I'm in a...

party planning mood. With so many wonderful occasions popping up this year, it's got me thinking, it's time to plan a party. I've been inspired for a very special party by the following photos:

{images via Sterling Style}

I'm Healed...

for those of you who may have noticed that I was missing in action, I'm back.

Apparently I've been surounded by a cesspool of germs and somehow managed to catch a cold on Thursday and although I can still feel it's litle icky remnants, I am feeling slightly better. I've been pumping myself full of Vitamin C, water, warm water/lemon/honey and homemade remedies so I think it's working. I still sound like I have a foggy bullhorn in my throat but at least I don't feel as terrible as I had.

Thank the Lord for feeling a smidge better. When you are feeling a bit down due to icky cold viruses taking up residence, what are your methods of getting better?

{photo courtesy of Real Simple}

Times in Instagram...

Follow me @penelopetoop

Burst of Light, Pointed Peaks & Dunes and Green Jubilee

D.I.Y oh my to TRY...

I came across this no less than brillant idea for a mini corner closet. It would be perfect to hang outfits for the day and/or week. Such an excellent idea and it brings a little umph to any corner.

I'm going to try this d.i.y. and post pics of how my version turned out!

{photo via Mint Social Club}

Inspiration...

Sometimes we all need a little bit of inspiration and reminders...







1. Gala Darling
2. That's Happy
3. Jill McDonald
4. Maya Bondyr
5. Chanel Files
6. Departika

Accessory Goldmine...

I absolutely love the designs/creativity of Kim Dulaney! Anything from her collection would make my jewelry selection all that more exciting!

Have a Lovely Weekend...

plain and simple..I hope that you have a lovely weekend!

It's the furchild's 6th birthday on Saturday! I can't believe it, he's getting older but that's a great thing! He still lights up my life and I pray that he has many more doggie year's to come. I plan on making a baby big deal out of his birthday even though he'll be none the wiser!

This video by the Girls with Glasses is pretty darned cute and funny! This would so be my friend and I, ha ha they beat us to it C.H.:)


{video courtesy of Youtube}

I'm Smitten...

As you may have noticed, I have a PT (Penelope Toop)shop button located on the left side bar of the blog. Well that little darling is for the future items that I will be adding to Penelope Toop Darling! (yay!). It'll house handmade party hats, small paper goods and little party items. So in preparation for that, I needed to have some branding done if you will. In my thoughts I wanted to have a wonderful little logo, banner/header design for the shop and all things Penelope Toop. Approximately two weeks ago, I emailed a few artists whose work I love, to run my thoughts by them and see if I would be able to hire one of them to help me bring my whimsy thoughts and ideas together. Cue the music and prep the drum rolll............................................................................

In comes the very sweet Sarah of Truly Smitten, cue the fancy music! Her blog is wonderful as is her body of work from invtes, to note cards and party treats. Please visit her page and her wonderful talent {the dog with the balloon is so funny and cute}! So once the preliminary work is done (the signing of contracts and all that jazz), submitting ideas, photos, you know the usual fun stuff, then we can truly get done to the business of getting the shop up and running I'm so totally excited.

{photos courtesy of Truly Smitten}

What Do You J'Adore..

Artwork: "If you knew how much I love you, you'd faint"! If someone fainted over love, would it be endearing or funny?

Pillow: This would look great in my home but honestly, I don't need nary another pillow..blink blink but it's so adorable!

{photos via Lovemaki}

Of the Spotted Variety...

In addition to my love of animal printed items, I have a little spot (get it, spot..spotted pencils, alright) for the dotted variety as well.

These pencils are amazingly cute and I can picture them sitting on my desk in an equally as amazing container!

{photo courtesy of Lisa Stickley}

Chocolatey O's...

