Hello Again!

Did you miss me? Whew, I've been busy! Here is a quick rundown in no particular order of what's been going on in the city and my little world.

*The apt is FINALLY unpacked and all the pictures are hung.

*I'm feeling better after spending the weekend in bed with a nasty nasty cold. Of course, Baby J is sneezing now. No rest for the weary.

*Daisy has found multiple cozy spots in the new apt and has transitioned nicely.

*I've started a new Junior League placement. I'm doing membership recruitment! So fun! If you live in NYC and want to get involved, send me an email and I'll tell you how to go about it.

*The refrigerator repairman visited me for the 5th time last night. This time he learned to clean the floor after he was done.

*I unleashed the New Yorker in me at our new super on Saturday. Sick Mama with lots of broken things = no Southern charm. Watch out!

*It's fall and I've been enjoying my lattes warm again. Mmm pumpkin spice!

*Baby J has the cutest fall/winter wardrobe. I've been a bargain shopping queen. "A" does not think the bills reflect said bargains. Silly men, they just don't get it.

*Aunt A is coming to visit us tomorrow! Yippee!

*Baby J is fully on bottles! Mama is no longer providing free dairy. It was bittersweet, but time for us.

*Baby J is EIGHT months old! OMG! Where has time gone? He is almost crawling (he prefers to roll across the room in about 1o secs flat.) He takes steps when you hold his hands and can pull up. He says Bye Bye, Dada, Mama, Hey and he quacked at me the other day when I showed him a duck. Brilliant child. He has a full head of hair and is going to get his first trim this weekend. He eats like a horse and could live off of Puffs. I should invest in some Earth's Best, Gerber or Happy Baby stock asap.

*I need to go on a diet and join a gym.

*My fall wardrobe isn't as cute as Baby J's.

*3 of my friends found out this last week they are having boys. What is it with the boys?

*I forgot to buy dogfood yesterday so Daisy ate milkbones for dinner. She is currently eating an extra cup. Poor puppy.

*One of my brother's friends from high school is in a milkbone commercial right now. Check it out.

*One of my MIL's best friends has stage 4 lung cancer, please pray for her. One of my husband's friend's Mom's breast cancer came back after 10 years, please pray for her. One of my good friend's Dad's was diagnosed with Lymphoma last week, please pray for him. One of my best friend's grandfather's died a few weeks ago, keep her family in your prayers.

*I only have 2 dining rooms chairs b/c that is all that fit in my old apt, I really need some more chairs.

*Baby J has his own room now. It's really freaking cute. Designing my 2nd nursery was a lot of fun.

*I need a new bra since I'm done with nursing bras. Got any suggestions?

*The Tide is Rolling right along. I love them.

*We're going Apple picking and pumpkin picking next weekend. I had a special outfit made for Baby J for the occasion. I'm crazy like that.

*I need a day off. My husband's office has emergency daycare and we're all signed up now. We get 29 days a year. Bye Bye Baby J! =)

*I miss my parents. They need to come visit me, damn economy.

*Baby J is in music class on Wednesdays. It's like Sesame Street live once a week with a 4 piece band and broadway singers. I love it.

*I need to go to the dentist. It's hard to do these things when you are a Mama.

*I love fall TV...Gossip Girls, Grey's, Bro's and Sisters, etc. Thank God for nap time and DVRs.

*I need to make my pumpkin bread.

*My husband made me butternut squash soup from scratch when I was sick.

*I had a nervous breakdown right after the move. It was next to impossible with an 8 month old and no family and him working all the time. A sent me flowers with a note that said at least I would have one pretty thing among the chaos. I love him.

*Baby J is up from his way to late nap. I promise I won't be gone that long again. Missed y'all!

XOXO

In Memory of 9/11

In memory of all the people that lost their lives today and all the soldiers that have lost their lives fighting to keep us safe. Keep their friends and familes in your prayers today.

It's Moving Day...Wish Us Luck!

