Dad's Deserve The Best

{ Via: ZsaZsa Bellagio }

Melts your heart, doesn't it? I don't know who these two are, but I can feel the love. Dads are even more special that I think they know. My own Father has been gone for 21 years, and I'd give anything to share some M & M's with him right now. Most Dads would be happy with a card and a kiss, but we can do better than that right? This post features inspired and fun finds for fathers. There's something for all budgets.

Stow London Leather Tech Case
Besides his family, most dads depend on their tech tools. This luxe leather case, keeps them all together. Personalize the case to make it his own. By the way, Moms would love this chic carryall, too.
AHAlife

Perfect For: The Tech Guy. The Frequent Flyer. 
The Commuter.

Pizzeria Pronto Outdoor Pizza Oven
Is there a dad that doesn't like pizza? I think not, or at least not too many of them. This gift delivers perfect pizzas 
in a flash.
Sur La Table

Perfect For: The Pizza Loving Dad. The Dad That Likes To Cook.  The Tailgater

Bark & Rock Notebooks
The coolest notebooks that you ever saw. Take your pick from wonderful wood or stylish stone covers. You can bet that he doesn't
 have one of these!
Amara

Perfect For: Dads Who Keep Journals. Writer Dads. Paper Loving Dads. Dads Who Take Notes.

Calistoga Rolling Beer Cooler

This Father's Day allow Dad to just chill......almost anything. Oh the places he can go with provisions for a crowd. Personalize it to make this gift even cooler.

Mark & Graham

Perfect For: Sports Fan Dads.  Road Warriors

Himalayan Salt Vertical Chicken Roaster
This big chunk of salt is actually good for you. If you don't know about health benefits of the pink salt, do the research. Cooking chicken from the inside out while imparting savory and mineral flavors, is genius. It's a gift that will keep on giving. And it's less than $30
Food 52

Perfect For: Grill Master Dads.  Chicken Lovers.  Health Conscious Dads

 Movado Bold Watch
Movado's signature Museum dot takes center stage with little else in the way of frou frou. It promises a good time for all age Dads. It's "Mr. Shop This" approved. 
Nordstrom

Perfect For: Minimalist Dads.  Dapper Dads.   

Paulo Bent Ply Leather Chair
Contemporary dads deserves a seat that is both stylish and comfortable. 
West Elm

Perfect For: Design Conscious Dads  

Tods Gommino Drivers
Please! Don't step on these blue suede shoes. Any stylish dad will love the rich suede with dyed trims, exposed handmade stitching, stamped monogram, penny bar and iconic rubber
 pebble outsole.
Tods

Perfect For: Dapper Dads.  Road Warriors.  Dads who appreciate Italian craftsmanship.

Orlebar Brown Trunks
Did your Dad look like this? Mine didn't either, however your hubby might. These terrific trunks are at the top of the class when it comes to swimwear.  Shop all of the styles at 
Neiman Marcus  and Barneys New York

Perfect For: Swimmer Dads   Dads With Pools  

Michael Kors Cooper Duffel Bag

This sporty style will go the distance.  The perforated leather adds the luxe. Most importantly, it has been reduced by $400. Dad's worth it.

Michael Kors

Perfect For: Traveling Dads.  Sporty Dads.

Looks For Sartorial Gentlemen

If your Dad prides himself on his sense of style, I know you will find something at Peter Millar. The Italian fabrications and expert tailoring, are just what the discerning dad is looking for.

Peter Millar

Perfect For: Dapper Dads. The Well Dressed Man. 

Oak Moss Dopp Kit

Oh you guys! Your guys will love this less than $50 set.  Created by those famous Beekman Boys, each product features good for them goat milk. I personally use the wipes in a different scent, and have used the soap. It's divine, and will not harm even the most sensitive skin. The wipes are great for the gym, on long flights, and on the golf course.

Beekman 1802

Perfect For: Well Groomed Men.  Natural Enthusiasts.

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Bar Cart Chic!

Saturdays At Shop This: Friendship

{ Via: Tiffany LaBelle }

I just hung up the phone with a dear friend who made me smile today......just being her. Earlier in the week, another friend sent me a little friendship gift just because. My besties warm my heart, and so I am dedicating this post to friendship.  May our friendships flourish, and let's never take them for granted.  My friend, Tiffany LaBelle, always has the perfect illustration for my my most special posts. Did you know that you can purchase her artwork? 
You will find so many of her wonderful works HERE. 
Scroll down for some friendly links.

