The Perfect Mint Julep

Recipe courtesy of Henry Watterson, a newspaper man from Kentucky ~

"Pluck the mint gently from its bed, just as the dew of the evening is about to form upon it. Select the choicer sprigs only, but do not rinse them. Prepare the simple syrup and measure out a half-tumbler of whiskey. Pour the whiskey into a well-frosted silver cup, throw the other ingredients away and drink the whiskey."

Or...

Mint Julep Recipe:

1.
Freeze your glass or metal mug well before serving. This will help prevent the ice from melting so quickly.

2.
If you like a minty flavor, put about five small, young leaves of fresh mint minus the stems into the bottom of the cup. The number of leaves depends on how minty you like it. Add more or less to your taste.

3.
Add at least 1/4 ounce of some simple syrup to the cup if you prefer sweetness. Add more if you have a sweet tooth, of course. Or add none at all if you really love your booze straight.

4.
Muddle the mint and syrup in the bottom of the glass.

5.
Fill cup at least halfway with finely crushed ice. You can make your own at home by wrapping ice cubes in a clean dishtowel and crushing it with a rolling pin, hammer, or heavy frying pan.

6.
Add 2 ounces of the spirit of your choice. I know we always think of bourbon in a mint julep but try it with your preferred spirit whether vodka, rum, brandy, rye whiskey, or gin. A spirit of at least 90 proof is recommended so the spirit will stand up to all ice.

7.
Stir, then add more ice to the top of the cup.

8.
Shove the straw through the ice all the way to the bottom of the cup, then cut it off just above the top of the ice.

9.
Position a sprig of mint near the straw so that you can inhale the scent of the mint while sipping.

Enjoy your day at the races and your weekend!
"Giddy Up"!

The Brazilian Blowout!

At first, Danny, my go-to guy at the salon told me if I bought one Brazilian procedure the other one was free. I told him my Tierra del Fuego was off limits and I was there for north of the equator maintenance, not south of the border. Well, you know what I mean and what what I'm talking about, right?

The Brazilian Blowout.

(Not me but my hair is naturally like this.)

The Brazilian Blowout (B.B.) is a process to tame all frizziness, leaving hair smooth and shiny. Unlike the Japanese Straightening (J.S.), this process leaves body in your hair although my natural waviness has also been tamed a bit more at the roots I still have about 3/4 of my hair that has the Japanese Straightening in effect.

Reasons for the B.B. ~
Wanting to try something less caustic on my hair.
Half the cost. (usually $250 but I was charged $200 for medium length)
Body remains in the hair.

Process ~
With the J.S. you can not wash the hair until 3 days after processing. With the B.B., hair can be washed immediately. In effect, there is no down time or hiding at home. I would call those 'my flat hair days'. There is still the chemical solution process, the wash, the flat ironing and the washing again but with the B.B. there is no neutralizing solution. The last step with the B.B. is a deep conditioner that put me under the dryer for about 20 minutes. The last step can be done at home the next day but I had it done while I was there.

After Treatment ~
The B.B. fades away after about 12 weeks, so I'm told, and there is special shampoo and conditioner that prolongs it. My hair is so smooth that I find I don't need the conditioner. The J.S. is permanent until it grows out but when it would be time for me to do it again, the bend was slightly returning to my hair.


Color Treated Hair ~
With the J.S. because it is so harsh, I would have to come back after a week and then get color. With the B.B. I got my color first, then a cut and then the process. I was told it actually helps to lock in the color by doing the process afterwards. It saves a lot of time in the end doing it all in one visit. In all, I was there 3.5 hours for the color, cut and process which is close to what the J.S. is alone.

So I'll see how it is and how it holds up.

As for that other Brazilian import ~ I'm stickin' with Sergio Mendes.

Here's more info on the Brazilian Blowout.

Coming Down To The Wire

It's almost here. Another life change. Not so much for me but because it involves my child, well, you know how we moms operate. I don't know how he feels about it but I'm kind of sad and I don't know exactly why. You see, College Boy1 graduates soon and I'm running the gambit of maternal emotions and I'm confused by it all. I feel pride from the seemingly small lessons of life I know he has learned living in Cambridge and Boston ~ how to live and get around in a big city not his own, hailing cabs at 2 AM on Mass Ave. for a ride to the airport, knowing how to tip and figuring out T stops to the North End, to the big accomplishments of realizing his goals with a 5.0 GPA (MIT's grade scale for straight A's) while staying there and working every summer in research in a full time job and carrying it over as a part-time job during the school year. He has worked unbelievably hard, contributed to his college with leadership and achieved so much personally and professionally but I'm sad it's ending and I can't put my finger on it.

