Happy Halloween!

From Two Girls and a Glue Gun
From Swoozies

In Loving Memory

Scarlet
November 6, 1998-October 28, 2008

Our family chocolate lab, Scarlet, that we got my senior year of high school had to be put to sleep yesterday afternoon. She had a stroke about a month ago and her health was deteriorating to the point that she could not walk yesterday and fell down some steps. It was a really tough night last night to hear the news about Scarlet and know that I just missed seeing her by less than 24 hours. I'm home now at my parent's house and there is a definite void. My parent's hearts are breaking because they miss their sweet girl who has been with them for the past 11 years. I keep looking for that big old chocolate lab that liked to lay down while she ate her food. I miss hearing her snore while I watch tv. My parent's have Daisy's older sister Lily and she is so sad looking for her "mama bear." I truly believe your pets are part of your family.

Here is a picture of Scarlet on our boat. She loved to sit in the front and catch the rays.

Here is a picture of when I brought Daisy home when she was a puppy to introduce her to the gang. The other golden is Lily (Daisy's older sis) and Scarlet is the chocolate lab.


We'll miss you girl! I know we'll see you in heaven! Say hello to our other puppies up there and all of our loved ones.

Thank you everyone who prayed for Bonnie yesterday. She is still having contractions, but they have been able to hold off full blown labor. I'm not sure how this works, but I guess they will try to keep her from having the babies as long as possible. She is currently 23 weeks and pregnant with twins (a boy and a girl.) Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Please also keep in your prayers Susanne. I do not know her, but she is 30 weeks pregnant and found out today her baby girl has a genetic disorder called trisomy 13. Only 20% of babies with this disorder survive after they are born. In addition, my old co-worker Mary had breast cancer surgery today. Thanks for all of your prayers!!

The Paper Cafe Recipe Card Giveaway Winners

Sorry for the delay ladies on announcing the winners of our contest. I've been traveling all day (I'm home now--yeah) and have had some other family stuff to deal with (see above post.)

Congrats to The Prep-E Girl and Preppy In Philly for winning The Paper Cafe's recipe card giveaway designed by The Paper Menu. Preppy in Philly posted our contest on her blog, and Prep-E Girl was sent by Preppy in Philly, and posted her comment. Girls, please email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com and I'll get you connected with Mollie so that you can pick your design for your 20 recipe cards. Congrats to both of you! I expect you to send me a fab recipe on one of your cute personalized recipe cards. =)

Thanks to Mollie from The Paper Cafe and Marie from The Paper Menu for hosting this fun giveaway and thank you readers for playing along! Stay tuned for another fun giveaway from The Paper Cafe in the upcoming weeks.

A Unique Gift Idea

How cute are these little boys? The first is a picture and the 2nd (in case you can't tell) is an afghan (throw). Besides blankets, you can turn your pictures into totes, wall hangings, pillows and purses. You could use a wedding picture and give it to your parents or in-laws. A pic of the grandkids for the grandparents. Click here for examples. The owners at Picture Weave at Concept Seven want to offer y'all a discount on a wall hanging. Click here for more information--they even made us a webpage of our very own with all of the information!

Tagged!

I was tagged by Getting Here From There and my real life friends who just started their own blogs: Bama Belle In The Big City and Millitini Straight Up with a Twist (go be polite and say hello, please)

Top four wishes:
1. That Baby U continues to grow and be a strong, healthy boy!
2. That A and I can move home to the South next summer.
3. That all my pregnant friends have healthy pregnancies and babies and those that are trying will be blessed with little ones as well!
4. That this week will fly by---I'm getting on a plane to go home on Wednesday at 8am! I get to see my parents first then my Mom and I are driving up for my baby shower and the Bama game. I am so excited that I can't stand it!

Four places I want to travel to:
1. African Safari
2. Greece
3. Fiji
4. Australia and New Zealand

Four careers I want to be involved in:
1. I want to own a cute boutique in the South complete with lots of monogrammed items and stationery
2. I want to do birthday parties for kids (I used to want to do weddings until I planned my own)
3. I would love to be the assistant for the First Lady--can you imagine the fun things you would get to do!
4. I want to be a SAHM and it looks like my wish is going to come true! =)

I now tag:
1. Brock and Ava
2. Barefoot in the Park
3. Southern Prep
4. Preppy Sue


AND SEVEN RANDOM FACTS

1. I hate pickles, but I love cucumbers. Now that I'm pregnant I love half sour pickles.

2. I only will drink milk out of a real glass. I'm not a huge milk drinker--but now that I'm pregnant I can't get enough.

3. In high school I won a beauty pageant. Five of us were selected to wear antebellum dresses (think Scarlett O'Hara--complete with pantaloons, hoop skirt, 3 layers of ruffles and full ruffle hat) and go to festivals and special events. I met the Prince of Monaco and a lot of politicians that year! I was the pink girl and it was a blast!

4. I was a camp counselor in college at the same camp I went to when I was younger. I LOVE camp!

5. I only own two bras that fits me right now! Thank goodness for woollite!

6. I don't wear heels anymore. I used to wear them everyday, but they are just not practical for walking in the city. I just can't do it. I have a very nice collection of flats now!

