Happy New Year's Eve!!!

Happy New Year's Eve from the Clemson bowl game:

I am looking forward to ringing in the new year with my favorite Clemson chums. 

Bye-bye 2010!!! Xoxo-BLC

Cocktail Soiree

I believe New Year's Eve beckons a festive Coctail Soiree!!! I always look forward to a celebrating the old year and properly welcoming the new year. This year, we will be cheering on the Clemson Tigers at noon, having a small sit down dinner with our closest friends, and attending a large cocktail party at the day's end. I plan to wearing the Lilly Pulitzer Sondra dress with a chubby fur to shoo the wintry chill. Many thanks to Mrs. Walsh of St. Louis, Missouri for inventing the cocktail party; it's still as ever as fashionable 93 years later!!! Do you have festive New Year's Plans!? Cheers to meeting the New Year with funnn!!! Xoxo-BLC

2010: What a year it has been!!!

In looking back over the past year, 2010 has been ...

Best because ... We married on January 2, 2010!!!

Worst because ... We bid farewell to my stepdad and aunt. I absolutely loath to cancer. Booo!!!

Colorful because ... of The Company She Keeps and YOU ... her readers!!!

Adventurous because ... We traveled to Holetown, Barbados; Charleston, South Carolina; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Huntsville, Alabama; San Diego, California; Savannah, Georgia; Auburn, Alabama; and ALL over North (and South) Carolina!!!

Unexpected because ... I never imagined I would make real life friends via TCSK. Murphy's (New) Law, Muffy Martini, Beantown Prep, and Monograms and Manicures have made my life much more colorful.

Fashionable because ... I visited the Pink Palace and saw Lillyland first hand. Oh la la!!!

Sporty because ... Although I ditched distance running, I picked up spinning (my knees are thanking me).

Educational because ... Law school taught me more law and Bible Study taught me more grace.

Unforgettable because ... I have an a-m-a-z-i-n-g family and very step of this year I walked with Ale, the love of my life, by my side. :)

Wishing you a yours a memorable 2010 and all the best in 2011!!! Xoxo-BLC

Let it SNOW!!!

Living below the Mason-Dixon Line means this rarely happens: 

 Can you spot Joeytella? He loved the snow!!!

Meet out snowman:

I hope you had a white Christmas too. 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 happy, happy and a very merry, merry Christmas!!! Enjoy this day. Xoxo-BLC

Welcome Home ...

My adorable nephews highly anticipated this welcoming home ... 

... don't you just feel the warm fuzzies?!?!? Hehe. 

Welcome home just in time for Christmas.

Xoxo-BLC

Reindeer Games

Joeytella Versace didn't feel like reindeer games, 

but the newest addition to the family did ... Meet Jackie:

Isn't he darrrrling!??? We love him very much. 

Xoxo-BLC

Elfing Around

Last year,
Joeytella Versace 
dressed up as a 
reindeer.
This year,
he didn't feel up to the usual
reindeer
games.
To lift his Christmas spirit,
his fur-girlfriend gifted him this precious elf costume.
Elfing around makes everyone smile!!!
Isn't he a darrrrling elf!???
We think so.
Even though his grin might not completely agree.
Do you dress up your furball too???
Joeytella wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!!
Xoxo-BLC

Get Carded

I just adore correspondence. Whether sending or receiving, I swoon over darling pictures, clever wording, and the creativity each card brings. I should really buy stock in Hallmark!!! Without further ado, from my family to yours ... wishing you a very Merry Christmas in cards!!!

Our Big Family 2010 Christmas Card (John 1:14):

<---- Here it is!!!

Per sissys request, we snapped this photograph over Thanksgiving and I am sooo glad we did. It is our last big family photograph with everyone pictured. We miss Paparazzi sooo much!!! Sissy also sent a darling photograph card of her sweet family of four. 

Our First Married Couple 2010 Christmas Card (Luke 2:11-14):

<---- Here it is!!!

