I decided I was in the mood for the finest dining that the Capitol Region could offer me last night. Friendly's. Shut up. I know it's bad for me and gross and all of that. But sometimes in life I just want crappy, greasy food and a coffee milkshake. So anyway, Dad and I pulled into the parking lot (that is packed BTW because your dining choices are very limited up here on a Sunday night) and found a spot next to a black Saab where a little blonde girl was standing up and popping her head out of the sunroof. Odd. But then I look closer. And I see her mother (I assume) sitting in the driver's seat doing a little quick change. Literally in full daylight this woman is sitting in a very busy parking lot changing her TOP! I was paralyzed with uncertainty. Should I get out and try not to look at her or should I wait for her to finish changing? And why was the kid standing up with her head out of the sunroof? My snap decision was to get out of the car and avert my eyes. Very odd!

On a sad note, I just found out that a friend's husband has a brain tumor. They are younger than me, and I am not old (though I act like it sometimes!). I cannot imagine how scary this must be for them. But the doctors seem to be very positive and are scheduling a surgery right away. If you are of the praying variety, please do me a little favor and keep my sweet friends in your thoughts tonight.

I'm home from house sitting and catching up on blog reading big time tonight. So here's another freebie. I love giveaways! The fabulous Monogram Chick is offering a free monogrammed travel mug. So go enter. But please also mention that you were tipped off from my blog. Because not only is she fabulously giving away one mug, but she is giving away a second mug to the blogger that referred you to her page. So if you win, it will be a mug for you AND a mug for me. Um, so super-de-duper fun, I know!! Good luck, girls!

I went back to Target this afternoon to pick up more perfect shirts. But they were out of my size in white of course. Damn, that always happens when I wait too long. Although I hardly think one day should be "too long." I noticed though that there were more shirts on the back of the display stand. I have no earthly idea how I missed it but there were.... wait for it.... round/scoop (not exactly sure what to call it) neck t-shirts sitting there ready for me to jump for joy. Oh, it's all about the little things in life I tell ya!! So I came home with two white scoop necks AND a fuchsia and black scoop neck. AND a yellow, green and red v-neck because they didn't have my size in the scoop. I know this seems ridiculous but I seriously have not purchased a non-polo t-shirt in years because they all seem to be that ultra thin junk that I so dislike. Or have stuff written on them. I have needed t's for such a long time and who knows (thanks for making me realize this, The Cat's Pajamas) what year I will again find them. So there you have it. My closet is now stocked and I am one happy camper. As always, thanks again to my BFF Tar-jay for making a girl smile!!

Crafty gals, hop on over to A Very Mary Design's blog to enter her crafty goodness giveaway. What could be more fun than a mystery box of colorful, crafty love?!

Can you see the bug?

It's huge! At least 2 inches.

Creepy, yet fascinating!

Wild flowers.

So pretty! I love that deep yellow color.

So I fully intended to post this on or near the Father's Day. But life got busy and well....I just didn't. But if you suddenly heard a choir of angels singing that weekend, it was my fault. My dad is such a dad. He could care less what he looks like. He would wear a red polo shirt and jeans (that I think are about an inch too short to look cool) every day if I didn't buy him shirts in other colors. Two Christmases ago I bought him a polo shirt that is navy with white stripes- but like the navy part is much wider than the white part. Very nautical/preppy. The man was all, "stripes will make my big belly look fat!" And I'm all, "seriously dad, just wear the shirt. You are the last person to be offering up fashion advice. Trust me!" Man loves the shirt of course. And now owns several, thankyouverymuch! The jeans issue I just gave up on as I decided that it was too much of an uphill battle. But then there is the issue of shoes. Summer shoes to be specific. He refused to wear flip flops. Said he didn't like they way they felt. And I insisted that these days there are zillions of brands on the market and they all feel different. I'm totally sure he tried them on once like 20 years ago and held a grudge ever since. I was in LL Bean the week before Father's Day though and saw red (his favorite color) flip flops with black labs (as in our dog Bailey who passed away a year + ago) on them. If I was ever going to get this man into a pair of flops, this was going to be the pair. And then it happened kids.....he. put. them. on!! AND actually wore them out and about that day. And has been wearing them on weekends to walk the dog and stuff every since! Ahhhhhhhhh (angel chorus!)!!!!

The Alamo

Crazy bird along River Walk.

Close up of an armadillo.

