Puttin' on the Pink

Today is a special day. Today I am attending Puttin' on the Pink. This is a luncheon to honor those who are courageously fighting the fight against breast cancer, remember those who have lost the fight and raise awareness and funding to move forward into the future and find a cure! This is a cause that is close to my heart and I wish it wasn't. My dear cousin, Paula, lost her fight with the disease a couple of years ago at thirty-nine. Paula fought fearlessly for six years against this disease. My cousin, Keri, is a survivor but it wasn't easy. I am now on my knees praying for my sweet friends, Amy, Alicia and Kay. These three women have been diagnosed within the last couple of months. They have strapped-on their pink, boxing gloves and are prepared to fight to the finish and good health!

Today I am "puttin' on my pink" and going to spend a lovely afternoon with some very special friends but I hope that my message isn't too sugar-coated... I encourage everyone to perform self-exams and get your mammograms! Support those around you and don't take their presence in your life for granted. I am praying for my dear friends and readers, too. You are all special.

Take care of yourselves and your ta-ta's!

Krissy

photos via: stylefrizz, countryliving, bostonhearld, housebeautiful

What Would You Do - Royal Edition

Saturday morning, after Sport's soccer game, I was casually talking to his coach - aka Paul or Mr. P or husband of dear friend Allison and father of Alyssa and Paul - he had just flown-in from an extended business trip that included Germany, Austria, London and a quick stop on the way back home in Bermuda. Yea, poor guy. It really is work to him though. Anywho, he is going back again in a few short weeks and I asked him to bring me a souvenir from the Royal Wedding. Paul's reply was said with a laugh, "I was looking at coffee mugs with their picture on them at the airport and wondering who in the world would want such a thing." Ok, that would be me. He said he would get me something really stupid when he goes back. Please Lord, don't let it be Will and Kate toilet paper or something. I have a tiny, loving cup/shot glass with Lady Di and Prince Charles from their wedding. So, we will see what Paul comes up with.

I thought our conversation would end at this point, as the kids were jumping around the parking lot and everyone was trying to get to their cars, when Paul looks at me and says," Yea, they were on my flight to Bermuda." I said, "Um, Paul, they who?" Paul replies," Them. Will and Kate." "WHAT!!!!" I immediately go into crazy American, Royal enthusiast, borderline obsessive mode. OMG! I launch into twenty questions: how far away were you, did you talk to them, how did they act, were they nice, good-looking, OMG!!! Paul very calmly explained they sat three rows in front of him in business class and they were, well, normal. Yea right. So, Paul flew three rows behind the future king of England and his fiancee on a trans-Atlantic flight from London to Bermuda and said not so much as "Hi" to them. How could he? This is quite possibly the closest I will ever come to seeing a Royal and my representative flopped. Not so much as a "Hi" or a smile. Nada. Nothing.

So dear readers, I ask, "What would you do?" I mean, yes, they are "people" but if given the opportunity, really, what would you do? I would have to say something. A simple "Hello. Congratulations" or "Best wishes" to Kate. Or perhaps, "Hi! I am totally your biggest fan! I watched your mum and dad's wedding on TV and I cannot wait to watch yours!" Too much? Oh well. Paul will regret this someday. I will make sure of it! Meanwhile, I am going to try and find out why Will and Kate are in Bermuda. A pre-wedding getaway? Official business? Have a great Monday!

Crazed American fan,

Krissy

pic via: theroyalweddingwillkate.com, babble.com, airplane-pics.blogspot.com

Flashback Friday- Hog Wild Spring Break 2011

Spring Break 2011 is finally coming to a close - thank the Lord! We had a "staycation" around here, and now that it is said and done, I am happy that we did. Sweet Pea and I spent some quality girl time together. We rode roller coasters at Six Flags, got our nails done, went shopping and enjoyed the quiet that not having brothers around afforded us. My boys spent most of the week in the country with my mother-in-law. They were in boy/hog heaven! Their days there consist of fishing, riding around in the "off-road vehicles" (I never get the names right, so this will save me some ridicule), feeding the cows, shooting various firearms and just being boys in the country. This is where I start to sound like a hick from the sticks... my boys went hog hunting while on their Spring Break getaway to grandma's. Yes, hog hunting. This may sound cruel, strange and even illegal to some of you, but I assure you, it isn't. You see, Texas is overrun with feral hogs and they are destroying all they come in contact with. The hogs have no natural predators and a sow can have three litters of fifteen or so piglets every fourteen months. Do the math people. That's a lot of hogs. Needless to say, there is no law against killing these creatures. My mother-in-law hooked the boys up with a guide that had a rigged-up "off-road vehicle" and some hog sniffing dogs. They drove around until the dogs caught wind of a hog and then the dogs, equipped with GPS collars, track the dogs for the humans. The humans then reach the hog and well, you know the rest. Fisherman and Sport were so proud. I had to post their pictures. How could I not? Next year, I think we will go skiing again. After hog hunting, I don't want to know what is next!

