OOTD 12.6.09: The LP Blayney Dress

Here is what I wore to the Nutcracker on Sunday. I absolutely love this dress.  I tried it on when we were in Florida in August but waited and scored it on sale from Splash of Pink (reg $258.00, bought it for $149.00, and - get this - it is now only $99.00!). (ummm I may have actually just ordered it in the Dahlia Pink La La La Lilly print too!)  I took a 4 - the size I normally buy in J Crew dresses. The fit is comfy, it's a lovely 100% silk knit, and the print (Master of the House) is too fun.  My girls had fun looking for the hidden animals.

Lilly Pulitzer Blayney Dress, Target tights (black), Steve Madden wedges, LV Damier 30, J Crew outlet necklace, Michele watch

xoxo

dressing up {the house}

My Christmas decorating is in full swing. Sparkle & shine and red & green... jewelry and accessories for the house! As soon as I get it all together I plan on posting lots of pics... but here are a couple for now...

We had our annual ornament shopping trip last night where the children each get to pick an ornament. It's amazing how they remember year to year each special one they've chosen. (Mom may get to choose more than one, but, hey, I'm The Mom.)

My 8 year old spotted this one and I love it!

We are taking the children to The Nutcracker today - with our three now being 8, 6, and 4, I think this year the performance may hold even my youngest's attention. I've always loved The Nutcracker. Growing up I took ballet lessons at the Atlanta School of Ballet so was able to be one of the little dancers up on stage for the Atlanta Ballet's performances at The Fox. Seriously big excitement for a little girl!

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the season.

xoxo

OOTD 12.3.09: More ATL

On Thursday, I pulled out another couple pieces from my ATL F&F shopping trip for first time wearing.  I bought this top and necklace to wear with the silver leopard skirt for a little fancier occasion, but thought they worked fine with jeans & boots for all day usual-wear too.

The Ruffle Front Top is now marked down to $29.99 and though online it says it is an online exclusive, I did buy this in-store (I've seen this happen before).  I've machine washed this blouse in cold and hung to dry and it looks just as it did when I purchased it - only needs a little iron touch-up.  Love this.

There are lots of markdowns at ATL right now but I am hoping they come in with a new collection soon as I have lots of "$25 savings cards" from my F&F finds.  The cards (for use 11/30-12/24) are only good on full-price items, and you can online use one card per online purchase - so I will definitely want to use these in-store.

ATL top, ATL necklace, J Crew cotton cardi, Vigoss jeans, J Crew Brewster boots in Black, Louis Vuitton Damier Speedy 30

....and... I have a new Tory Burch handbag on the way and can't wait to review!! Stay tuned!

xoxo

{good fortune}

Last night we went out for Chinese and, after dinner, we got a kick out of the message in my fortune cookie:

I'm keeping this one.

xoxo

Target Top Review: Mossimo Pleated Bib Tank

I bought this sweet little top yesterday in the Cherry color - I also saw it in a very nice purple, black, and teal.  It is made of a soft, slightly clingy/drapey rayon fabric with a pretty raw-edged chiffon detailing.  Machine wash cold.

Tank/Cherry/249912 - $14.99

And of course yesterday's Target find makes it into today's OOTD:

Mossimo tank in Cherry, Target cardi in Black, Joe's Jeans, Tory Burch Revas in Black

xoxo

Let It Rain! {my kate spade rainboots are here!}

Pulling in our drive from the pre-K pick-up today, I saw a large box on our front porch and said "Ooooh look!  A box!  I wonder what it could be?!"  My four year old son quickly responded "Maybe some shoes for you!" and I had to laugh because I was sure it was a Christmas present for one of the kiddos.  But he was right - my new kate spade Randi rainboots have arrived.

The lipstick pink is the perfect, happy shade, and the bows are just the right size.  Fun, fun, fun.  Love.

Eddie Bauer jacket, ON jeans & tee, kate spade Randi boots

xoxo

Southern Prize Shrimp Dip

This is always such a popular appetizer - it's adapted from my favorite cookbook St. Louis Days St. Louis Nights which was published by the Junior League there when I lived in SL and was a member.  I served this for Thanksgiving with crackers, alongside a honey almond brie with lots of red grapes.  Perfect - and went quickly!

So... you need - some frozen little shrimp, thawed, 2 pkgs of cream cheese or Neufchatel (16 oz), Tabasco, Worcestershire, a bunch of green onions, a little mayonnaise, and some lemon juice (about two lemons worth):

Let the cream cheese soften in a bowl with the lemon juice and coarsely process the shrimp in a Cuisinart or the like.  Just a few pulses - you still want the dip to be a little chunky.

Now mix together the shrimp with the cream cheese/lemon juice mixture and chop up your onions:

Add in some mayo to get it to a nice dip consistency.  I added about 3 Tbsps I think.  The Worcestershire and Tabasco really are to taste.  I do a few swirls around the bowl of Worcestershire and several good shakes of Tabasco.  You can always add more.

Mix well and serve with your favorite crackers!

Happy Saturday!

xoxo