Au revoir!

G and I are leaving for France this afternoon, and I must say that I will miss you all terribly! We will be gone for a little over a week, and I am SO looking forward to some relaxation and adventure all rolled into one!

I have everything packed and ready to go, but am keenly wishing that I would have found and ordered either one of these treasures in time to have as a tres chic carry-on!

Vintage Vinyl Makeup Case

Vintage Tweed Tote

Off I go! Hope you all have a FABulous week and I can't wait to share my trip with you when I get back!

** Both of these too-cute-to-be-trues can be found at the Etsy Shop Turquoise Heaven - shop away!

Busy as a BEE!

I must add that I HATE bees. Zoe caught two the other day (IN THE HOUSE) and they both ended up on my pillow. GAH!

I regret to inform you, dear readers, that there will be no Piperlime Pick today. (But feel free to check out their site for GRRREAT shooes! They are having their Limetag Sale right now - up to 40% off!)

I already did a shoe post this week, and I am scrambling to try and get ready to leave for France tomorrow (not to mention trying to get ahead on a whole week of work)!

Instead, I will tell you about this fantastic swap opportunity that is being organized by Abbey over at Aesthetic Outburst... here's the scoop:

"...a good old fashioned print swap! So, here’s how it'll work…

1. make some artwork...a drawing, collage, photo...whatever! The theme is open...it can be about anything you'd like (let's keep it clean though...no nudie shots, please and thanks :)
2. scan your image in at a high resolution (300 dpi or higher to make a good print)
3. print out ten copies of your artwork. The paper size needs to be 8.5" x 11" and image size no smaller than 6.5" x 9". Please be sure to use something other than bond/copy paper (let me know if you need paper suggestions)
4. mail your ten prints so they arrive to me no later than August 1, 2008 (international participants, please plan accordingly)
5. include a $5.00 ($7.00 for international participants) check or money order to cover shipping along with a small note with your full name and mailing address
6. wait patiently
7. you’ll receive a collection of ten prints made by ten other artists in the mail
8. kick back and enjoy your new art collection!!!

If this sounds great and you’d like to participate, please email me [Abbey] at hownowdesign [at] yahoo [dot] com and I’ll send you my mailing address. Hope to hear from you!"

I think I just might be participating (if I can get my act together in time) and I wanted to pass along the information!

This is not good bye, my lovlies... I am hoping to do a special Saturday post tomorrow morning... I am going to miss you all so much, both receiving your comments and reading your blogs!!!

Have a great Friday!

Funny Fug

Go Fug Yourself is a blog devoted wholely to the fashion mistakes and must-haves of the celebrity world. The writers are funny funny funny, and I always get a good laugh when I visit their site.

As I was catching up on their red-carpet-reviews for the Daytime Emmys, I came across this:

Raya Meddine from The Young and The Restless

slkdfhslifhaskljfaheoifjahnkfjhvksdskdjsk! I'm sorry, that should have been a capital ANKJDAHOHDALKSDALKHDLAKJDHKADHLAKHDAKJSD!

How that ever could have been passed off as a dress is beyond me, and this is what the fuggers had to say about it...

"Now I'm one giant black flower away from being her proctologist. Also, I know this is going to make me sound twelve, but I can't help it: While I understand WHY the flower is placed where it is, it's also totally unfortunate, because there it gives off the gross impression that Raya had an unfortunate accident in the limo.

I guess you could say I'm not a fan."

HA! You can find the full post here.

Endless Apologies

I feel awful, and I've just got to come clean.

Last week, I was unfaithful.

Disloyal.

Sneaky, even.

I was really in need of something good. Something that would fulfill my cravings. Something saucey and romantic, with a little bit of edge...

So, I broke away from what I know and went here.

And I got these.

Nine West Forger Sandal - $49 (SALE)

I am a changed woman. Endless.com is a lot like Piperlime in that they have a great selection and really great sale prices, but get this... not only are their returns and shipping costs free, but the free shipping? HAPPENS OVERNIGHT! That's right. I ordered a different pair first (at about 8 o'clock at night), and they arrived on my doorstep before NOON the next day.

