Happy New Year's Eve!!!

This New Year's Eve we are ...
celebrating 
and
ringing in the new year
at the club hearing our wedding band play. 
Isn't that fun!?! 
When I saw them on the schedule I insisted we attend 
and 
oh la la will it be sooo fun.
I have a gorgeous dress,
pink champagne, 
wonderful friends,
and, most of all, my love
to welcome 2012!!!

This past year has been amazing and I want to thank you for making it so memorable. Cheers to you and here is to wishing you a happy, healthy, and colorful New Year!!! 

Xoxo-BLC

First Dance

Back when we were Clemsonites, Skipper was my favorite friend to cut a rug with.

She and her mister sure can dance dance dance and their first dance was no exception:

How gorgeous is she!?! And that dress ... it was made for dancing!!!

Skipper's wedding was beyond fun and I wish these two love birds the best in life.

Xoxo-BLC

Let's Rehearse

One of my best friend's from college, Skipper as we call her, is getting married tomorrow!!! Eeek. I am so excited for her BIG day. It is so fun being in the same place at the same time as my college besties:

The rehearsal went seamless and the dindin afterwards was magnificent. From tears to giggle fits, family and friends toasted the soon-to-be newlyweds. I learned this tidbit at my sissy-in-law's rehearsal dindin: negotiate your shopping budget before you say "I do." So true ... and why didn't I do that?!? Let's rehearse: unlimited shopping budget, unlimited shopping budget, unlimited shopping budget. Ha! Chin chin to the happy duo. Xoxo-BLC

2011: Oh what a year!!!

In looking back over the past year, 2011 has been ... 

Best because ... I passed the bar exam. Woohoo!!! Still pumped.

Worst because ... We bid farewell to my granddad. I absolutely loath to cancer. Booo!!!

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

Adventurous because ... We traveled to 

    North Carolina (Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and New Bern)

    South Carolina (Clemson, Greenville, Rock Hill, Charleston, and Greenwood)

    Alabama (Mobile, Lake Martin, Birmingham, and Huntsville)

    Georgia (Savannah, Rome, and Helen)

    Florida (Santa Rosa and Grayton Beach)

    Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

    Delaware (oh I just cannot remember the town ... oopsie daisy!!!)

    Louisiana (New Orleans)  :>)

    and, last but not least, internationally visited Crete, Santorini, and Athens, Greece!!! Phew ... I'm tired.

Unexpected because ... Beantown Prep met us in Greece and I ran into an old sorority sister in Crete. WILD!!!

Fashionable because ... I made my first dress all by myself (well Mamatella did help quite a bit ...). :)

Sporty because ... Beantown Prep, Mamatella, and I hiked up to the Acropolis and didn't need to stop for any altitude breaks. Aren't we quite sporty!?!

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. :)

Many thanks visiting TCSK, now and throughout the last year. Wishing you a yours a memorable 2011 and all the best in 2012!!! 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

Tis the Season ...

It's Christmas Eve ...

 Wishing you and yours loads of merry, merry bright, bright JOY!!! Xoxo-BLC

Fa La La La

Confession: I am still not finished my Christmas shopping!!! In years past, this has never been an issue. I am a born shopper and love any reason to buy pressies. Making the jump from law student with three weeks off to working attorney has been a transition (not to mention all those fun Christmas parties). Needless to say, I have three days to finish and I am always up for a challenge. This season, my go-to has been Devon Baer. Her line fits all the ladies in my life, from my grandmother to mother to sisters to friends, and makes the perfect gift to give. You can shop her line too for 25% off "GIFTS" thru January 25th. I wore one of her dresses to my husband's company Christmas party last night and oh la la was it sooo fun wear. It's chic, comfy, frilly, PINK perfection, and top off with a ruffle collar. Wishing you lots of fa la la las and much merriment!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: Did you find the PERFECT gift but it cannot ship in time for Christmas!?! Don't fret. Just wrap up a picture of the item and let the Christmas cheer spill over until the item arrives. Oh what fun!?!

PSS: If you like TCSK's Facebook page, you can see the old-Lilly-calendar turned Christmas-garland in the picture above. It's added the right pop of color and festive cheer to our holiday!!!