Is it because I'm comfortable knowing where he is and what he's doing in the general sense? I know I will miss having an east coast connection. I might never get back to Boston and Nantucket again. It's the reality. It's so far from here and if there's not a specific reason to visit it probably won't happen. I think this is bothering me a little bit too. One thing I am definitely sad about is College Boy2 will not be able to attend his brother's graduation as this precedes his finals week. It's a family occasion and he will miss it all.

My husband can't understand my feelings. He is focused on the future. He sees it as our son embarking on a new and wonderful chapter in his life as a grad student and of course I do to but...

While my son was choosing his grad school, neither my husband or I put in our two cents. We couldn't. Not just because what he is going to work on is so over our heads we can't even describe it to someone when they ask us but because when you're going to be studying something for the next 5 1/2 years for your PhD you've got to make sure the decision is yours alone. I held my breath as he traversed the country for 5 consecutive weekends visiting Texas, Minnesota, Princeton, Stanford and Berkeley. We would have supported any decision he made but I have to admit we were both relieved as he began to whittle it down to where the two California schools were the last standing. Northern California is good. It may mean Thanksgiving shared once again and 3 day weekend visits here and there could be a possibility for him or us.

I think my husband is happy because this education comes with full tuition, a good stipend and medical and dental paid. When we got the last bill from MIT he was almost giddy, "This is the last payment we'll be making". I told him that made me sad and he looked at me completely confused. This is the moment where my awareness of my feelings kicked in.

I know I'll snap out of it come graduation and I'll be preoccupied with making everything fit in the extra suitcases and I'll hit the bookstore one last time for yet another mug or glass with a beaver imprint but it seems to have all gone by so fast. It really does seem like yesterday that we were making our decent into Boston the fall of 2006 when everything was new and exciting. Two days later I was bawling like a baby waiting at Logan to head back to Orange County without him. I hope I had grown since then. I think I have but it doesn't feel like it right now. Ironic that the next time we will be sharing a plane ride with him we'll be bringing him home from college. Where has the time gone? Maybe this what's at the core.

Feeling The Blogging Love! :)

Thank you to The Pink Prep for sending along this fun recognition to me ~ isn't this a pretty button with all the colored pencils? The Pink Prep has a darling little preppy muffy of her own and recently posted how she met her prince charming. I love happy endings. Go read her bright and cheery blog!

I'm to name 10 things I love so since pictures speak volumes I'm going to show you some photos I've saved from my internet perusing just because they spoke to me and I love them for one reason or the other.

Here goes in no particular order ~
White finger starfish suspended on organza and satin ribbon.

I'd love to be able to have a desk that was clean and decorative with the thought of being so organized I wouldn't need drawers! The blush of pink painted in the recesses of the shelves and the photo board. Love!
Shhhh. I'm dreaming.
Perfection.

The Kaufman House in Palm Springs. Built in 1946 but so ahead of its time. Perfectly coiffed ladies placed just so who obviously are Aqua-Netted to the hilt and are not stepping a foot near the water. "Do come and join us, there is a lounge chair here for you, dahling".

A Nantucket home. I could summer here all year round.

I gasped when I saw the simple beauty of this bouquet.

The Nantucket house's porch. I hear a symphony ~ crickets and the ocean.
"Could you refill my drink, please, honey"?


Sea themed cupcake.
This has inspired me to write a post on molding sugar.
Check back for this one.

I think she comes with the Kaufman House. She's having breakfast.

I truly love all the blogs I read but chose 10 to play along with the tag so I bestow the honor of this award in return to all the lovely blogs I read and comment on so if you aren't listed, please feel free to grab the colored pencil button and play along.

List 10 things you love any way you wish. Now it your turn ~

Diamonds In The Morning
Cardigans and Clogs
Jillian, Inc.
Sweet Southern Prep
Little Pink Magnolia
Then I Got To Thinking
Pink Preppy Lily Lover
Bees and Fleur de lis
Pixie Dust
Preppy Cricket

Beautiful Blog Award.

