Barbour Best

This past weekend we had some lovely weather here in Maryland and were fortunate enough to spend some time in country. Did you wear your Barbour over the weekend?

Can't leave home without...

EpiPen
I have undetermined allergies and an EpiPen has become my safety blanket. My throat has never closed during an allergy attack but there is always that possibility. I carry an EpiPen in a pouch along with a few Allegra. When the size of my bag doesn’t permit the said pouch, I stow it in the car in case of an emergency. So if you ever see me run to my car and stab myself in the leg you will know what's going on!

Keys
SAS and I decided to buy the same Lilly Pulitzer needlepoint key chains. We thought it was a good idea until I started picking up her keys and throwing them in my bag and vice versa.

Blackberry not a Crackberry

I always get hand me down phones from JCW, which I am fine with because I am not cutting edge when it comes to technology. He never puts his phone down and it drives me crazy. I was having lunch last month and looked around the table…3 out of the 5 people were on their phones. Just because we have the internet at our disposal doesn't mean that all etiquette goes out the window! Here is my vow not to be a crackberrier ever.

Pocket Planner

Every year my mom orders me and SAS a new Graphic Image Pocket Planner. I can't image not having a place to scribble down my to-do list, ideas, or anything else that sparks my interest.

Wallet

JCW and I actually have matching LV wallets...I realize that is so cheese ball and on occasion we have even been called out on it.

Special thanks to Texas Prep for tagging me in this fun little game of sharing the five items that I can't leave home without! What do you never leave home without?

Jack's Bistro

We recently had dinner at small neighborhood gem called Jack's Bistro and started with the Chocolate Mac and Cheese.

JCW ordered the 100% Ground Bacon “BLT burger” it contained no beef. He couldn't wait to try the Poutine French Fries which had a demi glace, cheese curds, and foie gras sauce... a.k.a. disco fries.

One would think the burger and fries would have been enough but when he saw there was a duck hot dog topped with foie gras and spicy mustard on the menu his eyes light up.

The Fried S'mores (graham cracker encrusted chocolate marshmallow cookie with chocolate sauce and chocolate cake batter ice cream) were the highlight of my meal.

Special thanks to JCW for never giving me the opportunity to over order and for always being willing to try anything on the menu. Any meal that starts and ends with chocolate is OK by me! xx

Quintessential Gentleman

The Quintessential Gentleman is the ultimate men's grooming lounge.

The shop carries a wide selection of Southern Proper, Smathers & Branson, shaving accessories, cigars, cuff links, and grooming products.

Men can get a haircut, shave, massage, facial, wax, or shoe shine. I was very impressed that each styling station has its own TV. They offer coffee, tea, and espresso but if that doesn't suit your fancy you can bring your own bottle and they will stock it and label it in the bar for your next visit.

They have recently completed a large expansion called the “The SPA at QG" and added a members-only lounge. The lounge contains game tables, two TVs with X-Box Kinect, a wet bar, WI-FI access, as well as a Golden Tee. The lounge can even be rented out...perfect for pampering your groomsmen. Another addition is a cigar lounge complete with humidor lockers. The QG is Elizabeth Arden meets ESPN.

Prep Neck

I gave my sister a L.L.Bean camo tote for her Birthday and in true EAS fashion had to order one for myself. We took the bags to the fabulous Star Monograms to have them personalized. Social Primer has posted about the term Prep Neck and Alice and I have toyed with the term Prep Hick. I think these totes may fit the criteria!

This past weekend I had a Prep Neck moment while using my camo tote and wearing my Varinas. Every chance I get I have been reaching for my camo tote and leaving my Goyards to collect dust...my inner Prep Neck is unleashing itself!

You know you are a Prep Neck when your camo belt is needlepoint! What do y'all think constitutes a Prep Neck?

Gift Card Winner

Thank you all for the gracious comments and kind remarks. The winner of the $50.00 gift card from CSN Stores is Argyle and Alligators.

Have a wonderful Presidents' Day! xx

Celebrating Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day we decided to have a quiet night at home versus hitting the town. JCW surprised me with a red cashmere sweater...it makes for a easy gift when you already have a few in your closet. The real gift was that he put his crackberry away for the whole evening!

