Ginchy Gals of the Week: Junk Gypsies

Hey there princess!

Sisters Amie and Jolie Sikes are the Thelma and Louise of over-the-top Texas gypsy home decor. 

"Our parents instilled a love of junk in us," said Jolie. "Everything we owned was from a thrift store or garage sale." The girls learned growing up that they could buy something that was trash, but with a little hot glue and imagination, they could turn it into a real treasure. 

They've decorated airstream trailers for country music stars Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley, all while keeping the sweetness of their southern charm. Their business isn't held up in an office building, and decisions aren't made in a board room, rather these two sisters choose to let the wind blow them where it may. The structure of "Junk Gypsies" relies on "the love of the open road, Dr Peppers, and tacos."

Be like the Junk Gypsies:

• Know that nothing is trash.
• Be yourself.
• Keep your family close.
• Be generous.
• When in doubt, add a dash of glitter and lace!

For more on the Junk Gypsies, you can visit their website by clicking here. Also, please don't forget to follow me on twitter @heythrprincess. Sparkle on! 

Spurs and Stars

Hey there princess!

Today marks day two of the Parker Country Sheriff's Posse Rodeo here in Ft. Worth. I thought it would be fun to delve into the history of rodeo, and while I'm at it, dig out some fun vintage photographs of the men and women who know just how the west was won.

The beginnings of the rodeo can be tracked back to the ranches of the early 1700s, which were owned by Spanish cattlemen, or vaqueros. In places like California, Texas, and the New Mexico Territories, land was plentiful and just itching to be settled. So, vaqueros and other ranchers developed new techniques for herding and roping the steer that were to be sold to folks out east.

At the end of a long cattle-drive, the first American Cowboys would hold informal competitions to see which of them was the best rider, roper, and all-around best drover. These competitions later developed into Wild West shows, which were basically the Toddlers and Tiaras of the early American frontier (see divas below).

Today, much of the competition style is the same (though there may be a little more bling involved). So saddle up your best pony and put on your stetson! It's rodeo season here, and I hope to see you at my local roundup! Yeehaw!!!

Tuesday Shoesday: These Boots

Hey there princess!

It's rodeo week here in Parker County, which means that it's time to saddle up and slap on some spurs!

With the Sherrif's Posse Rodeo starting tomorrow evening, with bucking broncos and mutton bustin', everybody in town is out and about trying to find the perfect ensemble to wear. Now, everybody knows that no get-up is complete without the perfect pair of cowboy boots, so I've compiled a little list of my favorite pairs from Old Gringo for you to wear to this summer's festivities! Yeehaw!

Man Crush Monday: Robert Redford

Hey there princess!

Charles Robert Redford, Jr (born August 18, 1936) is an All-American actor, film director, producer, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival. He is also the winner of two oscars, and in 2010, he was awarded French Knighthood. Talk about an overachiever!

Though his resume seems stellar, Redford wasn't always the confident, charismatic person that he is today. He says that he struggled in school after his mother's death, but always loved doing any kind of outdoor sporting activity, and was especially good at playing tennis. 

Redford also said that loves telling stories, and that his knack for spinning tales helped him a lot during his acting career. He has appeared in blockbusters, such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Out of Africa, The Way We Were, A Bridge Too Far, and many others.

Date a guy like Robert:

• A guy who can hold a conversation at dinner.
• A guy who is athletic.
• A guy who knows how to tie a tie.
• A guy who knows how to ride a horse.
• A guy who loves to try new things!

Sparkle on! 

P.S. Here is my favorite scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid:

Weekend Getaway: Savannah, GA

Hey there princess!

This summer I want to do a little spotlight once a week on some of my very favorite travel destinations.

This week, we are going to Savannah, Georgia. This port city is the oldest in the state of Georgia, and played a crucial role in both the American and Civil wars.

Today, Savannah is know for its beautiful gardens, beach views, historical architecture, and terrific cooking! One of my favorite places to eat when I'm in Savannah is The Lady and Sons, a restaurant opened in 1989, which is run by legendary chef, Paula Deen, and her two sons, Jamie and Bobby. Their "ho cakes" are famous for their buttery flavor, and my favorite dinner item has got to be the crab-stuffed shrimp on a bed of jasmine rice and asparagus. 

Another great place to stop and play in Savannah is Tybee Island. In my opinion, the beach is the best place to spend warm weather (and hey, I'll even squish my toes in the sand during the dead of winter). Since the weather is so nice outside, take a walk and splash in the sea on this little piece of paradise. The beaches are white and clean, and the locals are incredibly friendly. 

