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More Excitement for the Royals

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It looks like we will all be treated to a much anticipated wedding this spring as Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of the future Queen of England, will be tying the knot! The lucky guy is James Matthews, a hedge fund manager (I did say he was a lucky guy), and a sports enthusiast, particularly, running, swimming, skiing and cycling. He has been photographed on the slopes with Pippa. No word on whether he plans on playing polo like his former classmates at Eton College, Prince William, and Prince Harry.

Reports are circulating that Pippa wants a modest, quiet ceremony at her family’s hometown village church. This may be difficult given the public’s appetite for all things concerning the extended royal family. And then we must consider the paparazzi, who will ensure that it will be anything but quiet. The anticipation is already starting to mount. What will her gown look like? Who will be the designer chosen? The Daily Mail reports that their source says “the gown will have an elegant train and a veil, just like Kate. No puffballs, but she adores lace and long sleeves”.

What will the bridesmaids wear? Kate won’t be a bridesmaid because to do so would be in opposition to British tradition that directs that bridesmaids should be unmarried and be younger than the bride. Kate and William’s children, three-year-old George and 17-month-old Charlotte, have reportedly been chosen to be the pageboy and flower girl.

Pippa was a real star at Kate’s wedding, so who will emerge as the rising star at Pippa’s? It is thought that Kate will try to remain as low key as she can to not steal the limelight from her sister on the biggest day of her life. And a big day for all of us as well. Can’t wait!

We know that tradition does dictate that British designers will be used for the bespoke clothing however, we can’t help but wonder whether some of our flower girl dresses from The Royal Collection.

wouldn’t fit the bill!!  Oh well, we can dream.

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Fun Things to Know About Valentine’s Day….

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The story of Valentine’s Day began in the third century in Rome with the emperor Claudius II.   He was persecuting Christians and made it a capital crime for Romans to even associate with them. One story says that one of the Christians imprisoned was named Valentinus.

While in prison, Valentinus became friendly with his jailer, who saw that he was an educated man. The jailer asked Valentinus if he would impart some of his wisdom to his daughter, Julia, who was blind since birth.   He taught her history, science, math and told her about Christianity. She came to understand the world differently, but wanted to see it. She began to pray for sight with Valentinus’ encouragement and one day while she was visiting him in his cell there was a sudden brilliant flash of light. Julia exclaimed, “I can see!”

The night before he was to be executed, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, asking her to continue her bond with God.   He signed it, “From your Valentine”, instituting a tradition that continues to this day. Hand-made paper cards made their first appearance in Europe during the Middle Ages on each February 14, Saint Valentine’s Day. Chaucer and Shakespeare helped raised the profile of this romantic day. Now messages of love are exchanged around the world. In 1913, Hallmark Cards of Kansas City, Mo., began mass producing Valentines. According to the Greeting Card Association, 25% of all cards sent each year are Valentines.

Have you ever seen some of those cards?  WOW they are beautiful! “To my Valentine.” Color card, 1890. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.:

Color card, 1890. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Then as a kid, these are the kinds I used to give out in grammar school.

Image result for valentines cards from the 1890

Some historic events that took place on Valentine’s Day:

In 1962 a young First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy showed off the White House. She wore a Valentine’s Day red dress and a triple strand of pearls for a huge nationwide television audience. She gave the country a tour of the recently refurbished White House, which she had supervised. Mrs. Kennedy displayed her knowledge of the arts as she described the presidential mansion’s historic portraits, antiques and furnishings. Her engaging efforts earned her an honorary Emmy Award and helped her further cultivate her place in the hearts of Americans.

On Valentine’s Day in 1876 Alexander Graham Bell applied for a telephone patent. As the country celebrated its 1ooth birthday, Bell just barely filed his application with the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C., before Elisha Gray filed his intention for a patent for his version of a telephone. As everyone knows, Bell was awarded the patent and his invention has been used countless times on Valentine’s Day and every other day throughout the year to convey messages of love between sweethearts all over the world.

