Third Coast Preppy

Wordless Wednesday - Start 'Em Young on Monograms

2011-03-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Save Me Space on the BambooPink Bandwagon...

2011-03-12T17:30:00.001-06:00

So, BambooPink. I'm sure most of you have heard this mentioned over the past couple of weeks. Me too. And honestly, the first couple of times I saw it, I just skimmed right over. I'm sure we've all seen this type of thing before....sounds too good to be true, and sure enough, a wonderful "opportunity" ends up costing you money. But then a few people in the blogoverse who I think very highly of joined in. And so I thought about it and did a little more research. And said, why not?

If you've been reading this blog at all, you know two things: (1) I am highly skeptical (this may be one of the only lasting lessons of law school) and (2) I ~~am cheap~~ like a good bargain. I actually read all the fine print in the agreement (Lawyered!) and have not paid a cent to join this team. I'm really intrigued to find out more as time goes on and will definitely keep you all posted as I learn more.

Below is the official company line.

Join what is expected to be the fastest growing women’s internet start-up company in history with Bamboopink.

Bamboopink is a new fashionable, yet affordable jewelry line made and designed by JudeFrances, a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores, is all over the red carpet and worn by Oprah! Check them out at www.judefrances.com. This company is the first of its kind, an internet launched company with virtual trunk shows…there are no parties to host and no phone calls to make.

Sign-ups are free, with no risks or obligations. The free signing period is only for 30 days (through March 15), after that you will have to pay to be a consultant.

What sets this company apart from other direct sales companies:

* GROUND FLOOR opportunity (probably won’t ever happen to you again!)

* Strongest comp plan in the industry

* Very successful “designer” multi-million dollar jeweler making/backing this jewelry, so sure to be successful

* Instead of growing one sales rep at a time, this business model using the free sign-up period – we can grow hundreds of sales reps at a time – but the time to do that is NOW!

This company is going to explode in a few weeks with a national press release and official launch. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So be one of the first to sign up!

Then you can do the same as me and get credit for signing up your friends, which is what we are compensated for with jewelry and other great prizes. It is not about selling the jewelry at this point, but networking and creating interest. If you decide not to sell, you have lost nothing and your name is dropped from the list.

It’s simple to sign up, go to my site: www.bamboopink.net/ThirdCoastPrep

Little known fact about TCP: When I grow up, I want to own a little shop. One that doesn't really sell anything in particular, but a little bit of everything that I like. Jewelry. Stationery. Monogrammed stuff. Maybe some baby gear. The odd pair of shoes or item of women's clothing. The place you turn to when it's the day of an event and you need a baby gift/ hostess gift/ birthday present, etc. A shop like the late, great Multiple Choices. Maybe this is my first baby step into that dream. Or maybe I'll just buy a few cute bracelets and call it a day. Who knows. I'll keep you posted.

Squirrel-mageddon

2011-03-09T14:44:00.000-06:00

So if you follow me on Twitter, you know what's been going on in the TCP household of late: the War on Squirrels. We had FOUR of the vile rodents coming and going in our attic, one slutty female and three males. Apparently, it is squirrel breeding season (file that under Things I Never Wanted to Know) and they were setting up housekeeping. In my house.

One wildlife removal specialist, one attic solutions specialist, five traps on the roof, and several hundred dollars later, we appear to be (knock wood) squirrel free. THANK YOU BABY JESUS. I can honestly say that the sound of them scratching in the ceiling will probably give me nighmares for the rest of my life. Horrifying. I wish I had recorded it so I could play it for the clearly mentally deficient residents of my neighborhood who insist on feeding the little buggers. People, they are just rats with mall hair! Do not feed them!!

Moving along, we are getting ready around here for Mini #2's second birthday! How did that happen? He is supposed to remain my baby for-eva. He is All Boy these days, obsessed with trucks, sports, and wrestling with his brother. The two of them are the best of friends and the worst of enemies. In five minutes time, they can go from cuddling together on the couch together to full-fledged, death-to-the-loser wrestlemania. Oy.

The boys and I are also counting down to our trip to Alabama. We're going to visit my brother in Birmingham again, and then spend a few days down on the Gulf Coast. So excited. Am ordering record high temps, because I am so over this cold weather.

