Seating Chart

Take a close look at this! {Double-click to enlarge the image.} This is some seating chart, as photographed by Callie Shell for Time. What a table!This is photo 29 in Time's "Behind the Scenes with Obama" pictorial. As a former news reporter, I am intrigued. Oh, to be a fly on the wall during this luncheon!

Although, I wonder if Katie felt snubbed since Brian and Charlie were to the president's left and right. Personally, I think George has the best seat...directly across from the president.

Pregnancy Margarita Fix

A close friend of mine is expecting her first child at the end of May. And here we are in the last week of April. From what I understand, right about now is the time when pregnant women start to crave those long-ago abandoned alcoholic beverages. So, what's a girl to do?Enjoy a bag of Orville Redenbacher's new Natural Lime & Salt flavored microwave popcorn! I kid you not, it tastes like a margarita! {I'll be serving this tomorrow night - I'm hosting said pregnant friend and others for a viewing of Grey Gardens!}

Love Language: Shopping

No? You've not heard of such love language?

Maybe you're more familiar with the "traditional" ones, as outlined in Gary Chapman's book. They are acts of kindness, words of affection, gifts, quality time and physical touch (all together on that last one...let's give those eyebrows a double raise), but what about shopping? What was Gary thinking by omitting my love language?

I guess shopping could fall under gifts because at the end of a successful shopping trip for Mr. SDP there is usually a presentation of gifts. I can make the case, however, that shopping is also an act of kindness. If done together, shopping could be categorized under the quality time tab.

Regardless, I love Mr. SDP so I went shopping. The fruits of my love language labor? A "make your own" polo shirt from Rugby.com, which is a division of Ralph Lauren. I went for the smaller skull and cross bones plus initials in a spirit green on a black polo.
{Maybe now I can get him to retire the black Lacoste that he so lovingly refers to as his "summer staple."}

What better Father's Day gift than a needlepoint belt???

Not only that, but Smathers & Branson is offering 20% off with the coupon code, DAD, right now! {Offer expires May 10th.} Apparently, the code is good on all S&B products, from key fobs to dog collars.

Mr. SDP has the bow tie one...and by "one" I mean belt, not collar. Ha!

"Monkey, will you star in another reality TV show?"

The answer? "Yes!" And it's a family affair for Shane Lamas.

E! Entertainment Television just announced that Shane, her siblings and father Lorenzo will be starring in their own reality show. The working title is The Lamas Family. {Come on now, we can do better than that!}

One comparison I've read refers to the show as the poor man's Keeping Up With The Kardashians. More details available here.

I was a fan of Monkey's -- that was Matt's nickname for Shane on The Bachelor - London Calling. I'm going to have to watch this show, even if it is as awful as the critics predict.

FOLO: Not All Compliments Are Equal

I can't make this stuff up!!! This is an excerpt from a conversation that I just had with one certain person (CP) at the office today:

CP: "Wow. What a great outfit! That pop of color with the black and grey and white! It looks awesome!"

{I reply through gritted teeth:}
SDP: "Thaaaaaaanks."

CP: "That's what I need to do. What is that a cardigan? Look at my outfit. Boooooooring. You're my fashion idol girl."

{Filled with guilt, I respond.}
SDP: "Awwwwww...thaaaaaaaanks."

I'm horrible. She idolizes me? Really?

I'm still having a tough time accepting the compliments from CP, but my compassion for CP is kicking in. Maybe I need to take her on as a little pet project...she'll star in our own version of What Not To Wear. Stacy? Clinton? Help!

Oh, and if you're wondering what outfit ellicted such a response: I paired a black cashemere shell from Banana with the python print pencil skirt, as seen in Vogue {March issue}. My shoes are black patent peeptoe wedges from Alfani. And that pop of color CP so craves? A pepto bismol pink cardigan. Oh and I can't forget the opera length potato pearls, doubled-up of course!

Forbes, but not Berkshire-Hathaway

Apparently, our miniature schnauzer, who suffers from separation anxiety, prefers Forbes over Berkshire-Hathaway's Annual Report.

When I arrived home after dinner with friends recently, I found the B-H report face down in the kitchen, untouched. I was pleased...at first...then I rounded the corner and found the latest issue of Forbe's magazine ripped to shreds. Hmmmm...I wonder what her thought process was...

Not All Compliments Are Equal

Compliments are nice, right? If we all agree, then why do I not enjoy them when coming from one certain person? Certain person (CP) = person with horrible fashion sense. Here's how the scenario inevitably plays out:

I'm wearing this great outfit...I'm feeling good...walking taller...smiling a bit wider...talking to the security guard at my building...you know how it is...

Then, I step off of the elevator and into the office and one CP says, "Wow! Great outfit. Look at us both rocking the color purple. I guess we both got the memo."

My teeth start to grind as I flash a fake smile. It's one thing to compliment my outfit; it's another to compare my outfit to your Kim Rogers get-up. Is that awful???

