Making Funnies

This beach trip was filled with loads of funnies ...

Above, look in the background ... do you spy dueling bartenders!?!

My favorite funny line: "You don't mean it. YOU DON'T MEAN IT!!!"

With fun friends and fun times, of course loads of funnies followed.

Xoxo-BLC

A Wave or Two for YOU!!!

Since I couldn't bring you a pocketful of sunshine or an umbrella covered cocktail ...

I brought you the ocean instead!!!

Don't forget to keep on summering and enjoy the waves.

Xoxo-BLC

Seafood Diets

This has been the summer of seafood diets for me.
Or is it "see-food" diets!?! You know, where you see food and just gobble it up.

Pre-barzam, my seafood diet included strictly goldfish and Swedish fish.

Above, the girls at din-din after our first full beach day.

I am happy to report post-barzam, I am eating real seafood!!!

Seafood just tastes better at the beach, don't you agree!?! Xoxo-BLC

PS: "I wish to fish and find the freshest fish for my dish!!!" ><>

Gone Surfing ...

We hear the surfs up and the waves are h-u-g-e, so we are beach bound!!!

Off to soak up the sun, toes in the sand, a good book in hand, and loads of umbrella covered cocktails.
Sending you and yours a pocketful of sunshine. Until then, hang ten dudes!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Birthday to the Duchess!!!

Wishing my favorite Duchess and sister-in-law a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Below: the birthday girl and her brother. We spent the day celebrating her and eating delish pink cake:

Hop over to her super cute blog The Duchess and the Duke to wish her a very happy, bright, and full birthday. We had so much fun celebrating her birthday and may this be her best year yet!!! Xoxo-BLC

Showered with Love

I co-hosted a bridal shower with two of my college chums for our favorite bride-to-be!!!

L to R: Lola's Journey To and From, the bride-to-be Skipper, Wren, and moi.

We hosted the shower in Wren's in-laws backyard. It's one of the most gorgeous backdrops!!!

It was so much fun showering the bride-to-be with love ... and lots of pressies!!!

I thought my vintage Lilly shift was cute until Baby Wren joined the party.

She is too precious for words!!! Look at that smile!!!

It was so much fun showering Skipper with lots of loooove.

Cheers to Skipper's love, laughter and happily ever after!!! Xoxo-BLC

Step It Up This School Year

It's back-to-school-time for many!!! I am thrilled to not be heading back to law school, but I still think of each new school year as a fresh start. Back-to-school also means back-to-school-shopping!!! My shopping list usually included a new book bag, shoes, school supplies, and the perfect first-day outfit. And, unfortunately, lots of books. Ha! I thought this was the norm until a family friend told me otherwise. Many children cannot afford back-to-school shopping let alone a proper pair of shoes. Those children attend school in mismatching shoes, ill-fitting shoes, or, worse, no shoes at all. That's why my family friend founded Steppin High in 2008. 

 Steppin High is a non-profit, volunteer run charity that provides children in need with a new pair of shoes and socks. Since 2008, Steppin High put 1444 pairs of shoes and 2888 pairs of socks on York County, South Carolina children. Isn't that amazing!?! Such a small gift that makes such a BIG difference. Payless Shoes joined Steppin High to make a new pair of shoes and socks about $20.00 per child. Isn't that great!?! This year my back-to-school shopping list will only be a donation to Steppin High. Will you join me and add a donation to Steppin High to your back-to-school shopping list too!?! Cheers to stepping it up and starting school on the right foot!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Do you live in the greater Charlotte area!?! If so, I encourage you to volunteer your time to Steppin High. Seeing first hand the joy a child experiences when receiving a new pair of shoes must be something else. :)

PSS: Do you have this same need in your area!?! If so, I encourage you to contact Steppin High about starting a similar non-profit charity in your area.

