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!