Preppy Handbook: http://www.amazon.com/BCBG-Guide-chic-genre-French/dp/2020091402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1304024678&sr=8-1

It is a bit outdated, but still very relevant and will give you an idea about BCBG manners, schools, upbringing, clothing, etc...

Here is a spoof on BCBG, about 20 yrs old, but still very funny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8scrJeZECdE

BCBG are generally detested in France and seen as elitist, which is very offensive to French sensibilities. Their manners are mocked and their neighborhoods are deemed passe. (There is a play on words with passe and Passy-get it?)

One other note, currently Lacoste shirts, in France, are only worn by suburban thug boys. It would be VERY un-BCBG to wear Lacoste currently. Kind of like what happened to Tommy Hilfiger in the 90s (though TH was never preppy in the true sense). This is sad, but true.

Enjoy!

April 28, 2011 2:12 PM

lafayette Women's lacrosse 2011. Forgot to mention...

2011-04-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

This girl, #26, had her last game of her collegiate career this past weekend.
Through injuries, and a coach that had a different agenda, one that did not include the seniors and juniors-
She made it to the end, never quitting.

The final revenge to her coach that has had a HORRIBLE record- she scored 4 goals her last game!
And, she could have done that all season. But, the coach preferred to sacrifice the team rather than play the girls she didn't recruit. Very selfish.
At least my player hasn't been alone. she suffered with the other two seniors and most of the juniors.
And at least she loved the school AND the girls on her team!
Too bad there isn't a good coach right now. But hopefully that will change soon :)

See how they grow!

2011-04-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Two adorable, fun loving 8th graders.

And now, 1 more year until high school graduation.

I always forget about the metamorphosis that teens go through- when they are in it. It is only after that I realize such a transformation has occurred. When I am with my fourteen year old I don't notice that they are all nose, elbows and ankles-nothing in proportion. I don't see the acne, braces, or chubby cheeks. My fourteen year old is perfect to me.

It is only in retrospect that I realize what has happened! The face grew longer, the forehead broader, the chin more pronounced and the cheekbones sharper. Now, the nose looks right and the elbows and knees aren't noticeable. And even though I always thought they were beautiful and perfect...
They really are.

And truthfully, I haven't met a sixteen year old that I didn't think was beautiful. I am not kidding.
All I see is possibilities, potential, and promise. Physically and mentally.
The two girls above are perfect illustrations as they are beautiful inside and out.
Even when they were awkward fourteen year olds!

In honor of the Frau...

2011-04-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

We had Spargel ! It was delicious.
When we were in Germany last year at this time (thank you volcano!) we noticed roadside stands selling Spargel!
It is a very BIG thing there at this time of the year. The stands were very busy, VERY!

According to Wikipedia,

"Spargel is the German name for asparagus. Most asparagus in Germany is white, as it is grown covered in soil (hilling) to prevent photosynthesis. This prevents the asparagus turning green and results in a taste a little sweeter and much more tender. It must be peeled before consumption. Spargel is generally harvested from late April to early June. Some green asparagus is available in Germany, but would most likely be called grüner Spargel.

Asparagus is very popular in the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany. In Germany it is known as "Königliches Gemüse" (Royal Vegetable). Germany produces 82,000 tons of asparagus a year; however, that is only enough to meet 61% of consumption. Many German cities hold festivals celebrating its harvest. Schwetzingen claims to be the "Asparagus Capital of the World" and holds an annual Spargelfest (asparagus festival) in which an Asparagus Queen is crowned.

During Spargelsaison or Spargelzeit (asparagus season), asparagus is sold at many roadside stands and in open air markets: about half of all asparagus is bought in this way. It is also popular in restaurants, and fresh asparagus is advertised outside many restaurants during the season."
And now you know!

This cute little Honey....

2011-04-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

...graduates from college in 4 weeks! Where did the time go?

Seton Hall's Adam Satz Wins National Manager Contest - Many thanks to my readers who voted!

2011-04-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Senior Adam Satz won the national manager contest by more than 1,000 votes.

