This Wild-LIFE!!!

Once before in San Diego, I visited the zoo. Or so I thought ... I actually visited the Safari Park! 

So, we headed to the best zoo ever ...

"Let me out!!!" Poor turtle. 

Just hanging out with monkeys!!!

"You don't say! Hipposterious!!!"

PINK! My favorite color. :)

The zoo was sooo big ... we needed a lift!!! Xoxo-BLC

Route 101

Driving down the scenic 101 with the top down. Route 101 spans the Pacific coastline. 

I find it just gorgie and absolutely breathtaking. Xoxo-BLC

Greetings from sunny San Diego!!!

We are ready to soak up that famous southern California sunshine!!! Xoxo-BLC

1. Fly in color!

Did you know flying in style can be comfy too!? I do not want to waste one minute in the hotel room changing into resortwear to start our vacay. So I am wearing the pictured Andover dress while flying up, up, and away to our travel destination. I usually read a book/magazine or watch a movie or catch up on sleep during plane rides. Since we have a looong flight to the west coast, I might do all three: read, movie, and sleep too! I am allll packed and sooo ready to go!!! I hope you enjoyed this packing segment as much as I did. Ciao and see you when we return. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I am pleased to announce the winner of Devon Baer's Poppy Belt is A Boston Belle! Woohoo and congratulations KAC!!! Please email your addy to Devon at devonbaer@aol.com. Many thanks to ALL who participated and a very special thanks to Devon Baer's for graciously hosting this giveaway. Cheers!!!

PSS: Oh and if you want a postcard from moi while I'm away, but you haven't sent me an email yet ... you're in luck because it is not too late!!! Shoot me an email at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com by this Saturday. I will be checking emails via Blackberry. :)

2. Suit yourself.

A day by the sea is a MUST when summering!!! Since I can never pre-decide, I will pack a bikini, tankini, and one piece to suit myself on our sea-date. Shades, hat, suncream, flips, towel, magazines, book, and a tote to carry it all!!! Oh and of course a cutsy tunic coverup. Choosing whether to wear a swimsuit or a power suit will be no brainer this week!!! Hello sunshine. Xoxo-BLC

3. Just bead it.

Frills make any outfit better!!! Frills include baubles, totes, shades, and footwear. My favorite baubles right now are BIG bangles and loud necklaces! My second carryon will be a MONSTER of a purse. A small clutch will also make it into my luggage for easy peasy outings. Dark shades and comfy, but super cute shoes always complete an outfit. Don't you agree?! How do you make your outfits pop while on vacay!? 

Xoxo-BLC

4. Looking for the man in the moon.

Since the weather can be so unpredictable, I always pack in l-a-y-e-r-s!!! I carry a teeny tiny umbrella for the unexpected rain showers. For those breezy, moonlight nights, I usually skip the cardi and opt for a pashmina instead. I always pack TONS of pashminas in a rainbow of colors. I think pashminas help me search better for the man in the moon. Ha! Xoxo-BLC

5. Sweet dreams are made of these.

As you know, I am unpacking to re-pack for our next getaway. I am so excited!!! I thought a little packing segment would be rather appropriate. I must pack efficiently because I refuse to check my luggage. Silly me, but sooo true. Lilly sent these packing tips before and I am adding my two cents. Here goes ...

Sleeping well on vacation is a must!!! I find sleeping in a foreign bed is tough enough. I always pack my most comfy PINK sleepwear --- the kind that makes your eyes heavy after slipping into. Yawn!!! If that doesn't do the trick, I sometimes cheat and take Simply Sleep. Zzzz. Sweet dreams are made of theses!!! Do you have any sleep hints up your pajama sleeves? Xoxo-BLC

Going Postal

While traveling this week with family and looking forward to traveling next week with Ale, I started thinking about going postal! Let me explain: as a child, my parents frequently mailed postcards home when traveling. I would squeal and jump for joy when their postcards arrived (and I still very much enjoy mail - hehe). If I traveled with my parents, I would always carefully select the prettiest postcards for my family and friends. And, I often still buy postcards to send or keep. Call it a habit, but sending and receiving postcards is sooo much fun!!! So, next week, Ale and I will be traveling FAR away (think west coast) to rest and relax before bidding summertime farewell. While there, I thought it would be a hoot to send my family, friends, and blog readers postcards!!! Yes, I want to send YOU a postcard!!! If you want a postcard from moi, please email me your addy at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com. I will reveal our travel destination and wish you a wild rest of summertime. Giving mail is just as fun as receiving!!! Cheers to going postal. Xoxo-BLC

PS: Ash, I still have your postcard from Uganda on my refrigerator. Yes, three years later. Many thanks for sending my way and much love!!! :)

Fruit Stand

After leaving the coast, we just had to stop at a local fruit stand.

