Christmas Recap

I had a short but worthwhile trip to Florida for our family Christmas. Friday afternoon, Mom, George and I took a bike ride to the beach.  It was so nice to sit by the Gulf and watch the sunset with some of my favorite people.

 

 

 

 After Grammie's Christmas Eve feast, we all crowded around the tree for an early gift exchange.   Among the great presents was a mirror that my grandmother bordered with beautiful shells she has collected over the years.  She gave one to each of the grand daughters.  It was such a special gift.

On Christmas morning, Mom, George and I went to church followed by a trip to the beach. The beach. In December.  It was amazing!

The trip ended far too soon and I miss everyone already.  I can't wait for our next family reunion.

I'm Dreaming of a White {Sand Beach} Christmas

 I leave bright and early tomorrow for Florida where my grandparents host Christmas every year.  A few weeks ago, I was packing my suitcase for NYC and nearly broke the zipper trying to get the thing closed.  I checked the weather this morning for Venice and was thrilled that I won't have to bring a jacket or pair of boots.  I just finished packing my suitcase with room to spare.  It's a Christmas miracle!

I know most people enjoy a snowy Christmas by the fire.  As for me, I can't wait to slip on my flip flops and head to the beach for sunset with my family.  Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, wherever your holiday travels take you!

My 100th Post!

Last weekend, I stayed in Raleigh for the first time in months! I was so happy that Emmy and Bethany were coming to visit.  Abby, Kelly, Emmy, Bethany and I celebrated our friend Boyd's birthday Friday night with an Oyster Roast hosted by his parents.  After the party, we all headed to The Point and had a big ole time.

  

Bethany headed home the next day, and Emmy and I spent the better part of the day regaining our strength.   Two bags of popcorn and a Lifetime movie later, Emmy and I headed to Cafe Caturra for a delicious dinner.  After a filling meal, we decided to call it an early night.  Thank you for visiting, Ems and B. What a treat it was to have you both here!

.....Must Have.....

Maxi dresses have never really appealed to me because they make most girls (or at least this girl) look boxy, and dare I say, heavier than they actually are.  Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across this hot pink maxi.  Unlike the hudreds of floor length jersey dresses we normally see, this dress sets itself apart from its competition thanks to the somewhat risque slit.  

The thigh split feature and open back add a glamorous touch to an otherwise plain jane dress.  The price is affordable and the look is adorable.  I plan on snagging this dress once it's back in stock and starting 2012 with my best foot forward, or in this case, my best leg forward.

.....Must Hear.....

"Fader" The Temper Trap

hELLEo world

On December 3rd, Eloise Tippins made her debut.  I could hardly wait for the weekend to arrive so I could meet her and give the new Mommy and Daddy a big hug!  I woke up early on Saturday and arrived in Murrells Inlet around noon.  I am such a softie, Wilson and Tippins were waiting on the porch with a camera to catch my tears of joy on film.  Sure enough, I cried the second I held the beautiful nugget for the first time.

I was so happy Mary Loyal had a free Saturday and came up from Charleston to join in the meet and greet.    I have shared so many great memories with Tippins and Mary Loyal through the years.  Holding Elle this past weekend, I realized that now she will be a source of even more happy memories for us.

The whole afternoon was incredible.  We spent time passing around the baby and hearing about Wilson and Tippins first week as parents.  I can't wait to see Elle grow and watch Wilson and Tippins settle into their new roles as Mommy and Daddy.

Although Mary Loyal and I could only stay for a few hours, it was well worth the trip.  I drove back to Raleigh with a smile a mile wide.  Eloise is such a blessing and I can't express how happy I am for Tip and Wilson. Congratulations! 

Santa's Little Helpers

 Santa came early today, and he parked his sleigh outside of our work.  Rudolph and friends are cute, but these little guys are adorable!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Y'ALL!

Extra Baggage

I have a slightly embarrassing funny story.  I have been scouring the sale adds for the past month looking for a lightweight and durable rollerboard that I could give to Will for Christmas.  I finally found a 20" expandable carry-on, and the price was incredible! Too incredible...  Just days after I gave Will his present, I got a call from him at the Nashville airport.  I knew I was doomed when Will said, "Now don't get upset, but did you save the receipt?" Yes, the entire handle of his luggage fell off.  No, I did not save the receipt.

Needless to say, I have been thinking of all of the other gifts I was considering buying him before I settled on his defunct trunk. 

1.  Ledbury Red Parker Gingham Shirt- Ledbury is an amazing clothing company based out of Richmond.  I went to school with one of the founders, Paul T.  He was stylish then, and clearly he has put his talent to good use.

2.  Edgar Alexander Bedford Wax Overnight Bag-  If my budget weren't an issue, this would have been the carry-on I purchased initially. EA duffles are the Barbour of bags.  Sturdy, water-resistant and rugged.

3.  The McMillan Case for Moore and Giles-  A perfect purchase for the on-the-go professional.  

4.  David Donahue Cufflinks- Who says men can't have a little fun with their wardrobe.  Your guy can accessorize with these subtle studs.

5.  Anderson Design Group Prints- Will gave my father the guitar print above for his 60th birthday.  He loved in, so in return, I got Will a framed print of his high school Alma Mater.  Browse the site for hundreds of options. 

