Peace Out

Hiya there! With our wedding one week away, a much needed hiatus is in order. Until then, Happy New Year and enjoy enjoy enjoy 2010! Xoxo-BLC

Merry Christmas!

Today is magical because I believe ...

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (KJV).

I am wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!! Enjoy this day. Xoxo-BLC

Christmas Eve Alarm Clock

Boys will be boys. Even on Christmas Eve! I wouldn't want to wake-up any other way, would you!? Much love to Ale, my nephew, and Joeytella! Xoxo-BLC

Reindeer Games

The cutest little reindeer ever! Joeytella isn't quite sure about his reindeer outfit, but we think he looks super cute. Do you dress up your favorite fur-ball against their wishes? Chin chin to Christmas cheer! Xoxo-BLC

Belles and Baubles

The blogger belles had the best time meeting and greeting and making baubles! We met at On-A-String bead shop in Myers Park. The "we" included The Duncan Dialogues, Life's A Beach, The Company She Keeps, and Polka Dots & Protein Bars. Polka Dots & Protein Bars is even wearing a darling Hem & Hers skirt --- isn't it lovely!? Many thanks to Nolan, Christine, and Anne for hosting us at their adorable shop. We just had the best time and cannot wait to do it again!!! Xoxo-BLC

Let It Snow!

The last white Christmas I remember in North Carolina was circa 1990s! Ale and I lunched with my padre and stepmadre today and were surrounded by the most gorgeous white snow. I am keeping my fingers crossed it sticks until Christmas!!! Xoxo-BLC

Engagement Brunch

Ale and I had a weekend filled with wedding festivities!!! We just had the best time. Parents of our dear friends hosted a very lovely engagement brunch. His parents came, my parents came, our friends came ... it was just a blast! We enjoyed everything from the toasts to the decorations to the food. Ale and I are all geared up for the wedding: TWO weeks away. Eeeeeeeeek. Xoxo-BLC

Showered With Love

My best friend, her sister, my sister, and her sweet mother showered me with love and a bridal shower today. We had inclement weather conditions in North Carolina, which allowed a few to come due to canceled flights but left others snowed in! I just had the best time seeing family and friends ... and eating cake too! The Lilly Pulitzer Taboo Elephant's trunk is raised up which means the elephant is super happy!!! Just like me. Xoxo-BLC

Cookie Monster

Mmm!!! Cookies just taste better at Christmas time. Have you made your favorite sweet treat this holiday? The real question: to share or not to share! Hehee. Xoxo-BLC

Marsha Marsha Marsha

I had Marsha Brady moment today. I bumped my head real hard. I just know I'll have an egg. Then I'll be that bride ... the egg-head-bride!!! Oh dear me. Off to ice my egg-head! Xoxo-BLC

The Good, The Bad

During a heart-to-heart, my dear friend warned me that weddings either bring out the worst in people or best in people. Her warning preceded any of our hiccups. But ooooooh was that warning sooo wise and sooo true. As for those in the “worst” category: the stories I could tell would knock your socks off. While those moments don’t go unnoticed, I choose positivity and reject their behavior. Instead, I am focusing on those in the “best” category. The stories I could tell you would make you laugh, make you cry, and warm your heart. They shined brighter than the stars!!! Those stars made our engagement, our wedding, and all of our memories completely priceless. Those are the moments that will not fade nor will we forget. We were so touched and could feel their love for our love. Xoxo-BLC

Army of Four

Pictured: Ale, me, Mommatella, and Paparazzi building bikes for our local Salvation Army! We had a blast getting the toys prepped and ready to go home for Christmas. These children are sure to have a very Merry Christmas! I hope you too can give back to your community or support your charity of choice this holiday season!! Xoxo-BLC

Blogger Meet and Greet

Come one, come all! Olive My Life!, Polka Dots & Protein Bars, Duncan Dialogues, and I (The Company She Keeps) are hosting a blogger meet and greet Tuesday, December 22nd in Charlotte, North Carolina. I have the good fortune of knowing these sweet bloggers because we all have one thing in common: we grew up in the Queen City!!! We have a really exciting event planned and would LOVE for you to join. If you are interested, please leave a comment and/or email any of us. If you cannot make it, we will miss you but we will blog about it until you feel like you were there! The more the merrier. Xoxo-BLC

R.S.V.P.