7. I don't wear headbands or baseball hats. They look funny on me.

I TAG:

1. Grove Gals
2. Misadventures of a Newlywed
3.Nautical by Nature
4. Pink Cupcake

GIVEAWAY--The Paper Cafe Recipe Cards--LAST CHANCE!

Want to win a pack of 20 of these recipe cards created by The Paper Menu and sold at one of my favorite online stationery stores, The Paper Cafe? Click here for more information. Today is the LAST day to enter to win them! Don't forget to let us know if you posted them on your blog if you have not already done so. If the winner found out from your blog then you win too!

Become a follower (just look to the right) and you won't miss out on the other giveaways that will be coming up in the next few weeks! Lots of great opportunities!

Prayers Needed

Friends, please pray for Bonnie today. She is the girl I mentioned last week that is pregnant with twins and started having contractions. She has been on bedrest this past week and made it 23 weeks yesterday. Her water broke this morning, but she is not in labor. Please say a prayer for her family and her babies.

Misc Pictures

I don't like pickles, but I'm pregnant and now I love half sour pickles from this pickle stand!

A little ebay find for my baby boy! =)



One of my cravings--Red Velvet Cupcakes (ok-so this pic is right ways up on my computer before I upload--how do I flip it once it is in blogger?)

Caught ya!

Roll Tide Daisy!

I spotted this kitty and pumpkin in an apartment across the courtyard from ours! Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a good weekend. We had another good Tide victory! I tried to not take my Zofran this weekend and it didn't work out so well this morning so I'm home sick. Once I took the pill I felt a lot better--good thing because now I have to go take my glucose tolerance test. Wish me luck!

Don't forget to sign up for my The Paper Cafe recipe card giveaway. You have until tomorrow. Click here for more details!

GIVEAWAY--The Paper Menu Recipe Cards at The Paper Cafe

These recipe cards made by The Paper Menu and sold at The Paper Cafe are the cutest things I have seen in a long time. You can buy them for $25.00 for a set of 20, $37.00 for 30, $50.00 for 40, $62.00 for 50, $93.00 for 75, or $125.00 for 100. They would make excellent hostess gifts, birthday gifts or Christmas gifts! Buy them here.

WANT TO WIN SOME FOR YOURSELF?

Leave a comment on this post with your favorite Paper Menu design and you can win a set of 20. Click here to see your choices, but make sure it says PM for Paper Menu!

Even better, blog about this contest on your blog and if the winner references your blog you both will win a set of 20 recipe cards! Let me know in your comment if you blogged about the contest.

Good luck! You have until Tuesday the 28th. Be sure to have a link to your blog or leave your email address--if you don't you can't win!

Be sure to become a follower (look to your right) so you don't miss out on my upcoming contests! I have 3 more in the works!

Mama Went Shoppin'

So on Sunday, the most wonderful husband in the world actually took my joke of "renting a U-Haul next time we go to the Pottery Barn Outlet" seriously. He took the subway to Harlem and showed up at our front door on the Upper East with my chariot...a U-Haul cargo van he had rented for the day! Happy 24 weeks to me! We departed the city for the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead on Long Island and I swear it felt like Christmas morning (it was even really cold). Our mission: finish up buying baby furniture. My promise: if he did this I would shut up about it! Ha, Ha! Our mission was a success and we got amazing deals and I'm so excited to finally have everything. We picked up a glider, a changing table/dresser and a long dresser.

Here is the changing table/dresser all set in its little spot. Time for a prettier trashcan.

Up close the Pottery Barn Thomas changing table--it matches our crib quite well! It has a matching topper (for $149.00) that we can buy if we want, but I'm not sure we really need it. I think I can just put the changing pad on here. Thoughts?

Here's the crib and the dresser in Baby U's tiny little nursery...this is what you get for living in the city! We are going to try to put up a wall with french doors if our apartment building will let us.

Here is the long dresser we got for the entry hallway (that is basically part of the nursery). It's the Kendall extra-wide.

And here is our glider where I know I'll spend many days/nights! It's the Dream Swivel Glider in stone twill. It might be the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in!


Because of the limited selections at the outlets it really forced me to "just decide already." I probably never would have picked the stone twill fabric, but you know what--it works. We have to have our glider in the living room because the baby's nursery is not big enough so it blends quite well and it is SO COMFORTABLE! A sent me an email on Monday saying he was sad that his work chair didn't glide. A and I estimate that we saved around $2,000 by buying our furniture at the outlet! Way to go us! Now--on to that crib bedding, a mattress, my Daisy painting, a rug and some shelves maybe...he just thought I was done. =)

Hostess Gift Suggestions

You may remember awhile back that I was asking for ideas for hostess gifts for my upcoming baby shower. Well, I got some great little gifts (but a few of my hostesses read my blog so I'm not going to share quite yet what they are receiving.) I always appreciate your feedback and a few of my favorite stores sent me these hostess gift ideas. If you are looking for something perhaps one of these will work for you!


Monogrammed Glasses from The Palm Gifts for $30.00


Monogrammed Aprons from The Palm Gifts for $20.00



Whitney English Bag Tags from The Paper Cafe--2 for $18.00.



