Colonial Architecture in Texas (LSP Series)

Earlier this month I posted how there would be a series of blogs highlighting the New England lifestyle deep in the heart of Texas... here is the first installment!

Texas colonial architecture is usually synonymous with Spanish styles, thanks to the colonization of the area by Spain (as well as the French) at the same time England was spreading its empire along the East Coast.  Spanish colonial architecture is evident throughout the state, particularly in the form of the Spanish missions in South Texas.  However, even though Texas was not colonized by the English, their design influences are without any doubt part of the architectural landscape here.

Colonial architecture is defined by styles used prior to the American Revolution and the most prominent style was Georgian, named for the King Georges who ruled England (the most notable for our history was King George III who famously imposed "taxation without representation" on the American colonists following the French and Indian War, sparking the War for Independence).  The first example of Georgian architecture in America is the Wren Building on the College of William and Mary campus in Virginia, the second oldest university in the country; construction began in 1695 and was completed in 1700.

Here in Texas, Georgian architecture popped up during the Georgian Revival period (also known as Colonial Revival) during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as part of a movement to link modern buildings to our British heritage.  Here are some examples of what would be commonplace in New England... in the Lone Star State!

The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs (Austin)

Photo courtesy of http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/

Thistle Hill (Fort Worth)
Photo courtesy of Historic Fort Worth, Inc.

Scottish Rite Dorm at the University of Texas (Austin)

Photo courtesy of http://www.wikipedia.org/

Fondren Science Hall at Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

Photo courtesy of Southern Methodist University Science Faculty

Thomas J. and Mary Donoghue House (Houston)

Photo courtesy of http://www.petermansbendel.com/

Georgian architecture can also be seen in historic homes such as San Antonio's Monte Vista neighborhood, Fort Worth's Colonial neighborhood, Dallas' Highland Park and Houston Heights.

Top 10 Movies

The past few weeks have seen several bloggers posting their Top 10 Movies... seemed like a fun thing to do so here are mine.  Note: Only the first three are in order... the others are hard to rank!  OH... and a little LoneStarPrep fun fact... I don't really do remakes and I don't do sequels.

You've Got Mail

I. LOVE. THIS. MOVIE.  When the first scene opened and the dog's name was Brinkley (my maiden name) I knew instantly this movie would be my favorite of all time, ha!  Seriously, I cannot even begin to describe the emotional connection I have to this movie... New York City, children's books, sweet, clever, funny love story... nothing better.  I remember seeing it twice in the theater when it debuted in '98.  When The Hubs and I went to NYC for our honeymoon I even made him walk around the Upper West Side searching for the storefront used for The Shop Around the Corner... we found it and I proudly took pics!  We even visited Books of Wonder, the children's bookstore used as the inspiration for Kathleen Kelly's shop.  I will never tire of this movie!

Shag

I saw this movie with my best friend the year it opened in the theater ('89)... we talked my parents into renting it for our slumber party and, watching it now, ten-year-olds probably should not have been viewing it (ha!)... but it started my love of shag dancing, colonial architecture, beach parties, and the name Caroline :  )  Thankfully, The Hubs purchased me a DVD copy so I can watch it as often as I wish... when he is not around, ha!

Sweet Home Alabama

I am sure this movie is on every Southern Girl's favorite list and with good reason... being propsed to in Tiffany's, down-home hospitality, and Josh Lucas in jeans... need I say more?  Such a cute movie with the fabulous Reese Witherspoon using her real accent... think I may pop in the DVD now!

National Treasure

LOVE this movie!  I found it be a very clever weaving of history, mystery, and action... and it was great how my students knew so much about U.S. History thanks to Nicholas Cage!  I was thrilled to see such an amazing tour through some of our country's most historic places, all while trying to save the Declaration of Independence!  Riley is my favorite character, despite the fact he is dating an Olsen Twin in real life :  )

The Parent Trap

What is better than a movie with Haley Mills?  How about two Haley Mills'?  I adored this movie as a child and literally watched it every Sunday for several years in a row.  I still enjoy watching it from time to time although I think I burned myself out prior to my teen years!  I always thought Camp Inch would be a fun place to go :  )

Troop Beverly Hills

Another childhood favorite, everyone wanted to be a member of Troop Beverly Hills!  After seeing this movie the only place I wanted to live was Southern California and I wished Girl Scout troops in Texas had been as awesome :  )  I learned about Rodeo Drive, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and fondue from this film and have the theme song, Make It Big, downloaded on my iPod... cause I am a nerd.

