Wednesday Whereabouts

After a nice morning of 70 degree weather, where the girls and I enjoyed eating an iced lemon cake at Starbucks, picking up some new books at the book store, playing at the toy store (Toys & Co.), and seeing all the animals at Pet Smart...it was a lovely day, until...we ventured over to Chick-Fil-A.  We got there at 11:30, and the place was a mad house!  I have never seen so many kiddos running around, while we tried to eat our lunch.  And then the play area was an even crazier story!?  E just stood there taking it all in, about twenty-five kids playing and screaming, running around, while W attempted to play and climb.  She ended up climbing to the very top of the jungle gym, and then wouldn't come down.  "I'm stuck, Mama!" were her precise words.  After much coaxing, and help from the bigger kids, she made it back down...just in time for us to get out of the pure chaos.

W has always asked to go to Chick-Fil-A's play area, whenever we've driven by it, and I've always told her that we'll go one day, when we remember to wear our socks.  Well, we brought our socks today...but I think everyday after this experience, the socks will be "purposefully" left at home!  Whew!  Now, don't get me wrong, I love Chick-Fil-A, we'll just be choosing the drive-thru from now...

So I bet you can guess where I'll be this afternoon, finishing up The Help, while the girls nap!

Happy Wednesday, Y'all!

Tuesday Trends: Random Ramblings

I'm so glad y'all enjoyed the "How to Become a Southern Belle" post from yesterday.  LOVED all the #20's that everyone added, too.  They were all perfect, but my favorite would have to be this one.  Completely agree!

From Kerry:

"Don't make passive aggressive comments. Keep in mind that cloaking an insult in sweetness does not make it okay."

As for The Help, my girlfriends and I didn't see it last night.  We ended up going to get pedicures and then grabbing dinner at Dean & DeLuca.  We're planning on seeing it next week instead, since one of our friends was unable to attend, and we know how badly she's been wanting to see it.  Plus, it gives me more time to finish up the book!  Thanks for the "bring tissues" advice.  I'll be sure and do that!

The U.S. Open started yesterday.  Anyone planning on watching it?  Any favorites?  If you've missed previous posts pertaining to tennis, I'm a huge Andy Roddick fan (even went to see him play at Wimbledon).  I'm always drawn to every match, usually it doesn't even matter whose playing.  I love to watch the points, and see how I can improve my game...not that I'm even in their league, but it helps to see how I can play better.  For my tennis player readers, I love singles and LOVE to serve and volley...not much for long rallys.  I love doubles too.  I'm all about having a partner, but singles is so much better of a work-out.  One thing's for sure, after watching a grand slam tournament, it ALWAYS makes me want to get out and play more!

Still can't believe Thursday will mark the first day of September.

Hope y'all have a great Tuesday evening!

And please continue keep those that were in Irene's path in your thoughts and prayers!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3

Monday Manners: How to Become a Southern Belle

Hope your Monday is going well!  I got some organizing and cleaning done over the weekend, as the hubs was out of town in Mississippi on a boar hunt.  They had no luck, but still had a good time, with good company.  I don't know what it is, but I'm so much more productive when the hubs is gone.  I guess I always feel like he gets a break on the weekends, so I should too.  So I always slack off a little then, but NOT this weekend.  I got so much accomplished, and I needed it!  I put most of the girls' spring and summer clothes away, and got out their fall/winter outfits.  I still think it will be awhile before they wear coats and long sleeves, but it's always nice to be prepared!

So after lots of cleaning out, the girls and I went shopping today.  Can't turn down free balloons at Nordstrom!  One thing on the list, new rain boots.  W grew out of her rain boots, that E can now fit into - perfect timing, so I got her some pink Hunters.  I think she likes them, just a little bit, she's been wearing them all day!  I already own black ones myself, but after seeing hers, I may need to have a little talk with Santa, come Christmas time.  Fuschia may be calling my name...

Hunter 'Original Gloss' Rain Boots in Fuchsia

I also picked up these New Balance running shoes for both girls, for their back-to-school shoes.  They're not allowed to wear crocs or sandals to school, so I knew these would be comfortable and so cute to wear!

New Balance 993 Velcro Running Shoe in Pink

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Found this article on wikihow.com, thought you might enjoy it.  Let me know what you think!