Donovan Designs 2009 Desk Calendar for $19.00 from The Paper Cafe.


Monogrammed Bow Blocks from Sunshine Paperie for $26.00.

We Have A Winner!

Congrats Kim from My Life in Pink and Green. Lauren used random.org and the number it came up with was #7 and you are the 7th poster! Congrats! Please email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com and I'll connect you to Lauren so you can pick your favorite for your 50 enclosure cards! We can't wait to see them.

Thank you to everyone that entered the contest and thank you Lauren for offering such a fantastic giveaway! My readers love their stationery and they are quite impressed with your cute designs. Since we got such a good response on this giveaway another vendor has offered to host my next giveaway. Stay tuned...it's good...and it is in the stationery category!

**Don't forget that Lauren is offering 15% off until the end of the year with coupon code MMM15, so go to her website and order something special for yourself or a friend!**

GIVEAWAY LAST CALL FOR 50 LAUREN GOESSLING DESIGNS ENCLOSURE CARDS!

***Don't forget to sign up for my Lauren Goessling Designs giveaway for 50 enclosure cards. You have until the end of today to pick your favorite item off their website and leave a comment on this post.***Lauren will pick a winner and we'll try to announce tomorrow!

Reader Questions

Hi MMM,

I've been a loyal reader of your blog since July. Finally though, I think I have a question that could use your expertise. My boyfriend and I met early in college and became fast social friends, nothing serious, just two pals who enjoyed a good bourbon on the rocks before a good party. Now, I'm on track to becoming a part of the family. This Christmas I'd like to give his family/ mother something that conveys my more serious position in her son's life. Any thoughts on what sort of holiday present would suggest my more mature lifestyle? The potential mother in law in question is a classic middle aged lawyer living in Albany, New York.
I love your blog, it has already inspired many of my recent gifts. I would really appreciate any suggestions that you have to offer.

Thank you,

R

Hi R,

It will depend on your budget and I would love to know a little more about your potential MIL, but I think something that is well thought out is what you are looking for here. How about a piece of art. My friend Allison paints houses, pets, and does portraits. If you could snag a picture of him when he was little that would be a great...you could do a small portrait of your boyfriend from when he was a younger. If your MIL has a favorite pet that could also be an idea or a drawing of their home or vacation home. The more thought you put into the gift the more it will show her how "serious" you are. Good luck and if you give me some more info I'll try to help more!

MMM


hi,

i've been lurking your blog for a while. i love your taste and we seem to have so much in common. i have thought about having a blog, but just haven't gotten into figuring it out yet. anyway, since you seem to always be finding things for people and are good at it i thought maybe you could help me? i'm looking for a winter coat for my 10month daughter. have any ideas? i would appreciate any options. thanks, and congratulations on your pregnancy! my daughter is the best thing that has ever happened to me! i love being a mommy!!!

e in kentucky:)

Hi E,

I LOVED the pink coat I featured last week from Kayce Hughs/Pears and Bears. It comes in 6 month and 12 month. Here it is if you missed it. I love this sweater coat and pink toggle coat from Baby Gap. I love this Pink Petite Ami Corduroy coat and this Katie and Co. wool/velvet dress coat from Best Dressed Child. For a bargain, how about this red fleece peacoat or this chocolate brown puffy coat from Old Navy? I've obviously not done a ton of research in this department so perhaps some of my readers might be able to help you a little more. Molly's Mom--what ya got?

Thanks for reading!

MMM

Kreativ Blogger Award

I am so honored to have received this award from three fabulous bloggers--Well I Do Declare, Granny Smith Green, and Some Like it Southern. The rule is that I have to list 6 things that make me happy, so here we go:

1) The fall weather in NYC. My walk to work via Madison Avenue is so beautiful. I love seeing all the kids in their precious uniforms. I love my stop at Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I love passing by the fall flowers and pumpkins at the little stands. I love seeing the leaves change and people's new fall threads. I love the displays in the windows. It's a happy part of my day.

2) I love the little kicks from my precious baby boy. They remind me he is growing and doing well. It makes me the happiest though when A can feel a good hard kick. I love to see his smile and how excited he gets. It's an amazing experience.

3) I love getting mail. I love to see a handwritten envelope that promises a pretty invitation inside or a birth announcement from one of my friends. I also love to see the new catalogs for each season. I get especially happy when there is a package--a surprise from a friend, a great ebay find, or just something I've ordered! Checking the mail makes me quite happy!

4) SEC Football. I love it. I love the Tide, but I also love to watch all the other games. My husband bought us ESPN Gameplan and now we don't miss a single game. We go to the Alabama Alum bar some Saturdays. I love tailgating and wish there was more of it in NYC. I look forward to going to Bryant Denny NEXT weekend! Roll Tide Roll! 7-0, but we have a few big ones to go! =)

5) Correspondence. Being far away from family and friends has been one of the biggest struggles with my time in NYC. If it were not for my cell phone and my computer I would not be happy. But, logging in to my email and seeing a familiar name pop up makes my day. I call my Mom everyday on my walk home from work. Our daily phone calls are one of the best parts of my day. I also love handwritten cards (see #3). I try to write them to friends and family as often as possible because I know how happy they make me.

