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!

One More Thing Off My List...

I have had a shopping bag full of items staring me down every time I walked into our guest bedroom. Well tonight I won. All of the items are now listed on ebay and I hope by this time next week they are on their way to people who will enjoy them. Mr. Grove's never worn Vineyard Vines jacket, Lilly Pulitzer dresses,

skorts and tops WITH TAGS that Mini K never wore, you name it, you can find it HERE. I am by no means the ebay expert, I price things for what I think are a fair amount as I just want them gone. I am always amazed at how much people list things for on ebay.

So two hours later, with the listing done, I tackled a new recipe: Alexis Stewart's (yes Martha's daughter) Chocolate Chip Cookies. Actually I made up the dough and will bake them tomorrow.

The recipe is:

1lb of butter

3 cups of light brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 teaspoons of vanilla

4 eggs

1.5 teasponns of salt

2 teaspoons of baking soda

3.5 cups of flour

1.5 cups of chocolate chips

Cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla together. Sift dry ingredients and mix in to wet ingredients. Add chocolate chips. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.

Now..here is hoping they turn out like this!!!

Tory Burch Sale..Did You Know???

I am trying to get a head start on packing for NY and FINALLY load the software for my new point and shoot digital camera so this post will be short and sweet....forgive me.

Save an extra 25% on all Tory Burch sale items with code:SALE25

Do You Know Alice?

If you don't, I am about to introduce you to someone that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I don't mean to start a feud, but I am sick of Target. The one by my house is "under construction" which roughly translates into all check out operators have packed up their manners, the store is filthy and the stock is nonexistent. And let me tell you, when you have gone to the trouble of making a list, taking the time to drive there and getting your child to sit still, not being able to take care of your list is more than a little annoying.

So this morning when I stopped by my farmer's market, a neighbor introduced me to Alice.

So friends meet ALICE.

Alice is a fabulous website that allows you to create a FREE account. After you have created your account, you can select your products...she has everything from after school snacks to toilet bowl cleaner to band aids to ziplocs. The prices are AMAZING, plus they accept coupons, and you don't even have to clip them. They find the coupons printed in the paper and apply them to your order. You still pay sales tax, but you are no longer spending money on gas to drive to the store.

Oh yeah, and shipping, IT IS FREE, no matter what you purchase...yep 1 item=FREE SHIPPING, 50 rolls of paper towels and 12 jugs of Cheer..yep FREE SHIPPING.

And the prices, well I have proof. I save ALL of my receipts. I made the dreaded Target run on Tuesday night: cleaning supplies for the housekeeper, toothpaste, stain spray, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent and windex, etc. If I would have purchased all of these EXACT SAME items at Alice, I would have spent $19.32 less, not to mention the value of my time. And $20 is Starbucks for week.

I know I will get some negative comments for my Target comments, but the economy is in rough shape and I refuse to spend money at stores that employ rude people. Period. I vote everyday with my pocketbook.

Manners matter. So does saving money.

So go say hello to Alice!

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.

Oh Yes You Can Buy Time

An hour and fifteen minutes down to....twelve minutes! Nina are you reading this?

This would be the time it now takes me to FULLY blow dry my hair and straighten it. It used to take me over an hour to blow it dry and straighten with a round brush..Luigi has made me promise to NEVER EVER an iron and I do not own one.

Well, as you know, I had the Keratin Complex treatment done last week. I won't sugar coat it, the 3 days I had to let my hair hang (read no behind the ears, sunglasses on top of my head or ponytails) was NOT PLEASANT. The word misery comes to mind.

But Sunday morning I washed my hair and let it air dry (done from 30hours to 3hours) and guess what...while not straight ZERO frizz with NO product.

This morning was the real proof. I overslept...by an hour. I forgot to set the alarm, and well Mini K is usually my back-up, but she caught the sweet dreams bug as well it seemed. So when I woke up, I thought my day was doomed and I would be going from meeting to meeting with a wet ponytail.

I got the dryer out and 12 minutes later and exactly 20 pulls with the round brush my hair was dry and straight and frizz free.

I am sold! I promise I will get back to posting real posts tomorrow and off of my soap box, but RHONJ got my attention tonight friends.

My frizz free hair and I are off to dreamland.

Happy Father's Day

Mini K surprised Mr. Grove this morning with the new Flip Mino Video Camera....and he was shocked. It seems he had added it to his Amazon.com cart last night, so we had perfect timing. We spent a lovely day at the pool and I have spent some time this evening on my latest list: The Fall Purchase List, and I have added some wishes as well.

