Musings From The Kitchen Island

Our island looks unassuming. It is made of white beadboard with a black granite, but let me tell you it was quite the decision. When we purchased this house our kitchen had a huge open space in the center that we couldn't decide what to do with. Should we just leave it or add an island. We finally decided to custom build an island with a beverage refrigerator and an ice maker. Now I cannot imagine our house without it. It is truly the hub of our house and when it is armed with a tervis full of Arnold Palmer zero, an iPad and a few supplies and it can solve just about any problem you throw at it.

The island turns into a DJ booth after dinner and kids have their very own dance party...all we are missing is a disco ball and some bad nightclub outfits! Tonight was no exception, so while they go their groove on to Dynamite and Zac Brown band, I got a couple of new baby baskets wrapped, picked out our new kitchen refrigerator, approved the new cabinets and design, filled out Mini K's rental form for skiing tomorrow, made a hair appointment and sent some clients ideas for professional stationery.

Mr. G came home and mentioned that this is our nightly "happy hour" in D.C.: trying to get everything done, while spending time with your kids. When I was pregnant with Mini K I thought about how no one I know is actually from D.C. yet I was going to have a baby at a D.C. hospital and now I have 2 D.C. kids. I am not sure what is "normal" for growing up in D.C., it is most certainly NOT good high school football games on a Friday night, huge backyards or drive thru Starbucks, but there is something I like about having two city kids. Mini K knows that we walk, she thinks the Smithsonians are the norm for museums, a presidential motorcade is merely something that makes us late and that Georgetown Cupcakes is where one MUST go for the early dismissal cupcake fix. I couldn't help but think of a certain video (excuse the language!) that has been circulating around D.C. ...it pretty much sums it up.

I am sure every city and town have some things that are just "theirs", just like we each have some things we just do. For me, the baby basket is just something I do. I HAD to know if I was having a boy or a girl both times, but lately it seems people prefer to be surprised. I always tend to give a monogrammed gift once the baby is born, or some Political Playwear if the parents are in politics, but my go to shower gift is the baby basket. I put the same things in it every time. They are items that I loved and used with both kids (except Sophie as she wasn't around when Mini K was a baby!). I always package them in a bucket that the parents (read MOM) can use after the baby is born to store diapers, wipes and burp cloth on the living floor.

I made two of these buckets tonight at the kitchen island. They each have a Sophie in them, a Sophie leash so she doesn't suffer a tragic fall from the stroller or carseat, paci wipes, Boogie Wipes, stain spray, hangers from Buy Buy Baby (there is something about them that makes them better for the 12-24month clothes), and nighttime washclothes that already have the organic baby wash in them. I toss everything in the bucket, add a cello bag, some ribbon and a gift tag and off it goes. I loved getting items that friends thought were useful and hope these new moms feel the same way.

We then tackled homework, tomorrow's lunch, tomorrow's ski trip, the final details of next week's Kate and Libby trunk show, a few phone calls and a ponytail later we are off to tackle bath, story and bedtime!

SO my quesiton is, am I the only one that feels like they live in the kitchen and do the same routine each day?

The Juggle

I think every working mom knows what I am talking about it...that feeling that hits you at least 20 times a day where you wish, just for a second you could figure out how to create that extra hour so you could get it all done. That was me this weekend.

The fall is our second busiest time next to May-June, and we LOVE our clients. I am pretty sure I love to shop when I get an email from a client asking us to do ALL of their holiday shopping for them. I love sending them ideas and photos regardless of the budget. I think we all love to watch someone open a gift and know they love it and said gift didn't break your budget.

When asked, what should I get so and so, my answer is always the same: something they would never or rarely buy themselves. In this economy, I think that is even more important. In my book that usually means something monogrammed. We were blessed with four of those emails this weekend. I promise to post what everyone decided on, but yesterday was spent in a blur of orders that left me on the sofa at 11pm THANKFUL. I love this business. I love that is has nothing to do with my day job, that it allows me to be part of the happy occaisions of others and that is gives me more than a few excuses to personalize or monogram just about anything. What is often does not give me is the ability to stare at my computer screen for 18 hours a day updating the website! If only I had magical powers of product uploading. Santa are you listening to my request? Oh wait...I think I know Santa's website ability!