Letters from Granddad

I lost my granddad today. More than five years ago, I was in the fine jewelry department at Nordstrom when my mom slipped and told me my granddad had cancer. It was the preliminary result and we didn't know details, but that didn't stop the waterfall of tears. The shopgirl behind the counter couldn't feed me tissues fast enough. From there on I started writing to my granddad. And he wrote back. He always said: "if you can write well, you can conquer anything." Here is one of this letters to me:

He always told me: "do one thing and do it well." He lived by that motto. As a tenured professor at Duke, he loved teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students. I could read the countless letters from his students spanning decades and decades thanking him for the difference he made in their life. He made an enormous difference in mine. He will always be my hero. My granddad's life was a life well lived. I am blue and miss him more than words. Yet, I am certain of his salvation and find great peace, love, and comfort from God knowing I get to squeeze his neck again in heaven. Until then, I aim to live life well just as he did!!! Xoxo-BLC

Baby Shower + Mocktail

I co-hosted a baby shower for my childhood best friend today (a favorite childhood snapshot of us). I am over the moon thrilled for her!!! She is such an amazing friend and I am beyond certain she will make a fabulous mother.

I am just getting back into the swing of things and as such I managed to forget my camera. Oopsie daisy!!! However, my friend Melissa of The View From Five Foot Two saved the day by taking loads of pictures. Hop over to her blog (click here) and check 'em out. It was sooo much fun catching up with Melissa, showering a favorite friend, and celebrating a new life!!! Mocktail cheers to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

The Barzam

Oooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmggggggggggggggggggoodness!!! Idunno. Idunno. Idunno. Idunno. Idunno. Idunno. Idunno. Idunno x 100. Ewwwwwwww. Yawwwwwwwn zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. YIKES!!! Wooooooooooof. Uggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Ick, ick, ick, ick, ick, ick etc. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Well that about sums up the barzam and my life for the last two months. I cannot thank you enough for your well wishes, words of encouragement, and unfailing support. I am thrilled to report I am still married, my family still loves me, and I still have friends. It's a miracle!!! Many thanks to them and you too for letting me take a hiatus and study like it was in style. Glad to be back to TCSK ... I have missed you much!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I gave TCSK a little facelift: what do you think!?! :)

Rabbit, Rabbit!!!

Rabbit, rabbit!!!

As you well know by now, Robert Lynd stirred up a little superstition when he wrote "Solomon In All His Glory," ... it goes a little like this:

"'Why,' the man in the brown hat laughed at him, 'I thought everybody knew 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.' If you say 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit'--three times, just like that--first thing in the morning on the first of the month, even before you say your prayers, you'll get a present before the end of the month."

So at the beginning of each and every month, I wish you a little "rabbit, rabbit." I hope your July is WAY more fun than mine: I am studying for the bar exam. Barf!!! I will be catching rays via flourescent lighting. Booo!!! Wishing you and yours much sun, sunshine, and sunny days in all of July. Xoxo-BLC

Ta-Ta For Now ...

I am exactly one month away from the bar exam. Oh my ... YIKES!!!

That means it is time to buckle down and study non-stop. As such, I am ...

I hope you soak up the sunshine and thoroughly enjoy summertime. I'll join you come August!!!

Until then, keep Beantown Prepster and I in your prayers as we tackle this BIG feat.
It's just ta-ta for now. Xoxo-BLC

Zooific Flashback

I ...
love,
♥
love,
♥
love,
♥
the zoo.
I always have.
And I always will.
Proof: my oldest sissy and I at the zoo ...
many many many moons ago.
I always visit my favorite ...
PINK ladies
and
hang out with the monkeys.
It's always a zoo-ific time ...
walking on the wild side.
Whether 7 or 27. :)
Xoxo-BLC

Show(room) and Tell

Lilly Pulitzer just released their showroom and I had tell!!!
The monogrammed chair, overstuffed turtle, and mixture of patterns stole my ♥.

If this room wanted to come live at our casa ... I wouldn't gripe, complain, or whine ever again.
Unless someone spilled wine or stomped in avec muddy shoes ... duh!!! :)

This line is now available at Neiman Marcus. I hear the blue floral sofa calling my name ...
Colorful rooms are tough to do well, but I think Lilly did it impeccably well.
Don't you!?! Xoxo-BLC

PS: By the way, Lilly Pulitzer's mansion, the Home Alone casa, and, per Hopsy, the Father of the Bride house are ALL on the market and for sale. If you could pick one, which one would you pick!?!
PSS: My pick: hands down for me, its Lilly's jungle!!! Just another excuse to decorate avec Lilly. :)

Happy ... Happy ... Happy!!!