Yee-haw....I'm back from Texas! Did I even tell you that I was leaving for Texas? I'm not sure I did. But I went. And now I'm back. I was in San Antonio to be specific. For my sorority Convention. I knew I would have fun but I never anticipated that I would LOVE LOVE LOVE this event. Wow, I just had such a fantastic week down in San Antonio! Not that I saw a whole lot of the city as I was in meetings/dinners/events all day and night. But I think I saw most of the city on the breaks that I had during my visit. Alamo. Check! River Walk. Check, check!! Cattle ranch. Check, check, check!!! I even have my picture with a humongous steer (I'm wearing my silver Bonanno's but you can't see them all that clearly in the picture. Which is fine because even I will admit that I look ridiculous wearing a madras dress and monogrammed shoes while sitting on a giant steer!) and of armadillo races (which I was not a huge fan of- they are so icky looking and stinky too!). I took a hay ride and line danced and ate great Texas bar-b-que (though my heart will forever be a southern bar-b-que lover....mmmmm....nothing better than southern pulled pork!!). I was representing the chapter that I advise up here but was tickled pink to reconnect with both old and new friends from my chapter at Georgia. My big big (this story is only going to be meaningful if you were in a college sorority. Feel free to ignore it if you don't care. I'm not offended, no worries.) is actually a chapter advisor too. How cool is that?!! And she won a big award so that made it even more special. My chapter (at Georgia that is) had the most alum in attendance and I felt so incredibly lucky and special to be a part of that awesome group of women! My girls from here in New York were awesome too and I really had a ball getting to know them better. None of us (from our chapter in NY) dressed up (as in theme dressed- we didn't wear cowgirl hats or boots or anything fancy pants like that) on the night we went to the cattle ranch. When asked why, my little girls would reply, "We're from NY." That had me cracking up. No explanation was needed beyond that I guess. My cute little Yankee Doodles that they are! I'm exhausted from being up well before the sun and going to bed too close to when I needed to get up that next morning. It was a go-go-go sort of trip. But totally worth it. I learned sooo much and can't wait to start making changes and improvements to my chapter. It was awesome to reconnect in a way that I had not done since I was an undergrad. I was reminded why I love this organization so very much. And I was so proud. Proud of my NY girls and proud of my Georgia chapter too.

But in an effort to remain my sarcastic, witty self and stay away from getting too mushy today, I'd like to share with you a few things one can learn while people watching for hours on end (read: flight delayed, long layover!) in the Atlanta airport. (I'm pretty sure that is the worst sentence ever!) The first two are my comments from Sunday night....

* When in a karaoke bar late on a Sunday night, one should not bring their baby. Because even though said tot was sleeping, it's just all kinds of wrong to have him out past midnight in a drinking establishment. I'm just saying...
* If your breasts are larger than an A cup, please for the love of my eyeballs wear a bra. If your breast size resembles initials or a monogram, it should be a law that you wear both a decent bra AND a shirt to cover the bra.
* People love them some Winne the Pooh clothing in Atlanta. Jackets and t-shirts and tote bags, oh my! All adults. All should be ashamed!
* I went to use the airport ladies room and the woman in the stall next to me was multi-tasking. Using the facilities all while having a regular breezy conversation in her regular (read: the whole airport could probably hear the conversation) speaking voice. Baring an emergency situation, I would be offended if you called me this way, friends.
* The Atlanta airport provided me with lots of passengers in fabulously preppy attire.
* As well as LOTS of men wearing tank tops. Ew, ew, ew!!
* To the couple in front of me (and the rest of the folks trying to get down terminal C yesterday!) who decided that while each rolled a suitcase and each had a laptop bag on their shoulder that holding hands and walking as slowly as humanly possible was a good idea.... About 300 folks would beg to disagree. Y'all were not cute or romantic and you were blocking the whole dang aisle. Save the puppy love for the bedroom please.
* I was so excited to see several men in critter pants/shorts yesterday. I just love that look! And I have NEVER seen it worn in Unpreppyville, Upstate NY. Sniff!!
* Hip, hip, hooray for sweet tea and Coke products as far as the eye can see!
* Now that it is practically illegal to check in luggage heavier than a pair of flip flops and undies, everyone is forced to carry on their bags. Which is annoying for many reasons. But yesterdays reason (says me) was that the aisles in the shops and restaurants and even bathrooms are not prepared for every single passenger to bring a rolling bag. Hello rolling bag congestion!
* The Atlanta airport had a kids play area. Do all airports have this feature? I decided that this was one of those things that was only good in theory. Because after sitting there watching the tots play for a few moments I suddenly wanted to run and grab the kids and tell them to run away quickly. I cannot imagine how many germs are just festering on those play areas. I'm fairly certain they never get cleaned/sanitized. Ew!