The shoes got to me in under 15 hours, people. Amazing.

They ended up being a little different than I had hoped so I sent them back (for free) and ordered a new pair. The new pair were just as speedy, and even cuter (see above) so they have definitely found their new home at Casa Lucky Stone. I wore my new darling shoes yesterday, and they were great.

I can't bear to break up with an old classic, but this new site has really got me going!

Fervere (fur-vair'-ay)

One of the things I love doing most in life?

Eating.

I eat all the time, and am always on the hunt for new recipes, new restaurants, and new foods that I love. An all time favorite of mine has always been really great rustic French bread. The crustier the better. Last week, I found the KC mecca of deliciously baked bread.

"Fervere is the Latin root word for "passion" and "fermentation" -- ingredients for great bread."

Fervere is a little shop on 17th and Summit (just west of downtown), where they truly pride themselves on authentically baked European style bread. The oven they use is a replica of those made in the 1800s, and they only have to heat it once a week... that's how long it holds it's cooking power!

They carry all varieties and I plan on trying them all someday, but when I popped in with my lovely boss on Friday, she bought my co-worker and I a loaf of the Pain de Campagne. It was absolutely delish. Perfectly fresh and soft on the inside (but not too doughy), and just the right amount of crustiness (but not enough to cut the roof of your mouth when you take a bite... I HATE that.) G and I had it for lunch on Saturday with different variations of spreads and cheeses, and then I purposely saved just enough to make something super special for brunch on Sunday.

Now let me preface the following by saying that I am not normally a fan of such heavy breakfast fare, but I couldn't let that delicious bread go to waste, and I knew we probably would not eat it during the week.

So.... I decided to try out a very promising French toast recipe (perfect as preparation for our upcoming trip!) and it turned out so well that I just had to share it with you! I definitely think one of the most important parts of the recipe is to have a really great crusty, fresh bread, but I'm sure you could make do with whatever you have.

Regretfully, I didn't take pictures - so this image will just have to do! Yum!

French Toast with Hot Buttered Rum-Maple(-Strawberry) Syrup
Adapted from the First & Forever Bride and Groom Cookbook*

(changes are indicated in parenthesis)

Serves 2

1/2 cup half & half (SKIM MILK)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon granulated white (BROWN) sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon, plus a pinch of kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4-6 thick slices of crusty bread
1/3 cup (SUGAR FREE) maple syrup
1 tablespoon light rum
(handful of diced strawberries... could also use bananas or blueberries)
powdered sugar for dusting

Whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and the cinnamon in a wide, shallow bowl. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Dip the bread in the egg mixture, coating both sides well. Arrange the bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Transfer toast to warmed plates.

Remove the skillet from the heat and combine the maple syrup, the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, the rum, and a pinch of kosher salt in the pan. Swirl until the butter melts, and then add strawberries. Pour over the French toast, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately.

*Note: The recipes in this cookbook are amazing. This is a GREAT wedding gift, but honestly, I'd want it even if I weren't married.

This was my very first time making French toast and I was so pleased with how it turned out, I think I just might officially make it my specialty! Light as a souffle with a hint of rum and warm strawberries... I'm going to have to hold myself back from having it every week!

What do you think? Won't you join us for brunch???

Makes Me Wanna Dance!

I just came across this video by way of a commenter on Mackin Ink, and even though Karey posted it already, I am going to put it up, too... because I LOVE it!



I watched it three times in a row and I cannot stop smiling! Honestly. This dude has got some serious moves, and you cannot possibly be in a bad mood after watching this!

More info about Matt is available here.

Piperlime Pick of the Week!

Omygosh by Nine West - $99

This week's pick is a little edgier than normal... but, I chose it because I want the opinion of my lovely readers!

Also available in "Paris Mushroom"... aka .... Grey

The oxford-style shoe seems to be everywhere these days... at all price points, colors, and heel heights.