By request: an invitation-only post! Our wedding invitations are just stunning; think traditional, ivory, and gold type/trim. The calligrapher swirled our guests names on the inner and outer envelopes with amazing type. As for the bridal luncheon invitations, Mommatella picked the pictured invitation (with pink, not black, type) because the venue is decked with chandeliers! I just love the fun, flirty invitation for the event honoring my lovely maids and I hope they do too!! Many thanks for the invitation-only post request and don't forget to R.S.V.P! :) Xoxo-BLC

Happy Feet

Many thanks to the ever so lovely The Luckiest Mrs. for the Happy 101 Award!!! She is so crafty and created this award herself. The rules: list 10 things that make you happy and tag 10 others. [1] Hymns in church. [2] Giving gifts to others. [3] Kind words. [4] All things Lilly Pulitzer! [5] The smell of evergreen. [6] Fur coats. [7] Lobster! [8] Wagoneers circa 1984. [9] Koozies. [10] Sugar sugar sugar! Oh and these bloggers: Happy Day World, Just Lovely, Chic & Pink, Susan in the South, The Smoakin' Life, Very Married, Cardigans and Clogs, Just Another Day in Paradise, The Pink Washingtoniette, and YOU! Xoxo-BLC

Fa la la la

An excuse to shop!? Yes, please!! My must-stop-shops are:
Jewelry: On A String and Ash
Outfits: Pink Boulevard
Artwork: Maggie Mayd
What more does a girl need!? What are your favorite must-stop-shops? Xoxo-BLC

Ornament Swap

Kayce from The Smoakin' Life and I played for swaps!! The wonderful Kathrine from Just Lovely hosted this great swap and my oh my did we have fun!!! Kayce and I have loads in common, from all these legalese to all things southern. She definitely out-shopped me ... she gifted me a darrrrling Lowcountry Lobster ornament and the Lilly Pulitzer trio ornaments. Talk about making my Christmas extra festive!!!! Many thanks Kayce for the wonderful ornaments and to Katherine for hosting this great swap. Off to decorate my tree! Xoxo-BLC

Pink, The New Red

One of my favorite lines from "Legally Blonde" is, "Whoever said orange was the new PINK was seriously disturbed." Clearly, Elle Woods wasn't a Tiger fan, however ... she is right about one think: PINK trumps ALL!!!This year, PINK is the new red. I am thoroughly enjoying my PINK and green Christmas!!! Wishing you and yours nothing but a holiday filled with PINK cheer!!!! Xoxo-BLC

Gottman says ...

You are familiar with "That's what she said" from The Office, right? Well ... our sweet Methodist marriage counselor was a tad confused with the catchphrase because she kept saying "That's what Gottman said." Doesn't she know ... it's not what Gottman said, it's what she said! Silly goose. Somebody needs to watch more NBC. Teehee. Xoxo-BLC

PS: What I learned from marriage counseling: Ale wants 5 kids. Oh. My. Word!

Home For The Holidays

Home sweet home. Xoxo-BLC

Finally Finals Finalized

Yippieeee! I am officially a 2L and half. I can hear Neil Armstrong saying, "That is one small step for man, but one giant leap for" BLC!! Woot woot. The problem to my left was NOT on my exam (that I recall). Hehe. Time to be merry and focus on wedding planning (4ish weeks awayyyyy till the big day)!!!!! Xoxo-BLC

Pardon My French

I have a wicked sweet tooth.
Sugar is just my favorite.
I like sugar of all nationalities.
Me, discriminate against sugar?
I would never!!!
I just LOVE French macarons.
I love the color.
I love the taste.
I love the sweet treat!
What is your favorite sweet treat?
Xoxo-BLC

Crouching Tiger ...

... Stinging Yellow Jackets.
And the Jackets won!? :(
Tiger Woods
and the TIGERS
have
their
tail
between
their
legs!
Tres sad day my friends.

Paparazzi, BIL, and two nephews had a blast in Tampa ... and are still having a blast rubbing in that win. I'll stand by my Tigers!

