Monday Manners: Why a Pineapple Symbolizes Hospitality

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend!  We're still at the beach, but heading home soon.  I'm sure I'll have some fun beach pictures to follow, sometime soon.
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I obviously love the pineapple symbol and know it represents hospitality, but wasn't quite sure how the pineapple came about being the symbol.  I researched some info on it, and found this:

According to WikiAnswers, Christopher Columbus was the first to write about the pineapple in one of his journals.  He wrote that when he and his men landed on the island of Guadalupe that they were served the sweet, succulent new fruit.  After this, the pineapple was served at most of the native feasts.  Columbus then brought it back to Europe in 1493, and everyone enjoyed the sweet taste of it.  Horticulturists took almost two centuries trying to figure out how to cultivate the pineapple in Europe.  So obviously, the pineapple was a hot commodity.  In the 1600s, King Charles posed for an official portrait while receiving a pineapple as a gift.

In colonial America, hostesses would set a pineapple in the middle of their tables when guests were to come over.  The concept of hospitality was a central element in colonial life.  The pineapple, then, symbolized the warmest welcome a hostess could extend to her guests, and then it was often served as the dessert.

"Creative food display became a competition among the hostesses, because it declared her personality and her family's social status. Hostesses tried to outdo one another in creating memorable dining events. In larger, more affluent homes, the doors to the dining room were kept closed to create an air of suspense and excitement over the preparations of the hostess. Colonial grocers sometimes rented pineapples to hostesses desperate to create a dining experience above their financial means. Later, once that hostess had returned the pineapple, the fruit would be sold to more affluent clients who could afford to actually buy and eat it. Regardless of ones financial ability to actually buy and eat the pineapple, however, visitors to the homes that displayed the pineapple felt particularly honored that the hostess had spared no expense to secure one in their behalf."

"By the Gilded Age, which was the era in which Samuel Couples lived, through the present day, the pineapple became a familiar symbolic image of welcome, good cheer, and warmth and affection between all who dwell inside the home."

Sorry if I bored y'all too much with this, but I thought it was so interesting!  You learn something new everyday, right?

Photo Credits:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Weekend Inspiration: Phillippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Phillippians 4:6-7

Shannon, over at Webbisodes, used this verse in her blog this past Thursday.  Her precious, little daughter, Gillian Grace has come down with something, and they're still not sure what it is.  Please keep little GG and her family in your prayers.

Isn't it true that when you give thanks at the beginning of any prayer, after you've said everything you're grateful for, it's kind of hard to rant about your problems and issues to the Lord?

Photo Credits:  1, 2

Fashion Friday: SATC2 Pre-Screening Party

What a fun way to spend a Wednesday night!  I went with one of my best friends, Ashley, that I hadn't seen in over two months (since her wedding!), so it was great to catch-up, while enjoying the festivities at this fun event.  Here's a little sampling, in photos.  Again, I apologize for the poor quality of the photos.  I brought my smaller camera, and it's not half as good as my Canon.  In addition, I would have taken a trillion more pics, but my camera died just as we were getting creative with the picture-taking.  Haha.

The event was held at a swanky restaurant called Dressler's.  I met the owner that night and he's the nicest guy.  He was all spiffed up in a tuxedo for the event.  So cute!  He was having a great time, but was a little bummed because his 7-year old was playing in a baseball game that night, and he had to miss it.

Upon our arrival, a server greeted us with Cosmos. A perfect start to the night.

I went with this Beth Bowley dress instead, as it was a little more dressier than the Lilly, and more fitting for the event.

I didn't want to freak this lady out by taking a photo of her, but do you see the gorgeous lady on the right of me?  

Carrie wears a very similar pink dress in the movie.

Drink #2?  Lemon Drops!

Yes, camels were at the event too.  No riding them though.  That would have been a sight!  

Tipsy ladies trying to get on camels?  It definitely would have been entertaining, that's for sure!

The red carpet at the event.  Don't you love Ashley's flower brooch?

And just when we were getting artsy, my camera died.  :(  These were called Blond Ambitions, and were by far the best drink of the night.  They had a pineapple taste.  Yum!

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As for the movie, here are a couple of my favorite parts.  These are vague on purpose, not to spoil any surprises for those of you who have yet to watch it.

-  You'll never guess who gets married!

-  I know you've seen Liza Minnelli in the previews, but wait until you see what song she dances to.
    It's hilarious, but awesome at the same time.  Lets just say, I was very impressed.

-  I'm hoping never to hire a nanny like Charlotte's.  You'll see why, when you watch.

-  The next "it" piece of jewelry will be Carrie's diamond encrusted/pave four-leaf clover necklace.  A
    little large for my taste, but of course it looks good on her.

-  Samantha's flame in this one is just as hot as all her others.  She also doesn't disappoint in this sequel.
    One word:  HILARIOUS!

-  Loved the soundtrack!

-  One of my favorite scenes:  Charlotte and Miranda's conversation, over cocktails of course - way too
    many cocktails!  It was priceless!
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If you're heading out to watch it this weekend.  You're in for a real treat!  I'm headed to the beach, and hoping for some beautiful weather.  Whatever your plans are, hope y'all have a great time!

Happy Memorial Day!

Remember to say a prayer for all of those serving/served,
who have shaped our country into what it is today.

I've Picked a Winner!

The winner of the giveaway this time is...

W saw me taking pictures, and wanted me to take one of her, with one of her babies.  She kept holding the baby up in front of her face (facing her), instead of at the camera, saying "Cheese!"

Seersucker Scrapper

Congratulations!