And there you have it. Texas was warm and welcoming. My convention was fantastic and re-energized me. And though I was cranky from having to sit there forever, the Atlanta airport really was a source of entertainment yesterday.

Last night I decided that the bathroom needed a full force scrub down. Do you ever get that way? Just all of a sudden, you feel the need to clean? No, just me? OK, so anyway I needed to scrub-a-dub-dub right then and there. My bathroom is not huge so it doesn't take me long. But I didn't change into grubby clothes. And I was wearing a new black Lilly polo shirt. You can see where this is going, can't you? Yeah, I totally somehow got bleach scrub cleaner stuff on my shirt. Just a few spots of water that splashed up because I decided I needed to do this while dinner was on the stove and I was rushing. I was about in tears all night. I love this shirt. I've only worn it once and now it has these ugly orange spots all over it.

So hours later I was still sulking and then it hit me. Black Sharpie. I mean, the shirt certainly couldn't get any worse, right? And I have stated on this blog many times my love for my Sharpies....they are the best! So cautiously, I gave it a chance. Gasp! Orange spots be gone!! It totally worked! From spots to no spots....stinkin' brilliant if you ask me! The shirt is back to new and fabulous. Yay!!

You know me, the swap-a-holic! Of course I had to jump at the chance to participate in the Summer Swap hosted by the lovely Running Just As Fast As I Can. Sooo glad I signed up! Just look at the fabulousness that arrived on my doorstep last weekend! Crazy fantastic! The Lawyer's Wife sent me the most amazing gifts- I love everything sooo sooo much!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!



Set of adorable pink lemon plates. I so wanted these, too! Love!



Unbelievably cute pink and green vintage apron. You are dying, right?! I know, I adore it too. The colors are so yummy fun. Love!



Monogrammed koozies. Two with my monogram and one with the most precious little crocodile. I squealed when I realized that she sent three and that they were all fabulously different. Seriously, love!

Made to entertain happies. Pink and green tablecloth and lemon/lime ice cube trays. I would have used these already but the weather is not cooperating at the moment. But the tablecloth is going to look awesome on the back deck for grilled dinners outside!! Can't wait to use it soon. Love!

Earth conscious re-usable fabric bag. Um, adorable! Totally used it tonight at the grocery store and received compliments. Love!

Really cute pink note cards. So fresh and fun for summer. Oh, and I have not even mentioned yet how everything was wrapped in the most adorable cellophane bags with pink and green raffia ribbons. Love!

Here are the goodies that I sent to The Lawyer's Wife. Boy oh boy was that "U" a tough one to figure out at first!!

S ... Sweet treats. (Cake, Jordan Almonds and chocolate bar)

U ... Under your chin. (A pearl and ribbon necklace made by yours truly. I love that little jewelry bag too.)

M ... Making ice cream sundaes (ice cream topping set and polka dotted ice cream scoop)

M ... Mix up a cool drink. (Drink mixes, strawberry lemonade mix and fun straws)

E ... Entertaining is fun. (Pink napkins and an apron)

R ... Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Seriously I am obsessed with this theme lately. Grocery bag and fabric coasters)

This swap was so much fun. I loved shopping for and making pink and green summer goodies. This totally put me in the summer mindset!

I was tagged by the adorable Cricket to tell you a little more about myself. So here goes....


1. What were you doing ten years ago?
It was the summer before my junior year of college. I was working two part time jobs in Lennox mall - Gap Kids and Bath and Body Works. Both told me they could give me 10 hours a week. Both lied and I was working almost full time at both. Which was fine because I didn't know anyone yet in the state of Georgia. I was excited though to transfer in August to UGA....where I eventually met bestie.

2. What are five things on your to-do list today?
- Laundry
- Ironing
- Buy a new shower curtain
- Respond to a bunch of emails from this past week
- Clean house

3. Snacks you enjoy?
- Peanut butter (or my new love, Cashew Butter) on apples and bananas
- Grapes (regular or frozen)
- Cherries, berries, or any fresh summer fruit
- Skinny Cow vanilla ice cream sandwiches

4. Places you’ve lived:
- Silver Spring, MD
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Indy
- Atlanta/Athens
- Northern VA
- DC (Hill)
- Upstate NY

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?
- Share $ with my family and best friends
- Travel all over the planet. (Bestie and I once said we would like to do this via a private and PINK airplane, but that might be a little greedy....)
- Give $ to charities that I feel passionate about. There are so so many!
- Buy a house in Atlanta so I could be close to bestie and D and L, a townhouse on the UES of NYC and a camp on Lake George so that I could spend the summer months in a town that is far from glamorous but close to all of my fabu family.
- Shop. Duh! I am salivating at just the thought of having limitless spending at JCrew (online to avoid rude salespeople), Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines and my favorite fabric sites like JCaroline! Good thing I will have my three homes to store all my clothes and fabrics and ribbons, oh my!


