Oh Mothership, you let me down.

Classic Mothership Holiday Packaging

Project Good Life followers know how much we adore the Mothership.  We rarely criticize the Mothership in these pages. We wait with eager anticipation for the mailing of its catalogues, including the famed Christmas Book, and we defend the Mothership from its attackers (be them hipsters or housewives who think the store is overpriced).  We looked the other way when the Mothership had to go corporate and when it started carrying lines that appear to think that terry-cloth is an appropriate fabric for clothing. This is because at Project Good Life we are loyal and we appreciate that there are only a few "real" department stores in this day in age and the Mothership is one of them.

Each year, at the holidays, PGL, naturally, relies on the Mothership to provide her with tasteful and elegant wrapped gifts for her loved ones.  There is nothing like a beautiful Christmas tree with packages from the Mothership underneath.  The Mothership packaging is classic: a box either in gold or silver, tied with a satin ribbon, and some holiday embellishment, such as a miniature Jay Strongwater frame or metal object that can be used as a key chain or Chirstmas ornament.  This is how it has been for years.

Fabric Pom Pom Embellishment 

So, it is with sadness and regret that PGL has to report that the Mothership recently let her down.  You can imagine the disappointment that PGL felt when her packages arrived this year.  The Mothership is still using its classic box and satin ribbon (thankfully), but, for some reason, this year's embellishment of choice appears to be fabric pom poms.  Yes, people, fabric pom poms.  Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against fabric embellishments -- but, when one has a package gift wrapped by the Mothership, one is not expecting an embellishment reminiscent of something that one would get at Anthropologie or a vintage craft fair. No, we expect classic elegance. And, fabric pom poms do not meet that standard.  PGL believes in redemption and is also fiercely loyal, so we are not giving up on the Mothership just yet (although we are flipping through our Gumps catalogue a little more frequently these days). For years, PGL and her followers have relied on the Mothership to be one of the lone dissident voices in a world being taken over by hipsters and luxury haters: a store that is still brave bough to sell fur, leather, high heels, and clothes for "ladies," and so we ask that the Mothership will hear our plea and that it will think twice before it ever again embellishes its packages with ornamentation only appropriate for a girl scout party or a stitch and bitch.  In the meantime, PGL hopes that her loved ones will not judge a book by its cover (or, in this case, a gift by its packaging) and trusts that this Christmas that they will still enjoy their gifts with pom pom packaging and all.

Holiday Cookie Exchange: Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies

Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies 

Project Good Life's dear friend, the Litigatrix, was invited to "the" cookie exchange in her community. She asked PGL for some ideas about what to make, and we wanted to share this fool-proof, spirited offering: Sugar Plum Fairy Cookies. These cookies are wonderful by themselves, with coffee, or for an after dinner treat. There are three ingredients and so the cookies are quite economical, as well -- and they are so simple they are great to do with kids.

 The three ingredients: one roll of slice and bake sugar cookie dough, a box of candy canes, and a bag of white chocolate chips.

 The method (pictured below): Unwrap a box of candy canes. Place candy canes in a Ziploc bag and with a wooden spoon gently pound on the bag to make small bits of candy canes (aka "sugar plum fairy dust"). Set peppermint dust aside. With a rolling pin, roll out slice and backe dough on a cookie sheet. (To prevent dough from sticking to the pin, be sure to rub the pin with flour prior to use and add flour to the pin if the dough starts sticking). Roll into a giant cookie that is 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 350 in the oven until cookie is done and somewhat firm. When done, take your large cookie out of the oven, immediately spread white chocolate chips over the surface of the cookie. The chips should melt to form an "icing." With a knife, spread the melted chocolate over the surface of the cookies. Immediately sprinkle candy cane dust over the melted chocolate. Allow cookie to cool. Then, cut into small rectangular pieces and place on a cookie platter.

Step One: Breaking down the candy canes.














Step Two: Roll out the cookie dough and bake in oven at 350 degrees.













Step Three: After baking, spread white chocolate chips on cookie.

Step Four: Add the candy cane dust -- or fairy dust

Step Five: Cut cookie into squares when cool and enjoy!! 

Daily Goods: 12/13/2012

Forbes asks where were the women at last night's 12/12/2012 concert.  Thank you, Forbes.

