He's Back! Brad Goreski's "It's a Brad Brad World" Coming to Bravo

He's Back! Brad Goreski's "It's a Brad Brad World" Coming to Bravo: "Yes! Yes! Yes! Brad Goreski, the former assistant to star stylist Rachel Zoe, is getting his own docu-series 'It's A Brad Brad World' (that's the working title at least) this year on, but of course, Bravo. We can't wait to watch our favorite spectacled trendsetter as he strikes it out on his own at such high-stakes venues as Paris fashion week and the Cannes film festival, all while trying to keep his personal life in order. Will his first year on his own be a success? According to Bravo's official release, 'as usual, all eyes are on Mr. Brad Goreski… but this time, he’s got everything at stake.' A tad dramatic, sure, but we'll certainly be watching, Brad. FEAR!"

Window Shopping Wednesday: The Cup

If you don't know what this weekend holds, then you are either: A) not from South Carolina or B) burrowed away in a hole somewhere.  That's right ladies and gentlemen, its time for South Carolina's most popular steeplechase event, The 2011 Carolina Cup, come hell or high water (usually high water).

For those of you who don't know, the attire is simple with few requirements.  These requirements consist of brightly colored spring dresses, sunhats, extra large Jackie O sunglasses, oxford shirts, and bow ties. 

Of course I am here to give you my outfit of choice.

For starters, I am beyond in love with this kate spade dress (and several others) & it would be perfect for this weekend.

kate spade new york "Jillian" Striped Bow-Front Dress

add some accessories

statement necklace

straw sun hat

If you've been to the cup you've learned not to wear a good pair of shoes.  They will get ruined.  Cute flats are the way to go for this event.  Since it is the cup, why not be completely preppy with a pair of monogrammed Jacks?

Jack Rogers

questions, comments, concerns?

I just know it, this is the one!

Its another Monday and I miss The Bachelor.  I love The Bachelor and any other dopey, never going to last, dating show.  I like them because, honestly, it makes me feel good about myself and my relationship (while giving me something to tweet about of course).  I also like them because it is the only reality TV that John Eric will hang around and watch with me.  I don't think he really likes it but he does really like to make fun of it.  Every season of The Bachelor he walks around the house going, "Oh, this is the one!  This is the one!", making fun of us sappy girls for always thinking it is the one.  I have to admit that when that comes out of his mouth it really does make us sound so silly.

Really think about it and take a minute to laugh at yourself.  You know you have told your friend (or your dog, or mirror) that "this could be the one."  You practiced how your new name would look, how it would sound, how your initials would look monogrammed on bath towels, and so forth.  You probably even tested out the kid names you have always dreamed of...just to make sure it wasn't playground poking worthy.  Keep laughing.  I know...Its just plain silly.  But its also just plain fun and it feels so good - no matter what age.  

The guys know we do this and they think this whole concept is just ridiculous.  But we can't help ourselves...and we can't help ourselves for two reasons:

A)  We were made this way.

B)  We all spent too much time as little girls hiding under the card table of our mother's weekly bridge club listening to them tell their stories of when they met Mr. Right.

Its inevitable.  We walk around like a hawk crossing our talons that the next guy to ask for your number is "the one".  We want him to be the one so we can not only have comfort in knowing we don't have to go another date and order just a side salad with only one glass of wine, but also so that we can tell our grandchildren that "I just knew."  Puh-Lease.  Pass the nearest fork and gag me.  We need to stop watching Mandy Moore movies and get a real dose of reality.

Here is the reality.  You aren't going to know.  No matter how many times your BFF Sally says she knew Billy Jo was the one when he held her hair back while she puked from too much PJ at her first frat party.  Sally is probably walking around in her apron now.  And Billy Jo is probably fat.  The point is, we spend every minute of our dating history hoping that he will be the one, but more often hoping that we will be the one for him.  Yes, every minute.  Ok, maybe at least just every day.  The point I am trying to make is that we obsess over this "knowing he is the one" until he actually puts that diamond on our finger.  In some cases, that is mighty long time.

Another question: If it wasn't a diamond, would we be in such a rush to get married?  Hmmm...  That makes us all think now doesn't it.  Hahaha, just kidding. ;)  Well, maybe not.

Anyways, to wrap this all up, I want you young single gals out there to know that cupid does not have a shovel that will whack you over the head when you meet the man you will marry.  Hell, some girls don't even like their future beau when they first meet him.  He usually gets on their nerves, which in turn is actually a good thing.  Odd, but true.  Read some of my prior posts and you will see how they get on your nerves.  Annoying, yet undeniably lovable.  Its ok, we annoy them too...starting with this whole "this is the one" crap.  They hate that.  And run from it.  In case you haven't noticed.  If you haven't noticed, please go rent "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days".  

