A Note from the Desk of the Crabby Pregnant Girl

Dear Anonymous Co-Worker/Sales Clerk/Bus Driver/Fellow Elevator Occupant, etc.:

Hi there. I realize that I am massively, hugely pregnant. However, this does NOT mean you need to comment upon my status constantly. Honestly, it's gotten so that I hate to leave my dreary little cube, knowing that I will be assaulted with cries of "you look ready to pop!" "when is your due date?" "how much longer?" "you must be having a boy/a girl/twins!" each time I venture to the kitchen, the coffee shop, or even the ladies' room. Also, if I do not know you, I will not discuss my plans for childbirth/pain relief/nursing/diapering/sleep training. So you can just save your breath. Ask me about the weather. Obama's budget. Where I got my shoes. I am completely capable of discussing matters not related to pregnancy.

If my water breaks on your shoes, then we need to discuss my pregnancy. Until then, let's move on to other topics.

Kthnxloveyoumeanit,

TCP



They say it takes a village to raise a child. Maybe, but I can tell you one thing for sure: the entire village wants to weigh in with their opinions about your child.

No Clever Title Today, Too Tired...

• Rue La La has a Diane von Furstenberg boutique right now, open until February 27, 2009. If you aren't yet a member, feel free to email me for an invite. I might be tempted by these dresses if I hadn't blown all my credits on the Lilly sale a few weeks ago. I think DVF dresses are amazing...comfortable and they hide a multitude of sins. But remember, things tend to sell out very quickly at Rue La La!

• Daily Candy featured the most adorable nautical skirt by Leifsdottir today. Carried by Anthropologie, among other stores, this line is too freaking cute. Lots of super nautical looks here, but a few of my favorites are the Riata skirt and the Morning Colors dress.

• Nantucket Brand has launched a new product line, including the madras shorts above that I lurve and some really cute hoodies. And you can use the discount code preview09 to get 30% off, now through March 15.

Interested in Joining the JLC?

In the past, I've gotten several inquiries about the Junior League of Chicago. I found out about an upcoming event for those who might be interested in joining.

New Member Informational Session

Saturday, March 7

JLC Headquarters (1447 N. Astor Street)

10:00 a.m.

Potential members attending a New Member Informational Session will gain insight into the responsibilities of membership and learn more about the work of the JLC. To RSVP, click here.

For the Lawyers in the House

Happy Bar Exam Day!

Find more here at someecards.com

Hi, I'm TCP and I'm a Contest-aholic

"Hi, TCP."

Ahem. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? And then sharing with the group? Well, group, here are two more fab contests to share with you!

The Monogram Chick is giving away a monogrammed sippy cup and they are oh so cute, as you can see by the picture above. The giveaway will be open through Tuesday at noon (cst). Check out the Sippy Cups on the Monogram Chick website then enter by leaving a comment on her blog with which of the sippy cup top colors is your fav and you'll be entered. And please remember to tell her TCP sent you, so we BOTH win.

The Preppy Princess has been completely innundated with Lilly orders, but instead of finding this to be too much of a good thing, she's giving away even MORE Lilly goodness: two items from the new line, both in the Cabanarama pattern, one of the Latte Da! mugs and the Take Note Mouse Pad. Check out her blog post here for all the details...there are FIVE ways to enter!

Now, who can tell me where to find the meeting for Lilly Addicts Anonymous??

ETA: Thanks to the comments, I learned about two more! Check out the Southern Housewife for a Tucker Blair giveaway (I'm actually wearing a TB headband right now!) and Newbie New Yorker for a Flip and Tumble tote giveaway! Seriously, I have got. to. stop.

Something in the Water

I recently realized something that has me a little worried.

In my office, there have been four pregnant women, including me, due in the past six months or so. Three of them (so everyone but me) delivered their babies at least one month early. Thankfully, all the babies and mamas are okay. As of this weekend, I'll have made it longer than any of the others.

But still. I'm packing my bag this weekend. Just in case.

TGIF Contests

I have news of not one, not two, but THREE, count 'em three, giveaways today. And one is cuter than the next.

First up, here's a great reason to get on twitter if you haven't already. (Other than the fact that you are missing out on my thrilling commentary about tv shows and people who annoy me.) Monogram Momma (aka cmolino on twitter) is doing a sensational Lilly Mug Giveaway for her twitter followers. All the details are here, but if you start following her and post a tweet about her giveaway, be sure to mention that you heard about it from me, so I get an extra entry too. And why don't you follow me while you're at it? Thanks!

Ashley Brooke Designs is giving away a set of 50 Mom Cards. The designs are darling and I think it would be a really useful thing to have on hand, so check them out! Also, she has an etiquette blog that you should check out.



Last but not least, Whitney Caroline Designs is giving away a super cute scalloped edge board. Check out her blog and shop, both are adorable.



Good luck everyone!

Anchors Away

Kayce Hughes/ Pears + Bears is having a HUGE sale...75% off.

My personal favorite? The Melodie Dress with Anchor in Nantucket Blue, was $74, now $34. If only it came in big girl sizes...

New on the North Shore

I just got an email from Ellen of Ellen's On Elm in Winnetka, letting me know that the new shop is now open in the old Multiple Choices location (841 Elm), doing business, and carrying many of the same lines, as well as lots of new merchandise.

Have any of you North Shore girls been in to check it out? We'd love to hear more about it if so...Multiple Choices was always a TCP favorite!

To prevent myself from killing a coworker who has not only told me that I look like I',m "about to pop" but also asked if I was "sure there aren't twins in there", I will instead blog about the following codes:

The Paper Concierge formerly known as Monogram Momma has FREE SHIPPING until 2-28 with code cmolino at checkout.