As most know, I have a special place in my heart especially for Trader Joe's. It's one of my staple places for groceries and food gifts (I like giving different food finds as gifts). Two of my co-worker's had birthday's last week and I decided to treat them to some Milk Chocolate Covered Joe O's. When I say totally AMAZING, I mean it from the depths and top of my heart! I'm normally a dark chocolate kinda gal but from time to time, I can change it up and take on some milk chocolate treats! The taste reminds me of a chocolate covered rice krispie treat but somewhat different. All I know is that it's really good.
If you're ever get a chance to, swing, stop or pass by TJ's and grab a mini carton of yummy goodness!
{photo courtesy of PTD}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

This week the weather has been more than amazing, especially yesterday! We hit temperatures in the 80s! Summer in March is pretty alright with me. As the weekend approaches within a few mere hours, I'm looking forward to it!

Here's to hoping that you have a super fantastic weekend!

I seriously was flabbergasted & darn near gobsmacked when I found out I can make an even smaller cake!

I'm so excited that the circus is coming to town. I'm way over the age to be excited but there is still a little bit of kid in me., I keep getting visions of cotton candy and amazing feats!

This has to be THEE BEST NEWS I've heard today! This was one of my favorite magazines and I still have ALL of them neatly stacked in my home. The truth is I couldn't bear to part with them! Hip Hip Hooray!

New (to me) musical artist, Zara McFarlane

{photo via Confetti System}

Instagram Thursday...

1. Strawberry Shortcake w/Chili Chocolate Ice Cream at Oya

2. Book I'm currently reading

3. Footloose, mom's current shoes of choice

4. Tulip in a Calf

{photos courtesy of PTD}

Haunted Honeymoon...

Those who know me, know that I love a good comedy movie! My movie collection has become amped up over the past few years and YES, I like to have actual DVD's instead of downloading movies to my computer...call me old fashioned.
For some reason Haunted Honeymoon with Gene Wilder, Gilda Ratner and Dom DeLuise popped in my head. It's quirky and hilarious!!!! I must add it to my movie collection PRONTO.

{Video courtesy of Youtube}

My Main Campaign...

Ever since I laid eyes on this campaign dresser a while back, I had been on the hunt to find one and do my own Campaign Dresser DIY. Well, amazingly I finally found one on Craigslist and tried my hand at it. I'm pretty pleased as punch to say that I did a darn tooting good job (sometimes you just HAVE to toot your own little horn, toot toot). And after a few afternoons of sanding, priming and spray painting in my backyard, the dresser held up pretty well. It went from a something that lacked a little punch to something that makes me smile with a little bit of pride and glee. For my first dresser makeover, I may be able to say that I could do it again minus the gnats that kept landing in the wet paint.

What's your furniture DIY story?

{photo courtesy of PTD}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

This weekend should be nice and a bit relaxed after last Saturday's travel debacle. (Insert fadey dream sequence here): I was in LA and just trying to get home, simply trying to get home. Unluckily for me, I was at the airport at 6am (yep 6am). Somehow (GRACE), I made it safely after my lunamaniac shuttle driver's driving, in order to make a 7:50am flight. Needless to say after enduring broken kiosks, line waiting for 2 hours (with NO FOOD), missing my flight, irate customers/airline workers, next flight delayed by 2.5 hours, middle seat and what should have been a 3:33pm arrival turning into landing at my home airport at 8:40pm and then me turning right about and making yet another out of town trip, I'm really really looking forward to a very peaceful weekend with no travel.

I hope that this weekend proves to be what you need it to be whether it's restful, peaceful, fun, productive, lovely, in good company/or the arms of the one you love and/or enjoying some good eats!

Dear beauts if I've never known it before, I do now, you belong with me!

I'm def. becoming partial to this amazing scent. Sweet yet not syrupy sweet!

Heard so many good raves/reviews about this that I have to give it a try. My face deserves a nice treat!

This pretty much sums it up and I need to place an order STAT!

Have a lovely weekend!

{photo courtesy of Geronimo Balloons}

Bacon, Caramel & Toffee...

All of my friends know that I love to try new foods..like it's serious. I'm always bringing something new home or into the office for my family and/or friends to try. With that being said, my friend brought me a nice little gift back from her Vegas trip. Introducing Bacon Caramel Toffee ! Yep that's right, bacon, toffee and caramel rolled into one sweet treat. Now I'm sure that this is more than an acquired taste but I'm actually willing to go for the gusto and try it, after all I like peach cobbler w/vanilla ice cream and you guessed it....BACON! I will most def. do a small review after I've yanked open the packet and shared it with some friends to see if it passed the "I'd def. eat this again" taste bud test!