Two Things

2011-02-10T14:51:00.000-06:00

So, two days running! I'm on a roll now. (And, can I just say thanks for all the comments welcoming me back? So great to hear!)

Firstly, Sperry Women's and Kids' on Rue La La today. The women's stuff is fine, but I am dying over the girl's shoes. DYING.

Secondly, and this is last minute I know, but Emily Lacey is having a sale that is crazy-good. Again, more fun for girls stuff, but you can design your own smocked outfits for a very reasonable price... 50% off. Your order must be placed by February 11 (tomorrow!) but you get to pick the fabric, the style, the smocked design, etc. How much fun is that? I'm so tempted, but after Mr TC referred to Mini #2's longall as "a dress" today, I'm not sure how the smocking would go over around here!

Don't Call It a Comeback...

2011-02-09T09:55:00.003-06:00

I went out with my college girlfriends last Saturday night. Girls' night. There are about 10 of us out, drinking ~~a lot of~~ wine, when one of my friends starts giving me a lecture. On abandoning my blog. And you know, she was right. I do miss it. I love me some twitter, but on occasion, my opinions simply cannot be confined to less than 140 characters. (I know, you're simply shocked.)

So thank you, T, for the kick in the pants. I will try. You might be the only one still reading, though!!

What's new at the TCP house? In a nutshell, I am completely over winter and the related CONSTANT illnesses of the TCP boys, Mini #2 started climbing out of his crib this week (Lord give me strength), and I am attempting to learn how to use my sewing machine. That should be good for a laugh. I did, however, get a machine that does a monogram stitch. So I have a good incentive here. Also, my Jersey Shore and Bachelor mania continues...

Blog Sale!

2010-08-05T07:26:00.010-05:00

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

2010-07-01T14:50:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-25T08:13:00.004-06:00

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!

2010-01-11T08:28:00.002-06:00

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?

2010-01-10T09:50:00.000-06:00

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

2010-01-09T08:38:00.004-06:00

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.

2010-01-08T20:59:00.001-06:00

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

Palm Springs 2010

2010-01-07T20:49:00.005-06:00

Every two years, I get together with about 10 of my girlfriends from college for The Girls Trip (always capitalized, thankyouverymuch). We all met in our sorority ~~many~~ several years ago, and even though we're spread out over many states and now have babies and/or husbands and/or high powered jobs, when we get together, it's like no time at all has passed.

I just booked my flight and I am BEYOND EXCITED. And already mentally packing my bag.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T10:46:00.003-06:00

We're knee deep in Christmas preparations around here, as I'm sure you all are too. I *think* I'm done shopping, the cards are out, wrapping is well under way, and the baking is in full swing.
My oldest loves to help me in the kitchen, and with the cold Chicago weather, we're always looking for more indoor activities, so we decided to make a Christmas Cookie a Week. Here's what we did:

Week One - Spritz Christmas Trees
You know 'em, you love 'em. A classic. We add few drops of green food coloring to make the tree shape.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon no-color almond extract

Preheat oven to 350ºF.
In bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk, vanilla and almond extract; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture; beat until combined. Do not chill. Fill cookie press with dough and with desired disks, press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet on cooling rack. Remove from sheet; cool completely.Makes: 7-8 dozen cookies.

Week Two - Pepparkakar (Swedish Gingerbread) Cookies
I grew up on these cookies...my favorites. This is my grandmother's recipe, and it makes a TON. We invited some friends over to make these with us, lots of hands make it more fun ( otherwise you may find yourself still baking at midnight and the words that will be coming to mind aren't too christmassy).

2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup dark Caro syrup
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
3/4 tablespoon baking soda
2/3 cup butter
1 egg
5 cups of flour

Heat sugar, syrup, and spices to boiling. Add baking soda and pour over butter in a bowl. Stir until butter melts. Add egg and sifted flour. Blend and knead on board. Chill. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Place on greased baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Week Two and a Half - Fudge
What? We hadn't made anything chocolate yet and Mama had a craving. We make the marshmallow Fluff kind, the recipe is on the label!