North Carolina born and North Carolina bred (just like me!!!), these watermelons are sure to be sweeeeeet. Local just taste better. What local crop do you break for!? We brake for NC watermelons!!! Xoxo-BLC

Tour de Southeast

I loooove to travel.
Today starts "Tour de Southeast"!
Five days, four states.
I will visit two BFFs,
two grandparents,
uncles, aunts, cousins,
and spend LOTS of time with my parents.
What could be better!?
I don't "do" road trips well.
But this is a road trip I refuse to miss!!!
Off to see the BEST of the southeast.
Xoxo-BLC

Cookie Monster

For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite past times is making cookies with my sweet madre. 

From rolling out the dough to watching the oven bake to frosting with care to 

shake-shake-shaking the color sugars, it is just sooo much fun!!! 

Joeytella oversees that no cookie burns ...

We usually make cookies for Christmas or Easter and give most away to family, friends, and neighbors ...

 But with upcoming travels, we thought, why not!? 

A cookie or two on the road and a plate for those we visit just seemed appropriate. 

Mmm!!! Sugar frosted cheers to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Friday the 13th!

I've posted this before ... but Friday the 13th doesn't happen but every so often!!! Here is the re-post: "Happy Friday the 13th to you and yours! In my family, we happen to like Friday the 13th. On Friday, November 13th, 1998, I skipped school due to the flu-bug. Then the call we had been waiting for CAME! I missed the festivities, but my parents said they drove faster than race-car-drivers to the hospital where my oldest sissy gave birth to a beautiful-blonde-hair-blue-eyed boy. Cheers to the 11-year-old beautiful-blonde-hair-blue-eyed birthday boy: Friday the 13th is YOUR DAY! Enjoy!!!" I'm off to play with my BFF Apsy on this glorious Friday the 13th. I hope yours is extra spookie!!! Xoxo-BLC

Belt It Out: Devon Baer Giveaway!!!

Yes, it is time for another giveaway on TCSK!!! Devon Baer Designs graciously is giving away this belt to one lucky TCSK reader. Woohoo!!! I am a HUGE fan of Devon Baer's collection.

Devon says this about the Poppy Belt: "Go glam in this bold, colorful, candy-esque belt. Pile this playful and bright patterned belt over any outfit and your good to go! The geo patterned fabric is 100% cotton. The vibrant colors pair perfectly with the black lacquer elephant rhinestone encrusted buckle. This belt is adjustable with inside velcro. The velcro adds comfort and easy wearability. The belt width is about 1 3/8" wide. Custom sizing is available." 

In our email correspondence, Devon also said, "I'm totally in love and hopefully you and your readers will be as well!" Ohhhh yes!!! I am totally in love too. I have the perfect black dress that needs this extra pop of color! Don't you!??

To enter to win, just leave a comment. No blog? That is okay, just leave your email address. For an extra entry, "like" Devon Baer on Facebook and leave a second comment. Please leave a comment for each entry because the winner will be picked via random.org. All entries are due before August 23rd, 2010. As always, many thanks for reading TCSK and a HUGE thanks to Devon Baer for hosting this wonderful giveaway. Best wishes!!! Xoxo-BLC

Born to be WILD

Hi parrots, I am a parakeet (aka a child of Jimmy Buffett fans)!!!

Spotted! Giraffes necking.

Delish H20, eh?

I had a zoo-ific time walking on the wild side. Xoxo-BLC

Puppy Love

Remember this post: http://thecompanyshekeeps.blogspot.com/search?q=brutus? There I introduced our newest family member, my granddad's furbaby: Brutus the English Bulldog!!! He is just too cute for words. 

Look at Brutus's BIG smile! And, those pups played ALL day at Grandad's house. Brutus might weigh twice as much as Joeytella, but Joeytella still let Brutus know who is boss. That might not last long!These two pups have stolen my heart!!! Cheers to puppy love. Xoxo-BLC

"Football Season"

It's only pre-season football and this has already happened:

Mary Phillips always says it best. The remote belongs to Ale until Super Bowl weekend.
Let the football games begin! Xoxo-BLC

Pitch Perfect

On a whim, a pair of our Clemson chums invited us to jet to Atlanta, Georgia for the Braves game. 