Clue

My favorite board game turned 80s whodunnit classic... a recipe for success!  I saw this one as a child, too, although I was (hmm, am?) afraid of the dark and remember watching it during the day in case I got scared... ha!  I still think the rain in the beginning is creepy and certainly enjoy it more as an adult (the dialog obviously makes much more sense).

Summer Magic

Another Haley Mills favorite, I adore this movie.  Love it.  Set in New England, it is the story of a widow and her children who are forced to move from Boston to a small town in Maine following the passing of their father,  chronicling their adventures in their new home.  The classic Disney movies are so marvelous... I love the stories, the coloring of the scenery and wardrobes, the music to which you can sing along, and of course the happy endings.  Highly recommend, especially for young girls.

Mona Lisa Smile

Despite the many controversies surrounding the authenticity of this film in regards to the education at Wellesley College, I find this movie to be a very interesting look at the role of women in the 50s and the story of art history lecturer Katherine Watson is very intriguing... accurate or not.  The clothes are amazing, the scenery is gorgeous (filmed at both Wellesley and Yale, in addition to a few other locations), and the film really transports you to another place and time.

Apollo 13

Tom Hanks is my favorite actor of all-time, and, if you had not already noticed, I love history so this one was an instant hit with me!  The Hubs and I watch this one often and I still get chills, my breath almost stopping to see if the astronauts will return from the moon.  I always cry for Jim Lovell not being given another chance to walk on the moon... breaks my heart.

Other favorites I could easily include: Sex and the City, Legally Blond, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Emperor's Club, Thirteen Going on 30, Charades, The Truth About Charlie, The Holiday, and The Italian Job.

What are your favorite films?  Would love to see your Top 10 Movies!

Celebrating Presidents' Day With Spaghetti

Sending lots of birthday wishes to the ultimate Founding Father, George Washington, and (arguably) the greatest president in U.S. History, Abraham Lincoln!  As we honor these two men today let us be reminded of all the presidents who have governed our land... their successes and failures... and remember holding this office truly brings the most challenging responsibilities imaginable. 

Even though I was (am) an American History teacher, I do not plan on lecturing about their terms in the Oval Office... but being a history buff, I also could not pass up today without a look at my favorite presidents!  Who are yours?

Washington: Commander of the Continental Army and Father of Our Country

John Adams: The Well-Intentioned but Often Misunderstood Leader

Lincoln: The Great Emancipator, Known for Being Ridiculously Tall

FDR: The People's President and Amazing Public Speaker

Kennedy: American Royalty, Undeniable Prep

George W. Bush: Had Some Issues in Office but Looks Great in Jeans

All photos from www.visitingdc.com

While most people dread Monday to roll around again it is actually my favorite day of the week... because it is spaghetti night at home!  Yes, we have spaghetti and marinara sauce, leaf lettuce salad with blue cheese dressing (Thousand Island for The Hubs), and buttery garlic bread every Monday night... it is comforting... and does not involve any planning which is even better!

In addition to a delightfully delicious meal, Mondays also bring The Bachelor and Castle, which make the evening even more exciting!  Today is grocery shopping day so maybe I will pick up a birthday dessert to accompany our pasta... I am sure George and Abe would appreciate the thought :  )

SO... there was this craving...

Classic Toll House chocolate chip cookies, stacked on my grandmother's vintage glass platter, circa 1940s... yum!

This Texas Girl is Over Winter...

... so she bought these!

Heehee.

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend filled with sandal-wearing weather!

Kiel James Patrick

Last Thursday (I know... an eternity ago) was a very happy Snail Mail day.  First, these three arrived on the same day (hooray!)...

... and I was also surprised by my super fun Kiel James Patrick package...

... containing this!

Kiel James Patrick bracelets are handmade in Rhode Island from 100% American materials.

I stumbled across KJP late last year while reading Tickled Pink and Green's blog.  Finding the silk bracelets she featured to be very interesting, I visited his site and fell in love!  I simply could not decide which one I liked best!  After Muffy at The Daily Prep (the New England prep lifestyle expert) posted about how fond she was of his product I promptly ordered mine.