When I first saw an oxford heel used in a fashion editorial, I really liked the look it created, but I was convinced that I would never be able to work it into my wardrobe. Then I happened to stumble across darling Camille at Childhood Flames, who has become a great source of fashion inspiration to me. She definitely knows how to rock this look (although her oxford of choice happens to be a pair of 4 1/2 inch YSL platforms).




She has the confidence of someone FAR beyond her years, and speaks of wearing what you like, and not worrying about the criticism of others. That said, I don't want to be the laughing stock of Kansas City (which happens to more fashion forward than you might think, but possibly not far along enough to truly embrace such a shoe).

What do we think? I really like the way Camille has styled them, and would end up pairing them with similar things (more of a Fall look), but my fear is that if I wore these, I would come off as disgustingly trendy. That is something I Do. Not. Want. Also, could I pair these with something a little more summery? Would a dress and bare legs be too stark?

Feel free to be honest and share your opinions with me... I always look so forward to hearing your thoughts!

*** James, you HAVE to comment on this one... I need your fashion advice! Also, I am seriously on the hunt for a great line for men (especially for you, my only male reader besides Dad) and hopefully I will be posting soon!

Your Eyes are Getting Sleeeeeeeeepyyyyy...

I was browsing on Etsy today in preparation for my summer adventure to France, and I found exactly what I have been searching all over Kansas City for. (Go figure.)

Trees are Good Eye Mask by Etsy seller Bib Bon

I went to at least three different stores looking for one of these last weekend, and after no success, I ALMOST resorted to trying Claire's like the nice lady at Target suggested.

(*shudder*)

Anyways, I think these will be just right for our red eye from NYC to Paris, and I plan on hunkering down in my seat and snoozing for as long as I can (Tylenol PM - don't fail me now!).

I ordered them immediately and I can't wait for their arrival!

(Completely relieved that I didn't have to get a metallic purple one that said "Princess" on it in glitter and faux feathers.)

Swippity Suwannee Swap

Hola Mis Amigos!

I have to share something that I am very excited to be a part of this summer (although I know that most of my readers are probably participants, themselves)!

Jamie from I Suwannee (one of my favorite dailies - check it out) has organized a Summer Solstice Swap, and yesterday we received our partner's information. I have been paired with a girl named Natalie, and seeing a sweet email from her in my inbox last night made my whole day.

It sounds like we have quite a bit in common, and I can't wait to pack up a bunch of goodies to send to her in a few weeks. Her favorite things about summer are sangria (oh my gosh, yes please), being in the water as much as possible (duh!), getting tan (bring on the sun damage, my friend!), and sundresses with shiny sandals (hello! soul sistahs!)!!!

Jamie - cheers on the super match up!





Natalie is also a proud puppy-mother, and is planning on starting her own blog sometime soon, so I am sure you can imagine that I am anxiously awaiting her big debut!


It was great to meet you through email, Natalie, and I can't wait to be friends!


*** All three gorgeous images shown are part of the photography collection of Kari Herer (found by way of Design*Sponge). More information about Kari's work is here and her Etsy shop is here.

Labor of Love

This past weekend, I FINALLY finished a little project I have been working on.

A good friend of mine is having a baby this summer and I can't wait to send this cuddly quilt to her, so that it will be all ready for the arrival of her brand new little bambino!

(I don't think you read this blog, K, but if so... then I guess you get a little sneak peek! Love you & J!)

A Letter to my Daddio

(written on Father's Day 2008)

Daddy,

I was sitting in church this morning and I could not tear my eyes away from the little family in front of me. It was a husband and wife, both incredibly smitten with their adorable little baby boy. Their son was probably 18 months old, and he was in his Dad's arms the whole time. His little tiny hands were clutching the sleeve of his Dad's shirt so tightly, and his little moon-shaped face was constantly tilting up to look at his father with bright and already adoring eyes.


I couldn't help but think about you and Mom and how many times I have held on to both of you so tightly, not wanting to have to leave the presence of my precious parents.

I know I have told you so many times how much you mean to me and how much I love you, but you have to understand that you are such a rock in my life that I just can't help but continually express my thanks to you.