Seton Hall's Adam Satz Wins National Manager Contest

Release: 04/16/2011

Share|

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Adam Satz, a senior men's basketball manager at Seton Hall University, has won a national managers contest sponsored by The UPS Store.

Satz was named one of four national finalists in the early spring, which carried a $5000 award to Seton Hall's general scholarship fund. Over the last month, Satz, as well as finalists from Duke, Elon and Rice, competed for votes for the top prize which nets an additional $10,000 to the manager's school.

For two days a film crew followed Satz around during his daily routine as a manager, student and member of the Seton Hall community. Fans have been urged over the last month to view the videos of the four finalists and vote for a winner.

The voting officially ended in the evening of Friday, April 15 and Satz, who led for the vast majority of the contest, was named the winner by over 1,000 votes over a duo of managers from Duke University. In all, he received over 5,600 votes.

"Thank you to everyone who supported me," Satz said. "I found the amount of people who took the time to help, whether they knew me or not, truly humbling."

Satz has been a manager for the men's basketball team for over three years. His expertise is vast, but he specializes in video work and film exchange. Although he traveled with the team on road trips and worked long hours in the men's basketball offices, Satz still managed to be a leader in Seton Hall's sports management program and maintains a grade point average of over 3.5.

"It is a tremendous accomplishment for Adam to win this national contest," said Seton Hall head men's basketball coach Kevin Willard. "Each of the finalists are quite impressive. They all should be congratulated for making it this far."

"Adam is one of the most dedicated and hard-working young men I've ever been around," Willard continued. "He truly deserves this. We couldn't be happier for him."

Windy!

2011-04-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

As my thought and prayers go to the people of the Carolinas and Virginia after a devastating storm system did incredible damage, massive destruction, taking lives,
It made me think of my experience last May at the Garden State horse Show. I do the show every year and enjoy it immensely.

I love the environment, being around the horse and dogs for 5 days is a thrill.

The weather is often iffy as it can be in May. Rain comes and goes.

However, they always put us in a huge circus type tent. In fact the tents are so big that the horse are stalled in them. it's true. There are a few hundred horses in real stalls in up to 5 tents. There is plenty of room for the vendors and we are safe from the elements.

Anyway,
Last May the weather was beautiful. On the 4th day of the show, Saturday, the weatherman said it would be windy. Didn't bother me -I am in the tent. Around 3 o'clock the winds really began to pick up.
Still wasn't worried...

Until I could hear yelling and screaming and looked outside towards the tents where the horses were stalled and saw them collapsing! Everyone was running around crazy trying to evacuate the horses. Cars and trucks were everywhere, it was total mayhem...

When all of a sudden I heard our tent ripping! The tent was swaying back and forth. We got out as fast as possible. Out into the windy mayhem. People were running back and forth helping the vendors get their merchandise out of the tents.
So there I was in the middle of a field with all my stuff around me. Dirt and branches were whipping through the air, I had to get out of there,
But, I had a problem. I had driven my car not the big suburban I used to transport merch. Luckily, my husband came to the rescue and drove the hour to come help me.

The show was canceled the next day. Found out we had encountered 50 mile an hour winds that afternoon. Wouldn't want to do that again.
And what I experienced?
Was an nth of a degree to what the people down South encountered this weekend.
God bless them.

It's all about ME!

2011-04-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend OHN at http://only-half-nuts.blogspot.com/ I have something to write about!

Here is the meme that I stole/borrowed from her:

A. Age: 51, but a very YOUNG 51!

B. Bed size: queen, had a full when we were first married and then even when we first started having kids!

C. Chore you dislike: vacumning

D. Dogs: None, right now. I am working on it though!

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee and something sweet. Ideally while I'm reading the paper.

F. Favorite color: Green. Black is a big part of my life as well.

G. Gold or silver:Love them both. Especially loved selling all my broken gold jewelry and making big bucks!

H. Height: 5'5 for most of my life. seems as though I am heading to 5'4.

I. Instruments you play(ed): does the soprano recorder count? It shouldn't. I was just pretending to play the entire year of 4th grade.

