Chin Chin!

It's that time of year again. The time of year when we come out of our hibernation and clean off the outdoor furniture, wipe off the grill, and invite our friends over for drinks, food and fun! I'm not much of a mixed drinks person myself, but when the weather warms sometimes a fun, fruity, refreshing drink fits the bill. Whether you are inviting guests over at the end of the day with light appetizers, for dinner or brunch, you'll want to offer something fun that is reflective of the season and our beautiful weather. Real Simple has chosen The Best Cocktail Mixes. There are some fabulous ones out there and I have found that these are cost and time effective.

Dave’s Gourmet’s Original Bloody Mary gets its serious heat from cayenne and horseradish. Celery seed and clam juice—a classic addition—provide richness and depth.
To buy: $7 for 32 ounces, davesgourmet.com

Runner up: Mr T's Bloody Mary Mix available most grocery stores

Next book-club night, treat everyone to Freshies Cosmopolitan Martini, a just-tart-enough cranberry blend. Mix it with lemon-infused liquor for extra zing.
To buy: $8.25 for 32 ounces, shop.freshies.com and at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores.

Best Margarita

Most bottled citrus tastes metallic, but not the amazing Williams-Sonoma Lemon Lime, which bursts with refreshing, juicy fruit. A splurge, yes, but cheaper than a ticket to Cabo.
To buy: $14 for 32 ounces, at Williams-Sonoma stores.

Best Mojito

Put down the muddler. Made with mint leaves, sugar-cane juice, and limes, the stylishly packaged Purista Mojito has a supremely fresh taste.
To buy: $10 for 25.4 ounces, puristacocktails.com to order or for store locations.
Runner Up: Stirrings Mojito Mix, available at most grocery stores

Best Piña Colada

"If you like piña coladas and the feel of the rain"
You’ll love Roland’s, a frothy, creamy fusion of sweet pineapple and buttery coconut. Paper umbrella optional.
To buy: $2.50 for 12 ounces, at supermarkets.

Best Fruity Martini

It may look and taste like candy (mmm, Jolly Ranchers), but each glowing green bottle of Stirrings Simple Apple Martini is made with nearly six pounds of apples. You’ll savor the sweet and sour pucker.
To buy: $9 for 32 ounces, stirrings.com and at Whole Foods Markets.

Since it is the time of year of impromptu get-togethers you might want to double-deck that you have a well stocked pantry (and fridge and freezer). Some of my favorite staples:

 

In the fridge:

Assorted cheeses, including soft, semi-soft and hard
Assorted olives
A nice hard salami or pate
Assorted vegetables for crudite: peppers, carrots, celery
Assorted fruit for cheese platter including: apples, pears, strawberries and grapes
Your favorite dip or salad dressing for crudites
Lemons, limes for cocktail garnish

In the freezer:

Pastry sheets or pastry cups to quickly put together some last minute hors d'oeuvres
Good French bread that can be turned into toasts for crostini or brushette
Your favorite frozen appetizers
A good bottle of vodka

Plenty of ice cubes
Frozen fruit such as raspberries to garnish cocktails

Pantry:

Bread sticks
Your favorite crackers
Assorted nuts
Pretzels
Pretty paper plates and napkins

If you have these, and only these items you will still have plenty to host a last minute get-together!

Do you have any tips for impromptu get togethers?

Collars up and get your drinks on!

I'm a Sucker for Seersucker!

Spring is almost here... I can feel it! The past couple of days have been warm enough to leave the house wearing only heavy sweaters. Our daffodils are starting to pop through the ground. The robins have been by to say hello. The sky has been blue. Nevermind that it's snowing presently, I know that soon Spring will be here. I know that soon I can put away my boots, coats, heavy sweaters, scarves and hats. Soon. I must be patient. Patience is certainly not my virtue, but I have learned that good things really do come for those who wait.

I eagerly await the warm sunny days when I can put on a little seersucker. Fresh, crisp, summery and beautiful seersucker!

 

This adorable Dooney & Bourke seersucker purse is a perfect accessory to any Springtime wardrobe!

 

These pink and white seersucker Converse girls sneakers are going to be a must on Rebecca's shopping list!

 

She'll probably also want these girls' flip flops from Vineyard Vines

I quite like these seersucker wedges!

 

And Oh am I sucker for a Man in Seersucker!

Isn't he just delish?

