I am back-Hilton Head, U of M Museum of Art and going to the Tau Beta Market

Hilton Head (also, S.C.)

Well, I have returned from my vacation and already, back to reality. How come it only takes 2 days for the vacation to be a distant memory. Hilton Head was fabulous! Love the golf, tennis and of course, the beaches and bike riding. The Lilly P. shop there was incredible and inspired me for summer.

As I am sitting here missing a Symphony luncheon because I went to the wrong club. I am just back from the newly remodeled, University Michigan Art Museum with a bunch of 4th graders(we went to the opening benefit party -which was fabulous). About an 1/10 of the museum (which is new) is dedicated to architectural models of famous, new art museums including the model of the newly renovated museum I was in. A little self referent I would say. U of M just had to start some type of collection of their own that would be unique and this is what they choose--um, I hope it pans out for them. Maybe they are thinking they will someday have a Frank Wright model among them.

My tax dollars at work supporting this...ummmmmmm.

Yes, I did not go to book group. I have not even purchased the book.

I am a lucky girl, on Friday--I am heading to Grosse Pointe to the Tau Beta Market and guess who is coming to town....Peter Beaton Hats from Nantucket! I am so excited and am looking forward to a girl's day out! Tau Beta is a High School sorority and has a very active adult group.

Tau Beta Market (see the vendor list)

Peter...my love!

Peter Beaton

I am in need of an UPDATE!

I have updated my blog roll. Google makes it easy to add the blogs that I follow. Some blogs do not allow followers and I am worried that I have missed a few. If you are following my blog and would like to be added to my list, please let me know.

DISNEY VIP TOURS! YES!

We were fortunate to go to Disney with some friends on their private jet (they have a share in a company like Net Jet). On our plane, the caterer had several (2 dozen for 5 people) adorable Disney cookies for the kids. Isn't that thoughtful!

We only went to Disney for 1 day (since I have been there 17 times in the past 15 years). We were fortunate enough to tag along on a VIP Tour that our friends arranged. What is this little secret you may ask? We had a guide who drove us to the employee entrances of any park we wanted, escorted us in to the park and escorted us in to the "Fast Pass Line" of any ride we wanted to ride. In 8 hours, we went to 3 parks, had lunch, and rode on 8 of the most popular rides (we did a few other rides too).

The cost of this VIP Guide is $295 per hour with a minium of 6 hours. Up to 10 people can be included at this rate. On this holiday weekend, most of the lines were at least 100 minutes long and the Fast Pass tickets (these are tickets that allow you to make a reservation to ride a ride) were gone. This was well worth the money if you only have a short amount of time and want to see as much as you can. The price does not include admission into the parks and a Park Hopper pass.

Spring Inspiration

Spring Inspiration from Martha Stewart Weddings

Gift for the President of Ghana

Well, I hope you are not too disappointed and many of you did guess correctly. My gift for the President of the Republic of Ghana, John A.Kufuor was three Martha Stewart wooden picture frames (mahogany looking) and a two Martha Stewart books. I took the US Ambassador to The Republic of Ghana the same gift (since she had a dinner at the Embassy for us too). I went for items that looked expense and attractive, and figured that at most, the palace florist may appreciate Martha Stewart's books. I was shopping for these gifts after the holidays, and the store was pretty limited on merchandise. I did wrap it so it looked like an expensive gift. Unfortunately, I did not even think to consider an Ipod with Presidential speeches on it.

It was the best I could do!

Funny Story:

1. So my daughter who was in 2nd Grade at the time of our visit to Ghana told her friends we were in Ghana and had met the President. Of course her friends did not believe her. My daughter's class was studying Ghana for International night too, so we had the President of Ghana write her teacher a letter thanking her teacher for studying about Ghana and to contact him if she needed any other information. This little effort taught my daughter's friends a little lesson.

2. While we were in Ghana, Kmart filed for Bankruptcy. The President for Ghana said, "That is ok, we as a country have filed for bankruptcy a few times." Nonetheless, it was a little bit of a scandal/ embarrassment and made the front page of the Accra newspaper. We left the country hiding our faces. One day the newspsper read... "Kmart Saves Ghana Textile Industry" and the next it was "Kmart files for Bankruptcy. All hope for the future is off".