How to Become a Southern Belle

1. To be a southern belle you must first be presented into society, which means a debutante ball or cotillion. 
2. A true southern belle has perfect manners. Read up on your table manners, and make sure to always practice them. When you bump into someone accidently, say "Excuse/Pardon me", when someone gives you a compliment, smile and say "Thank you!". And of course, always be polite to everyone.
3. Respect your elders. Call anyone you meet "Ma'am" and "Sir", unless told to do otherwise.
4. Add the nicknames "Sugar", "Sweetheart", "Darlin'", "Lamb", and "Baby", to your vocabulary, and start calling your friends that. Don't overdo it though!
5. Make sure you always dress well, and are presentable at all times. Do not wear clothes that are too revealing. Southern belles love wearing dresses, pearls, heels, and nice jackets. Invest in a few nice, casual dresses if you can.
6. Keep yourself looking clean and neat. Bathe everyday, wear a light perfume, keep your hair looking nice and clean, keep your nails manicured and polished, and never cake on the make up!
7. Southern Belle's are very family-oriented. Always help out your family, spend quality time with them, and love them. Call your Mother, "Momma", and call your Father, "Daddy", regardless of how old you are!
8. Take compliments well. When you're complimented, do not try to shoot down the compliment. When someone says "You look very pretty today!", smile warmly and say "Thank you! I love your ---!". Complimenting them back shows that you're a sweet, kind person.
9. Smile! A southern belle always has a bright, warm smile on her face.
10. Have Southern hospitality. A southern belle is sweet, kind, and generous to everyone they come across. This is where "Southern Hospitality" comes in to play. If you don't like someone, still be polite and sweet. And if you can't, simply do not say anything!
11. Learn how to make sweet tea! Offer it to everyone who visits your home. It's a Southern staple, and tastes delicious!
12. Do your momma a favor, and clean the house for her a few times a month. Doing chores for your Momma shows that you care, and respect all the sacrifices she does for you!
13. Finish school. A southern belle has an education, and a good head on her shoulders.
14. Don't drink excessive amounts of alcohol. A Southern belle would never be caught singing drunk in her panties.
15. Never swear. Use euphemisms instead. Say "Darn" instead of "D-mn", and so on. Swearing shows a lack of intelligence, it sounds dirty, and it's completely unnecessary.
16. Never speak of using the restroom to anyone. If you need to use the restroom, simply excuse yourself.
17. Southern belles are very religious. Respect your religion, and those of others, as well. God is your number one go-to advice-giver.
18. Have a genuine, sweet, down-to-earth attitude.
19. Pay attention to how you present yourself. Hold your head up high, sit up straight, and have a neat, groomed appearance.

What would YOU add for #20??

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Hope today is a great start to your week!

 Some girlfriends and I are going for pedicures, and to see The Help tonight.

Can't wait to finally see it!

Weekend Inspiration: Mark 4:39

 "And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.

And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Mark 4:39

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Blog Sale Update

Happy Friday, to Y'all!  I've recently updated my blog sale.  Here's what I've got up so far...  And remember, shipping is FREE, and I mail the next day - so yes, I'll be sure and mail it off Saturday morning, if you pay before then.  Also, I ship via Priority, with Delivery Confirmation, so it should arrive to you within 2-3 days.  Feel free to contact me at sweetsouthernprep at gmail, with any questions.

SOLD

New with tags, Lilly Pulitzer Ricci Dress in Kissue, Size 4

SOLD
New with tags, Lilly Pulitzer Cricket Skirt in Hot to Trot, Size 14

SOLD
New with tags, Lilly Pulitzer Sullivan Dress in Yellow Stamped, Size XL

Happy Shopping!

Prayers to all of you on the Eastern seaboard.

I think we're pretty safe here (Threat Level: 2, whatever that means).

Hope y'all stay safe, and hopefully Miss Irene will decide to go east, quickly!!

Thirsty Thursday: Back-To-School Cocktails

Most preschools around this region don't start back until after Labor Day, but I know many of y'all have children heading back to school this week, or you're heading back to school yourself.  For all you ladies over 21, and mothers of the said babies heading to school, I thought you'd love to imbibe in one, two or all! of today's cocktails!  Back to school, at last!  Back to routines and schedules.  I know many of my mommy friends are sooo ready.  Cheers!!

P.S. I wish I could take credit for these creative cocktails. More info on where I found them at the bottom of this post.