 

And these men in a more modern seersucker.... Yep, yummy-yummy!

 

Ralph's seersucker and sorbet ...

These Strawberry seerucker pants are definitely too edgy for my hubby...

but I think they're hot!

Available from Orvis

Modern, edgy seersucker... Wall Street Broker seersucker
available from Paul Stuart, NYC

Ralph Lauren's smart, elegant seerucker

 

This is my perfect summer seersucker dress!
Clean, crispy, breezy, comfortable!

Available from Orvis

 

Seersucker at the table adds a soft, summery, flirty feel

 

Lighten your mood and your room!

Trade your heavy Wintry panels for these fresh and airy seersucker drapes.

 

Time to switch the bed linens too!
These wonderful seersucker and scalloped sheets are available at Neiman Marcus!
The monogram makes it a Preppy Mafia bedding of choice!

but I think I prefer this wonderful coral and seersucker bedding from Williams Sonoma!
How perfectly coastal... I know my summer days in Newport aren't too much further away!

and you know I could not possibly have a post all about Seersucker without possibly mentioning this:

 

A perfectly preppy, pink cocktail with a most perfect name!

To make your perfectly pink and preppy Seersucker Cocktail you will need:

2 oz of Grenadine

1 oz Orange Juice

2 oz. light Rum

4 oz. Tonic water

Pour all ingredients except Tonic Water into shaker. Fill a Highball glass almost full of ice cubes, and dump ice into shaker. Shake well and pour drink into Highball glass. Add Tonic Water, stir well, garnish with a Maraschino Cherry, and serve.

 

 

Happy Seersucker Everyone!

is there anything quite so perfect?

I love cranberries! I love the look, feel, smell and taste of them! They are perfect in so many ways. I love cooking with them, baking with them, tossing them into drinks for a lively and lovely festive effect. I love snacking on them (dried and sweetened) and I love decorating with them. Their color is perfect to carry you from the fall to the winter festivities. What's more is that cranberries are so good for you.

Admittedly, I might have overdone the pumpkin a bit this year. I'm not saying I won't return, but for now we're shifting to the perfect little cranberry!

Photos and ideas courtesy Better Homes and Gardens

The Frozen Cranberry Margaritos, photo and recipe courtesy Southern Living

Cranberry Bog Cocktail, photo and recipe courtesy Food Network and Gail Gand

Pear and Cranberry Bellini, photo and recipe courtesy Martha Stewart

Cranberry, Tangerine and Pomegranate Punch, photo and recipe courtesy Martha Stewart

Did you know that the cranberry is a cousin of the blueberry? These tart, bright berries can still be found growing on shrubs, but when cultivated, are grown on low trailing vines in great sandy bogs. The American cranberry, the variety most cultivated in the northern United States and southern Canada, produces a larger berry than the wild cranberry or the European variety.

Fresh cranberries, which contain the highest levels of beneficial nutrients, are at their peak from October through December, just in time to add their festive hue, tart tangy flavor and numerous health protective effects to your holiday meals. The cranberry season is short, so stock up and toss a bunch in your freezer! When the season passes and you have run out of these fresh berries, you can still enjoy cranberry juice and dried or frozen cranberries both of which have still have many of the wonderful health benefit that the fresh berry contains.

It was the Native Americans who first took advantage of cranberries. They mixed deer meat and mashed cranberries to make pemmicana-survival food. The Native Americans also believed in the medicinal value of cranberries. The utilized the berries and the leaves to create their own antibiotic medicines. Medicine men would use cranberries in poultices to draw poison from arrow wounds. They also used the rich red juice of the cranberry as a natural dye for rugs, blankets and clothing. Legend has it that the Pilgrims served cranberries at the first Thanksgiving. The tradition still continues today. Sailors used cranberries as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy.

We now know that cranberries are full of Vitamin C, and full of antioxidants that help cleanse and purify the body. Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that this native American berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.

So Bon Appetit and Chin Chin! Enjoy your cranberries this Holiday Season!

Cranberry, Apple and Maple Phylo

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

and Cranberry Lemon Squares,
all courtesy Martha Stewart


For more Cranberry recipe ideas visit Ocean Spray and The Entertaining Kitchen, where cranberry recipes are being added daily!

Don't Drink and Fly!