6) My preppy puppy Daisy. Y'all know how much I love my Dog. She is truly woman's best friend. She comforts me during my pregnancy cries. She puts her head on my belly when I'm on the sofa (pretty sure she knows something is up). I love when she gets frisky and bucks like a bronco with one of her toys in her mouth. I love when she brings me her squeaky squirrel or her huge pink/green bone that Auntie Lisagh made her. I love to watch her curl up in a tiny ball and sleep. She is my first baby and she has brought so much joy to my life. I could not have made it in NYC without her. I can't wait to see her rolling on the floor with my baby boy. They are going to love each other!

I would like to bestow the award on these 6 blogs:

1) The Preppy Wedding--What preppy bride doesn't love this blog? Besides being such a sweet girl, Jenn has amazing ideas and is oh so Kreativ! I had the opportunity to meet her this past year and she is just as cool in person! Let's do it again soon!

2) Molly's Mom--I love finding a blog friend that shares my love in great online finds! I have not been reading this blog for very long and it has quickly become one of my favorites to check.

3) A Dozen Eggs's Cookie Crumbs Blog--This lady can make anything out of a sugar cookie. It looks sweet and tastes like heaven. She is quite Kreativ!

4) Short Pump Preppy--She makes me laugh everyday and oh I do love her photo shop abilities.

5) One Fabulous Mom-Her posts are so well thought out and creative. I mean she took us to Greece on a bloggy vacation, can you get any more Kreativ?

6) She Walks in Beauty--Her posts are absolutely beautiful and I still (almost 1.5 years after my wedding) look forward to seeing her picks.

Last Day for Lauren Goessling Designs Giveaway!

Today is the last day for you to sign up for Lauren Goessling Designs giveaway for 50 enclosure cards of your choice. Please go to this post for rules on what to do! Good luck!

Prayer Request

A girl from my husband's class in high school has gone into premature labor today. She is only 22 weeks and is pregnant with twins. Please keep the babies in your prayers today.

Baby Shower Dress Options

A group of my friends from the South are throwing me a shower back "home." Now for the perfect dress. Should I wear the one I already have (I'm not sure it will still fit in a few weeks though--I'm already running out of "wrap") or go for a special new number? After the shower we are planning to try to make it to the Alabama Homecoming game so that is why there are a lot of crimson options here. I have to admit, I'm not very impressed with the selection of cute fall maternity dresses. Have any of you preggo preps seen anything better? I think the 1st two are my favorite.

Sasha Maternity Dress from Neiman Marcus for $128.00.

T-Bags Maternity dress from Neiman Marcus for $118.00.

Milly Maternity from Neiman Marcus for $225.00

Olian Cinch Dress at Baby Center for $81.60.

Olian Green Dress from Apple Seed Maternity for $128.00

Wrap Dress from Saks for $99.00.

Faux Wrap Red Dress from A Pea in the Pod for $195.00.

Maternal America Houndstooth Dress from Pickles and Icecream for $139.00

Olian Colorblock dress from Nordstrom for $128.00

Maternal America Dress-$118 from The Swanky Stork


***Don't forget to sign up for my Lauren Goessling Designs giveaway for 50 enclosure cards. You have until Tuesday to pick your favorite item off their website and leave a comment on this post. ***

GIVEAWAY--Lauren Goessling Designs Enclosure Cards!

I think it is time for another giveaway! Lauren Goessling Designs has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for 50 of their fabulous enclosure cards. Lauren designs the most precious stationery! I can remember marveling at her wedding invitations when I was a bride. In addition to her wedding invitations and enclosure cards, she also designs personalized stationery and beautiful birth announcements. She also lives in Birmingham, Alabama--one of my favorite places in the world! Thanks Lauren for this great giveaway!

Here's what you have to do to play:
1) Go to Lauren Goessling Designs and pick your favorite item on their website. It can be anything!
2) Come back here and post a comment with your favorite item. Make sure you put your email address or a link to your blog so I can track you down easily.
3)We'll pick a winner next Tuesday so you have plenty of time to browse. If you want to go ahead and purchase something, Lauren has offered my readers 15% with the code-MMM15. The best news--the coupon does not expire until 12/31/08!

Check out a few of my favorites below. I love that you have the option to change the colors of everything--including the paper! Happy shopping!

Nursery Art Vision

I have a vision. It started with this picture from Serena and Lily's website (which I adore.) See the painting above the crib--yeah it is fabulous. Well, I want to incorporate it into Baby U's nursery. But, I want the dog to be Daisy and I want a little more playful look. I want something in between the picture above and the pictures below. The below pictures are a little too playful for my "look that I'm going for." I want the nursery to have a preppy cute and classic look and I want a Daisy painting that incorporates something in the middle.

I found these precious puppies from this fabulous Etsy artist.

And this cute painting is at Ladybugs and Lilypads.

I could do a puppy picture like one of these:






Or a big girl picture of her in Central Park (need to take some more of those!)



Any thoughts or ideas?

