Weekend Inspiration: Exodus 14:14

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Exodus 14:14

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Fall Lilly 2011 Debuts Online

Happy Friday, y'all!  We head off to the beach tomorrow, and I'm so ready to get there.  But before I go and enjoy time with all my sisters and parents, I thought I'd share some of Lilly Pulitzer's great fall pieces that were just posted online yesterday.  I know it's hard to think about cooler days when it's so warm outside, but when fall does arrive, these will be great pieces to have in your wardrobe.

Here are just some of their many prints and pieces...

Connell Sweater Wrap in Skye Blue Thrill

This looks so comfy and easy to throw on over jeans, to dress it up a little.

Evie Dress in Cameo

Love those turquoise suede heels paired with it!

Jonah Dress in Bright Navy Heel

I have two dresses in this style from last fall. They're great and fit so many different shapes!

Mae Dress

Perfect for a fall or winter wedding!

Noelle Shirt in Bright Navy Polka Dot

This top looks so chic and classy. Looks fabulous with those white pants!

Rivia Flounce Top in Navy

You can't go wrong with navy.  The little bow at the collar is a perfect touch, too!

Shauna Tunic Dress in Bright Navy Brava

If I make this one mine, I'll be wearing this to church a lot this fall and winter.

Sherette Sweater in Island Coral

This wrap sweater is the perfect color, and will pull together any outfit.

Eloise Shirt

Just LOVE this whole ensemble!

Blayney Ruffle Wrap Dress in Bright Navy Bravissimo

The pink/navy color combo is great on this dress.

Cassie Top in Bright Navy Ovation

The Cassie tops are super soft, and can be worn with so much. Love the print on this one!

Duffy Shirt with Cissy Skirt

The heels on this skirt are too cute!

Are you loving the Lilly Fall line too?

Are there any favorites of yours, that I didn't post?

Not that I'm rushing the cooler weather to get here,

but I'm excited about wearing some of these when it gets here!

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

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P.S. Thank you Andrea, Katie, Amy, Catherine and Hillary!  Hope y'all enjoy your bracelets!!

Thirsty Thursday: Razzmatazz and Paula Deen

I hope y'all are having a lovely Thursday.  I've been online this morning browsing Lilly's Fall line.  Have you had a chance to look, yet?  What do you think?  I've definitely got my favorites.  I'm posting some of the many great pieces tomorrow, for Fashion Friday.  Hope you enjoy it!  Thanks so much for all of the well-wishes for W.  She seems to be feeling much better today.  This is wonderful news, since we're heading to the beach on Saturday, and I need two healthy babies for the trip!

How yummy does this cocktail sound?

It sounds pretty simple to make.  Anything with simple sugar in it, for me, is delicious!  I had a roommate in college that loved Absolut Raspberri, so I'm sure she'd love this cocktail, too.

If you'd like an extremely simple dessert to go with this cocktail, try Paula Deen's Pineapple Blueberry Crunch.  When I say simple, I mean it.  It's sooo easy and sooo DELICIOUS!  Trust me, you don't want this sitting around your house too long, or you'll end up eating the WHOLE thing!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, plus more for dish
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, in juice
• 1 (20-ounce) can blueberry pie filling
• 1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13 by 9-inch casserole dish.

Melt 3/4 cup butter in saucepan over low heat.
Pour the pineapple with juice into the casserole dish and evenly spread blueberry pie filling on top. Cover with dry yellow cake mix and top with pecans. Drizzle with melted butter and bake for 35 to 45 minutes.

Happy Sipping and Munching, Y'all!

Wednesday Whereabouts

Little W is sick with a fever today.  So we're at home, letting her rest.  As the girls nap, I'm here...

Well...I wish I was in Nicky Hilton's closet.  I'm actually in my attic, extreme wardrobe cleaning in the works and prepping lots of clothes to consign.  I'm finally getting rid of the clothes that I always find myself saying I'll wear again...and never do.  My husband would agree that it's about time.  Such a great feeling to purge things I don't use or wear!  Maybe in my next house I'll have a closet large enough to keep every season out, instead of having to store it in the attic...hardwood floors are a must, also!

Happy Wednesday, Y'all!

P.S. For all you Lilly Lovers, the fall line will be debuting online tomorrow!

A fabulous Fashion Friday post, full of Lilly, will be in order!  Stay tuned!

One of the MUSTS on my Fall Lilly Lust List!

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Monday Manners: Southern Mothers' Lessons for Her Daughter

 I saw these on The Preppy Princess' blog last week, and had to share them!

Happy Monday!  I hope all of you had a great weekend!  I don't know about your weather, but it was stifling hot here.  We tried to get to the park on Saturday morning, but after twenty minutes of playing, it was unbearable.  When I got home, I checked the weather, and it was already 96 degrees!

Loved these tips.  Let me know what you think, or if you think others needed to be added.

Southern Mothers' Lessons for Her Daughter

• Always say yes ma'am or yes, sir/ no ma'am or no, sir to one's elder.
• Remember to say please and thank you for gifts, kindnesses, and services rendered.