My love of napkins is evident even this time of year! I have a collection of fun and whimsical napkins in paper and cloth. Some are inexpensive from Target and Party City. Some are Caspari. I love them all and they certainly add a festive flair to any get together, whether it means having a girlfriend over for a cocktail or a larger crowd!

The following items can all be found on The Food Network Website:

I love this cake and think there is nothing corny about it whatsoever!

These little arachnids are really rather cute, aren't they?!

Er, excuse me waiter, there's a spider in my drink!




Candy Corn Cocktail gives the little candy a bit of sophistication!

Light my fire!

I have a little confession to make. I'm not, and haven't been much in the Halloween spirit this year. Normally the house is decked out with pumpkins and whimsy. This year I have a few items on the table in the foyer to please the children. But I haven't gotten that Halloween itch. Perhaps it is because the stores have gotten a bit out of control with the spookiness and goriness. Kids are scared to go into many of these places. And frankly, who can blame them? Halloween, I thought, was more about the little kids dressing up and knocking on doors and asking for candy. That's what I like about it. But lately I have seen one too many bloody corpse, headless horseman and others belonging to R rated films than a party store. Sure the adults should be able to have fun with Halloween too, but not at the expense of little children. These Party Superstore Warehouse places ought to be responsible as well. Perhaps separating the young Halloween items from the older, scarier ones. I don't see why Little Red Riding Hood's costume should be on the same aisle's as Freddy from Elm Street's. And while we are on the subject of costumes. If you haven't shopped for a preteen yet, well you are in for a rude awakening. Everything out there is slutty. And trashy. Everything. Little Red Riding Hood might as well be Little red Riding Ho... and Dorothy is Doro-Ho... Seriously! It's disheartening. I know my days of dressing Rebecca up as Madeline, Cinderella and the little fairy are over, but Slut White is not an option for her either! Sheesh!

Back by popular demand...

Thank you all for your compliments on my cartoon... here's today's version per your requests! The blue is off... I couldn't find a darker color blue among the 24000 crayons we have in the house. (You can click on it to see it better if you wish.)

Can you see the picture well enough? Can you read the text? I ought to learn how to use my scanner. My lovely husband bought me one a couple of years ago. It's in the basement in the original packaging. Probably still stapled shut. But the damn thing absolutely terrifies me! It's easier to whip out the camera and take an awkward snap shot.

I had a hard time finding something to wear today. It's 80 and fairly humid. All my summer stuff is now packed up and in the attic. I wanted something fairly cool. I chose one of my favorite shirts, but the shirt requires pants not a skirt. So I had to find a pair of pants that would not make me too hot. The shoes were the easy part.

My hair is long and it's a mess. I'm not sure what to do with it so it's still long. I'm too old for long hair, according to my mother. But really, am I supposed to cut it short and perm it like a little old lady? I don't think so! I'm still letting my bangs grow. I love my bangs when I cut them. For about a week. And then it take a year or two to grow them out. Insanity. Madness!

I had nothing to write about which is why I had sketched out a quick picture. And which is why I'm babbling.

I was going to dash off to the grocery store. And then I remembered that tonight is Back to School Night for the parents... and tomorrow is Family Fun Night. So that's two nights of no cooking. Wahoo! I was going to clean the play room but then I went up to take a look and decided to shut the door behind me instead. I was going to empty the laundry baskets in the laundry room. But I decided to close that door too! I could make my kids an after school treat... But I don't feel like cleaning up the mess. I could go through the house with my Windex bottle and clean all the nasty smears and smudges off the windows and doors. But that would require me getting off my duff. I could hang some pictures. I could make a few necessary phone calls. I hate to talk on the telephone. I could clean out the Tupperware/container cupboard. (Ohmygodwhatadisaster!) I could clean out my closet. (Ohmygodwhatadisaster!) I could take the two boxes in my bedroom to Goodwill. I could plan this weekend's menu as my parents are coming in to town on Saturday. I could polish the copper. I could go find my mother a Birthday present.

OH! OH! OH!!!!

I HAD MY GIMLET LAST NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it did not disappoint! It was fabulously delicious and deliciously fabulous! It might be my new Go To Drink! It's crisp, clear, clean and very refreshing. It's delightfully sweet and tart. It's Perfect! It's Divine! It's all mine!

and with that I'm off... to do something... to be a little productive today... before I have my little lime-green drink ;)

"Reply Hazy. Try Again Later."

