A Love Story

Reader Cameron sent me this link and I wanted to share it with y'all.

Hi, Came across your blog and thought you might enjoy this Link to a story dealing with a couple fighting in the war, but being able to come back to the states so that one can propose to the other...http://www.ocregister.com/life/jasmine-luis-love-1939005-told-iraq Enjoy!

Christmas in the City

I'm sorry I have not been posting much. Things have been really busy, I'm sure it is that way with all of you. It is hard sometimes to stop in the middle of the holiday rush and remember why we are celebrating. I'm been trying extra hard this week to remember "the reason for the season." I heard a guy say the other day, "I'm too blessed to be stressed." That is so true! My husband and I have used that as our motto the past few weeks when things get crazy.

Another reason for not posting is that I've been not feeling well. The doctors are still trying to figure out exactly what is wrong with me, but it has been pretty scary as they have done some major tests on me. We narrowed down some of the things they thought it might be, but still no solution and I'm still feeling bad. I get more test results back today, so please keep me in your prayers. I think we are on the right track! =)

Anyways...We have really enjoyed the holiday season in the city. It is so pretty all decorated up! We went ice skating in Central Park a few weekends ago and had a blast! We saw the tree in Rockefeller center...wow!! We've been surviving the cold weather and enjoying the occasional snow. Daisy saw her first snow a few weeks ago and did well! I have pictures I'll share soon. I have sent out all of our Christmas cards. So far everyone has loved them as much as I do! I have also received some precious cards. I have quite a few babies on my bulletin board and this time next year I will have at least 7 more! That's right...SEVEN of my friends are pregnant and a few others are trying. First, it was the weddings and now we are on to the babies. Very exciting! I better start stocking up on baby gifts.

My husband and I are going home on Friday evening after work. Yeah!! First, we are going to his parent's city (where I used to live as well), then we'll drive 4 hours south to where my parents live on Christmas Eve. I have the ENTIRE week off work next week so I'm very excited. I can't wait to be with our family and friends. I've missed them so much! We are very lucky that we'll be able to spend this time with them. My husband will have to leave on the 26th, but I'll stay until the 29th (we are going down to our beach house). Poor Daisy is going to be stuck in the city at her usual place. I'll miss her a lot during Christmas! (Is that pathetic...oh well!)

I'll try to post when I have chance, but I will probably be sporadic until after the New Year. I hope everyone enjoys the season and remember..."You are too blessed to be stressed!"

To tide you over until next time...below are some pictures of Christmas in the city for you to enjoy.

The tree...sideways!!

Ice skating in Central Park

Decorations on the street.

City Christmas Stand

Little trees with snow!

More trees! Snow in Central Park

Ice Skating in the city!

Merry Christmas from Daisy!

Here is my Christmas card from last year...thought I would share!

The Ultimate Preppy Christmas List

The Ultimate Preppy Christmas List was compiled with the help of my readers suggestions. I had originally planned to make this list very pretty and put pictures...but as y'all know this time of year gets very busy and the best I can offer you is links. I hope you enjoy all of these great preppy finds. Many of them are still available...but act quickly if you want to get something personalized! I hope you enjoy!!

Monogrammed Door Mat from The Palm Gifts
http://www.thepalmgifts.com/products/sg-monogrammed-doormats-2.htm

Personalized Throw Pillow from Ballard Designs
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Throw-Pillows/Ballard-Basic-Pillow-Cover-Only/p/3519?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1516&iProductID=3519

For Your Preppy Puppy
http://www.atierney.com/Shop/ItemDisplay.aspx?ProductId=2295&PageIndex=1
http://www.atierney.com/Shop/ItemDisplay.aspx?ProductId=590&PageIndex=1
http://www.atierney.com/Shop/ItemDisplay.aspx?ProductId=660&PageIndex=1

Personalized Cosmetic Bag for $19.00 from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?item=193&catid=25&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D25

Three Designing Women Stamper from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/giftsaccessories/customstampers/2919_3dwcs3303customstamper.asp

Turq Becca Earrings
http://www.turqjewelry.com/beeape.html

Hand Painted Christmas Tree Ornament for $30.00 from Lovely Stitches
http://www.lovelystitches.com/catalog.php?item=1153&new=yes&ret=catalog.php%3Fnew%3Dyes