Now that it’s the new year, I have to get going on my MOG responsibilities….

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I suppose it hasn’t really hit me until just recently that my son is getting married.  It still seems strangely odd that I am actually going to go through all the motions of preparing for his big day with his lovely Juanita.  Throughout the past 5 months I have been saying “after the New Year” and remember my previous post about being the Great Procrastinator, well it is true.  I always wrap my head around something and then I am all over it.  SO I think the all-over response just clicked in.  I have been thinking about the rehearsal party that I would like to have in Lake Tahoe because it’s on many of my sibling’s bucket list to visit, and the planning responsibilities that will entail as it will be long distance.  My goal is to make this a special water day of sorts so I have been weighing the idea of boat rentals and a beach picnic of some kind SO for any of you that know what is called Inverness Village, HELP.

Rehearsal Party Invites

I also managed to find musicians for the ceremony (which is being held in Reno NV) because my family is very musical.  My son was like, ” I want some guitar or something new age”, but this is something, actually the only thing I won’t budge on, in honor of my parents that brought music into our lives.  It’s funny, when I was married some 30+ years ago, my husband came from a family of printers and while I was picking out the most beautiful invitations, my Mother-In-Law-to-be said she would only accept us using engraved invitations and honestly, I understand now.  SO for my parents, I found a wonderful string quartet. Although I am staying out of most of the wedding planning because I am just the MOG, at least I have input to the music which, if the Hyland’s know anything, it’s music.  My brother will sing “Our Father” as a tribute to my mom, a wonderful lyrical soprano who trained not only at USC but with some of the best vocal teachers in and around New York.  It is going to kill us siblings, but for us, a wedding or funeral isn’t the same unless we hear it.  And for my father, who was such a fantastic influence in all of our musical backgrounds,  I have already corresponded with and can’t wait to hear TheStringBeings.com.  For the rest of preparations, it’s okay if I don’t get a say…. after all, this is something that Juanita and her mom have dreamed about her whole life I am sure.  What is nice however is that she is a wonderful daughter-in-law to be and Jim and I couldn’t imagine better.

For the rest, well, as I start to work on the children’s wear sketches for the wedding, I will bring my ideas to them on paper.  I also said there was no limit to the number of kids in or around the wedding (cousin dressing and so forth) but I just need to know the colors.  ANYHOW – I am working on some ideas and surprises for them both.  In the meantime….

I thought this a great idea for my son’s wedding. We still haven’t designed the flower girl dresses or suits for the wedding, but they are going to be SUPER special, but I thought that we may use this idea for my nieces, should we coax the little darlings into making their first flower girl appearance.
Flower girl wagon

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I stumbled on this FANTASTIC blog today filled with great ideas for DIY

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I was poking around Pinterest today (because procrastination is my middle name,) designing my dream house and was looking for some alternatives to a marble slab in the kitchen.  I saw this post and admittedly, have a new go to blog to read.  So, instead of getting out of bed, I spent a good two hours reading one post after the other….. so, get your email account ready and sign up at this fantastic blog called ClassyGlamLiving.com

And because it’s Super Bowl Sunday, I thought of the commercial with the beer vs. woman’s closet – you know the one where the ladies are squealing when they see their friend’s new closet but the guys are hollering when they see the man’s “guy’s closet full of beer.”  I’m sorry, NOTHING is better than this closet!  I recommend reading from the start to finish of all of her posts!

DIY Closet found on ClassyGlamLiving.com

ClassyGlamLiving.com

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The Inauguration and Fashion

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Today we witnessed the pageantry of the Inauguration where the very best of our unique American Republic was on display. The peaceful transition of power we witness with every new administration with all three branches of government and both political parties participating is exciting to see. We are also excited to see the fashion choices of the First Ladies and former First ladies and their children over the years. Of course, we notice the children, such as the Trump grandchildren who looked adorable this time, and the Obama sisters last time and Amy Carter back in 1976.