Xoxo-BLC

Isle Always Love You

This time next month ... I'll have my toes in the Caribbean sand!!!! We cannot wait to honeymoon in Barbados. :) Have you ever been? Any advice!?? What are the chances we meet Rihanna and become her new bffs? Hehe. Xoxo-BLC

Debauchelor Party

Ale and his friends are off to the East-Coast-Las-Vegas for his Debauchelor Party. I am confident these boys can make better decisions than the Duke Lacrosse team! Stay out of trouble, have fun, and enjoy the festive Atlantic City boys!!! Xoxo-BLC

Come Monday

Come Monday ... it will be alright!
I will be finir with law school finals then.
And homebound. Ahhh! :)
Is it Monday yet?
Xoxo-BLC

Top Tube

You would think if I can blog I could also upload video to YouTube. Nope! Here is a screen-shot of my attempted video submission for the "Re-Lilly Contest." I talk about being inspired to start The Clothes She Kept as an endeavor to go green and keep my closet clean. A+ for effort??? Off to befriend a YouTube nerd ... Xoxo-BLC

Happy Cyber Monday!!

Happy Cyber Monday! Help cure this so called "recession" and keep shopping. ... but in furry slippers from the comfort of your bed. Or maybe even while working ... hello online shopping. The perk, your mail will include more than bills. Below are my favorite online sites. Do your duty and pump the economy! Xoxo-BLC

TCSK II

After a successful first and second pass, I did a third swoop and added a few more items to The Clothes She Kept! Just in case you didn't shop enough yesterday. Teehee. Happy shopping to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

Eat More Chicken

Goooooooooooo Tigers!!! Eat those USC chickens. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Black Friday!

Happy Black Friday!! Yesterday, I hope you ate like no one was watching. I did! Today, I hope you will shop like the bill isn't coming. I will! Get your spiked heels on and elbows out ... this is biggest shopping day of the year. What am I hunting down? Cutsy STAMPS! Yes, wedding-invitation-stamps. Talk about a splurge at USPS. You too should support the economy and shop your heart out! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving Day! It is time to give thanks and be glad it in. I am thankful for a healthy family, entertaining friends, and good times. Our family celebration requires tryptophan hangovers and breaking out the fat pants. I had my cake (and turkey, and pie, and stuffing) and ate it too!! Time to run in a Turkey Trot, watch the Macy's Parade, and, of course eat, drink, and be merry. Enjoy! Xoxo-BLC

Blogiversary

Happy Blogiversary to TCSK! This blog doesn't look at day over one-year-old, does it!? Advice Amy encouraged me to start this blog ... and if Lilly Pulitzer had a blog, I wanted one too!!! I have posted everyday for a year and oh la la has it be fun fun fun. I cherish the friends I have made here at TCSK and I thoroughly enjoy my tiny slice of the blogosphere. Chin chin to the past year and many more to come. Xoxo-BLC

Beantown Prepster

Are you missing Beantown Prepster as much as me!??? Well, our favorite Beantown blogger is on a little hiatus ... and will be returning post-law-school-finals (ick-ick-ick). She has very very very very exciting plans in December and January!!!! I am soooo much looking forward to her return and hearing about allllll her happenings. Join me in wishing her the best of luck with law school finals and enough of this hiatus already!!! Xoxo-BLC

Fairy Pee

I like my coffee the color of my skin. Darker in the summer, sweeter in the winter. The critics say this about my coffee habit: Critic #1: Ale. His coffee: army black (eww). His opinion: It's not coffee, it's coffee flavored creamer. Critic #2: Daddy. His coffee: black with one pack of sugar. His opinion: FAIRY PEE! Hehe, how do you take your coffee?? :) Xoxo-BLC

Every Woman

The talented LP design director for print and pattern, Janie Schoenborn, eloquently described the ultimate Lilly Pulitzer woman: "She is confident and loves color. She is independent and loves to stand out in her Lilly. She has style and is really chic. It's the woman you want to sit next to at a dinner party." What describeds the kind of woman you want to be? Xoxo-BLC

On the Move

Today is moving day!!! Ale and I selected a charming garden flat as our first home together. I am moving in first ... which means first dibs on the closets! Xoxo-BLC

