The next stop was P.F. Chang’s. This was my first time dining at  P. F. Chang’s and I was immediately impressed: elegant decor and yummy food. An attentive wait staff  brought out a variety of tasty treats including Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps,  Spring Rolls, and my personal favorite, the crispy Crab Wontons. I am looking forward to eating here again.

delish lettuce wraps

Perfectly cooked crab wontons

After P. F. Chang’s, I headed to Stoney River Steak House for some delicious appetizers including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Shrimp on Toast Points,  Ahi Tuna Roll, and my favorite, Mountain of Bleu Cheese Chips. I enjoyed Stoney River’s friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a great restaurant for date night.

Appetizers at Stoney River

Finally I topped off a delightful evening by sampling cheesecakes at the Cheese Cake Factory. So good!

mmmm.....cheesecake

• Preppy Halloween Costumes
• Spring to Summer Prep Picks
• UK Prep
• The Polo Dress
• Casual College Interviews
• Preppy Guide to the Beach
• Styling the School Uniform
• Internship Attire
• Fall Fashion
• The Wedding

• Magazine Subscription – Yes, it will not arrive for another 4 to 6 weeks, but if you run to the local bookstore you can buy the latest issue. Wrap it up with a cute handmade gift certificate and you are golden.
• Cheese Basket – Everyone loves cheese, package it in a cute basket with a pretty ribbon. This also works with chocolate.
• Photography Collage – Cut up photos, add captions and decorative elements to personalize it. Place it in a cute frame.
• Wine – Hello discount liquor store. Just remember to wrap it up!
• Vintage Anything – Check out the local second-hand store, lots of great treasures waiting to be found, just make sure you get a receipt.
• Journals – Buy a pretty journal and pen from the bookstore.
• Gourmet Coffee Basket – Buy two coffee cups and pair with some great coffee.
• Use your talents – Knit a scarf, paint a painting (but only if you are good at it).

Just remember in this season of giving, it is truly the thought that counts. Happy Holidays!

Happy Father's Day

How do you say thank you to your Dad? If you are still searching for a great Father’s Day gift, here are a few ideas.

• Polo Shirt – Dad can never have enough!
• a  good book
• Nantucket Reds – the essence of preppy
• Baseball Tickets – a great way to spend time with your Dad this summer
• A nice bottle of Scotch
• Golf Balls, Tennis Balls, Fishing Equipment, Sports Apparel – who doesn’t like to have fun?
• Vineyard Vines Tie
• Dozen Steamed Crabs or a Steak or Lobster Dinner – a favorite meal
• DVDs – his favorite “old” movies
• A Lawn Service – Who wants to mow the lawn on their special day?

I hope you and your family have a fantastic Father’s Day!

Baltimore's infamous Preakness Stakes. Photo by Boboroshi

In Baltimore, on the third Saturday of May, you can usually find a huge conglomerate of preps gathered at the infield of Pimlico, home of the Preakness Stakes. The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, with horses running 1 3/16 miles, or 9½ furlongs, competing for prize money and a replica of the gorgeous Woodlawn Vase. The original Woodlawn Vase, created by Tiffany, is on display at the Baltimore Museum of Art and is valued at over 4 million dollars. I like to visit it on a regular basis : )

The Woodlawn Vase

Preps convene to watch the races, get a sun tan, and drink some beer. No longer a big BYOB bash, and now, horrors of horrors a bikini contest to boot, the appeal of Preakness has waned for many. This year, the Kegasus, half man, half horse, may scare away the few remaining infield goers. But even without the preptastic party, Preakness has a long tradition in Baltimore, stretching back to 1873. Away from the noisy infield, you can still find ladies in gorgeous hats  and the horsey set sipping more respectable beverages.

and now Penny…
I always have a hard time watching horse racing or any other type of animal racing, being the proud owner of  a small “horse,” Pencil a.k.a. Penny. Most recently, Barbaro, a beautiful thoroughbred, shattered his leg racing the  heartbreaking 2006 Preakness. Pimlico renamed one of the Preakness Day races the Barbaro Stakes in honor of the beautiful horse. So please keep your fingers crossed, hopefully no horses will be hurt racing the Triple Crown this year.

Who Me? Penny checking out the scene at the AVAM kinetic sculpture race.

Lime Green, I can't get enough of it!

My most recent clothing spurge, a navy blue mini skirt from the J. Crew Factory Store and lime green cotton sweater from J. Crew, paired with a few silver bracelets and a Kate Spade clutch.

hydroponic basil

Who knew you could buy hydroponic basil at the grocery store? Look whose not buying packaged basil any longer.

Beach Bags
I must have the beach on the brain, why else would I buy, not one, but two of the Calypso St. Barth Collection beach bags.

Love this fabric wrapped tote from Target

For the Bling Bling Beach Bum, the Sequin Beach Bag

And while I was at Target, I couldn’t resist picking up some new placemats.

Fun Placemats from Target

Happy Shopping!

• Lilly Stationary – Only the best for Mom
• Polo Shirts – So Mom can have one in every color. I  personally love the beachy polos from COAST.
  

  Super-soft Winyah Polo by COAST

• Flip flops – Who doesn’t need an extra pair?
• The Calypso Collection from Target – Island inspired knick knacks, clothing, and tableware, just in time for Mother’s Day
• Tote Bags – You can never have enough!
  

  ...One more way to look stylish at the grocery store by June15

• Photobooks – Snapfish, Blurb, Shutterfly – a great way to showcase your favorite family photos
• A Potted Plant – lasts longer than flowers! Add a grosgrain ribbon and a painted pot for some preppy appeal.

Here’s to our Moms!

• Take time each day to appreciate Mother Nature
• Get my thesis topic approved!!!
• Stop worrying (or at least try)
• Clean out my closets
• Start my rooftop vegetable garden
• Now that the days are longer, fit in more time for exercise.
• Finally, write more blog posts!

So what are yours? ; )

Mr. Hopity