Monday, March 29, 2010

Closet rediscovery


The bee is back...

Apologies for a long absence from blogging. Business travel...jet lag...

The fairly spring-like weather of the past few weekends occasioned a somewhat premature seasonal closet changeover.
In previous years, I have postponed said exhausting up-and-down the staircases, forcing myself to wander the house in search of weather-appropriate garb as late as mid-June. This year, I was determined to be ahead of the wave, so to speak, and thus the semi-annual event unfolded, water bottles in hand.

In our 1741 home, closet space is at a premium, so I am obliged to utilize storage closets in:

1. The attic
2. The cedar closet
3. My son's fourth-floor extra wardrobe
4. Armoires galore
5. A storage facility I rent in the "downtown"

Another solution would be...FEWER CLOTHES!

Gasp!

I actually did lighten the load somewhat in sheer disgust at the gluttony of it all, guiltily filling seven Hefty Lawn & Garden bags full of castoffs, which I magnanimously toted to Goodwill Industries today...
watching the shocked face of the attendant at the forklift dropoff as groaning bag after groaning bag was swung his way. Off I went, tax receipt in hand.

The conclusion I have come to is: I am insane. No one needs these many changes of clothing. My other conclusion is: J McLaughlin owes me money. Or a big thank-you note. Or stock. Caroline at the Strafford PA store should come to my house, bringing me meals for a whole month. Maybe naming a dress "The Anne" or a handbag "The Queenie" would suffice.

Spousey says, why do all these clothes matter? Why do you need all this?

Ahhh. Men.

My theory in reply: we women are insecure. We worry, about our bodies, our looks, are we good enough, are we liked, could we do more, are our families and children and parents and colleagues happy...in short, our entire lives are an exercise in self-analysis, self-doubt and self-improvement to please others and to make our surroundings more beautiful. Clothing is our armor. A new dress, a lovely coat or jacket has the power to transform us, to highlight our assets and disguise our flaws. Alone at home, we may seem ordinary to ourselves...but clad in our finest, we sally forth, ferocity and fabulousness unleashed.

Of course, now that the closet changeover is complete...and the rows of lightweight Lillys, JMs, VVs, and such turn their profiles my way, awaiting their chosen moments...it is now rainy and 38 degrees. I am huddled over the computer, clad in pashmina and a pair of track pants.

In the meantime, the pastels gaze patiently at me as I shiver by...


An agony of options...


An explosion of color...


None too tidy, I might add...



Feet don't fail me now...


Waiting for warm,
ABL

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The ladies who lunch



George's in Wayne was the site of a lovely luncheon today with a few great friends of all ages.


My friend Barbara sent this adorable arrangement...


Of course, I had the salmon.

Dessert was an amazing Key Lime Bar...with a little extra something on the side in honor of one of those "low" birthdays...



My friend Tracy was there...



Merci beaucoup, M. Perrier!

Soon-to-be-another-year-older,
ABL

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Emerald isle

Aren't these silly hats so hilarious?


The ears have it with this one...


And this is more of a Cat-in-the-Hat type thing...

But on St. Patrick's Day, sedate celebration is an oxymoron. Unless, of course, one were to don the lovely birthday gift my Spousey gave me last year to honor that "special nativity..."



Going green,
ABL

Monday, March 15, 2010

Rainy days and Mondays


The good news is...the snow has all melted. For the first time since January, the front of the house is drift-free.
And I'm hoping the bushes will eventually regain their shape after being subsumed for two+ months. It's a delight to see the stone walkways and walls again. It is like the return of old friends who remain unchanged after a long absence.

With rain a constant, attire is classic English countryside: Wellies and waxed coats. I remain here as my Montague undergoes some minor surgery this morning. Wish him luck!


Marching on,
ABL

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Lo, how a rose ere blooming...


In the midst of a Noah-esque downpour, fleurs and other signs of Spring have arrived here...at least indoors.

















The coat always gets many compliments, and is from the etcetera clothing line sold by my dear friend Tracy.

Spring forward everyone,
ABL

Friday, March 12, 2010

So Social



Moi, the beautiful Beth and the equally lovely Maryland Pink and Green at Beth's

Applause and merci to Beth Dunn of Social Climbers and Preppy Mafia fame for a fab gathering at her waterside home.
Great food and bev (duh!), but most of all lovely ladies, many of the blogging persuasion.

Yours truly happily was there (in girls size 14 Lilly dress from November sale)...

Tonight: teaching my regular Zumba class and then Girls Night celebrating March Birthdays at the club!

Have a beautiful weekend!

I will be so-so tired,
ABL

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Aquatics program



The warmer weather--along with Summer is a Verb's relentless posts from la playa Mexicana-- has me jonesing for island climes.

I have broken out a favorite scent--India Hicks Island Living series--to transport me to a sand-and-sun parallel universe, until I can actually get there. Of course, more aquamarines must also be packed...

Swimmingly,
ABL

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Buggin' out

It's that time of year...when the warmer rays begin the spring tease...drawing hundreds of lady bugs to the back of our house.
With its southern exposure, and not-quite-airtight 18th century windows, Casa Anne and Paul is typically home to lots of the little ladies...

As you can see from this shot of office window sills...

Ew...gotta get out the trusty Handi-Vac...I do hear they're supposed to confer luck, in which case we're super-blessed.

In the spirit of flying females, I also submit these so-appropriate enamel and gold earrings from Walter J. Cook Jeweler here on the Main Line...


At least these won't need a spritz of Raid...

Ladylike,
ABL

Monday, March 8, 2010

March baby



I am an Aries...born this month...so I am celebrating my natal calendar with jewels to match.

My birthstone is the aquamarine, one of the most beautiful gems... a cerulean blue reminiscent of the waters of the Mediterranean...derived from the Roman word "aqua," meaning water, and "mare," meaning sea. The ancient Romans believed that the Aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea. I have always felt mine were right at home when we sail.

The ancients also believed that the Aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. This I have not tried....

The Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. Beryl was used as far back as 2,000 years ago to correct vision, and it continues to be used today in the manufacture of eyeglasses. It is a very hard mineral, making the Aquamarine a durable gemstone for use in jewelry.

A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. My husband gave me this egg-shaped vintage ring, and most of my other aquamarines as well.



Aquamama,
ABL

Monday, March 1, 2010

Memories of us



Inspired by Summer is a Verb, I have been reminiscing about great times in the past.















With so much suffering and sadness in the world, I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am.

Loving my world,
ABL

About Me

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Living well is the best revenge...and a choice we make every day. Join me as I celebrate the bounty of beauty in all its forms: fashion, homestyle, accessories and everyday richness...as I juggle the roles of Mommy, wife, daughter, dog mommy, creative director, Zumba instructor, volunteer...all with more than a passing glance backward to an old-school, classic time when style was a way of life