I don't take a cute picture. I always think I look like a dork... or if I stand in front of the mirror the flash ruins the picture or else makes me squint something nasty. Or I shoot myself at the wrong angle making my butt look wider than an 18 wheeler... Or there's a little something on my shirt or cheek or my nose or teeth...

But sometime I like to provide a visual of EntertainingMom. In college I was known for my cartoons. They appeared in the yearbook and in the newspaper where I would often poke and make fun of my classmates, friends and myself. Some things don't change, eh?!

So I drew another picture. It's been years since I've done this. Turned out pretty AOK I think! Best part is I can shrink my own waist. No need for Spanx in these cartoons!

So this is what I wore to school. This is pretty much how I dress all the time. Cute, comfy and casual. And my Bumblebee earrings make me so very happy! After dropping off the kids at school I ran some errands. And then I did something I dare say I have never ever done before. I stopped off at the Liquor Store. At 10:01 am, I went to the liquor store!

I bypassed the wines, champagnes, vodkas and assorted liquors and liqueurs and didn't stop until I found my bottle of Rose's Lime Juice. I gingerly, oh so tenderly picked the bottle up in my hands and I feeling of calm and peacefulness came over me in a way I cannot describe. And as I clicked my heels to turn around, my eye caught sight of something orange and brilliant in a bottle. I stopped dead in my tracks all the while still cradling my Rose's Lime and took a step backwards. And there it was gently whispering my name, "Jessica, pick me! Pick me!" A bottle of Pumpkin Liqueur. Could it be? It could be! I nearly, nearly dropped and shattered my bottle of Rose's Lime, but I kept my wits about me. Do you know what this means? In some way, shape or form I can have my Pumpkin Spice, morning, noon and now night! Glory Glory Hallelujah! I almost took the orange filled bottle of the shelf, but I didn't. I will return tomorrow. But tonight, tonight I will concentrate on my Gimlet, I will not have wandering eyes, I will not be distracted by thoughts of tall orange bottles. I will be true. I will remain faithful. And with that I marched on over to the cash register and pulled out my singles. One. Two. Three. Four. I handed them over. "Small purchase today," I explained. I must have some sort of reputation!

I practically leaped out of the store.

And then I came home and put my bottle away, temporarily.

And then I consulted my Magic 8 Ball. I asked if I would have my Gimlet today.

"Reply Hazy. Try Later." It told me.

I posted this on my Facebook status. I will be updating all day long according to what my Magic 8 Ball tells me.

My friend Rita commented on my post. She told me I should be on Mad Men. "I can so see you as the 60's wife...always looking sharp and juggling the house and cooking and kids effortlessly (or at least making it look effortless)...and let's not forget the cocktails...a staple of the early 60's dinner hour..."

I have heard so much about this show but have never seen it. Sounds like it'd be right up my alley though!

Another shake of my Magic 8 Ball... "Will I have my Gimlet tonight?"
I'm thinking of throwing it out the window. This is its reply: "Outlook Not So Good."

I've got the Juice!!! (Another Lilly Libation)

Tamara!!! I found the Juice! I found the Jubilee Juice! So of course I picked some up and brought it home. This afternoon I decided to make some Cocktails and Kidtails

Of course I used my Jubilee Juice!

It's a shame my drink didn't photograph as well as I would have liked... It's a stunningly pink (Pinkalicious?!!) drink. It tastes fabulous as well. Oh well, I'll just have to create another tomorrow especially since my newest bf Preppy Apron pointed out to me on Facebook that it definitely needed a slice of lime!

I also made Kidtails sans alcohol. Aren't they adorable? (Yes, they need limes in theirs too!)

And below, a picture of dorky me with my drink... with the help of my friend Sue, I have decided to call this creative cocktail "Lilly's Ruby Slipper!" Isn't it perfect!

This drink is so easy to make and so delicious...

You'll need equal parts Ruby Red Grapefruit, Fresca (it's grapefruit flavored and not too sweet) and any kind of sparkling water. Mix well. Add a shot of Absolut Ruby Red and lastly a dash of Grenadine. (And a slice of lime to garnish!) The Grenadine will go right to the bottom and your drink will look like a lovely Florida sunset!

For the children's Kidtail simply omit the vodka.

Cheers and Chin! Chin!

Where to begin?

