Saturday, January 30, 2010

The Party: Donuts and A Movie

This morning was the day Mini K had been waiting for....her Donut Cinema 4th Birthday Party. We opened our front door to go pick up the donuts this morning to see the snowflakes had begun to fall.

I am always surprised by what she comes up as her birthday party wish. So far she has not requested a princess or themed party, which I must say makes me a little happy. I will confess that this theme had me a little stumped....she is still too young to do a sleepover, and the practical side of me couldn't serve donuts in the middle of the afternoon. I was almost out of ideas when Mr. Grove had the fabulous idea of renting out a local theater (that is also a bar...) for a morning....and that is exactly what we did. This morning 24 kiddos and their parents too turned this fabulous place into Donut Cinema!

Once we had the place, the planning was easy. I turned to one of PGG's fabulous designers and my friend Marie at The Paper Menu for some donut invites and matching pillowcases for favors.
Now what to wear...clearly a party dress would not work so I turned to one of my favorite
etsy designers: Chic Baby Rose to design a donut felt applique longsleeve t-shirt and matching snap clip for Mini K. I love how both turned out.
We served custom pink frosted donuts (with sprinkles of course), bagels and cream cheese, fruit salad, juice and mimosas and bloody mary's for the parents. The cinema has a bar in the back of the theater so the parents hung out there and the kids took turns watching the movie and running around. Grove Gal E's husband has always been Uncle T to Mini K and as soon as she saw him she rounded up all of her friends and pounced on him. I think the most priceless photo of the party is one I missed: the look on T's face when Mini K charged at him with 20 4 year olds in tow...he was such a good sport...he probably just wished he had finished his first bloody mary BEFORE the attacked him. He definitely deserved a few after that.

There is only one person I turn to for all of our cakes, the fabulous Christina, owner of Simply Sweet Bakery. Mini K (and everyone else!) loved what she created. It was a yummy butter poundcake with buttercream frosting and fondant detail.



Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Christmas Baubles Needed A Friend

My present from Mr. Grove didn't make it in time for Christmas. I got it last week and ADORE it! As you know the week of Christmas is also his birthday and Mini K's so I was secretly happy my present arrived late. Proving that maybe a blue box is the key to all cherished baubles my present arrived in one as well.



I tried to get a good photo, but my flash and the granite were not a good combination. It is a baby girl charm with a matching pink saphhire charm. He had the back of the charm engraved with her date of birth and name. I adore it.

So last week I was reading my dear friend KP's blog and saw her wearing the most unique long gold necklace so I had to email her about it. Of course it was one of her own original designs and I ordered one right away. She warned me she had been wearing hers nonstop and I put mine on when it arrived on Monday. I have to say I have been wearing my Christmas present and new pearl drop necklace nonstop and they look smashing together if I do say so myself!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Ebay Mission Accomplished!

We picked up our iMac today, but after 2 days witout my laptop so they could transfer the photos I wanted to catch up on my weekend unfinished project: EBAY.

I spent the weekend going through Mini K's spring clothes and it seems my plan on purchasing sizes last year that would get 2 years worth of wear (probably also my justification for buying MORE!): FAIL!!!! It seems Mini K had a major growth spurt planned so my loss (and trust me it is a big one!) is your gain.

I made it through 2 of the 4 bags of clothes to list on ebay tonight! So if you have a preppy princess between the age of 2-4 years old you are in MAJOR luck!

Check out my listings HERE.

Needless to say, the listings took me a little longer than the 30 minutes I convinced myself they would take so I am saving a golden surprise for you tomorrow.

The time away from my laptop this weekend did give me the time to do a little birthday shopping for my SIL and get my Pink SWAP package wrapped and shipped.

How was your weekend?

Thursday, January 21, 2010

It's Time To Share


I can walk into a store and pick out a pair of shoes (ok 10 pairs) in record time, yet tonight I have spent 2 hours configuring what will be the latest addition to the Grove household. The time has come to share. Now we aren't going to give up our laptops, but out of fear that Mini K will soon capture my beloved mac laptop we are getting a family computer. Family computer is Mr. Grove's name for it.