Week Three - Stained Glass Cookies
This was my first time making these, so there are still some things to iron out (e.g., purple lifesavers turn a little bit brown when cooked!). The recipe is from Southern Sideboards, the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi cookbook.

3/4 cup Crisco shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 packages of Lifesavers (red and green work best, IMO, orange and purple less so)
cookie cutters of 2 sizes (the smaller cutters should be 1/2 to 1/4 inch smaller than the larger)

Mix Crisco, sugar, eggs, and flavoring. Blend in flour, baking powder, salt. Cover and chill at least one hour. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick and cut out cookies with larger cutters. Place cookies on a baking sheet that has been covered in foil or parchment paper. Then cut out a section from the cookie with the smaller cookie cutter. Crush candy into small pieces (TCP note: this is an OUTSTANDING task for your preschool age helpers!) and fill in cut-out section, making sure there is enough candy to reach into the corners. Bake at 375 degrees for seven to nine minutes, until cookie is lightly browned and candy has melted. Cool completely on baking sheet and then peel away paper/foil.

Week Four - English Toffee Bars
From the JLC cookbook I worked on, Peeling the Wild Onion. I am now required to make these every year, or I will hear about it from my family! And it is SO easy.

1/2 cup (one stick) butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups almond toffee bits (1 package)
1 1/4 cups English toffee bits (1 package)
6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Melt the butter in a 9x13 inch baking dish in a preheated 325 degree oven. Layer the graham cracker crumbs, condensed milk, almond toffee biuts, English toffee bits, chocolate chips, pecans, and almonds over the butter. Press layers firmly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.

This is why I'm gaining back all of the baby weight I had lost. Ah well. I'm not even going to pretend that I'm likely to be posting again in 2009, but one of my New Year's resolutions is to get back to my little blog--I miss it!

Hope you are have a very, very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

I Love...

2009-11-23T12:33:00.002-06:00

Bald babies.Toothless grins. Watching movies with lots of homemade butter popcorn. Sunny but chilly fall days. Baked potato soup. Dimples. Apple orchards. Starbucks drinks with more calories than most meals. Flannel pajamas. Black and white movies. Fresh paint. The changing seasons. Sleeping in. Christmas lights. The Rat Pack. Magazines in the mailbox. Pedicures. The ballet. Porches. Wrapping presents. *

*All due credit to my girl E at Ladybug's Picnic. I shamelessly stole her idea, as it seemed like a good idea to post about all the things that I love and am thankful for in light of recent events. And thank you all for all your comments and kind words for my little guy. He's doing just fantastically well, and my lack of posting has been a result of just general busy-ness and not any reflection of his status (unless you count the four new teeth and double ear infection last week!)

Scheduled Post

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you're reading this Thursday morning, we're at Children's Memorial. Our littlest guy is having surgery and while it is something we've known about for a while, I'm a ball of nerves. Any good thoughts you can send our way are very much appreciated.

Needless to say, I'll be taking a little break from blogging while he recuperates. I will try to update on Twitter, though.

And now I need to stop googling things that scare me, step away from the computer, and try to get some sleep.

PSA: Upcoming Junior League of Chicago Events

2009-10-14T09:39:00.002-05:00

New Member Informational Session
Saturday, October 24
JLC Headquarters (1447 N. Astor Street)
10:00 a.m.

Junior League of Chicago has a long history of training volunteers, developing women and improving the community.
Are you interested in our mission and would like to become a member? Come to this session to learn more about the League and the responsibilities of membership.

To RSVP, click here.

For a list of additional info sessions, click here.

38th Annual Gazebo Holiday Market
Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington)
New Location! Expanded Show!

Friday, November 20
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
$10 per person (includes 2-day pass to the market)

Saturday, November 21
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
$10 per person

Get a head start on your holiday shopping. Stop by during lunch, after work, or make a day of it. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this holiday season from jewelry, handbags and stationery to women's and children's clothing, men's ties, gourmet treats, and more.

To purchase your admission tickets, click here.

