Lafayette vs St. Joe's

So, they lost today. 

Big time. 

It can only get better. 

Lafayette Women's Lacrosse parents sure know how to throw an amazing tailgate though!

Always looking for the positives :)

I'll take pictures when Lafayette plays Columbia University next Saturday- seeing is believing!

Sleepovers- pro or con?

First off, I loved sleepovers when I was a child/teenager. I have many fond memories of midnight raids of the fridge, late night giggling, prank phone calling, and big secrets shared. 

I also remember my mother saying, "no more sleepovers!" Until time would pass and she would forget just how cranky I was the day after the last sleepover.

And here I am. I hate when my kids sleepover at their friend's house! 

The next day? 

WE pay all day. 

We have a cranky, irritable kid who doesn't want to do anything asked and who is unable to tolerate a"no" without a tantrum. 

And sleepovers at our house?

Just as bad!

How many times do I have to go up the stairs and say, "Girls! You must go to sleep!"

Or, the last minute sleepover- when my daughter calls at 11pm and says, "Can such and such sleepover?" 

 Of course I say yes, (as I remember how much I loved sleepovers when I was young, Blah, blah, blah,) 

And then I realize that we won't have enough milk/juice/food for extra guests in the morning and I better hightail it to the A&P before they close!!

Whew! Truly exhausting.

What do you think?  ( Remember I am a cranky, peri-menopausal mother of five, now dealing with  the sleepovers of my last two children, I use to be nicer.)

Hervé Chapelier Redux

So, here we are... back talking about Herve Chapelier bags. 

Love them. What's out for Spring 2009? A lot.

But here are the best:

The totes are just right and retail for $138. The backpack retails for $$106.

The pochette is $38. I like to put a bit of money, a few credit cards, make-up and my cell in it and then just move it from bag to bag. Makes life easier.

Did I mention that these chic french bags are washable?

THURSDAY BLOGGER PROFILE- INA J. OFFRET

INA J. OFFRET

of

http//ina-offret.blogspot.com/

It is said that there are certain people that are connectors, people that join others together...

Ina is a connector. I would have to say that most of us that read her blog now read each others. A wide and varied group are we!

There are certain themes that resonate, interests that we share. Because memes are so popular with bloggers and on facebook I thought I would do a 25 things I know about Ina. if I leave anything out, please let me know.

Here goes:

1. LOVES, no really loves dogs, especially hers!
2. LOVES, seriously loves her husband and family.
3. Has purple streaks in her hair.
4. Is from new Jersey.
5. Looks at licence plates...a lot.
6. Loves shoes.
7. Has champagne EVERY Thursday.
8. Has a wonderful neighbor named Joan.
9. believes passionately in animal rescue.
10. has some Italian roots.
11. Works in her husband's law office.
12. An avid tennis player.
13. An avid Yankee fan, no make that passionate!
14. Changes her header picture on her blog more frequently than anyone I know!
15. She is a reader.
16. She is a traveler.
17. She is close to her family in NJ.
18. She is a creative cook and hostess.
19. She is a thoughtful and supportive member of the blogging community.
20. She has expensive taste. ( you know what I mean INA!)
21. She loves UGGS.
22. She reads the NYtimes every Sunday.
23. She introduced us to Snowzilla, pictured above.
24. She is becoming an accomplished photographer.
25. She was not a Sarah Palin fan!  
26.  **I can't believe I didn't include this from the beginning cuz not everyone would know this-unless you read her blog.  INA BLOGS FROM ALASKA!!!

Most of all, what I really know about Ina, (without ever meeting her in person) is that she is a loyal, supportive, curious, interesting, funny, gutsy, and adventurous friend. 

She is someone that I want in my book group, to go on a road trip with, shop, and have a drink with!

I think if you read her blog you know what I am talking about and if you don't...

Read her blog and you will be like me and consider  Ina a true friend!

XOXO Ina.

oyster crackers

Does anyone else love oyster crackers like I do?

I doubt it.

We're talking cream of tomato soup and oyster crackers, New England Clam Chowder and oyster crackers.

How about just, plain oyster crackers and a glass of red?

Now we're talking.

First Lafayette Women's Lacrosse game of the season

At Penn State

L, 20-7

Michaela scored two goals.

We look for the positives. 

Penn State is a  huge and great program, I am sure that Lafayette will do amazing in their own conference, the patriot league, this season.

Go Pards!

Winter remedies

Here are ways I endure the winter, my winter remedies:

1. Lots and lots of green tea.
2. Frequent baths, (Epsom of course!)
3. Platform tennis
4. Skiing
5. Red wine
6. Movies- theater and home
7. Fires in the fireplace most nights.
8. Blogging
9. Facebook
10. Hugs and Kisses

What helps you survive the darkest, coldest time of the year?

My favorite subject...

Oh I don't mean in my kingdom/Queendom!

I've taken many a photography class. One of my favorites was a studio portrait class, in that class I learned a lot about light.

My husband has a very angular face and is naturally photogenic, he made all my pics look good.