Hmmm, now that I think about it, it may taste amazing crunched up on top of some vanilla ice cream....

UPDATE: We tried the candy today and I didn't really taste the bacon flavor but it def. had a smoked flavor to it. You could see small flecks of bacon bu not huge chunks as my friend initially thought. It's pretty good but the only caveat is that it's HARD on the teeth! I couldn't really enjoy it like I would have liked because it was like sticking to my teeth! But I'm glad I tried it to at least attest to, yes, I've had bacon caramel toffee before!

{photo courtesy of PTD}

BlogShop puhlease...

come to the Washington, DC area! I have been patiently waiting and even putting my request/bid in for this dynamic duo, Bri Emery of Design Love Feast and photographer Angela Kohler to come to this area for what seems like eons (okay maybe only a few months).

BLOGSHOP is primarily a "Photoshop bootcamp" where you spend an entire weekend packing your wonderful brain full of awesome things to make your images on your blog unique, eye catching, amazing and awesome to look at. You'll learn the basics and nifty little tricks on how to spruce up your blog and NOT be intimidated by the tools/applications of Photoshop.

This sounds like something that would be perfect for PTD and it's a good tool to have because looking at PhotoShop truly makes my head hurt. Also, it doesn't hurt that Bri and Angela make the class look like LOADS OF FUN (check out the video below)!

So please, Bri and/or Angela, would you please come to DC..and soon?!

{video courtesy of BLOGSHOP - Seattle from GMP on Vimeo}

Home Sweet Home

Hey there, Hi there!

I'M FINALLY HOME! I've been missing in action only because I was in LA last week for work and didn't have the opportunity to blog/keep you posted. I had an amazing week of great things so photos and a more in depth summary is coming soon (next post) everything from an NBA game, TV taping, sushi, karaoke etc.

Until then....

Happy Love Day...

Just wanted to say Happy Love Day to you all! Love is absolutely THE greatest and most amazing gift that we can give and receive! May this day be a reminder to love one another through your words and your actions! I think that Valentine's Day has got to be my favorite Holiday to celebrate because although you should show love at all times, it's great that we actually have a Holiday to serve as a gentle reminder. Love isn't just limited to romantic love, but sisterly/brotherly, friendships, family etc. Let's do ou part to spread love!

Tonight, I will be having dinner with my sister-friends and it should prove to be a great night!!

"What the world needs now is love, sweet love, it's the only thing that there's just too little of,

What the world needs now is love, sweet love, No, not just for some but for everyone."-Burt Bacharach

{photo courtesy of "We Heart It }

Happy Birthday...

to my favorite gal..My mom!

Her day started off with breakfast from the grand-fur child and I, and was topped off with an amazing dinner from Founding Farmers! The meal was delicious but I was well into it before I realized that I should have snapped a photo! BUT I did manage to capture the most AWESOME carrot cake these taste to say the least. My mom had the Low Country Shrimp & Grits and I had the Meatloaf (which I rarely if ever eat), with Mashed Potatoes and greens!! buds have ever had the pleasure of enjoying! The cake was very moist and the cream cheese frosting..like I literally could have eaten a vat of it...needless to say it was mmmm mmmm good!

The birthday girl was pleased and I can honestly say that I thank the Lord that He allowed her to celebrate another year of life ad I'm praying that His grace and mercy will allow her to see many many more!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Guess Who's Back?

Moi! Well Penelope Toop {Darling to be exact and/or precise}!!!!!

TA-DA! The blog re-vamping has been completed and I'm beyond EXCITED. I love the new look and feel of PTD and it's been looooooooooooong, way long overdue. I was looking at a number of my past posts and it made me really think about how much I enjoyed blogging, but then also looking at how one day of not doing so turned into two, which turned into days, weeks and even months!

I look forward to great things springing forth from PTD in the upcoming year (let's start off slowly ok?)! New friends/people to connect with and support, creative and inspirational findings, solidifying my blog voice and just having a great time!

Man right about now I wish I were a rapper so I could spit out a dope beat/rhyme!

