Champagne Brunch

Doesn't a Champagne Brunch sound like a great idea for the first weekend in March? It's been rainy and cold here in the Washington, DC area and I cant think of any better way to start my weekend than with my Gourmet Club friends and brunch!

 

I have mentioned before I have a close group of friends in my Gourmet Club and we meet monthly to eat, drink and socialize. We rotate houses and themes and include a few guest in addition to the core 6. We have been doing it for years and its so much fun. Last month, we had a Superbowl theme and you had to bring a dish that was from SF or Baltimore. A++ for everyone's creativity!

 

This month its back at my house and in an effort to mix it up a bit, I thought a brunch might be just the perfect suggestion! I know my husband is looking forward to make a huge omelet bar for all the guests. As for me, my favorite coffee cake recipe from Cotton Country Cookbook.

 

I have a busy few days ahead..setting the tables, flowers and of course setting up a little candy bar for all the kids. We are expecting 17 people. Here's to hoping that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.

 

March Virtual Book Club Selection: Beyond Belief

If you are participating in our virtual book club, here's the March Selection. Beyond Belief, My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape. I started it yesterday on the train to NYC and can't put it down!

 

 

 

I Love NY

I am heading to the Big Apple today. Quick day trip filled with a million memories. There is no better feeling then traveling to the state you will always consider home. Looking for new image inspiration along the way. Happy Wednesday. Hope you are enjoying your week!

Brighter Days

Right about now, mid February I have cabin fever and I am on the verge of going stir crazy. I feel like I cannot take these cold blustery winter days for one more second.  I am my mother's daughter and decided this weekend to take a break from all my HPD New Year's goals (which are coming along so nicely, check check and check)  and head to Neiman Marcus for a quick pick me up.  I purchased Bobbi Brown's Extra Bright Skin Collection and I must say it did the trick and then some. My skin glows. As I embrace yet another cold blustery Monday in Washington, DC I am optimistic that I am within 30 days of spring!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Here's how we celebrated today.

Enjoy your day! XOXO, HPD

Bus Stop Happy Hour Candy Bags! 

For the ladies in the school office! I see them every time I go by the school.

Valentine's for Teachers.

Some Days... Part II

In a blog post in December, I mentioned that as a working mom juggling so many things, I missed the gingerbread house decorating party at my son's school given my hectic schedule. I would be negligent if I didn't also include in a a blog an example of when my work offers me the opportunity to do something that I might otherwise not be able to afford to do.

My youngest son, Jackson is huge Washington Capitals fan and had a 6th birthday coming up in early February. With the exciting announcement in late January that hockey would resume play and an upcoming home game in Washington, DC at the Verizon Center, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take our avid little fan to his first game.

We spared no expense on the gift - 4 tickets, first row behind the penalty boxes, valet parking (my favorite perk), ice cream, pretzels popcorn and drinks to complete the experience. We even had a die hard fan behind us screaming at the refs which provided a lot of color.

I received so many nice and supportive notes from friends and family and words of encouragement that there would be other opportunities. I am headed to the school today for Jackson's Valentine's Day party. I hope  the Caps game +  this party it will compensate for the missed event in December.

Running Out of Time...

Can you believe I started working on these Valentine's in January and am still pressed for time to get them done by Thrs. Wish me luck!Stickers & Candy Bars.

2013: The Year of Firsts

I have shared with you that I have a top 10 goal list for HPD. If you have been reading my blog you may also know I typically try to associate each year with a big personal goal (the year of the engagement, wedding, house, baby, 2nd baby, bigger house, pool etc).  We've come up with a good one for 2013, The Year of Firsts. My son Thomas and I have a goal to try as many new things as possible this year. We checked a number of things off our list in January on our trip to St. John's. My list wasn't quite as impressive as Thomas' but I did try stand up paddle boarding which was incredible! (this is a terrible pic from the trip but the only one I could find!!)

Here's is Thomas' very impressive list:

1.I ate butter that is sold for over $600 a pound
2.saw at least 15 sea turtles
3.paddle boarded
4. Made international friends
5.went snorkeling
6.saw a lobster
7.saw a star fish
8.saw wild donkeys,cats,lizards,and Iguana's
9.tried lobster
10.tried ginger beer
11.saw a angle fish
12. Slept in a hotel room with two floors
13.tried tropical punch 
14.got caught in a riptide
15.went to woody's
16.saw a dolphin
17. Gone on two ferry,s
18.went to the Caribbean
19.saw colonial ruins
20.went to st. Thomas
21.saw three cruise ships
22.deviated a stream
23.rode on a yacht
24.saw thousands of fish
25.riding in a open top cab
26.went to trunk nest
27.did not die at hawk nest

"I" is for Igloo.

Today is a great day to build an igloo (and debut another new image). Just ask anyone in New England. Thanks to my friend Tori for sharing this adorable pics of her kiddies!

Virtual Book Club: The Secret Keeper

For our next virtual book club we are reading The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. I just got my book in the mail today from Amazon. This book had me at the title! Hope you will join us!

                                             

Knit One Pearl Two

"Y" is for yarn. Love the detail and color combo in this new image for our ABC book.                     

Baby Shower Invitations- Elephant or Giraffe?

We are working on baby shower invitations. So many great options! Which do you like best?

J is for Jack in the Box

So new for our ABC Book - "J" is for Jack (in our case, Jackson) in the box. Totally adorable. I can't wait to use this image on correspondence cards.