1. Boyfriend Watch

2.  Letter Bag

3.  Toggle Rope Vest

4.  Hostess Gown

5.  Cashmere Gloves

6.  Conservatory Candle

7.  Live in Love Perfume

NYC Day 3

 We were so lucky to be in New York during the small window of time that the Elizabeth Taylor Collection would be on display at Christie's Auction House.  On December 13th, these prized possessions, valued at around $50 million, will be auctioned off to benefit charity. From clothes, to artwork, to jewels, there was one jaw-dropping relic after another.

Just a peak at her wardrobe. 

33 carat diamond ring given to Taylor by Richard Burton. 

The large pearl went through 10 generations of Spanish Royalty before Burton bought it for Taylor and had Cartier mount it.

Bulgari snake bracelet

Louis Vuitton luggage.

Some of her favorite accessories.

After nearly 3 hours, Mom called and informed me that everyone else had finished the exhibit and had headed to lunch.  I could have spent an entire day there!  We headed to Bloomingdales for lunch at Le Train Bleu and took advantage of the tax free promotion given to out-of-state shoppers.

All weekend I had my eyes peeled for a star sighting. We were having our last dinner at BG Restaurant on the top floor of Bergdorfs when Jess said she thought she saw Rachel Zoe.  Taking no chances, we bolted to the restroom, and there was Rachel changing Sky's diaper.  Jessica and I were so flustered, we walked into the same stall, freaked out, then applied lip gloss by the changing table for what must have been 5 minutes.  As we walked out, we brushed by a man with a stroller, our "babe" Rodge.  After dinner, we took the elevator to the bottom floor and when the doors opened, we were face to face with the Zoe clan once again.  In my state of hysteria, I only snapped this photo :(

Around 7PM, Jess and I split a cab to the airport and parted ways.  I had such an amazing trip, and I am so happy I got to share this vacation with my best friend and our Moms.  Thank you Mom and Cheryl for everything you did to make this weekend one of my most treasured memories :)

NYC Day 2

Saturday, we hit the streets of New York for a day of shopping.  We made our way down Madison Avenue, stopping in some of our favorite designers flagship stores.  After a delicious lunch at Serfina's, we made it to Michael's Consignment Shop. It was 2 stories of pre-owned designer bliss.  

 

 

 

After gawking at a Birkin bag and trying on about 97 pairs of shoes, I settled  on a pair of Tory Burch wedges, and a pair of Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik sling-backs.  Jess got a pair of Cole Haan booties, a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps, and an Oscar de la Renta evening bag.  All of our purchases were about 80% retail cost! 

Next, we picked up some great dresses and blouses at STA.  We headed home and put on our favorite purchases for an evening out on the town.

We had reservations at Firebird and enjoyed their authentic Russian cuisine, complete with a flaming Bananas Foster presentation.  After dinner, we walked to Times Square and then on to the theater.  

 

I am somewhat of a Broadway buff and I was thrilled when Cheryl said we had orchestra seats for Anything Goes.  The show exceeded my expectations. It was spectacular!  

 

We ended the night with a trip to Rockafeller Center.  It was a perfect Saturday in the city.

 

NYC Day 1

I had the best time in New York City with Jessica and or Moms.  When we were younger, we used to come to NYC on Mother Daughter trips. We always stayed in the same room at the same hotel.  Jess and I would take the blankets off of our beds and sleep in the closet of the master bedroom.  It is one of my favorite childhood memories, so, when we checked into Room 1701, we had to take a picture.  Fifteen years ago, the closet seemed a lot more spacious...

After we settled in, we all got dressed for the evening.  Jess reserved us tickets to the 9/11 Memorial.  We all took some time to read the illuminated names and honor those lost 10 years ago.

In order to get a better view of the Memorial, we headed to The W which overlooked Ground Zero. After a quick cocktail, we hopped in a cab and headed to the Meat Packing District for a delicious dinner.

 Our dear family friend Suzanne met us at The Spice Market, and we were seated in a private Moroccan-themed room Cheryl had reserved for the special event.   The food was out of this world and I would highly recommend this restaurant!

After a filling meal, we headed to Buddakan for a nightcap. It was the perfect ending to the beginning of a wonderful trip! 

Welcome to the world, Eloise! Tippins gave birth to a healthy 5 lb. 13 oz. baby girl last night! I am looking forward to traveling to South Carolina this weekend to meet the precious peanut.  More pictures to come then!

Congratulations to Tippins and Wilson! You are going to be amazing parents!

I was so happy that this year's Thanksgiving was hosted at my family's home in Virginia. We polished off the china and pulled up extra chairs in order to accommodate the 19 family members present for the special holiday.

  

 

Grammy and Pop-Pop's furry child even found her place at the table for the feast! 

After Thanksgiving dinner, my family usually has a "Talent Show".  This year, we decided to play one of my all-time favorite games instead, Cranium!  Jessica and Jon even came over to join in the fun! It was hilarious seeing everyone's theatrical and artistic talents.

 

 

Thanksgiving was not the only thing we were celebrating.  Aunt Carol, Aunt Stuart, Uncle Don, George and Mikey all have birthdays within two weeks of Thanksgiving!  After an enjoyable and entertaining night, I headed to bed with a full stomach and a happy heart.

Thank you to my wonderful family for making the trip to Hampton.  I can't wait to see everyone again soon!