We enjoyed shopping the new finds at the Saks Fifth Avenue shoe sale in Chevy Chase, MD.  Snagged some patent Prada pumps for a great price. 

• C-Wonder continues to wow us with wonderful holiday gift picks. 
• We recently had occasion to see the Washington Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker, which we will blog about in full in the next few days.  The performance is superb and is an excellent way to support local ballet.

Grace in Low Places

“In the last analysis, all moments are key moments, 

and life, itself, is grace.” –Frederick Buechner

All weddings are unique and special in their own way, but weddings that I've attended in Texas generally have a few similar components: well dressed women of all shapes and sizes, big jewelry, men who come with some type of secret system to ensure they can check the score of whatever sporting event may be going on during the wedding, a guest book, wedding attendants, a pastor who never fails to mention that Jesus’s first miracle was at a wedding, a communal recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, and, of course, fresh flowers.  After the couple is pronounced, then, there’s the reception, involving some type of whisky (be it served from a bar or stashed in flasks), a wedding cake, and the two-step (and, well, yes, usually a line dance too).  Then there’s what I call the anthem – a song that since the 1990s has been played at any and every respectable Texas wedding reception or, for that matter, any gathering of Texans or those who love Texas: Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places. 

Don’t bother having a wedding in Texas if this song is not going to be on the lineup.  When the first stanzas begin playing…everyone knows what is coming and, soon, just like the line in the sand that Colonel Travis drew at the Alamo, there is a division of those from Texas (including those who have adopted Texas as their homeplace) and those who have not been afforded the privilege.  For the former, we all circle round and become even more tribal than we generally are: signing at the top of our lungs the song, which we all know word for word.  “Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots, and ruined your black-tie affair…..” and we sing as the anthem plays on.  The latter group, at this point of the evening, generally retires to the sides of the dance floor not knowing what quite to make of the tribal practice.  They watch, and I suspect, are little jealous of the camaraderie among the folks who know and can sign the song word for word. 

The wedding that I had occasion to attend last weekend – a wedding of a dear friend who I have know since childhood - was no exception.  Set against the backdrop of the Hill Country just outside of Austin, Texas, my friend’s wedding was everything that makes a Texas wedding wonderful and then some.  We all filed in for the service, admired the beautiful bride and bridesmaids, said the Lord’s Prayer, and watched the couple exchange vows and rings.  Then, off to the reception to quench our thirst, dance, and catch up with each other.  As the evening rolled on, I caught up with friends who I had not seen in years.  We reminisced about days gone by, remembered friends who were no longer with us, and talked about plans and intentions that we once had but that had since taken a detour or backseat due to the realities of life.  Later in the evening, the touchstone of the night arrived: the first notes of the anthem began to play and, without fail and never missing a beat, we all circled round, locked arms, and, in the middle of the dance floor, began signing at the top of our lungs: “I’ve got in friends in low places, where the whisky drowns and the beer chases my blues away…”

As I sang with the chorus of Texans and friends assembled, I looked across the circle to see folks I had known for years, each changed in some significant respect but, also, each the same.  We had all long gone our separate ways.  We had each, separately, experienced life’s true joys and also its trials and setbacks.  But, at this moment, by grace, we were transported back to the place where we had all started: together.  

And, then, the voice of another old friend who had visited the Husband and me just days prior came to mind.  This friend has known the two of us and our families for years.  He is one of those people who, whenever you see him, it is like time never passed.  After lively dinner conversation, we retired to the veranda of our townhouse and continued our conversation about football, our Alma Mater, our families, our friends, loved ones who had passed, and where life had taken each of us unexpectedly.  At one point of the conversation, our sage friend remarked: I’ve learned two things over the years.  First, (and as it is written elsewhere), he said, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Second, he continued, “And, the thing about grace…grace is all there is.” 

As any onlooker who may have been in the Hill Country for last weekend's wedding would have observed, there was no pride or putting on airs in the in circle of friends singing.  For better or worse, we were all there humbly locked together by our arms and a shared past.  In this moment, surely we experienced an amazing grace that one can only find, as the song says, in low places.  For this, there is reason to be grateful.  

