This makes me happy...

So you must know that I am an avid tennis player and nothing makes me more happy than having my children enjoy what I enjoy.

This kid has improved tremendously.  This is his second year playing on our club's Jr. tennis team. I love talking to him after his matches. It is a common bond we have.
I like that he is learning "tennis manners" and etiquette from his team experience.
We always have a lot to talk about regarding strategy and he loves to share stories about his opponents.
So far I can still beat him, but I don't know how much longer that will last.

And that makes me happy too.

On Broadway....

Tomorrow night The Frau, my other sis, myself and our daughters will be seeing this show.

Can't wait!

have you seen it?

If so, what's your review?

Twins!

The Frau and I are stylin' with our fancy Fitflops!

Aren't they pretty?

Padel Tennis again.

Yup, Padel.
Padel covers in amazing liberty prints available Here

 I am so interested in wholesaling my paddle/padel products in Spain. I also rep for some gals that sell padel apparel. We want to, need to sell in Spain. Especially Barcelona and Madrid.

Does anyone have any suggestions how we might market ourselves there?

Who Knew? Pinnies.

I am at the last lacrosse tournament of the season, (for me) and it is a boy/girl tournament in Brick, NJ- 

Best of the Beach.

Doesn't that sound good?

And it is a wonderful tourney.

I love when I learn something new and I did today.

Apparently, pinnies are very important, collectibles really. Much sought after.

Guys wear them at the beach. They acquire them at camps, steal them from friends or trade them at tournaments.

Hmmmm. I wonder if this could cross over to the girls?

Did you know about this?

Guess what happened!

Remember this?
Well, I woke up yesterday morning to the cracking of branches and then a large thud. I went into our sun room and saw that a HUGE tree in our backyard had come crashing down, missing our house by two feet!
Guess what's under all that?
If you peek through the leaves in the left hand side of this image you will see... Our beloved/soon to be gone swing set. 

Maybe insurance will cover it?

The Book Thief

This was our Book Club's selection, last month.

I am finally getting to it. Seems good so far.

Have you read it?

If so, What do you think?

Bee Pollen, again

This is the brand of bee Pollen I have been using, Zi Xiu Tang.

If I went on the internet and found it, I wouldn't have bought it as it sounds too good to be true.

Because I buy it from someone that learned of it from her holistic doctor and because she has her shipments brought to a lab to be tested as the pollen should come from an unpolluted environment, I felt confident trying this.

I have lost twelve pounds so far. It seems too good to be true. I feel as though I am still eating the same amount... I am not craving carbs as much and I don't HAVE to have my glass of wine every night. 

But other than that, nothing different- other than taking one capsule a day.

Just wanted to share that.

End of an era

The back corner of our yard will never be the same...

The swing set is being taken down. My husband put it on Craigs list and has already received many calls. The kids are all upset.  (they are ages 25-12)  Even though we can't remember the last time anyone used it, we're talking YEARS.

Still, I know what they mean. 

Our yard won't be a kid yard anymore. 

Sure, we'll still have the soccer net and the lax wall cluttering our lawn... 

but no swing set?

It just seems wrong.

I remember when that was the big purchase and how excited the kids were. I use to have a baby swing on there and spent countless hours pushing someone while the others played on the slides. I would sweep out the little fort to make sure there weren't bugs and hose it down to get rid of pollen. Every couple of years my husband would re-stain and seal the wood.

But, it's time. That part of the yard is going to seem mighty empty though.

Katydids and Cicadas

Are Katydids part of your Summer symphony?

They are a big part of ours. At least in the evening as they are nocturnal.

Cicadas make a lot of noise during the day.

 In some areas they are so loud that they mimic car alarms and can be quite deafening,

Listen here

What are your sounds of summer?

Up to speed...

I'm back and I've missed you all!

I feel as though this summer is speeding by.

So far I have been gone five weekends at tournaments, with one more to go, and then my summer really starts.

The up-side is I've spent a lot and I mean A LOT of time with my daughters. I've met tons of great people in the lacrosse world, made some business connections, and lots of new friends.

The down-side is I've missed my husband, son, and all those baseball games!  I've eaten in too many chain restaurants and have a very strange suntan. ( think cap sleeves, flip flops, and shorts and you can imagine the lines!)

The weather is finally what you would expect in July, I hear the katydids, see the fireflies, smell the hot dogs on the grill, feel the warm sun on my back, and taste the cool, sweet watermelon.

Yup, it's official. Summer is finally REALLY here for me... well after next weekend's tournament anyway.

All Star Express

I'm off to All Star Express as a vendor and a mother of a player.

Should be good.

I'll keep in touch. Click below if you want to see what the Laxers like!

www.preppyplayer.com

Fit Flops, I'm sold!

So, I saw these crazy looking Fit Flops last year and thought, "Here come the new Crocs."

But, now that any shoe or sandal that is very flat makes my back ache, 

( Dr. says that as we get older our arches fall and blah...blah.. BLAH!)

