Things I Love: Spring

Here are some of my favorite spring buys, anyone ready to spend their economic stimulus check?

1. A White Purse

Love this one by MZ Wallace (but it is 400 dollars).

This one is by Target and it is 20 bucks, I may not LOVE it, but I could make due.

2. Some Yellow Sandals

I hit the budget jackpot on this one. They are by Go Jane and they're 12 bucks!

3. A new dog bed for LuLu. Were you all aware that pottery barn has a pets collection? No one told me! And the new Pet products by Mrs. Meyers, sign me up.

Dog Bed by Pottery Barn. LuLu is an Xlarge kinda girl.

4. Anything with PomPom detailing.

J. Crew, nuf said.

5. Martha's make your own charm bracelet. I want to make one of these for my mom & sis with old pics of the fam. Oh yes, and the set is on sale for $2.99. This would make a perfect bridesmaids gift.

6. A new patio set for the backyard. This one is a great possibility, it is inexpensive but super cute. And we'll celebrate with a backyard bbq with this invitation from paperbuzz.

Can you believe this is from Walmart?

So are you all going to watch the cast of Sex In the City on Oprah today? I am totally excited to see the whole cast together. So excited, I am going to sneak out the back door today to get my fix.

Great Preppy Bridesmaids Jewelry

Just found this fantastic site via The Palm Peach. Their jewelry looks just like a much higher priced site. Ms. PalmPeach says the quality is great, so order your's today. I think I may need to have the following:

Ask Mrs. Preppy Wedding

A reader recently asked me to talk a little more about my experience as a newlywed. So, knowing my love of lists, here are some tips for you soon-to-be married folks:

- Register for items you�re really going to use. We did a pretty good job at this and I�m thankful that we didn�t just ask for kitchen gadgets, but new towels and linens. Let me also add - ask for a Dyson. It will change your life.

- Don�t dwell on the negative. This is a personal mantra for me, but in reality after you�re married, you�ll find the blissful (and stressful) fog of wedding planning lift and you�ll be faced with the realities of day to day life. Just make sure that for every time you say �Could you please pick up your crap� you also throw in a �thank you for taking care of the dogs in the morning so I can get an extra ten minutes of sleep.�

- Go on dates. Mr. Preppy Wedding and I have fallen into the rut that lots of other newlyweds find themselves in. So, unplug your TV and put up Season 2 of the Wire and go out. Like for drinks. You could even put on some make-up and dust off your these make me look really skinny but are very uncomfortable pair of jeans.

- Communicate. Most men are not intuitive creatures. I have found that �if � then� statements help me to effectively illustrate what I need from my husband. For example, �if you�re going to be late coming home for work and I have slaved over this amazing dinner, then you should call me to let me know!� Not that this preppy bride is bitter or anything.

So, dear reader I hope this helps. In addition, I am including something else that you asked for because, I aim to please. Without further ado, here are my best amazing yet simple, impress him with your skills recipes. We normally eat these dishes in heavy rotation on weeknights!

Teriyaki Noodle Bowls
BBQ Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes with Chives
French's Onion Chicken (I usually pair this with in the box stuffing)
Chilo Chili & Rice (Just follow the direction on the packet)
Steak Soup & Sourdough Bread
Pasta Fagioli

And if you want some quick party pleasers (the superbowl is coming up) here are my favs:

Banana Pudding
Easy Knorrs Dip & Pretzel Chips
Microwave Fudge (I want to try this variety and I prefer using the microwave to melt the chocolate - hense the name)
Pimento Cheese & Veggies

So married ladies out there, what is your advice to those brides-to-be?

For Christmas, Mr. Preppy Wedding bought me this amazing personalized address stamp (in Eubanks). And I love it. I would recommend this for any shower or wedding gift, it is an all around fantastic and very useful tool!

Looking at the stamp-makers website, they also sell a super cute stampable notecard collection. I love all their choices, especially these cuties:

Great Find

I love, love, love this ring by Jeanine Payer. It is inscribed with the journey is the reward. Isn't that a great way to think about work, marriage and life in general. This would make a fantastic wedding day gift. Preppy grooms out there, pay attention!

Great Bridesmaids Gift

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Wanted to pop in to share on of my favorite Christmas gifts this year. My big-city best friend got me this initial charm necklace for christmas. She got it at a craft fair in NYC, but you're in luck, the company has a website. The charm is the perfect size and you can pick gold/silver or even customize the lengths.

This would be a perfect bridesmaids/hostess gift. I promise they will LOVE them! As always, thanks for your great taste E!

Is it Spring Yet?

Since it's so cold outside today (here in VA we're at 30 degrees), I thought I would go ahead and start thinking about spring.

Here's what I'm loving for a perfectly preppy spring:

- The new shape of J.Crew's Lydia Dress in sour lemon paired with this lovely Marcy Floral Navy invitation from Whitney English.






- Sara Bareilles. Buy her CD.


