Three Sales You Need to Know About

1. In the Pink is offering an additional 20% off all clearance items with the code 0730. Sale ends Sunday August 3rd.

2. CWD Kids is running a huge Ralph Lauren sale, up to 75% off... prices start at $4.99!

3. Emily Lacey is having a tent sale in Lake Forest August 12-16 from 9am to 4pm. Stop by if you're on the Third Coast, or shop the virtual tent sale if you can't make it to the North Shore.

Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

Did you all get this apology email from J.Crew? Am I the only one who thought there should have been some sort of free shipping/percentage off code included to show us that they are reeeeally sorry?

I Should Be More Embarrassed by This List

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you (there were two!) and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others that you like and tell why.
3. Tag 5 random people at the end of post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I will copy Traci and say that this is tough as my music taste is extremely eclectic and I don't really apologize for any of it. However, here are 5 of the cheesiest songs I love that I may or may not be embarrassed over.

1. Girls - The Beastie Boys: This one takes me back to college. Is there a better preparty song? I think not. The lyrics are not so feminist, I will give you that. I will also admit to loving (and singing regularly) Professor Booty by the Beastie Boys.

2. It Takes Two - Rob Base and DJ Ez-Rock: Oh Rob Base, you should be internationally known!

3. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield: I challenge you to listen to this song and NOT sing along. It cannot be done.

4. Friends in Low Places - Garth Brooks: Shut up. I know.

5. Hey Ya - Outkast: I know it was overplayed, I know even Andre 3000 got sick of it, but sometimes, you just want to shake it like a Polaroid picture.

I too must add honorable mentions: Bennie and the Jets, Right Back Where We Started From, Come On Eileen, Push It, Since You Been Gone...well, I could go on and on. I guess I'm not embarrassed to admit to any of this!

A Few Things I Love Right Now

Cosi's Asiago cheese bagel with low-fat veggie cream cheese. I don't know why bagels taste better when they are square, they just do.

Montrose Avenue beach. Less crowded than the ever popular North Avenue and Oak Street beaches, this one is super shallow and perfect for an intrepid toddler swimmer who wants to practice his "kiiicks!!!"

Caladryl Clear. The mosquitoes have been devouring TCP Toddler and me this summer, leaving giant itchy welts. This stuff helps, without making you looking quite as diseased as the old school pink Calamine.

What are you loving right now???

Another Day, Another Contest

Because I love you all, I am here to let you know about yet another sensational giveaway. (I must say that I am loving all the contests and giveaways lately. The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat and all that, you know.) Pretty Preppy Monograms is giving away a fabulous monogrammed water bottle koozie. I don't know about you, but I can certainly picture this spiffing up the ratty water bottle that usually resides on my desk. Just leave a comment on their blog to enter and tell them TCP sent you. And if you win, then I win, too.

But if we don't win, we can use the coupon code ONEYEAR at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order from now through Monday, 8/4! Shop now!

Free shipping from Vera Bradley if you spend $75 until Sunday, July 27. The new fall patterns are out, and while two of them really don't do much for me (Puccini and Night Owl, I'm looking at you), the other two are pretty cute:

Caffe Latte Morgan Bag, $63

Frankly Scarlet Large Tic Tac Tote, $69

Also, Daily Candy has turned me on to another monogram boutique (because I don't have enough sources already, obvs). All She Wrote is a Third Coast (Lincoln Park, to be exact) boutique that is offering free monogramming on everything... in store or online with the code DCfreemonogram. Cute stuff, I think I need to check them out in person. It's been too long since I shopped on Armitage Avenue!

Retail Therapy

In the last 24 hours, I have had my kitchen slightly flooded by a leaky faucet, accidentally picked up dog poop with my bare hand (don't ask...let's just say I need to restock Purell after that one), been completely drenched in a rainstorm on the way to the train this morning, and spilt coffee on my new-ish white linen pants. It's shaping up to be a banner week.