It's the first official day of summer and National Pink Day and Wear Your Lilly Pulitzer Day ...

I can hardly contain my excitement!!! I live for summering ... don't you!?!

Don't fret: I am wearing PINK and LILLY today to celebrate all three at once. It wasn't too tough!!! Are you joining the celebration too!?! Happy First Day of Summer and National Pink Day and Wear Your Lilly Pulitzer Day!!! That's a lot of happies, isn't it!?! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you follow me on Twitter (@TCSKxoxo), I will be sure to tweet a picture of my PINK and LILLY outfit!!!
PSS: Ooopsie daisy!!! I thought National Pink Day was today ... but it's actually this Thursday. There is no harm in celebrating early, now is there!?! :)
PPSS: For all of you who are not in the twitterverse ... here is the Lilly-fied snap from today. It's me and my cousin's minnie. We both ♥ Lilly and summertime (and pink too)!!!

Winner, Winner, Winner!!!

On A String and I wish very BIG congratulations to all three giveaway winners: April of A. Liz Adventures, Simply Sara, and Glitterista!!!

April of A. Liz Adventures wins the gold pair, Simply Sara wins the blue pair, and Glitterista wins the pink pair. I know you ladies will wear it well!!! Please email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com so I can put you in touch with On A String.

Many thanks to all TCSK readers who entered and a VERY big thank-you to On A String for graciously hosting not one, not two, but THREE giveaways on TCSK!!! Remember, if you are in Charlotte, North Carolina you simply must pay On A String a visit --- it's too cute to miss. Chin chin. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Father's Day!!!

Happy Father's Day to you and yours!!!

In lieu of leaving the beach, I thought a father-daughter beach picture was in order:

Above is my stepfather and me building a sandcastle. Last Father's Day I posted my favorite picture of my father and me. This year, more than ever, I feel extremely blessed to have and to have had such amazing father figures in my life. My ♥ goes out to those who miss their father's today. I miss my stepfather more than words. But today, I still celebrate him!!! I celebrate him, Grandad, Daddy, my father-in-law, my brother-in-law, and all my uncles. Such amazing fathers and such amazing men. My life is much more colorful because of them. Wishing you and yours a very special day of celebrating our fathers!!! Xoxo-BLC

Beach Bummed

While we nested in Grayton Beach, Florida, we hopped over to Seaside daily. My husband grew up going to Seaside and this was my first trip ever. From shopping at the Barefoot Princess to eating lobster rolls at the Shrimp Shack to sunning, it did not disappoint and was a must see.

I am going to miss: umbrella covered drinks, beach reads, and loooong strolls beachside. We literally just decided to up and go to the beach Wednesday. And I am sooo glad we did. Sun is good for the soul. We are all beach bummed out ... until next time!!! Au Revior Florida!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Good Husband

OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!! I am STILL flipping out. So I watch three shows religiously: Gossip Girl, the Real Housewives of You Name It, and The Good Wife. So you can imagine my delight when I spied ... Matt Czuchry, you know Cary Agos from The Good Wife (and formerly of Gilmore Girls)!!! My friends where talking to his friends, everyone was having a good time, and then all of the sudden it hit me: that's Cary.

Of course, I started spazing and obnoxiously blurted, "OMG! That's Cary!!!" to my husband. I made him ask, Matt confirms, and the flipping out continued. My husband is SUCH a good husband: he pushed all three of us towards Matt and snapped this picture. Matt was beyond kind before I recognized him and even more gracious (and humble) when I did recognize him. See: the best things in life really do happen at the beach!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you don't watch The Good Wife, you should. It's a phenomenal show. Even my good husband agrees. :)

It's A Shore Thing!!!

I just had to make this one black and white because our PINKS clashed. But shhhhhhhhhhh:

please don't tell my husband that his swim trunks are pink. He thinks they are "red." Surely the skull and crossbones make 'em tough enough to be pink ... right!?!

