Friday Favorite

So, In attempt to develop a more focused, scheduled blog I will certainly adhere to a Friday post that lists my obsession of the week.With one of my best friends ( basically my sister) only FOUR month away from delivering a precious, adorable, sweet baby girl, who I will steal and keep as my own  visit every day, I've been on the baby shower idea train. I, of course, am a pinterest lover. Mom and I have added a few ideas we've done for parties that have been tagged and shared and pinned by folks all over the country, and it's so exciting. I've found precious memories and traditions I want to create with my adorable, and hopefully many,  nieces and nephews.


Have I introduced you to Bo? Bo is the beard's older brothers first born, and he is a doll. Hard to believe he will be ONE in February! This year has passed so quickly. He has these precious blue eyes that look at you with this inquisitive stare, we just know he's going to be the next genius of the world, and quite the dapper Southern Gentlemen.

It's like he's ready to tell us all what he thinks, which is dangerous.

He may be the happiest, most adorable little one on the planet. They're going to have to keep the girls away!

So, where was I?

oh-my Friday favorite!

One of my most favorite gifts in the world to give are books.  I love them, I treasure them, I've had some forever.  I have books with the inscription of folks who are no longer with me, and these I truly treasure. For most of my girlfriends, and friends, I've added books to their wedding gift in some way. For a few, the few that came to my house to eat in college because they weren't   preferred not to burn their supper  turn on the stove, I gave cookbooks. Mostly newlywed, cook for two gigs. Baby shower and stuck for ideas? Go to the classics: Dr. Seuss, The Giving Tree, Mother Goose- moms always need books, and kids love books, and you'll feel like you've given a beautiful gift, and it's true.

I've done books for wedding gifts even. The best friends that's having the baby? In marrying her husband, she added a precious girl, his daughter, to our little family. Adorable. I decided for her holiday shower, instead of an ornament, I gave her books for holidays- Twas the Night Before Christmas, Peter Cottontail, Be My Valentine- to name a few. Now that she's expecting, I'm sure glad I did. I am looking forward to Getting my key to their house-   my invitation to come hold that baby every day, so I can read  books to her as well.

Don't forget the inscription!

Just one of my many obsessions-hope they add a little glitter to your day

xo 

R

Introductions

And it begins. Welcome to my blog filled with lovely things I happen to love. This idea has no intention of correcting all the faux pas in the world, nor am I trying to say I am an etiquette facile, I was craving a home for sharing details of old fashioned and new trend things I love, etiquette included.

I was raised a southern girl, in a southern town. I had many southern friends and attended a small, southern private school. I don't believe I truly knew until I was in my teens that most of my family wasn't, southern. I am proud of my Italian heritage with both grandfathers from the north. I have two, large, loud oh-so-much-fun Italian families.

With such a large group, I was raised from an early age to plan. My mom always does things above  and beyond for parties, events and family suppers-this is embedded in my DNA. Not many places would you find pizza bar themed Sunday nights with coordinating place settings, and sombreros on your seat for supper with a taco bar.  She has a knack for these things, and I like to think I've picked up a few tricks, and added my own spin as well.

I am not sure I can say there will be a focus of this blog. If you know me, you know my wheels turn at hundreds of miles a minute, always full of new ideas and skip from party to party. This is my father in me. He always says, "there is a lot going on between his ears." The statement could not be true from the fact.

I LOVE planning events. Love may not be a strong enough word. It is the thing in the world I get most excited to do. I am a stickler for protocol when it comes to events. If you're going to throw a party, throw it well and throw it right.

We will get to more if this later, for now...introductions.

There are many moments in life I consider of importance and in etiquette. I cannot elaborate on the importance of being proactive about introductions, and making them well. I mean, introducing myself landed me the cute beard-and that may be the best one I've ever made. Alas, New Years Eve a few 10th's ago and my friends, who planned to introduce me, were busy prancing their way around the room, so I, with my favorite Kate Spade dress  and glittered heels, felt compelled to meet this cute, bearded boy. Perhaps it was the glass  glasses of wine we began our celebration early with that gave me the liquid courage to lunge gracefully step forward and offer my hand. It was a wonderful moment, a pretty fantastic introduction that was pretty perfect if I do say so myself.

As Emily Post says ( I'm an Emily Post lover)

"Many people think that introducing themselves or introducing others is so complicated that they tend to avoid doing it altogether. While that might have been the case years, today the process is much simpler."

Agreed. Many of the gender rules on introductions have gone out the window. With folks on even playing fields, there lies no reason for ladies to not make the introduction first.

My favorite, however, is the "forget the name introduction." It is an easy fix-brush the shoulder of the person who's name you forget, with the name you know, "This is..." They will introduce themselves-ta-da!

So next party or event, prance in with your bright smile and set a goal to introduce yourself to as many folks in the room as you can. Its an empowering feeling, really-and who knows what little "glitter" those introductions could produce.