Woops, back to the wrap up.  The cupid shovel won't truly hit you until after you are married.  The old saying "hindsight is 20/20" stays true on this one.  It won't dawn on you until you are talking with an un-hitched friend of yours, and most likely trying to talk them out of a relationship you know is wrong, that you realize "Wow, I really did know!"  It really is a moment of enlightenment.  Its a surreal reflection on your relationship and you realize that from the day he entered your life it really hasn't been the same.  You realize you truly never pictured a future without him, breaking up with him was never an option, and you really did mold your life so there was a perfect place for him to fit in it.  The molding could have been as drastic as finding a new religion or just buying an extra couch.  But if you don't believe me look back on some of your past "serious" relationships.  Look at how you wanted to change so many things about that person, look at how you wanted to break up to have a little drama and feel a little love, look at the fact that you broke up and you are OK.  You can't see it now, but you will.  Like I said, Hindsight. (young grasshopper)

Oh, and one more way you will know that he is your one is that those past relationships suddenly fell out of your category of "serious".  You won't remember that it lasted 3 years and 2 days.  You won't remember what they did right.  You won't remember their AOL screen name.  You won't remember their phone number that you've remember for 10 years.  I promise you, it is the weirdest thing, but once Mr. Right  gives you that commitment all the Mr. Wrongs are erased from your memory.  We thank The Lord for Mr. Right (oh do we), but we also thank him harder that one of those other dummies wasn't our forever.  

So the next time some hag tries to tell you she just knew, look at her and say...Well, I'll let you choose what to say here.

If you think I am wrong on this, leave a comment!!  If you think I am right, leave 2.  And I feel like was a little all over the place so no I am not proofreading...again! 

Welcome to Window Shopping Wednesday

Wednesday’s are always kind of…well, blah (for lack of a better word).  Wednesday is like the middle child – not the first, not the last, just the dependable one stuck in the middle that doesn’t give you something to talk about.  I often find that a teensy bit of panic starts to hit me on this so-called Hump Day.  What is there to panic about on a Wednesday?  What to wear this weekend, DUH!

On that note, I have decided to try a new thing called Window Shopping Wednesday.  Doesn’t this sound exciting!?  Well it is to me!  We can’t have it all & we must work 40+ hours a week, so why not live vicariously through the internet?

Yes, I admit I am a major window shopper.  I surf and surf to see what I like and where I can find the best deal.  I very rarely actually buy but looking at what I want and putting it in a virtual cart makes me feel like I am making a purchase.  Or maybe I'm slightly obsessed with finding the perfect outfit to fit every occassion.  Either way, I let the cart sit there all day until I have talked myself out of clicking the ‘check out’ button.  It kind of feels like beating an addiction (well how I would imagine that would feel).  I refuse to believe that I am the only woman out there that does this.  Ahh…the bliss of retail therapy. 

Ok, here we go…the shopping adventures of Jean Marie’s wonderland…

My mind says: What are we doing this weekend?  I guess we are staying in town and will work on the houses.  Well, we were supposed to go to The Trials.  If we go, what should I wear?  What screams redneck version of The Cup?  I’ll Google the weather.  Yuck, the high is 80 with a 30% chance of isolated thunder storms.  AKA don’t wear jeans and plan to wear your hair up unless you plan on giving a Tina Turner concert.  I’m thinking a casual shirtdress (maybe I’ll belt it) and cowboy boots.  The boots could get hot, but I don’t want to tromp around through the mud or dust in any of my sandals.  Lets see what I can find.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Shirtdress
Dillard's

Motif 56 Leeora Belt
Zappos.com

add a little glitz with a simple bracelet...

Ben-Amun Gold Royalty Charm Bracelet
Max&Chloe

Hop in my boots, add Ray-Ban aviators, and I'm ready to go.  Any other suggestions?

Happy Banukkah

I’ve wanted to write a brief synopsis about this past weekend, but I haven’t been able to find the time until now.  I also wanted to wait until Lauren and Sloan posted some pictures so I could steal and use them for my blog!  Sneaky, sneaky me. 

Friday I headed down to Cherry Grove to have some much needed time with some friends and celebrate John Hanna’s Birthday!!!  Betty Cox-Smith says his birthday must be equivalent to Hanukkah since we are celebrating 8 days early.  Had I been as clever as Ms. Betty I would have prepared myself with a Menorah centerpiece for the weekend.  Don’t you worry…I will be properly equipped for next year’s Banukkah celebration.

