Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Reading Challenge '11: January to March
Here are the books I have read to date for my GoodReads challenge of 25 books in 52 weeks... already completed 44% of my yearly goal : )
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Preppy Baby Clothes
Everyone says start 'em early... well... when it comes to "preppy" clothes this is much easier said than done when talking about babies! I have never really been a fan of "embellished" clothes... sadly, these are the norm when it comes to infant attire. SO... here are a few items I picked up for CB... I think they are fairly preppy and very affordable, too!
If you are a Preppy Parent where do you purchase your childrens' clothing?
Bright pink and navy striped tee, Circo from Target
Bright pink cardigan (Carter's) and ruffled pink sleeveless top (Jumping Beans) from Kohl's
Navy plaid shorts and khaki shorts, Jumping Beans from Kohl's
Sunhats! Both from Target
Metallic loafers from Old Navy (even the insides are polka dot!)
Assorted tees from Old Navy
Navy Ralph Lauren Polo Dress from Belk
CB's First Easter Outfit
Pink and green flowered dress from Children's Place
White Ralph Lauren cardigan from Belk
If you are a Preppy Parent where do you purchase your childrens' clothing?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Booking Through Thursday: Serial
Good question for this week... do you prefer series or stand-alone books?
As a whole, I prefer stand-alone books (even though I am writing a series... is that odd?)
Maybe I am simply not reading the right series, but I find them to be similar to movies and their sequels... the first one is usually awesome and the second (or third or fourth) is usually unnecessary. I find this more in books where there is not really a continuation of the same story, but rather more of a brand new story using the same characters... the kind created simply so there can be a sequel. There are certainly exceptions to this, mainly when the entire story cannot be told in one book, such as Harry Potter, but overall I prefer the story be completed in one novel.
As a child, however, series were my life... I was a Sweet Valley Girl and owned almost every book in the Twins and High series. The difference between these and some other series, though, is they can be read as stand-alone books. You can pick up any of these, read it, and never have read the one published before or after and be fine. The same goes for Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and similar titles. Granted, if you did read all of them you would be more bonded to the characters, but it is not required to follow or enjoy the story (as opposed to, say, Harry Potter where you must start at the beginning).
So... have to say I prefer stand-alone books... which do you prefer?
As a whole, I prefer stand-alone books (even though I am writing a series... is that odd?)
Maybe I am simply not reading the right series, but I find them to be similar to movies and their sequels... the first one is usually awesome and the second (or third or fourth) is usually unnecessary. I find this more in books where there is not really a continuation of the same story, but rather more of a brand new story using the same characters... the kind created simply so there can be a sequel. There are certainly exceptions to this, mainly when the entire story cannot be told in one book, such as Harry Potter, but overall I prefer the story be completed in one novel.
As a child, however, series were my life... I was a Sweet Valley Girl and owned almost every book in the Twins and High series. The difference between these and some other series, though, is they can be read as stand-alone books. You can pick up any of these, read it, and never have read the one published before or after and be fine. The same goes for Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and similar titles. Granted, if you did read all of them you would be more bonded to the characters, but it is not required to follow or enjoy the story (as opposed to, say, Harry Potter where you must start at the beginning).
So... have to say I prefer stand-alone books... which do you prefer?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
ABCs of LSP
Emily over at Living in the Life of E! posted this ABCs blog and it looked fun so I filling it out, too! I have seen many posts recently about how interesting it is what people choose to reveal about themselves in their blogs and what they choose to keep to themselves. It is true I have not shared a lot of my personal life here, as it was not the original purpose of this blog. Admittingly, I do author a family blog over on Wordpress to keep our friends and relatives up-to-date with what The Hubs, CB, and I are doing... but I have decided it is time to share some more about myself here, too! Some of this is silliness but I hope you enjoy learning more about me!
A-Age: Early 30-something...
Why, how old do I look?!
B-Bed size: Queen!
B-Bed size: Queen!
The Hubs' legs are too long for a double, ha!
C-Chore you hate: Um... everything. I do not mind doing laundry, though!
C-Chore you hate: Um... everything. I do not mind doing laundry, though!
(Except for the never-being-done part)
D-Dogs: I like terriers best and large dogs scare me!
D-Dogs: I like terriers best and large dogs scare me!
We are allergic, though, and will never have any pets... pesky asthma!
E-Essential start to your day: A shower and drying my hair.
