We're home!!!

It's been about 24 hours since we landed in the British Virgin Islands .  So far, I'm liking our new home .

My husband is working for a company headquartered here and they helped him find a villa a few weeks ago.  It has the most amazing view of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.  I'll have to snap a few photos.  The wrap around screened in porch allows for the trade winds to sweep through the house, so much so that paperweights are a must!

Our 1,300 lbs of belongings are still in customs.  I can't wait to get my hands on some of the items I brought to adorn the walls around here.  This place most definitely needs a woman's touch.  There will be three women here before too long.

My mom and sister are coming on Sunday, along with my dad.  A Caribbean Christmas it will be!

My sister is actually bringing our miniature schnauzer Milly with her.  We couldn't bring her on Monday, because her paperwork wasn't finalized.  I can't wait to have her here and see her reaction to the new landscape.

During our first day here, we did a few very important things, including opening a bank account, buying a car, and for me - getting a pedicure!  That's right, this Tennessee girl didn't have time to get one before she left!

I wanted to wear my Stephen Bonnanos today, and needed a matching nail polish.  I went with OPI's "I only drink Champagne."  Love that!

My lady at the spa was nice - her name was Breezy.  That's right.  Breezy.  I quickly got past that and was able to ask her a lot of questions about who I should get to cut my hair, where to grocery shop, etc...All in all, it was a lovely way to spend my time while Mr. SDP was at the bank.

Let the BVI adventure begin!

If Tory Burch and Lilly Pulitzer procreated...

Okay, I realize that's impossible, but if they were to come together and beget some type of offspring, who would it be?

I think her name would be Tracy Negoshian. 

She's a beginner, but I see some potential.  All of her tunics and dresses have a small credit card size pocket hidden on the right side, usually tucked under the arm at the rib cage - just perfect for a credit card, ID and maybe a lip gloss.

As she grows, hopefully her fabrics will improve and she will drop the ridiculous jewelry line.  (It's like a chintzy version of Franchesca's.)  I've got to give it to this girl - she started out with obvious color combinations that she knew would sell:  SEC football teams. 

Go to any SEC tailgate, I don't care if you're outside of the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, on top of G10 in Knoxville, or in the Grove in Oxford, you will hear one universal complaint from fashionable football fans:  Finding stylish clothes in a girl's favorite SEC team colors is more difficult than getting Mariah Carey zipped into a black mini dress!  Except of course for the Georgia Dawgs, those bitches I mean sweet Georgia peaches rock red and black like it's their job.

Happy Shopping!  Oh, and I almost forgot - the aqua and coral Rachel dress will be making an appearance on the SDP Christmas card this year.  What is more BVI than that?

Practical? Not so much...

I found these boots so irrestible - I just couldn't help myself.  They were walking out of the store with me.  No doubt about it!

Even though my flight to the British Virgin Islands is booked.  And there's no turning back; we are officially moving there in less than a month, I just had to have these!!! 

It's cold here in Tennessee and I'm loving the dress with tights and ankle boots look.  These are Gianni Bini and I got them at Dillard's for $89.00.  Not bad! 

To even things out, and buy something "practical" {I'm sure Mr. SDP is getting a kick out of that word choice right now} I just had to get this handbag in preparation for our new warmer climate. Mine is in white, though I couldn't seem to find a photo of it.

 

I don't know that I've ever carried a Lilly Pulitzer, other than the fabric bermuda bags.  And I must say, this tote is in a whole new league.  The inside lining is of course in a fun Lilly print. 

Oh, and am I the last one to know that Lilly sells wrapping paper?  How cute is that?  The pink Fa La Lilly is my favorite!

 

Happy Shopping!  Now, off to locate my Stephen Bonanno's...that is the shoe I will be wearing every day for the next year!

Talking Turkey

While we will be enjoying the traditional bird this Thanksgiving, I must share a recipe for a chicken dish that I discovered yesterday. 