He picked up some Indian carryout which is one of my absolute favorites. He had offered to cook but I said "you don't need to go to all of that trouble" which was code for I don't want to be stuck cleaning up that mess!

My mom gave us some sweets; although some of mine mysteriously disappeared. I asked JCW and he said a burglar must have taken them.

Special thanks to JCW for being my Valentine, my thoughtful mother for the goodies and the burglar for saving my waistline! xx

The Sartorialist

I truly admire the work of Scott Schuman, famous street photographer and photo blogger. You can peruse visually compelling images on his blog and in his book, The Sartorialist.

This Intel Visual Life documentary is unbelievably inspiring and literally gave me chills the first time I watched it. Art is meant to invoke emotion so I guess it appeals to my inner artist that has a passion for photography. It totally sums up the feeling you get when you are behind the lens and you snap a shot that speaks to your sole...we most certainly live visual lives.

Check Please

After a lovely meal at Flemmings the boys were preparing for the check and I noticed they both had designer wallets. Both wallets had been gifted. I could never in a million years picture either one of them walking into Louis Vuitton or Gucci and buying themselves a new wallet...but they aren't shy when it comes to using them! I must say, a perk to an expensive wallet is that it last.

Classic Leather Wallet, J.Crew

Monogram Needlepoint Wallet, Smathers & Branson

Money Clip, J.Press

Alligator Wallet, T. Anthony

Repp Stripe Wallet, Orvis

What do you/your beau carry?

Lawyer Liz's Party

In honor of Lawyer Liz's becoming a Mrs. we had a little cocktail party. LL and I both wore Elizabeth McKay. I wore the Grace dress and she wore the Scotland dress. We are both very excited for the spring 2011 collection.

Red velvet cupcakes were on the menu.

I made the favors by putting pictures of the happy couple on conversation heart boxes.

My mom made her delicious shrimp salad.

Reese's peanut butter cups are one of Lawyer Liz's favorites, so they were a must. In the background you will notice a picture of JCW and myself from 1995 in Nantucket...boy how time flies!

LL, I think all of the ladies may have had a little too much fun celebrating with you...have a great week in Florida my dear! xx

Be Mine

Kate Spade is offering a lovely collection of e-valentines you can send to that special someone in your life. I wanted to give you all a few virtual Valentine's Day gifts...

Duck shoes, Sperry Topsider

Red Velvet Cupcake, Georgetown Cupcakes

Hermes Bangles

Ice Bag, Wm. J. Mills & Co.

Crab Tie, Vineyard Vines

Happy Valentine's Day! xx

Gift Card Giveaway

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore has reached 500 followers! I started this blog when JCW started business school as a means to keep myself busy and it has been nothing but smooth sailing. You all have welcomed me into your community and inspired me beyond belief. As a thank you to my wonderful readers, I am teaming up with CNS Stores to offer you a chance to win a $50.00 gift card. CSN Stores carries everything from swing sets for kids to Tervis Tumblers. Here are some items I would purchase or use the gift card towards.

Sebago, Boat Shoes

Sutherland Baskets, Scout Picnic Basket

Le Creuset, Dutch Oven

Patagonia, Messenger Bag

Magic Bullet, Blender

Texas Irons, Personalized Steak Brand

The giveaway ends Friday, February 18th, at 5pm EST and is only open to U.S. and Canadian readers.

The Giveaway:

1. For 1 entry...leave a comment, you must be a follower.
2. For an additional entry = 2 entries...become a fan on Facebook.
3. For an additional entry = 3 entries...write a post about this giveaway on your blog.
   When you leave a comment let me know what you have done and your number of entries.

I would love to hear about any posts you would like to see on the blog. If you don't have a blog make sure to leave your email address in your comment. Thanks for reading and good luck!

Bird Dog Bay Treat

The folks at Bird Dog Bay have offered my readers 15% off any order placed before Valentine's Day. Simply type the word "Valentine" into the notes section of the order.