I am not okay if I have not showered.
F-Favorite Color: Navy blue!
F-Favorite Color: Navy blue!
Also love bright pink, kelly green, and maroon (Gig 'Em, Aggies!)
G-Gold or Silver: Starting to prefer gold but love some of my silver pieces.
G-Gold or Silver: Starting to prefer gold but love some of my silver pieces.
H-Height: 5'9"... and no, I did not play basketball in school.
I-Instruments you play: None! So sad.
Gave up piano as a child but now wish I had not... hindsight is 20/20 right?
J-Job title: Mom!
And U.S. History teacher until this year.
K-Kids: One!
K-Kids: One!
L-Live: Texas!
You probably already knew that, though : )
M-My mom's name: You mean it is not Mom?
M-My mom's name: You mean it is not Mom?
N-Nickname: Bri
(For those of you who do not know me "in person" my name is Brianna)
My dad still calls me Breezy
O-Overnight hospital stay: In the hospital for three days when CB was born!
O-Overnight hospital stay: In the hospital for three days when CB was born!
P-Pet Peeve: People who smoke while they are driving.
GRRR!
Q-Quote from a movie: "Oh my God, Karen, you can't just ask people why they're white!"
Gretchen from Mean Girls (makes me laugh EVERY time!)
R-Right/Lefty: Right...!!
R-Right/Lefty: Right...!!
S-Sibling: One older brother
T-Time you wake up: 5 a.m. thanks to CB
Hoping sometime in life I will get to sleep late again... late being, oh, 7 a.m.
U-Underwear: Not exactly sure what the question is here... but...
U-Underwear: Not exactly sure what the question is here... but...
I will say never leave home without it...!!
V-Veggies you dislike: Broccoli... zero fun to cook, gets stuck in your teeth.
Neither are good things.
W-What makes you run late: Not being able to remember if I locked the door.
W-What makes you run late: Not being able to remember if I locked the door.
Once I went back six times to check.
Really.
Leaving the house is a mess.
X-Xrays you have had: Hmm... teeth and ankle.
X-Xrays you have had: Hmm... teeth and ankle.
Y-Yummy food you make: Yeah, I do not really cook... although The Hubs raves about my chicken salad and I do bake a mean chocolate chip cookie!
Z-Zoo animal: Bears!
I also really enjoy watching the giraffes and penguins.
It would be fun for everyone to complete this one... I love reading y'all's answers!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Oh So Charming!
Charm bracelets can be traced back in history all the way to ancient times when pieces were collected and worn for good luck and to ward off evil spirits (scary!) Thankfully, these fabulous accessories evolved into a fashion statement as opposed to a surival kit... even Queen Victoria was known to have a charm bracelet and they became the rage with the British aristocracy. In America, charm bracelets were a jewelry staple in the 50s and 60s and have since made a comeback.
Here in Texas, charm bracelets are quite prevalent among a variety of age groups and style types (although certainly visible among the prep set).
Thanks to James Avery, a sterling silver jewelry company headquartered in Kerrville, purchasing charms for almost any occassion is easy as pie. In addition to stores in 20 Texas cities you can also find JA in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee... and of course there is always the option of purchasing online. Many of their charm designs have been around for ages, but the company does tend to retire styles so if you there is one you adore it is best to scoop it up.
My charm collection began at the end of 5th grade when my grandmother presented me with a bracelet and three charms to represent achievements during the school year: a megaphone for cheerleading, an A+ for a district reading award, and an artist palette for a school-wide art award (and entry into a district-wide competition). The bracelet was hers when she was a younger.
Over the years I collected more charms to commemorate events, never realizing this bracelet would really become a visual timeline of my life. Now, 20 years later, it contains more than 50 charms, representing everything from my first car to graduation years, from my confirmation to our wedding day. Some charms have a deeper significance and some are more frivolous, but they each have a meaning.
While I truly love every charm (and would love to share all their meanings), here are a few with their story:
My mother has two amazing charm bracelets, one from her teenage years with charms given to her by my dad, and a newer one with family-related charms for her roles as mom and grandmother. I hope to inherit both one day (although not anytime soon, of course!)
Several of my friends collect charms, too, and one is the proud owner of this wonderful bracelet, also thanks to more than than 20 years of collecting.
Do you have a charm bracelet or another piece you wear for luck? Post a photo... it would be fun to see everyone's bracelets!
