In Love With.....Paper Source's Boxwood Wreath (A Giveaway!)

With the American Thanksgiving behind us, the time is right to start thinking Christmas!
Most of us begin to decorate our homes this coming weekend with all the festive touches that bring a little holiday merriness into our lives and for any of us who cherish the goodness of the 'handmade', Paper Source is the first place you should set your sights on!
A quick trip to the Paper Source site today and this little lovely caught my attention before you could say 'ho, ho, ho'! (Sorry, I just couldn't help it)

How adorable would this boxwood wreath look hanging on any door in your home, greeting your friends, family or a particularly fine gentleman all dressed in red! Everything you need to put this fab wreath together comes along in the kit. All you need to do is find a little bit of time and add the expert assistance of any of the little hands in your home and voila, a cherished memento you can admire year after year!

We had such fun with last weeks Korres giveaway that we have decided to give it another go with the joy of giving!

This week one lucky winner will receive Paper Source's Boxwood Wreath kit!

How to enter:

1. Visit the Paper Source site and leave a comment below for one entry.

2. Become a follower of this blog for one entry. (If you are already a follower, mention it in your comment to be counted as an entry)

3. Mention this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter for one entry. (Every mention will equal one entry, just let us know your FB or Twitter info for confirmation)

Contest ends on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST and the winner will be announced on Monday December 5, 2011.

Good luck!!

Links for a Life Well Lived-11/27

Tell your family's story in pictures with a gallery wall ~ The Glitter Guide

The perfect way to keep the kiddie table under control next Thanksgiving! ~ Celebrations At Home

Nothing says 'the holidays' like a little gingerbread in the oven ~ Joy of Baking

Lace tights are making their way back into the chicest wardrobes~ I Want To Be Her

A gift guide for the monogram lover on your list ~ Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

The winner of this week's Korres Giveaway is LPC from Privilege!!

Congratulations LPC, please email us with your address and your package will be on its way!

Thank you for entering and check back on Tuesday for this week's giveaway.

Chic this Week: Best in Show for November 20-26, 2011

Who is your choice for best dressed?

Don't forget to scroll down and vote!

Jennifer Morrison

In Temperley London

(peep toe pumps by Fendi, jewellery by Stephen Webster)

At the 2011 American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California

Princess Maxima of the Netherlands

At the 'Nova Zembla' premiere in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Nicole Richie

In Halston

(necklaces by House of Harlow 1960)

At the House of Harlow 1960 holiday pop-up shop opening in Hollywood, California

Princess Mary of Denmark

On royal tour in Australia

Gillian Anderson

In vintage Christian Dior

(earrings by Adler)

At InStyle Magazine's 10th Anniversary party in London, England

Jessica Alba

In Carolina Herrera

(pumps by Barbara Bui, clutch by Daniel Swarovski, necklace by Swarovski)

At the Swarovski Elements Rodeo Drive Lighting Ceremony in Beverly Hills, California

Penelope Cruz

In L'Wren Scott

At the Torino Film Festival Opening Ceremony in Turin, Italy

Claire Danes

In Prabal Gurung

(coat by Narciso Rodriguez)

At the opening night of 'An Evening With Patti Lupone and Mandy Patinkin' in NYC, New York

Kelly Rutherford

In Peter Som

(jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels, shoes by Christian Louboutin)

At the Gossip Girl 100th Episode celebration in NYC, New York

Princess Letizia of Spain

On a royal visit to Chile

The Lovely Ones: Loretta Young

Loretta Young

(Gretchen Michaela Young)

1913-2000



What She Said.....Lauren Hutton

“Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.”

Lauren Hutton

The Wishlist: Jimmy Choo 'Biel' Wedges

Looking out the window this morning and seeing everything was slightly ice-covered, I was reminded that winter has crept its way back into our lives. Add to that a blast of frigid air that greeted me earlier while doing the school run and you can imagine what kind of mood I was in upon my return.
My view of the day ahead had taken a bleak tone until Jimmy Choo came to the rescue!
How could you not lighten up and smile just looking at these peep-toed rays of sunshine? I just love a bright shoe especially when paired with an otherwise 'quiet' look but what do you think?
Could a pair of yellow lovelies find their way into your wardrobe??

Find them here!

Don't miss your chance to enter this week's Korres giveaway!

A Korres Giveaway!

We got such a super response to our post last week that featured the Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes that we thought we would get into the festive mood by having a little giveaway!