My 23 years of life have been shaped and formed by your constant and unconditional love. I have learned so much of what I know just by watching you live and following your example. By being the best at your career, you have taught me how to succeed. By writing and publishing numerous books, you have taught me how to express myself through words. By being a sensitive man with a tender heart, you have taught me the importance of being gracious and kind. By always putting others first, you have taught me that God blesses those who honor Him.

Perhaps the most notable, is the way you wholeheartedly love and care for your beautiful bride. I have learned so much about marriage by watching you and Mom, and I can only hope that G and I will be able to love each other as long and as fully as you two have loved each other.



You are generous and selfless when it comes to providing for your family, and I am so blessed by all of the amazing memories that we have made together. The special father and daughter trips that we have taken will always be at the top of my list of favorites. Last Father's Day, you took an entire weekend to come to California so that we could be together.

We were supposed to be celebrating the holiday to honor you, but instead you treated me like a princess. Staying at the Montage in Laguna Beach, was a more beautiful weekend than I can describe. Time flew by as we went to the shops in town, ate fancy dinners, laid by the beach and the pool, took tons of pictures, and walked along the water in the early morning.

I got you a measly book and a framed picture of our family as Father's Day gifts, and YOU gave me some of the most beautiful things I will ever have. It was our last trip as father and single daughter, and we talked and laughed and cried and dreamed of our futures ALL weekend long. We both knew that those days spent together were the biggest treasures we could ever give to each other.

You made me floaty and smiley and the happiest, on that trip, when you told me that you will continue to love me the best that you can for the rest of your life, but that you were honored to be giving me away to a son-in-law that you "couldn't have chosen better yourself". The thing is, Dad... the only reason I knew how to pick someone so great, was because I had someone really amazing to compare him to. I know how to love G with all my might, because you and Mom have shown me how.

It has warmed my heart the way that you have come to love G and the rest of the Brown family like they were your own. By marrying into their family, I have gained yet another amazing Dad and the two of you constantly loving us and praying for us make us feel like the luckiest "kids" around.


I know that I can come to you with any joy or sorrow, praise or problem, surprise or struggle, and that you and Mom will love me no matter what. I am not exaggerating when I say that I think about you every single day, and it brings tears to my eyes that I can't see you as often as I'd like.

I want to be just like you, Dad.... and today is one of those days where I would do anything to be able to grasp the sleeve of your shirt and look at your always-smiling face with the adoring eyes that I have for you. You are a champion of life, and I am so blessed to be your daughter.



Wishing you the most glowingly wonderful Father's Day ever,

XOXOXOXO

- Jessie Lynne

Jessie's Piperlime Pick of the Week

Amidst the torrential rains, tornado threats, and terrible destruction that has ripped through the Midwest this week, I can't help but wish I were somewhere else. Preferably a beach in Costa Rica?


Ahhhhh, yes. I can just picture it.

My handsome tanned husband, a glamourous black bathing suit, an icy cold mojito, and this weeks Piperlime Pick...

Eagle by Franco Sarto - SALE $65.99

Bright. Elegant. Chic. Fantastic.

I'm all about a bright wedge with an ankle strap and gold hardware! (Although I admit I was tempted to post yet another t-strap... I'm hooked.)

This is a great brand for such a good price, and I only wish the plane tickets to Costa Rica were as afforable!

I hope you all stay dry and happy this weekend... I've got lots of fun planned, so hopefully there will be plenty of posts with fabulous pictures next week.

XOXO!

Strawberries and Love

Today, I would like to share with you the recipe for what is quite possibly one of the most simple and tasty summer desserts ever:

You need a big fat bowl of these...

Fresh and Ruby Red

A nice little bowl of this...

It's tougher than you think to find a picture of sour cream
that is not smeared all over nachos or a baked potato.

And several heaping spoofuls of this...

Golden brown goodness

Dip 'em, mix 'em, blend 'em... no matter how you eat them together, they will be sure to bring you a little summer-happy-high!

(Genius combination passed on from me to you, courtesy of my Mama, circa 1989.)

Colonel Kenneth Dick

Good morning, my darlings.

