Giveaway-Purely Elegant Jewelry

See something you like? One lucky MMM reader will get to pick ANYTHING they want from the Purely Elegant shop on etsy. The above pictures are a few of my favorite pieces. The top pearl bracelet being my absolute favorite, followed closely by the blue/green preppy earrings. Which one are you going to pick?

Here are the rules:

1) Go to Purely Elegant and pick out what you would want if you were to win this giveaway.

2) Come back here and leave a comment telling me what you picked.

For Additional Entries:

1) Post this contest on your blog

2) Send a tweet out about this contest

3) Become a Follower (or let me know you are already a follower)

4) Follow me on Twitter (or let me know you are following me on Twitter)

Please note that EACH of the additional entries need to be left in a separate comment to qualify for an additional entry. I use the random number generator because Baby J does not leave time for anything else, so if you want additional entries you can leave up to FIVE comments on this post.

Please make sure your comments are linked either to you blog or you include an email address. If there is no way to contact you, you will not win.

The contest starts today and will go until May 6th.

GOOD LUCK LADIES!!

EDIT: SOME OF YOU ARE STILL POSTING ALL OF YOUR ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT. THEY WILL NOT BE COUNTED. I WILL GIVE YOU UNTIL MAY 6TH TO LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS, OTHERWISE IT DOES NOT COUNT FOR EXTRA ENTRIES UNLESS EACH EXTRA ENTRY IS IN A SEPARATE COMMENT.

Product Review-Lauren Nicole Gifts Fine Silver Name Bar Necklace

How sweet are these personalized silver bar necklaces! I am sure you have seen all of the trendy stamped jewelry out there. Most of the ones I have seen are circles so I really like that this one is a bar. Gotta mix it up a little bit, right?

Would these not make the best Mother's Day gift for your Mom, Grandma, Sister, Godmother, or Preggo Friend? I recently received my very own necklace from Lauren Nicole Monogrammed Gifts. This is my first piece of personalized jewelry with baby J's name on it and I was SO excited to receive it! "A" has been reminded that since he did not purchase this for me it doesn't count as my Mother's Day gift. Ha, Ha! =)

Here is the description of their fine silver name necklaces straight from the Lauren Nicole website:

Fine Silver Small Name Bar Necklace with a freshwater pearl bead charm. We hand make the necklaces in our studio by hand-casting fine silver. The name pendant can be personalized with a name, up to 8 letters. The pendant comes on a sterling silver ball chain necklace in your choice of length. The pendant measures 28mm X 6mm.

Fine silver is a slightly higher grade than sterling silver. Sterling silver is .925 silver and fine silver is .999 silver. (Bet ya didn't know that! )

My necklace is personalized just like the above necklace with Baby J's name on it and came with a red garnet charm for his January birthday. (See pics below, but I did black out the name for privacy purposes.) The silver bar is pretty thick and the quality is very nice! The chain tends to give it a more casual look, so I will probably switch the chain out for a dressier look every once in awhile.

Aren't these cute!!



Their necklaces arrive in a one of these precious tin containers with cute fabric tops in a pink organza pouch. It is another gift in itself! I received the tin on the top left corner...so perfect for me!



If you are need a gift idea for Mother's Day, this is it. The fine silver bar necklace like mine is $34.00. It is perfect for a new Mom or a Mom to be. (In addition to Mother's Day, it would make a great baby shower gift, new Mommy gift, or Birthday gift.) Click here to purchase it.

You could even just personalize it with MOM. The one below is $32.00 and includes two birthstone charms. Buy it here.

If you want to add an extra charm (or three) to your necklace. The charms are $20.00 each. You could do all the grandkids, all of your brothers and sisters, the whole family...


If you want to go ahead and just order the name bar necklace with two names and two charms like this one, the price is $48.00. You can buy it here.

From now until May 5, 2009, if you spend $20.00 at Lauren Nicole you will receive a free monogrammed mirror made with Lilly Pulitzer fabric with a hot pink initial and it is shipped in a pink organza gift bag. More details can be found here.

If all of this wasn't enough, Lauren Nicole Gifts is currently hosting a giveaway for this set of Vera Bradley items. You have to hurry though, because the contest ends TOMORROW!

Click here for more details so you can enter their giveaway.

Let me know what you think. What are you getting your Mom for Mother's Day?

Baptismal Invitations

Baby J will be baptized the last weekend of June back down South. A's parents are hosting a reception at their house after the ceremony and since I am a "paperhead" (as my husband calls me), I decided that of course this party calls for cute invitations. Here are a few of the invitations that I'm looking at. What do you think? Seen any others I should check out?