• Remember to write a prompt thank you note when someone has entertained you and for every gift.
• RSVP means Respond if you please.  Do so promptly.

• A gentleman stands when a lady comes to the table and remains standing until the lady is seated.  Do not linger and leave a gentleman standing. Extend a brief but cordial greeting and progress on...or sit if invited so the gentleman might sit and continue his meal.  It is better not to intrude on a private gathering.
• A lady may wear a hat inside.

• Proceed through the door held by a gentleman with a smile and a thank you.
• Walk on the inside when walking down a sidewalk with a lady.
• A lady never walks and smokes.  Indeed, it is preferable that a lady not smoke as that habit will affect her children and the aesthetics of her home and vehicle.
• Never use rude or vulgar language.
• Do not talk with your mouth full.
• Wait until everyone is served before eating
• If your dinner knife becomes dirty, do not put it on the tablecloth.  Place it on the edge of your plate.
• Place the napkin in your lap immediately upon being seated.  If you must stand after putting your napkin in your lap, place it on the chair and not on the table. 
• Wait until everyone is served before beginning to eat.
• Young ladies and gentlemen give up their seat to adults, the infirm, the handicapped, expecting women, or the elderly in crowded buses or waiting rooms. Never be seated until your mother is seated.
• Turn off your cell phone when entering a theater, church or meeting.
• Be modest in demeanor and dress.
• Just like a man, a lady's word should be her bond.

I wish I could take credit for these tips, but I found them here. 

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Pink Pineapple Contrast Tunic

How great are these tunics?  Found them online at The Pink Pineapple.  The only problem is deciding on the color.  I'm leaning toward the pink with navy embellishment.  Even better?  They're 30% off right now, with the "Beat the Heat" promo code: HOT30.

Hope y'all have a great Monday!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4

I've Picked a Winner!

The winner of the 100 postcards giveaway from UPrinting.com is...

Congratulations, Mama K!

Thanks to everyone who entered.  And thanks again for reading!

I'm hoping to have another giveaway soon.

Hope y'all have a wonderful start to your week!

Weekend Inspiration: 2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,

that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body,

whether good or bad."

2 Corinthians 5:10

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Current Summer Faves

Happy Friday, y'all!  I cannot believe there is only one week left of July!  This summer is seriously flying by! Thankfully, I've got two weeks at the beach planned for August, so I'm trying to make the most of it before preschool starts back for the girls, right after Labor Day.  Today, I thought I'd share some of my random, current faves, that I've been enjoying this summer.

Not only is it refreshing, it has no calories, no artificial sweeteners and it's sodium-free!  Around here, they carry it at Costco, Harris Teeter and Target.  I'm dying to try the pink grapefruit flavor.  I've heard it's fabulous!  Also, if you go to their website, here, you can click on recipes, and they offer creative La Croix cocktails, with nutritional info provided...like the La Croix Skinny Mojito.  Yum!

I've never been a big fan of the spray-on kind of suntan lotion before this summer, mostly because I was afraid it would leave streaks or spray marks.  Boy, was I ever wrong.  I got a packet of this at Costco to try, and use it on the girls at the pool everyday, and they are evenly coated, no sticky hands, and it stays put.  I will never go back to regular suntan lotion again.  LOVE this stuff!  And such a time saver!

Ray-Ban 'New Classic' Aviators in Gold

I've used these almost everyday this summer.  They're the perfect shape, and don't droop as much as the classic Ray-Ban aviators.  That's probably why they're called the 'New Classics'.  Great fit and lightweight!

For the girls, they're so much easier to pop on when heading anywhere in the summer, no buckles or straps required.  W can put them on by herself.  One less thing I have to do when leaving the house, the better.  They're not flip-flops, so they're not flipping off the girls' feet when they walk.  SOLD!

Lilly Pulitzer Eryn Dress in Navy Stripe

So this isn't a CURRENT fave, but it will soon become one, once the fall season hits.  Although, I may need to welcome this little dress into my wardrobe before then, in case it decides to sell-out.  Wouldn't this be perfect for an October wedding I'm attending?

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!
We're here this weekend, so it'll be nice to chill and grill out.

TGIF!

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Don't forget, my giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight.  Good luck to all of those who entered!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Thirsty Thursday: Dom Vintage 1990

My youngest sister (#6 of the 6) turned 21 yesterday, and we were lucky enough to help her celebrate it last night.  So glad she has a summer birthday, otherwise I'm guessing she would have been away at school, letting her friends there help her celebrate...at least this way, she was hangover-free this morning, right?

No idea why the hubs (white shirt) was so amused in this photo.

Gigi including the girls in the celebration - JUST apple juice.  Here's the proof!

Cheers!

All grown up.

Three of the sisters representing.  Missed the rest of y'all!

Photo Crashers (my double-first cousin and his fiance)

Sister #6 and her beau

Happy Birthday, MC!  Still cannot believe you are 21!?!  Love you!