I still think this is one of the best under $20 gifts. The bracelet comes on a white or light pink silk cord and a percentage of the proceeds go directly to Locks of Love. A perfect present for a friend, that tween on your list or a little something to wear yourself to remind you to not take your blessings for granted! You can purchase it right HERE.

We love these door hangers. They are perfect for a baby's room, no boys allowed, the bathroom, or to say We are around back!

This morning started with the first of 2 planned photo sessions of Mini K and Baby C...one of which had better leave us with a Christmas card photo. I don't if I have mentioned that baby C is really in no hurry to do anything but eat, sleep and smile. I am not complaining but propping a 20lb baby boy up against his very girlie big sister is quite a workout!

After photos we had our annual neighborhood Halloween parade. In her continuous love affair with Food Network's Cupcake Wars, she went as a CUPCAKE.

She had so much fun and now the kiddos are asleep and I am processing orders for birthdays, holiday cards and more! So if you have a list and you don't see it on our site, just email us, we are here, and shopping is our love!

Remember to let us help take a few people off of your list...check out this week's Tuesday Tiding's as 2 little boys can get a FREE monogrammed water bottle. They will ship out on Wednesday and so far not one person has entered with that name. Hint. Hint.

Welcome Distractions

First, thank you all so much for all of your kind comments and most of all your prayers for my mother. Please keep them coming. She has gotten a little movement back in her left foot, but still cannot move the rest of her left leg and still has a fever. I have learned more about West Nile Virus in the last few days, and let me tell you, it is scary. It can last days, weeks or months, it just depends. Well you can imagine how much that unknown is to my control freak, science always has an answer medical mother. I might get grounded for some of the stuff I pulled today, but she is in a hospital in Dallas and I am in D.C., what is she going to do ground me? She is so focused on not asking for anything special, because she is the boss, that she is miserable. So I got her hospital food menu changed, and before you think she is getting filet and everyone is getting mush, relax. Iced tea instead of coffee, no gravy and cheerios instead of cornflakes. Seriously, minor things, that I know will make a big difference. Unfortunately, my list of names of people who feel that this is the perfect time for them to plead their case before her since she is trapped, well I have news for them....just as soon as they tell me I can be in the same room with her, watch out. If you are not nice to my mother, then you will deal with me.

I cannot believe tomorrow is Friday. Thank you to all of our fabulous clients that have kept me busy with orders. I have loved the distraction of focusing on smiling babies, happy couples, new houses, birthday parties. I started this business as a creative outlet, but this week it has become a welcomed distraction, that constantly makes me stop and think how many special, talented and kind women I have met.

One of my favorite designers just finished a birth announcement for a dear friend and I promise to share it with you tomorrow. And yes we carry invites and holiday cards, but no they are not on the website. There is a reason to this madness. When you need these, it is a special time, and Grove Gal E and I are a small, okay really small, company and we love to give our clients personal attention. SO we like working with each of you one on one. You tell us what you need and we email you options, once we have found that perfect one, you are all set. Plus if everything was on the website, I would have spent the last 3 days thinking, okay worrying, about my mother nonstop.

If you are on twitter than you know that the fabulously chic KEP Designs is offering their followers 20% off through Saturday. I am thinking I will order mom a little pick me up.

Please do me one last favor, since I cannot hug my mother or hold her hand, I have to think of her sayings and how much she teaches through her words and actions everyday. So I leave you with this:

Remember that when you fight with someone you love, you love them regardless of how you feel about their actions. And when the fight is over, it is over, unless you want to be reminded of your worst hair moment forever.

See why I love her? I have chosen not to discuss how horrified that I am by the fact that I am pretty sure I caught her talking back to Fox News today, and she emailed me an update on the injury status of Dancing With The Stars contestants.

So go be with your loved ones, dear readers, and sleep tight.

Chic Tuesday

If only. I really wish I had some fabulous shopping tip for you, or a preppy tip or two, but instead I have a stack of orders to process (THANK YOU fabulous PGG clients), a hamper full of laundry that I am avoiding (because it will eventually take of itself right?) and thank you notes that I must write.

