LIPPERPALOOZA

This will be the 2nd Annual Lipperpalooza.

Now that the sun is starting to breakthrough I am getting excited for everyone to show up.

Gary relaxing while tending the corn.

Last year we had so much fun that we agreed it needed to happen more often. And then Grant's dad died at Christmas. Who knew the next time we all saw each other would be so sad? It seemed more important than ever to plan this bbq.

Everyone should start arriving here at the lake late afternoon. No agenda but loads to play and do. Swimming, kayaking, golfing (I'm sure Kevin and Allison will have a mini putt course all set up by 4ish). The bon fire will be so much fun with 4 generations gathered for s'mores, guitars, and fireworks. Did I mention food? Corn Boil, Hamburgers, Shelley's Salads are always yummy and lil'g even wanted to make a contribution this year so she is making her famous taco dip.

A bunch of Kooks. Blow out the candles Nanny Sis.

We are a crazy clan. Masters of the silly face portraits and even though we sometimes drive each other nuts but we enjoy a good feast filled with laughter and lots of R & R.
They will be here soon. Time to stop reminiscing and get the iced tea brewing.

Essentials

School is out. I decided to pack an overnight bag, the laptop and lil' g and I hit the road to go visit my folks for a couple of days. Yes, I had to bring my laptop. It's one of the freedoms of being able to just take off at a moments notice and still get work done. Because it was a quick decision to make the trip I packed lightly, but their were a few essentials that had to make it in my bag. You know, the kinda things you don't leave home without. I'm sure you essentials would look quite different from mine. But I had to make sure I packed:

Calvin Klein T's. This tee is actually part of the Essentials collection by Calvin Klein . There you have it, they agree with me that this tee is an essential. giggle. Actually they are sleepwear but so comfy I wear them as day wear and no one is the wiser. So soft and comfortable. Most tees look to sporty for me but these just seem to have a little more style. I love that we carry them at the Girls Bra Shop. Tammy and I always anticipate the next season's colour.

Ultra soft and comfortable. Made of the natural and luxurious modal fabric.

Exercise Bands. Oh I packed my running shorts, sneakers, sports bra and ipod. But I like to get my strength training in too. So I plan to do some planks, downward facing dog, willow tree and a several arm curls. I love these bands. The are so easy to pack in an over night kit and they offer just the right amount of resistance. And by bringing them with me it keeps me from making excuses.



 a great way to workout while you travel or add variety to your usual routine.

LLBean Boat and Tote. When we were in Freeport a couple of years ago, I grabbed a couple of these amazing totes. The most durable canvas. You can carry up to 500lbs. That's crazy. I have suitcases for my business trips but for hob knobbing about, to the lake, or evening to the city market these tote carry everything.  

Miss Manners

Today I was blessed to hear my daughter perform. Thankfully she was no. 30. Why am I thankful because it took the first 29 for the audience to learn proper etiquette. I sat there thinking "how sad, that the 23 yr old mc has to tell the crowd of parents how to behave". Meaning, at the first intermission he reminded people to stay to the end out of respect for all the hard working students. After all, the families of the last students had to sit threw everyone elses performance it is only fair to do the same. At the second intermission, he had to remind people to hold the door as it closes so that the students would not jump from being startled by the crash at the back of the theater everytime came or went.  Yes, this actually happened a couple times.
Etiquette seems like such a fancy word forwhat really is plain old manners. I mean were these people raised in the wild? Not judging by how they were dressed. And really, how you are dressed or where you come from should not be the excuse for lack of common courtesy and manners. "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use." ~ Emily Post

I sat there thinking this was nothing like the recitals or music festivals I particpated in growing up. There was no talking, walking all over the place, texting or cell phones during a students performance (mind you, there were no cell phones back then - heck, we didn't even have cable).

What erks me the most is that it is the biggest offenders that want your undivided attention when ther child is performing.

Fabulous Finds

I love to shop but I don't like to shop for clothes. Why? Because I am a unique shape and size from head to toe. I typically buy one or two pieces each season to spruce my closet up. I have a few name brands but not just to say I have a name brand but because it fits, it looks good and I like it, And, let's face it, most designer labels are not made for curvy woman. Typically, I can only find clothes at Ricki's to fit my curves but lately their styles are not working for my hourglass. Their tops are made for women who want to hide their waist and that's the asset I need to show off. Cardigans and sweaters are always too short for my long torso. Strapless tops were always a "no" until I found the perfect strapless bra at The Girls Bra Shop. Shoes are always a challenge. I can never find a cute or trendy size 11 and typically my options are limited to a classic, more mature style. While my friend always grabs the Franco Sartos I am stuck with Clarks. (Clarks are great for comfort but it would be nice to have something a little hip and stylish). Usually when I go out with the mission to find a top, pant or shoes I come home with more stuff for the house and nothing for my closet. Imagine my surprise to find the perfect pieces when I wasn't looking for them at all.

Steve Madden Wedge Peep Toe - Winner's $49

While Shopping for a pair of shoes for my daughter, I decided to stroll a few aisles over to see what/ if anything existed in my size. Surprise, Surprise. I found the cutest summer nude wedges. In my size! And when lil' g saw my shoes shes squealed "you got Steve Madden shoes?"





Denver Hayes Cardigan with Rosettes - $19 Sale/ $39 Reg.

 Just this weekend, we were in Sussex picking up a few things for the lake and Big G decided to take a look in Mark's Work Wearhouse for jeans and work pants. I strolled through the mall while waiting. That took 10 mins. so I browsed the women's section of Mark's while waiting for Grant to finish up. Again, I was surprised when I saw the cutest cardigan with rosettes around the neckline. I tried it on and it fit perfect. The bonus: it was on sale for $19.99.



Exposed Envy Bra Straps Available at The Girls Bra Shop.


A month ago I received an email from my biz partner that I had to check out these new straps, she had met the rep and loved them and bought a pair immediately. Who would have thought the rep would come to the store the very next day to check us out. Tammy was right, I loved them and bought the pair shown above. They go great with almost everything I own in a strapless or sleeveless style. And so inexpensive, all the styles we carry are under $40.