Dress the Part: Summer Blow Out

After enduring 50 days of 90-100 degree temperatures I reached my breaking point. My hair was pushing the limits of my sanity so I decided to treat myself to a blow out at Bubbles. Imagine my shock when I found out it was only $20.00. Had I know that, I would have certainly kept a weekly appt to get me through the dog days of summer. While I was there, the stylist Krista shared one of her new favorite products with me. I in turn felt I simply must share it with you. "It's a 10" (that's the brand name) Miracle Leave In Conditioner. It helps create that salon look at home. I really loved what it did for my hair, give it a try and let me know what you think!

I've Discovered: Chic Envy

Well, okay, maybe I didnt technically discover it, my friend Kim did and since she follows my blog, I better give credit where credit is due.

The discovery is Chic Envy, an upscale consignment boutique in Fairfax Square. This store is run by a delightful mother-daughter team, and the bright and charming interior has the look and feel of a high end boutique.

Chic Envy is great for a few things I own that are fabulous but just not fabulous on me. As much as I hate to admit it, I have, on occasion, fallen prey to a trendy piece that is best left to someone who got lucky in the height department. There are also some things that I dropped a few bucks on and used but no longer fit my lifestyle. Those adorable little LV and Gucci bags that only fit keys and lipstick are of no use for this on the go mom!

This weekend I pulled everything for fall that for one reason or another no longer belongs in my closet. I cant wait to bring it over to Chic Envy for 2 reasons -

1. when I go to get dressed, I know in my closet will be things that are flattering (hopefully expediting the dressing process)

2. over the next 3 months, I will get that very welcomed check in the mail for items that were just hanging in my closet anyway!

http://www.chicenvy.com

Give 'em a call to schedule an appointment for fall and winter and let me know what you think!

Before & After: Turning a House into a Home

I love a good "before & after" whether the trasformation involves hairstyles, clothes, makeup or houses & yards I am a sucker for a great reveal! As many of you know I recently moved and I am about the embark on a major redecorating project in our new home. I thought it would be fun to share my progress and feature my very own "before & after" for HPD Fans. I could not do this without the help of my dear friend and interior designer, Kathi Haley from KSH Interiors. She will be keeping me on track and you can be sure you 'll benefit from her talent and pick up some great insider tips and tricks of the trade!

First things first - our family room is the most used room in the house so it seems like a great starting place! Kathi suggested we find a rug first and let it act as the inspiration for the rest of the room. Two weeks ago we were wlecomed by Matt to Coe & Sons Carpet (in Bethesda for the locals). Matt showed me some of the rugs that Kathi had preselected and we narrowed it down to 5 that he would bring to my house so we could see with the wood floors, space and lighting.

I'd been debating between two but in the end, I went with the one that kept drawing my eye. I should have listend to Jackson because it was his favorite from the get-go!

This Saturday we are headed back to Coe & Sons to see some fabric samples that Kathi found for the chairs and sofas to see how they look with the carpet. Stay tuned!

Dress the Part: Go Metro!

My husband is never at a loss when it comes to finding a gifts for me. I keep and ever-evolving jewelry wish list. It is one of my simple pleasures to seek and acquire beautiful, timeless pieces for my collection. I have a favorite associate at Tiffany's who always greets me warmly and and has taken the time to get to know me and my style.

Upon a recent visit to Tiffany's save for a few minutes of catching up, she wasted no time showing me the newest additions to the Metro Collection. She knows I a big fan of the collection and the new 3 and 5 row pave diamond bracelets and the 5 row pave ring are simply stunning. I love it all and have added the 5 row bracelet to my wish list.

My splurge last December included the Tiffany Somerset Bracelet in silver with diamonds, so stylish and sophisticated. Simply a great piece. The bangles in the collection are worth checking out too!

I've Discovered....

Did you guys know there are now toys located in Barnes & Noble? Yes, right in the bookstore! I've recently discovered this and it could be my version of heaven! I could easliy wile away hours shopping for books and now I dont have to feel guilty about it because I can multi taks (yay for me!). It's easy to stop by the toy selection and pick up a treat for my kids or a gift for one of the endless number of birthday parties that will begin when school starts.

The best part in addition to the 10% off for members is that the toys are arranged by ages -which is terriffic if you are looking for a gift for a child that is not the same age as your kids. (moms, you know what I mean!)

My kids love the Alex Arts and Craft kits - everything they need is included and it promises hours of entertainment. Top picks by Thomas (age 7) and Jackson (age 3) are Ready Set School, Crafty Fashion Show and My Giant Busy Box. Prices range from $15-$30.00. I suggest stocking up so you are prepared for any last minute invites. Keep a couple items wrapped and finished with a HPD sticker are you will be ready to hit the school year party circuit (you know its coming!)

Square solid stickers - 27 for 18.00 avail on our web site.

Hostess with the Mostess!

Longtime Hampton Paper Fan, Jessica Jacobson, sent in these great photos from a family get together she hosted at her NJ home. Jessica, aka, the "Hostess with the Mostess" set the tone by using the fern on beautiful invitations encouraging guests to join her for dinner and drinks celebrating summer!

Jessica worked closely with a local caterer to pull together a fabulous meal that won't soon be forgotten. Hors d'oeuvres were served on the patio during a cocktail hour that featured a display of cheeses and spreads served with fresh baguette slices and homemade potato chips highlighted with a fabulous lemon, cucumber and coriander dip. These delectable treats were identified by HPD place cards with a variety of our best food themed images.

As the party goers moved to the front porch to enjoy a sit down meal by candlelight, they were greeted by a table set with a Hampton Paper place cards. The cards at the adult table were adorned with fruits and vegetables to compliment the outdoor theme and the kids were delighted to find their names on place cards with our ice cream cones, a hint of what was coming for dessert!

Guests were treated to a sumptuous meal that started with a chopped salad of mixed greens, beets, cucumber, pine nuts, blue cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The main course included a choice of crab cakes or boneless short rib with an heirloom tomato confit, grilled seasonal vegetables, smashed potatoes and cool corn salad. The mean was finished with an assortment of pastries and blood orange sorbet for the adults and ice cream sundaes for the kids.

Thanks Jessica for sharing with us how HPD enhanced your party. Send us your photos of your Hampton Paper Celebration!