Mini K needs new wellies and I am in love with these bubblegum pink ones from Hunter. And most of the online shoe stores have them so I can take advantage of free shipping and no sales tax.
This is my wish list item, because Gucci seems to have increased their prices by 30%. I have a similar sized Jackie bag in black leather that I purchased 2 years ago, for half the price, and no it was NOT on sale when I purchased.
I am still loving the Jackie Ooh sunglasses by Ray Ban.
And while I adore my Chanel taupe and black ballet flats, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these new all black ones from London Sole.

And in case there is anyone who doesn't know I am on the search for a white watch, ceramic or leather, just something fun to wear to the pool and for errands...so friends help a working mom out!!!!!!

1 More Day & Discount Thursday

I now officially have only 23 hours to go before I can wash my hair, or for that matter do anything with it other than making it hang straight. Of course the moment I can't put it in a ponytail, all I want to do is go for a run and the weather decided to change to rain.

So I have instead started to tackle the Christmas gift list...because shopping makes everything better right?

Speaking of shopping, we have some good deals today, and some for FALL. Yes that 4 letter word, FALL, and it scares me to think how summer is going to fly.

In The Pink is offering 40% off ALL SPRING merchandise with code: 0640

Boden has emailed out their Fall Pre-Order Sale of 20% off and Free Shipping.

Stephanie Johnson is offering 40% OFF all items with code: sjfriends during their Friends 7 Family Sale. Her travel cosmetic cases make great gifts for just about everyone on your list. They also don't take up much space so you can keep them in your gift closet to have on hand when you need them.

And my favorite calorie free indulgence, Jacqua Beauty is offering 25% OFF all body butters with code: BUTTER7A. Because where else can you find calorie free Buttercream Frosting?

If I have left a code off, feel free to add it.

Hair, Presents & 3 Mommas

Today was a day. I am now parked in front of RHONJ and if you are watching you learned what I just did...when you cannot get confirmed by the United States Senate as the Secretary of Homeland Security, you go on a reality tv show.

I have been processing orders for the nautical flag t-shirts like crazy. So many people have been ordering them for family beach vacations and photos this summer.

Today I also got 3 hours of my life back. For those of you that know me in person, you know that if left untreated my hair is Minnie Driver curly...and thick is an understatement. It takes my hair over 24 hours to dry naturally..NOT JOKING. Before Mini K was born I would get the Japanese straightening treatment. I loved it, but it takes almost 7 hours on my hair from start to finish, and well, I don't have that kind of time. The curls I can live if I have to, the frizz absolutely NOT. Well dear Luigi, solved my problem and introduced me to a few new iphone apps in 3 short hours.

Today I had Luigi give me the Keratin Complex Treatment. Now ladies, this is a professional treatment so don't order it as I will feel guilty if your hair falls out. In 3 short hours, I was left with zero frizz, super straight and shiny hair with body. I go back on Friday for the final wash and blow dry and I am done. Until then I have one hard task...my hair must just hang, no tucking behind the ears, sunglasses on head, no getting wet/damp/etc, ponytails, bobby pins, you get the picture. This is the part I hate.

I left the salon and had to stop by 3 events for my day job and came home to the task that all mothers have, bedtime for Mini K and assembling a birthday present for one of Mini K's friends.

This is a labor of love, because I have a few rules:

1. No toys, because everyone's house looks like mine and the toys multiply.

2. Presents should NOT be practical, they are PRESENTS.

3. No cards for kids, they don't care, use gift stickers instead.

So tonight I assembled the Princess Bucket which includes: a monogram water bottle, candy with a princess theme, princess colored pencils, pink swim goggles, princess themed ponytail holders and barrettes, and princess stickers. Just stuff the bottom of the bucket with tissue so your items set up, wrap it in a cello bag and tie it with a bow.

And here it is, ready for the party on Saturday.

Tomorrow, my friend K and I are hosting a 3 Mommas trunk show for our fabulous friend J who reps the line. So if you are in the Alexandria area, email me and come on by!!!

Who Doesn't Love Amazon

I got so many emails asking that I post the books we are reading for book club, that I have added a new gadget to the side of the blog. I will conquer this new high tech world if it kills me...thank heavens I have my mac, iphone and ipod on my side!

So if you were wondering what I have been reading or what I am buying now you can find out HERE.

**WARNING**

I am NOT promising the list is exciting, but everything in my a.store I either give as gifts or have personally.

