La Plates - Oval Platters

With the holidays approaching, La Plates is working on a new product design - oval platters. We are offering the 10in x 14in platters on our website for a LIMITED TIME. They make a fabulous gift to family and friends...you might need one too!

We are offering the platters in BAMBOO, GINGHAM, MODERN, VINES, ZEBRA designs - you pick the colors, font and personalization

Kansas City BBQ

When I met my husband, I didn't eat red meat...now we live in Kansas. We moved here 7 years ago and I didn't understand the obsession with barbecue. However, over time, I've learned that it is our claim to fame and I have embraced it.
Last night was the American Royal BBQ - the BBQ of the year. We started our evening at Roadkill - all the competing teams name their tent/team. My brother-in-law and friend prep all the meat for serving. I can't tell you all the items I ate, but each bite melted in my mouth! They also had Mustard Girl condiments - a favorite of mine. Entry into the tent is canned food goods for Harvesters or a $10 donation to the organization.

Next stop was Meat Mitch. This crew goes over the top to entertain their guests! It begins with their invitation which includes a Meat Mitch tattoo for entry. As you walk in, the scent of Red Bull fills the air. I didn't even make it to the food table, because I heard my favorite 80's tunes. This year their dance floor was crazy! Not only did they have their dance party videos on 2 big screens, but they created a drive-in movie size screen on a neighboring building - great times. Even E! Entertainment came to film the shindig, impressive. All tips from the bar go to women fighting breast cancer, specifically two Kansas City women.

My husband and the host, Mitch

Please note, blurry pictures are NOT caused by the consumption of too much keg beer. I forgot my camera and had to resort to my I Phone camera - not great for night photos!

Thanksgiving tradition

Kiddie treats at the Thanksgiving table have been a long standing tradition in our family. The women always came up with something to attempt to entertain the kid table. I'll never forget the Thanksgiving a month after I was married that my mother provided pilgrim and indian paper dolls for all the "kids". Never mind that we were dining in a lovely Chicago restaurant or that all the "kids" were 23+!!

La Plates has designed a line of holiday plates that are sure to become a family tradition in your home. Create one for each child or a set for your entire family. Holiday Plates make great hostess gifts and teacher gifts with a dozen homemade cookies.

It's party time!

Bring on the party, people - La Plates is ready to go! This insulated party bucket is a must for entertaining. Our coolers do not leak or sweat and help keep your beverages cold. Features include a pocket on each side for stashing cocktail napkins and an attached bottle opener. Available in navy (shown), red, green, royal and black. Personalize with monogram or text. Checkout our La Plates Accessories today!
Think tailgates, parties, gifts for friends and family...everyone likes their bevies chilled, right?!

I'm inspired!

Not only is a weekend away good for clearing the mind, but also to find inspiration for work. I didn't have to travel far from my host home to find everything I needed to freshen up La Plates. My hostess mentioned something about gypsies, but I found all the patterns welcoming, motivating and perfect...I can't wait for the next invite to the beach!

Throughout the home I couldn't get enough of the fabulous patterns

Pillows brought out amazing colors in each room

Fabric covers walls, beds and closet doors under this roof

In my real world, I'm a little land locked...the landscapes at the beach were beautiful and inspiring

Piggy banks, staircases, ceilings and orchids can be inspiration, if you just take a minute to see them...

Girls' Weekend

Re-entry into motherhood and the working world has been a tough one! I can't get over what fun I had with old friends...my sides were hurting from laughing so hard. We figured out we have been friends for 16 years, one of us from Greenwich, CT...one of us from Indianapolis...one of us from Dooley County, GA. Sea Island (Junior Staff) brought us together all those years ago and it rounded us up again this weekend - what fun! I tried to capture photos of some of the new buildings during our adventures. Enjoy-

The new Sea Island Beach Club entrance

As you walk into the Beach Club

A view of the Beach Club, walking up to the Loggia Bar

The view out the backyard of the lovely host home.

Heading out on a bike ride to explore - yes, that is a white bike and it's named Grace Kelley!

Relaxing by the pool after a long bike ride, the pomeranian was not thrilled to be sharing his kingdom!

Although I didn't take a lot of photos while out and about dining, we did have fabulous meals. I highly recommend the following: Big George's (The Beach Club), Halyard's, Delaney's and my favorite for breakfast or lunch - The 4th of May. Be sure to order a cup of the seafood gumbo, squash casserole and a biscuit with honey. If you haven't had a weekend with your friends, take a break and plan a gathering today - it does a world of good!

A hostess gift for the tough to buy for...

This weekend I'm heading to the beach for a La Plates trunk show and a girls' weekend. When reviewing what to buy my hostess, I was at a loss. Then I spoke with Jill at Sew Divine. She mentioned that she had a variety of colors in linen tea towels and she could monogram them with anything.

Here's the traditional vine monogram

and the nickname of the hostess' lovely home!

I'll be back next week with details of The Tortoise and the Hare, Saint Simons Island trunk show...and I'm sure some Sea Island photos.