The cookies that I ate for breakfast have made me feel pudgy instead of improving my mood, so I think the only thing one can to turn to in times like these is shopping. (Of course.What did you think I was going to say, meditation? Silly.)

I've told you recently about how I'm a fan of the Preppy Princess. We see eye to eye on any number of subjects. She is graciously offering 10% off the total order to my blog readers! All you need to do is visit http://www.preppyprincess.com/ and put in the code "blogdeal" during checkout. Flip-flops and matching belts, totes, jewelry, anything!

CDW Kids is having a summer sale today, too. Click here for a wide variety of items that are only $9. The sailboat shorts are too cute. I'm thinking about ordering ahead for next summer, if I can decide what size is a safe bet. (Any experienced mamas want to help me out? Toddler sizes usually good for a year or so, corresponding with age?)

Finally, a little bird who is one of my best sources whispered in my ear that the fabulous A.Tierney is having a summer sale through July 31st...20% off of everything with the code SMILE08. Thanks for the tip!

I want to win.

this quilt from Old Red Barn Co. Isn't it so pretty? Can't you just picture me having a picnic on it? Taking it to the beach? Curling up together on a cool evening? No? You picture yourself doing these things?

Then go here to enter. Or to shop for other goodies, like soaps and such.

The Official Shoe of Summertime

Top It Off is having a big sale on flip flops...$25 (down from $38) and free shipping. You know you're going to be wearing flips for at least three more months, so you might as well pick up another pair!

Boat and Tote Sale

L.L. Bean is taking 20% off customer favorites right now, including my personal favorite, the Boat and Tote Bag. You know you can never have too many of these.

Thanks to Sharp Lily for the head's up on this one! (You really should check out her blog...she finds great deals. And has awesome tag lines, like "you don't need tons of cash to look money" and "we might be scrimpin' but we're still pimpin'." Loves it.)

La Plates

To my way of thinking, nothing is better than dining al fresco in the summertime. Maybe it's because the warm weather lasts such a short time around here, but I want to be outside as much as humanly possible lately.

These seem like the perfect thing for a meal out on the patio this summer...

La Plates are completely adorable. Also, they have an excellent section on monogram etiquette that you should probably bookmark. It's that good. And, even better, TCP readers get 10% off with the discount code laplates10 at checkout.

Preppy Giveaway!

Preppy Monogrammed Gifts is doing a "Wacky Wednesday Give Away." She's a "young mom who aspires to be a stay at home mom, and started the Preppy Monogrammed Gift Company with two friends. " That's the kind of business (and goal) that I can get behind.

Comment here to win a free monogrammed apron! Just be sure to leave a comment before midnight on July 22nd. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday morning.

Don't forget to mention that TCP sent you!

TCP Goes Green: Canvas Totes

I don't know about you, but I end up at the grocery store about a million times a week. I think it comes with the territory when you have kids. (Pre-baby, I would go to the store like once a month. Or less. What can I say? I liked to order in.)

The number of plastic bags that we were consuming was staggering. So I ordered these super cute totes from Miniblisscakes on etsy. Styled like an LL Bean tote, but more lightweight (and therefore not as heavy to carry). Each one fits a ton of stuff...I was able to use just these four bags for my entire cart. Now if I can just remember to put them back in the car after unloading, we'll be all set!

Preppy Paper Swap

The always fabulous Mom x 2 has cooked up a Preppy Paper Swap. Given my love of all paper products, how could I resist?

I was lucky enough to be matched up with Preppy Sue, who has a perfectly pink and green blog of her own that you should check out. She has great taste!

My favorite colors ~ Navy, pink, and green. But my house has lots of reds, khaki, and green.
Things I especially love ~ Lobsters! And roosters, plaid, and almost anything nautical.
How often you entertain and/or types of parties you host~ Not as often I would like. But usually big casual parties.
My monogram and/or the monogram of my child ~ EJR or ERJ. TCP Toddler's is MPR.

Tuesday Codes and Sales

Lauren Nicole is offering 20% off everything through July 20 with the code julysale. I love this monogrammed ID badge holder...if you have to wear an ID badge, you might as well make it as cute and preppy as you can!