The blogging community has been so sweet to me and I'd like to thank one particular lovely lady for acknowledging me ~

Thank you Lily Lemontree for this "Beautiful Blog Award" featuring the lovely MM. Lily's blog is truly beautiful ~ smooth, picturesque, and fashion forward with the best header photo!
I always feel refreshed and inspired after visiting.


I feel all the blogs I read are beautiful, all 144 of them but I'd like to mention one in particular ~ Tales of A Golf Gal. Not only is SJN's blog design and content one I have enjoyed from my first days of blogging over a year ago but S's journey of mother, cancer survivor and recently grandmother has touched my heart. Today she posted on her blog that she is going to be going through another tough time with surgery involved. It is a very difficult time for her and her family. Please visit her and give her your support. This is what I love about our blogging community I know everyone is so caring.

SJN ~ I am adding you to the Silent Unity prayer request along with my own. Know you are loved and cared for in a spiritual way 24/7! But you already knew that didn't you? ;)
You are beautiful, my friend.

Silent Unity Prayer Request

New Things I Love!

I was having a good hair and face day yesterday so I went to the mall and of course saw no one I knew. Figures. I raided the M.A.C counter and ventured for something new for me.

My new loves ~
'Pro Longwear' Lip stain Marker in Runway Ripened (pictured).


Think felt tipped marker for your lips.
I was surprised how much I liked this. Did not feather and gave a pretty color even as it wore off. I paired it with Lustreglass gloss in Flashmode (deep but sheer pink) and Dazzleglass gloss in Extra Amps (a bright glittery pink that does not look glittery on only very shiny). I bought all three! The Extra Amps is so gorgeous I think I could just be happy looking at it in the tube all day. Does this mean I have a slight fixation for pink sparkly things? You betcha!

Oh ~ yesterday's post on FipFuision's XL - thanks to SkinWest's Mizz for letting me know it is on sale on their site from $50 to $37.50! Stock up!! It never goes on sale in the store.
skinwest.com

Now I'll be ready to join the swinging jet set this weekend in Palm Springs.


Have a swanky weekend, friends!

More Things I Love!

I love products that deliver what they say they will.
Here are some that do ~

LipFusion XL ($50)
It's a night time treatment that works on a molecular level that rehydrates and plumps your lips. It's clear and it tingles. I go to bed with this on and wake up with a perfect pout. I can actually see a difference in the morning when I put on my lipstick and/or gloss. You can also use it during the day as a gloss but I prefer to switch to the colored gloss in the line.


LipFusion's Color Shine ($38) is my favorite gloss.
It's also a plumping formula in the prettiest sheer colors.
Sometimes there are limited edition colors, sets and specials and I've found some to share with you. :)


You might think the line is a tad pricey but I think it is worth it, especially the LipFusion XL but now you can try both the XL formula and the Color Shine together.

It's called "The Pucker Up Set". ($49)
The color is a brick red.


There is another limited edition set called The Fusion Essentials, ($79) that I would love to try because it includes 2 other products in the line in addition to the LipFusion XL and Color Shine ~ the Instant Lash Volumizer (mascara with a high rating) and Triple Threat Intense Target Magic Wand that 'tightens, smooths and tones instantly' which if true I will be diving into a vat.

I've provided links to Sephora.
One great thing about Sephora is their return policy. If you wish to return anything in your order there is no extra shipping charges to incur in the return. Just slap on the return label that comes with your order and you are all set! You can also take your purchases back to the store but really, why would you? ;)
You also get 3 free samples with every order and shipping on orders over $50 are also free!

Enjoy your day and happy hunting!

Things I Love!

Kate Spade
+


Lilly Pulitzer


=

(click on photos for information)

Cupcake Accoutrements

Paper Source for cupcake goodies. Who knew?

Because working with sprinkles can be dangerous! ;)

Lip gloss never tasted so good!


The cutest little hostess gift...



... here's whats in it...

Tea for two or cupcakes for 4?
Bake them right in the silicone cup. Don't forget to serve with the saucer.


And if you need more inspiration...


Click here and see a video of how the authors make Chinese take out cupcakes.
So cute and easy!

Ladies & Gents ~ "start your ovens"!