We've been pretty busy these past couple of days. On Saturday we attended the local carnival held by our town's fire department. It really is such a lovely event and we look forward to it every August.

Alexander and I have boarded the Dinocoaster. This is about my speed. Don't ask me to go on anything scarier!



Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Alexander had his first cotton candy. To say he loved it would be a complete understatement!

I also did my fair share of playing around in the kitchen, creating this...

and this sauce...

for this. One of the best pasta dishes I have ever made! (Recipe will be posted on the food blog. Stay tuned!)

Also made some of these... a whole new way to eat Cookies and Cream!

And these Espresso cookies made with three kinds of chocolate chips!

(Not terribly bright of me to have snuck a couple into bed last night!)

And today I had had enough of my messy desk ...

and decided to do a thorough cleaning...

which left stuff scattered all across the kitchen. Not a spot on the floor nor counter top uncluttered!

Look at all these ribbons I found jammed in to the back of one of the drawers!

It's funny... if you look closely, very closely at that wine glass it looks as though there is wine in it. But it was empty!

Eventually I started to make some progress...

and one by one I cleared out and tidied all the drawers...

and 13 hours after I started I am almost done!

As you can imagine I had some distractions along the way. I came across a note with Dell's telephone number on it along with some random numbers. Aha!!! The missing piece of paper. I brought the old laptop into the office and sat on the phone with Dell as they walked me through installing the new hard drive (other one crashed -- long story for another post) and all the software and internet capabilities. I was on the phone with them for nearly three hours.

During that time the two at home (Christopher has soccer camp this week) were amazingly quiet. They knew better than to interrupt me. They wanted their computer back! All the while I heard boxes being dumped, drawers being emptied and knew every single toy would end up on the floor. There was nothing I could do but listen, and cringe! Rebecca came in with a sandwich she had made me for lunch. She even thought to add some Baked Lay's Cheetos on my plate! It was 12:45 and I had been on the phone for just over 2 hours. I motioned that I couldn't eat as I needed to have my hands free to work the computer. I thanked her and sent her away.

A few minutes after that I heard the big plastic storage bin empty out on to the floor. The same one I had picked up earlier. I heard all 1021 Lego, Duplo and wooden block come crashing out in to the middle of the family room floor. I cringed some more. I was nearly done though. All I had left was to reconfigure the wireless chip as it was not working.

Alexander came in. Loudly he said "Mamma, I have to pooooooop!" I whispered to him to go ahead and motioned with my hand to leave the room. Vamoose! Just my luck. Then sooner than I had expected I heard "Mamma, I'm done!.... Mamma, I'm doooone! Mamma, I'm doooooooooone!" I heard him. I was not ignoring him. There was no way anyone would be able to ignore that screaming. But what could I do? I couldn't leave? I was typing away at the keys... inserting the necessary numbers and codes... I couldn't very well say "Excuse me, my three year old needs me now." That wouldn't sound so serious. Or important. And he didn't have an ant in his pants. This time. How to handle walking away from a Twenty-something techie of foreign nationality who was most likely single and child-free? Finally, as if by some miracle the internet icon lit up and I was wireless... and free! Free to go help my three year old whose little derriere was probably stuck to the potty by that point!

So I got the kids set up. Webkinz was their site of choice.

And I got back to my mess and muddled through making more and more and more of a mess as I was cleaning. (Why does cleaning have to be such a messy job?)

And then I noticed that it was 2:30 and Christopher had to be picked up. And neither kid wanted to come with me. Gee, I wonder why that would be? So after a good bit of hemming and hawing I decided to let Rebecca babysit Alexander. I have left them alone together before. Never more than 20 minutes though. And I am never more than a mile or so away. But I figured they wouldn't get into too much trouble on Webkinz. Rebecca knows the drill. Do not answer the phone unless you know who is calling. Don't answer the door. Play quietly. TV and computer are allowed. Rough-housing is not. Showering and bathing are not. Using the stove-top or microwave are not. She's a good kid. I trust her.

I left and locked the kids safely in the house. I returned about a half hour later and saw Daddy's car already in the garage. He was home early. And the house was a mess. A mess. More than a mess. It was a disaster. There were toys (millions of them) on the floor of every room. And then there was the kitchen. A disaster of a completely different kind.