A Touch of Whimsy Designs

25 for $30.00

Sweet Pea Designs via The Paper Cafe

25 for $97.00

Paper Menu via Lemon Tree Paperie

$56.00 for 25

Others that I considered, but decided against...but you might need them so here they are:

http://www.paperbuzz.com/p-136-baptism-boy.aspx

http://www.paperbuzz.com/p-4750-blessed-blue-cross.aspx

http://thepapercafe.myspstore.com/SHOPEXD.ASP?id=3024

http://www.invitationbox.com/ibd-i-090.html

http://www.invitationbox.com/mm-snb5740.html

Vineyard Vines Whale Flip Flops

Life is good today because I'm wearing these. You really should buy yourself a pair too. You deserve them. You really do.

Lipton Pyramid Teas

Ok, I have to share!! Have y'all tried these yet? In an effort to watch my sweet intake (this baby weight isn't quite melting off like I hoped it would), I saw Lipton's Vanilla Caramel Truffle Pyramid Tea at my local grocery store and decided to give it a try. This stuff is HEAVENLY! It is the perfect afternoon or after dinner tea to soothe my ever present sweet cravings. I just bought the White Tea with Blueberry and Pomegranate and it is also quite tasty! Click here to check out all of the fun flavors. I'm not sure what they did to this tea, but it tastes so fresh and yummy. If you like tea, I highly recommend you check these out (and no, Lipton is not paying me to tell you about it!)

Here are some links to buy some if you can't find it at your grocery store.

(This is for a pack of six boxes of 20)

1st Birthday Bibs

Two of my best friend's little girls are turning one so I wanted to get them a little something. I fell in love with these bibs on Etsy and Lauren was so sweet she got them done the same night I ordered them so that I could have them in time for one of the little girl's birthdays. (I seem to be a little late with everything these days...)

Here is the etsy site and the website for Blooming Babies. Check them out and tell Lauren I sent you. Aren't they precious?

Questions for YOU

**I just joined Weight Watchers this week. This baby weight just isn't coming off like I want it to. I did Weight Watchers before my wedding and it was WONDERFUL. Since I'm nursing I get extra points, but they only want me to lose 1lb a week so it does not hinder my milk supply. Hmmm. Not sure if 1lb a week is going to get me into my bikini by the 4th of July. Does anyone have any good WW low point ideas? Good WW recipes? Tips?



**Any suggestions for cradle cap treatment? A shampoo that has worked for you? Poor Baby J looks like snow is falling on his head. The pediatrician says baby oil. Has anyone tried that? Suggestions?



**I think my blog needs a little face lift. A new header, a little sprucing here and there...you know what I mean? Anyone have someone they would like to recommend that is reasonable, does a good job and is easy to work with?



**I'm cleaning out my closet. There are quite a few things that I just am never going to wear. I am a professional Ebay buyer, but I've never sold before. Anyone have any good tips. I'm going to try to get started this week. I'll be sure to post the links when I do.



**I need some new tennis shoes. What are the cool kids wearing these days? I don't run, but I walk a TON. I have North Face cross trainers right now and it is time to retire them. Suggestions?



**Is anyone else out there nursing? Do you have any suggestions for nursing and budget friendly tops. I need a few spring/summer options.



THANKS Ladies!! Can't wait to hear your suggestions!!!

My Little Duckling

Baby J with his first little blue box (it was a beautiful personalized rattle from A's boss)

Shoe Fun with Eliza B!

Eliza B has come up with the cutest concept--design your own ballet flat. They have a zillion fabulous fun fabrics. You pick your favorite and then you pick a leather trim in a variety of colors. They also have an all leather version. Think of the possibilities? They are offering 10% off right now until May 5th with coupon code Mom. Happy Shoe Designing!

Click here to get started.

Monarch Creations Custom Crib Bedding

I wanted to share some more of my favorite nursery items! I am STILL in love with my crib bedding and the great people over at Monarch Creations have extended a discount to MMM readers for 10% off. (Code: MMM Blog)

Here are some of my Monarch Creations:

Nightlight

Baby J's toybag from his Grandparents!


Beautiful matching pillow sent to us from Monarch Creations!




Another shot of the toy bag


10% off with code MMM Blog at Monarch Creations

Diaper Bags

This an up close picture of my small diaper bag:



And some pictures of my Pottery Barn Kids Ultimate Diaper Bag:

Here are a few other bags I have my eye on:

For Summertime:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/onelittlebox/Items/kspxru0477410strpmedbabybagnvy?sck=4249660&caSKU=kspxru0477410strpmedbabybagnvy&caTitle=KATE%20SPADE%20TICKING%20STRIPE%20MEDIUM%20BABY%20BAG

Reasonable and fun:
http://www.miabossi.com/bags/fa06/lyndsey_cocoa.html

So preppy:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2963223?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=baby+bag+in+All+Categories&origin=searchresults

Dreams:

http://www.katespade.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3406581&cp=2450627.1876038
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3017905/0~2376776~2374327~6005194~6005232?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005232&P=1

http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?Sku=10619&

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2899636/0~2376776~2374327~6005194~6005232?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005232&P=1

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2961494/0~2376776~2374327~6005194~6005232?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6005232&P=1

What diaper bag do you use? How many do you use?