Goodness and Mercy: 12/9/2012

Each week, Project Good Life posts an image that represents the goodness of the prior week. This week's image comes from deep in the heart of Texas where PGL visited for a friend's wedding.  Prior to the event, PGL ate Mexican food with her sister and her sister's boyfriend and one of her oldest friends.  They laughed and talked and, yes, ate their weight in queso.  An unseasonably warm climate made the weather for the wedding truly perfect. The place, the music, the stories, and the people served as a reminder that sometimes you can go home again and, for this, she is grateful.

=

Bon Voyage: Tips on Minimizing Stress of Holiday Travel

At PGL we like to travel, but we do not like the hoards of people who descend on the airports at the holidays.  You know the types -- the ones who act like they've never been through a security line and hold the entire line up, or those who travel with their entire life's belongings in the event that their plane is diverted to a deserted island on the way to the some destination in the continental United States -- to name a few.  It seems like these type of airport goers flood airports at the holidays, making holiday travel more stressful.  PGL takes pride that she has developed a system to avoid most travel woes.  Even the  Husband comments that traveling with PGL is like traveling "with a series of upgrades." We might not have it all figured out, but here are some tried and true tips to make it through the holiday travel grid:

• Plan ahead and, if possible, build in transition time: Although planning ahead is not practical in the hustle and bustle of the normal year, around the holidays, if you can plan, do.  Scout flights so that you get good seats or, at least, so that the times are convenient and within budget.  Check in early so that you get a good seat, or a call the airline and ask if there are better seats available. Another secret of stress minimizing travel: transition time.  If you can, fly to your destination a day early and stay the night in a hotel before driving to your family holiday.  Or, at the very least book a morning flight and go to a long, nice lunch before descending on your holiday place.  This can be helpful for your mental health.  Remind yourself "this is a holiday" and try to get out of the day-to-day grind mode as much as you can.
• Travel light and, if you must, ship: Traveling light can be essential to a stress-less travel experience.  Coordinate your clothes so that you do not have to check a bag (because checking bags mean more lines, more changes that something will be lost or delayed, and, in these times, typically extra fees).  In terms of toiletries, bring only essential ones in small bags and go to a CVS or Target and buy the rest when you get to your destination. If you cannot fit all of your belongings and holiday gifts into carry on sized bags, then consider shipping ahead some of your belongings.  This is what I have done from year to year and it has worked great. Ship early so that if there are delays your gifts and other things will arrive and make arrangements at wherever you are staying, be it a hotel of home for the package to be received and held for you.  (During the unfortunate holidays where PGL has work that must be done over the holidays, she ships that, too).
• Use your perks: If you are a frequent traveler, consider using your miles or free airport lounge pass to buy convenience at the holidays.  Upgrading to the next class of service is ideal -- but, if that is not available, even using your miles to buy priority boarding or to get a free ticket can be ideal.  If you have a rewards card, like a Platinum American Express, you may be afforded airport lounge access, which can be a  great place to spend some mental health "transition time" during your travels. The Husband and I have been fortunate enough to have perks with our favorite rental car company and so we enjoy the convenience of having a car waiting for pick up and avoiding the long rental car lines. We don't always take advantage of this, but at holiday times, we do. 
• Keep a travel file: We've already written about the benefits of a paper calendar.  But, even if you don't keep one, at least print out your key information: rental car reservation, air confirmation, and addresses where you are going.  At the holidays, your phone service may be slow or overloaded and you want to make sure you have your information easily accessible. 
• Consider avoiding travel: I know that for many this is the unthinkable, but consider whether the travel is worth it.  The Husband and I five years ago decided to travel only for Christmas and not for Thanksgiving.  We just could not make 2 trips work so close together with our work schedules and with a desire to keep at least a part of our sanity.  So, on Thanksgiving, we invite any family or friends who want to travel to see us for Thanksgiving to our home for the holiday -- we cook and entertain, but we stay clear of the airports during this time. While at first it took folks a bit of time to catch on, now more and more family are joining us.  This also has the benefit of making us a bit less fed up with holiday travel when Christmas rolls around -- we are a bit more rested and ready for the bustle of holiday travel.  There are any number of ways to celebrate special days with your friends and family -- and they all do not have to involve travel. 
• When all else fails, order a drink: And, even with the most planning and the best of intentions, holiday travel can still be stressful.  Flights can be cancelled.  Weather can delay things. Bags or packages can get lost.  Just resolve to consider all of this part of the "holiday" experience.  When this happens, order a stiff drink, eat some Christmas candy, and move on.  At the end of the day, the holidays are about taking a little time for those we love and breaking out of our day to day routines. Embrace it. 

