J. Peterman Company

I always loved getting the J. Peterman catalog in the mail, with the wonderful narratives and illustrations of the merchandise. When J. Peterman had a store in Lexington in the early 1990s, I recall browsing through the exotic wares of pith helmets, vintage-style dresses made of Chinese silk, Indian rugs, and even an antique motorcycle with sidecar. It was like visiting a museum of sorts, but everything was for sale.

Then, Seinfeld came along and brought J. Peterman to life, so to say, and the rest is history. Unfortunately, the business didn’t fare well and the retail store closed. But, J. Peterman was revived a few years ago, with the return of the narrative catalog and a thriving e-commerce business. So, if you haven’t visited J. Peterman online, give it a look. It’s like catching up with an old friend.
The "New Music Dress" courtesy of J. Peterman Company.

Fish Fry Fridays

Now that Lent is here, many of the Catholic churches in town have fish fries that serve as fundraisers for the churches and schools. Our church has one, but we often like to hit the “circuit” with our friends and try to attend as many as possible throughout Lent, to taste the goods. Often there are activities for the kids, which keeps them entertained. And, like any good Catholic gathering, there’s beer to wash everything down. Happy Friday, everyone!

Art Glass

Hubby and I are big fans of art glass. He studied glass blowing in college under Stephen Rolfe Powell and has always had a love for that genre of art. We’ve attended some glass blowing demonstrations by Powell, Lino Tagliapietra, the Italian glass master, and at the Waterford factory in Ireland, among others. It’s an amazing craft and I’m always fascinated by the team work that goes into making such pieces. I imagine most people in America are familiar with the work of Dale Chihuly and the Pilchuck School. But there are so many new glass artists coming up through the ranks and it’s wonderful to see that more universities are adding glass programs to their courses of studies.

I’m currently reading John Berendt’s The City of Falling Angels, which takes place in Venice, with much focus on the Murano community of glass artisans. I would love to go there one day. It boggles my mind to think of how many centuries glass blowing has been taking place on that island. An amazing craft, indeed.
Image: "Autumn Jealous Cleavage" by Stephen Rolfe Powell.

The Library

I like the bookshelves featured in this photo. While I wouldn't likely color coordinate my lit collection, it's a fun way to play with the design of your library. Plus, the couch, throw pillows and rug are fabulous. I'm desparately in need of shelving in my den. Hubby and I were both English majors in college and avid readers to this day, so we have boxes and boxes of books that are dying to be showcased. Just another addition to our house "to-do" list.
Photo courtesy of www.weburbanist.com

Funktini

This weekend, we went to Kentucky Crafted: The Market, a juried art show featuring some of the best artisans in the Commonwealth, as well as artists from across the country. I bought a great ceramic mug from the Berea College exhibit. But, I wish I had purchased something from the Funktini gals. Cool glassware, beaded utensils and best of all, glass knobs for kitchen cabinets. I think it would add a touch of whimsey to the kitchen. I did a search last night and found that they do have a shop on etsy, and while the cabinet pulls aren't available there, they have some cute utensils, glassware and other items. The coffee scoops above would add an extra jolt of fun to your caffeine in the morning!
Image courtesy of Funktini Art on etsy.

My summer wardrobe is calling...

Aren't these Vineyard Vines patchwork shorts cute? I'm liking the belt, too. These would make a perfect addition to the summer wardrobe.
Image courtesy of vineyardvines.com.

Valentine Recap

Sorry I neglected to share the details of our Valentine's Day celebration on Saturday so here it goes. We started the morning off early, since the kiddos were up and ready to go. Hubby had gone out the night before to buy the cutest decorative bags for them, some Hershey Kisses, a little headband for our daughter (I was talking him through it on the phone) and a Batman character for our son. They loved it. Hubby also liked his SoPro gear - the shotgun tie and Southern "drawls" aka, boxers adorned with marlins. Oh la la! When I went downstairs to the kitchen, there was a big box with a teddy bear and card sitting on top. He got me the Hunter Wellies! They're black with a red and black striped clasp on the side. The only problem? Way too big. I didn't know that Wellies ran large - I guess I should have done my research. Anyway, I'll likely send them back and try to get a smaller size (and some Wellie socks to go with them).

My mother-in-law then picked up the kids in the afternoon for a trip to the museum, Chuckie Cheese and then an overnight stay at her house. They were in heaven. Meanwhile, Hubby and I sprung for a cab, trotted down to Old Louisville and enjoyed an amazing dinner at 610 Magnolia. Being the Kentucky girl I am, I started off with an Old Fashioned and then we got an exquisite bottle of red wine. I was very daring and had the venison and elk for my entree. Delicious! Stuffed to the gills and not knowing quite what to do with ourselves, we caught a cab home and cuddled up to a movie. Do I have an awesome husband or what?