Wednesday Whereabouts

Can you guess today's location, for Wednesday Whereabouts?

I edited out the name on the building.

Tuesday Trends: 100 Postcard Giveaway

UPrinting.com is "a leading socially responsible online printing, marketing and technology firm."  The company offers a large array of ways to print anything you need, from banners to flyers, stickers to magnets.  They have been so generous as to offer one SSP reader a great little package.

UPrinting.com is giving away one lucky Sweet Southern Prep reader:

100 Postcards (5x7, 14pt Cardstock Gloss, No Folding, Front Only, with 2 Business Day Turnaround Time).  Sorry, the giveaway is only open to US residents, 18 years and older.  This will usually run you around $56, but for one reader, it's FREE!

If you're having trouble choosing a postcard design, click here to check out some great design templates.

Here's how you can enter to win:

1 Entry:  Become a follower of Sweet Southern Prep (or let me know you already are)
Extra Entry:  Grab my button (or let me know you already have it)

Extra Entry:  Blog about the UPrinting.com giveaway on your blog

Extra Entry:  Tweet about the giveaway (make sure to tell me your name on Twitter)
Extra Entry:  Add my giveaway to your sidebar

An extra entry each for every time someone refers you in their comments, about how they found out about the giveaway (I'll keep track of this.).  Endless entries!

Please let me know in ONE comment, how many entries you get.  The easiest way would be to list it on your comment, 1., 2., 3., etc in one comment box.  That would help organize it for me a great deal.  There are lots of ways to get extra entries.  The giveaway will end on Saturday, July 23rd, at 11:59pm.  I'll choose a winner on Sunday, July 24th, and announce the winner the next day on Monday's post.

Good luck, y'all!  And thanks again for reading!

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Hope y'all have a great evening!

I'm headed to see Hairspray: The Musical tonight.  Should be a good one!

Monday Manners: If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say...

...don't say anything at all.  Okay, so this may seem a bit harsh to some of you, especially if you agree with the girl writing this letter to the editor, but I just had to share this.  I can hear every mom in the world out there reading her inquiry, and saying in unison, "Did she REALLY just say that?!"

Thanks Fried Pink Tomato for posting this article.  So so gratifying...even let the hubs read it the other night.

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On another note, this weekend was so great...nice and relaxing.  I hope y'all had a great weekend too!  We actually made it to church, since we were finally in town for once.  I was so glad to be back.  Keeps me grounded.  W even walked up to the children's moment by herself this time...this was a big step, and she was so proud of herself, and we were too.  Last night, we cooked out at a friend's, with about ten singleton friends or so.  W and E were content enjoying their backyard.  W thinks every leafy plant is mint lately, so she kept pulling weeds up from one part of their yard, and bringing them in, saying, "Do you want to smell some mint?"  No one had the heart to tell her otherwise.  Pretty entertaining.
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One last heads up...If any of you had an interest in the classic, Rachel Leigh Audrey bracelet that I posted a little while back (click here for the earlier post)...you're in luck!  From now until 11pm tonight, The Aisle has the ice blue, white, light pink, gold and silver Audrey bracelets on sale for $47 (that includes shipping, and no tax!).  They're normally $72!  Click here for your free invitation to The Aisle, so you can have a look.  Also, I even went so far as to call the Rachel Leigh boutique in New York a couple of months ago, inquiring about the white one (because it wasn't available online anymore), and they said they were on back-order, and then later got an email from Summer is a Verb that they were being discontinued, so needless to say, here's your chance to get these before they're gone!

Thanks Living Well, for the heads up on this sale!

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I had a couple of inquiries about where I purchased the girls' terry blue/white striped dresses, that they wore after the pool to get yogurt, on Thursday.  They're Ralph Lauren.  I believe they have them in a pink/white stripe and yellow/white stripe, as well.  I'm a Carolina girl (North Carolina Tarheel girl that is, for all of my South Carolina readers), so I had to get the light blue/white color combo.

For the record, four of us went to UNC, one went to NC State, and the youngest of the sisters is at South Carolina now.  See, UNC wins in our family...haha...well, aside from my parents (my mom went to Clemson) and my dad (went to The Citadel and then MUSC in Charleston).  Honestly, my mom is a die-hard Tiger and my dad has no true alliance.  Sorry, Daddy.  He tends to cheer on whichever daughter's alma mater is in college at the time...so right now, he cheers on the Gamecocks...boo.  Many of his brothers, AND his nieces and nephews went/go to Clemson, and he STILL cheers for South Carolina...just don't get it.
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How lovely and nautical is this navy top?  It's classy, with a subtle touch of summer.  A great piece!

Lilly Pulitzer Aude Embellished Top

Oh, and while we're on Lilly, no shock there, has anyone picked up their newest agenda yet?

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda in Luscious Pink

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Ramble, ramble today.  Sorry about that!

Tomorrow, I'll be announcing another giveaway, so stay tuned.

Hope y'all have a great start to your week!