John Grainger Hanna’s 26^th Banukkah was a success if I say so myself.  Lauren, Anna, Sloan, and I did our best to commemorate such a milestone.  Only John would think of 26 as a major milestone – in his mind it is time to amp up the anti-wrinkle defense, although I have yet to find a crevice in that lovely face of his. And the little red hat (his reference to his hair on a good day) doesn’t seem to have a glimmer of gray either.  26 was not that good to me and 27 isn’t looking promising either in the aging category.  But I view my fine lines as good memories and my few greys as a good excuse to keep my hair hi-lighted.  The husband doesn't seem to argue with that, but I haven’t quite gotten him on the botox bandwagon.  He says I watch too much of that "Bravo Housewives crap".  With a sigh I say he's probably right.

Woah…talk about a tangent.  Enough about me.  I’d rather talk about others, it’s the Southern way.  Like John Hanna says, "if you have nothing nice to say, come sit by me."  So...Saturday we prepared some hors o’doeuvres and birthday cupcakes to celebrate the 2nd day of Banukkah.  We started with a cocktail hour (or 3…actually 5 if you count prep time drinking) before heading to Fat Harold’s for some shagging.  Allow me share some pictures...

The Hostesses: Me, Sloan, Lauren, & Anna

Our setup - we did out best with what we had



A party isn't complete without presents




The hand painted pot I made for Mr. John Grainger Hanna




The hand painted wine glass I made him.  The back has his signature quote.
I can do these in most monogram styles



Will, Charles, Kevin, & JGH

The night couldn't get started without singing Happy Birthday
and blowing out a candle

How was Fat Harold's you ask?  Let's just say a certain someone was a few crow calls away from getting too personal with the landscaping.

Your tonsils are showing

I understand that I have been MIA and my avid followers (by followers, I mean like 3 of you sweet people trying to make me feel nice) are a bit upset by this.  However, I am American, so of course I have an excuse.

Unfortunately my Granddaddy Hog (aka Dick White) passed away Monday morning (3/14/11).  Stop right there & don’t even think about closing your browser!  I promise you that this will not be your typical tribute you read in the papers.  Hell, even Granddaddy’s obit wasn’t even typical…the entire thing was basically a family tree and half the names were the same!  He leaves behind a brother, 4 children, 8 grandchildren, & 1 great-grand…see what I’m saying?  After that, there wasn’t much room left to even begin to describe the kind of person he was.  It probably wouldn’t have been appropriate either.  If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you know what I mean.  If you didn’t, allow me to explain…

Stage 5 Clinger in The Bathroom

Does anybody feel like hearing a story?  No? Close your browsing session then cause I'm telling one anyways.  This one is for all the little brides to be.

In case you didn't know, we currently own 2 homes and plan to list one soon.  So we spent the entire day today cleaning the yard, washing the siding, painting the front porch, etc.  It was a fulfilling yet exhausting day.

We returned home (the one we live in -duh - #winning) just before 9 o'clock.  I was sore and dirty and wanted to take a nice relaxing bath, so I tiptoed to the back of the house hoping John Eric and Brice wouldn't notice for at least 20 minutes.  20 minutes, apparently, was too much to ask.

The minute my feet hit the fiberglass John Eric ducked his head in to see what I was doing and why I left him without telling.  I forgot to add that he is only this clingy because he was a bit buzzed from the beers he consumed - he claims they "help him paint better".  Yeah Right.  Two minutes later he was back...and pouting.  He wanted to tell me that he was going to bed and he was taking Brice.  "Ok Dear" I responded while crossing my fingers behind the curtain hoping this response would be appeasing enough.  It wasn't.  I must have double crossed.

Here he comes A THIRD TIME!  Now he wants to know why I don't care that he is going to bed and why am I ignoring him.  I finally said I do care but you are getting on my nerves so please get the your drunk [behind] out of here and stop letting all my hot air out!!!!  He finally left and went to prancing down the hall singing Daddy's drunk Brice & All She Cares about is Her Hot Air & Stage 5 Clinger in The Bathroom.

Stage 5 Clinger?  Ha, I'll show you a Stage 5 Clinger.  I decided to arm myself for his next entrance.  I flung the curtain open and sat waiting with my Sweet Honeysuckle & Orange Peel body wash in my hand.  I waited for the footsteps and bellowing to get closer.  Here  he is...the door flings open and I chunked the body wash at him.  Apparently I'm the dummy in this story because I forgot he was a baseball catcher and has much faster reflexes than myself.  Before I even released the bottle he was pulling the door shut to avoid injury.  Mother Fletcher.  There goes my favorite body wash exploding ALL OVER the bathroom that I JUST cleaned today.  Why do the men always win??  Now he's parading around the hall singing Your Mommy tried to get Your Daddy Brice & You can't beat Big Daddy Rabbit.  And there I am...in a cold bathroom without any body wash.