Howl at the Moon

Eeeeeek! There is a New Moon out in theaters today. My inner tween couldn't wait ... so I attended the 12:01 AM showing. O-M-G!!!!!!!!!!!! Clearly, I've been bitten. :) Xoxo-BLC

Lilly Palooza

Lilly. Pulitzer. Warehouse. Sale. You had me at Lilly. I will be drooling to go. Until next Spring. :) Did you go? If so, make me green. Green with envy. Xoxo-BLC

Shoe Tree

"I had a little shoe tree, nothing would bear
But Manolo Blahniks and vintage Taittinger
The Queen of Style, Ms. Wintour, came to see me
And wrote a piece in Vogue about my shoe tree."
Excerpt from This Little Piggy Went to Prada by Amy Allen

I just added this divine pair of Badgley Mischka's to my shoe tree! Can we say w-e-d-d-i-n-g s-h-o-e-s! These beauties were made to strut down the aisle. Off to practice my wobble ... I mean walk! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Are you sick of wedding banter yet!?? Or do you want more?? If so, what more could I dribble about!? :)

You Auto Know

Do you know how to change a flat tire? I have never tried, but thanks to DailyCandy, I think I could figure it out after watching this: Get Pumped! Don't be too distracted by the muscles and hot rod, you auto know how to change a flat tire!!! Xoxo-BLC

Fling with Earrings

My dear friend Ash is remarkable. My favorite story I tell on her all the time goes like this. After college, she jetted off to Africa to volunteer. I had always described her as the friend who would give me the shirt off her back. And, I still do (because she still would). When it was time for Ash to return to the States, she left everything she had brought with her in Africa. And I mean everything. She truly has a heart of gold. Anyhoo, I am so excited to support her new venture ... jewelry making! She is in jewelry school and sells her beautiful pieces HERE. I wear THESE earrings alllll the time. They are lightweight and just gorgie!!! Best of luck Ash ... I can't wait to say: I knew you way back when! Xoxo-BLC

Haute & Spicy

Oh la la! Leighton Meester is making music haute and spicy with her new song "Somebody to Love." I love the killer wardrobe ... how Blair of her!? Xoxo-BLC

A Spoonful of Sugar

Many thanks to the sweet Tales of an All American Girl, Completely Preppy, and Short Southern Momma for the Sugar Doll Award!!! The rules: list 10 interesting things about yourself and tag 10 bloggers. [1] My great-paternal-grandfather lent Truett Cathy money to start a little endeavor. [2] That endeavor is Chick-fil-A! [3] My great-maternal-grandmother is on IMDB. [4] Also on IMDB, my sophomore college roommate. [5] My dream car: a Wagoneer circa 1984. [6] Summers at Camp Lurecrest are my favorite past time. [7] I want to go back to Lake Lure this summer! [8] In January, I will be a certified mediator and [9] I will be married! Woohoo!!! [10] I recently made a furry purchase (opppsy ... sorry Ale!). I am sharing this sugar with Life in Fun Size, Life in the Bass Lane, Lola's Journey To and From, Such a Loverly Life, Tripping Down the Aisle, Love Being a Nonny, The Luckiest Mrs., Good Gal Inc., Chic & Pink, and Blooming in the Garden State. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Friday the 13th!

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!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Re-Lilly Contest

Calling all cinematographers!! Submit a video explaining how you are Re-Lilly-ing your history for a better, greener future. Details here! Cheers to a greener tomorrow. Xoxo-BLC

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day to you and yours!! Today I am respectfully honoring and remembering the service our military veterans have generously given to our great country. A special thanks to my paternal grandfather, maternal grandfather, Paparazzi, and soon to be father-in-law for their military commitment and service. To all veterans, your sacrifice does not go unnoticed nor will we ever forget your bravery. Attend a ceremony, parade, or say a prayer to celebrate our veterans! Xoxo-BLC

TCSK II

After a successful first pass, I did a second swoop and added a few more items to The Clothes She Kept! Happy shopping to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

An Original Idea

"The Princess Project"

November 9th - November 15th

Bring in your "gently worn" special occasion dresses

(we know you've got old prom, bridesmaid and other one-hit

wonders in your closets)! We're donating them to deserving young girls for memories of their own! The giving goes both ways: Every generous donor receives
good karma AND $10 towards an originals purchase!!!

