Irish Hooley Weekend

Tomorrow is the St. Patrick's Day parade in Louisville and Hubby and his friends have entered a float this year. Oh, boy. Yeah, we're all getting into the act, donning our Irish green and riding along. Even the kids. Here's hoping we have good weather. I'll just be glad that after tomorrow, the flatbed trailer for the parade will no longer be in my backyard.

In other news, my Kentucky Wildcats (because, you know, they're mine), play Ole Miss today in the SEC Tournament. GO CATS!!! I get so jazzed during March Madness - can't wait for Bracket Sunday!

So, we're gearing up for a Kentucky-Irish Hooley* weekend, by hitting the fish fry tonight and the parade tomorrow. What are you doing this weekend?

*A "hooley" is a traditional evening of Irish music and dance.
Image from University of Kentucky Athletic Gear site

Serena & Lily

I received the latest catalog from Serena & Lily the other day and was pleasantly surprised to see they've expanded their collection from furniture and bedding for infants and children, to overall decor for the home, including a new line of upholstery.

I'm a huge fan of combining shades of green with black and white, so I am loving this headboard in the Black Gardenia print.

And, I've decided that I really need a "chakki" and a couple of "poufs" for my home. A chakki (above) is a cross between an ottoman and a stool. Love the look of this blue and white one, as well as the coral one in the bedroom below. The bedding in this room is fabulous, too.

 

Like chakkis, poufs are a great alternative to a traditional ottomon, adding some style and whimsy to a space. And, they're great for those of us with little kids who have a habit of rushing toward sharp edges at full-force. :)

The catalog, as well as the website, also feature room makeovers in the homes of business founders Serena Dugan (above left) and Lily Kanter. Be sure to stop by the website for a peek. Well done, ladies. I really like your new line.
Images from www.serenaandlily.com

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Tomorrow we will fast. Today we will feast!

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone! I've already enjoyed a piece of King Cake this morning - let the sugar rush begin! I didn't find the baby in the cake this year, so I'm not "King for the Day." But, it's delicious anyway.  I'll have to scout-out some crawfish etouffee at some point today, too.

Look at this image from Bourbon Street. Can you imagine? There was a time I would have loved this scene, but now, no thanks. There will be no crazy partying-like-we-live-in-New-Orleans tonight.

Instead, we'll be gathering at church for a potluck dinner and preparing for Ash Wednesday. Our daughter was talking about Ash Wednesday last night and how her class,  along with the rest of the school, will receive ashes during Mass. Miss E. asked if the ashes would ever come off. I assured her that they would, but Lord only knows what was going through her head when it was described to her!

For Lent, I'm abstaining from chocolate and soft drinks (I know, I should stay away from the latter at all times, but it's a weakness). So, I plan to chow-down on the Samoas this evening. In addition to "giving up" something, we're also "doing," by forming small prayer groups throughout our parish, and meeting once a week during Lent. I'm looking forward to getting to know other parishoners and talking about my faith, something that I don't do nearly enough.

Lent also means Fish Fry Fridays, the St. Patrick's Day parade this coming weekend (Hubby and friends have entered a float -  there are boxes with hundreds of green-beaded necklaces in our entry hall.), and preparation for Easter. Hard to believe we're heading into this time of year.

Any big plans for Fat Tuesday? If you observe Lent, what will you be doing this year?
Images from costumzee and Chris Graythen/Getty Images

A Fashion 'It' Girl

This weekend's New York Times featured actress and fashion "It" girl, Blake Lively, highlighting her appearances during fashion week, and her introduction as the new face of Chanel's Mademoiselle handbag ad campaign.

Blake Lively wearing Chanel at Le Grenouille

For those of you who watch Lively on "Gossip Girl" (I admit, I have tuned in a time or two), you're aware of how fashion-forward the show is and how Lively's character, as well as that of her buddy Blair (played by Leighton Meister), are always wearing the latest and greatest frocks. So, it's nice to see that Lively also has the same sense of style off-screen (I guess I would, too, if Chanel were throwing clothes my way).

Leighton Meester and Blake Livley in a scene from "Gossip Girl"

Blake Lively with Anna Wintour (sit up straight, Anna!)

Love your style, Blake!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. My Kentucky Wildcats won their last game of the regular season, beating Tennessee at Tennessee. Take that, Bruce Pearl. This gives us a "bye" going into the SEC tournament. Woo, hoo! And so, March Madness begins as productivity at offices across the country declines.

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras - don't forget to pick up a King Cake!
Images from the New York Times

Spring, Courtesy of Talbots and Julianne Moore

Love, LOVE the frocks that Julianne Moore is wearing in the latest ad campaign for Talbot’s. The Grace Kelly-and-Audrey-Hepburn-inspired designs, paired with Ms. Moore's beautiful features make these some of my favorite looks for spring.

Is it just me, or does Julianne look like Lindsey Lohan in the above photo?

 

Dear Talbots, I'll take one of each, please.

So, kids, any big plans for the weekend? We’re recovering from our birthday girl’s activities, which were quite fun, but a lot to squeeze in on a school/work day. Between treats with her class yesterday afternoon and dinner, cake and ice cream with family, she was over the moon. The big reveal of her new Pinkalicious bike was a hit. It blew her away! Unfortunately, it’s supposed to rain all weekend. Bummer. She’ll just have to play with her new doll in the meantime. :)

Happy Weekend, folks!

All images from Talbots

It's a Great Day

Two very special events are taking place in our household. Today, my eldest child celebrates her 6th birthday:

Love you, Miss E!

Last night, my brother and sister-in-law became parents for the first time, welcoming a baby girl into the world. Here's my niece, SGM:

My family is very blessed. I plan to bring treats to my daughter's class this afternoon and then spend the rest of the day with her. This evening, we dine at her favorite restaurant, the oh-so-fancy Red Robin and return to our house for cake. Yes, it will be a sugar-filled day, that's for sure! Then, I hope my week ends with a visit to the little munchkin above.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week - the weekend is almost here!

Cheers,

Jen

Lax Mom?

While sitting in traffic the other day, I noticed this bumper sticker on the SUV in front of me.

At first, I couldn't see the lacrosse sticks; all I saw was "Lax Mom."

So I'm wondering, is this a club or organization for lazy moms? "Slacker Moms, Unite!" Then, I saw the sticks and it finally dawned on me. I had to laugh at myself.
Image from Cafe Press