What I'm Reading

I love to read. It's one of my greatest pleasures. I am currently reading "a Thousand Days" by Arthur Schlesinger. It is an account of the Kenndey administration from someone who was actually there. Like many of us out in the preppy blog land, I am fascinated by JFK and the endless what might have been. I am a total history geek too. I doubled majored in history and philosphy at college which should leave you no doubt as to why I went to law school. Not a lot of jobs out there for someone in that field. Anyway, back to the book and out endless fascination with the Kennedys. I think it has to do with promise denied. What could he have done? We will never know. What really set JFK apart from other politicans before, or after, was to me his intellect. He too was an avid reader and always wante to know why. I sometimes feel that quality if lost in todays world of twets, facebook posts and cable television. It is much easier to fire back via email than present a rational reasonable arguement in person. Again, I am not taking polticial sides nor am I seeking to offend. I see this on both side of the spectrum. The acedemic, the intellectual is looked down on. This is a shame. More education is always better. Learning something new is always good. Different is not wong or bad, it's just different. I think Kennedy knew that and I strive to instill that in my kids. It's a very good book and well worth a read. Enjoy!

A Great Giveaway!

The lovely EAS at "Let the Tide Pull Your Dreams A Shore" (click here to visit http://http://letthetidepullyourdreamsashore.blogspot.com/2011/02/gift-card-giveaway.html) is having a giveaway to celebrate reaching 500 followeres. Congrats! She is giving away a $50 gift card to CNS Stores. I love these Tevis tumblers. Perfect for summer and they won't break when the kdis drop them outside, which they will! So head over and check out EAS and her terrific blog!

Preps in the West

It's a little different being preppy out here in California. I specifically live in Northern California. I think if you live in Southern California, specifically LA, it might be even harder, although the weather is warmer. Anyway, what's different for us out here? First off preppy isn't a western tradition. Those original wagon train travelers didn't come with their sperry topsiders! Neither did those prospectors. I think the West has always had a different feel than the East Coast (and I've lived both places) It's more of a swing by the seat of your pants, doing it your own way kind of mood. This goes for our politics too.

Second, the iconic prep schools that turn out preppies are all back East. Ok, there are some here, but not the ones that truely matter.

Third, stylewise it is way more casual. This is Silicon Valley territory. The guy next to you in ripped sweats who hasn't shaved in a month is probably CEO of the next hot thing. People just don't dress up. It's almost like it is a stigma. I used to get get tons of comments about "how dressed up" I am because I was wearing a button down with a sweater and driving mocs at drop off in the mornings at school instead of sweats or workout clothes. Now of course I go from drop off to the office so that's different. I like to look put together, sue me.

It's really hard to pin down what's different but I think the biggest thing is the absence of the tradition. Sure, every third person out here is orginally from somewhere else (one of my best friends is a Chicago born Middlebury grad) which is where those of us who are the native preps find our soul mates.

I personally am a native Californian who went ot college in Connecticut. Even before my college days I was a total prep. My sister says I am just "so traditional" like thats a bad thing. I take it as a compliment. It's just the way I am and the way I am raising my kids. Manners matter and I think to many people forget that in so many ways these days. The world would be a better place if there were more preppies, don't you think?

Race Day

CMB and a huge jump. Almost taller than she is and certainly taller than the pony!

CMB on Baxter, MMB on JJ, and JAO on Guiness

This past weekend we took my daughter, CMB to a pace meet. The course where this event was held is terrific because it has jumps from the jump as big as CMB above to tiny logs about 18 inches high. CMB is just learning to jump and her pony is very small as you can see so those smaller jumps are perfect. In addition, my sister wanted to school that big black gelding as he had a crash last season and lost some confidence. We are having terrific weather here in Nothern California and so it was a great day. The pony was very good and so was the black horse. Sadly, CMB is rapidly outgrowing this adorable pony. She is ready to move on and jump a little higher though so we are considering all options.

Stop and Smell The Rosemary

I love Junior League cookbooks. In fact I collect them and have several that were my mothers. My all time favorite is the Stop and Smell the Rosemary cookbook from the Junior League of Houston. It won first prize in the McIlhenny community cookbook competition for 1996. (McIlhenny are the folks from Louisiana who bring you Tabasco sauce.) Dishes are classy and simple which is a plus for me because I really can only cook if I follow the receipe. Most are familiar, but with a twist that works and makes it seem like you spent way more time on it than you did. Hide the book and someone may consider you a genius. In my circle of friends, mostly current and former leaguers, certain receipes are clearly identifiable! It's hard to go wrong with Ginger Shrimp Toast, any of the fine roasts and stews, or desserts like Pecan Chocolate Chunk Brownies. The Herb Roasted chicken is terrific as is the apple and blue cheese dip. I am making that for a dinner party next week so I will post the receipe as well.

Sadly, my own Junior League which is Palo Alto Mid Peninsula here in California has a cookbook that is out of print and not terribly exciting. I own both volumes of Private Collection as it is called but aside from some of the soups, I don't use it often. I tried a couple of times to get a enw cookbook off the ground when I was on Project Development and once on the board as Fundrasing VP. No one was excited. I'm a sustainer now (after 10 active years) but there is nothing quite like the Junior League.

Chantecaille

Chantecaille is a luxury cosmetic brand avialable at Neiman Marcus. Once apon a time in my former life (read as before kids) I pretty much used their cosmetics and skin care exclusively. It is made in Switzerland and very pure. It is largely unscented and what is scented smells divine. The colors of their eye shadows are jusr glorious. They make you want to own them just o look at them. In the past they have also had pallettes that benefit a cause. I believe the current on is tigers. In my life now I just don't always have the spare cash to use their products exclusively but there is one product I can't give up. The Super Lip Sheer. It is described as haveing "The sheerness of a gloss and the convenience of a lipstick.• Sheer, glossy color with Vitamin E emollient protection" I really have to concur. The color I like best is called Maia. In the tube it is a scary bright pink but it goes one so sheer and gives just that perfect brightening touch of fresh pink. I wear it almost everyday and have gone through several tubes. To explore the world of Chantecaille just vist http://www.neimanmarcus.com/.

In Like Flynn

The lovely Tabitha over at Bourbon and Pearls featured the Flynn skirt in this post http://http://bourbonandpearls.blogspot.com/

All I can say is oh my goodness sakes but I must have one. This skirt is totally me, I especially love the navy one with the pink blouse above. I'm also loveing the short hair cut on the model. I go back and forth with my own hair. I've been growing it out fora while but this could inspire me right back into the stylists chair! What do you think? Are you in like Flynn!

To find where you can pre-order this amazing item you can visit www.annemcramer.com. They also have an In Like Flynn waiting list where you can sign up to be notified when it comes in. There is a retailer here in San Francisco and you can be I will be calling them this morning!