A special, special heartfelt thanks to Marie! She was awesome and the blog design process with her at the helm was AMAZING!

New Year, New Blog Design..

Happy New Year (well, Happy 8th day of the New Year)! It's been waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long but in an effort to be more consistent and execute more ideas and plans that have been put off for far too long, a new blog design is in order!

I've contacted an amazing graphic designer, Merely Marie Blog Designs to help give Penelope Toop {Darling}, a small but much needed facelift. I can't wait to start re-blogging again. I started out with such a zest and zeal for it and overtime my time spent went from daily to weekly to monthly. Oh for shame!

Life does have a way of getting hectic or your time being consumed with other things. BUT if you truly love something and want it to grow, be successful etc. you have to put the time into it and learn how to incorporate/balance it with your life. Something as simple as this train of thought can sometimes get so complicated but the reality is that its necessary, we need to prioritize and learn how to successfully balance.

So here's to a New Year and a New Beginning (cliché I know, but it's true). May we set out to accomplish all that we've aspired to, commit to things that need our attention, flush out ideas and move to make them happen, be determined and undeterred, and live life to fulfill your desires.

Oh Happy Day Paris!

Though I haven't blogged since the top of the year with hopes of "sprucing up the place" and adding more exciting content, this little beaut of a giveaway lit the fire under my fannie.

Jordan Ferney of one of the most delightful (and one of my all time favorite blogs),Oh Happy Day is sponsoring a wonderful and unbelievably magnificent giveaway...A TRIP TO PARIS! Like can I fall out or burst into happy confetti quicker than NOW! Those near and dear to me KNOW my incessant love for Paris, the language, the culture and the beauty that lies therein. This would be so wonderfully amazing if I won and got to take my favorite gal pal (Mom) with me!

Her rules/ways to enter are here! I'm just so excited that in celebration of her 5th year blogging, she's decided to "gift" her readers with this amazing opportunity. One of my positive affirmations is, "positive thoughts bring forth positive outcomes"! I'm filling my brain with wonderful thoughts of going to a Parisian flea market, seeing great landmarks and hidden treasurers and crossing this off of my list of things to do/places to go! I'm soooo excited!

It also helps that I just saw Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris and read Daring Chloe where the characters took a trip to Paris. I mean I'm ready to go, really I am!

{photo via Oh Happy Day}

Healthy Hair, I'll Take It..

In an effort to improve in a number of areas in my life this year (you know the normals: finances (savings, spending, investing etc.), self improvement, upstarting my business, health (body,mind, spirit and even hair, yep hair) and any other goals that pop in my mind), my friend and I decided to participate in one of my favorite bloggers Moptop Maven's, 2011 Hair Challenge!! (and the crowd goes wild). As a natural gal, its both liberating yet challenging to maintain healthy hair practices but with anything that you do in life, you have to be consistent and motivated to improve.

The challenge isn't just about achieving long hair, but tailoring your goal(s) to suit your need(s). Length retention isn't really my top priority (but I welcome it, ha ha) but rather just having healthy strong hair. I believe that I'm on the right track but I'm just challenging myself to see what I can do better to obtain greater results. And boy OH boy are there multiple regimens out there in hair land. I'm leaning towards incorporating the Ayurvedic regimen into my challenge (I've tried one item thus far like using the Vatika Oil, I like it but not so much the smell but it gives your hair an incredible sheen)!

My friend and I are so excited and we're committed to the MTM Hair Challenge!!!

I'l keep you posted on how things go!!

{photo via hi-imcurrentlyobsessed}

Desk Inspiration...

I've been inspired to purchase a new desk and gussy it up a bit! This is the desk that I've been eyeing for while and I think that I should finally go ahead take the plunge and get it!

Thanks Cupcakes and Cashmere!

Oooooh Cake Prints...

I'm thinking that it would only be right if I purchased one of these prints (don't worry they are tons more) courtesy of Jordan & Paul! They are such a fantastic duo (painting by Paul and art direction by Jordan)!

You can see/purchase prints here!

{photo courtesy of Oh Happy Day}

Great Friday Finds...

