Weekend in Philadelphia

While many people hit the beach or pool for Memorial Day weekend, I took a different approach. I explored Philadelphia! It was a gorgeous weekend and the city was not busy at all. It’s a good thing that I walked many miles this weekend while sightseeing, because I certainly ate my share of calories in some of Philadelphia’s delicious restaurants. My favorites were Fork, Amada, and Parc.

A beautiful spot in the city is Rittenhouse Square. Parc restaurant’s outdoor seating is a perfect spot for people watching in Rittenhouse Square and the food is delicious. I loved the cranberry nut bread. Philadelphia has so many green park areas in the city. These flowers are gorgeous, don’t you think?


The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a gorgeous building situated on top of a hill. Of course, I had to stand on the Rocky Steps that Sylvester Stallone ran up in the movie Rocky, too.


My favorite sites in the city were the historic sites. It’s such a thrill to see Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom and is a must-see on any trip to Philadelphia. An off the beaten path experience that I really enjoyed was a ghost tour. Although I had to wonder if our guide was pulling the ghost stories out of a hat during our tour, it was amusing and offered a unique view on the historic sites.


Of course, I couldn’t go to Philadelphia without a side trip to the Mother Ship, aka Lilly Pulitzer corporate store. Although I shop from the Ardmore store by phone quite frequently, I had not shopped there in person. Maryland Pink and Green reader Natasha was working on Sunday, and she and the other Lilly peeps at Ardmore were so sweet and helpful. I left the store with a gorgeous new find, the Beverly shirt in Bright Navy Hot Fun and a little tank top to wear under the shirt.


What was the highlight of your Memorial Day weekend?

xoxo

Philadelphia Vacations

Tory Burch Girls

Tory Burch is one of my favorite designers and I love the gorgeous prints, patterns, and styles of her clothing. The Tory Burch Girls Collection is perfect for school, the playground, or a party. The clothing is comfortable and classic. I want it all! The Simone Cardigan keeps her warm in air conditioned buildings or on a cool summer evening.


The Tory Tunic is a staple in my wardrobe and I adore the mini version! The Kids Tory Tunic in the Hamradi print is casual and polished. It's incredibly versatile and looks fantastic with everything from jeans to skirts. Paired with Reva ballet flats, it's a mini-fashionista dream.


The Tory Tunic takes on a whole different look in striped jersey. She'll feel like she's wearing a sweatshirt, but she'll look elegant and polished. I love the pop of orange and the collar, cuffs, and vented sides.


Gorgeous clothes for your mini-me!

Which look do you like the most?

xoxo

Memorial Day Parade

Today the minnies are participating in a Memorial Day parade. They're so excited to wear their red, white, and blue as they celebrate this special holiday. As a child, I decorated my bicycle with crepe paper and other patriotic decorations for the parade. It was something that I anticipated for weeks.

It's so nice to see that so many towns still celebrate Memorial Day with parades.


Does your town have a Memorial Day parade?

xoxo

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Movie Saturday!

There's nothing better than a lazy Saturday night after a fun day at the pool or beach. Sixteen Candles is a classic and Jake Ryan was adorable!

Here's one of my favorite scenes from this 80's classic movie.

Enjoy!




What are some of movies that you enjoy on a quiet night at home?

xoxo

Chic Child on Bethesda Row

What a perfect day at Bethesda Row. I shopped; the minnies played; and we all enjoyed some special treats. Chic Child On The Row was part of Bethesda Row’s three day style event, The Front Row. Some of Maryland’s most chic children joined the event for the first time this year. Fashionista moms and their mini-me's took a shopping break with Legos on the Lane.


The smallest trendsetters built towers, bridges, and creations while the professionals replicated important buildings from around the world. The minnies loved the Eiffel Tower and were amazed at the speed with which it was built!


After designing with Legos, we stopped to say hello to Lauren from Russell and Mackenna. The children’s room on Bethesda Row is featured in Urban Country’s Russell and Mackenna store. I adore this furniture and appreciate the quality craftsmanship.


Children carefully selected their prize from Russell and Mackenna’s display while moms kept their fingers crossed that their Minnie would have the $1,000 gift certificate enclosed in the tube. Although we didn’t win the grand prize, the minnies are delighted with the candy, toys, and jewelry inside the gift.


