Thursday Thoughts

There's no real theme for today's post. This is just a sampling of the random thoughts running through my brain this Thursday morning :)

1. Crazy About Pippa

(image from InStyle)

Maryland Pink and Green posted on Facebook this morning that Pippa Middleton will be getting her own TV special next month! Crazy About Pippa will air on TLC on August 9th at 9 p.m. ET. According to an article on InStyle, the show "delves into the younger Middleton sister’s life and work." I'm pretty excited about it! Are y'all going to watch?

2. Meg Braff in Southern Living

(images from Southern Living)

I was thrilled when I saw interior designer Meg Braff featured in the July issue of Southern Living.  I was reading the article last night and was surprised to find out that the house that is featured is Meg Braff's family lake house at Pickwick Landing on the TN/MS border. How many times have I gone to Pickwick in my life, never knowing that one of my fave designers might be vacationing nearby?

3. So You Think You Can Dance

Is anyone else addicted to SYTYCD like me? I'm not a huge reality TV show viewer - I'll watch bits and pieces of American Idol and sometimes get into a season of Bachelor/Bachelorette - but I love SYTYCD and rarely miss an episode! I used to dance, and I really enjoy seeing the new directions that dance is taking on the show. I'm still mourning the loss of Miranda this season.

She was such a versatile dancer, and I think she was cut way too soon. Since Miranda has left, I've been cheering for Caitlynn.

(images from Google)

I don't think the guys' performances have been as good this season so I havn't really been rooting for any of them. I'm predicting that Ricky will be cut tonight, but I have no idea which girl will be going home. Who do you think will be going home tonight? Who do you think is going to win it all?

4. New Arrivals at J. Crew

I got the new catalog from J. Crew last night, and I would like one of each of these please, please, please!

Fisherman's Henley Sweater

Stripe-breaker Sweater

Cailey Cord Blazer

(all images from J Crew)

What new items are you craving for autumn?

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!!! We're headed to the beach, and I can't wait to feel sand between my toes :)

Etsy Finds

I've recently started browsing through Etsy during random moments of free time, and while I was totally overwhelmed at first because there is SO much to look at, I've found a few dealers who have some really fun stuff :)  I'm always blown away by how creative and talented people are (especially since I'm craft-challenged!)

1. Bridgman Pottery

(image from Bridgman Pottery)

I have to give a little shout out to a hometown fave, Bridgman Pottery. All of the pottery offered is handmade in Memphis, TN, and is safe to use in the oven, dishwasher, and microwave. The owner describes the pottery style as "slightly wabi-sabi," but I think these pieces would look great in any kitchen.

2. Ideal Bookshelf

(image from Ideal Bookshelf)

Ideal Bookshelf is Jane Mount's ongoing project. She paints "sets of books as a form of portraiture: a person's favorites (of all time, within a genre or from a particular period in their lives); the ones that helped make them who they are today." This, of course, warms my heart as a librarian, and I think I need one of these custom paintings pronto :)

3. Note Trunk

(image from Note Trunk)

Looking for a unique address, kitchen, or wedding stamp? Look no further than Note Trunk :) They specialize in custom stamps that add "a fresh look to all of your paper-goods." They offer both traditional wood mounted and self-inking stamps.

4. Winifred Studios

(images from Winifred Studios)

How cute are those Adirondack chairs? Winifred Studios offers customized party and wedding invitations, stationery, gift tags, and calendars. They can basically cover all of your paper needs with fun, whimsical designs. So adorable!

5. Tessyla

(image from Tessyla)

I came across one of Tessyla's necklaces in the current issue of Southern Living and loved it! I made a beeline to check out Tessyla's Etsy shop and found many more lovely necklaces, earrings, and bracelets on offer. I'm going to have a tough time deciding which one I like best :)

6. Bungalow Bath & Body

(image from Bungalow)

Sugar scrub cubes? Raspberry lemonade scent? Yes, please! I think that these cubes made by Bungalow Bath & Body are such a great idea; instead of scooping a runny handful of scrub out of a jar and losing half of it on the shower floor, you can just pick up a neat little cube instead :) Bungalow also sells soaps, lotions, and lip balms in other yummy scents like pink grapefruit, coconut lime, and cake batter.

Thanks for shopping along with me today! What are your favorite Etsy finds? Do you sell anything on Etsy?

New Junior League "Murfee" Scarf from Lilly Pulitzer!

(image via Lilly Pulitzer)

Pretty, huh?! Can't wait to get my hands on one :)

Lilly Pulitzer has just introduced a new "Murfee" scarf in honor of their corporate sponsorship of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. The special Junior League "Murfee" will be available via Lilly Pulitzer, AJLI, and Lilly stores and retail outlets. Read more about the partnership between Lilly and the Junior League on Lilly's blog ("Lilly Loves the Junior League!") and at AJLI.