These photos are from the portrait class and I really like them.

My hot date(s)

Valentine's Day 2009-

After five children and twenty-five years of marriage I wouldn't ever say the romance is gone. No!

But, we are realistic and pragmatic. Flexible too.  Kevin is our last child who actually wants to hang around with us.  And, he was the only one without plans on V-day. 

Marc and I get plenty of nights out these days. When we had a bunch of little ones, Valentines day, our anniversary- they were sacred. We made plans, we secured babysitters, we spent big bucks on a special night out. These days,-thanks to Mr. Economy, ( I HATE him!) and the fact that we are out a lot and actually have an adult life...we don't feel it is as necessary or dire that we are alone. 

We know how fast time goes and we only have a couple more years until Kevin is out with his Valentine. So, until then I don't mind sharing a date with him-even Valentine's day!

by the way we saw Slum Dog Millionaire. LOVED it! Very powerful, upsetting movie...yet the best ending ever.  I have been sad thinking about it though.

Have you seen it? What do you think?

I'm GAGA for MOMA!

Our family LOVES the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. 

Especially Kevin and I.
This Van Gogh is one of the main reasons I MUST visit.
Every single time I am there I hear someone say of this Jackson Pollack, " I could do that!"
This Monet is what brings Kevin to MOMA. I should say ALL Monets bring Kevin to MOMA!

Here in Northern New jersey many of the schools, ours included, have next week off. Usually we go to Utah to ski or to Florida for spring training. This year we are home and plan on many fun day trips. Top of our list?

MOMA!

Preppy Tennis Racquet Covers- www.preppyplayer.com

www.preppyplayer.com

It's Tailgate time!

It seems crazy, right?

The supposedly Spring sport of lacrosse begins next week! 

College Spring sports, it's really a misnomer. I remember my son's baseball team playing Lehigh at Lehigh in a snowstorm. I brought him hand warmers to keep in his back pocket. That was tough. We all watched from our cars with our heaters on.

I think the season should be referred to as College pre-spring sports!

At least lacrosse is a fast paced sport and the players keep warm, unless you are on the sidelines. My daughter's team plays Penn state for their season opener and I am anticipating a very COLD game!

The emails have begun. The team parents are planning our awesome tailgates.

 And, they are AWESOME!

Our first two games are on the road and we will tailgate, but it won't be as involved as when we are the home team. 

Then... we throw a party. One dad keeps a grill PERMANENTLY on the back of his truck. They set up a grilling station and serve from there. We all bring our specialties. We bring A LOT, knowing that whatever is leftover will go back to the dorms with the girls. 

We feed everyone... the team, families, friends, and even fans that wander over.

We might not always win, but we always eat well!

French Wicker and Capucine

Because I am enchanted by the video of a little french girl, Capucine, making the rounds all over the Internet- I am reminded of how much I love french culture. The style, the food, the language, the art....

My favorite museum in Paris is Musee d'Orsay. 

Mostly because of its huge collection of Impressionist artwork and also because of the gorgeous wicker chairs throughout the museum. Not only were they comfortable after a long day of walking, they were also so pleasing to the eye.

And, because I cannot figure out how to post this video, 

here is the link to the cutest little girl telling a very involved, charming story.  http://www.vimeo.com/2113477

 I keep watching this over and over :) Let me know what you think!

Gingham is Good

I am a sucker for gingham too.

Twall Y'all

I am a Toile Freak! Love it. Mostly I prefer bucolic prints. The African toile pictured above is different. It really caught my eye.

Kitchen dreamin'

If we go small scale
If we go large scale.

Dear Mr. Economy,

I've been such a good girl this year. I finally found that stupid budget that you kept telling me to look for. Mr. Architect and I have met MANY times and I have become good friends with all the contractors I've interviewed.

I've really tried to cut back in anticipation of "THE PROJECT."  I scaled down Christmas. I haven't had a manicure or pedicure in months! We have pasta twice a week for dinner and I try to buy store brands.

Please, Please, please settle down. Get back to normal so that my husband calms down and lifts the spending freeze! Come on Mr. Economy, we are ALL sick of how you have been behaving.

Sincerely,

PP

New York Gift Show distractions!

When I am at the show I REALLY try to stay focused. I am there to look for preppy, traditional and classic-  jewelry, accessories and gifts.

 Invariably, I am distracted. I am consistant though. This year my main distraction was wool hooked rugs or needlepoint pillows. Anything with dogs or horses.
The company that really grabbed me and took me off course was Macadoo Rugs. They are out of Bennington, Vermont.

Love, Love Love them! These wool rugs are not inexpensive, but they are not over the top.
The designs are amazing! They also do custom rugs. I love wool rugs, especially when we had two dogs and five little kids. If something spilled or if there was an "accident," it was always an easy clean up.
If you love dogs and want to see more, go to http://stores.mcadoorugs.com/StoreFront.bok

Let me know what you think!

Has anyone read this?

This book has been suggested as our next read for book club.

 Has anyone read it?

 And if so, What do you think?