KJP has several cuff materials to choose from including sailor rope, tie silk, and beautiful rich fabrics, and each bracelet can be personalized with your choice of button.  He also produces belts and headbands.

I chose the Caroline Lee Bouvier (named for Jackie Kennedy's younger sister).  In addition to the pretty fabrics and versatile colors, those of you who know me well will understand the main reason behind my choosing this one :  )

Sadly, these gems are not currently available in any store in Texas... but thankfully Benjamin Franklin created the U.S. Postal Service so even we can delight in this fabulous New England accessory.

WHOO... thinks this is adorable?

Hope everyone had a love-filled Valentine's Day (hopefully full of yummy treats)...!!

So... while I understand Valentines are personal between the person giving the card and the person receiving it... I simply had to share the one I made for The Hubs this year from CB and myself... it is way too cute to keep between us... ha!

We were blessed to spend the entire day together sans baby (many thanks to my mother for watching her!) and had such an amazing time going to Starbucks, roaming around the Galleria, and having a yummy lunch.  WHOO loves him to pieces?  I do!

Thanks, Kati Lynn!

Many thanks to Kati Lynn who has given me the Breathtaking Blog Award... so sweet :  )  I really enjoyed learning more about her through her answers to the questions below.  Here are my responses... happy reading!

Who or What Inspires You?

Tradition.  To me, it means being part of something much bigger than yourself and having a connection to those who have gone before us.  To quote G.K. Chesterton, "Tradition does not mean the living are dead, but that the dead are living".  I find this to be a very powerful statement.  Church hymns bring me great joy and I am awed by the way Scripture can provide instant peace and understanding. 

What is your favorite season and why?

It is a toss up between spring and fall... which is interesting because in Texas we really only have summer and winter!  I say spring because I love the feeling when the weather starts warming, you can throw on a cardigan and sandals, and actually enjoy being outside.  Fall, however, brings all my other favorite things... the weather starts cooling and you can throw on a cardigan and sandals, and actually enjoy being outside (ha!), college football kicks off (Gig 'Em, Aggies) and Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, is right around the corner.

What are you most looking forward to this year?

Accomplishing things I have put off far too long... finishing the first book in my children's series and sending it out to publishers by the summer, learning to sew, getting the house organized and keeping it that way :  ) and fulfilling two of my resolutions (send Snail Mail birthday cards to my family and friends and read 25 books... I already broke my third resolution, ha!) 

If you could write a book about anything what would it be about?

Right now I am working on an historical fiction series for children (details later) but I also have a Chick Lit story rolling around in my head... I would love to have expertise to write a fashion book.  It would be amazing to author the Next Great American Classic... but I tend to avoid novels where either people die or you become horribly depressed while reading them... and I think at least one of those is a prerequisite for being a classic :  )

What is your greatest passion?

Social studies education and historic preservation.  As a history teacher, I believe it is neccessary for every citizen and resident of this country to understand why and how America was created and how our government works.  The National Council for the Social Studies provides excellent resources to meet this goal.  Preserving the structures of our heritage is equally as important, whether it be churches, schools, homes, or government buildings, or those that reflect the American social scene, including restaurants, theaters, and storefronts.  These places can be used to teach our history... we cannot erase it so why should we bulldoze it down?  For more information visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

If you could change one thing about your life or yourself what would it be?

Only one thing?!  Hmm... without doubt my patience level.  I do not really have any... not such a good way to be :  (

Lastly, what is your favorite novel?

I LOVE books!  While there are tons I have enjoyed, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Jellyfish Season are my favorites.  Mockingbird was the first "grown-up" book I read (English I in 8th grade) and I love the story.  The Jellyfish Season is a book from childhood I read every year... I am very attached to the characters.  Other top choices include Colored People, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, The Education of Henry Adams, A Bear Called Paddington, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.  I track my books on GoodReads and if you are an avid reader you should check out the site.

I am passing this along to three of my readers:

Preppy Little Dress

Seashells and Southern Belles

Garden State Prep

Skirts!

Spring is fast approaching (although not quickly enough for me!) and my fabulous, master-seamstress mother has agreed to fashion some amazing skirts for me! 