Sorority Slumber Party

I am cordially invited to attend my sorority's fund raiser for the Tri-Delta house at USC.

What a great idea!

With school over and before the house closes for the summer, House Corps decided to invite alumni back for a sleep over.


If I were to go, my room assignment would be ~
"West Wing with Lady Kate".

Maybe the Figis will return and let a greased pig run loose during our dinner and perhaps when we are all snug in our sleeping bags they will thunder down the hall half-dressed like wild natives from a country that thankfully does not exist and scare the bejeebers out of us under the impression this is how to woo a girl to accompany them to one of their parties. They had such a way with grunts back then. I don't think I could make it to the door to barricade it again in the record time like we did before. How about you, Kate?
I say, now, if they want us that badly, "come n' get it, baby" or you can get the door.


Hopefully, the Phi Tau's will raid our panties for old times sake. I guess now this would be considered sexual harassment and as VP in 1979, I couldn't let it go then either. I marched into the den of iniquity and demanded our house's unmentionables to be returned. Unfortunately, they were good hunters and gathers and hit more than one house that night so we had to root around through a fairly large box to find what was rightfully ours. As a reminder of the scavenger hunt the bras and panties were ink stamped all over with "Phi Tau". I thought that was very clever and very funny but I couldn't let the Phi Tau's know that.
Note to self ~ bring along extra granny panties just in case the night gets wild.

We're supposed to bring our Lanz nightgown.
Flannel.
High neck.
Down to the ground.
Wrapped to the wrists.
Fits two comfortably and a tub full of Tommy's burgers with room left over.
Yep. I wore them with a figure as close to perfect as it was ever going to get.
What the hell was I thinking?

Drinks at the 901? Really? The 9-0?
The watering hole on Figueroa that I would never dare to be seen in while I was in college because it was a dive that was packed on Thursday nights with drunken frat boys? Oh shoot! Our sleep over is for a Saturday night.
Maybe we can reschedule.
Hopefully we'll hit it on cougar night. Grrrrr.


*sigh*
Oh my gosh, how I loved college.

They say you can never go back, but it might be fun to give it the ol' college try. :)

Lady Kate ~ I actually think it's great idea all the way around - for the house to benefit and for us to have a terrific trip down memory lane. Let's go! I'll drive. Even the 9-0 has been upgraded from the 901 Club to the 901 Bar & Grill! Posh.

The Co-ed Cookie Girl

I had to share my cookie girl. :)


Remember my March Cookie of The Month and this post and this post?

Kerry sent me back a picture that she took with her cell phone in the mirror of her dorm room.

Is she adorable or what?

Have a magical Monday!

'Fashion Fit For A Princess'

There's a great article on the UK's Daily Mail page showing some of Grace Kelley's looks from the 50's and how her style is just as stylish today.

Here are just a couple photos~

Grace in To Catch A Thief

Grace in Rear Window.


Perfection is indeed timeless.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

"Friday I'm In Love" ~ The Cure (on the sidebar)

Anchors Away!

Ahoy! Got my radar up for all things nautical lately.

Thanks to Kate at Nautical By Nature who gave me the info that these shoes that I've been eying from Sperry's ($60) were less expensive at dELias ($55.50)!
What a good shopper you are! :)


Love these Sperry's too for obvious pink and green worship.
The reviews are great. Found at Nordstrom.

"Eye eye, Capt'n".
Okay, that was really bad but how cute is this mascara from Tarte?


Have a fabulous Thursday. The weekend is almost here!

Boston Restaurant Needed

Harvard Bridge

Can you help? I am looking for an exceptional dinning experience in Boston for my son's graduation in June. I would appreciate any of your recommendations.

Has anyone tried the top of the Prudential building?

Thanks. :)

Glowing Tablescapes

As my niece Mizz finds all things wedding on the internet she came across this site called www.save-on-crafts.com. I love the tablescapes made with these little battery operated lights called floralytes.

Wow!
Look at these palms made with ostrich feathers, vine lights, Eiffel tower glass vase and a blue floralyte.

Here are the instructions to make the feather palm tree.


With blue martinis and white palms.
Spectacular!


These little lights come in a variety of colors and styles. These are called the round lights. They have an on/off switch, last for 50 hours and the ingenious part... are submersible!

Here are the instructions of how to make the table scape below.
This link also has instructions for most of the floralyte decorations.

