Ring The Bell, Sound the Alarm!

My son Jackson is turning 4 in February and you know I love, love, love to plan a birthday party (or any party for that matter)! Birthday parties are a big deal around my house, excepting one big milestore coming up that I would just as soon forget, thank you very much. I think you ladies know where I am coming from on that one. Back to the matter at hand I am consumed with the fact that he will only turn 4 once so why not go all out? Like most boys his age, Jackson is obsessed with Firetrucks so we decided to make that the theme. So far we have had a blast planning the party.

The following is what we have done so far-

Step 1. Call upon Hampton Paper artist Lucy to create some fabulous images around our theme (yes I freaked at the mailbox when the arrive because they are so perfect!)

Step 2. Now its time to create and send the invites; which we all know is where a great party starts. The guests will know they are in for a treat.

Step 3. Speaking of treats, call Kristy Patterson of Sweet Nothings to start planning a candy table. Nothing says birthday fun like a munch of rambunctious 4 year old boys and girls running around hopped up on sugar! (Sweet On)

Step 4. Next on my list, contact party planner extrodionare and author of Kiki's List, Krista Salmon for some great brainstorming ideas.

Step 5. Call James Woo from James Woo Photography so we can capture the event!

Stay tuned to see how we plan the entire party!

On My Bookshelf

During the small post holiday lull, I was able to pick up a few books from some of my favorite authors. It seems like its been months since I had time to curl up with a good book.

I just finished....

Nicholas Sparks - Safe Haven (engaging but predictable)

Anita Shreve - Rescue (read Testimony first!)

Elin Hilderbrand -The Island (good but others are better)

Next on My List....

Kristin Hannah - Winter Garden

Lauren Weisberger - Last Night at Chateau Marmount

Anxiously awaiting the release of.....

Mary Higgins Clark - I'll Walk Alone

Jodi Picoult - Sing You Home

Please let me know what you have read recently that you would recommend!

Kristin Hannah - Night Road

I've Been Searching....

Etoile Towels

Eolaine Bedding

Gatsby Washable Silk

I've been searching for fabulous towels for years. Really, its been a mission of mine to find towels that remain soft plush and absorbent wash after wash. It doesnt seem like that tall of an order. I mean we can get a man on the moon but we can't manufacture a decent towel. Really? I have tried many brands (that shall remain name less, but you know who you are) until I hit a winner!

Flash back to summer '10 when I received a 20% off flyer in the mail from Yves Delorme. Hmmm. this got me thinking. I had purchased 2 towels from them a year or so ago and although very small (possibly bath size for children, but that is a mystery for another day) they were very near to fulfilling my towel wish list. I had just moved into my new home and decided it was the perfect time to invest in new towels for everyone.

I am pleased to report the towels turned out to be fab. Totally soft even after months and months of use and laundering. In addition, they stayed pristine white and maintained that fluffy new look. Did I mention that I am a lone woman in a house with a husband and 2 young sons? You can be assured that these towels havent been coddled, they are not hanging nicely in a spare bathroom somewhere, they are working towels!

Giddy from the success of my completed town mission, I am forging ahead. I am looking forward to my new purchase from Yves Delorme. I am expecting their bed linens to live up to the standards set by those fantastic towels. I purchased the linens in the Eolaine pattern in Flax and a blanket and shams in the Gatsby their washable silk and I am confident they too will be soft and luxurious.

I am waiting on one more piece and then I will post before and after photos!

Baby It's Cold Outside....

Winter in the Hamptons is quiet. And very cold! When I was there last weekend, a storm was predicted but a few flakes couldnt keep me from visiting one of my favorite stores, Calypso. After all, I went to UVM where a typical January day calls for rain, sleet or several feet of snow.

If you have never been to Calypso I would describe it as what a boutique should be...an assortment of "must have items" that ensure you wont look like everyone else! I never leave empty handed and I not only wear all the items I buy but I find multiple ways to wear them too. (wouldn't Tim Gunn be proud of me?)

I found a few great pieces on sale and those in addition to the many lovely pink Calypso boxes under the tree from my Dad enabled me to depart the Hamptons with some great pieces for now and spring!

As an added bonus, most items are cut very generously so I feel super skinny with my size "XS" and "S" in my bag.

Items Shown:

1. Nick Button Down $175.00

2. Classic Duster $250.00 100% cashmere(I received the Navy Blue but an assortment of colors are avail. If heaven is in the form of a wrap - this is it!)

3. Smocked Blouse $149.00

4. Pintuck Blouse $99.00 ( I actually got this in white (shocking I know) but only see black and grey on line. Call Westhampton location for white.

http://www.calypsostbart.com/

Will You Be Mine?

I am already thinking about Valentine's Day. I have a very clear memory of the excitement that surrounded Valentine's Day when I was in grade school. From making the mail box (by decorating a shoe box or a large brown paper bag- we were very high tech in Glens Falls, NY) to reading the cards from class mates; it was always a fun time of year.

I remember carefully choosing the Valentine cards from Schatz, taking a great deal of time addressing each one to my friends and decorating them with stickers. I was very careful of course not to send any "mushy" ones to the boys. Except maybe one boy... Do you remember your first Valentine's Day crush? I do. I wonder where he is now....

Some things have changed but my love of Valentine's day has not. I am looking forward to helping my kids create personalized Valentines for their friends.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hampton Paper Personalized Sq Stickers 27 for $18.00 http://www.hamptonpaperdesigns.com/

It's Not Too Late!

It's not too late to RSVP to attend the Grand Opening of The Dandelion Patch's 4th location, Leesburg!

In celebration of the grand opening on Thursday, January 6, 2011 from 7 pm - 9 pm Hampton Paper is offering a set of 27 free personalized stickers to all those who attend the opening! You can choose any design from our gallery of over 200 plus images!

Above are a few ideas.

RSVP to the event at leesburg@thedandelionpatch.com

My Girl: Jackie O

It's no secret I am obsessed with Jackie O. Considering she seems to continually resurface on magazines and in books, it's evident I am not the only one! For Christmas I received the new book about her work as a book editor, Reading Jackie and I am looking forward to yet another glimpse into her world.

I also just came across this fab photo of her in London circa 1970 taken by Ted West at Ralph Lauren and decided it was a must for my new house.

Print available for $450.00 at Ralph Lauren www.ralphlauren.com