Too Old for Barbie? Never!

When I think of my favorite Christmas gifts from when I was a wee girl, I can't help but think of Barbie. Here is a picture of a Barbie from my childhood which I distinctly remember - Peaches and Cream Barbie.
















I got to talking with some co-workers about Barbie and this one stood out to all of us. One point of contention among us - did she have a smell? I seem to recall she smelled of - shocker - peaches and cream. I can picture her now - casually strolling around her Barbie Dream House in her flowing gown while the distinct scent of peaches and cream permeates the air around her.

Ok, maybe 27 is a little old to play with Barbies, but is it too old to collect Barbies? I think not! Especially when so many of the Barbies I've looked at have really cute outfits! Check these out.


Legally Blonde Barbie!











Breakfast at Tiffanys Barbie!
















Preferably Pink Barbie















Kate Spade Barbie!

Have Yourself a Preppy Christmas!

I have officially begun my search for the perfect preppy Christmas card. Here are some cute ones I found at www.tinyprints.com


Argyle...check.











Toile...check.













Preppy...check.












For those of us who don't (yet) have the perfectly preppy family, here are some cute non-photo cards!

Friday's Outfit of the Week

Casual by BDority81

Favorite Snack

My name is Brooke and I am a popcorn-aholic.

I have been obsessed with organic lightly salted popcorn from both Safeway and Whole Foods for a little over two years now. I'm not entirely sure they don't sprinkle it with crack before they seal it up. It's that good. If you have not tried it, my advice is not to start now. You won't be able to quit. I have gotten several others addicted to this product and I feel a tremendous amount of guilt for that. My former co-workers were so aware of my obsession that I received two bags from one girl for my birthday! It was one of my favorite gifts. Why am I bringing this up? Because I am having a harder time finding my popcorn. Safeway hardly ever has it and now Whole Foods seems to always be out! I fear that they are discontinuing my favorite treat. Either that or some other local popcorn-aholic has discovered its salty goodness and is beating me to the store. Unacceptable! So, if you happen to see a bag, feel free to pick one up and pass it along to yours truly. I need to stock up for the winter. ; )

Dream Vacation House #1

Ah, Nantucket.....

Check out all the pink hydrangeas! It was meant to be!

Hello Lover....

Could these rival my Tory Burch flats as my new favorite go-to shoe?













Or perhaps these?

Web Site of the Week!

Have you ever wondered what you would have looked like if you had gone to high school in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s? I hadn't...until I found this hilarious web site. Check it out!

www.yearbookyourself.com

And for your entertainment.....my favorite pics!

What's in a name?

Your Preppy Name Is...

Payne Lathrop Kirkland the Fourth But most people know you as Topsy

What's Your Preppy Name?

My Favorite Season: Fall!

10 Things I Love About Fall:

1. Bright, beautiful foliage
2. Mums
3. Starbucks' pumpkin spiced lattes
4. Cool, crisp air
5. Apple Cider
6. Football games
7. Halloween!
8. Breaking out my Burberry barn jacket again
9. Bonfires
10. Sweaters, scarves, and wraps

Friday's Outfit of the Week

Black, White & Red by BDority81

Cupcake Wars

And the winner is.....Georgetown Cupcake!

It looks like Barack Obama wasn't the only big winner in DC yesterday. Georgetown Cupcake has been crowned winner of The Washington Post Cupcake Wars. Let me say - I have enjoyed these tasty treats on several occasions and they have never disappointed. Bonus points - the two sisters who run this adorable little cupcakery were on The Martha Stewart Show on Monday! See the link below for the full cupcake rankings. Also, check out Georgetown Cupcake's web site.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2008/11/04/GR2008110401540.html

http://georgetowncupcake.com/home.html

HISTORY IS MADE!

This is an historic day and I am so happy to have seen it! Change is coming to Washington!!!










Check out this display. Hmmm...that house looks familiar.

VOTE!!!

Check out this cute stationary at:

www.dabneylee.com

Don't forget to vote today!

Is there such a thing as too many monograms?

In a word: no. I first discovered my love for monograms my freshman year at The College of Charleston. When I arrived, I found myself living in a confined space with a girl who can only be described as the "ultimate Southern Belle". Though I hail from a state just south of the Mason Dixon line, I had resisted the over-the-top girlyness so prevalent among so-called G.R.I.T.S (girls raised in the South). I scoffed at the many monogrammed items she unpacked including, but not limited too, CD cases, sheets, a towel dress (a totally new phenomenon to me), frames, handbags, jewelry, etc. I found that her side of this 10' x 10' space was absolutely covered by her initials. As I became closer with this girl and several other Southern preps, I came to love and respect the monogram. I began to understand its power to turn an ordinary gift into an extraordinary gift, to turn a simple white towel or pillowcase into a classic home essential, to turn something as cold as a plain silver frame into a cherished personal keepsake. Now that I am such a strong advocate for the monogram, I sometimes question whether I have taken things too far. What is the etiquette of monograms? Because I live with an anti-monogram roommate, must I relegate all of my monograms to my bedroom or should I feel free to spread them throughout the common spaces of my house? Will my future husband become exasperated with me and my myriad of monograms? Do people who don't know interpret my obsessive monogramming as blatant narcissism? I guess, in the end, the answer is this - I don't care. I love my monogram (BRD, in case you were wondering) and don't intend to apologize for it. With that, here are some of my favorite monogrammed items. Enjoy!



Love these! Kind of on the pricey side, but worth it!

www.horchow.com












Christmas gift for me? I think so.

www.potterybarn.com







A great stocking stuffer!

www.potterybarn.com








A fabulous (and inexpensive) hostess gift!

www.swoozies.com















Someday I will have a guest room with toile bedding and this will grace the nightstand. Ahhh...

www.williamssonoma.com














Love these monogrammed wall prints! Available in lots of colors and patterns.

www.jackandlulu.com