Why do we always lose?  I guess because we are women.  And I guess I didn't really lose because we all know that had I successfully pinged him in the forehead that I would have spent the rest of the night taking care of him and rubbing his back.  At least now he will walk around with his chest poked out feeling appreciated.  In the end that's all that matters & that's what makes a happy, loving household.

Oh yeah...the lesson for the brides to be?  Ask him to get something out of the cabinet and then throw his body wash.

Yes...locking the door works too, but then they feel locked out of your heart and they can't handle that.  Trust me. They love to suggest "Take a Mydol" every time we shed a tear, but they are much more sensitive and would rather you take the time to knock them out with a bottle of soap than be locked out of the room you are in.


I'm not proofreading, so please forgive any errors.

Keep your kankles to yourself

In case you didn't know, I LIVE for Wednesday nights!!  I don't know what excites me more - Cam from Modern Family, willingly sharing the couch & remote with my hubby, or pampering myself with an at-home pedicure.  Ok, I’ll admit it; Cam is what excites me the most!  Cause we all know I’ll have the at-salon pedicure, please.   Love the pedicure too, but hate the price?  Me too, so I lie, I'll do mine at home. 

Over the weeks I have shockingly discovered that these pedicure specialists have been holding out on us and I mean big time.  While thumbing through your Glamour magazine, how many times have you wondered: A) Are they talking about my kankles? B) Can I do this at home?  C) Does it hurt everyone’s abs to hold their foot up this long?  Answers: yes, yes, and I really hope I’m not the only one out there.  Stop the Presses! Yes I said Yes to A.  They really are talking about you…to their neighbor…in a different language.  I know we all try to convince ourselves that no, they aren't talking my kankles; they are talking about Charlie Sheen.   Nope...Sorry Ladies.  Don't believe me?  Go ask "John" (the little one with the glasses) at Season Nails on Rosewood in Columbia, SC.  He actually laughed when I asked.  Shrugged his shoulders.  Then let me in on the conversation about the lady across the room.  He also laughed really hard when I told him what kankles are.  Bastard.  I knew he thought that all along.

I'm back...well, let's hope so.

So I know my so-called "blog" has inevitably turned into another one of those latest fad things.  I started off thinking I would blog my life away, make time for it because I "enjoyed"it (like those people who enjoy running?), maybe gain some followers, etc.  But it has basically turned into my latest diet or work out routine...non-existent!!!  I have decided to challenge myself to blogging everyday for the next 2 weeks.

Everyday is A LOT and I don't plan to blog everyday of my life.  There simply isn't time for that in my 8 - 5, which usually turns into, 8 - 6:30 work days.  And don't forget the 30 minute traffic war to get there and back each day.  Oh, and exercising (yes I have developed a routine and yes feel free to cheer out loud), cleaning, laundry, packing, unpacking, paying attention to my dog, and that husband of mine, shopping, crafting, sewing, and catching some TV shows, etc.  HOW, I repeat, HOW do you ladies with full time jobs and children do it?  I will never know, well I hope to know sometime...sooner than later...just putting that out there God...in case you are listening...in case you want to send a stork to my stoop...wink wink.

I'm back...well, let's hope so.

So I know my so-called "blog" has inevitably turned into another one of those latest fad things.  I started off thinking I would blog my life away, make time for it because I "enjoyed"it (like those people who enjoy running?), maybe gain some followers, etc.  But it has basically turned into my latest diet or work out routine...non-existent!!!  I have decided to challenge myself to blogging everyday for the next 2 weeks.

Everyday is A LOT and I don't plan to blog everyday of my life.  There simply isn't time for that in my 8 - 5, which usually turns into, 8 - 6:30 work days.  And don't forget the 30 minute traffic war to get there and back each day.  Oh, and exercising (yes I have developed a routine and yes feel free to cheer out loud), cleaning, laundry, packing, unpacking, paying attention to my dog, and that husband of mine, shopping, crafting, sewing, and catching some TV shows, etc.  HOW, I repeat, HOW do you ladies with full time jobs and children do it?  I will never know, well I hope to know sometime...sooner than later...just putting that out there God...in case you are listening...in case you want to send a stork to my stoop...wink wink.