Many Thanks!

Thank you to all the lovely ladies for the sweet birthday wishes (today is actually the big day... I've officially moved from the upper-middle 30's to the upper-upper 30's...YIKES)! I had a great time celebrating with my family and peeps in Arizona.

What's a birthday without lots of shopping and eating?!? We hit Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square & South Bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront for shopping.

I had 2 birthday dinners... one was at the old classic (but fairly new) Trader Vic's located at the Valley Ho (don't you just love that name, ;-) it's a legend in town, so retro-an old Hollywood getaway). The other fun (and crazy) dinner was at Saddle Ranch. This place is hilarious... bull riding, loud music, huge food... not exactly my typical kind of place but very fun and full of action! I had the biggest pink cotton candy dessert- ever! We also had a really fun lunch at Joe's Farm Grill. I saw it featured on the Food Network and wanted to try it out when I was in AZ. You know it's good when there's a line around the building (especially in the Arizona summer heat). I love places that use organic ingredients that are grown right on the premise. Good food that's good for you. Before returning to Chicago, a quick ladies lunch was to be had at Alchemy. Fabulous food and views. OK, elliptical time...

Thanks again lovelies, you are the best!!!

ECM

I'm Off For A Quick Trip!

Slim Aarons-Camelback Inn Scottsdale, Arizona
(I had my birthday brunch here a few years ago)

To the Valley Of The Sun to celebrate! It's my birthday, gon' party like it's my birthday, gon' sip gin & tonics and eat cupcakes like it's my birthday... ;-)

Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!

ECM

Latest Preppy Purchase

Madras note cards from Chloe @ English Tea Paperie. Cute!

ECM

Pink & Green Photo Of The Day

ECM

Key Lime Grilled Shrimp

Coastal Living September 2008

If you like Key Lime (me!) and shrimp (me!!!), you might want to pick up the latest issue of Coastal Living (I just got my subscription yesterday). There are some fabulous recipes (like always) but when I saw the Key Lime Grilled Shrimp, I was in love. I can't wait to make this! Yum!


Have a fabulous weekend!

ECM

Diamonds Are Forever

I received the Diamond Award from the lovely Preppy Princess. I would love to give it to all of my lovelies but I'm passing it along to these fabulous bloggers. The rules of the Award state that one must acknowledge they are a recipient of it and then tag seven others with the Award and link to their blogs. So here we go:

1. Hemstitch & Hydrangea (come back soon girl)
2. A Journey To Our Daughter
3. 3 Peanuts
4. Tickled Pink & Green
5. Third Coast Preppy
6. One Fabulous Mom
7. Pink Cashmere Cardigan

ECM

5 Words

I've been tagged by the oh so fabulous One Fabulous Mom & the lovely Becs' Bohemia to list my 5 least favorite words.

1. Broad- can't stand it when it's used in reference to a woman.

2. Root Canal-I've never had one (knock on wood) but the word just frightens me... just the thought!

3. Urinal- no explanation needed.

4. Pantyhose (much prefer hosiery or stockings)- just don't like the word (as well as panties) and I don't like to wear them (pantyhose, not the undies part... you know what I mean). Don't mind wearing tights though. OK, TMI... moving on.

5. Phlegm-eww.

I randomly tag (sorry if you've already been tagged): Third Coast Preppy, Rickrack And Pom Poms, and Muffy Martini!

ECM

What flavor are you?

You Are a Cherry Flavored Popsicle

You are sweet and friendly. For you, summer is all about doing your favorite things. You are a nostalgic person. You love old fashioned things like ice cream trucks. You savor everything. Every taste of summer, the feeling of the sun, the smell of the beach... Of all the types, you love summer the most.

What Flavor Popsicle Are You?

Kate Spade: Final Call Additional 25% OFF

A few things I like...

Coconut Grove East West Lenore

Riley Wellie

Coconut Grove Shopper

Have a GREAT weekend!

ECM

Preppy Paper Swap Goodies

Am I lucky or what?!? Ahhh, that would be a yes! Look at all of the amazing goodies I got from Clemsongirl. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I LOVE it all! :-)

ECM

2008 Olympics

I'm SO excited to watch the opening ceremonies tomorrow night! Who's with me? I LOVE the Olympics. I have to admit... I get emotional when watching them, please pass the Kleenex. It's a happy, proud, amazed, and slightly envious tear. I can't imagine the scarifies these athletes have made and what it might feel like to stand on the podium with a medal around your neck while our national anthem is played! Amazing! I'm also loving the Ralph Lauren Olympic gear!