And while I am confessing, I did get the Boden 20% email and the Ballard Designs 20% email and am thinking...does Mini K need anything, should I just go ahead and order the new barstools. Then I have a J. Crew moment, are these 20% off emails, just the teaser to the 25% off emails? Because we all know what comes after the EXTRA 20% J. Crew FINAL SALE, the EXTRA 30% off FINAL SALE email. Oh yes I am on to you J. Crew.

If it wouldn't keep me up all night I would go get a fountain diet coke in a styrofoam cup from McDonalds.

So since life is anything but chic right now, I had to at least give myself a pretend post title. Please tell me I am not the only one living a very not glamorous life today.

Crawling Out...

I realized when I finally sat down today to watch my beloved Longhorns that you were probably wondering where I have been. Let me tell you, it has been quite the week.

Mini K LOVES her new school. I mean runs to the door in her pj's in the morning, puts her backpack by her bed at night, love. I am thrilled, but it has been an adjustment. Before this week, Grove Land woke up around 8am and arrived at school between 9:30-10am. Well Mini K HAS to be at school...by 8am...and I just don't think I can send her with a note that says: "My mom is really proud of me that I can sleep in, sorry I am over an hour late...everyday." Needless to say those early mornings have made me adopt a new bedtime of 10pm.

Exciting no, but true.

And speaking of the Grove, we have been busy. Baby announcements, wine tastings and holiday soiree invites galore, the orders have been coming in. THANK YOU!

I spent today packing up all of summer clothes and unpacking fall ones...now I just need the weather to cooperate with my organization skills.

Tomorrow, I am tackling the PGG website....so many new products to add, finishing my must purchase for fall list and deciding on a new hair dryer. And I am guessing half of you are thinking I have lost my mind for researching a hair dryer, the other half of you (Nina) know that thick hair can mean an hour long date with your dryer so a great one is like buying time, and now that I have to be up at 6am...I need the time.

And with that, go back to your exciting life.

Off She Went...

Well Mini K was on a mission from the moment she woke up this morning. We dropped her off at her classroom and wait for it...she asked Mr. Grove and I if we would be okay. We said yes and asked her if she was okay. Her response, I love life.

Well said my little princess, well said.

We Are Back

After a busy but fun 4 days in Williamsburg, a few trips to the pool, a super long day at Busch Gardens, to see Elmo and Zoe of course, we are home!

I just checked on a very tired Mini K, asleep in her bed and am working on a grocery list for tomorrow, but I didn't want anyone to think I had forgotten about the blog. You are probably wishing I would have abstained from posting, or at least had something interesting to say.

Here are a few highlights:

1. The J.Crew outlet had current items so I picked up a new yellow blazer and some ruffle shirts.

2. Ocean Palm, the Williamsburg Lilly Pulitzer store, had all of the Jubilee Collection on sale for 40-60% off. Mini K and I both now have some new additions.

3. I also found some black patent wedge McKims for 40% off.

4. Mini K was able to get her photo taken with Elmo and Zoe at the SAME TIME.

5. I return to Crossfit tomorrow...yes I am excited about this.

6. We found out a good friend is having a baby BOY.

7. The chair I had recovered for Mini K's room is finished and will be here Wednesday.

And with that, I am off to dreamland. I promise to catch up on all of your blogs tomorrow.

And Monday Madness will be Tardy Tuesday, but I will give you a hint, pink and green cocktails...can you guess the item?

Mini K's Sleepover = Parents Night Out

For the record, no we did not leave Mini K and a friend all by themselves last night. Mini K's idol R (that sounds better than big girl she wants to be EXACTLY like) came over last night for Mini K's first "sleepover". Our nanny came over and watched them while Mr. Grove and I joined R's parents, Grove Gal E and her husband for what can only be described as some of the best people watching in the greater D.C. area. I also don't think that Mini K and R have ever really shoved us out the door so they could have fun with Miss Kristy without us.