I couldn't resist using a wedding picture as our Christmas card. We debated taking down the Christmas decorations at the church, but I am so glad we did not!!! I think it made our card a little more punchy. :)

My dear in-laws had a wedding bell theme: a picture from our wedding and another to announce the engagement of my sweet sister-in-law!!! Is it April yet!??? My padre and stepmom sent a super cute Christmasy palm tree card and it made my day. Chin chin to sending Christmas cheer one card at a time!!! Xoxo-BLC

Thank You For Being A Friend

From your gorgie flowers to heartfelt letters to sweet emails, comments, and tweets ... I just want to say:

Thank you for being a friend

Traveled down the road and back again

Your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way

My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party

Invited everyone you knew

You would see, the biggest gift would be from me

and the card attached would say:

Thank you for being a friend!!!

Yes, I went Golden Girls on you!!! I feel your love, prayers, support, encouragement, goodwill, and so much more. Andrew Gold said it best: thank you for being a friend to me. Xoxo-BLC

Beyond Blue

A week ago today, my stepfather passed up to Heaven. We are beyond blue. There are not words to describe how much we loved him nor words for how dearly we miss him. I am struggling with never hearing him say "hey baby love" again or not having him at my law school graduation or him never meeting our children. I keep playing this video over and over just to hear him say "ready." Paparazzi told us Fourth of July weekend was the best weekend ever. I agree!!! We formally bid him farewell this week alongside many family and friends. My sister delivered the eulogy and here is a portion: "Dad would want each and every one of you to know that God’s love is unconditional. No matter if you are black or white, Muslim, Catholic, Jewish, Baptist or Hindu, relatively rotten or relatively good, God loves you and desires a relationship with you! The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. My Dad too! The story of Christmas is not exclusivity or judgement, it is redemption and acceptance. For it is not God’s will that any should be separated from Him. God provided a solution to sickness and death and cancer! He came to Earth in the form of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, He lived a perfect human life, was sacrificed on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead. He conquered the grave. It is for this reason that through faith in Him, we can all be with God in glory for eternity. That’s where my Dad is!" While this is by far the toughest thing I have ever endured, I do have a comfort and peace that only comes from the Lord. As my Grams would say this is just "bye-bye for now." Xoxo-BLC

Home for Christmas

This is our circa 1993 Christmas picture.
I laugh every time I look at this photograph.
Allegedly, everyone wore Christmas sweaters ...
Even our sweet pup Lucky. :)
Without going into much detail,
my stepdad entered hospice today.
I cannot believe this is my life.
Ale and I talked about freezing time over Labor Day.
I wish we did.
I finished three of my law school finals.
I took incompletes in the other three.
Law school can wait.
Everyone is home.
And I cannot think of anywhere I would rather be.
I am finding my comfort in the Lord, 2 Cor. 1:3-4,
in my amazing family,
and my colorful friends.
This will be a tough Christmas.

I plan on keeping my chin up, enjoying our time together, and making lots of funnies because laughter is always the best medicine!!! Xoxo-BLC

"The law is reason free from passion."

As law school finals rapidly approach, I feel like Elle Woods ... unprepared!!!

And I have to agree with Vivienne Kensington ... this is totally not acceptable.

Until I have my little duckies in a row, I will be on a brief blogosphere hiatus. Boo hoo!!!

Sending you loads of Christmas cheer (and snow) your way. Wish me luck!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Cyber Monday!!!

Happy Cyber Monday!!! Let's cure this recession and keep on shopping (in furry slippers) today. 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

PS: Follow me on twitter for Cyber Monday deals tweets all day. Start your engines shoppers ...

PSS: Also, a BIG congratulations to LillyxxGal for winning the Dani Notes Stationary giveaway!!! Email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com and we can talk details about your new set of four plates. Many thanks to Dani Notes Stationary for hosting and to all TCSK readers who entered. :)

Club Orange

Confession: never have I ever been to the Clemson v. USC game.

It always backs up to Thanksgiving, but this year we just had to go ...

... and I am so glad we did. We even tailgated with a USC fan. :)

Better luck next year Tigers!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: The sweet old men we sit next to at the game started referring to our stadium, better known as Death Valley, as "Club Orange" instead. It might have to do with our music selection ... hehe!!!