Go State Go!

I am blogging right now during the game because we are down by 20 points and I cannot bare to watch.

GIFT FOR A QUEEN OR A PRESIDENT

Well, the recent protocol error made by our beloved President made me think we have a bunch of unsophisticated, fraternity boys running the White House-and maybe this is too nice of description. What could the Queen possibly be thinking? Did that protocol manual get "redistributed" to the trash!

Amusement and a challenge for you:

On one of my husband's business trips to Ghana, we were invited to a State Dinner by the President of Ghana. Ghana wanted Kmart's textile business, so we were being entertain like celebrities and royalty. Since we were invited to a State Dinner at President's home, I need to bring him a gift--just as Obama gave a gift to the Queen. My limitation was that it had to be from Kmart (my own personal limitation, but it seemed only appropriate). Of course, I was purchasing this gift on the way to the airport and had given my purchase little advance thought.

What do you think I purchased for the President of Ghana? The President presented us with his family Kente cloth which was incredible-and I still do not know what to do with it. What gift could I have purhcased that would be equal to this? The gift also needed to fit it in my suit case so lawn mowers or Christmas trees were not possible.

Find out what I purchased tomorrow.

Friday Night Amusement

My husband and daughters are off to Florida. The girls have two weeks off from school.

My son still has school next week so, we are flying to Florida (to Disney) on our friends Corporate Jet--and more importantly, it flies into Disney instead of Orland0-SCORE!

After Disney and another day in Florida, we are off to Hilton Head. Should be a nice break.

I made this picture in http://www.photofunia.com/. Amusement while I wait for the 8 --9yrs. old boys to fall asleep. Have a fabulous weekend.

I AM CRABBY

It is that time of year that everyone is "crabby". Crabby about school, crabby about friends, crabby about their weight, their grades, the weather, social life, coaches,home, taxes, finances, the economy, politics, etc. I am looking forward to a break! In honor of removing the crabbiness (yes it is a word) from our lives, here are some cute crabs that look better than we feel. Hope these remove all those crustacean (crabs) thoughts for you too!

Miss Prissy Style

Pink Monogram

By Paige-Crab Loafers

Preppy Plates-placemat

Tucker Blair

Smathers & Branson

POLITICS-TIME TO HIDE

This is the pace in which I will be going to our isolated land in the north to hide during the revolution. (Lope: a pace between a trot and gallop)

"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money. " — Margaret Thatcher

SAVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR

When did those in the private sector become the enemy--those who give us jobs, pay huge corporate income taxes, feed our families, etc? Anyone or a family making over $200,000 will soon to be in trouble, so watch out. Just remember, as evil as the AIG executives are made to be by the press, remember, your elected officials gave them this money, unconditionally and did not properly oversee it. Who is really evil here? Why was AIG given our money in the first place? These AIG employees, like you and me, who happen to work for the wrong company, are receiving death threats and made out to be criminals. Why is our President doing this to his citizens?

REVOLUTION BREWING?

The outrage in the masses looks like the French Revolution--are these executives soon to be walked to the guillotine? --or in modern times, fed to the press? When will this outrage be directed toward the government? Why isn't anyone standing in front of Senator Dodd's house with torches? You wonder why? Your government redirected your anger to the AIG executives and even my beloved Fox News is following the party line. Where are the business people--get some business degrees and run a few companies FOX NEWS!

A least the Guillotine can be Preppy!

NO REWARD TO WORK HARD OR FOR YOUR TALENTS

Next, if you are receiving a bail out, there will no more bonuses--so if you save your company $10,000,000, you will get chocolates , flowers or a nice pat on the back. The talented people will go the industries in which the government isn't involved. So, say good bye to banks, auto companies, etc. Just look at the Post Office, Sec. State Offices, etc. The government cannot do anything right.

YOU WILL BE NEXT!

Just remember, next it will be Drs., Lawyers, or anyone who makes money from the government (Medicare/Medicaid) will not make over $200,000.

P.S. Just remember, several public University Presidents make over $1,000,000 and tuition goes up 10% a year--now that is criminal!