We had planned to spend the evening at the new W Hotel's rooftop bar..the best view in D.C., but we had a change of plans. We ended up heading over to a sing along piano bar in National Harbor. It seems the "cool people" make a table reservation (remember this is D.C. not NYC and who ever heard of reservations at a sing along bar) so we headed upstairs to the cheap seats, or really stools. Well let me tell you, those are the only seats you should occupy, because you can see the entire bar and all of the action. Our piano players for the night were 2 guys that were dead ringers for Hall and Oats (those of you who don't know who Hall and Oats are please don't leave that in the comments), a lookalike Meatloaf and a young guy who could play Coldplay and Kings of Leon on the piano. Overall, very talented musicians. We were not prepared for the fact that ALL OF THEM had groupies that stalked them. Remember we are not talking Dave Matthews, but piano players in D.C.

But the crowd, well that was the gift that kept on giving. Imagine a mix of American Idol wannabes, Biggest Loser contestants, cowboys, college kids and Sean Combs wannabes. Seriously who knew all of these people lived in the area...and I don't think we can blame a convention on a Saturday night. I don't think we stopped laughing for 4 hours straight. Okay, maybe when we had to bust out singing some Journey, Springsteen, John Cougar, and so many more.

I spent today in my own memorial for John Hughes watching 16 Candles. I must say, nothing against Michael Jackson, but how many of you think of John Hughes movies when you think of your teenage years? In my opinion, he deserves the Staples Center 50,000 person memorial service just as much as Michael Jackson. His movies defined a generation and I don't know who will make those movies for Mini K's generation. I am guessing she ends up just watching the originals. Breakfast Club is my all time favorite.

And now it is Sunday night. It always seems to come too soon. I seem to see fall on every website, but cannot bear to think about cashmere when it is 99 degrees outside. The realization that Mini K's first day of school is in 3 short weeks. Life goes by faster each year. So to all of you, I hope you had a great weekend. This weekend proved to me yet again that sometimes the best memories are made when you have a change of plans.

What Was I Thinking...

I am still in recovery mode from last night, no not cocktails, but Cross Fit. I can sum it up with following description: 45 minutes of constant movement followed by a morning after of soreness and a 5lb weight loss. Am I going back? Absolutely. There was something slightly addicting about a 45 minute workout where I did not have to think, just follow instructions.

So today was spent at an offsite meeting and now I am home and looking forward to tackling my list and add more fabulous finds to PGG.

I promise to be back a little later with a Discount Thursday update. I might just post some of my favorite sale items as the stores that I want to send me codes, just haven't gotten the message.

Home At Last

4 ENTIRE DAYS with NO INTERNET ACCESS and I feel completely out of touch. Thankfully, I had the iphone so I could somewhat keep up on twitter and email. I know there was life before the internet, I am just starting to think I wasn't as informed on all of the important things: discounts, my friends' every movements and blogland.

Our usual 6 hour drive turned into

an 8.5 hour drive today and a much need rest stop at Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, PA. I think Mini K might be the only one who didn't mind the traffic!

My MIL is doing great after having hip replacement surgery 3 weeks ago and Mini K took advantage of the wide open space and the extra long driveway to ring in Independence Day in her own independent way...ON A BIKE. Seriously, when did my baby girl become big enough to ride a bike?

I also was able to sneak in a quick trip to the outlets, and will post some photos of my fabulous finds tomorrow. I will leave you with one discount code before I tackle the task of unpacking and catching up on the PGG work I wasn't able to do as a result of no internet access.

20% off at Tory Burch with code: TORYGILT, but hurry it expires on the 7th.

Seriously....I Am Not That Old...Am I???????

I am not afraid of my age...YET. I am 34, and while I am more classic (LV, Gucci, handwritten notes over email) over trendy, today I felt old.

I had my ipod on speaker today and it may have been a little loud in my office. My phone rang, I answered and before I could turn the ipod down, the girl (read 23) , who called me said who is that singing, I answered: Vonda Sheperd. (SIDEBAR-Now you may not know her, but I am guessing you know the tv show she sang on...or at least until today I thought you would know)

Her response was WHO? I said she was on Ally McBeal, and sang the them song. Her response: who is Ally McBeal? Seriously is there an entire generation out there that doesn't know Ally McBeal? Wasn't it on around the same time as 90210? Or am I just wishing that was the case so I can make myself feel better.