Spotlight Store--The Letter Tree

Here are a few fun things I spotted at The Letter Tree. Besides some really cute monogrammed and personalized gifts--$2.95 ships your entire order! Today and tomorrow if you order $75.00 worth of items, you can get 15% off with coupon code MMM15. Happy Shopping! Let me know what you get!

Blog Roll Update

I finally updated my blogroll this weekend. Are you a reader and I missed you (or I don't know about you) leave me a comment or send me an invite if your blog is private! I would love to be bloggy friends. =)

The Smile Award

The Preppy Lizard has been so kind to have given me the SMILE award. Thank you Preppy Lizard, you made me smile today!!!

Now here are the rules for spreading the smiles to fellow bloggers:

Must display a cheerful attitude.

Must love one another.

Must make mistakes.

Must learn from others.

Must be a positive contributor to blog world.

Must love life.

Must love kids.

Rules when receiving the award:

The recipient must link back the the award’s creator

You must post these rules if you receive the award.

You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself

You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted.

You must post the characteristics of a recipient.

You must create a post sharing your win with others.You must thank your giver.

So now that it is our turn to share the Award with others, here we go :

1) Some Like It Southern--One of my favorite blogger friends! This sweet girl just went public again so check her out if you have not read her blog before. She is due the day before me with a baby boy, so we have many things in common besides our love for monogramming and all things Southern.

2) Puttin' on the GRITS--How can you not smile reading about her love of biscuits and her man Country. Grits is a sweet southern belle and I LOVE her sense of humor. She makes me smile daily and I can't wait until she and Country tie the knot. I hope I get invited to the wedding! =)

3) In the Life of Five Year Olds--This was one of my first blog friends! She went private last year so I'm so sorry if you aren't privileged to read her great stories about being a teacher and moving into their new home. She recently announced some exciting news--she's expecting too! Who's next? =)

4) Adventures of a Southern Newlywed--This fabulous girl is a friend to many in the preppy blogging community. I'm not sure how she finds the time to make comments, but she feels like a genuine friend to me and I would love to meet her someday!

5) Mrs. Preppy--Another fellow member of the Preppy Preggo club. This girl has fabulous ideas and I always enjoy stopping by her blog to see what is going on in Dallas.

Daisy Update

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers for Daisy. They seem to be working! Daisy is feeling much better. Her blood results came back normal and she is eating her canned food the vet gave her like it is a fine steak. We are still waiting on the results from her stool sample to rule out parasites (should hear something today). It seems in talking to people that whipworm is a common thing in NYC dogs. Heartworm meds do not protect them from it and they get it on the nasty streets and then lick their paws to injest it. We're hoping to rule this one out soon! So gross! Thank you again for thinking of us! I'll keep you posted!

Sick Puppy

Please keep Daisy in your prayers today. She has been sick on and off this past week. She would throw up or have "other" stomach issues and then she would be fine for a couple days. This cycle happened twice so I decided to take her to the vet last night when I came home to find she had an accident in the apt (which she NEVER does). I took her out to go the bathroom before we went to the vet and she threw up AND she had blood in her stool (this was the 1st time). I was so scared and basically ran to the vet and had A leave work to meet me there. They examined her, took her blood and gave her a doggy IV. I have to try to get a stool sample (sorry if this is TMI) today from her so they can test it. The vet said she could have a variety of things, but it was probably some type of virus or a parasite. She just had her annual check up in August and was fine and we obviously take good care of her. She will be 4 years old in January and this is only the 2nd time she has ever been sick. =( The vet put her on two pills a day in case it was an infection and she is also on special canned dog food for the next week (which she ate like a champ last night.) I am so worried about her. I know she'll be okay, but I was in tears walking to the vet I was so scared. This really is my first baby and I love her so much. Please say a prayer that this is nothing serious. I know many of you have followed Daisy's stories since I started my blog so I wanted to fill you in.

Kayce Hughes/ Pears and Bears Online Trunk Show-Fun Stuff!

Today is the final day of my Kayce Hughs/Pears and Bears Online Trunk show. I hope you enjoyed seeing their cute products and maybe you even treated yourself to something.

If you are just joining the game, to order through me, just click here and start shopping or you can type the following code in under the "trunk show" section: 17667. If you spend just $50.00 then you get free shipping! This code will only work for my show this week with the coupon code "fallfreeship." This offer is OVER today!!

This sweet Moses basket is $150.00. Wouldn't Baby U look good in here? =)

This tote also comes with pink handles for $35.00.
This precious diaper bag is $54.00 and also comes in a pretty green and white/pink, white/blue (for $50.00). It would look fabulous with a monogram!

I can't wait to swaddle up my baby boy in monogrammed blankets like this! It is $40.00.
This blue and white polka dot pillow also comes in pink, red and green.

This child's apron also comes in pink, red and blue. It is $26.00. The adult version is $32.00 and comes in the same colors.


It's baby doll clothes! These cute dresses are $26.00.

Can you just see your table set up with these $6.00 plates! Talk about cute!

This baby bib kit lets you sew your own bibs--how crafty! It is $36.00.

I need to learn to sew--for $28.00 think this will do the trick?