Here in Texas, charm bracelets are quite prevalent among a variety of age groups and style types (although certainly visible among the prep set).
Thanks to James Avery, a sterling silver jewelry company headquartered in Kerrville, purchasing charms for almost any occassion is easy as pie. In addition to stores in 20 Texas cities you can also find JA in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee... and of course there is always the option of purchasing online. Many of their charm designs have been around for ages, but the company does tend to retire styles so if you there is one you adore it is best to scoop it up.
My charm collection began at the end of 5th grade when my grandmother presented me with a bracelet and three charms to represent achievements during the school year: a megaphone for cheerleading, an A+ for a district reading award, and an artist palette for a school-wide art award (and entry into a district-wide competition). The bracelet was hers when she was a younger.
My charm bracelet
Over the years I collected more charms to commemorate events, never realizing this bracelet would really become a visual timeline of my life. Now, 20 years later, it contains more than 50 charms, representing everything from my first car to graduation years, from my confirmation to our wedding day. Some charms have a deeper significance and some are more frivolous, but they each have a meaning.
While I truly love every charm (and would love to share all their meanings), here are a few with their story:
Heart Finial... this charm has just always been my favorite. I think it is so adorable!
The first date my husband and I went on was the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in December 2001... here is my sailboat to remember the occassion!
In first grade I was a giant Hershey Kiss for Halloween and won first prize in my school's costume contest. My grandmother purchased this Kiss charm for me : )
Texas A&M charm purchased from the MSC in College Station.
I am an Aggie, this is really all I need to say about this one!
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of my old school, Saint Gregory's Catholic in San Antonio, Medlar's of San Antonio created this charm and it was sold through the school to students, parents, and former students. Love this one!
My wedding gift from The Hubs... aww!
My mother has two amazing charm bracelets, one from her teenage years with charms given to her by my dad, and a newer one with family-related charms for her roles as mom and grandmother. I hope to inherit both one day (although not anytime soon, of course!)
Several of my friends collect charms, too, and one is the proud owner of this wonderful bracelet, also thanks to more than than 20 years of collecting.
Do you have a charm bracelet or another piece you wear for luck? Post a photo... it would be fun to see everyone's bracelets!
LSP: MIA
In case anyone was wondering... I am still here! The past week has been nutty with gatherings, errands, a short Texas road trip, reading for my book challenge and cleaning... oh, wait... disregard the last one : ) I am very behind on my blog reading and posting (and cleaning) but plan to catch up a bit this evening (well, probably not on the cleaning)... cannot wait to see what everyone has been up to recently!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
In a Texas State of Mind
Loving TEXAS tonight...!!
What are you loving on this fabulous (longer!) spring evening?
Amarillo By Morning -- George Strait
Cross the Brazos at Waco -- Billy Walker
Yellow Rose of Texas -- Johnny Lee
Houston -- Dean Martin
El Paso -- Marty Robbins
Luckenbach, Texas -- Waylon Jennings
San Antonio Rose -- Patsy Cline
Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind -- George Strait
Aggie War Hymn -- Fightin' Texas Aggie Band
(Could not have this post without this one!)
What are you loving on this fabulous (longer!) spring evening?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Deleted Memories
Okay... so I am not going to lie... technology is not my favorite thing in the world (gasp!) Call me old-fashioned, but this Child of the 80s remembers enough life before today's much-coveted gadgets to know survival is not dependent on them. In fact, while most innovations make life easier, I have to question if some are making our life less fun. (Before you continue reading... please note I adore my email, my blogs, and my GoodReads account... along with hair dryers and washing machines, ha!)
Example: Snail Mail Letters... who writes letters anymore? I used to love getting letters during the summer! OH the thrill of opening the mailbox and seeing an envelope waiting for you with the latest news (ha!) Handwriting is a dying art form (and spelling, thanks to text messaging, is on its way out the door, too. Do you know I actually read an article claiming we no longer needed "there", "their", and "they're"... and these should be condensed to one... really? They are three different words!) Do not even get me started on digital yearbooks. Anyway... I could rant about this for hours... from which I will spare you... but I do have to say technology made me very, very sad last night.
