Book Club at Big V's

Last week, my pal, Big V hosted our book club.  Big V is a real trooper.  She is the mother to 4 children, has her house on the market, and still hosted book club.

I have known Big V for about 5 years.  She went to  Sacred Heart , 91st St in NYC which is the sister school to my high school in Connecticut.  We had played tennis with each for about a year before we discovered that we both went to Sacred Heart.  Even though she is about ten years younger, 9 inches taller, and a graduate of Georgetown Law, I consider her a little sista.

Big V chose a beautiful novel by M.L. Stedman.  If you haven't read it I won't give anything away.  Our group really enjoyed it because not only is Stedman a spectacular story teller, but she also raised many important questions involving morality and courage.  It lends itself to a great discussion amongst its readers.

You would never know that Big V has four children by looking at her gorgeous, orderly house.  I don't know how she does it!  I think I saw that movie.  Maybe it was about her...

Cool, calm and collected Big V.

Big V's home is positively beautiful, with a fabulous floor plan for entertaining.  But don't buy it, because I don't want her to move! 

These sandwiches were positively delish.  I tried every one of them.
Don't tell my buddy, Jenny Craig.  She also served a fresh, flavorful salad that I did take a picture of but unfortunately, it didn't come out too well.  Probably because the camera was shaking so much from me shoving food in my mouth.



These scrumptious key lime cupcakes were the perfect topping to a great afternoon with wonderful friends .


Hope you're having a great weekend!

My Favorite Things by #2

Last week, my #2 was home from college for winter break.  I asked her to put a list together of her favorite things.  So if you are looking for a  gift for a special girl that is twenty something,  here are some suggestions.

As always, I reserve the right to provide 

my own commentary.

I'll take any print, or any color.  I love these shirts.  My faves are KD and the Texas flag. 

Very cute... Mama likey... 

thefratcollection.com

*****

Best lip balm ever.  I'm a Burt's Bees convert.  Love it because it's not greasy.

What ever happened to good old chapstick?

evolutionofsmooth.com


*****

Can't drink beer/won't?  Here's your solution.  Tastes just like a jolly rancher.  Even the boys beg for some of this (mixed with rum).  No carbonation.  Can be a little too addicting.  
DON'T READ THIS MOM!!!
  
 Mixed with What??

Kraftfoods.com

*****

Fresh, organic and chunky.  Great salsa with a kick.

I have to agree... this stuff is great and they sell it at Whole Foods.

greenmountaingringo.com




*****

For the days when the "shower" is not quite possible.

Just a suggestion.... boys like girls that smell good.

hardinglane



*****
Mom... you DO remember my initials... right?


Yup.

etsy


******

"Critter" on the back... "monogram" on the front or "business" in front... "party" in the back."

How 'bout "church" on the front, "library" on the back?

sweetteamonograms.com




*****

Shout out, Mom.  You know my initials.

I'm getting old but I think we already went over this.

dkmaccessories.com


*****

Liquid aminos... so good as a salad dressing.  Tastes EXACTLY like soy sauce (super salty <3).  Sold at Whole Foods.

Maybe this could replace the rum in the Crystal light?

Bragg.com

*****

If I could marry shoes....

Hopefully they can support you in the manner in which you have become accustomed....

Seychellesfootwear.com

*****

Won't crease your hair - hairbands.

That's the least of my worries....

etsy

Thanks, #2... you are growing up so fast but you'll always be my baby to me.

Have fun at school and go light on the rum.

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

Book Love

I am not a "kindle" person.  I love books.  I love reading them, holding them, and even the smell of them. I love brand new books, middle of the road books, and I especially have a passion for very old books.
  

   There is something about books that is very calming to me.  So when I see a room adorned with book cases, I am immediately drawn to the warmth of the room.  

Yesterday, during my lunch break from being a supermodel trophy wife, I watched a TV show on HGTV that featured homes that  formerly had other purposes in their past life such as a half-way house, church, and library.  The owner of the house that was a former library boasted that her home still smelled like books.  I understood her feelings.  Forget my creme brulee candle, I would much rather have my home reek of the saltiness of a great novel.

The ironic thing about my fetish for books is that if you asked KTG or Dude, they would testify that I spent very little time in school with my nose stuck into a book.  Oh well, some people are late bloomers.

booklover.tumbler.com

I would need to wear all-white and lose 20 lbs. to read in this gorgeous room.

booklover.tumbler.com

Checks + books = love

everythingfab.com

Love the looks of art thrown in with book shelves.  Not sure what's going on in that picture but oh well.....

google.com

Great entryway.

pinkpersimmon.tumbler.com

topiaries + books = heaven

coffeepearlsandpoetry.tumbler.com

Have always loved the looks of ladders in libraries.  Maybe because I am height-challenged.

Apartment therapy
I never lived in an apartment that looked like this!

book shelf porn
I could use a ladder in this room.

pinterest




Hope your Thursday if filled with great reading!