Category Archives: Always Here

20 Questions, Always Here, Expert Advice, Fashion, Uncategorized

20 Questions: Elizabeth Lockhart, Southern Hippie

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Another fab 20 Questions (plus a few) from the inspiring Business Woman and Fashionista Elizabeth Lockhart of Southern Hippie. Talk about a beautiful girl inside and out, with a vision for a wonderful future, a passion for fashion and sheer determination to live her dream. Kudos to Elizabeth Lockhart,  Southern Hippie has a great future ahead!

Elizabeth Lockhart and Lauren Kimbrough of Southern Hippie

Elizabeth Lockhart (left) with her Southern Hippie Friends at Babe Hair Bootcamp- Jared Tennant

1. Growing up, what did you want to be?

EL: Neonatal Specialist, fashion designer, therapist, professional barrel racer, and the list continues to grow… I have changed careers several times, but always take bits and pieces from the previous in order to be better at the next!  I love people and have always known that I was not put on this earth to sit still!

TSD: What a great ability to transform!

2. What college did you go to and what is your degree in?

EL: I have a B.S. from Texas Tech University in Human Development and Family Studies and a M.S. from the University of North Texas in Educational Psychology.

TSD: You have a lot going for you, great fundamental subjects for life!

3. Dream Car?

EL: Old- 1970’s Restored Wood Panel Jeep Wagoneer :  )  New- I love the G Wagon!

The Stylish Kate Hudson

4. Celebrity Style Icon?

EL: I love Kate Hudson’s effortless style.  I also love the way she approaches fashion and what I view as her personal sense of style. In my mind I think that Kate wakes up each day, looks in the mirror, and asks the reflection, “How do I feel today and what outfit will allow me to express those feelings.”  Kate is chic, edgy, and feminine all at the same time!

5. If you could trade places with anyone for the day (past or present) who would it be?

EL: June Carter Cash

TSD: Very interesting… :)

6. Cali or NY?

EL: This is hard for me to say…  I have actually never been to NYC and for a lady that loves fashion I know what a sin that is!  So, for now I have to say so Cali.

TSD: You’ll like both in completely different ways!

7. A place on your travel wish list?

EL: Istanbul

TSD: Would love to hear more about that… ;)

8. Favorite fashion designer?

EL: Vintage Chanel and modern-day Stella McCartney

9. Favorite handbag designer? 

EL: I love vintage handbags.  My two favorites are Chanel and YSL.

TSD: Love! I think Rent the Runway just had a Vintage Chanel Launch Party

Vintage YSL Purse in Green

10. Early bird or night owl?

EL: Night owl

TSD: Me too, but trying to stop staying up late!!

11.  Favorite movie?

EL: It is a tie between Steel Magnolias and Beaches.

TSD: Love Steel Magnolias…Beaches is a great movie too!

12. Favorite lunch spot?

EL: Whole Foods

TSD: Jealous… Wish I was that good!!

13. A beauty product you swear by?

EL: I despise spending money on beauty products.  After reading too many all-natural books and watching too many documentaries I am now scared to put anything on my skin!  Who knows how that will turn out ;)

TSD: It is a never-ending battle…

14. Role Model?

EL: My parents, they are hard-working, kind, and fun-loving!

TSD: That’s awesome!

15. Favorite junk food?

EL: Fried pickle spears

TSD: My favorites are at Alamo Drafthouse of all places!

16. Something you want, but don’t have?

EL: A Chanel coat…  What girl doesn’t want one?

TSD: So true…

17. Favorite flowers?

EL: Peonies

18. A favorite recipe of yours?

EL: I make killer homemade mac-n-cheese

19. Celeb Crush?

EL: RYAN GOSLING!!!!!!!!

20. Last Vacation?

EL: New Orleans, I love the culture, architecture, and FOOD!

21. Favorite pair of jeans?

EL: I love my Jbrand bell-bottoms but I also love my colored Denimocracy jeggings.

22. What perfume are you wearing?

EL: Flowerbomb

TSD: Yum…

23. What is something we’d be surprised to learn about you?

EL: I have been a barrel racer my entire life!

TSD: That is amazing and crazy!! You are so well-rounded!!

Style quotes to live by from Elizabeth Lockhart…

“Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing”

 -Alexander Wang

“In Order to be irreplaceable one must always be different”

–Coco Chanel

Follow Southern Hippie on Facebook or Twitter @SouthernHippie to Get all of Elizabeth’s Updates

Thanks Elizabeth for a 20 Questions… You have wonderful times ahead!