J. Job title: owner operator

K. Kids: Yes, five. Perfect amount for me.

L. Live: Outside of NYC in Jersey. Please don't make jokes.

M. Mom’s name: Cecelia

N. Nicknames: Hmmm, not to my face.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Five times for the births of my children.

P. Pet peeves: Passive/aggressive people. I cant deal with people that do not say what they mean. No patience.

Q. Quote from a movie: What, the curtains!

R. Righty or lefty: Righty.

S. Siblings: Four sisters.

T. Time you wake up: 7:30.

U. Underwear: necessary.

V. Vegetables you don’t like: over cooked, otherwise I havent met a veggie I didnt like!

W.What makes you run late: trying to do too much before I go.

X. X-rays you’ve had: lots, especially dental.

Y. Yummy food you make: I'm a wiz with a crock pot!

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Monkeys. Love watching them.

Ok, now your turn!

Spring break?

2011-04-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

When I was in college I lived in Ft. Lauderdale. In the 1970's it was the #1 Spring break destination.
I worked in a bar right on A1A and saw Spring Break front row, 24 hours a day.
It looked a lot like the pic above.
It was fun, but for 2 months it took twice as long to drive anywhere. The bar I worked at was right off the beach. So, about twice a day we would have some kid from Minnesota or Michigan pass out from heat exposure as they had been in 20 degree below weather 24 hours earlier and had just layed out all day in the 90 degree sun.
College kids don't tip ( the drinking age was still 18 in Fla. back then.) I had to find creative ways to squeeze some bucks out of the kids that sat at my bar for hours. We hung a sign that said,

"Tipping is NOT a city in China!"

I learned to play Liars poker and would get a big group playing so I could win some $$. I learned tricks like bouncing quarters off my elbows and flipping coasters. I would bet the bar that I could do a certain amount ( less than I really could do) I would lose and then bet again that I could do even more! Of course they all upped their bets... and I would win.

Before you feel sorry for these guys, remember that they sat ALL DAY at my bar and didn't tip at all!

I was a college student too.

The most interesting thing is, I am in thousands of Spring break photo albums. Really.

Because at least 50 times a day the bartender( me) would be asked to pose with one group or another.

Also, thousands of sailors would be in town asking every girl in a bikini to pose with them. I felt obligated because they were serving our country...

Not my friend, she would charge them $10!!!

I couldn't believe it, but then she explained.

She said, "Patty, each one of those boys is going back to their bunk or home and showing the pictures around and saying that we were their girlfriend or conquest! I want to make sure I get paid for it!"

Not sure I agreed with that. But, it did make me think!

Anyway, my children's Spring break is this week and we are...

Home.

And I couldn't be happier. Not that we had a choice. We put on a big addition this year and there wasnt going to be trip for awhile. But, we are all enjoying sleeping in, no rushing around, catching up on movies and shows, basically, spending time together.

Bungalow Scout Bags-Four Boys Bag!

2011-04-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

This is one of the new Spring bags-$45.

Protection!

2011-04-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

I don't mean this type.
A little risque for this blog. But, hey! It's Friday!
No, I meant this type. Below-

The Italian Horn is said to keep away the Devil/evil. Many Italians wear this.

The evil eye bracelet is worn by the Greeks, the Turks, the Armenians, and other mid-eastern peoples. It is said to protect from the evil eye. The evil eye is when others wish you harm due to envy or evil. The bracelet sends it right back at them. Blue is the traditional color, but it comes in many other colors as well.

Being Catholic, we have all sorts of symbols of protection. First and foremost, the cross. There are many Saints that we look to for direction and protection.
But, for traveling we look to St. Christopher. I remember growing up having a little statue in our car!
Anyway, I sell St Christopher medals on cord and they are one of my most popular items, even for non-Catholics.
Here are the choices for Spring/Summer 2011,

I just love them. They will be on website( if we ever get it up!!!) and I sell them when I am on the road.
Can't have too much protection!

Boys! Too funny.