While you're on the island, stop off at the Crab Shack, where the elite eat in their bare feet (or in flip flops... whatever). The fish is always fresh and the atmosphere is too much fun. You get the eat with your bare hands as you look out at the sun setting on the water. Also, they sell their amazing "Captain Crab's Secret Spice" shell-food seasoning at the gift shop, which is totally worth the splurge. I use it in all of my own cooking at home. 

There are about a million other things to do in Savannah, but those are just a few of my favorites! Where are your favorite places to travel over the summer? Let me know in the comments below!

Ginchy Gal of the Week: Miranda Lambert

Hey there princess!

This week's ginchy gal won two Country Music Television Music Awards Wednesday night, and is also a sassy spokesperson for Muttnation. Can I ask you... what is more American than a woman who loves puppies and guitars? I can't think of a single thing!

Miranda Lambert grew up in Lindale, Texas where her father, a retired police officer, taught her how to play guitar. The country music superstar says that growing up in the South where she learned to shoot a gun, barrel race, and played Annie Oakley in a school play, all helped influence her as a musician.

Today, she is married to fellow country singer Blake Shelton, and they live together at their home Oklahoma. She is truly an inspiration for all women, and in my eyes, she's a real princess.

Be like Miranda:

• Be kind to animals.
• Speak your mind.
• Live in an airstream.
• Mess with the bull.
• Embrace your roots.

Monogram My World: Marley Lilly

Hey there princess!

People have been monograming clothing and other kitschy items since, like 350 B.C. when everybody thought it would be totally cute to put the initials of monarchs and cities on their togas.

Today, if you're a Southern lady, the urge to monogram everything you own comes as naturally as a Southern man's urge to kill anything with feathers or fur. Preppy princesses across the nation know that, in gearing up for the summer weather and outdoor fun, one would be amiss without these fun new items (plus, this is waaaay more chic than having your mom write your name on the tag of your tank top).

My favorite place to purchase new goods with the royal crest on them is Marley Lilly. They operate out of South Carolina, and have about the cutest online shop on the block! Check them out, and comment below if you have any other fun monograming retailers to recommend!

Sparkle on and God bless 'Merica!

Walk Like An Egyptian

Hey there princess!

Summer is finally in full swing! I'm packing up my bags and headed out to catch some sun, and the song that's been playing on my stereo this year has been The Bangle's 1986 hit, "Walk Like An Egyptain." It's just so fun and funky, and it fits seamlessly with the 50th anniversary of Cleopatra, one of my favorite Elizabeth Taylor movies of all time. 

So, in keeping with the Egyptian theme of things that are gold, glittering, and positively over-the-top, here are my top picks from Michael Kors for a trip to the Nile this summer! 

Kate Spade: Girls in Pearls

Hey there princess!

Kate Spade released their new June line this morning, and I have to say, I am in love!

Their collection is full of pearlescent dresses and skirts, and a sweet new print to tickle anyone's fancy. With these bits and baubles, you are sure to be the toast of every tea party you attend this June.

This month they were inspired by Palm Springs, where palm trees, golf greens, and decadent dwellings rise like a mirage in the desert.

Off we go!

Man Crush Monday: Leonardo DiCaprio

Hey there princess!

This week's ginchy guy has captivated audiences since he was saving Rose from dire circumstances in Titanic.

Whether he's a star-crossed lover, skilled artist, charming conman, strategic dreamer, or a mysterious guy who throws a great party, Leo is always portraying my idea of the perfect leading man. Though, it doesn't hurt that he also owns his own island off of Belize.

Perhaps my favorite attribute of Mr. DiCaprio is his ability to float seamlessly from loose t-shirts to expertly tailored tuxedos. Seriously! With those sea foam blue-green eyes for accessories, he can make anything look like haute couture.

His most recent cinematic endeavor has been to take on F. Scott Fitzgerald's misunderstood playboy Jay Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. All of his suits for the film were made by Brooks Brothers, a men's clothing company founded in 1818.

Watch the film below for more information about costuming in The Great Gatsby, in theaters now.

Two Fore Tee

Hey there princess!

People say that golf is a gentleman's game, but I beg to differ.

What started as a bunch of Scots hitting around a wooden ball about 500 years ago has transformed into a universal past-time associated with class and sophistication. Today, about 25% of all professional golfers are females, and with that comes a sweep of fabulous fashion finds to wear on the course (or at least at the clubhouse).

With summer in full swing, it's time to polish those clubs and tee off with the girls! You go Annika Sorenstam!