So there you have it. I think most of y'all have already done this fun post so I won't tag anyone specific. If you have not yet done this and would like something easy and fun, go for it!!

Dear More, More, More (Hot Pink Pencil),

Please invite me to read your blog. You went private. I'm sad. I miss reading. Sniff!! Please??

Yours truly,
Preppy Pink Crocodile




Dear Other Preptastic Blogs (that are private),

Please invite me to read. I'm nice. I do my best to leave sweet or funny comments when I can come up with them. I want in on all the fun, please!

Yours truly,
Preppy Pink Crocodile

Dear Anonymous Rude Commenter,

I'm sorry you feel my blog has issues with morality. But one could argue that you making rude comments on said morality issue is judgemental and immoral too. Ouch! Bet you didn't see that full circle coming right back in your direction, did you? As my favorite summer music icon, Jimmy Buffett, says on his Fruitcakes album, "There's a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning." So what if I stand with one leg on each line? It's my stinkin' blog. Feel free to be all kinds of rude on your own blog. I promise not to bother you.

Cheers,
Preppy Pink Crocodile

If you happen to see a duvet that is kelly green with little white polka dots or pink (but not baby pink though) with little white polka dots, please PLEASE let me know. Because I can't find one. PBK has some accessories that match what I am looking for but not a duvet. I just need the duvet. So if you see one, clue me in please!

Last night I was reading the alum magazine from my high school. I usually love it - the twice yearly update on what my fellow alum are up to these days, what the school is up to, who won awards and which sports teams won district and state titles. Good times. But this magazine just made me feel old really. I didn't recognize many of the people being talked about. A little girl I used to babysit for was featured on College Signing Day. Other kids I sat for have already graduated from college. My school has grown and changed so much too. We wore uniforms. Boys wore slacks and knit polo shirts. Girls wore plaid skirts and collared button down shirts. Your typical prep school uniform really. When I was a senior, for the first time ever, girls were allowed to wear pants. Seeing as how we were in South Florida, we really only wore pants on cold days. They were not at all flattering and hello, it's Florida. Well now the boys and girls all wear pants all the time. The same color pants and shirts. They look like twins. They look ridiculous, if you ask me. The skirts were cute (or as cute as a uniform skirt could be that is) and made you look like a girl. Not like a sexy Britney Spears video or anything. I think the rule was like no more than 3" from the middle (think kneeling- and many teachers would have you kneel and measure if the skirt was in question) of your knee. I don't know why this bothers me so much. I clearly no longer attend my alma mater. And I have no intention of living again in hot South Florida so my non-existent children won't attend the school (although if I did live there- they would- because it's truly the best of the best!). I just think it's strange. And I can't relate. The school has all sorts of fancy new buildings. Can't relate. New sports teams like lacrosse (I was in college before I ever even heard of lacrosse) and ice hockey (once again...South Fla??). Can't relate. But the thing that struck me as the most fascinating was the 2008 football schedule. Their first game is away. Far away. In Ohio. Is this normal? Do high schools do this now? Do they travel far far away like colleges? Or is my school just odd? I sat and re-read that schedule five times, thinking I must be reading this incorrectly. Ohio! Maybe this is some sort of nationally ranked team and ...who knows? I don't get it. I think it is crazy. But maybe all schools are doing this and I am the one who is missing the memo. My school did win the state championship in their class division last year. Hmmm.... Tell me blog pals, is this what all the cool schools are doing these days?

I love Kathy Griffin. Seriously adore her! OMG she is making me cry because I am laughing so hard! I know a lot of people don't care for her but seriously.... beyond funny! Love her. So happy she is back on my TV screen.

That's right Kathy, I'm your prep! Did you even know you had preppy fans?? Or fan (singular), as the case might be...

It's all mine as of this afternoon! Originally $150, on sale for $99, minus the 20% discount they have running right now and plus the free shipping the store gave me when they were out of my size, total = $79! I can't wait to wear it!