Belated Thanks

Sunday, seriously?  Already...hmmm, seems my brain is in slow motion and the my clock is on speed.  I became a little obsessed with a new needlepoint project this weekend and preppy puppy hasn't been feeling so hot so we are off to the vet tomorrow.  I also had so much fun at our new book club on Friday night.  I have been whining for years that I wanted to be in a book club, Mr. Grove's response was start one...and I did.  Isn't it amazing how sometimes other people can see things so clearly and you look at it the problem/goal and only see obstacles?  It is quite an eclectic group at book club, some ladies I have known since my Texas days, other through work, some from volunteering or working out and one is actually a friend of one of Mr. Grove's friends. I confess I was a little nervous to see if everyone would get along, but we did and now we have to select next month's book.It also seems I am beyond appropriately late in saying thank you to 2 of you for awards.

MMM was one of the first blogs I read and it was so funny to see how all southern girls have the same fears of moving to a northern city.  Where can I watch college football, closet space, how the dog will take it, but we all learn one thing...in such an expensive city, how is it they have the cheapest mani/pedis around?  If anyone knows the answer I would love to hear it.

I am supposed to say what I am grateful for...for the answer is what am I now grateful for?  I am always amazed by Mini K's absolute love of life, and Mr. Grove's patience...seriously with 2 women in the house he is amazing.  All of my friends, Grove Gal E's health and that so many friends are having babies this year.  See I told you I could go on and on.

And  Loving Life, I have enjoyed reading your blog and you always find such great things.  So thank you for the Lovely Blog award.

 

Thank you to both of you for thinking of me!  Now this is the tough part for me...I am supposed to give the award to others...I don't have problem sharing, I just can't ever decide so I give this award to all of my followers, because I am always finding new sites, stores, and items that I wonder how I lived without.

Now since blog land seems to be the finder of all things, well Nina is at least, I need, umm I guess want is the better word, a white ceramic watch to wear to the pool.  Something nicer than my workout Ironman but not my Cartier or David Yurman...I have seen the Michael Kors and of course the Chanel (LOVE, LOVE) and even some on amazon.com.  I already have a Michele watch so I want a different brand...suggestions????

More 1 Day Deals

Twitter and Facebook continue to be buzzing with deals.

Tucker Blair is offering 20% ALL MERCHANDISE until midnight tonight with code: twitter2000

How cute are these belts and perfect for Father's Day.

And stop by your local store or click away for Friends & Family Savings of 25% off

And Bliss is having another super sale...Joe's Jeans for $74

HURRY HURRY Discount Thursday

Get out your laptops ladies, because these deals won't last long...in fact they only work today and this is my first chance to post.

I have some new fabulous finds I am sharing with you tomorrow, but tonight save and save BIG!

Tory Burch is offering 20% off ALL REGULAR PRICED ITEMS (except Revas and denim) with code FBFAN.  She is doing a promo for all facebook fans.

Bobbi Brown is offering 25% ALL PURCHASES with code SUMMER1

Enjoy!

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.

Time For A Lilly State of Mind

I just finished my second and final event of the week and it is only Tuesday!  Don't worry, I am already back at work on the PGG site making yet more improvements and additions...you will be able to see them by this weekend...even if I give up sleeping.

I feel like I have been in a tunnel of work, but I am now entering a Lilly state of mind.  How can you not be happy with pink and green and cheery prints.  

I am loving this Lilly picnic set.  How much fun would this be for a mother daughter picnic or a girls day out mimosa picnic brunch?  

Image from www.lillypulitzer.com

This Skyla dress might need to make its way to my closet.  I LOVE dresses that do not wrinkly when you travel, and can do double duty of day to night.  And it would love great with the McKim's I purchased at warehouse sale.

Image from www.lillypulitzer.com

I want to thank you fabulous readers who have left me little happies at your blog.  I am doing a special post for you tomorrow, but for now I want to go catch up on all of your blogs.

Night.

This Weekend An Urban Legend Came True

I had heard stories of toddlers that actually sleep in, but I chalked them up to urban legend and figured my 7:30am wake-up call wasn't so bad...it isn't the 6am wake-up call of Mini K's first year.

But today my friends, I slept in until....WAIT FOR IT........8:55am!  Now for those of you without children I know you are thinking, wow this woman needs a life, but for those of you with minnies running around it seems too good to be true.

I have another busy week ahead of updating the store with fabulous new items, 2 big events at my day job, and our first book club meeting this Friday.  We read THIS.  My review, the first 20-30 pages were slow, but after that I couldn't put it down.