Grey Gardens: Recap

After a fun-filled weekend that included a lovely dinner on the patio at the neighborhood restaurant on Friday night, a little SEC football (yes, in April!) followed by an arts festival on Saturday, and a baby shower on Sunday, I finally settled in to watch HBO's Grey Gardens on Sunday night.

Mr. SDP was kind enough to watch it with me. (He too has seen the documentary.)

Within the first few minutes, I found myself wanting to pause the movie so I could stare at Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange and make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. They looked so much like the real Edies -- a sentiment shared by David Weigand with the Sanfranciso Chronicle.

The movie answered so many of my questions about their previous lives. I find this description of the movie to be very fitting: "Grey Gardens is a brilliant, moving, hilarious and mesmerizing mess of a movie that miraculously captures what made the Beales such iconic characters."

What impressed me most was Drew Barrymore's performance. Part of me expected her to play Drew, or atleast give us a quirky portrayal of Little Edie. I thought for sure I'd hear Drew's distinct sound coming through the lines. Instead, Drew went for it. It was evident that she gave this role everything she had. What the audience gets in return is a gift! It is Little Edie...in all her glory. Bravo Drew!!!

"I love lamp."

Check out this adorable monogrammed lamp:

They're available over at the Pink Giraffe! Adorable!!!

What's better than an "I love you" text?

"We have HBO."

Yes! That's the message I just received from my husband a few moments ago. He knows how badly I want to see Grey Gardens! I am fascinated by the documentary and hope the movie lives up.

I've tried to avoid reading the reviews...but I've wanted to see every photo from the red carpet on premier night.

This is hands down my favorite photograph: Kudos to Eric Thayer with Reuters! My friends over at GoFugYourself were torn about Drew's dress. Personally, I loved it.


Wait -- update! I just received a second text:


"We actually have all of the premium channels now."


WOW! {I have no idea what that means, but he's excited, so I am too.}

The Premier Mixed-Drink Compendium

That would be The Bartender's Guide, first published in 1862. It was in that first edition, where the recipe for the perfect champagne cocktail first appeared. It's simple, but magnificent at the same time. {We enjoyed these at our Easter brunch on Sunday.}

There are only three ingredients...

Sugar Cubes
Bitters
Champagne

And the instructions are as elementary: Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne glass and saturate it with 2-3 splashes of bitters. Fill the glass with bubbly and enjoy!
Cheers!

Carrot Souffle, Anyone?

This Easter, my immediate family (with the exception of my sister who elected to stay in City N, since she had been a road warrior for the past 4 weekends) traveled 90 miles east to visit my grandfather, who is 93 years old. He lives in the same city as my aunt & uncle, my cousin, his wife and their two children.

Since we were traveling, the only thing we had to bring to the Easter brunch was the champagne. Not a problem!

We enjoyed a wonderful brunch, complete with carrot souffle. I had never had carrot souffle before, but let me tell you, it will not be the last time. It was delicious!

The chef was so kind to share her recipe with me. It's been her "signature dish" since she found the recipe in Southern Living back in 1998.


Carrot Souffle
Preparation time: 55 minutes
Yield 6 servings

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds carrots, sliced
1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon


Preparation
Cook carrots in boiling water & cover 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain.
Process carrot and remaining ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.
Spoon into a lightly greased 1 1/2-quart souffle dish.
Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until set.

Crabby Easter

As I write this, 7 lbs of crab are on their way to my house. Make that 7 lbs of crab, 2 lbs of shrimp, one mom and one dad. Before we all head 96 miles east to be with more family tomorrow, we're having a crab boil tonight.




Now only if the weather would cooperate...

When Peeps just won't do

There are three things I would be delighted to find in my Easter basket come Sunday.

Item #1: A set of these melamine plates from MongramChick.com. If you order five, the 6th is included for free. (Not a bad offer!) They have a wide variety of designs and colors from which to choose. I'm drawn to the orange and brown (as seen at Horchow.com), but classic navy may be the way to go.





Item #2: Sticking with the tabletop theme, how about these personalized tumblers from the one and only Tervis? I grew up drinking my Coca-Cola Classic from these cups. I believe my parents have them in the cabinets to this day. I think my husband and I need our own set.

Item #3: Last but not least, SDP must think about more than the table for her summer soiree that's she's yet to plan, right? For some instant gratifcation, wouldn't the Easter Bunny want me to have these ready-to-wear Dita jeans by Citizens for Humanity? Because they are of the petite variety, no hemming is required!

Happy Easter!

Bow Watch 2009

So, since my last post about Mrs. O, there's been an update on the bow outfit worn by the First Lady. Apparently, Dave with http://www.bulldogmi.com/ and his wife, Kathleen were present in Prague for the bow show.