I would love to describe myself like Mrs. Lilian any day! I love that it rhymes (ha ha)

Looking for another great blog to add to your daily reading? Try reading The Mop Top Maven!

If I can get a hold of these bags, then I wouldn't mind pulling them out EVERYWHERE!

I can actually picture myself dreaming about any of these handbags every night until I get one.

Now wouldn't this be a nice vacation spot! When time permits, I'm so there..hopefully

The Parsley Thief is one of my favorite food blogs to peruse

A book that needs to be in my possession pronto, and quicker than soon

{photo via We Heart It}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Hello all,

it has been way too long since I've posted last. Things have been extremely hectic (I know excuses excuses but it's true). But I'm back now and hopefully we won't have to be apart this long ever again!

This seems to be one of the last weekends of the summer and perhaps the last before all of the kiddies are off to school, the traffic jams begin with a vengeance, and the weather puts on it Fall gear. The summer has def. been wonderful and I'm looking for an even promising and delightful Fall season, plus I really can't wait until caramel apples happily trudge and/or roll their way back into my house and tummy.

To cap off one of the remaining summer weekends, I would love to find a little flea market and see what my eyes can find and what would seemingly have a good place in my home and perhaps try to create a small summer fare menu which has to include getting another sweet mouth/taste bud happy watermelon from Target (who knew).

Whatever it is that you decide to get into this weekend, make sure that you enjoy yourself, have fun, eat well and look forward to another day!

{photo via We Heart It}

Something that needs to be a First Thought...

Persimmon and Pink just puts things plain and simple. There is nothing that we face that can't be covered and or combated with prayer!

{photo via 6th Street Design School}

Slush Lush...

I think that if I lived in NYC, I would so be looking out for this guy and his truck! Kelvin makes "grown up" slushies and the flavors sound so refreshing and delectable!

Here's the process you go through once you reach the truck:
Step 1 – The Slush
Choose your slush flavor from Kelvin’s unique creations, including Spicy Ginger, Tangy Citrus or Green & Black Tea.

Step 2 – The Mix-In
Choose your real fruit purée mix-in. We rotate the fruit we offer, so there is always something new and fresh to try.

Step 3 – The Float (Optional)
Kick back to childhood and make your Kelvin a Float by adding a scoop of ice cream.

Designing your custom Kelvin Slush is that easy. With your input, we’ll serve up amazing flavor combinations which are all natural, always refreshing and always super cold.

Some of our favorite Kelvin Slush combos are:
Blood Orange + Ginger
Blueberry + Tea
Açaí + Ginger
White Peach + Tea
Mango + Citrus

This is just simply wonderful and makes me want to high tail it back to NYC pronto and FIND THIS TRUCK!

{photo courtesy of Kelvin Slush via Restaurant Girl}

Eat..Pray..Love..Smell

I'm a huge fan of lovely smell goods so I'm eager to get my little hands on one of the fragrances by Fresh. It's an ode to the book (now turned movie), aptly named Eat Love Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert. It's looking like Eat or Love may be my favorites!

{photo courtesy of Fresh}

Happy Birthday Kennedy...

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my beautiful cousin Kennedy who graced the world with her presence on this very day! I hope it was filled with butterflies, sunshine, rainbows, laughter and of course cupcakes. Love you oodles!!! Celebrate good times come on!

{photo via We Heart It}

Drop a Love Bomb...

"Love Bomb is a project of It Starts With Us that drops love in the form of blogs on those who are in need of it." This is such a wonderful project that spreads one of the greatest gifts that we can give and/or receive..LOVE. I found out about it via Lauren Nicole Love (her name is befitting and her blog is wonderful, she literally oozes love). If spreading love to those who need it as well as those who need encouragement those we know and even perfect strangers, then this is a perfect starter.

This is simply wonderful! As the song goes,

What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
It's the only thing
That there's just too little of

What the world needs now
Is love, sweet love
No not just for some
But for everyone

{photo by Jenni Penni}

Emerson Made...Well...

These beautiful clutch bags by Emerson Made are just simply darling. Whats even better is that she's going to be debuting her clothing line in late summer/early fall. Is there really anything that she can't do? She's def. one of my inspirations to do wholeheartedly what you desire to do and to have fun at it!

