Happy Halloween

Last year I dressed up as Sarah Palin

JCW was my partner in crime as Todd Palin

Todd Palin’s accessories

I grew up eating entirely way too much candy. I would always look forward to my after school snack from 7-Eleven...I always opted for sugar. Naturally, I adored trick-or treating. The best part was coming home and examining your loot...there was always the occasional toothbrush or apple which was immediately disregarded. Once the candy was sifted through and seperated into piles the trading could begin. I was always trying to unload Mary Janes, and Good & Plentys. I have actually grown to love Mary Janes...I didn’t know what I was missing back then!

Have a splendid, candy filled Halloween! xx

USS Constellation

The USS Constellation is located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and is currently a museum ship. This National Historic Landmark is the last navy ship from the Civil War Era . In July of 1999 the vessel underwent a 9 million dollar restoration. I can remember this ship from when I was a little girl...it seemed a lot bigger then it does now.

USS Constellation is the last all sail warship built by the U.S. Navy. She earned the name "the Yankee Racehorse " for her cruising abilities. The ship is rumored to be haunted by sailors that lost their lives on board.

The USS Constellation Cup Regatta benefits Baltimore’s historic ships education and preservation programs.

USS Constellation Cup George Colligan Memorial Trophy

Lawyer Liz and her beau, JCW, EAS

Latest Edition

Two weekends ago JCW raced in the USS Constellation Cup Regatta and brought home yet another hat for our growing collection. We tend to pick up hats at sailing events, on vacation, and at steeplecases.

We both agreed this was a nice addition. However he said the logo was a tad too large for his liking. I am not shy when it comes to a large logo, thus I will be the one sporting this hat.

Things are becoming out of hand…we may be forced to get another rack!

Wm. J. Mills & Co.

Wm. J. Mills & Co. is a canvas company located in Greenport, NY. Some of the canvas products they sell are sails, awnings, and bags. The canvas bags come in an array of colors and are super soft.

The Ice Bag

The Flight Bag

The Classic Duffle

The Gear Bag

The Sunbrella Duffle

Last Christmas I received an Ice Bag in teak tan from JCW’s sister.

These bags have gone up in price by nearly 50% in less then a year...they must be in greater demand! Even with the skyrocketing price, I have my eye on the Gear Bag in Natural. Aside from my summer wardrobe of pink, I always tend to go for browns and beiges when it comes to accessories.

Wm. J. Mills & Co’s "Black Collection"

These bags are exclusive to Epaulet

Nice work Andie...for finding these bags before the drastic price increase! xx

Indulging In All Things Maryland

Having some steamed crabs

Plenty of Old Bay

Berger Cookies as wedding favors

MD Flag

Cheasapeake Bay Bridge

Chesapeake Bay Outfitters’s custom crab and beer design by Eliza B.

Sailing on the Bay

JCW eating some Crab Chips below deck

Maryland tailgate with Crab Chips

All Things Maryland

Seeing as I am Maryland girl I thought I would share some things that are oh so Maryland...

The Maryland flag was adopted in 1904, although it had been flown before.

Bergers Cookies are the cookie equivalent to yellow cake piled high with chocolate icing. They are very decadent and well worth the indulgence.

During the war of 1812 the British bombarded Fort McHenry. After the bombardment Francis Scott Key looked to see if the flag was still there and voilà ..."The Star-Spangled Banner" was born thereafter.

There is a Domino Sugar plant located along Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

The Maryland Eastern Shore on the Chesapeake Bay is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend or a day out on the boat.

Eating steamed crabs is a social pastime for Marylanders. Everyone has a different approach to picking crabs and always thinks that their way is the most efficient.

Old Bay is a staple in every Baltimore household. It's the key ingredient to steamed crabs and also goes great on fries, eggs, corn, and so much more.

Clearly Old Bay goes great on Utz potato chips, hence "The Crab Chip". I love eating crab chips with a shrimp salad sandwich.

National Bohemian Beer known as “Natty Boh” is the signature beer of Baltimore. A friend of mine was in town from Richmond and asked me “what is this beer that everyone is drinking”? Growing up in Charm City you tend to take Natty Boh for granted.

Smyth, a local jeweler recognized the Maryland tradition of Utz potato chips and Natty Boh and brought the two together for an advertisement that read "Were Baltimore Gets Engaged". The ad depicts Mr. Boh proposing to the Utz girl.

Accessories from Ethan Allen

Here are some spectacular blue and white pieces from Ethan Allen...

Victoria v. Frances

I am a lover of J. Crew and anything with ruffles, so it's no surprise that I am a fan of the Victoria Ruffle tops and Frances Ruffle tops from J. Crew.

Victoria...

I remember when the Victoria tops came out last year...it was love at first sight! I couldn't even wait for these babies to hit the sale section before placing an order.

Frances...

When I was first introduced to the Frances tops in the new arrival section of the J. Crew website, I was once again floored. I visited the store for a closer look at the successor to my beloved Victoria and was quasi disappointed. Frances was lacking the oomph that Victoria had. The quality and detail just weren't there in Frances.

The ruffle cuff on Victoria added a different element to the traditional cuff and gave the button down a more sophisticated look. I also noticed that the Frances button down is made of cotton lawn and is slightly see through. The Victoria is made of a thicker sturdier cotton that creates a crisper look, causing the ruffles to stand on their own. There isn't even a comparison between the silk tops; the pleating on Victoria's collar stands taller then France's and in my eyes that's a good thing. I prefer my ruffles not to be limp, thus I choose Victoria over Frances!