In the Pink has 50% off the entire spring collection with the code 0715.

Personalization Mall has 30% off of everything right now, and monogramming is always free. No code needed. Some of it isn't really my style, but there are very cute beach accessories (party tubs , welcome mats, and kids' towels).

Anchors Away for the Summer Soiree

Adler Planetarium

Friday, August 15

8:00 p.m. - Midnight

Attire: Nautical Chic

Themed "Anchors Away!", this nautical evening of cocktails, dancing and fireworks sets sail at the beginning of Chicago's Air and Water Show weekend. The evening will feature an open bar (including Tommy Bahama Rum® specialty cocktails), light appetizers by Food for Thought, decadent desserts, live music by The Southern Course Band and a silent auction featuring must-have treasures!

$90 per person in advance, $100 per person at the door

To purchase online, click here or call 312.664.4462 x101. Tickets can be purchased in advance through August 14th. Tickets will be held at the door and are nonrefundable.

32 team bracket style bean bag tournament with fabulous Tommy Bahama Rum® prizes for the winning team! Tournament play begins at 8:30 pm$30 per team of 2 players in advance, $40 per team of 2 players at the door. Entrance fee includes a Tommy Bahama Rum® gift and a chance to win a Tommy Bahama Rum® raffle prize. To purchase tickets, click here or call 312.664.4462 x101. Space is limited, so sign up today!

TCP Travels: Up North

The Grand Traverse Light

Most of us city dwellers on the Third Coast spend at least a little bit of the summer "Up North" either in Wisconsin or Michigan, away from the sweltering city and the hordes of tourists that descend upon us during the brief period of warm weather. (Not that I blame them...it's a great place to visit in June, notsomuch in February!)


I grew up going to a family cottage in Wisconsin every summer, and now Mr TC and I are looking for a great place to do the same thing with our little family. Last week, we explored the Leelanau Pennisula of Michigan. And as much as I love cheese curds and fish boils, I think I'm ready to abandon Wisconsin summers for Michigan ones.


Our cottage was on Grand Traverse Bay, just south of Northport, Michigan. It had a little sand beach just the right size for a water-loving TCP Toddler, and we spent lots of time wading and examining shells.


An afternoon of shopping in nearby and adorable downtown Suttons Bay found me going crazy at the shops. My favorites? Anchor Cottage and Haystacks. And of course, you must stop at Michigan Peddler to stock up on all manner of cherry related products (we were visiting during the National Cherry Festival after all!) At Brilliant Books, I picked up a copy of my new sidebar read...


Shockingly enough, there is also decent wine to be found in Michigan. Check out Black Star Farms for great hard cider and Riesling, and a surprisingly decent Cab Franc.


Mr. TC loved the area as well. He's recently been rediscovering fishing as a hobby, and has gotten really into fly fishing (You can read more about that here). We spend lots of time at the streamside Orvis in Traverse City.


On our last night up north, we went to dinner in Leland, Michigan. Let's just say that I could have done some serious damage shopping in the historic Fishtown area, but TCP Toddler threw the mother of all TCP Tantrums whilst we were dining, so it was back to the cottage.


But don't worry, we'll definitely be back!

Week of Preppy Winner

Congrats go out to Preppy Engineer for winning the Whitney English Week of Preppy Giveaway!!!

(FYI, I was too lazy to write all the names down and physically draw them out of a hat, so I used a random number generator, and comment #28 --the Preppy Engineer-- was chosen. )

Send me an email at thirdcoastpreppy@ gmail.com with your contact information, and I'll get you in touch with the lovely ladies over at Whitney English.

Thanks again to Whitney English for offering this great prize!

TuNix on the Third Coast

I'm sure you all have heard about TuNix by now, yes? The adorable tunics with the fantastically preppy names?