We wanted to catch-up with these friends and what better what than to get out of town together!? 

I have never packed so fast in all my life!!!

Our tickets were in the 755 Club which meant a great view plus a-i-r--c-o-n-d-i-t-i-o-n!!!

Both the Braves and the San Francisco Giants played a great game ... and the Braves won!!! Woohooo. Sara Evans performed a concert in Turner Field afterwards. She has such an amazing voice!!! We then left Turner Field to celebrate the win in Midtown. We had a blast getting out of town and catching up with our dear friends while watching the Braves. Cheers to wonderful friends, spontaneous trips, and great games!
Xoxo-BLC

Don't walk ... RUSH!!!

I have mentioned this before, but it's worth mentioning again: when I meet a Kappa Delta or a Lilly-lover, we automatically have something in common!!! I could chat up a KD or LL alllll day long. Sooo when Lilly Pulitzer recently released this sorority line:

I squealed with delight! Kappa Delta colored my college experience. Mamatella was a KD and I just had to be one too!!! The KD in her taught me to strive for what is honorable, beautiful, and highest. I have lifelong friendships and a passion for philanthropy because of KD. Lilly's would support such an organization! I have many BFFs kin to Tri-Delt, Kappa, and DZ (hiiiii SIL). We are sooo excited about this sorority line. So, don't walk, RUSH is right around the corner. Cheers to going Greek! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I am helping the local KD chapter with Rush this year and the Rush Chair is a MAJOR Lilly Pulitzer fan!!! A Kappa Delta, Lilly-lover ... does it get any better!? :)

Case Closed

My lovely friend, Murphy's (New) Law, sent me a surprise surcie not too long ago. I squealed with delight when I saw the package and jumped for joy when I saw who the package was from!!! I heart you CJM! From the box to her handwriting to her kind note, everything was just darrrrrrrrrrrling!!! So, one of the items included was this case. I am absolutely obsessed!!! I think everyone should have one, whether to hold make-up or miscellaneous purse items. I am using it as a camera case. It holds my camera, battery charger, and camera cord. And it is the perrrrrrrrfect fit!!! My camera has never traveled sooo well!!! How does your camera travel!? And, my camera travels everywhere with me. CJM, I truly truly truly appreciate your generosity and, even more so, your sweet friendship!!! Maaany thanks!!! Chin chin.Xoxo-BLC

PS: A while back, commenter Rosemarie asked what type of camera I use: a Cannon PowerShot. It is easy to use, little to carry, and very durable. I just love it. :)

Winner's Circle

Congratulations to CALillyLover!!! According to Random.org, you are comment 101 and that makes you the winner of The Pink Pelican's Lilly Pulitzer Towel Giveaway!!! Many thanks for entering and I hope you enjoy enjoy enjoy. As you all know, I visited The Pink Pelican on my weekend getaway with Mamatella. I did not realize until I unpacked my bag on Sunday that The Pink Pelican sent me away with a surcie: my very own Lilly Pulitzer towel!!! I absolutely LOVE it and the story it tells!!! Many many many thanks to The Pink Pelican --- for spoiling me rotten and for graciously hosting this giveaway. Also, I truly truly truly appreciate all the readers who entered. Be on the lookout for the Devon Baer giveaway coming soon!!! Pink and green cheers to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

Trunk Show Shopaholic

Is there anything better than a good trunk show!? As a trunk show shopaholic, I think not!!! 

Especially when it's a Devon Baer trunk show ...

Calling all Rhode Islanders and nearbyers, you are cordially invited!!! Don't you wish you could attend? 

I do too, but we can shop our hearts out online at www.devonbaer.com! 

Happy Shopping to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Today is the last day to enter The Pink Pelican Lilly Pulitzer Towel Giveaway!!!

PSS: And, the next giveaway on TCSK will be from Devon Baer!!! Woohooo. :)

A Secret Garden

"In all my garden's length and breadth

I like these common things

A sturdy, low-branched apple tree

Where, daily, a finch sings;

The clematis that trims: the fence

With garlands of white lace;

The maidenhair and Ostrich ferns

That fill each shady space;

The fragrance of quaint mignonette

When touched with evening dew

And best of all I like grass pinks

Like those my mother grew."