Let the games begin! GO USA!

ECM

Preppy Paper Swap

I finally got my preppy paper swap package out! Clemsongirl, a few *orange* (and pink & green) items are coming your way! Sadly, I missed all of the quaint sidewalk sales on the north shore so my paper swap items are from one stop shopping (not nearly as much fun)! Of course, I can't wait to see what goodies I get! Thanks for hosting Mom X 2.

ECM

Pink & Green Photo Of The Day

ECM

Solid Gooold!

No, not one of my favorite shows of the 80's, my new gold Palm Beach Bonanno's! LOV-ING them!

ECM

What A Betty!

It was about this time last year that I fell in love with Mad Men. Any other fans out there? I LOVE this show! My favorite character, of course, is Betty. Such a classic beauty with amazing style! Too bad the rest of her life isn't so effortless.





ECM

Tag-Embarrassing Songs

I've been tagged by the lovely Pearls Are A Girl's Best Friend.

The rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post.

Sadly, I LOVE many cheesy songs, especially from the 80's-what can I say, I'm old! Some might say that I'm musically challenged because I love about anything with a great beat that can get me up and shakin' my behind. Anyway... these are my song choices and SERIOUSLY, I don't think any of these need an explanation. Seriously! But only 5?

1. I'm Too Sexy-Right Said Fred: Even though it's a billion years old and completely annoying, I reference this song often. I'm too sexy for my Bonanno's too sexy for my Lilly, soooo sexy it huuuurts...

2. Good Vibrations-Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch: Yeahhh, can you feel it baby, I can too! I've had a crush on Mark Wahlberg since I was young, he's a bad boy that can clean up quite nicely (I like the cleaned up version, obviously). Besides... have you seen the pipes on that guy (still). I do hope that he and Rhea get married.

3. White Horse-Laid Back: You might forget the name of the song since they don't mention it enough! ;-)

4. Baby Got Back-Sir Mix-a-Lot: favorite classic rap karaoke song (up there with White Lines & Rapper's Delight)!

5. Whip It-Devo-My girlfriends and I would make roller skating routines to this song in my driveway while listening to it on my shiny, white Sony boombox (don't be a player hater). I'm sure we had leg warmers on too. Classic and I STILL love it!

7 people-not sure who's been tagged but I randomly picked YOU (sorry if you've already done this)...

Adventures Of A Southern Newlywed
Europafox
Pink Cashmere Cardigan
Pretty In Pink And Green
Running Just As Fast As I Can
Some Like It Hot
Winkie Houghton

ECM

Wanted Wellie

I think I *need* to add these to my ever-growing Wellie collection!

ECM

Mamma Mia Review (as some of you requested)

So, anyone else love it? My friends and I LOVED the movie. I laughed (most of it), I got teary eyed ("Slipping Through My Fingers" & "The Winner Takes It All"), I sang and wanted to get up and dance! The scenery is amazing, worth the price of entry right there. It's like a mini vacation! Meryl Streep is fabulous and Amanda Seyfried is too adorable! Not to spoil but... yes, you will giggle at times when they break out in song, some of the songs are a little rusty (but completely heartfelt) and the back up singers/dancers are a little silly (which is completely funny) but all in all- very charming, entertaining and we left the theater wanting more an singing "Take a chance, take chance, take a chance, chance, chance!" Such a great feel good movie, go see it!

DEFINITELY buying on DVD when it comes out for singing and dancing in the privacy of my own home!

ECM

Speaking Of Greece

Anyone else going to see Mamma Mia this weekend? I'm going tomorrow night with some girlfriends, should be fun. I saw the musical in 2001 and loved it so I hope the movie is good too!

ECM

Greece Blog-cation!

I'm stealing this idea from Mom X 2 because I thought it was such a cute idea! I'm packed for our trip to Greece ladies, are you? One Fabulous Mom is taking us on this fabulous BLOG-CATION trip. I was there in October and never dreamed I'd get back this soon!

ECM

Drumroll Please....

As I draw out of my Lands' End tote (had to keep it preppy, you know). And the winner is... CAROLINA PREP! Congratulations, you lucky girl! Please leave a comment with your email (I won't post) and we can get your personalized goody bag to you!


I would like to thank the lovely Whitney English who was so gracious to host the "Week of Preppy" and for all the preppy goodies! Thank you to all of those who stopped by to enter.