It is just so simple...

and so easy to make me happy!

My husband knows me. This morning I came to the table and there was a hot cup of coffee, a Taylor Ham and egg on a whole wheat bagel and the news.

And my husband knows how I like my news,

Highbrow- New York Times

Lowbrow- New York Post

Local- The Bergen Record

I had three newspapers to read! And all morning to do it :)

By the way, this is NOT the norm. Usually there is not enough time for one paper!

In anticipation of April showers...

I am beginning to realize that I need a decent trench coat. I have a long Macintosh, a typical mom coat. I think I need something a little stylish/sophisticated.

Trench coats are such a classic. In my spy theme fantasy it is ALWAYS a camel colored trench. And although I have seen colored trench coats that I really like, I am quite sure I will be buying a creme or camel colored one.

So, here are two lovely choices. One is a J.Crew trench, ( $298) and the other is Burberry ($1,200.) Can you guess which one is Burberry and which is J. Crew? And... which would you choose?

If we do get a...

Dog. It will most likely be a Havanese. 

Love, love, love this breed.

Highly intelligent, people pleasers with a laid back temperament.

They can't knock down small children, or jump up on counters, or get into garbage cans. their poo is miniature, VERY important.

 They don't shed! 

They live long lives and they are so CUTE!!!

Are you familiar with this breed?

A women's best friend?

Everyone looks great in a turtleneck.

 It's true. 

I think.

My go-to outfit? Turtleneck, jeans, and boots.

My favorite turtleneck? Cashmere baby!

What do you think?

hockey coach gifts, an end of season must!

Are you a hockey mom? If you are, you are most likely beginning to think about coach gifts or preparing for an awards banquet.  At www.preppyplayer.com

we are ready for that!
We have gift wrap expressing your favorite sport!
We have boxed note cards, ( many moms use as birthday cards!)

We have posters which are great on any boys wall or often used at award banquets.

How?

Teams like to mount them on foam board, have the team sign it and then present it to the coach!

Check out www.preppyplayer.com

Spring Skiing?

No, that's not me! This is Marti, a co-worker.  It seem as though it will be a rather warm weekend after single digit temps. all week.

HOORAY!

And although I do not teach at Aspen, Sun Valley, or Alta... Good ole' Camp Gaw will be mighty fine this weekend.

Lucky for us...

So here's the story,

One day my niece Alissa came running in all excited.  She was smiling ear to ear.

She said, "Guess What? My Mom said we can get a dog when she dies!"

Excuse me. What?

Apparently the girls were bugging and bugging my sister for a dog and she finally said, " Girls, over my dead  body you will get a dog."  Alissa found the positive in that, I guess.

Needless to say, my sister and husband finally gave in an brought home a dog, Lucky. 

So named because the girls were very Lucky to get a dog! 

And... my sister is still with us :)

Flying Lucky!

And we're not talking about the amazing pilot, Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger!

No, we're talking about Lucky the dog, my sister's dog.

She is one of those dogs that goes crazy following a flashlight beam, so one holiday we had a couple of kids lay down and my sister had her run after the beam and jump over the kids. 

She cleared it perfectly!

We began to add more kids... in this picture there are nine kids that she jumped over successfully! I believe that is the record.

So, every holiday for the next few years we would have Lucky do this, always rewarded with some treats of course. But now, maybe the treats have caused this, she is older and a bit chubbier. She can't do nine kids, definitely five though. We love Lucky.

Children and friendship

I think because my youngest child is twelve I have really been giving a lot of thought to childhood, my children's childhood in particular. Because I have three sons and two daughters I have been lucky enough to experience quite a cross section of childhood.

To me, nothing is sweeter than true friendship among children. When it is unselfish, not self serving. When there is care and concern. 

And, although the genders do it a bit differently... It tugs at my heart when I see a young child offer comfort. I almost become teary when I look at the above pic of Kevin being comforted after losing a 4th of July race. Awwwh!

Baby Bows-not just for babies!

Ok, so originally I bought baby bows to wholesale to hair salons and children's boutiques.  Along the way, I would bring them and put them in a pretty basket to sell at Lacrosse tournaments and horse shows. I figured babies are everywhere.

To my surprise they were a HUGE hit with lacrosse girls! Lacrosse girls famously wear ribbon in their hair. Part of it is the preppy culture and the other part is that it makes it easy to pick your child out on the field. So the little bows were perfect for the wispies that come out of a ponytail and the refs never notice and outlaw them because they are use to seeing grosgrain bedecked girls on the field!

Another surprise was the popularity of the bitty baby bows at the horse shows.  I sell hundreds of them - for puppies and ponies!!  Horse people go crazy for them. I never would have predicted that I would be selling thousands of baby bows a year and that they wouldn't be for babies!

Greek Fishing hat vs. Greek hat

Have you ever had a conversation that is really two conversations? Like, I 'm asking about  Greek  fishing hats and she thinks I'm asking about hats for her sorority...

as in GREEK hats!!!  

It doesn't sound like there would be much of a difference, but obviously a huge difference.

Right?