ME JUST RANTING.. A LITTLE MORE

When corporate executives, who did nothing illegal, have to be protected by police because of the President of the United States is attempting to be the Czar of Outrage(in addition to the Czar of Health Care, Czar of Energy, etc), we have a problem. The words ...HOPE, COPE, DOPE, POPE, NOPE are not longer effective. Just a big....HELP!

THIS IS CLASS WARFARE--- HAVE A PLACE TO HIDE

CALLING ALL BLOGGING EXPERTS

Well, my wonderful friend Athena is starting a blog and is trying to come up with a name. I told her that I would ask my talented, creative and thoughtful internet friends for advice. So many of you have such creative names --PPPG is fairly unimaginative, but I think fun to say.

She was thinking of using actual her name in some way--but if you think that is not a good idea, please let me know. Here is a little about her:

Second generation Greek American so contemporary and being Greek is only a small part of her life.

MBA from University of Michigan

Small Business Owner (Greek Candles, Baptism Merchandise, Wedding, etc)

Great Mom

She is smart, wise, strategic, etc.

Athena is the Greek Goddess of War or Wisdom (Think I need to read the Illad again).

She was thinking ContemAthena or Contemporary Athena--I told her Contemp sounded like contempt of court.

I would love your thoughts and creativity!

Martha Stewart's Silhouette Eggs

I am in a little bit of a Silhouette loving mode this year--my Christmas card was a silhouette. Look at these great eggs that are featured in Martha's Magazine. Love them.

CHINOISERIES

I am a fan of Chinoiseries and in particular, Harrison Howard's interpretation. I featured some of his other work last summer, but rumor has it, he is going to be added some new prints to his website (he actually emailed me this news). Stay tuned! Harrison Howard Also, I am dying for this book. It is on my list.

Jackie-O Pearls for your Puppy

Jackie-O Pearls for your Dog

$90 at Big Paw Designs

Wouldn't Jackie be proud!

Summer Lovin' Having a Blast! Meri Meri

A few new invitations from Meri Meri. The Anchor invites is for you...KATE. Meri Meri is one of my favorite lines but a little expensive. Great for special, small parties.

Stewart Weitzman Verison of the Jack Roger, Stephen Salario or Stephen Bonnano Navajo Sandal

This is not for you pure-at-heart preppy girls, but fun none the less. Stewart Weitzman wants to grab his part of the Navajo market and have made Navajo Jellies with Rhinestones (I am not really sure how to spell rhinestone). Actually, I found this little shoe at Marshalls. Also available at Zappos.

OLD NAVY COVER-UPS

OLD NAVY

This is a darling little cover-up at Old Navy that seems to be flying off the shelves. For $24.50 it is a bargain. It looks even better in person.

TJMAX Update

Thanks Duchess for the tip on the Lilly sandals. Since we have two TJMAX's in Ann Arbor and really no other nice stores, I headed to the other TJMAX and found these little numbers in Pink or Green Leather. Of course the did not have my size, but they are a great find. I think I will pick them up for my daughter tomorrow-she loves them. Hope you are all as lucky as me with your shopping endeavors.

TOSS DESIGNS ALERT AT TJMAX

Purchased a bag like this w/o the pockets and the pink trim at TJMAX for pennies. They also had some black and white toss designs.

EBAY SCORES!

Well, one of my favorite pass times is finding items I like in stores and then searching for them on ebay. Being in a ski town full of ski clothing, we saw this great Dale of Norway sweater on a man and I tried on these ski boots. Even with the exchange, the cost of items in Canada is still higher (taxes business increases the prices and it is passed on to the consumer).

I found both of these items on ebay-- new w/tags and purchased them for 25% of the retail value! Both are returnable. Finally my husband has a Dale of Norway sweater and me, some new, comfortable ski boots.

Greetings From Mont Tremblant--Home of the Beaver Tails

We are at Mont Tremblant in Quebec for a week of skiing and having a great time. My son is mastering the snow board and riding on the rails. Snowboarding and skiing is such a great activity for boys--they love the outdoors and will keep trying (4000+ times) to master a thrill seeking task. He skied all day, then worked on snow board skills all night.

One of the best treats in Mont Tremblant is Beaver Tails. Served warm and we actually get the version call the "Trip"-which includes Nutella, Maple Syrup and Reese's Pieces-extremely fattening, but delicious.