Gazebo Holiday Market
Martinis & Mistletoe Preview Party
Thursday, November 19
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington)
$50 per person (includes FREE pass to the market for the entire weekend)

Be the first to shop more than 30 merchants from across the country! Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music and the chance to win fabulous raffle packages.

To purchase your ticket, click here.

Emily Lacey Closing!

2009-10-13T22:10:00.002-05:00

NEED This.

2009-10-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

Boatman Geller's new line of Crests ...avec lobster, of course. There are other motifs, but you all know how I feel about the lobsters. (Although, I could be swayed by this super cute Christmas card that features holly instead of the lobster.)

Ballet Gods

2009-09-27T21:28:00.003-05:00

When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to see Rudolf Nuryev perform during his final tour. This afternoon, I saw a performance by perhaps the other greatest dancer of the 20th century: Mikhail Baryshnikov. I have long been an admirer of his (okay, I may have had a giant poster of him in my room until I graduated from college...), but this was the first time I've ever seen him perform live.

All I can say about it is: wow.

To read a few more articulate reviews, click here or here.

Sweater Weather

2009-09-26T12:06:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year, and not solely for the pumpkin spice latte (although it sure doesn't hurt).

I have a gift card from Talbots that is burning a hole in my pocket. I really need pants, but instead I can't stop looking at sweaters. Some of the top contenders:

But I am thinking of getting it in camel (or as they call it Palomino). I had a camel colored cardigan that I literally loved to death and need a replacement. Seen anything great out there??

Quickie

2009-09-22T22:37:00.003-05:00

For the boy mamas....

Little English is offering 15% off all Boy Smocked Designs. No code needed. :)

I like this one for Christmas, green corduroy longalls with hand smocked candy canes.

Fabulous Customer Service!

2009-09-21T08:19:00.005-05:00

A reader recently wrote in with a question...he is new to our fair city and was wondering where he could find Vineyard Vines retailers on the north side. I could only think of one (shame on me), so I dropped a line to the fabulous Elizabeth at VV. She got back to me right away with the following list, and I thought I'd share it with you:

Nordstrom Michigan Ave.
M 55 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611 1 miles
312-464-1515

Bloomingdales - North Michigan
M 900 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611 1 miles
312-440-4460

Saks 5th Ave. - Chicago
M 700 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611 1 miles
312-944-6500

Multiple Choices-Chicago
M W 840 W. Armitage Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614 3 miles
773-477-4520

ALL SHE WROTE
W 825 WEST ARMITAGE
CHICAGO, IL 60614 3 miles
773-529-0100

Nordstrom Old Orchard Center
M 77 Old Orchard Shopping Center
Skokie, IL 60077 12 miles
847-677-2121

Bloomingdales - Old Orchard
M 376 Old Orchard Center
Skokie, IL 60077 12 miles
847-675-5200

Huntley's
M 1515 Sheridan Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091 14 miles
(847) 853-0666

Giggles And Giraffes
Y 1515 Sheridan Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091 14 miles
(847) 251-6665

Multiple Choices-Winnetka
M W Y 841 Elm Street
Winnetka, IL 60093 17 miles
847-441-5240

A caveat: I'm pretty sure that the Multiple Choices on Armitage has closed (moved to Lincoln Square) and the Winnetka location is now called Ellen's on Elm.

Aslo, if you can't make it to a bricks and mortar store, there's one day left for the blogger code online! See below for details:

Thumbs Up Thursday: Mom Agenda

2009-09-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

One of the gifts I got for my birthday last month was a pink, monogrammed Mom Agenda. And I love, love, love it. Granted, I love just about everything that is pink and/or monogrammed, but this is actually useful too. I am probably the last person on earth to not have a blackberry...I'm all about the old school paper organizer. And this one has space for everything: a weekly to do list, my schedule, my kids schedule (and because it has room for four kids, I use one of the spaces for Mr TC), even a spot to plan dinner...if, you know, you are the type who plans dinner more than 20 minutes before you sit down.

Plus, right now you can get free shipping with the code WOWMOM. (Good through 9/20)

PSA

2009-09-16T08:52:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin spice granola at Trader Joe's. Is there anything at TJ's that I will not love?? I doubt it.

And that will conclude the shortest blog post ever. Off to the zoo!