2011-04-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Here is latest interchange after the first 7th/8th gradebaseball try-out, captured from my son Kevin's Facebook.

Basically, it is my son discussing his pitching and then the funny part, a 9th grader trash talking, putting down the new team. Saying how bad it will be compared to last year's team.
What is so funny is the 8th grade boys and their insults, telling the 9th grader that last year's team was terrible and that he was the only good player!
What? Sounds like they are complimenting him !

Kevin-
Baseball tryouts.... I don't think I'm getting the pitching job after today's performance

17 hours ago via iPhone · ·

4 people like this.
- Nick-Wat happened kev
  17 hours ago ·
- Kevin- Lets just say I was a little wild
  17 hours ago ·
- Nick- I thought ur accuracy improved
  17 hours ago ·
- James- oh god
  17 hours ago ·
- Kevin-Actually it kinda did... I blame it on the catcher
  17 hours ago ·
- Nick- who was the catcher
  17 hours ago ·
- Jared(the catcher)- hahahahaha
  17 hours ago ·
- Kevin- Idk
  17 hours ago ·
- Kevin-I had a couple strikes .... If I get more accurate I'll b good
  16 hours ago ·
- Kevin- Wich might not happen
  16 hours ago ·
- Vincent- you guys are going to suck alot
  16 hours ago ·
- Kevin- Dude no... Except for u and wiz Ur grade stunk at baseball
  16 hours ago ·
- Vincent-Really our freshman baseball team is 2-0 and we look very good. You guys have no pitching at all.
  15 hours ago ·
- Kevin- Yaa we do.... And thanks usr for that record
  15 hours ago ·
- Vincent- who can pitch
  15 hours ago ·
- Jake- R team is gonna b so much better than last year
  14 hours ago ·
- Kevin- homan, granger, rosato, molzan, this rlly good 7th grader, and kelley if we need him....
  13 hours ago ·
- Jake- Vinny you were the only good 8th grade pitcher last year.
  3 hours ago ·

Vote for this kid! Adam Satz of Seton Hall University

2011-04-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

My friend and occasional roommate Susan ( God bless her!) works at Seton Hall University and she wants us to know that there is a contest sponsored by the UPS store rewarding a lucky team manger's school with 10K for its general scholarship fund in their name.

Why does she want us to know that?

Because there is a very deserving student/ basketball manager at Seton hall that has a good chance to win, but he needs our help!

Adam is trailing by 200 votes to the manager from Duke and your vote could put him in the lead.

If you need a good reason to do this, besides Jersey pride, please click on the link below and hear his story. Then hit "like", post on your wall if possible and ask your friends to vote for Adam. Most of all hit "like!"

to hear his story and vote,

Go to:

http://ups.promo.eprize.com/madness/video.html?video=2

and VOTE!!!!

let me know if you did!

flip flop bucket

2011-03-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

You need this!

Just a few...

2011-03-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

wise ass remarks ( actually, very funny) regarding my last post.

I guess folks who have blog rolls, and give me the honor of being there, see the title of each blogger's post on their blog roll.
My last title- pretty AND functional had some thinking that I was talking about a person and maybe,
about myself.
Nope, just about a bunch of buckets.
But let me see, what two words would I use if I were to write and describe myself?

presentable AND functioning!
How about you?

pretty AND functional...

2011-03-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

and I'm selling them!

Lafayette women's Lacrosse-California Pards Spring trip video!

2011-03-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Apparently, it is mandatory that when teams are on Spring break they put together a video.
It's a lot of work.
I have to say whomever edited this one did an awesome job.
Lafayette women's Lacrosse rocks!
Watch it, it will make you smile

CANNOT get this song out of my mind,

2011-03-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

It must be Friday!

PS doesn't Billy Joel look so young?

On a misson!

2011-03-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am on my way into NYC on this blustery, winter day. ( I know it's March and Spring, but today the world is snow covered in northern NJ!)

And on this day I am on a search for Spring/Summer scarves.

