Blog Hop Friday!

I am participating in Blog Hop Friday hosted by Maryland Pink and Green and Shopaholic in Alabama.  Help me increase my follower count so I can celebrate with a giveaway!! 

iPad Help

Apple

I have recently been debating purchasing an iPad. I think they are a great product. Some people describe them as a glorified iPhone but I think they are can do much more.

Here are some things that I think are great about them. As a college student, I would love to purchase e-book subscriptions so I can have my textbooks at my disposal whenever, wherever, without toting around many HEAVY books. I have considered the Barnes and Noble Nook and the Amazon Kindle, but I think the iPad suits my uses more. I LOVE the big screen and that I can do more than read books. I can use it as a digital picture frame. They are super portable and I can do work on the road (that is, if someone else drives!).

Of course, if I am getting one of these bad boys, I need it to have the 3G capabilities. Otherwise, I don't see the point because I could only use it at Wi-Fi hotspots. So that just increased the price. I also need to determine what size. I have an 8GB iTouch, that I am no where close to filling. I have also had other iPods over the years that I haven't managed to fill. But I will be putting much larger files on this. I'm thinking the 32GB but maybe I need the 64GB.

When the iPads were first launched, I said I was waiting for the second generation, seeing as Apple releases a second one fairly soon after the first. But now I am envious, and I WANT. But should I wait?

I need your help! If you have an iPad or know anyone that does send them my way.

xxoo, Jones

Pink & Green Thursday

A few weeks back Trish at Preppy Pink Lilly Lover asked me to participate in Pink & Green Thursday. Last week was so busy, I didn't get a chance to post anything. So I am making it up this week!

I am just dying over these iPhone covers, but sadly I don't own an iPhone. You can pre-order them from The Colorful Gator.

This preppy pink and green Kiel James Patrick would be a great addition to my wardrobe. I am sure it would go with most everything in my closet!

These earrings from Fitz and Frannie are just darling. They are available in many color combinations and are priced well.

I can't wait for August to come around. Granted it mens school will be starting (not looking forward to that!) but I will be able to use my new Lilly Pulitzer planner. This year Lifeguard Press put together an academic format. I'm sure just one look at this beauty will cheer me up during class. You can also pre-order this from The Colorful Gator!

Scout Bags by Bungalow & Co. are my favorite. These reusable bags are so cute and preppy! They come in many colors and patterns to suit everyones needs and can hold many Publix reusable bags. There are different sizes depending on your use, even insulated lunch bags! They are so make storage bins in a variety of sizes.

xxoo, Jones

Tisket Tasket

I can't remember when I first saw the Elliot shirt dress in Hotty Pink Tisket Tasket, but when I did, I knew I just HAD to have it. The Colorful Gator ordered the Tisket Tasket print in other items, so they tried to order the dress for me. But this beauty was sold out almost immediately.

Jump forward a few weeks. I visited a corporate Lilly store near home, but I never saw the dress while browsing the store. I had my mom ask while I was trying on a few pieces. The sweet sales girl said they were fresh out. And then she said, wait there is one left and it was my size! I kind of think this dress was meant to be mine(they were just about to close too!).

I just love the way Lilly's Elliot shirt dresses fit. They are so comfortable and casual yet super cute. I love that they have a sash for the waist. Cinches perfectly! And it is PINK!


xxoo, Jones

Easy Sangria

I promised a few days ago a Sangria recipe.  It is so easy to make.  You can make it strong or weak to your taste preference.  There is white and red Sangria, but I tend to lean towards red.

A little history about Sangria.  Sangria is popular is Spain because it is cheap and easy to get drunk off (perfect party drink!) and easy to make.  It is all about cheap.  Don't use your good bottles of wine.  You also want to use a large clear pitcher.  It makes for a pretty display.  I have a nice set of Mexican blown glasses.

So here it is:

This is what I usually use.  You can use any fruit you like!  Raspberries are good, too.  Experiment! the possibilities are endless.  The longer it sits the more fruity it tastes.  Don't add the Sprite until your ready to serve it (so it doesn't go flat!). 

Try it and let me know what you think!  This last batch I whipped up was amazing with the fajitas.

xxoo, Jones 

Independence Day

Today, I will be celebrating our Nation's Independence along with many of you.  I will be spending most of my day poolside.  Our community is having a TEA party before the fireworks, that I will be attending with my family.  Wishing you and yours a very happy Fourth of July.

I will be spending most of my day in a Lilly bikini.  But afterwards I will be sporting the Cedar Knit dress in Bright Navy Lines and Vines, with a white Caroline cardigan (for when the sun sets), Lilly Wedges and pearls!  I can't forget my newest addition to my Longchamp collection, thanks Mom!

($218)

($98)

($178)

($98; Navy)

I can't wait to add my monogram to this little beauty.  But for the Fourth of July, it will look perfect! 

Remember to take a moment and thank those who have served our Nation.  Without them we would loose our freedom! 

xxoo, Jones

A Mexican Night at Home

I hate to bore you with more recipes, but this another one to pass on!

I love Martha Stewart.  While her recipes can be involved and tedious they are very good.  Last night I made Martha Stewart's Spicy Fajitas with steak, but I imagine you could make this with chicken or your choice of meat.  It is very simple and I used only one pan.  I also served refried bean and Mexican rice.

-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1/2 teaspoon coriander
-coarse salt and ground pepper
-1 pound skirt steak, cut into 3-4 pieces
-2 red bell peppers, seeds and ribs removed, sliced thinly
-1 red onion, halved and sliced thinly
-1 to 2 jalapeno chiles, ribs and seeds removed, sliced thin lengthwise (I omitted these)
-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
-8 flour tortillas
-sour cream, cheese, lime wedges for serving

Combine cumin, coriander, two teaspoons coarse salt and one-half teaspoon ground pepper.  Rub all over steaks.  Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat; add steaks.  Cook two to four minutes per side for medium-rare.  Transfer to cutting board and tent with aluminum foil.  Allow to rest for five minutes minimum.  Reduce heat to medium; add bell peppers, chiles and onion; season with salt and pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally until crisp, approximately eight to ten minutes.  Stir adding lime juice.  Slice steaks thinly.  Warm tortillas in microwave.  Serve with vegetables.  Enjoy!

I also served a red Sangria with it, but that recipe deserves its own post!

xxoo, Jones

Prayer