I have already chosen (and purchased) some adorable fabrics, part of the Michael Miller Fabrics Whimsey Collection available at Cabbage Rose Quilting and Fabrics, located on the historic west side of Fort Worth.  My first two skirts will be...

Swatches from http://www.cabbagerosequilting.com/

I cannot wait...!!  I am also loving these:

Swatches from www.michaelmillerfabrics.com

AND... if you have not already fallen completely head-over-heels... check out these way-too-cute pink-and-green fabrics!  The first one is my favorite!

Swatches from http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/

I am not sure if the Cabbage Rose stocks the Gypsy Bandana line but if they do not you can be certain I will be ordering them online!

Also, Three Chickadees Textiles offers an amazing variety of patchwork madras... totally adore Nantucket Summer, Coastal Maine, and Silver Shores.

It is going to be a fabulous spring... hoping also for a few shift dresses and a tunic or two.  I will post photos of the finished products!

Texas Prep's Kate Spade Giveaway

Ashley at Texas Prep is hosting a giveaway for an amazing Kate Spade "Heart of Gold" idiom bracelet... check out her page for details... it is fabulous!

LSP Series

LoneStarPrep: New England Style in the Lone Star State.  As my title and tag line imply, the main purpose of this blog is to examine the prep life in Texas (and include my own personal ramblings).  To stay on track I am introducing the LSP Series, a sequence of posts to do exactly that.  Each entry will feature a different aspect of the prep life and topics will include lifestyle, fashion, architecture, sports, interior design, and education.... however it relates to this great state.  And, because I am a history teacher, expect to see some of that, too :  )  Look for the first installment soon! 

Notes and Doodles

Yearly planners are one of the most wonderful items ever created.  Having used one for the past 16 years, I have tried many types and brands, but I adore my 2011 Kate Spade Spiral Desktop Calendar.

Unlike many planners, this one only has monthly calendars which I find to be the best view to organize my time.  Even in college I never used the week-by-week pages and found them to be a waste of space.  I love not having to fumble through them now!

Each month begins with a blank page and a festive image created by artist Jenny Bowers, along with a white blank page to keep notes for the month.  This is perfect for my obsessive list making!  (You know there is a problem when you write lists of the lists you need to make).

The back section features several pages titled Notes and Doodles, an appropriate space for jotting down all the notes for which you never really have a place (random Post Its on the fridge anyone?)  Which brings me to the next topic... magazines!

I have four magazine subscriptions: InStyle, Real Simple, American Spirit (the official magazine of the Daughters of the American Revolution), and Texas Highways (up until this past December).  Needless to say, this means there are many, many periodicals lying around... most of which I hang on to simply for one or two features.

In an effort to eliminate some of the stacks, I decided to put those Notes and Doodles pages to use by taping in the articles and photos I want to keep: historical information... items I want to remember to purchase... logical advice... attractive interior design... travel destinations... How To's... yummy recipes... awesome quotes... things that are funny or happy... fabulous clothing... and inspirational musings.

Not only have I been able to declutter our living room but it should be fun looking back at the end of the year to see the clippings I found important enough to keep :  )

Aside from time management, how do you use your planner?

Seven Facts Blog Award

Woke up this morning to a fun tag!  A super huge thanks to Preppy Lane for passing along the Seven Facts Blog Award to me!  So sweet!  Here are the rules... I have to write seven facts about myself, pass it along to other bloggers, and then link it back to Preppy Lane... simple!  Here we go!

1.  I earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A&M University and was the 14th person in my family to graduate from the school (including my dad, Class of '69 and '72).

2.  My favorite color combination is navy blue and pink.

3.  Even though no one ever believes me, I do not own a hairbrush :  )  I do, however, use an amazing Mason Pearson comb.

4.  The best Mexican food in Texas (and my favorite) can be found at Jacala's on West Avenue in San Antonio.  We drive down there at least twice a year to eat and I have been known to drive there and back to Fort Worth in the same day... oh and I always order the #11 :  )

5.  I read The Jellyfish Season by Mary Downing Hahn once a year and have done since I was in middle school.  Sadly, it is out of print... better keep hold of my copy!

6.  I am addicted to what most would call "Junk Food TV"... ha!!  My weekly lineup includes the Bachelor (or Bachelorette) and the Kardashians, plus numerous TLC hits including What Not to Wear (although I find this one to be quite educational) and Say Yes to the Dress (sorry, Atlanta... NYC version only!)