2013 Watch: Paperless? Think Again.

One of our favorite activities at PGL is ordering a new, paper calendar for the new year.  Something about the crisp, blank pages of a paper calendar makes hope spring eternal (and, then, of course, reality sets in...).  Each year around this time PGL buys a calendar refill for the planner that she purchased years ago.  She takes an hour, pours a glass of wine, and transfers the information from her prior paper calendar into the new one.  This ritual -- which she has been engaging in in some form or fashion for more than a decade -- is a quintessential part of waiting for the new year.  PGL thought that everyone had such rituals, but recently was made to feel as if she was a bit of a luddite by a hipster who, when she saw PGL working in a paper calendar, said "You still use paper when you have a smart phone?  Don't you feel bogged down? Why would you go to the trouble to keep a PAPER calendar?"

In moments such as these when a essential part of PGL's existence is called into question by an unsuspecting observer,  PGL normally takes a deep breath, channels her inner Julia Sugabaker, and composes an extemporaneous soliloquy about, in this case, why paper is essential to civilization.  Such a soliloquy would extol the virtue of anything handwritten and how her life would be less meaningful if she wasn't able to read through her old paper calendars and reminisce about the events etched on their pages: her first date with the Husband, her last scheduled coffee with a good friend before her unexpected passing, her first trip to Paris, or the poem that she scribbled on the side of one of the pages along with last holiday's grocery list.  (I mean who goes back and looks at their old Outlook calendar entries when they want to talk a walk down memory lane?). But, on this particular day, she was in hurry and did not have time for such a moment, so she just flashed the hipster a smile, said, simply, "I prefer paper" and went about her business.  The question, however, stuck with PGL and caused her to question whether she was just being ridiculous by hanging on to her paper calendar in the new e-world of tweets and electronic calendar notifications.  Why keep a paper calendar in the days of iPhones and e-tablets? Is PGL some type of luddite in blogger's clothing?

Decidedly no.  A key part of the Good Life is mixing the old with the new.  Sure, PGL uses her Outlook calendar and relies on the conveniences of electronic notifications as much as the next person. She loves making an Open Table reservation on the fly or calling up an Uber town car when the cab line is too long.   However, she also finds it useful to keep a written record of key information (birthdays, anniversaries, special events, frequent flier numbers) in the event that something happens to one's electronic repository of information (note: spilling wine on an iPhone can ruin everything) or when one is bored during the 15 minutes of a flight that electronic device use are not permitted.  While PGL has started moving to more of a paperless life, she believes that some aspects of old papered organization are still useful.

How does this work, in practice? Do you just duplicate everything on you e-calendar on paper? Don't be ridiculous. Of course not.  Here are some of PGL's tips of mixing paper and electronics to manage one's calendar and key information.

• Record on paper dates of major events (weddings, travel, birthdays, key meetings such as job interviews or major presentations). 
• When recording travel or other events, write the details (confirmation numbers, etc.) in the paper calendar so that you have them at the ready if you need them and cannot access them electronically. 
• Record on paper the names of good restaurants that you may have visited on a trip or other notes for future reference. Make your paper calendar like a travel journal. 
• Use your e-calendar for hour-to-hour scheduling: the impromptu coffee invitation that comes in at 10am  or the routine office meeting. 
• It also can be helpful to record "major events" on your e-calendar too -- but it is always nice to have a duplicate of these things on paper. 
• Keep your paper calendar with you in your car or desk and always tuck it away in your suitcase if taking a trip.  This can be an invaluable resource if you lose your phone or if your electronics otherwise become unworkable. 