Preppy Monogram Decal Stickers
http://www.electrasmonograms.com/main.sc

Monogrammed Salad Set from The Palm Gifts
http://www.thepalmgifts.com/products/cs-salad-bowl-set.htm

Whitney English Clipboard with Personalized Notepaper from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/notepads/notesheets/wens3074madraspinknotesheets.asp

Crab Key Fob for $22.00 from The Pink Monogram
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=2873

Personalized Wall Art by The Paper Menu from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/giftsaccessories/wallart/personalizedwallart.asp

Preppy Pens from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts for $9.00
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?item=344&catid=30&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D30

Cocktails for the Beach for $15.00 from The Pink Monogram
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=2407

Turq Penelope Earrings for $65.00
http://www.turqjewelry.com/peea1.html

Monogrammed Acrylic Salt and Pepper Shakers from The Pink Monogram for $38.00. http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=3269

Lucky Stripes Kitchen Ensemble from Bed, Bath and Beyond
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=108323

Vineyard Vines Ties
http://www.vineyardvines.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.browse/categoryID/17cad955-fe57-4c9f-a394-ecbcda57d203/

Monogrammed Acrylic Cotton Ball and Q-tip Holder from The Pink Monogram for $36.00
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=3267

Monogrammed Magnets from The Palm Gifts
http://www.thepalmgifts.com/products/sg-magnets-2.htm

Monogrammed Pet Bowl from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts for $26.00
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?item=351&catid=34&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D34

Monogrammed Acrylic Pencil Holder from The Pink Monogram for $18.00
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=3268

Old Navy Polka Dot Socks for $6.50
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=26519&pid=505465&scid=505465012&vid=-1

Monogrammed Photo Album from Lovely Stitches for $20.00
http://www.lovelystitches.com/catalog.php?item=3&catid=45&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D45

Turq Diana Earrings for $98.00
http://www.turqjewelry.com/dieacr.html

Monogrammed Acrylic Cookbook Stand from The Pink Monogram for $42.00
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=989

Monogrammed Notecards from The Palm Gifts
http://www.thepalmgifts.com/products/ch-notecards-personalized-tote-pink-green.htm

Personalized Apron for $20.00 from Lovely Stitches
http://www.lovelystitches.com/catalog.php?item=621&catid=162&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D162

Monogrammed Polka Dot Umbrella from The Pink Monogram for $28.00
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=3153

Monogrammed Linen Pillow
http://www.thepinkmonogram.com/php/first.php?ACT=2257

Preppy Personalized Stockings from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts for $16.00
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?item=457&catid=16&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D16

Monogrammed Checkbook Cover from Lovely Stitches for $12.00
http://www.lovelystitches.com/catalog.php?item=6&catid=40&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D40

Vineyard Vines Belts
http://www.vineyardvines.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.browse/categoryID/6a0a7740-34de-425b-bc48-90533c1f0b02/

Engraved Business Card Holder for $18.00 from Invite Cottage
http://www.invitecottage.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HSG50

Monogrammed Contact Cards by The Paper Menu from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/giftideas/forher/29_pmmonogramsquarescallingcardpinkgreen.asp

Monogrammed Paper Cube from The Palm Gifts
http://www.thepalmgifts.com/products/de-monogrammed-gifts-paper-cubes.htm

Engraved Paper Weight for for $28.00
http://www.invitecottage.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HSG54

Vineyard Vines Totes
http://www.vineyardvines.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.browse/categoryID/7c6ba3b6-5f2c-42b0-b59b-f4075d9e5429/

Engraved Cuff Links for $38.00
http://www.invitecottage.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HSG54

For $18.00-Monogrammed Croakies from Invite Cottage
http://www.invitecottage.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=MONOGRAMMED-CROAKIES-GREEN

Turq Alex Necklace
http://www.turqjewelry.com/alex.html

Monogrammed Bottle Opener Key Chain for $15.00 from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?item=53&catid=26&ret=catalog.php%3Fcategory%3D26

JCrew Ballet Slippers for $49.50
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod88668261&catId=cat250131

Wool Trim Ear Muffs from Jcrew for $39.50
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod91169261&catId=cat250132

Seda France Toile Lycee Candle from Paper Buzz for $32.00
https://www.paperbuzz.com/p-2057-toile-pagoda-asian-lychee-candle.aspx