In anticipation of CB's arrival last year, The Hubs and I cleaned everything out of our extra room (well, I cleaned out my things since his are all still in England!) The closet was overflowing with high school memorabilia, including my homecoming mums. Trying not to end up on the TLC hit show Hoarders, I decided it was time for the mums to go away... they were tangled, wrinkled, discolored, and the sparkly letters were falling off several of the ribbons. There was really no need to continue housing them. Taking advice from Real Simple magazine, I opted to take photos of the mums and toss the actual item... at least I would always have the photos, right?
Well... when I went to take a photo last night the card on my camera was full. I went to the start of the card and began deleting photos I knew had been downloaded on to one of our laptops... including photos of my mums. Long story short (too late), it turns out the photos of my mums had not been downloaded onto either of our computers (foolishly, I assumed because they were taken more than a year ago they would have been) but I did not find this out until long after the photos were gone. Forever. I was so angry I cried. Really.
I am not exactly sure where my anger lies... with my husband and me for not communicating about whether the photos had been saved, myself alone for not checking first, or for the ease of the technology allowing me to simply erase photos with the mere tap of a button... should it really be so easy? Upon second look this morning, I still have the photos of my mums from my junior year and senior year... but the pictures of my freshman and sophmore year mums have been deleted, never to be retrieved. Plus the mums were sent away with the garbage way back in December 2009. So sad.
Do not get me wrong... I am not this emotional over a high school token from 1994. It is not really the abscence of the Mum Pics which bothered me. It was the simplicity at which I could delete them. Developed photographs are never this easy to get rid of... even those terrible ones taken during middle school you wish your family would lose! (Does it seem to anyone else those actually multiply?) I was thinking this morning about how, thanks to digital photography, we actually alter what is remembered. Did the pic turn out ok? No? Ok, well hit delete and take another one. Interesting. I wonder what types of things would be documented if they were not so easy to erase.
Was The Mum Situation a severe case of Operator Error? Of course. It irks me how I did not bother to check to see if the photos had already been saved. Totally my fault... but it also irks me how we can just delete. In memory of my mum photos, here are some of the ones which survived.
Example: Snail Mail Letters... who writes letters anymore? I used to love getting letters during the summer! OH the thrill of opening the mailbox and seeing an envelope waiting for you with the latest news (ha!) Handwriting is a dying art form (and spelling, thanks to text messaging, is on its way out the door, too. Do you know I actually read an article claiming we no longer needed "there", "their", and "they're"... and these should be condensed to one... really? They are three different words!) Do not even get me started on digital yearbooks. Anyway... I could rant about this for hours... from which I will spare you... but I do have to say technology made me very, very sad last night.
In anticipation of CB's arrival last year, The Hubs and I cleaned everything out of our extra room (well, I cleaned out my things since his are all still in England!) The closet was overflowing with high school memorabilia, including my homecoming mums. Trying not to end up on the TLC hit show Hoarders, I decided it was time for the mums to go away... they were tangled, wrinkled, discolored, and the sparkly letters were falling off several of the ribbons. There was really no need to continue housing them. Taking advice from Real Simple magazine, I opted to take photos of the mums and toss the actual item... at least I would always have the photos, right?
Well... when I went to take a photo last night the card on my camera was full. I went to the start of the card and began deleting photos I knew had been downloaded on to one of our laptops... including photos of my mums. Long story short (too late), it turns out the photos of my mums had not been downloaded onto either of our computers (foolishly, I assumed because they were taken more than a year ago they would have been) but I did not find this out until long after the photos were gone. Forever. I was so angry I cried. Really.
I am not exactly sure where my anger lies... with my husband and me for not communicating about whether the photos had been saved, myself alone for not checking first, or for the ease of the technology allowing me to simply erase photos with the mere tap of a button... should it really be so easy? Upon second look this morning, I still have the photos of my mums from my junior year and senior year... but the pictures of my freshman and sophmore year mums have been deleted, never to be retrieved. Plus the mums were sent away with the garbage way back in December 2009. So sad.
Do not get me wrong... I am not this emotional over a high school token from 1994. It is not really the abscence of the Mum Pics which bothered me. It was the simplicity at which I could delete them. Developed photographs are never this easy to get rid of... even those terrible ones taken during middle school you wish your family would lose! (Does it seem to anyone else those actually multiply?) I was thinking this morning about how, thanks to digital photography, we actually alter what is remembered. Did the pic turn out ok? No? Ok, well hit delete and take another one. Interesting. I wonder what types of things would be documented if they were not so easy to erase.