Next week is Round Top week and I am excited! Are any of you headed that way?

Note: No dogs were harmed during this undertaking. Notice the Kevlar vest on the dog in the above pic. This protects him from being hurt. Just thought I'd let ya know. In case you were wondering!

Sweet Pea update: I couldn't post on the boys and not comment on Sweet Pea. She had her school play last week, right before the break. The performance was titled Malice in the Palace and told the story of Esther. Well, the kid-friendly version anyway. Sweet Pea played a "beauty candidate" and acted, sang and danced like a star. She was in her element and it showed! Here are a few highlights. She was in the lavender boa, holding the mic.

Sooey!

Krissy

Top 'O The Morning To You!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I have never really understood why the day honoring the patron saint of Ireland is such a big deal, but it's fun to walk around pinching people and talking like the Lucky Charms leprechaun for a day. So, to honor the small part of me that is Irish, I thought I would post on things fun, green and Irish.

This isn't Irish but it's green and so lovely.

www.countryliving.com

My bonnie lies over the ocean. My bonnie lies over the sea.

www.cruiseandtravelpartners.com

Irish linen

www.worthpoint.com

Irish Wolfhounds - my FAVORITE kind of dog, but at 180 pounds, not the most practical pet.

U2 - enough said.

www.8notes.com

Colin Farrell

www.screencrave.com

Luck 'o the Irish to you!

Krissy

Home Tour - Janet and Scott

We finally made it over to see our dear friends, Janet and Scott, and see how their home remodel turned out. It is fabulous! Mr. Pearl and I met Janet and Scott in college and well, the rest is history. They have three precious boys and are like family to us. They purchased an average home in a wonderful neighborhood and made that average home the "belle of the block." The home is clean and fresh and I did not want to leave!

We enjoyed some good wine, wonderful conversation and the gloriously warm, spring evening. While preparing for all of this wonderfulness, I neglected to throw my camera in the car. The result are these not so great pictures, but I think you all can still enjoy their home. Thanks for your hospitality Janet and Scott. Your home is spectacular!

The entry - my phone does not do this wonderful geometric wallpaper justice. It is to die for and really sets the tone for the entire home.

Off of the entry, the dining room and living room open-up into a large room. The ceiling treatments and chandeliers differentiate the two spaces within and make each one intimate and inviting. The walls are the most amazing white - not at all yellow but a warm grey tone. Janet is supposed to let me know what this wonderful paint is. Love the capiz shell chandelier!

Janet kept apologizing that the "decorating" wasn't finished. Looks great to me! Can't wait to see how she adds more layers.

Fabulous breakfast area built-in.

Don't be surprised if you see this look again - perhaps in my home. (imitation is the best form of flattery) Love the honed marble on the island, soapstone on the perimeter counters and that range! Janet and Scott are foodies, so I am anticipating all of the goodies to come from that puppy!

More kitchen love - the ikat roman shades

Sweet Pea joined me and Janet on the home tour. Here we are in the master bath.

rain shower anyone? - this is Mr. Pearl's number one request in our new home.

I had to show you this wonderful tile in the master shower.

xoxo,

Krissy

One Cool Sink

Happy Monday! It's Spring Break around here and last week I was happy about having a "staycation". This week, I'm not so sure, but today I am loving this sink!How cool is this? This would be great for the boys' bathroom. Any thoughts?

Krissy

image via: country living

Flashback Friday - Medieval Times

I have a problem. I have a passion that borders on obsession with England and I really love Medieval England. Why? I don't know. I mean there is the obvious: castles, kings and queens, knights and crusades. Then there is the not so obvious: the plague and how it affected Medieval society, the great Cathedral building that thrived during this period of time and the beauty of the architecture and how that contradicts the way the majority of society lived. The "Dark Ages" weren't really as dark as they have come to be known. Advances were made in the arts and medicine and it wasn't just a bunch of dirty peasants running around drunk on ale. Although, ale was the primary drink, for young and old alike, as water was unfit to drink and the ale actually provided some minerals and vitamins. No, I am not promoting underage drinking. I am simply stating a fact.

I have compiled a few sayings that we still use today that had their origins in Medieval society. I find this interesting, so maybe you will, too. If not, have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.

caught you red-handed: a thief's hand was dipped in a berry-die that would stain the hand and all that saw him would know that he was a thief.

raining cats and dogs: although there is some controversy over the exact origin of this one, some say it is from the cats, dogs, mice, rats and birds that found refuge in the thatched-roofs of Medieval homes and when a heavy rain came, down came the varmits.