I wore my favorite itsy bitsy Lilly Pulitzer bikini avec a hot pink Walmart coverup. As we all stretched out on the beach, I noticed my friend Sussy's darling ruffled swim bottoms matched my coverup perfectly. We chuckled, agreed, and confessed: we just ♥love♥ the Op swimwear line for Walmart. Off to soak up the sun!!! Xoxo-BLC

Island Time

It was so much fun heading out of the city towards the coast with these two couples:

Being on island time is simply the BEST time!!! Don't you agree!?! Xoxo-BLC

Barbri at the Beach

I found "Barbri at the Beach" on my pink and green ...

Lilly Pulitzer beach towel from The Pink Pelican. Learning evidence was just more fun in the sun!!! 

With this as my view, studying ain't so tough!!! Sending clear blue water,
white sand, and loads of sunshine your way. Xoxo-BLC

Beach Bound!!!

My ah-mazing husband took my "Turks and Caicos" post to ♥!!!
I fully, 100%, absolutely believe that ...

As such, on a whim we decided to join a few favorite friends beachside at Seaside, Florida.

I promise to send some sunshine your way!!! Xoxo-BLC

Fit for a Princess

Undoubtedly, Jenny Packham designs frocks fit for a princess.
Princess Kate wore one of her creations to a recent black-tie charity event ...
While Princess Blair wore a strikingly similar one on Gossip Girl.
I have confessed before:
Princess Kate is definitely one of my style icons.
But then again ... so is Blair!!!
I've been her for the last two Halloweens:
As Blair and as Blair-esque.
... and Leighton Meester herself is totaly style icon it-girl as well!!!
So dish:
Would you rather make a living designing such amazing frocks???
Or ...
Would you rather attend events beckoning such amazing gowns!?!
Either way is a win-win in my book. :)
Chin chin to Princess Kate and Princess Blair wearing it well!!!
Xoxo-BLC

Gone to Turks and Caicos ...

It’s officially summertime (gasp, eeek, omgoodness)!!! As such, I decided a little trip to
Turks and Caicos was in order. Try not to be too jelly!!!

Excuse me while I soak up the sun, plant my feet in the sand, and sip umbrella covered
cocktails while listening to the waves crash the shoreline ...

... oh wait: the only rays I’m catching are from the floruestent lighting while studying for the bar exam in the law library!? Ewwwwww. So, for now, wearing Essie's "Turq and Caicos" nail and toe polish will have to do!!!

Chin chin to a little more parrot-dise in life!!! Xoxo-BLC

On A String {G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y}

If you have been a longtime reader of TCSK, you know full well that I absolutely adore On A String!!! As such, you can only imagine my delight when On A String graciously offered to host a g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y on TCSK. I remember many moons ago when Christine and Anne first started making jewelry in their parent's furniture shop. That grew into On A String, now nestled in the heart of Myers Park with one knockout storefront. It is a must-see anytime you are in Charlotte: their bead collection, displayed jewelry, and handmade chandeliers are ah-mazing!!! Sometimes I shop at On A String with an idea of what I want (a magazine clipping or a drawing of what I am envisioning or just a dress that needs coordinating jewels), but other times I just go in on a whim and I never ever leave empty handed.  I also must confess, I look for excuses to throw parties at On A String: from bridal showers to birthday parties to girls-nights-out ... you name it. Hosting a party at On A String is just more fun!!!

Isn't the store stunning!?! On A String offers complimentary (yes: FREE) classes teaching YOU how to make jewelry. Charlotte Magazine recently crowned On A String with the award: Best One Of A Kind Gifts.
I totally agree!!! I could go on and on, but on to the g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y details ...

On A String is EXTREMELY generous and is giving away THREE pairs of earrings. THREE lucky
winners will win one pair. All three pairs are to die for --- how will you ever pick which pair!?!

To enter to win, just leave a comment below specifying if you have a preference for the blue pair, pink pair, and gold pair. If you want all three like me, just leave a comment and we will let the girls at On A String pick for you!!! For extra entries: like On A String on Facebook, follow On A String on Twitter, and blog/tweet/facebook about this giveaway. That's up to six entries!!! If you want extra entries, you must leave an extra comment for each entry. No blog? No problem, just leave your email address so I can let you know if you win. The winners will be picked via random.org and announced on June 20th, 2011. Many many many thanks to On A String for graciously hosting this giveaway and to you for reading TCSK!!! Xoxo-BLC

Are You Ready For This Jelly ...