I decided to give them a try.

They are amazing. The true test was the three day tournament I just worked. I was on my feet for hours and hours and felt great. Normally that is not the case. I always bring a change of shoes for midday when my back begins to hurt...

Didn't need them.

So, I recommend them, big time.

These are the pair I just bought.
These may be the new pair I will buy. Aren't they happy looking?

Do you wear Fit Flops? If so, Do YOU love them?

Approach Clothing

Who is this guy?

This is Chris of Approach Clothing, a vendor at all the tournaments we sell at...

We can't escape him.

He and his partner, Jay, ( business partner. Joey is his life partner and she is a woman) have an awesome sports apparel company.  They have a web site and sell at many sports events:

crew regattas, lacrosse tournaments, volleyball tournaments and track meets.

They are great neighbors to have at any tournament and we consider them friends.

They are on top of the latest sport trends. They will be the go-to guys for Adrenaline Socks!

So if you want to take a peek at their clothing go to http://www.approachus.com/

And if you should ever meet Chris?  Remind him that he featured in a post on my blog.

Lax for the cure- Susan G. Komen

What an amazing weekend.

Not only was I a vendor at this tournament, Lax for the Cure- to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the cure Foundation in New Egypt, NJ , my daughter was also a player there.

This was the second year that we have participated, along with 3,200 girl lacrosse players! 

last year $50,000. was raised. Before the tournament started teams had already raised a whopping  $139,000. I am certain that more money was raised during the tournament as well and I can't wait to hear how much.

 I doubt that there was one club or team at the tournament that hasn't been touched by breast cancer. 

Because of that, the spirit and excitement at this tournament was really unique. Many teams wore pink or Incorporated pink into their uniforms. The Susan G. Komen Foundation had a huge tent with giveaways, ( the girls LOVE that) and raffles. Their main function was education and they had tons of volunteers there to help with that, making everything fun and informative.

 I really can't think of a better audience to educate than  eleven to eighteen year-old girl athletes. They rely on their bodies to perform, they deal with injuries or see their teammates deal with them. Many of them know about doctors and surgeries. It isn't just "stuff" that happens to other people. So, I think they are open and very impressionable in regard to any information that can keep them free of injury or disease.

It was truly a special weekend and many thanks to organisers, Charlie and Jessica Shoulberg, they did a phenomenal job!

Summer salad- so good!

I recently was served arugula,watermelon, and feta salad.

It was delicious!

And I have been making it weekly ever since.

The sweet/salty combo of the watermelon and feta mixed with the peppery arugula is so refreshing. Top with a balsamic glaze and fresh pepper, you are good to go.

1 bag of baby arugula

8 cups of chopped/bite-size pieces of watermelon

1 pack of crumbles feta

3/4 cup of white balsamic vinegar

fresh pepper

Optional: thin slices of onion

• Start with arugula, then add watermelon. Scatter feta liberally over watermelon. drizzle balsamic glaze over top and then add fresh pepper to taste.
• SIMPLE!
•  To make Balsamic glaze: boil vinegar in a small saucepan, occasionally stirring, about 5 minutes. let sit and thicken then drizzle over salad.

Bee pollen

Heard anything about it?

All I know is I have started taking a bee pollen capsule each day and here are my results:

1. My knees don't hurt.
2. Don't really want that glass of (gasp!) wine every night.
3. Have lost (without effort) 8lbs so far.
4. Lots of energy.

Downside?

Nothing really. I am clenching my jaw while sleeping, actually waking myself up. I am eliminating VERY frequently (if you know what I mean.)

So, have you ever tried bee pollen supplements? If so, what was your experience?

Heard any negative info on bee pollen, other than shouldn't take if allergic to bee stings?

I have done my research but I am very interested in anything that you have heard or experienced.

You say fireflies, I say lightening bugs

Either way, it's that time of the year.

Grab some jelly jars and have some fun, remember to poke some air holes the lid.

And don't forget to release them, cuz it's all about the hunt!

Jack Wills, Brit Prep

As much as I love the British brand, Joules...

Jack Wills has stolen my heart.

It is pricey and a bit too reminiscent of Abercrombie and Fitch...

However, there is a nice twist that I do appreciate. I think it is definitely too young for me, but I am going to buy for my daughters and sons.
This color combo always does it for me.
I love the small peek of green on the inner hem of the sleeve, those type of details are why I love Jack Wills!
It's funny, I refuse to buy sweatshirts with GAP emblazoned on the front or anything with a gigantic Abercrombie and Fitch on it, but something about plain WILLS on the front of this tee seems vague, ironic, and pleasing!
And this?

Love, Love, Love it! ( as Theresa from RHONJ would say!)

So, check out their site and be the first to wear this fresh brand from across the pond.

www.jackwills.com/

In a clutch?

The perfect gift, the right price point.

Seriously, they are the perfect size!

 They look great monogrammed, picture the lime clutch with hot pink initials...