Sweet Tea Bama Style

Black and White Houndstooth Ice Tea Glasses from Girly Twirly

1 for $14.00

4 for $28.00

8 for $66.00

20% off at A. Tierney with Code ROSE

Click here to buy up some of their cute items! Baby J loves their hats and burp cloths! Use code ROSE until 9/13/09 for 20% off.

Doodle Bugs Paper Show-Bag Tags

I am in need of a bag tag for my diaper bag. I'm thinking one of the below options would be perfect for Baby J. Which one do you like the best? There are more options here. They make great baby or shower gifts for diaper bags. Or, you can use one for your kids book bag or overnight bag. Or, you can just pop one on your luggage so it will be easy to spot at the airport. You can get one during my sale for just $7.20! Just use the code MMM until Sunday for 10% off anything on the Doodle Bugs Website.

Preppy Plates at The Paper Cottage

I recently received a preppy plate from The Paper Cottage a darling new online boutique. My platter is in the silhouette lime pattern. It is beyond cute! We had it done with our married monogram. I received quite a few platters for wedding gifts, but most of them were silver, pewter, wooden, etc. I LOVE that my preppy platter is made of melamine. I can throw it in the dishwasher and it doesn't need to be polished! It's 10 by 14, so big enough for a great spread of cheese/crackers, fruit/veggies, or homemade brownies. The casualness sets it apart from the others. Every preppy girl needs one of these platters.

This would make a great wedding shower gift for a close friend. How cute would it be filled with homemade chocolate chip cookies for a friend going through a hard time, recovering from surgery, or even as a housewarming gift? Any bride would love to see this cute platter with her new monogram. Your Mama would even be excited to open this for her birthday or Christmas, I know mine would.

It's monogrammed, it's reasonably priced, it's preppy, it's unique, it's cute, it's dishwasher safe, it's not breakable and you need it. Go ahead. You know you want one.

Now which one will you get? Click here for all of the cute options.

This is the one I got.

The Paper Cottage also has a lucite version now available. Click here to check it out!

So Long Summer

Selling On Ebay Again

Kay Unger New York, Size 6 Black Dress with Pink/Peach silk band

This dress is new with $250.00 tag! Great deal and so cute, my post partum hips just won't fit into it and I would rather buy some more baby clothes! =)

Men's Chappy Vineyard Vines Swim Trunks, Size Large

These are new with tags. They didn't fit A so I need to sell them! They retail for $79.50.

Aqua Size Medium Tissue Turtleneck from Old Navy Maternity

So comfy!

Size Small Old Navy Materity Dress

The most comfortable dress ever. Perfect for fall!

Thanks to Ann Margaret's Tea SpecialTea Shoppe

A long belated thanks to a sweet friend for sending this cute package for me and Baby J:

A sweet Mickey Monkey for Baby J (this was during the phase about 3 months ago where he lost all of his baby hair...poor kid!)

A pendant with my baby boy's picture!

Cute container!

I love the cache pot everything came in, it's a pretty baby blue toile.

Sweet Hawaiian Mickey Monkey with flip flops for Baby J!

Yummy Scone Mix (I can't wait to make these in my new kitchen!)

Pretty tulip note cards

The most delicious assortment of teas!

Everything all wrapped up and pretty! What a great surprise!

Thanks Ann Margaret!

Doodle Bugs-A Gift for Everyone!

You can find all of these at Doodle Bugs and remember during my show, you get 10% off with code MMM! Code is valid until 9/13/09.

Your best friends birthday:
Your boss' child's first birthday:

Your Mom or a friend who has recently added to their family:

A Valentine for your sister:
A housewarming gift for your favorite preppy couple:

Recipe Cards for the bride-to-be filled up with all of your families secret recipes:


Stickers for your favorite baker to seal their labors of love with style:

These fill in Christmas thank you notes are only $7.20! Wouldn't they make a great stocking stuffer!

