Heroes Surround Us

Today is Veteran's Day and the heroes are all around us. Sometimes it takes a terrible act of violence, like the one that the brave men and women at Ft. Hood just faced, to remember that are enemies are both foreign and domestic. Regardless of location, the soldiers in uniform today and the ones that have gone before them pay for our freedom with their lives. Such an amazing call to service and one that deserves respect from EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN. And to the families of the men and women in uniform, thank you for your service to our country.

I am grateful for your service to our amazing country!

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Feeling Brown, White and Striped All Over

There is something about a well presented box and grosgrain ribbon that make me smile. I think most people would say the Tiffany & Co. box is the most recognized in the world, but whenever I see chocolate brown and white I think of: Bendels.

I confess when we go to NYC every December I have every item I purchase at Henri Bendels placed in one of their signature brown and white boxes tied with their signature brown grosgrain bow. Preppy, classic and always festive. The wrapping can make anything from a candle to a handbag look like something to behold.

Image from Henri Bendel

Image from Henri Bendel

Bendels is holding their friends and family sale this weekend, and while there are more than a few fabulous items, all I can think of is the wrapping. There is something about a pretty box, some Christmas music and those festive red cups from Starbucks filled with a nonfat, sugar free peppermint mocha that get me into the Christmas spirit.

Cliff Notes....For Life

The homily today at mass focused on there are no Cliff Notes for life. I am not sure I agree. Don't get me wrong, I don't think life is full of short cuts, but I do think if we look around us, with eyes wide open and an open mind, we can discover ways of doing this better. The other thing we notice is how amazing some people are when they think no one is watching.

Feel free at me or tell me off during/after reading this post. I started reading blogs because CNN, MSNBC and Fox News said everyone was doing it. It was 2 years ago, and between the 5 newspapers I read daily, what felt like hundreds of preschool applications to fill out, doctor's appointments to make and keep, I was feeling anything but hip. SO I introduced myself to the world of blogger. Then I realized you had to enter in a word to search for blogs...or at least I think you did. While I am on the subject, I will just confess to this right now...technology is just NOT MY THING. I literally went into the Apple store to buy an APPLE ZIP DRIVE...that's right I thought there were separate zip drives for PC's and Mac's. I keep seeing all of this twitter chatter about Google analytics and anonymous commenting...I am not sure what is means or how you even know who lands on your blog from where or after what search. To be honest, it kind of scares me. The real laugh was I think it took Monogram Momma 3 hours to explain twitpic to me.

My point is, while I didn't find a wealth of new technology knowledge from blog world, I did find a world of amazing women (sorry men, but I don't know of a single non-political blog written by a man). Unfortunately, I think blogland has changed in the past couple of years. When I started reading there were blogs about fashion, make-up, Lilly Pulitzer, home decor, kids, the South, the North, cupcakes, and yes I will say it J.Crew. Now I can't change the world, but this is my blog. If you like it read it, if not, I at least hope you like our little PGG.

I don't know if what I am about to do will catch on, I hope it does, so here I go:

I am calling this my blogland Shout Out Awards. I have learned so much from so many of you, but there are a few of you that have really made a difference and I want you to know that. I think we can all agree that we can now travel almost anywhere and not have to purchase a guidebook to find a great meal, a must see place, fabulous shopping or a new friend to have coffee with thanks to the network that is blog world.

ATN...If you haven't read her blog, you are missing out. Nina, I read your blog and although I have no idea what happened in Chicago that led you home it made me think of one thing. If Mr. Grove and I am do as good of job parenting Mini K as your parents have done I will be happy with myself. I pray that someday if she needs to turn to someone when something bad happens she will turn to us and would allow us to help her. The relationship you have with your parents is amazing and I cannot imagine how proud they must be of you. Aside from your sense of style, you have a self confidence that comes through in every word you type.

Hopsy, you always see the world not as if it was half full, but if your cup was running over. You have impeccable manners, a sense of adventure and always make time for your friends. And let's not forget, you introduced me to Greystone and we cannot wait to send Mini K there.

DCGopGirl. This woman is a technology wizzard. She literally talks about building a website on a Monday and launches it on a Tuesday. It takes me that long to figure how to navigate from page to page. She also just started a new job, and trust me D.C. is not an easy market these days. Her attitude is even can do...I don't think there is much she is not in charge of or organizing.

MojitoMaven. I am not a writer. In college, sure, but now not so much. Writing is not why I admire her (although she is a fabulous writer), she is fearless I tell you. She dreamed of creative writing. She not only has a fabulous novel on her site (check out SIBU), but has started creative writing classes.

Monogram Momma. Secretly I am convinced she is somehow related to Martha Stewart. I mean seriously, at 4pm she tweets what to cooke for dinner and at 6pm there is some 3 course masterpiece...and unlike me she didn't use her telephone. If I ever have a boy, you had better believe I will be calling/emailing nonstop.

The Lilly Blog. Trisha can always bring a smile to my face with a little pink and green. Will it solve all of my problems, no, but trust me after a long day at the hospital it can make you smile and that means a lot.

Kristin Pearce. Aside from the fact that I might single handedly make you have a higher yearly revenue than Tiffany's, you make me smile. You and I seem to have been on the same page as to how long it takes to launch a website and may have even had questions about the same things. I knew I couldn't wait to meet you when I first landed on your blog, and Grove Gal E and I had a blast meeting and talking with you at NSS. And I love that you made me feel less crazy for paying someone to straighten my hair, because you hate frizz and a hairdryer as much as I do.

