VV on the Cheap

Random guys sporting their Vineyard Vines attire - I'm guessing they're well into their imported ales at this point, especially the guy with the pink whale stickers on his legs. Buddy, you better have a few more drinks before you peel those puppies off - ouch!

I received an interesting tidbit of information this morning, and I’m sure it’s true, because our intern told me and those kids are always in the know. :)

A local establishment that I’m quite fond of recently hosted its big summer sale, one of the few retailers in the area that carries Vineyard Vines. The last time I was in there, though, one of the sales people said they were phasing out their line of VV. Hmm. So, our intern told me this morning that she hit the sale and, alas, there were no women’s VV polos to be found. So, she asked the owner, “What gives?!” According to the owner, VV is now being carried by Stein Mart and she could not compete with $20 ties and polos. What?? Apparently – and I’m hearing this second-hand, so keep this in mind – VV had so much inventory due to the difficult economic times, that they had to find a way to unload their merchandise on the cheap. VV found that in this economy, even their target audience isn’t shelling out $75 for polos and $80+ for ties.

So, I’m planning to head over to Stein Mart for some “research” on this topic, to see if I need to dispell any rumors here. And for those of you with Stein Marts in your town, let me know if you see any VV on the shelves.

For the record, I don’t want to take anything away from the Murray brothers who built this company. I do admire their “Ties for a Cause” endeavor which donates all of the proceeds from sales of custom-made ties, totes, etc. to a charitable organization or cause. They are currently featuring the Gulf Fish tie which will benefit Gulf-based charities that are assisting with the oil spill clean-up along the Gulf Coast. So, if you have a little cash to spare, you can order a dapper tie and know that your dollars are going to a good cause. Okay, this PSA is over. Back to our regularly scheduled blogging.
Photo courtesy of Vineyardvines.com

Bow Ties and Other Ramblings

I saw a young guy waiting for the bus this morning, wearing a bow tie. He was chatting with the fellow next to him who was wearing, well, I don’t know because all I noticed was the green bow tie. It made me smile – not only is he making an environmentally-friendly choice by taking public transportation, he’s doing it in full preppy style. Or, if I want to be cynical about it, perhaps he doesn’t have a car, is still living with his mother and she made him wear the tie. But, I prefer the eco-friendly/preppy guy version.

Many of you have asked how my mom is doing, and I so appreciate it. She’s still in the rehab unit in the hospital, but is expected to come home in about two weeks. She’ll be using a wheelchair when she returns home, because her left leg still has a while to go before it’s fully functional. But, she gets stronger every day. Yesterday I visited her after church and I helped her with some leg exercises. Sunday is her “homework” day, in that she doesn’t have formal physical therapy sessions, so she has to work on exercises they assign to her. I’m very thankful to have her with me. In the last week, two of my friends have lost a father and then a mother. Seeing what they’re going through and how close we were to losing my mom, and now how far she’s come, makes me so grateful.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We had another fun-filled two days of packing for the big move, which will likely happen in early August. My hairdresser was commenting on how many of life’s “big stressors” I’m enduring right now. Then she said, “Well, at least you’re not pregnant.” Amen to that, sista friend. :)

Image courtesy of Southern Proper

Red, White and Blue Recap

Well, I've re-entered into the world again. Still not feeling 100 percent, but there's so much to do and too little time to be sick. Given my current state, I neglected to post photos from our 4th of July celebration. As I mentioned previously, our neighborhood holds a bike parade for the kids. Everyone dons their red, white and blue, decorates their bikes and then we march around the neighborhood, led by a police cruiser and followed by a fire engine. The kids get a real kick out of it and so do the adults. People even dress up their dogs for the occasion. Then, after the parade, everyone gathers in the common area for popcicles. Lots of fun.

Please excuse Little Guy in some of these pics. He decided to pout early on, but quickly came out of his funk once the parade was underway and treats were offered.

So, dear readers, what's on the agenda for your weekend? My weekend will be full of packing and more packing. My aunt sent me the best quote the other day, and it certainly rings true: "War is hell and moving isn't so great either." Happy Friday, everyone!