Daddy came down stairs, changed and in his play clothes. "The house is a disaster" he said sort of matter of factly. I went upstairs. Oh. my. G..... It was worse than a disaster! I chuckled. "What the hell ya been doin' all day?" he chided, "Eating bon bons on the couch?" He makes this accusation at least once a day. "Well," I told him. "I did ignore the children for three hours and let them loose around the house!" And then he says "What the Hell I pay ya for if you can't even keep the house clean?" He says this a lot too. Which is hilarious as I am about $277K underpaid. (I did not come up with this number randomly. There was a news story a year or so ago about the worth of Stay at Home Moms. Factor in all we do and we should gross almost $300K a year.)

I laughed... then told him to think about the next time he asked what I did all day. Because today he saw what happened when I didn't do what I normally do all day!

And I went back to my desk. More cleaning. More tossing. More organizing. All along I am wondering how so much of the kids' crap ended up in all my drawers. I certainly never put it there. I found a Soduko book, a Mad Libs book, several notebooks, 3 lobster erasers, a broken pencil sharpener, a variety of broken and dried out pens, pencils and markers, a pair of blue sunglasses, stickers, stickers and more stickers, a barrette, a small metal spatula from the play kitchen, pictures from the kids, pictures of the kids, Play Doh bits... you name it, it was in there.

I used to have a drawer for the kids. The bottom drawer once contained paper and pencils, crayons and markers. I thought it a brilliant idea at the time. Until the kids started actually using it. Destroying it. So now that drawer is off limits. Now the entire desk is off limits. (Yeah, right, let's see how long that'll stay!)

Under my desk are now two small wicker file baskets. (There used to be one massive wicker basket for assorted art supplies. But the bigger the basket the bigger the mess!) One basket is for them to go into and the other one is the "Permission Basket" with items like scissors, paint, and glue.

In what used to be the kids drawer I found some writing of Becca's on a folded up piece of white paper. I opened it up and started howling. By the writing it seemed she had written it a couple of years ago. It's a story (loosely) based on Pinkalicious, a charming story of a little girl who turns pink because she ate too many pink cup cakes.

Here is Becca's version... Oh my... I'm chucking just thinking about it!

“Winealishous”

There was a mom and she loved wine. Especially red wine. She loved it so much she drank 15 glasses a day. (She didn’t even get drunk!) One day she went over her limit. I mean way over her limit. How does 100 glasses sound? It was so crazy. She wouldn’t stop drinking! She stayed up so late drinking wine that she went to bed at 1:30 am and woke up at 12:30 pm. When she woke up she was red! She tried to take a shower but it wouldn’t come off.

She ran as fast as she could to her car so her kids couldn’t see her. She rushed to her doctor and the doctor told her she had an odd case of Redwineatitis. She asked how she could get rid of it. The doctor said that she could get rid of it by drinking white wine!

Isn't that the funniest? Please don't call CPS!

A Giveaway For all lovers of Lilly and Libations!

... and one more thing before I go... because so many of you are so incredibly supportive and kind I have decided to host a giveaway for my new friends... I think you'll like it. I know you'll like it if you like Lilly & a lovely libation!

I am giving away a cocktail shaker and 2 sets of Lilly cocktail napkins! I bought the napkins on a whim about a month ago as I loved them so, but realized that the colors did not go with our decor inside or out. I decided that instead of exchanging them at Swoozie's I would hang on to them. Packaged with something else they would make a lovely hostess gift. Then earlier today I was rummaging through the basement and found not one, but THREE cocktail shakers. (We have one upstairs already.) I know we enjoy a little drink here and there, but 4 seemed a bit over the top. As soon as I saw the shaker I knew what I would do with it and my napkins... have a little bloggie giveaway for my new friends! I know so many of you are in the throes of summer and bedlam and chaos and everything that is children and teenagers. I would have you all over if I could. Wouldn't that be so much fun?! But I can't... so instead I am giving away the cocktail shaker and the Lilly napkins. And here's what you can do to win...

1. For an easy entry leave me a comment, telling me how you will put your shaker and napkins to use.

2. Become a follower and you will get an extra entry!

3. Blog about my giveaway and you will get a total of three entries!

4. Create a drink for me and give it a cute name and you'll get 4 entries!

Have fun ladies and cheers and when I get home this evening I will report about our trip!

(Giveaway ends 8pm Friday July 10th)

Perfectly Preppy Lawns and Other Fun Summer Stuff!