Mini K has already named it...My Man Mac. So tomorrow when she comes home from school (because I am in DENIAL that this threat of ice/snow will materialize) she and My Man Mac will meet.

I officially have also become THAT PARENT. You know the one that will not put a computer, or a television for that matter, in their child's room, but insist it is in a central location so I can monitor what she is on. In Mini K's case, it is not so much what site she is on, as she is only 4, it is that my little princess can download from itunes. Yes, I am the proud owner of the soundtrack to the Squeakquel....4 times over and let me tell you, one time is MORE THAN ENOUGH.

The lesson here is, if you have an iphone, and you see Mini K, hold it tight or she could add a little bit more to your library than you had planned!


Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Curb Alert...


I woke up this morning in shock that it was:
1. already Wednesday
2. I hadn't blogged since Sunday
3. 2 days until my HUGE silent auction meeting at Mini K's school

For those of you that follow me on twitter you know that Mini K and I got into a car accident last Friday...or I should say we were stopped on a bridge and someone thought our SUV was a mirage and drove right into us. Both Mini K and I are absolutely fine and the car will be too. The funny thing, and I should say I am impressed, is that the insurance company for the woman that hit us has called DAILY to see if we are hurt...we are still fine. I am getting used to driving a loaner car, read not SUV, and let me tell you, now I know why I only drive SUV's...mine's a hybrid so don't judge.

I was leaving a meeting at the Capitol today and was convinced I read the name on the side of a pink van wrong....it couldn't be, could it?
Image courtesy of www.curbsidecupcakes.com

It wasn't a mirage, it was Curbside Cupcakes. I did what any working mom would do at the site of pink van with images of buttercream would do, I got my iphone out and googled the name to see if it was real. Remember, trust, then verify. As always, my pink covered iphone, led me to knowledge I previously didn't possess...Curbside Cupcakes is in fact REAL and in D.C.

Those of you lovelies in Dallas have my favorite warm cookie delivery companies, Sprinkles and my most recent discussion of the famous Mustang Donut cake. You NYC lovelies have Crumbs, The Waffle Truck and Magnolia.

BUT....NOW...D.C....has the pink cupcake van called Curbside Cupcakes!!!!!!!!! We have arrived. I must say I wasn't able to flag the van down and actually try one of their yummy buttercream vessels, remember I was sure I had seen a mirage, but I have now found them on facebook and their website even posts a daily menu and a find that van link.

Needless to say I will be stopping that van in the next few days. The best part, you can purchase a single cupcake or order a dozen, or 2 and have them delivered. I think this would be so much fun to surprise a friend at work or the teachers at Mini K's school with a cupcake special delivery.

Now please do NOT burst my buttercream bubble if Curbside Cupcakes has been around forever and I am suffering from another case of where have you been. This only proves that more than just make-up can arrive in a pink car (or van!)

DISCLAIMER: I keep forgetting to put these on my posts...big government keeps getting bigger...so FTC this is for you...I was not paid for this post. In fact it will cost me money as I am sure to become a customer and my Crossfit trainer will thank Curbside Cupcakes as their consumption will insure I workout. I will also confess I am so envious that I didn't come up with this idea!!!!!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Mardi Gras To A T...Shirt


In honor of Mardi Gras, one of our favorite designers and friends, TPM, has created some great designs for the entire family. All of these designs can be done on short or longsleeve cotton t-shirts.

Longsleeve Shirts are $25 and Short Sleeve Shirts are $20. To place your order, just leave a comment or email the Grove at grovegifts at gmail.com with the style you want and the name/monogram and we will be in touch to have you monogrammed and ready to let the good times roll!!!!!!

Shirts come in the following sizes:

Minnies: 6M onesies, 12M onesies, XS (2-4), S (6-8),

M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18-20)


Ladies' sizes: S, M, L, XL (long sleeve only)


Style: MG-01
Style: MG-02
Style: MG-04
Style: MG-05
Style: MG-06
Style: MG-07
Style: MG-08
Style: MG-09
Style: MG-10
Style: MG-11

Check, Check, Check...


It is raining on this Sunday, so since I am stuck inside (yes, I could go out, but that would be too much work!) I am tackling my to do list.