For all of you out there who have been made to feel old today, let's take a trip down Ally McBeal Memory Lane..

I also made myself feel better with these fabulous Tory Burch wedges on super fabulous sale at Neimans!

Tomorrow we are off bright and early to drive to see the in-laws...the good news...Woodbury Common Outlets along the way!

Such a Strange Week

I haven't meant to be MIA this week, but sometimes life just takes you for a ride. We are heading to the great white north on Wednesday to see my in-laws for the holiday weekend so I have been trying to get everything in order. Grove Gal E and I also took in the Beyonce show this week and were one box over from Mrs. Obama...so it was a little crazy to say the least. I also must say I had no real expectation of what the show would be like....well let me tell you Beyonce puts on quite a show...in 4 inch heels. My feet hurt just watching her! I may be alone on this one, but I always find myself discovering new songs after I see someone in concert. Other than Jimmy Buffet, I don't think I have ever been to a concert and known all of the songs.

I also rediscovered a blog this week that truly feels like it was a gift. I know no one's life is perfect, and I too am guilty, of dwelling on things that I can't change. It was great to read about someone in a similar situation and I am even more focused after reading to stay positive...as much as my friends get sick of hearing me say it...It Is What It Is.

There are also two friends that were supposed to be having life changing events this upcoming weekend...a wedding and birth...neither are taking place. They are both in my thoughts and I hope this weekend brings them something fabulous.

I had planned on posting some deals today, see I did at least remember that it is Discount Thursday, but then the bad news started rolling in: first Farrah and then Michael Jackson?!?! I keep thinking of my first summer in D.C. when I was in college, listening to PYT on my yellow waterproof Sony walkman. I can't remember if I loved running on the mall due to my Thriller cassette or the people watching. I know I just dated myself and some of you may not even remember the yellow Sony walkmans, but I bet we all have a Michael Jackson memory.

The one deal I will leave you with is the Patagonia Friends & Family Sale. 30% off with code: PATPAL

Tomorrow I will be back to my old self with some shopping tips, the household insanity and a PGG update, but tonight I want to sleep and wake up ready to enjoy the day.

Rain Rain Go Away

No this photo wasn't taken today, but it reminds me of the only positive from all of this rain...everything is GREEN!  It also means that we got our photos back today from the amazingly talented Kassie Baker.  We are in the middle of a terrible storm and my first husband (that is what I call him when he is, um on a nerve) is telling me to get off of the computer.  

Of course knowing that I should not be on the phone or computer only makes me want to use both.

I have been cleaning and if any of you have a Sam in your life that is:

1.  a girl

2.  she is not over the age of 14

Leave me a comment as i found a fabulous monogrammed sports bottle that a client never picked up.  It is yours...how is that for birthday or holiday shopping...FREE

I am off to put on my wellies and grab my umbrella, because our puppy becomes a scared little one in these storms.

Stay dry.

Hello June...I Need You To Come Back Next Week

Just to be clear, I am warning you, no photos for this post.  The weekend, well, May for that matter, flew by.

I have been a busy shopkeeper this weekend, making tons of updates to the site.  We can't wait to show it off to you later this week.

Since I told you my little secret of keeping my Christmas purchase list in an excel spreadsheet, I have gotten quite a few comments.  So this week I promise to share with you some of my favorite gift closet staples.

I have also started some new needlepoint projects...can't share them yet as some of you will be receiving them...

And my friend K and I are taking Mom's Night Out to a new level on Thursday...Mom's Night Out of State Shopping Road Trip.

Now I am going to sleep.

Y'all, Styrofoam, Pellet Ice, Mommy Cocktails and Other Necessities

I know I promised you a peek at our new products tonight, yet photoshop decided to go join the dark side tonight, so you must wait for tomorrow.

Be excited.  

Now I need to vent a little.  I live BELOW the Mason-Dixon line.  Why is this important you ask? Because when one lives BELOW the Mason-Dixon line, there are certain things that one should expect...without fail...

Such as?

1.  I say y'all and fixin...it doesn't mean I am not smart, it means I from the South...do I make fun of you for saying POP and WICKED?  No I don't.