Such as these above.
It feels refreshing to start buying for warmer months. However, it isnt so easy to sell Spring and Summer like items when there is snow on the ground. I might have to bring out the animal hats at my sale tonight!

Remember these?

Around these parts...

2011-03-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

There is a progression of Spring flowers,

Now, pansies.

And Crocus.

Any minute, forsythia

Towards Easter, hyacinths.

And you know it's May when you see Lilacs.
What is your Spring flower timeline?

One of my heros...

2011-03-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that would be Sue Walsh. Anesthesiologist nurse. Sporting a scout bag she bought from...ME!
But that isn't why she is my hero, although it helps!
No, it's because she still manages to look way cool while in Bangladesh, India volunteering her time for Operation Smile.

"More than 200,000 children are born with a severe cleft condition each year — often unable to eat, speak, socialize or smile. In some places these children are shunned and rejected. And in too many cases, their parents can't afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a normal life.
That's where we come in as an international charity providing much needed surgical services. Since 1982, Operation Smile — through the help of dedicated medical volunteers — has provided free surgeries to children around the world. As one of the most prominent children’s charities in the world and with a presence in over 60 countries, we are able to heal children’s smiles and bring hope for a better future."

So c'mon, isn't she awesome? AND do you believe how cool it is that she had a Scout bag in the OR?
Love you Sue!

This is for reals!

2011-03-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

More Eataly info!

2011-03-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

So, it turns out I have some "semi" connections at Eataly. Two boys, ( now men) that my sons went to high school with are big deals at Eataly!

One, Dan Amatuzzi, the wine director at Eataly, worked with Batali, Bastianich and Farinetti to stock Eataly with more than 1000 Italian wines. Wine is very important at Eataly, every server has been educated to educate the customer on correct wine pairings with any food ordered.

The other is is Nick Coleman, Eataly's chief olive oil specialist. He knows EVERYTHING you need to know about olive oil and gives classes and courses there on that subject. Do you remember that I mentioned that I have never seen so many olive oils in my life? This is the guy that will educate you about them.

I just started following Eataly on Facebook and Twitter so that I am aware of any special events or interesting promotions. If you plan on visiting NYC and want to go to Eataly, I suggest you do the same!

EATALY- what you should know...

2011-03-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

“We cook what we sell and we sell what we cook.”

Last week I had some business in NYC and asked my son to join me and
keep me company. I figured I would reward him afterwards with lunch. It
was a rare, warm day in February so we decided to walk. We walked down
5th avenue towards Union Square as there are tons of nice places to eat
in that area.
( I also thought I would drag him into the most amazing store-ABC Carpet.)

But, all of a sudden I realized we were in front of EATALY!!!

I have been wanting to go there ever since I started hearing the buzz last
Summer but I had no idea it was so close to where I do all my business.

Eataly is the culinary project of Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich,
lidi Matticchio Bastianich and Eataly founder Oscar Farine.
The immense space situated between 23rd and 24th streets,
fronted on 5th avenue is a primo destination for Italian style shopping,
eating, experimenting, and learning. There are five restaurants within
and many, MANY counters to order everything from fresh made pasta,
all different kinds of sauces, to Italian hams and sausages.

Now, I don't consider myself a "foodie" but I am an adventurous eater. So
I couldn't wait to go in... and I wasn't disappointed! I don't think I have ever
seen so many different types of olives oils in one place.We walked around
for about an hour and then decided where to eat. We went to La Pizza & La Pasta.
My son had a dish of fresh mozzarella and I had an amazing salad, mostly
comprised of roots and radishes. Then we shared a pizza. Our food was
delicious- made more so by the wine selection suggested by our waiter.
The service was AWESOME!

At the end of the meal I asked for an expresso and that is when we found
out the way you are supposed to eat at EATALY.

The intention is that you should be at EATALY for hours.
Start at LE VERDURE with a soup and maybe a salad or you could start
at IL PESCE with an amazing seafood antipasto. Then, head over to
LA PASTA for a pasta course. Next, you would go to MANZA for a meat course.
At the end you can go to the cafe for expresso and pastries or there is a gelato store too.