Was The Mum Situation a severe case of Operator Error? Of course. It irks me how I did not bother to check to see if the photos had already been saved. Totally my fault... but it also irks me how we can just delete. In memory of my mum photos, here are some of the ones which survived.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Booking Through Thursday: Multi-Tasking
My mother and cousin participate in Booking Through Thursday, a Wordpress blog asking questions about your books and reading-related things. Each Thursday there is a new question... I have decided to give this a whirl so here is my first answer!
Do you multi-task when you read?
I am the world's WORST multi-tasker... terrible. I thought ladies were supposed to be experts but I must have been absent when God handed out this fantastic ability. I have to focus 100% to accomplish anything... and I am very easily distracted...!!
Needless to say, this includes reading... especially reading! Especially reading when I was in college. Especially graduate school. I had a whole routine of how to read my textbooks to make sure I was prepared for class... it involved a highly sophisticated system of color-coded highlighting, lots of post-its, and a variety of pen colors for note taking. I *might* suffer a teeny tiny bit from OCD.
As far as reading for enjoyment I prefer to be either on my couch or in my bed alone... ha! I am able to read with the TV on but the channel must be on a show to which I have zero interest in paying attention... otherwise I read but am actually listening to the television, too, which can result in muddled story lines. Have you ever had those pesky moments where you read and re-read the same paragraph multiple times? Yep, always happens when the TV is on!
ALSO... thank you so much to everyone who sent well wishes over the past couple of days... I am feeling much better today... which comes in handy because I have to teach tomorrow! Hope y'all have a fabulous evening!
 |
| My current stack of books to read! |
Do you multi-task when you read?
I am the world's WORST multi-tasker... terrible. I thought ladies were supposed to be experts but I must have been absent when God handed out this fantastic ability. I have to focus 100% to accomplish anything... and I am very easily distracted...!!
Needless to say, this includes reading... especially reading! Especially reading when I was in college. Especially graduate school. I had a whole routine of how to read my textbooks to make sure I was prepared for class... it involved a highly sophisticated system of color-coded highlighting, lots of post-its, and a variety of pen colors for note taking. I *might* suffer a teeny tiny bit from OCD.
As far as reading for enjoyment I prefer to be either on my couch or in my bed alone... ha! I am able to read with the TV on but the channel must be on a show to which I have zero interest in paying attention... otherwise I read but am actually listening to the television, too, which can result in muddled story lines. Have you ever had those pesky moments where you read and re-read the same paragraph multiple times? Yep, always happens when the TV is on!
ALSO... thank you so much to everyone who sent well wishes over the past couple of days... I am feeling much better today... which comes in handy because I have to teach tomorrow! Hope y'all have a fabulous evening!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Preppy Giveaways
Hey Everyone! This has been a miserable two days!
Somehow I have managed to contract a super unnecessary stomach bug paired with a severe allergy and asthma attack... I am one very unhappy camper! Thankfully, my sweet mom came over today and took care of CB all the way until her bedtime... while I slept...!! Hoping to get a good night's rest and wake up tomorrow feeling better... I would say "refreshed" but I am staying realistic!
Making my day better are two fabulous giveaways out there in the preppy blog world... first up is ROS over at Cincinnati Prep... he is offering either a Lilly Pulitzer or Vineyard Vines drink koozie... check out the giveway here! While you are there check out the rest of his blog... very fun!
Second... Town and Country Prep is hosting a notepad and monogram stamp giveaway... items we all need...!! I feel terrible because I thought I had already blogged about this giveway and it ends TONIGHT... so if you are interested, head over there quickly!
Hopefully I will be back tomorrow, no longer under the control of Claritin and Extra Strength Tylenol... have an amazing evening!
Somehow I have managed to contract a super unnecessary stomach bug paired with a severe allergy and asthma attack... I am one very unhappy camper! Thankfully, my sweet mom came over today and took care of CB all the way until her bedtime... while I slept...!! Hoping to get a good night's rest and wake up tomorrow feeling better... I would say "refreshed" but I am staying realistic!
Making my day better are two fabulous giveaways out there in the preppy blog world... first up is ROS over at Cincinnati Prep... he is offering either a Lilly Pulitzer or Vineyard Vines drink koozie... check out the giveway here! While you are there check out the rest of his blog... very fun!