Sick Days

Sorry I haven't posted lately - I caught a virus and I'm not feeling well at all. Perhaps I've worn myself down with everything going on in my life, therefore I was ripe for the picking. Trying to get as much rest as I can. But, I'm ready to get back to the real world, because if one more news channel leads their newscast with Lindsay Lohan's jail sentence, I'm going to scream.

P.S. - To the kid down the street who is still setting off fireworks: Cut it out! It's now the 8th of July and I'm tired of it. You don't want me marching down there in my current state. It won't be pretty.

Whale Sale

Hey, kids, just got word of Vineyard Vines's 40 percent off sale. You know I love me some VV, and it's going to be hard to resist this while I'm on shopping hiatus. So perhaps I can live varcariously through some of you while you shop at the Whale.

Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July. Our neighborhood had the traditional bike parade for the kids, complete with fire engine and police cruiser to lead the way. I hope our new neighborhood does something similar. If not, we may have to start a new tradition! The rest of our holiday weekend was spent packing for the move. My MIL took the kids to the pool each day while Hubby and I purged as much as we could, in addition to packing. It's amazing what you can accumulate over a seven-year period.

Good to start the week already one day down. Although, it was not fun getting the kids up this morning. Daycare was meltdown city, so glad to know we weren't the only house where the kids were channeling the devil. :)
Image courtesy of Vineyard Vines

Fourth Fashion

Red Sperry dock shoes for Hubby...

a white Vesitito Rosa summer dress from Capri for me...

and the blue Sid Mashburn gingham shirt, also for Hubby.

Have I mentioned how glad I am that it’s a three-day weekend? So ready to catch up on sleep, get the house organized and enjoy the 4th of July holiday.

Tonight we’re joining friends for Downs After Dark at Churchill Downs. Churchill introduced special evening racing this season and it’s really turned into a great social event. Folks get dressed up, enjoy cocktails and bet on the ponies. Tonight’s theme is "An American Party: Boots, Brew, and BBQ.” Although, I don’t have any cute Fourth of July sundresses in my closet. I’m planning to wear a black and white sundress I’ve had for a few years. It’s cute and paid for, two pluses when you’re on a shopping hiatus (although, the temptation to run out at lunch to find a great sale item is quite strong!).

So, if Hubby and I were to don a patriotic wardrobe this evening, some of these red, white and blue items featured above, and available through the online specialty store, Taigon, would be my choice.

Thanks again to those of you have asked about my mom and how’s she’s doing. She’s still in the hospital and will likely be there for a few more weeks. She's making progress with her therapy and has been able to walk a bit using the parallel bars. Her speech has greatly improved and she’s really progressed with her occupational therapy. Thanks for your prayers – it makes a huge impact!

Happy 4th everyone!
Images of Sid Mashburn, Sperry and Capri clothing courtesy of Taigon

Fourth of July Festivities

Miss E. enjoying a post-parade donut during our neighborhood's Fourth of July celebration last year. Little Guy is in the background tearing into an ice pop.

A three-day holiday weekend is approaching and I’m SOOOO ready! Friends asked us to Lake Cumberland for the weekend, but given all of the work that we have ahead of us for the move, and the fact that our yard looks like a miniature jungle, we figured it best to stay closer to home. Plus, I’ll be visiting Mom at the hospital as much as I can over the next few days.

Although we’re staying close to home, there are plenty of 4th of July events in store. Our neighborhood has an annual bike parade and since this will be our last one at this house, we’ll be sure to participate and make the most of it. Other activities will take place throughout Louisville - more parades, concerts - and we’ll likely want to get to the pool at some point to cool off. And, there’s a watermelon sitting on my kitchen counter, ready to be devoured. What’s more American than kids eating watermelon on the 4th of July?

So, dear friends, what are your plans for the Independence Day weekend? Hope it involves great food, cold drinks, friends and family and colorful, yet safe, firework displays!