All along, while you enjoy your eating experience you can shop for any italian
ingrediant that you ate there or that you could think of.

If you are heading to NYC make sure you stop in. it is a very unique experience.
Not too expensive either.

Oh, and the people watching is crazy!

VICTORIA WILL

Restaurateurs (from left) Joe Bastianich, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Mario Batali have one foot in Italy and one in New York with their new extravaganza, Eataly.

"Part of Eataly’s mission is to celebrate and foster understanding of the Italian table — a place where ingredients come from people with names and faces. To that end, it will include a cooking school and even an in-house travel agency that will organize trips."

2011 Bungalow Scout Pocket Rocket

2011-03-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

$36+ $5 for shipping. These are awesome bags for:
mothers
teachers
commuting
beach
travel
gardening
baby
wine bag!

Me and my girl

2011-03-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of my daughter and I. I really miss her when she is away at school, but I know she is happy and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Still, I miss her.
Hard to believe she is graduating this year and that she will be back living with us again.

Ok, a little more from Chris...

2011-03-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Back In 2005 Fran's son Chris decided to prank American Idol.
Pretty funny stuff.

Paula is so nice!

Ok, so my friend here...

2011-02-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

You may recognize her from our book club portrait, the hat look familiar?
She is a dear friend, or I guess from this pic-a deer friend? LOL

Anyway, she is also one of my wilder friends, so much fun.
And speaking of wilder... the video below stars her son, Chris Wylde.
Not only do they look alike- they are alike!
Chris is a very talented actor that is really hitting his stride and you will be seeing a lot of him as time goes on. In fact, the Taco Bell commercials were the hit of the Super Bowl!
Any of her friends that see this video?
It is VERY obvious where Chris gets his talent from!

It's been said...

2011-02-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

That our book club is,
"a drinking club with a reading problem!"

Do you agree?
I love us!

Bungalow Scout bags-Spring Baguette Bag

2011-02-25T11:27:00.000-08:00

The perfect grocery bag! $20

Lafayette Women's Lacrosse 2011

2011-02-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

This was my girl last year at this time.
Tomorrow?
She and her team are playing against La Salle at 12pm.
And?
They are going to win!

I think it's time for a change...

2011-02-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

For about three years I've gone with the very predictable pink and green.

At national draw it is what sets me apart.

Once, I forgot my green tablecloths-well, brown doesn't cut it.

Although this is the booth that Bruce Springsteen came into and checked out my leather bracelets...

i do love how bright and pretty the set-up is.

Two years ago at The Lobs For Love tournament.

Loved this set-up as I combined with other vendors, splitting the cost and set-up.

The Sandstorm lacrosse tournament in Indio, California

This was another tournament where I shared a big tent with many vendors.

This was Lax for the Cure- an awesome tournament where I was able to sell a lot, have a lot of fun, and watch my daughter play!

So, here is the question- if I were to change my color combo, instead of pink and green, what would you recommend?

Happy Birthday Cutie-pie!

2011-02-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Love this kid. Hope she has a special and happy birthday!
Love you!

Pretty afternoon ditty:

2011-02-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills...
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust...
This is a place where I don't feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home...

Cause, I built a home
for you
for me.....

So, I still feel the same way.

2011-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Here's the definition of a passive-aggressive person:

Passive–aggressive behavior, a personality trait, is passive, sometimes obstructionist resistance to following through with expectations in interpersonal or occupational situations. It is a personality trait marked by a pervasive pattern of negative attitudes and passive, usually disavowed resistance in interpersonal or occupational situations.

It can manifest itself as procrastination, resentment, sullenness, or deliberate/repeated failure to accomplish requested tasks.

One of the things I am most proud about my children is that they are NOT passive-aggressive.

If something is bothering them or if they are unhappy with a situation they voice their opinion or they get over it.

There is no sulking, game playing, or manipulation.

I am thankful about that because I have no room in my life for those type people. I avoid and ignore them.

You want my attention or have a problem with me? Tell me.