The Tardy Slip

2 oz. vodka

4 oz. orange juice
Exactly the same as a screwdriver, but you drink the vodka first,

then the orange juice shows up late and is poured into the empty glass.

Smoking in the Girl's Room

2 oz Bacardi 151 rum
1 Bic lighter
1 Jolly Rancher candy
Pour one shot of Bacardi 151 into a rock glass.
Light.
Frantically blow out the flame and drink while giggling.
Suck on Jolly Rancher candy to mask breath.

Old-Fashioned School Uniform

2 oz bourbon whiskey
2 dashes Angostura® bitters
1 splash water
1 tsp sugar
1 maraschino cherry
1 orange wedge
Mix sugar, water and angostura bitters in an old-fashioned glass.

Drop in a cherry and an orange wedge.

Muddle into a paste using a muddler or the back end of a spoon.

Pour in bourbon, fill with ice cubes, and stir.
Serve on a plaid coaster.

The Bad Report Card

1 shot Tuaca
1 shot Tequila
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
Ice
Fill a large drinking glass with ice. Pour in Tuaca and Tequila shots.
Pour in orange and lime juices.
Mix.
Serve on a homemade coaster, made of folded homework your child has forgotten to turn in.
Enjoy!

All of these fun cocktails were found on Suburban Kamikaze's blog.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Hope y'all have a lovely Thursday!

First come cocktails, then comes water.

Just ordered one of these.

Everyone swears by them.

Opinions?

Photo Credit: 1

Wednesday Whereabouts

Well, we're off to the pool today.  We have enjoyed accompanying my good friend and her daughter to their pool a couple times this summer, at a country club here in Charlotte, and today is the last day it's open during the week.  Bittersweet day, but we're going to make the most of it!!  Our pool is open during the week, until September 5th, with limited hours - 4-7pm.  On a happy note, September brings new episodes of all of our favorite shows, cooler weather and college and professional football games!

Since it was the last full pool day, I treated the girls to some popsicles.  Yum!

Those Ben & Jerry's Half Baked Ice Creams are the best!

W, hanging out with one of her friends

Can you tell it was just a little bright?

Photo Credit: 1

Tuesday Trends: Lilly's Endless Summer Sale

The BEST sale of the year started this morning, and goes until the 25th.  If you shopped, how did you do?  What did you think?  One thing's for sure, this year the sale ran so much smoother than last year!  No computer glitches or sites shutting down.  Such a pleasant shopping experience.  Kudos to all the Lilly workers for doing a wonderful job!  If you haven't checked it out yet, click here!

Because the girls and I are pretty stocked up on Lilly's Spring and Summer line, I was in search of more fall and winter pieces.  I ended up with these three dresses after today.  Yet, I still may shop more before the sale ends on Thursday...

Lilly Pulitzer Jillie Dress in Black

Was $328, Sale Price $39

I couldn't decide between the black or blue Jillie dress,
so at this amazing price, I got BOTH!
Total saved on both dresses: $578!?

Lilly Pulitzer Jillie Dress in Sea Blue
Was $328, Sale Price $39

Lilly Pulitzer Jonah Dress in Iris

Was $168, Sale Price $69

Still have my eye on this one...

Lilly Pulitzer Connie Sweater Dress

Was $198, Sale Price $69

Another great thing is that there is free shipping...so that way you can continue placing orders throughout the three-day sale, without having to worry about shipping costs.

I'd love to know what you scored!  And if you posted about it, let me know, too!  Thanks!

Hope y'all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Pawley's Island Re-Cap

We had a wonderful time vacationing in Pawley's Island, SC last week, with amazing company and beautiful weather.  Still wish we were there!  Now, it's all about getting prepared for school and getting back into the swing of things.  But before I do, here are some photos from the trip.  Hope you enjoy!

Balancing act!

Kindly sharing a swing at the park.

Enjoying breakfast with their great-grandmother - 98!

Consoling E, after she took a pretty hard fall.

Oh, and about the matching Lilly dresses that I posted about last week,

as I was to match them, as well,

I completely forgot my dress!  Fail. :(

Cheese!

Hanging out with Daddy on his birthday!

W LOVED looking at the boats!

Until next year...beach, we sure will miss you!

The pools close soon too, so we'll be taking full advantage, before that time comes.