Actually, JCrew and I were having a little spat this afternoon. You see, I think that when I walk in the store and there are four employees standing around gossiping about whoknowswhat and ignoring me as I proceed to pick up 15 items over the course of 20 minutes, that it's just plain rude and bad business sense. Not even a hello. As I am walking into the dressing room, girl A decides to ask me if I need a room. Well, I wasn't going there to look at my hot self in the mirror, that's for sure. I was falling over from my load of clothing to try on (which is the way I always do it because as I have said before, I really really really dislike trying clothes on. So if I do actually make the effort (because the store is not super close to my house), it all must go in with me on the first go-round. No exceptions. I will never re-dress myself and then go back in for round two. Ever. Just not my thing.) and you only now want to speak to me. Whatever. I proceed to try on. Then boy A decides to give my room, that I am using while I am half nekkid, to a clearly more exceptional customer. I know that she must be better than me because he offered to bring her bottled water and said to just let him know if she needs anything at all. Girl A who opened my door did not offer anything to me. Then two more dressing rooms fill up and those gals get offered the moon, too. They knock on all their doors asking if they need different sizes. I totally needed a smaller size in three items. I waited for someone to ask me. No one did. So I didn't buy the items. Because I was bitter. Yes, I totally hold a grudge. So I go to the cash register and ask for them to find me the madras in my size and please get me the extra 20% discount too that is being offered online. Twice I was asked to shout my size across the store. Which I could care less about honestly. But what bothers me is that he asked it in that whisper tone of voice that says "OMG I am so sorry for you that you wear this gargantuan size, you obese fool!" Begrudgingly, Boy A does place the order for me after about 15 mins of me waiting. So as I am standing there waiting, Girl A and B (I didn't see Boy B at this point) proceed to stare at me and discuss why I was standing there. Just so you know ladies, my ears work just fine thankyouverymuch. We were all only standing within about five feet of each other. I could hear you. It was all very awkward. Boy A motions for me to come over to the phone and said it was all great, blah blah blah. As I pick up the phone to place the order, I asked him if he could wrap up my other purchases so that I could pay for those when I was finished. At this point I was tired of standing in the store and wanted to be on my way. I guess he didn't realize that I wanted the other items too. Not sure how he missed that as I both said it and assume that the gesture of bringing up a pile of items to the counter is the universal signal that I am going to take these puppies home with me. He about leaped up and was all "Oh really? Great! I'll wrap those up for you right away!!" So I get my online discount and free shipping from the phone girl and go pay for the other items I was purchasing. Boy proceeds to tell me how he convinced them to give me free shipping because I was making other purchases in the store. Um, OK, except that you didn't realize I was making said purchases until after you got off the phone with the online peeps. Whatever. I let you have that one and offered up a compliment and thank you. Now all three of you are fawning over me. I was thirsty so I did accept your water. But listen up JCrew....this happens to me almost every time I am in your stores. And it is insulting. I was dressed nice today- khaki skirt, Lilly polo, ribbon belt and Bonannos. I might not be a size two but good golly miss molly, I am going to stop shopping at your establishments if you don't quit being so stinking annoying to me.

On the flip side, I bought some of the cutest items and all were on big time sale. I really wanted this dress in pink but since my store only had it in blue (and white and chartreuse- but I didn't dig those as much)... I know it looks a little like a toddler dress but so do half the clothes in my wardrobe so who cares?! I love it. That's two blue dresses this year from JCrew. Which brings my blue clothing total up to ....two. Just not a blue girl. But both are this fun, bright blue. Does this count as "branching out?"

OK, so I don't hate JCrew. Obviously. I mean, I did buy way too many dresses today. But I just think that considering the current economy, they might muster up enough energy to like, acknowledge that I have been standing in their presence for a solid 20 minutes. Shape up, JCrew!!

Last night I popped over to The Pink Clutch's blog and read this HILARIOUS story. Seriously just too funny- had me laughing out loud! And then I was totally reminded of my own experience about a year or two ago. It is entirely possible that I already blogged about this and if I did, sorry for the repeat story. I am too lazy to go back and check.

Setting: Walmart (don't all good "OMG you have to hear this!" stories start with "So I was in Walmart...?!")