It's red and white and polka dots and only $22.00, what is not to love!
This blue baby blanket also comes in pink and red for $46.00

Sweet as cherry pie, this guest towel is a sweet deal for $10.00. Great stocking stuffer!
This child's apron is $18.00 and you can match momma right below! Perfect for all of the holiday baking that is coming up.
I love this style apron! It's $32.00.


Especially for our own anchor queen Miss Kate, it is $40.00.

Reader Question

Dear MMM,

The reason I am writing is that my sister-in-law and I are both pregnant :) She is due on January 7th and I am due on April 9th. Her shower is coming up soon and my mom and I really want to give her a large stuffed animal or a rocking horse for the nursery. Unfortunately, her animal theme is monkeys and I am having a TERRIBLE time finding anything cute. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

A


Thanks for reading...here is what I found just playing around:

http://rockimals.com/whimsical_rocking_animals.htm
(they don't have monkeys but really cute other animals--I love the giraffe)

http://www.squidoo.com/monkeyfun (there is a big monkey floor pillow here)

I'll keep looking though!

Congrats to you both! M

Baby Bedding!

Mrs Preppy shared her FABULOUS crib bedding plan and I felt the need to join in on the fun.

I'm in love with this baby bedding. I've searched high and low to find something a little more budget friendly that I love this much, but no such luck just yet. The walls to my nursery are light green (see above) and I think this would look just scrumptious for Baby U. It is also a Central Park Toile which just seems so appropriate for my Big Apple baby! You can find it here at Spoil The Baby and here at Rosenberry Rooms (and yes, they have it in pink and green too.) What do you think--is it worth it if Momma R buys it for me or should I let her pay for 1/2 our stroller (we're going with the Bugaboo Cameleon in chocolate brown)? For the record, she's in love with it too. Each time I look at it, I love it a little bit more. Why can't I fall in love with something that's $100 or does that not exist?

Kayce Hughes/Pears and Bears Online Trunk Show-Kid's Fashion Day!

As you know by now, I'm hosting a Kayce Hughs/Pears and Bears Online Trunk show this week. To order through me, just click here and start shopping or you can type the following code in under the "trunk show" section: 17667. If you spend just $50.00 then you get free shipping! This code will only work for my show this week with the coupon code "fallfreeship."


This smocked party dress would be perfect for a Easter! It is $90.00 and also comes in white, pink and baby sizes.

Your little prince will look charming in his boy short set for $102.00




Don't you just adore this monogrammed sash! It is $22.00 and you could do it in your wedding colors for your flower girl, or she could just wear it for special events to give this dress a new touch. I love this!!
This dress would be precious for your flower girl for a summer/spring wedding! It is $92.00 and also comes in ivory.
The Melody dress would also be precious for your flower girl for a summer wedding! It is $92.00 and it also comes in white.

These cute overalls are$54.00 and they also come in pink, brown and red.
This corduroy John John is $50.00 and also comes in blue, brown and red.
Get her a wrap skirt just like your for $54.00. It also comes in red, brown and navy denim.
This set of headbands is just $18.00 and they will be perfect for many occasions.
Ready to go to work with Daddy--he'll look like quite the gentleman in this red cord tie for $34.00.
Every princess needs a cute spring/summer bag. This one is $42.00 and will match the dress below!
How cute will she look with her backpack for $24.00!
This ruffle top is sure to be one of her favorites and it is $46.00 and will go with everything!

This corduroy dress is perfect for fall and it runs $90.00.

She could match Mom in this one for $90.00. Also perfect for Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss and Arkansas games (am I forgetting anyone?)
I'm guessing if they had this in "big girl" sizes that they would be sold out after I posted this. Yes, it is pink and green AND corduroy. It's $90.00 and it also comes in blue.
This dress just makes me think of a fabulous birthday party. It's $90.00.

This winter bonnet is $42.00 and would be so cute for your little one!


This smocked coat is $118.00, but it might be the cutest thing I've ever seen. Again, you think they could make it for us in "big girl" sizes?

Finally--something for the little man--a preppy toggle coat for $118.00!
This precious pea coat is $118.00 as well and would look quite cute on your little one.

This jumper bringing me back to my school days. It's only $50.00 and it also comes in red.

They are also having a fabulous sale on kid's clothes--see yesterdays post.

Follow Me Where I Go...

I recently added a "followers" button on the side of my blog. Just click on it to add me to your list...that way you'll never miss a great gift idea or a Baby U update! Thanks for following along!

Kayce Hughes/ Pears and Bears Online Trunk Show-Kid's Sale Item Day!

As you know by now, I'm hosting a Kayce Hughs/Pears and Bears Online Trunk show this week. To order through me, just click here and start shopping or you can type the following code in under the "trunk show" section: 17667. If you spend just $50.00 then you get free shipping! This code will only work for my show this week with the coupon code "fallfreeship."

Today I'm showing you all the great kid's deals that they have going on! Hurry--there is limited inventory!


This red cord party dress is just $24.00, down from $82.00! It also comes in pink.


This corduroy ruffle shirt is just $15.00 and will go with a lot! It is down from $46.00.

This cute cord dress also comes in blue and cream. It is just $26.00, down from $72.00.

This cowgirl skirt is just $15.00, down from $46.00.

