Mardi Gras Tulips

It is a freezing, grey day here....but these purple and gold tulips in my dining room are really cheering me up!!  Very Mardi Gras :)

Stay warm all, and have a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,
Trish

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway!  I'll be announcing the winner Monday morning.

Carnival Time!

I'm really enjoying reading your comments on my giveaway post!  All of your ways of giving are terrific.  And I agree with the Preppy Princess, that giving on the QT is the way to go :)

One of the things that I have loved about Louisiana since I was a kid was Carnival season.  Just when you think the Christmas holidays are over, break out the king cakes!  Mardi Gras season is here!

My adorable mother in law sent us a Randazzo's king cake (the absolute best in my opinion!) last week and we enjoyed it Sunday night after the amazing Saints victory.  (And then I ate it for breakfast every day this week...YUMMMM...)










I'm getting tres excited about our trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year.  Not only will we get to celebrate with our NOLA family and friends, my Mom and Dad are coming down from D.C. too! 

My parents met in New Orleans while they both attended Loyola University.  My dad was a Senior and my mom a Freshman.  My mom grew up in Chevy Chase, MD, but decided to follow in the footsteps of her older siblings and cousins and head down south for college.  She went to meet up with some friends at a bar called Fat Harry's on Saint Charles Avenue...Mom's cousin had been telling this cool New Orleans guy about the cute girl from D.C. who was new in town...She walked into the bar, he approached her with a big hug and kissed her smack-dab on the lips!  My mom said she had never met anyone so happy to meet her! 

M and I are totally going to Fat Harry's with my parents on this trip.  The four of us have never been together.  Should be HILARIOUS reliving that story! 

















I am getting all my outfits pulled together and will be bringing along these new little babies.:



















Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top in Surf Blue Checking In



















Lilly Pulitzer Beverly Top in Classic White Grand Scale - both will look so cute with white jeans.



















Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in Pink Grandscale Access - goes with everything!

...and aren't these perfect for the parade route?  I bought these Tory Burch Jelly Revas in Royal Navy but now I am totally thinking I need them in pink too.



















I have so many favorite parades, but I think my favorites are Mid-City and Enymion. Mid-City floats are all decked out in colorful tin foil.  Endymion is so beautiful - full of color and lights...this was taken 5 years ago celebrating with friends and cousins.  Was my hair really that dark? ;)



















Can't wait to see Drew Brees as the King of Bacchus - even Sean Payton is riding in the Orpheus parade (the parade founded by Harry Connick Jr.).  Hoping for a big SAINTS win at the Super Bowl next weekend.  GEAUX SAINTS!!  Bless you boys!! XOXO

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! 

XOXO,
Trish

The Joy of Giving and A Valentine Giveaway

Thanks for all the kind comments on my last post.  I tend to set the bar pretty high for myself, (typical overachiever type here ;-) ) but I hope by setting some goals for the future, it will continue to motivate me to keep challenging myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. 


I have found especially as I have gotten older, that the one thing that brings me true happiness is giving to others.  Of course it is always nice to receive, but for me, having a generous heart and spirit brings me ultimately the most joy.  The Dalai Lama once said, "The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes."  I couldn't agree more.


I mentioned volunteering in my last post as it is something very near to my heart.  While I did have a couple years with the Junior League (haven't had the chance to re-join due to our relocations over the past few years), any way I can find a way to practice random acts of kindness brings me equal amounts of joy.  Offering to listen to someone who needs it; giving away the things we don’t use to those who don’t have much; sending a note of thought to a distant friend or relative. I believe in the simple ideas of giving.  Helping a senior citizen neighbor with their groceries, allowing someone in front of you in line (especially if they look like they're having a bad day), sending a care package to my siblings in college, or dropping off flowers to a friend "just because"...little ways to show that you care.  Practicing patience and kindness have been an integral part of my relationships and marriage, and I try daily to be mindful of these virtues.


In the happy spirit of giving, and to express my gratitude for the kind welcome to the blogging community, I am hosting my very first giveaway....just in time for Valentine's Day! 
















































• Prize; Prize Value: Swarovski Heart Charm Bracelet, 8 1/4"; $95


Rhodium-plated charm bracelet with open heart-shaped charm in clear crystal pavé; lobster clasp. Gift Boxed in signature Swarovski packaging. 


• End Date: 1/31/10, Midnight EST





What you need to do to enter:






* Become a follower!


* For one entry, leave a comment with how you like to practice random acts of kindness.