A Year of Seeds from The Red Envelope for $70.00
http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/product_information.jsp?nc=51482&refPg=%2fproduct_display%2fgift_results.jsp&bct2=occasion&bcp2=1&bcm2=1%24%24-8031&bct4=birthday&bcp4=3&bcm4=1%24%24-8035&bct5=flowers+%2B+gourmet&bcp5=4&bcm5=29$$%2Foccasion%2Fbirthday%2Fflowers+%2B+gourmet@@30$$-12681@@35$$12681&catOid=-12681&oid=23039808&nc2=1

Houndstooth Old Navy Thow for $5.00!!
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=37198&pid=521802&scid=521802032

Embosser from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/giftsaccessories/embossers/1023_3dwembosser3428.asp

Monogrammed Nail File for $16.00 from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts
http://www.preppymonogrammedgifts.com/catalog.php?item=320&catid=3&ret=catalog.php%3Fpage%3D2%26category%3D3

Personalized Gingerbread House from Williams Sonoma
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/l926/index.cfm?cm%5Fsrc=PRODVIEW&showsku=8365736&bnrid=3101540&cm_ven=E3&cm_cat=EDM&cm_pla=071211%20Candy%20%20&cm_ite=071211%20Candy%20HouseH&flash=on&cm_ref=http%3A//mail.google.com/mail/%3Fui%3D2%26view%3Dbsp%26ver%3Dymdfwq781tpu

Sterling Silver Cuff Link Knots for $58.00
http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/product_information.jsp?nc=26104&refPg=%2fproduct_display%2fgift_results.jsp&bct2=recipient&bcp2=1&bcm2=1%24%24-8070&bct4=for+him&bcp4=3&bcm4=1%24%24-8072&bct5=cuff+links+%2B+jewelry&bcp5=4&bcm5=29$$%2Frecipient%2Ffor+him%2Fcuff+links+%2B+jewelry@@30$$-12580@@35$$12580&catOid=-12580&oid=25322104&nc2=1

Hidden Message Coller Stays from The Red Envelope for $35.00
http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/product_information.jsp?nc=21078&refPg=%2fproduct_display%2fgift_results.jsp&bct2=occasion&bcp2=1&bcm2=1%24%24-8031&bct5=best+of+holiday&bcp5=4&bcm5=29$$%2Foccasion%2Fbest+of+holiday@@30$$-12810@@35$$12810&catOid=-12810&oid=23163312&nc2=1

Comfort and Joy Candle from Give Simple for $18.00
http://www.givesimple.com/items.aspx?product=455

The Newlyweds Book of Firsts from Give Simple for $9.95
http://www.givesimple.com/items.aspx?product=371

Turq Courtney Necklace
http://www.turqjewelry.com/courtney.html

Dot Memo Set from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/giftsaccessories/otherfunstuff/3304_dddtbldottiesmemosetlimeturq.asp

Personalized Christmas Ornaments for $24.00
http://www.alphabetsoupgifts.com/Ornaments-hand-painted-personalized.html

Vineyard Vines Cable Sweater
http://www.vineyardvines.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/categoryID/d47d58ec-a208-468d-acfb-e608c8ec0155/productID/6f5f63a4-c875-486f-8fcb-bbc1437eb518/

Personalzed Hicks Paper Notecards from The Paper Menu
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/stationery/foldovernotecards/hpnc305urbanfloralyellownotecard.asp

Bow Pads for $25.00
http://www.alphabetsoupgifts.com/MM%20Ribbon%20Pads.htm

Polka Dot Cup Sleeve for $12.00
http://www.wishingfish.com/510649k.html

Ribbon Notepads for $16.00
http://www.alphabetsoupgifts.com/Monogrammed%20Ribbon%20Notepads.htm

Notepad Set for $22.00 from Alphabet Soup
http://www.alphabetsoupgifts.com/Lilly-paper-sets.html

Personalized Placemat Set of 4 for $60.00 from Alphabet Soup
http://www.alphabetsoupgifts.com/placemats-personalized.html

Personalized Post It Holder for $20.00 from Mulberry Moon
http://www.mulberrymoon.com/Personalized_Post_It_Note_Holder_Non_Tarnish_p/cgi-03054.htm