Second... Town and Country Prep is hosting a notepad and monogram stamp giveaway... items we all need...!! I feel terrible because I thought I had already blogged about this giveway and it ends TONIGHT... so if you are interested, head over there quickly!
Hopefully I will be back tomorrow, no longer under the control of Claritin and Extra Strength Tylenol... have an amazing evening!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Dream Designs
Our living and dining rooms (which are open plan and flow into each other) are... empty. Literally. When we moved in to our home (four years ago) we focused on furnishing our upstairs game room and completing the back living room, where we spend almost all our time.
The front, while it was always there to be done, kept being put on the back burner... although we did paint the walls (Jamestown Blue from the Benjamin Moore Historic Color Collection... quite appropriate for me, ha) and purchased fabulous Pottery Barn curtains. Then CB arrived this past summer (her room obviously took priority... and looks amazing in my opinion, ha)... and put any thoughts of decorating completely out of our minds!
A few weeks ago we started talking about what to do with the space, knowing bookcases are a must-have feature... both for their functionality (we have a boat load of books which need a home) and beautiful aesthetics... I found these amazing photos on the House Beautiful site... I cannot even describe how much I love all these!
And... as a sidenote... if I did not have to share a home with a boy (ha)... I think these are fabulous!
Also, we watched Something's Gotta Give for the first time this week... and I fell instantly in love with Diane Keaton's character's Hamptons beach house!
So beautiful... Meg Ryan's apartment in You've Got Mail has always been my favorite... but I could certainly live here!... and such a good movie, too! I am not normally a fan of Jack Nicholson (which honestly is why I avoided this film for so long) but it was on TV, we got sucked in... and it was so worth watching! If you have not seen it you should : )
Anyway... not sure my house (at least this one) will ever look like any of these... but it is a wonderful thing to dream about!
The front, while it was always there to be done, kept being put on the back burner... although we did paint the walls (Jamestown Blue from the Benjamin Moore Historic Color Collection... quite appropriate for me, ha) and purchased fabulous Pottery Barn curtains. Then CB arrived this past summer (her room obviously took priority... and looks amazing in my opinion, ha)... and put any thoughts of decorating completely out of our minds!
A few weeks ago we started talking about what to do with the space, knowing bookcases are a must-have feature... both for their functionality (we have a boat load of books which need a home) and beautiful aesthetics... I found these amazing photos on the House Beautiful site... I cannot even describe how much I love all these!
And... as a sidenote... if I did not have to share a home with a boy (ha)... I think these are fabulous!
Also, we watched Something's Gotta Give for the first time this week... and I fell instantly in love with Diane Keaton's character's Hamptons beach house!
So beautiful... Meg Ryan's apartment in You've Got Mail has always been my favorite... but I could certainly live here!... and such a good movie, too! I am not normally a fan of Jack Nicholson (which honestly is why I avoided this film for so long) but it was on TV, we got sucked in... and it was so worth watching! If you have not seen it you should : )
Anyway... not sure my house (at least this one) will ever look like any of these... but it is a wonderful thing to dream about!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Being Preppy: A Regional Guide
Happy Sunday! KMS over at Town and Country Prep posted this earlier today and I thought it was too good not to re-post (with a small addition of my own)... I hope she does not mind! According to her findings, there are different types of "preppy" with regional characteristics. Let's see where we all fall : )
The East Coast Die-Hard Preppy
These are the preps you find in areas like New England (such as Boston). Think of the Kennedys and Vasser, Yale, or Boston University. Favorites brands include Polo, J.Crew, Vineyard Vines, CK Bradley, or the many small shops in the area that sell preppy clothes. These preps wear pants with whale prints of madras shorts during summer. Nantucket, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Maine are East Coast Preppy haunts.
The West Coast Hippie Preppy
You can find this kind of prep in the San Francisco Bay area. They love classic clothes but the look is comfortable and lived in. The clothes are geared towards the year-round 70 degree weather. The look is often cotton sweaters, jeans, chinos, walking shorts, clogs or Birkenstocks, and arts and crafts accessories. They drive old VWs or Jeep Cherokees with PBS or KQED stickers on the bumpers or windows. West Coast Preppy haunts include Sausalito, Marin, Napa, Halfmoon Bay, or the Monterrey beaches. West Coast Prep schools include Stanford, University of San Francisco, UCSF, Golden Gate, St. Ignatius, and Woodside.