Who knows what I was buying, probably something boring like shampoo. I do remember that I had whatever it was in my hand- no cart. I was wearing Lilly capri pants and a polo. Not that it's at all important for this story. I'm just setting the scene... So I look up as I am walking to check out and I see her. A girl who cannot be older than 18 and looks about 15 if you ask me. She is African American which actually is important to the story because you need to note that her skin tone was much darker than my pasty, white, casper-like, impossible to tan skin tone. She is wearing short denim shorts and a men's "wife beater" as a top. Not a white ribbed tank top. No, the super duper thin under-shirt that men wear under dress shirts. (which BTW if you are wondering, gross me out for no particular reason. they just do.) So back to my girl. She was just wearing the wb- no bra. See, I told you skin tone was important. This means I could see all that God gave her. But I didn't have to look hard anyway because she was doing what all mom's do in life, multi-tasking. She was cruising the aisles of Wally World while chatting with her girlfriend and breastfeeding her baby at the same time. So while the wb was covering one breast, the other was out for all the world to see as she was feeding baby.

Now, I actually have no problem with women feeding in public. Babies need to eat and mommas need to run errands and get out of the house. I totally understand. But I do think it is a courtesy for all involved (you, baby, me and Walmart shoppers in this case) if a little discretion is observed. A blanket or a feeding cover could go a long way. Of course, I suppose if your top is see-through and you are bra-less, a little boob in public action is hardly a concern.

What's your "OMG you have to hear this" story ladies? I know we have all had them. Perhaps you were the star of your own story? Let's hear 'em....

OK, I hope these recipes are not a huge let down as they are by no means earth shattering. But both are super easy and tasty. I've tweaked them over the years so they are like 0.5 the original recipe and 0.5 PPC. If you try them and like them, let me know!



CORN DIP

Ingredients:
*1 can corn
*2 small cans Mexican corn
*1 cup mayo
*1 cup sour cream
*1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (or leave the seeds if you dig things super hot)
*5 scallions chopped up (white and green parts)
*1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:
Mix all of the above together. Refrigerate at least a few hours but best if left over night. Serve with corn chips.

This does not sound fab, I know. But trust, it was a staple of every JLW meeting. I use fat free mayo and sour cream (but full fat cheese because I don't believe in fat free cheese. It scares me.) so it's actually rather low fat. It makes a TON and is so so yummy if you let the flavors meld together overnight in the fridge.



CRAB SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Ingredients:
*1 can artichoke hearts, chopped chunky
*5 scallions, chopped (white and green parts)
*1/2 of a large bag of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
*1 small package of fake crab, chopped chunky
*1 cup sour cream
*1 cup mayo
*1/4 block cream cheese (optional- I only add this if I happen to have it in the fridge already. which is not very often to be honest. But it does make it tasty.)
*shredded cheese (I again use whatever is in my fridge/freezer. Usually a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. A handful will do.)
*salt and pepper to taste (be careful- cheese has a lot of salt already)

Recipe:
Pre-heat oven to @350. Mix above together. If you added the cream cheese, do your best to mix that well. But sometimes it is just easier to mix it after it's been in the oven for 10 minutes so the cream cheese mixes easier. Place in baking dish. If you don't need to do the mid-bake-mix, sprinkle a little bit of Parmesan cheese on top before you pop in the oven. Really you just need to bake it long enough to make it all melt together. Nothing really needs to be cooked- just heated through.

Serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers or pita chips. I also love this cold and piled into a pita bread with mixed greens as a summer low-maintenance lunch or dinner.

Like I said, nothing earth shattering here kids. And all are easy to mix in new ingredients or omit others (like if you don't love crab, feel free to leave it out. But it makes it so tasty and the fake stuff is so inexpensive and is fat free too!). Both make a large quantity so they are great for pot-lucks or just for your own family summer fun. Enjoy!!

So over the last year, I've received quite a few comments and emails asking me about swaps. So I thought I would give everyone who might be curious a little run down on the swaptastic fun.

The most asked question that comes my way is "how do I find out about swaps?"
And that answer might not be one you will like. For me personally, it's a little bit of serendipity at work. The last three times I did a swap with Sweet Goodness, I just happened to check the blog for the first time in what felt like forever. Those swaps usually fill up the first or second day and I was just lucky enough to see the posting (seeing as how I still have yet to sign up for bloggy-let-me-know-when-people-post-stuff service) at the right moment. Other swaps I have stumbled upon, usually from blogs I read regularly anyway. There are also blogs that are just about swaps. Google them if you are interested. I have been trying to be better about making a note about an upcoming swap when I find out about them in a timely manner on my blog so that others can participate too.