7.  I love to sing in church because I have a ridiculously terrible singing voice and it is the only place no one is going to ask me to stop singing! 

Let's see... who to tag... I am going to send this to three of my Followers!

Kati at Kati Lynn

Royar at My Life as a Young Southern Prep

Ashley Lauren at Texas Prep

Looking forward to learning more about y'all...!!

Where Do You Blog?

At home... at school... on your phone... the possibilites are endless of where you may post blog updates!  Bracey at Handmade and Lovely is hosting a "Where I Blog" link-up to show everyone where you blog. SO... here is where I blog!

My corner of the sofa in our back family room :  )  This is where my laptop lives and there is usually a pile of magazines, books, Sharpie pens and lists... and my planner is always with me!  I love where I blog because not only is it comfortable seating but I can also watch TV or supervise CB while she is playing independently on the floor.

Where do you blog?

Preppy Lane's Kate Spade Giveaway

Howdy Y'all... it is SNOWING (again) in Texas!! 

The exclamation points make it appear as though I am excited but being stuck in the house since Monday evening has not been my idea of a good time (especially when we oh-so-desperately need to get to the grocery store)!  There is currently one inch of ice topped with six inches of snow on my street... and it is still snowing!!  BRRR!

Thankfully, it is no longer 8 degrees like it was earlier this week... we have inched up to 19... such an accomplishment...!!  With the Super Bowl taking place in a few days this is kind of a big deal (both airports were shut down earlier this week)... although our friends from the North are probably amused by our inability to deal with this winter weather... not sure they would do so well in our Texas summers, though... several years ago we had more than 100 days of temperatures over 100...!!

Even though the weather is a bummer Preppy Lane has brightened up this winter day for me... with the most fabulous giveaway!  Visit her page for details on how to win an amazing Kate Spade Big Apple Darla wallet in PINK... perfect for spring (which will hopefully be here soon!)  Y'all stay warm!

No Cashmere for Baby?

Last month I handed CB the new J.Crew catalog, hoping that even at six months old she would choose some awesome pieces.  Sadly, when she opened the catalog to the Italian cashmere page, this became its fate...

SO... I am trying to decide if she either A. really, really LOVES cashmere (and was too excited to control herself)... or B. really, really dislikes cashmere (and wanted it to disappear)... ha!  If the answer is B. we may have to double check she is my child!  ;  )

J.R. Liggett's Old-Fashioned Shampoo

Shampoo... sudsy and cleansing... but how do you choose which one to use?  I don't know about you but I find the haircare aisle to be somewhat overwhelming... there are so many choices making different promises as to how your hair will look, feel, and smell at the end of your shower.

Growing up I always chose whichever one smelled of coconut, especially during the summertime; as an adult I have been more-or-less loyal to the Neutrogena line, using both the Triple Moisture and Triple Renewal products.  However, I have recently become aware of using more natural products... such as J.R. Liggett's Old-Fashioned Shampoo.

This hand-cut, New England-recipe shampoo comes in the form of a paper-wrapped bar and is very Earth friendly.  In addition to being 100% bio-degradable, the shampoo is made with minimal, natural ingredients free of detergents and is suitable for all hair types.

Best part?  It is made in New England (Cornish, New Hampshire to be exact... LOVE made in the USA) but is available in Texas!  My mother picked it up for me at H-E-B Central Market in Fort Worth (other locations include San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Plano, and Southlake).

The packaging is so adorable and I love the New England Saw typed on the side... "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"... now that is good advice by which to live!

Shop Across Texas

While roaming the Web in search of fabulous personalized stationary, I ran across a site called Shop Across Texas... what a fabulous shopping resource!  If you are looking for a retailer in the Lone Star State this is a good place to start your search.

The page lists shops divided by a variety of categories in several large Texas cities (including Dallas and San Antonio), as well as featuring some smaller towns such as Fredericksburg and Granbury.  In addition to retail outlets, some city pages also feature hotels and attractions.

I am especially enjoying the "Best in Texas" lists featured on the homepage and the "2011 Best Stores in Texas" results... gives me a whole new batch of stores to check out...!!  BONUS... click on the "Discounts" tab for coupons by city!