It's My Party...

and I'll cry if I want to.

I just got this birthday card from my dad...

Daughter

a little birthday wisdom for you

Seek Joy

You'll find it everywhere.

In the tiniest of moments;

in the grandest of events.

Be Curious

By avoiding all risks, you risk living an empty life.

So reach out, again and again.

Give things and people a chance.

Create Peace

Within your own heart, where it counts most.

Remember what matters.

Forget what doesn't.

Let drama go its merry way without you.

Live Large

Because living life wholeheartedly

is sure to satisfy your soul.

Your one-of-a-kind,

deserves-every-good-thing,

meant-to-be-happy soul.

And most importantly,

Feel Loved

Because you are.

Absolutely and unconditionally.

Always have been.

Always will be.

More than you can possibly imagine.

Love Dad

He told me once that he picks the card with the fewest left, thinking it must be the most popular.  

(I once got a "you're like a daughter to me" card.)

But this one is so perfect for me right now, he must've read it.  

(I hope!)

Hail to the...

What could be more American than jeans?

Actually denim originated in Nimes, France (de Nimes) during the Middle Ages.

And the word "jeans" originally referred to eighteenth-century Italian sailors from Genoa, who wore outfits made from denim.

But really?

Although they didn't technically invent jeans, Levi Strauss (and his unsung partner Jacob Davis) made them one of the most popular items of clothing in the world.

Ralph Lauren $15 at Housing Works

Levis $4.50 at Goodwill

Citizen of Humanity (!) $8 at Goodwill

Don't forget to check out Lemons & Chambray for more red, white and blue Goodwill Hunting finds!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Next month:  Beauty & the Beach

Buy Local!

The New York Times recently published this article about about the economy of small farms...
Small Farmers Creating a New Business Model as Agriculture Goes Local

Basically, for a variety of reasons, "local farm sales are becoming more stable, predictable and measurable".

And, " More predictable revenue streams, especially at a time when so many investments feel risky, are creating a firmer economic argument for local farming that, in years past, was more of a political or lifestyle choice.".

Hopefully someday (soon!) I'll be one of those people "who gets dirt under their fingernails doing the work."!

I'm not living in an RV, though...

Oops!...I Did it Again

No, I didn't play with your heart.

Or get lost in the game.

But I did forget to do my "monthly" Pinspired post.

(Again.)

But, to make up for that, here's one just in time for the 4th of July holiday...

I found these Chocolate Covered Strawberries too late last year, but decided to try a variation this year.

Instead of white chocolate, though, I used Duncan Hines Whipped Frosting in Fluffy White with Wilton Sapphire Pearlized Sugar in Sapphire.

They're cute, and delicious.

And SO easy!

(I just dipped the strawberry into the frosting, then into the sprinkles).

Enjoy!

Summer Lovin'

"Are you ready for the summer?

Are you ready for the good times?"

 - Meatballs

As of 7:09 pm (eastern) today, it's officially summer!

And I'm ready!

I recently found the book The Urban Picnic, a collection of menus and recipes designed to bring "picnickery" (cute!) into people's lives.

What a perfect way to enjoy the summer!

(And it was only $6 at Housing Works.)

Just throw on a cute floral dress (Max Mara, a steal at $45, also from Housing Works),

grab a good book, like Shakespeare's Wife, by Germaine Greer ($5 for the hardback edition at Housing Works)

and some music (the Today Show's Best of the Summer Concert Series is perfect, and was only $2). 

Throw everything into a $4 Tesco grocery bag, grab a cute Talbot's straw purse ($8 at Goodwill), put on some black Nine West sunglasses ($6 at Goodwill) and tan Rocket Dog wedges ($12),

and hope that these are the only ants at the picnic!

For more summer thrift store finds, check out my friend at Lemons & Chambray.

Next month:  Hail to the Red, White and Blue!

Try it, You'll Like It!

A while ago, a friend mentioned that a subscription to Birchbox might be the prize to the winners of The Game On! Diet she was playing at the time.

I'd never even heard of Birchbox!

So, I looked it up, and found out that Birchbox is a company that provides monthly deliveries of trial-sized beauty samples for $10/month.

You complete a profile online, and receive products picked just for you.

The women’s subscription includes items such as skin care, makeup, perfume, hair care, or fun accessories.

Then, if you like any of the products, you can purchase full-size versions directly from Birchbox.

It’s such a great way to try new products before you buy.

Actually, my friend at Lemons & Chambray thought of this years ago.

Kind of...

One day, she boxed up a bunch of her gift-with-purchase samples and sold them on eBay.

At the time I thought "Who would buy makeup samples online?".

Apparently I would.

My First Birchbox

They also recently launched a men’s subscription.  (Last minute Father's Day gift?)

Great SCOTS!

Yesterday, Southern Culture on the Skids (SCOTS)

played at this year's Big Apple Barbeque Block Party in Madison Square Park, right next to the famous Flatiron Building.

Mary (and her wig!) was gorgeous,

and Rick was entertaining.

Grillmasters come from all over the country (including South Carolina!),

and even though The Salt Lick (my favorite) was here from Austin, my friend & I wanted to finally try barbeque from Memphis, and 17th Street BBQ is supposed to be one of the best.

Honestly, it was just ok, but that might be due to sitting around all day.   (A trip to Memphis may be necessary!)

SCOTS, though, was awesome.  They're funny, a bit raunchy at times, and the blend of "Americana, surf, R&B, rockabilly, and swamp pop" is different, in a very good way...






But, be forewarned, if you ever go see them in person, and they play 8 Piece Box, you may want to take cover!