For anyone not familiar with Korres, the skincare line hails from Athens, Greece and the company carries some of the most environmentally friendly products around!

This week's giveaway consists of a package of the Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes and a Pomegranate Deep Cleansing Scrub.

One lucky reader will snap up both of these fab products!

How to enter:

1. Visit the KorresUSA site and leave a comment below for one entry.

2. Become a follower of this blog for one entry. (If you are already a follower, mention it in your comment to be counted as an entry)

3. Mention this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter for one entry. (Every mention will equal one entry, just let us know your FB or Twitter info for confirmation)

Contest ends on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at midnight EST and the winner will be announced on Sunday, November 27, 2011 in our 'Links for a Life Well Lived' post.

Good luck!!

(Contest is now closed)

Links for a Life Well Lived-11/20

A few links below to get your Monday morning off on the right foot and don't forget to check back tomorrow for a fab Korres giveaway!

The holiday party season is right around the corner, get yourself ready to mingle ~ A Cup of Jo

This looks so tasty I wish I was celebrating Thanksgiving all over again! ~ Dashing Dish

Why shouldn't the inside of your fridge look any less fabulous than the rest of your house ~ Frolic

I have seen quite a few pairs walking the streets that could use this! ~ The Laundress

Keep yourself ahead of the Thanksgiving game with a little pre-holiday prep ~ Ridgely's Radar

Does dear old Dad really need another tie this year?? ~ La Petite Coquin

Chic this Week: Best in Show for November 13-19, 2011

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll down and vote!

Tilda Swinton

In Haider Ackerman

At Marie Claire's Prix de la Moda Awards in Madrid, Spain

Jessica Biel

In Antonio Berardi

(earrings by H. Stern, rings by Loree Rodkin, clutch by Christian Louboutin, pumps by Rachel Roy)

At the GQ 2011 Men of the Year Awards in Los Angeles, California

Kirsten Dunst

In Rodarte

(jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels, clutch by Chanel)

At the 2011 MOCA Gala in Los Angeles, California

Michelle Williams

In Erdem

(peep-toe heels by Roger Vivier, bracelets by Fred Leighton)

At "My Week With Marilyn" screening in NYC, New York

Zoe Saldana

In Michael Kors

(clutch and strappy sandals by Michael Kors, jewellery by Jack Vartanian)

At the Michael Kors boutique opening in Los Angeles, California



Jaime King

In Oscar de la Renta

(peep-toe pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti, ring by Adeler)

At the GQ 2011 Men of the Year Awards in Los Angeles, California

Charlize Theron

In Christian Dior
(clutch and sandals by Christian Dior, earrings by Fred Leighton)

At the 'Young Adult' screening in NYC, New York

Princess Charlene Of Monaco
In Akris
(pumps by Jimmy Choo, clutch by Akris)
At the National Day celebrations in Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Olivia Wilde
At the MOMA 2011 Film Benefit

Joan Smalls
In Tom Ford
At the MOMA 4th Annual Film Benefit

The Lovely Ones: Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood

(Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko)

1938-1981

Profiles in Style With.....Miss Janice (Etiquette With Miss Janice)

They say that there is no better way to learn about good social graces and hospitality than at the hands of a fine Southern lady. In today's spotlight we have the embodiment of that fine Southern lady, Miss Janice from Etiquette With Miss Janice.

The etiquette instructor and aficionado on the art of 'taking tea' has taken her place in the online world by sharing glimpses into the modern life of a proper Southern lady, one Lilly Pulitzer-colored post at a time, with all the grace and charm you would expect!

To be a guest in the home of this hospitality expert, and get an up close and personal view into all that is Miss Janice, is a secret dream of mine! Since a distance of about 3000 miles puts a little damper on my dream, how wonderful it is today that she took the time to answer a few questions about her life well lived, a la Southern style!

Follow along with Miss Janice on Facebook, Twitter and Etiquette With Miss Janice!

How do you describe your personal style: Classic and conservative

Style Icon(s): The late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, and Princess Grace

Modern day style crush: Emma Pillsbury from Glee

Go-to outfit: A classic shift with a cardigan throw and Tory Burch ballet flats. Of course I always love to wear my pearls!

Accessory you can’t live without: My iPhone with skins that coordinate with my outfits

Current weekend uniform: Until Labor Day…Lilly classic shift {the ones with the bows at the hemline} and Jack Rogers sandals.