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

Read 20 Questions: Classy and Fabulous

More Fashion Entries by The Suburban Diary Here…

 

Always Here, Christmas, Fashion, Gentleman, Gift Guide, Travel

Give the Gift of Luggage: Invest and Collect

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Give the Gift of Luggage, you can add pieces as the years go by…Different styles for every expedition! Duffel, Rolling Medium, Hanging Bag, Rolling Large… Tailor the Luggage Collection to a specific traveling style.Tumi and Louis Vuitton are definitely on the luxury side, however there are many great luggage brands- google the reviews and prices… Do you have any luggage brands to recommend from any price range? Please comment. 

“His” Tumi Vapor Luggage

Lightweight and Rolls Like a Dream… I tested it yesterday

Tumi Vapor Luggage

“Hers” The largest Louis Vuitton, Pegase 65

Complete with a Packing Lesson by the Luggage Specialist at Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton Pegase 65 Luggage on BenjaminR

Luggage is a fabulous gift for Husband, Wife, Mother, Father, Son, Daughter, Newlyweds, Graduates, and so on…

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

More Gift Ideas by The Suburban Diary Here…

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home and read away or search a topic!

Always Here, Fashion, Gift Guide

Christian Louboutin Lou Wallet: A Chic Statement

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How could you not love this metallic, scalloped edge, high heel zipper and powerful red leather interior of the Christian Louboutin Lou Wallet? Click on the purse to check out the details of this striking wallet! $395, but currently out of stock- Try a wait list for this Louboutin Beauty!

Christian Louboutin Lou Wallet- Click for more Pics

Well although I would love one, no plans to get one as of yet! I appreciate a beautiful piece when I see one and this was a must share!

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

Read MORE Suburban Diary Entries on Fashion Here

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home and read away or search a topic!

Always Here, Fashion, Travel

Gucci Ski Goggles: LOVE!!

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Well IF I were going skiing this year, these Gucci ski goggles (for men and ladies) would be the perfect accessory for my white, black, red and silver ski clothes- they’d look great with khaki too!!!! Investment piece to keep forever!!! Love these Gucci ski goggles!!

Truly, Emily – The Suburban Diary

PS… First post written from
My iPhone so pardon any formatting errors please! I’m killing time at our layover in Puerto Rico!!

Always Here, Fashion, Star Style

{Gwyneth Paltrow} Stunning in Emerald

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I would if I could- Wow!! Love this Elie Saab Long Green Plunging Neckline Sequin Dress on Gwyneth Paltrow! She looks stunning… Emerald Green is a great color on almost everyone… Sequins are Hot Hot right now! Gwyneth Paltrow is definitely one of my style icons! LOVE!

Truly Yours,

Emily Arnim, The Suburban Diary

{ More Reads } Fashion 


Always Here, Gift Guide, Home & Garden, In the Kitchen, TSD, Uncategorized

Cindi Rose: Heirloom Silhouette Appearances

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Every Southern Family needs hand-cut silhouettes of your Children, and Yourselves, from the World Renowned Silhouette Artist, Cindi Rose. The beautiful, talented and insightful  Cindi Rose is touring on behalf her foundation, The Rose Ribbon. Silhouettes are heirloom accessories – They are forever!! Cindi is an absolute ball to talk to. Ask her for an at home organic beauty tip, a recipe, or anything for that matter- she loves to share!! (SMILE)

Cindi Rose showing us true Southern Hospitality with the Marshmallow Drizzled Vanilla Wafers she swirled up… Sinful!

I have the Oval Framed Silhouettes in my living room… Working on Oversized Silhouettes wrap-mounted on French White Archive Paper to put in our playroom… Similar to Restoration Hardware Child & Baby, Cindi’s are priceless original heirlooms. They will be a meaningful addition to your home!

Cindi Rose will be touring to Katy, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Southlake and other cities to be announced. I will inquire about her schedule and let you know how to Make Reservations.

Greg and I both had silhouettes made when we were younger and I keep them side by side in our bedroom! Love them- I think it’s adorable that we both had one made!

These are Cindi Rose Silhouettes of Blane, Myself and Ashlyn… Love!

So many ways to use your Silhouette in Life! More to come of some of Styling your Home and Body with Silhouettes! Here is a picture my cousin, Susan McWilliams, took of me, not in love with it, But… I do Love my Cindi Rose Necklace and this Fiercely Fashionable BulletGirl Necklace- Deadly!!