First things first, the winner of the Lilly P agenda is Henley On The Horn. Just send me an email with you mailing address and it will be on its way to your house in the sun!!

We have taken the photos for Mini K's Valentine's Day cards. Yes, I know we just sent out Christmas cards, but since so many of our family and friends do not live near us we do a photo card of Mini K for Valentine's Day. This year we went with the owl theme....whoo loves you??? And thanks to Nina for introducing me to The Trendy Tot on etsy we had a fabulous owl tunic to wear in our photos.

Then I tackled round 1 of ebay descriptions and photos to list tomorrow night. I am hoping Mr. Grove never reads this post or I will get an eyeroll, but I hink everything I am listing was worn once (in the case of the Easter dress for 3 hours) or still has the tags on it. I also am no longer to deny that mini Boden might not make their sales goals for the year if I stop ordering from them! I plan on listing all of these tomorrow night, so if you see something you want before then just email me. Help me clear out the extra closet, so I can share some big news with you!
One of my favorites from last summer's mini Boden line, but Mini K wouldn't wear it because it didn't have enough pink!! Size 3-4. Worn once..it will be listed for $12.99
I love this dress, but as you can see Mini K never wore this Lilly P cutie and it still has the tags on it! Size 4 and it wil be listed for $14.99

I almost cried when I photographed these adorable Kate & Libby outfits. I am going to their spring 2010 trunk show tomorrow. The Kate and Libby line is a must see for mom's of preppy princesses...monogrammed swimsuits, dresses and these fabulous floral tunics and spring cord pants. Both are a size 4 and Mini K has just grown too much to wear them this spring and she only wore each once last year. Each tunic outfit sells for over $70 and I am selling both for $20.99.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Donuts, Slipcovers and the Search for Perfect Paint Color

If you have seen a brunette practically move into a Benjamin Moore paint store this week, it is me! I am trying to find a color that is a mix of khaki and lavender or a lavender that is not girly (Mr. G's description, not mine). I insist on Benjamin Moore paint, because when it meet Mini K's hands and whatever they seem to be holding it all goes away with the Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean. I think we have tested it on every stain except sharpies and they are my worst nightmare!
So we started the week out with Benjamin Moore for Pottery Barn Lily Lavender.


The result: Barney is now residing on a 1foot by 2foot portion of a wall.

So then I tried Elephant Grey.

The result: Mr. G summed this one up pretty nicely...it looks like the Republican party after the 2008 elections...once grey and polished now bruised and battered. Seriously it looks like my wall picked a fistfight...and lost!

Looks like another trip to the paint store is in my future. The room might look like a collage by the time I find the perfect color. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE let me know. On that note, keep the organizational tips coming, because my productivity has taken a hit due to my paint store trips this week.

Tomorrow I also get to pick up the final item for our family room: the new slipcover for the sofa. I cannot wait to see the room complete, but I am always afraid when I put on a new cover...I know it will get wrinkled, and dirty and need to be clean, but that first moment is like climbing into bed the night the housekeeper comes and puts on new sheets. Am I the only one who thinks my bed is better with new sheets and tight corners? Elma had a trick to making my bed that I just cannot copy.

And last, but not least, I have to plan the menu for Mini K's Donut Cinema 4th Birthday Party. We have rented out a theater that is also a bar (do NOT judge, the party is at 9:30am), the bloodys are for the parents, the kiddos will be drunk on orange juice and sugar! I promise all details in a future post.

I will be drawing for the agenda tomorrow night so share your organizational tip before tomorrow night!





Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Can I Will Spring To Come Faster

I think it felt like a balmy 30 degrees today or maybe it was 38 degrees. Regardless, I came home to find a very sunny Boden spring catalog in my icy cold mailbox. I will confess I think I spent over 30 minutes turning the sunny, warm looking pages. I find it interesting that while Boden's emails with pre-order specials and free shipping have slowed down, they have switched over to U.S. sizing...well on everything except shoes. Last spring there really wasn't anything I wanted for me from Boden, but this year more than a few things that caught my eye.