"Ivy League Afternoon"

"Strolling in Nantucket"

Ever since TCP Toddler was born, I've become a big fan of tunics. They seem to cover a multitude of sins, shall we say? Ashley, the founder of TuNix, is currently offering a 10% discount + free shipping with code prep10 until July 31st. She's also looking to find great Chicago shops to carry her line. I've given her a couple ideas of my own, but do any of you other Third Coasters have suggestions? Where would you like to be able to buy TuNix? We'd love to hear your ideas!

Little English

Have you all heard of this company? I just got an email with the cutest things...I really love the seersucker travel sets.

Although, this does beg the question: why would a toddler need a garment bag? Who cares, if it's cute enough, right?

Some of the clothing might be a little more geared to the South*, where I know that smocking is whole-heartedly embraced for both baby girls AND boys. (Let's just say I couldn't get that past Mr. TC. And don't even get me started on the conversation we had when I tried to put TCP Toddler into a bubble when he was a baby. It did not Go Over Well.)

But if you have a little girl, or a more open minded husband, check them out. Real cute special occasion clothing.


*And indeed, it looks like most of their retailers are south of the Mason-Dixon line. Just one lonely shop in Illinois.

Must Reads of the Day

This article from the NY Times begs for manners in the workplace. After attending a meeting yesterday that was interrupted by the loudest, most obnoxious cell phone ring tone I have ever heard, I just might print this one out for my office.

CDW Kids has a new blog, kidbits, and share some heartwarming and inspiring tales of kids doing great things for the less fortunate.

It's the kind of read that gives one hope that the good kids will outnumber the office cupcake thieves...

Little Lilly Sale

In the Pink has 50% off of the entire kids' spring collection, now through July 13th with the code 0708. And it includes boys clothing too! Not a lot, but every little counts as progress, right? Huzzah for boys clothes!

I would like to thank the Academy...

I'm feeling the love today after receiving two highly-coveted awards "You Make My Day Award" and the "Nice Matters Award"* from two of my favorite bloggers...to which I must say, right back at ya!

First, my two Third Coasties, Mom x 2 and Tres Poshe Preppy, who were sweet enough to give me awards and who I would like to have a g&t with someday.

And since I am too lazy to maintain a blogroll here, I will share some links and pass the awards on to these must-reads:

Traci of Hello, Darling! because she just cracks me up all the time. After reading some of her posts, I start feeling the urge to say "y'all."

The Preppy Princess, because she makes proper usage of "The Royal We" and has her own shop, which is fabulous and totally like what I hope to do someday.

Monogram Momma, because she feeds my addiction for all things monogrammed. Someday, when I am a grown up, I hope to be as crafty as she is.

Lisagh at Grosgrain Garage, because she shared this story with the whole wide world.

Ladybug's Picnic, because she tells it like it is and clued me in to the deliciousness of raw kale and avocado salads.

I can't mention all the blogs on my bloglines (because it is an obscene number, really), but these are definite must-reads!!

*This one comes as something of a shock, honestly, as I usually fall in the "if you haven't got anything nice to say, come sit next to me" camp.

Week of Preppy at Whitney English

I hope you all had sensational holiday weekends! The TCP family had a fantastic time "Up North" here (more on that later). It's always hard for me to get back into the swing of work/life/laundry/etc. after being away, so to ease the pain of reentering Real Life, I'm doing a giveaway with the wonderful Whitney English to help celebrate their Week of Preppy:


Look at all the goodies you can win!! (Of course, your lovelies would be personalized with your own name and/or monogram.) I have many of these items myself, and I can tell you that they are gorgeous. My personal favorite is the acrylic clipboard...it takes me back to my sorority days when I conducted all my business via a paint-penned clipboard!

Leave a comment to this post and I'll draw the winner on Friday, June 11. And check out the Whitney English blog while you're at it...lots of super cute ideas there.

Happy Independence Day!

Due to a major childcare snafu, I'm off for the holiday weekend a bit early. We're heading up north for the 4th and wish you all a very happy holiday weekend!! See you next week!

If Chez TCP Had a Pool...

$12 each. Available online at designroom. Thanks to Daily Candy Deals for the heads up...use their code DC SUMMER for 25% off.