The Cosmopolitan Metro Preppy
You can find these preps in major metropolitan cities like New York or Los Angeles. The Metro Preps like updated classics. Their style is sometimes called fashionably conservative. These preps can shop in stores like Banana Republic, Gap, or Ann Taylor. They are the more internationally travelled of all the preps.
The Southern Country Preppy
You can find them in Southern states like Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas. Country preps tend to be more outdoor types. Favorite items of clothing include barn jackets and duck boots. Patagonia, Lands End and L.L. Bean are common brands but they also buy Polo or J.Crew. Country Preps are very much into equestrian sports or hunting. You can find them hunting in Ashburn or riding in Middleburg and in the summers they go to Virginia Beach, Nags Head, or The Outer Banks. Country prep schools include Altamont, Westminster, Harpeth Hall, or boarding schools such as Woodberry Forest, Baylor, Foxcroft, or Madiera.
The Traditionalist Preppy
This type of prep is very much into tradition. They are as Old School as Old School can get. They wear their clothes according to strict rules of dress. For examples, pants must be cuffed to an inch and a half. No more, no less. They are also the more formal of all of the preppies. These preps will wear seer sucker suits during the summer or full regatta clothing when sailing. If these preps had a choice of schools it would be a British school like Oxford, Cambridge, or Eton in the UK.
The Classic Preppy
These are the most common of all the preps. They just love anything that is classic and get their influence from all the above.
The Texas Preppy
AND... because this is LoneStarPrep... I have to add what I consider a few quirks of being a prep in Texas! Texas Preps certainly encompass most of the descriptions above... but we have a few of our own things, too! Texas Preps even have their own characteristics within Texas... don't forget, our state is almost 800 miles long! The preppy state of Connecticut would fit into Texas almost 50 times! So in addition in what you have already read... here we go!
First up... cowboy boots. Everyone has them, including the preps. Ralph Lauren is a required brand and one cannot be without classic khaki shorts. Gatherings always include a variety of domestic and imported beer and country music is prevalent simply because you live in Texas. While topsiders and loafers are certainly top choices for footwear, flip flops are a must-have because no one wants their feet covered in our ridiculously steamy weather... brands to purchase include Reef, J.Crew, and Havaiana. Pearl earrings from James Avery are a necessity. Ponytails with thin bands (sans ribbons and bows) are preferred. Recreational sports vary by the area of the state in which you live. Texas preps summer on the East Coast because it is too hot to stay here (although if you do choose to stay here the Hill Country is the place to be). Being understated is key, which can be very difficult in the Land of Everything is Bigger (with Even Bigger Hair).
So... what kind of preppy are you?
Texas bits aside I would say I am a Classic Preppy with a side of Traditionalist... The Hubs is English, afterall, and I have been sporting my Oxford tee all afternoon : )
The East Coast Die-Hard Preppy
These are the preps you find in areas like New England (such as Boston). Think of the Kennedys and Vasser, Yale, or Boston University. Favorites brands include Polo, J.Crew, Vineyard Vines, CK Bradley, or the many small shops in the area that sell preppy clothes. These preps wear pants with whale prints of madras shorts during summer. Nantucket, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Maine are East Coast Preppy haunts.
The West Coast Hippie Preppy
You can find this kind of prep in the San Francisco Bay area. They love classic clothes but the look is comfortable and lived in. The clothes are geared towards the year-round 70 degree weather. The look is often cotton sweaters, jeans, chinos, walking shorts, clogs or Birkenstocks, and arts and crafts accessories. They drive old VWs or Jeep Cherokees with PBS or KQED stickers on the bumpers or windows. West Coast Preppy haunts include Sausalito, Marin, Napa, Halfmoon Bay, or the Monterrey beaches. West Coast Prep schools include Stanford, University of San Francisco, UCSF, Golden Gate, St. Ignatius, and Woodside.
The Cosmopolitan Metro Preppy
You can find these preps in major metropolitan cities like New York or Los Angeles. The Metro Preps like updated classics. Their style is sometimes called fashionably conservative. These preps can shop in stores like Banana Republic, Gap, or Ann Taylor. They are the more internationally travelled of all the preps.