I don't know what we are reading for book club next, but for now I am reading THIS.

And this week, my running is making a comeback...I am 2 pounds away from weighing less than what is on my drivers license...and please tell me I am not alone in living a thinner life on my license?

Lilly Mania Recap

First, several of you have left me notes to check out your blog...I promise I will....just not tonight.  I am tired, but wanted to recap the Lilly Warehouse sale before I go to sleep.

K and I had the best time.  It rained..THE ENTIRE TIME.  We managed to shop the Lilly sale TWICE, have a mom's night out and meet the FABULOUS Trisha from Lilly (adorable!).

The damage....

Some great finds for Mr. Grove...

2 new swimsuits for me....the blue one will only be worn if I stick to my running program!

Today ALL children's clothes were buy 1 get 1 FREE...and everything was $29...I got a head start on school shopping...sweaters, tunics, jeans, shirts, skorts...

More finds for Mini K

Today shoes were buy 1 get 1 FREE.  Yes FREE.  Can you say 2 pairs of McKim's for $69.

And 4 new swimsuits for Mini K for the price of 2...actually all 4 for less than the cost of 1 at the retail store.

And with that I am off to dream about a world without sales tax on clothing.  I am thinking it starts with Lilly redecorating the IRS in calming shades of pink and green, or better yet close it down!

Pink and Green Anyone????

A quick deal before I hit the rode with my friend K and a big diet coke. Tucker Blair is giving all of us a very special deal. This week only their fabulous needlepoint headbands are on sale for $25...marked down fromt heir retail price of $40. For those of you that needlepoint, you know you cannot even purchase the supplies you would need to make your own for this price.

My favorites? Why pink and green of course, but then again, I am in a Lilly state of mind!

A little pink...


Or a slice of lime?

Check out their other fabous patterns HERE.

Just Arrived...

I thought I would give everyone a little proof, that I have been neglecting the blog a little so I can roll out some new products at Pineapple Grove Gifts.  

So here is your sneak peek...all will be on the site tomorrow, but won't be in stock until the end of June.  As of July 1st, they will have a turnaround time 7-10 business days...that INCLUDES shipping.  They are high quality acrylic, 16" square handled PREPPY TRAYS.  Here are some of our favorite designs...the hardest part is selecting your pattern.  All can be personalized with an initial, monogram or name.

The best part?  You can purchase a similar large scale tray for well over $100 or even $500 (those of you who read T & C know what I am talking about!), but these are $60.  

Perfect for:

Those fabulous friends letting you use their beach house.

Unique wedding or engagement gift.

The mother-in-law who has EVERYTHING.

and if you are like me, YOURSELF.

On another note, my friend K and I leave tomorrow for the Lilly Warehouse Sale.  Mini K has an end of the year party at school and will not be making the trip.  We had previously picked up a little happy for Trisha at Lilly P...or as Mini K calls her, Miss Trisha.  Well when I picked her up at school today she asked when I was leaving to go get pink and green, yes I know this is a dangerous habit to start at 31/2.  I told her tomorrow and she immediately asked if I would see Miss Trisha.  When I said yes, I was told remember to say thank you Mommy and see if I can come play later.  She also insisted we stop and pick up a few of her favorite treats for Miss Trisha, because she will need energy to work.  So we arrived home with some goodies (Trisha, I officially declare them calorie and fat free!) and wrapped them up. 

For all of you moms out there, I know you will agree with me.  When someone shows your child kindness, you feel so much more than grateful.  So I truly cannot wait to say thank you in person.  

And for the record, in case Mr. Grove asks, NO you really can't have too much Lilly.  It is just NOT possible.  

I Like You So I Will Share...

It's only Tuesday and it has already been quite a week.  I am the proud new owner of General Motors...I am waiting for my FREE company car to arrive, I am hoping for a Tahoe, no offense but the Volt is just not how I roll.

The downside of this new ownership role, it that I will be paying for GM until, well I can't think that far...the point is I need to save my pennies.  The Gucci Gods must have read my mind, because their usual Spring Sale has been nothing special...well friends this sale has some great finds.  And this is me, so we all know that finds = HANDBAGS & SHOES.  These are a few of my purchases...I mean wishes...

And for you moms and aunts reading, Orient Expressed's Annual Sale begins tomorrow online.  

I am going to apologize in advance this week...I am focused on getting all of our new fabulous products on the PGG site so I am forcing myself to stay focused.

Back to the site

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.