Blog Sale!

So I make no promises of regular posting, but one of my summer to-do list items was to clear out the closets a bit. Two pregnancies in the last four years has made for a wide range of sizes in my wardrobe, and a few Lillys, VV, or Cape Madras items that aren't the best fit.


I considered posting these on eBay or on Re-Lilly, but am lazy and thought I would try this first. So let's see how this goes! (And please forgive my wretched photography. I'm bad enough at taking snapshots of people, let alone close ups of clothing!! And yes, I realize some are sideways, but I can't flip them.)

All are in excellent used condition. Paypal only, and add $5 for shipping on each item. Email me with any questions at thirdcoastpreppy@gmail.com, and thanks for looking!

Wyatt top in Parade Pink Seaside Gingham, size 6. Very forgiving...I actually wore this as an early stages maternity/ post-partum top. $20

Blayne Dress in White Scales and Tails, size 4. I love this dress...wore it only a few times, but once was for my launch party! $45

Lilly capris in Green Too Jays, size 2. Great condition, just never wear capris anymore. $10

Courtland skirt in Seaspray blue, size 4. Picked it up on Rue La La last year, and wore it maybe twice. Just doesn't fit me well. (At this point, the camera entirely died, due to some sort of "lens error.")

Tankini top in Cheery-O print, size 2. This is for the TOP ONLY. The bottom still fits me (I just bought a solid white tankini top to wear with it), and to be quite honest, the idea of selling a used bikini bottom pretty much skeeves me out. But the top is adorable, one of my favorite prints, so I'd love to find a home for it. $5

And a few non-Lilly items....

Cape Madras fun skirt in Crecent madras, size 4. Love, love, love Cape Madras, but it's too big. $15

J.Crew british khaki chino skirt, size 2. Love this with riding boots in the fall, but feeling a little too elderly to pull off a skirt this short! $15

Vineyard Vines long sleeve polo in black, size M. This may be a men's medium, I bought it at TJ Maxx, so who knows? $5

Any takers???

On a Break

This is probably stating the obvious, given that my last post was, uh, almost 6 months ago, but I'm apparently taking a break from the TCP blog. Hats off to all of you who are at home with two (or more!) kids full time and still blogging, because I cannot seem to ever get around to it.

I have enormous guilt every week when I get my blog stats email and see how many visitors I've had in the past week. And I compose blog posts in my head all the time...but something always seems to distract me. So, I'm officially hanging up my blogging shoes for the rest of the summer. Maybe in the fall, when Mini #1 is in preschool for four blissful hours three days a week, I'll get organized and be able to blog a little.

In the meantime, you can find me on Twitter. Because I love me some Twitter. (I have been accused of excessive Twittering. I find that to be a gross overstatement. Ahem.)

Happy summer to you all!

Bits and Bobs

In an attempt to make dinner that my increasingly picky three year old would eat, I made fondue the other night (inspired in part by this lovely lady's recent post). Used the super delicious and easy recipe from The WASP Cookbook (beer+ sharp cheddar +mustard + salt) and expected my kid would love it because it combines two things he loves, dipping and cheese. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when he asked if he could please have some ketchup to dip his food in instead of the "yucko" stuff. Sigh.

When the baby gets a little fussy in his high chair, he immediately brightens up if I sing "Pants on the Ground" to him. What does this say about him? Or me, for that matter??

In case I needed another reason to be excited for out upcoming trip to Florida (also known as the "February in Chicago SUCKS so let's get the heck out of town" Trip), I present you with reason #4,305: Sweet Waters, a Lilly shop located on the property. And the staff? Outfitted in Lilly.

Mr. TC sure knew what he was doing when he booked us at this hotel!

Back in November, the Junior League of Chicago hosted its annual Gazebo Holiday Market. It's one of my favorite events of the year (umm, knocking out requirements while shopping? yes, please) and I've been meaning to write it up ever since. You know, for the last two months or so.

There were some new vendors this year that I really loved (more on them another day), but one of my favorite parts was that I got to meet the fabulous Lara of La Plates in person! We had emailed back and forth about promotions and giveaways a while back, but it was a riot to finally meet. She is such a doll (and not just because she said nice things about my blog) and I got the cutest place mat for M. This specific design combo isn't shown on the website, but if you want the same one, just email Lara. She was so helpful and is totally willing to customize.

On one side, the "Manners" design below. M actually really loves this and lines all of his utensils up in the proper locations (and gets mad if he is lacking a spoon or knife to line up!)

The other side is the "Elementary Print Handwriting" on a green back ground with his name. It is so adorable.

(not his name, all photos courtesy of La Plates)

And, it has held up very well over the past two months. (One thing I am learning is that in a house of three boys, things must be extremely durable!)

I don't have any of the actual plates yet, but I've been so happy with the place mat that I think I will eventually get some for the boys. And maybe me.

*I have not been paid for this review nor did I receive anything for free. Totally unsolicited by Lara, and I paid for the above place mat. Does that cover all those silly requirements??)

Avec Shearling or Sans Shearling?

What say you, Internet? God knows I love me some shearling, but is it worth doubling the price? I have some LL Bean dollars just burning a hole in my pocket....

TCP's Winter Survival Guide, 2010 Edition

It seems that most of the country is experiencing the lovely "Artic Blast" that we Third Coasters see multiple times every winter. Looks like it's time for my annual winter survival list (see previous versions here and here):



1. Hot Toddies. My recipe is a mixture of tea, hot water, bourbon, lemons, honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a little sugar. I just eyeball the measurements, depending upon (a) how cold I am and (b) whether I need to get up and be productive in the morning.



2. Tree Hut Shea Butter Body Wash. I like to switch up my products seasonally, and this is my winter choice. It smells AMAZING (a key requirement for me) and it's really moisturizing. You can find it the grocery store (Jewel, for those on the Third Coast), too, which makes it easy to pick up, since I am there every damn day.




3. Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Recovery. My hands are a DISASTER. Between the constant washing/hand sanitizer use and the cold temps, the skin on my hands is incredibly dry. This scrub/lotion helps (and I need all the help I can get).
4. Long underwear. Yep, I said it. A necessary evil when the mercury dips this low. My personal fave (with props to Heaven in a Paper Cup, who alerted me to this particular brand/style) is the unfortunately named "Cuddl Duds". I know, the name is gross, but it's comfy and I like the camisole as a layering piece.


5. Most important? Something to look forward to, preferrably something warm and tropical. The TCP family is heading here in February, and I am repeating "Marco Island, Marco Island" like a mantra as I stuff squirmy children into snowsuits and slip-slide my way around town.

Stay warm!

Want.

Murfee scarf. As if you didn't already know.