Vera Bradley Outlet Sale

Madras Monday

This little number is on sale at J.Crew for $99. I think it's cute, but definitely something I would need to try on before committing to it.



While trolling the internets, I came across a new (to me) etailer, Just Madras. The name says it all, really. I can't grab any pictures from their site, but check out the madras tennis raquet covers and the adorable Compo madras clutch. Love!

TCP Discount at The Merry Martini!

The Merry Martini is a darling little online shop that I just found out about. Tons of gift ideas, but some of my favorites are the super cute things for entertaining...

I love the Flatware Tote Alongs, perfect for when you want to eat outside on the deck. (Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?)

But my favorite discovery might be these place tiles:

I love to do place cards, especially at big holiday dinners. But lately I've had a hard time finding place cards anywhere on the Third Coast. I know the trend is for casual entertaining, but some of us like to control plan the seating arrangements to make sure our guests don't start WWIII enjoy themselves. These can be used over and over again, so I wouldn't ever have to buy another pack of paper cards again! (So really, I'd be saving money...right?)

Here's the best part...Kelly at The Merry Martini has offered TCP readers a discount. Use the code MARTINI8 for 20% off, expiring 7/31/08.

Fug Madness

Really, so much more entertaining than March Madness. Especially when your alma mater's team didn't even make the tournament this year.

I'll start watching basketball when the players start showing up in outfits like this:

You all know how I feel about Miss Sevigny. I find comfort in knowing I am not alone. If Go Fug Yourself is not on your Bloglines already, it should be.

One Track Mind

Kate Spade Kerry rain shoes, $129 at zappos.com. If you could see the weather on the Third Coast today, you would know why I am obsessed with rain gear lately. Many thanks to the Manolo for the head's up!

In the Pink is offering to take 30% off their entire skirt collection. Don't miss this chance to grab all your favorite skirts with this special offer. Sale ends Sunday, March 30th. Use the discount code 0330.

I think the reversible Georgie skirt is adorable, and perfect for spring (if you live in a land where spring exists). I've heard about this "spring" but have yet to experience it this year....

Open Up and Say "Ahhhhhhhh"

Yesterday was a big milestone for TCP Baby--his first trip to the dentist. While he was blissfully oblivious to the looming appointment, I was completely dreading it. Not because I have any phobias about going to the dentist (on the contrary, my dentist was my uncle, so I rather enjoyed it), but because I couldn't imagine containing a VERY active toddler in a chair while a stranger looked at his teeth.

Luckily, my fears were unfounded. It all went really well (and really quickly, which I think was the source of the success). It's a pediatric dental practice, so I guess they have plenty of experience with squirmy little boys. If you're on the Third Coast, I highly recommend Dr. Mary!

Now, do you think that TCP Baby needs a reward for his good behavior at the dentist? Like maybe a new pair of wellies??? ;)

Shuffle Up and Deal!

Don't Miss the Junior League of Chicago's spring event, Windy City Nights!

Saturday, March 29, 2008
7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Germania Place
108 W. Germania Place, Chicago

Don't miss this exciting evening of casino games, silent auction,
cocktails, and the soon to be famous mashed potato bar!
The odds are in your favor for a good time.

Event Admission: $85 through March 28, $100 at the door
Tournament Ticket: $150 through March 28, $200 at the door
Order Your Tickets Now

I am so sad that we aren't going this year... did you see that there is a freaking Mashed Potato Bar??? Now that is something that I would be All About, especially after a few cocktails. It's a good time for a great cause. If you're on the Third Coast this weekend, put it on your calendar!

Wee Wellies

Please talk me out of these. I know they probably are not very practical, but they are So Very Cute!

L.L. Bean's Classic Puddle Stompers - $24.50

Blue Gecko rain boots from let-it-rain.com - $20

Hatley Dog Print Rain Boots at Yellow Turtle - $29.95

Western Chief Frog Rain Boot at Rainy Day Kids - $23.95

Cocobonbon's Doc Collection Rainboots - $23



And even more cuteness at Lands' End...the Toddler Rain and Shine boots .

Mini-TCP

In case you've ever wondered what the girl behind the lobster avatar actually looks like, check out my new Blog Gal to the right! It's pretty accurate, given that my freckles are rather prominent after Hawaii and that I am unable to go anywhere without at least three bags.

Go to Design Her Gals for a mini-me of your own, to use online or on paper. I made "gals" that look like my mom and grandmother, too, to use for future gift-giving occasions. And definitely take a look at the work being done by the Gal to Gal Foundation. My dear friend's childhood friend was recently diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, and it has reminded me that we really can't do enough to fight against this insidious disease. Every little bit can help.