Signature scent: Oh goodness, I have two…Lilly ‘Wink’ and Burberry ‘Classic’

Most coveted item in your wardrobe: Chanel pocketbooks

Must-have beauty/grooming essential: Eucerin moisturizer

Best beauty/grooming advice you have ever heard: Coating my hands and feet with Vaseline and wearing gloves and socks to bed. Your hands and feet will glow!

You can never have too many: Cute pocketbooks

Style “Don’t”/Pet Peeve: Definitely stockings with open-toe shoes!

Favourite style era: 60’s

Trend you could do without: I don’t follow trends at all.

What will never go out of style: Designer scarves

East coast or West coast: East coast! And I’ve tried both

Currently obsessed with: Cardi clips!

Favorite night out: Dinner at a fancy restaurant

Favorite city/vacation destination: Las Vegas!

Never travel without: I never leave home without Burt’s Bees Pomegranate Oil lip balm

Favorite websites: I’m a CNN Headline News junkie, so CNN.com, WWEPW.com is a new fave, ThePinkMonogram.com and 2PreppyGirls.com for all things preppy & cute…I could go on and on, I’m addicted to online shopping!

Favorite film: Oh my goodness, other than Gone With the Wind, my latest favorite is The Help!

Favorite quote: Pretty is as pretty does!

Always searching for the perfect: Outfit

Greatest extravagance hanging in your closet/wardrobe: That would definitely be my St. John suits!

Never leave home without: Burt’s Bees lip balm

Signature cocktail: I have too many to list. I always serve signature beverages when I entertain guests.

Go-to gift: Any of my Taste of Gourmet products, wrapped in cello with a cute ribbon bow and a darlin’ gift tag attached.

Currently reading: Fall issues of my favorite magazines

Ultimate luxury splurge: I splurge everyday! At least that’s what my husband says.

Describe your home in one word: Cozy

Dream dinner guest: Lee Radziwill

What inspires you: People who are suffering with serious health issues but still remain positive, creative, and active.

Hobby/pastime you could not live without: Shopping. Shop till you drop!

It wouldn’t be ‘my’ party without: I always serve Haute Pigs-in-a-Blanket and I always give my guests a party favor!

Life would be grand if I could start every day....With breakfast in bed!

If I could bring back one thing it would be: A world where people dressed appropriately for the occasion.

Stranded on a desert island, what 5 things could you not live without: Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, iPhone, Heating Pad, Merlot, and French bread.

1. Diana, Princess of Wales     2. the perfect go-to outfit     3. Burt's Bees lip balm     4. Lee Radziwill

5. MSH Cellars Merlot     6. Lilly Pulitzer's iPhone cover     7. Gone with the Wind (1939)

8. Glee's Emma Pillsbury     9. Wink (Lilly Pulitzer)     10. Las Vegas, Nevada

In the Charming Kitchen: Horseradish Salmon



I came home last night after an extremely long day to find one darling husband busy in the kitchen and one deliciously healthy meal on the table! The mister knows my weakness for horseradish and waded through my recipes to find this scrumptious salmon fare he knows is one of my favs!

We try to eat fish at least a couple of times a week but occasionally I find that after awhile, it all starts to taste the same so when we want to kick things up a bit, this tasty dish with a tres flavorful topping does the trick! As always, what I love most about this recipe is that the prep can be done in a flash and then it is just a quick pop in the oven. Our evenings seem to go by in a flash what with homework, activities and the dreaded afterwork commute. The last thing anyone would want to do on those busy nights is sit in the kitchen for an eternity slicing and dicing while forsaking a little extra time at the table with loved ones.

'Flavor with time to savor' is a top priority in the Lemontree kitchen!



Horseradish Salmon



1 English (seedless) cucumber, cut in half lengthwise and then into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup coarse bread crumbs

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained

4 (5 to 6 ounces each) skinless, boneless salmon fillets

6 ounces baby spinach

1.Preheat oven to 475°F. Line large cookie sheet with foil.

2.In large bowl, toss cucumber, vinegar, 1 tablespoon dill, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

3.In small bowl, combine bread crumbs, horseradish, and remaining dill and oil. Sprinkle salmon with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper; place on cookie sheet, smooth side up. Press mixture evenly on top of fillets. Bake salmon 8 minutes or until golden brown on top and opaque throughout.

4.Toss spinach with cucumber mixture in bowl and serve with salmon.

via Good Housekeeping


Join Flip Flops & Pearls Blog Hop!

What She Said.....Marilyn Monroe

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

Marilyn Monroe

(1926-1962)