Other exciting kids’ events included a story time, a concert from Little Maestros, and an appearance by Groovy Nate. Groovy Nate was a huge hit with the younger set and their parents at Lebanese Taverna and encouraged audience participation by giving instruments to the children.

Of course, no trip to Bethesda Row is complete without a stop at Georgetown Cupcake. We carefully examined the cupcake menu...


And made our final selections at the counter...


The final choices included Red Velvet, Chocolate and Vanilla, Vanilla Birthday Cake, Vanilla 2, and Hibiscus Mango (my favorite!) So delicious!


We're looking forward to next year's event. Way to go, Bethesda Row. Thanks for including the smallest fashionistas this year.

xoxo

American Girl Washington, D.C.

Here's a reason to celebrate summer! American Girl Washington, D.C. opens it's doors to girls and their families and friends on Saturday, June 18, 2011. The store, located in Tyson's Corner Center, offers more than 23,000 square feet of fun, shopping, and food.

“We’re thrilled to bring this exciting retail concept to the legions of American Girl fans in the D.C. area,” says Ellen L. Brothers, president of American Girl. “The new store allows us to celebrate with even more girls and provides them with a fun, engaging way to enjoy the American Girl experience.”

The American Girl store features historical and contemporary dolls, including their clothing, accessories, and books. My minnies are especially excited about the Dress Like Your Doll® clothing. Girls can choose a new look for their American Girl doll in the Doll Hair Salon, too. There's even a boutique, called Creativi-tees, where girls can design T-shirts for their dolls. Many special events and activities are planned throughout the summer.


After a day of shopping, enjoy a delicious treat in the Bistro. Favorites like Tic-Tac-Toe Pizza are on the menu as well as some of my personal favorites like the Warm Pretzel Bites and Lollipop Brownies. “Treat seats” allow dolls to sit beside the girls at the table. The Bistro is a perfect party place for a special birthday celebration. Natalia and Alexia celebrated their 8th birthday at American Girl Place in New York and are looking forward to making many more American Girl memories.

Reservations are now available online for the Bistro. To make dining or party reservations, please call 1-888-777-0010.


I’ll be at the American Girl store on June 18! Who wants to join me? Many surprises will delight girls who visit the store on opening day. Special gifts, purchase with purchase opportunities, crafts, games, and face painting are a few of exciting things planned for the grand opening of American Girl Washington, D.C.

xoxo



The minnies celebrate their 8th birthday in style.

Trina Turk for Clinique GWP

Does your make up bag need a little pick me up? Last year, I loved the pink and green Trina Turk for Clinique gift from Nordstrom. Trina Turk's designs are always stunning and this year's gorgeous bag is filled with Clinique summer beauty musts.


Purchase $25 from Clinique at Nordtrom and receive an exclusive Trina Turk for Clinique gift with your purchase. A $75 value. Available online and in store.

The Gift Includes:
• All About Eyes (0.17 oz.)
• Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (1.7 oz.)
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (1 oz.)
• Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder (0.12 oz.) with Brush
• Full-Size Different Lipstick (0.14 oz.) in 'A Different Grape'
• Lash Doubling Mascara (0.14 oz.) in 'Black'
• Clinique Keychain with Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 Minis in 'Bamboo Pink'
and 'Stellar Plum' (0.03 oz. each)
• Trina Turk-designed cosmetics bag

Need some suggestions for Clinique? My favorite Clinique product is All About Eyes. It really does make a huge difference in puffiness under my eyes and the price is very easy on the wallet.


Offer valid beginning Wednesday, May 25 through Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Nordstrom. The fabulous gift with purchase has fantastic products in small sizes that are perfect for your summer weekend getaway or quick trip to the beach. No need to take your full size products with you when you can take everything you need in a chic bag like this one.

xoxo

Keep Calm Generator

By now everyone has seen the Keep Calm and Carry On signs. I think that this is a fabulous motto, but I really love the creative twists on the slogan. During recent weeks, one of the most clever slogans I saw was “Keep Calm, Harry is Still Single.” Although this is not something that I want to hang in my house or office because that would be a little creepy given my age, I did find an incredibly cool way to create my own Keep Calm slogans.

You can make your own Keep Calm signs with the Keep Calm-o-matic Here are some of my personal creations...

The Maryland Pink and Green classic. I made a t-shirt with this slogan! It is adorable for casual days at home or on the beach. Keep your eyes on Maryland Pink and Green this week for a t-shirt giveaway...


