Do You Yeni?

I'm thinking I really want a Yeni. I'm pretty positive Mama NEEDS a Yeni. They are cute little aprons you wear that double as a baby towel. It's cute. It's monogrammed. And it will keep me dry when I'm giving Baby J a bath. Do you have one? What are your thoughts?

I think I might put one on my birthday wish list. Speaking of birthday wish list, I'm working on my 3rd annual birthday wish list post. But, in addition, I have some surprises for my sweet readers. I'm doing a whole MONTH of giveaways in August in honor of my birthday month. If you are a vendor friend and are not already involved, shoot me an email if you are interested. Readers...get ready...we've got some AWESOME giveaways coming your way!

Look Who Is Moving To My Neighborhood...

Good thing Baby J can't fit in their clothes yet:

Feta Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

I got this recipe from FreshDirect and made it the other night. Quite yummy! Feta Chicken with Zucchini From "Real Simple® magazine" For an almost effortless side dish that can cook while the chicken is in the oven, try boiled new potatoes, white rice, or couscous. Hands-on time: 20 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Makes 4 servings 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 lemon 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) * 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 2 medium zucchini 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) crumbled Feta *FreshDirect Note: Our boneless, skinless chicken breasts run large. We've included two whole breasts, which will provide four breast halves for this recipe.

Click here to buy!

Heat oven to 400°F. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a roasting pan. Remove the zest from the lemon in thin strips; set aside. Thinly slice the lemon. Place half the slices in the pan. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it on top of the lemon slices and season with 1/8 teaspoon of the salt. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 1/4-inch-thick half-moons. In a bowl, combine the zucchini, parsley, pepper, and the remaining oil, lemon slices, and salt; toss. Spread the zucchini mixture around the chicken and sprinkle the Feta over the top. Roast until the chicken is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer it to a cutting board and cut each piece into thirds. Divide the chicken, zucchini mixture, and lemons among individual plates and sprinkle with the zest. NUTRITION PER SERVING CALORIES 270(27% from fat); FAT 8g (sat 3g); SUGAR 3g; PROTEIN 42g; CHOLESTEROL 110mg; SODIUM 378mg; FIBER 2g; CARBOHYDRATE 5g Copyright 2009 Time Inc. Real Simple is a trademark of Time Inc. Used under license.

Click here to view this recipe at FreshDirect.com

Spotlight Store-Emma's Closet Monogramming

My oldest best friend Sarah introduced me to her college friend Emory over at Emma's Closet and after seeing her work, I knew Baby J needed a set of her custom monogrammed burp cloths. I told Emory she could make me whatever she wanted as long as it was preppy. I LOVE my burp cloths. Baby J goes through A LOT and I swear I could use another 3 orders of them. The quality is very good and they have already made it through the laundry many times. Emory also monogrammed a white t-shirt with Baby J's name on it to wear with his swim trunks. He looked oh so cute when we were at the beach. If you are needing a monogrammed gift then be sure to talk to Emory. She is located in the Memphis area (if you are local then you just found yourself a new monogrammer)! I plan to send her a few items in the future since she did such a great job on these. Head on over to Emma's Closet and check her out. Tell her Mrs. MMM sent ya! =)

My Ebay Items You Might Like

J. Crew Size 6 City Fit Khaki Linen Chinos/Pants-EUC JCrew WhiteTank with Gold/Coral Beads, Size Medium EUC Motherhood Maternity-Purple Check Dress-Size Small Light Pink Ralph Lauren Sport Polo Shirt-Size Small-EUC Brown/White/Tan Silk Maternity Shirt, Size Small Anthropologie Blue Gauze Wrap Shirt-EUC-Size 6 Ann Taylor Blue Capsleeve Shirt, Size Medium Anthropologie-Odille Seafoam Mesh Long Sleeve Shirt-Med Sweet Pea Brown Long Sleeve Wrap Shirt, Size Medium-EUC Anthropologie-Odille Lilac Cardigan Sweater-Size Medium

Punch Recipe and Sip-N-See Pictures

This is the punch we made for the Sip-N-See for Baby J. It's one of my favorites. We also had wine, beer, sweet tea, lemonade, another slushy punch and water. The food was simple, just tea sandwiches (Oslers for your Bham gals), cheese straws and petit fours (Savages). My MIL just used the same decor from the baptismal reception. When your house is clean you might as well throw two parties, right? =) Have you Northern Gals heard of a Sip-N-See? It's basically a party that a family member throws to show off the newest member of the family. You sip a little something and see the baby during a designated time window. Then you pray your baby behaves for said time window. Baby J took a small nap in the middle, but he did pretty well. Don't you just want to pinch those chubby cheeks? I do daily and I smother them in kisses. =)

Ingredients

• 2 quarts lime sherbet
• 2 liters ginger ale
• 1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
• Lemon slices
• Lime slices
• Maraschino cherries

Directions

In a punch bowl, add 2 quarts of lime sherbet. Then add ginger ale and pineapple juice. Decorate with lemon and lime slices and some maraschino cherries

Sew Girlie Little Pink Dress Contest

I found the little pink dress. Did you? Go to Sew Girlie and try to find it so you can win! Enjoy 15% off this month with the code Pinkdress!

