The One with the Die Hards - Square Dance Edition

So I know I am a little behind with this post. Almost a month in fact, but I still couldn't let it pass without writing something about what my cousin Melissa calls one of her favorite holiday parties every year.

The 2013 Square Dance Crew 

Each year my parents host our Annual Square Dance on Memorial Day Weekend at their house in upstate New York. Dan and I fly back faithfully from California every year to partake in the festivities which include softball, a bonfire, BBQ, beer Olympics and yes, an actual square dance. We have a local square dance band from the area come up to call and teach our friends and family to dance, although for the repeat offenders we have almost memorized all the dances.

Dominique, an OG veteran, and Sarah, a 2013 Rookie,  getting their dance on. 

Usually the weather is warm and pleasant. Unfortunately this year was the coldest and wettest Memorial Day to date. It rained all day and was cold enough for us to see our breath. We also had one hell of a mud pit going. This resulted in the bonfire and softball game being cancelled, but we still all railed and enjoyed the BBQ, beer and dancing. And I have to say one thing about our guests this year, they can only be described as the die hards.

Just a few classic veterans
From L to R: Uncle Marc, Aunt Bern, Dan, Kristen and I

While this was kind of a bummer dance for me as I was a week out of surgery, I still found a way to rock one Virginia Reel and still had a great time with all my friends.

Me attempting to dance

For Dan an I it was almost like a mini reunion with a huge 10 of our 14 person wedding party being present.

Some of my fabulous bridesmaids.
From L to R: Suzanne, Kristen, Sarah, Dominique, Me and Jackie

At least we got knocked out a bad year and are back on the good weather karma train. Looking forward to next May!

Love this girl!

What I'm Wearing... 4th of July Edition

I am so ready for the 4th of July to be here! I cannot believe it's only a week away. Since we live less than a mile from the beach, our plans are pretty straight forward every year. We start with a beach day and end up brunching at the pier with mimosas and then playing flip cup later in the day at Poop  Deck.

What I'm Wearing... 4th of July Edition by preppy-lizzy featuring a bikini swim suit

Because we are so laid back, my outfit needs to reflect that and also be easy to transition day to evening when the temperature drops a little. That is why I love my Lilly tunic!! It's the best piece and the color is spectacular!

What are your plans for the 4th?

New Color Obsession: Port!

I am absolutely obsessing over this color after I saw Coach featuring the fall handbag line in the window this week. I honestly am so ready to wear this color constantly. I am particuarly in love with the Coach Wendy flats.

Love Love Loving... The Color Port by preppy-lizzy featuring chino shorts

Has anyone every bought Coach shoes? Are the comfortable??

Our First Giveaway: TSB Design!

There is no monetary requirements to enter this giveaway. The winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of the rafflecopter closing and the prize will be shipped directly to the winner after they select the color thread they would like. The winner will be selected at random by the Raffelcopter widget. You can gain multiple entries for each task you complete. This post was sponsored by TSB Design by offering a prize; I did not receive any additional compensation. All opinions and content are my own.
TSB Design and their amazing owner Sarah are proud to bring the first Giveaway to Headbands and Bagels. Sarah is a good friend of mine and has done some amazing pieces for me. She is a one woman show and does everything herself. If you check her out on Facebook here, you can see all her amazing work, but she also does custom work if you are interested in getting something you help to design.

The Nut Wrap
Photo Credit: TSB Design

Mixed Metal Necklace - My Next Piece
Photo Credit: TSB Design

I have used TSB Design for dozens of birthday and holiday gifts and they never fail to disappoint. Here are a few of my favorite pieces that Sarah has created for me. I should also note that she uses only quality materials and strives to make sure her customers are always happy. Sarah is even offering all readers 25% off all orders via her Facebook page through the end of July. Make sure to mention Headbands and Bagels when you place your order.