ECM

Kate Spade Wicker

Most people that know me, know of my love for Kate Spade. I remember getting my first black boxy signature tote circa 1994 and even though I haven't worn it since 1995/96, I still have it in my closet as I can't seem to part with it. I've collected many Kate Spade handbags over the years but one of my favorite preppy things about summer (other than madras, Bonanno's, bamboo handled summer totes, Bermuda Bags, seersucker, flip-flops, etc.) is Kate Spade wicker! This is most of my collection (a few are on loan to friends) . As you can see, I really love it. Anyone else?

Wicker Paisley in Pink & Green

Wicker Paisley in Pink & Orange

Little Compton Minu in Silver

Cherbourg Turquoise

Cherbourg Small in Pink

Little Compton Minu in Black

Wainscott Green

Wainscott Black

Little Compton Minu in White

Annabel White & Green

Monaco Roll in Gold Shimmer

Tisbury Gold Minu

ECM

5 Things I ♥ Right Now

1. La Roche-Posay Sunscreen. I'm a sunscreen nazi. I put it on daily along with my SPF 20 mineral makeup. Although I don't spend a tremendous amount of time in the sun (thank you sunless tanning) but when I do, I make sure I'm extra protected. LR-P has Mexoryl™ SX which is the newest FDA approved formula for UVA/UVB protection. I'm also a fan of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch. Not all sunscreens are created equal so make sure you are getting UVA (aging) too! Age gracefully, I say.


2. Henckels Double Mincer . I LOVE salads in the summer and when I'm not getting a chopped salad from Foodstuffs, I'm making my own. I purchased this mincer at Foodstuffs because this is how they chop their salads in a stainless bowl and now how I do it. I love this mincer and now feel like such the professional!


3. Wicker handbags. I'm a HUGE fan (more on that later). Spotted, Blair Waldolf in the Hamptons looking fabulous with a Kate Spade wicker basket.


4. Ravinia. I'm so lucky I live a stones throw away from this venue. I love taking the Crate & Barrel table in a bag and packing a picnic. There's nothing like listening to live music under the stars while grazing on a gourmet meal or dessert fondue. I'm going to see Feist Friday night-YAY!


5. Flipping Out. I ♥ Jeff Lewis. He makes me smile and laugh and his show/life is SO entertaining. I really enjoyed the first season and am loving the 2nd season so far. I'm in the business so I deal with a lot of the same issues and the OCD type, I sometimes tend to be one myself.


ECM

Nice Matters Award

I want to thank the lovely Mom X 2 for the Nice Matters Award and would like to pass it on. Of course, I feel you all are deserving but thought I'd pass along this award to three ladies who always leave such nice comments but since they don't have blogs, I can never return the favor. Thanks for stopping by and being a part of the blogging community!

1. Suburban Prep

2. Linda (NY)

3. Rebecca Jill

ECM

Whitney English Preppy Giveaway!

Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a very festive and safe 4th of July!

In celebration of "Week of Preppy" at Whitney English, I'm excited to offer my readers a chance to win this amazing preppy giveaway! Your personal monogram and information with be customized. Please leave a comment with your name and I will have a drawing on Friday, July 11th! Good luck.

ECM

Happy 4th of July

I want to wish everyone a very HAPPY 4th of JULY!!! Enjoy the celebration and please be sure to remember those who have served this great nation!

ECM

Week of Preppy

Exciting PREPPY NEWS!!! The lovely Whitney English is having a "Week of Preppy" starting Monday, July 7th. Make sure to check out her blog and all the fun preppy details to come! In celebration, I will have a special treat for my readers!


ECM

And The Award Goes To...

I received an award from the lovely Lipstick At The Mailbox and I'm passing along the same award to three bloggers:

Third Coast Preppy: For keeping me in the loop with all her PSA's about discount codes and free shipping (and we all know how much I like free shipping)!

Adventures Of A Southern Newlywed: She is always so sweet and positive.

Tickled Pink & Green: She always makes me laugh and I love seeing her preppy bargain shopping escapades!

ECM

Stay-cation

I was tagged by One Fabulous Mom to describe my perfect stay at home vacation, a stay-cation. Chicago is a GREAT place to be during the summer with so much to see and do. Some of my favorite things about a typical Chicago summer are Cub's games, dining alfresco, house and garden walks, concerts and picnics at Ravinia, the active lakefront and beaches, sailing/boating on the lake, free movies at the park, block/street parties (Chicago has the best), farmers' markets, picnics at the beach, art walks & festivals, etc. The city is full of energy and I love it!

