Don't Take Life For Granted!

My darling husband has been contemplating retiring for the last few years. He is fortunate that he has done well, saved well and is prepared. I think he just can't let go of the title and routine. He really enjoys his work. His father died of a heart attack at a young age and so he understands how precious life is. Well, to make the point even stronger, a work friend of his with whom he has been discussing retirement - died suddenly. The man loved his work and had finally decided to retire in June. Friday he went home sick from work and by Saturday he had gone to his eternal home. He was never able to live the plans he had made with his wife. So today, when I kissed my husband as he left from work, I knew he had a full heart. I imagine we all can learn from this situation - Live every day as though it is your last!  Prayers to those who have lost someone and hugs to those we love that are with us!



Enjoy your Monday!

Sayings On Sunday!

Happy Sunday! I hope your weekend has been grand!

Pineapple Grove Gifts!

Today I found the most adorable online company to buy just the cutest gifts.


www.pineapplegrovegifts.com

With so many graduations on the horizon we can all utilize their products. Their slogan is "Classic taste and personalized style delivered with a southern state of mind". My goodness, what else could we possibly ask for?

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

Here are a few of my favorite things! Happy Friday!



Boatman Geller Stationary - It is preppy, classic and a joy to write on and receive!






Cavalinni & Company Day Planners - Helps keep my activities organized!






Talbots - a lifelong friend! 35 years together and we are still going strong!





Straw Handbags - I love this clutch by J Crew.


Hammocks - Oh such a nice way to spend a summer's evening!

Wisdom On Wednesday!

I have just returned from an enjoyable and enlightening 2 day conference on education. Let my just say, "there is no place like home, there is no place like home!"



Happy Wednesday!

Looky What I Found At Target!

It's official I have found my 2012 Lilly Pulitzer Special Edition Animal Crackers at my Target Store! I love these little goodies. It is such fun to search for them until you find them and then track them on the Lilly Pulitzer map. So simple and yet so delightful! Have you found any yet? Happy Monday!

Sayings On Sunday!

Happy Sunday!

Spring Shots!

Spring is in full bloom and I love it! Yes, I love it! The following are two pics of spring at my house.

The ducks are back waddling around the lake in my backyard!

My pink tulips are blooming and I love them!

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful spring Saturday outside!

Few Of My Favorite Things!

Happy Friday! Here are a few of my favorite things! Have a wonderful weekend!

Favorite Starbucks Item: Caramel Macchiato


Favorite Necklace: Strand of Pearls (of course)


Favorite Great Lake: Lake Michigan @ South Haven, MI


Favorite Ice Cream - Coldstone (Chocolate Devotion)


Favorite Way to Shape My Eyebrows - Threading!

Tangerine!!!

I have read so many places this spring that Tangerine is the 2012 Color of the Year. Hmmmmm - ok! I like Tangerine, but I can't say it has ever been a favorite. Until possibly now - I have tried a top, a dress, a lipstick - all in Tangerine and I like it. It brings out a certain something in my skin tone. Have you tried it and do you like it? Or perhaps it was already an essential in your wardrobe. Here are a few things in Tangerine that are "must haves"! Happy Tangerine Thursday!

Here is Essie's -" Oranges Orange It's Obvious"


Here is Nicole Miller's Strapless Silk Chiffon Gown at Saks Fifth Avenue



Of course, my favorite - Jack Roger's in Orange


Nothing like a fresh summer fruit salad with lots of oranges!

Wisdom On Wednesday!

OMG .... this is so true! I know I periodically struggle with comparisons. We need to embrace who we are!
Happy Wednesday and enjoy being you!

Stand Tall!

Be proud to be a tall woman and "Stand Tall". Celebrate this week with Stand Tall Week. You might have seen them on the Today Show today! YEAH!

Congratulations Lilly Give Away Winner!

Congratulations HILLCREST ACRES! She is the winner of the 2012 Label/Sticker Book! Thanks to everyone that entered the contest. Good luck at my next "Give Away"! I will be contacting Hillcrest Acres directly!

Sayings On Sunday!

Happy Sunday! I will announce the Lilly Give Away Winner this evening! You have until 5pm to enter! Good Luck!

College Graduation Presents????

Daughter #1 graduates from college in May. I am so excited for her and so proud of her. She did it in four years, played  varsity sports for two and she didn't miss a beat. I didn't even mention that she has Dyscalcula, which is a learning disability in Math. She stayed focused, worked hard and it is paying off! I just can't decide what we should give her for a present. She is my oldest and I just don't know what to buy. I have already taken her on a nice trip...just the two of us, I gave her a family heirloom (diamond ring) when she turned 21 ( the age I inherited it). Does anybody have any ideas besides $$$? I have 4 weeks to decide. Please help!!!
Happy Saturday and don't forget the Lilly Give Away ends tomorrow- Good luck!

Friday's Favorite Five

Favorite Birthday Cake - Chocolate cake with butter cream icing. Yummy!


Favorite Quick Sandwich - BLT - delicious and refreshing


Favorite Springtime Flowers - Pink Tulips


Favorite Exercise - Pilates

Favorite "guilty pleasure" - Slot Machines! Ok, so I have only played ten times in my life, but it was fun. We went to Ocean Pines while on our road trip last week!


Have a great weekend and Happy Friday! Don't forget the giveaway ends Sunday!

Lilly Give Away Reminder!

Don't forget I am giving away a 2012 Lilly Pulitzer Label and Sticker Book! There are the cutest "Belongs To" Stickers and "To - From" Labels. There are also a variety of really cute other stickers!