Our dear friends Erin and Lee had us over for dinner last night.  {Mr. SDP and Lee were SigEps together in college.  And while Erin and I went to different universities, we were both Alpha Delta Pis.} 

Erin made the most delicious dish.  The recipe is from a Nashville Junior League cookbook that was published in the 1950s.  It's called "Chicken in the Skillet."

Here is the recipe for "Chicken in a Skillet"
{serves 8}

ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, cut into halves (or quarters)
1/2 cup flour
1 cup butter
1 can of mushroom soup
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup of slivered almonds
1 cup sherry

instructions:
dredge chicken in flour as for frying
place butter in skillet
heat
place chicken breasts in skillet and slightly brown
add remaining ingredients
simmer for 45 minutes to hour

Don't you just love the word "dredge"?  I do and I know exactly what it means...love that!

Breaking News over at Brunch at Saks

Have you heard?  Carrie Bradshaw's life before Sex and the City will be revealed in the written word...

A new book, called "The Carrie Diaries" {courtesy of Candace Bushnell of course!} will take us back in time before Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha, before cosmos, and that's right, before Big.

Thanks to Brunch at Saks for alerting me to this exciting SATC news! Sex and the City fans rejoice is right!!!

Of course the movie will follow behind the April 2010 release of the book...so exciting!!!

BVI Guest Bedroom, perhaps?

After having the first ever SDP Liquidation Sale {a.k.a. garage sale}, I decided to make the best of the items that didn't sell on Saturday.  With a few cans of paint in "real orange", "seaside" blue, and "muslin" white, I transformed these items destined for Good Will into cool trendy pieces. What do you think?

I already had a duvet cover in the orange and white fabric from Pottery Barn.  I actually used the shams that came with it to make 4 large pillows like the one you see in the photograph.  A few months ago, I bought a quilt and matching shams in the blue ikat fabric for a steal at HomeGoods.  Oh, and the blue pillow on the right is made from a set of napkins my mom gave me a few summers ago.  Onto the painted items...

These little orange mirrors were previously greyish in color.  Very drab!  With one can of "real orange" high gloss paint, they are transformed!

Can you believe I had three others just like them that I let Mr. SDP take to Good Will?  I had no idea they would turn out so adorable!  Maybe I need to run over there on my lunch break on buy them back...The oval mirror had a nickel finish in its former life.  I just love the Tiffany blue color.
  

As for the empty picture frame...I have big plans for it.  I want to get some chicken wire or a old radiator grill to attach to the back, so I can use it for displaying jewelry.  Can't you see some large chunky coral necklaces and earrings hanging from it?

I have three of those large blue and white vases.  The tray used to be stained with a mahogony finish.  I much prefer it in the "muslin" white, don't you? 

Now if only we knew where we were going to be living on Tortola...for certain, there will be a guest bedroom!

Southern Living, while I still can...

With the countdown to the move to the BVI right at 4 weeks, I am getting nostalgic about Christmas and our family traditions here in the South.  In addition to the holiday meal and trimming of the tree, I always pick a color scheme for my wrapping and all gifts are adorned in the same papers, bows, tags etc...  For several years the Martha Stewart Wrapping Paper was my first choice.  I haven't really been pleased with her selection these last two years, but I digress.

This year, we will be having a Caribbean Christmas, and I think I just found the perfect wrapping inspiration in Southern Living.  I just received my December issue this weekend and on page 215 there they were!  Zig zag tags in all their glory!  {And we know how obsessed I am with anything and everything chevron! }

Aren't they just adorable?!?  They can be yours for $6.00 over at Linda and Harriet.  {There are three in a pack.}  I am going to make my Christmas list and order accordingly.  Rather than the crimson ribbon, I'm thinking of doing a pink one.  I haven't really done the whole pink and green Christmas before...it can get a little Dr. Suess-like.