Here's an excerpt from their conversation, as it appears on Dave's blog:

Kathleen: “I loved the Vogue cover.”
Mrs. O: “Thank you so much.”
Kathleen (and woman over Dave's shoulder): “Love the bow too.”
Mr.s O: “It’s a big bow.”
Dave: “That’s funny. All the women down here said the same thing.”
Mrs. O: “If you’re going to do a bow, I think it should be a BIG bow.”
Dave: “I agree…I always do the same when I wear a bow.”
Mrs O: (Laugh)

My support of this outfit has strengthened. Like Charlize at the Oscars, go big or go home.

Feeling Inspired

I'm an avid watcher of this obscure morning television program. It's so informative, yet entertaining; not sure why it hasn't caught on yet...I think it's called The Today Show or something like that. If you've not heard of it, you should look it up...

Anyway, in the midst of real coverage of the President's travels abroad last week, TTS featured a new blog that tracks the First Lady's every fashion-forward step. It's appropriately titled, Mrs. O. {Would I love to see the Google Analytics report for the day it received the mention or what??? Maybe that will be the follow-up story. Get on it Meredith!}
When it comes to my own wardrobe, I find this chronicle of "what" and "who" Mrs. O is wearing to be very inspirational. She's chic and more importantly, she's accessible. It was a tough choice, but my favorite outfit from the trip abroad is this: {I just can't resist a good bow.}

According to Mrs. O, she was visiting St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague when she wore the oversize bow blouse by Moschino, a Michael Kors black pencil skirt and her signature Azzedine Alaia belt. {Definitely have some belt envy...} The bow blouse, the focal point of the ensemble, is from Moschino’s Spring 2009 collection, seen here.

Better late than never

My sister just called to inform me of an important purchase. She is now the proud owner of skinny jeans. According to her, they are dark, with a little bit of stretch and most importantly, they are the magic length. Magic length = short enough to wear with flats, long enough to wear with heels. No hemming required!

Being the supportive baby sister that I am, I was enthused; I think I may have even congratulated her, understanding what a feat this was. My husband on the other hand, grabbed the phone and said, "Hey! Heard you got skinny jeans. Welcome to 2007." He has a great, actually beyond great relationship with her, so she laughed and just took it in stride...in her new skinny jean stride.

Orange or Blue?

So, we hit 70 degrees here yesterday and we may get close to it again today. While doubles tennis is on tap for the afternoon, I can't stop thinking about swim wear.


I'm nowhere near swimsuit ready, and being landlocked means no beach until our vacation in June. {Unless of course, our game night group really does take our monthly game night to the Carribean in May. More on that later.}


I've found this preppy cover up from Lands' End and I'm debating which color to choose. I'm leaning towards navy, but the orange could be really cute. Either way, I'm going to have to get it monogrammed.

Would you light my candle?

So, I've tried to branch out. Promise. I've allowed other candles to brighten my home, fill a room with its new champagne scent, and set the mood, but there is no other candle I like more than the popular No. 96a Red Currant scent from Votivo.
I love everything about it, from the tissue paper in which it's so perfectly wrapped to the way it burns all the way to the very bottom while not looking like something a cat threw up. It's my favorite. There are three criterion I look for when selecting a candle...

1) Scent - This is likely the most important of all criteria, but the scent alone cannot override the other two. The scent must evoke a warm, sensual, relaxing feeling. Don't over think it either. You should know it is the perfect candle for you with one inhale.

2) Packaging/Appearance - How does the candle look when burning? What about when the candle is not burning? Is it attractive? Does it compliment the room?

3) Functionality - We're talking wick length and endurance. (Insert Michael Scott joke here.) But seriously, what good is a $36.00 candle if you can only burn it 5 of the said 50 hours???

While I like Taylor Candle Company's High Maintenance aroma and Capri Blue's hand-poured Volcano from Anthropologie, neither seem to stack up to Votivo's Red Currant. While the High Maintenance scent is intoxicating and the packaging is adorable, it scores poorly on functionality. The Capri Blue candles smell great but they're blue and I can think of only two rooms in my house where they would "go." So, happy burning everyone! I'm one hour in to my new Red Currant Votivo...49 more to go.

A blog by any other name...

Naming this blog was far more difficult than I expected.  Actually, I'm not sure I even had expectations about the process.  What is certain, however, is this: naming something that doesn't exist yet is a challenge.  I will forgo "naming names" that didn't make the cut, and just focus on the winner.

So where did "Sweet Dreams Preppy" come from?  It was the first text message I ever received.  That's right.  It was June 2004...I had just met my future husband.  Sixteen months my junior, he's what you call an "early adopter" when it comes to technology.  The texting communique was new to me, so you can imagine my surprise when my phone lit up and made an unfamiliar sound.  (Apparently, the ring tone for incoming text messages was different from the Caribbean jingle I had saved as my ringer, but I digress...)

I flipped open the phone and there they were.  The words that would come to define one of my most important relationships.  Maybe the words will continue to serve me well in this new venture...from my first text to my first personal blog post.