- Buying personalized Jack and LuLu Recipe Boxes for all your spring bridal showers. Make sure to add some of your favorite recipes!

- The new Ben & Jerry's Sweet Strawberries and Cream (it's reduced fat).

- The Orleans Toile Napkins in blue from Williams Sonoma. To add a little spring flavor to my dining room.

- The Sam Edelman Bonnie in Silver/Navy.

Anyone else ready for spring?

Preppy Gift Wrap

Saw this in the December Country Living and was totally inspired. When you have a cottage (meaning small, older home) you have to maximize your space and this is so cost effective. I'm just thinking this would look so cute in our office and it could double as a craft station?

Also - must apologize for the lack of wedding related posts. It's December, so there will lots of Christmas talk around these parts.

I Need to Have It

The story goes when I was a little girl instead of throwing a temper tantrum on the floor of ToysRUs, I would calmly look at my mother and say ....

I NEED TO HAVE THIS.

I would then list all the reasons I could and would not live without the item I was coveting.

Today, I was on GirlyTwirly's website and saw this - a monogram adhesive for the bane of my existence, my blackberry.

And, I NEED TO HAVE IT.

• Because it will make working more fun.
• Because I won't mistakenly grab Mr. Preppy Wedding's instead (and nobody touches his gadget)
• Because my dog has a monogrammed Ralph Lauren polo shirt, why not shouldn't my blackberry have some fun?

Things I Love: Fall Music Mix

So, I'm up late burning some fall mix CDs from itunes (does anyone else do a new mix every month?). Anywho, I have some favorite new songs for the fall that I thought I would share:

Stay or Leave - Dave Matthews Band
Southern Girl - Amos Lee
In the Colors - Ben Harper
Three More Days - Ray Lamontagne
Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
Wonderful World - James Morrison
Big Sky - Garrison Star
Follow Through - Hotel Lights

Look them up on itunes. I think you'll like them!

Things I Love

Since things are a little bit crazy, I thought I would post on a few of my new favorite things.

Here goes �

1. Lori McKenna. I am in love with Lori after finding some of her songs on iTunes. Check out the song (and sentiment) of Witness to Your Life. It certainly is a fantastic way to think of the commitment that goes into a marriage.

2. This DIY recycling center project. I have been trying to get the husband to get a little more excited about going green and I think an organized, color coded system is in order. (What can I say, he responds well to colors)
3. One of my preppy readers Kristin introduced me to the seersucker bridesmaids line of Kathlin Argiro. A lot of readers have asked about finding longer seersucker dresses and Kathlin allows you to pick the silhouette and offers a bunch of different seersucker pattern colors.

4. Old Navy Beige Wool Coat. I have the 2005 version of this coat and still wear it. For the price, maybe it is time for an upgrade? I also really like this red barn jacket (also have it in beige). Why am I so obsessed with coats?

So, what are your fall favorites?

Things I love: Fall Favorites

Hmmm�

Things are still a bit crazy at my day job, so I thought I would update you on some new things I love!

Old Navy Satin A-line Trench in Khaki. I�m so ready for fall and I tried this on in the store, it will definitely be my new fall staple.

This Shoshanna Button Neck Dress. I... love... this... dress. Maybe if I pray to the blog gods out there, some very rich reader will offer to sponsor me by purchasing this dress. I'm a size 6, in case you're out there ...
Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo and Conditioner. I�ve been using this for a while and it�s the best for colored hair because it doesn�t dry out. I know, you all thought I was a natural blond. So sorry to let everyone down.

Kate Spade Shopper Tote in black. How crazy that this style is considered vintage Kate Spade. Either way, I love it and think it needs to be my new work bag (to replace the very worn Longchamp bag that has served me so well).

What are your favorites for fall?

Lots of Things I Love

So I realized I have not done any fun posts lately. It's mostly been all business round here. So I thought I would update you all on a couple of new favorites I've found in the last few months ...

Chanel Inimitable Mascara
Now that summer is upon us, I typically don�t do the whole make-up routine every morning because I just stepping into the 90 degree heat will pretty much ruin all that hard work. So for the summer, it�s Nars Bronzer, Philosophy Lip Gloss and this amazing new mascara. Every time I put it on, it makes my eyes look so much better! I highly recommend going out and grabbing this one.

Our new Wii
Did I forget to mention to you all that the husband and I got a wii? And it is fabulous. Hours of fun and entertainment and a good work out too. For all you girls out there who fear the your man�s inner-gamer, fear not, this system has lots of female friendly games. And it�s a great party starter. Have over a few friends, fire up the BBQ and the wii and battle each other in lots of sports related challenges.

Edy�s Slow Churned Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Bars
The husband and I are huge fans of Edy�s Slow Churned Ice Cream, so when I saw these bars in my mom�s freezer, I immediately put them on the grocery list. And many boxes later, these are a great (light) chocolate fix. The husband finishes every meal with his new favorite dessert.