A. Tierney Preppy Pendant Winners

I apologize for the delay in posting the winners to our A. Tierney contest. Time got away from me before we headed out of town last Friday. We had a wonderful Easter at my parent's beach house on the Florida panhandle and now I'm at their home in South Alabama. The weather is beautiful, but I've come down with an awful cold. I'm heading to the doctor today to try to get some relief and find out what is safe for me to take while I'm still breastfeeding. Baby J did fabulous on the two plane rides and he has been an angel all week. But, let me tell you caring for a newborn while you are sick is tough work!! Ok, enough of that...let's get on to the winners. I used the random number generator and our winners are:

Here are your random numbers:

13 98 16 90 83

Timestamp: 2009-04-15 16:24:40 UTC

Congrats #13--DMLB--Getting Here from There

Congrats#98--Pink Under Pressure

Congrats #16--Michelle

Congrats #90--Lulu and Daisy

Congrats #83--Amy B--Our Daily Blessings...Life

Ladies, please email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail dot com with your mailing information and your final choice of pendant/cord and we'll get those preppy pendants out to you asap!

Thanks again to everyone who entered! When I get back to the city we'll have a few more fun giveaways. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter (or Passover). I've been checking in with your blogs on my google reader during feedings, but it is next to impossible to comment. Happy Wednesday--I'm off to the doctor to see what they can do for me!

Lucky Mama

It's official. I resigned from my job today. I just returned from meeting with my boss. After careful consideration, A and I have decided that it is best if I stay home with Baby J. We are blessed that we are able to make this happen during these tough times. I wasn't sure it was going to work out, but thanks to recent outcomes we are able to make it work. We are going to have to cut back and really watch our spending, but my dream is now a reality. I am not going to have to miss one moment of Baby J's "firsts." The hours of my new job are much longer, but the rewards are life long for both Baby J and myself. I am experiencing a relief today that I have never felt before. I feel like a new chapter of my life begins today. I just wanted to share my exciting news with y'all! I am one lucky Mama!

Just a quick reminder that you only have until Thursday to enter to win a Preppy Pendant from A. Tierney! Click here for the rules on how to enter!!

Rainy Day

My Grandmother's memorial service just concluded moments ago in Palm Springs. I just got off the phone with my Mom and she said it was a beautiful service. A, Baby J and I obviously are not there. We decided it was just going to be too much and it was more important for my Mom to have us come down to the beach house next week. My Mom is surrounded by her five brothers and countless friends of my Grandma's. I wish I could be there to give my Mom a hug. I know this is going to be a tough day for her. Please keep my family in your prayers today.

I have another heartfelt prayer request. One of my very best friends recently found out her 11 month baby girl, Scarlett, has "Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum," meaning, during the 2nd trimester, her corpus callosum never developed. Your corpus callosum is the tissue between the right and left side of your brain, so it is what sends all those synapses/messages back and forth. Scarlett's right and left side can't communicate, which means she may have coordination, perceptual, and/or visual problems. This is extremely rare, and its effects range greatly. Therapy is the best remedy to exercise the brain and rewire itself. They also found out that Scarlett is having infantile seizures. They are currently trying to rule out Aicardi Syndrome. My friend A and her husband M have a deep faith in God. I'm so proud of how well both of them are handling this, but they need your prayers. Please stop where you are today and say a prayer for sweet Scarlett. She needs as many prayers as she can get and I know from past experience that I can always count on you girls to pray for my friends and family! I am so lucky. A&M have a long road ahead of them during the upcoming weeks and months and they also need your prayers. Thank you!!!

A. Tierney Preppy Pendant Giveaway

I am lucky to host a fabulous preppy pendant giveaway sponsored by A. Tierney! The best news...we are going to make FIVE of you fabulous ladies winners. How cool is that?

I LOVE A. Tierney. Baby J and I were over at their fabulous townhouse just the other day picking up some of the cutest personalized burp cloths you have ever seen. (Thanks again Alyssa!) Today I ordered Baby J his very own monogrammed baby beach hat.

RULES:

1. Click here to build your own Preppy Pendant.

2. Come back here and tell me which design you picked in the comment section! There are so many fun choices. Don't forget to leave me your email if you don't have a blog.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower and let me know in a SEPARATE comment that you became a follower (or you already are one.)

4. For an extra entry, post about this contest on your blog and let me know you did so in a SEPARATE comment!

The winners (all FIVE of them) will be picked by the random number generator one week from today (April 9, 2009).

Good Luck Preppy Ladies!

Magnolia In Bloom Photo Giveaway Winner!

The winner of Aaron from Aaron Overstreet Art 8X8 Magnolia in Bloom photograph is:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:5
Timestamp: 2009-04-02 02:48:20 UTC

KATIE LAKE from A Southern Girl in the City!

Congrats Katie, please send me an email with your address to magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com and we'll get the pretty photo out to you asap! Thanks to Aaron and everyone else for entering the giveaway.

Stay tuned tomorrow for yet another fun giveaway!