Babysitter notes are perfect for the new Mommy:

Cheerleader note cards or notepads for your niece that just made the squad:

Note cards for your favorite little sport lover, male or female:

Is your best friend a new teacher? Start her first new school year off right with this notepad:

Big Boy Carseat

Britax Marathon, Britax Roundabout, or do you have another great big boy carseat? Do you know where to get the best price? It's time the little man traded in his Graco Snugride. I'm all ears...

Baby J's Friday Tide Predictions

I sent the below email to my family and friends today and will post it each week for y'all too! =)

*************************************************************************************

Good morning fellow Tide friends (and Baby J lovers). Our little buddy has asked us to send you a weekly picture with his predictions. Since this is his very first season he feels like he has a good perspective on things. J's first prediction is: Crimson Tide-70, VA Tech-0. We like the way he thinks.

Roll Tide Friends and Family!

XOXO,

J

PS. If you can not keep your love for J and your love for one of those "other" teams separate, you can request to be removed from this list.

Winner of Birthday Giveaway #5

Y'all love a good monogrammed giveaway don't you? =) Thanks to everyone that entered! And thank you Emory for this wonderful giveaway. Remember to use Emory if you need a good baby gift or something monogrammed. She is working on a set of burp cloths right now for me for a shower gift. She's awesome!

And our winner is....

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2009-09-04 15:04:00 UTC

Congrats to Katrina!

Please email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com and I'll get you in touch with Emory.

Doodle Bugs Paper Show: Preppy Favorites

Stock up for Christmas stocking stuffers, birthday gifts, etc! During my show, most flat notes are only $9.00! Click here for cute folded note options and flat note options at Doodle Bugs Paper. Use code MMM to get 10% off until September 13th.

Last Day to Enter Birthday Giveaway #5-Emma's Closet!

Click here to enter to win a set of 3 custom burp cloths or a monogrammed tote from Emma's Closet. I'm drawing a winner TOMORROW so today is your last day to enter!

Ame & Lulu

Are y'all familiar with Ame and Lulu? I had never heard of them until they contacted me about reviewing one of their cosmetic bags. I'm so glad they did! I've been looking for an alternative to my Vera Bradley overnight luggage that has my maiden name monogram on it. I'm definitely in the market for an Ame and Lulu overnight back and I know that is one thing I want for Christmas!

Ame and Lulu sent me the cosmetic bag in the below pictures. It is their bungalo fabric. It is very well made and the lining is extra thick. I hate it when the lining is cheap and you know it is going to rip apart after just a few uses. The fabric is so pretty and I received a few compliments on a recent trip where I used it. It really is pretty! Cosmetic bags never seem to wear very well with me so I'm looking forward to putting this one to the test.

An up close of the fabric I picked!

The inside. I love the green with the THICK waterproof lining.

How cute is this? Should I monogram it or is that too much? What color would you monogram it?

Great size!

This is the pick they have on their website.

Here are a few other things I found while checking out Ame and Lulu's website:

I would like you to meet my future overnight bag. With a pink monogram, the two of us will be looking quite charming on our overnight trips! She is called the resort overnight bag. Hello pretty girl, oh the places we will go!

I love this one too! The green really pops. This would make a good diaper bag. Hmmm. I can always use another diaper bag, right?

This jewelry pouch is always a good choice. I love the brown with the hot pink.

Another great option for my baby boy diaper bag or a great carry on bag for the plane. These everyday totes come in lots of fun patterns. Check them out here.

But, I should probably get it in the pattern to match my future overnight bag, right? Baby J might not want me to use it as a diaper bag then. Hmm. So sweet and pretty. This pattern just makes me happy.

How fun is this? A little tee caddy. I should really have taken golf lessons when my Dad and Mom begged me to when I was younger. I never realized how smart my parents were until I had my own baby.

This pattern is also really pretty. I could see a few of my friends with it, of course, I will stick with my pink and green. But, wouldn't this look pretty in pink and green too!