Hope y'all have a lovely Monday!

Weekend Inspiration: 1 Corinthians 1:3-5

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

For in him you have been enriched in every way-

in all your speaking and in all your knowledge."

1 Corinthians 1:3-5

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Lilly's Endless Summer Sale Info

In case you haven't heard yet, I'll be the one to tell you the exciting news!  Mark your calendars...Lilly's Endless Summer Sale online is THIS Tuesday, August 23rd.  I hope you've saved up, because based on last year's sale, the prices were AH-MAZING!  Lilly's Facebook will announce more of the details soon, but I know last year it started at 10am, and it was CRAZY?!  Actually, that's an understatement.  The sites were down within minutes of the opening time, and phone lines were tied up with frantic Lilly fans calling in to place their orders or to make sure their orders went through at all.  The sale usually last two days, and they're very good at updating the site frequently, with what's left, but I'm just going to warn you, if it's anything like last year, you'll get frustrated...at least once, but after saving so much, it's kind of worth it.

After having brunch with the President of Lilly last October, I specifically asked him if they were even considering another online sale, because of how out of control it got, and he was all for it!  So, I'm guessing they've cleared up the problems and are going to make this year a much smoother experience.  Here's hoping!  To see my previous post with Jim, click here.  Also, to see what all I scored from last year's sale, click here.  I'm not kidding when I say, it's a great sale.  I hope this year is a lot of the same!  Lilly has also removed almost all of their spring and summer items from their website, so I'm guessing they'll be back up for sale on the site on Tuesday, at a super discount.

Oh yeah, and last year, they gave away free spaghetti strap McKims (Retail $88) with every purchase, if you spent over a certain amount.  Can't wait to see what the goodie will be this year!  If you want my personal experience during last year's sale, click here.

Happy Shopping, Ladies!

Can't wait to see what all everyone scores!

Oh, and TGIF!

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On a more important note, the hubs' 32nd birthday is today!  From now until December I can say I'm two years younger than him.  ;)  We're enjoying a wonderful day at the beach, and I can't wait to celebrate HIS day!  He's been working out and swimming a lot lately, and has lost a lot of weight, so I got him an hour-long massage gift certificate which I know he needs, as well as a new Patagonia fleece.  The girls gave him special pictures they had painted.

Thirsty Thursday: Palm Beach Cocktail

We're at the beach until Sunday.  Had to squeeze in one last trip before things get rolling with school and fall weather. I'll be better this time about taking pictures, since it's our last trip this summer.  One photo I won't forget, is getting the three of us in our matching Lilly.

I'll be wearing this...

Lilly Pulitzer Nettie Dress

And the girls will be wearing these...

Lilly Pulitzer Little Lilly Shift in Fallin in Love

And since it's our last beach trip of the summer, I couldn't forget one more, nice and simple "beachy" cocktail...

 Palm Beach Cocktail

1 1/2 Oz. of Gin

1 1/2 Tsp. of Sweet Vermouth

1 1/2 Tsp. of Grapefruit Juice

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass and serve!

Photo Credit: 1

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Here are a couple of items that didn't make it into the consignment sale items I turned in last week.  Must have missed them somehow.  If you're interested, email me at sweetsouthernprep at gmail, and I'll get them out to you on Monday.  Otherwise, I'll be dropping them off to be consigned on Monday.  As always, I offer free shipping!

Brand new, with tags, Size Medium, CALYPSO St. Barth Flutter Tee

Retails for $75, Selling for $35

For more info, click here.

Lilly Pulitzer Goldy Dress in Shorely Blue Swirly.

Retails for $258, Selling for $50. Worn a few times.

Brand new, with tags, Lilly Pulitzer Minnies Miss Porter Skirt, Size 3

Retails for $54, Selling for $25.

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Earlier this week, the girls got creative, and painted some miniature flower pots for me to display over my sink.  Aren't they cute?  I'll be adding their names to the rim, and the date on the bottom, once the paint dries.

Hard at work...

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Yesterday's location was London, England.  Well done, to all of you who guessed it correctly!!  After just finishing Something Blue, I was dying to see a photo of Holland Park.  I have visited London before, but didn't remember visiting this park.  Just breath-taking!

Photo Credits from Yesterday's Post: 1, 2

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Hope y'all have a wonderful Thursday!