{photos courtesy of Emerson Made}

Peek-a-Boo Back...

The other night, I went went a few of my gal pals to see the musical production of Dreamgirls (wonderful production and Jimmie was my FAVORITE), and one of my friends sported the cutest little backless dress! It was colorful and full of character, I think that I may have to add one or two to my summer wardrobe). Aren't these dresses by Frances May just darling? Simply darling!

{photos courtesy of Frances May via Alyson of Unruly Things for A Cup of Jo}

Have a Lovely Weekend...

Tonight my plans are to hang out with a few friends and enjoy some good 'ol music. Other than that I believe that it's going to be a leisurely weekend where I can tinker with my new shiny laptop and play with the dog.

Today was such a beautiful day in so many ways and hopefully that spills into my weekend.

Whatever your plans are for the weekend, enjoy them thoroughly!

Have a Lovely Weekend!

{Photo courtesy of Natsko Seki found via Oh Joy!}

Chris August...

I've heard this song on the radio a few times and i always try to catch who the artist is and unfortunately I kept missing it. So, I wrote down the words and did a little Google search and voila, Chris August popped up. The song entitled Starry Night is just completely amazing to me. He's a talented musician/writer and I pray him much success with his music and that it continues to touch the lives of many!!

I'm giving my life to the only one who makes the Moon reflect the sun.
Every Starry Night, that was His design.
I'm giving my life to the only son, who was and is and yet to come
Let the praises ring, 'cause he is everything.

{video via Youtube}

An Ode to an Apple (Macbook)...

Oh Apple dear Apple,

how I've pined for you way too long. How I wish that I could tickle your keys and create splendid things on you! You've been improved with new bells and whistles that long to be tinkered with. How pretty you would look in a new home (mine) and you can meet the other electronics that have been quite content to stay with me. Our possibilities are endless, the creating, the designing, the travels and the good times that I foresee already. We must be together! Won't you come to me...please with various laptop covers on top?!

Week in Review...

Oh my goodness, let me just say that my past few days have been wonderful!

Last Saturday, I had my WONDERFUL and AMAZING letterpress class (I'll share photos soon) given by Suann of Simplesong. I mean the class was MORE than I expected and Suann is a gem. If she offers classes in the future (which she will), HURRY and sign up for one, you'' be so happy that you did! I was!

On Saturday, I also go a chance to hang out with a few of my friends and we "found" (courtesy of my friend's sister)
Buzz Bakery! OMG I can't describe to you my elation when I walked into this place. It's amazing! Not only is it colorful, delectable and just absolutely amazing, their staff is by far some of the nicest people I've met on the planet! I had their coconut cream pie and and and, oh wait I think I just drifted off in coconut cream pie land, it was hands down one of the best desserts ever! Not only is this place equipped with a little computer station, couches for lounging around while munching on great food, they also have music nights on Monday's and they stay open til MIDNIGHT. What more could I ask for. I def. will be visiting them again very soon!

Fast forward to this Wednesday, I headed up to New York with my mother and best friend for my BIRTHDAY. We hopped a bus and did New York in a New York minute (well not really it was longer than a minute but get the point, ha ha). I had such a wonderful day, I really really did! One of the highlights was a special surprise that my mother had planned for me and let's just say that I visited Tiffany & Co. and walked out a very happy gal. In order to make my birthday memorable, my mom wanted me to have something that helped remind me my milestone birthday, something that would remind me of her and something that I can treasure for the rest of my life. It was a very sentimental moment and such a wonderful gesture on behalf of my mother. Many times we take life for granted and/or the people in it and I'm just so happy that I was able to see another year and most of all celebrate it with the one who loves me most, my mom. So after, our mother/daughter moment, we painted the city of New York red until rain washed it out, ha ha We left New York with Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, a few goodies, soggy clothes and wonderful memories!

{photo courtesy of We Heart It via Tumblr}

The Countdown Continues...

7 glorious days remaining!

Let your peepers enjoy this wonderful folly!

The Countdown Begins...

8 more glorious days remaining!!!
Enjoy this little video for Kindle via I Love Muffins! Isn't it oh so darling!?