Excuse my reversible Burberry shirt (doesn’t photograph well) with Cindi Rose Custom Necklace and BulletGirl Necklace

I will post Cindi’s schedule as soon as I am able!

Read more on The Suburban Diary about Cindi Rose…

Truly Yours,

Emily, The Suburban Diary

Like Cindi Rose Silhouette Artist on Facebook

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home!

Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!

Always Here, Business, Fashion

What’s in My Southern Hippie Shopping Bag

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Love the Southern Hippie Girls-  they could get me in a lot of trouble though…

Here are a few things I rounded up at my Southern Hippie Party, not including Ashlyn’s sneak attack!!

Thank you Ashley Guidry, crowned The Official Suburban Diary Model! You can expect to see a lot more of our fashion and photography collaborations we have lots of learning and experimenting ahead of us!!

1. James & Joy Olive Green Convertible Dress-  Modeled by my Gorgeous Friend, Ashley Guidry… Also available in Black! She is wearing Jimmy Choo 5″ Suede Platforms

2. Tat 2 Tat Lariat Necklace in Gold and Silver- I love this worn single, double or triple… Great layering piece and beautiful paired with my 5 Coin Necklace or with my opera pearls! Ashley has it layered with the 5 Coin Necklace! Look for a post with all of the ways to wear it! My necklace is only gold and silver, this is another version available though!

3. Tat 2 Tat 5 Coin Necklace- Love this layered with any necklace!!

**BE STYLED**  

When it comes to your jewelry…Layer, Layer, Layer- Mix Metals, Real & Costume, and Lengths!

But don’t over do it by layering everywhere!! ( Concentrate on one area, like your necklace alone- not necklace and bracelet…) 

4. Hanky Panky Thongs- If you haven’t tried this tried and trusted brand- you don’t know what you are missing! I have been wearing these for years and LOVE that Southern Hippie knows what we need. I bought a pretty olive-green, steel and white to add to my collection of Hanky Panky thongs! I’m loving the silver and grey colors too! These are low-rise, no lines and comfortable… Plus when you bend down they go with you so you don’t have the horrible peeking outside of your jeans!

5. Brightly Twisted Blanket- The thicket, softest, most light-weight blanket! You will Love!!!

Well… Needless to say I had a little fun… And then some!!!

Have you discovered Southern Hippie yet? Like them on Facebook to inquire about Gifts, Personal Styling and Parties!

Love your Style Suburban Diary Friends!

Read more Fashion Posts Here…

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home Page

Always Here, Entertaining, Fashion, Social, Uncategorized

Southern Hippie- My Entertaining Summary

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Elizabeth and Lauren- Southern Hippie

Well Southern Hippie was a hit in my book… I am a shopping addict… So shopping, entertaining and conversation are not a hard sell for me! Elizabeth and Lauren are sweet as can be and they are developing their Southern Hippie Roots! If you have women who love fashion, accessories, drinks and conversation- it is a great time to be had for all! (I also had a little bit of fun with the entertaining side of the party too!)

Napkins Hand Rolled by Gentry, Assorted Cheese and Made from Scratch Tulip Arrangement

Napkins were hand-rolled by Gentry, our bartender for the evening, cheese tray designed by me. My life-line, Ruth, helped me with a dozen tulips and green filler to create an eye-catching arrangement- it lasts for about a week or more! Think simple when entertaining these days!!

Assorted Desserts from Ooh La La and Cocktail Nuts in Bite Size Portions on White Serving Pieces

KITCHEN TIP: Assorted White Serving Pieces purchased at HomeGoods for $30 or less per piece! An investment to your serving collection! White, Pewter and Glass are Universal are when it comes to staples in your Entertaining Collection! Mix and Match: White, Pewter and Glass for a display that catches every eye and blends with your decor!

Simple and Inexpensive: Glass, Votive, Flower Mantle Display

INVEST and COLLECT: How many times can you use glass to create an eye-catching display for your party? Every Time!! An arrangement of glass, candles and flowers can create a focal point for a room. I have a closet full of glass I have invested in to decorate with! All I need is Fresh Flowers for $4.99 to put my simple signature on the party! Buy a few more pieces to add to your collection each time you have a party instead of spending money on temporary ones! Buy a bulk of white unscented votives to have on hand as well!