FACEBOOK ETIQUETTE

I am so glad I am not a teenager today.

One of the benefits of being an adult and not being in High School or Middle School is you have the ability to make your own friends and can avoid those horrible feelings of exclusion, cliques, etc. Middle School and High School makes (forces) our children deal with other children on daily basis, whom they would never choose as friends in the future.

As a parent of middle and high school girls, FACEBOOK just intensifies those feelings of exclusion and cliquieness. Kids not only hear about all the parties they were excluded from, now they get to seeing all the fun people were having without them.

It is so hard being a kids now days and the Internet really brings it home. I think our darling teens could use a little etiquette these days. DO NOT TALK ABOUT PARTIES AND DO NOT PUBLISH PICTURES OF YOUR PARTIES-SEND AN EMAIL OF THE PICTURES INSTEAD.

An Invasion of Ants and Frogs

Well, for the longest time, we were a home for girls. We had numerous American Girl Dolls, kitchens, pots, pans, make-up, and we have had hamsters, fish,etc. Even though we have about 10,000 pieces of Lego, we have now finally achieved boy household status.

Last week, we received our shipment in the mail of Red Ants (thank you Aunt Laurie&Uncle Jim) and our darling, slimy little tadpoles. Thank goodness the ants will eventually die since it says on the package that they do bite (great). The tadpoles, if they survive, will be set them free in a few months.

DO THE KIDS KNOW IT'S PRESIDENT's DAY?

When I use to volunteer in my son's 2nd class room, I would discuss the weekly "Time For Kids", published by Time Magazine. In Feb., before I handed out the weekly magazine that had Abraham Lincoln's picture on the front, I asked the kids:

ME: "In Feb., two great men were born and we celebrate their birthdays. Do you know who their names?"

KIDS: "Martin Luther King?"

ME: "No, we celebrate his birthday in Jan. not Feb."

KIDS: "Rosa Parks?"

ME: "No, she is a woman and I said man."

KIDS: ......Silence........ and more ....silence

ME: "Have you ever heard of Abraham Lincoln or George Washington"

(98% of our kids pass the MEAP test--some of the smartest kids around)

ONE CHILD: "I think I may have heard of them before but I am not sure."--

AND THAT WAS IT--ONE CHILD OUT OF 24

ME: " I think they are missing teaching you something here and let's discuss these great men"

I am glad our children learn about Mr. King and Rosa Parks, but it is a little overboard. We do need a Martin Luther King celebration every year. Teachers, Washington and Lincoln were more instrumental in ours and Dr. King's success. Where would we be without them?

FORMAL DRESSES FOR TEENS

Well, we have gone to Nordstom, Saks, Macy's VonMaur, JCrew, Forever21, Juicy Couture, Betsy Johnson, and probably several more stores that I have blanked out.

What is up with dresses for teenagers?

They are all so flammable and shiny!

My daughter does not like rhinestones, glitter, netting and polyester glossy material. Guess what.... there is nothing else out there.

My daughter did reluctantly purchased and return and then purchased another BCBG Max Azria dress for her winter formal. A little expensive for a teenage dress, but we were desperate. I have to give her credit because when you put this the BCBG section next to the teen section, it is such a contrast in quality and she would not even go in the teen section--thank you retail merchandisers.

This is one that she purchased and she is going to wear the tie as a caveman strap (Can you say Wilma Flintstone?)--thank you Michelle Obama (Vogue Cover Girl)--symmetry in shoulder cover is now gone. It actually looks cute on her because she is only 5'4 (unlike this model) so it is not so short.

When we were in Chicago, she actually tried on a Juicy Couture dress that looked cute on her.We should have purchased it but, now she doesn't like it. Two more days until the formal--no more time to look at the same 3 dresses.

Where do you purchase cute dresses for teenage girls--they will not shop at Lilly Pulitzer or J Crew--sorry, that would be too easy.

THANK YOU FELLOW BLOGGERS-VALENTINE UPDATE

You all have such wonderful thoughts and comment. One blogger (MomX2)-a blog that I love to read, asked me "how are we (the commenters) doing?" on my Socialist Valentine post. I thought I would follow-up because I received such wonderful thoughts.