Who hosts swaps?
Really anyone can offer to host a swap. I have participated in two swaps recently where the host was doing it for the first time. There are also several people/groups of people who have blogs set up specifically host a swap. If you decide to host your own swap, let me know. I am obviously a big fan of the swappy blog fun!

How do swaps work?
Each swap is a little different. But all the specifics are laid out in the announcement so that you know what is expected of everyone. There is usually a spending limit. Often a color scheme to follow. Often a theme. Date to mail out your package. Sometimes a requirement to make a portion of the swap yourself, sometimes a portion needs to be thrifted (this is always the challenging part for me as I am not great at thrifting. But I like a challenge!). All sorts of specifications are listed so that you are aware of them all before signing up.

Do you pick your own partners?
Nope. The swap hosts each have their own magical systems for pairing up swap buddies. Sometimes you mail your swap gift to the person who will be mailing their gift to you. So you exchange with one person. Sometimes you mail your gift to one person and receive a gift from a totally different person. So you "meet" two people. Sometimes your partner might not even have a blog. It's all luck really. I have to say, of all the swaps I have done I have been very lucky with fabu swappy buddies. Only once did I have the sad luck of not receiving my gift. But every other swap partner was amazing and totally spoiled me rotten with sweet gifts.

Can I join a swap if I don't know how to sew?
Sure. Swaps are all different. I always include sewn items because that's just my thing. I sew. I like to make things. But plenty of swaps allow for you to purchase all of your items. Just be sure to read carefully the swap specifications before signing up.

Can I join a swap if I don't have a blog?
Sure. I have yet to see a swap that requires you to have your own blog. I have had several swap buddies who don't have (or didn't at the time have) a blog. Just be sure to offer your swap partner a little bit of information on your personality so that she can have an easier time shopping/crafting for you.

How long do you have to put a swap together?
Oh they all differ but its usually several weeks. Always enough time. Well usually. Once I had issues with my sewing machine and then was going out of town for two weeks so my swap buddy and I agreed to extend our mail-out date a few extra weeks. But it totally all worked out fabulous in the end for both of us.

I think those are the most asked questions that come my way. I am not an expert by any means but am happy to offer any information I might have if you have further questions. Swapping has been so much fun for me (clearly- I keep signing up for them!!) and I have "met" some of the sweetest and most fabulously creative women from all over the world.

I know y'all will be shocked to know that I am doing yet another swap. Sweet Goodness Swaps are awesome- such creative themes. Last time it was Paris in Spring and this time the theme is Parasols, Pink Lemonade and Polka Dots. Sooo super fun!! So to get this party started, we are playing 20 questions. Here we go...


1. What is your favorite Summer Drink(s)?
Iced coffee, sweet tea, lemonade and anything from the blender.

2. What is your favorite Summer Activity?
Lunching outside on a patio or deck with girlfriends, sailing (although I almost never do this anymore), grilling outside. And shopping is pretty much a favorite activity year-round of course!

3. If you could spend a lazy afternoon reading, what would be in your hands?
Either a girly book or a big stack of magazines.

4. What is your favorite type of craft/art medium?
Sewing is my favorite craft and I love LOVE all things fabric and ribbon. Addiction is an understatement.

5. What is one art/craft supply you absolutely have been dying to have or try?
Hmmm...I would like to learn more about beading and jewelry making. And I still have yet to work up the courage to try sewing in a zipper.

6. What are your favorite colors in our 'rainbow sherbet' theme? Pink, lime green, yellow, orange, aqua (or blue)
Pink and Green!! I love yellow too!

7. What is your favorite sweet treat?
Ice cream. Sugary candy (like gummy crap- all the junk dentists tell you not to eat). And pie. I make THE BEST apple pie but if it has a home-made crust I will eat just about any pie.

8. Are there any craft or art supplies you would NOT be interested in receiving?
Yarn and knitting stuff. I wouldn't know what to do with it.

9. What is your favorite song today?
Oh geez...that changes by the minute. I rocked out in my car to an old school Indigo Girls CD this afternoon. Galileo anyone? But really I love all sorts of music.

10. How do you 'pamper' yourself during the hot summer days?
Pedicures. But just pedis unless I am bridesmaiding and then I also get a manicure. But have I ever told you that I don't really like manicures? I know, hard to believe I am a girl, right?! I don't like having my fingernails painted. I feel like I have 10 light bulbs on my tips of my fingers. And this is only with a french. I can't imagine how uncomfortable I would feel with any sort of real color. But my toes are a different story. I love a french but I also love reds and pinks.