I am taking today and possibly tomorrow off of posting, due to a death in the family.

My dear dear step grandpa, Ken, passed away yesterday morning after being in Hospice for the last few weeks. He was such a strong man, and over the last few years had beaten several different kinds of cancer, and lived through two serious heart surgeries. Even though he had many struggles with his health recently, I NEVER saw him without a smile on his face.

He and my Nana found each other almost 10 years ago, after each had grieved the deaths of their first spouses. They made wonderful companions for each other and spent their time traveling, playing bridge, and doting on their grandchildren... both Nana and Ken practically adopted the children and grandchildren that came with finding a partner so late in life, and both families love them like their own.

Ken served a long and honorable duty as a Colonel in the U.S. Navy, which allowed him to live in many different places around the country and the world. He LOVED to tell stories about all of his experiences, and was always sure to keep us very entertained at family dinners and holidays.

I will miss Ken SO very much, and I know my entire family will as well. My prayer this week is that my sweet Nana will feel peace, and be comforted by family and friends. She and I talked for a long time last night, and it just broke my heart to hear the hurt in her voice. We cried together and reminisced about all the happy memories, but I know the pain will last for some time.

I will be back later this week...

Love, Jessie

Plaza Photo Project

After several rainy weekends in a row, I finally got around to trying the "abandoned camera" photo project this past sunny Saturday. Like the website where my inspiration came from, I wrote a simple note and tied a disposable camera to a bench in a high-traffic area. The note said simply, "Hello, I attached this camera to the bench so you could take pictures. Seriously. So have fun. I'll be back later this evening to pick it up. Love, Jessie."

G and I picked a bench in front of a coffee shop on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, and we scootered ourselves over on Saturday morning to set it up. After tying the note and the camera to the bench with some embroidery thread, we went about our days as usual.

We swung by late Saturday night on our way home from a friends house, and all the exposures had been used, Yay!!! Below are the highlights of the roll of film. The photos that I left out were duplicates (there were a surprising amount of shots of the street and the lampposts).

Enjoy!

Overall, an interesting social experiment... I'd love to do this another time in a different location to see what happens.

If any of you lovelies decide to try this in your own hometown, please let us know about the results!

I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone

Lacewing by NaturalDevelopments

Well, the metaphorical rain is gone, but the actual rain is still very here...

No one told me that Early Summer in the Midwest would be so much fun (sarcasm intended)!

I'll take real storms and rain, over the metaphorical kind, ANY day. Allow me to explain...

The Butterfly Garden by irenesuchoki

For the past eight months, I held a position that taught me many things.

I didn't learn how to become better at marketing, or how to develop a business, or how to succeed in a professional work environment. I didn't experience any of the things that I was hoping to encounter when I accepted my former position back in September.

I learned that leaving 20 minutes early on the Friday before your birthday weekend will sometimes get you docked a whole half of a vacation day.

I learned that sharing your original ideas with someone may mean that they will steal them, present them, and claim them as their own.

I learned that not every boss that you work for will have your best interests in mind when they are making decisions.

I learned that when you are hired as a Marketing Associate, you very well may be hired the same week that the receptionist is fired, therefore making you a super-stapler-phone-answerer-copymaker-dish-washer-errand-runner completely by default.

I learned that being offered more money to stay at a job that sucks the life, soul, joy, energy, confidence, and charisma right out of you is not usually a good idea.

I hate to be a downer, but as far as I can tell, the end of this story is going to be a happy one.

Dusk by jmulcahy

For the past eight months, I have been a shell of the person I once was, and this past week has seemed to be what it must feel like to bust out of a cocoon after a dreary winter.

At my new job, I have tentatively begun to stretch out my stiff limbs of logic and my delicate wings of creativity.

So far, I have spent my days enjoying myself more than I ever dreamed would be possible at an actual job. I have been brainstorming and writing much needed marketing materials. I have been meeting, planning, and preparing to help open a store that is run by people with a mission and a purpose - our store is part of a company that I believe in with my whole heart.