Vineyard Vines New Arrivals

I got my new Vineyard Vines catalog in the mail yesterday and immediately started drooling over some of the new offerings :)

Summerland Scarf Dress

Margo Ruffle Skirt

Tenley Tunic

Seersucker Patchwork Shorts

Mallory Cardigan

(images from Vineyard Vines)

These are my faves, but, honestly, I think I would wear anything in that catalog! And I'm too excited about VV's upcoming women's swimwear collection! You know it's going to be fun :)

Southern Frock

I just received the April issue of Southern Living in the mail a couple of days ago, and they were featuring the new company, Southern Frock, in one of their articles. Southern Frock was founded by North Carolinian, Emily Newnam. Her first collection of knit sundresses debuted in April 2010. The collection is small right now, but this definitely might be a company to keep your eye on in the coming years :)

 This is the dress (Ruffled Scoop Neck) that was featured in Southern Living. I think the ruffles down the back are so pretty!

 You can't go wrong with seersucker in the summer :) And the shell as a button is too cute!

 Comfy caftan!

(images from www.southernfrock.com)

One month until ...

Wills and Kate's wedding!!! On April 29, 2011, at 11:00am, Prince William and Catherine Middleton will be married at Westminster Abbey. I love all things British so I'm very excited, to say the least, about the royal wedding! I tried to convince Peter that we "needed" to go to London at the end of April to give Wills and Kate our congrats in person, but he pointed out that we had not received an invitation in the mail and it would be rather impolite to crash their wedding :) So I guess I'll just have to DVR the ceremony and read People for the inside scoop on the reception.

If you're looking for other ways to remember Wills and Kate's nuptials, though, you definitely have some options. There's the commemorative refrigerator released by GDHA, a distributor for GE appliances in the U.K. Who wouldn't want to stare at the prince and princess while grabbing milk for cereal in the morning?

 (image from www.radaronline.com)

Or if you love a good cuppa tea, how about enjoying tea bags distributed by Pylones with pop-up Wills and Kate?

(image from www.pylones-usa.com)

Or show your Anglophile spirit with a very British cell phone from manufacturer Alcatel-Lucent. The initials 'W' and 'C' are embossed on the back in gold along with the wedding date, the home screens are loaded with wallpaper of William and Kate, and the ringtone is Mendelssohn's Wedding March.

(image from www.techmagnews.com)

The next two offerings are a little less over-the-top. Castle Rock Brewery has created a special wedding beer called "Kiss Me Kate" (kind of cute, huh?):

(image from www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk)

And butter London is now selling a new sparkly lavender (limited edition) nail polish called "No More Waity, Katie" (I actually think that's a really pretty color) :

(image from www.butterlondon.com)

I can't wait to celebrate the royal wedding! How about you?

(Thanks to Radar Online for the inspiration for this post! Check out their list of more royal wedding collectibles.)

Rikshaw Design

I just recently happened across Rikshaw Design, and I'm loving the prints for Spring! Rikshaw Design sells women's and children's clothing and bedding. The company's founder/designer, Catherine Fitzsimmons, is a Virginia native but has spent her life traveling around the world, collecting inspiration for her creations (she also used to work for Ralph Lauren!).

What I'm loving:

Women's Classic Kurta 

 (how cute are the anchors?!)

 Women's Tuxedo Kurta in Turquoise

 

Goa Decorative Pillow

Bombay Twin Quilt Set

(all images from Rikshaw Design)

"Each piece is hand printed by an artisan in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with a hand carved teak wooden block. This block is pressed over and over again depending on how many colors and designs are in the print." (Rikshaw Design)

All of the pieces are reasonably priced so head on over to Rikshaw Design and check them out :)

Queen Bee Designs Trunk Show

One of my favorite local jewelry designers is Allison Priebe Brooks of Queen Bee Designs. She was one of the vendors at the Junior League of Washington's holiday market in 2010, and I fell in love with her creations there . I also love that she uses a honeybee as her motif; my name means "honeybee" in Greek so I'm partial to them :) I checked out her website recently and saw that she will be holding a trunk show soon.

Champagne and deep discounts on fabulous jewelry - yes please!!!