Monica Vinader Friendship Bracelets: From ready-to-engrave friendship bracelets and delicate diamonds to statement gemstone cuffs, adorn your wrists with a selection of beautiful bracelets.
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And at a much lower price point, Madewell's Two Pack Friendship Bracelets, get the point across. It's a fun Girls Night In or Out party favor. 
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Mariposa's Friends Always Beaded Statement Tray is a sweet gift under $40.
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This Personalized Burlap Beach Bag  at Mod Party is super cute for less than $20. I know you will find other things to love at their shop, too.
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If your friends tend to lighten up their wine for the warmer months, here's a list of Chardonnay customer faves (and review notes) at Wine.com, to shop, sip, and serve. And I agree with their first choice. Cakebread Cellars makes an outstanding chard.
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So many of my friends have trouble sleeping, so I am sharing this article from GOOP:  Six tips to help you wind down at the end of the day.
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Living Coral: Pantone's color of the year is still going strong.   I must admit it isn't my favorite, probably because my Grandmother wore it all of the time. But I did pull out a cotton sweater to wear to the deck this evening. We shall see if any "friends" comment. In the meantime, Shopbop has a "Cool Coral" edit with some adorable clothing and accessories. 
Shop the edit HERE.
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Most of my friends prefer not to glow when it comes to makeup. I am quite the opposite. I like the youthful vibe of glowing skin. I also enjoyed this video at Barneys.com featuring makeup artist Gucci Westman demonstrating how to create an every day glow, sharing expert tips along the way. I know that you will agree the look is beautiful.
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Do One Thing Every Day Together: A Journal for Two. This little book is cute for couples or besties. It's a sweet and inexpensive way to bond.

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Say yes to friendship this weekend. Let a friend know that you are thinking of them. Can't you just feel
 the love above?

XOXOX
Deb
Shop This

Foodie Friday: Picnic Provisions & Recipes

{ Via: The Telegraph }

Sorry that my posts have been spotty again this week. Life!  On to Foodie Friday......Wouldn't we all love a gourmet picnic hamper hand delivered by a butler? At one time, Fortum & Mason in London did just that. I hope that they still offer this royal service.  I love a fancy picnic. And isn't a picnic a romantic date idea?Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy a stylish spread. Here's inspiration.

Summer Squash Sandwich With Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato & Herbed Ricotta
This sammi had me at avocado. A lovely list of fresh ingredients are combined together to make the prettiest sandwich. Begin with some really good bread, and enjoy. 
Honestly Yum

Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Daiquiris
Fresh and refreshing, and oh so smart. Make them ahead, freeze them, and serve. 
They will become slushy as they thaw. 
Who wouldn't want one?
The Yummy Life

 Citrus Salad with Red Onions and Marcona Almonds

Popular in Spain, this simple and colorful salad makes a great picnic side dish. Speaking of a dish....that pretty platter is on sale HERE.
Williams Sonoma

Angers Picnic Basket

Just add wine and cheese, because this basket comes with everything for a picnic for four, including a corkscrew. Love the blue weave, which makes it different. It makes 

a luxe gift.

Amara

Roast Provencal Chicken
Sometimes simple is best. And this recipe is a classic and couldn't be easier. 
Bon Appétit

Burrata and Marinated Cherry Tomato Sandwiches
Oh burrata! It is so creamy and silky and gooey. It's the perfect topping for tomatoes. This sandwich will take you to the Italian countryside. Lake Como anyone?
Saveur

Pesto Potato Salad

I am so bored by the old fashion mustard and mayo potato salad. i venture to guess that most people who serve it, get it pre-made at the market. Try something different this season. I promise that this recipe is anything but boring. Pesto makes everything interesting.
Half Baked Harvest

Strawberry Skillet Cake
made with sour cream instead of milk, this cake is rich, creamy, and custard like. It's also easy to transport because of it's low profile. Yum!
The Seaside Baker

Lavender Basil Lemonade
A classic with a twist. First of all, this lemonade looks lovely. Secondly, I bet it tastes very refreshing. And finally, it might just be a little bit better with a shot of vodka!
Half Baked Harvest

Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Lightened up with Greek yogurt, this hearty sandwich is one of the quickest, most tastiest meals you’ll ever have. 
Dam Delicious

Picnic Accessories
Bring the sunshine to your next picnic with anything from this collection ~ from chic coolers, bright baskets, to games and more ~ these accessories will get the party going.
Sunnylife

BLT Salad
This salad is very much a deconstructed BLT sandwich.  I think it is a genius idea for a Summer salad. The recipe gets five stars from readers at
Williams Sonoma

Kitchen Sink Brownies
The perfect ending to a picnic in the park. This recipe is both sweet and salty. And it begins with a boxed brownie mix. Easy.
Tablespoon

Etta Food & Picnic Tote with Cutting Board
Picnic baskets can be hard to handle. I personally find a tote easier to transport. This one is just great. It comes to us at a price point that makes it a great wedding gift. 
Food52