Another Question for Y'all

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions for my questions earlier this week. Y'all never cease to amaze me. So since you are so good...a friend of mine emailed me to ask about purchasing a new overnight bag. She has a Vera Bradley bag with a broken zipper and it is going to cost too much to replace it. She was wondering what the new overnight "it" bag is these days? I still have my Vera Bradley with my old monogram and we really don't use them that much because we go on a plane anywhere we go. What do y'all use for short overnight trips?

Amazing Deal from Mariposa via One Kings Lane

I am a HUGE Mariposa fan. I love their stuff! I am also a huge One Kings Lane fan (It's like Rue La La, but with home decor items). So, since I one of of their members for their first 100 days they gave me a $20.00 credit. I was so excited to find these ADORABLE cocktail napkin holders with cute weights. We'll forget that I missed out on the cute whale, but I did snag up the two of the margaritas! These are normally $44.00 and I've had my eye on them for awhile. They are on sale right now for $22.00. RUN over to One Kings Lane and get yourself one, or grab one for a great birthday gift or Christmas gift.

If you aren't already a member, please let me send you your invite so I can buy some more! Email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com and I'll send it to you right now. The sale on these cute cocktail holders ends on the 26th of July but they are going fast! I'm waiting for your emails. The baby is sleeping so I'll send them right now if you are ready! You probably only have 30 more minutes before I'm changing diapers again! Go, go go!

Preppy Mugs

Pink and Green Scrolls from Girly Twirly: $16.00

Questions for Y'all

1. I need to buy a couple "I'm the Big Sister" shirts for some of my friends in the city who are having their second babies. Does anyone know of cute affordable shirts?

2. We've been using Bumpkins bibs for Baby J and I LOVE them, but are there any other fun brands out there we should try?

3. I need to buy a 2 year old boy something for his birthday party. Any suggestions? I'm clueless what they like at that age.

4. I'm looking for some cute diaper bag tags for Baby J's diaper bag, stroller and car seat for when we travel. Seen any?

5. Does anyone make their own baby food? I'm thinking of trying a few batches just to see how hard/easy it is. Any suggestions?

Fun Mommy and Baby Websites and Blogs to Check Out

These are a few of my favorite Mommy and Baby Websites these days and I thought I would share them with you:

Mamaista-A fun new website a girl in one of my playgroup's friend started. I've been enjoying their daily tips and good finds.

"Deal"ectible Mommies-This blog has GREAT deals! I love getting their daily feed.

Stroller Traffic-This new website, developer by a fellow Upper East Sider, dishes out daily scoop on new products and trends for the stroller set.

Cool Mom Pics-I love seeing what are the "cool mom pics"

New Parent-This is a great one for us new Mommies

Baby Steals- I LOVE this one! They have a new "steal" each day. (Basically a hot baby item with a serious discount. Today it was the Dwell Diaper bag I've had my eye on...but I was just a little too late.)

Free Pastry From Starbucks

Print this out and bring it in to your local Starbucks for a free pastry before 10:30am with the purchase of any beverage. Yummy!

Mango Grilled Chicken Recipe

I made this the other night and it is REALLY yummy! I got the recipe from Fresh Direct (where I order my groceries.) It is a great summer recipe. Enjoy! Mango Grilled Chicken From "BBQ USA" by Steven Raichlen Method: Direct grilling Advance preparation: 30 minutes to 1 hour for marinating the chicken Serves 4 2 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts (each 12 to 16 ounces), or 4 half breasts (each 6 to 8 ounces) Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and cracked black peppercorns 1 mango, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 2 cups) 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice 1/2 cup diced red onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, plus 4 mint sprigs for garnish 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Click here to buy!