And the last one is a little personal for me. Sippycups has always had an eye for home decor, party planning and well just fun in general. Recently she was brave enough to share with all of us that she has separated from her husband. As someone who was raised by a single mom, (love you Dad, but even you admit now that sometimes it takes men a little longer to grow up), and everyone can learn something from her post. I cannot imagine what she is going through, but I can say I think of her and know that as long as anyone follows their heart it will lead them in the right direction.

What happened you may ask fro me to write this. All I can say is perspective. I took a break from blogging and twitter when mother got sick. The time away made me realize their are blogs I read as part of my day and they mean something to me. I also think every one of you out there has something to give, I hope I do to. I also realize that, there are people with far more technology knowledge than I have that like to point fingers. I, along with Grove Gal E and Mr. Grove for that matter will tell you that I say what is on my mind. You might think it, I say it. I have been this way since my grandfather died suddenly one night...the night before we were supposed to leave for Hawaii. I never got to say goodbye. I was too focused on running out the door to see my friends before we left for two weeks. I would do anything to get a do over on that night. Since then I speak my mind, because well you never know. We all have our opinions, I for one think there is much more to life than wearing a brand new J.Crew outfit everyday, but I do admit that sometimes a new bag or shoes can make a crummy day a little less crummy. And while I am on the subject, did you know that J.Crew's Jenna Lyons got a $1 million bonus...and she doesn't even work for an investment company...it must be the $400 shoes.

I am sure most of you have gone on to another site and have stopped reading by now, but if you are still here I would say that blog land might have changed, but I for one am going to make sure to say thank you to all of the blogs that I love. I keep seeing stores that I said I would always check out closed up and that could easily happen to blogs. So to the ones I have mentioned and the tons more I didn't, thank you for putting it out there with each and every post. Your words matter.

Time Flies....

This has been one of those weeks that has flown by. When I haven't been at work, I have been getting ready for the Halloween party at Mini K's school and our PGG trunk shows next week. For those of you in the D.C. area email me for details, but we have trunk shows in Alexandria on Monday and Thursday night with some fabulous holiday specials (buy 2/3 get 1 FREE, yes FREE), so bring your list and your holiday card photo and we will take care of everything else and leave you with plenty of time and money to spare.

Everyone has their own way of dealing with a crazy week, tea, coffee, an early bedtime, but I gravitate towards my laptop. It is as if I enter a trance, and by the time I come out of it, I have print outs or links of must purchase, or must remember items. Now if I placed these in the binders I have purchased for this very task I would be so very organized. Maybe that will be my project for this weekend when all of us are blessed with a Saturday with one extra hour. I still think if Congress is going to make us live for 6 months where it is dark by 5pm that I should get an extra hour of sleep EVERy NIGHT, just saying...

So tonight, the following items caught my eye...

This might be new go to girl's birthday gift for Mini K's friends. I love the ball of bands from J.Crew's Crewcuts.

I am loving this new tinted lip balm from Sugar.

At this rate 2010 will be here before I know it, and I am hoping everything is sunny in 2010. I have already ordered, and received, my yellow 2010 Graphic Image planner. Now I have to organize it.

If I can't will myself to a resort or make the sun shine, I can at least brighten up my day with a scarf from Lilly Pulitzer's Resort 2010 collection.

Revere bowls...I never tire of them. A classic that makes everything from apples to candy to flowers look elegant.

Can't decide on these FitFlop boots from Blissworld, because even I know I cannot wear my FlipFlops al winter long...

The large Trefoil key pendant from Tiffany. The blue box always makes anyone smile.

Seashells By The Seashore

We are back from a whirlwind 27 hours at the beach and I feel like a new person. I don't care what anyone says, the beach has the power to clear your mind, give you a fresh outlook and remember when life was as simple as finding that perfect shell to add to your collection.

This was the first time that Mini K got it. She went onto the balcony last night to hear the waves crash and say good night to all of her favorite characters from the Little Mermaid and asked them to send her shells. She woke up super early this morning and couldn't wait to finish breakfast so we could go explore.

Needless to say we all got soaked (thank heaven the water wasn't too cold) and filled a bucket with shells, and memories too.

I feel like this past week has been full of eye opening experiences. Or at least ones that make you think...if you truly know someone, if you are truly grateful for your blessings and how blessed we are to discover new friends.

Tonight I am back in reality, and it seems less stressful. If only I could bottle that beach feeling for the days I need an escape.

Pretty Thoughts

I came across some new baubles from one of my favorite jewelers: Atlanta's own Laura Pearce. All of these images are courtesy of her website. I should also say, as a result of these new FTC rules, that I do not receive ANYTHING in compensation from Laura Pearce. She is an amazingly talented designer and her pieces always make me think of soirees, good times and pretty clothes. I might be the only one, but I love pieces of jewelry that make me think of a memory, a past good time, a special moment with family and friends.

What can I say...pretty things make me smile! Happy Friday.

Speedy, Speedy, Speedy

I had a little shock today. I had forgotten I had ordered new counter stools for the kitchen. Well, I remembered, but for some reason I thought they wouldn't arrive until Christmas/new Year's time frame.

So when my fabulous Fed Ex man knocked and said he had 3 huge boxes I was surprised. Some of you, Hopsy, know that I spent an insane amount of time looking for bamboo style counter stools. The search + MAJOR FAIL. So I channeled my inner Lilly, or half Lilly and went green and a little wild too! The best part is that both the pillow fabric and the chair fabric are outdoor fabrics, so they repel water...I am hoping Mini K doesn't put them to the test tomorrow!

As I was unpacking them, I realized tomorrow our fabulous housekeeper comes. This translates to total panic attack of what to do with the old stools so there wouldn't be clutter. So at 4pm today up they went on Craig's List and and by 7:45pm they were gone.

I love it when things work out. There is always that little scare when you order something and wonder if it will work out, but this time I think it did.