But the First Ladies are the real stars. John F. Kennedy once said “Two years ago, I introduced myself in Paris by saying that I was the man who had accompanied Mrs. Kennedy to Paris. I am getting somewhat that same sensation as I travel around Texas. Nobody wonders what Lyndon and I wear. “Everyone talked about what Jackie wore. The most fashionable of all First Ladies, Jackie Kennedy wore a cloth coat when almost all the women around her were in fur coats, standard for ladies at the time. The contrast made her stand out even more than she usually did. She remains the standard bearer for White House fashion. First Ladies in modern times have used American designers for Inauguration Day activities, which are a celebration of America.  Mrs. Obama used J Crew for the girls and chose Jason Wu, a US based label, for herself.  We always admired the fact the Royal Family, particularly the Queen and Princess Kate use British designers almost exclusively and are certain that this will be the rule with our new First Lady.

Melania Trump looked stunning during the day in a sky-blue outfit designed by Ralph Lauren. She may be the only First Lady before or since to come anywhere close to the fashion icon status enjoyed by Jackie Kennedy, although we think she will never be eclipsed. Melania struck an equally outstanding figure in her gorgeous evening gown for the Inauguration Balls. High fashion on a day of high pageantry.  At the Inaugural ball, Mrs. Trump wore a gown by Herve Pierre who was a former designer and creative director for companies like Vera Wang and most recently, Carolina Herrera.  We are looking forward to seeing what designers she uses in the future and with luck, is there a future White House Wedding?  (Hello, Tiffany Trump, you and my son both attended the University of Pennsylvania, President Trump’s and Pop Pop Hyland’s alma-mater (both Wharton) as well.  Pegeen Flower girls look great at a wedding!)

Made in America

American designers such as Pegeen.com are known for their attention to detail.

American designers, such as Pegeen.com, are part of the new revolution that has been set by the former and current 1st Ladies.  The newest slogan we love  “Buy American, Hire American”.

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Design Shop | Pegeen ~ Located 1 mile from Disney World, Selling online and shipping worldwide. Call us for design help! 407-928-2377

Pegeen.com Weekend Design Studio

Pegeen.com Weekend Design Studio

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Kirk Douglas, American Icon Celebrates His 100th

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Screen legend Kirk Douglas celebrated his 100th birthday last month with his family, including his wife of more than 60 years, Anne. I can’t decide which is more remarkable, the fact that Mr. Douglas made it to his 100th birthday or the fact that a Hollywood marriage could last for over 60 years. I can count on one hand the instances I can remember of both.

“I was lucky enough to find my soulmate 63 years ago, and I believe our wonderful marriage and our nightly ‘golden hour’ chats have helped me survive all things,” he writes in celebrity magazine Closer Weekly. Douglas has survived his share of tragedies, including the death of his son from an overdose of drugs and alcohol, a midair crash between his helicopter and a plane, and a stroke which has left him with a severely curtailed ability to speak. His wife, Anne, his faith, his family and his rise from poverty and subsequent hard work during a stellar career, which included three Oscar nominations for best actor, gave him the strength to rise above these challenges. His son Michael, also an actor, wrote: “I think his stamina and tenacity are the qualities that stand out for me. He has taught me always to give it your best shot at whatever you take on. He’s the full package.”

Since the stroke limited his acting roles, he and his wife turned their attention to philanthropic work, mostly feeding the homeless and repairing and refurbishing playgrounds in Los Angeles. They say keeping busy will keep you young and they make a strong case for that axiom.  I think it is beautiful in the world of Hollywood that such a long and lasting marriage shows their deep love and commitment.

And yes, I am also one who has outlasted many of my friends, and my wife’s friends, marriages.  I can hardly believe that we have been married over 30 years, (almost 32 this year) and work together every day, 24/7, as partners in our business, Pegeen.com. Some people would consider that fact to be remarkable, but even more remarkable might be that this was not the career path either of us imagined when we were in college but I know I can’t imagine my life any other way.  I don’t have words of wisdom, just that both of us give in, a lot, to each other.  And plenty of wine.

Celebrating 30+ Years

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