* For a second entry, recommend that a friend become a follower.  Please ask in their comment that they let me know who to thank for sending them here!


* For a third entry, mention this giveaway on your blog or Twitter and leave a separate comment with the link to your blog or Twitter account.



Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. Deadline is January 31st Midnight EST.



I'll be using a random number generator to pick the winner, so make sure to check back next Monday!


Thank you all for reading, and have a fabulous week!


XOXO,
Trish




Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another. - George Eliot

Thirty before Thirty.

Every since I was a little girl, I couldn't wait for what was "next". 

When I was in kindergarden, I wanted to be in the "big kids" school.  By seventh grade, I couldn't wait to be in high school.  By my sophomore year I had "senioritis"...and you get the picture - by college I was ready to graduate and get on with LIFE!  Living on my own!  Grown up STUFF!

I am now approximately 60 days away from turning the BIG 3-0.  I've thought about writing a 30 things to do before you are 30 list for some time, but never really got around to it...too busy enjoying life!

That said, being that I am in an exciting new personal decade ahead, I thought I would chronicle some things I am proud of accomplishing in my 20's...some goals I'd like to achieve in the next 60 days before the big birthday....and then additional things I would like to do before 31....

Here we go!


BEFORE 30 I have:

1) Graduated from a great university with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising/Business Administration with honors (cum laude!)

2) Moved to Washington, D.C. into a 500 square foot studio apartment (with a degree in hand, but no job!)

3) Pounded the pavement and took a job at a lovely boutique in D.C.  Worked my way up to Assistant Buyer, then Advertising Manager.  Celebrated the company's 100 year anniversary.

4) Left for a long weekend for my cousin's wedding in New Orleans.  Fell head over heels in love with an adorable Southern boy who "crashed" the wedding that weekend.  My poor husband will never live that one down.  My brother has since then referred to New Orleans as a "hot, steamy love sauna". Heh.

5) Got engaged, bought our first house in New Orleans, and planned a fairy tale wedding all in 9 months.  Hectic, but YAY!

6) Married the man of my dreams in September 2005.

7) Came home from our honeymoon in Jamaica to a post-Katrina New Orleans...a blue tarp on our roof and FEMA water and MRE's on the doorstep.  Rebuilt and repaired the relatively small damages from the hurricane and managed against the challenges both our careers faced.  Moved to the East Coast for better job opportunities. 

8) Maintained happy and in love throughout all of the great times, as well as the change, losses, and heartaches, and continued to look on the bright side of the new opportunities ahead.  Learned to accept that the hard times do really make you stronger.

9) Pursued hobbies:  Discovered my signature drink (Bulleit bourbon), Taught myself to cook like a pro (Much inspiration from Smitten Kitchen), Attempted to master photography (Awesome tips from the very talented Pioneer Woman and many others), and fully appreciate all things beautiful and lovely..art, style, painting and decorating (A big thanks to all of YOU!)

10) Became truly comfortable with myself. Confident in my decisions, Passionate about my job, Adoring my family and true friends, and especially embracing my Style - all things feminine, ruffled, sparkly, preppy and pink!

NEXT 60 DAYS...Things to do Before 30:

11) Volunteer 20 hours - because it just feels so good to give back.

12) 100 crunches a day, and Jillian Michael's 30 day shred at least 4-5 times a week (must be realistic!)

13) Purchase fancy Double Old Fashioned glasses for my signature cocktails.

14) Do something insanely romantic for my husband.  Not only because he deserves it, but life gets hectic and I want him to always know how special he is to me.

15) Finish two new books.  Any suggestions?

16) Get a hot stone massage.

17) Apply for a dream job (more to come soon!)

18) Do a major Spring Cleaning on my closets and office.  If I haven't worn it since my early 20's it's probably time to let it go.  Drop off a car load to Goodwill.

19) Plan a vacation for this year...preferably including lots of sailing and somewhere major tropical - thinking St. Lucia or BVI. Suggestions? 

20) Stop saying "I want to be..." and start saying "I am..." :) 

IN THE NEXT YEAR...Before turning 31:

21) Meet some blog friends!

22) Get back into sewing (1st project - make new curtains).

23) Register for the Under Armour Baltimore Marathon - complete a Half-Marathon.  Anyone want to register with me?

24) Make and sell something creative on Etsy (art, photography, sewing....we will see!)

25) Develop a relationship with someone 2X older than me through volunteer or non-profit.  Always so much to learn from those who are older and wiser.  Also spend more time with my grandmother.