Alright, now if you weren't chosen, as usual, no worries!  I've got a great new giveaway starting next week, since I now have over 200 followers.  At the rate this is going, I'm going to be having a giveaway every week, but that's okay.  I love giving fun things away!  I'll tell you all the details soon!

Thirsty Thursday: Carrie's Classic Cosmo

From the first Sex and the City movie:

Miranda:  Why did we ever stop drinking these?
Carrie:  Because everyone else started.
Samatha:  Well, that one's an oldie but goodie.

Carrie's Classic Cosmo

Ingredients

1oz Vodka
1/2oz Triple Sec
1/2oz Fresh Lime Juice
1/2oz Cranberry Juice

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon or lime twist.

Now how many of you ladies are going to sneak these in, when you see the premiere?  Haha.

Photo Credit: 1, 2

And what would I be wearing?

A great Pink and Green Thursday look, right Trish?

Lilly Pulitzer Worth Shift Colorblocked in Classic White Not So Crabby

Tory Burch Miller Thong Sandals in Royal Tan

I know it seems a little un-Cosmopolitan, but channeling Charlotte, I would wear this dress, since she wore this Lilly pattern in the movie last night!  I have a feeling it's going to be a pretty popular little Lilly piece.  And the TB tan sandals would go with everything!
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The SATC2 pre-screening was so much fun last night!  I think I loved it just as much, if not more, than the first movie.  I mean, c'mon, Aidan came back!  I'll post my re-cap on tomorrow's Fashion Friday post, so stay tuned.  Don't worry, I won't spoil anything for you ladies seeing it soon!  I also took some pictures, but unfortunately I only brought my small digital one, so the quality is a little poor AND my battery died way too soon.  At least I got some taken, right?  Y'all, they had camels and belly dancers at the event!
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Obviously the location yesterday was Egypt.  They don't exactly head to Egypt, but to the UAE (United Arab Emirates), but it still looks like a very fun place to travel.

Photo Credits from Yesterday's Egypt Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Wednesday Whereabouts

Can you guess the country?

I know, I know.  This week's location is pretty easy, but I had to choose it!  I could have done New York City, but wanted to make it a little more fun, to celebrate Sex and the City 2, coming out tomorrow!

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Tonight I'm heading to a SATC2 "Bigger Than Big" Pre-Screening and Party.  It's also a fundraiser benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Don't worry I won't spoil anything on Thursday's post, but I will let you know my general thoughts.  Cannot wait!  In addition to cocktails before, and champagne and dessert afterward, we get swag bags there too.  I'm excited to see what's inside.  I'll try and take a ton of photos too.  My biggest concern isn't what to wear at this point, it's remembering my bracelet, to get in!

If you live in the Charlotte area, click here for more details.  I think there are a few tickets still available.
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Thank you, Hannah, for calling me about the consignment sale yesterday.  I was meeting a friend for lunch, otherwise you know I would have shopped around longer.  I'm going to wear the green Beth Bowley dress I got, tonight!  Perfect!  Next time the sale comes around, I'll be sure and give my Charlotte readers a heads up.  Great deals, from a bevy of designers!  From Susana Monaco to Splendid, Tracy Reese to Beth Bowley.  Loved it all!
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One more heads up.  Today is the last day to enter my giveaway.  Good luck to all who entered!

Tuesday Trends: Cover-Ups

I cannot believe Memorial Day is coming up, and June will be here next week!  I thought I'd include some fun cover-up choices for the beach, since that's what I'll be wearing over my bathing suits while vacationing.  Cannot wait to hurry up and get there!

J.Crew Lightweight Cotton Shore Dress

I'm usually a huge fan of J.Crew cover-ups, but this year the ones I like the most are made of silk.  

Not the best thing to throw on after a swim.  

This cotton one works though, but where are the fun, summery, bright colors?

Old Navy Hooded Jersey Cover-Up

Lilly Pulitzer Elina Tunic Cotton Lawn Printed

Lilly Pulitzer Elina Tunic Cotton Slub Lawn Solid

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Bandeau Swim Cover-Up

Anthropologie Gossamer Henley

Anthropologie Ipanema Dress

Anthropologie Haight Ashbury Cover-Up

Doesn't this make you want to head to the beach, pool or lake, ASAP?

Hope the weather forecasts are looking great for everyone traveling this weekend!

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Anyone watch The Bachelorette last night?  So far I love Frank and Cape Cod Chris.  Who do y'all like?
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Lots of fun with the family this weekend.  My favorite!  We attended a friend's birthday, two of their children have birthdays in June, so they combine them.  Pretty smart!  It's always a blast every year.  They even think of the parents, a wine and beer bar?  So nice!  This year they had a guy playing great music, and a magician.  W  had a blast, and was one of the last kids to leave.  I apologize ahead of time for the bombardment of photos.

Sister #5 with E (#5 just graduated and left today for a 3-week European backpacking trip.  So lucky!)

Sisters #3, #5, E, Me

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For everyone entering the giveaway, Preppy in Paradise said they're adding a little surprise, along with the tote.  Whoever wins has to spill the beans when you receive your tote from them.  I'm dying to know!  If you haven't entered yet, click here.
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I've also got a pair of brand new Lilly Pulitzer Callahan shorts on ebay for $24.  

If you're interested, click here.

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If you're interested in entering another Lilly Pulitzer giveaway, Pink Preppy Lilly Lover is generously giving away a Murfee scarf.  Trish is seriously one of the most thoughtful people, and always has the kindest words to write on my blog.  Her blog is just as cheery as she is!  For more details about the giveaway, click here.