This precious pink and green tie dress was $64.00 and is now on sale for $34.00!

This ruffle bubble was $60.00 and is on sale for $30.00!

This infant bubble is down from$54.00 to $27.00.


This ruffle wrap dress is $34.00, down from $68.00.

Your little prep will look precious on the beach in this little number which is on sale for $34.00, down from $68.00.
For $25.00, you can afford to go get this John John monogrammed. It was originally $50.00.

This pretty green dress is down to $34.00 from $68.00.


This preppy pink ruffle dress is just $26.00, down from $82.00.


This ruffle blouse is just $15.00, down from $42.00.



This John John is just $15.00, down from $50.00.

Purina Breast Cancer Donation

If you go to Purina cat chow's web site and take a 5-question test on your knowledge of breast cancer, they will donate $1.00 – Not 1 cent, but $1.00 to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Only 5 questions will take a minute!

Here is the web site: http://www.catchow.com/pink/?DCMP...HQS=donate

Please pass it along to everyone you know. Thanks!

Kayce Hughes/Pears and Bears Online Trunk Show-Baby Fashion Day!

In case you are just tuning in...

I'm hosting a Kayce Hughs/Pears and Bears Online Trunk show this week. To order through me, just click here and start shopping or you can type the following code in under the "trunk show" section: 17667. If you spend just $50.00 then you get free shipping! This code will only work for my show this week with the coupon code "fallfreeship."

Polka dots! Yes please! The burp cloth is $18.00 and the bib is $20.00. It also comes in blue, red and pink.
Wouldn't your little princess look cute playing at the park in this corduroy outfit? It's $52.00.
Is it bad that I want a baby girl next time just so that I can put monogrammed bloomers on her? This pair is extra sweet for $18.00
How precious are these! AND they are on sale for $14.00! If you have a girl, please buy them and send me a picture.
Yes, please. We'll take one in every color for $32.00 each. =)

How about a nice blue monogram with my boys initials (did I mention--we've picked a name!) This one is $42.00.
Smack a monogram in the center and your little girl will be perfectly preppy in this infant bubble for $42.00! It also comes in pink polka dots.
Wouldn't my little man look cute is this "boy" daygown? It's $50.00.


This little girl daygown is a dream. It is $50.00.
Why am I drawn to pink? These pink cord daygown is too cute! It is $50.00.


My Mom swears by these drawstring gowns for quick and easy diaper changes. I definitely need one of these with the blue piping. It is $28.00.



This precious onesie is trimmed in blue (or pink) piping. It is $32.00.

Growing Right Along!

Sorry so small--click on the images to make them bigger! Can you figure out what the top picture is of? God help me! =) The second picture is right after Baby U (we actually do have a name now--but since I don't share my name think we'll just keep it that way for Baby U for now) sucked his thumb--melt my heart. The bottom two images are after he yawned at us!

I am 22 weeks now and according to Baby Center, Baby U is the size of a spaghetti squash this week. The doctor said he weighs in at about 1 lb--we won't discuss what I weighed in at--let's just say I got my appetite back. I'm 5.5 months pregnant and still on Zofran. I tried not to take it two weekends ago and it was not a pretty sight. Since I lost a little weight at the beginning of my pregnancy (I've caught up according to the scale on Friday), they want me to stay on the meds as long as I'm still getting sick. Baby U seems to be very healthy so far and all his measurements in this last ultrasound looked great. He is kicking up a storm and I love every single kick (except when they are in the bladder or early in the morning-ha!)

The crib is up and in his little room. The walls were already painted a pale green and we are going to leave them that way. I have fallen in love with some expensive crib bedding (I'll share soon after I'm done convincing Grandma that Baby U can't live without it.) A's ugly chair was picked up yesterday and will be back to us in a month. I need to order the changing table/dresser and I can't decide on a rocker/glider for the life of me. I'm all registered in anticipation of a shower my friends back in the South are throwing for me the end of this month. I need to start shopping for a shower dress! Any suggestions? That's about it for baby news!

Kayce Hughes/ Pears and Bears Online Trunk Show-Women's Fashion Day!

This week (Oct 6-Oct 10) I am hosting a Kayce Hughes/Pears and Bears online trunk show. Click here for the link to my show.

To order through me, you can order from the above page or you can type the following code in under the "trunk show" section: 17667. If you spend just $50.00 then you get free shipping! This code will only work for my show this week with the coupon code "fallfreeship."

Want to join in on the fun of hosting? They are still setting up Fall trunk shows and are searching for hostesses all over the United States. You can email Caroline at caroline@kaycehughes.com if you would like to host. Tell her I sent you!

Each day I will feature some new items that I think you gals might enjoy. Today I'm concentrating on their Woman's Fall Fashion.

Check out these cute finds:


Cute Wrap Skirts for $90.00.


I LOVE this corduroy ruffle dress. This would be perfect for me in crimson red for a Bama football game! The price is $138.00.





This tunic dress makes me want to go for a long walk on the beach. It's $122.00.




This pretty ruffle shirt is $74.00.
These precious pjs come in pink and green trim for $92.00. Wish I was wearing some right now!

Don't forget to check out their sale items too! You can find them here.