Spiced Picnic Chicken
Oprah might know something about fried chicken. She once employed Chicago chef Art Smith, and he was famous for his fried chicken recipe. This one is picnic perfect.
Oprah.com

Beautiful Ideas
One of my favorite tabletop and furnishings websites has put together a blog post that features the most stylish serverware, linens, and recipes for outdoor entertaining. Do click the link below for inspiration.
Alchemy Fine Home

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Alfresco Accessories 

Painterly Paper For Your Wedding Day

{ Via: Momental Designs }

I ran across the most beautiful wedding invitation somewhere on the Internet, and followed the link. It took me to Momental Designs. They create unique and custom watercolor wedding stationery featuring the artwork of Kristy Rice. Each invitation, menu, table number, etc. is hand painted. I am still in awe of her work.  Kristy also has a presence and shop on Etsy, called Paint Crush Paper.   Scroll down to see more of her work,  and that of many other talented artisans.

   

Dusty Blue Watercolor Invitation

Digital Download

Just imagine the oohs and aahs you will receive when guests learn that you printed this invitation yourself! It is easy to do, and very economical. Perfect for DIY brides.

Plum Sugar Paperie

Water Color Digital Download

For those on a tight wedding budget, this is a stylish way to go. You actually print this pretty paper yourself. You edit the wording exactly as you want it online, and print it up. The shop supplies the water color artwork.

Fabled Weddings

Hand Painted Watercolor Wedding Suite

Such gorgeous work! Each style is a work of art.

Karli Strohshein Art

Leafy Green hand Painted Set

Modern and a wee bit tropical. The calligraphy is really spectacular. 

Brush and Nib Studio

Bespoke Watercolor Crest

What a lovely thought. Share your new initials with your guests. These pretty papers will be a keepsake forever.

Blush and Bloom Art

Bold & Beautiful
Just a sample of the lovely work done by this studio. Wouldn't this be a terrific color statement for a 
Fall wedding?
Hoopla Designs

Hand Painted Invitations
Chic, colorful and modern. This suite will let your color palette be known  as soon as the envelope is opened.  Available at an affordable
 price point at 
Design Parlour

Tropical Coral Watercolors
Oh how fun! This style is for colorful couples. Shannon will custom create the stationery of your dreams. 
Shannon Kirsten

Hand Painted Calligraphy Program
I have fallen in love with the simple and delicate designs of Claire Carstens. Both her work and pretty papers are very lovely.
Sugared Fig Paperie

Lemon & Tile Watercolor
Destination wedding? This suite is perfect. Hand painted tile work and lemons give your guests a taste of Italy.
Paint Crush Paper

Custom Illustrated Wedding Map

What a beautiful gift to have waiting for your guests in their hotel room. It's both 
pretty and practical.
BP Calligraphy



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Wedding Wednesday: Clearly Chic Details

Saturdays At Shop This: Memorial Day Weekend

{ Via: Serena and Lily }

Our weather in Chicago looks spotty for the weekend. But if you are cooking out, by all means, use flowers on your outdoor table. Isn't that lovely?  All of Serena & Lily's outdoor furnishings are coastal chic and perfect for an upscale relaxed lifestyle. By the way, they are having a 20% off sitewide sale this weekend.  I invite you to check out these interesting links before your weekend fun begins. 

Memorial Day Sales: I have updated the blog with the latest and greatest. The new Codes are marked "New"

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Isn't this the cutest Straw tote. So chic and colorful! Now on sale for less than $100.

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The 15 Best-Kept Costco Secrets You Didn't Know About. Costco shoppers will love these tips at Food52.

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Chic Checks: A fab find in the Shopbop

BIG sale. Check it out!

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I have often mentioned the dangers of chemical sunscreens. But of course I do use Mineral Sunscreen. You can save 20% on my favorite Juice Beauty Sport Sunscreen at the Dermstore Sale. Use Code: SUMMER. Hit the link and type in search box
"Juice Beauty Sunscreen."
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This Transparent Trench Coat by Dorothee Schumacher is on sale and so clearly chic!
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10 Secrets to Decorating Like a Parisian. Ooh la la these spaces are stylish.
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You can't have too many white shirts, can you? This J.Crew Band Collar Popover Cotton Poplin Tunic Top, is really good and now on sale. Shop it at Nordstrom or JCrew.
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My favorite bar cart is now on sale at Anthropologie, along with all home furnishings and decor. Love the lucite.

I hope that your holiday weekend is filled with good food, friends, and memories of a fallen hero in your life.

XOXOX
Deb
Shop This

P. S. In honor of my own Marine Veteran, "Mr. Shop This,"
I will not be working on Memorial Day. So I'll be back Wednesday with some
more fun links.