I have to say this Southern Living issue is full of surprises.  There is a lovely little spread on pages 20 - 25 of 24 Christmas gifts made by southern hands.

I'm thinking a Christmas music channel on Pandora is a must at work tomorrow... 

Game Night: NOLA Edition

Well, sort of.

You may remember some crazy stories about our game night group.  We gather on the first Friday of the month.  And back in August, we had a wild hair and headed to New Orleans for game night.  {Living in Tennessee and all, you understand why it was such an ordeal, with flights and hotels and all...}

For November's game night, we're bringing New Orleans to us...in the way of the menu.  I have made 24 mini muffelattas, prepped my beignets (Cafe Du Monde's mix of course!), and cooked the chicken for the jambalaya.  That leaves the cajun crab dip, crawfish boulettes, and final prep of the jambalaya for tomorrow.  I can manage that, surely.

Now, if only I knew what game we were going to play...any suggestions?

Echo...echo...echo...

So, with the impending move to the British Virgin Islands, I'm going to have to get back into warm weather clothes. Just when I pulled out all of my winter clothes!  I'm not asking for sympathy - believe me!

Look what I stumbled on over at Echo Design! 

This adorable coverup tunic is only $68.  Not bad!  Kind of wish it was lined, so I could wear it as a dress.  They do have it in black...hmmmm...

And look at this hot little number!  Only $88.

I'm loving this website!  Check out this jacket that I imagine, could be worn several seasons.  It's $68.

They have winter items, outerwear and items for the home even!  Happy shopping! 

Seriously Isaac?

I know I've posted about how happy I was to see Isaac Mizrahi designing for the masses again, with his new gig at Liz Claiborne, but Isaac, we need to talk.  Is this really what you think women need to be wearing this holiday season or ever for that matter?  This size 0 model looks like she's about to give birth to a forest of Christmas trees. 

I get it - you sketched it. Some suits in a boardroom probably thought it would sell, blah blah blah. 

Seriously?  I thought you were going to offer up affordable runway fashion for the every day woman not this crap!  I realize this may sound harsh, but I'm disappointed.  After that beautiful summer line, I was just hoping for more...

Even the "make the season bright" campaign features oatmeal sweaters.  Apparently, the design department wasn't talking to the marketing department.  

Hello Henri

Christmas is just around the corner...you know how I know?  The Henri Bendel catalogue is here! 

Check it out.  In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

Spindle savior!

Thanks to Preppy Cricket and her recent post about her love for ribbon, my crafts will be much more organized!

As I've mentioned before, we are most likely moving to the BVI within the next 60 days. That means I've been decluttering the house and organizing as if it were my job! While I am fully capable of neatly packaging paint brushes, card stock, and glue, the yards and yards of ribbon leave me baffled! That is, until now....

Check out this post by Preppy Cricket and the amazing "fix" she found for storing spools of ribbon! (The image is courtesy of Country Living.)

She also was so kind to introduce me to a new blog - don't you just love finding new and inspiring reads? Check out A Gift Wrapped Life.

Home Sweet Home: Part 4

It looks like a decision regarding our move to the British Virgin Islands is drawing near...we may be leaving "the South" and heading south toward the equator. {Technically, we'd stop just south of the Tropic of Cancer, but who here is a geographer? Not I!}

Our minds will be made up by week's end.

It's very surreal. If we choose to go, we would be selling our house and cars...changing careers...leaving family and friends behind...all before Christmas! It's equal parts sad and exciting, maybe with a dash of stressful!

The search for the perfect place to live in the BVI is underway. {Who knew they had Coldwell Banker?!?} We will need an extra bedroom for all of the company we expect we'll be having, plus I would really like to have a home office. I am going to try and work something out with my firm, at the very least as a freelancer. Mr. SDP will have his hands full with his new position...I just hope we have time to see each other and explore the islands together!