Sigh.

What Easter should look like:

What Easter will look like this year on the Third Coast:

I am so over this weather... Mother Nature and I are really in a fight this time! Notwithstanding the awful weather, I hope you all have a very happy (and warm!) Easter weekend!

Stuff of the Gods

I must recommend the Greek Gods Traditional Greek Yogurt in the Honey flavor. It is amazing!

And I'm not the only one who thinks so. I started eating Greek yogurt after I read French Women Don't Get Fat, and really loved it. Of course, the honey aspect of this one pretty much takes it out of the diet category. But that's okay, because it is so freaking delish, it's well worth it.

Now please excuse me while I get back to my breakfast with Hermes!

**ETA: I just found this at our regular grocery store, Jewel--for those of you on the Third Coast.

TCP's Spring Wish List - 2008 Version

Because the sun is desperately trying to poke through the clouds on the Third Coast today, and because I just got the first half of my bonus direct-deposited, I think today seems like a good day for a wishlist. Here are a few things tempting me today:

City-fit stretch chino sailor pant in flame from J.Crew. I love sailor pants for spring and summer, and the bright orange color seems so suited for warm weather. Alas, they are out of my size!

This adorable nautical tote from Rita Wilcox. I love the rope handles!

A new pair of Bonanno's. Yes, I realize that I have lots one or two pairs already. But I need a metallic pair of the palm beach classics (in pewter and gold, please). And maybe a pair of Emma classic monograms in Arbutus with Clementine whipstitch. How cute would that be? And Melissa Morris is running a discount all year long.

Also, I made Ladybug's Picnic's raw kale and avocado salad last night. Love it! I highly recommend adding black olives and artichoke hearts to it. Of course, I would recommend adding black olives and artichoke hearts to almost everything. But that's just me.

Over-Indulging on St. Patrick's Day

I might have had green beer and Guiness over the weekend, but there is one St. Patrick's Day treat that I really can't pass up:

The Shamrock Shake. Why does a medium always seem like a good idea, when really, a small is all the mint green goodness I can handle?

I hope that you all are having a happy St. Patrick's Day and celebrating more sensibly than I am!

New Belts at Three Chickadees!

Let me tell you, it was a gray and gloomy day on the Third Coast yesterday. Everything has the ugly, dirty March look. So imagine what a nice treat it was to come home and find a little package from Three Chickadees waiting for me in the mailbox!


Of course, I had to try it on right away...

Please note that it is testament to how much I love this belt that I have actually photographed my midsection and posted it on the Internet for the entire world to see. But really, I think the cuteness of the belt will distract from the muffin top. At least I hope so...

Here comes the exciting part that I promised before I left for vacation:

TCP is pleased to offer its readers 20% off all retail orders at Three Chickadees from March 15, 2008 through March 31, 2008. Simply enter the discount code "TCP" at checkout.

I have two belated birthday gifts to order, but I just might have to add a little something for myself too!

One other thing...

I know you've been dying for me to weigh in on American Idol. (I can't even believe that I watch this show. And am obsessed with it. I used to tease Mr. TC for watching. And now? Hooked.)

So my favorite, by far? This dude.

I also like the nanny, the Australian hottie, and What About Brian. Don't tell me that you can't see a resemblance.

I might actually download some of the songs from iTunes. I'm such a sucker.

In Numbers and Links

Seven nights, eights days.
Two islands.
One resort, one condo.
Four pairs of Bonnano's in the suitcase.
Nine hours in the air with a toddler.
One massage to recover from nine hours in the air with a toddler.
Two shave ices at Maui Espresso & Shave Ice.
Sixpack of Longboard Lager.
One bottle of Maui Babe Browning Lotion.
One tiny rash guard.
Two Hawaiian monk seals spotted on the beach.
45,000 grains of sand in the bottom of my tote bag.
Zero hours of sleep on the red eye home.
One great vacation.

Aloha!

See you in a week! Be sure to check in next Thursday, I have something planned for you all!

Shopping for a Good Cause

If I were going to be in town on Thursday, I would definitely stop in at this event. I love BB, natch, and the Rookery is an amazing Third Coast landmark.

Milestone

On Saturday, TCP Baby fit into his very first pair of Sperry Topsiders. (I bought them back in September, but he just grew into them.) Of course, they fit even better without socks.

I was so proud.