Happy PINK Friday!!!

Yesterday, I hope you ate like no one was watching. I did!!! 

Today, I hope you shop like the bill isn't coming. I definitely will!!!

Get your spiked heels on and elbows out ... this is the biggest shopping day of the year. 

I can just feel the endorphins release!!! Let's support the economy and shop our hearts out!!! 

Happy Pink Friday to you and yours!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I spent my PINK Friday morning with Beantown Prepster!!! She is an absolute hoot and I sooo wish we lived closer so we could get together more often. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and yours!!! It is time to give thanks and be glad it in. I am very thankful for a wonderful 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. What are you thankful for today??? Enjoy!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I am also thankful for TCSK and all her readers --- YOU!!! Today is TCSK's second birthday. Let's celebrate!!! :)

Pre-Thanksmas Thinspiration

Thanksmas (n.): Thanksgiving + Christmas.
Over-indulge at Thanksmas? Me? I would never ... 

Just as a precautionary measure, a little pre-Thanksmas thinspiration is in order.

I think I can manage Mary Phillips balanced diet!!! 

I am going to keep the fat pants close by, just in case. :) Xoxo-BLC

Come Bearing Gifts

My childhood best friend and her sweet husband came over for our first holiday dinner party tonight. Gracious as always, she came with a beautiful bouquet of Fall flowers in hand. We are thoroughly enjoying the sight and smell of that bunch! Her gift made me think: it is a gift to give the right gift. Hostess gifts are unexpected, yet immensely appreciated. As we all gear up for holiday soirees, I thought I would share my favorite hostess gifts to give: (1) fun cocktail napkins and a cutsy corkscrew; (2) a nice bottle of wine in a decorative bag that compliments dinner or dessert; (3) a decorative match box and accompanying candle; (4) ornaments tailored to the hostess passion are sure to please; (5) reusable market bags filled with fresh herbs from your garden; or, (6) as my BFF did, flowers are always a perfect fit!!! Remember to know your hostess well (ex: if they do not partake in adult beverages, do not bring vino). Do you have fantastic hostess gift to share? Cheers to giving the right hostess gift!!! Xoxo-BLC

Artworks by AK Daves

I do believe I have the most talented friends and family. My dear friend AK is no exception!!! She is a self-taught artist and rather fabulous at painting. In fact, she is sooo great, she was recently featured in the magazine In Style!!! I snatched up my copy, told the check-out girl, and even called home about it. I am just sooo proud of her and I am beyond thrilled for her success. That painting sold quick, but these are available:

Brigid's Sunset

Size: 11 x 9 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Frame: Gallery WrapBright

Acrylic painting with hot pinks, blues, and yellows

Grass

Size: 14 x 14 inches

Medium: Acrylic and Colored Pencil

Frame: Unframed

Bright Acrylic paint with colored pencil

http://www.artandak.com/

Waynesville Garden

Size 36 x 24 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Frame: Unframed

Bright colors blended together create the impression of a flower garden.

http://www.artandak.com/

Newest Bedroom

Size 48 x 48 inches

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Frame: Gallery Wrap

Acrylic painting with lots of texture

Newest Bedroom is AK's newbie painting. Don't you want to take it home with you??? I do!!! I could decorate an entire room around these warm, inviting colors. In Style and I agree: Artworks by AK is a must-have one-of-a-kind!!! Cheers to AK and many thanks for making my life more colorful sweet friend. Xoxo-BLC

Touchdowns and Tailgate Trivia

Stepmadre, Daddy, me, and Ale  attended the Wake Forest v. Clemson football game in Winston-Salem. We are alllll smiles after our Tigers won. I do believe this makes us bowl-eligible. Woohoo!!!

You cannot tell from the picture, but I wore this dress with dark brown riding boots:

And I learned a little tailgate trivia too. Which story do you believe??? Ale would surely pick the grilled sausages at Princeton and I pick picnic baskets at Yale!!! Tailgate cheers to you and yours. Xoxo-BLC

Some More Please

One of my favorite things about Fall is campfires!!! And no campfire is complete without s'mores. My favorite recipes:

1. Back to Basics: 1 regular marshmallow, 4 Hershey chocolate squares, and 1 graham cracker sheet. Toast the marshmallow and place on chocolate loaded graham cracker. Squeeze and enjoy!!!