There are many quick getaway trips close to Chicago (perhaps this stay-cation won't be so easy for me...). A few of my personal favorites are to Lake Geneva, Door County and Saugauck MI. I love to venture out to a few quaint suburbs too. A trip to historic Long Grove and out to Geneva, IL for quaint shopping are always fun. To get into complete relaxation mode, a romantic (not happening anytime soon for me I'm afraid) spa weekend or girls weekend to Kohler is always fun. Even though these short trips aren't exactly staying at home, they are staying local, right?!?

My stay-cation would be really low key, not too exciting I'm afraid. I would be happy if any of the previous stated activities were a part of my day/week but these would be some low key things I would like to do during my stay-cation! Note: Cleaning out my closet is SO not one of them!

1. Sleep in a little.

2. Walk or ride my bike to the beach (a few blocks away).

3. Yoga classes, tennis or golf lessons.

4. Smoothies for breakfast while catching up with the latest Coastal Living (even though we aren't the East or West coast, we are the Third Coast you know!)

5. Do a little shopping at the local Farmers' Market.

6. Long bath with a facial mask.

7. Indulge in chopped salads from my favorite north shore gourmet take-out place - Foodstuffs.

8. Boutique shopping or an outlet road trip to either Chicago Premium Outlets or to the Wisconsin border Prime Outlets. I need to do this soon regardless!

9. See the latest art exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago.

10. Meet up with friends for brunch/dinner/drinks/chocolate at a few of my favorite places like RL, Pops for Champagne and Ethel's Chocolate Lounge.

What would your stay-cation be like? I tag you and three people that I personally think their blog names sound like a vacation! My Little Cottage, View From The Beach and Prep In The Country!

ECM

MEME Time

I've been tagged by the lovely Preppy Pearl, Mom X 2 and Belle I Am.

What were you doing ten years ago?
Well, I was living in Scottsdale, AZ and in the midst of planning my wedding. It was craziness, all things Vera Wang, Crane's and Tiffany & Co. As we all know, the marriage didn't work out but it was a fabulous wedding!

5 things on my to do list today
1. Pay some bills online
2. Yoga class
3. Put out some fires (not literally)
4. Catch up on all the latest design periodicals
5. Go buy the Hungry Girl Cookbook

Snacks you enjoy
1. Pistachios
2. Frosting
3. Cheese & crackers
4. Guacamole with chips (salsa too if I have it)
5. Hummus w/whole wheat mini pitas or pita chips
6. Olives
7. Sesame sticks mixed with banana chips
8. Stacy's Cinnamon Pita Chips
9. Haagen-Dazs Sorbet
10. Genisoy BBQ Soy Crisps
11. Slices of red bell pepper & Einstein's Reduced Fat Jalapeño Salsa Shmear
12. Edamame (extra salt please)
13. Honey mustard pretzels or pretzel crisps dipped in honey mustard
15. Diana's Dark Chocolate Frozen Babie Banana
16. Instant cheese grits
17. Weight Watchers Bars or Skinny Cow Sandwiches
18. Vita Muffin Tops
19. Chocolate
20. I COULD GO ON...

Places you have lived:
1. California
2. Arizona
3. Rhode Island
4. Illinois

5 things you would do if you were a billionaire
1. Lots and lots of philanthropy
2. Travel galore and have a yacht based in the Mediterranean
3. Real estate (1st place I would buy a home would be Nantucket)
4. Make sure my family and peeps were taken care of
5. Get myself a Birkin or three- black, navy and camel!

AND, I was tagged a LONG time ago (pre-computer crash and holiday) by the equally lovely Prep In The Country to list 6 quirky things about myself.

1. I only like plain white paper towels and any other type including color/design annoy me.

2. I treat/train my skin like it's an Olympic sport. Heavy training in the winter, lighter in the summer.

3. I'm an orange juice snob and only like fresh squeezed and won't buy anything else.

4. I'm a fabric softener maniac. Maniac I said! I ALWAYS use it (overuse sometimes) and even travel with it, crazy I know! I love the way it makes my clothes smell and feel.

5. I don't like to sit backwards on a moving train. I don't get sick but I just don't like it and will do about anything to hustle my way out of it.

6. I like things a la crispy. I tend to over cook (on purpose) a lot of things. What can I say, I like crispy foods. When I entertain, I really have to watch things closely as I know not everyone is as fond of this technique.

ECM