Simple Flower Arrangement

Cindi Rose created divine Hand-Cut Silhouettes for all of the guests! Her knowledge, conversation and talent charmed us all! She is a delightful soul! Read more about Cindi Rose here…

Cindi Rose, Emily Arnim, Nicole LeBoeuf, Monty Guidry

Cindi Rose Hand Cutting Silhouette for Monty Guidry

Cindi Rose and Sonia Traugott Hand Cut Silhouette

We had so much fun with Cindi Rose and really thank her for being a part of our fun evening with Southern Hippie! Her silhouettes were a hit!

Southern Hippie Trunk Show

Southern Hippie Girls, Elizabeth Lockhart and Lauren Kimbrough… Keep the fashion coming, bring us out of our comfort zones and help us rock it! We look forward to getting some great styling advice from you ladies in the future and having many more events! Remember… “It keeps getting better!” Cheers to you ladies!…

Who and What is Southern Hippie?? More Southern Hippie posts ahead friends- don’t you worry!!! What would you like to know? More to come on what I bought, what I wore and what I want now!!! Fun times ahead!

Like Southern Hippie Suburban Diary Friends!!

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home Page

Read more “Entertaining” Blog Posts Here!

Always Here, Entertaining, Uncategorized

“Pop” Themed Baby Shower… ADORABLE!

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Oh my gosh… So I went to one of the cutest baby showers EVER! The mommy-to-be is one of my favorite friends and this theme fit her personality to a “T”! Enjoy the festive pictures and be inspired for your next event, I sure was! Also take note of the adorable Diaper Cake by Erin, Cake Pops by Sweet Boutique Bakery (precious website) and Flowers by Fresh Blooms of Houston… Unlike most cakes I have seen, you could not see the diapers, they were hidden by blankets! LOVE IT! This shower sure did POP and I thank you ladies for letting me share with The Suburban Diary Readers! Fabulous shower!!

Make Your Next Party Pop Suburban Diary Friends! Be creative!

Always Here, DIY, Entertaining, Uncategorized

Summer Wedding Shower- Casual and DIY

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What a wonderful summer shower we hosted for our sweet friends Amanda and Brian! She wanted a laid back, fun Sunday with her family and friends… We planned ahead, prepared what we could days before and had a seamless celebration for the Bride and Groom to be!

Create a Backdrop. We created a backdrop and a focal point for pictures and guests to enjoy. A feast for the eyes. A collection of votives, hydrangeas in bud vases, feathers and garland. Most of these things I had in my personal party supply closet. I store all of my decorations in plastic tubs sorted by color. I have an abundance of clear, white, silver and glitter so that it goes with every occasion. Think about investing in party supplies, rather than buy things you cannot or will not reuse!

Frame the Invitation. This is an easy thing to do to create another focal point. We used this invitation at the candy buffet. Anything to draw the guests in and keep them circulating through the party. This is a wonderful memento to send with the honoree. Again I used votives I had from home and my absolute favorite flower to make the arrangement. Hydrangeas are unbelievable!

Candy Buffet. Always a hit whether guests are snacking or taking their goods to go! These were bowls belonging to my co-host and best friend, she purchased them for her daughter’s 1st Birthday! Perfect! 

Buffet Labels. I bought a pad of cardstock, Sharpies and Martha Stewart’s self-adhesive embellishments from Michaels. The photo/place card holders are from Hobby Lobby! Notice the crystals… I have bags of crystals and pebbles that I’ve collected over time and pull them out to adorn the table. Notice the “table-cloth”… It is a scarf/sarong i got from Cost Plus World Market- Multi-Tasking at its finest!

Add Height. Always nice to have assorted shapes, heights, sizes and colors while creating your buffet… I purchased this awesome tin and chalkboard stand from Hobby Lobby… Love it!!

Simple Table. We kept it simple… Using my own personal linen summer scarf from Off Saks- I wear it and love it! Simple and inexpensive decorating pebbles adorn the sides of our make-shift table runner!

Cake Balls are the Answer. No cutting the cake, an assortment of flavors, and bite size pieces! You can try to make your own, but I found a local baker and she delivered them to my door! Thank you Katy Cake Ball Company for the delicious chocolate, vanilla and pineapple upside down cake balls! YUM!

Mini Key Lime Pies. I’ve raved over and over again about these on my blog! They are fabulous tasting, the mason jars are adorable and they are so inviting! Freeze and pull out before the party for a perfect light dessert! Here is the link to the recipe!