The giveaway ends on Sunday, April 15th at 5pm est and is only open to U.S. residents.  There are two ways to enter:

1. One entry....leave a comment and you must be a follower.

2. For an additional entry = 2 entries...post about this giveaway on your blog.

Each entry must be in a separate comment. If you don't have a blog make sure to leave your email address in your comment!

Good Luck!

Ending An Unhealthy Relationship!

Today I am ending an unhealthy relationship! I am so sick and tired of this friend/enemy relationship with my scales. So this morning on my way to take the dog for a walk I threw it in the trash bin in the garage. It is over - I am done! It would just terrorize me. I would lose 3 pounds, eat the same way and then the next morning have gained 2 pounds. I will no longer be held hostage by this little digital devil! I feel such freedom - not to overeat, far from it. I feel freedom to depend on myself to do the right thing and not look for outside validation. If you are involved in the same type of relationship, think about ending it - you just might like it!

Bye-Bye!

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

Happy Wednesday and don't forget to sign up for the Lilly Give Away - only 4 more days!

I Won An Award!!!

I am so thrilled. I was nominated for the Liebster Blog Award by Katrina at www.ActingMy(Vint)Age.blogspot.com. This was such an incredibly sweet and thoughtful gesture! I am so pleased to know that she likes my blog because I really enjoy her blog too! (Check it out). Thank you Katrina!

The origin of the Liebster Award is rather mysterious (meaning I could not find out who came up with the idea or gave out the first one), but liebster is a German word meaning "favorite." The award is given to blogs with less than 200 followers

I would like to pass this fantastic award on to my top 3 favorite blogs with under 200 members!
1. I really enjoy Katrina's blog - Acting My (Vint)Age. She is such an incredible seamstress and shares her talent with her readers. She is remarkable! She shares post on sewing, cooking, her doggie, cleaning - such a variety of topics!
2.Also there is NTidwell Test Kitchen (ntidwelltestkitchen.blogspot.com). She shares wonderful recipes and cooking ideas. She has been busy lately, but when she comes back to her blog I know we will all enjoy her new cooking ideas!
3. There is the incredible Hillbilly Debutante blog ( just a smidgen above 200 members). Kathie is a talented author in Metro DC. She shares so many ideas. I love her signature red cowboy boots. Read about her exciting times in Northern Virginia!

I am so exciting about winning and I am am so excited to continue blogging! Thanks for sharing in my blog!
All the Best!

Don't Forget The Lilly Give Away!

The giveaway ends on Sunday, April 15th at 5pm est and is only open to U.S. residents.  There are two ways to enter:

1. One entry....leave a comment and you must be a follower.

2. For an additional entry = 2 entries...post about this giveaway on your blog.

Each entry must be in a separate comment. If you don't have a blog make sure to leave your email address in your comment!

Good Luck and Happy Monday!

My Thoughts On This Easter Morning!

From sin to grace and the restoration of human dignity. The true test of religious dignities is when all religions are respected. Happy Easter and Happy Passover. Whatever your religious beliefs are, I hope you enjoy a blessed day with those close to you, the ones you love the most! Enjoy this beautiful day!

A Few Of My Favorite Things and Lilly Give Away!

Favorite restaurant in Leesburg, Va - The Lightfoot Restaurant = delicious cuisine!

Favorite view to wake up too - The shore!

Favorite "out of the way" antique store - My Wits End in Point of Rocks, Va

Favorite Bridge - The Bay Bridge over the Chesapeake Bay. (This view doesn't do it justice!)

Favorite little doggie "Baby Berkley" - who is pouting for us leaving him so long ;-)

Have a fantastic weekend! Happy Easter! Don't forget to register for the LILLY Give Away!!!!

Lilly Pulitzer Give Away!

I am home after a wonderful trip and I didn't return home empty handed! I have a little something for one lucky member. While in Leesburg, Virginia I enjoyed the pleasure of visiting the adorable -
Persnickety Palm.


While shopping there I picked up a Lilly Pulitzer 2012 Sticker & Label Book! It is full of great "to-from" stickers, "belongs to" labels and just some really cute stickers!

The giveaway ends on Sunday, April 15th at 5pm est and is only open to U.S. residents.  There are two ways to enter:

1. One entry....leave a comment and you must be a follower.

2. For an additional entry = 2 entries...post about this giveaway on your blog.

Each entry must be in a separate comment. If you don't have a blog make sure to leave your email address in your comment!

Thanks and Good Luck!!!
PS...More trip details to come!!!

Wisdom On Wednesdays!

Good morning! "Baron" is still sleeping so I thought I would add a quick post! Happy Wednesday and enjoy your day!

Birthday Road Trip Update!

Wow....what a great time we are having and it isn't even time to start for home! We drove to Maryland's eastern shore (Ocean City) and points north in Delaware (Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach). I promised to share some pictures and here they are -

This was taken when we were crossing the Bay Bridge - awesome view!

This is the view from our room at The Princess Royal Oceanfront Hotel!

While in OC we ate at Dumser's - yummy - the delicious homemade ice cream. I will have to really "watch it" when we get home!

We also had delicious pizza at Lombardi's......oh and did I mention the Birch Beer! Such a treat!

Well that is it for now. I am exhausted. I still have to tell you about Delaware, shopping, Virginia, shopping, dining. We even managed to sneak in some house hunting! Have a wonderful week and I will write more when I get a chance! Happy Tuesday!