11. Do you have any kidlets or pets?
Sadie Kate is my adorable furry child.

12. What is your best potluck dish for summer get togethers?
Oh I have lots. I make a mean spinach-artichoke-crab dip. It's super easy but a total crowd pleaser. And I have a corn dip recipe that the easiest thing on the planet, makes a ton and is sooo super duper delish too.

13. If you could take a summer vacation anywhere, where would it be?
Greece or Ireland. No particular reason other than I want to visit both.

14. Describe your decorating style. Does that say anything about your personality?
I am not sure I have a style. I like clean lines in furniture. Love a mix of contemporary and antiques. I tend to lean towards more masculine antique pieces - just not a big fan of swirly, intricate legs and arms. But I soften things with color and fabric and pillows and personalization. I am not afraid of color. I might be a little afraid of the absence of color actually. Bland scares me. Which pretty much describes my wardrobe. Clean lines and classic pieces but in lots of print and color.

15. What are your initials?
Monogram - k K i

16. Why do you like to join swaps?
I really love the challenge of an assigned task. I love "meeting" new blog friends. I love giving a little gift just because. And I love receiving a gift that someone put together just for me.

17. You have 25 dollars to spend just on you for a little treat. What do you buy? (you can list more than one thing)
A pedicure and an ice cream cone and a sweet tea at Mickey D's. Or a random stack of fabric that I don't need but I feel that I can't life without it anyway.

18. What's one craft supply or art supply you absolutely can not live without?
Fabric and ribbon. FRCA (Fabric and Ribbon Collectors Anonymous) here I come!

19. Who's the last person you hugged?
Sadie, who I know is not technically a person. But she is the only "person" I hug multiple times a day.

20. What's your favorite number and why?
22. I will settle for the number two but 22 is my real favorite. It's my birthday and I just like it.

The lovely and talented Abby offered to host another apron swap. Little did she know that more than 200 bloggers with a heavy case of apron-itis would join in on the sewing fun! Bless her for organizing this summer swap! I love that she only tells us who we are sending our swap to and leaves it a mystery as to who will be sending a swap package to us. It leaves me guessing and excitedly running to the mailbox during swap week!

For this swap, my buddy doesn't have her own blog. But she lives in a place that fascinates me as I have never had the opportunity to travel anywhere near her home in New Zealand. So fun, right?! Yes well, please don't be offended when you open my package, Nikki. Because you see, I had a major blonde moment that lasted like two weeks regarding this swap. It was not until AFTER I mailed your package that it even occurred to me that you are not currently experiencing summer. I hope you will use the apron anyway...even if it's technically winter in your hometown at the moment.



One side of the apron is a fun red and black cherry print and the other side is green and white gingham. Both sides have a cute little pocket with darts and the fabric is a watermelon print. Oh, and pom poms. Why pom poms? Why not?! They just make life fun!! I also included a set of four fabric coasters and a little cookbook titled Taste of America. I hope she enjoys trying out some new American recipes while wearing her little apron. I am in love with that fruit fabric and can't wait to play with it to create a few more sewing projects this summer.

Found these little ramekins sitting in a random spot at Marshall's earlier this week and forgot to post a picture to share with y'all. Green outside and pink inside with black little imaginary watermelon seeds. Adorable!! How could I possibly leave the store without a little preppy pink and green love for my kitchen?!

Hey, if you are visiting my blog and I don't know you (meaning that I don't read your blog regularly), please drop me a little hello sometime in the comment section. I mean, how can I reciprocate a visit to your fun blog if I don't know who you are? If I know you outside of the blog world and you are sneaking a read of my blog on the sly, give it up and just tell me! I'm not embarrassed that you read and I will likely bring up blog-related topics in our normal conversations if you just come out of hiding, kiddos. And if I am hosting a giveaway and it is not noted that you need to have a blog, please feel free to enter. So please, introduce yourself one of these days! I'm excited to meet you!!

Have you seen this (new to me) company? Bird Dog Bay. They make the most adorable men's neckties with fabulous, preppy prints. I love the colorful and creative patterns!! I tried to convince them that they should make me a fabulous D-ring belt out of their silk print fabrics. How cute would that be? I know, you totally want one too, right?! But for the time being, the boys will get to have all the fun at Bird Dog Ties. Lucky ducks!

Here are a few of my favorites....

Crawdaddy


Poll Position (how fitting for the season!)


Adirondack Chair (perfect for those who live near me in the Adirondacks!)


A Bit Fishy