26) Contribute more money to my 401K...Spend less and save/invest more (within reason). :)

27) Brush up on my French...plan a trip back to Paris in the next five years. Stay at the Four Seasons.

28) Practice more random acts of kindness.  “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – Stephen Grellet

29) Plan a girls only trip to the beach.  There is nothing like having quality time alone with sisters and girlfriends!

30) And one thing I'd really like to do before turning 31......for M and I to have a baby <3.


What do you think?  I am confident I can do it all!  Thank you for reading and for your continued support.


HAVE A SPECTACULAR WEEKEND ALL!  GO SAINTS!!

XOXO,
Trish

Giveaway treats!

I mentioned that I had recently won a giveaway from Shopaholic in Alabama's blog - Check out the lovely gifts I received from Lori's awesome Lilly Pulitzer giveaway!

A lovely note on Lilly stationery, a darling pink Lilly frisbee (can't wait to bring this little baby to the beach this summer!), sweet rope bracelet with LP charm, pink leather calling card case....

.....Lilly playing cards and pink leather carrying case (I love playing gin rummy - now I can take my stylish cards with me everywhere so I can play at a moment's notice!)

Please make sure to follow her blog for great shopping finds and fabulous giveaways!

Thanks again Lori for the sweet treats! XOXO

Darling & Delicious: Elizabeth's & Gilmore's

Don't you just love finding a delicious restaurant?   For me, the only thing that can top a creative menu and excellent service is when the decor is fresh, exciting, and makes you feel at home.

Pizza by Elizabeth's in Greenville, DE is one of my most favorite local lunch eateries.  For those who have not had the pleasure, it is a stylish gourmet pizza restaurant, named after its owners, both named Elizabeth.  The decor is classy and energetic, full of feminine details of pinks, greens, creams and crystal details.  There are large blow up prints of famous Elizabeths throughout the restaurant (Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth and many more!), and all of the pizzas on the menu are named after famous Elizabeths as well. 

I took my mother in law for lunch this week, and she just loved it!  We had the Elizabeth Shue pizza which is topped with barbequed chicken, mozzarella, and fontina, as well as the Elizabeth Hutton pizza, topped with thin-sliced prosciutto, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, fontina, and mozzarella cheese.  Delicious! We even ordered Elizabethtinis, a sweet martini with Cranberry juice and Grand Mariner topped with French champagne - what a treat! :)

The powder room is absolutely precious...I just adore the wallpaper and wall sconces.  The silvers and creams are just so lovely and inviting!  Note to self - next master bath inspiration :)

We also dined at Gilmore's in West Chester, PA over the weekend.  It was delightful!  Chef Peter Gilmore has an amazing culinary record as the Chef de Cuisine at Le Bec Fin for over 22 years, much experience in French cuisine, and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (where my baby sister is in her final semester of graduating with her Bachelor's degree!!)

The service and ambience were impeccable!  There are only 11 tables, so we were so fortunate to get a reservation somewhat last minute.  Our menu selections for appetizers included Vol au Vent d'Escargots, (escargot in a puff pastry with Champagne-hazelnut sauce), a Lobster martini topped with creme fraiche and beluga caviar, and Risotto aux Truffles with freshly shaved black truffles...unbelievably delicious. 


A salad of baby greens, shaved beets and candied nuts with a champagne vinagrette preceeded our entrees, which was a pleasant transition between courses. We respectively had the Salmon with Lobster Bernaise sauce, Onglet au Raifort (hanger steak), and Faison en Croute (puff pastry encrousted chicken with truffled duxelle mushrooms).  Each entree was served with Haricot verts and Pommes Anna - rounded out each dish perfectly.

Unfortunately I was so busy savoring each bite, I forgot to take pictures! :)  We can't wait to go back.

Do you have any restaurant recommendations in the greater Philadelphia area I need to know about??

Hope everyone is having a great week!! XOXO

MAC + Lilly = LOVE XOXO

New from MAC, a line just for Lilly!  I am definitely going to be checking these out and will let you know my review.  Perfect timing...it's so freezing outside, but I will be day dreaming of warm beaches with these fab new colors!

Find it here!

What do you think? Will you try the collection? Let me know what your favorites are!

Happy PINK New Year!

Happy 2010 to all!!  May your New Year be blessed with peace and love.

Sending you my heartfelt wishes with joy that never ends, and the happiest decade ahead full of all things merry and PINK!