I am not a mind reader and do not have the patience for the passive-aggressive type who can't say what is bothering them but instead put energy into game playing, manipulations, and gossiping.

So, for those types?

Stay away from me.

My Valentines gift to you!

2011-02-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

Go here and then hit play. Then tell me if you LOVE it!

http://vimeo.com/5606758

xoxo
preppyplayer

This time of year...

2011-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Most of you remember the story of how our dog lost his leg, if not I tell the story in 4 installments,
here:

http://preppyplayer.blogspot.com/2009/02/sparky-wonder-dog.html

http://preppyplayer.blogspot.com/2009/02/sparky-malarky.html

http://preppyplayer.blogspot.com/2009/03/most-unforgettable-day.html

http://preppyplayer.blogspot.com/2009/03/in-conclusion.html

Anyway, I always think about what happened at this time of the year because this is the time of year it happened. All the ice and snow are reminders. The way the cold air smells and feels triggers memories of the incident. I've been told that since it was such a traumatic event that the memories are imprinted more heavily in my brain and I believe that. I know that worse things have happened and can happen and that there was a happy ending in this case. I think because the incident was so unnatural, unusual, surreal, and strange is why it stays so fresh in my brain.

What do you think?

Lafayette women's lacrosse 2011

2011-02-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

It all starts this weekend with a scrimmage at Rutgers.

20 minute halves with 5 minute half time and 5 minutes between games.

10:00-10:45 LaSalle vs. Lafayette

10:50- 11:35 Lafayette vs. Rutgers

11:40- 12:25 Drexel vs. Rutgers

12:30- 1:15 LaSalle vs. Drexel

1:20- 2:05 LaSalle vs. Rutgers

2:10- 2:55 Lafayette vs. Drexel

It's my girl's last year and I know she has lots of goals for herself and her team.

A lot has happened these last four years. Freshman year she was out due to stress fractures in her femurs. Junior year she was out with a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus.
This year she is rehabbed and stronger than ever. She was voted a captain by her team mates and coaches.
She is physically and mentally ready! (as of 2/8, it looks like she may have the beginning of stress fractures-bummer! But, if she rests for a week or two she will be fine. She is VERY bummed though.)

Thanks Father Charlie!

2011-02-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

I was at a meeting at Church and our priest, Father Charlie, quoted a saying that wasn't religious but really resonated with me and I would like to share it.

"To deny a compliment is to seek it twice."

Example:

Friend- "Patty, I LOVE your curly hair!"

Me- " Oh, are you kidding? it is horrible!"

Friend- "No, really. It makes you look so young!"

The right thing to say when complimented?
"Thank you."

Panda this!

2011-02-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

Thinking about getting a dog...

2011-02-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here I am with my first dog, Nicky.
We have been animal free for a few years now. That, after thirteen years of two dogs, a cat, lizards and countless fish.

I cannot lie. It has been nice not having to run home from where ever I am, midday, to walk or feed the animals. We no longer spend a small fortune to board the dogs when we are on vacation...

However, I do miss having a dog. Our last two dogs were adopted. I do believe in rescue animals, but this time I want to start with a puppy, never really had one. ( as an adult)
I know I have written about this before, but we had construction, etc.
Now, I feel as though we are about ready. I want to get a breed that goes with our lifestyle now and in a few years when we are childless.

Any suggestions?

New York Gift Show trend highlight:

2011-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

LONG, delicate necklaces for Spring/Summer

You heard it from me!

My prices are great!

2011-02-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Check out the competition,

http://www.punk.com/animal-hat-knitwits-delux.html?gclid=CLvOmfD_7KYCFac65QodZjiABA

http://www.berkeleyhat.com/knitanimalhats.html

http://shopanimalhat.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?ID=2029

Mine are $18, includes shipping!
Or, $16 for locals :)

Animal Hat CRAZE!

2011-02-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

Ask your kids, even those in college, I promise they will tell you they want one.
A lovely Valentine's Day gift! ( for boys too )

My daughter is so patient with me!

2011-02-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

The big question? Dog or bunny?