Journaling....

The Hampton Paper journals have been a huge hit for recording summer travel and now for helping kids read and practice their writing. My 2nd grader, Thomas, has been writing in his every night and we recently received a "October Challenges" list from his school that is perfect to incorporate into his journal. Some questions may require help on the computer but that's just another way to spend time with your children helping them learn!

I recommend you date the journal entries, so you kids can see how much better their writing has gotten in a short time.

Here is the list of questions. Enjoy!

1. Mahatma Gandhi was born Oct 2. Why is he famous?

2. Eleanor Roosevelt was born on Oct 11. Why is she famous?

3. Celebrate Pablo Picasso's birthday by looking at some of his paintings. Describe his style. What are the names of some of his works?

4. What started the Great Chicago Fire? In which state is Chicago?

5. Who discovered Penicillin? Why is this medicine so important?

6. Put these words in ABC order:

Columbus, October, skeleton, scary, candy, football, spider, costume, moon, leaves, Halloween, scarecrow, web

7. What are the ingredients for making candy corn?

8. Oct 13th is the anniversary of the beginning of the US Navy. In what year did it begin? What do you know about the Navy?

9. What is a full moon? On which day this month do we have one?

10. National Magic Day is celebrated on Oct 31st. Learn a magic trick

11. On October 11th, we will be celebrating a holiday. Why do we celebrate this holiday?

12. Draw or describe a fall flower as seen by an ant

13. List ways that summer turns to fall

14. Describe a popcorn popper that could be used in space - remember there is no gravity in space

15 Brainstorm on things that are orange.

16. Steven Kellogg's birthday is Oct 6th. Checkout one of his books and read it to someone. What book did you choose and to whom did you read it?

17. It's National Pizza month. Write down the steps it takes to make a pizza.

18. United Nations day is Oct 24. Why do we celebrate this day? What is the United Nations?

19. What was the first "talking" film made? (It debuted Oct 6)

20. Which US President was born on Oct 27th?

21. How does a pumpkin become a jack-o-lantern?

22. Write a poem about October

23. Make a list of October adjectives (adjectives are describing words)

24. Make up a challenge of your own

25. On Oct 19, 1752 who discovered that lightening is electricity? How did he do it?

26. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Oct 28, 1886. Where did this statue come from? What does it stand for? What does it say on the tablet?

Welcome to our New Celebrity Fans!

Welcome to our new Celebrity Fans: Kyle Richards, Nancy O'Dell and Denise Richards!


Kyle Richards- star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills which premiers in October with Hampton Paper Holiday Note Sheets

Nancy O'Dell with Whale Tote personalized for her daughter Ashby

Must Read: True Prep

My longtime friend and a true "preppy" from the 80s, Megan, came by my house last week with breaking news. True Prep the latest from the authors of The Official Preppy Handbook was released this week and is avail on amazon. I am placing my order today!

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!