My Choice by Velma D. Bates

Mamatella and I ended our girls-only, mini-vaca with a lovely walk through the local gardens followed by a leisurely brunch. My mother is the most loving, understanding, gracious person I know. Many thanks for being such an excellent role model and for being my wonderful mother. Cheers to our great weekend getaway!!! Xoxo-BLC

Tying the Knot

Mamatella and I had one fabulous Saturday!!!

We saw NASA, which I haven't been there since Space Camp ...
Circa 1996 ... nerd alert!!! 

Then we shopped,
Shopped,
And shopped. 

Our favorite shop: The Pink Pelican!!! 

Did you entered The Pink Pelican giveaway?
You should, it ends Monday!!!
Anyhoo, the shop is a must-see!!! 

It is absolutely darling.
Shuh tzu Bailey greets ever shopper with a wag!
How cute!?
The owner and shopgirls were just the sweetest.
And everything was half off!!! Eeek.
So the REAL reason we were in town ... for I dos!

We attended the BIGGEST wedding I have ever been to. It has just spectacular. I loved their heartfelt vows, the PINK flowers everywhere, and the 1,000+ colorful guests. We had the BEST time!!! I had a few sweet-tweeters ask if we attended Chelsea Clinton's wedding ... hehe. No, but I bet it was quite  a soriee too. It sure was THE wedding date of the summer, wasn't it!? A big congratulations to our newlywed friends AND best wishes to the sweet blog friend According to Nina!!! Cheers to tying the knot!!! Xoxo-BLC 

Ride, Camel, Ride!

To attend a friend's out-of-town wedding, Mamatella and I took a girls-only, 

mini-vaca this weekend to enjoy the festivities. We kicked off our vaca with a ...

CAMEL RIDE!!!  How many humps did my camel have? One lovely lady hump.
Mamatella and I had a blast riding the camels!!! Such elegant creatures. Xoxo-BLC

Lilly in Philly

If you were in Philly today, what would you do!? I would be first in line to see the new Lilly Fall line!!! I had the good fortune to visit this Lilly shop in Suburban Square while in Philly for the Lilly warehouse sale. The shopgirls there are a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Shopping Lilly in Philly is just more fun. Cheers to living the pink and green life!!! Xoxo-BLC

Spur of the Moment

A BFF of mine is the most passionate San Antonio Spur's fan EVER!!! She is such a hoot when she cheers on the Spurs and I just cannot help but pull for them too!!! So, once she causally mentioned that she sometimes sees Eva Longoria there. I hear Eva is a Spurs fan too. Then I see this picture:

My jaw hit the floor!!! Um? See Eva there!??? Eva is practically sitting in her lap!!! This is too funny for words. I just love celeb sightings. Does this make me three degrees separated from Eva? Muahaha. I think I just became a bigger Spurs fan. Gooo Spurs!!! Xoxo-BLC

Get Wrapped Up In Lilly

I am thrilled to announce that The Pink Pelican is graciously offering one TCSK reader this Lilly Pulitzer towel!!! It tells the Lilly story in pink and green, "It all started with a juice stand 50 years ago in Palm Beach ..." You know the rest! These towels are only available this week at Via Shops as a gift with purchase. One lucky TCSK reader will get the gift without the purchase. To enter to win, please leave a comment by August 3rd, 2010. No blog? Just leave your email address. For extra entries: "like" The Pink Pelican on facebook, follow The Pink Pelican on Twitter, and spread the word via facebooking, tweeting, or blogging. Please leave a comment for each entry. A very special thanks to The Pink Pelican for offering such a generous giveaway!
Xoxo-BLC

PS: Be sure to check out The Pink Pelican's blog and their sale rack at The Preppy Outlet!!! 

Drumroll Please ...

... it's time to announce the winners of the Lilly Pulitzer Tote giveaway and the Belle of the Wall giveaway. With multiple entry options, it is harder to count the entries with random.org. Hence, I used the old-fashioned way: pulling names out of a bowl. That way every entry counted!!! With no further ado, here are the winners:

Congratulations to The Pink Prep!!! 

You won the Lilly Pulitzer Tote giveaway.

Please email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com!

Congrautlations to Living Well!!! 

You won the Belle of the Wall giveaway.

Please email Elizabeth belleofthewall@yahoo.com!