Of course, personal calendaring and organization is just that, personal.  So, we understand if you are an "all paper" or an "all electronic" person -- but, for 2013, PGL will be mixing old with new -- using her paper calendar, while, at the same time, enjoying the modern conveniences of electronic organization. How else would she have a record of her random thoughts and doodles or of major events that she may wish to remember while filliping through crisp pages?  Happy calendaring.

Have a topic that you want addressed? E-mail us at projectgoodlife@yahoo.com. 

Mail Bag: Christmas Gifts for Chic Chicks

Dear PGL, What are your recommendations for Christmas gifts for chic, professional women in the $100-$500 range? 

Dear Loyal Reader, What a great question (and one of Project Good Life's favorite topics: shopping)! See our top ten list below (in no particular order).  Happy Shopping. 

1. Statement Jewelry: Project Good Life is all about the Statement.  So, naturally, we like Statement Jewelry and there are some great pieces out there in a reasonable price range.  We like this great necklace made by the Nest (and available at the Mothership). But, also have coveted this YSL ring and the season's many great cuffs (such as one by Max & Chloe).
2. Town Car Service: One of the great conveniences of 2012 was the proliferation of Uber, a car service that is available in many major cities on demand.  Patrons can call up a town car with the click of a button on their smart phone and within minutes a professional town car arrives.  The charge is based on distance and time and starts at $15.  Patrons are encouraged to rate their driver through use of a star system so that Uber can monitor customer service.  Uber has gift cards for the holidays -- and this would be perfect for any girl on the go. 
3. Anything Tory Burch: While Project Good Life was initially skeptical of Tory Burch (as she is of any line that appears to be about the logo), she is now a complete convert. Tory Burch pieces are standing the test of time. And, each year, she comes out with fresh, yet classic looks in a reasonable price range. This year we are particular in love with this great hobo bag and fresh scarf (and don't forget the animal print booties).
4. The I-Pad Mini: The I-Pad Mini is perfect for any one who wants to be plugged in while traveling, but with minimal baggage.  And, the price (less than $350) makes it more economical than the I-Pad. 
5. Airline Lounge Access: While constantly being on the go is often less than ideal, access to a nice airport lounge can make traveling better.  Airline lounge access can be a nice gift, and, depending on the airline, is generally under $400 for an annual membership. 
6. Lanvin Flats: Although on the pricier side, Lanvin flats are chic and comfortable.  We love these patent flats to add some polish on a day that stilettos are not an option. 
7. Her Own Personal Monogram: Southern ladies love their monograms.  And, these by Allison R. Banks, which we first discovered on Garden & Gun's Style Guide, are quite sophisticated and utilitarian. Purchase a monogram design that can be used on any number of items. 
8. David Yurman Cable Collectible Bracelets:  The Mothership carries quite a few David Yurman cable bracelets that are perfect both for the office and for a weekend outing.   We love this one, with a fleur di lis embellishment.  
9. Burberry Scarf: Need we say more? This one in mustard haymarket check is quite stylish.
10. Protection Against Bad Hair Days: Chic professional women have bad hair days too. And, we are in love with Drybar, a blow dry bar, where for $40 flat, anyone can get their hair blown out to perfection.  Drybar has locations throughout the US and sells packages of gift cards (complete with cute packaging).

Have a question for Project Good Life? Email us at projectgoodlife@yahoo.com.  

Today in the History of the Good Life

"Prohibition has made nothing but trouble."  
--Al Capone, American Gangster 

Today in history, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the Twenty-first Amendment (Amendment XXI) to the US Constitution, which repealed the Eighteenth Amendment's prohibition on alcohol.  While we at Project Good Life are avowed feminists (and, yes, certain women's rights groups played a role in lobbying for prohibition), Project Good Life has been known to enjoy a stiff drink (or two) and so we believe that ratification of Amendment XXI is cause to celebrate.  (Not that we ever need an excuse for a celebration...).

If you are looking for a drink to toast this historic occasion with, I have to recommend G&G's Bourbon Slush Punch or, of course, any good bottle of bubbly that you might have laying around.  