Coco + Kelly

There’s something I really like about this mid-century pitcher and cup set featured on Coco + Kelly’s etsy site (she has a fun blog, too). Not sure if it would go with my traditional dining room décor, but then again, it might. Although, the top of our bar is cluttered with julep cups, a humidor, a wedding platter, wine glasses – there’s too much going on there. This pottery set would definitely need a more minimalist setting. It's not only a functional piece, it’s also a work of art.

I’m trying to be really good about my spending, so I’ll have to think about this one. And, if someone else happens to purchase it, que sera, sera.
Photo courtesy of Coco + Kelly on etsy.

Boston College 80, Duke 74

To say that I dislike the Duke Blue Devils is well, a great understatement. I was a freshman at the University of Kentucky when my beloved Cats lost to Duke during the NCAA tournament, in a heartbreaking last-minute shot by the player who shall remain unnamed. I hate thinking about it to this day. So, needless to say, I always pull for the team that's playing Duke. Always. So, I must congratulate Boston College for their win over Duke yesterday. Go Eagles!

Pilgrim Souls

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I would post my favorite poem, “When You Are Old,” by William Butler Yeats. While it’s somewhat melancholy, I’ve always adored the line “But one man loved the pilgrim Soul in you.”

For my 30th birthday, Hubby and I, along with other family members, were in the Outer Banks. He surprised me on the beach with an airplane sign, part of which said “I love your pilgrim soul.” So, on that romantic note, I leave you with this poem. Happy Valentine’s Day!

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim Soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Dinner at Magnolia

On Saturday evening, we’re going to 610 Magnolia for dinner. I’ve heard rave reviews of this place and it was featured in a recent issue of Southern Living. Needless to say, I’m very much looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day with my sweetie here. Bon appetit!
Photographs by Dan Dry, for 610 Magnolia.

Ready for Derby

With Mother Nature teasing us with this warm weather, I'm longing for the first Saturday in May: Kentucky Derby. Yesterday a friend of ours sent several pics of us at the Derby over the years (I’ve been to about 10 Derbies, Hubby has been to more than 30) and they made me smile. These photos are from 2004 (I’ve had better hats – the flower on this one got a bit heavy after the rain). The day started out beautifully, but then the heavens opened and it poured. It stopped raining right before the Derby itself, but as you can see, it was a very muddy track. We then ended the day at one of our favorite restaurants.

So, being a true Kentucky girl, I always look forward to the opening of Keeneland in the spring, followed by the Oaks and Derby. I'd have it no other way.

Shameless Plug

Do you know any bird lovers? Hummingbirds in particular? Parents, friends, siblings? Hubby and his business partners own a hummingbird feeder business and need to move some inventory. It may sound silly, but after seeing the little creatures outside our window during the spring and summer, they’re pretty entertaining to watch. The great thing about this feeder? It can be put in the dishwasher, unlike most feeders that are often thrown away at the end of the season, because of dirt and grime build-up. It’s also glass, as opposed to plastic, so it truly is a more eco-friendly option. And, the coolest part, you can choose the color of petals for your feeder: yellow, purple, teal or red. How fun is that?

Check out Dr. JB’s Hummingbird Feeders. Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays, the special occasions are endless! (Hey, I said it was a shameless plug, but we need to get these puppies out of here!)
Photo courtesy of www.drjbs.com

Are they reading my mind?

Just as I finished blogging about warm weather and planning a beach vacation, those clever gals over Southern Proper shot me the above e-mail, introducing their new “Seaside” line, featuring star fish, buoys, blue crabs, Carolina light houses and other beach regalia. Are they reading my mind? Or are they just very good at marketing? Either way, I love the new ties. I can’t wait to give Hubby his sporting tie on Valentine’s Day (I wore my new SP Frat hat while walking with the kids this weekend), and now I may have to consider getting something from the Seaside line for his birthday in June.
Image courtesy of www.southernproper.com

Warm weather

This weekend the temperature hit 60, so we spent as much time outside as possible. Whenever we get even a hint of warm weather after a rough winter, I'm ready to start planning a trip to the beach, summer weekends at the pool and, of course, the summer wardrobe. I love this Lilly skirt. It would be fabulous with a little white tee and sandals. Spring and summer can't get here fast enough...
Image courtesy of www.lillypulitzer.com.