Many thanks to Elizabeth for hosting the Belle of the Wall giveaway. She is graciously giving all TCSK readers $10.00 off shipping costs. Many thanks Elizabeth for your generosity. Also, many thanks to all TCKS readers --- I was blown away by the amount of entries. Cheers!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Guess what!? Tomorrow on TCKS, The Pink Pelican will be hosting a Lilly Pulitzer giveaway!!! Get excited and tune in tomorrow. :)

Favorite Frock

It's Sunday ...
And we had a wild weekend:
First we attended an art benefit.
Then a dinner party.
Next, a cookout.
Of course Sunday School and church.
Followed by a lovely Sunday brunch with friends.
And I didn't snap one picture to capture the fun?
Ooopsie!!! So instead, here is the picture of ...
My favorite frock!
I wore it Friday to our dinner party.
It's elegant, but comfortable.
It's chic, but timeless.
I just love it!!!
What is your favorite frock?
I hope you had a WILD weekend too.
Xoxo-BLC

PS: Happy Birthday to the best Grandad ever!!! One of my favorite memories is going frock shopping my freshman year of collge. I love you and miss you. Enjoy your day!!! :)

I've got mail!

What is in my inbox??? Well, why don't you have a peek:

1: TCSK comments. I read each and every one!!! I love comments ... many thanks for reading and saying hiiii!!! And I try to respond; I am currently 1125 behind. Forgive me! 

2: Lilly Pulitzer emails!!! From the Pink Palace to the Via Shops, I love hearing the newest Lilly pink and green news. Oh and sale news is the best news!!!

3: WhoWhatWear tells me the greatest and latest fashions, straight from the runway. 

4: I am obsessed with DailyCandy. I subscribe to their Swirl, Everywhere, Deals, Travel, and Wedding editions. Just enough of a sugar fix, right!??? 

5: Shopafrolic for this shopaholic!!! The rapport between Jane and Liz is so fun to read. And, their finds are divine!!! I miss them when they "go shopping." Hehe. 

6: US Airways, my airline of choice, tempts me with travel deals. 

7: James Howell's weekly emails are so wonderful. He is my second favorite minister; my dad being my first favorite!!! 

So, what is in your inbox!??? I know you've got mail too. Cheers! Xoxo-BLC

Is it August yet!?

Eeeek!!! I arrived home to quite the surprise today. The pictured Lilly Pulitzer Agenda was patiently waiting at my doorstep. Thanks a million to Lifeguard Press for sending me the new Lilly Pulitzer Agenda in Just Checking In!!! I absolutely adore this agenda and I truly appreciate your generosity. I think everyone should have one. I cannot wait for August to hurry up and get here so I can use it already! Again, thank you thank you thank you Lifeguard Press for spoiling me. Now, go on already and get yours too!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Many thanks to all my readers who weighed in on which color option to pick!!! Blue or "Just Checking In" received the most votes ... so I think Lifeguard Press took YOUR advice!!! :)

My Dream House

Sometimes Ale and I talk about our dream house. While I absolutely love love love where we live, dreaming bigger is fun too. I told him my dream house was my childhood dollhouse. He laughed and chuckled and thought I was joking. And I am so not kidding. I played for hours on end with my Playmobil dollhouse. I still want to put it on display because I just think it is so pretty. Anyhoo, Ale had never seen/heard of Playmobil. Gasp!!! So, just in case he wants to one day build me my dream house (hint hint hint), this is my dream house (formerly known as my dollhouse). The four-story, multi-room, side sunroom, back two-car garage is my picture of perfection. Isn't it lovely!?? What is your dream house!??? See, dreaming big is fun!!! Xoxo-BLC

Belle of the Wall

My sweet childhood friend Elizabeth of Olive My Life has graciously offered to host a giveaway!!! She is the Queen of Silhouettes as the designer behind Belle of the Wall. Here are the details: Elizabeth, the belle behind Belle of the Wall, creates custom wall art pieces with fabric and buttons. These whimsical pieces brighten up any home or office space. Belle of the Wall was recently featured on DIY Magazine's Facebook page. Elizabeth is offering one of her Belle of the Wall pieces to a lucky The Company She Keeps reader. The winner will get to choose a design from her portfolio and customize the fabric/button colors! Take a peek at Belle of the Wall's portfolio here. These are my favorites:

To enter, just leave a comment before June 26th, 2010. No blog? Then leave your email address. For extra entries, follow Belle of the Wall or like Belle of the Wall's Facebook Page!!! So mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest of them all? Belle of the Wall!!! Many thanks Elizabeth and best wishes as the Queen of Silhouettes!!! Xoxo-BLC