Grab your sequins, taffeta, and tulle dresses!! Then swing by your local LP retailer and support the Princess Project. What an original idea? Xoxo-BLC

Sea of Orange

Where in the world is Ale? On ESPN. In that sea of orange rushing the field post-Tiger victory. Do you see him??? Hint hint: he is the one wearing orange. Xoxo-BLC

Clean Closet

Inspired by Pretty in Pink Megan's Online Yardsale, Nautical by Nature's From My Closet to Yours, Sweet Tea Diary's Blog Sale, and Monograms and Manicures, I joined the club and launched The Clothes She Kept!!! I am a shopaholic, clothes horse, and brand snob. I have a tinsy-winsy-bit of trouble getting rid of clothing. This is my attempt to find unworn clothing a happy home! I hope you swing by and shop. Email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com or comment (no comments are published) with interest, questions, or concerns. Remember to wear it well and happy shopping to you! Xoxo-BLC

Thinspiration

Oh la la, my thinspiration has me daydreaming of island hopping!
What motivates your girlish figure? Xoxo-BLC

Chic-onomics

My undergraduate degree should have been in chic-onomics, not economics. Why? We two lovebirds have a cyclical discussion like this:

Me (chicon fan): "Look at what I just purchased for 50% off."
Him (econ fan): "You should open a bank account for the 50% you just saved." Grrrrrr.
Well, I am putting my econ degree to good use and opening a Carrie Bradshaw Account. Ale can sneak a peek at my savings account anytime he wants: it's hanging in my closet. :) Xoxo-BLC

Merci Beacoup

Eons ago, my sweet college roommate gifted me this book: On A Personal Note. From thank yous to congratulations to business appropriate wording, this book has been the most useful resource for handwritten notes. After the engagement hanger party and bridal shower, thank you notes were in order allll the way around --- from hosts to guests to gift-givers. I might have developed early onset arthritis from handwriting 82 thank you notes, but it was well worth it!!! I used all of my formal and fun stationary; is this an excuse to buy more!? I think so! A big cheers to snail mail! Xoxo-BLC

Run Girl, Run!

I am so proud of my dear college chum, Maggie Mayd! MM just collided two of her favorite worlds: art and running. She painted this magnificent piece for Girls on the Run, an organization that uses running to promote self-respect and healthy lifestyles for girls. She is selling this painting and all of the proceeds go to GOTR! Many thanks MM for using your gifts for a greater good. Xoxo-BLC

PS: If you are interested in the painting and/or knowing more about GOTR, contact MM at MusgraveMaggie@yahoo.com. :)

Confesssions of Sugaraholic

Beantown Prepster tricked the socks off of me by sending a sweet surprise present!!! She is so thoughtful: I missed her Spooky Sugar Swap, but she included me anyways. These sweet treats included delish cookies, candy corn, tons of chocolate, and fall flavored hand gel, lip shine, and candle! If it doesn't taste good ... it smells good!!! Many many many thanks to the wonderful Beantown Prepster for the lovely treats (from me and my sweettooth)!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy All Saints' Day!

I am wishing you a very happpppy All Saints' Day! This holiday celebrates all of the holy apostles, saints, martyrs, and confessors that were made perfect by His grace and who rest throughout the world. An extra bonus: sleeping in an extra hour and half priced candy corn. Cheers to the Saints! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to you and yours! I hope it is super spoooookie. Xoxo-BLC

Ghost of a Chance

For Halloween this year, I proposed that Ale and I go as Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf. Ale said no no no no no no. How rude!? Or should I say, typical-Chuck-move. Well, instead, Ale is "going as himself" (aka Karen Carpenter). Well well well, it will be my treat to trick him into looking "Chuckish" if he really must wear his own clothing. How Blair of me!? What are you wearing for the festivities? Cheers to the many scares to come. Xoxo-BLC

My Little Pumpkins

Aweee! My sweet nephews are my little pumpkins this year.
Who is spooking your heart strings this Halloween!? Xoxo-BLC

Fully Engaged

We have officially announced our engagement.
And this is our ...
engagement announcement photograph.
Once again, shot by Paparazzi!! :)
Xoxo-BLC