A Pregnant Woman's Dream

http://diaroogle.com/

Wicked Swap Gift

Check out the stuff I got from my Wicked Swap partner,

I LOVE it all! Thanks partner!








And here is what I gave her...

Congrats HLM!

I used Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

7

Timestamp: 2008-10-05 15:26:50 UTC

Number 7 is HLM. Please email me your contact information to magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com and I'll get your note cards to you asap! Congrats! Thanks everyone for your sweet comments. I'm glad you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing.

525 Posts!!

I meant to do this for my 500th post, but I'm a little behind these days--blame it on the pregnancy brain. Anyways, awhile back I won a contest and received beautiful letterpress thank you cards from Becky at Sugar Plum Invitations and She Walks in Beauty blog . Her invitations and save the dates are a dream! Check them out here. Becky was also so sweet to give me an extra set of 6 letterpress Merci note cards (pictured above--but the picture does not do them justice) to pass along to a friend. As a THANK YOU for reading my 525 posts, I will pick one lucky reader by tomorrow and send them your way...all you have to do is leave a comment...ask me a question, tell me why you like my blog, anything you want to say! Merci for being my blog friends! HAPPY FRIDAY!!

A Few More Preppy Fall Maternity

I bought a bunch of tops that were on sale at Destination Matertity, but I can't seem to find those online. Here are some of my ebay maternity finds:


Gap Favorite Fit T-Shirt
Gap Black Twist Tee

These two shirts are from this online maternity ebay seller, The Stylish Belly. They are both in the mail so I'll let you know how they turn out.

I got this shirt for the Alabama Whiteout last weekend from Pea in the Pod. It is VERY flattering and you can tie the tie in a knot or a bow depending on your mood. Find it here.

I also bought a pair of nice black pants and nice gray pants, I think these are them.

My Attempt at Fall Preppy Maternity Looks

This classic preppy piece is on its way to me now. I found it on sale at gap here.

On the advice of Blissful Belle, I checked out the long and lean maternity jeans from Gap. Prepregnancy my favorite jeans were Paige and Sevens. I have tried on several pairs of designer jeans and I can honestly say these are the most comforable, affordable and flattering pair! I LOVE them! Click here to buy.

I call this dress my "Roll Tide Mama" dress. I bought it for myself for my birthday and I've already worn it a ton! It's Isabella Oliver and they are having a 30% off sale right now for their anniversary, so check it out!

I bought two of these and they have been great so far. They are cotton though, so I still need a long lycra one too. Click here to buy!

These ruffle cardigan sweaters are not maternity. But, I bought them in large and they are working perfectly right now (and I hope will continue to last). I bought 3--one in white, green and pink from Old Navy. They are on sale right now for $20.00 each! Click here to buy ruffles.

I bought this sweater on sale in pink. They still have the grey. Click here.

These pj pants from Old Navy are fabulous! I need to order another pair! I got mine on sale, but these are $19.50. Click here to check out the other great colors.

This cotton dress is from Old Navy for $32.50. Preggos, Click here to buy.

I bought this dress in the black and the purple pattern and I LOVE it! It's from Old Navy and only $32.50! Preggos, click here to buy.

Ok, I tag all the other preppy preggos in the preppy preggo club to play this game. Let's see what's in your closet for fall!!

Thank You Bullfrogs and Butterflies!

I recently won a contest at Little Window Shoppe. The prize was these precious milkshake layette sets from Bullfrogs and Butterflies.

Check out how creative this is! Baby U hit the jackpot! =)

Reader Questions

Love your blog and have been a reader but infrequent commenter for quite awhile. I have a question which I was hoping you could maybe help me with. You have really good taste and seem to have a lot of resources available to you. This isn't baby related however it is gift related so hoping you have some ideas you could throw my way.

One of my VERY good friends just had back surgery. We've done all the usual of getting dinners to her as she is off her feet for the next 2 weeks , literally bed-ridden and then rehab for 2 months.....I want to send her a gift but I don't want to send flowers or food (she already has a ton of that). Can you think of anything cute and maybe preppy that I could send?

Thanks so much and good luck with your pregnancy!!!

J


This sweet rabbit can be a cold compress or you can microwave him to soothe sore muscles. Buy him at Ann Margaret's Special Tea Shop for $38.95.

Monogrammed Whitney English Note cards, $52.00 for 25 of them!

Whitney English Monogrammed Memo Set from The Paper Cafe for $46.00 with acrylic holder.



Embroidered Pill Box from Lauren Nicole gifts for $14.00.


Monogrammed Water Bottle Koozie from So Pretty for $15.00.


Precious clipboard for writing notes from The Palm Gifts for $28.00.




If she can't get to the shower, she might as well have a good looking ponytail! Monogrammed silver ponytail holder for $44.00 from The Palm Gifts.
To comfort her during her time off of her feet:
Monogrammed Pink and Green blanket for $28.00 from The Palm Gifts





Monogrammed Playing Card Holder from The Palm Gifts for $22.00 with a cute pack of cards.

Anyone else have a question for me? Email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com or leave a comment here and I will help you out or give you an answer to something you have been dying to know about me. =)