Tervis Tumbler has free shipping on orders over $50 until 2-22 , no code needed.

Enter the code HappyShip at checkout and get FREE standard shipping on Cute Baby Shoes until 2-28.

Rita Wilcox is offering a 20% discount on all new spring items in the spring fling category with the coupon code SPRING09 at checkout. Offer expires 2-22.

The Pink Monogram has a big sale right now, with up to 50% off!



Serenity now, my friends, serenity now...

Off to a Good Start

After waking up waaaay too early this morning (thank you, TCP Toddler and the 4,477th cold of the season), I was blearily reading some blogs and came across one that made my morning improve immediately:

I was the winner of the Beantown Prepster's Lilly perfume giveaway! Yay!! If you haven't checked out her blog, you really should. It's a great read.

Thanks again, Beantown Prepster!

One Track Mind

I swear, I really do other things. I don't just stalk Lilly deals all the live long day.

But if they come to me, I feel obligated to pass them along to you.

So.

In the Pink. 30% off Resort Collection. Use the code 3000. Sale ends Monday.

More Lilly to Brighten Your Monday

To continue today's Lilly theme, go visit The Preppy Princess's blog. She's giving away a set of the new Lilly stationery. The drawing is Monday, February 16 at 10am. Good luck!!

Lilly Pulitzer now at Rue La La!

Have you all checked out the Lilly sale at Rue La La today? I just snapped up a couple of skirts that were a fantastic deal...free! I've been hoarding my Rue La La credits in anticipation of a Lilly boutique and was not disappointed.

Here's what I got:

Courtland Sea Spray Blue Skirt...yes, those are tiny lobsters embroidered on there! $35, marked down from $118

Babette print reversible skirt, $45, down from $178 originally.

If you aren't yet a member of Rue La La, email me at thirdcoastpreppy@gmail.com and I'll send you an invitation right away. But I'd move fast if I were you...the boutique only lasts until tomorrow and things are selling out quickly!

Three Preppy Baby Boy Things for Thursday

1. The Giggling Turtle Bedding Set from Baby Gap. I love the navy and green combo! I saw this thanks to special TCP correspondent P in D.C., who is expecting her own preppy baby later this month. This makes me wish that I was getting new bedding for boy #2...

2. Shiraleah Zoe Tote. Again with the navy...but for some reason, I feel I can't carry a pink diaper bag when I have two boys. While I already have two great diaper bags (this and this), one more surely couldn't hurt?

3. Wipeable Blue Sailor Shirt Bib, by etsy seller evelyn kate. I love the cut of this bib...the shoulder coverage can be key with messy guys. Plus, could the pattern be any cuter?

Where to Begin?

Kids, I have a fat ton of codes and sales to tell you about today. Take a deep breath, and let's dive in, shall we?

Calista Cove has partnered with LaPapillon to bring you the Kate Somerville collection for a private 2-days only sale. Enjoy 15% off the skin care products on Wednesday February 4th and Thursday February 5th with checkout code "lifeinthecoveKS15". You'll not only receive Calista Cove's ridiculously fast shipping and Jennifer's unbeatable customer service, you'll receive a gift with purchase: MORE Kate Somerville samples and a private shopping code for free shipping on your next Kate Somerville purchase, courtesy of LaPapillon.

A. Tierney is having their annual sample sale next week. If you are in NYC, check them out at 29 East 93rd Street, Tuesday, February 10 through Thursday, February 12 for 50% to 75% off. And for those of us outside of NYC, they will have online specials those three days!

Lauren Nicole's Wacky Wednesday Special for 2-4-09 thru 2-5-09 is 30% off Monogrammed Ponytail Holders with the discount code wacky.

Tucker Blair has free shipping with the code valentines09.

Three Chickadees is having a belt sale...all sale belts are $12 or lower. No code needed.

The Palm Gifts invites you to use the code LOVETPG to receive 15% off pre-shipping total of $50 or more. Offer expires February 15th!

CWD Kids has all Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts on sale for $17.99 this week. No code needed. This is the standard uniform for TCP Toddler, so I'm tempted to stock up.

Sweet Pea Designs Sale at The Paper Concierge: Now through February 15th, order 25 or more pieces of Sweet Pea Designs stationery, get the same amount for FREE! Pay for 25, get 50! Pay for 50, get 100! OR, buy luggage tags or bookmarks, get the same amount FREE!

Vineyard Vines Discount!!

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of rage toward the groundhog right now. There is just no excuse for six more weeks of winter, IMO.

So I was even more excited than I normally would be to hear from the peeps at Vineyard Vines this afternoon. They're offering a code just for TCP readers! Now doesn't that just brighten up your winter-weary soul? The code is thirdcoastpreppy09... apply it at checkout and your shopping cart will reflect the discount* of 20%. The code is valid now through 2-8-09 11:59pm EST, so head over there and check them out!

Given that I am still months away from wearing real clothes (I know better than to think I'll be right back into them in March!), I did a little looking around for accessories and found some cute new things that do not require a waist...

3/4" Puzzle Whale Bangle, $85

Daisy Floppy Hat, $65 (Doesn't this seem like just the thing to wear to the Derby? I would say it's perfect for us fair-skinned girls at the beach, but that just seems like it's too far away to even contemplate just yet.)

I really, actually, need a new VV tote. My brother got me one for my 30th birthday that I have completely worn into the ground. I love it, but it might be time for a replacement.

And of course, there are tons of cute clothing options for those of you who do not currently resemble the VV mascot. I can't bear to dwell on them, but let's just say I was drooling over this and this and this. Oh, and these. Love!!

* Discount excludes gift cards, NFL, MLB and collegiate products.