The Southern Country Preppy
You can find them in Southern states like Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas. Country preps tend to be more outdoor types. Favorite items of clothing include barn jackets and duck boots. Patagonia, Lands End and L.L. Bean are common brands but they also buy Polo or J.Crew. Country Preps are very much into equestrian sports or hunting. You can find them hunting in Ashburn or riding in Middleburg and in the summers they go to Virginia Beach, Nags Head, or The Outer Banks. Country prep schools include Altamont, Westminster, Harpeth Hall, or boarding schools such as Woodberry Forest, Baylor, Foxcroft, or Madiera.
The Traditionalist Preppy
This type of prep is very much into tradition. They are as Old School as Old School can get. They wear their clothes according to strict rules of dress. For examples, pants must be cuffed to an inch and a half. No more, no less. They are also the more formal of all of the preppies. These preps will wear seer sucker suits during the summer or full regatta clothing when sailing. If these preps had a choice of schools it would be a British school like Oxford, Cambridge, or Eton in the UK.
The Classic Preppy
These are the most common of all the preps. They just love anything that is classic and get their influence from all the above.
The Texas Preppy
AND... because this is LoneStarPrep... I have to add what I consider a few quirks of being a prep in Texas! Texas Preps certainly encompass most of the descriptions above... but we have a few of our own things, too! Texas Preps even have their own characteristics within Texas... don't forget, our state is almost 800 miles long! The preppy state of Connecticut would fit into Texas almost 50 times! So in addition in what you have already read... here we go!
First up... cowboy boots. Everyone has them, including the preps. Ralph Lauren is a required brand and one cannot be without classic khaki shorts. Gatherings always include a variety of domestic and imported beer and country music is prevalent simply because you live in Texas. While topsiders and loafers are certainly top choices for footwear, flip flops are a must-have because no one wants their feet covered in our ridiculously steamy weather... brands to purchase include Reef, J.Crew, and Havaiana. Pearl earrings from James Avery are a necessity. Ponytails with thin bands (sans ribbons and bows) are preferred. Recreational sports vary by the area of the state in which you live. Texas preps summer on the East Coast because it is too hot to stay here (although if you do choose to stay here the Hill Country is the place to be). Being understated is key, which can be very difficult in the Land of Everything is Bigger (with Even Bigger Hair).
So... what kind of preppy are you?
Texas bits aside I would say I am a Classic Preppy with a side of Traditionalist... The Hubs is English, afterall, and I have been sporting my Oxford tee all afternoon : )
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Happy Texas Independence Day (The One With the Chicken Enchilada Recipe)
"Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word". -- John Steinbeck
On March 2, 1836, the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the-Brazos, a bold move in the territory's quest for independence from Mexico. Written by George Childress, the document was signed by 59 delegates at Independence Hall, a mere four days prior to the Texian defeat at the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio. Although the war would still see battles at Goliad and San Jacinto, March 2nd claimed Texas a free republic. Texas remained an independent country until its annexation in 1845.
Two summers ago, my family and I visited the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site... here are some of my photos! It was a beautiful, quiet location, chock full of history and amazing wildflowers. Enjoy!
In honor of Texas Independence Day, here is my chicken enchilada recipe, admittingly stolen from the Campbell's Quick and Easy Recipes cookbook... along with a photo of mine from last week : ) (Yes, I see the humor in posting a Mexican recipe on this post, ha)
Here is what you need...
10 ounces of shredded chicken (you could probably use chunks if you prefer)
1 1/2 cups of grated Cheddar cheese (I prefer medium to mild)
1 can chopped green chilies (optional if you want a bit more zing)
1 small white onion, chopped (I usually use 1/2 of one)
1 can enchilada sauce (I use Gebhardt's although it is very hard to find in North Texas, try H-E-B in Burleson unless you are fortunate enough to live south of Waco... if you live outside of Texas you are probably out of luck)
8 six-inch corn tortillas (I use the red ones when I can find them, otherwise prefer yellow over white)
Shredded lettuce, sour cream, and diced tomatoes for toppings (optional... but are these really?)
Now that you have all your ingredients...
1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, one cup of cheese, chilies, and onions
2. In botton of 3-quart oblong baking dish, spread 1/2 can enchilada sauce and set aside
3. Fill enchiladas with 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture, roll tortilla, and place in baking dish seam down (DO NOT forget to warm your tortillas prior to rolling!)
4. Pour the remaining 1/2 can enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese on top (I love Cheddar way too much to only use 1/2 cup... so I actually grate more over them)
5. Cover (use foil or dish cover) and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees... top with your choice of extras!
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