Green Turquoise Statement Necklace -
Custom Designed for my Sister for Christmas
Photo Credit: TSB Design

Painted Wood Beads
Photo Credit: TSB Design

Swarovski Crystal Neckalce -
My mom loved mine so much I had to get her one too
Photo Credit: TSB Design

I am so excited to offer an amazing giveaway today of one of TSB's most popular sellers, the Nut Wrap. Its a great little bracelet that can also be converted to wear as a necklace. They come in dozens of colors and our winner will be able to select the color of their choice. I have one in hot pink and I bought my sister one in lime green. Some of my other friends have teal and grey. The great thing is that you can pick the color that rings most true to your personality.

The Many Colors of the Nut Wrap
Photo Credit: TSB Design

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also don't forget that TSB Design is offering 25% off to all blog readers on orders placed via her Facebook page when you mention Headbands and Bagels through July. Thanks TSB Design!

Save Some Cash - Email Save the Dates

As I realize I am quickly approaching my one year wedding anniversary (Dan and I tied the knot last September) and I have multiple weddings coming up that I am helping with, I realized it may be time to share some insights I learned during my own wedding planning process.

One of the biggest things every wedding has to deal with (with the exception of celebrities) is a budget. I was extremely lucky in that my parents threw Dan and I an amazing wedding with little cost to Dan and I, but I still had to be cognisant of the budget and make smart decisions. Did I want to spend more on flowers or photography? Did I want to splurge on my dress and scrimp on the accessories? Would it be a kick ass DJ or band? Did I want to cut the food and drink budget for great wedding invitations? There are so many little bits and pieces that start taking chunks out of a wedding budget and because I knew I wanted to throw an amazing day of party, I figured I needed to save money on some more frivolous items. The first major cut, doing any sort of fancy Save the Date.

I was amazed at how much each individual save the date costs. Not only are you worried about printing them, but postage for a big wedding adds up fast. We all currently live in the age of technology where party invites come via Evite or Facebook, not the mail and while I knew I would send out wedding invitations (I saved money there using my computer design skills to make my own - more to come on that another post), I figured Save the Dates could easily be emailed!

I quickly did a search on Etsy for Save the Dates as I had not yet undertaken designing my wedding invitations, and came across a great vendor in Australia who designed a great graphic Save the Date with our specific wedding colors and all for a total of $5. Seriously $5 is all I spent on my Save the Dates and I still think they turned out great.

Designed by Etsy Shop HermiasWishes

And the best part of all? You get to save money for something else important, like thanking your awesome wedding party....

What's On My Kindle? - May 2013

What's Been on my Kindle? - May 2013

What's On My Kindle? by preppy-lizzy on Polyvore

The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy

I have to say I am super glad I finished the book. Made up of five sections and spanning approximately four generations of Forsytes, this storyline was rich and full of life. The story focuses specifically on the descendants of Jolyon Forsyte and James Forsyte (brothers), especially Jolyon's son, Young Joylon, and his children June, Holly, Joloyn (Jolly) and Joylon (Jon) and James' son, Soames, and his daughter Fleur. Young Joylon's children himself while part of one Forsyte generation, span what would commonly be known as three generations in most families. It spans the decades from old world Victorian lifestyles to post World War I and shows the change in perception of old money to new money lifestyles. Overall the book is very interesting and a great option for someone looking to read a novel of more epic proportions.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is honestly my all time favorite book. I first read it in middle school and F. Scott Fitzgerald has since then been my favorite author. I have devoured everything he has ever written but still Gatsby has my heart. I am looking forward to seeing Baz Luhrman's reinterpretation of Gatsby on screen and Leo as the man himself. I hope the modernized version brings new fans to The Great Gatsby and F. Scott Fitzgerald as an author. Welcome to the fold new F.Scott fans!

Sweet Tooth by Ian Mcewan
I am about a 40% done and totally loving it so far. Will fill you in more about the story of a young female MI5 agent in the 1970's during the June review! Until then keep reading!