Summer Lovin'

Summer was ushered in with a *splash* at a nearby lake with my cousins (as seen jumping from the upper deck of a boat in the photo below). Once our southern temps soared to 103 degrees, I knew it was time to go north, where it is a "cool & breezy" 87 degrees! I am traveling as much as possible before the little one arrives this fall, and it has been great seeing new places and visiting numerous relatives.

How are you spending the summer?

Father's Day "Elegance"

My husband has been eyeing the art piece below for quite a while. It is "Elegance" by world-renowned relief sculptor, Bill Mack. Mack is an artist without any mentors and his technique is not taught anywhere, which makes him a very rare sculptor. His work truly is phenomenal! This Father's Day I decided to surprise Cory with the mixed metals, "Elegance" that he likes so much. It is VERY difficult to pull off a surprise for him, including the fact that he almost bought this for himself after I had secretly purchased it! I was also able to secure a book of Mack's work, which includes a dedication to us and the baby. We love that we now have a Bill Mack in our art collection. Follow Bill Mack on facebook

Georgetown Society

During the summer I enjoy a mix of new reads along with a return to one of the shelves in my library for an old favorite. Here is my current re-read about the "power, passion, politics" and scandal in my own backyard-

A "Pisa" Italy in Chicago

One can always find something whimsical in the Chicago area, which is one reason why I love living here. A favorite of mine is in the city, Niles, where you will find the Leaning Tower of Niles. At 94 feet tall, it was built as a utility tower in 1934. It sits across from a Target store and among several restaurants along Touhy Avenue. When guests are visiting, I often take them past the Tower for a good laugh and some photos.

Wound up & on the road

Now here is something you just don't see every day. On a drive from Dallas to Houston, we spotted this Smart car. Obviously, a complete throw back to my childhood era with the tie-dye paint job. It reminds me of one of my first grade art projects when I made a tie-dye shirt for my dad for Father's Day. We really wore some weird things in the 70s! If you look at the license plate, it says "Wind Up" and has an actual turn key on the back to make it look like a wind up toy. This is, by far, the most clever auto I have seen on the road...that's why they call it a "Smart" car.

Homemade Preppy Delight

One morning we decided to go to Breadwinner's for breakfast. Over the hubby's shoulder I caught a glimpse of these cupcakes in all their pink & green glory. Breadwinner's has a lot of homemade tasty treats, but seeing these really made my day!

Bespoke Clothing Deep in the Heart of Dallas

Hadleigh's of Dallas offers an array of Preppy Wear to the metroplex, including their fabulous Corky slippers, Street chic for the gentleman.... ...or your ocean's desire yachting attire. They specialize in a collection of bespoke clothing, which makes each garment unique to the buyer. Once catering to a man's lifestyle, the company also has a range of women's designs. Founded by Ed Shaikh and his wife, Gable, who collectively have more than three decades of experience in top of the line men's fashion and women's couture, the company is named for their partner Hadleigh Shaikh. Hadleigh's recently celebrated their one year anniversary, and in that time, has already become a Dallas staple. They are also featured in the June 2010 issue of Robb Report's Best of the Best issue. Hadleigh's is by appointment.

214.770.4743

They are located in Highland Park Village

74 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205

They are currently expanding and have temporarily relocated to 47 Highland Park Village on the 2nd Floor in suite #203.

Follow Hadleigh's on Twitter

Join Hadleigh's fan page on Facebook

Tahoe: House on the Lake

We decided to get away to Lake Tahoe for our anniversary and stayed on the lake with a breath taking view of the snow capped mountains.

Here is the home The backyard This is the view from our bedroom windows and balcony and another from the side of the balcony All aboard the Tahoe Queen for a 2.5 hour tour of the lake