Last summer I ohhh-ed and ahhh-ed over the Jimmy Choo jellies. This year, I have the bug again ...

Top: clear Steve Madden and gold Jack Rogers. Bottom: gold Salvatore Ferragamo and pink minnie Nina. I adore all four, but I felt like Cinderella when I slipped on Steve's pair. Do you have a favorite jelly!?!

I might never ever grow out of jellys … and that is just fine by me!!! Xoxo-BLC

Frill Me!!!

Remember my vintage lust!? I’ve been on the hunt ever since. I am thrilled to announce, three little vintage Lilly Pulitzer frocks have found their way into my closet this Spring.Their dubbed “The Lillys.” A sneak peek:

After alternations, these vintage Lilly’s frill me up and down and all over again!!! More details sooon. Until then, dish: do you adore vintage too!?!? If so, where is the hunting good!? I found my three thrills on Etsy. Vintage frills to you and yous. Xoxo-BLC

All That Sparkles

In my college years, I only had eyes for David. You know, David Yurman. Then my husband introduced me to Alexis Bittar and it was love at first sight. Now I am swooning again ... this time it's over Bounkit. The entire collection is d-i-v-i-n-e. All styles come with options: studs or clips. I prefer studs (wink, wink).

I stumbled upon Bounkit thanks to Lilly Pulitzer's catalog. That's how I also found KEP Designs. J'adore her collection of staple must-haves. Oh, speaking of my must-haves: anything in Devon Baer's line. Ah-mazing!!! And, for all you lucky girls who live in Charlotte, On A String can whip up anything. I use to take a dress and let them surprise me. Oiy! I could go on and on and on and onnn with all that sparkles chit chat.
Dish: who makes your favorite jewels!?! Xoxo-BLC

"It was a dark and stormy night ..."

Edward Bulwer-Lytton began his novel Paul Clifford with, "It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents — except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness." Isn't that spooky!?! Clearly, Ed hasn't seen Lilly's new Dark 'n Stormy print ... but it sure sounds like he could use a Dark 'n Stormy!!! This is my most favorite print from Summer 2011. Isn't it divine!?! And doesn't the drink sound delish too!!! I simply must order a Dark 'n Stormy while wearing the Dark 'n Stormy Lilly frock. Cheers!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Let's play a game!!! Finish this sentence: "It was a dark and stormy night, until ..." Xoxo-BLC

Glamping

Camping + Glamorous = Glamping!!! As a child, I glamped on our deck. The yard had way too many bugs. Plus, on the deck, you could open the french doors and feel the cool breeze from the air condition.

AC, outlets, and running water are all musts when glamping ...

So is a pink sleeping bag and the pink romper. Duh!!! Mamatella use to read me to sleep every night. Best childhood memory!!! The summer after second grade, I graduated from glamping to real camping at Camp Lurecrest. In the fabric of my life, Camp Lurecrest colored my childhood more than ever imaginable. Don't fret, I still squeal like a 5 year old every time I see a bug!!! Ewww. Cheers to glamping ... and camping too!!! Xoxo-BLC

Rabbit, Rabbit!!!

Rabbit, rabbit!!!

As you well know by now, Robert Lynd stirred up a little superstition when he wrote "Solomon In All His Glory," ... it goes a little like this:

"'Why,' the man in the brown hat laughed at him, 'I thought everybody knew 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.' If you say 'Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit'--three times, just like that--first thing in the morning on the first of the month, even before you say your prayers, you'll get a present before the end of the month."

So at the beginning of each and every month, I wish you a little "rabbit, rabbit." I adore June because it brings SUMMERTIME!!! Wishing you loads of junebugs, sun, summer, fun, and, of course, a happy June to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

PS: TCSK II is back and better than ever ... shop, shop, shop to your ♥s content!!! Visiting are all my favorites: Lilly, Tibi, Ralph Lauren, Alisha Levine, and Tory Burch. Oh, and a first-ever: SHOES!!! Sizes from 4/Small to 10/Large and prices from $10.00-$40.00. Shop away!!!