I Pray On Christmas

I pray on Christmas
That the Lord will see me through
I pray on Christmas
He'll show me what to do

I pray on Christmas
He'll help me understand
And I pray on Christmas
He'll take me by the hand

I pray on Christmas
That the sick will soon be strong
I pray on Christmas
The Lord will hear my song

I pray on Christmas
That God will lead the way
And I pray on Christmas
He'll get me through another day

I pray on Christmas
I pray on Christmas
I pray on Christmas
He'll get me through another day

I pray on Christmas
All our problems gonna be worked out
I pray on Christmas
God'll show us what love's about

I pray on Christmas
To do your will each day
And I pray on Christmas
That I'll be with you in heaven some day

I pray on Christmas
Oh, the sick will soon be strong
I pray on Christmas
The Lord will hear my song

I pray on Christmas
That God will lead the way
And I pray I really pray on Christmas
He'll get me through another day
He'll get me through another day...

I'm not BIG on Christmas music, but "I Pray On Christmas" has been my favorite Christmas song this year. Every time I hear it on the radio, I turn it up and sign along. My all time favorite is still Jimmy Buffett's "Mele Kalikimaki." Do share: what is your favorite Christmas music!?! Xoxo-BLC

Cocktails Anyone?

I believe the holidays beckon for a festive cocktail soirees!!! This holiday season, I am head over heels for this cocktail-ring-dress by Lilly Pulitzer. I want to wear it EVERY day!!! Isn't the print so fun!?! It has a ruffle edge and a swinging skirt ... perfect for d-a-n-c-i-n-g. I wore it to a black tie affair this weekend with my Grams jag belt and I cannot wait to take her for a whirl again. Many thanks to Mrs. Walsh of St. Louis, Missouri for inventing the cocktail party; it's still as ever as fashionable 94 years later!!! Do you have festive holiday!? Cheers to cocktail parties ... without them there wouldn't be cocktail dresses or cocktail rings!!! Xoxo-BLC

Tack-i-fied Festivities

It's that time of year: Tacky Christmas Parties galore!!!
I love a reason to dress up ... even if its tacky. :)

I've had this Lilly Pulitzer lion Santa fabric forever and a day.
I really don't think its tacky ... but I sure do think its festive.

I might have borrowed my mom's Christmas sweater one too many times, so this year, 

I slapped on candy cane tights, made a shift dress out of this festive fabric, and viola:

Can't see it!?! Don't worry: I'm wearing it everyday until Christmas 

and then again on July 25th for Christmas in July!!! Ho, ho, hooo.

It was so fun getting tackified with these lovebugs. Xoxo-BLC

Officially HOMEOWNERS!!!

Xoxo-BLC

Rides Like a Cadillac

My husband loves to hunt. I never saw the thrill until he returned 

home with pictures of horses, planes, dogs, and jeeps. Besides the 

harming animals part, I think I'd really like "hunting."

This hunt was just my speed: I'm happy to report they just shot sporting clays.
Let's take a moment of silence for those shattered clays. :)

This trip he met Cadillac. Her owner named her that because "she rides like a Cadillac."

Isn't that precious!?! She is gorgie and I just love her blue stall.

When my husband returned from trips, whether fishing or hunting,

I use to ask: "what did you catch!?!" I've since learned ...

"catching" just applies to fishies. Oh geez! Xoxo-BLC

Reindeer Games

Joeytella says: "Reindeer games!?! I thought this game came with carrots."

Joeytella wishes you and your furbaby a Merry Christmas!!! Xoxo-BLC

Elfed Up

Joeytella says, "This is elfed up ... get me out of this elf outfit!!!"

Elfing around with Joeytella is just more fun. Xoxo-BLC

Santa Furbaby

Joeytella says: "Ho, ho, ho ... can I have a treat already!?!"

I love this Santa Furbaby!!! Xoxo-BLC

One whole year.

A year ago today, I lost my stepdad to cancer, but he won: he is in the presence of Jesus. My parents remarried their significant others when I was itty bitty and I don't remember life without them. More than anything I want him back. Grief is just the price we pay for love. For the first time since he passed, I searched through my old email correspondence with him. I was in giggle fits to find this was the last email I received from him: 

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? 
 6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 
 7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Ever since my high school we had a running joke of "don't eat too much." To let you in on the funny, it was my senior prom and after pictures at my parents house, our parents were sending my friend group off with well wishes. They were yelling goodbyes like "have fun" "be safe" and so on. Not to be outdone, my stepdad yells "BLC, don't eat too much." I remember him being mortified, my mom elbowing him, and everyone laughing. I still think its just as funny as I did that day. After all, laughter is the best medicine. Xoxo-BLC

PS: I really appreciate the kind words you shared last year. Donna reminded me last year that Christmas in heaven and celebrating Jesus's birth with him is far better than year (you can read her comment here). It helped me focus on his win, not our loss. In the past year, I can think of a friend who lost a parent, a friend who lost a sibling, and friend who lost a child. Being comforted by you helped me comfort them.

