I Do, Would You?

Welcome to the weekend! Anyone going to a wedding? I haven't been to one in ages and from the looks of things on Pinterest and Style Me Pretty....things have changed a lot since I got married, nearly 14 years ago. 

I had a fairly typical Texas wedding. Evening. Large. Formal, but not black tie (I really wish I had done black tie) with a cocktail style reception and a live band. No sit down dinner. And, it was lovely. But, it's fun to fantasize what I would change if I could do it all over again.

So, that's what I've done in a guest post for my friend Kate of Party Resources. Kate's mom, Dixie, is a much sought after event planner on the East Coast and in a fun twist, coordinated the weddings of 2 of my friends in Rye. 

So, pop on over to see what I would change in my I Do, Do-over!

And, do tell....if you had the chance to do it all over again, what would you change, if anything?

New Book: Palm Beach Entertaining

Just as I'm settling into a fall frame of mind, comes along this sunny, happy tome on entertaining with warmth, grace and panache. Palm Beach style. Mind you, I've never been to Palm Beach, but I just KNOW I would love it.

Just as I know I am going to love this new release, Palm Beach Entertaining: Creating Occasions to Remember! Just imagine a peek over the manicured hedges of society's most glamorous hosts and hostesses, including interior designer, Celerie Kemble.

They had me at the tulip lined table scape....but I love that the net proceeds go to Children's Home Society, a charitable organization with a proven network of adoption, early childhood development and family support services. Give one as a gift....and you'll also be giving back.

Shall we grab our Jack Rogers and meet at The Breakers?

images: Jerry Rabinowitz for Rizzoli

Game Night

Tonight was just cool enough that we could light up our new/rebuilt family room fireplace. My youngest son really wanted to have a game night, so we broke out the Scrabble. What fun to see our little guys thinking up words and adding up their points. 

And, of course we followed this with big mugs of hot cocoa. I love game night. Don't you?

What's your family's favorite game to play together?

Welcome, Fall

There's been a chill in the air....right on cue. I'm reaching for my sweaters and have unpacked my turtlenecks in anticipation of cooler days. 

One of my favorite things to do is give a little nod outside my home that we are in a different season. How about a path of pumpkins? A few gourds tucked into the window boxes? Maybe an autumnal wreath on the front door?

Whatever the decor, it's time to welcome Fall! Wishing you hot apple cider, hay rides and piles of amber colored leaves! 

How will you welcome fall?

Great Gift Ideas: Under $35

Most of keep track of our days on a handheld device, a desktop or in some cases....an old fashioned datebook. I use a combination of all of them...but I always enjoy having a pretty desk or wall calendar. Part happy decor. Part practicality. I can never seem to remember which day it is!

So, I am truly happy that Linda & Harriett has just unveiled its 2013 edition. With a postcard on the reverse side of each month, it's the perfect reminder to drop a line to a friend, to say "congratulations" "good luck"  "Happy Birthday" or "I'm thinking about you today"!

Loving the sand shovels on the June page...and I've even marked my birthday for you. (wink, wink)!

 A sampling of the darling postcards you'll get as a bonus!

And, finally....I think this makes a great holiday gift. Who doesn't love a great calendar right before the start of a new year?! And at $34 it's in the right price range for a lot of the folks on your list.

I'll be highlighting great gift ideas from now through December at a variety of price ranges. My plan this year is to shop/mail early and then enjoy the spirit of the season!

How do you keep track of each day?

8 is GREAT!

Birthdays are always special, but there is truly something GREAT about turning EIGHT! 

Here's a colorful glimpse at how we celebrated my son this past weekend. 

If you or someone you know would like to host a LEGO party, I definitely recommend the company, Play Well, as they provided all the LEGOs and a LEGO master who guided the boys through some amazing projects. 

The party continues, as today is my little guy's actual birthday. And, for an 8 year old he got the best gift possible....a school holiday!

Wishing you a GREAT day!

Friday Fashion - Green Day

J. Crew

There is no color I am loving more for Fall than green! Earthy yet elegant, you can pair it with cream, black or navy. 

Tory Burch

From your head.....

Bauble Bar

To you toes....

Barneys

What do you think? Have I given you the green light to give it a try?

No matter what color you're wearing, it's the weekend, so....get ready, set, GO have a great time!

Building Toward A Party

The #1 gift and/or toy requested in our house is LEGO. So, it came as no surprise that my little guy wanted a LEGO party to celebrate turning 8. Once I knew what theme he wanted, I immediately reached out to my friend, Alexis. 

Crafting and creating party invitations, favors and all the details that make a party a P-A-R-T-Y is what she does best!

From invitations with actual LEGO pieces attached to "fact flags" to display down the center of the table to the water bottle labels and more....we are building toward a wonderful celebration this weekend.

Planning and preparing for a family celebration is one of my greatest joys! Having a resource such as Alexis makes it fun! 

What kind of celebration are you building up to at your house?

Favorite Fall Flower

Good Monday morning! I hope you relaxed and had some fun this weekend and are ready to embrace a new week.

Maybe it's their moody, dramatic centers, but I find myself drawn to anemones for fall floral arrangements! Light, yet dark. Strong, yet delicate. 

I also like that they aren't everyone's first pick. Sometimes it's nice to be different. Individual. But, memorable. Funny....that sounds a lot like what I'm trying to teach my kids.

Here's to a fabulous week....blooming and being your most beautiful, individual self!

images: pinterest