Keepsake Puzzle Guest Book. Every guest decorates a puzzle piece (found the puzzle at Hobby Lobby), we set out assorted sharpies and colors in wine glasses, then left a bowl to place in when complete! The bride-to-be is super crafty and loves puzzles- this was perfect! 

Frozen Drink Station. A total hit! One refreshing with alcohol and one refreshing for the kiddos! Eliminate the wait at the bar and keep your guests happy because they can refill their own drinks! :)

Assorted Goodies. An assortment of goodies to blend with the heat outdoors and drink intake! We also had sliders and assorted kabobs which I am so sad not to have snapped a picture of! My husband slaved away the day before and the day of to get them done! They were a life saver- all eaten!!

Fruit is a Must. A must for the health conscious and so refreshing on a hot day!

Party Picks! I make these for every party. Instead of toothpicks or buying the nicer party picks, these are just toothpicks with balls attached (from Hobby Lobby)! I love them and they create a festive display for my famous easy meatballs!

A pic of Amanda, the bride to be, with Ashley and I! Sweet Things!

Be Inspired to DIY Suburban Diary Friends!

Always Here, Entertaining, In the Kitchen, Uncategorized

PERFECT Mini Key Lime Pies in a Mason Jar- A Must Try!!

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I am reposting this recipe because it is so PERFECT for Labor Day Weekend or any fun outdoor party… Make these this week and freeze for the weekend!!! Follow these instructions with your mini Ball Mason Jars!  I have already used the jars twice and I have a feeling more to come with the mason jar inventions! The Mini Key Lime Pies in Mason Jars above are from a shower Ashley and I hosted this weekend… LOVE THESE and they aren’t bitter at all!

Make one for your next Outdoor Party Suburban Diary Friends- it is perfect!

Cari’s Recipe

Here is my friend Cari’s Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe- it was Perfect!  She graciously made my family a meal the day after my Father passed!  It was the last thing on my mind, and it made my day!  Love ya Cari and thanks again!

Keylime Pie Recipe:
12 Mini Ball Mason Jars
8 Key Limes
1 Can Eagle Brand Milk
1 Box “Nilla” Wafers
1 Carton Whipping Cream
- Cover bottom and sides of pie plate or Mason Jar with Nilla Wafers (or crunch up nilla wafers and put on bottom of mason Jar)
- Squeeze juice from 8 Key Limes and set aside in bowl
- Whip Cream until very thick and stiff.
- Add Lime Juice, Cream, and Eagle Brand Milk together.
- Stir together.
- Pour into pie plate or mason jars and squeeze a tiny bit of lime on to.!
- Keep in refrigerator or freeze until ready

Always Here, In the Kitchen, Uncategorized

Perfect Gin and Tonic: A Classic Everyone Should LOVE!

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Yes! Everyone should acquire a taste for Gin and Tonic and make a Gin and Tonic, at least this is what I have been told. It is definitely a classic social drink you must have in your back pocket at all times! I am sold and LOVE them!

Ingredients:

Rocks Glass with 2/3 Ice

Gin From the Freezer- Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray

1/8 Lime Wedge or Extra for More Lime Taste

Schweppes Tonic- Fresh

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS SPECIFICALLY IN THIS ORDER

1. Overflow one shot glass of Gin onto ice

2. Squeeze a Lime Wedge over ice and gin and set aside

3. Pour freshly opened Schweppes Tonic to almost fill the glass

4. Find an opening to the bottom of the glass and move side to side with a spoon

5. Drop in the Lime Wedge

Taa-Daa!  You have the Perfect Gin and Tonic!

Drink in Style Suburban Diary Friends!

Always Here, Business, Social, Uncategorized

Need a Good Cause for Date Night?

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August is Houston Restaurant Week 2011 benefitting the Houston Food Bank. You can dine at Houston’s finest restaurants for $35 for a 3-4 course dinner and $20 for a 2-3 course lunch. Be sure to make reservations online.  A tip when making reservations is to take the earliest reservation- it helps beat the crowd and avoid possible kitchen backups!

This is a huge week to dine out in Houston AND give back, when else can you dine at Tony’s for $35?  I’m still dying to try The Tasting Room myself! Download the free UrbanSpoon app on your iphone to check out the reviews of your top picks- make sure to give reviews yourself!  You can also check them out on online at urbanspoon.com.

Make date nights and lunch dates with your husband, your friend, Mom, Dad or Sister! Use this as a great reason to taste the Houston flavors and have some much needed quality time with the people you love- make it a surprise! I know we could all use some “quality time”.