I love the cut of this maxi dress and it is such a pretty pinky coral

This might the least expensive bag I have liked in years, but it makes me smile...perfect for errands, the pool and all of Mini K's must have items that end up in my bag!
What is not to love, a fabulous shade of green, a touch of preppy, high quality cotton and bows...
This reminds me of Tory and Lilly and I love it!
Hmmmm...I seem to be on a green kick, but what a perfect cross between a coat and Saturday sweater...I can see it with white jeans or black capris
Since I refuse to pay J.Crew's inflated price tags, these are a beautiful shade of purple and at only $88....
I adore these green sandals...flat, patent and yes it seems I have chosen yet another green item

Here are a few of my favorites for Mini K....

Love these silver ballet flats
And who wouldn't smile in the rain in this adorable coat...

I think she could wear this dress with leggings and a longsleeve tee when it warms up a little and through spring with sandals

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Organized and Ready To Go


I hate starting the New Year with anything up in the air, I might be alone in this thought process, but it is the way I am. Over the last week I have attempted to get everything organized so I have no (okay make that fewer!) reasons not to stay on track with my resolutions. And to further hold me accountable here they are:
1. I will cook more (this one may change if Mr. G and Mini K refuse to eat what cook!)
2. Go to Crossfit at least 3 times a week.
3. Pick a half marathon to sign up for in 2011 and train. I used to do this on a regular basis and I miss it.

I must admit it feels so good to have all of the dates in our family calendar, our winter break vacation planned including dinner reservations, spring shopping lists done, our Christmas card list updated, Mini K's 4th birthday party planned (Marie...I couldn't have done it without you!) and I promise a separate post on that one and Henley on the Horn I hope your listing....all of my items photographed for ebay so all I have to do is list them, which will start a week from tomorrow. The grand finale to this list is Grove Gal E and I are dropping off PGG's 2009 taxes with the accountant on Wendesday...YES business taxes are done, or at least our part...I always feel a HUGE sense of relief when I drop the taxes off, the feeling is NOT the same when I write the IRS a check, but I am enjoying the positive!

I must say we are THRILLED with the way our litle business did in 2009 and we cannot thank all of our amazing clients enough! We look forward to working with all of you in 2010 and have so many surprises in store.

In honor of kicking off the new year in organized, preppy style we are going to start it with a giveaway. Just leave a comment with your best tool to get or stay organized and we will pick a winner next Sunday for a 2010 Lilly Pulitzer 2010 large agenda.

And I keep meaning to ask this, for our D.C. area readers, where can Grove Gal E and I get an OPI Axxium Manicure? I think I have to try one to believe that I can actually go 2 weeks without a chip!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Welcome 2010 or Twenty-Ten...Which Is It?


I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday and 2010 is off to a great start. Groveland has been a bit hectic, but I have enjoyed every minute.

We survived the snow storm....I think our city's definition of snow removal is ...snow melts. Yes that is right 4 days for a plow to grace our street. If I didn't think it before, this is why we own not 1 but 2 4 wheel drive SUV's, and in case any of you are environmentalists, 1 of them is a hybrid.

Grove Gal E and her husband joined us for Christmas dinner and Mini K declared it the best Christmas E-V-E-R! It was followed 2 days later by Mr. Grove's birthday and 2 days after that Mini K turned 4. I must say, Lulu stole the show on Mini K's birthday by sending her flowers. Flowers I should say that Mini K has shown to the mailman, our neighbors and pretty much told anyone she came into contact with about. She has even tasked with me with keeping them alive until school starts on Monday so she can show her friends.

Our New Year's was actually so much fun. Our plans? NOTHING! We dined on bar-b-que and homemade mac 'n' cheese, watched some college football and went to bed early. What can I say sometimes low key is the best.

I want to thak all of you for a great 2009...PGG had the best year yet and we have so many fun things in store for 2010.

I should start by saying the Grove will be growing in April, but more on that later this week.

The week of Christmas is always a busy one with Mr. G and Mini K's birthday as well so I am now focusing on planning Mini K's 4 th birthday party. My new year is also starting out with 4 bins of Mini K's spring clothes that no longer fit that will soon be available on ebay. We are NOT telling Mr. Grove that most of them were only worn two or three times...okay?

And with that confession I am off to watch the ever educational (NOT) Hangover with Mr. G.