Monogrammed Party Tub for $29.00
http://www.alphabetsoupgifts.com/Party-bucket-tub-monogrammed.html

Personalized Plaid Mat
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/fn388/index.cfm?cm_src=5136523F-0594-4F21-39CB24B869492F8B

Candy Cane Amaryllis
http://www.wishingfish.com/110596.html

Monogrammed Carafe
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/7108798/index.cfm?clg=64&cm_src=5136523F-0594-4F21-39CB24B869492F8B

Preppy Painted Frame for $40.00
http://www.inthisveryroom.com/ncupistfr.html

Notecards from The Paper Cafe
http://www.thepapercafe.net/products/stationery/foldovernotecards/1349_dd505kellynotecards.asp

Inital Cutting Board for $34.00
http://www.inthisveryroom.com/nincubo.html

Mirror Picture Frame for $14.95
http://www.papyrusonline.com/product/gifts/frames/4x6+green+filigree+mirror+-+frame_415510.do

Inspire Candle for $34.00
http://www.papyrusonline.com/product/gifts/candles/petite+inspire+-+candle_412895.do

Engraved Candle $30.00
http://www.mulberrymoon.com/Monogrammed_Wax_Luminary_p/lum10.htm

Monogrammed Soap for $11.00
http://www.mulberrymoon.com/Engraved_Monogrammed_Soap_White_Tulips_Hyacinth_p/gswt.htm

monogrammed gift enclosure cards from The Paper Cafe

Monogrammed Linen Bathroom Accesssories from Ballard Designs
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Accessories/Bathroom-Accessories/Monogrammed-Linen-Wastebasket-Ribbon-Trim/p/3796?RS=1&keyword=ribbon

Gift Stickers from The Paper Cafe

Monogrammed Planter from Ballard Designshttp://www.ballarddesigns.com/Accessories/Personalized-Items/Monogrammed-Planter/p/2408?path=1%2C2%2C1558%2C1565%2C0&iProductID=2408

Prep by Month Calendar from The Paper Cafe for $15.00

Animal print driving mocs from Steve Madden

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/28240674/c/129645.html

Cupcake ornament-It's Pink & Green too!http://www.everafterstore.com/xmas_ornament_cupcake_green_pink_pmint.html

Personalized tervis tumblers
http://www.tervis.com/store/retail/product.aspx?PGID=217&CID=21

Pewter cuff bracelet. The look of silver, without the polishing.
http://www.snappycasualgifts.net/catalog/item/4861492/5026657.htm

Polka dot party coasters to use all year round.
http://www.snappycasualgifts.net/catalog/item/4861497/5136038.htm

LL Bean Wool Pea Coat in the fun coral color. Or go with the classics of navy & camel.
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=wool-blend-peacoat&categoryId=23447&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503049&cat4=503042&shop_method=pp&feat=503049-tn

J.Crew Double Cloth Sybil Coat
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod90884261&catId=cat250179J.Crew

Leather Bound Calendar
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/multiProduct.jhtml?ids=prod90326261,prod90327261,prod90859261#


J.Crew Tartan Ballet Flats
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod88556261&catId=cat250220

Vineyard Vines Wristlet
http://www.vineyardvines.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.browse/categoryID/b2dd093e-3d70-44c3-863f-e4ffd96b9524/

The Palm Gifts Monogrammed Umbrella
http://www.thepalmgifts.com/products/hs-monogrammed-umbrella-blue.htm

Ralph Lauren Style Book
http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2908952&cp=1760787&SMR=1&ab=%20ln_40_buythebook

L.L. Bean Blueberry Breakfast Gift Set
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=38895&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=38905-ppxs&dds=y

Pottery Barn Monogrammed Soaps
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8854/index.cfm?pkey=ggftofgper

Kate Spade Makeup Case
http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2839494&cp=1866705&view=all&parentPage=family

Kate Spade Bow Clutch
http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2891338&cp=1863844.2620198&view=all&parentPage=family

Kate Spade Rain Shoe
http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2797426&cp=2666615&view=all&parentPage=family

Pink Sponge Gloves
http://www.wishingfish.com/210608.html

High Heel Server
http://www.wishingfish.com/heelserver.html

Pink and Green Pad
http://www.brickhousepaperie.com/product_17590_Dark_Pink_Rugby_Lime_Border_Note_Pad_cat_308.html

