L.L. Bean and Baby Kenzo...Quite a Combination

I'm not a big fabulosity fan but I find it mind boggling how I completely missed the fact that Kimora Lee Simmons is not only remarried but she also had a baby {boy} Kenzo! Did anyone else completely miss this(?), tell me I'm not alone!  Sadly, I check out People.com almost daily for my dose gossip and still missed this.  Had I not been channel surfing last night and glanced at her show I could have very well never known. 

On a completely unrelated note, has anyone seen the "summer" L.L. Bean catalog?  LLB has really stepped up its game and has quite a few things I just have to order. I'm really impressed and surprised.

I swear I'm not crazy and that these two items were pink, green and navy in the catalog...only 57 days until the BEACH!!

Take off an inch and we have a deal

I'm so glad it's Friday, this has been a long week.  It's the first 5 day week I've worked in quite a few weeks.  I know I live a hard life. We have two great events to look forward to.

Tomorrow night is Artini 2010!  One of my favorite events to attend.  The gala features 12 of the best mixologists in DC that compete to make the most artistic martini inspired by current works at the Corcoran.  Dancing, cocktails, and great friends all while benefitting a great cause.  

This weekend is also the Junior League of Washington's Tossed & Found event. Drink your cup of Martha Stewart and get ready to bargain shop.

Any exciting plans for you?!?! I hope all you lovelies have a fantastic weekend! 

cBv

Gotta Love a Good Sale!

Here are a few sales worth mentioning.

Kate Spade - extra 25% off all sale items through April 4th.  (Applied at checkout.) 

Bloomingdale's - Friends & Family started yesterday.  20% off almost all sale & regular priced items.  Code: FFMARCH.  Through March 28. In store & online.

South Moon Under - 20% off all swimwear & swimwear accessories.  Code: SWIM20.

Does anyone use Groupon?  If you've never checked it out I highly recommend it.  You can get excellent steals on all sorts of things in your area, from restaurants to fitness classes. 

Hope you're having a fabulous Thursday!

cBv

Paper, Paper Everywhere!

I have a serious addiction that I've mentioned before. Paper. Anything paper.  So much so that this weekend I opened a drawer to grab a thank you card and found my drawers overflowing.  For some women it's shoes or bags, for me it's paper.  Cocktail napkins, tissue paper, gift bags, gift tags, wrapping paper, place cards, the list goes on and on.  I find myself always checking out the "sale" shelves at Tarjay, Hallmark, the Paperie, Papyrus, etc. and always snatching anything that is cute and a good deal, needed or not.  My thought process when buying paper: it doesn't expire, doesn't go bad, and rarely goes out of style!  The hubs just shakes his head.  I think my addiction started as a child when my mother would pay me to wrap beautiful presents.  A few Christmas seasons I even had my own little "business", wrapping presents for neighbors. So I guess my hubby can thank my mama.

For me, it's all about the presentation.  It's as important as what's inside the box.  I love making people feel special and to see them smile at the sight of a beautifully wrapped gift.

Here are some of my favorite stores and boutiques for all things paper.

The Stationery Studio
- love it because there's always a sale going on

Namemaker's

- love them for their personalized gift wrap and ribbon

Gifts In 24

My go to for these adorable notecards and personalized napkins

These in blush pink are a staple.  Timeless, classic and super affordable ($35).  Awesome gifts!

Great for showers & hostess gifts!

Papyrus

One of my favorite places to buy cards.  Cards are always buy 3 get 1 free.  {Target stores also carry a small selection of their cards.}

The Container Store

This place is heaven for lots of reasons, not just gift wrap.  My go to for holiday wrapping.

And if you live in a shoebox, like I do, this store will be your best friend for maximizing space, hello Elfa!

Hallmark

LOVE their gift wrap!  They have some really cute burlap, pink and green pieces right now in addition to super cute baby gift wrap.

I stocked up on the red & green houndstooth a couple of Christmases ago and use it year round.

And since I live in a shoe box, I'll dream about beautiful spaces to house my paper addiction until the day comes when I have space.

What are your favorite places to shop for stationery?!?!

Hope your Wednesday is fabulous!

cBv

Scent of a Woman

Every girl has their trademark scent.  For me there are two.  I intermix them depending on the mood I'm in or the occasion. 

Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey

{my original trademark scent}

Bvlgari's Omnia Crystalline

I love these two perfumes because they're light enough for everyday, yet fragrant enough that I stand out, in a good way, not in a OMG her perfume is making me gag kind of way. I also love them because I don't really know anyone that wears them, so they're unique.  What's your trademark scent?

 cBv

Winner Winner...

The winner of the Garden Party Giveaway is....

Barefoot in the Park!

Congratulations!  Email me with your initials and mailing address so I can get your tray personalized and send you your loot!

Sorry I didn't post the winner on Saturday, I was a bit preoccupied because of the gorgeous sunny weather!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

5

Timestamp: 2010-03-22 13:32:19 UTC

Happy Monday!

cBv

Sweet as a Cupcake!

I'm anxiously awaiting when the clock strikes 4pm because my weekend will officially begin.  The weather has been gorgeous here in VA all week and this weekend the sunshine and warmth will continue in the 70s!  We have RIC friends coming into town tomorrow to visit and we are most certainly taking a trip to Eastern Market while the boys hit the driving range!!  This will be the first for 2010 and my favorite shopping partner will be with me to kick it off.  I can already taste the sweet lemonade! Yum! 

This afternoon I have a date with these guys.

I have quite a few pieces around my house that need a new look and a few planters that I have to paint white to hold the ribbon topiaries for my sister's shower. 

Since the hubs can't it meat, on Fridays during Lent, I plan on making this delectable dish for dinner

Spinach, Mushroom & Tomato Manicotti w. Red White Sauce

Sunday we're heading home to Cville!  My mom and I have an appointment to finalize the venue for my sister's shower.  Then it will be lots of family time and my mama's down home southern cooking.  I have no idea what my mom has on the menu but I should be receiving an email or text in the next few hours asking for my requests.  She's like a personal chef, constantly catering to everyone's wants. I swear the woman is Paula Deen's twin.  Most definitely on my list will be my mom's homemade mac and cheese and sour cream biscuits.

After thinking about it it seems I have the perfect weekend ahead full of my favorite foods, good shopping and QT with my favs and the family, including my sister!!

Don't forget to enter my Garden Party Giveaway!  I'm closing it tomorrow at noon (EST) and will post the winner shortly after.

Last night I babysat for my 2 favorite little guys.  Along with lots of laughs and fun, the family always pays me well.  But last night I was paid amazingly well. Not only was I paid in money but also in sweets.  I was smiling ear to ear when she handed me cash and these 2 little boxes that make my heart skip a beat.

I was perfectly happy with 2 GC cupcakes but it got even better when I opened the box and my favorite was inside...Red Velvet!

I hope everyone has a cheery weekend and enjoys the sunshine!

cBv

All Over the Place

Warning, this post is all over the place so don't fret if you're not seeing a pattern!  Lots of little things to share with you that weren't worth a post of their own.  Here we go.

Gap Give & Get Starts TODAY!! I love this program that Gap does each year.  It's here again for only 4 days so get to it ladies.  Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy are giving you 30% off your purchases until March 21st.  And it gets better, 5% of your purchase will be donated to the charity of YOUR choice!  The offer is good in-store and online.  Unfortunately the online code is only good for one use but the in-store coupon is for multiple uses so if you're interested email me and I'll send you the coupon. 

Yesterday I headed to the mall, St. Patrick's Day for me has a completely different meaning...shopping in peace!  The mall was super quiet because all 1,397,324 other people were out drinking green beer.  The trip was quite a success.  I managed to grab my new spring bag and a bunch of clothes from The Limited, oh and some Cold Stone for dinner! 

JPK Paris Pleated Satchel in Straw

I really want a bag that pops with color but because this bag was so functional that I decided to go with a neutral so I can wear it with everything.  I'm hoping that the Kate Spade outlet has something bright for me. 

Heads up Nordy's is offering TRIPLE reward points through March 21st!!  Before heading out to the real mall yesterday I did some virtual shopping and managed to snag some great shoe deals at Nordy's. 

Have you been to Target lately?  How cute are these?

reminds me of

Love the new Park collection of melamine dishware. 

Anyone a fan of the new Liberty of London collection? I wasn't that impressed with the clothes but some of the home goods were cute.

Don't forget to enter my garden party giveaway if you haven't already.  I've decided to close the giveaway Saturday at noon (EST time)!

Have a fabulous sunny Thursday!

cBv