2.  Diet Coke should be served in a styrofoam cup...yes I mean YOU, rude man from the drive thru at McDonalds, I know you have rules that ONLY the sweet tea can be served in a styrofoam cup.  I didn't ask you to break the rules.  I ordered a large sweet tea with ice, hold the sweet tea and a large diet coke.  I will pay you a $1 for the styrofoam.  ( Nina, feel free to steal this idea)

3.  EVERYTHING is coke, there are certain kinds of coke, such as dr. pepper, pepsi, sprite, but coke describes them all.

4.  Pellet Ice...if you want a customer for LIFE serve pellet ice and I will be there.

5.  I have waited 2 weeks for the ABC store (yes the horror we can only purchase alcohol in a state owned store) for my Firefly Sweet Vodka and Firefly Peach iced Tea Vodka to come in.  Yet today I was told, no one drinks that stuff so we won't be carrying it.  Can someone please tell me when the South gave up drinking?  If we did football season just won't be the same.  Now tell a Southern Gal she can't have her cocktail and she will find a way.  That way is a very nice online store in New Jersey.  And while it is illegal to ship to Virginia, remember the state SHALL make ALL PROFITS on liquor, it can be shipped to D.C.  And the best part, the vodka is on sale and the price difference pays for the shipping.  If you are in my neighborhood on Friday night, come join me for a Mommy Arnold Palmer.  If you haven't tried Firefly...place your order.

6.  Tomorrow is my selfish trifecta..a haircut, a pedicure and our housekeeper comes.  I will be on cloud nine tomorrow night lovelies...I may even do a giveaway.

7.  I am starting to think Grove Gal E is a figment of my imagination...I can hear her voice, but I think her day job office is holding her hostage...NOT JOKING

8.  And because we all know I just have to have a project, my Christmas Shopping List for EVERYONE on my list is now complete and entered into Excel so I can start checking off the box.

9.  And how could I forget, my friend K and I are taking a road trip next Thursday-Friday.  I am not going to think about what Mini K's hair will look like when she arrives at school, because I have already warned her teacher and she will fix it for me.

Now since I can't make a cocktail, I am off to make one stiff Crystal Light Fruit Punch.   I know, glamorous right?

Hump Day Happiness

I love this time of year.  You can feel the kids at the park get more excited with each passing day as summer vacation gets closer.  I went to the club to workout tonight.  With everything that has been going on, I hadn't been there in a few days, and as I walked to the fitness center I realized the chaise lounges are out, the pools are filled and ready to open on Saturday and the tables and chairs are in their places on the roof deck.  I have always felt like summer, rather than New Year's is the beginning.  And as anyone who knows me knows, May = the peonies are in bloom.  My favorite flower of all time.  I once heard that the White House staff gave Mrs. Reagan a pillow that said "peonies bloom in may"...what it didn't say is that they aren't always the easiest plant to grow.  So far I have been able to snip 5 blooms off my 1 plant and seeing them  on the counter make me smile.

Grove Gal E and I had a goal this year to build the business from more of a hobby into well a real business.  I want to say thank you to so many of you who have become our LOYAL clients...you know we will email you, even if it is 3am, with designs or items we think you will like.  I got to see one of our best clients last night, and got an email from another one today.  It made me realize how lucky I am to have this business.  Most of the time, actually 99.9% of the time, our clients come to us to celebrate life's greatest joys, weddings, births or adoptions, moves, parties, and please know Grove Gal E and I honored to help to set the tone and plan for these events.  Your orders throughout all of Mini K's medical issues have always brought a smile to my face, and made me remember all of the happy times and the stressful ones will go away.

Mr. Grove today said he thinks the blog world is like match.com for friends.  I rolled my eyes, and went on my way.  Then I started thinking...so many of you I email back and forth with, comment on your blogs, yet you could walk by me on the street and I wouldn't know you at all.  Mermaid ALWAYS reminds me that you cannot take life for granted.  Nina is the kind of girl I hope my brothers will marry someday, well only 1 of them. A, well A, is just one classy lady that makes me laugh.  And MM, well I think she has found a way to add hours to the day...I mean seriously you are going to MAKE a radish wreath and sit through 7 innings, YES 7, of a baseball game and still cook, YES COOK, dinner.  And KP, well KP is my new addiction...I may or may not have emailed her to order yet another little happy.