We spotted this argyle lawn last night as we were leaving a Memorial Day BBQ... Daddy and I loved it! Wonder if his John Deere can manicure our lawn like this!

Talbot's has great Staycation ideas...

Love this movie night idea... I think we'll be having an outdoor Movie Night this summer!
For more information check out Talbot's website.

and what's a summer without a perfectly (or two or three or four) yummy Peach Bellini

2 large peaches , cut into chunks
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine Garnish
1 large peach , cut into 6 slices
6 sprigs mint


Combine peach chunks, sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Allow to rest 30 minutes. Place mixture in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour through a strainer, pressing solids to extract flavor and juices. Chill. Discard any solids.Place about 1 tablespoon peach syrup in each flute and fill with Champagne. Garnish with a peach slice and mint sprig.


(Drink and photo from O Magazine website)

And of course you'll need some new beach towels... I love these... wonder how long before I find them in the outlets? For other great beach towels check out Real Simple's The Best Beach Towels.


And when you're lying on your chic new beach towel you'll need a good summer book to sink your teeth into... Beth Dunn's Social Climbers is this year's "It" book! Check out her website and then check out her book!



And for the chance to win a Free Connecticut Vacation enter Here! (And be sure to bring your new beach towels and your new book!)

And stay tuned as over the next day or so as I will be giving one of these items away to celebrate MY Birthday!

The Official Preppy Cocktail?

Isn't it pretty? It's equally as tasty too!



When I asked for name suggestions for my last nameless drink (see below post) Mama Bickie came up with the brilliant and perfect "The Poolside." Then Gwennie suggested "The Connecticut." I love the name and this was an attempt to create a drink for that name, but this is not the one... so back to the drawing board... or mixing board... Our state nickname is the Nutmeg State, but I'm not a huge fan of nutmeg. Our state tree is the Charter Oak... oak is best in wines... no help there... if anyone has any ideas as to what should be in my drink "The Connecticut" I welcome all feedback!

it's hard to be me ;)

I can never keep up with the laundry. I can't seem to catch all the dust bunnies. Socks always seem to get lost. My grocery bill is always too high (over $400 this week alone). The kids get more toothpaste in their sinks than they get on their brushes... I am after them to flush, wash, clean, put away, make beds... and they don't so I do. They never put their clothes away. So I do. The dishwasher is perpetually full and therefore constantly needs to be emptied - a chore I loathe... the kids can't eat without getting crumbs on everything... and I must vacuum several times a day to keep on top of them. I spend more time in my car than I do at home schlepping to skating and soccer and this and that and back to this and that and to play dates and running errands, wiping little tooshies, wiping little noses, bathing, dressing, undressing, cooking, (drinking, but of course!) and on and on and on...

And sometimes I get a chance to break out and have a little fun! I met KK (Pink, Green & Southern) yesterday at Crumbs for a yummy treat and delicious coffee. It was the second time we met and we had a blast and we gabbed and gabbed and gabbed and we could have kept on gabbing but we had little preschoolers to pick up. We'll meet again soon!

And sometimes, especially in the summer, household duties take a backseat to fun...

Today, we headed to the pool and this is what was in my car!

Small straw tote had books, magazines, cell phone and wallet.
Large straw bag had beach towels, 2 sets of arm "floaties", 3 kinds of sunscreen, mini pack of tissues and assorted Band-Aids...

and this is what was in the cooler!

and this is what I made from what was in the cooler!

It has no name, which is a shame. It's fabulous and crisp and refreshing and I make it for my friends all the time and when I'm not enjoying a glass of wine and when I'm not drinking a Mojito, this is what I want!

My Fabulous Cocktail...

Ingredients:
Vodka, one shot
1/2 cup of seltzer water
1/2 cup of limeade
2 or 3 thin slices of lime
2 or 3 thin slices of cucumber, skin on

The first time I ever had cucumber in a drink was when I was in Wimbledon. (My grandparents were members and I went often in my youth.) You cannot go to Wimbledon without having a Pimms... Pimm's Cup is a wonderfully tasteful and refreshing British cocktail that is garnished with a slice of orange, lemon and cucumber. The cucumber adds such a great flavor and refreshing quality.

Pour all into a tall glass, add some ice, and garnish with an umbrella!

below, picture of my shot glass!

I need a name for my beverage. Anyone?!?!