Very popular as bridesmaids gifts. Sorority girls love them as they can fit a cell, a bit of make-up, money, and ID perfectly.

I sell them.

In other designs too.

$20.

Not bad.

What will YOUR list say about you?

This is fun and revealing at the same time:

List 10 stores and 1 car dealership that give a clue to your personal style.

The challenge?

5 apparel stores

5 non-apparel stores

Here is mine:

1. J.Crew
2. Nordstrom
3. Sports Authority
4. Ski Barn
5. Gap

1. Whole Foods
2. Trader Joes
3. Staples
4. William Sonoma
5. The Container Store

1. Saab

So, What does this say about me?

I'm a classic, sporty kind of gal. I like to cook and I try to be organized.

But you knew that.

Try it yourself!

So, what do YOU do?

When people ask me that...

How do I explain this?

Usually, I reply that I own a retail/wholesale sports stationery, gift wrap, posters and sports themed gift web site. Then I say that I am a vendor at different sports event, primarily lacrosse.

But, do you think that they picture this? 

And guess what?

There are ten other vendors just like me at these events selling,  preppy apparel, sporty apparel, lacrosse equipment, and anything madras, seersucker, Lily-ish that you could think up.

A true vendor village.

So, now you, at least, have a picture of what I am doing this summer into the fall.

Now tell me, what do YOU do?

4th of July, Let the games begin!

One of the many reasons why we love our town is 4th of July.

The day begins with loud aerial bombs at 6:45 am signaling the flag salute and the beginning of the traditional 4th of July festivities.

We arrive at the ballpark in the center of town at 8 am for some old fashioned challenges such as sack races, crab races, 50 yard dash, football throw, and the horseshoe tournament/beer blast. At the Grandstands there is a concession stand with food priced circa 1950's.

No lie.

When is the last time you had a .50 hotdog? 

Around mid day most folks head to our town lake or various pools to cool off. Many of us come back for the traditional all star baseball game. Then off to BBQ"s and picnics.

Around 7pm we ( and  a few thousand others) head over to the town lake to set up chairs and blankets for the fireworks display ( rivals Macy's!) While we wait, drinking beers and soda we visit with neighbors and listen to an old time brass band.

At dusk the fireworks begin and I am always reminded how lucky I am to live in this little town, how fortunate we are that we can have an amazing time without once having to head out to the highway and battle traffic. I am also reminded that we are fortunate to live in the USA and how blessed we are to be protected and secured.

So,

God Bless America, YOU, and all your loved ones on this most American of holidays!

Star of the week!

U.S. District Judge Denny Chin.

Why?

Because he was right to sentence Bernie Madoff to 150 years in prison.

I am certain that in the near future we will use the term Madoff to describe someone who is the ultimate swindler, one without remorse or conscience.

Princeton Women's Lacrosse...camp

Yes, it's true.

My daughter is going to Princeton.

Ok, so it's for four days at a lacrosse camp! 

It's a start, right?

I do love college sports camps because they give kids an opportunity to actually live on campus, eat in the cafeterias, learn the campus, get to know coaches and experience the college level of play.

It can be an eye opener for many student athletes. I think it can help an athlete determine if playing sports in college is really for them.

And, if it is something they desire? They may be  motivated academically as well, as the coaches always explain that grades and SAT's are just as important (more important)  to admissions as athletic performance.

I always remember a story a friend told me about her daughter. 

In her daughter's junior year of high school they were taking a tour of University of Virginia, (a truly beautiful school and campus), and as they walked around awestruck her daughter said, " you really should have taken me here in 8th grade. if I had seen this, I would have tried a lot harder!"

My friend about died.

So, let's see if the camp can motivate my girl :)

I'm back!

Well, it was a long weekend and I've spent today recovering. 

It's always like that.

I spend a few days before each event running around like a maniac preparing, loading the truck, doing inventory, mapping routes, and packing and then the day after I always crash.

I did well and I was correct in predicting my best sellers. 

I like that :)

And now...

I feel like summer is truly here. It was a beautiful day, I ran my errands without any deadlines. You know, 3pm pick ups, soccer practice, etc.

Gone.

Now, other than rock solid tennis dates and camp drop off and pick up...

The day rambles by. Love it.

I will post pics of my tournament booth, when I finally hook my camera up...

On the road again!

We are off  this morning to vend at our third lacrosse tournament this summer, a three day event.

The event, National draw is an elite, college recruiting tournament featuring the best players in the country. And, luckily there is plenty of time between games for shopping!

We will be selling in a vendor village located in the middle of the venue. It is a lot of fun, but a lot of work too. I look forward to catching up with the coaches, players and parents, and other vendors we have gotten to know over the years.

predictions-

I think the scout bags, boxers, capris pajamas and cord necklaces will be my big sellers.

I will let you know if I was right!

See you Sunday night!

preppy tennis cover +camp= perfect send off!

Preppy tennis racquet cover at www.preppyplayer.com

Picture it monogramed and you then have the perfect send off gift for camp and insurance that she will come home with her racquet