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater: Medieval hygiene left a lot to be desired. One cleaned themselves a little each day, but because of the expense of a large barrel in which to bathe and the wood to heat water, a good soaking bath was only taken once a year, usually in May. The man of the manor was the first to bathe, followed by his sons and other men of the household, then women, children and last, babies. By the time the poor babes were allowed to bathe, can you imagine the gooey, muck of the water (that's for you Sue!)? You could hardly see the babe in all that muck, thus the saying. Credit for this saying is to the Germans, not the British, but I love the saying.

frog in your throat: Medieval physicians believed that frog secretions could cure a cough. So, a frog was put in the mouth of the patient until it was determined the treatment was complete. Ok, maybe it was the "dark ages".

Betcha can't wait until I post on facts about the Plague!

Krissy

photo via: awesomestories.com

Reno Memos - Copper Dormers

We finally have our plans finished for the renovation and we are seeking out the perfect contractor. I sort of feel like I'm looking for a husband with my husband. Is that weird? The qualities that one would want in a mate are the ones that one would want in a contractor: honesty, loyalty, hard-working. Ok, my list for my "potential husband" was a bit longer (and Mr. Pearl met every one!) but you get my point. It is hard to choose someone to work with you on something as intimate as your home. I'll let you know who passes the test.

The exciting part is that I now have a drawing of the vision that I had in my mind all along. Mr. Pearl, bless his heart, was totally following me blindly, as he could not see what I saw in the house. He wasn't sure until he saw the drawings. He is on-board now and ready to go. Yeah! I am looking forward to the entire project, but the exterior is really close to my heart, as this old girl (the house, not me) is ready to start her transformation into a French beauty. The plans call for "louvered copper dormers" and I have been researching them. How gorgeous are these?

I am loving them all and can't wait to see one in a spot of honor on the house. What do you think?

Krissy

photos via: chrisind.com and copper-inc.com

Design Inspirations - Tablescapes

The luncheon last week not only featured the fabulous Alexa Hampton, but the work of many talented local designers and I thought I would share. Walking around, looking at the table designs really inspired me. I hope they do the same for you!

This Lilly Pulitzer inspired table was my design. This is where all those poufs that Sweet Pea and I made went!

Yummy! This candy table was so sweet, right down to the candy placemats.

This fabulous table was put together by some uber-tanlented moms from one of the local private schools. It was amazing to sit under!

I may have mentioned that I am a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, this is the "official" Kappa table from the event. I love the china with the Kappa crest on it. rah-rah-K-K-G!

Vintage circus - my sweet friend Leslie put this together and it didn't disappoint! I love the pink, green and

rose color scheme.

These two tables were both done by the same florist. They were so beautiful in person.

Tiffany blue never gets old!

This table was my favorite! This is how I want my home to feel. The casual linen tablecloth and

and chair covers with the dressy, formality of the china and crystal and the soft, romantic florals - perfection!

Have a good one!

Krissy

Alexa Hampton

Alexa Hampton and yours truly

What a week! Can it really be Thursday already? I hinted earlier in the week that I had some exciting events in store and I truly intended to post as they happened, oh well, I had good intentions. Does that count? The poufs that I gave a DIY on were used as a centerpiece for a table that I decorated for a fundraiser luncheon that was today. (I will post on that later) The event is near and dear to my heart, as it is put together by the local alumni association of my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the local alumni Pi Beta Phi chapter. The event is decorated with tables designed by local designers, florists, stores and other fabulously talented individuals and features a wonderful speaker in the field of design. This year did not disappoint. Alexa Hampton was the speaker! Alexa's late father, Mark Hampton, spoke at the event in 1997 and we were excited to welcome her.

Oh what's not to love about this kitchen - it's in a beach house in the Hamptons

Alexa loves to use canopies in bedrooms. She said she loves the way it cocoons the bed and makes one feel safe and less exposed in the room. I adore this sunny yellow.

This is somewhat of a departure for Alexa, as she is known for her use of color, but she used contrast in materials, heights of objects and tones to make it a warm, fabulous space.

This was Alexa's own master bedroom before she remodeled her New York city apartment. This room is now her twin sons' bedroom and she and her hubby have a wonderful, new space with a beautiful canopy bed.

Alexa is awesome. Really. She runs her own design empire, that takes her traveling all over the world, all the while raising three children under the age of four. She makes it all look effortless! I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with her yesterday and I am ready for her to move to Texas. I want her as a friend. She is a hoot and so fun to talk to. All of her life experiences and talent, combined with a sharp wit and bubbly personality - she's adorable and I think, "yeah. We could totally be best friends." And then, she talks about design - I'm still with her, her design style is more formal than mine, but I love her use of color and classic interiors - and then, she talks about jetting to Italy for marble for a foyer - ok, I think, "I'm still there. I could hang with her." - and then she casually mentions her dad and David Hicks (her Daddy worked under him - gasp!) and the things she learned and absorbed as a child at her dad's oh so talented feet and then, well, could we be best friends? Sure, but I might drive her crazy asking her to tell me stories about when she was a little girl growing-up and try and soak-up some of that design goodness. Seriously though, she is so talented and her book, The Language of Interiors, would make a wonderful addition to your design library.

It's almost the weekend!

Krissy