If you have a great dining experience… Do share!

Happy Eating and Giving Suburban Diary Friends!

Always Here, Children, Home & Garden, TSD

Childhood Pastimes- Keep it Simple

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How fun this blog is going to be!! As my mind ponders the many thoughts I have to share… Where to begin?  If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews then- Great!  Let the fun begin!

set of two vintage atlas & ball glass top mason jars .. handmade solar lights : pint size decoupage - blue green and purple polka dots

Here is a short list with some of my favorite childhood pastimes! I’m going to use this as my own list of things to accomplish with the family.  How easy it is for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, modern technology takes our minds off the simple, and before you know it, these pastimes will not exist in our children’s lives!  This list a reminder to keep it simple and have fun!  I’ll print this list and stick it on my refrigerator.

#1 Croquet… I’m obsessing over buying a croquet set.  I’ve been 2 places with no luck, I’m on a mission to find the perfect one.  Somehow no matter how young we were, we were able to set up the game on our own and keep the game in play!  I think Blane (4) and Ashlyn (11) will love playing!  A great game to play when the sun is going down this summer, or as the first bit of crisp fall air comes in!  A nice one I found online LL Bean Croquet Set for $129.00 has a 4.5 star Amazon.com review.  This is definitely worth the family investment, you will keep it forever!  I sure wish I had our old set!

#2 Hide &  Go Seek… Free, easy and totally fun! I actually played it yesterday inside- SO MUCH FUN!  I would make small sounds so Blane could find me and of course and he finally did!!  Freeze tag with the 3 of us was a blast too, but I was exhausted afterwards! Take 10-20 minutes at the end of your day to play (I actually cheated and picked up the house as I was heading to find Blane- I was productive with my children and my house). Blane had the best time and talked about it the rest of the day!

#3 Picking Vegetables from a Garden… Our family friends across the street would take care of us while my parents were working.  I remember feeling so small and scouring the rows and filling buckets with sheer excitement!  What a simple thing that I really enjoyed… A treasure hunt for the young mind!  I was so confident in my gardening abilities that I climbed my Pop’s fig tree and pulled all of the “green balls” out of his tree, and I mean every one when I was no more than 4 years old (correct me if I’m wrong)! I was so proud, Pop on the other hand- not so happy! Now where to find a garden to take the kids?!?

#4 Catching Lightning Bugs… I was never harmful to them, just catch, keep for a short while and release was good for me!  I’m going to break out the jars and a hunting we will go.  We are going to New Braunfels in a couple of weeks for a family trip, so I will pack glass jars and let the kids enjoy the adventure!  I LOVE the Atlas Mason Jars I have pictured above from Etsy.com.

The simple things in life are what makes it truly memorable- we tend to overcomplicate things!  Turn off the tv, set down your phone and have some simple fun that the entire family will enjoy. I know that I will enjoy all of these things myself, it will be very nostalgic for me!

Create Memories with your Family Suburban Diary Friends!

PS… How awesome are these Mason Jar Solar Lights to put around your backyard when entertaining!?!  LOVE THEM!

Mason Jar Solar Lights 4, Vintage Blue Ball Jars Solar Lamps Handmade Solar Lids Upcycled Lighting Weddings Garden Party by TreasureAgain

Always Here, Entertaining, Etiquette, Social

Dining Etiquette: 3 Tips for You

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I recently hosted an etiquette dinner party for some of my girlfriends and it was a complete success!  Gigi Lewis, founding director of Club Etiquette in Houston, gave us so many wonderful tips which we will carry forward in our dining experiences.

Here are 3 tips I will share…

1. Hold red wine from the goblet when drinking and white wine from the stem of the glass, oh how lovely it looks.

2. Make a “b” with your left hand and a “d” with your right hand, your Bread plate is always on the left and Drinks always on the right.  Do not be the one at a seated dinner that takes someone else’s bread plate or glass.

3. Always move the spoon away from you when placing soup into your spoon, not towards you, then bring the soup to your mouth.

The quest for good etiquette will not stop here, I will continue to brush up on my practices.  I highly recommend taking etiquette lessons at some point in your life… Valuable knowledge for dinner parties, weddings, galas, and when seated at dinner with those of influence. You never know who is judging you while you eat… Sad, but true!

Food for thought: Here are some conversation rules for dinner parties via an article in the New York Times.  Very entertaining!

Bon Appétit!

XO- Emily Arnim