While tears well up in my eyes at the thought of missing my niece's birthday party or abandoning our Christmas traditions, the only thing that makes me okay with this move is the fact that we would likely be returning to the states in 12 months. I can do anything for 12 months right?

What an adventure this will be!

Off to declutter the house...the realtor is coming in the morning.

You know when you learn a new word...

...and then you hear it later that same day? Or when you get a new car and then you spot 3 or 4 of the same model on your drive home? Well, something very similar happened to me today!


A friend of mine, who has a lovely home furnishings store, made this her status update on Facebook today: "Today - I will be happier than a bird with a french fry." I thought it was cute; it made me smile. {I also thought it might be nice to have french fries for lunch, but alas, I went with a bowl of soup instead. Sigh.}


Anyway, I was just over at Peonies and Polaroids a few moments ago and saw this:

Some might call this ironic - and if they did, I would correct them. It is coincidental! And I love it.

I don't believe I had ever heard/read/seen the quote before, and here it is a second time. Oh, and if you're wondering where to find the print. According to P&P, it's from DazeyChic. Enjoy!

The Look for Less

Have you seen this dress? I absolutely love it.

Would you believe it's from Tar-jay? That's right. This frock is a mere $39.99 at your local Target! I spotted it on Sunday while running a quick errand. I slipped it on and it was love at first zip.

I rocked it at the office with my new black tights, {also from Tar-jay.} I'm a big fan of the ASSETS by Sara Blakely brand. They're $14.00 which is almost half of the cost of the dress, but they're worth it. They hold up well wash after wash.

Because there's a chill in the air, I wore a black cardigan and to emphasize my waist and break up the pattern, I wore a black patent leather belt. Both of those items are NY&Co which means they're very reasonably priced.

And for full disclosure, I wore Via Spiga black patent leather pumps. While they were from last season, they were my splurge item in the whole "look for less" operation.

I know it's a stretch, but if I had to say what the whole ensemble reminded me of, I would say this outfit from Sex and the City, the movie. Ah, Big. Can't wait to see you on the big screen again...Only a few more months...Sex and the City 2 will hit theatres May 2010, on the 28th to be exact. Can hardly wait!

Fornash-ulous!

Okay, so I've completely made up that word, but it might catch on as more and more people know about Fornash - the lovely boutique in Georgetown and now in McLean, VA. I haven't been to either physical location personally, but I've enjoyed perusing their website! Definitely check it out! From accessories to gifts, it looks like a great place to shop!

Thanks to Coterie for the introduction. She featured this amazing necklace today which caught my eye:

Happy shopping!

Etsy Discovery

I recently discovered another Etsy shop with some beautiful, delicate necklaces made of lace. The company's name is White Owl and it was founded by two sisters who have a love for all things vintage...particularly lace. {I have a soft spot in my heart for lace, as my wedding dress was made of lace.}

I think their pieces are rather stunning, don't you?What I found even more surprising was the price listed on White Owl's Etsy shop - the necklaces are only $28 or $29! Check out this one - can't you just see it worn with a strapless black dress?

White Owl also makes earrings...check out these eggplant-colored ones:

Not that you need another reason to buy from White Owl, but they also include poetry just below the beautiful photographs of their creations. For these earrings, a few lines by William Shakespeare:

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows
Quite overcanopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with elgantine.

~William Shakespeare

This simple little touch adds so much to the overall experience and enhances the romantic feeling that their jewelry evokes...now, which piece to choose???

Knock Knock. Who's there?

A brilliant novelty gift company! That's who!

Its name is Knock Knock; isn't that cute and memorable? If you're not familiar with the company, maybe you've seen one of their witty products, like these funny folders for the office: Or the bingo cards to use when flying:
These and other novelty gift items can be found in boutiques all over the country. I recently purchased this book for a friend at a local boutique, to accompany a gift card from the same store. She loved it! {At a reasonable $7.95, I loved it too!!!}There's a whole series of these little books...
Cliches and Platitudes, Pep Talks and Picker-Uppers, Insults and Comebacks, and Pickups and Come-Ons! Too funny!