Here is one of their tote inserts. Has anyone tried one of these before?

If I had taken up golf, then I certainly would need a set of these head covers!
This looks like the set my Mom would have if she played more golf. Right Mom?

I keep coming back to this pattern..

Now, I did play tennis growing up (Alta anyone?) and in high school and I would have loved to have this pretty little case. It is precious! This is their junior cover.
When I move back to the South someday, I plan to take tennis back up and I will buy this racquet cover because it is just gorgeous. They have lots of other pretty options though.
I'll need this tennis tote back too. Also available in all of the fabulous fabrics.

Do you have anything from Ame & Lulu? See anything you like? They have free shipping on all orders over $100.00 right now.

Random Things On My Mind

*Baby J is sick. Poor sweet thing. He caught a cold while we were at the beach. Then he threw up 1 time on Sat, 1 time on Sunday and I thought we were done and he threw up all over the Bugaboo while we were meeting about paint colors in our new apt. I took him to the doc last Friday and called again today. Not much I can do appreciatively, just watch him and give him pedialyte. He isn't running a fever. We were up half the night last night and I just now got him back down tonight. Poor little thing. It just breaks my heart seeing him feel sick. The Bugaboo did great in the wash for those of you who have yet to have the pleasure of removing the seat due to a pool of baby vomit. Lovely. I'm a real Mama now!

* The movers are coming in 10 days. We are finally moving to a two bedroom apt. It's time! NYC apt prices have come down so much and we got a great deal! Guess where we are moving...across the street. But, moving is moving and everything has to be packed up this weekend. Jealous? Come pack with me or entertain my child. I'm also going to need a new address stamp and some moving cards!

*Football starts this weekend. ROLL TIDE ROLL! Baby J has quite the collection of Alabama gear (including the elephant above that his Grandmother bought him.) I'm so excited! He is still in need of a smocked Bama outfit. There is one from Vive La Fete, but it is $70.00, anyone seen any other options?

*I'm looking for a long sleeve casual cotton white shirt for Baby J to wear under Jon Jons to extend their wear into the fall. Anyone seen a good quality one? We have a great short sleeve one from Bailey Boys, but have not seen a long sleeve version.

*We are going to order this duvet or this one. Which do you like better? We will already have the pick stitch quilt in soft green and two shams. Our bed is a dark cherry sleigh bed.

I've got a lot to do! I should get some rest. Night night. Be sure to enter my giveaway number 5. The link is on the sidebar to the right.

Do You Use Alice?

Do you use Alice? Click here and you can get a $10.00 after you spend $50.00. My first order is on it's way. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm a huge fan of Fresh Direct so I figured I would give Alice a try. I love how you can set it up with all of your favorite items. While it is only household goods, they have a lot of options that Fresh Direct does not have. I love that every order is free with just a few things in your basket (not a dollar minimum.) I think I'm most excited about all of the baby food options that Alice offers. While my husband (yes, you read that right) has made most of Baby J's food, I also buy some too. Alice has a great selection and great prices! If there is one thing you don't get in NYC it is selection. Need toilet paper, you have two choices. Cheese, one choice. You get the picture. I'll let you know how my first experience goes! Let me know if you are a fan.

Doodle Bugs Paper Show-Calling Cards

I have a really cute set of calling cards and so does Baby J. We use our calling cards on gifts for friends. I love them. They are very practical, the gift receiver knows who the gift is if there are 20 other gifts and I feel like they are kinda like the cherry on top of the present, just as important as the ribbon. However, there are certain circumstances where the gift is from our family and I really need some family calling cards that have our last name on them. I'm loving these options. Which do you like? Do you use calling cards for your kids, yourself or your family?

During my sale, you can get 30 calling cards for $18.00! You can buy a set for your child, a set for yourself, or a set for your family. These make great birthday gifts for your Mom, sister or best friend! Click here to check out all of the cute calling card options at Doodle Bugs Paper. Use code MMM to get 10% off until September 13th.