Hey Y'all!

I just realized a few days ago that I have not blogged in several weeks!  I've been busy getting ready to go away for a couple of of months... tomorrow I'm off to California, Nevada, and then to Georgia to stay with my Mama for awhile!  Of course, Mama raised me to make sure the house was clean when I go away...just in case I don't come back.  "Lord have mercy, you don't want mourners coming into a dirty house!"

So, I've been busy...I Annie Sloan-ed this cabinet in the kitchen.  It's "Old Ochre" and I love the way you can use the paint indoors...there are no paint fumes!  Once I got started, then I had to clean and organize the entire kitchen!

Polishing all the silver...

Went through my stash of paper plates...I'm a paper plate hoarder!  The two patterns in the bottom photo are my favorites.

Then it was on to my paper napkins...I do crack myself up all the time!

Just a few of my napkin rings and place card holders.

I cleaned everything on top of my cabinets.  Only six roosters survived the reorganization plan!

On my way to my friend Lane's house with the stuff that didn't make the cut...I'm not a very good packer.  But, I do love to give Lane my loot, 'cuz she makes me Cuban coffee in exchange.  Worth it!!!

I entertained with a very informal supper.  Pink rooster and gingham dinnerware.

I served strawberry shortcake for dessert.  This is my husband's favorite dessert!

During my cleaning spree, I took a break for "Elevenses Tea" served on the kitchen island.  That little rooster teapot was one of the fortunate roosters to survive my cleanup!

Here's some of the outfits I've been wearing:

'Derby Day' Lilly Pulitzer shift.

Monogrammed 'Havana Good Time' Lilly Pulitzer shift.

'Oh Jackie' Lilly Pulitzer shift.

I can't remember where I bought this comfy orange tunic.  I do love the J Crewlet tortoise cuff with the monogrammed decal I slapped on it.

I loved the black gingham blouse and bright yellow J Crewlet cardi.  Of course the purse, shoes, and belt are all Chanel.  But, the stars of this outfit are the critter bangles from Target!

Today starts the first leg of my vacation...Palm Beach to Palm Springs!

This morning, I served a light Brunch to celebrate the first day of our vacation.  In the words of Lee Radziwill, "Brunch after 11 am is just lunch!"  So y'all make sure you serve Brunch before 11 am!

Getting ready with a little roadie for the trip to the airport...I have a huge fear of flying!!!

Baby Rachel Graduates From College

Sunday's church sermon was about Baby Rachel and the trials she has faced in her life.  This is Baby Rachel back in 1989.  You may remember the story about her...she was known as "Dumpster Baby."  Born September 27, 1989, baby Rachel was sealed inside a garbage bag with her umbilical cord and placenta still attached.  The trash bag was thrown into a dumpster.

The gentleman in the photo below is Thomas Stephenson.  He was taking out some garbage to that dumpster which was located behind his wife's floral shop.  He heard a baby crying and just before baby Rachel ran out of oxygen he retrieved the bag.  The precious little girl had a fractured skull and hematomas on both sides of her head.

Over in Dunkirk, Maryland, Jenifer and Dane Clark were watching the developing story on the news.  The couple had been hoping to adopt a child and had been on a waiting list for 8 years.  While baby Rachel was being cared for in the hospital, the Clark's filed the necessary papers to adopt little Rachel.  They were approved and took Rachel home to raise her.

For the first six years of her life, Rachel experience terrible nightmares.  Despite all the love bestowed upon her by her adoptive parents, Rachel was obsessed with the idea that they would die and leave her alone.

Rachel received a lot of therapy well into her teen years.

This is Rachel with her adoptive parents.  Even today, at the age of 23, Rachel struggles with fear of abandonment.  However, she is so grateful that her parents took her "kicking and screaming" to get the therapy that she needed.

Rachel is graduating from the University of Maryland this year...a Straight-A student.  She is getting married this summer and then wants to write a book about adoption.  Rachel and her fiance hope to have a least 4 children!

Rachel is still searching for her birth parents.  She forgives them.  She wants to tell them that she forgives them!  What a lesson we can all learn from this young girl about the power of forgiveness.

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend, we remember the men and women who died while serving our Country in the Armed Forces.

Families will gather for cookouts...

I'll be in kitchen whipping up my standard meal for the occasion...

Memphis-style barbecue sandwiches...pulled pork and cole slaw, sooooo good y'all!  I'll serve these with baked beans, potato salad, and sweet pickles.  Watermelon for dessert, of course!

I hope that y'all enjoy your weekend.

We should all be so grateful that we live in America--protected by brave men and women who serve our Country!

Pray for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country!

Tea on the Porch

Tea on the Porch today.

I used my blue and white dinnerware with pops of pink...

I finally realized that I'm an orchid killer, so it's faux orchids for me from now on!  My faux orchids look better than the live ones I've been killing.

Chinoiserie placecards...

Monogrammed silver napkin rings...

Grapefruit juice and champagne and cute pink chinoiserie beverage napkins.

Savories, scones, and sweets...on Detox Monday.  Shame on me!

Outfit of the Day.

Here's What I Wore.   The dress is Barbara Gerwit, the tote is by Michael Kors, and the flats are by Tory Burch.

So tonight, I'm back to some Lean Cuisine and some Clean Living food.  Hope y'all have a great week!

Have You Met Gentleman Norman?

I would like to introduce to y'all to Gentleman Norman.  This precious Pomeranian is being cuddled by his owner and the love of his life, Laura Martella.

Norman co-authored a book, "Gentleman Norman...How To Be A Man"  with Ms. Martella.

Laura Martella's Mother, Patricia Zweig, passed away at the age of 72 with Alzheimer's and the book is a tribute to her...a portion of the proceeds goes to the Alzheimer's Association in San Diego.

Norman and his Grandmother...

Gentleman Norman dispenses advice on Grooming & Wardrobe, Manners, and Relationship Maintenance in his book and also on Facebook.  His Facebook posts really are adorable y'all!

I'm obsessed with Norman...look at his precious self, relaxing by the fireplace on his Louis Vuitton bed.

Norman always travels in style and stays at posh hotels.  His favorites are the Plaza Athenee in New York and The Peninsula in Beverly Hills.  Of course, room service is expected for this little gentleman.

Norman with his limo driver in New York City...always traveling in style!

Breakfast in bed with the New York Times...I love his style!

Neiman Marcus and other posh stores welcome Norman for his book signings.  Of course, he's a celebrity at Neiman Marcus!

Norman is obsessed with MacKenzie Childs 'Courtly Check', just like me!

I recommend Norman's book for all the gents out there.  Ladies, with Father's Day coming up in June, this would be a great gift for the Father in your life...or an anytime-gift, perfect for your husband, boyfriend, son, or brother.

So true Norman.  So true!