I have been coming up with displays for some of the most gorgeous jewelry, dish ware, bedding, and furniture lines that can be found in Kansas City. I have been thoroughly enjoying myself, loving my co-workers, contributing to the progress of the business, and finally feeling like my presence is needed and that I really belong.

Flutterby by soundslikerain

As each day of the first week has passed, the wings of my heart have fluttered like a baby butterfly who is just realizing how much of this glorious world she has ahead of her. She is no longer a caterpillar who has to bore herself with munching through endless amounts of leaves.

This brand new butterfly has the freedom to flit about from flower to flower, spreading the pollen it takes to make the world beautiful.

I suppose that the longer one spends in their dark lonely cocoon, the more appreciative they are to finally be free.

Jessie's Piperlime Pick of the Week V

It's Friday, and you know what that means!!!

Time for your weekly Piperlime Pick!

"Looker" by Enzo Angiolini - $99

This week's shoe reminds me of a high heeled version of the gladiator. The dark brown leather and the gold-toned hardware send a vibe of toughness, and the heel adds just the right touch of femininity.

Pair these with a floral vintage tank dress, cinched in at the waist with a brown belt, and you have a look that says "I may be girly, but don't mess with me!"

On another note, I'd like to mention that my first week at the new job has been amazing! I wanted to wait at least a week before I actually blogged about it, so I will hopefully be sharing more details with you next week!

I have been feeling a little stressed with my posting these past few days and I think it's because I am finally in a position where I get to use my creativity, so when I end up sitting down to write/post I am a little drained of ideas. Bear with me and thanks so much to my readers for continuing to check in and supporting me with your presence and your words... I love you and have a fabulous weekend!

I'm Yours

Summer is here my friends, and lately, I've been missing San Diego SO much.

Come to think of it, I have pretty much missed SD all year, but especially now and especially when I watched this video (even though it wasn't filmed there).



Road trips, swimming in the ocean, driving with sun roof open, frozen yogurt, shopping with friends, going to the beach, riding bikes, bonfires...

Kansas City, I love you.

San Diego, I'm yours.

Healthy Hooves

My finger nails are paper-thin. Peel 'em apart, fold 'em into origami shapes, papery-thin-thin.

I have tried countless nail hardeners by reputable polish names like OPI, Nailtiques, and Sally Hansen. None really seem to do much besides add a little shine, and they all end up causing frustration when my nails continue to break.

This year, my search for the perfect clear nail polish ended.

One of my old bosses had the most enviable nails I had ever seen - always beautifully lacquered in shiny red, just the right length, and never chipped. After a few weeks of noticing her darling digits, I told her I just had to know where she got her nails done.

I was shocked to hear that she does them herself, and the reason they are so strong and always perfectly polished, is because she uses a secret weapon that she was happy to share with me. She scurried back to her office, and returned holding a little amber colored bottle that has since changed my life.

Healthy Hoof Hi-Gloss Protectant - $4

That's right. Hoof lacquer.

I don't know if was really originally formulated for horses, but let me tell you - It works.

I was able to find it at our local CVS, but after a quick online search, it looks as though they also carry it on Amazon, as well as several beauty supply websites.

Use a couple of coats on your bare nails to make them stronger than ever, and over nail polish to add shine and prevent chipping.

Now trot on over to find yourself a bottle...

Neigh.

Jonathan Adler Giraffe Lamps

It is weird that G and I have NO idea if/when we will ever be ready to have children, but when it comes to picking out names and decorating the nursery, I have everything perfectly set up in my head?

Theme for said nursery? Giraffes. Weird, I know.

I really rully love animals, and Giraffes are one of my favorites. I think it's because G is a little Giraffeish in his own way... tall, thin, eats leaves, has those little nubby antler things growing next to his ears...

Ok, just kidding about the eating leaves part.

"Giraffe Lamp" by Jonathan Adler - $375

Anyways, when I saw this lamp here the other day, I quickly added a pair to the ever-growing shopping list in my head.

So, besides the $375 price tag (that's for one, folks) what do we think?

Cheesy? Darling? A little too... too?

I'm dying to know your thoughts, my lovelies!