Enlarge and print this. Once it's matted and framed, it would make an adorable welcome sign at a tea party, shower or other special event.


Since I started Maryland Pink and Green, my life has gotten richer in ways I never could have imagined. New friends, new experiences, and new opportunities inspire me to blog about my life and share it with others. Isn't this a perfect slogan for blog-land?


Since the original Keep Calm and Carry On signs were designed to build morale and lighten people's hearts, I thought that this sign was appropriate. Even if I'm feeling blue, wearing pink puts a spark in my step and instantly lifts my mood. As Lilly Pulitzer says, "Wear Pink and Make the Boys Wink!"


So now it's your turn to be creative. Check out the Keep Calm Generator and create your own Keep Calm signs. Experiment with different colors and images...the possibilities are endless.

Have fun making posters! Be sure to post pictures on Maryland Pink and Green's facebook page or leave a comment with your blog address. I'd love to see what you create.

xoxo

Lilly-Chanel

Have you ever had an outfit planned for a special event only to change your mind at the last minute? I planned to wear a pink Lilly Pulitzer Jubilee Elias dress to my daughters’ First Communion. It’s a beautiful dress and I love it. Then I thought that it might be better to wear something with sleeves for the occasion, so I changed my mind. The new choice was going to be the Lilly Pulitzer Kiki dress with the matching Dandi coat.

Everything was set for the party! I went to a favorite Lilly store to pick up some pink tissue paper pom poms for decorations when I saw it.

Lilly Pulitzer goes Chanel.


The Sally dress in Cameo White boucle is elegant and classic. The ivory color is stunning and the pink piping is a perfect detail. The Idalee jacket completes the ensemble. Although the pale pink rosette pin originally was pinned at the waist of the dress, I preferred to wear mine on the jacket.


Although I had not planned by buy anything besides the tissue paper flowers, I left with a gorgeous outfit that was perfect for the occasion. This classic dress suit will be a classic for decades. It’s a deviation from the expected Lilly palette, but was a must have in my wardrobe.



xoxo

Wish List Weekend

Hello! Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend. Yesterday I saw this adorable dress that sits at the top of my wish list.

The Joy tube dress from J. McLaughlin is constructed from rows of brightly colored grosgrain ribbon. It's fully lined and has boning in the bodice for extra support. The store I visited had only one dress and it was not my size. I'm curious about the fit and hope to try it on soon. This dress is a must have for any preppy wardrobe.



Gorgeous!
What is at the top of your wish list right now?

xoxo

Keep Calm and Preakness On

Who is your top pick in today's big race at Pimlico in the second jewel of the Triple Crown? Although I try to make picks based on statistics, I can't help but look at names and the colors of the silks.

Midnight Interlude is a good horse and has a strong record. And with pink and green polka dot silks, what more do I need to make a pick?


Read more about the history of Preakness and Pimlico in a special blog edition.

xoxo

Hair Secrets

I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. I was blessed with a lot of hair, but it’s difficult to manage because it’s not straight, but it’s not perfectly curly, either. In the humid DC summers, this only means one thing. Frizz.

Not a pretty word, nor a pretty sight! Luckily, I have made some wonderful discoveries along the bumpy hair styling road.

1. Don’t shampoo every day. Unless I have a serious workout or it’s 100 degrees in August, I rarely have the need to shampoo every day. My favorite shampoo is Bain Satin 3 from Kerastase. It’s a miracle worker for my hair.


2. Dirty hair is easier to style. I know. It sounds kind of gross. But it’s true! Most good stylists won’t put your hair up unless it’s been previously washed. You can refresh your hair with some dry shampoo. I like Oscar Blandi’s Pronto Dry Shampoo.


3. Velcro and Hot Rollers are your friends. Pretend you’re a Victoria’s Secret model before a fashion show. They’re all running around backstage in huge rollers. That’s because their stylists know that the secret to achieving volume is in the roller!


4. Invest in a Quality Cut. My hair always seems to fall perfectly right after a haircut. The right haircut can give you shape, body, and movement that you didn’t think was possible.

5. Nourish. I use a treatment on my hair once a week and love the results. I alternate between Kerastase’s Aqua Oleum and Oleo Fusion. Try them! You won’t be disappointed.


6. Splurge on a Blow-out. There’s nothing more relaxing for me than getting my hair professionally blown out. The style lasts for days and looks amazing. Many large metropolitan areas have blow-dry bars that specialize in blowing out hair.

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