A floraltye light in the bottom of a fish bowl with glass beads.
Instant ambiance.

One of my favorites and easiest using the Grande Martini Glass.


Recipe ~
1 Grande Martini Glass
1 Floralyte Light (optional)
1 Handfull of Crystal Fibers
1 LED Lite Up Martini Olive Picks
(add your own olive)


Here are the Crystal Fibers
I have used them for filler for gift packages.
You can find them in party supply stores too.

I spent at least a couple of hours on this website when I first visited. There are so many original and different ideas. Look what a glow bracelet tucked into a napkin and a mirror under the plate can do. Ah, a real glass LED wine glass?


And a martini glass too? I am in whimsical love!

"Let's Keep In Touch"

Delphine Letterpress Monogram Cards

I have a serious pulp fascination. I love all things paper.
The feel, the smell, the look, the emotion of romantic letters written. I read that to receive hand written letters one needs to reciprocate the written gift or begin the process oneself.

Thank you notes and gift enclosures do not count in my black and white letter written world. Ever. They are like a breath given and not optional as a letter is.

I think people might be puzzled to receive a letter, don't you think? I'm certain they will wonder why I didn't just email or pick up the phone or perhaps I've just had too much time on my hands.

It makes me wonder what is the general perception of receiving a hand-written letter nowadays?

Crane's Ecru Monogrammed Folded Letter Sheets

I have written some letters this year ~ a love letter to my husband on our anniversary, to my sons at the beginning of their school year and upon graduation, to my aunt for her 87th birthday. The act has become more reserved for a special occasion. I wish that wasn't so. I would like to take it out of that context.

With the ease of email I find I am picking up the phone less often since when I do, I sit in one place and don't move until the conversation is over. For me, I feel it's more respectful to give someone my complete attention for the time they are sharing with me. Some people can multi-task on the phone. I am not one of them nor do I wish to be.

I used to have a friend who would clean the cat box, or so she said when she'd justify the flush I would hear in the background. For many reasons we are not friends anymore but I also had enough of the hollow 'uh-huh's' knowing she was more focused with whatever her household chore was than speaking to me and the majority of time she was the one calling -
4 to 5 times a day.

I have friends who solely use cell phones. They don't have land lines in their homes anymore and when we speak we talk over eachother with a 2 second delay. I feel I am always interrupting them. I am constantly apologizing for this infraction. After a half hour it would be exhausting if I didn't enjoy talking with them so much.

Robin Maguire Monogrammed Pink Handbag Letter Sheets

I remember once digging in my heals that I would always use a pad and pen to compose any poetry or prose that would move me at any given moment. I long ago gave up the tactile familiar for spell check and one click editing. I hope the muses understand. Although for making lists, there is something tangible about feeling the pencil rub its way to the other side of the sheet while making its way down the pad. It's grounding and gives the illusion I have already done some of the work.Printable Goal List ~ Get Buttoned Up

Writing by hand is therapeutic for me if I would devote more time to it. It makes me stop and relive the moments I'm recalling either from a happy place or one of contemplative reflection with intentions of correction. It forces me to think before I speak longer than a hasty email response which has gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit since emotions rarely transfer correctly and I am convinced one can read snarkiness into anything in print. Longhand makes me choose my words and their placement more carefully, magnifies my gratitude and raises my energy which I believe is transferred to the paper and received by the recipient when they hold the letter.

Crane's Navy Blue Hand Bordered Ecru Letter Sheets

But I am also realistic and know most of our society thinks this means of extended communication is old-fashioned and archaically charming at best. Numerous blogs and websites wistfully lament at this lost art. If we analyze most of the GenXs' and younger lack of cursive writing proficiency (which admittedly I gave up after 5th grade) and the elementary style of their printing from lack of daily use being replaced with a keyboard, it may be true. Time-wise it can seem like a chore when we can say the same things with such immediate speed we have all come to depend on as the norm.

Hence, the conflict.
Wishing for a deeper connection vs. the ease and expediency of what we have learned to depend on.
It may be a mid-life thing. I don't know.

Shall we see what happens when we write someone a letter that is not a thank you note or gift enclosure? Will you join me this month?

We can start with small steps ~ fold over notes!

Let me know what happens and I'll do a follow-up post. :)