Sperry Top-Sider & Elaine Turner

What do these two have in common? Rue La La is hosting sales for both of these great, preppy companies this week! The Sperry Top-Sider sale will be tomorrow, Feb. 10 opening at 11am EST, and the Elaine Turner sale will be Sun./Feb. 13 opening at 11am EST. I'm a little bummed that the Elaine Turner sale is on Sunday because I'll be in church when the sale starts, but maybe if I keep my fingers crossed, there will still be some wonderful shoes and purses left when I get home. I'm really hoping to add these lovelies to my shoe collection :)

(image from Elaine Turner)

Amrita Singh and My 5 Must-Haves

Another snow day today :) Not a complete day-off-work snow day, but a two-hour delay is still nice! And we were let off 2 hours early yesterday because of the snow so I'm not complaining. I will complain a bit, though, about the traffic last night trying to get home. Terrible! My 20-minute commute with my husband (we carpool) turned into an hour and a half commute. I'm so thankful that our commute wasn't longer (I've heard horror stories about 8-hour commutes last night!) and that we arrived home safe and sound with an intact car :) It was awfully pretty this morning driving to work; if it has to be winter, I like to see snow covering the trees and ground (just not the streets!).

HauteLook is featuring Amrita Singh jewelry today, and I was so excited because I have been drooling over her creations for awhile now. Guess who got an early Valentine's Day present? :) Look at my pretties:

Jitney Earrings in Coral

 Bridgehampton Bracelet in Coral

 Charlotte Necklace

Can't wait until they arrive at my doorstep!!!

Following in the footsteps of Muffy Martini and Kappa Prep, I thought that I would list my 5 MUST haves - the items that I can't leave home without. After some consideration, here they are:

1. Lipstick/Lip Gloss: I have a fair complexion and need some color or I look totally washed out. Even if I'm cleaning at home and don't have a speck of make-up on my face, I have lipstick on :) Black Honey Almost Lipstick by Clinique is one of my favorites; you can't go wrong with this color - it looks good on everyone!

2. Tissues: I have allergies. Ugh!

3. Purse: I keep both of the above in a purse. Usually in a colorful purse :) Love Kate Spade!

4. Book: I know it's stereotypical for a librarian to admit this, but - yeah - I almost always carry a book with me. You never know when you'll be stuck in traffic or on the Metro or waiting for a friend, husband, family member, etc and need something to do. Golden opportunities to sneak in a bit of reading abound :)

5. Water Bottle: Preferably monogrammed :) I chug a lot of water during the day so I always keep a water bottle with me.


(images from HauteLook, Sephora, Amazon, Kate Spade, and Monogram Chick)

My weekend starts after work tonight since tomorrow is my day off. P and I are going to visit his parents in PA this weekend, and I'm really looking forward to it!

Weekend Recap

I had planned to do my first Menu Monday post yesterday, but I had a horrible migraine most of the day and just wasn't feeling up to writing anything. So I'll put that off until next Monday :)

Peter and I had a fairly relaxing weekend. Fri. night we babysat for our friends' three kids - ranging in age from 4 to 7 months. The baby girl slept the entire time we were there, but we made cookies with the two boys and our friend K who stopped by to hang out with us. The boys' grandmother had just bought them two new cookie sheets that made cookies in the shapes of planes, race cars, and various other boy-related objects, and they loved using them :) We ate way too many cookies that night (!), but in spite of the sugar rush, the boys went to bed really easily. We stayed to talk with our friends when they returned and didn't end up getting home until past midnight. Sat. I went shopping in Bethesda, MD. I knew that several of the stores in Bethesda Row were having sales (including the Lilly store there - The Pink Palm!), but I really wasn't impressed with any of the offerings - very ho-hum (I ended up just buying a book at B&N and some moisturizer at Blue Mercury). I was, however, very impressed with the offerings at Georgetown Cupcake :) I had never been to GC before, and I decided even though the line was out the door and I would have to stand in the cold (it was in the 20s that day) for at least 15 min., I needed to try it out. And I am sooo glad that I did - my world has been changed for the better!!! I bought a salted caramel cupcake and a red velvet cupcake for Peter and I to share that night, and we both agreed that they were the best cupcakes hands down that we had ever had. Seriously yum! I'm looking for another excuse to go to Bethesda Row and try some more flavors :)

 (images from Georgetown Cupcake)

Sat. night we watched He's Just Not That Into You which we had heard mixed reviews about from friends, but P and I really liked it.

 (image from IMBD)

I think it was pretty honest about some of the stuff that goes on in the dating scene. We couldn't stop laughing at the scene where the two ladies are discussing different lines that men have used to dump them. My personal favorite line from that scene: "'I am so jealous of the guy who gets to marry you.' - Well, that could have been you. That's what I was leaning towards." Ha! Sun. we had lunch with friends after church, and then I ran a few errands and came home and we watched football and called our families.

Tonight I have a Junior League meeting after work in Alexandria, VA. It's the kick-off meeting for my mini-placement this spring as a provisional member, and I'm super excited about it :) I just hope that I can get to the meeting on time; I'm metro-ing and that's always unpredictable! This weekend we'll visit Peter's parents in PA and finally have our "Christmas" with them. We spent the actual Christmas holiday with my family in Memphis so we have yet to exchange presents with P's family. I kind of like extending the celebration :)