2. Peanut-Butter-Cup: 1 regular marshmallow, 1 Reese cup, and 1 graham cracker sheet. Toast the marshmallow and place on top of Reese cup. Squish with the graham cracker and dive in!!!

3. Pretty in Pink: 1 strawberry marshmallow, 1 whole strawberry, and 1 graham cracker sheet. Lightly toast marshmallow and strawberry. Place on graham cracker and enjoy!!!

Do you have a favorite s'more recipe!??? Do share!!! Cheers to enjoying Fall to the fullest. Xoxo-BLC

PS: Did you know they make "campfire marshmallows"??? They are jumbo-huge ... as big as my fist!!! 

Worth every fat-free calorie. :)

The Latest Dish {G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y}

Always ready to dish, are we??? I am!!! 

Well then, these decked-out plates by Dani Notes Stationary are the perfect dish to talk of. 

The latest dish: Dani Notes Stationary is graciously offering one TCSK reader a set of four plates. 

Aren't these custom dishes d-i-v-i-n-e???

Check out her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/daninotes. To enter to win, leave a comment by Monday, November 29th. No blog? Just leave your email address. For extra entries, blog, tweet, like Dani Notes Stationary on Facebook, or follow Dani Notes Blog. Be sure to leave an extra comment for an extra entry!!! A big thanks to Dani Notes Stationary for hosting this super giveaway and many thanks to all TCSK readers. Cheers to the latest dish!!! Xoxo-BLC

Bootie Call

I prefer timeless, classic pieces than fall victim to fashion trends. 

I counted myself out when "booties" became fashionable last Fall. 

Well, I did until this Fall when I saw these black beauty booties.

How could I say no to the darrrling ruffle edge???

Comfortablish and fashion forward, I fell prey to this $22.00 bootie call.

Do you do the bootie too??? Xoxo-BLC

MarTEAni

I recently picked up the magazine Traditional Home ...

...  only to find this untraditional, but divine marTEAni recipe.

Cheers to merging tea time with cocktail hour!!! Xoxo-BLC

The New Queens of Green

A big congratulations to Kat of Pretty in Pink and Green!!! According to random.org, you are commenter number eight and that makes you the lucky winner of The Pink Pelican's Tote-ally Green Giveaway!!! Please email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com to collect your Loose Lilly Tote Queen of Green. Congratulations and enjoy enjoy enjoy. Many thanks to all TCSK readers who entered!!! All TCSK readers receive 10% off at The Pink Pelican by entering "irecycle10" when checking out.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your recycling tips and everyone had such great ideas. My first favorite: Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore who said, "I like to use tissue paper for wrapping gifts because it is a lot better for the environment than all of that heavy stock wrapping paper! xx" Well I never knew that!!! More tissue wrapping for me. My second favorite: Daninotes who said, "My three little guys are great at recycling, reducing, and reusing. Junk mail, magazines, and cardboard packing from food are great toys! They will cut, color, and create the most amazing things ... and then I can still put it in the recycling bins!" I bet their creations are divine --- and green too. If you two email me at thecompanyshekeeps@gmail.com, I will send you a little surcie for sharing such great green tips!!! Cheers to living life more green (and pink too)!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Bangles

I absolutely adore bangles.

The band and the bracelets. All sizes, shapes, and colors.

Too high? Nonsense! Wear bangles well by stacking high or keeping it simple with just one.

 I am fond of bangles by Devon Baer, Alexis Bittar, and Lilly Pulitzer.

Do you love bangles too? The band or the bracelets???

Happy (manic) Friday!!! 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, my maternal grandfather, Paparazzi, and my 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. Many thanks all you Veterans!!! Attend a ceremony, parade, or say a prayer to celebrate our veterans!!! Xoxo-BLC

Birthday Wishes

Wishing my childhood best friend the very best birthday today!!! She made my childhood more colorful and she makes my life sooo much fuller. She is and will always be my very best friend.