Good Life Icon: Julia Sugarbaker

"That's just the point... If you have class, you have it. It doesn't matter where you are or who you're with."  
-- Julia Sugarbaker, Designing Women

At Project Good Life, we try to find inspiration and icons everywhere, including in sitcoms from the 1980s and 90s.  Enter: Julia Sugarbaker (played by the late, great Dixie Carter) of Designing Women who, from the time Project Good Life can remember, has provided inspiration to aspiring sassy, intellectual, independent, Southern women such has herself.  (If you are a younger PGL reader or someone from above the Mason-Dixon who may not have had occasion to have been raised on Designing Women, please stop now, and go watch a few episodes).

Project Good Life is so in awe of  this Good Life Icon that she resolves almost once a week to have what her friends now call "A Julia Sugarbaker moment..." when, heaven help those around her, she finds that she must give someone a piece of her mind.  (In these moments, The Husband generally earns his keep by at least attempting to talk PGL down).  It is impossible to recount here all of the moments or attributes that make Julia Sugarbaker worthy of being a Good Life Icon.  But, here are a few Icon-worthy attributes and ones to which all PGL followers may relate.

Julia is independent: She owns her own business (along with her girlfriends) and understands that women must earn their own way.

Julia stands up for her loved ones: In the clip below, Julia takes down a beauty patent contestant who had the audacity to trash-talk her sister.  In other episodes, Julia stands up for her friends, for people with AIDs, and for those less fortunate.



Julia has strong convictions: Julia has strong convictions and was not afraid to show them.  In one of PGL's favorite episodes, Julia runs for elected office.  During one part of the debate, she goes off her talking points and gives her opponent (conservative, Mr. Brickett, who accused her of being an offense to family values) a piece of her mind.  A Sugarbaker gem, that is ever more fitting today as it was in the 80s: "And the last time I checked, God was neither a Democratic nor a Republican! And just for your information, yes I am a liberal, but I am also a Christian. And I get down on my knees and pray everyday - on my own turf - on my own time. One of the things that I pray for, Mr. Brickett is that people with power will get good sense, and that people with good sense will get power... and that the rest of us will be blessed with the patience and strength to survive the people like you in the meantime." Go Get them Julia.   

Julia speaks her mind and lacks patience: Julia speaks her mind, an attribute that we at PGL love.  She also lacks patience (and while some may consider patience at virtue, we believe, as Julia did, that patience is a bit overrated).  In the clip below, which is the Poet's favorite, Julia "fires" a client because and gives her a piece of her mind.  Classic.

For other Julia Sugarbaker moments, visit this nice tribute to Dixie Carter on PopWatch. http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/04/11/dixie-carter-ripdesigning-women/.  PGL encourages its followers to take a moment and channel their inner Julia Sugarbaker -- because, as Julia would most certainly attest, life is simply too short to have it any other way.

Good Life Off The Grid, And Then Back Again

Project Good Life apologizes to her readers for being off the grid for the balance of 2012.  For the past few months, Project Good Life had to do some life housekeeping (lifekeeping?) and blogging took a backseat.   There comes a time in even the most fabulous of lives when change is in order.  And, this year, fellow readers, was one of those times.

Project Good Life spent much of 2012 making changes to relationships that were not working for her.  She fired her manicurist and hair stylist and got a new ones.  She switched from vodka to bourbon (and from Southern Living to Garden and Gun, for that matter).  She gave up daily use of public transportation.  And on any faith she ever may have had in Tony Romo (obv).  On the more dramatic side, Project Good Life purchased a new home and moved (sometimes one just needs a change of scenery).  And, she made some critical decisions about her chosen profession -- one of which she hopes to be able to announce soon.  This has truly been a season of out with the old. Indeed, the Husband often remarks that he is lucky to have survived Project Good Life's housekeeping.

Her efforts to edit out those things in life that were either unworkable, negative, or both, allowed Project Good Life to make room for an even better Life.  She discovered even more insights into living the Good Life -- many insights that she is excited to share with her loyal readers in the day sand months to come.  She also came to realize, ever-more clearly, the things that transcend all transitions, those elements of the Good Life that will always endure: the love and support of friends and family, the adventure of travel, the comfort that making an old recipe brings, good memories (and good manners, of course), the utility of a stiff drink, and, of course, the Mothership.

Thank you, loyal readers, for patiently awaiting Project Good Life's reentry into the blogosphere.  We will try to make it worth the wait.