Author: Duchess Diaries

It wouldn’t be a holiday, or any festivity, without a YaYa celebration. Not in the know? The YaYas are a collection of eight, varied and different girls with friendship in common. And a love of wine. And parties. And clothes. And pearls. And happiness. And a holiday white elephant every year featuring our “favorite things.”… Continue reading A YaYa Holiday…

Adding to the Regular Girl’s Favorites List, we can’t forget recipes since most regular girls do a fair amount of the cooking. Okay, okay, I take some heat from my kitchenista friends that I am less than a stellar cook (you know who you are) but I do have a couple of specialties for which… Continue reading Comfort Food…

In keeping with the spirit of the Regular Girls Favorite Things list, we consulted The Duke of Cars for a recommendation of a car that’s fun, festive and affordable. He delivered the Jeep Patriot, which can show off a girl’s adventurous side as well as give her enough room to carry all her shoes if… Continue reading The Duke Weighs In…

As for holiday gifts, let me warn the gentlemen, you must be careful with your purchases. You never want to gift your best girl appliances or kitchenware, unless of course its Spode Christmas China or Waterford Holiday Crystal. But if you’ve got a girl who’s a whiz in the kitchen, there are a few things… Continue reading Kitchen Gadgetry…

Every girl needs a little chocolate to get through the night. No need to go any further dolls. We’ve got sweet treats for the regular girls fave list too. Shall we start at Costco? It’s the peppermint bark hands down. There is no finer, regardless of cash laid out. Hide some chunks for yourself or… Continue reading Sweet Treats…

What’s a girl want in her stocking? Baubles and gems and pearls oh my? Or, perhaps, the keys to something racy? Or whatever’s the latest at La Perla? Wait, we’re not doing Oprah’s faves, remember? We’re creating the favorites list for the regular girl—you know the one that plays Santa to a bunch of chickens,… Continue reading Stuff A Stocking…

Is there a finer pleasure than curling up with a book? Perhaps a fire and some wine nearby? In search of the best books for the regular girls holiday, I consulted with the most well-read English teacher I know and my very favorite English and Creative Writing major and asked them to give me some choices. And… Continue reading Holiday Reading…

Next to The Norwegian and The Chickens, the love of my life is bread. When the waiter asks if we want bread, I scream out “Yes,” before any of my friends can tsk-tsk eating the most perfect of foods. The Norwegian knew eschew the flowers; bring home warm crusty loaves. No wonder the man was… Continue reading Love Of My Life…

Generally, Monday is pajama day. A dear friend labels her version, “No pants Monday.” As this girl always wears a dress, aversion to pants doesn’t really apply. My jammies are the only thing with pants! Once I started working for myself, Monday got set aside as organization day. Not just a nod to my OCD… Continue reading The Regular Girl’s Guide…

The intent was to get this information out over the weekend but alas this family ended up in the emergency room. And it wasn’t Cancer Girl. Seems Middle Chicken’s gall bladder, according to the wonderful surgeon, had been “sick” for quite a while. Poor chicken even had one stone blocking the entrance to the liver.… Continue reading Lord Hamilton Awaits Your Presence…