Social Butterfly Designs Hits Times Square NY!

A Times Square view of the Social Butterfly Designs "The Endless Summer" note card and stationery launch last week! Fun to see your name in lights in the heart of Manhattan!

Spring has officially arrived!

I always know it is Spring when the 10-stem daffodils arrive at my local Trader Joe's. Going to the market is never high on my to do list but I was pleasantly surprised when I popped into TJ's last night for some grocery shopping and was met by arrival of the famous 10-stems for $1.29 daffodil bunches!! Yippee...so I bought four bunches, mostly closed buds. I trimmed 1/2" off each of the stems (per accompanying instructions) and placed them in fresh water overnight. That is when the MAGIC happens! You wake up the next morning to a sassy Spring bouquet of bright yellow happiness (at least that is the way I see it). I actually posted a little entry on my Facebook page last night and it seems to be that I am not the only fan of this annual tradition. I had 15 likes and several comments. I thought I would share a few here:

Great flowers they are.......buy a few bunches and give a couple away to some of the older people in your neighborhood.....a small price to pay for blessing someone. I have these little old ladies who think they are the greatest thing. Small investment......I think I am heading there tommorow morning!!
Sally

I bought a bunch for each of my kids teachers... a little sunshine goes a long way!
Suzanne

Just bought two bunches yesterday....they're gorgeous!!! ;)
Linda

They're wonderful, aren't they?
Ann

I wish we had a Trader Joe's...boo hoo!
Leah

Looks like I am not the only fan. In fact, I went over to TJ's again this morning and bought several more bunches...it's supposed to rain this afternoon but Spring is just around the corner! Enjoy!!

Social Butterfly Designs Launches New Line of "Endless Summer®" Stationery

Click here to see the entire collection: www.socialbutterflydesigns.com

My Dad is My Hero...

Pictured (l to r): Dick Farman, Dick Dunbar, Connie Brown, me, my dad Jerry Biggins, George Schuler and Jerry Callister

Today I just want to write a little something about my dad. His name is Jerry Biggins and he is 78 years young. He and my mom have been married almost 51 years and he has been the best dad a girl (my two sisters included) could ask for. The sudden impulse to write this blog entry is prompted by a bike ride I joined my dad and his Friday morning breakfast buddies on this past Friday. My dad has been riding his bike from his house in Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates all the way to Scotty's at the pier in Hermosa Beach and back every Friday for almost 20 years now (that is approx. 18 miles roundtrip with some serious hills on the way home), unless he has been out of town or in the hospital battling cancer (more on that later). I went this particular Friday as my good friend Connie and her husband Bob were in town from Colorado visiting her parents. Her dad happens to be one of my dad's riding buddies so we thought it would be fun to join our dads for their weekly ritual.

We met in the Torrance Beach parking lot and rode along the Strand to Hermosa Beach. I was so impressed to see this great group of men take time out of their busy lives every week to get out, get some exercise and enjoy their friendships. Most of these guys have known each other for many many years. Upon our arrival at Scotty's their table for 5, this time plus 3, was ready and waiting for us when we got there. My son George had joined the bike ride group a few weeks back and had a great time...now I see why. I just love that my dad is still out there riding his bike all over town, keeping in shape and enjoying life. He is a four time cancer survivor too and hasn't complained about any of his illnesses over the years. He is a role model to me, my mom, my sisters, our husbands and kids, not to mention his friends. My dad really is my hero and would do anything in the world for any one of us...and I hope he knows we would do the same for him. We love you Jer...you rock!!

Loving Las Vegas

Pictured (l to r): My sister Liz, me, my mom Betsy and my sister Kristin in the Lobby Bar at the Encore

Last month my mom, Betsy Biggins, celebrated her 75th birthday and treated my sisters, Kristin and Liz, and myself to three nights in Las Vegas at the Encore (the newest Steve Wynn property -- see my post from October 2010 for more on this fabulous hotel!). First off, spending three days with my mom and sisters in any city is fabulous but topping that with the shows, the fine dining and the shopping of Vegas, it's definitely a win win situation (not so much in the gambling department, although Kristin did win $100). We had the most wonderful time hanging out together doing all the things we love to do but most of all just being together. We even met up with my mom's best childhood friend from back East and her daughter for lunch one day which was special treat for my mom too.

In addition to the shopping and great meals, our trip was highlighted by seeing three shows in as many nights including the you've gotta see it BEATLES "LOVE" SHOW and "LE REVE", and "SINATRA: DANCE WITH ME" -- all three were great and highly recommended. My mom and Kristin saw "THE ELVIS SHOW" the same night that Liz and I saw "Le Reve" and they raved about it too. So three for three on the Cirque Du Soleil shows, they are always amazing.

We did a similar trip 10 years ago for my mom's 65th too and decided not to go another 10 years this time and will make a return visit for her 80th...if not sooner!