One of my favorite insults comes from the chapter titled "Looks, when it's only skin deep".

"Guess what - I've nominated you for Extreme Makeover and What Not To Wear and they're fighting over you!"

Maybe I could hurl it at one certain person in my office...

The Red Baton

That's where Mr. SDP and I will be spending our Saturday night, watching the LSWho Tigers play the Florida Gators. It's a reunion of sorts...

Usually, my girlfriends from college (most of whom where Alpha Delta Pis at Florida) gather at a home game in Gainesville, but not this year. We are taking this party to New Orleans, and then Baton Rouge!

We fly out first thing Friday morning. I've got my outfits planned. My Luccheses will be making the trip. I realize packing cowboy boots in carry-on luggage may seem excessive to some, but I think they're worth it.

Now, you may remember, we were just in Louisiana a few months ago for our game night: NOLA edition. There was one place I didn't get to while on that trip: Leontine Linens. It will be a must-visit on Friday morning before we meet up with friends in the French Quarter.

I was just perusing the new line of linens over at Leontine, and was pleasantly surprised by the Jolly Roger bedding. Would it not be adorable for a little boy's room?
Isn't it great? I just love all of their bedding. Take these elegant shams for example. These would actually work on our bed right now...
Laissez les bons temps roulez!

Mad for Plaid

I've made no apologies for my new obsession with Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne. If you've yet to fall in love with him, like me, check this out:This just arrived in my inbox...and I think I gave a silent "Hooray!" {Don't want to disturb my co-workers!} I'm so glad plaid is back. I'm not sure how I'm going to work it in to my wardrobe this fall, but when I do, it needs to be really trendy.


Remember, I just turned 30 this year, so I need to make sure I'm using classic pieces in the right way. Dressing appropriately at 30 can be very tricky. A hem line that's too long or a shirt too boxy and I might look 40. (Gasp!) On the other hand, I can't skew too young and rock a plaid mini...or atleast not without leggings.

A few years ago, I remember I would wear traditional Jackie-O inspired dresses to formal events. Think elegant labels like Oscar de la Renta and Kay Unger. It was a great way to dress - I was a sharp, mature 20-something that could pull it off. This dress is a perfect representation of what I'm talking about in style, not price! {It's available at SAKS for a cool $2,500 right now.}

Now that I'm getting older, I feel like I have to follow the trends more closely and choose classic pieces carefully, or I'll look too old. If I were to rock the Oscar dress to a cocktail party, I'm afraid I would look older than I am.

Instead, I would go with something more like this, from Marc Jacobs: Maybe I am over-analyzing this whole age thing, but I just don't want to be called "Ma'am" by the bartender...that's what it's about these days!

Oh, to be a cocktail ring in Rachel Zoe's jewlery box!

I'm loving Rachel Zoe Project right now. I can't believe this is my first season. I know, I know...I must get the previous season(s) on DVD and watch them.

Her show is about to wind down...and it looks like Poor Brad is going to be left behind, while eternal-PMS Taylor gets to go to Paris. Oh wait! On "Scenes from next" Brad somehow ends up in the City of Lights! "BA-nanas!"

Fortunately, tomorrow night is the premier of The Hills and The City. From the previews, this season looks promising.

Remember Monkey from The Bachelor?

Well, her family's reality show, Leave it to Lamas is about to start too! October 11th. Get the DVR ready!

So much reality TV, so little time.

Mad about GADABOUT

Forget the eggnog...I am loving what Miss GADABOUT has on tap for the holidays.

I could sent Santa a thank-you note for every little gift with these personalized stationery cards. Just love them! Have you seen GADABOUT's year round products? These are some of my favorites...

And who doesn't love a beetle?

Oh, and the cost? $70 for 60 cards. Not bad at all!!!