The A&E Show - Confessions of a Matchmaker

I caught this show last night and was instantly hooked. My friends constantly accuse me of matchmaking, so I guess I was initially interested in how someone does it as a business. But this show, it totally sucked me in. Last night�s episode featured a 41 year old virgin. After a telling date with a woman and some prodding by the matchmaker, it turns out the man prefers men. Again, love it and you should too.

My Ballard Designs Monogrammed Giraffe Tote
Back in April, my sister & brother - in law got me this great tote as a birthday gift. It has become a great summer work bag and I do like being reminded of my new initials!

My new Beth Bowley Damask Dress
Damask in a cute, preppy sundress with straps. Any other questions. Seriously, I can justify spending a little more on a dress with straps that is office worthy, but still super cute. Here�s a link to an online boutique that carries the dress. But if you�re in Richmond, Jet Set Boutique is the place to find all your cute, preppy tops, dresses and jewelry!

So that�s an updated favorite list for me.

This weekend was super relaxing, we really didn�t do much but celebrate our dads which was great. We�re throwing that wine shower weekend after next, so I am in party planning/prep mode and will share all the details soon. For all of you who have storyboard requests in, I promise I will get to them soon!

Preppy Silhouette

Just taking a break from wedding blogging, to bring you these super cute customized silhouette pillows. I think my house may need a LuLu pillow to grace the couch.

AND, Petite Prints, my favorite place for all things silhouette is now offering a T-shirt that you can customize with your whole family (and for me that means doggies).

Happy Shopping!

Confessions of a Preppy Shopaholic

Well, no one told me part of being married meant I had to curb my spending habits in order to make the husband happy. I've even tried bargaining my time (e.g. the time it takes for me to write over 100 thank you notes without his help) into purchases at our local JCrew. In case you're wondering that equates to one 98.00 sweater (I know, somehow the husband's calculations are grossly one-sided).

What seems to come from this no shopping ban is an overwhelming want to BUY stuff. You know, it�s like when you have a mosquito bite and you may have had it for days, but as soon as you notice it, you have this unending WANT to scratch it. Hmm, I may have lost you with that oh so visual analogy.

What I�m trying to say is - It�s Thursday, I�m bored at work and all I really want to do is slap down my credit card on just a few things �

Michael Kors 'Chestertown Patent Large' Satchel.

Now, I have never paid this much for a purse. But, I feel as if I am graduating from the land of Longchamp and into a world where a nice married lady needs a steady, reliable purse with a little spunk. Michael I think you have created me, in a purse. Well done.

CK Bradley Tulip Dress in Brown and Light Pink.

We already have four weddings this summer and I have my fifth year college reunion. I bought this dress in black and white polka dots last year and wore it to a total of 6 weddings/dress up events. I think this CK Bradley tulip dress has earned the right to become the signature dress of the summer of 2007 .

Monogrammed Party Tumblers. So when I get home from work and plop down with my diet coke and pirates booty, I can drink and admire my new monogram at the same time.






Preppy Potato Joanne Belt.

I have been meaning to get a Preppy Potato belt for the last few months. And this one is so wearable for me, the girl who can never have to much black , white or red. And again, I need to display my new initials on something, right?



Turq Kate Earrings in Black.

Absolutely beautiful. And they would go well with my new four hundred dollar Michael Kors bag. Yes, I am the kind of girl who equates buying a new purse with buying more products to then match her purse. Does that mean I have a problem?



I wonder how much all of this stuff will translate into based on the husband's calculations? I would probably need to reshingle the roof, tile the bathroom and re-asphalt the driveway for all this stuff?

Martha Stewart Crafts

Breaking news everyone. Enough to explain two posts in one day!

Martha Stewart Crafts is now open for business and there are some super wedding related products.

I am loving these eyelet cards for sweet handwritten shower invitations and the matching favor boxes filled with the brides favorite candy.

And this best wishes garland is fantastic for any shower.

How about these heirloom tags. Think of all the fun things you could do with them.

The options are endless. There are lots of ribbon, craft supplies, organizing tools. Oh I do love Martha!

Preppy Hobbies

Well you all know that I have been in "trying to find something to do after planning the perfectly preppy wedding mode" so I thought I would share with you some of the results of my new preppy hobby - photography.

I'm taking a class at the local visual arts center and our big assignment was to frame shots better, add texture to our photographs and to play with aperture (in a nut shell, making things look blurry in the background). Now, I am just beginning, but I thought I would share the results of some of my hard work.

(This is actually one of the original door handles at our house)

And what better than to combine hobbies. Take a look at all the gardening I have been doing.

And you know for portraits, I had to enlist the help of LuLu & Dempsey.

Oh and take a look at what I call, self portrait (well and it does include the preppy lil sis). Bangs. I have bangs. I looked fear in the face and said - Chop it off.

So the moral for all you brides to be out there - there is life after the wedding!