Her bangs and my pigtails are sooo circa early 1990s, but face-painted elephants never go out of style!!! Neither do fabulous friendships. I am thrilled my bestie shares a birthday with the great style icon Lilly Pulitzer!!! Two favorites, one fun day: a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to both. Xoxo-BLC

A Bloomie's Birthday Bash!!!

Did you know tomorrow is a VERY special day??? 

Two of my favorite people celebrate birthdays tomorrow. Let's celebrate!!!

One of the birthday girls is hosting this birthday offer with Bloomies: 20% off the Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2010 Collection? Count me in!!! $500.00 spent wins a Resort tote??? Count me in!!! No Bloomies in my area ... boo hoo hoo. It's Lilly's birthday party and I will cry if I want to. Wishing the Queen of the Jungle, Mrs. Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau, the very best birthday tomorrow!!! Xoxo-BLC

The Real Housewives of SNL

I have a large guilty pleasure appetite for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, New York, New Jersey, DC, Orange County, Atlanta, etc. The new girls on the block, The Real Housewives of SNL, are no exception:

Talk about the perfect spoof and what a hoot!!! Based on the tweets from most of my favorite housewives, they found it rather funny too. If you cannot laugh at yourself, then who can you laugh at??? Cheers to making lots and lots and lots of funnies. Xoxo-BLC

Tote-ally Green {G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y}

Did you know November 15th is America Recycles Day? This calls for a celebration: The Pink Pelican is graciously offerring one TCSK reader this Loose Lilly Tote in Queen of Green!!! Isn't it lovely? Well it gets better, The Pink Pelican is also giving away this tote and four other Queen of Green items on their blog. Be sure to enter that giveaway too for an extra chance to win. To enter to win this giveaway, leave a comment by November 15th, 2010. No blog? Just leave your email address. If you have a great recycling tip, be sure to share that tip!!! I started The Clothes She Kept as an attempt to go green and keep my closet clean (The average American throws away 68lbs of clothing a year. Yikes!!!). Don't forget to enter The Pink Pelican's giveaway for a second chance to win this tote and other Queen of Green items!!! A very special thanks to The Pink Pelican for offering such a generous giveaway. Xoxo-BLC

PS: The Pink Pelican is also offering ALL The Company She Keeps readers 10% off. Just enter "irecycle10" when checking out!!! Happy shopping to you and yours. :)

Cruise into Christmas ...

Did you know ALL the Lilly Pulitzer cruisers sold out??? Well almost.

You still have a chance to win a Lilly Pulitzer cruiser when you spend $500.00 at Pink Boulevard. With flip-flop friendly pedals this ride is perfect "at beaches, around town, along boardwalks, to farmer's markets, to wherever your stylish life takes you." So go on: do a little Christmas shopping at Pink Boulevard and keep your fingers crossed that you win!!! Xoxo-BLC

For the Love of Democracy

When it comes to politics, 

I think the King said it best: 

"I little less conversation, 

a little more action please." 

Exercise your freedom of choice ...

... and go VOTE today!!! 

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: half priced candy corn. Cheers to the Saints!!! Xoxo-BLC

Happy Halloween!!!

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

It's Lake Thirty

A dear duo of Clemson chums invited us for a weekend away to ...

... kick up our feet and enjoy the view!!!

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend too. Xoxo-BLC

The Halloween Soiree

Every Thursday, my law school besties and I have standing plans.

The Halloween Soiree was no exception ...

Happy early Halloween from Catwoman, Wilma Flinstone, and me, a flapper girl!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Trick-or-Treat

Let's go Trick-or-Treating with KEP Designs!!!

Eons ago when sweet Muffy Martini hosted a KEP Designs discount code,
I purchased an orange necklace from the flower collection. It has been the perrrfect Fall necklace!!!
Many thanks KEP Designs and happy shopping trick-or-treaters. Xoxo-BLC

PS: Returns are a cinch at KEP Designs!!! I accidently ordered the wrong color orange and they made the swap in a jiffy. Cheers to great customer service!!!