PSS: I wrote this post about grief: "Good Grief." If you struggle with grief it might help you a little too. :)

Mrs. TCSK and Her Mister: Gift Guide

When people find out I have this little blog, they always ask what I blog about. And I happily respond: ME!!! I confessed that in my very first post ever: the purpose of this blog is completely selfish. It's my happies, my colorful life, the company I keep, and wearing it all well. Selfish, selfish, selfish. So, not to break my selfish stride, here is my Mrs. TCSK wishlist:

Moi: Noble House Designs necklace, Sheridan French colorful frock, Devon Baer anything,

faux fur or vintage/recycled cropped fur coat, sparkly flats by Pretty Ballerinas,

k.slademade clutch, and pashminas (one could never have too many, right!?!).

At the risk of being too selfish, I must include what I believe my mister is coveting.

After all, he makes me happy, makes my life much more colorful, 

is the best company I keep,and I always wear it well with him by my side.

Her Mister: mounted stuffed animal, Filson jacket, a shotgun, 

Scotch, a hunting club membership, and a subscription to Garden & Gun. 

Dish: what are YOU wishing, hoping, and praying for this year!?!

May all your wants, wishes, and dreams come true. Xoxo-BLC

Mrs. Duke and Mr. Clemson: Gift Guide

Spreading good cheer continues today with sporting gear!!!

My favorite collegiate gear is by far Duke and Clemson. Go Devils and Gooo Tigers!!!

Mrs. Duke: Alexis Bittar garrings, Elizabeth McKay dress, 

devil horns, Duke foam #1 finger, Ivanka Trump boots, 

and Town & County magazine (yawn --- just in case the game is a snoozer).

Mr. Clemson: Smathers and Branson Clemson belt, Nike Clemson visor, 

shaker pom-pom, Clemson koozie, paw cufflinks, 

a cushy seat for your lady-friend, and paw embroidered pants.

Whats your favorite fan-must-haves!?! Do share!!!

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

TCSK Minnies: Gift Guide

It's the most wonderful time of year and to spread the cheer, what better way than gifts for everyone!?!

Let's start with those who are most excited about Christmastime: MINNIES!!!

Girls first: Ashley Brooke Designs "thank you" stationary, pink

chewbeads, Little Lilly shift, bows bows bows, and a Tiffany baby rattle.

Boys: Jon Jons, blue chewbeads, Tiffany piggy bank,

and Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go"!!!

I am at that fun age where friends are still getting married and others are having babies. The kid-world is still foreign to moi, but these are my most favorite gifts to give babies, minnies, moms-to-be, and new mamas.

Do share: where to do snag the perfect minnie gift!?! Happy shopping to you and yours for those special minnies in your life!!! Xoxo-BLC

PS: I do believe these gifts would be good for minnies orrrr that tough-to-buy for person on your list: a zoo membership, membership to the local art museum, Kiva Card (an ah-mazing gift!!!), Adopt a Whale (or your exotic animal of choice), or give a sheep, chicken, goat, or duck through World Vision!!!

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!!!

This year we gave out "best cookie awards." The winners are: the colorful snowman,

the cowboy stocking, the well-decorated Christmas tree ...

... and my personal favorite: the sunburnt snowman!!! Isn't he hip with his sunnies!?!

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

Orange you glad!?! I AM!!!

There are NO WORDS to express my excitement: Clemson won the ACC Championship!!!

I am beyond proud of my Tigers ... and I am BEYOND excited to go to MIAMI!!!

We tailgated with the best of 'em: it included a white table cloth, DJ, 

and tons of college chums. Oh la la was it FUN running into all those Clemson chums!!!

Isn't the sunset stunning!?! All I see is purple and orange. :)

I needed a rest-break hiking up to our seats.

I claim it was because of the "altitude" and not because I might be out of shape.

And BRRR was it chilly so high up, but just LOOK at that view of the field!!!

We couldn't stop smiling ear to ear!!! Miami here we come.

I couldn't stop giggling at all the fans throwing oranges on the field.

Fingers crossed we can win the Orange Bowl!!! 

Let's GOOO TIGERS!!! Xoxo-BLC