1. Socialist Valentine's Day Project-Academically-Good: Actually, my son really enjoyed doing it and did not seem to miss the candy, selecting his own cards, etc. So, I agree with many of you that this was not all bad. From an academic standpoint, I am concerned that this is the most writing that my son has done all year. The card to his teacher said" Mr. Wright, thank you for TETCHING ME". I should have left this spelling error, but I figured that is more important that he learn to spell teacher that "teaching" his teacher a lesson. So, I guess any practice is good.

2.Socialist Valentine's Day Project-Creative Element-Poor. I have never been a fan of coloring in the lines and product oriented art projects in school (e.g., make a Lady Bug and I give you the eyes, dots, a cutout red piece of paper, etc.) These projects seem more for the parent than the kids. We are always so worried about the product or outcome and loose focus of the creative process. So, I agree with many of you that it is nice to have some choice and add some personal touches to our work, select your own cards, etc. This Valentine's project made the kids color in the lines and made the children all the same-which is the teacher's agenda.

3. Socialist Valentine's Day Project-Candy Element Good Most parents, and all bloggers agree, when you attend school, your child will be given so much unhealthy food. There are pizza parties, candy rewards, cupcakes, etc. You wonder why our children are over weight? So removing one day of sweets is not horrible.

3. No, the bat did not have rabies!

4. In the fall I had a party that the number could have been from 0-400 and I estimated 10-40 people. I believe I had 20 people and most only came because they offered to bring dessert.

So in summary, I laughed about Socialist Valentine's Day but it is just one day and will not make or break my child. I am just amused by this teacher's effort and thought it would be fun to share the unique twist that the Ann Arbor Community seems to offer.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Socialist Valentine's Day

We can all agree that Valentine's Day is a little over done these days. Overachieving parents (which includes me) spend a fair amount of money on Valentines and CANDY for each child in the class!! I even ordered darling little stickers that said "Happy Valentine's Day, Love Trip".

Our teacher decided to do away with this effort. All the children in the class were given white sheets of paper with black lined hearts( featured below if you would like to copy) and have to say something nice about each child in the class. They are allowed to decorate the hearts with crayons, colored pencils, etc. Anyway, there no is capitalism involved in this transaction (no economic stimulus activity here). No independent, unique, creativity in design, card selection, candy choices, etc. Also, thinking of something kind to say about the class bully, is really a lesson in "putting on a false smile and digging deep for a kind thought".

Anyway, my older daughter said---that teacher took all the fun out of Valentine's Day!

What do you think? Is this China Cultural Valentine Revolution or Valentine's Day Evolution?

Second Weddings Etiquette?--HELP WANTED

Even though I have my own thoughts on this, a friend of mine (Mary) wanted me to solicit my blogging friend's thoughts on this one.

Mary's brother is getting married (for a second time) to a woman that has never been married -so, the bride's first wedding.

Because my friend Mary had been to her brother's first wedding that was a weekend in Palm Beach, Florida (10 yrs. ago, without children, paid for expense hotels, airfare, etc.), she is a little angry about participating in the second wedding to Mary's former babysitter-long story. Here are her questions to you:

1) Is $140 too much to send on a junior bride's maid dress for Mary's daughter and her sister's daughter for a second wedding? Mary is not in the wedding but her husband and son have to rent black tie too. Mary can afford the dress but it will never be worn again.

2) Mary's daughter (who is 12) is suppose to play in a junior national field hockey tournament--only once a year, the same weekend as the wedding. This tournament was planned a year in advance and her daughter could play in it next year. Mary's daughter tried out for the team Olympic Future's program (which is a big deal) and is practicing all spring for this once a year tournament. Do you think Mary's daughter could miss the wedding? It is a two day tournament in PA (8 hours away).

I have my own thoughts on this but wanted a reality check. Anyway, please let me know what you think.

CALLING ALL SKI BUNNIES! Dale of Norway

Ok, I am a little obsessed with Dale of Norway sweaters. This company always makes the official Winter Olympic Sweater. I am waiting to see what the sweater looks like for the 2010 games. Nothing keeps you warmer on the slopes under your ski jacket. I am gearing up for going skiing either out west (maybe Aspen or Park City) or to Mont Tremblant over winter break in Feb. I am just a little cold this winter. Are any of you skiers out there?