1. If using whole breasts, cut each breast in half. Trim any sinews or excess fat off the chicken breasts and discard. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water, then drain and blot dry with paper towels. Generously season the breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the breasts in a nonreactive baking dish. 2. Combine the mango, cucumber, onion, garlic, and chopped mint in a nonreactive mixing bowl and stir to mix. Stir in the lime juice and olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste; the mango mixture should be highly seasoned. Pour half of the mango mixture over the chicken breasts, turning to coat both sides. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator, covered, turning the breasts once or twice so that they marinate evenly. Refrigerate the remaining mango mixture, covered; you'll use it as the salsa. 3. Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to high. 4. When ready to cook, drain the marinade from the chicken breasts and discard the marinade. Brush and oil the grill grate. Arrange the chicken breasts on the hot grate, placing them on a diagonal to the bars. Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per side. To test for doneness, poke a breast in the thickest part with your finger; it should feel firm to the touch. 5. Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a platter or plates. Spoon the mango salsa over them and garnish with the mint sprigs. Serve at once. Excerpted from BBQ USA copyright © 2003 Steven Raichlen. Reprinted with the permission of Workman Publishing Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to view this recipe at FreshDirect.com

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A. Tiereny Tote Deal

Candy Bar Question from Reader

Dear MMM,

Hey I have a good friend who is getting married and wants to do a candy bar. I know you talked about yours and I was hoping you could help me help her. She is not sure where to buy the candy in bulk in her colors. She also wanted to know where to get the cute bags and scoopers. If you could help that would be so great. Thanks so much.

Reader K

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Dear Reader K,

I bought all of my candy from here: http://www.blaircandy.com/. You can do a candy sort by color to get your colors. We also got a few things from a couple local stores and the dollar store.

I bought my bags from: http://www.papermart.com/. We used these: http://www.papermart.com/Product%20Pages/Product.aspx?GroupID=3645&SubGroupID=3646&ParentGroupID=18898#3646

My wedding coordinator had our containers and scoops. I'll post this on my blog and perhaps someone can direct you to somewhere that has them.

I hope that helps!

MMM

Here are a few pictures of our candy bar:

http://magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan.blogspot.com/2007/07/wedding-detailspart-twothe-wedding.html

http://magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan.blogspot.com/2007/11/few-more-wedding-details.html

http://magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan.blogspot.com/2007/09/misc-small-wedding-details.html

Wedding Pictures

Here are a few pictures from the wedding A and I attended a few weekends ago. It was his best friend from high school. The food was so yummy and we had a great time! I wore a black BCBG bubble dress that I had not been able to fit into since before I was pregnant. Yeah me! The groom had an assortment of cheesecakes for his groom's cake and the bride's cake was one of the yummiest I have tasted. The last pic is of their favors. Little jars of bite sized delicious chocolate chip cookies. The details and flowers were great!

We're Back!

What's up ladies?

We arrived back in the city late last Thursday night, but I'm only now coming alive. I've always heard that a vacation with kids is really not a vacation. It is so true. I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation. Don't get me wrong, we had a FABULOUS two weeks, but it was not your typical beach vacation! If you follow me on twitter, you have kept up with every little thing that has been going on. If you don't, you should. Click here to follow me and you can read all my recent tweets to catch up.

The quick recap. The flight to Bham was great, the baby slept 90% of the way. The wedding was beautiful, pictures to come. The baptism was perfection. Baby J looked and acted like an angel. The Sip-N-See quickly turned from a small gathering to about 60 of my MIL and my friends. It really was fun though and a great way to introduce the little man to everyone. The 4 hour car ride from Bham to South Alabama was hell. Baby J is not a fan of car rides, apparently he prefers short taxi rides only. What a little Yankee baby we are raising. Our 2nd anniversary was fabulous. We had a wonderful dinner, popped a bottle of champagne my father-in-law gave on the day of our wedding (only took 2 years to drink it), and the best part...my parents babysat. The beach was incredible. The weather was hot and humid, just the way I like it. Baby J went for his first swim and looked adorable doing so in his monogrammed t-shirt, smocked swimming trunks and monogrammed A. Tierney sunhat. I officially have a slight tan thanks to my sister and Mom watching the baby. I ate fabulous seafood to my hearts content. I spent an additional 4 days at my parents home and enjoyed the down time, golf cart rides, more swimming at the updated country club, and visiting with friends. The plane ride back (2nd leg from ATL to LGA) was hell, 5.5 month olds don't travel well when you are by yourself. To think I'm going to do it all again in just a few short weeks for my KD Pledge Class reunion that I'm hosting at our beach house. I'm crazy and I can't wait!

I'm making my way through laundry and emails. Please forgive me if I have not emailed you back. I'll get there, I promise. I hope everyone is doing great. I am so behind on your blogs, but I promise...I'll get there! I hope y'all had a Happy 4th of July. I've missed you.