Damask Luggage Tags
http://www.brickhousepaperie.com/product_18620_Damask_Black_Tag_cat_399.html

J Crew "Wool jersey shift dress."
http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod86404261&catId=cat250175

Tocca Candles
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P5609&categoryId=B65

Philosophy Amazing Grace 3 in 1
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P4682&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=3866

Crane Calling Cards in Ivory
http://www.reavesengraving.com/sf-ss-callcard.aspx

Philosophy Kiss Me Lip Trio
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P195304&categoryId=C17602&shouldPaginate=true

Nars Multiple Orgasam Set
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P167404&categoryId=RPYMAL&shouldPaginate=true

Philosphy Candy Cane 3 in 1
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P163904&categoryId=RPCS

Mercury Candlesticks for $38.00http://www.beachdwelling.com/productdetails.php?intID=723&title=Mercury%20Ball%20Candlesticks

Silver Placecard Holders for $30.00 http://www.beachdwelling.com/productdetails.php?intID=305&title=Placecard+Holders

Ribbon Plates for $150.00http://www.beachdwelling.com/productdetails.php?intID=641&title=Victoria+Creamware+Plates

Pictures from K&J's Wedding

Here are a few pics from K&J's fabulous wedding weekend. I'm still recovering...sorry for the lack of posts. Hope you enjoy these. I'll post more later!

Fabulous hair

K's wedding dress

K's bouquet
Mother's Bouquet
First dance as Mr. and Mrs.

Wreath at the Hilton

Dress detail

Fabulous hair with beautiful dress

So sweet!
Porch where they served mimosas and the best bloody marys ever for Friday's Hunter's brunch.

A view from the front porch of the levy.

The old plantation house where Friday's brunch was held.

Saturday's brunch was a cochon de lait (pig roast)!

Heading South

Hi friends! Just wanted to check in and let you know that I have my first big event at work tonight so I'm crazy busy! I also leave tomorrow after work for K's wedding in LA. I can't wait! I promise to take lots of pictures. I'll talk to y'all next week.

The Preppy Christmas Tree Skirt

I went on a quest to find the perfect affordable Preppy Christmas Tree Skirt. Hmmm. I found a few good options here, but my final conclusion is that I'm going into the Preppy Christmas Tree Skirt business. Where oh where is a pink and green polka dot skirt when you need one? (Not that my husband would approve, in fact the ONLY one he approved of was Macy's Holiday Lane Striped Tree Skirt. Which is pretty cute, but I probably shouldn't have asked. Ha, Ha!) Which ones do y'all like? Have any others that I missed?

PS. See below for winner of The Paper Cafe and Whitney English's personalized notepad giveaway...VirginiaBelle! Please email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com asap to claim your prize VBelle!!


Rich Green Tree Skirt from Christmas Decorations and Gift Store for $96.76
Krinkles Department 56 Tree Skirt from Imaginary Kingdom for $249.00Traditional Personalized Tree Skirt from Oriental Trading for $19.99

Snowman Tree Skirt from The Company Store for $38.99

Mittens Tree Skirt from The Company Store for $62.99

Candy Cane Tree Skirt from Smart Bargains-$34.98

Monogrammed Tree Skirt from Warm Biscuit for $50.00

Etsy Polka Dot Personalized Christmas Tree Skirt for $100.00

Hip Holiday Skirt for $155.00 from Amazon

(sorry picture is so small)

Department 56-$150.00 from Amazon

Martha Stewart Satin Print-$32.27 from Macys

Martha Stewart Rickrack-$32.30 from Macys

Holiday Lane Stripe Skirt for $37.76 from Macys

Monogrammed Velvet Tree Skirt from Pottery Barn for $89.00

Pottery Barn Personalized Stripe Tree Skirt for $89.00

Snowman Tree Skirt from Target for $20.99 Ribbon Tree Skirt from Crate and Barrel (can't put picture up) for $79.95

We Have a Winner!

We have a winner...Miss VirginiaBelle! Your name was picked out of the hat by Mollie from The Paper Cafe. Please email me at magnoliamarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com with all of your information so I can pass it along to Mollie. Congrats! Thank you to everyone else for the great response.