I am not a sappy person, but I do believe in saying thanks, so thanks for making me smile in our crazy world.  I hope one day I am able to meet you all in person.

So So Sorry

Were you wondering if I had turned my back on blogging?  I promise the answer is no!  But after really long days...all of my creative quips and post ideas were just not in me.  But I will fill you in...

The Toast to Fashion was a lot of fun, one INSANE patron, but in hindsight it makes you realize not to sweat the small stuff...the best part you ask?  I was able to meet Becca from Ball and Buck.  She is an absolute doll and I ordered a new hoodie for my post workout attire and a new short sleeve tee.  Cannot wait for them to come in.  I also picked up some fabulous new Tottie Bean clothes for Mini K.

Friday and Saturday were spent with Mr. Grove, Mini K and some great friends.  For those of you that follow me on twitter you know Grove Gal E had a whirlwind day yesterday...an early morning flight to NYC, a full day at the Stationery Show and a late night flight back home.

Aside from picking up some fabulous, I mean fabulous new lines for PGG, we were able to meet the STUNNING Kristin Pearce (and may or may not have purchased some truly fabulous bracelets and a necklace for Mini K from her), grabbed a diet coke with Miss Preppy Paper Girl( the only other person I know who is crazy enough to remodel a house, while living in it, with a baby..don't judge), and the one and only Monogram Momma.  The show, due to the economy, wasn't as big this year, which actually meant we had time to work and time to chat with our new and old friends!

Our favorite finds...you will be seeing them shortly but here are our Top 5 Finds:

5.  Fireplace matches from Lilly Pulitzer (Grove Gal E noticed that I have a dress in every print they come in!)...the best part they are only $12..a perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer 

4.  Clippies that stick to stainless steel in great modern and chic designs...yes, if you are like me and hated that you couldn't put any magnets on your stainless friedge we now have the solution..and they will sell for $6...put a couple in a cello bag and tie with a bow and you have a great grab and go gift

3.  Lilly Pulitzer boxed enclosure cards for only $16...30 cards in an adorable box..seriously they look like they would be much more expensive

2.  SMENCILS...can you guess what they are?  If you guessed colored pencils that are scented you are correct

1.  Personalized pillowcases and little girls nightgowns...let me tell you these are ADORABLE!!!!  Perfect for your little princesses sleep over party favor, or a set with the couples new monogram, or for your favorite graduate to keep his/her college linens in their place.  And the ruffled nightgowns...if only they came in my size!  Super soft cotton, a short sleeve ruffle and the personalization of your choice.  

Now I should have just gone to bed when I got home last night, but you see I had started reading our book club book, The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund.  Well, I ended up staying up until 2am and finished the book...it is a great summer fun read.  GO GET THE BOOK.  Now what should I read until book club on June 12th???

I am also confessing for all of you to see that YES I am watching the Bachelorette, and counting the days until the pool opens this Saturday.

The Monday Madness deal will be posted tomorrow...hint, it will be one of the decals...a great gift for the graduate in your life or to spruce up the room of your choice.

Now off to catch up on all of your fabulous blogs.

M.I.A.

Sorry to have been gone for sooo long. I have been on nonstop travel ...the 14th and 15th for work in NYC, we then took Mini K to Disneyworld and drove to my in-laws in NY yesterday.

And wouldn't you know my Mac is not "speaking" to my in-laws wireless network right now so I cannot post photos.

As I type I am looking out at over 14 inches of snow and this Texan is out of her element to say the least.

I just got an email from one of you that you never received a swap package form your partner...I emailed you back, but Mini K had so much fun shopping for Hopsy we are going out tomorrow to shop for you! So send me your favorites and your address!

The Weight Watchers is still going...I always seem to screw up dinner, but I have picked up my running and am no longer allowing myself to eat after 8p.m. Has anyone else heard this works?

With Christmas being in 3 short days I am starting to think about New Year's resolutions...what are your resolutions for 2009?

Cheers!