Prayers needed

We found out yesterday that one of our closest friends (best man in our wedding) has a brain tumor. Everyone has been floored by the news and we’re just trying to come to terms with this. So, I’m asking for as many links in our prayer chain as possible. Please pray for our friend, J., and his wife and two sons. It’s going to be a rough road ahead, and, God willing, all will go well with his surgery and subsequent treatment. You never know why these things happen and it makes you question life. But, I have my faith and I must hold onto that and thank God for the blessings we have, and ask that he give us strength to help J. through this.

Wills & Kate

As I've mentioned in a previous post, Hubby has taken up shooting as a hobby and recently purchased a shotgun for sporting clays and maybe, eventually, actual hunting. Not sure. I just ask that he not bring dead animals into my house, unless they're packaged and ready to drop in the crock pot.

Anyway, I came across this image of Prince William and his lady love, Kate Middleton, taken during a recent outing. The British publication, The Mail, stated "Prince William recently bought his girlfriend shooting paraphernalia, including a Swarovski stalking scope, for her birthday and I’m told Kate is now looking forward to her first (deer) stalk." She adds, "Kate is already an impressive shot and I recently revealed how she helped choose a gundog for Prince William’s Christmas present."

Yeah, Hubby is planning to buy me a Swarovski crystal stalking scope for my birthday, too. Uh, huh. I just hope Hubby has better aim than Prince William in this pic. Hello, Wills? Turn it the other way.
Photo courtesy of The Mail

Hair report

Well, I did it. I took the plunge and got the haircut similar to what Winona Ryder has been sporting lately. Not sure what to think. Hubby likes it, but I'm a bit on the fence. I'll try to post a pic at some point. Either way, it was a lot easier getting ready this morning!

'Her Morning Elegance'

I heard the song “Her Morning Elegance” by Oren Lavie on the radio this morning and fell in love with it. Great lyrics. Check out the video on You Tube.

Time for a new 'do

Well, I’ve been trying to grow my hair out for the last few months, going for a longer “bob” style. It’s not looking so hot these days.

I’m just very impatient when it comes to growing out my hair. I often wear it short because of my face shape and the fact I’m a little over five feet tall. Plus, I need a low maintenance ‘do for the mornings when I’m getting the entire crew ready to head out the door. But, every few years or so, I get the urge to grow it out and do something different. It never lasts, though. I get frustrated and return to a shorter style. Yes, it’s a vicious cycle.

I’ve pulled together some photos that I’m going to show my stylist this evening and we’ll see what happens. I really like Katie Holmes’ short look, as well as Winona Ryder in this particular shot. I also noticed that Katie Couric went back to a shorter hairstyle as well.

So, please forgive this somewhat superficial entry today. But, I know that many of you can relate to the trials and tribulations of bad hair days. If the hair’s not workin’ for you, forget it!

Wellies

I think I need a pair of Hunter Wellies or Chameaus. They're just fun and stylish looking boots and are probably much better in the snow, slush and mud than my current hiking boots.

While in Lexington this past weekend, I saw some posh moms at the hotel sporting these boots (which were likely the more expensive Chameau boots or even Burberry Wellingtons...we were in horse country, afterall). Hubby has been asking me what I want for Valentine's Day (yes, we do celebrate with nice gifts on V-Day. That's just how we are.) So, maybe I'll ask for the ever-so-romantic Wellie boots.
Images courtesy of www.bestgear.com and Smith & Hawken

Weekend Getaway Recap

We had our quick getaway to Lexington this weekend with our friends, so I packed up the Vera duffel bag and hit the road. So much fun! Although the Cats lost by one point to South Carolina in a very frustrating game, it was still nice to get away, revisit some favorite Lexington spots and enjoy some adult conversations (not that I don’t love my kids, but every now and then, Mommy and Daddy need to regroup).

We stayed at the Hyatt downtown. Before the game, we stopped by Kennedy Bookstore near campus to pick up some Kentucky gear and then hit Pazzo’s for lunch. After the game, we met up with another couple from home and had dinner at DeSha’s. Then, it was back to the Hyatt for a nightcap in the lounge. The next morning, Hubby and I actually slept until 8:30 a.m., which is quite late for the parents of toddlers!

Starbucks in hand, we checked out of the hotel, grabbed breakfast on the way out of town and drove back home to reality. All in all, it was a nice diversion from the cold, icy weather we've had in this region. Now, if the Cats can just get their act together and start winning games...
Image courtesy of verabradley.com